IN Woodland Hills Spring 2019 | Page 18

SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT can be linked together with hinges and painted any color to create a private area. Though not soundproof, they can create an intimate atmosphere of privacy when needed for oneself or seeing clients. Tall silk plants, such as a series of ficus trees, can also be used to divide the space. Don’t skimp on your office chair! It’s likely a place where you will be sitting for several hours every single day. Make sure it’s comfortable and provides plenty of lumbar support, in addition to being an attractive addition to your office. Visit Spine-Health.com for some helpful suggestions on choosing the right chair that will work best for you. BATHROOM BEAUTY Though your bathroom may not spring to mind as the place to hold your next cocktail party, with the right accoutrements your bath can be a great place to hang out and enjoy life. And if you live with family members, it may be the only place in your house where you can truly be alone for a bit. Besides just being a place to “get ready” to meet the day, it’s also a relaxing space to recharge your batteries after a long week at work. Hydrotherapy is one of the best ways to relieve stress and help tired, overworked muscles. With tons of specialized showerheads, you can have everything from the sprinkle of a gentle rain to an invigorating massage to bring your body back to center. And a nice relaxing bath in a soaker tub can make the world go away for a while. Does all of this sound like a fantasy? Maybe not. According to designer Mary Laipple, Director of the Kitchen and Bath Design Studio at 84 Lumber, you may be able to make updates to your bath for less than you might expect. “If a homeowner is just updating and not moving plumbing, heating ducts and electricity, the makeover can start at around $10,000,” says Laipple. And the choices for today’s bath are incredibly enticing. She notes that many homeowners are opting for larger showers that will not only get you clean, but can also bathe you in LED lighting that changes colors to suit your mood. You can also enjoy your favorite music in the shower to either calm you down after a stressful day, or pep you up for the daily routine. Vanities and bath cabinetry have also arrived in the 21st century. Vanities are no longer empty-shell cabinets that open to a cavernous interior with little customization. Current options for drawers and cabinets include specialized areas for storing your blow dryer neatly away and stackable storage options for makeup. And while you’re standing in front of that vanity applying your makeup, you can watch TV in the mirror! New technology allows your favorite TV program to be projected onto the mirror, so you can keep up with the latest baseball scores or check the weather before going out. Slate and marble tile are always elegant options for bathrooms, but one of the latest trends in baths are porcelain tiles that mimic wood. These tiles come in sizes up to 48” and can be laid to look like natural woodgrain, without the worry of water damage. Laipple says the woodgrain appearance really warms up the bathroom. And speaking of warm – your toilet can be warm too! Homeowners can opt for a “throne” with a retractable base that comes out and heats your feet as well as the seat of the toilet. And new touchless flushing helps prevent the spread of germs among your family, along with a bidet, which ensures a much cleaner experience. 14 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags.com You spend so much time in your bathroom every day you owe it to yourself to make it a more enjoyable place. And, according to HGTV. com, bath remodels often offer a return on investment of more than 100%! KITCHEN MAKEOVER Whether your cooking style is Chicken Cordon Bleu, or just some great Pad Thai take-out from the corner restaurant, you need a place to prepare your meals that’s fun, organized and feels like home. Even in today’s hectic lifestyle, you’ll probably spend a significant amount of time each day in your kitchen. Though it’s a significant investment to update your kitchen, it’s a worthwhile endeavor from both a personal standpoint and a financial one. And, like bathrooms, HGTV.com estimates that a kitchen remodel can offer returns that are upwards of 100% on the resale of your house. According to Jamie Varner, owner of Varner Remodeling, most kitchen remodels start around $25,000, and on average will range up to about $50,000. You can give your kitchen a whole new look in any style from ultra- contemporary to French country in this price range. Your designer and builder can assist you with computer-aided design (CAD) to help you envision your dream. Some new trends in the kitchen include spacious farm sinks that offer tons of space for food prep. Clean, white subway tile can match virtually any décor, making it a popular choice for backsplashes. Recycled glass tiles can be found in any color for a look that’s great for your kitchen and great for the environment as well. Varner says that mosaic tiles are frequently used and can be laid in customized patterns for a uniquely personal look. Although cherry wood cabinets are popular, he’s seeing an increase in white cabinets. Cherry will give your kitchen a warm feel, while white cabinets will brighten the space and have a clean appearance. As for flooring, Varner notes, “You can’t go wrong with natural stone,” adding that travertine is extremely popular right now. After the stone is sealed, it’s an easy-care option for homeowners and offers a lot of longevity. It’s not just about the look you want to achieve in your kitchen, it’s also about the way it makes you, your family and your friends feel when you’re there.   ■