Hey Gang!

Since Saint Patrick's Day is this weekend, I thought I'd give you some ideas for green decorating. But, I'm not talking about the color. "Green" or eco-friendly designs have become a big hit and it's also better for the environment. Here are a few simple tips for redesigning your home while being environmentally friendly at the same time.

1. Use natural materials that can be recycled. Furniture and other products made from wood, natural stone, bamboo and wicker are all recyclable and great for the environment. While products made from natural materials can be pricier, they last!
2. Turn your old items into something new. Instead of throwing away your old album covers, frame them! Or, reupholster your old furniture with eco-friendly fabrics.
3. Use energy efficient appliances. Make sure your refrigerator and other kitchen appliances carry Engery Star ratings.

Check out this video HGTV featured that shows a "green" kitchen remodel.

How are you "going green" in your home?

Ciao!

Lisa

Hey Gang!

Master bathroom not cutting it for you these days? HGTV recently featured some inspiring master baths that really turned the bathroom into a spa-like retreat:

The soft lighting and romantic color choices give this space a zen-like appeal. To see the rest of the inspirational master bathrooms click here. How do you create a spa atmosphere in your master bathroom? Share your tips below!

Ciao!
Lisa

Hey Gang!

I hope everyone is having a stress-free and festive beginning to the holiday season!

Today, I'm sharing a short video that I did on behalf of Purdy Painting Tools. Included is a useful tip for anyone looking to unify or change the color scheme in your home, especially before all the relatives arrive. The question is: "How do I use paint to create color flow from room to room?" Check out the video below to see my answer:

Do you have any tips for creating a unified flow of color within a house? What colors are your walls? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!

Ciao!
Lisa

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Tips for Market Ready Homes
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Hey Guys!

If you have your home on the market, or you’re thinking about selling, I have a few tips that will make your home more marketable. While it's important to have a good real estate agent of course, there are also a few specific steps you can take that will guarantee a faster sale and fewer headaches.

Organize. Attention to detail is a key factor in the marketability of a home. Small details make a big difference for potential buyers and taking care of quick fixes is an easy way to make your home more desirable. Don’t overlook leaky faucets; tired doormats, dead light bulbs or any other details that you can take care of with minimal effort. First impressions are key and a few extra steps will make a world of difference.

Color choice. When a buyer is looking at your home they want to be able to imagine themselves moving in with ease. And while bold colors might be your signature style, it’s sometimes hard for potential buyers to see past your bright teal living room. Remember that when it comes to selling, neutral, inviting and comfortable colors are the way to go. The exception to this rule, however, is the front door. Statement doors are always a great place to show some personality.

Define each room. Clearly defining the purpose of each room with your interior design is a very important part of maximizing a home’s space and making it seem more livable. Make sure each room serves a clear purpose and is as organized as possible.

How have you gotten your home prepped for the market? Here is an example of a home that I helped prepare for the market!

Ciao!
Lisa

Hi Gang!

In this video brought to you by Purdy Paint Tools, I discuss how to update your kitchen's outdated cabinets!


What tips do you have for fixing an outdated kitchen?

Ciao!
Lisa

Hi gang!

An out of date bathroom can really bring a home owner down! That's why my team at HGTV and I tackled this project for retired couple Devorah and Marty.

Before, the bathroom was boring and out of date (see below), but we gave it a complete makeover (see above)!

We transformed this space into a modern, simple room by adding new sinks, a new whirlpool tub, new flooring - well, we pretty much changed everything! And the result was fantastic.

Do you want to renovate your bathroom? What part would go first?

Ciao!
Lisa

Hi friends!
 
On Friday, I shared details from a beautiful bathroom redesign that I did recently for longtime clients in Los Angeles.
 
Here are some more photos and details!

The wall finish is Venetian plaster with a wax shine finish. Historically, Venetian plaster was a plaster mix of ground up marble or limestone with or without pigment. That would be troweled on and burnished to create the look of marble walls. In this room, it gives a depth and richness of color, since it is layered on in directional coats.
 
The sheen at the end adds to that look of polished marble walls. For this project, we hired a specialty painter to do the real thing. However, this look can be easily copied. Paint companies such as Behr Paint make a Venetian plaster paint kit that makes this look easy to accomplish for you DIYers!
 
Bye for now!
Lisa

Happy Friday, everyone!

I did this bathroom for longtime clients on HGTV’s’ “Designing For The Sexes”. The details were superb! We used limestone full slabs instead of limestone tiles – it drove the budget up a bit, but looked amazing.

The entire tub deck and each stair was made from a solid piece of fabricated and edged slab limestone instead of tile – similar to how countertops are executed.

We also installed pad heaters under the tile floors so my clients’ feet would never get cold (don’t underestimate how cold sunny California can be…ha!). This is always a nice touch in a bathroom, particularly in colder climates.

The overall look was classical and a bit Italian – I never tire of columns!

I'll have more pictures of this project to share next week! What is your favorite design feature in a bathroom?

Have a great weekend!
Lisa

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let's talk about your toolkit! I loved this recent article in the New York Times about the basic tools everyone should have in their toolkits. What state is yours in? Do you have one at all? Does it consist of one old screwdriver that you keep in your kitchen drawer?

Everyone, and I mean everyone, should have a few basic tools. The good news is the DIY trend has helped the cost of tools to come down tremendously over the years.
 Stores like Target, Lowes, and Home Depot sell ready made tool kits at great prices.
 If you have these basics, you can do anything from hanging art on a shelf to practically building a home!

 Must Haves:

• Hammer - Wood Handled
• Screwdriver - Multi-head
• Drill - Cordless "Hammer"
• Tape Measure 25' Minimum Locking
• Pliers - standard, needle nose, slip joint, vise-grips
• Wrenches - Variety, Metric and Standard, Socket Wrench Set
• Stud-Finder (helps for hanging shelves)
• Screws, Nails, Drywall Fasteners, Art Hanging Kit

I also recommend a really basic Home Repair Book...Home Depot has great ones!

Happy DIY-ing!
Lisa