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21 TIPS FROM MAKEOVER MASTERS
LAURA SARTORI RIMINI AND ROBERTO PEREGALLI, STUDIO PEREGALLI
“Whether renovating a space or creating a new one, we first consider its context—where it is located, in what kind of climate. Then we imagine a history of that place, using traces of its actual past or, perhaps, bits invented by us.”
JAMIE DRAKE
“When laying out a space, I often begin by placing the largest piece, such as a sofa, at the farthest distance from the room’s entry. If there is a window with a view or lovely light, I always put seating there as well.”
THAD HAYES
“With most projects, it’s expected that much of the budget will be taken up by functional things—electric, heating, air-conditioning— that don’t add visual interest or beauty. Even though clients are more likely to remember the gorgeous staircase than the heated bath floor, on a cold winter morning that warm floor is pretty wonderful.”
DAVID MANN, MR ARCHITECTURE + DECOR
“For any renovation, I start by thinking about what should be salvaged. I am often proudest of the elements I did not remove but instead made work when it would have been easier just to throw them out.”
STEVEN GAMBREL
“Prewar detailing can feel too elaborate for some clients. Lacquering those rooms in strong tones makes them seem fresh and unexpected.”
BRIAN SAWYER, SAWYER|BERSON
“When working on a renovation, particularly for a place with a special history, we love being inspired by an existing element. It can be anything—a flooring pattern, paneling, a trim profile. Exploring a small detail and letting it lead the design gives a project aesthetic continuity that speaks to the space’s former life.”
STEVEN HARRIS
“All the lacquer in the world cannot overcome a clumsy soffit.”
RAFAEL DE CÁRDENAS
“I’m a stickler for doors and walls being lined up at the same height. I prefer to create variation in furniture or wall and ceiling treatments.”
SHAWN WATTS, LEROY STREET STUDIO
“We love renovating onetime industrial buildings into modern residences. The challenge lies in bringing warmth to rusty steel, brick, and monumental proportions. We do it through materials—every wood tone has to be welcoming but strong enough to stand up to masonry. Each new component has to feel significant, otherwise it seems wimpy.”
ROBIN STANDEFER, ROMAN AND WILLIAMS
“Stephen [Alesch] and I are fierce about preserving the character of old spaces. We try to stabilize elements—maintaining their patina, their idiosyncrasies.”
MADELINE STUART
“For kitchens and baths in historic houses, we design millwork using traditional cabinet details and appropriate hardware. Shortcuts like overlay instead of inset doors and European hinges rather than butt hinges are a mistake if you want a period look.”
ALAN WANZENBERG
“Every job has an Achilles’ heel. You just have to be experienced enough and patient enough to handle it once you discover it.”
EMILY SUMMERS
“Lamps, sconces, and chandeliers should always have star status, as they fill important eye-level space. They are the jewelry in a room, so splurge!”
Top 10 Most Exciting Fall Eatery Openings In L.A.
Fall is the ideal time for new restaurant owners to debut the locations they have been perfecting for months. The City of Angels is home to some of the best dining establishments in the country. Here is a list of the most anticipated openings taking place this fall in Los Angeles:
- Pistola located at West Third: This meat-based Italian restaurant is sure to please pasta-lovers everywhere!
- Jon & Vinny’s new restaurant in the Fairfax District. The restaurant will double as a commissary kitchen, R&D, and wine shop. The name of the establishment is still to be determined.
- New Port Seafood located in Beverly Hills will be the new spot for seafood lovers. The menu will incorporate Cambodian, Thai, and Vietnamese elements.
- Pete’s Café located Downtown. Owners Josef Centeno and Pete McLaughlin already have 3 thriving businesses located on the same block. Leave it to these restaurant experts to cook up the best crab cakes in town.
- Eggslut Ramen located Downtown. This joint puts an extraordinary spin on the classic egg sandwich!
- The Gadarene Swine in Studio City. This spot will be great for vegetarians, as it features a menu that is heavily focused on vegetables.
- Big Gay Ice Cream in Downtown. The brand is originally from New York, and is preparing to take L.A. by storm with their delicious ice cream, and year-round operating ice cream truck.
- Sara Kramer’s new establishment. The name and location are still in the works, but the Brooklyn chef is excited to create a restaurant that incorporates fresh grilled bread.
- Suave Rico located in Culver City. The idea behind this spot is fast, but casual rotisserie
- Bacari PDR in Playa del Rey. This Italian eatery will be the second restaurant for owners Robert and Daniel Kronfli.
For the best real estate experience possible, work with a real estate agent you can trust. Contact Betsy Dittman. Real Estate, Easy.
6 Smart Tips For The Perfect Home Learning Zone
School is back in session, which means it is once again time to monitor your child’s homework each day after school. Getting your child just to sit down is hard enough. Add in homework, and the process could take up precious time that you need for other important tasks. By creating a learning zone inside your home, you will boost your child’s productivity and free up some of your valuable time. Here are a few tips:
- Have more than one designated homework area. By changing the study environment every now and then, your child will be more productive. For each space have a few basic school supplies on hand so they will not have any reason to get up and break focus. Try to free the area from as many distractions as possible.
- Switching up the study chair will also increase productivity. If your child is having trouble focusing, have them move to a different chair or the floor. Consider using a yoga ball as a chair to get their core muscles working!
- Choose where the homework space will be based on the age or development stage of your child. Younger children will do best in the kitchen because they will need the most monitoring. Older children do not have to be as close and will do better in a study or a basement.
- Make sure each homework space has excellent lighting. This will help your child to stay alert while learning.
- Hang chalkboards, whiteboards, or bulletin boards in the homework space. Your child can use them to help prioritize the day’s tasks.
- Allow your child to help with the designing of the homework space. They will use the space more if it is one that they enjoy spending time in.
Happy studying! To speak with one of the most committed and skilled real estate agents in the Los Angeles, San Fernando and Conejo Valley area, please contact Betsy Dittman.
Price It Right The First Time!
The decision to part with your home is a tough one. However, having to lower your price after your home has already been on the market is even tougher! The first two weeks after putting your home up for sale are the most crucial. This is when buyers are the most interested in your property. If your home does not sell during this time period, you may need to lower your price.
When buyers see a home with a price that has been lowered, they tend to assume that there is a problem with the house. Avoid this altogether by pricing your home right the first time around. Your listing price should be relevant to today’s current market value. It should be close to the other prices of similar homes for sale in your area. Additionally, it is beneficial to pay attention to price trending. If home prices are beginning to drop, consider pricing your home slightly lower than market value to accommodate for the potential trend. However, if prices are beginning to increase, stay at a current market price.
When preparing your home for a showing, it is important to think about your home’s presentation and curb appeal. Hiring a quality landscaping service, or power washing your entry way can be the boost your home needs to sell at full asking price! Clear out the clutter inside your home before having it photographed, or opening it up to potential buyers. Hire an experienced photographer who will know how to best highlight the features of your home. Lastly, take care of all minor repairs before the showing. Buyers will be looking for imperfections; make sure they will not find any!
For any additional home selling advice, please contact the friendly and experienced real estate professional, Betsy Dittman. Betsy can assist you with your luxury real estate needs in any of the Westside, San Fernando, and Conejo Valley communities.
The Color Conundrum: Neutral vs. Bold!
Preparing your home for sale means making minor repairs, and digging out the paint trays! Typically, real estate experts advise that homeowners stay within the safe realm of neutral wall colors. If you choose to go with a vibrant color, you risk turning off potential buyers. However, this can be a controversial idea. Bright colors are proven mood-enhancers. Consequently, should you make your walls vibrant before entering the market?
The key is to be smart about your colors, and think about how long you will be living in your home. It is okay to include color as long as you do not overdo it. If you are planning to sell your home quickly, it is smart gravitate towards neutral colors. These are the safest choices, and will attract the most buyers. If you really want to incorporate color, remember that buyers enjoy seeing shades of blue instead of red!
If you plan to stay in your home for a considerable amount of time, then do not worry about how your walls will affect your selling potential. Paint your home colors that you love! You should be able to express yourself in your place of residence without worrying about the demands of the market.
Your home is where you will spend the majority of your life. Do not live in shades of eggshell, or taupe if your eyes yearn for bold and daring hues. The color of your walls can easily be changed before you begin the selling process. It would be smart to refrain from adding color to permanent fixtures like countertops.
If you would like luxury real estate advice from a knowledgeable agent, please contact Betsy Dittman. She can provide you with expert real estate information about market trends in the Westside, San Fernando, and Conejo Valley communities.
5 Selling Mistakes That Will Leave Buyers Feeling Cold
In order to sell your home for full asking price, you must ensure that it is in move-in shape. How do you determine whether or not your home is in move-in condition? We have compiled a list of 5 things that can leave potential buyers feeling cold. Here are 5 Selling Mistakes to avoid:
- Overpriced. If your home is priced too high, you will not attract any buyers at all! Buyers will notice that they could find a better home for the same price. Price your home correctly the first time in order to prevent turning them off of your home before they even see it.
- Smelliness. There are a number of circumstances that could result in funky smells throughout your home. Pets may leave your home smelling like a litter box. Water damage can make your home smell like mildew. Regardless of the cause, a buyer will be completely uninterested if the home has an undesirable odor.
- Messiness. If your home is full of clutter, a buyer will have difficulty seeing your home’s structure. It will be hard for them to picture their furniture in the home if your possessions are everywhere.
- Numerous repairs needed. If you neglect basic home maintenance, then buyers will continue on to the next home on their list. No one wants to spend time fixing multiple problems around the house upon move-in.
- Out-of-date furnishings. If a buyer is looking to buy your home instead of a new one, it is probably because of the location and cost. Therefore, they are not interested in a dated home- just the perks that come along with one. Get rid of the popcorn ceilings, shag carpeting, and avocado green before having a showing.
We want your home to see as much financial return as possible. If you want your home to sell for full asking price, contact the skilled real estate professional, Betsy Dittman. Betsy will ensure that your home will sell for the highest price possible in the Westside, San Fernando, and Conejo Valley communities!
10 Bedroom Must-Haves!
When you cannot afford time away from work for a vacation, your bedroom is your relaxation destination. Incorporate these 10 bedroom must-haves to take your sleeping space from lackluster to luxurious!
1. A COMFORTABLE RUG
No need for slippers, here! Especially during the colder months, a comfy rug can be both functional and aesthetic. If your bedroom is already carpeted, consider adding a smaller rug that complements some of your accent pieces.
2. A THEME
Themes are not just for children’s bedrooms. Every room needs some inspiration. Pick a pattern, color, or texture to bring the room together.
3. THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF THROW PILLOWS
There is such a thing as too many throw pillows. If it takes you more than 10 minutes to get to the sheets, you have too many. Only use as many pillows as it takes to make your bed look inviting. A good rule of thumb is to not have more than 6.
4. A PLACE TO SIT (THAT’S NOT THE BED)
A seating area will give your bed the chance to be just a bed. Use an additional seating area to slip on your sneakers, check your email or finish a novel.
5. NO TECH IN SIGHT
A tech-free bedroom will help you to get the relaxation necessary for a healthy lifestyle. Move your TV to a different part of the house, and use the extra space to showcase your favorite piece of art, or stack your favorite books.
6. A COLLECTION OF THINGS YOU LOVE
If you have numerous pieces that you love, but have no place for- create one. Their presence in your room will make you happy each morning when you wake up and see them.
7. WELL-STOCKED NIGHTSTANDS
A nightstand full of necessities is essential. You should have a charming lamp to help you read at night, as well as a great book. Additionally, this is a perfect place to incorporate a stylish water carafe. Place a nightstand on either side of your bed to create a perfectly balanced bedroom.
8. A GREAT MATTRESS
Never underestimate the quality of a comfortable mattress. You should feel rejuvenated, and pain-free after a night’s sleep. In addition to comfort, your mattress should complement the height and sizes of your other bedroom furniture.
9. PHOTOGRAPHS – BUT NOT OF FAMILY
Leave the family photos in your other rooms. Stick to artwork that you find both beautiful and calming for your sleeping space. Doing so will help you to clear your mind each night before drifting off to sleep.
10. DRAMA!
Whether you choose a dramatic chandelier, or an oversized headboard, every bedroom needs a splash of drama! Try to limit the number of pieces to 1 or 2, and only choose ones that you absolutely love.
For assistance with luxury real estate in the Westside, San Fernando, and Conejo Valley communities, please contact Betsy Dittman, today.
Don’t Miss These Los Angeles Al Fresco Dining Spots This Summer
Al fresco dining is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful summer weather in Los Angeles. While there are many places that offer the complete al fresco dining experience, some of the 2014 exciting places in Los Angeles should not be missed. Make sure to keep these delicious restaurants in mind for your next meal in the area.
A-Frame in Culver City blends both Hawaiian and Asian cuisine. Roy Choi, the owner of the restaurant, was inspired by picnic dining, which inspired him to create dishes that are finger friendly. The menu items are much more decadent that what you would find at a typical picnic, including items such as swordfish tacos, hoisin ribs, and the famous double-patty burger.
Connie and Ted’s Seafood in West Hollywood has an impressive patio dining area that overlooks Santa Monica Blvd. The fresh seafood options will transport you to culinary heaven and the sandy beaches of the Pacific.
Goldie’s in Los Angeles offers every market-driven dish all day long, offering plates for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Along with the great cocktails that are served, you will find everything on the menu from hand cut tagliatelle with Dungeness crab to diver scallops with kohlrabi.
Little Next Door in Los Angeles on West Third Street is the perfect French bistro that will transport you to Paris. The restaurant is a little more causal than Next Door, while still offering the best French dishes, including escargot, charcuterie, and moules frites.
The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel is the best spot in the city if you are looking for the ultimate place to see and to be seen. The restaurant has been newly renovated, combining the classic Polo Lounge feel with a new, modern, updated look.
For all of your luxury real estate needs from the Conejo Valley to Beverly Hills, contact Betsy Dittman. I specialize in California luxury real estate properties and can help you with the sale or purchase of your home.
