12 Top Trends in Truly Custom Home Style by Structura Remodeling

 

Creating a home that feels uniquely yours involves blending the latest trends with your personal style. Here are twelve of the hottest trends that are transforming homes into personalized sanctuaries in 2024.

1. Warm Colors

Gone are the days of sterile whites and cool grays. Warm colors like rich terracottas, sunny yellows, and deep maroons are making a comeback. These hues add a cozy, inviting atmosphere to any room, making your space feel more like a welcoming retreat.

2. Mixing Metals

The old rules of sticking to one type of metal in a room are out. Mixing metals—think brass with chrome or copper with stainless steel—adds visual interest and a unique flair. This trend allows for more personalized and dynamic design choices.

3. Playful Design

Home decor is taking a fun turn with playful designs that incorporate bold patterns, quirky art, and unexpected color combinations. This trend encourages creativity and self-expression, making your home a true reflection of your personality.

4. Sustainability

Sustainability is more than a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice. Eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient appliances, and sustainable building practices are becoming standard. Homes designed with sustainability in mind not only help the planet but also create healthier living environments.

5. Aesthetic Accessibility

Designing for accessibility doesn't mean compromising on style. The trend of aesthetic accessibility ensures that homes are both beautiful and functional for everyone, regardless of age or ability. Thoughtful design can include wider doorways, lower countertops, and stylish grab bars.

6. Vintage Trends

Nostalgia is powerful, and vintage trends are back in full force. From mid-century modern furniture to retro-inspired appliances, incorporating vintage elements can add character and charm to your home. These pieces often become the focal points of a room.

7. Fluting

Fluting is making waves in interior design. This decorative technique involves creating grooves or ridges in materials like wood, plaster, or metal. Fluting adds texture and depth to walls, furniture, and architectural features, giving spaces a sophisticated, crafted look.

8. Biophilia

Bringing the outdoors in with biophilic design is more popular than ever. This trend focuses on incorporating natural elements like plants, natural light, and organic materials into your home. Biophilia not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes well-being and relaxation.

9. Multi-Use Appliances

In the era of multifunctional living, multi-use appliances are a must. These innovative devices save space and add convenience. Think ovens that also steam, fridges with built-in coffee makers, and washer-dryer combos. They make your home smarter and more efficient.

10. Spa-Like Bathrooms

Transform your bathroom into a spa-like oasis. Features like rainfall showerheads, freestanding tubs, and heated floors turn everyday routines into luxurious experiences. Soft lighting and soothing color schemes complete the tranquil atmosphere.

11. Making the Most of Space

Efficient use of space is crucial, especially in smaller homes. Built-in storage, multifunctional furniture, and creative layouts maximize every square inch. This trend ensures that your home is both practical and stylish, regardless of its size.

Conclusion

These trends are shaping the future of home design, offering endless possibilities to create spaces that are truly custom to your lifestyle and tastes. Embracing these trends, especially with home additions in Los Angeles, can help you craft a home that’s as unique as you are. Stay tuned for our next article where we dive deeper into incorporating these trends.

TYPES OF HOUSE ADDITIONS TO ADD MORE SQUARE FOOTAGE

The real estate market in Southern California has gone totally nuts. We have seen a year-over-year price gain of 22.1%. Demand is high. Mortgage rates are still low, and there is very little inventory out there.

Have you heard all these crazy stories about bidding wars? Houses often have twenty to thirty bids. People are paying thousands of dollars above the asking price to secure their deal. Agents’ and buyers’ stress levels are through the roof!!!

If you don’t think you have the physical or emotional stamina for this market, you are not alone. More people are choosing to stay put and renovate their homes. Home additions are a practical and cost-effective solution to your additional space needs.

The benefits include creating a customized space that meets your needs while adding value to your home and future sales potential. A home addition saves you the stress of fighting for a property that you probably will have to update anyway.

Now would be a great time to investigate a house addition before you jump into the housing market. You will be pleasantly surprised at the options to upgrade your space and the affordability of the projects.

HERE ARE SOME GREAT IDEAS FOR HOUSE ADDITIONS TO ADD MORE SQUARE FOOTAGE.

FINISH YOUR BASEMENT

A finished basement is the easiest way to increase the livable square footage in your home. A basement is perfect for a small apartment and can create rental income or use the space for taking care of aging family members. Maybe you want to expand your living space to include a home theater or family game area. There is nothing better than sending the kids downstairs while you enjoy some peace and alone time in your own home.

When working with your Los Angeles contractor, remember that you must have an emergency exit to add a bedroom to the basement. That can be a backyard walk-out or an accessible emergency window. Most realtors feel a finished basement will return at least 70% of the investment. That does not include the value of all the joy from using the space.

AN ATTACHED GARAGE CAN MAKE A GREAT EXTRA ROOM

If you are okay with parking your cars elsewhere, consider turning your garage into additional usable square footage for a living. Take the time to clear out the junk, and in return, you will gain a great space for a home gym, a guest bedroom, art studio, or craft room. Depending on the configuration of your home, you can even use the space to expand your kitchen. Add an island, dining area, or great room with a vaulted ceiling. You can get really creative with this space. Work with a design firm that has experience in great ideas for house additions to add more square footage and see their best suggestions for your space and your needs. You should expect to recapture about 80% return on your investment.

ANOTHER WAY TO REPURPOSE YOUR SPACE- BUILD A ROOM OVER

THE GARAGE

Novels romanticize living in the apartment over the garage. It sounds like the perfect spot to write your great American novel or house the kids when they return from college. You could also turn it into a rental property or use it as guest quarters if your zoning allows.

Garage additions require some specific additional materials. Adding the new roof, vapor barrios to protect from car fumes, and fireproof drywall will be a bit more expensive than a traditional addition. Still, if you plan to use it as a rental unit, you can easily make your money back, add value to your property and create a consistent cash income.

SECOND STORY ADDITIONS ADD MAXIMUM SQUARE FOOTAGE.

Second-story ideas for house additions can more than double the square footage of your home. It also adds significant value to your home’s future selling price. Before you begin a project like this, check with a realtor to see what your home would be valued if you go ahead with the home addition. You don’t want to be the priciest house in the area when it comes time to sell.

If this is your forever home, skip this step and hire a top Los Angeles contractor and design team. You may also want to work with an architect. Your team will ensure that your home’s foundation and structure are designed to handle a second-story addition. They might have to build some additional support structures into the plan.

CHANGE THE PORCH INTO A SUNROOM

There is nothing more relaxing than spending time on the front porch. Why not make it a year-round pleasure by turning your porch into an enclosed sunroom? For your porch to be considered as interior square footage, it needs to have heating and be accessible from the inside of your home.

If this is your front porch, it will add some interesting architectural detail to your home and create a very welcoming feeling. If this is your back porch, the enclosed space will add a great seating area to spend time in nature, appreciate your garden and the ever-changing seasons.

FINISH THE ATTIC

Popular ideas for house addition increasing square footage is a finished attic. Attics are versatile spaces and can add a lot of valuable space to your home. Whether you need a home office, a guest bedroom, crafting studio, or a place to run your home-based business, consider an attic addition.

Before you get started, you want to make sure your space meets the following requirement. If it doesn’t have at least a seven-foot ceiling and access to the stairway, it might be too costly a direction to go. If you meet these requirements, work with your local Los Angeles contractor to create an interesting and valuable addition. Enjoy your attic retreat!

KITCHEN ADDITIONS

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Since the pandemic, we have been cooking more, working from home, zoom schooling, and entertaining our family and friends at home. We need a kitchen that works well for our multi-tasking lifestyle. Building your dream kitchen is worth every penny. Buyers appreciate a beautiful, renovated kitchen. You will receive the highest return on your investment by adding a kitchen addition.

Whether you are going big with a complete addition or a smaller bump-out addition, adding a walk-in pantry, laundry/mudroom, or a dining area, both will add value to your house and enjoyment to the room where you spend most of your time.

Spend some time looking at 2021 ideas for room addition, in magazines, and in the kitchen showrooms. You will be amazed at the choices of cabinets, fixtures, flooring, findings, and countertops to choose from.

SPA BATHROOM ADDITION

There is nothing more satisfying than a new bathroom addition. We are getting more and more tech-savvy in the bathroom. Do you dream about a large walk-in shower with a rainfall showerhead, a steam option, your favorite music playing, and lights that adjust by voice command? Add to that a separate deep soaking tub to get rid of all the aches and pains, plus heated floors and a towel rack to complete the bathing experience—finally, the perfect lighting for all your grooming needs.

Every home buyer will agree that they are looking for a gorgeous master bath along with an updated kitchen. And they will pay extra for it. Bathroom house additions to add more square footage are not only popular but expected. Using odd spaces to add another half bath or powder room is also a great idea. Don’t be afraid to go all out. You will get your money back for providing that kind of value.

THE COST OF A HOUSE ADDITION TO ADDING MORE SQUARE FOOTAGE IN LOS ANGELES IS BASED ON THE SPECIFIC PROJECT YOU ARE CONTRACTING FOR.

Here are some of the items to consider:

• The total square footage of the home addition.
• What systems are being upgraded?
• Are you replacing kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, windows, and doors as part of your home remodeling or garage conversion?

Structura’s team, comprised of interior designers and home remodeling contractors in Los Angeles,

will meet with you to listen to your specific needs and design ideas for the project. They will provide an in-depth analysis of the costs and a complete 3-D design for your approval. Their design ideas and contributions to your home renovation will enhance your build and save your money while honoring the project’s scope.

Structura has been the top Los Angeles home addition company for more than sixteen years. Their experience, knowledge, and partnerships will save you time and money. They order direct from the manufacturers, wholesalers and pass those savings along to you. They also have a team of skilled craftsmen to customize your build with the expertise and artistry you crave.

HOW TO HIRE A KITCHEN REMODELING CONTRACTOR IN LOS ANGELES?

 

OK, it’s time to take that next step from dreaming about a new kitchen to making the project a reality. Have you been stalling on declaring “go time “because hiring a kitchen remodeling contractor in Los Angeles seems like a more extensive project than living through the renovation????

I know we have all heard many crazy stories about all the things that could go wrong if you don’t hire the right contractor.  Don’t stress.  I’m writing this blog today to make sure that doesn’t happen.  If you follow the guidelines and do your homework, you most likely will end up with a beautiful kitchen and a new friendship with your contractor.

The kitchen is the heart of your home. So, whether you are looking to update your floors and cabinets or build your ultimate kitchen dream, you need a top professional for this project.

HOW TO HIRE A LOS ANGELES KITCHEN REMODELING CONTRACTOR

It seems like a daunting task, but if you take the time to check qualifications, experience in kitchen remodeling, and references, you will be able to move forward with confidence.

DO I NEED A GENERAL CONTRACTOR OR KITCHEN REMODELING SPECIALIST?

A general contractor has experience with most aspects of home remodeling. A Kitchen Remodeling Contractor specializes in every part of kitchen remodeling, renovation, and additions.

Suppose your kitchen remodeling project is a new addition to the house that will include foundation work, exterior work, and kitchen interior. In that case, you might need to look for a general contractor with experience in all aspects of a renovation.  They should have significant kitchen remodeling experience.

Suppose you can find a contractor with a staff that includes the skillsets of electrical, plumbing, masonry, roofing, and the skills to complete the kitchen- flooring, tiling, custom counters, and cabinetry. In that case, they will have more control or the project’s timeline, quality, and costs.    Whether you hire a general contractor or a kitchen remodeling specialist, having the skillsets in-house is a plus to the project.

Kitchen remodeling specialists usually offer design services to help with the design aspects of your kitchen. This can save you from having to hire a separate kitchen designer.

CREDENTIAL

It is critical to ensure that you are hiring a licensed and insured contractor. Make sure they have a state license. That guarantees that they have undergone rigorous testing and have the required skills to complete the job professionally.

Ask the contractor for their license number and certificate of insurance (COI). Follow up to verify that they are in good standing. Reach out to your state’s licensing board to confirm their license is active and up to date. Contact the insurance policy carrier to verify that the coverage is current.

Active professional association memberships add another layer of legitimacy to the contractor’s resume. Most members of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), or National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will promote these affiliations.

HOW TO HIRE A LOS ANGELES KITCHEN REMODELING CONTRACTOR

Start your research for a local contractor online. Check out Facebook, Yelp, and even community websites.  Services like Angie’s List, Houzz, HomeAdvisor.  Remember, some of these are paid advertising or have paid for positive reviews. Do your research as well.

Ask your realtor, neighbors, friends, family, and coworkers for referrals. See if they have someone that they are thrilled to recommend. Look for people in your community who recently have done a kitchen remodel and ask their opinion.

Remember to ask what made it a positive experience, how the contractor handled problems, and whether they would use the same contractor again?

Don’t forget to check the company’s ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Narrow your pool of candidates to the top three.

Prioritize your shortlist and reach out starting with your top candidate. Provide an overview of the project and any added services you’ll need, like architecture or design. Request their license and insurance credentials so that you can verify them before an in-home appointment.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR POTENTIAL LOS ANGELES KITCHEN REMODELING CONTRACTOR

• Are you licensed and insured?
• Have you or your employees been certified in remodeling or had special training or education.
• Who will be working on the project? Are they employees or subcontractors?
• Do you have references from past projects that I can talk to?
• How are the payment terms structured?
• Do you provide guaranteed pricing or estimate?
• How much should we put aside for contingency planning?

“One of the most important things to look for when shopping for a  kitchen design contractor  and designer  is somebody who listens  well and understands your porject needs.

Chemistry also weighs heavily into the selection of a contractor. You have to be able to trust the person you’re working with.

CHECK REFERENCES.

Once a rapport has been established, ask to see some of the contractor’s projects. If they meet with approval, request references, and then call to verify them.

GET IT IN WRITING.

After zeroing in on one contractor who seems right for the job, please look at the documents they have prepared for you. Do they look professional? Scrutinize the contract. Does it seem fair and balanced? Ensure that the written agreement includes a bid price and payment schedule, the scope of work, and a  site plan. There needs to be a list of crucial construction tasks, a change-order clause, a written procedural list for close-out. Also, look for an express limited warranty, a clause about dispute resolution, and a waiver of lien, which would prevent subcontractors and suppliers from putting a lien on a house should their invoices go unpaid by the contractor.

GO TIME –   IF YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH THE:

• The contracting process including the payment terms, contingency plans, and guarantees.
• All the credentials checked out, and the references were strong.
• Contractor and their team’s level of experience.
• The contractor understands your vision, expectations, and you feel confident that you are on the same page to work together.

Then it’s Go Time. Great job!!! You chose your Los Angeles kitchen remodeling contractor like a pro.  Now it’s time to let the work begin and get ready for the fun stuff like shopping for your new appliances and fixtures.

When shopping for your Los Angeles kitchen remodeling contractor make reach out to Structura Remodeling company.  The top Kitchen Remodeling company in Los Angeles with more than sixteen years of experience.

Their Kitchen Design Team will meet with you for a Free In-Home Estimate to assess your project and collaborate with you on all aspects of the design. When your 3-D Computer Design is complete, you will be able to see exactly how your kitchen will turn out.

Whether you want a complete remodel including new flooring, electrical, plumbing, windows, and the best professional cookstove on the market, or are looking to refresh and modernize your kitchen, call Structura Kitchen Remodeling and design.  We deliver top-quality artistry on time and within budget—no Hidden Surprises.