Renovation + Build to Suit – Page 2 – Artisan Sotheby's International Realty

10 Major Interior Design Styles Explained

Interior design styles are important in defining the ambiance and aesthetic of a space. Understanding the various interior design styles can be a game changer when designing your home.

However, with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to navigate through the vast world of interior design.

We’re here to break it down for you.

Scandinavia

Scandinavian design has gained tremendous popularity in recent years. This Nordic-inspired style is known for its simplicity, functionality, and elegance.

This design embraces the concept of “less is more,” uses light-colored woods, and is filled with natural light.

The color palette revolves around neutral tones like whites, grays, and muted pastels.

Mid-Century Modern

Inspired by 1950s and 1960s design trends, it frequently features iconic furniture pieces, an excellent choice for those looking to add a bit of personality to their space.

The color scheme in Mid-Century Modern design tends to be bold and vibrant, with hues like mustard yellow, teal, and orange dominating. These colors are often paired with neutral tones like white, black, or gray to create a balanced and visually pleasing look.

Industrial

Industrial interior design offers a bold approach to decorating, allowing for a fusion of ruggedness and sophistication. A captivating choice for those seeking an urban and edgy aesthetic.

Metal, wood, and leather are popular materials for industrial design. Repurposed or vintage pieces, such as reclaimed wood tables or metal stools, are often incorporated to add a sense of history and character.

Contemporary

Clean lines, minimalism, and an emphasis on open spaces define contemporary design.

The color palette in contemporary design often revolves around neutral tones. Accents of bold colors or metallic finishes may be introduced to add visual interest and create focal points within the space.

Also, accessories and artwork in contemporary design are carefully curated. Minimalistic sculptures, abstract paintings, or unique statement pieces can all contribute to modern aesthetics.

Traditional

Traditional interior design is a timeless and elegant style that pays homage to classic European aesthetics. And it embraces rich textures, intricate details, and a sense of grandeur.

Furniture in traditional design showcases fine detailing. Pieces are often made of rich woods like mahogany, cherry, or walnut, adding to the sense of luxury.

Additionally, textiles play a significant role in traditional design, with heavy draperies, luxurious curtains, and upholstery fabrics like velvet, silk, or brocade.

Bohemian

A vibrant and eclectic style that celebrates individuality, creativity, and a free-spirited approach to life.

It embraces a maximalist approach, where more is more. The key is to create a visually stimulating space through the artful combination of diverse elements.

Moreover, furniture and decor in bohemian design are often a mix of vintage and handcrafted. Common elements include oversized floor cushions, rattan furniture, embroidered textiles, and woodwork.

Japandi

A captivating fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian simplicity. This emerging style combines the best of both worlds, marrying clean lines and functionality of Scandinavian design with the calmness of Japanese aesthetics.

Colors in Japandi’s design typically revolve around a muted and earthy palette. Soft shades of white, beige, gray, and warm wood tones dominate the color scheme. Accents of black or dark hues may be used to add depth and contrast.

Furthermore, furniture in Japandi design often features a mix of Scandinavian-inspired pieces with Japanese influences. It tends to be low-profile and focuses on using natural materials like wood and bamboo.

Melissa Grustat of Architectural Digest explains that another adaptation in the Japandi style is the introduction of feng shui principles, which have Chinese origins but are often incorporated into Japanese home decor.

Indeed, this style places importance on creating a sense of connection with nature. Indoor plants, bonsai trees, and natural elements like rocks or water features are incorporated to bring a touch of the outdoors inside.

Country House

This style reflects a rustic charm. One of the features of country house design is the use of natural materials. Also, wood is often prominent, whether it’s exposed beams or hardwood floors.

The color composition in country house design is typically soft and earthy. Neutral tones such as whites, creams, beiges, and warm browns create a serene backdrop, while soft blues, greens, or floral patterns may be introduced to add a touch of whimsy.

Art Deco

A glamorous style that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s. Characterized by bold geometric shapes and luxurious materials.

Rich woods, such as mahogany and ebony, are often used for furniture and paneling. Other materials like marble, glass, and mirrors are incorporated to create a sense of elegance.

In addition, geometry plays a prominent role in Art Deco design. Zigzag patterns, chevrons, and sunburst motifs are commonly seen in flooring, wall coverings, and decorative accents. Geometric shapes, such as stepped or rounded forms, are often used in furniture design.

Hollywood Regency

A stylish style that draws inspiration from the golden era of Hollywood in the 1930s, this design is the opposite of minimalism.

Moreover, plush velvet, satin, and silk fabrics are used for upholstery, draperies, and bedding. Metallic finishes are incorporated to create a sense of drama.

Hollywood Regency’s interior design offers an extravagant approach to decorating, creating spaces that evoke the allure of old Hollywood. It’s a style that celebrates elegance, inviting you to live like a star and bask in the timeless beauty of this era.

Conclusion

By understanding the essence of each style, you can create a space that reflects your personality and lifestyle. Whether you prefer the clean lines of minimalism or the intricate details of traditional design, let your imagination guide you in designing your home.

Nevertheless, we hope our list has given you information about popular decorating styles to help you get started.

Lastly, if you’re looking for more interior design content, check out Home Design Trends You Need to Know in 2023.

The Best Outdoor Living Ideas for Your Backyard

As the weather starts to warm up and the days get longer, this is the best time to start thinking about outdoor living. Your backyard can be more than just a patch of grass and a few trees.

With the right outdoor living ideas, it can become a beautiful extension of your home. This article discusses some of the best outdoor living ideas that turn outdoor space into an oasis.

Create an Outdoor Kitchen

Cooking and eating outside is a great way to enjoy the warm weather. When designing your outdoor kitchen, consider the size of your space, the layout, and the features you want to include, such as a grill, sink, refrigerator, and storage.

Also, choose durable and weather-resistant materials like stainless steel, stone, or tile.

Furthermore, these Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas will help you create an outdoor kitchen for your family and friends to gather and enjoy delicious food in style.

Build a Fire Pit

A fire pit is a popular feature for backyard living as it provides an inviting space to engage in activities such as roasting marshmallows, telling stories, or just enjoying the warmth and ambiance of a crackling fire.

You may build with different materials, such as brick, stone, or metal.

In addition, a firepit can also enhance the overall aesthetic of a backyard. And it can create a focal point and add a rustic or natural element to the landscape design.

Install a Water Feature

A water feature can add a peaceful and soothing element to your backyard. It can be a simple fountain, a pond, or a cascading waterfall.

John Wyer of Bowles & Wyer explains that water feature ideas must work aesthetically and have a purpose within the rest of your garden design. The design does not need to be complex; sometimes, the simplest will have the most impact.

Build a Pergola

A pergola is a great way to create a shaded area in your backyard. Plant some vines or climbing flowers to create a natural canopy.

Pergolas come in various materials, like wood, vinyl, and aluminum. And can be designed to fit any style or aesthetic.

Moreover, pergolas can also increase the value of a home. They are an in-demand feature in landscaping and can make a home more attractive to potential buyers.

Plant a Garden

Planting a garden is not only a great way to add color to your backyard, but it’s also a way to grow food.

Start with a few raised beds or containers and see where it takes you.

Besides, having a garden in your backyard can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Create a Cozy Seating Area

Creating a cozy seating area is about making your space comfortable, inviting, and relaxing. Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect seating area:

Start with the seating option. Whether you prefer a plush sofa, a set of armchairs, or a loveseat, ensure it is comfortable enough to lounge in for hours.
Add soft textures such as fluffy pillows, throws, and plush rugs.
Incorporate ambient lighting. Consider adding ambient lighting, such as table lamps, floor lamps, or string lights.
Add personal touches to your seating area by incorporating decorations that reflect your style and personality.

Read more on Outdoor Living Space for your design needs.

Outdoor Features’ Benefits

Remodeling outdoor features can financially benefit homeowners who plan to sell their property. NAR, Most REALTORS® Recommend Improving Curb Appeal, and Homeowners Can Benefit Financially and Emotionally by Remodeling Outdoor Features, NAR-NALP Report Finds: Most REALTORS® (92%) suggest that sellers improve the curb appeal of their home before listing it for sale.

Also, the largest share of REALTORS® recommended owners complete landscaping-related features before putting a home on the market.

Those were among the top projects for which landscape professionals saw increased demand over the last year.

Check out the 2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features examines why homeowners complete outdoor remodeling projects, the value of undertaking these enhancements, and homeowners’ increased happiness after completing an upgrade.

In conclusion,

Creating an outdoor living space in your backyard can bring new enjoyment to your home. There are countless ways to transform your backyard into a functional outdoor living space.

If you decide to have the remodeling done, here is a guide from us on How to Hire a Remodeling Contractor.

Lastly, we hope these ideas inspire you to make the most of your backyard in the summer. We depart with this quote from Nick Kelsh: The world of your photography is limitless—just like your backyard.

Home Design Trends You Need to Know in 2023

The new year is upon us, signifying a time of change and new beginnings. Home design trends come in waves and now feels like the perfect time for a change.

If you are looking to buy a new home or make changes to your current one, you are probably curious about the design trends that will be popular in 2023.

Color of the year

According to The Psychology of Color in Spaces by Stoneside, color psychology focuses on color to create a specific atmosphere and mood. Hues are carefully chosen to invoke a certain emotional response in people and set a particular mood.

Furthermore, research into color theory has ascribed defined emotions to each hue, and it also takes into account various factors such as tint, saturation, and tone.

Moreover, if you have been thinking of repainting your walls, colors that bring warmth and coziness to the room are relevant in the year 2023.

However, this does not mean that you should avoid the darker hues entirely, as they will help you create a sleek and sophisticated space, so keep this in mind when designing your interior.

Warm White

This color is neutral and has always been the safest pick. As a result, it allows you to use richer, brighter furniture or even go with the classic beige, which is the most versatile tone to create that warmth and calming effect.

Desert Carnation

If you want to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, use earth-tone colors because they promote a nature-friendly atmosphere that creates a sense of tranquility.

Blue Arrow

“A shade that promotes balance within the home, merging cool tones of blue with a warm undertone.”

– Sue Kim, Valspar®

Dark Countertops

Dark countertops add character to your kitchen, giving it a dramatic look and strong appeal. This design can result in a refreshing, luxurious, and moody appearance.

Organized Space

Gena Kirk, Design expert in KB Home Design Studio says, “we’re seeing a lot less desire for open shelving—a very big trend for a long time—and glass front doors. We’re seeing customers who want to close things up and organize them well.”

Additionally, if you want to keep clutter at bay, invest in some furniture with hidden compartments to help you store your belongings without taking up any additional space in a room.

Minimalism

Minimalism has been a thing for some time and is here to stay. This interior design creates a simple and clean space that usually uses a monochromatic color scheme.

Kristin Hohenadel, Interior Design Expert, says that “minimalist design is about prioritizing the essentials. A minimalist building, object, or interior design is stripped to its core function, realized using limited materials, neutral colors, simple forms, and avoiding excess ornamentation to achieve a pure form of elegance.

Additionally, while the final expression of a minimalist design might appear effortlessly simple, as spare as a poem, and as clear as a bell, achieving this kind of powerful simplicity is anything but easy.”

In line with this, the overall takeaway from what design experts anticipate will emerge in 2023 is a functional, inviting, natural, and comfortable space.

If you are looking for ideas for a new kitchen, bedroom, living room, or other home space to remodel, this will hopefully help.

Finally, we wish you a happy new year! May it be filled with new adventures and good fortunes. We look forward to helping you with all your real estate needs in 2023. Give us a call!

Solidify Your Love for Your Home Forever

We are living in a time when staying home is the best option for our collective health. This new way of living in our homes leaves us wandering the hallways, thinking about what we want to change, add, and make existing spaces multifunctional. To quote Appollo 13’s Marilyn Lovell, “I can’t deal with cleaning up. Let’s sell the house.” Maybe not because I don’t want to clean the house, but I can’t cope with my current home’s dysfunctionality now that we are here so often. I, too, have fallen to the question, should we sell and buy something else? How about you?

Selling your house is a viable option. I will additionally suggest you sell your house and build the “perfect for you” home. Creating the “perfect for me” home has occupied my thoughts a few times during the pandemic. Imagine this: you have total control of how everything in your home looks, feels and flows. You are in charge of creating only the rooms you need to live your ideal lifestyle. Do you need a home office? Home gym? Yoga studio? Separate wing for extended family? Dream it up and never wander the hallway again, thinking what if.

So, now that you are eager to lay your plans to paper and get building – consider this. We have the ideal spot for your new home, 6562 Williams Place in Sebastopol. This oak-studded lot is located down a private lane and offers you plenty of privacy and relaxation from the hustle and bustle of life, but still mere minutes from downtown Sebastopol. Enjoy a bountiful harvest from the numerous fruit trees, including apple, pear, fig, and peach. The heavy lifting has already been accomplished with an installed 3-bedroom septic system, electricity at lot line, shared well, water storage, and fire hydrant. Building plans for a 2,500± square foot dwelling is included. The lot is close to schools, fine dining, shopping, wineries, and outdoor adventures. Now is time to build your dream home. Give us a call!

Uniting Family Homes in 2019

Family Compound 3D rendering — Family Compound Vision ID 115428455 © | Dreamstime.com

Did you ever notice that trends have their way of circling back? One such trend is a family compound. Defined as a group of buildings in an enclosed area, having a shared or associated purpose, such as the houses of an extended family, a family compound is a trend more families are bringing back into popularity for a variety of practical reasons.

Property Listing: 3500 Sweetwater Springs Road, Healdsburg, California 95448 — 3500 Sweetwater Springs Road, Healdsburg, California 95448

Land in California is scarce, especially property in which to build new homes on. Purchasing a piece of land suitable for multiple dwellings such as our Sweetwater Springs listing in Healdsburg resolves this issue. Breathtaking views sweep through this 480± acre parcel with spectacular panoramic view options for future building sites. Gently rolling ridge top features open sunny meadows, natural springs and incredible views of the Russian River Valley, Mt St Helena and beyond. The perfect canvas awaits to create your dream estate or family compound with vineyard potential. Russian River and Sonoma Coast AVA. Includes two separate parcels with 5 certificate of compliance. This property is currently offered at $2,995,000. Give us a call to show you around and discuss the possibilities.

Finding affordable housing is tough in California all across the state. Sonoma County is no different. The lack of space to build new homes, the recent devastating fires, and an already tight housing market have all made it even more challenging to solve one of humans’ most fundamental needs, a place to live. Creating a family compound makes sense in solving this dilemma. Building a more significant purchase together as a family and developing individual housing on the property for each member becomes a lot more affordable and helps equalize the burden of cost to each individual.

Property Listing: 6484 Bodega Avenue, Petaluma, California 94952 — 6484 Bodega Avenue, Petaluma, California 94952

Finding the right property to create your ideal family compound can have it’s challenges too. If 480± acres is too big for you, we also have an incredible property that is ideally suited for a compound and holds multiple dwellings onsite already. Our Bodega Avenue listing is a tranquil and private 80± acres located in desirable West Petaluma. This flag lot would make a great family compound boasting main house, guest house, and caretakers’ quarters. An ideal property for raising crops with vineyard potential. Suitable for horses includes 3 large barns, outbuildings and spring fed pond. Close to wine country, fine dining, and coast. Currently offered at $2,999,999. This property is a unique spot, give us a call to walk through it and learn more about the multiple opportunities it offers.

Multiple Generations in a family — ID 108767364 © Seijiroooooooooo | Dreamstime.com

The idea of a family compound is not a new one. In the 1900s and earlier it was commonplace to have multiple generations of families living on the same property and sometimes under one roof. The benefits vary. When the kids are small, grandparents are nearby to help; when the grandparents are too old to be alone, they have family nearby to care for them. Sharing expenses and helping each other out. Another possible advantage is the closeness the family feels by living so close together and supporting one another through the challenges and successes we all experience in life.

Contact us today if you are interested in walking through either of the above listings. Both properties offer multiple possibilities for a family compound, potential income, and a harmonious lifestyle.

Empty Home, Full of Possibilities

4041 Bones Road, Sebastopol, California 95472

I’m sure it has happened to you in your home search, you meet one of us to walk you through a home that interests you, as you enter, you notice right away that the home is staged or may even be completely empty. When buying a home, there can be many reasons why a seller may have already moved on, some may be positive for your buying process.

Several positives to buying a vacant home can range from the obvious to the surprising. When a home is empty, the true details of the home can be seen and absorbed. All of the charm and intricacies of the property are plainly seen. This can help to reduce any surprises at the inspection and closing. The closing period of these homes tend to be simpler as well. When waiting for a family to vacate the property, closing periods can run into complications or setbacks. With vacant homes, these unforeseen personal incidences can be reduced.

Our Bones Road property in Sebastopol is currently vacant and holds a number of positive and exciting attributes that you should come and see.

Bones Road offers not only the privacy and seclusion with views of vineyards, mountains, and redwoods tucked into the West County Hills; it offers a clean slate to its new owner. This Spanish-inspired single story home features old world charm with wood beam ceilings, paver tile flooring, and dramatic archways. The ideal floor plan makes for easy entertaining in a spacious kitchen, dining, family and living areas. Included in the sale of the home are 7.5± beautiful acres of land suitable for horses, gardens, and agriculture.

There are many reasons why homes may become vacant at the point of a sale. Life circumstances such and marriage, divorce, or the passing of an elderly family member, or even a change in financial stability can cause a homeowner to sell a home after it has been emptied. These circumstances, although unfortunate, can translate to gained value to a buyer. Often times, the owners of vacant homes are motivated to sell and may have already severed emotional ties to the property, making for a faster process for you!

If you are interested in discussing these concerns and opportunities further, whether you are buying or selling a vacant home, please reach out and ask. We are here to share our expertise to help you make the best decision for your family.

This Land is Your Land

Land purchases are sought out by buyers for different reasons. Sometimes, land can be a great, low-maintenance investment or it can be the start of a client’s dream. The spectrum of reasons for buying land is just that far-reaching. This spectrum makes finding the right land for the right person, so interesting! We love matching motivations to parcels and feel like we are really helping to set in motion something special for our clients.

Some of the reasons buyers seek land are universal, regardless of what their ultimate goal for the property may be. There is a huge opportunity for increased property value when buying land, after all, they are not making any more of it. This opportunity is compounded by the fact, land can be very low maintenance. Whether you are investing to one day resell, or build your dream home, when there are no existing structures of maintenance issues to impede your vision, the possibilities are endless (and less expensive). Also, in the competitive market, we often find ourselves in, here in California, land purchases may be a way to relieve some of that tension. Often times, buying and selling land is less stressful and buyers often reap the benefits of that fact.

All of these benefits can be found at our listing at 3500 Sweetwater Springs Road. This property has breathtaking views, one of those perks found more often when buying property versus neighborhood homes. Gently rolling ridge top features open sunny meadows, natural springs and incredible views of the Russian River Valley, Mt. Saint Helena and beyond. The views continue to sweep through the entirety of the 480± acre parcel. This property is the perfect canvas awaits to create your dream estate with vineyard potential. There are multiple building sites on this property that will provide the idyllic backdrop, your dream in wine country has always deserved.

Latest Remodeling Spending Projections: More Reliable

Sometimes the experts who project trends in residential housing and real estate find that they have to correct their predictions. Once the final statistics are in, if they consistently reveal errors as wide of the mark as 50%, it’s just embarrassing. Such was recently the case with Harvard’s LIRA remodeling project—and for those of us who represent buyers and sellers in the Sonoma County home market, the resulting revisions were meaningful.

Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies’ statistical barometer for home improvement activity is known as “LIRA”—its Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity. And as their research analyst Abbe Will wrote recently, it had become evident that “the quality and reliability of the LIRA’s benchmark data series declined markedly.”

When your benchmarks are no longer meaningful, there is only one thing to do: it’s called “re-benchmarking.” In this case, it caused JCHS to overhaul the very activities that it was attempting to measure. Instead of just projecting home improvement spending alone, the new “re-benchmarked” LIRA is broader. It adds maintenance and repair spending to remodeling activity.

What do the new findings augur for Sonoma County’s home market prospects? First good news: it looks as if the new projections should be much more reliable. And the graphs reveal a strong surge in national remodeling spending—not only for the remainder of this year, but for well into 2017. When remodeling spending is strong, real estate values (and prices) rise, too. For homeowners, the addition of the right kind of improvements is one way to bump up the value prospective buyers see a property.

One feature that our area’s luxury homes share is a well-planned, open kitchen. Where that is precluded by structural elements, one work-around is the addition of new appliances with a contemporary look. Stainless steel ovens and refrigerators have a way of creating a “luxury home feeling”—even when the spaces they occupy are relatively modest.

Another feature that signals opulence is at least one luxury bathroom. Spa-style baths can go far in that direction—and the resulting photography can add major eye-appeal to a listing. More modest improvements like changing out faucets for brushed nickel or other metal finishes (not gold, please!) can make outsized differences. Add fluffy new towels, and perhaps a scented candle—and the formerly so-so bathroom can become a mind-changer.

With LIRA’s home improvement activity projected to strengthen more than 8% this year—and promising further acceleration into next (to nearly $325 billion!)—it demonstrates the faith that consumers across the nation have in the growing value of their home investments. If you are evaluating the merits of various possible improvements for your home, we hope you won’t hesitate to give us a call. We would be glad to offer some incisive feedback on the preferences we have discovered with today’s Sonoma County buyers!

Bottom 10 Listings Features Could Surprise Sebastopol Readers

You don’t have to be planning to add your own home to the Sebastopol listings to be curious about how it would do if it were up for sale. If you are considering a change of residences, it’s twice as likely that you have been checking out the latest listings in Sebastopol to see what comparable properties are asking, which are already under contract, and which have been listed for the longest times…

Most important in the interest any listing elicits is the photography—combined with the Big Three: Asking Price; Number of Bedrooms; and Number of Bathrooms. But there is also the list of possible amenities—and how each stacks up with buyers across the nation. Some of them seem to attract the most eager buyers, while others seem to draw the most yawns. We’ve done an informal (and definitely unscientific) audit of what the leading commentators have come up with as “least popular” home amenities. We were quite surprised by several of them, especially number 5!

Here’s a sampling of the 10 top least exciting contenders:

1. Elevator. Almost every source mentioned this. People don’t want elevators in their homes, except for a small percentage of seniors. This is fortunate, because very few Sebastopol listings ever include them.

2. Two toilets in the master bath. Not terribly surprising, but not to be confused with two sinks in the master bath, which (at least here in Sebastopol) is a definite plus.

3. Cork flooring. Cork has excellent thermal and acoustical qualities. It’s lightweight, warm to the touch, hypoallergenic…but, alas! None of that seems to matter. Unpopular, apparently.

4. Wet bar. This could have some connection to the next:

Wine cellar. The vintage wine storage problem is, apparently, not high on most folks’ gotta-have-it lists.

Daycare center nearby. This is a surprise—you’d think it would be a strong positive for professionals with little ones. Perhaps this is a reaction to negative news stories about daycare centers in places other than our area…or perhaps, since other properties are within the same “nearby” radius, it’s just not enough of a differentiator to make it a listings winner.

Two story family room. Although this can be a delightful architectural feature, to some buyers it might hint at would-be grandeur that could make a family room less cozy.

Two-story foyer. Ditto.

Laminate countertop. Not surprising: stone seems to rule the roost in countertop mentions (as it has for years). One commentator found that Gen Xers “hold laminate countertops in the same disregard” that their elders hold for next-door baseball or soccer fields.

Pet washing station. Sorry Fido; looks like it’s off to the groomer for you.

There they are—but if your own Sebastopol home has one or more of these attributes, never fear…we’re experts at coming up with creative approaches for marketing them in new and exciting ways. Give us a call when it’s time to start creating your listing!

PISE in Paradise

Building materials are varied and have different benefits. From an environmental perspective, many structures are looking to traditional techniques from the past to maximize durability, economy, and charm. Pneumatically impacted stabilized earth (PISE) is a “nearly perfect building material” (Dwell, 2009) when considering the benefits compared to more mainstream building techniques. PISE (pronounced “pee-zay”), is a more modern combination of a classic building material and a traditional French construction technique, dirt and rammed earth, respectively. This technique is related to adobe in the material and look, which never needs painting and adds instant old-world charm to even the newest construction.

PISE was relatively recently developed by builder David Easton. The building of PISE dwellings take specialized machinery and expertise. The wall material is a mix of earth, cement and water. The mixture is sprayed onto a reinforced steel (rebar), earthquake-ready skeleton inside of a removable mold. Layer by layer, the earthen material is built up, in increments 18-24 inches thick, and two to three feet high. The mixture firms and is smoothed and sanded to eliminate any imperfections to create a solid, supportive surface.

Furthermore, if you are environmentally, or health conscious, the benefits and superiority of this technique cannot be beat. The benefits of PISE are similar to the benefits seen from building with other earth materials, which include but are not limited to:

Efficiency of resources
Energy efficient (energy reductions of 80%+)
Natural Thermal regulations (in most climates, PISE homes do not need A/C, or CFC-containing insulation)
Increased safety of occupants
More durable building (minimal maintenance and the usable life is measured in 100s of years)
Chemical-free pest (such as termites) resistant
Fire resistant without retardants
No toxic materials like in mainstream building techniques
Less forestry pressure (leaves important habitats intact)
Eliminates a large percentage of construction waste

The style provided by an earthen home is very special as well. With warm tones and unpainted, lightly textured walls, South American influences are seen around every turn. Also common in these types of buildings, are adobe-style fireplaces and alcoves. Exposed wood trim and ceilings, like those seen in the home on High school Road in Sebastopol, California compliment the warmth of the building materials and landscape.

For more information and further reading reference the sites below:

https://geopolymerhouses.wordpress.com/2011/06/19/pneumatically-impacted-stabilized-earth-pise/

http://www.solaripedia.com/713/6/material.html