Inside / Outside Home 2019

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30 Percent Federal Tax Credit for Solar Sunsets after 2019

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he 30 percent solar investment tax credit has proven to be one of the most important federal policy mechanisms to incentivize clean energy in the United States, and it is scheduled to sunset in the coming months.

Those who have yet to go solar are now rushing to take advantage of this federal incentive before it reduces in 2020, then disappears shortly after.

The solar tax credit was approved in 2006 and has made solar affordable and accessible for hundreds of thousands of Americans. Residential and commercial solar has grown rapidly across the country, especially in California where rates are high, the sun is plentiful and the tax credit is a great bonus, which helped over 2 million families and businesses make the switch to solar. Many Californians are now adopting energy storage with their solar power systems as batteries can qualify to claim the 30 percent tax credit when paired with solar.

Since the solar investment tax credit was enacted 13 years ago, the U.S. solar industry has grown by more than 10,000 percent, experiencing 53 percent growth annually and remains one of the nation’s fastest-growing industries.

The solar investment tax credit was originally set to expire in 2016,

but was saved by a last-minute, bipartisan Omnibus Appropriations Act, which included an extension of the tax credit in its full amount through 2019. This extension includes a sunset clause, which sets the residential tax credit to reduce to 26 percent in 2020, 22 percent in 2021 and in 2022 it will be nonexistent. The commercial tax credit reduces to 10 percent in 2022 and remains at that level indefinitely.

Solar power systems must be in operation with permission to operate by the local utility company by Dec. 31 to be eligible for the credit.

“Annually, there is a rush from consumers to get their solar installed and turned on by the end of the year to claim the tax credit the following spring once they become aware of the deadline,” said Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power, “Given that this is the last year of the 30 percent tax credit, we highly recommend homeowners sign up to go solar before Sept. 30 so we can have your solar power system operational by the end of the year.”

To learn more information on how to harness the power of the sun and capitalize on the 30 percent federal tax credit, attend a local seminar by visiting www. solarseminar.info or visit sullivansolarpower.com.

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WELCOME TO INSIDE / OUTSIDE HOME It’s time to give your household that fresh, new look you’ve been wanting to do for a while now. The problem is, you’re just not sure where to start or how to begin. r ann al ide n interi r desi n and de rati n is here t hel . ith r nside tside s e ial section, you can explore various ways of giving y r livin s a e the date it needs. n this year s nside tside editi n e share tips on how to design your ideal space for relaxati n and meditati n as ell as er ays t arran e the rnit re in y r h me that ll all r a l harm ni s ener y als n n as en sh i.

y re a renter li e many millennials in th ran e nty y ll ant t read r ie e n the est ays t m ve r ard ith y r lanned rades that n t et y in tr le ith the landl rd. nd ith the end s mmer ast a r a hin e n many y are l in t thr ne last td r ash e re the all s e s re t he t r ti s n re arin y r nd the mmer arty.

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Easy Updates for Renters

By Haley Chi-Sing

aving a place of your own doesn’t quite feel offi ial ntil y ty r n si nat re stam n it. ever hen rentin an a artment h me et . it mi ht e sli htly m re di fi lt t ty r n t ist and s in n the s a e.

So, where exactly does one start? Where should one look r advi e ertise deas r starters l first t y r trusted real estate agent or expert, so you can update and ren vate y r s a e t e me y r dream h me. i ntire has een in the real estate siness r m re than years e min ne ran e nty s leadin e erts and r essi nals n the mar et. ver the years ntire has een a le t are lly trim d n his t ri rities r renters hen datin their h me. s n a d et hether y have a r val r m y r landl rd and ma e s re y d n t dama e the ildin says the real estate a ent. ntire says the first ri rity r renters is t ma e a list of their wants and needs prior to updating anything in their h mes. his all s r the renters t stay ithin their d et hile still trans rmin their s a e int their dream h me. t als all s r the renters t tr ly lan t hat they ant and ima ine hat their s a e ld l li e. y ant t ne ntem rary r ld traditi nal rd y ant t h se a style that y ll ta e thr h t y r entire h se i re t hat y ant first and then r ard ntire says. ntire als em hasi es the im rtan e sti in t ne s rental a reement ri r t d in any dates r ren vati ns t the s a e. d intenti ned installment r alterati n in the s a e that is n t s e ified in the a reement an end stin the renter a air am nt at the end the lease a mista e made t ten y renters. ntire als lists his t ti s and re mmendati ns r renters l in t easily date and fi their s a e >> Work with colors: rdin t ntire renters an easily r ith the l rs and atm s heri a ents already availa le t them in the s a e. matter y r ideal style fi re t hat l rs and atterns y an se t a ent the s a e y have. ntire re mmends the se a lar e area r t n t nly add l r t the s a e t m letely t rn ar nd a r m. >> Add plants: lants an tr ly ma e a s a e me alive and rin a ne li ht t the atm s here. ntire as ins ired ith this i and easy h me additi n a ter seein an a artment livin r m ith di erent ty es and si es lants. t nly did they r ith the s a e the lants als enhan ed and r m ted a m re ea e l alm envir nment. >> Shop online: ith alm st every sh and st re nline st mers and lients an easily find their ideal ie e rnit re nline ith t leavin the m rt their h me. ntire s ests sin a te hni e alled r min hi h is taking a photo of your space and adding furniture and l rs nline ith st the s i e y r fin er. e elieves this is a great way of styling your area without ever having t hysi ally han e r m ve anythin in the s a e. n e you know exactly what you want and need, you can easily r hase all y r ie es r m the e site itsel . t the end the day ntire is all in r ma in a r m and the s a e at lar e all y r n. ever e ary ma in any h les r dama e t the s a e itsel ith t first ns ltin y r landl rd. t nly ill y save y rsel a li etime m netary and ers nal iss es t y ll e a le t finally live in a h me that is all y rs d n t the last m in y r a inet and the lant ne t t the d r.

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Aly Morford and Leigh Lincoln, the owners of Pure Salt Interiors of Laguna Beach, say neutrals instinctively have a calming effect on the eye.

Make a Stress-Free Sanctuary Essential Ways to Transform a Space for Yourself

Aly Morford and Leigh Lincoln.

Energy Flow The Chinese art of Feng shui balances energies in a given space. According to the practice, balanced energy comes from a tidy, organized and well-oriented space. There are a few, easy ways to begin implementing Feng shui into your life in order to better embrace the space around you. n ra ti in en sh i d rs are nsidered rtals in hi h rt nities an enter y r li e. d rs are na le t e ened all the ay d e t l tter r i y r el n in s ta e al ays

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By Andrea Clemett hether you regularly commute to work on the I-5 Freeway or you r r m h me it may e di fi lt t find a ie e serenity in y r ree time. y reatin a san t ary inside y r h me it may e m re lfillin than sear hin r it tside.

Aly Morford and Leigh Lincoln, the ners re alt nteri rs ana ea h say y r h me sh ld e a san t ary ll th rdinary and le endary m ments hile ein filled ith hara ter and almin vi es. he desi n d h m ined their talents t rm their siness th a ree that the first ste in reatin that ideal s a e r r m is t rem ve the l tter. he r ess ill n t nly r ani e t add a resh start eelin . e l tterin may e the m st da ntin as e t in the h le desi n r ess h ever the re ards t ei h the idle ears e innin a r e t. e al ays re mmend findin reative ays t st re the essentials a ay s that ta let s and ther visi le s r a es remain l tter ree r rd said. r m there e li e t ee stylin and de r as minimal as ssi le t ee the r m eelin as en and s a i s as it an. s a e is an iss e e in small y reatin a m si listenin rner r a readin hidea ay. r thers h share s a es and se their h mes r fi es it is im rtant r them t reate a se arate r s a e that all s them distan e r m mm n areas says r rd. ith an in reasin trend e le r in r m h me this ill hel initiate a se arati n between free time and work. hen h sin a l ati n r y r san t ary i a s t here there s nat ral li htin s h as near a ind s y an se the vie the

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td rs r ity as a al int. nd i y r ideal s t la s an td r vie reate y r n i t res e s ene y h sin a rint r art r that trans rts y t y r tran il location. s r a l r alette nsider sin l t nes s h as l e reen ne trals r rey sin e they instin tively have a calming effect on the eye. r rd says lants are an ther essential r livenin the s a e and drawing out the character that will trans rm the s a e in a h me. ee in a e saved mement s that ev e eel d th hts are d ni na s t a ent the r m. t is vital t nsider h m h de r is sed in the desi nated s a e e a se it an easily et verhelmin ith t an r ani ed lan. reatin a desi n l r rd and Lincoln recommend drawing ins irati n r m interest se nd hand st res and l al mar ets. here are many d it y rsel ideas that an e n vered and desi ned n days . r the ne a ind finds that an ins ire the rest a r m the interi r desi ners have nd their est treas res at l al mar ets. hey s est ma in a day tri t asadena se l s lea mar et held n the se nd nday every m nth. ettin the time aside t ma e a s a e r y rsel is st as im rtant as it is ein in it. he s a e ill h e lly remind y t ta e time t r y rsel as y r n indin time is ri eless. r h me sh ld e a la e that eels serene and rela ed r rd said. r desi n hil s hy is all a t reatin s a es that are re le tive the e le that live there hile in sin te t res atterns and l rs that all ma e the h me eel li e a san t ary r m the stresses everyday li e.

How to Practice Feng Shui in Your Home y re l sin y rsel t rt nities. lear s a e all s r an en lean l ener y. mm n areas the h me sh ld e arran ed t s rt amily atherin r r m te harm ny in the h seh ld. y have a lar er s a in the livin r m it sh ld e a in the main entry. en sh i rin i les s est av idin harshly an led rnit re and instead h sin ir lar ee ta les. lid d is re erred ver lass. n y r edr m ee the s a e nderneath y r ed ree l tter r timal ener y l . arm l rs s h as ream l sh and r n hel r m te a s thin envir nment. s r the it hen the heart the h me en sh i re mmends ee in the eilin a li ht l r

and the floor a darker color for a grounding efe t. he st ve re ri erat r and sin sh ld rm a trian le s that n ne is dire tly ad a ent r site to each other. Lighting from the ceiling or natural li ht r m ind s sh ld ill minate dar rners. he se mirr rs ill en the s a e and reflect bad energy away. r h me ers y shelter a la e r rest ele rati n and re venati n s it is im rtant t sh ratit de and res e t t y r s a e. diyin the arran ements in y r h me t h ld leanliness and r ani ati n and an en l ener y are said t im r ve slee health and verall well-being. —Lillian Boyd

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Home

Out With the New, In With the Old

Repurposing and Recycling is the Latest Trend in Home Interior Design

By Adam Gilles ith so many furniture options to choose from in stores and online, redecorating a home can be a daunting task. Which website to go to? Which showrooms are worth the drive?

What if the solution is the furniture already sitting in your living room or with a friend or family member, just waiting for a new home?

By simply repurposing and recycling older, well-made, furniture at your disposal, you can create a fresh look for y r h me r fi e that ill ntin e to stand the test of time, without makin t i a dent in y r finan es.

Haideh Mehr of Bella Bazaar in Dana Point has been helping people turn their old into new for more than 13 years.

“I think it’s important to not waste so much,” says Mehr. “Less is more. Get less items, but get quality items.”

While Bella Bazaar carries a wide selection of new furniture and decorations for the home, the store also speiali es in refinishin and re h lstering old chairs and sofas for customers that appreciate the lasting value of their finely ra ted rnit re that mi ht just need a facelift.

“Unfortunately, a lot of manufacturers are selling things that are meant to last for only a few years,” Mehr says.

“Nowadays, unfortunately, a lot of things are made to break down, like the foam in the sofa, the cushions; all of that is made to break down after so many years.”

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Shopping for high quality furniture items an r ve m re di fi lt r the younger generation that might not have a very high budget as they start de ratin their first h me r a artment. Mehr has plenty of ideas for them as well.

“The younger generation has been handed down some great pieces, where the quality is there,” she says.

“We’re really good about telling people if something is worth reupholstering, if something is worth redoing or not.” he easiest thin t d hen fi ring out how to decorate your personal space is to use what you already have and decorate around your lifestyle.

“You don’t have money for art? Stick your surfboard on the wall. That’s the coolest art there is,” Mehr suggests.

“You play the guitar? Stick all your guitars on the wall. Make that a total focal point. There are a lot of things you can do, and we love helping people out with stuff like that.”

Bella Bazaar also has a wide variety ri inal art that an hel t the finishing touches on any interior design idea, while helping out local artists at the same time.

“You can get a poster, and maybe you do want to put a poster in your kid’s room, but get a piece of original art from a local artist that you’re going to be able to hold onto,” says Mehr. “It has a story behind it.”

For assistance with your own interior design story, you can visit Bella Bazaar at 34467 Golden Lantern in the Dana Point Harbor.

Perk Up Your Patio Quick Tips to Spruce Up Your Entertainment Area for a Summer Bash

By Zara Flores

With the weather heating up and kids gearing up to go back to school, what better time than now to throw an end of the summer party for all your friends and family, or even the whole neighborhood? t’s easy to get wrapped up and pages deep into Pinterest, so here are some quick and fool-proof ways to add some character and comfort to your outdoor entertainment area, whether you’re hosting a laid-back get-together or a party for the whole neighborhood.

String lights and a Bluetooth speaker are perfect for a relaxed gathering.

The lights add an atmospheric and decorative touch while still providing light when needed, and a speaker is easy to move around and set up for some cool tunes.

Whether you’re blasting top chart hits or the Beach Boys, everyone can gather around and sing along for some fun.

For a more comfortable and cozy touch to your outdoor area, colorful throw pillows and a blanket or two can provide some warmth once the sun sets and the temperature starts to drop. To coincide with the cool summer ni hts a fire it is a reat ay t add some functional decor.

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Affordable options can be found at local hardware stores and can be used for added warmth. Gather around and pop a marshmallow on a skewer and make s’mores, a summer classic.

For larger parties, head to your local retail store and check out some games such as cornhole or Spikeball.

Games like these are reasonably priced, easy to set up and will offer seasons of enjoyment.

Of course, no party is complete without refreshments and snacks. A big ice chest won’t run you a whole lot of money, and it’s the easiest way to chill some beers and other beverages without having to cram them all in your fridge. For some bite-sized snacks, head to your grocery store and pick up a party platter of assorted ite si ed ds s h as fin er sandwiches and even desserts.

If you’re looking to host an intimate gathering or a large party, it’s easy to add little touches like these to your entertainment area, and they certainly don’t have to break the bank.

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2019 Home Décor Picks

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Denim Pouf $263

SEA & SKY

24625 Del Prado Ave, Dana Point 949.276.7833 seaskyhome.com

Our Top Local Finds to Freshen Up Your Space

By Chelsie Rex and Lillian Boyd

If you’re starting from scratch to design your dream space or hoping to freshen up your nest, look no further than what our local businesses have to offer. We’ve highlighted a few must-haves, statement pieces and home furnishings that speak to the coastal and Bohemian style for which our area is known. Be sure to explore our list of interior décor shops to find even more treasures. u

Kilim Pillow $115 BELLA BAZAAR

(Dana Point Harbor) 34467 Golden Lantern, Dana Point 949.429.6200 • bellabazaar.com

Natural Agate Bookend Set $159-$199

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WHITE PELICAN GALLERY (Dana Point Harbor) 34475 Golden Lantern, Dana Point 949.240.1991 whitepelicangallery.com

Corn Husk Basket

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$67.99-$69.99

Abby Sofa $1,199-$1,499

THE SOFA SHOP

DENAULT’S TRUEVALUE HARDWARE

31896 Plaza Drive, Suite E-1, San Juan Capistrano 949.770.8888 • thesofashop.net

31862 Del Obispo, San Juan Capistrano 949.493.1031 • denaults.com

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Cane Chair $99.99

DENAULT’S TRUEVALUE HARDWARE

31862 Del Obispo, San Juan Capistrano 949.493.1031 • denaults.com

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Rattan Beehive Chandelier $1,495 TUVALU HOME

222 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente 949.542.8244 • tuvaluhome.com

t Wood Orchid and Succulent Arrangement $250

Reclaimed Wood & Marble End Table $413 p

SEA & SKY

24625 Del Prado Ave, Dana Point 949.276.7833 • seaskyhome.com

SC FURNITURE & MATTRESS

109 Calle De Los Molinos, San Clemente 949.492.5589 southcoastfurniture.com

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Boho Metal Chair $169

SC FURNITURE & MATTRESS

109 Calle De Los Molinos, San Clemente 949.492.5589 • southcoastfurniture.com