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For the past year, we've been working on a Spanish Revival renovation in San Pedro, CA that includes three bathrooms. While trying to retain a traditional element of the integrity of the home, the renovation also calls for modernizing. I view this as a take on an updated contemporary style. In the process, the client also wanted to opt for a much more current neutral look for one of the bathrooms in a more isolated area that will be her husband's main bathroom. Initially, we started with a more traditional style design then transitioned per the client's request to a more contemporary neutral. Which one do you prefer? Here's a look at one bathroom, two ways:  Overall Style:
Key Fixtures & Finishes:
Layout:
Accessories:
Inspirational Images:
 Overall Style:
Key Fixtures & Finishes:
Layout Highlights:
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  Also available: The Big Book Of Mood Boards  Get a FREE interior design consultation with membership: https://yourdesignguide.design.blog/
 You would be hard-pressed to find a hotter topic than sustainability in the macro-economy. From emails from your favorite companies outlining their plans to reduce carbon emissions to promises on food packaging that the contents are sustainably sourced, it is a part of our lives at every turn. In the design sector, sustainability serves multiple purposes. It helps homeowners reduce ongoing utility and maintenance costs. It appeals to an increasingly conscientious market. And it helps future-proof the home against tightening governmental standards. With this in mind, keep reading as we explore some of the most sustainable--yet stylish--materials in interior design and renovation. Recycled Glass Countertops There are many types of countertops that can be considered sustainable. For example, engineered quartz countertops are nonporous and low maintenance, limiting the ongoing need for cleaning resources. Similarly, granite countertops are extremely durable, making them a great choice for heavy duty usage without the threat of constant repairs. However, there is a new player in the countertop market that takes sustainability to the next level: countertops made from recycled glass. This innovative countertop solution is fabricated from post-consumer and industrial waste, such as old bottles, windows, and industrial glass. The waste glass is cleaned and carefully sorted by color and type. It is then broken down into various sizes, from fine particles to larger chips. Held in place with cement or a resin binder to form a solid slab, these durable countertops offer a striking appearance while significantly limiting the natural resources used during the manufacturing process for the ultimate sustainable countertop option. Low-E Windows  Windows are one of the most important components of a sustainable interior. First-rate windows will 1) create airtight transitions with the walls to eliminate transfer through the building envelope and 2) promote the flow of natural light throughout the interior for reduced reliance on electrical lighting sources. Increasingly, the most sustainable homes are looking at windows with innovative low-E glazing. This is a specialized type of glass with a microscopically thin, transparent coating that helps reflect heat. This guarantees that the home will get all of the natural lighting on those long summer days without any of the accompanying heat increase known to kick A/C into overdrive. Denim Insulation Without the proper insulation infrastructure, sustainability upgrades will be two steps forward, one step back. As such, ensuring sufficient R-value in the building envelope is crucial for maintaining a consistent interior environment without the need for HVAC intervention. Recently, sustainable insulation initiatives have moved past basic fiberglass or cellulose options. For example, recycled denim insulation offers an R-value just as impressive as these traditional insulation products. Sourced from 85% post-industrial denim, it is one of the top insulation options for conserving resources, reducing toxic off-gassing, and limiting embodied energy during the manufacturing process. Radiant Floor Heating  Radiant floor heating is a system of subfloor electric mats. Controlled by an app, it releases heat in a consistent, stovelike manner up through the flooring surface. This direct approach to heating can raise temperatures with a fraction of the energy of forced-air systems. Although estimates vary, it is generally believed that radiant heating systems are about 30% more efficient than traditional forced-air options. Furthermore, radiant heating is completely hidden from view and reduces noisy furnace usage, offering further benefit to interior design efforts. Sound Proof Door It is no secret that life is becoming increasingly remote. From work-from-home professionals to online students, many of the daily activities that used to require a commute can now be accomplished from the comfort of your own home. As such, modern interior design must be tailored to enhance at-home productivity. Demountable partition walls and decorative screen panels can be used to break up space and create privacy in open interiors. A sound proof interior door comes in stately oak varieties that offer a classy aspect while keeping home offices tranquil. Acoustic art panels can be added throughout the home’s interior to enhance aesthetics while limiting sound transfer through the walls. LED Handrails Railings are a point of emphasis in modern interiors. No longer a utilitarian found near staircases, modern railings must offer their own functional, aesthetic, and sustainability benefits to an interior. It is increasingly popular to use glass and stainless steel cable railings. These materials are sleek, low profile, and easy to clean. They offer seamless integration with the open interior and promote the flow of natural light throughout the home. It is also a great idea to explore lighted handrail options. This guarantees that staircases and lofts remain safe at all hours of the day. Look for innovative options that incorporate energy-efficient LED modules directly into the railing for premier sustainability. The Best Materials for a Sustainable, Stylish Interior To stay in line with the sustainability movement, modern interiors must be as long-lasting and energy efficient as possible. From recycled glass countertops to LED handrails, explore any of the ideas listed above for the ultimate in sustainable interior design. For more resources similar to this, explore the content at Jill Seidner Interior Design for ideas and inspiration! Author Bio Andrea Erickson is a freelance writer who loves sharing her knowledge and expertise in renovation and Interior Design. She lives in her hometown of Austin, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and decorating with her children. Andrea’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site. Get a FREE interior design consultation with membership: https://yourdesignguide.design.blog/ These little kitchens pack a big punch. Here's five ways you can maximize a modest kitchen: 1. Use Vertical Space Install open shelves, pot racks, or tall cabinets that reach the ceiling to take advantage of unused vertical areas. Store less-used items on higher shelves. 2. Choose Multi-Functional Furniture Incorporate pieces that serve multiple purposes—like a rolling island that doubles as prep space and storage, or a fold-down wall table for dining or extra counter space. 3. Opt for Light Colors and Reflective Surfaces Light cabinetry, backsplashes, and walls make the kitchen feel more open. Reflective finishes like glossy tiles or stainless steel appliances can bounce light and add a sense of spaciousness. 4. Declutter and Edit Ruthlessly Only keep what you use daily. Utilize drawer organizers, lazy Susans, and pull-out pantry systems to streamline storage. A clutter-free countertop instantly makes the space feel larger. 5. Use Smart Lighting Under-cabinet lighting and well-placed LED strips brighten up workspaces and make the kitchen feel bigger and more functional. Layered lighting can define zones and add depth. All images via Pinterest here. New book release: Your Design Guide: "How To Remodel A Bathroom" - buy the guide here! Get a FREE interior design consultation with membership: https://yourdesignguide.design.blog/    A concept board and mood board selections for an upcoming bathroom redesign project.  For flat rate bathroom design offers, visit here. Get a FREE interior design consultation with membership: https://yourdesignguide.design.blog/  Last year I worked on an investment renovation project for a multi-housing (4 units) property in Los Angeles. We renovated the exterior, interiors, kitchens, and baths. Here's a look of the completion photos from the MLS listing. If you're looking to renovate a property I offer some flat rate design services here.      Get a FREE interior design consultation with membership: https://yourdesignguide.design.blog/ There are plenty of good reasons to invest in a home improvement. You might want to ensure it’s able to meet the needs of a growing family, to make it better fit your style, or to make it easier to clean and take care of. However, your home is an asset with real monetary value, so it’s always wise to consider how any home projects can affect that value. Indeed, you might make certain changes specifically ot ensure that your home is a sound investment. Here are some that might be worth a real bump in that value.  Picture - CC0 License Start With Your Curb Appeal Don’t underestimate just how much a first impression counts, or how much outdoor improvements can add real value. In fact, outdoor upgrades, like adding a new front door, painting the exterior, or investing in new landscaping, can often offer a better return on investment than indoor projects. This is especially true of upgrades that extend your usable living space, such as a new deck, patio, or outdoor kitchen. What Is The Most Important Room Of The Home? If you’re looking at interior upgrades, then any that affect the shared and practical spaces of the home are worth taking a closer look at. Buyers often make their decisions based on the kitchen, and a thoughtful renovation, with new cabinets, countertops, appliances, or lighting, can offer some of the biggest returns on investment. Nowadays, open layouts, energy-efficient appliances, and smart storage solutions are especially wanted and not likely to go out of fashion anytime soon. You don’t need a complete kitchen transformation to keep up with the market, just the occasional update to match modern standards and trends. Don’t Forget The Bathroom While the kitchen might be the biggest star of any home, the bathroom is nearly as important. Even a mid-range bathroom model is one of the smarter home investments. Updating your fixtures, adding some fresh tiles, or even remodeling with new baths or showers, like those at newbathtech.com, can make a huge difference. Aside from a noticeable return, a bathroom that’s more comfortable and practical in an improvement in your everyday life. Add Some Livable Space At the end of the day, nothing is going to add value to a home like adding livable square footage, especially if you can do it without expanding the home’s footprint. The simplest way to do this is with a finished basement or an attic conversion, as shown at thisoldhouse.com, creating valuable space for a guest suite, home office, gym, or something else entirely. These areas often cost less per square foot to finish compared to full additions, yet still significantly boost functional space. They have to be fully functional, however, meaning they need proper insulation, lighting, and windows for safety. You don’t have to be ready to sell your home immediately to benefit from some sound investing. The long-term value these can add is worth it. What’s more, each of these upgrades comes with practical advantages, too, so they can also represent a real boost to your quality of life. Get a FREE interior design consultation with membership: https://yourdesignguide.design.blog/
Choose Dual-Purpose Furniture Opt for pieces that serve more than one function, like a desk that doubles as a vanity or a daybed with storage drawers. Wall-mounted desks or fold-down options also free up floor space when not in use. Use Vertical Space Install shelves above the desk or bed for books, decor, and office supplies. Tall bookcases or vertical organizers maximize storage without expanding your footprint. Create Zones with Layout & Decor Define your workspace with a small area rug, wall color, or lighting to visually separate it from the sleeping area. Even a slim screen or curtain can give the illusion of two distinct areas without taking up much room.   Get a FREE interior design consultation with membership: https://yourdesignguide.design.blog/ Offering a flat rate home office design for just $450, details here.  Loving these moody bathrooms in grays and blacks with a hint of natural elements for warmth. All images via Pinterest here.   Get a FREE interior design consultation with membership: https://yourdesignguide.design.blog/
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