A well-designed bathroom is one that creates the mood you want and has the features you desire. With the right colors and materials, even a small bath can feel luxurious. A good way to begin the process of bathroom design is to think about who will use the bathroom and how it will be used. Then identify the look you want and the “must have” and “nice to have” features, and enjoy the process of creating a “mood board” with photos and colors that catch your eye. Design Recommendations In designing a master bathroom, think about the layout of…
Read MoreChoosing kitchen appliances involves making a myriad of decisions about finish, features, size, style, cost, reliability, and ease of repair. In this article, we will highlight some of those decisions and offer some recommendations for choosing new appliances. Finishes The most popular finishes for kitchen appliances are stainless steel, matte (less shiny than stainless), slate (dark gray), black, and white. If a uniform look is what you prefer, consider choosing all appliances from the same line of the manufacturer. You might get a “bundle” price by doing this. If the appliances from one manufacturer do not give you the features…
Read MoreWhether you hire a professional or do it yourself, designing a new kitchen or a kitchen renovation that is both attractive and functional requires careful planning and is not a task that should be rushed. In this article, we highlight some of the key decisions and provide some recommendations about the kitchen layout, style, cabinetry, cabinet pulls, countertops and backsplashes, flooring, and lighting. The Layout A good place to begin the process of kitchen design is to identify the features of your current kitchen layout that you like and those that you don’t. Common complaints about poorly planned…
Read MoreADUs and JADUs are an innovative, affordable, and effective option for adding much-needed housing in California. California’s recent changes to the laws regulating zoning and housing have made it easier to add an ADU or a JADU, or one of each, to your property. What is an ADU? An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a self-contained secondary housing unit that is located on the building lot of a larger, primary, single-family home. ADUs are also known as granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, and secondary units. An ADU can add value to your property and can be a private residence…
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