Author: Ben Marciano

This guide will help you to decide what types of interior wall finishes you’d like to see in your space. We will give you the knowledge needed for choosing the right look for any room. We can also point you in the right direction for tile flooring design ideas. Our guide should make it easy to decide if you want something family-friendly or something more modern and stylish. First, let’s delve into the world of flooring and talk about how many different types are on the market. 

Interior Flooring

This section will focus on the most common types of interior flooring, including tile flooring design ideas, and the merits of each one. It will give you a good insight into what’s the best choice for your space and budget.

Wood Flooring

Wood flooring is timeless, beautiful, and it gives off a vintage vibe. If you’re concerned with the type of interior wall finishes you currently have, don’t be. Wood flooring comes in a variety of finishes and can be stained to complement your walls and furnishings. If you’re in love with farmhouse chic, you should check out wider plank boards. You can stain them whatever color best suits your current interior. Whatever you choose to do with your space, wood flooring is ideal for longevity and ease of care.

Vinyl Flooring

When you see the words vinyl flooring, your mind probably reverts back to childhood and your grandma’s kitchen floor, but vinyl flooring has come a long way from back in the day. You can choose from many unique styles and colors, and it’s exceptionally durable. If it’s a quick change you’re looking for, vinyl flooring will give your space a quick and easy facelift. Consider vinyl tile flooring design ideas for your next project. It’s easy to keep clean, ideal for families with children or pets, affordable, and attractive.

Marble Flooring

Marble flooring is chic, luxe, and modern. It can make any room look like a showstopper. However, it’s probably not a good choice in a home with small children since it’s hard and gets slippery. Marble is difficult to keep clean, and it needs to be professionally cleaned once a year. In comparison to other flooring choices, the cost of marble is extremely high, as well.

Carpet

Carpet is a good choice if you want to match up with most types of interior wall finishes. Carpeting is available in a variety of colors, textures, and styles. It’s a top choice for homes in colder climates as it keeps the floors warm and cozy. In Los Angeles homes, it’s a common request for carpeted bedrooms and hardwood or laminate floors in living spaces. Carpeting is extra soft and would work well in a child’s bedroom. It’s practical, affordable, and will last for years when taken care of properly. Cleaning it can be a chore but investing in a good carpet cleaner will save you time in the long run.

Composite Flooring

One lasting trend we’ve seen, particularly when remodeling homes in Los Angeles, is the use of composite flooring. This flooring is composed of various materials and is designed to be more economical, easier to install, and comes in a variety of eco-friendly designs. You can easily evoke the look and feel of a traditional hardwood floor without compromising on cost or visual appeal.

Interior Wall Finishes

You can completely change the look of your space with the types of interior wall finishes you choose. In this next section, we will talk about wall finishes that can match every aesthetic, whether you prefer wallpaper, paint, or wood.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper has evolved over the past several years and is now available in an array of eye-catching designs. If you’re concerned about finding a wallpaper that goes with your tile flooring design ideas, don’t worry. It’s easy to choose a wallpaper that goes with most flooring choices. Keep in mind, wallpaper can be hard to remove, and you should never paint over it, so make sure you choose a pattern you’ll love for a few years, at least!

Painted Walls

Paint is one of the most accessible and affordable types of interior wall finishes you can choose. The ease of painting over drywall, stucco, or wood is effortless and will immensely change the mood of your space. Have some fun picking paint colors. Create a statement wall that shows off your sense of style and artistic abilities.

Raw Wood

The use of raw wood in your home will make it feel warm and country-cozy. Consider the beauty of shiplap or the effect of wainscotting. Use it on an entire wall or go halfway up and use paint or wallpaper on the other half. Wood will last a long time, it’s easy to clean, and it’s affordable for most budgets. Many tile flooring design ideas will pair nicely with raw wood on the walls.

Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to experiment with new types of interior wall and floor finishes and flooring ideas. Whether you choose paint, wallpaper, wood, or vinyl flooring, select something that will make your space feel like home! While this is not an exhaustive list, we hope it can get your remodeling inspiration going, and when you’re ready, get in touch with us for your first discovery call and project estimate.

This article will focus on ideas for kitchen tile designs using colorful, unexpected materials in your space. We’ll also delve into creative home remodeling in the bathroom using bright colors on the walls, different types of subway tiles, and open areas. Read on to get inspiration for tile bathroom design ideas and kitchen remodels, and to learn about what materials work best in each room.

Kitchens

Everyone knows that kitchens are the heart of the home. You can create beautiful kitchen tile designs with a colorful backsplash behind your stove. Vivid tiles offer a pleasing alternative to hammered copper or tin backsplashes. They have their place, but eye-popping tile designs provide splashes of color and draw attention to other design elements.

Set off the backsplash with white subway tiles that line the rest of the wall. Don’t be afraid of mixing neutral tones and materials with touches of bold color. These colors and patterns will look amazing with stainless steel appliances and provide you with years of comfort in your kitchen.

Beautiful Backsplashes

Brightly colored tile designs for kitchens will create an airy, open space for entertaining and family get-togethers. You can find a variety of vibrant colors and designs for your home remodeling project if you think about your childhood home, your grandmother’s kitchen, or other nostalgic scenarios. Consider designing with out-of-the-box shapes, textures, and handmade tiles to give your space a unique look that no one else has. Handmade and organic materials will look stunning in your kitchen, but at the same time, the chic look of subway tiles is timeless.

Flourishing Floor Tiles

Tile designs for your floor can be installed in an endless array of shapes and patterns. High-fired clay tiles come in various sizes, styles, and colors, and they work well in wet areas, making them ideal for both kitchens and bathrooms. You can put together an exciting design for the floor using colorful tiles. One option is to make a pattern in the middle of the floor, or you can install a design around the outer edges of the floor. Let your imagination run wild and come up with a one-of-a-kind space.

Stylish Subway Tiles

Subway tiles in the kitchen are an excellent choice for your creative home remodeling. They’re classic, resulting in clean lines that give off a modern vibe. Subway tiles can be installed in many different patterns and come in a variety of finishes and materials. Using subway tiles on the walls will create a bright but polished appearance, adding subtle texture and depth to your space.

Artful Finishes

Step out of your comfort zone and choose a bright color on the cabinets! Painting cabinets in vibrant, contrasting colors will look amazing. You can use clean, stainless steel appliances to establish an open and airy space.

Bathrooms

In this section, we’ll share bathroom tile design ideas that will help you to discover the best materials to use. Incorporating tiles is an interesting way to create a clean,contemporary bathroom with lots of light. You can find a variety of different types of tiles for walls, floors, and shower stalls.

Bathroom Tiles

Subway tiles on bathroom walls will create a look that’s simultaneously retro-inspired and modern. You’ll never regret the installation of subway tiles when you’re planning your next creative home remodeling project. Your bathroom will look and feel like a spa when it’s all done! More importantly, these tiles can stand up to water, mist, and condensation, making them all but made for a wet room.

Next-Level Shower Tiles

When you’re thinking about which tile bathroom design ideas you would like to try, consider placing tiles along the back of the shower stall. Don’t stick to a monochrome color palette, however. Be bold enough to utilize eye-catching hues and tropical patterns. Blend Mediterranean and tropical influences. The combination will create that pop of color needed in an all-white bathroom. You can design your own unique pattern using different kinds of tiles and materials on the shower wall. Whatever you choose to do, don’t be afraid to incorporate vibrant tiles to bring a bit of drama to your space.

Hopefully, this article has given you some ideas on tile designs for the kitchen and the best types of materials to use in your bathroom. Subway tiles, colorful cabinets, and light-colored walls in the kitchen will bring you comfort as you cook and entertain for years to come. Make the bathroom feel like a spa after a long day at work or play.

You deserve gorgeous spaces that reflect your personality and aesthetic while maximizing your home’s potential. Fortunately, A-List Builders can help to make that happen! Get in touch with us today for your project discovery call.

Enhancing your beautiful home in Los Angeles doesn’t always mean finding ways to revitalize your interior design or improving upon an existing space. Sometimes, it means finding ways to get greater use out of your property, such as building or remodeling a portion of your property to accommodate an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). But what should your ADU look like, and what considerations will you need to make once you start building it? If you think an ADU would be a great addition to your property, here are some tips on creating the perfect ADU layout!

Discover Which ADU Style Is Most Appealing to You 

Before you start looking for ADU layout ideas to spark inspiration for your own home project, it can be helpful to know exactly which type of ADU you want to build on your property. As we’ve covered in the past, some of the options you have at your disposal include: 

• ADUs that are attached to the main house (these can either be completely new buildings or converted spaces like an attached garage)
• ADUs that are built above the home, like converted attics
• ADUs separate from the home and located somewhere else on the property (for which you will need to consider ADU kitchen ideas and more for your space)

Figuring out which ADU option is most appealing to you will help you see exactly what you can accomplish with your space and what the end product will look like. See what the full potential of your property is by considering each of the ADU types above. 

Ask Yourself, What Will My ADU Accomplish?

There are plenty of stunning ADU layout ideas out there, but the design is only one aspect of your ADU. Functionality is one major factor that should not be overlooked when you’re planning to add an ADU to your property. For example, if you’re looking to create extra space where friends and family can stay when they visit you, choosing an ADU that is connected to the house (whether it be above or an addition). If, on the other hand, you’re looking for an ADU to accommodate someone like a live-in nanny, having an ADU that’s elsewhere on the property may be a better option. 

Consider some of the reasons why you’re looking to build an ADU so you can determine what type of ADU will be most helpful in your situation and find ADU layout ideas more effectively. Many Southern California homeowners opt to use their accessory unit as an additional income stream to help with their mortgage, for example, which requires following certain regulatory and zoning guidelines.

What Can You Do With an ADU?

Now that we’ve worked through some of the more critical details of your ADU, we can start taking a closer look at the finer details and developing more focused layouts like ADU kitchen ideas and beyond! What can you truly do with an ADU? 

• Create your own work-from-home office: Throughout the pandemic, working remotely has become a major trend, but working from inside the house isn’t always conducive to full focus. Get more out of your unused space by designing a detached or attached home office space where you can work in peace and quiet and have everything you need for success at your disposal!
• Generate monthly income with a small rental property: One of the most popular ADU layout ideas is having an ADU that doubles as a rental property. Creating a detached ADU complete with its own small and charming kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and living area can help you develop that extra income stream you need. 
• Make your friends and family feel more at home when they stay with you: Is that extra bedroom just not doing it for you or your guests? Offering an ADU as a place to stay for both short-term and long-term space makes your space more accomodating for everyone involved. Consider the previous suggestions for making a home away from home space for your friends or family or even transform your attic or basement into its own small apartment for your guests. 

Entertain often? Create a space that’s perfect for your weekend bashes: One of the best ADU layout ideas for homeowners who love to entertain is a guest space where you can host multiple individuals or even one that acts as its own game room. When it comes to an ADU that’s designed to help you have even more fun on your property, the possibilities are endless!

Ready to Create Your Perfect ADU?

Do you have the perfect ADU layout in mind? Get started on your project with the help of A-List Builders! With over 10 years of experience developing beautiful ADUs and tackling whole home remodels, we handle everything for you from concept to completion to provide you with the final result you want without any of the hassle you don’t. Schedule a discovery call today to see if we can work with you to make your ADU layout ideas a reality!

In-law suites aren’t just for hiding from your mother-in-law. In-law suites are the perfect solution to creating privacy whilst still being able to have guests visit, for either long or short term. With a fully functioning apartment to house your guests, everyone is happy and more comfortable. Read on to discover in-law suite ideas for your home!

What Exactly Is an In-Law Suite?

An in-law suite is simply an addition built to a pre-existing home to accommodate guests, or in some cases, family. Whether you have family living with you for an extended period of time out of choice or necessity, an in-law suite allows you to maintain privacy and for your guests to feel comfortable, while not getting in your way. This is an excellent way to support your family or guests while maintaining your sanity.

In-law suites will vary based on your personal preferences, but most come equipped with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchenette. Depending on the layout of your home, an in-law suite can easily be built to work with your home aesthetically and naturally. There are hundreds of in-law suite plans to build as an addition for your home, you just need to be sure you’re hiring the right team to do your work.

Consider Building an In-Law Suite Above Your Garage:

An easy way to create additional space on your property for guests to enjoy privacy and comfortability is by an in-law suite addition built right over your garage. Not all garages are created equally, of course. Some garages don’t have the structural integrity to accommodate an in-law suite addition, however, if you have a sizable garage with a solid foundation, a contractor could get moving on renovation plans for adding a level to your garage if possible, or converting your garage into a beautiful in-law suite for you in no time.

More In-Law Suite Ideas:

Another exciting way to make your new in-law suite count is to rent it out to a tenant for either a  short or long term lease, depending on your personal preference. If your in-law suite is private enough with its own entrance and fully detached from your home, having a tenant can make a great deal of sense. 

If you’re a homeowner, it’s never a bad idea to capitalize on your space and make the most of your investment. By adding an in-law suite addition to your house, you’re opening you and your family up to the opportunity to make more money. In-law additions also make for convenient accommodations for your family’s caretakers, whether it’s live-in nannies or hospice workers.

Does an In-Law Suite Add Value to My Property?

Building an in-law suite on your property adds incredible value, particularly in California. As far as resale value goes, you’ve now created a full other bedroom and kitchen, increasing your home’s current value. If you’re going forward with building an in-law suite on your property, be sure you’re going with the right people for the job, as a poorly done in-law suite will not do you favors now or when you go to sell your home in the future. 

With years of experience, the team at A-List Builders will guarantee you a job well done. They are equipped with years of experience and have no shortage of in-law suite ideas for you and your family to increase value to your home and you and your guests feel more comfortable. 

Get in touch with our team today for your discovery call and learn how we can help you.

Remote work continues to be and will likely stay part of the “norm” in the greater Los Angeles area for the long-term. The issue that at-home workers often face is not having dedicated space where they can remain productive and focused on their work. As a result, many will turn to converting an existing space, such as the garage, into their own office. That said, most DIY conversions simply do not fit the bill and may present more challenges than anticipated. 

Is additional space on your property looking like an attractive option to pursue a greater work-from-home (WFH) lifestyle? If so, here’s a guide on what to know about turning your garage into an office before you get started. 

Consider Your Needs and Aesthetic Before Fully Conceptualizing Your Space

A garage home office looks different for everyone, but simply diving straight into this type of project without the necessary preparation can put a damper on the excitement if it’s executed incorrectly. Instead, set aside some time to consider your needs as a WFH professional and how you can best meet these in your new space. 

Ultimately, the nature of your work will determine what you need to get the most of your space. For example, if your work is heavily collaborative, having your own space where you’re able to communicate with your clients and co-workers more effectively (bigger work screens, quieter space, etc.) and draw up ideas with ease may be what a desirable garage office conversion looks like to you. On the other hand, if you’re someone who needs to do work in absolute silence and requires a minimalist layout in order to stay on task, you’ll have much different needs.

Before you begin pursuing a garage into office project, consider what your space will need to offer you in order to be a more effective working professional as you continue your WFH journey.

Know That Your Garage Will Require Major Renovations to Make It Livable

Some individuals may clean out their space, move a desk and chair into their garage, and settle. The problem? Garages weren’t made to be used as livable space. Some of the main issues you may face in your own garage include a lack of ventilation, major temperature fluctuations due to a lack of insulation, and a lack of lighting, which may affect your ability to see and do work. In these conditions, you may even find that doing work within the home would be a better option.  

If you’re looking to pursue a garage into office project, the best way to go about this is to turn your garage into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). ADUs are extensions or, in this case, conversions made to your property so that you can transform unused space into a livable property. 

Other considerations to keep in mind for updating your Los Angeles or San Fernando Valley property with a garage conversion are whether you’d want a kitchenette, a ¼ bath, or other improvements to increase the comfort of your space. These additions require remodeling for plumbing and may have additional zoning requirements.

Without the proper renovations, working in your garage can become more of a disadvantage than a benefit. If you want a true home office, you’ll need to follow through on the renovations required to make it a space that you can truly thrive in. 

A Home Office in the Garage Will Likely Require Major Changes to Make It Tech-Friendly

One of the most important items to focus on when developing a garage home office is that you have what you need to operate all of the technology you’ll have in your new workspace. While many garages may have outlets, for example, they may not all be placed in accessible locations, which is one area of focus when you’re pursuing a garage office conversion. Another consideration that you may not think of until it’s too late is whether or not you have reliable WiFi connectivity in your garage space.

Given that we live in the digital age, ensuring that you have the access to everything you’ll need while working in your new garage into office conversion is crucial to getting the most out of your space. 

Ready to Transform Your Garage Into Your New Home Office?

The guide above provides you with greater insight into some of the considerations you’ll need to make if you want your garage to serve as your new home office. But arguably the hardest part of turning your garage into your new office space is finding the right company to help you with your endeavors. Fortunately, A-List Builders is on your side! We are a family-owned, design-build firm dedicated to helping you make the most out of your garage space, with plenty of experience designing garage conversions and ADUs. From concept to completion, we handle every step of the process so that you can rest easy as we build your ideal work-from-home space. 

Ready to get more out of your workspace by pursuing a garage into office conversion? If so, schedule a discovery call with us now so that we can learn more about your property and what you’re looking to achieve with your garage before we get started!

Home remodeling is a process that requires careful thought and consideration, especially in regards to design. One area that you’ll inevitably be focusing on when you’re working with a company is color, whether this aspect is something that is incorporated into your home’s walls and floors, accents, trim, finishes, or the exterior design itself. Where do you get started when selecting a main color for your home (or even multiple colors to offer you the perfect color scheme)?

To provide you with some inspiration, here are five reasons to choose the Pantone color of the year for your home remodeling project.

1. This Year’s Color Represents the Balance and Optimism We All Need in Our Lives

Interestingly enough, Pantone has not chosen just one color of the year. Instead, they’ve opted for two complementary yet independent colors: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating (yellow). Gray is a quiet color that offers a sense of ease and calm and provides you with the practical foundation that you need to stop and breathe. Meanwhile, Pantone’s Illuminating produces an uplifting, inspiring feeling that brings us a much-needed boost of optimism we all could use in today’s world. 

If color psychology and meaning are important when you’re choosing a paint color for your house and making decisions for your home’s remodeling color schemes, you should absolutely incorporate the Pantone color of the year into your home remodeling project.

2. This Combination Establishes Minimalism and Personality in Your Home

Gray is an excellent color because it integrates well into the modern, minimalistic style that many homeowners may be looking for today. However, for many, it can often lack that warmth and personality that they need to truly make the most out of their space. Fortunately, this Pantone combination of Ultimate Gray and Illuminating allows you to lay the foundation for your design and build upon it with a brilliant yellow that injects warmth and happiness into your surroundings. 

If you find that minimalistic colors are far too impersonal but too many bright colors make it difficult to live in your home, you’re going to love the mix of the solid gray and bright yellow that Pantone has selected for you this year!

3. It’s a Perfect Pair to Incorporate Into Your Outdoor Area

Living in Southern California means being able to soak in the warmth of the sun for the better part of the year. Because of this, the Pantone color of the year works perfectly with any outdoor area. With a patio area or pool that’s mostly gray, you can easily add a splash of color with yellow patio furniture, tile work, or accent walls. It makes for an elegant and contemporary palette for remodeling your outdoor kitchen, as well.  When it comes to mixing gray and yellow, the only limit is your imagination!

4. There Are Plenty of Ways to Feature These Colors in Your Design Choices

Gray is an excellent, timeless choice for your home given its versatility with other colors. After all, when your space features a majority of gray, black, or white, any other colors that you decide to feature in a space work to improve upon the aesthetics of whatever area you’re working with (as long as you don’t overdo it, of course). No matter which area you’re focusing on, the Pantone color of the year gives you plenty of opportunity to customize your home so that it matches the Pantone color of the year. 

5. The Contrast of This Combination Helps You Bring Life to Your Space

Choosing the color palette for your home renovation goes beyond its structure; you can consider your entire property themes, as well. If you’re looking to make the most out of Ultimate Gray and Illuminating yellow, bring the color scheme into your landscaping decisions as well. Consider evergreen, drought-friendly plants that offer pops of yellow or yellow-green hues in your drought tolerant landscaping in Los Angeles, too. Think about how pops of yellow would complement your plans for renovating your hardscape, as well. If you have a green thumb (or a big love of plants in general), this can be an excellent way to get more out of the Pantone color of the year in a new and imaginative way.

Ready to Get Started on Your Home Remodeling Project?

While looking at remodeling color schemes and choosing a paint color for your house when it’s finished can help you plan for the future, you need to start on your home remodeling project first. But where do you turn to for support? Fortunately, A-List Builders is here to help. Whether you’re pursuing a complete home remodel or going room by room and tackling each individual project like a kitchen remodel, we take care of all of your needs from concept to completion. All you have to do to get started is to schedule a discovery call today so we can better understand your needs and whether or not we’re the right fit for you!

As rent and real estate prices continue to rise throughout Southern California, building additional or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) is becoming more and more appealing to homeowners. For those who have someone in their family that requires extensive care, ADUs can be essential as they offer extra living space and serve to accommodate live-in caretakers or family members.

At A-List Builders, we work with Los Angeles families for the long term. We’ve seen the increased need for additional space for older generations and their caretakers, or for younger family members who need a place to land when life throws the unexpected their way. We’ve provided some considerations to make and questions to ask yourself below if you plan on adding a guest house in your backyard or anywhere else on your property. 

To Renovate an Existing Space or to Build Your ADU From Scratch? 

The biggest problem that homeowners may run into when they’re considering building a guest house in their backyard is if the property lacks the space or acreage for additional structures, or existing garage or shed structures get in the way. Fortunately, existing structures don’t have to prevent you from building an ADU on your property as there are two different courses of action you can take to achieve this goal! 

If you have plenty of space in your backyard, building a guest house in backyard space is as simple as finding a design that works best for the space available. If, however, you may not have enough space to dedicate to a guest house, you could also choose to renovate your garage or turn another area in your property into an independent living space. 

This brings us to our next point. 

Types of ADUs to Consider 

While certain ADUs, like detached units or converted garages, may be the most popular choices, there are multiple ADU options that you should look into when you decide that you require additional living space on your property. Some of these ADU options include:

• An attached ADU that is connected to the main home but still allows for independent living
• An interior ADU that is located in the upper section of the house, such as the attic
• An interior ADU that is located in the lower section of the house, such as the basement
• An attached ADU that is built above an existing structure like the garage

While building a guest house in backyard space is one of the most desirable ADU concepts, the type of ADU that you choose will depend upon your individual needs, what you plan on using your ADU for in the future, and how comfortable you are with another individual living in the main house. Keep these things in mind when reviewing what ADU options you have at your disposal.

Additional Considerations to Make When Researching ADUs

Although the decision to build an ADU on your property is one that may be non-negotiable for some at this point in time, there are still important considerations to make before you undertake this kind of project. To help you become clearer on your goal, here are a few questions that you’ll want to ask yourself. 

1. What Is My Budget for This Project? Your budget will ultimately determine the type of ADU you choose. Set aside some time to do further research into how much this project will cost, what your budget is, and how you can make this project a reality. 
2. How Long Does an ADU Take to Build? Understanding the amount of time that it takes for this type of project is crucial to ensuring you have your building prepared when you need it. For example, if you’re looking to provide housing for a live-in caregiver, you’ll want to ensure that the ADU is prepared for them by the time you enlist the help of such a professional. 
3. What Do I Need to Take Care of in the Meantime? Chances are,  there are other tasks you can take care of while you’re planning on establishing a guest house in backyard space. This could include finding new furniture or deciding which of your furniture you want to move to your ADU, seeking out the new tenant for your ADU beforehand, and coming up with plans for the interior design. 

Start Your ADU Journey With Us

With a better idea of what you’re looking for out of your ADU, all that’s left to do is reach out to A-List Builders to help you design your ideal space. Our team of designers and contractors work with you every step of the way to ensure that you’re receiving the best service possible from conception to completion, regardless of whether you decide on building a guest house or renovating an existing space. 

If you’re ready to add your own guest house in backyard space, schedule a discovery call with us so that we can learn more about your needs, help you come up with a design and a timeline, and begin the construction of your new guest house!