Luxury Home Design Tips

Luxury upgrades for inside your Malibu home

Foyer

1. Add an expanded coat closet with a bench. This gives residents and guests a place to store their coats and hats and sit while taking off their shoes.
2. Add some artwork or decorative elements. Wall art can help to add personality to the space and make it feel more welcoming. Choose pieces that reflect your individual style and taste.
3. Install a chandelier or pendant light if the ceiling is high enough. A chandelier or pendant light can add elegance to the space and create a good design focal point.
4. Add a rug. A rug allows those entering the home to wipe their shoes clean and prevent tracking additional dirt through the house.

Living room

1. Add a couch or loveseat. A new couch or loveseat can help update the look of the space and provide some extra seating. Choose unique or classic designs and quality fabrics to make the new pieces stand out.
2. Install new lighting. New light fixtures can add personality to the space and make it feel cozier and more inviting.
3. Add a large area rug. Adding a decorative area rug can help to define the space and provide extra warmth and comfort underfoot.
4. Add a coffee table and side tables. Tables provide a place for guests to set down their drinks or snacks and can also be used to hold flowers, magazines, books, or other accessories to serve as talking points while entertaining.

Kitchen

As any foodie knows, the kitchen is often the best renovation for return on investment. When it comes to upgrading kitchens in Malibu homes, below are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Add a new countertop. A new countertop can update the look of the space and provide extra workspace. Consider marble, granite, or quartz counters for a striking visual aesthetic.
2. Install new cabinets. New cabinets give the kitchen a fresh look and provide more storage space.
3. Add a backsplash. A backsplash will add personality to the space and help to protect the walls from culinary mishaps.
4. Install new appliances. New appliances give the kitchen a fresh look and improve functionality. For those who enjoy cooking, consider a double oven and choose full-sized models for both the refrigerator and freezer.
5. Add a kitchen island for extra counter and storage space, and even an extra sink or stovetop area. 

Bedrooms

1. Add a new bed frame. A new bed frame will update the look of the space and provide extra storage space.
2. Upgrade your mattress. If your mattress is more than seven years old, it’s time to consider a replacement. Consider splurging on one with extra heating or cooling features or smartphone integration for sleep tracking.
3. Install new window coverings. New curtains or blinds will update the look of the space and provide some privacy.
4. Add an area rug. Adding a rug that covers each side of the bed ensures there are no frozen feet when leaving the bed in the morning.
5. Add a dresser or chest of drawers to provide extra storage space for clothes and accessories.
6. Paint the walls a new color to update the look of the space and make it feel more welcoming. Choose a color that you love and that reflects your personal style. Note that shades of blue, green, pink, orange, silver, and yellow are associated with better sleep.

Bathrooms

For bathroom upgrades in your Malibu home, consider functionality and aim for a soothing atmosphere. Below are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Add a sound system or TV. Best for full bathrooms, the addition of the ability to listen to music or catch up on the news is a popular upgrade.
2. Add a new sink and faucet. Be sure to match the new faucet and any additional hardware used in the bathroom, like light switches and knobs.
3. Install a new vanity. A new vanity can help update the look of the space and provide more storage space.
4. Replace the toilet. Modern toilets come in a variety of aesthetics. Consider upgrading to a smart toilet for an array of features, such as self-cleaning.
5. Replace or add a new tub or shower. By upgrading the bathing options, you can enjoy additional showerheads, shower/sauna options, and perhaps a soaking tub for relaxing after a long day.
6. Don't forget about flooring. You can choose from many beautiful stone tiles, which tend to be low maintenance and come in an array of colors. Consider granite or marble tiles when planning your new bathroom design. For visual interest, you may enjoy adding a “tile rug”, a rectangular mosaic of tiles for visual appeal.

Office

1. Upgrade your computer. If your computer is outdated or slow, consider upgrading to a newer model. You may also want to add additional monitors to make working from home a more efficient experience.
2. Upgrade your phone. If you use your phone for work, consider upgrading to a newer model with more features.
3. Upgrade your internet connection. Internet provider options change regularly, so even if your existing Wi-Fi is pretty solid, you may want to consider upgrading your router and internet service to something faster.
4. Upgrade your desk to a newer model that gives you more space to work.
5. Upgrade your office chair to one that best suits your preferred seating arrangement. For those who enjoy sitting cross-legged, a yoga-inspired chair like the one by Pipersong can be a great option.
6. Install new shelving to organize and provide extra storage space for books, files, and other supplies.
7. Paint the walls a new color. Think about what feeling you want, as light blue shades help with clear thinking while darker blues aid stability and grounding.

Home gym

To add or upgrade a home gym in a Malibu home, consider how the space will be best used. Do you anticipate more weight-based or cardio-based exercises as the main focal point? Or is a more meditative space preferred? Once you know how you want to use the space, consider the following upgrades:

1. Upgrade your weights to newer, heavier models.
2. Upgrade your cardio equipment to newer, more advanced models. Many bikes, treadmills, and ellipticals offer live class subscriptions to make your home workout more social.
3. Add a mirror to monitor your form when you're working out and help you stay on track.
4. Add a TV to keep you entertained and motivated while you work out.
5. Add a sound system to provide some extra entertainment.

Upgrades to elevate your outdoor spaces

Landscaping

1. Add plants to enhance existing garden beds. Consider seasonal and perennial options.
2. Add mulch or rocks to provide some extra color and texture.
3. Add or expand a patio or deck to provide a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
4. Add garden beds to provide a place to grow flowers or vegetables year-round.
5. Alternatively, remove some garden beds and replace them with grass to expand the yard’s size.
6. Install fencing for visual interest. Fencing also provides privacy and a safety net for any family pets.

Outdoor entertainment

1. An outdoor dining table and chairs will give guests a place to eat when hanging out.
2. A BBQ area is wonderful for cooking food outdoors and entertaining guests.
3. Level up and install a swimming pool to provide a place to relax and cool off.
4. Outdoor lighting can extend the use of the space into the evening hours. Motion sensor lights save energy by turning off when no one is in the space.
5. Add a fire pit to provide a place to enjoy s'mores and keep warm on chilly autumn evenings.
6. Add quality furniture for outdoor relaxation.

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