6 Bedroom Improvements For A Comfier Space
Many people are still working from home, which means their house is now their office. Houses have certainly changed by definition over the past year. Not only is it a family home, but it also doubles as school and work. Even though you aren’t commuting to the office anymore doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate working from home. For those with home offices, the transition hasn’t been that hard. But for those who don’t, working in the bedroom has become the norm. That’s because there are fewer distractions in the bedroom. But because of this, more people are having sleep problems because sleep patterns have changed as it’s now the office and not just a place to rest.
But that doesn’t have to be the case if you do a few changes to the design of your bedroom. Maybe it’s changing the color on the walls or getting a new carpet? Or it can possibly. be an entire bedroom renovation! Here are a few things you can do to do improve the space:
1. Add Pictures or Artwork
Adding some picture or artwork can really add personality to your bedroom. It doesn’t just have to be personal photos of family either, but just digital prints of things and sayings that you love. Add in some fun artwork to really liven up the mood of your bedroom. Of course, make it complement the color or theme of your bedroom for a more cohesive look.
2. Custom Furniture
To really make your bedroom space unique, why not add some custom furniture pieces? This is great if you have a small bedroom and can’t find certain pieces to fit the design or layout. Or, you need special furniture pieces in order the size of the room.
3. Clear Our The Clutter
The first thing you’ll want to do before you add in any new design elements into your bedroom redo is to clear out the clutter. Clutter can really affect your mood, vibe and emotions. Your brain prefers order and clutter is a distraction that can really add unnecessary stress.
4. Have A Statement Bed
Your bed isn’t just where you sleep, but it can also be the focal point of your bedroom. Make your bed standout by opting for a grand statement. You can choose an elaborate headboard or select an eye-catching bed from your favorite furniture store.
5. Use Relaxing Colors For Your Bedroom Walls
Colors impact your mood. Make your bedroom a relaxing place by adding colors that promote rest. Blue and green both provide a calming mood if you love a pop of color, or you can always go for a light grey or traditional white if you prefer neutral colors. Find a color that makes you comfortable and will help relieve stress.
6. The Right Lighting
Lighting plays an important role in providing your bedroom personality. It can send the mood, help you relax and make your room more comfortable.
Make your bedroom the idea place to relax and work by updating the design. At LA Design Build, we can help you have the bedroom of your dreams!
5 Things To Remember Before Your Kitchen Renovation
If you’re thinking about investing in a kitchen renovation this year, you’re not alone. Thanks to all the stimulus payments, many homeowners are using that extra money toward fixing up their home. Renovating the kitchen is one of the best ways to spruce up your home and now’s the perfect time to do it. But before you hit the green light on your Los Angeles kitchen renovation project, here are a few things you’l want to remember:
1. Consider The Need For Permits
Certain home upgrades in Los Angeles might require some city government permits. Without these important permits, you might face some challenges when trying to either sell or refinance your home. Lenders and buyers want to check to see if any renovations comply with building regulations and codes. But don’t worry about permits because LA Design Build will take care of everything for you! From design to planning, permit pulling and more, we want your kitchen renovation to be a seamless experience and will handle everything so that you don’t have to.
2. Examine The Plumbing
When thinking about your Los Angeles kitchen remodel, you’ll need to think about the plumbing and if it will need to be moved to accommodate the new design. Again, LA Design Build will tackle this for you! We will check that the correct pipes can be moved to the right places.
3. Consider Storage
When thinking about your new kitchen design, you’ll want to consider storage. Where will you put everything in your new kitchen. Figure how much storage you want and need and then look into. smart storage ideas for even more inspiration.
4. Choose Your Appliances
If you love to cook, you’ll want to keep in mind what type of appliances you’ll need for your new kitchen. After all, what good is your dream kitchen if you don’t have the right appliances to help you really enjoy your ideal kitchen?!
5. Good Lighting Is Important
Don’t forget about lighting! Great lighting in the kitchen is key to the design and its function. You might want to consider different types of lighting. You’ll need some ambient lighting for general lighting and then some task lighting so that you can really focus on various cooking tasks and more. Plus, think about setting the mood when you are entertaining, too.
5 Things To Know Before Your Kitchen Renovation
A kitchen renovation is no easy project. Depending on what you want, a kitchen remodel can be a huge undertaking. It’s not something that can be done overnight. A new kitchen renovation can actually be the biggest home improvement projects you’ll ever invest in for your home. If you’ve never done a kitchen remodel before, the entire process can sometimes be daunting. You’ll need to gather information, design inspiration, look at samples and find the right Los Angeles kitchen renovation contractor that could do the job. Here are some things you should think about before you begin your kitchen remodeling project:
1. Hire A Kitchen Renovation Professional
No one really has the time or knowledge to do their entire kitchen renovation themselves, which is why it’s important to hire the right kitchen remodel professional in Los Angeles. You’ll be able to rest easy knowing your big investment is in good hands. You’ll want to find a kitchen renovation professional in Los Angeles that is qualified, has a vast resume to showcase their work and is reliable and dependable. You’ll also want to get to know the professional so that they can bring your ideal kitchen to life.
2. Have A Budget
A kitchen renovation can be quite costly and it will all depend on the type of renovation you want and the materials you select. Having a set budget in place before you begin will help you figure out what you can afford.
3. Have A Timeframe
You’ll also want to determine a timeframe for your Los Angeles kitchen remodel. Think about how long you can live without the full use of your kitchen. Do you need it done in only four weeks, or maybe you can live without a kitchen for maybe eight weeks. You’ll need to plan around the renovation and your regular life will be different for a while.
4. Do You Have Any Non-negotiables?
Consider which parts of your kitchen remodel you can live with and can’t live without. You’ll need to talk about these non-negotiables with your Los Angeles kitchen contractor to make sure that everyone is on the same page before any renovations start.
5. Think About What You Want
Gathering kitchen renovation inspiration is the fun part of the process. However, it can also be challenging given all the information available. Talk with your LA kitchen remodel contractor to see what their vision is and to get ideas given they are the professionals and could offer you insight that you would have not thought about.
Project Spotlight: Azzurra Penthouse
Modern and high-tech is how we’d describe our Azzurra Penthouse Los Angeles renovation project. The Marina del Ray condo had great bones for us to come in and create something modern and technology-driven – two requests from the owners. Located on the 20th floor of a Marina de Ray tower that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, this high-rise condo was meant to do a lot of entertaining. Because of this, the entire renovation project needed to be impressive and we made sure to deliver!
For the kitchen, the owners wanted to create a “European modern” look and so we added a custom-fabricated Vadara island, featuring a waterfall effect for the entire piece, induction cooktop and recirculating downdraft vent for a seamless and cooking experience. There’s a no-burn induction stove that makes cooking safer and easy since heat is only emitted when the smart stove senses any pots and pans on it. The Tower “T” Miele appliance design features a steam oven, coffee maker, convection oven and microwave is like a piece of art on the wall. It’s surrounded by hidden cabinets with push latch features to go with the minimalist look of the rest of the kitchen. There’s also a dual-temperature wine fridge that chills both white and reds at the same time.
The master bedroom and bathroom also feature more smart home improvement, such as privacy glass that darkens when someone is in the bathroom and goes back to being crystal clear when there’s no one around. This addition allows for smaller spaces to appear larger than they really are. The shower features an oversized Porcelanosa tile slab in a marble design for an extra luxurious look and feel. The LED rain shower has a thermostatic valve that replaces the need for any shower fixtures. The Infinity linear drain improves drainage while also adding to the seamless appearance of the master bath. Robern lighted medicine cabinets flow with the minimalist design of the entire condo and enhance the space with the best lighting in its class.
As reputable Los Angeles renovation contractors, we pride ourselves on providing clients with their dream spaces. This Azzurra Penthouse is just one of the Southern California renovation projects that we are most proud of!
Luxury Smart Home Trends For A Comfier Life
If you’re looking to upgrade your home to be “smart,” then you probably need more than just an Amazon Echo or Google Home. Although these smart speakers and home assistants are convenient for things like your home’s temperature, lights, stereo system and the like, if you really want a smart, connected home, then you’ll need to add some high-tech upgrades to your basic systems. Here are some luxury smart home upgrades you’ll want to add to your home renovation projects list:
Invisible Charging
With tablets, phones, watches, headphones and so much more, you probably have charging accessories all over your home. Tons of smart devices translate to tons of wires and batteries that need charging, which makes a space look cluttered. To combat this, the solution is adding invisible charging to your home. There are a number of wireless charging devices that will charge many compatible devices all at the same time without needing any cables or wires. One such gadget is the WI-Charge R1 that can be installed into your home either an Edison screw adapter (making it compatible with various light fixtures) or a socket adapter to plug into an outlet. Once it’s installed, the R1 will automatically located any compatible devices and will initiate a power transfer for charging.
Smart Shades
Never worry about forgetting to close the blinds or shades before bed with motorized smart shades that will automatically open and close on a set schedule. With many of our clients, we’ve installed Lutron Motorized shades during their home renovation projects, and it’s become a highly requested addition. Not only are they made for added convenience, but they look beautiful and will help make your home comfier than ever.
Smart Kitchens
Smart kitchens make cooking so much easier thanks to intuitive additions like touchless faucets, flameless convection stoves that emit heat when it’s sensed and apps that change the mood and lightning of the kitchen. Moen’s new U Smart Facet is hands-free and will dispense water at the desired temperature, while Tuler’s Concept Kitchen features integrated modular technology that opens drawers a the brush of a hand.
Smart Bathrooms
Just like smart kitchens, smart bathrooms make everyday tasks like showering and grooming a breeze. There are faucet-less showers that turn on water with a motion sensor – already set at the perfect temperature. Innovative LED mirrors with motion sensors turn on as soon as you face the mirror, while others feature anti-fog technology, eliminating the need to wipe down the mirror after a shower. Another innovative trend many homeowners are requesting is privacy glass to separate room, especially bedrooms and bathrooms to really open up smaller spaces. The innovative smart glass will go dark once it senses movement for extra privacy then turns transparent again when the guest has left the area.
If you’re looking to update your home to a smart home and aren’t sure where to begin, LA Design Build would love to help! We’ve been including various smart home additions to our Los Angeles renovation projects and can help you decide on what would work best for your needs, wants and home.
How To Plan Your Bathroom Remodel
CREATE A LIST OF THINGS YOU WANT THE BATHROOM REMODEL TO HAVE
One of the first things you want to do (even before you hire your bathroom remodel contractor) is to create a list of your needs and wants. Do you want a total bathroom remodel or just some new flooring and fixture as an upgrade? Or maybe consider asking yourself why you want to remodel the bathroom in the first place. Also jot down the type of fixtures you like, if you want a shower or tub (or both), what storage you’d like to have and any extras you desire (like built-in vanities, mirrors, etc.).
HIRING THE BEST BATHROOM REMODEL CONTRACTOR
The great thing about a bathroom renovation is that it’ll add to the value of your home, allowing you to recoup some of the cost later when you sell your home. But adding value means you’ll want to do things professionally the first time around so that you don’t have to go back and fix anything later. Skip the DIY and hire a bathroom remodel contractor that specializes in renovations. Also, make sure the renovation contractor is insured and licensed in addition to having a proven portfolio of work to look at.
WORKING WITH YOUR BATHROOM REMODEL CONTRACTOR
Once you’ve chosen the right bathroom remodel contractor for your needs, you’ll want to take the time to sit down with them and go over that list you made before. Talk to them about design elements that are important and ask for their advice on certain aesthetics if you’re unsure of anything. Have them design the bathroom so that you can approval it before any work begins on your space. Have a set timeline for the renovation and always stay in communication with the bathroom contractor.
ALWAYS CHECK FOR GUARANTEES
Before the work is complete, have the contractor do a walk-through with you before final payment is due just in case you find a tile that’s loose or a hinge that needs to be replaced (or anything of this sort). Great renovation contractors should always stand by their work.
A bathroom remodel doesn’t have be overwhelming when you have the right contractor doing the work for you. Remember, always have a plan set, provide them with your opinions and then choose the best bathroom contractor in order to get the bathroom you’ve always dreamed of! If you’re looking for a Los Angeles renovation contractor, look no further than LA Design Build.
5 Reasons To Use Wallpaper In Your Space
1. WALLPAPER SHOWCASES YOUR PERSONAL STYLE
The great thing about wallpaper is that it provides you the chance to really let your personal style show in your space. There’s a wallpaper design, pattern and color in practically everything these days, so you can literally choose from anything. Wallpaper offers so many ways to add your own unique style to your home. When choosing the style of wallpaper, it’s best to do some research to see what sort of wallpaper options you really like. With a bit of research, you’ll find lots of options. Just make sure you take your time so that you find the right one that captures your vision for space.
2. WALLPAPER ISN’T OVERWHELMING
Another benefit of using wallpaper in your home renovation projects is that it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. If you don’t like colorful, bold prints, then you’ll be able to find a subtler option since there are so many types to choose from. Even the most subtle wallpaper can really make your space look beautiful and curated.
3. WALLPAPER CAN BE ART
The easiest ways to really make an impactful statement with wallpaper is to go with a feature wall. You just need to add wallpaper on one wall to really make it stand out as if it were an original painting. Plus feature walls with wallpaper allow you to have a bold look without the price of a luxury piece of art. It’ll also be a beautiful focal point in your space. When choosing a feature wall, stand back from the space and take note of the options. Get creative and don’t always go for the obvious choice!
4. WALLPAPER IS GREAT IN UNCONVENTIONAL SPACES
If you have a weird space room or an odd-shaped wall, wallpaper can really provide a unique take on the space. Many times, wallpaper can really transfer an unusual space. And it’s a cheap way to include some design inspiration to when you’re not too sure as to what to do with the space (but know you want it to stand out).
5. WALLPAPER IS TEMPORARY
Wallpaper today is not the same wallpaper from yesteryear, meaning that it’s easier to come off and apply. You can apply them and remove them in no time and your walls won’t look tattered or worn down after removal. Of course, it’s always best to have a professional install it so that the edges are clean and crisp, and you don’t have to worry about doing it on your own.
At LA Design Build, we love adding wallpaper to our renovation project. We feel it adds character and uniqueness to a space and would love to help you with your Los Angeles renovation projects, too!
5 Things To Know Before Painting Your Walls White
NATURE LIGHT SOURCE
Before you go with white paint for a space, you’ll need to identify its orientation to consider the natural light source. For rooms that face away from afternoon sun, you’ll have to deal with gray-blue light reflection. White walls will really optimize the room’s light and keep the space cool at the same time. Spaces that don’t benefit from sunlight streaming in are excellent candidates for white walls. You’ll want to decide on using the room’s walls to either dampen or radiate natural sunlight, so you’ll want to check the fan deck for the white colors in each color range in order to see what the underlying hue is for all the options.
CONSIDER WHAT’S OUTSIDE
Look out the window and figure out what will affect the white colors inside. For instance, foliage might block light that would hinder the use of white in your room. Rooms with ocean views will benefit from white walls given they’ll really open the space up and make it seem as the ocean views are closer than they really are.
THE GALLERY WHITE LOOK MIGHT BE A GOOD IDEA
Many want that clean gallery white look, which utilizes painting the trim and walls the same bright white color. It does so to really focus the attention on the artwork. While it works well for homes that have a noteworthy collection of art or a great view, it might not work for homes that have a of clutter and randomness. That’s because white really shows marks, imperfections and disorder. If your home is anything but, you might want to postpone the pristine white walls for when the kids are older and the house is more organized.
ATTENTION TO HISTORY MATTERS
Although white walls are refined, classic and formal, it can also make your home look like a “flip” home if you’re not careful. You’ll want to take into consideration the history of your home and the design themes it already follows.
ADD SOME TEXTURE
You don’t want your home to have that sterile look, so to offset this, you’ll want to add some texture. The addition of a textured wall or surface can really soften the look of room and not make it look so rigid and stiff.
White walls add a sophisticated and crisp appearance. But in order to make a design statement, you’ll want to do your homework and consider a few things before painting your walls white.
Kitchen Trends for 2021
MOODY KITCHENS
Many times, bright and airy kitchens are what clients request the most. However, 2020 is seeing more requests for darker kitchen tones, resulting in a “moody kitchen.” This sort of modern space resembles a lounge more than it does a kitchen, with darker hues, rich stone accents, antiqued hardware and the like. This “moody kitchen” gives off luxurious vibes and gives the room more character than ever before.
EXPANDED KITCHENS
Those looking to maximize space are asking for expanded kitchens that combine mud rooms, pantries and workspaces with the latest kitchen technology and high-quality appliances so that they can entertain in style. Luxury consumers might want to include a full butler’s kitchen that is hidden from view, but has all the same amenities of a primary kitchen.
SUSTAINABLE KITCHENS
These days, everyone is trying to do their part to become sustainable and modern kitchens are now being upgraded to include things like composting systems and finishes that don’t need as much chemical cleaning. New eco-friendly materials are being requested in many kitchen remodels, making the highly used room sustainable for the eco-conscious consumer.
STREAMLINED KITCHENS
Today’s modern family/consumer is busier than ever, which is why a streamlined kitchen is a must when undergoing a kitchen renovation project. Incorporating elements that increase efficiency and streamlines tasks is highly appreciated these days. The most modern kitchen will now incorporate useful technology in addition to elevated design. Things like smart appliances, touchless drawers and cabinets and more are all seeing an increase in remodel requests.
OUTDOOR KITCHENS
Outdoor eating and cooking has always been popular and outdoor kitchens are becoming the norm. Creating outdoor entertainment areas, complete with a kitchen-esque area, is high on many consumers’ list, which is why outdoor kitchen renovations are highly requested now. Outdoor kitchens have gone way beyond just a typical bar area and grill and now include dual-zone wine coolers, smart grilling accessories, pizza ovens and so much more.
7 Tips for the Perfect Powder Room
Think about it? When entertaining guests, they don’t go upstairs to your master bathroom to use the restroom do they? No, they use the powder room downstairs instead. Because it’s such a vital room when entertaining, your powder room needs to be just as impressive as living rooms, dining rooms and kitchens.
Whether it’s a small guest bathroom or half-bath powder room, you’ll definitely want to give this space a refresh if it’s lacking in the excitement and looks department. Usually, a powder room is a small space by nature and features a toilet, vanity with sink and a light. Although, a guest bathroom downstairs might feature a shower or tub. But it doesn’t matter if it’s the smallest powder room with just enough room for the essentials or a large guest bathroom because as long as it’s going to be frequented by guests, it needs to look as inviting as the rest of your home.
The good news is that the remodel won’t take very much effort since it’s a small space. Plus, a refreshed powder room can also up the value of your home when you decide to sell later on. A powder room remodel will benefit all, adding a sense of comfort, relaxation and enjoyment to your space. So if you’re thinking about doing a powder room remodel, here are some tips to make it perfect:
1. LAYOUT
The tricky thing about powder rooms is that they’re usually small in size and have strange layouts. Since the dimensions can vary greatly, you’ll need to figure out a functional layout for the space in order to optimize the design. Ultimately, you’ll want to create a space that’s functional, easy to move around in, meets your needs and has a balanced look. It’s always better to consult a professional designer to help create a layout that works best for the space and your needs. Plus, they have an eye for the perfect powder rooms and can help with the design and more!
2. STORAGE
Since the space is typically small in size, incorporating storage for a powder room can prove to be difficult. You’ll want to figure out what’s best for the space, which will vary. If the room is large enough, wall-mounted cabinets might work for bathroom essentials, but this will only take up too much space for smaller powder rooms. You might be able to just get away with cabinets or drawers under the sink, but that can overwhelm a small room, too. Other creative storage ideas for powder rooms include: a storage rack right above the toilet, over-the-door towel rack, recessed cabinets or shelves or even opt for a cabinet mirror.
3. FOCAL POINT
When designing any space, you always want to have a focal point that really draws one’s attention. Because powder rooms have limited space, you don’t want the focal point to be anything that’s too big or dominates the space in any way. Instead, think about focal points that are powder room necessities like a unique vanity, bold wall art or wall paper (one that doesn’t make the room smaller), a gorgeous light fixture, etc.
4. FLOORING
Don’t forget about the powder room’s flooring when you’re doing your redesign because you’ll want to invest in durable flooring. Since the powder room won’t be exposed to as much water as a regular bathroom with a shower or tub, you’ll be able to opt for more flooring options. This includes splurging on luxury flooring options since you won’t need to cover as much space, costing you less!
5. LIGHTING
Lighting is always vital in smaller spaces and you’ll want to go with quality lighting in your powder room. Poor lighting in a small space can make it feel dingy, while harsh light can expose all the imperfections in the room. Instead, invest in quality lighting that provides a flattering glow and really illuminates the space. To help solve your lighting problem, you can strategically use mirrors to reflect the light in the space to create the illusion that it’s bigger than it really is.
6. UNIFIED LOOK
Go with a unified look in your powder room because a tiny room can feel really cramped if you try to experiment with different design elements. Have a cohesive design for a unified aesthetic to create a calming space for guests to feel refreshed and relaxed. Use color to create a unified look.
7. LUXURIOUS ACCENTS
The smallest accents can really make a difference in how great and perfect your powder room will be. Don’t be afraid to show off your personal style and add in some special accents in your powder room. Things that will elevate the look of your powder room redesign include: scented candles, glass jars for essentials, a luxurious soap dispenser that complements the faucet, indoor plants and flowers, pictures or art you love, etc.
However you decide to approach your powder room remodel, know that it should reflect your personal style and taste while still being functional at the same time. Don’t rush the powder room redesign and take your time so that you end up with a space that you absolutely love and one that guests will compliment you on! LA Design Build can easily help you transform a boring powder room into a talked about room when guests come over!