Based primarily out of Rancho Bernardo, here at Style on a Shoestring we would like to let everyone know that we are always here to help those who have been affected by the recent fires. Many of you may be rebuilding your home or know someone who will be soon. With our experience we would like to provide vital information to those in need: 

When hiring a contractor - you need to make sure that there license is current (and covers the scope of work you want to have done) and that they are bonded and insured.  The state contractor’s license board has a website www.slb.ca.gov  and consumers can log in and just put in the license # and it gives info on whether or not the license is current/complaints filed, bond and worker’s comp info.  In addition, contractors should carry extra liability insurance and any good contractor can provide a Certificate of Insurance from their insurance agent directly to the customer to prove coverage.  We also highly recommend checking with the Better Business Bureau, they list complaints from customers which are a sure sign of a business you do not want to get involved with.  

Always be cautious hiring a contractor that works outside of USA, for example in

Always ask the contractor for a reference of a previous customer, and go to their home to actually see the work they have done. People are usually very welcoming, especially if they have done a great job working on their home. According to CA state law - no contractor can accept more than a 10% PRIOR to work being started or $1000 whichever is less.  Once work has begun the contractor can ask for more money.  Unfortunately, there is still room for bad guys to thrive - they simply start the work and then once you give them some more money they vanish.  It is perfectly acceptable for the customer to hold back the final 10% of the contract until absolutely everything is completed.   If you are interested, we can provide you a list of our suggested contractors that we have worked with in the past or currently work with. Each contractor is very reliable and we work with them because we trust them. We wish everyone the best on rebuilding their homes.  Just know that we are always here for you with questions or even help with your designs. 

The annual Home Decorating & Remodeling Show is being held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Friday the 19th through Sunday the 21st.  Admission is Free and there are over 550 booths including carpets, concrete design, hardwood floors, indoor and outdoor furniture, kitchen and home remodeling and more.  The hours are 10-7 Friday and Saturday and 10-5 on Sunday. For more information you can call 800-999-5450 or visit www.showsusa.net.

It’s almost that time of year to pull out all of your Thanksgiving Decor!

 If want to try something new this year then let your imagination run wild. A great and simple centerpiece can be cost effective too. Try lining red apples down the center of your table. If you really want to get interesting, cut a small hole on the top of each apple and add a tea light.  Keep in mind the fall colors while decorating; burnt orange, sienna, green, yellow, brown and deep reds. Adding texture really adds interest especially where it is least expected. Keep cozy throws out on your sofa and bed, for those colder nights to snuggle up in front of the fireplace. Fill a clear jar in your kitchen of marshmallows and chocolate and leave it out on your counter. This is especially cute for holiday parties.  Buy gold colored spray paint, or your favorite fall color, and paint over all of your old décor instead of buying new! It is an easy and fun way to make a huge difference in your home. Repetition through design always looks good and makes a great impression.

If you are still struggling with ideas for your holiday party then please let us know. We would love to come to your home and help!

Here are a few tips for taking your tiny bathroom and making it feel much more open and roomy. Switch out your large vanity for a pedestal sink, but keep in mind you may lose some storage. You can always add in a narrow, tall storage piece. The color White for the furniture, toilet, pedestal sink, etc will always help make the room look larger. Try a clear vessel sink, the more see-through the better. Pay attention to what your bathroom mirror is reflecting. It could change the amount of light in the room. If you use a shower curtain then make it somewhat see-through, and avoid really dark colors. This will help extend the space and will feel much more spacious without knocking any walls down. If you always feel cramped inside of your shower but cannot afford to re-design it then, try to use a specialty shower rod, called the Arc. www.arcsandangles.com Here is their website, take a look. 

The best way to survive a remodel with no hassles is to hire someone else to take care of it and go away on vacation! Unfortunately this is not possible for all homeowners because they either want to be involved or it is not feasible with their job or lifestyle. Even if you cannot get away for a long extravagant vacation, planning to get away even to a friend or family members home is a smart choice. Plan your getaway when your home will be the messiest with dust and debris, or when your water will be turned off, etc.  Your kitchen is by far the hardest space to live without, so preparation before the remodel is very important. Here are a few things to remember before the demolition takes place.

1.      Make sure you pack up everything in your kitchen because there will be a lot of dust in the air. Don’t pack dish soap or dish towels

2.      Set up a temporary kitchen outside of a bathroom or laundry room.

3.      Have extra water around for when the water is turned off, which will be often. 4.      Purchase paper plates, plastic forks, spoons, cups, etc. (pretend you are shopping for a camping trip).