Get Cooking Outside
This gorgeous outdoor kitchen features Caesarstone Aluminous, a surface where concrete meets porcelain in a light, neutral finish that looks like fresh cement. Porous and slightly uneven, it's contrasted by fine-grey grains and a soft stony appearance that adds a rocklike texture, transforming it into a cloudlike sfumato wrapped in the tactility of an ultra rough finish. Create your custom exterior kitchen design in Dannick Design's Valencia showroom.
Dannick Design 775-7430

courtesy of Shutterstock (left)

Create a Garden Escape
Flowers, trees, bushes and more don't just add visual interest to your exterior spaces - they can keep you cooler, add privacy and boost your mood. From rhododendrons to azaleas, ferns to trumpet vines, you can choose from hundreds of varieties, all categorized by hardiness, growth rate, garden style and more at Green Thumb. What you have to select first, though: your landscape design aesthetic and goals.
Not sure? Let the botanical experts at Green Thumb International help you build the garden of your dreams with trees, plants, decor and more.
Green Thumb International 259-1071

Luxury Vinyl Planks Last & Last
Easy maintenance? Check. Fast installation? Double check. Affordability? Check, check and... ahem... check. Luxury vinyl planks will always be on trend, thanks to the product's durability and effortless style.
Brent's Carpet One 255-3337

Now is the Time to Remodel your Pool or Spa
Remodeling an older pool or spa breathes new life into what should be the centerpiece of your backyard. Thomas Pools can take a dilapidated - and often ignored - hole in the ground and revitalize it into a family fun center, Zen meditation area, backyard sports activity zone, or physical rehabilitation area.
Times and situations change - but we are in our home for life. The pool or spa you already have could be waiting for you to recognize how it is ready to serve in new ways.
Replaster and Refresh: Replastering the pool and either cleaning or replacing the tile is a very common update. New mini pebble and micro pebble finishes are also very popular, as is the addition of a "baja" step or bench before replaster.
Replace Dated Materials: Materials like red brick are frequently replaced with more modern precast or natural stone coping - and there are thousands of choices for new pool tile, from natural colors that blend into the landscape to vibrant tile choices that make a statement and give character.
Add a New Feature: Many homeowners choose to reimagine the space around the pool by integrating softscape, pavers instead of concrete and a convenient firepit next to the spa. Waterfalls, water features and deck jets are popular as well, especially when paired with water slides or jump platforms. Pool and spa lighting is often ignored, but once you see vivid colors at night, you will be amazed at the new personality the water shape takes on at night. Converting your backyard pool into a wave park is possible with products like Wow Company technology or changing the floor depth of your pool with an adjustable depth pool floor like Elevate Pools systems.
Thomas Pools thomaspools.us

All In-stock Patio Sets are on Sale Now at Oasis
With over 50 sets in stock and ready to be locally delivered and assembled for free, there's no better time than now to purchase a high-quality patio furniture set that will last for years to come. Oasis has the lowest prices guaranteed and the company carries the world's best patio furniture - including new beauties from Couture Jardin, pictured here. Shop favorites like Tropitone, OW Lee, Hanamint and many more, too.
Oasis Garden & Patio 255-9909

Is it Time to Repair or Replace your Heating or Air Systems?
When something breaks down, it's tempting to go the quick route and pay for repairs to get it up and running again. That quick-fix may seem the least expensive route now, but it may not offer the most value in the long run. Newer heating and air equipment provides a higher energy-efficient SEER rating, quieter operation, a reduction in your monthly energy bill and improved comfort in your home. We're impressed by the "Repair or Replace?" quiz available on GW Richardson Heating & Air's website. Answer only a few questions (About the age of your current system, the estimated cost of repair and a few other bits.) and it'll run the numbers for you. If you do decide to opt for a replacement, you'll be able to grab website-only deals while you're there.
GW Richardson Heating & Air gwrichardsonac.com

courtesy of Shutterstock (right)

Design your Dream Kitchen with Rebecca Rollins Interiors
Why settle for two shades when you can have three? In this SCV home, deeply-toned wood cabinets and flooring are paired with white uppers and a custom hood for a modern touch and plenty of eye-popping contrast. Partnered with a rich emerald island and creamy accents, this kitchen feels opulent and accessible all at once.
Rebecca Rollins Interiors rebeccarollinsinteriors.com

Your Exterior Living Space Dreams can Start Today
Whatever home improvement is on the Summer wishlist, now is the time to get the quote and make the plan - because SCV weather will be dry and warm in just a few months. Get the most out of your new home upgrades this summer and beyond by scheduling installation asap.
Magic Maintenance, Inc. 259-3373

courtesy of Shutterstock (right)

Customize your Spaces with A Royal Suite Home Furnishings
Need a fresh furniture start? Custom furniture options from the Jonathan Louis line let you craft a living space that is uniquely you. Choose the exact size, style, firmness and fabric - as well as arm shape and even pillows - for a one-of-a-kind result that sets your home apart. Custom crafted in the United States using heirloom-quality materials and best practices, Jonathan Louis furniture is found in America's finest homes - and can be discovered in yours, too.
A Royal Suite Home Furnishings 259-7000

Prettier with Paint
Spring is the time to consider interior and exterior paint, but where to begin? Think about "color trends" that are inspired by architects and designers and are often categorized by year. In 2025, color trends are leaning into vintage colors with a modern twist.
While looking at colors, consider your home's interior decor and architectural features. What colors are complimentary to your floor coverings, furniture and artwork? Don't forget to give thought to natural and artificial light.
Once a main color has been chosen, explore the color's "family." Color families are groups of colors that share characteristics and hues of the main color. Some great considerations for secondary colors are niches, doors, ceilings and woodwork.
For interior painting, sheen is an important consideration. Matte and low sheen are great choices for certain areas. They provide a durable finish which is protective and easy to clean. These sheens touch up well and hide minor surface imperfections. Bedrooms, for example, are an ideal location for matte or low sheen.
Want the right paint - at the right price? See Hahnco's ad on page 30. Hahnco hahncomouldingandpaint.com

courtesy of Shutterstock (right)

Timeless Versatility, Sophisticated Elegance
Today's functionality and traditional charm partner together in this kitchen that boasts an always-smart subway backsplash, modern white cabinets with brass accents and organic wood grains.
Stunningly Staged Homes 383-6283

"Clean" is Always in Style
To achieve impeccably-clean stone and tile surfaces, work with the pros. If you have stubborn discoloration, don't worry. Aquakor's professional stain removal process not only removes surface dirt but also gets in deep to make your spaces look and feel as good as new. Aquakor is family owned and operated and the entire team takes great pride in providing their community with exceptional service and results. Take 15 percent off your stone restoration and tile and grout cleaning service when you mention the ad on page 33.
Aquakor, Inc. 904-1493