Author: rachel

Kitchens Energy Efficiency Hacks – And How LA Will Help Pay for It

Posted on by rachel

Adulting is expensive. Whether you’re setting up your first apartment or moving into a house, your kitchen is one spot where costs stack up. But what if your kitchen could save you money… every month? Enter: energy-efficient products.

Not only do energy-efficient kitchens help the planet (big win), but they also cut down your bills. Plus, in Los Angeles, you can actually get money back just for installing the right products. Sounds too good? Keep reading.

Why Go Energy Efficient in the Kitchen?

Think about it: your kitchen is full of appliances running 24/7. Fridge, dishwasher, oven, lights. They’re constantly draining power, even when you’re not using them. But with smarter, energy-efficient products, you can reduce how much energy your kitchen eats up and how much you’re paying for it.

Energy-efficient products = Less energy used = Lower bills + Smaller carbon footprint.

And if you’re designing or remodeling your kitchen, it’s the perfect time to build efficiency right in.

Affordable, High-Quality Kitchen & Bath Remodels in LA

Top Energy-Efficient Products for Your New Kitchen

Here’s where you can start upgrading:

– Refrigerators (Energy Star Certified)

Your fridge runs non-stop. Switching to an Energy Star-certified refrigerator can cut your energy use by about 15% compared to standard models. That’s like getting free electricity for almost two months a year.

– Dishwashers (Yes, They Matter)

Newer, efficient dishwashers use less water and less power. Bonus: They’re better at cleaning. Look for the Energy Star label here too.

– Induction Cooktops

Instead of heating your whole kitchen (like gas stoves), induction cooktops heat your pans directly. Faster cooking. Less wasted energy. And yes, they’re way safer too.

– LED Lighting

Switch out those basic bulbs for LED strips or bulbs. They last longer, use up to 90% less energy, and make your kitchen look cooler (literally and style-wise).

– Low-Flow Faucets

Less water doesn’t mean less pressure. Low-flow faucets can save gallons without sacrificing rinse power.

– Smart Plugs & Power Strips

Even when turned off, some appliances pull power. Smart plugs or advanced power strips stop that “phantom” energy loss.

How to Build Efficiency Into a New Kitchen

If you’re setting up a new kitchen from scratch, this is your moment to build smart from day one. Here’s how:

• Design with natural light: More windows = less daytime lighting needed.
• Pick Energy Star appliances when choosing your fridge, dishwasher, oven, etc.
• Install LED lighting under cabinets and in ceiling fixtures.
• Use smart timers for your lighting or plugs to control power automatically.
• Choose induction over gas when selecting your cooktop.
• Opt for light-colored surfaces (cabinets, counters). They reflect light better, reducing your lighting needs.

Rebates in Los Angeles – Get Paid to Save

Now here’s the fun part: Los Angeles will literally pay you for choosing energy-efficient appliances.

Some rebates you can snag:

LADWP (Los Angeles Department of Water and Power) Rebates

• Fridge rebate: Up to $75 back for Energy Star-certified refrigerators.
• Dishwasher rebate: Around $75 back.
• Smart thermostat rebate (good for the whole house): Up to $125 back.
• Lighting rebate: While individual bulbs don’t get cash back, upgrading to smart lighting systems might qualify in some rebate packages.
• Low-flow faucet rebates are often paired with water-saving programs—worth checking!

SoCalGas Rebates

• For energy-efficient natural gas appliances, like dishwashers or ovens, you can claim additional rebates (ranges from $50 to $200).

Statewide Programs

• California’s TECH Clean California program sometimes offers extra incentives for electrification (switching from gas to electric), especially induction cooktops.

How to Get These Rebates

• Keep your receipts.
• Apply online via the LADWP Rebate Center or SoCalGas rebate pages.
• Check eligibility before buying. Not every model qualifies.
• Many rebates require submitting within 6 months of purchase.

Bottom Line

Setting up a kitchen? Be smart. Go efficient. You’ll save energy, save cash, and help the planet. And thanks to LA’s rebate programs, you’ll actually get some money back in your pocket for making the right choices.

Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.

The Art of Slabs – Where Stone Meets Expression

Posted on by rachel

In today’s world of interior design, materials are no longer just functional they are expressive. One of the most striking examples of this evolution is slabs art, where natural stone transforms everyday surfaces like shower walls and kitchen countertops into true masterpieces. More than just stone, slabs become canvases. Every vein, every shade, every ripple across their surface tells a unique story, making each installation not just a utility, but a piece of art.

From Nature’s Quarries to Your Home

Natural stone slabs granite, marble, quartzite, onyx, and engineered materials are born in the heart of the earth. Over millennia, heat, pressure, and mineral deposits form intricate veins and colors that no artist’s brush can replicate. When these stones are quarried and cut into large slabs, they reveal breathtaking patterns. Each slab is inherently unique, offering designers and homeowners a one-of-a-kind material for showers, kitchen countertops, backsplashes, and statement walls.

Kitchen Countertops Functionality and Sculpture

The kitchen is no longer hidden away; it’s often the centerpiece of modern homes. As open-concept living has taken over, kitchens are now gathering spaces where aesthetics are as important as functionality. A stone countertop in this setting becomes more than just a workspace it’s a centerpiece, anchoring the design of the entire room.

Imagine a quartzite countertop where waves of color move like ocean currents across its surface, or a black granite island dotted with sparkling flecks like stars in a night sky. Designers often “bookmatch” slabs, flipping two adjacent slabs to mirror each other, creating symmetrical, artistic patterns across large surfaces. The result? Your kitchen becomes a gallery, your countertop the featured sculpture.

Yet beauty in stone does not sacrifice function. These materials are naturally durable, resistant to heat and scratching, and easy to maintain with proper sealing. In the marriage of art and practicality, stone slabs are an unrivaled choice.

Showers That Feel Like Art Galleries

In the bathroom, showers are no longer merely utilitarian spaces they’re sanctuaries. Slab showers, with large seamless walls of stone, create a luxurious, spa-like atmosphere. Unlike traditional tile installations, which have grout lines interrupting the surface, slab showers offer uninterrupted beauty. The eye moves smoothly across expansive surfaces, taking in the natural art of the stone.

Veins can be aligned vertically to draw the eye upward, adding a sense of height and drama. Alternatively, wide horizontal veins can create a calm, grounded effect. Light-colored marbles, like Calacatta or Carrara, offer elegance and brightness, while darker stones evoke intimacy and depth.

Backlit onyx slabs can take slab showers to an entirely new level. Onyx is translucent, allowing light to pass through. When paired with hidden LED lighting, the stone itself glows, creating an ethereal, luminous effect like bathing within a glowing gemstone.

The Art of Selection and Placement

Choosing the right slab is an art form in itself. Designers and fabricators often visit stone yards with clients to hand-select slabs. It’s not just about picking a color it’s about choosing a pattern, a movement, a story within the stone. Some clients fall in love with bold, dramatic veins, while others prefer soft, subtle marbling.

Once selected, precise planning determines how the slab will be cut and where its veins will flow. For countertops, island waterfalls—where the stone wraps down the sides—allow continuous movement from surface to floor. In showers, the layout considers focal points, ensuring the most striking parts of the slab are placed at eye level or where natural light can enhance their beauty.

Sustainable, Timeless Beauty

Stone slabs are also a sustainable choice. Unlike manmade materials that imitate stone, natural slabs require no additional resources for coloring or texturing they come as they are from nature. With proper care, stone installations can last for decades, aging gracefully with the home. Their timelessness means they won’t go out of style, making them both an aesthetic and financial investment.

Ultimately, slabs art is about more than luxury it’s about personal expression. No two slabs are the same. Whether you choose a bold marble for your kitchen, a glowing onyx for your shower, or a deep granite for your bathroom walls, you are not just installing stone; you’re bringing a piece of nature’s artwork into your home.

In the world of modern design, where mass produced materials dominate, slabs art offers authenticity, character, and the quiet power of natural beauty. Your home becomes a gallery, and your surfaces, the art.

Tips to Make a Small Bathroom Feel Bigger – Los Angeles Homes

Posted on by rachel

Living in Los Angeles means making the most of every square foot. With rising real estate prices and the popularity of charming, older homes, many Angelenos find themselves working with compact bathrooms. But small doesn’t have to mean cramped or cluttered. With thoughtful design, strategic choices, and a bit of creativity, you can transform your small bathroom into a space that feels open, airy, and inviting.

Here are expert tips tailored for Los Angeles homes to help make your small bathroom feel bigger:

Use Light, Neutral Colors

In a city like Los Angeles, where sunshine is abundant, you can take advantage of natural light to make your bathroom feel larger. Soft, neutral tones like whites, beiges, pale grays, or pastels reflect light and open up the space visually. Paint the walls, ceiling, and even the cabinetry in light colors to create a seamless, expansive look.

If your bathroom lacks windows, consider warm whites with a satin finish to bounce artificial light and prevent the space from feeling flat or sterile.

Install Large Mirrors

Mirrors are one of the simplest ways to double the perceived space in a small bathroom. A large mirror above the sink or even a full wall mirror can reflect both light and surroundings, making the room feel twice its size.

In Los Angeles homes where style matters, consider a custom-framed mirror that complements your design while maximizing space. Frameless or floating mirrors work well for modern and minimalist looks.

Opt for a Floating Vanity or Pedestal Sink

Floor space is visual space. By choosing a floating vanity or pedestal sink, you expose more floor area, creating a lighter, less bulky appearance. A floating vanity also offers the bonus of under-sink storage for small baskets or decorative bins.

In tight quarters, a corner sink can also save precious inches without sacrificing functionality perfect for vintage LA bungalows or guest bathrooms in Spanish-style homes.

Use Glass Shower Doors

Ditching the traditional shower curtain and opting for a frameless glass shower door makes a massive difference in opening up your space. A clear, unobstructed line of sight extends the view and prevents the bathroom from feeling cut in half.

If privacy is a concern, consider lightly frosted or textured glass that still allows light flow while offering a subtle screen.

Maximize Vertical Storage

When square footage is limited, go up—not out. Install floating shelves, tall cabinets, or wall-mounted organizers to take advantage of vertical space.

In Los Angeles homes, where style meets function, you can combine open shelving with decorative baskets or jars to keep things organized while adding a personal touch. Recessed shelving in the shower area or above the toilet is another space-saving solution that doesn’t protrude into the room.

Incorporate Recessed or Minimalist Lighting

Bulky light fixtures can overwhelm a small bathroom. Recessed lighting or wall sconces free up space and create a clean, streamlined look. Natural daylight is a big bonus, so if you’re planning a renovation, consider adding a skylight a popular feature in many Southern California homes.

Dimmer switches are another great addition, allowing you to create a spa-like ambiance without adding clutter.

Choose Large Floor Tiles

It might sound counterintuitive, but larger floor tiles (such as 12×24 or even 24×24 inches) can make a small bathroom look bigger. Fewer grout lines mean less visual interruption, which gives the illusion of a more expansive floor.

Stick to light-colored tiles with minimal pattern for the best effect. Bonus: light-colored tiles stay cooler in the LA heat!

Declutter and Embrace Minimalism

Small bathrooms cannot afford clutter. Store only what you need, and keep countertops as clear as possible. Use built-in storage options and limit your color palette to 2–3 hues for a cleaner, more cohesive appearance.

In Los Angeles, where interior design often reflects a laid-back, breezy lifestyle, a minimalist approach can also increase the resale value of your home.

Add a Touch of Greenery

A small potted plant or a wall-mounted succulent arrangement can add freshness and life to your bathroom without taking up much space. Choose low-maintenance plants like snake plants, pothos, or air plants that thrive in humidity.

This small design element adds vibrancy and fits well with the indoor-outdoor living style popular in many LA neighborhoods.

Making a small bathroom feel bigger doesn’t always require a major renovation. By using space-smart techniques and thoughtful design, you can create a functional, stylish bathroom that feels open and serene even in the heart of Los Angeles. Whether you live in a cozy Venice cottage, a Highland Park craftsman, or a downtown loft, thanks for Kitchen and Bath Los Angeles’s team of expert’s tips you can turn your small bathroom into one of your favorite rooms in the house.

Also Read: Kitchen Trends Taking Over Los Angeles Homes

Safe Kitchens – Smart living

Posted on by rachel

Kitchen might be where the snacks live, but it’s also where heat, sharp stuff, and spills all hang out. So if you’re planning a kitchen upgrade (or just dreaming of one), let’s talk about making it safe, without killing the vibe.

First off: countertops. Go for stone like granite or quartz. They look amazing, and more importantly, they can handle hot pans, knife slips, and the chaos of cooking without cracking under pressure (just like during family dinner).

Flooring matters too. Slippery tiles? Nope. Go for slip-resistant stone or textured tiles that help keep you on your feet, even when dancing while waiting for your pasta to boil.

Let’s talk power – Modern kitchens need smart electric setups. That means GFCI outlets around anything water-related. Basically, they stop you from getting zapped if things go sideways. Safe = smart.

The hood over your stove? Not just a fancy fan. A good one made of stainless steel or glass pulls out smoke and grease like a pro. New ones even come with auto shut-off or sensors that adjust the fan when things heat up.

And lighting? Don’t sleep on it. LED under-cabinet lights = clear view of cutting board and no burn risk. Win-win.

Last but not least: smart tech. Motion-sensor faucets, induction cooktops (only heat the pan, not the counter), and Wi-Fi ovens you can control from your phone? Total game changers.

Bottom line: Safe kitchens aren’t boring, they’re genius. Cook smart, stay safe, and keep your kitchen as fire as your food (but not literally).

More Room, More Value! Home Additions Are Booming in L.A.

Posted on by rachel

In a city where everyone’s trying to make it big, sometimes your house needs to catch up. That’s why home additions are having a major moment in Los Angeles because let’s face it, we all need more space to fit our dreams, our stuff, and maybe that Peloton that’s still in the box.

  • Bigger Homes, Bigger Wallets
    In L.A., it’s all about location, location, location—and the bigger your house, the better your chance of impressing your neighbors or even snagging a better resale value. People aren’t just buying bigger homes—they’re building them! Whether it’s an extra bedroom, a home office, or a celebrity-style walk-in closet, more square footage equals more value when it comes time to sell.
  • Room for All the Things
    Let’s not sugarcoat it: L.A. homes can feel like they were designed by a minimalist who forgot to include storage. So, people are adding space to stash their ever-growing collections—whether it’s the piles of Amazon packages, your vintage vinyl collection, or a proper guest room for that cousin who “only needs to crash for a couple of days” (hint: it’s been weeks).
  • The Ultimate Staycation
    Why go on vacation when you can add a pool, a sauna, or a rooftop lounge? With L.A.’s sunny weather, homeowners are turning their backyards into luxurious retreats. A well-designed home addition can turn a regular house into a personal resort—just add a margarita machine, and you’re good to go.

Kitchen Trends Taking Over Los Angeles Homes

Posted on by rachel

In Los Angeles, kitchens are no longer just places for cooking, they’ve become sophisticated spaces for entertaining, relaxing, and making a statement. As the heart of the home, the kitchen is evolving with bold designs and luxurious touches that reflect the city’s love for opulence, functionality, and style. Here’s a look at some of the kitchen trends dominating LA homes today.

  • High-End Appliances
    Luxury kitchen appliances are a must in LA’s upscale homes. Brands like Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Miele are the go-to choices for homeowners who want top-of-the-line performance and sleek designs. From professional-grade ovens to state-of-the-art refrigerators, these appliances bring both functionality and elegance to the space.
  • Open Concept Layouts
    Open-concept kitchens are more popular than ever, creating seamless transitions between the cooking area, dining space, and living room. This trend caters to modern lifestyles where socializing and cooking go hand-in-hand. Large kitchen islands with built-in seating have become a focal point, offering both prep space and a gathering spot for guests.
  • Marble and Stone Finishes
    Natural stone materials, particularly marble and quartz, have seen a significant rise in popularity. Marble countertops with intricate veining add a touch of grandeur, while quartz offers durability and versatility without compromising on style. These materials are being used for everything from countertops to backsplashes, creating a luxurious aesthetic.
  • Smart Kitchens
    Technology is transforming LA kitchens with smart home devices that enhance convenience. From voice-controlled lighting to refrigerators with touchscreens and app integration, these high-tech additions make meal preparation easier and more efficient.

As LA homeowners continue to invest in their kitchens, these trends demonstrate a growing desire for spaces that combine luxury, function, and modern convenience, making the kitchen a central hub of everyday life.

How Trump’s Foreign Tax Thrift Might Mess With Your Dream Kitchen (Just a Little)

Posted on by rachel

If you’ve been dreaming of that Pinterest-worthy kitchen with a waterfall quartz island or a spa-inspired bathroom with gold fixtures, hold that thought (just for a second). Thanks to Trump’s foreign tax thrift and the hefty tariffs on imported goods, your remodel might cost a bit more than expected.

But don’t panic. A smart contractor (like us) can help you pivot without sacrificing style. Now might be the perfect time to fall in love with locally sourced materials or at least come to terms with a slightly less sparkly sink.

With 25% tariffs now hitting essentials like steel, aluminum, lumber, and yes even those dreamy imported Italian tiles a contractor with the right connections and a flexible game plan is more valuable than ever.

Construction pros in Los Angeles are playing a daily game of “Will it cost more next week?” Some are even stocking up like it’s the apocalypse only with grout and hinges instead of toilet paper.

While corporate tax cuts are helping businesses stay afloat, rising material costs are eating into those savings fast.

The bottom line? Tariffs or not, your dream kitchen or bathroom is still possible with a little creativity, a solid plan, and maybe fewer imported marble elephants. We’ve got your back.

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