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Los Angeles Architecture 101: Beaux-Arts

For the third chapter in our Los Angeles Architecture 101 series, we’re examining one of LA’s oldest forms of architecture. Unfortunately, it’s also among the least unique to the region. However, the Greater Los Angeles area still exhibits its own distinct relationship to Beaux-Arts. People across the U.S. celebrated Beaux-Arts architecture until its abrupt decline i...

The 11 Most Attractive Features of Homes For Sale in Los Angeles

If you’re planning on selling your house, it’s not a bad time to brush up on the most attractive features of homes for sale in Los Angeles. After all, our housing market is fairly unique when compared to the rest of the country. While some of these alluring details are time-tested favorites others are a bit more fluid and subject to trends. However, even if your home doesn’t o...

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DIY Don'ts: 6 Do It Yourself Home Improvement Projects to Avoid

  Every home improvement show on TV will tell you how easy it is to improve your home on a budget.  As you flip through the channels on the weekend, you will see countless DIY home improvement projects that will inspire you to break out the hammer and revitalize your space.  But BEWARE – While not all DIY home improvement projects end in disaster, some projects can actua...

The Mid-Century Fairytale of LA's Cast Study Houses

It’s not often that we get to witness experiments in architecture while they’re in motion. Yet, that’s exactly the experience case study houses offer. Arts & Architecture magazine challenged notable architects to create affordable homes to address the U.S.’s residential housing boom. With World War II finally coming to an end, millions of soldiers were retu...

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Adding a Fireplace? The California Building Code Wants to Talk to You

After a summer that had its fair share of scorching moments, we’re deep into fireplace season here in California. True, we don’t have to ignite the ol’ fireplace too often here in the southern part of the state. But when we do, nothing can quite match that cozy feeling. Perhaps you’re shopping for Los Angeles houses with fireplaces. Or maybe you just want to up the value...

6 Money Wasting Ideas to Avoid When Remodeling a Kitchen

Kitchen remodels are always popular as this is usually everyone’s favorite place in the house. The pandemic increased home improvement projects even more as people embraced the idea of staying home over the past couple years. There is so much to be considered when remodeling a kitchen and if you aren’t careful, you can definitely go way over budget. While it’s super easy to...

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Joshua Tree/Palm Springs Home Spotlight: The Invisible House & Mirage House Hold a Mirror Up to Our Expectations

Our final home spotlight of the year is actually the tale of two structures, though not traditional homes by any stretch. It’s a story about chasing the end of a mirage only to run smack dab into the real thing without even seeing it. A tale in which one person may see reflection while the person beside them sees absolutely nothing. It’s the end of a Palm Springs home that was never...

2023 Home Decor Trends - More is More!

For the past few years, the common theme in the home décor space was ‘Less is More’.  This is not the case for 2023 home décor trends.. All of the home décor inspo social media pages were showcasing clean rooms with minimal décor.  Everything felt fresh and renewing.  There is nothing like having a clean slate, an open space – free of...

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Sunset Magazines 2023 Design Trends

#1 Moody and Cozy Rooms: I have a room designed almost exactly like the one highlighted as #3 on the list of 15. #2 Dimensional Textures: Why I just thought the hanging light fixtures were the coolest, plus the combination of all the textures are fabulous. #3 Mixed materials in Furniture: Why I have always thought a room comes together better when everything is not all perfectly matched....

5 Trendy Tips to Enhance a Small Porch

Who doesn’t love the idea of a front porch? Picture a cool lemonade in the shade on a hot summer’s day while watching the world go by. Or imagine sitting outside at night with the string lights lit, winding down after a long day of work.  Backyards have always been popular but now more people are also wanting a little bit of space in the front of their homes.  Photo...