Journal
Design notes, written down.
Material guides, install notes, and trend reports from our Lomita studio. Written for designers, contractors, and homeowners navigating a remodel in South Bay Los Angeles.
Buyer's Guide· 3 min read
How to choose zellige for a kitchen backsplash
Authentic Moroccan zellige is the moodiest, most hand-made surface you can put behind a stove — and the most easily mishandled. Here's how to specify, install, and live with it.
April 12, 2026
Buyer's Guide· 3 min read
Marble vs. porcelain slab: choosing a kitchen counter
Marble looks like marble because it is marble. Porcelain looks like marble because chemistry. Here's how to pick the right one for your kitchen — and your tolerance for patina.
March 28, 2026
Buyer's Guide· 3 min read
Pool tile for saltwater pools in South Bay LA
Saltwater pools are gentler on swimmers and harder on tile. Here's what holds up — and what corrodes — in coastal Southern California.
March 4, 2026
Trends· 3 min read
What's selling in South Bay kitchens in 2026
The trends we're seeing in Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes, and Torrance kitchen remodels this year — and the trends that have finally faded.
February 8, 2026