Posts in category: Home Remodeling Tips

The idea of living in place, often called aging in place, is simple but powerful. It means creating a home that continues to support your comfort, independence, and quality of life as your needs change over time. Rather than reacting to challenges later, living-in-place design is proactive, thoughtful, and deeply personal. A recent project in Rosamond is a perfect example of how small, intentional design choices can make a meaningful difference in everyday living.

Living in Place Is About Ease, Not Age

A common misconception is that aging-in-place design is only for seniors or requires obvious “medical” features. In reality, living in place is about ease. It is about reducing strain, eliminating obstacles, and creating spaces that simply work better for the people who live there.

In one of our home remodels, ongoing back and medical issues made everyday tasks increasingly uncomfortable. Reaching upper cabinets, navigating tight kitchen spaces, and maneuvering around bulky bathroom features had become painful. The goal was not to dramatically alter the home, but to adapt it in ways that restored comfort and confidence.

Lenton Pro Tip:
Living-in-place design works best when it blends seamlessly into the home. The most successful solutions often go unnoticed because they simply make life easier.

Kitchens That Work With You

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, but it is also one of the most physically demanding spaces. Living-in-place kitchen design prioritizes ease of movement, comfortable reach, and layouts that reduce unnecessary bending, stretching, and lifting.

Thoughtful storage placement, clear pathways, and flexible work zones can make everyday tasks feel more manageable and less tiring. Open shelving or pull-out storage keeps frequently used items within reach, while well-planned layouts allow multiple functions to coexist comfortably. Seating options can also provide a welcome place to rest or complete tasks at a more comfortable height.

A kitchen designed for living in place remains a space for gathering, connection, and creativity. By focusing on how the kitchen is used day to day, it can continue to support both everyday living and special moments with family and friends for years to come.

Lenton Pro Tip:
A well-designed kitchen should work for you, not require you to work around it. Small adjustments in layout and storage can have an outsized impact on comfort and usability. If flooring cannot be replaced, look for opportunities to open a space vertically or visually. Removing partial walls or reworking cabinetry can dramatically improve function without disturbing existing finishes.

Bathrooms Designed for Safety and Independence

Bathrooms are often where living-in-place design has the greatest impact. Features that once felt practical can become barriers as needs change, making it harder to move comfortably or complete daily routines with ease.

A well-designed living-in-place bathroom prioritizes open circulation, intuitive layouts, and fixtures that support safe, independent use. Spacious showers with minimal thresholds, thoughtfully placed seating options, and vanities designed for both seated and standing use offer flexibility without sacrificing style. Simplifying the layout and reducing visual and physical obstacles helps the space feel calm, functional, and welcoming.

When these elements are integrated seamlessly, the bathroom supports daily routines without calling attention to the accommodations themselves.

Lenton Pro Tip:
The best bathroom designs begin with how the space is used today and are planned to adapt easily as needs evolve over time.

Storage That Brings Everything Within Reach

One of the simplest ways to improve accessibility is to rethink lower cabinet storage. Traditional base cabinets with fixed shelves often require bending, kneeling, or getting on hands and knees to see what’s stored in the back. For homeowners who want to keep existing cabinetry, replacing fixed shelves with rollouts can make a significant difference by bringing contents forward into view.

In many cases, however, replacing a lower cabinet entirely with deep drawers is an even better long-term solution. Drawers allow you to see everything at once, eliminate awkward reaching, and make everyday items easier to access without strain. This approach works just as well in bathrooms, where drawers can replace lower vanity cabinets to provide clearer visibility and easier access to toiletries and supplies.

Thoughtful storage design like this supports comfort and independence while keeping spaces organized and easy to use.

Lenton Pro Tip:
Drawers are often one of the most effective aging-in-place upgrades. They reduce physical strain and improve visibility, making daily routines simpler and safer.

Thoughtful Design Today, Flexibility for Tomorrow

One of the most important principles of living-in-place design is adaptability. Needs change, sometimes gradually and sometimes unexpectedly. Homes that are designed with flexibility in mind can adjust without requiring major renovations later.

Wider clearances, open layouts, accessible storage, seating options, and intuitive lighting all contribute to a home that feels supportive rather than restrictive. These features benefit everyone, not just homeowners planning for the future.

Lenton Pro Tip:
Planning ahead does not mean overbuilding. Simple steps like adding wall blocking for future grab bars or choosing lever-style hardware can make a big difference later on.

A Home That Grows With You

Living in place is ultimately about designing spaces that adapt to real life. With thoughtful planning, a home can remain comfortable, functional, and welcoming through every stage, allowing homeowners to focus on living rather than working around their space.

At Lenton Company, we believe great design meets people where they are and supports where they are going. Living in place is not about limitation. It is about freedom, comfort, and staying connected to the life you love in the home you call your own.

Lenton Pro Tip:
The best time to plan for living in place is before it becomes necessary. Even modest updates today can preserve independence and peace of mind for years to come.

Living in place is about creating a home that supports you today and adapts gracefully for the years ahead. With thoughtful planning, even small updates can make daily life easier and more comfortable.

If you are considering changes to your home, now is the ideal time to start the conversation. Our team is happy to help you explore design options that support long-term comfort, independence, and peace of mind. Give us a call at 661.273.9179 or visit lentoncompany.com to get started and let’s talk about how to bring everyday luxury to your home.

Every year brings a shift in color trends, and this year, all signs point to rich, mossy, moody greens taking center stage. These deeper, nature-inspired tones feel grounded yet sophisticated, offering a fresh alternative to the grays and whites that have dominated interiors for the past decade.

Leading the charge is Dunn-Edwards’ 2026 Color of the Year, Midnight Garden (DE5657), a deep, layered green that feels both timeless and modern. Inspired by lush landscapes and evening gardens, this hue brings warmth, depth, and a sense of calm to interiors. It works beautifully as a statement color while still acting as a neutral backdrop for thoughtful design.

Green’s rise isn’t limited to one brand. Behr has also named a green tone as its Color of the Year, reinforcing what designers are already seeing: homeowners are craving colors that feel organic, restorative, and connected to nature. These greens evoke balance and longevity, making them ideal for spaces meant to be lived in and loved.

Pairing Moody Greens with Warm Neutrals

To keep deeper greens from feeling heavy, pairing them with warm, natural finishes is key. North Point Cabinets in Sandstone offer a soft, grounding counterbalance. This warm, earthy cabinet tone complements green beautifully, creating a layered palette that feels intentional and inviting rather than stark or trendy.

A Touch of Contrast (and a Little Bling)

Hardware is where personality shines. The Larkin cabinet pull in black and gold adds just the right amount of contrast and polish. The black ties in seamlessly with darker green tones, while the gold brings warmth and a subtle sense of luxury. It’s a small detail that delivers big impact — proof that sometimes the finishing touches make all the difference.

Elevating the Look with Stone

To complete the palette, MSI Calacatta Viraldi quartz introduces movement and elegance. Its soft veining and refined finish bridge the gap between bold color and timeless design, ensuring the space feels elevated without being overpowering. This surface pairs effortlessly with both moody greens and warm cabinetry, making it a versatile choice for kitchens and baths alike.

A Trend That Feels Built to Last

What makes this green trend especially appealing is its staying power. These hues are not flashy or fleeting. Instead, they feel rooted, calming, and adaptable, perfect for homeowners who want a space that feels current today and classic tomorrow.

At Lenton Company, we love helping homeowners translate trends into designs that feel personal, functional, and enduring. Whether you’re ready to embrace a bold green moment or simply want to layer in warmth through cabinetry, hardware, or finishes, thoughtful choices can transform your space in ways that feel both fresh and timeless.

Sometimes, the best new year refresh starts with a deeper shade of green.

Let’s talk about your next project.
Call Lenton Company at 661.273.9179 or visit lentoncompany.com to schedule your complimentary Discovery Meeting. Let’s explore the possibilities in your home.

If you’ve been craving a design refresh that’s bold, elegant, and a little dramatic, you’re in luck: Art Deco is back and louder than ever. According to Elle Decor, the trend is making a serious comeback in 2025, offering a compelling counterpoint to the subdued, minimalist looks that have dominated for the last decade.

Art Deco’s signature style is all about clean lines, symmetry, metallic shine, geometric patterns, contrast, and luxurious detail. Think sunbursts, chevrons, bold color pairings, mirrored surfaces, and lavish finishes.

Elements to Try: The Deco Details

Art Deco design thrives on a combination of drama, elegance, and precision. When bringing this style into your remodel, consider layering in these hallmark details.

Symmetry and Geometry are at the heart of Art Deco. Strong shapes like arches, chevrons, and sunbursts create striking focal points, while balanced layouts and repeating forms add structure. Think geometric tile patterns on a shower wall, grid-like cabinetry, or even light fixtures with bold shapes adding a touch of Deco flair.

Metallic Accents deliver the shine that makes Deco so glamorous. Chrome, polished nickel, brass, and gold tones serve as essential highlights. You can incorporate them through cabinet hardware, faucets, lighting, mirror edges, or even a slim metallic strip running through tile. The smallest gleam of metal brings an instant air of luxury.

Luxe Materials and Finishes set Deco apart from simpler styles. Glossy surfaces, veined marble, rich woods, and mirrored details all reflect the opulence of the era. Consider marble countertops, a black-and-white patterned floor, a mirrored backsplash, or high-gloss cabinetry to bring richness and depth to your space.

Bold Color with Contrast adds personality. Saturated hues like emerald green, teal, inky blue, or gold pop when paired with neutrals or deep blacks. A vanity in a jewel tone, dark tile accents in a shower, or brass hardware against a moody wall can all strike the perfect balance of bold and beautiful.

Ornamentation and Detail round out the look. Molding, inlays, fluting, scallops, and stylized patterns give Art Deco its unmistakable character. Picture crown molding with stepped edges, fluted cabinet doors, a decorative tile border, or a statement mirror with a sunburst frame with each element bringing a layer of artistry to your design.

Together, these elements transform a room into a space that’s as functional as it is unforgettable proving that Art Deco’s timeless glamour is here to stay.

Call Lenton Company at 661.273.9179 or visit lentoncompany.com to schedule your complimentary Discovery Meeting. Let’s explore the possibilities in your home.

Everyone has a personal style—and that’s what makes design so endlessly exciting. This month’s featured homeowner knew the 1990s builder blueprint in her kitchen didn’t work for her lifestyle or taste, so we reimagined it into something timeless, functional, and perfectly her own. But while that particular ’90s layout was a no-go, the decade’s influence is making a stylish comeback in other parts of the home. From warm woods to soft curves, designers are revisiting the comfort and charm of the era, layering it with modern sensibilities for a fresh take on nostalgia, according to what’s trending in Elle Décor.

In this month’s featured project—a serene, spa-inspired primary bathroom—the homeowner had a clear vision: a beautiful, functional retreat with a place for everything… including her dog’s water bowl. Rather than leaving it as an afterthought, we designed a custom floating vanity with just the right amount of clearance underneath. This not only keeps the bowl tucked neatly out of sight but also prevents it from becoming a tripping hazard or visual distraction in an otherwise sleek space.

1. Warm Woods, Jewel Tones & Chic Metals

Beloved in the ’90s, honey oak cabinetry and rich jewel tones are reappearing—this time with a sophisticated twist. Designers are pairing oak or walnut with softened color palettes and sleek metallic accents. Chrome, once left in the shadow of brass, is stepping back into the spotlight alongside brushed finishes for a balanced, modern look. Deep jewel tones like burgundy and emerald green are back in a big way. Behr’s 2025 Color of the Year, “Rumors,” is a moody red that channels the era’s drama with a more sophisticated edge.

LENTON COMPANY PRO TIP: To create warmth with chrome finishes, mix wood furniture with chrome lighting or cabinet pulls for texture contrast. To add color depth, Use a bold jewel tone as an accent wall or an upholstery.

2. Soft Curves, Bold Shapes, Chunky Furniture

Goodbye sharp edges—hello curves. Arched doorways, rounded kitchen islands, scalloped cabinetry, and plush, curved seating all nod to the organic shapes popular in the ’90s while keeping things fresh and inviting. Oversized sofas, deep-seated armchairs, and bold silhouettes are back—and designers are updating them with better proportions and sophisticated materials to keep the look fresh.

LENTON COMPANY PRO TIP: To create curves, choose a rounded sofa common scalloped cabinet fronts, or an arched doorway detail.

3. Mixing Eras for a Modern Remix

Today’s retro revival isn’t about recreating the past—it’s about remixing it. ’90s-inspired textures and silhouettes mingle with mid-century or contemporary elements for a curated, “collected over time” feel. This mirrors the Korean “Newtro” concept, where nostalgic design elements are seamlessly woven into contemporary style.

LENTON COMPANY PRO TIP: To blend eras, pair vintage 90s finds with modern furnishings for an eclectic feel.

4. Graphic Patterns and Playful Prints

Maximalist prints, Memphis-inspired shapes, and vibrant patterns are reemerging, especially in textiles and accent pieces. Warm, inviting materials like bouclé and chenille are being reintroduced, especially in pieces with soft, sculptural curves. These textiles offer a balance of plush comfort and modern polish. A well-placed rug or throw pillow can be the perfect low-commitment way to try the trend.

LENTON COMPANY PRO TIP: For playful graphics, add pattern throw pillows or artwork for a pop of personality.

5. Unexpected Materials: Formica
Formica—once a quintessentially ’90s surface—is returning in small, intentional doses: think lamp shades, trays, and accessories. It’s nostalgia with restraint.

Why It Matters

This isn’t a wholesale revival—this is evolution. The best of ’90s design is resurfacing with modern sensibilities: richer textures, thoughtful proportions, and meaningful accents. Even though the specific layout in our featured kitchen didn’t work, other aspects of ’90s charm—like cozy comfort, inviting textures, and bold color—are finding new life in the rest of the home.

Embrace what speaks to you—whether it’s a jewel-toned accent wall, a sculptural bouclé chair, or a playful wallpaper border—and integrate it in a way that feels personal, not kitschy. That’s the essence of timeless design: nostalgia that speaks to you, not the era.

Call Lenton Company at 661.273.9179 or visit lentoncompany.com to schedule your complimentary Discovery Meeting. Let’s explore the possibilities in your home.

Today’s homeowners are reimagining their spaces with everyone in mind—including the family pet. At Lenton Company, we’ve seen a growing trend in remodels that thoughtfully incorporate pet-friendly features without compromising style or sophistication.

In this month’s featured project—a serene, spa-inspired primary bathroom—the homeowner had a clear vision: a beautiful, functional retreat with a place for everything… including her dog’s water bowl. Rather than leaving it as an afterthought, we designed a custom floating vanity with just the right amount of clearance underneath. This not only keeps the bowl tucked neatly out of sight but also prevents it from becoming a tripping hazard or visual distraction in an otherwise sleek space.

It’s a small detail that makes a big difference—one that reflects a broader design philosophy: luxury doesn’t have to mean sacrificing practicality. Whether it’s built-in feeding stations in the kitchen, a cozy nook under the stairs, or durable, pet-friendly flooring, homeowners are increasingly asking how their remodel can enhance daily life for all members of the household—paws included.

Looking to design a space that works as beautifully for your pets as it does for you? We’d love to help.

Ready to transform your living space designed to work for everyone in your household? At Lenton Company, we specialize in smart, customized solutions that make everyday living easier — from floating vanities to reimagined spa-inspired spaces. Let’s design a space that fits the way you live. Give us a call at 661.273.9179 or visit lentoncompany.com to get started.

Plumbing may be behind the walls, but today’s innovations are bringing it front and center in both form and function. From the bathroom to the kitchen, here’s what’s trending—and inspiring—when it comes to plumbing design.

Smart Shower Solutions

Safety and style are coming together in new ways in the bathroom. At Lenton Company, we’re seeing elegant, built-in grab bars, sleek ADA-compliant fixtures, and thoughtful layouts that prioritize accessibility without compromising aesthetics. One particularly inspiring trend? Integrated shower niches that are designed around the showerhead itself. These streamlined designs combine convenience with visual harmony, keeping shower essentials within reach—without interrupting the tile layout.

The Return of the Clawfoot Tub

Freestanding tubs have been a staple in luxury bathrooms, but now the classic clawfoot tub is making a comeback—with a twist. Updated materials, matte finishes, and modern silhouettes give this vintage favorite a fresh feel. Paired with stylish floor-mounted tub fillers, they offer timeless charm and a true focal point for spa-inspired spaces.

Everyday Upgrades That Make a Big Difference

In the kitchen, workstation sinks remain a top choice, offering built-in cutting boards, drying racks, and colanders for ultimate efficiency. Behind the scenes, homeowners are investing in better living through plumbing:

• Garbage disposals with quieter motors and advanced grinding systems
• Water filtration systems that improve taste and reduce contaminants
• Instant hot water dispensers for tea, coffee, and cooking, right at your fingertips

These upgrades may not steal the spotlight, but they elevate daily routines in a big way.

Designing with Intention

As with all aspects of home remodeling, the best plumbing solutions are those that align with how you live. Whether it’s a safer shower, a kitchen built for cooking, or simply the luxury of hot water on demand, today’s trends prove that thoughtful plumbing is more than pipes—it’s peace of mind.

Call Lenton Company at 661.273.9179 or visit lentoncompany.com to schedule your complimentary Discovery Meeting. Let’s bring smart design into your home.

At Lenton Company, every remodeling project begins with a conversation—and sometimes, that conversation goes far beyond finishes and fixtures. For one Lancaster family, remodeling their kitchen wasn’t just about improving flow or updating style. It was about creating a safe, welcoming environment for their children—especially the child they were fostering.

The Foster Family Difference

Foster families open their homes and hearts to children in need, often on short notice and with unique regulatory requirements. In California, the Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) outlines specific safety guidelines for Resource Families (formerly known as foster families). These include locked storage for knives, alcohol, medications, and cleaning chemicals—everyday items that, in other homes, may be kept on an open shelf or in an unlocked drawer.

For this Lancaster couple, safety was top of mind from the start. In addition to rethinking their kitchen’s layout, they needed secure storage that didn’t sacrifice convenience or design. Our solution included custom locking cabinetry integrated into their new shaker-style kitchen—beautiful, functional, and fully compliant with foster care safety regulations.

Blending Safety with Style

Safety features don’t have to stand out. With thoughtful planning, they can be seamlessly integrated into a visually minimal, high-functioning space. For this family, that meant concealed storage for hazardous items, large pull-out trash and recycling units, and clutter-free countertops with hidden appliances like a microwave and toaster oven. The result? A kitchen that feels calm, classic, and kid-ready.

Designing for Durability

Foster families—like any busy household—need spaces that can keep up. That includes durable flooring that can withstand spills, scratches, and the occasional cat chase. In this remodel, we installed waterproof, wood-look flooring throughout the kitchen and main living areas for a cohesive, low-maintenance foundation. Quartz countertops, soft-close drawers, and under-cabinet lighting completed the transformation, ensuring the space was not only beautiful, but built to last.

A Reminder of the Bigger Picture

While every family’s story is different, foster families often carry extra responsibilities—emotionally, logistically, and legally. As remodelers, we’re proud to support these families by creating environments that make daily life safer and more manageable.

Whether you’re a foster parent or simply planning your next home update with children in mind, we’re here to help you design with purpose—and build with care.

Interested in remodeling your home with special considerations? Contact Lenton Company to learn how we can tailor your space to meet your family’s unique needs.  Give us a call at 661.273.9179 or visit our website.