​We love working in the beautiful SF Bay area with such wonderful eco-conscious clients! And we are often asked for exterior advice so decided to put together some ideas you can implement now, no time like the present right? 

1. Start Small with BIG intentions! 
Often people doing their own projects bite off more than they can chew. It’s great to have a big master plan in mind and laid out, but start small. Try not to do it all at once. Because once you get started, you will see how physically draining it can be to do work in your yard. Come up with a step by step plan and a list of top priority things to get done before you start. 

2. Think about your lawn 
Do you need to have that much grass in your backyard? Traditional lawns require a lot of water and maintenance. You don’t have to get rid of all of it, but maybe turning a part of it into a succulent garden or adding garden beds for delicious home grown fruits, herbs, and veggies would be a great way to use the space and reduce the lawn space. Adding a garden also invites many different friendly creatures to also come enjoy your space. There are also many artificial turf options that look real too!


3. Consider your Climate
Before you start planting plants and your garden, consider the area you live in. A quick google search will tell you what type of planting zone you’re in and the type of plants that would thrive in your area. This helps with the plants overall health and shows you what is most eco-conscious to have in the area. That helps with creating a space your local fauna would enjoy and keep the amount of watering it will need to a reasonable level.  

4. Welcome the Wildlife! 
A beautiful sustainable garden is a great meeting place for your local birds, beads, butterflies, and other beneficial wildlife. May we suggest even setting up a beautiful bench or seating spot for you to watch and enjoy witnessing the miracles of life! 

5. Water Features
A small water feature is an incredible source of freshwater for local wildlife. The amount of water that is needed is minimal but the benefits to the local wildlife can be immeasurable especially during incredibly hot summers that California has. 

6. Optimized watering
Having an expert come in and create a well thought out plan for your sprinkler or watering system can save you a lot of water and make your plants very happy. Also going back to point number four, make attempts to pick drought resistant plants or plants that need less water to thrive. 

7. Choose environmentally friendly hardscape materials
Be conscious of what you are choosing when it comes to the patio bricks and fencing when you’re designing your backyard. When picking pavers, you want something that water can go through and seep back into the ground to help replenish our ground water sources. You can also use reclaimed woods or recycled deck material to create something sustainable and long lasting. 

8. Reuse Materials
As we mentioned in the point above, using reclaimed materials or reusing materials from your previous yard is not only ecologically responsible but can be financially beneficial as well. Old concrete can be broken up and used as stepping stones, wood chips can make great mulch. Old decking or planter wood can be used to create things like bird houses. Get creative! 

9. Compost waste
While designing your backyard, scope out a good spot for a compost site. Participating in compost will give you the most incredible soil for you to use for any of your plating endeavors and it is really incredible to watch happen. 

Would you consider doing any of these things in your backyard? Let us know in the comments below, And if you need help creating the backyard of your dreams contact us through our website to schedule an appointment today! 

Not everyone has the space for a large kitchen but that doesn't mean you can’t create something stylish and functional. We put together a list of 5 things that every small kitchen should have and are worth investing in. ​

​When you have a small space, any added details can make your space feel smaller and also, we all know how it feels to run into a cabinet handle that sticks out too far. Our solution is implementing handleless cabinets that either have push to open or handles that are inlaid into the cabinetry (or this one that is very minimal). 

The TD team LOVES patterns. We love finding beautiful, unique ways to bring them into a space. Many would assume a small place wouldn’t be a good place to bring in a bold pattern but we disagree. If your space is very small, bringing something bold like a pattern will make the area a big statement filled with personality. Put in a unique floor or backsplash tile, paint the wall or cabinet a bold complimentary color and see how it brings a whole new life to your small kitchen! ​

​Investing in a rental property is a major decision and one that has the potential to generate a lot of income. But before you can start reaping the rewards, you need to check a few boxes first—like making sure your property is appealing to renters.
Designing a rental property that appeals to potential tenants doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With a bit of planning and intelligent decision-making, you can make your investment property the most luring spot in the area without breaking the bank. Thomas Designs has listed a few tried-and-true tips to get you started:

​The location of your rental property is one of the most important factors in determining its success. You’ll want to choose an area that is safe, convenient, and desirable. Proximity to public transportation, schools, and businesses are all crucial to consider. If you’re not sure
whether a particular location is worth investing in, consult with a real estate professional who can help you evaluate the area and make an informed decision.

​If you’re serious about renting out your investment property, then it’s time to form an LLC. This will help protect your personal assets in case of any legal issues that may arise. You might want to talk to an attorney or accountant who can help you set up your LLC and answer any questions you may have. Another option is to use an online formation service, which is less expensive and can save you a great deal of stress.

​Before you start showing your property to potential renters, make sure all common repairs have been made. This includes things like fixing leaks, repairing cracks in the walls or ceiling, replacing broken door knobs or light fixtures, etc. These small repairs can make a big difference in how your property is perceived by potential tenants. Here are some other repairs to handle if
necessary:
● Clogged toilets
● Broken appliances
● Rodent or insect infestation
● Faulty HVAC
● Broken water heater

​Once your repairs are complete, it’s time for a deep clean. Go room to room, cleaning every surface from the ceiling to the floor. If necessary, budget for a professional cleaning service—you want your investment property to sparkle! In addition to regular cleanings, keep up with other maintenance tasks like mowing the lawn, trimming bushes and trees, and removing leaves and debris from gutters. A well-maintained property will be more appealing to potential tenants than one that appears neglected.

​When designing your rental property, factor in current design trends and amenities that will grab the attention of your target market. For example, many people now prefer open-concept floor plans, so if your property has smaller rooms or an outdated layout, now might be an ideal time for a renovation. Other features to consider include in-unit laundry facilities, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, and granite countertops. You don’t have to implement all of these changes at once—just pick one or two that will make the biggest impact and go from there. And work with an experienced design company like Thomas Designs; we’ll transform your space without harming the environment!

​By following these tips, you can make your investment property more attractive to potential renters without draining your bank account. Keep in mind that location is key when choosing where to invest. You’ll also want to set up an LLC for added legal protection, make essential repairs, maintain your property, and choose updates or renovations that align with the current design trends. You might be surprised at the difference a little planning and strategic design choices can make for your investment property and goals!
Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our eco-friendly design services?
Visit EcoThomasDesigns.com today!

Organizing can be a daunting task partly due to how time consuming it can be. We all know what it is like to start on a big project and then get caught up in looking through old photos and papers for hours on end reminiscing instead of organizing. Sometimes the best way to build up to big projects is to gain some confidence on the little ones. So we decided to put together a list of organization projects that will boost your confidence and help streamline your life. ​

This is probably one of our most frustrating drawers or cupboards in our kitchen. Tupperware containers always seem to be spilling out or missing lids. Take a few minutes to go through them and match them to their tops and recycle the ones that are worn and missing their mates. There are some nifty gadgets that can help store your lids and you can stack the containers within themselves to make it an easier space to keep well organized. ​

This is an important one because it also has health implications. Consuming expired products can be bad for your health and taking a few minutes to go through a well organized fridge can be an often forgotten chore. Doing this ensures all your food in your fridge is safe to eat and also gives you more room for more yummy treats! ​

If you’re like us and prefer to use dish towels over paper towels then this could be a great quick organization moment for you. Go through your towels and see if there are some ratty enough ones that need to be demoted to bathroom or car cleaning rags. We like to keep a basket of them folded in a kitchen cabinet. ​

Do you have magazine subscriptions and a ton of old magazines and have no idea what to do with them? A few ideas are, make a magazine library of the ones you want to keep and then for the ones you don’t want to keep, collect and call local schools or art programs and see if they are looking for donations. You can even get crafty yourself and make a mood board or upcycle them into a fun project. ​

​We recommend sending this list to all your friends and neighbors. Set a date for a “garage sale” so people have a deadline and go exchange goods! This is a great way to see your things go to loving homes as well as create a stronger community in your area. Spring organizing is worth it ;-)

One sofa is hardly ever enough when it comes to the ultimate hangout area but often most spaces only have room for one. So what would we do in this situation? Add a lounge chair paired with a cozy blanket or some thick soft floor pillows perfect for those who can’t be confined to a seat. It creates dimension within the room and multiple comfort options for visitors. ​

There are so many different things we do in our living room that require all different types of lighting. Perhaps a task lamp next to the sofa is perfect for reading or working on a project, but a soft lit table lamp in a different area is better for a cozy hangout session with our family or friends. Getting the lighting right is an overlooked step in creating a cozy setting. Some of these subtleties can be a challenge and we’re alway here to help with a lighting plan. ​

Having something custom built for your home to perfectly fit your space and your needs is something that will always be unique and a future selling point. Storage never goes out of style! ​

In the times we currently live, having a home office is nearly a must have. You don’t have to devote an entire room to an office if you don’t have the space, but carving out an area where a desk and maybe some built-in shelves can be is a game changer for many. This is a great area to invest in custom builds tailor made for your home. ​

At the end of the day, your home is for you and your family to live in and putting your specific needs and taste should be your first priority! Would you ever consider any of these improvements for your home? Let us know in the comments and if you live in the bay area and need assistance, contact us for a consultation today! ​

Investing in a rental property is a major decision and one that has the potential to generate a lot of income. But before you can start reaping the rewards, you need to check a few boxes first—like making sure your property is appealing to renters. Designing a rental property that appeals to potential tenants doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With a bit of planning and intelligent decision-making, you can make your investment property the most luring spot in the area without breaking the bank. Thomas Designs has listed a few tried-and-true tips to get you started:

Choose the Right Location
The location of your rental property is one of the most important factors in determining its success. You’ll want to choose an area that is safe, convenient, and desirable. Proximity to public transportation, schools, and businesses are all crucial to consider. If you’re not sure whether a particular location is worth investing in, consult with a real estate professional who can help you evaluate the area and make an informed decision.

Form an LLC
If you’re serious about renting out your investment property, then it’s time to form an LLC. This will help protect your personal assets in case of any legal issues that may arise. You might want to talk to an attorney or accountant who can help you set up your LLC and answer any questions you may have. Another option is to use an online formation service, which is less expensive and can save you a great deal of stress
.
Make Common Repairs
Before you start showing your property to potential renters, make sure all common repairs have been made. This includes things like fixing leaks, repairing cracks in the walls or ceiling, replacing broken door knobs or light fixtures, etc. These small repairs can make a big difference in how your property is perceived by potential tenants. Here are some other repairs to handle if
necessary:
● Clogged toilets
● Broken appliances
● Rodent or insect infestation
● Faulty HVAC
● Broken water heater

Keep It Clean
Once your repairs are complete, it’s time for a deep clean. Go room to room, cleaning every surface from the ceiling to the floor. If necessary, budget for a professional cleaning service—you want your investment property to sparkle! In addition to regular cleanings, keep up with other maintenance tasks like mowing the lawn, trimming bushes and trees, and removing
leaves and debris from gutters. A well-maintained property will be more appealing to potential tenants than one that appears neglected.

Consider Design Trends and Amenities
When designing your rental property, factor in current design trends and amenities that will grab the attention of your target market. For example, many people now prefer open-concept floor plans, so if your property has smaller rooms or an outdated layout, now might be an ideal time for a renovation.
Other features to consider include in-unit laundry facilities, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, and granite countertops. You don’t have to implement all of these changes at once—just pick one or two that will make the biggest impact and go from there. And work with an experienced design company like Thomas Designs; we’ll transform your space without harming the environment!

Wrapping Up
By following these tips, you can make your investment property more attractive to potential renters without draining your bank account. Keep in mind that location is key when choosing where to invest. You’ll also want to set up an LLC for added legal protection, make essential repairs, maintain your property, and choose updates or renovations that align with the current design trends. You might be surprised at the difference a little planning and strategic design choices can make for your investment property and goals!

Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our eco-friendly design services? Visit EcoThomasDesigns.com today!

Friends of the Library - Every purchase made here directly benefits the Contra Costa library system. They have movies and board games too.
Pleasant Hill, CA | phlibraryfriends.org 

Earthen - Bay Area based female founded shop started with ceramics and has expanded to home goods and cozy apothecary treats.
​Occidental, CA| earthen-shop.com

Preserved - Shopping for a foodie on your list? This Oakland shop is filled with preserved and fermented goods that would make any foodie gleeful.
Oakland, CA | preservedgoods.com

Bedford Gallery - Located in Walnut Creek, They are dedicated to providing opportunities to learn about visual arts through exhibitions and programs that are varied, accessible, challenging, and educational. For the holidays they are featuring some fun and unique gifts/ crafts for purchase. 
Walnut Creek, CA | bedfordgallery.org 

1) Local food banks are in need especially this time of the year. Donating money helps them procure fresh ingredients for those in need and can be more helpful than any physical food donation. foodbankccs.org 

​2) The Trinity Center is one of the most hands on and helpful to help the houseless in the East Bay. They have multiple locations where people can be showered and fed and obtain necessities. trinitycenterwc.org
3) The Bay Area Womens and Childrens center (BAWCC) offers a variety of direct services that address immediate needs as well as long-term stability. They help to create public spaces for women and children as well as walk in clinics and for health and dental needs.bawcc.org   

4) The House of Rabbit Society has two primary goals:

• To rescue abandoned rabbits and find permanent homes for them and
• Through education, we seek to reduce the number of unwanted rabbits — and to improve bunnies’ lives — by helping people better understand these often misunderstood companion animals. rabbit.org/donate/bunny-brigade/ 

5) Contra Costa County Animal Services Department is committed to protecting the health, safety and well-being of all people and animals in our community through enforcement of state and local laws, providing compassionate care for every animal regardless of its temperament or condition, and reducing the number of animals that enter our County shelter.
contracosta.ca.gov/7217/Get-Involved

​6) Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary  Our mission is to provide life-long care for our rescued animals, and to educate the public about humane animal care and practices. We rehabilitate, both physically and psychologically, mistreated animals and, if possible, we will find appropriate homes for them. In an effort to prevent further cruelty to these animals, we educate the public on caring for companion animals as well as on issues concerning farmed animals.
harvesthomesanctuary.org/how-you-can-help/