David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Having a living space that’s well suited for entertaining friends and family is a top priority for many of today’s luxury homeowners. From backyard barbecues to holiday dinners, the house should be designed to seamlessly accommodate any gathering. Being the heart of the home, the kitchen will always have an important role when it comes to playing host. If you need a cooking space that meets your entertaining needs, here are a few key features to keep in mind. Open Concept The open layout has long been embraced by avid entertainers and for good reason. When your kitchen, dining and living areas effortlessly flow together, you can interact with guests while laying out hors d’oeuvres or putting the finishing touches on the main course. It allows everyone to freely mingle without being isolated in different rooms. Layered Lighting Just as it plays an integral role in any restaurant, the lighting in your kitchen requires careful consideration....

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com There’s nothing like walking into a home that defies any particular style or period of design. When the right elements come together to truly make a living space feel timeless and luxurious, the result is transcendent. Additionally, for homeowners who may not want to update their interiors every few years as fads come and go, there is much to be said about interior design that endures. If you happen to fall into this category, here are a few rules to help you create a home that feels timeless. Avoid Trends Have you ever looked at pictures of your home décor from just a few short years ago and wondered what you were thinking? Well, it was most likely trendy at the time. Rather than buying into styles that are all the rage right now, it’s wise to stick with design elements that have held their appeal over time. Mix and Match Feel free to create an eclectic mix of items that span a variety of different styles, like pairing contemporary furniture b...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Having a living space that’s well suited for entertaining friends and family is a top priority for many of today’s luxury homeowners. From backyard barbecues to holiday dinners, the house should be designed to seamlessly accommodate any gathering. Being the heart of the home, the kitchen will always have an important role when it comes to playing host. If you need a cooking space that meets your entertaining needs, here are a few key features to keep in mind. Open Concept The open layout has long been embraced by avid entertainers and for good reason. When your kitchen, dining and living areas effortlessly flow together, you can interact with guests while laying out hors d’oeuvres or putting the finishing touches on the main course. It allows everyone to freely mingle without being isolated in different rooms. Layered Lighting Just as it plays an integral role in any restaurant, the lighting in your kitchen requires careful consideration. It sh...

  David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Home designs traditionally featured rooms that were separated by walls and doors. Architectural trends have shifted and open floorplans have become increasingly popular. While many homeowners like the spacious feeling of an open floorplan, as well as the ability to easily keep an eye on their kids, some long for more privacy. A broken plan design can balance those priorities.  How Can Spaces be Separated in a Broken Plan Home? A broken plan falls between an open floorplan and a design with rooms that are completely separate. In a broken plan, the house has an open, spacious feel, but areas can be separated in various ways to provide privacy, or the option to have privacy when desired.  For example, partial walls that stand just a few feet high can be used to divide areas without completely blocking the view. If you choose partial walls, your kids will be able to play in their own area while you’re cooking in the kitchen. That ca...

  David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com I f you’re unhappy with the current layout and furnishings in your dining room, or if you would just like to switch things up, you have many options. Think about how you typically use the room, any problems you have encountered with its design, and ways to make it more functional and attractive. How Do You Use the Dining Room? Some families think of the dining room as a place to host formal gatherings and want its design to reflect that purpose. Others use the dining room on a regular basis for ordinary family meals and want a space that is functional and that has a relaxed atmosphere.  If you use the dining room for daily family dinners, choose a table that’s large enough for your immediate family and guests. If you use the room only for holiday gatherings and other special events, a long table that can accommodate a large group may be the best choice. If you would prefer to seat guests in smaller groups to promote more intimate con...

  David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com As luxury homeowners increasingly seek out amenity-filled residences, interest in personal yoga studios is on the rise. After all, if you can’t make it to your favorite yoga class, there’s nothing better than having your own space to practice right at home. For those who want to relax the mind while getting in some exercise, here are several tips for designing a yoga studio right under your roof. Pick the Right Space Perhaps the biggest challenge is finding where to create your studio. Ideally, it will be somewhere that’s free from any distractions or background noises. A separate cottage or guest house can be great for this, but if that’s not possible, a quiet part of the home will do just fine. Additionally, large windows that allow natural light and frame a peaceful view can help take your studio to the next level. Focus on Design Often, a yoga studio has a minimalist feel, so you’ll want to focus on keeping it organized and decluttere...

  David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com With most people spending more time at home than ever, it is not surprising that home design trends in 2021 will focus on comfort and functionality. From clean lines to homey touches that remind you of Grandma’s house,  some of these popular styles may surprise you. Grandmillenial Style  Inspired by the comforts of Grandma's home (cue the velvet sofa, needlepoint and floral curtains), millennials are decorating with a nostalgic sense of style. Expect to see vintage touches and old-school patterns mixed with bold, modern colors. Japandi Design  In a tumultuous year, the trend moves to a soothing neutral color palette. Enter Japandi style: a combination of Japanese design and Scandinavian minimalism that’s all about sleek lines and neutral color palettes. Check it out on Pinterest, which has seen the search for Japandi increase 100 percent in the past year.  Earth Tones  They’re back, replacing recent trends to...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Though often overlooked, lighting is one of the most complex elements of interior design. It can set the mood, illuminate a workspace or put the spotlight on your favorite work of art. So, if you want to add a touch of visual drama to your home, the lights are always a good place to start. Here are several ways to make your home stand out after the sun goes down. Artistic Chandeliers From classic to contemporary, a chandelier can instantly become the focal point in any space. Rather than simply illuminating an area, they are also exquisite works of art that provide the perfect combination of form and function. Often seen in great rooms, foyers and dining rooms, an ornate chandelier is sure to make a statement in your home. Hidden LED Lights Because they can be installed in unexpected places, like bookshelves, under kitchen cabinets or on the steps of a staircase, it’s easy to get creative with LED lights. When they’re hidden from view, there’s ...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Home improvements don’t necessarily take a lot of time or money—and you don’t have to be an experienced DYI-er to manage a simple face lift. A few easy fixes can make the difference between tired and a bright new look: Change out the kitchen hardware.  Add personality to kitchen cabinets and drawers with new pulls, available in a huge array of styles and materials. A couple of hours spent with a screwdriver can offer an attractive payoff.  Swap out the light fixtures.  Replace those dated glass globes with more contemporary styles. Hang a new chandelier over the dining room table. As long as the wiring is already in place, changing the fixtures is a fast project that brings major improvement to any room. Bring the outside in.  Especially in winter, bringing plants into a room adds a feeling of freshness and vitality. Choose from a variety of indoor plants that don’t require a lot of care—or if you have a truly black thumb, go...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com According to a recent report from Zillow, home builders are predicting that there will be a move away from open floor plans as homeowners seek out increased privacy, as well as an increased demand for more space.  Growing in popularity for decades, open floor plans have also been touted by popular home-design programs in recent years. In fact, Zillow research found that the share of for-sale listings mentioning open concept layouts more than doubled since 2015. However, in the wake of the coronavirus, homeowners are discovering that the lack of privacy involved in an open design concept can often be a detriment. In a recent survey by Zillow and The Harris Poll, 27 percent of those surveyed said they would consider moving to have a home with more rooms—one of the top reasons for considering a move—after spending more time at home because of coronavirus orders. Homebuilders agree. The experts at Berks Homes believe that homes built post-coron...