Last Minute Tax Credits!

All of the great tax credits that we have been hearing about are going to expire at the end of the year which is why it is a great time to take advantage of these projects now and not later.  All of these changes will pay for themselves over time, you will literally be paying less for energy with these changes and the govt. will most likely cover almost 30% of the costs!!! 

1. Get an energy audit - this can target problem areas and sometimes are required in order to take advantage of certain energy audits.
2. Re-Insulate - help keep cool air in and hot air out.....or vice versa depending on the time of year.  If you use insulation approved by the Energy Conservation Code the you can have 30% or up to $1,500 off 2010 taxes.
3. Replace old windows & doors - same as insulation, keep what you want in and what you don't wan out. This is a more expensive project but think of it as adding to your home's aesthetics as well as your pocket book.
4. Replace old appliances - Cash for clunkers isn't just for your old cars, check for these deals and always buy Energy Star Rated Appliances.  New energy saving appliances can qualify for a tax credit that is equal to 30% of the cost up to $1,500.
5. Re-Roof - a new roof is one of the best investments you can make for your home. In addition to appliances, there are also Energy Star rated metal roofs.  These roofs have "cooling granules" that help reflect the sun's heat rather than absorb it. 
6. Plan to install a solar water heater - Solar credits were extended to 2016, so if you can't afford it now, don't worry but don't put it off either! 
7. Install a smart meter - By showing you data in real time, you can monitor your usage more effectively.  This will also tell you when it is the best time to run certain appliances when the cost of electricity is low. 

Read a more comprehensive summary on The Daily Green.

Lunada Trend Alert!

Working on "the hill" as locals call it, I feel that we are always aware of peacock design motifs.  Confused?  For some reason that I do not know, there are wild peacocks roaming all around Rancho Palos Verdes and the Rolling Hills areas.  You can't deny their grace and beauty, but they sure do leave a mess and their cries and squawks are so loud!!! (I was even chased around my bosses car by one early last year.......my life is a cartoon.) Like I said, Lunada always seems to take notice whenever we see peacocks used as a design motif and lately we have been seeing it much more often. Another design motif we have been noticing a lot is coral.  (I've been told that yellow is out and coral is in, but I am not fully convinced.) Now when I say coral, I don't necessarily mean the color, but the organism. Used minimally and usually for a pop of color, I have taken notice of coral mostly in textiles and accessories.  I came to these conclusions yesterday down at the Fall Market in Laguna Niguel as the next hot things.

Trends are always different depending on the region but seeing tons of coral and peacocks in both the L.A Area and Orange County Area confirms it. Keep your eyes peeled for these colorful and textural design motifs that can be both scenic and graphic.

Electrolux Icon Competition

Lunada has entered a new contest sponsored by Electrolux to design a kitchen for today's modern family using their newest line of ICON Appliances.  The new line is very contemporary, all stainless steel and offers a Designer Series and also a Professional Series.  The line is very attractive and Lunada has always had great luck installing Electrolux appliances.  Our favorite new product is their Microwave & Oven combo (see below in designer series images)!!  It's very sleek looking and so practical!! 

Both lines offer the same products, but I just included a select few from each series to show the different sytles.  Take a look and check back for what Lunada designs for the new Electrolux ICON Kitchen Competition!!

Designer Series

Professional Series

Love Letter from Lunada

It's hard to put something out there and find that's the end of it.  For a small design firm in PV, it's easy to feel that way sometimes. Lunada recently asked for your support by casting your vote for a kitchen of ours in the TRENDS Remodeling Design Awards Contest and your support was so overwhelming!  It was so lovely to getting all of your responses and it gives us hope that our small firm could have a really great chance at winning this thing.  (The winner receives a free spread in TRENDS Magazine worth $25,000!!!)  Not only could this bring notoriety to Lunada, but it would be a great confirmation that what we are doing is significant in the very large world of residential design.

So, Lunada would just like to say thanks for your support and in case you didn't get a chance to vote, there is still time!  Voting doesn't close until this Friday (9/10).  

Simply cast your vote for #19 by following this link TRENDS or by entering this address http://nkba.tmsreview.com/trendsrda.aspx

Cast your vote for #19 by following this link TRENDS or by entering this address: http://nkba.tmsreview.com/trendsrda.aspx