What's in a Trend

Home trends can come and go almost as quickly as New York Fashion Week, however there are a few that have emerged this year with potential staying power. Trends can become timeless, just like your home.

1. Vintage Kitchen
All that is old is new again with vintage appliances and finishes making a bold statement in one of the trickiest places in a home to keep current. Retro appliances can be found in almost any color, but is best to go with classic silver and mix it up with soft paint colors on cabinets and lighter flooring. 

2. Wall Texture

From reclaimed wood to exposed brick to intricate crown moulding, wall textures are back and in more varieties to choose from. The goal is to provide one textured accent wall - this concept works best in living and dining areas. 

3. Statement Bathroom Mirrors

Say goodbye to wall to wall mirrors, individual framed mirrors compliment any sized vanity, whether you have a double or single vanity. Statement mirrors add a touch of custom charm to your powder room or master suite. 

4. Residential Elevators

Not just for mansions, residential elevators are emerging in any capacity split level homes and are perfect for multi-generational families. Now you see them, now you don't... residential elevators can be custom built to hide behind almost any paneled door. 

5. Quiet Rooms

Do you wish there was a room in your home that didn't contain an iPod, iPad, iPhone, television, gaming center, or streaming device? You are not alone, as gadget free living rooms are a luxury in their own right. Homeowners are going out of their way to create a space that doesn't need to be plugged in to function. 

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe

If you had to select between the 5 most prevalent architectural styles in Los Angeles, do you know which you would choose? Here's an overview of each to help you decide... or make you as indecisive as ever. 

1. Mid-Century Modern. Synonymous with the Southern California lifestyle, Mid-century modern architecture was introduced to Los Angeles in the late 1940's. Floor to ceiling windows, flat top roofs, exposed beams, indoor/outdoor flow... starchitects were born. Modernist living is still alive and well, with clean simple lines and desirable floor plans that still appeal to today's buyers.

2. Tudor. Classic English Tudor homes are commonly seen while weaving through the Los Angeles canyons or the flats of Beverly Hills and Hancock Park. Typically built in the 1920's and 30's, classic interior features include rich hardwood floors, wood paneling, formal library/study, lavish entryways and staircases. Tudor style houses are distinguished by their steep gable roofs, stone or stucco walls with decorative brick trim, and quintessential casement windows. 

3. Spanish. Just like it's Los Angeles heritage, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture exudes comfort, charm, and style. The ideal climate for Mediterranean inspired homes, it's no wonder Spanish style homes are at the top of the list for many Angelenos. Arched doorways, hand painted tiles, terra cotta roofs, detailed iron railings, and interior courtyards are just a few of their many unique features. 

4. Craftsman. Also referred to as a bungalow, Craftsman homes are among some of the oldest built homes in Southern California. Dating as far back to the late 1800's, Craftsman homes are very popular amongst home preservationist and historians looking to bring the home back to its original glory. Seen mainly in Pasadena, central Los Angeles and Santa Monica with wide front porches, tapered columns, multi paned doors and windows, dormers, and exposed rafter tails. 

5. Ranch. It wouldn't be the 1960's in California without a burgeoning of ranch style houses. Most often long and single level with an attached two car garage, living areas on one wing of the house and bedrooms on the other. Other frequently encountered ranch traits include vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, simple exterior trim with long hanging eaves, and sliding glass doors which open to a back patio. 

Mini Makeover

Thinking of selling, or maybe just want to increase the value of your home? Here are some top ranked improvements, listed by highest rate of return, sure to give your property a double take.

1. New Front Door- A front door is the first impression of your home, have you ever heard of home buyers specifically envisioning their home with a 'red door'? It is just as if not more common than the picket fence cliche, and who knew, simply switching out your front door has a return on investment at 98%

2. Replace Old Siding- Think of this as microdermabrasion for your home- it can lift 10 years off the face of your most beloved investment. There is nothing as unsettling for a potential home buyer to walk up and notice the peeling of weather stained siding and dry rot damage. Return on investment, an impressive 84%

3. Minor Kitchen Remodel- It's not always necessary, or fiscally responsible to take on a full kitchen gut/remodel. Painting older darker cabinets white (which is the most desirable kitchen color), replacing old knobs with fresh sleek modern brass handles, and trading up to matching appliances is sometimes all you need. Return on investment, around 82%

4. Garage Door Replacement - This goes along with the front door replacement concept, it is a relatively small improvement for maximum aesthetic (and sometimes functional) results. A new garage door not only improves the exterior appeal of your home, but also puts home buyers at ease that it's going to open and close as promised. Return on investment, a sturdy 81%

5. Deck Addition - Especially for homeowners who live in mild climates, a deck addition completes the indoor/outdoor living concept by providing usable outdoor space to entertain guests or to simply unwind on a patio chair underneath a massive canopy. Whether or not you are actually relaxing in the south of France, this return on investment will still garner 80%