Information on home design, including new home design, remodeling, mid-century modern architecture, sesimic upgrades and other home improvements.

What’s In an Architectural Style?

If you’ve done any house-hunting in the Bay Area, you might have heard the terms Art Deco, Arts and Crafts Style, Bungalow, Modern, Contemporary, Mid-Century Modern, Cape Cod Style, Colonial and Victorian – to name a few of the architectural styles. The problem is, some of these terms are used interchangeably, when they are distinct.

What is SB 9 and Why Should I Care?

SB 9 signed into law by Governor Newsom in September  SB 9, dubbed the California HOME (Housing Opportunity & More Efficiency) Act, sponsored by State Senator Toni G. Atkins, is a part of the Senate’s Building Opportunities for All housing package. According to Senator Atkin’s fact sheet, “The bill establishes a statewide path for homeowners

Kitchen Retrofit for Aging in Place: Countertops, Sinks & Floors

After tackling your layout, cabinets and drawers, the next step in your kitchen retrofit for aging in place is planning your countertops, sinks and floors. The right countertops, sinks and floors can provide added accessibility and enhance food safety and fall prevention efforts for those with mobility or vision problems. Kitchen Countertops Height To make

Changing Demands Cause Uptick in Home Projects

Despite the challenges, the building trades have experienced a decided uptick in activity in 2021, according to the Houzz Barometer. Professionals in the residential design and construction field seem confident that the trend will continue. As we pointed out in an earlier post, the pandemic has forced homeowners to rethink essential home design. A study

Bathroom Retrofit for Aging in Place: Sinks, Cabinets & Toilets

After the kitchen, the bathroom retrofit is probably the most important and challenging modification you can make for safe aging in place. The potential for water on the floor, combined with the need to maneuover into and out of a shower or tub or onto a toilet, raises the risk of a serious fall among

Bathroom Retrofit for Aging in Place: Tubs & Showers

In any bathroom retrofit for aging in place, the bathtub and shower are likely to be key considerations. Getting into and out of the tub or shower presents challenges and risks for those with limited mobility or vision, so selecting the right product for your abilities and lifestyle is important. General Safety Recommendations Regardless of