TIPS, TRICKS & TRENDS

By Sabrina Phillips August 31, 2025
The holiday season always seems to sneak up faster than we expect. Between planning meals, hosting gatherings, and creating a warm, welcoming space, the kitchen inevitably becomes the heart of it all. If you’ve been thinking about sprucing up, refreshing, or even remodeling your kitchen, starting early is one of the smartest moves you can make. Here are five reasons why: 1. Beat the Holiday Rush Contractors, designers, and suppliers get busier as the holidays approach. By starting early, you secure the help you need before everyone else is scrambling to update their homes. This means fewer delays, smoother scheduling, and more focused attention on your project. 2. Plenty of Time for Planning A kitchen remodel isn’t just about choosing countertops or cabinets—it’s about designing a space that truly works for your lifestyle. Starting early gives you the time to carefully plan, compare options, and make decisions without the pressure of a looming holiday deadline. 3. Avoid Supply Chain Stress With the increased demand during the fall and winter season, popular items like appliances, fixtures, or specialty finishes can be on backorder. Beginning now allows you to order what you need well in advance, so you don’t get caught waiting on deliveries when the big celebrations roll around. 4. Enjoy the Holidays Stress-Free Imagine walking into your newly refreshed kitchen, everything in place, ready for family gatherings, cookie baking, and festive dinners. By starting early, you can actually enjoy the holidays without the chaos of last-minute renovations—or worse, a kitchen still under construction. 5. Add Value and Warmth to Your Home Beyond the holidays, your updated kitchen continues to pay off. It’s an investment that adds beauty, function, and value to your home. You’ll love entertaining in it now, but you’ll also benefit from the upgrades long after the holiday season is over. Starting your kitchen project early ensures you’re ready for the season of joy, connection, and celebration. With the right planning and design, your kitchen can become the heart of your home—just in time for the holidays. Thinking about a remodel? Let’s talk about how we can make your kitchen your new favorite space! Designing Women of Orange County 949.371.9075
By Sabrina Phillips August 31, 2025
The holidays are right around the corner—bringing with them cozy gatherings, festive meals, and quality time with loved ones. While the season is filled with joy, it can also shine a spotlight on areas of your home that feel cramped, outdated, or just not as functional as you’d like. That’s why now is the perfect time to start a home remodel and get your space holiday-ready. Create Space for Entertaining From Thanksgiving feasts to holiday parties, the heart of every celebration is often the home. A remodel allows you to open up your living areas, reimagine your kitchen, or add more seating options so guests feel comfortable and welcome. Even small changes—like updating your kitchen layout or improving flow between rooms—can make hosting stress-free. Upgrade Functionality Where It Matters The holidays bring a lot of extra activity: cooking big meals, overnight guests, and family traditions. A remodel can give you more storage, modern appliances, or a refreshed bathroom that makes everything run smoother. Functionality upgrades not only make your life easier during the holidays but also add long-term value to your home. Refresh the Look and Feel Your home sets the backdrop for holiday memories. A fresh coat of paint, updated flooring, or new lighting can instantly elevate your space, making it warm and inviting for the season. These updates also give you a home that you’ll continue to enjoy long after the holiday lights come down. Avoid the Holiday Rush Contractors and designers tend to book up quickly as the holidays approach. Starting now gives you the advantage of securing time with professionals and ensuring your project is completed in time to enjoy your remodeled home during the season’s celebrations. Invest in Memories, Not Just Materials At the end of the day, a remodel isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating an environment where you can make lasting memories. From baking cookies with the kids to sharing laughter around the dinner table, your home should be a place that supports and enhances every holiday moment. Starting your remodel now means you’ll be ready to welcome family and friends into a home that’s not only beautiful but also functional, inviting, and truly holiday-ready. Thinking about a remodel? Let’s talk about how we can make your kitchen your new favorite space! Designing Women of Orange County 949.371.9075
By Sabrina Phillips July 31, 2025
What if we told you that your daily routine could feel more like a retreat? That every time you stepped into your bathroom, you’d feel like you were walking into a serene spa rather than a cramped, outdated space? A bathroom remodel can do exactly that. With thoughtful design choices and the right details, you can turn even the most basic bathroom into a calming, spa-like oasis—and you don’t need a passport or plane ticket to enjoy it. The Power of a Spa-Inspired Bathroom Remodel A spa-like bathroom is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about how the space makes you feel. Soft lighting, calming colors, clean lines, and natural textures all play a part in creating a peaceful atmosphere. When done right, a bathroom remodel can shift your entire morning and evening routine from rushed to relaxing. Here’s how a remodel can bring that luxurious, vacation-vibe to your home: 1. Upgrade to a Luxurious Shower or Soaking Tub Swap your standard shower for a rainfall showerhead or install a deep soaking tub—suddenly, you’re not just washing up, you’re unwinding. Frameless glass showers, bench seating, steam features, and freestanding tubs all elevate the experience and make it feel more like a daily indulgence. 2. Add Spa-Like Details Small details make a big impact. Heated towel racks, soft-close drawers, ambient lighting, and built-in storage can turn an everyday bathroom into a place you look forward to. Even something as simple as installing dimmable lights or built-in speakers for calming music can make your space feel more intentional and peaceful. 3. Focus on Cleanliness and Clarity One of the hallmarks of a spa is its uncluttered, clean environment. A remodel gives you the opportunity to improve storage, hide cords, organize your products, and eliminate clutter. The result? A space that feels cleaner, clearer, and more relaxing every time you walk in. 4. Make It a Personal Retreat Design your remodeled bathroom with your lifestyle in mind. Whether that’s a vanity with perfect lighting for your skincare routine or a soaking tub for winding down after work, tailor the space to your own version of comfort. When your bathroom reflects what you need to recharge, it becomes more than just functional—it becomes a destination. Bring the Spa Home You don’t need a weekend getaway to feel refreshed. A bathroom remodel can bring the peace and luxury of a spa retreat into your daily life. Imagine stepping into your bathroom and instantly feeling calm, refreshed, and ready to take on the day—or unwind from it. That’s the power of a thoughtfully remodeled space. Ready to create your own personal spa? Let’s talk about what’s possible for your bathroom. Your daily escape could be just a remodel away. Designing Women of Orange County 949.371.9075
By Sabrina Phillips July 31, 2025
If you've ever struggled to find counter space while cooking, or felt overwhelmed by a cluttered kitchen, you're not alone. The kitchen is the heart of the home, but when it's not functioning well, it can feel more like a daily frustration than a place of creativity and comfort. That’s where a kitchen remodel comes in—it's not just about looks, it’s about creating a space that truly works for you. Here’s how a kitchen remodel can dramatically improve your space, enhance organization, and make meal prep a whole lot easier: 1. Maximize Your Space Many older kitchens weren’t designed with modern lifestyles in mind. A remodel can reconfigure your layout to better suit the way you cook and move. Whether it’s knocking down a wall for an open-concept design or adding an island for more prep space, remodeling gives you the opportunity to expand or better utilize every square inch. Bonus: More space also means it’s easier for more than one person to be in the kitchen without bumping elbows! 2. Smart Storage Solutions Customized cabinets, pull-out drawers, hidden spice racks, vertical storage—you name it. A remodel allows you to add storage solutions that keep everything within reach but out of sight. No more digging through cluttered drawers or dealing with mismatched Tupperware. With better organization, you can focus on cooking instead of hunting for your favorite pan. 3. Efficient Workflow The “kitchen triangle” is a classic design principle for a reason: it places the stove, refrigerator, and sink within a few steps of each other, making meal prep feel more seamless. A remodel gives you the chance to improve your kitchen’s flow so you’re not constantly walking back and forth while cooking. 4. Upgraded Appliances and Layout Older appliances can be clunky, inefficient, and poorly placed. A remodel lets you integrate modern, energy-efficient appliances that actually support the way you cook. Think built-in microwaves, induction cooktops, double ovens, and smart refrigerators—all designed to make life easier and cooking faster. 5. A Place for Everything A well-planned remodel makes room for everything—your cookware, pantry staples, and even those small appliances you use every day. By assigning a “home” for each item, clean-up becomes quicker and less stressful, and cooking feels more like a joy than a chore. Ready to Rethink Your Kitchen? If your kitchen no longer works for your lifestyle, a remodel can bring order, space, and ease back into your everyday routine. From making dinner after a long day to hosting family and friends, a well-designed kitchen becomes a space you enjoy spending time in—and that’s a game-changer. Thinking about a remodel? Let’s talk about how we can make your kitchen your new favorite space! Designing Women of Orange County 949.371.9075
By Sabrina Phillips June 30, 2025
When it comes to remodeling your home, it’s tempting to dive into a DIY project—especially with endless inspiration on Pinterest and YouTube. But while DIY can seem like a budget-friendly and creative option, it often ends up being more time-consuming, costly, and stressful than homeowners anticipate. That’s where a professional designer comes in. Choosing to work with a designer offers countless advantages that go far beyond what you might expect. Here’s why hiring a designer is a smart investment—and why DIY remodeling might not be worth the risk. 1. Designers See the Big Picture You may have a vision for your kitchen, bathroom, or entire home, but a designer brings clarity and cohesion to that vision. They know how to blend functionality with style, and they’re trained to think through the flow of a space, its lighting, and how the design will actually work day-to-day. What might look great on a mood board might not work in real life—designers know the difference and will help you avoid costly mistakes. 2. Access to Better Resources and Materials Designers have connections. They can source high-quality materials, furnishings, and fixtures that aren’t always available to the general public. Plus, they often receive trade discounts, which can help stretch your budget further. A designer can introduce you to a world of options that you may not even know existed—and ensure your space stands out in the best way. 3. Saves Time and Reduces Stress A remodel can be a full-time job, especially when problems inevitably pop up. A designer handles the planning, sourcing, coordinating with contractors, and troubleshooting—so you don’t have to. Instead of spending weekends in hardware stores or second-guessing your paint choice at 2 a.m., you get to enjoy the process while someone else manages the details. 4. Avoid Costly Mistakes DIY remodeling is notorious for going over budget. One wrong measurement or installation mishap can set you back hundreds—or thousands—of dollars. Designers help you plan correctly the first time, preventing expensive redos. Their experience allows them to foresee issues before they arise, and their oversight ensures your remodel stays on track. 5. Add Real Value to Your Home A professionally designed home doesn’t just look better—it often appraises higher too. Whether you plan to live in your home for years or sell soon, a designer-led remodel can increase your home's value and appeal. Potential buyers notice thoughtful layouts, timeless finishes, and smart storage solutions—all things designers excel at delivering. While DIY might seem like the more economical choice upfront, the long-term benefits of hiring a professional designer far outweigh the initial savings. With expert guidance, creative vision, and project management skills, a designer helps you create a space that’s beautiful, functional, and built to last. Your home is too important to leave to chance. Let a designer bring your dream remodel to life—the right way. Whether you are looking to sell your home, or just want to make a change, Call Designing Women of Orange County today to see what we can do for you! Designing Women of Orange County 949.371.9075
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By Sabrina Phillips August 31, 2025
The holiday season always seems to sneak up faster than we expect. Between planning meals, hosting gatherings, and creating a warm, welcoming space, the kitchen inevitably becomes the heart of it all. If you’ve been thinking about sprucing up, refreshing, or even remodeling your kitchen, starting early is one of the smartest moves you can make. Here are five reasons why: 1. Beat the Holiday Rush Contractors, designers, and suppliers get busier as the holidays approach. By starting early, you secure the help you need before everyone else is scrambling to update their homes. This means fewer delays, smoother scheduling, and more focused attention on your project. 2. Plenty of Time for Planning A kitchen remodel isn’t just about choosing countertops or cabinets—it’s about designing a space that truly works for your lifestyle. Starting early gives you the time to carefully plan, compare options, and make decisions without the pressure of a looming holiday deadline. 3. Avoid Supply Chain Stress With the increased demand during the fall and winter season, popular items like appliances, fixtures, or specialty finishes can be on backorder. Beginning now allows you to order what you need well in advance, so you don’t get caught waiting on deliveries when the big celebrations roll around. 4. Enjoy the Holidays Stress-Free Imagine walking into your newly refreshed kitchen, everything in place, ready for family gatherings, cookie baking, and festive dinners. By starting early, you can actually enjoy the holidays without the chaos of last-minute renovations—or worse, a kitchen still under construction. 5. Add Value and Warmth to Your Home Beyond the holidays, your updated kitchen continues to pay off. It’s an investment that adds beauty, function, and value to your home. You’ll love entertaining in it now, but you’ll also benefit from the upgrades long after the holiday season is over. Starting your kitchen project early ensures you’re ready for the season of joy, connection, and celebration. With the right planning and design, your kitchen can become the heart of your home—just in time for the holidays. Thinking about a remodel? Let’s talk about how we can make your kitchen your new favorite space! Designing Women of Orange County 949.371.9075
By Sabrina Phillips August 31, 2025
The holidays are right around the corner—bringing with them cozy gatherings, festive meals, and quality time with loved ones. While the season is filled with joy, it can also shine a spotlight on areas of your home that feel cramped, outdated, or just not as functional as you’d like. That’s why now is the perfect time to start a home remodel and get your space holiday-ready. Create Space for Entertaining From Thanksgiving feasts to holiday parties, the heart of every celebration is often the home. A remodel allows you to open up your living areas, reimagine your kitchen, or add more seating options so guests feel comfortable and welcome. Even small changes—like updating your kitchen layout or improving flow between rooms—can make hosting stress-free. Upgrade Functionality Where It Matters The holidays bring a lot of extra activity: cooking big meals, overnight guests, and family traditions. A remodel can give you more storage, modern appliances, or a refreshed bathroom that makes everything run smoother. Functionality upgrades not only make your life easier during the holidays but also add long-term value to your home. Refresh the Look and Feel Your home sets the backdrop for holiday memories. A fresh coat of paint, updated flooring, or new lighting can instantly elevate your space, making it warm and inviting for the season. These updates also give you a home that you’ll continue to enjoy long after the holiday lights come down. Avoid the Holiday Rush Contractors and designers tend to book up quickly as the holidays approach. Starting now gives you the advantage of securing time with professionals and ensuring your project is completed in time to enjoy your remodeled home during the season’s celebrations. Invest in Memories, Not Just Materials At the end of the day, a remodel isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating an environment where you can make lasting memories. From baking cookies with the kids to sharing laughter around the dinner table, your home should be a place that supports and enhances every holiday moment. Starting your remodel now means you’ll be ready to welcome family and friends into a home that’s not only beautiful but also functional, inviting, and truly holiday-ready. Thinking about a remodel? Let’s talk about how we can make your kitchen your new favorite space! Designing Women of Orange County 949.371.9075
By Sabrina Phillips July 31, 2025
What if we told you that your daily routine could feel more like a retreat? That every time you stepped into your bathroom, you’d feel like you were walking into a serene spa rather than a cramped, outdated space? A bathroom remodel can do exactly that. With thoughtful design choices and the right details, you can turn even the most basic bathroom into a calming, spa-like oasis—and you don’t need a passport or plane ticket to enjoy it. The Power of a Spa-Inspired Bathroom Remodel A spa-like bathroom is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about how the space makes you feel. Soft lighting, calming colors, clean lines, and natural textures all play a part in creating a peaceful atmosphere. When done right, a bathroom remodel can shift your entire morning and evening routine from rushed to relaxing. Here’s how a remodel can bring that luxurious, vacation-vibe to your home: 1. Upgrade to a Luxurious Shower or Soaking Tub Swap your standard shower for a rainfall showerhead or install a deep soaking tub—suddenly, you’re not just washing up, you’re unwinding. Frameless glass showers, bench seating, steam features, and freestanding tubs all elevate the experience and make it feel more like a daily indulgence. 2. Add Spa-Like Details Small details make a big impact. Heated towel racks, soft-close drawers, ambient lighting, and built-in storage can turn an everyday bathroom into a place you look forward to. Even something as simple as installing dimmable lights or built-in speakers for calming music can make your space feel more intentional and peaceful. 3. Focus on Cleanliness and Clarity One of the hallmarks of a spa is its uncluttered, clean environment. A remodel gives you the opportunity to improve storage, hide cords, organize your products, and eliminate clutter. The result? A space that feels cleaner, clearer, and more relaxing every time you walk in. 4. Make It a Personal Retreat Design your remodeled bathroom with your lifestyle in mind. Whether that’s a vanity with perfect lighting for your skincare routine or a soaking tub for winding down after work, tailor the space to your own version of comfort. When your bathroom reflects what you need to recharge, it becomes more than just functional—it becomes a destination. Bring the Spa Home You don’t need a weekend getaway to feel refreshed. A bathroom remodel can bring the peace and luxury of a spa retreat into your daily life. Imagine stepping into your bathroom and instantly feeling calm, refreshed, and ready to take on the day—or unwind from it. That’s the power of a thoughtfully remodeled space. Ready to create your own personal spa? Let’s talk about what’s possible for your bathroom. Your daily escape could be just a remodel away. Designing Women of Orange County 949.371.9075
By Sabrina Phillips July 31, 2025
If you've ever struggled to find counter space while cooking, or felt overwhelmed by a cluttered kitchen, you're not alone. The kitchen is the heart of the home, but when it's not functioning well, it can feel more like a daily frustration than a place of creativity and comfort. That’s where a kitchen remodel comes in—it's not just about looks, it’s about creating a space that truly works for you. Here’s how a kitchen remodel can dramatically improve your space, enhance organization, and make meal prep a whole lot easier: 1. Maximize Your Space Many older kitchens weren’t designed with modern lifestyles in mind. A remodel can reconfigure your layout to better suit the way you cook and move. Whether it’s knocking down a wall for an open-concept design or adding an island for more prep space, remodeling gives you the opportunity to expand or better utilize every square inch. Bonus: More space also means it’s easier for more than one person to be in the kitchen without bumping elbows! 2. Smart Storage Solutions Customized cabinets, pull-out drawers, hidden spice racks, vertical storage—you name it. A remodel allows you to add storage solutions that keep everything within reach but out of sight. No more digging through cluttered drawers or dealing with mismatched Tupperware. With better organization, you can focus on cooking instead of hunting for your favorite pan. 3. Efficient Workflow The “kitchen triangle” is a classic design principle for a reason: it places the stove, refrigerator, and sink within a few steps of each other, making meal prep feel more seamless. A remodel gives you the chance to improve your kitchen’s flow so you’re not constantly walking back and forth while cooking. 4. Upgraded Appliances and Layout Older appliances can be clunky, inefficient, and poorly placed. A remodel lets you integrate modern, energy-efficient appliances that actually support the way you cook. Think built-in microwaves, induction cooktops, double ovens, and smart refrigerators—all designed to make life easier and cooking faster. 5. A Place for Everything A well-planned remodel makes room for everything—your cookware, pantry staples, and even those small appliances you use every day. By assigning a “home” for each item, clean-up becomes quicker and less stressful, and cooking feels more like a joy than a chore. Ready to Rethink Your Kitchen? If your kitchen no longer works for your lifestyle, a remodel can bring order, space, and ease back into your everyday routine. From making dinner after a long day to hosting family and friends, a well-designed kitchen becomes a space you enjoy spending time in—and that’s a game-changer. Thinking about a remodel? Let’s talk about how we can make your kitchen your new favorite space! Designing Women of Orange County 949.371.9075
By Sabrina Phillips June 30, 2025
When it comes to remodeling your home, it’s tempting to dive into a DIY project—especially with endless inspiration on Pinterest and YouTube. But while DIY can seem like a budget-friendly and creative option, it often ends up being more time-consuming, costly, and stressful than homeowners anticipate. That’s where a professional designer comes in. Choosing to work with a designer offers countless advantages that go far beyond what you might expect. Here’s why hiring a designer is a smart investment—and why DIY remodeling might not be worth the risk. 1. Designers See the Big Picture You may have a vision for your kitchen, bathroom, or entire home, but a designer brings clarity and cohesion to that vision. They know how to blend functionality with style, and they’re trained to think through the flow of a space, its lighting, and how the design will actually work day-to-day. What might look great on a mood board might not work in real life—designers know the difference and will help you avoid costly mistakes. 2. Access to Better Resources and Materials Designers have connections. They can source high-quality materials, furnishings, and fixtures that aren’t always available to the general public. Plus, they often receive trade discounts, which can help stretch your budget further. A designer can introduce you to a world of options that you may not even know existed—and ensure your space stands out in the best way. 3. Saves Time and Reduces Stress A remodel can be a full-time job, especially when problems inevitably pop up. A designer handles the planning, sourcing, coordinating with contractors, and troubleshooting—so you don’t have to. Instead of spending weekends in hardware stores or second-guessing your paint choice at 2 a.m., you get to enjoy the process while someone else manages the details. 4. Avoid Costly Mistakes DIY remodeling is notorious for going over budget. One wrong measurement or installation mishap can set you back hundreds—or thousands—of dollars. Designers help you plan correctly the first time, preventing expensive redos. Their experience allows them to foresee issues before they arise, and their oversight ensures your remodel stays on track. 5. Add Real Value to Your Home A professionally designed home doesn’t just look better—it often appraises higher too. Whether you plan to live in your home for years or sell soon, a designer-led remodel can increase your home's value and appeal. Potential buyers notice thoughtful layouts, timeless finishes, and smart storage solutions—all things designers excel at delivering. While DIY might seem like the more economical choice upfront, the long-term benefits of hiring a professional designer far outweigh the initial savings. With expert guidance, creative vision, and project management skills, a designer helps you create a space that’s beautiful, functional, and built to last. Your home is too important to leave to chance. Let a designer bring your dream remodel to life—the right way. Whether you are looking to sell your home, or just want to make a change, Call Designing Women of Orange County today to see what we can do for you! Designing Women of Orange County 949.371.9075
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