With 2024 around the corner — and perhaps a home remodeling project on your wishlist — we thought we’d keep it local and get some grate tips from San Diego-based remodeling experts on what’s hot right now for kitchens.
Wood elements for that “outdoor connection” are totally on trend.
SDtoday talked about kitchen remodeling with the team at Miramar Kitchen & Bath — the small, family-owned business at 8454 Commerce Ave., Ste. B, with 32+ years of experience. Here’s what the team expects to be popular for local kitchen projects in 2024:
Classic white shaker cabinets, but with more black fixtures to accompany them.
Warm wood tones also appear to be coming in as an accent color — used on island cabinets, floating shelves, and kitchen accessories.
Kitchen designs focused on creating a friendly gathering space, with larger islands and countertop overhangs to accommodate for more seating.
Pops of blue and green — whether that be in the island color or incorporated with backsplash tiles.
Pro tip: Miramar Kitchen & Bath offers free phone consultations to discuss remodeling projects, or in-person appointments Tuesday-Saturday.
Lars Remodeling & Design said local kitchen trends include a great sink — “we’re loving a workstation.”
SDtoday also reached out to Lars Remodeling & Design, a business serving SD for 30+ years. The team shared these local kitchen remodeling trends for the new year:
Kitchen spaces integrating organic, natural themes for an outdoor feel and connection.
Warmer metals — like gold and black fixtures.
Bigger, more functional sinks — we’re loving a workstation.
Refrigeration drawers are being added around the home — not just inside the kitchen, but also in the gym, den, and family room.
Easy to maintain flooring materials.
Pro tip: Customers can visit the Lars Remodeling & Design showroom at 5925 Kearny Villa Rd. — no appointment needed. Free, in-home design consultations are also available.
“Plaid Tidings” | Select dates through Sunday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | San Diego Musical Theatre, 4650 Mercury St., San Diego | $25-$70 | The Plaids return to Earth to spread yuletide cheer by performing holiday classics of a bygone era.
The Manhattan Transfer 50th Anniversary & Final World Tour | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla | $15+ | The Grammy Award-winning pop and jazz quartet — who have recorded with icons like B.B. King, Tony Bennett, Bette Midler, Smokey Robinson, and Chaka Khan — perform their farewell tour.
Thursday, Dec. 14
Gaslamp Holiday Market | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 4-9 p.m. | Gaslamp Quarter, Fifth and Island avenues, San Diego | Free | Shop 40+ holiday artisans, pick up festive treats, and take photos with Santa while enjoying live music.
Taste ‘N’ Tinis | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 5-9 p.m. | Fabulous Hillcrest, 1601 University Ave., San Diego | $35 | Explore local shopping, seasonal sips, and food at this festive, self-guided tour — you even get to keep a commemorative mini martini glass.
USS Midway Museum Jingle Jets | Select dates through Saturday, Dec. 23 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | USS Midway Museum, 910 Harbor Dr., San Diego | $18-$25 | Experience twinkling light displays, decorations, and festive fun on the iconic aircraft carrier’s flight deck.
Anthony Jeselnik | Thursday, Dec. 14 + Friday, Dec. 15 | 7 + 9:30 p.m. | Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego | $35-$75 | The writer, actor, and podcast host brings his dark comedy stand-up style to the stage via his “Bones and All” tour.
Friday, Dec. 15
“Noel Noel” | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego | $32-$95 | Watch a sweet, festive storyline come to life alongside jolly tunes at the San Diego Symphony’s holiday concert tradition.
Saturday, Dec. 16
Gaslamp Quarter Pet Parade + Pups in the Pub Party | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Gaslamp Quarter, Fifth Ave., San Diego | Free | Watch costumed pets strut the streets of downtown — it’s pawsitively adorable — while enjoying fun festivities all around.
Ales N’ Rails | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 6-9:30 p.m. | San Diego Model Railroad Museum, 1649 El Prado, San Diego | $40-$45 | This 21+ shindig brings together local breweries and train-loving revelers for an evening of craft beer, ugly sweaters, live music, and train exhibits.
Sunday, Dec. 17
Holiday Curated: The Female Maker Market | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Liberty Public Market, 2820 Historic Decatur Rd., Liberty Station | Free | Shop small and local via 20+ female-owned businesses while enjoying an “Elf on the Shelf” hunt throughout the market.
Dr. Kwane Stewart — a San Diego-based veterinarian dedicated to helping the pets of unhoused locals — has been named CNN’s 2023 Hero of the Year. Stewart runs Project Street Vet, an organization of volunteer vets treating homeless pets in cities like SD, LA, Orlando, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C. (San Diego Union-Tribune + CNN)
Civic
The San Diego Registrar of Voters is seeking poll workers to staff vote centers for up to 11 days leading up to the March 5 Presidential Primary Election. There’s a particular need for bilingual speakers; poll workers receive a stipend for each day of service — $135-$160.
Development
For the first time in 25 years, San Diego will update its Mid-City Communities Plan to map out a fresh vision for long-term growth in City Heights, Kensington-Talmadge, and Normal Heights. The plan could pave the way for new homes, businesses, infrastructure, and parks. Public feedback workshops will begin in 2024.
Coming Soon
James Beard Award semifinalist Chef Anthony Wells, of Juniper & Ivy, will helm a new penthouse restaurant debuting at Hotel La Jolla in February 2024: Sea & Sky. The eatery is part of the hotel’s ongoing lofty renovation, and will focus on regional California cuisine. (Eater San Diego)
Today Is
The 56th anniversary of that time a “nasty storm” brought snow to downtown San Diego — yes, downtown San Diego. The “Evening Tribune” headline on Dec. 13, 1967, read: “Most Unusual Day in San Diego; Snow Falls; Some Schools Shut.” Before this, downtown SD hadn’t experienced snow since 1949. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Arts
The city has commissioned artist James Dinh to create a permanent piece for the Willie Henderson Sports Complex in Mountain View. Dinh is hosting an open house this Friday, Dec. 15, 5-7 p.m., to talk about his project and get local input. Can’t make it?Share your feedback online.
Business
The Living Room La Jolla is moving — but not too far. The popular oceanview coffeehouse will relocate on Jan. 1, 2024, from its spot at 1010 Prospect St. over to 1205 Prospect St. (across from George’s at the Cove), with plans to stay put “for the next 20 years.”
Sports
San Diego Wave FC defender Naomi Girma is a finalist for 2023 US Soccer Player of the Year, an award recognizing US Soccer’s top performers. Girma completed 948 passes with 88.68% accuracy this past season; fans can vote for her online.
Ranked
This calls for a champagne toast: According to WalletHub, San Diego is the No. 2 best city in the US for New Year’s Eve. The rankings include factors like entertainment and food, rain forecasts for Dec. 31, and safety. So, what’s poppin’ in SD on NYE?We’ve got you. (WalletHub.com)
Announced
“Dancing With the Stars” judge Derek Hough has postponed his Dec. 20 “Symphony of Dance” show at The Rady Shell due to emergency health issues impacting his wife and dance partner, Hayley Erbert Hough. Hang on to your tickets — The Shell will honor them once the performance is rescheduled.
Job
We’re hiring a Branded Copywriter to support the strategy, creation, and placement of branded content campaigns for 6AM City’s clients. From creating dynamic content (including written articles and social) within the 6AM tone and style to closely following the process of how we fulfill advertiser contracts — see details and apply.
Seasonal
📸 Sleigh those Santa pics
Where to take photos with Santa in San Diego
Photos with Santa are a must for editor Monica’s daughters; this pic is from 2021. | Photo via Monica Garske + Photos with Santa
Of all the festive photo opportunities around SD, a classic snapshot with Santa may be of highest importance.
We’ve made a list — and you can check it twice — of local spots where you can visit Saint Nick and snag that pic. Now, say “nice list.”
Parkway Plaza | $49.95+ | Find Kris Kringle here daily through Christmas Eve, with most photo sessions starting at 11 a.m. Book your reservation.
Grossmont Center | $45 | This Santa set-up is available on select dates through Sunday, Dec. 24. You’ll get your pics digitally, on a USB.
Fashion Valley |$39.99+ |This experience is available daily through Christmas Eve, starting at 11 a.m. Make reservations.
Westfield Plaza Bonita | $39.99+ | Photos are available daily through Christmas Eve at this spot on the mall’s first level near JCPenney, starting at either 10 or 11 a.m. Make a reservation.
As you can see, my daughters love a good photo session with Santa. My little animal enthusiasts mostly want to know what his reindeer eat and if they’re getting enough rest between houses on Christmas Eve — fair questions, Santa, fair questions. We’ve gotta keep the workplace pleasant, you know?
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