09
Jan
2019
The most inviting draw for your home during cooler weather? A fireplace! Kitchens are natural gathering spots with the hostess and food, however, a fireplace is a natural draw. With comfortable seating for family and friends, you can create a welcoming and relaxing area for memorable moments. Many options are...
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31
Dec
2018
What to do with those old rotted railroad tie steps? Here is a great option that I completed with the help of Felix, my trustworthy tile installer. You frame the steps, pour concrete and add the pavers! Voila! A new look replacing a dirt pile and concrete blocks! Home maintenance...
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28
Dec
2018
Thinking of New Year’s resolutions? A home gym may be at the top of the list! Maybe a designated room, a specific area or a scattering of temptations throughout your home. An iPad for your elliptical can entice you to enjoy a program while exercising. Other options are easy to...
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21
Dec
2018
Are you planning a holiday table for a special dinner? Whether a gourmet feast or a pot luck, setting the mood for the gathering can be achieved with a table that says “I’m excited you are here!” From table linens, china, centerpieces, even chairs, the key is color! Repetition of...
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12
Dec
2018
Recently I was working with clients with an insurance claim who were starting over with furniture! It was a similar situation to many home owners when they move here without the baggage of past homes! Over numerous years working for a design studio that was within a furniture store, it...
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06
Nov
2018
Contemporary backdrops! Roche Bobois ads illustrate the huge difference between plain drywall with a lonely piece of art compared to a backdrop with significant interest! The settings vary from Asian, Old World, color drops, extensive lighting and some are quite simple. Our current contemporary trend allows for expression or a...
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01
Nov
2018
Remember all of those mosaics in the entries of McMansions? Initially those were made in the US with laser jet cutting techniques. Then they started to come in from China and the local market diminished. With the recession behind us the technology is being used for the most beautiful mosaics!...
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Personalizing your space may involve photos you love including friends, family trips, favorite mementos and colors that make you feel glad to be home! BUT these can be added in a manner that allows the next owner to make the space personally theirs!
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22
Oct
2018
Halloween is fast approaching! The witches and goblins are out. You probably need to have some friends over or just enjoy a few changes in your interior, The friendly witch on the fireplace hearth is standing in front of an antique mortar and pestle filled with the popular headbands that...
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18
Oct
2018
Ceilings should be in proportion to the total space of the room! Many years ago, John Romack from Romack Builders and I were analyzing his newly built home and discussing this. We have worked on many homes from many architects and architectural designers since 1982. We came to the conclusion...
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26
Sep
2018
It’s no longer the quick in and out that new appliances with delivery and a plug in used to be! If the appliances involve wood panels then the cabinet maker typically has to make new ones. If the sizes vary then additional detailing ensues with molding added, countertop materials ground...
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12
Sep
2018
Luxury homes and aging in place are very compatible from a design standpoint! We all want our kitchens to be welcoming gathering spots in our homes. First address lighting – Use under-cabinet and in-cabinet to highlight details then recessed ceiling cans and pendants over the island to create layered looks...
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04
Sep
2018
Make your home more fire resistant if you are building in a location that is fire prone. These considerations can give you peace of mind if drought or forest fire management continue to be an issue. Stucco walls with no open seams Aluminum doors and windows Class A fire-resistant roof...
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31
Jul
2018
These pictures show flexible duct running through the crawl space in a remodel. If there is enough room for the duct, the low ceiling areas can be raised. If you want higher ceilings than this allows then the roof in those sections is typically removed. Most homeowners start with the...
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29
Jul
2018
Dreaming of a kitchen remodel? And you’re a serious cook? Maybe your caterers need extra space when you’re entertaining? A Wall Street Journal article recently discussed the appliances in three southern California homes. Let's see which ones you need!
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