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Spazio LA

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Who: Essi Safdie of Spazio LA
Where: Los Angeles
In his own words: “Be open to new ideas when you design. You can start with one idea and then fall in love with another option.”

Want something eye-catching and different when you build or remodel? Put resources into design. Look at sources of inspiration and spend time interviewing designers to see how your ideas will play out in your home. “With the right design, you can get a great result that works for your budget,” says designer Essi Safdie, a founding partner in the North Hollywood design-build firm Spazio LA.

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A passion for design. After studying art in high school in his native Argentina, Safdie continued his art studies at Temple University in Philadelphia. At 29, he opened a high-end jewelry design and manufacturing company. But designing and building his own home uncovered a new passion. “That project sparked a huge fire in me, and I wanted to make that part of my everyday life,” Safdie says. He moved into residential design, founding Spazio LA with builder David Veltman in 2005. “I love the fact that every project we do is different, from the client to the design to the construction,” Safdie says.

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Beauty and the budget. The striking, the offbeat and the dramatic can cost a lot more. But costs can be managed. “You always have options for materials and for finishes,” Safdie says. “You can definitely make some tradeoffs and still have a great outcome.”

Want a remodel you can’t wait to show off? Read Safdie’s tips below.

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1. Start With the Layout

Begin by designing your new floor plan. Once you have that set, you can look at different options and their costs. “Floor plan design is more of a challenge than people think,” Safdie says. “If you’re used to working in a kitchen that’s small and tight, it’s difficult to imagine a majestic space.”

Safdie showed some La Cañada Flintridge clients what could be achieved by opening up their kitchen, seen here. The team swapped a large load-bearing wall for a support beam hidden in the ceiling. “We created a beautiful open space that makes life in the home so much better,” he says.

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2. Save on Materials

Counterbalance your design investments with less-expensive finishes, such as cabinetry, countertops and flooring. Premade cabinetry is an option, and Safdie has saved clients money by suggesting porcelain tile rather than natural stone. “There’s so much variety with porcelain tile,” he says. “You can even do a wood or concrete look with it.”

Safdie created a master bathroom in this 1940s Glendale home by repurposing an existing room. He controlled costs by installing a premade vanity and using porcelain tile for the flooring and walls. The splurge? “We did a custom shower with a hidden bench and invisible drain to give the room the spa feel the client asked for,” Safdie says.

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3. Focus on the Fireplace

If your living area is tired and outdated, Safdie suggests that your remodel include an overhaul of the old fireplace. “The fireplace is a focal point,” he says. “Why not make it a pleasant one?” Enclosed fireplaces with artwork or a flat-screen TV above them are among the most popular updates.

Safdie re-envisioned the living room of this older Valley Glen home. He replaced a bulky stone wall and traditional hearth with a gas fireplace insert in a smooth wall of Spanish porcelain. All the devices and wiring for the television above the fireplace are tucked out of sight in a hallway closet.

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More: For more information on Essi Safdie and examples of his work, visit Spazio LA’s Houzz profile.

This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.