Bay Living Magazine April/May 2016

BAY LIVING Contents

A resource guide serving silicon vAlley, the peninsulA & sAn frAncisco • vol XXXvii • no. 2 • even April/mAy 2016 D I S C O V E R A D D I T I O N A L I N F O R M AT I O N AT T H E N E W B AY L I V I N G M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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15 14 - 22 Home Fashion

32 - 33 Remodeling

When Choosing Window Treatments – A Professional Window Covering Specialist Is A Must Create A Bold First Impression Lighting Insights From Hammerton An Integrative Design Approach To Architecture + Interiors Why Reupholster?

Custom Organization Solutions For Every Room In Your Home Your Guide To Finding The Ideal Furniture Smart Technology At The Window Offers High Style And Convenience

New Entry Defines A Home In Hillside Los Gatos

34 - 43 Products & Services Tired Of The Hot Water Going Cold Or Waiting For Hot Water?

Personalized Concierge Service For All Your Home Maintenance Needs When The Power Goes Out, Do You Have A Backup Plan?

Heat Your Pool While Cooling Your House Open Up Your View With Retractable Screen Doors You Deserve Beautiful Woodwork Exceeding Expectations With A Properly Installed Synthetic Lawn

23 Wine Collecting Keeping It Cool – Is Your Wine Being Stored Properly?

24 - 31 Kitchen & Bath A Glance Inside A Kitchen Renovation Custom Designed Natural Stone Bathtubs Your Own Kitchen Garden Custom Built Glass Shower Enclosures – Luxury For Your Bathroom Vessel Hammock Bathtub Takes Stylish Relaxation To A New Level More Than Just Undercounter Refrigeration Doing The “Right Thing” Doesn’t Need To Be Unpleasant!

44 - 50 Exteriors & Landscaping Create Shade When And Where You Desire With The Added Value Of Security, Energy Savings, And Increased Home Value Enjoy Your Garage! With Garage Cabinetry And Hybrid Polymer Floor Coatings Professional Barbeque Cleaning Protects Your Investment And Makes Food Taste Better Build Your Outdoor Environment For Year-Round Use

52 - 53 Health Beauty and Fitness Reshape Your Body In 20 Minutes!

ON THE COVER Featured on the cover is Stone Forest’s Oval Bathtub, hand carved from a single block of granite. Each Stone Forest bathtub is custom designed to meet one’s individual specifications, aesthetic vision and needs.

Stone Forest products are on display at Belmont Hardware showrooms located in San Jose, Belmont, Novato and Walnut Creek. Belmont Hardware is family owned and has been a favored source of homeowners, architects, interior designers, and custom homebuilders for over 80 years. For more information about all six Belmont Hardware’s locations, you can visit www.belmonthardware.com. See their article on page 25.

The opinions expressed in the editorials are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bay Living. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we cannot supervise the way in which information found in Bay Living is used. Bay Living is produced five times a year by Affluent Target Marketing, Inc., P.O. Box 18507, Anaheim Hills, CA 92817. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. All submitted materials, including images, logos, and text, for advertisements and editorials are assumed to be the property of the provider, and Affluent Target Marketing, Inc. can take no responsibility for unintentional copyright infringement.

Affluent Target Marketing, Inc. has the right to refuse advertising. Circulation verified by U.S. Postal Receipts. For additional information call 888-612-7400, email info@baylivingmagazine.com or visit baylivingmagazine.com

homefashion

When Choosing Window Treatments A Professional Window Covering Specialist Is A Must

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hether you are moving into a new home or redecorating your existing home, your windows are always going to need a window covering. However, choosing the right type of covering for your window can be overwhelming with the many choices, styles, colors and fabrics to choose from. That is why it is important to consider a window covering specialist when contemplating which window treatment is best for your home.

Let’s face it, almost every room in your home will have windows, whether it’s a large sliding glass window, a bay window or an awkwardly shaped small window, choosing the right window treatment is essential. Each house and each room has its own unique design requirement. A professional can assess each room and recommend selections based on what the room is used for, how much light is needed or not needed, your personal decor style and if motorized light control is an option.

After the professional discusses your needs and assesses each room’s decorating needs, they will then have a wide selection of window covering options to recommend for you along with color choices and fabric swatches and even advise you on accents that will enhance the entire look. Drapes can be custom made to your specifications and you can choose from a collection of materials from all the major suppliers like Robert Allen, Kravet®, Duralee® and more.

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Other options available are shades, blinds and shutters. Hunter Douglas is a manufacturer that offers a variety of shades, sheers and gliding window panels. Many of which can be operated by automation and motorization and are possible to control through your smart devices. This makes it great if you want to waken to the filtering sunrays or choose to close them if you are working late and will not be home before dark.

Your professional window covering consultant will walk you through which window treatments will work well with your décor style, whether contemporary and modern or provincial and traditional as well as your needs. For example, if you are trying to add more light to a dark room, certain color choices and types of window coverings can be recommended to bring the room together and make it pleasing aesthetically and functionally.

For an in-home consultation with a professional window covering specialist that can view the many possibilities of window treatments perfect for any room in your home, you can call The Yardstick at 408-214-1300. They have helped homeowners for over 58 years with their window covering needs and guarantee all installations for a year.

The Yardstick has many blind and shutter samples from several manufacturers. Based in Santa Clara, they serve from Marin to Carmel. You can also visit them online at www.theyardstick.com or email them at contact@theyardstick.com

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Baldwin’s New Pocket Door Lock

homefashion

C

reate a

BOLDF I irst

mpression

he first impression of a home occurs upon opening the front door. The feel, weight, sound, and overall aesthetic of any door hardware immediately sets the tone. From formal and elegant to cool and contemporary, the doors tell the design story. A simple refresh of hardware can transform the look of any room and breathe fresh ideas into a familiar environment. This spring, consider hardware to be the necessary accessory.

Heritage. Baldwin has a rich heritage of delivering modern luxury to discriminating homeowners, architects, and designers through superior design, craftsmanship, and functionality. Baldwin was the first to forge solid brass door hardware, the first to make forging (versus casting) the standard of excellence for the industry, and the first to create a lifetime warranty on finishes. Baldwin is synonymous with innovation and unsurpassed quality.

Craftsmanship. A timeless and trustworthy brand, Baldwin is for those who “own it” with unparalleled confidence. It’s about creating a signature look that seamlessly blends Baldwin hardware with the personality of its owner—no limits, and no boundaries.

Baldwin is about more than just having something special, it’s about showing the world what true luxury is really worth.

Materials. At Baldwin, quality is never compromised. From using the finest materials to crafting hardware by hand, Baldwin is committed to creating high-quality hardware that not only appears flawless and beautiful, but also endures the rigors of time.

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Hand-forged and meticulously designed, Baldwin’s new Pocket Door Lock provides architects and designers with endless design opportunities, and will be available in four distinct collections and 18 finishes. Baldwin’s Pocket Door Lock offers design flexibility and longevity with its patented Limited Lifetime PVD Finish™ Warranty, which features advanced finishing technology (Physical Vapor Deposition) to create a finish highly resistant to the effects of weather and normal usage. The new PDL is available in three finishes with this warranty: Polished Nickel, Satin Nickel and Polished Brass.

You can see Baldwin Hardware products locally at Belmont Hardware. When you visit one of Belmont Hardware’s six showrooms, you will find Northern California’s largest selection of the world’s finest decorative finish hardware and plumbing fixtures. Belmont Hardware is family owned and has been a favored source of homeowners, architects, interior designers, and custom homebuilders for over 80 years. You can visit the Belmont Hardware showrooms, located in Belmont, San Jose, San Francisco, Novato, Walnut Creek, and Fresno, to see an extensive collection of products on display. Or you can visit www.belmonthardware.com for additional information and more details.

APRIL/MAY 2016 • BAY LIVING

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homefashion Q: How much of your business is custom?

A: Well over half of our production. We’re probably the largest residential custom manufacturer in the U.S. today.

Q: How do you maintain quality?

A: We focus on the details. One of the company’s core values is what we call “the 10-inch rule,” which means that every fixture must satisfy a discerning eye from any distance—even from less than a foot away.

Q: What are some of your favorite fixtures?

A: I’m partial to those that showcase our expertise in both metal and glass. For example, many from our Hammerton Studio collections combine artisan-made textured glass shades with sculpted and hand-finished metals. They’re beautiful and very affordable. We also do some amazing work in many types of woven steel mesh.

alt Lake City-based Hammerton has created heirloom quality artisancrafted lighting for discerning homeowners and luxury hospitality brands since 1995. During a recent interview, Hammerton company founder and vice president of design, Levi Wilson, answered a variety of questions.

Here are some of his interesting insights: Q: What put Hammerton on the map?

A: The ski industry boom in the 1990s, when we designed big hand-forged steel fixtures for luxury homes and resorts in ski towns like Deer Valley, Vail, and Aspen. But much has changed since then. Today we also do a lot of work in blown glass and kin-fired glass, and most of our designs lean toward contemporary. And our customer base is global.

Tweed Drum With Linen Shade

For more information about Hammerton products and much more, Coast Lighting is your local one-stop shop with the largest lighting products display in the Bay Area. They also offer on-site consultations, custom fixture design and fabrication, lamp repair, and installation services. They are able to help homeowners, contractors, and designers, alike understand the technical requirements for their projects. Their staff is extremely knowledgeable about the industry’s products and applications and will help you select the most appropriate of many solutions. For more information, you can visit them at 2626 El Camino Real in Redwood City, call them at 650-850-6220, or visit www.coastlighting.com.

Q: Your design heritage is in forged metal. Why have you moved into glass?

A: Hammerton is known for pushing the boundaries of lighting design, so we’re continuously broadening our palette of design elements. Glass is a very broad platform for design innovation.

Surprisingly it’s our expertise in metals that allows us to do unusual work in glass because we fabricate all our jigs and tooling, in-house.

Q: What’s important to good lighting design?

A: Getting scale and proportion right, and balancing aesthetics with function. Both are often overlooked. Think about how often you see fixtures that don’t fit their space, or fixtures that look nice but don’t provide proper illumination. Also, great fixtures always include an element of surprise or delight, however bold or subtle it may be.

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Bezel Ring Chandelier ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

homefashion

An Integrative Design Approach to Architecture + Interiors

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hen it comes to your home, whether building brand new, adding space, or giving an existing space a fresh look, you want nothing more than a smooth and enjoyable experience. One of the best ways to ensure that you’ll get exactly that is by working with a professional team that can handle the combination of both the architectural and the interior design components of your entire project.

An architect can take care of the aspects of your project such as land acquisition and feasibility, site planning and orientation, evaluation of building methods and materials, and selecting a reputable contractor—all while managing the construction process seamlessly. The creativity and expertise of your architect in the design phase is invaluable, whether you prefer modern or traditional architecture.

The interior designer possesses a specialized eye for design. This provides them with the ability to conceptualize a design without having to actually build it to see it. With their valuable experience, they can come up with ideas that you would have never even dreamt of, making huge differences in your overall plan. They are equipped to collaborate your project, budget, and time ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

frame, and come up with an end result that is suited just for you.

Because the architectural and design elements of a project require different skill sets, the opportunity of having one capable team of professionals working on everything ensures that there are no surprises or miscommunications along the way. In addition to making design decisions that reflect your needs and desires, they will communicate with the general contractor, engineers, and other parties involved so the process is streamlined and punctual. Sit back, relax, and watch your home transform into the living space of your dreams.

Arch Studio, Inc., is a full-service architectural and design studio that can help plan your project, from beginning to end. Arch Studio was founded in 2004 by Robin McCarthy, a California licensed architect who specializes in residential architecture and project delivery. Arch Studio Inc. works with each client on a highly personalized level to create unique custom designs that reflect their lifestyles, tastes, and budget. For more information, you can call them at 408-859-8723 or visit www.ArchStudioInc.com.

APRIL/MAY 2016 • BAY LIVING

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homefashion

Why

Reupholster?

f your old sofa looks as though it’s on its last legs, don’t be too quick to bundle it out of the house. Resourceful homeowners are discovering that many old pieces have a value you can’t buy today. And they are restoring them through reupholstery. The economics of reupholstery works for them, too. For dollars and cents, it can be one of today’s best buys.

The value is in the frame.

If your old sofa (or chair) has a good frame, it is well worth reupholstering. A frame is the essential element in the structure, and if it’s solid there’s no point going out and

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buying a new one. So, what is a good frame?

One that’s made of hardwood—oak or maple, for example. Hardwood is strong and has longevity. A clue is its weight—hardwood is strong. That’s why furniture sales people will often lift up one end of a sofa when showing it to a customer. They are demonstrating the frame’s weight. And the frame is what your upholsterer can check out.

The art of reupholstery.

Building on your old frame (where you save big dollars,) the upholsterer reties the springs, puts in new webbing, all new padding and filling, and totally recreates the

sofa. This is all handwork, involving a high order of skills. What you get back is a piece of furniture, in the class of a custom-made piece.

The fabric advantage.

A significant advantage in reupholstering is fabric selection. You choose from a panoramic range of colors and textures. You can find just about any fabric at any price, to fit any décor.

For more information, you can call Sterling Custom Upholstery at 650-961-8700, or visit their website at www.sterlingcustomupholstery.com

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homefashion

CUSTOM ORGANIZATION SOLUTIONS For Every Room In Your Home chieving an organized lifestyle is easier than you might think.

High-quality custom storage solutions for your closets, home office, entertainment center, pantry, laundry room, garage and any unique space that you might have, can simplify your life while offering versatility, quality, and style.

Our daily routine begins and ends in the closet, so it should be a place of peace, organization and beauty. Transform your closet with a custom design that will create a space for everything. Find what you need, take charge of your morning routine, and discover a feeling of harmony to carry you throughout your day.

With an inspired yet functional design, a custom home office will create a modern system that helps keep your business affairs organized and free from clutter – whether it’s a small niche or an entire room. By creating an organized setup, your home office can become an oasis with a workflow that serves you.

Adding a built-in wall bed in an extra bedroom or even home office will create a space that serves a multitude of functions. Custom wall bed cabinetry conceals your bed within a system of built-in cabinets that optimizes your space so you have a fully functioning bedroom by night and a versatile living space by day.

Wall units can be crafted to fit nearly any space. Versatile designs can create a space for your home theatre, display cabinet, wardrobe or library storage.

Entertainment centers can house all of your media center components, including flat screen televisions, gaming and audio equipment. Entertainment centers keep your electronics neat and organized by hiding unsightly cords and providing a designated area to store all of your remotes, reducing clutter.

As kids bedrooms transition from cribs to big beds, so do their clothes, toy closets, and game collections. Clever organization creates a custom-designed unit or closet that transforms your child’s bedroom into a functional kid’s storage system and will help them learn to organize.

Convert an outdated laundry area into a vibrant, modern cleaning station with custom cabinetry, plenty of shelf space and wall racks. Pantries, home bars and wine racks offer tremendous opportunities for adding innovation and a modern touch to your home. Mudrooms provide a transitional space, keeping your home clean from outside dirt and provide additional storage keeping clutter organized.

The time has come to make your life easier so that you can finally relax and enjoy the transition to a more manageable life. The professional design consultants at Closet Factory will work with you in creating custom spaces that fit your unique style, budget, and organizational needs. For more information or to schedule a free design consultation, you can call Closet Factory at 888-501-0541, visit their showroom at 1000 B. Commercial in San Carlos, or visit them online at www.closetfactory.com

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homefashion

Your Guide to Finding the Ideal Furniture uying new furniture can be such an exciting moment, not to mention the drastic transformation you get to enjoy once everything is in your home. However, if you do not plan accordingly during the shopping process, certain unplanned steps might occur that can hinder the overall success of your furniture-buying experience.

Before you start, it’s crucial that you do the proper homework to avoid any impulse decisions. When you are informed and aware of the little details, such as what kind of furniture suits your home or what practical requirements do you have for your furniture, you will feel completely confident with your decisions.

Here are some things to consider before making any purchases.

Preparation. It is very important to be ready when you arrive to meet with design professionals. Preparing for this isn’t hard at all; first, make sure that you have all of your measurements. Next, bring photos of your rooms so that a designer can see what they are working with. Finally, make sure you consult with all members of your family in regards to decisions and design preference. All of these things will make the process go much smoother when you arrive at the store.

Custom. When buying sofas, there is no better opportunity than having the ability to custom tailor aspects to fit both your likes and needs. Professionals can create any sofa that you want—bring in your own drawings and ideas, and let the design experts go to work. You can change the colors, size, and even the softness of the cushions to your exact liking.

Originality. You want unique, sophisticated pieces. Make sure you work with a company that can deliver exclusive works of art so that your décor is one-of-a-kind.

Avetex Furniture has been in the same location for 14 years, offering a wide selection of custom sofas, chairs, lounges, benches,

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beds, and much more. Avetex exclusively represents designer Christopher Guy and his Dramatic Collection.

Dramatic and sophisticated, this collection is found at the world’s top trading centers, like Harold in London. As a direct buyer of Nicoletti Home® Italian furniture, you can get the best prices with Avetex. They also carry famous European brands, such as Calligaris, Rossetto, Tonin Casa, ALF® Group, SMA, Camelgroup®, Arredo Classic, Bakokko Group, Dupen, García Sabaté®, and Domitalia®, and additional brands such as AICO® Furniture, Stanley, Lexington and Brownstone.

Avetex also represents IMG Norway with reclining sofas and chairs. Avetex also works closely with interior designers, and provides free delivery and installation in the Bay Area. You can visit their showroom for a free design consultation (in-store only) at 6114 Geary Blvd. (25th Ave.) in San Francisco, open Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 11-5 and Sun 12-4. You can also call them at 415-831-6529 or visit their website at www.avetexfurniture.com.

APRIL/MAY 2016 • BAY LIVING

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homefashion

When you opt for convenience, you won’t have to sacrifice looks with PowerView Motorization from Hunter Douglas, shown here on Luminette® Privacy Sheers. The Pebble Remote is featured in Citron, one of seven on-trend hues.

Smart Technology at the Window Offers High Style and Convenience mart home products and systems are growing exponentially and are no longer just for tech geeks and the super-rich; they are quickly becoming more affordable and simple to use.

Smart home technology has arrived at the window with products like the Hunter Douglas PowerView™ Motorization. This new wireless technology is available on a wide array of sophisticated window treatment designs and fits perfectly with today’s connected lifestyle.

A seamless blend of high style and convenience at the window, PowerView™ Motorization offers: •Customization—Window treatments can be programmed to adjust themselves automatically to create the perfect room ambience, morning, noon and night.

•Design—Available in seven on-trend colors, the Pebble Controls have a sleek design that complements any décor. An intuitive PowerView app features fun, colorful icons and the ability to fully personalize “scenes.” With battery-powered and plug-in power options available, PowerView is a simple technology solution for both newly constructed and existing homes.

•Connectivity—PowerView lets you adjust your shades when you’re away using a RemoteConnect™ feature on your mobile device. An RS-232 serial connection or IP allows easy integration into virtually any home automation system.

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•Energy Efficiency—You can schedule window treatments to operate at certain times of the day for optimal energy efficiency and to moderate room temperature.

•Enhanced Child Safety—With no operating cords, you create a safer environment for young children and pets.

To see a variety of different Hunter Douglas products, you can visit Rebarts Interiors, an authorized Hunter Douglas Window Fashions Gallery with showrooms located at 1352 Broadway in Burlingame and 990 Industrial Road Ste. 106 in San Carlos, 650-348-1268 or 650-508-8518. www.rebarts.com. Or you can also call The Yardstick at 408-214-1300, visit them online at www.theyardstick.com or email at contact@theyardstick.com

With Hunter Douglas PowerView Motorization, you can program your window treatment settings and access them using the ergonomically designed Pebble Remote.

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winecollecting

Keeping It Cool— Is Your Wine Being Stored Properly? uying and collecting fine wine is more than just a hobby—it is an investment that holds emotional weight for many people. How the wine is stored is important to how it will taste when opened. Wine that is stored in extreme temperatures for too long can end up forcing you to discard your wine that took months or years to collect.

Wine stored in a temperature-controlled environment means that your beloved wine will be preserved, protected, and ready to enjoy at any moment.

Since temperature is a big factor for wine, it is important to know that wine stored at temperatures higher than 70° F will age wine too quickly. If it gets even hotter, your wine may get “cooked,” resulting in flat aromas and flavors. The ideal temperature range for wine is between 45–65° F. This

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means that the household refrigerator is not a good bet for the longer term because the temperature falls well below 45°. This will eventually dry out corks, which can allow air to seep into bottles and damage the wine and the caustic wine vapors can damage the appliance.

Wine cellar cooling is a specialty that falls in a niche between refrigeration and air conditioning. This is why it’s crucial to consult with an expert that specializes in wine cellar cooling. For your wine refrigeration, Cold Craft Inc. can assist you with finding the ideal solution. The professionals at Cold Craft, a full service heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration company, can work with you to install and service wine cellar refrigeration to your exact needs.

For more information, you can call them at 888-447-0071 or visit www.ColdCraft.com.

APRIL/MAY 2016 • BAY LIVING

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kitchen&bath

A GlAnce InsIde A he homeowner featured in this article purchased their home knowing that they would need to renovate the small existing and inadequate kitchen. Functionally, the disjointed layout was dated, lacked storage and useful prep space throughout. The kitchen sink was located at the edge of an awkward peninsula making it impractical for the right-handed homeowner. That same peninsula blocked direct access to both the garage and main entry of the home creating an entertaining dilemma. The obsolete nook area took up a large portion of the kitchen. Aesthetically, the dated oak cabinets, scuffed linoleum floor, poor lighting, and damaged tiled countertops left much to be desired. Therefore, a reconfiguration was needed to optimize traffic flow patterns, a useful work triangle, accessibility to storage, task and ambient lighting, larger prep space for cooking, and carefully selected materials to brighten up the space.

The homeowner wanted a “wow factor” when entertaining guests.

The new layout solved all the client’s needs and then some. By creating a reconfigured garage entry door, it opened up the main access of the kitchen improving the functionality of the space and traffic flow patterns. Removing the peninsula and reducing a portion of a load-bearing wall added to the open concept. The bay windows were replaced with a raised sill to allow for the relocated sink which provided a perfect view of the garden. Slightly narrower French door with sidelight replaced the former slider and shifted the point of egress, which helped delineate the adjacent family room from the kitchen. The doorway to the dining room was abandoned to gain needed storage while establishing a more functional work triangle.

Painted maple cabinets in a warm white hue brightened up the space. The custom cabinetry made it possible to access every inch of

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this compact space. Cabinet details were extended to connect the perimeter cabinetry allowing the American made quartz countertops to continuously flow around the kitchen. The kitchen sink was carefully considered alongside the dishwasher to fit within the bay window space. An appliance garage was placed adjacent to the sink making their coffee maker accessible yet out of sight and a microwave drawer was strategically placed in the island to maximize upper cabinet storage. An onyx harlequin mosaic backsplash brought the butterscotch color palette together and was designed to cleverly integrate with the wood trim details at the bay windows. Cohesive design finishes, patterns and materials echo throughout the space and add to the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

One of the design challenges was relocating the sink. This prompted extra research during the design phase. Due to the slab foundation, an x-ray of the slab area was performed for rebar prior to trenching to ensure that it wouldn’t compromise the structural integrity of the foundation. Another challenge was the venting and exhaust locations because it was a two-story home. The plumber was able to creatively vent the new sink.

With Case® Design/Remodeling, every single aspect of your home improvement needs are covered. For the featured renovation in this article, Case received a NARI META Platinum award. The processdriven team at Case always strives to facilitate a logical sequence of steps that will help break down and simplify the remodeling process, while keeping the project on track and moving forward from design to completion. For more information, you can visit their website at www.CaseSanJose.com, or call 408-484-3884 for a free consultation.

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kitchen&bath

Custom Designed

Natural Stone Bathtubs

tone Forest ® has been creating contemporary elements for the kitchen, bath and landscape using natural materials since 1989. Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico the boutique company has a unique understanding of the tolerances of different stones and precious materials.

All architectural designs are sculpted from natural materials such as stone, bronze, copper, iron, bamboo, and hardwoods. The collections include an extensive selection of vessel and pedestal sinks, bathtubs, furniture, fountains and outdoor sculptures.

Each Stone Forest bathtub is one-of-a-kind, because it is hand carved out of solid stone. Blocks of marble, granite and onyx are obtained from quarries located around the world, in countries such as Italy, Spain, Norway and Brazil.

The Papillion Tub. The unique shape enables the bather to easily slip into their calming inner sanctum.

Constructed of contemporary polished black granite, stunning Carrara marble or Sandstone with rich natural veining.

The Roman Bathtub. Carved to order and available in Papiro marble (shown) and Carrara marble.

Oval Soaking Tub. Crisp lines define this minimalist yet comfortable soaking tub. Carved from a single block of black Granite, it features an integral seat and is custom crafted to create a personal fit.

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EAU Soaking Tub. A Japanesestyle soaking tub hand-carved out of a single piece of Carrara marble.

An ergonomically designed bench is carved into the stone, and rests at 20 inches deep, allowing for complete body immersion.

Rubix Bathtub. This sleek stand alone sculpture for the bath is carved from a single block of Carrara marble.

Collaborating with your individual specifications, aesthetic vision and needs to create custom designs is their specialty. You can select from any combination of options, including overflows, jets for spa applications, drain types and placement, and other design details such as flat or rolled rim and variations in the base. The tub can be carved to accommodate virtually any drain, with or without overflows.

Stone Forest’s products express the beauty of nature because they are made from materials from the earth and are not manipulated by machine. A special technique is used to hand carve the stone with a hammer and chisel until they can reach the desired shape of a bathtub.

You can see Stone Forest products at the Belmont Hardware showrooms located in San Jose, Belmont, Novato and Walnut Creek. When you visit one of Belmont Hardware’s six showrooms, you will find Northern California’s largest selection of the world’s finest decorative finish hardware and plumbing fixtures. Belmont Hardware is family owned and has been a favored source of homeowners, architects, interior designers, and custom homebuilders for over 80 years. You can also visit Belmont Hardware’s additional showrooms located in San Francisco and Fresno, featuring an extensive collection of products on display, or you can visit www.belmonthardware.com for additional information and more details.

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N

othing compares to the taste and smell of fresh, healthy greens.

However, unpredictable weather and other external factors can make the process of incorporating homegrown food into your lifestyle with traditional gardening methods somewhat of a challenge.

The Urban Cultivator ™ is an all-in-one indoor home garden that allows you to grow the herbs and greens of your choice, 365 days a year without restrictions. You can maximize the amount of greens you can grow in a minimal space. No pesticides, no travel time, and no food waste—just the freshest herbs and greens grown right in your own home.

Designed to take the latest and best hydroponic growing technology and package it in an attractive high-quality appliance, the unit can be hooked up to a direct water supply. Pre-programmed with optimal growing cycles, the Urban Cultivator automatically

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controls the fan, light and watering of your garden, not to mention it takes up the same footprint as a dishwasher.

The Urban Cultivator offers complete automated air circulation. This means that the humidity and temperature are perfect for your plants, and it ensures that your greens get enough CO2 in order to grow well and stay happy. Additionally, automated flood watering takes care of your plants by “flooding” the tray with your water and nutrient mixture. This happens by pumping water from the main reservoir into the trays. The Cultivator will drain the water automatically after a set time.

Functional, fashionable, and customizable, you can design your very own stylish unit so it complements the surrounding décor. Choose from multiple butcher block materials such as maple, ash, oak, lyptus and walnut. Select a door screen option to satisfy your style, such as

clear glass, half tone screen, dark tone tint or frost. There is also a standalone “island style” unit that is on wheels.

The Urban Cultivator makes it simple to provide your family with the best herbs and greens, anytime you want them. Fresh greens that are cut just before serving carry twice as many nutrients as store-bought greens. You can even start growing your plants indoors long before the season starts, so when you move them outside they will grow bigger due to the head start they got from the Urban Cultivator.

For more information, you can visit Atherton Appliance & Kitchens today to experience the Urban Cultivator along with fully functional kitchens. Atherton and BSC Culinary are currently featuring Enjoy Life, a dynamic and educational program designed to help clients learn and understand ways they can save money and enhance their individual home living style. The Enjoy Life program offers culinary, remodeling, fine home building, and smart home education, and is designed as a resource so that you can make the right decisions about your home needs.

You can visit their showroom at 695 Veterans Blvd. in Redwood City. You can call them at 650-369-1794, email them for a quote at info@athertonappliance.com, or visit www.athertonappliance.com.

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kitchen&bath

Luxury for Your Bathroom

A

shower is a dominant feature in any bathroom. With the addition of clear glass frameless doors, this area quickly transforms from an average aspect to a stunning focal point.

There are a myriad of different options when it comes to custom glass frameless shower doors.

Nearly invisible, a clear frameless glass shower door limits the visual barriers, provides a flowing seamless look, and has the effect of making the area seem more open and roomy. In smaller bathrooms, they can create the illusion of a larger space.

Frameless doors are strong, featuring thicker glass with heavy-duty hardware. Unique hardware allows the door to swing both out and in.

Additionally, a frameless shower is a wise long-term investment and much more desirable to people looking to buy a home.

Innovative Diamon-Fusion® substantially reduces the time and effort needed to maintain your glass enclosure. Diamon-Fusion is a unique

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process that seals the “pores” in the glass, so that it is protected from the harmful deposits found in water.

CB Showers (CB stands for custom built) specializes in high-end glass shower enclosures tailored for any design and budget. A highly trained, dedicated staff and installation team support owner Telly Sionides.

Together, they continue to build on the company’s sterling 30-year reputation for strong customer service, forward-thinking design using the highest quality materials and products.

For more information, you can visit CB Showers’ inspiring showroom featuring a vast array of design options and products, located at 1160 Industrial Road, Suite 10 in San Carlos, or you can call their consultants at 650-593-6997. www.CBShowers.com

APRIL/MAY 2016 • BAY LIVING

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v

essel

h

AmmocK

B

AthtuB

Takes Stylish Relaxation to a New Level

“Struck by the synergy between the shapes of two compelling symbols of relaxation, a hammock and a bathtub, we were inspired to develop a piece that would provide the ultimate vehicle for total escapism.”

–Miles Hartwell, Co-founder of Splinter Works The peaceful experience of kicking-back in a hammock has been further enhanced by combining it with the immersive comfort of soaking in a hot bath. By literally elevating the experience of bathing into a suspended sculpture, the bathroom has been reinvented as a contemplative sanctuary for artful relaxation.

Designed for use in a wet room, Vessel is suspended from the walls and does not touch the floor. It is fixed with stainless steel brackets that can be covered over, or left revealed. The bath is filled using a floor standing tap and the wastewater is released through the base into a floor drain. A downpipe drain can also be installed if a wet room setting is not possible.

Vessel is made from carbon fiber, which is utilized for its inherent strength, and ability to be formed into complex curves. Furthermore, the weave of the fabric references the cloth of a typical hammock. Beneath the layers of carbon fiber is a foam core, which insulates the tub. This means that the bath stays hot for considerably longer than normal.

Another beguiling characteristic of carbon fiber is that it offers an unparalleled texture. Through the smooth layers of lacquer, it always inspires a close-up look at the depth of the geometric weave of the fiber. Even in black, it has a surprisingly soft look that is more associated with fabric.

At 106” long, Vessel is longer than a regular bathtub, leaving plenty of room to share the experience. Custom sizes are available but it is also designed so that it can be trimmed up to 8” to allow for flexible installation. Vessel can be tailored in different colored lacquers; black, white, red, blue, yellow, pink, bronze, and pure silver, or embellished in hand-applied gold leaf with clear lacquer.

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kitchen&bath After the success of the suspended Vessel hammock bathtub, the freestanding Vessel evolved as a standalone piece that doesn’t need walls, yet still offers the playful form.

With an optimum shape for a relaxing bathing experience, it has more flexibility of arrangement. The visually arresting curvaceous shapes have a dark magnetism, luring the eye to explore their striking contours.

Conceived in woven and lacquered carbon fiber, they are also undeniably tactile, warm, and inviting.

Splinter Works have in fact pioneered the use of carbon fiber in the bathroom.

The pieces have to be produced in a giant autoclave, which is normally used to make Formula One cars. The love for this challenging material not only stems from the incredible strength, but also its lightweight characteristics, (when empty, it weighs just 14 kilos) meaning not only can the freestanding Vessel be positioned anywhere in the room, but it can go anywhere in the house with no need to reinforce floorboards in the upper floors.

Splinter Works’ mission is to create furniture that is engaging and inspiring.

Through their designs they strive to enrich the lives of users, enhancing their environment and elevating the experience of everyday life. Their aim is to create work that is individual, thought provoking, aesthetically beguiling, intelligently designed, and seamlessly functional.

The designs are experimental and theatrical, while maintaining the importance of the inherent function of the piece. The work revels in playing visual tricks where balance is often questioned. Opposing dichotomies of solidity versus weightlessness, motion

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Photo by Samer al Rawas Interiors by XYZ Designers

versus stillness, and strength versus fragility are played out in ambitious designs through innovative materials. Splinter Works can tailor designs to suit clients' requirements and also produce unique commissions where every element, from the intended location and practical requirements, to striking a personal resonance with the commissioner, can be considered and accomplished.

You can see Splinter Works’ products exclusively imported by PSCBath locally at Belmont Hardware. When you visit one of Belmont Hardware’s six showrooms, you will find Northern California’s largest selection of the world’s finest decorative finish hardware and plumbing fixtures. Belmont Hardware is family owned and has been a favored source of homeowners, architects, interiors designers, and custom homebuilders for over 80 years. To see Splinter Works products on display, you can visit the Belmont Hardware showroom located in San Jose. You can also visit the Belmont Hardware showrooms located in Belmont, San Francisco, Novato, Walnut Creek and Fresno, featuring an extensive collection of products on display, or you can visit www.belmonthardware.com for additional information and more details.

APRIL/MAY 2016 • BAY LIVING

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kitchen&bath

More Than Just

Refrigeration

I

s it possible to be inspired by your refrigeration? When you choose Perlick, it is. Innovative undercounter refrigeration by Perlick strikes the ideal balance between robust, yet efficient, cooling technology and sleek aesthetics that are visually pleasing.

Depending on your specific needs and preferences, Perlick offers both indoor and outdoor undercounter refrigerators. You might need extra storage space in the kitchen for certain ingredients. Perhaps you regularly host alfresco dinners for friends and need a refrigeration solution for your outdoor kitchen. With a special dedication to providing innovative, customizable food and beverage storage and serving solutions to your home, a Perlick is more than just a product to purchase—it is an investment that will always keep your ingredients fresh.

Robust refrigeration systems properly chill room-temperature products in just 30 minutes—far exceeding the average temperature pull-down of most products. Glass doors feature Low E coated, argon filled dual-pane thermal

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glass to limit energy transfer through the glass, and add increased strength (both indoors and outdoors). Powered by a commercial-grade variable speed compressor, Perlick units are whisper-quiet.

The highest quality materials and finishes result in beautiful and incredibly powerful refrigeration systems. Stainless steel interiors and exteriors provide a sanitary and durable surface for easy cleaning. Drawer models also feature stainless steel interior liners with thermal break construction, and full-extension drawers that carry a 200-pound capacity each. All models are available to order with fully integrated doors and drawers that come ready to accept custom wood overlay panels.

Perlick has also introduced many feature upgrades and optional accessories to enhance the functionality and performance of residential refrigerators, such as designer handles, concealed screws, drawer dividers, custom stacked columns, and even styled louvers.

For more information about Perlick undercounter refrigeration and much more, you can visit Atherton Appliance & Kitchens

today to actually experience fully functional kitchens—nothing is more helpful when considering the right appliances, cabinets and countertops for your unique lifestyle.

You can visit their showroom, enjoy a gourmet cup of coffee at their Atherton Café, and even test out their live coffee machines along with kitchen appliances at 695 Veterans Blvd. in Redwood City. You can call them at 650-369-1794, email them for a quote at info@athertonappliance.com, or visit www.athertonappliance.com to see more appliances, cabinets, countertops and culinary education.

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kitchen&bath

ay Area communities are recognized as being on the leading edge of environmental consciousness. Local municipalities are now encouraging their residents to compost along with their recycling efforts by distributing plastic containers to collect compostables. These containers sit on countertops and are very unattractive as well as being the source of offensive and noxious odors.

Dropout Cabinet Fixtures LLC, winner of a K+BB (Kitchen & Bath Business) Judge’s Pick, 2015 Product Innovator Award, has the solution for dealing with garbage and compostables in the food prep area of your kitchen. Their countertop waste system is the perfect solution to the compostable waste collection dilemma. The 9-quart wastebasket in this system is ideal for collecting the compost waste during food prep and cleanup. The 9-qt basket also is the right size to reuse those plastic produce bags from most produce departments as they make a nice liner that keeps the basket clean.

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This system pairs perfectly with Dropout Cabinet Fixtures’ forward tilt 24-qt wastebasket. By placing the forward tilt wastebasket high in the base cabinet, it is extremely convenient to access without ever having to bend over. With only 11” of extension into the room when fully opened, it is never in the way. The remaining space behind the forward tilt wastebasket is perfect for the countertop waste system.

This system installs through the countertop and into the free space behind the wastebasket. By being placed high in the cabinet, there is plenty of room left in the bottom of the cabinet for a drawer- perfect for storing trash bags or anything else you choose.

Even with the emphasis on recycling, there is still a need for a garbage can for the waste that cannot be recycled or composted.

While the large pull-out wastebaskets distributed by other companies are ideal for recyclables, they are not ideal for garbage. The capacities of these containers are too large for keeping garbage inside your cabinets. Garbage should be removed frequently because no one wants garbage to fester inside their cabinets for days on end.

Whether you are building new, remodeling, or just want to replace that old trash compactor, the new Food Prep Waste System Combo Pack from Dropout Cabinet Fixtures LLC is the answer for today’s style of living.

For more information on this product and their other unique storage solutions products including the Dropout® Spice Rack/Storage System, The Dropout Ironing Center and the TopDrop™ Desktop, you can visit their website at www.dropoutcabinets.com.

Demonstrations can also be arranged by appointment only at their Morgan Hill facility. You can call them at 408-909-DROP (3767) or email dropoutcabinets@gmail.com.

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homeremodeling

n ew e ntry d efInes A h ome In Hillside Los Gatos

f

eatured in this article, the Martin family undertook a major remodel for their Los Gatos home that involved relocating the front door from one side of the house to the other in order to optimize their tree-spotted hillside lot. “Our architect suggested that by moving the front door, we would gain more usable space and awaken the beauty of our rustic hillside to enjoy the setting from a new perspective,” said homeowner Jill Martin. The new entry thus became the heart of the project.

An existing terraced wall of Sonoma fieldstone boulders provided the framing for the new point of entry, beyond which a large valley oak presented the drama. The Martins were challenged to design an entry that would be in balance with the natural surroundings, yet still provide a gentle transition to the more tailored character of the home’s remodeled interior.

The Martins wanted to complement the Sonoma fieldstone while achieving the perfect evolution from the rustic hillside to the serene foyer, tiled in a Versailles pattern with Jerusalem grey gold limestone. In addition, given the long walkway from the driveway to the front door, it was also important that the materials not be overly busy, distracting or costly.

They were initially interested in blue/gray select Connecticut bluestone, a beautiful stone that adds character and style to any project and would suit the interior tone of their home.

However, they weren’t convinced it provided a seamless integration with the natural setting

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outside their house. It was at this point where the professionals then introduced the Martins to a paver/stone combination.

Today’s pavers are available in many color and texture options, to accommodate diverse landscape scenarios. Pattern variety also enables customers to select simple or detailed designs to best suit their projects. Paver edging can be a drawback when steps are required, so incorporating stonework for landings, porches and steps provides a finished look and a winning combination.

The Martins decided on a walkway of quarry stone pavers and a porch of full spectrum Connecticut bluestone. The coarse texture and red/brown color palette of the quarry stone pavers complemented the Sonoma fieldstone beautifully, and the bluestone provided a sophisticated transition between the pavers and the foyer.

With regard to composition, the Martins kept it simple. While they had considered highlighting the walkway’s overhead trellis with horizontal bands at each post, they opted for a less fussy configuration. Vertical bands along the left and right edges were the only added detail. For the porch, full spectrum bluestone provided a neutral color variation consistent with the rock wall and paver walkway. The Martins chose irregular-shaped stones to lend a pleasing interruption between the more symmetrical paver and limestone patterns. They also selected the largest stones from the bluestone pallet ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

homeremodeling for the porch, creating fewer seams and softening the blend of pavers, bluestone and limestone. The bluestone was finished in a flamed edge along the step edge to maintain a rough, natural element for the landing.

This relocated entry, envisioned by architect Chris Spaulding, represented the cornerstone to the Martin’s home remodel, and as such, it had to be right. The quarry stone pavers and full spectrum bluestone provided the perfect combination. Together these materials continued the rustic feel of the rock wall and surrounding hillside, while elevating the setting to provide an interesting and beautiful transition to the elegant interior.

With this project, as is so often the case, the homeowners struggled with a design dilemma and needed a solution to their problem, as well as expertise and advice. Interior designer Bev Viguerie and general contractor Reid Hastings sent the Martins to Peninsula Building Materials (PBM) to get the ideas and inspiration they needed for their project.

The PBM showroom features over 200 samples on display, and the Martins found the carefully detailed store map to be indispensable.

By visiting the showroom, the Martins were able to view samples and gather every detail for materials they were considering, including options for shape, thickness, color, finish, pricing, installation and more.

They also brought photos of the rock wall to the showroom and were introduced to several new options by the knowledgeable PBM professionals, as well as being shown the paver/stone combination that ultimately emerged as the best fit for their home.

Whether you are a homeowner, interior designer, contractor, homebuilder, or architect, the ability to browse and compare products allows for successful communication, project collaboration, and decisionmaking. By viewing many materials and installations under one roof, you can gain a better understanding of what is available and what products work best for certain applications, making your design process both enjoyable and efficient.

The Martin’s project is just one example of the dedicated service Peninsula Building Materials brings to all its customers in helping them find the right materials for their homes and budgets. You can visit their expansive showroom at 2490 Charleston Road in Mountain View, open Tuesday through Saturday, and browse displayed products from all over the world. You can also see their full line of masonry and landscape products at any of the four PBM Greater Bay Area yard locations in Redwood City, Sunnyvale, San Martin and Livermore. For more information, call 877-282-0522 or visit www.pbm1923.com.

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APRIL/MAY 2016 • BAY LIVING

33

products&services

Tired of the Hot Water Going Cold or Waiting for Hot Water?

W

hen you are enjoying the feeling of that nice hot shower, is your water going cold midway through? Are you jumping back when you find out that the water isn’t hot yet even after running for a minute or more? When filling up that bathtub is your hot water supply completely exhausted? In the morning is there a mad competition in your household over who gets to take a shower first?

There is no reason to suffer any more.

Installing a tankless water heater will solve all those challenges. With a tankless water heater, when you turn on your tap, the water flow ignites the heater’s burner, which quickly flashheats the water. This gives you the green light to wash the dishes, do laundry or take a shower when you want to. The hot water will continue flowing for as long as you need it. Going tankless is remarkably cost efficient and environmentally friendly. It can be 20% more energy efficient than conventional water heaters, saving on energy bills every month.

Because there’s no limit to your hot water, a tankless water heater makes for serious luxury.

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Now your household can take three, four or more showers a day–one after another, as well as run the laundry and dishwasher at the same time.

Noritz® has revolutionized the water heater industry, taking tankless-for-tank replacement installation to a new level of ease and affordability, with the EZTR40 condensing tankless water heater for residential applications. The EZTR40 streamlines the tank replacement process with three key features.

First, using the same half-inch gas line used by the old tank unit, it eliminates the need to up-size to 3/4-inch run in replacement situations. This cuts labor time by up to half, while avoiding the material cost for new gas piping, resulting in a substantially reduced installation cost to the homeowner.

Secondly, water connections are located on the top of the unit, not the bottom. This allows the flexible hot-and-cold-water lines used by the tank-type water heater to be quickly and easily reconnected to the new EZTR40. Not only does this save time traditionally spent creating new plumbing around the tankless unit, but it

also gives the final application a cleaner look.

Thirdly, it vents with two-inch, flexible polypropylene tubing that is threaded directly through the existing B-Vent formerly used by the tank water heater it is replacing. As a result, there is no need to spend time or money changing out the vent.

In short, the Noritz EZTR40 makes tank replacement quick and simple, and therefore easier on your wallet. Which is why the tankto-tankless switch is not as expensive as you may have been led to believe.

It is crucial to have an experienced, licensed, insured, and certified expert assist you with your tankless project. When you use Better Water Heaters, you can expect the best rates, service, and installations possible. Better Water Heaters provides free estimates, so you can learn more about the cost of fixing your old water heater or buying a new one by simply calling them at 408-335-0150. You can also visit their website for additional information about tankless water heaters and more, at www.betterwaterheaters.com ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

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products&services

Personalized Concierge Service for all your

Home Maintenance Needs

O

wning a home comes with a significant amount of responsibility. Because there is just so much to keep track of and attend to, it can feel as though you are constantly calling different companies to handle various problems, which can be time-consuming and overwhelming.

Fine home preservation services can be an incredible asset to the homeowner who is looking for convenient and regular maintenance so that they can properly care for their largest investment—their home.

So, what exactly do preservation services consist of? Utilizing a customized quarterly maintenance plan, professionals will look over every large and small aspect of your home to ensure that things are functioning properly, and if something is not up to par, they will then use their skills and knowledge to make sure the situation is fixed immediately. Some examples of popular services include painting, plumbing, electrical, dry rot repair, stucco and cement repair, deck staining and sealing, pressure washing, fence repair, drain solutions, grouting, caulking, gutter cleaning, water filters, light installation, door and window repairs, rug cleaning, and more.

Most homeowners simply do not possess the expertise needed to attend to all of these aspects of a home, which is why having just one company that can look after and attend to a variety of different services is an incredibly convenient opportunity.

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Preservation services are not just limited to the quarterly maintenance plan. If you have an emergency or something comes up, you know exactly who to call. Additionally, preventative care services prepare you for season-specific needs. You don’t have to worry about a thing, not to mention, it’s very rare for something to fail on you unexpectedly when things are being closely monitored and proper care is being utilized beforehand.

Specialized preservation services offer solutions to just about any problem. One of the greatest perks of utilizing a maintenance program is that your home’s history is recorded and kept track of.

You will be on a first-name basis with your designated team, as they provide you with personalized and focused service.

One company that does this is Wilkinson Preservation. Created by Wilkinson Construction, Inc., a high-end custom home-building firm based in San Mateo, Wilkinson Preservation was born out of the obvious need that their existing clients had for maintenance services. With more than 20 years of experience and many loyal customers, Wilkinson Preservation proudly continues their tradition of outstanding work and customer service. Along with maintenance, they can also help with room additions and remodels. For more information, you can call them at 650-581-1940 or visit their website at www.wilkinsonpreservation.com.

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APRIL/MAY 2016 • BAY LIVING

37

products&services

ntil disaster strikes, whether it’s a storm, earthquake, or rolling blackout, we typically don’t realize how drastically we depend on electricity. Of course, the most obvious component that we notice when the power goes out is lighting. However, there are so many other power-dependent utilities and systems in our homes that we oftentimes forget about that not only keep us connected to comfort, but also in some cases, are necessary for our survival.

Heating and cooling, refrigerators, computers, alarm systems, wine cellars, home theaters, and even more crucial concerns such as medical equipment can all be affected in a power outage.

Wouldn’t it be nice to never have to worry about losing connection to these aspects that we have become so reliant on?

Now, you can be completely secure in knowing that your electrical needs will always be met in the event of a power outage with an emergency backup generator.

A backup generator monitors the utility and activates automatically when there’s a power outage, even when you’re away from home.

Your electrical appliances will continue to function with uninterrupted power, no matter what’s happening outdoors.

Kohler® generators can automatically power your air conditioning, sump pump, fridge, oven, and more in just 10 seconds. Before the power even goes out, a component called an ATS (automatic transfer switch) is

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constantly monitoring the electricity coming from the utility. When utility power fails or drops below an acceptable level (also known as a brownout), the ATS will signal the generator to start. Seven-to-ten seconds later, the ATS transfers from the utility feed to the generator feed, and supplies power to your home as though nothing even happened.

Once the utility power comes back on, the ATS will then automatically transfer the source of your power from the generator to the utility, and your home will instantly be back up and running like normal. Your standby generator will shut down, and resume to being ready for the next power outage. It’s that simple.

Backup generators are more powerful, safe, reliable, and efficient than the small, portable generators typically purchased in hardware stores. Units are permanently mounted and self-activating—you’ll never have to pull the unit out of storage, add fuel, and turn it on when you need it.

Every Kohler generator is meticulously quality-tested for complete reliability. Inside each unit is a commercial-grade engine that has been built to withstand extreme workloads. Not only do you get to enjoy an uninterrupted lifestyle, but you also get Kohler’s premium five-year, 2,000-hour protection, plus a corrosion-proof enclosure that’s built to last.

Electro-Motion, Inc. is an authorized dealer and service center for Kohler units, as well as a variety of other brands. Since 1967, ElectroMotion has been servicing and maintaining emergency standby generators and automatic transfer switches—the two critical components of any emergency power system. All of their technicians are Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) certified, and can help you achieve an undisturbed lifestyle today. For more information, you can call Electro-Motion at 650-321-6169 or visit their website at www.electromotion.com.

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APRIL/MAY 2016 • BAY LIVING

39

products&services

HEAT YOUR POOL

While Cooling Your House

I

f you have ever hosted a get-together in your backyard only to find that the loud air conditioner is the talk of the party, or if you have ever woken up in the middle of the night startled by the gasfired furnace kicking on, then you understand that these inconveniences are the price we pay for traditional methods to heat and cool our homes.

Aside from the noise, these units typically burn some sort of fossil fuel for heating and they can use a good amount of electricity, especially in the summer, which is not great for the environment. Traditional equipment also has the concern about potential carbon monoxide poisoning, and should be checked at least annually.

There is, however, a great alternative to traditional heating and cooling methods, and that alternative is geothermal. Whether or not you have heard of geothermal heating or cooling before, the time has come to become familiar with the positive impact it can have on both you and the environment.

Here’s how it works: the ground remains at a constant, comfortable temperature just below its surface all year long. Geothermal heating and cooling systems take advantage of the stable temperature underground using a piping system and with the principles of refrigeration the geothermal system can move heat quietly, the result is heating, cooling, and hot water production at remarkably high efficiency levels.

Not all geothermal systems use the ground to heat and cool. Instead they use a body of water, and the most popular method in California is to use that backyard swimming pool as a heat sink. This means that people have the advantage of heating their swimming pool while cooling their homes, by moving the heat from the home into the pool using a water-sourced heat pump.

Because the process does not have combustion, there is carbon monoxide poisoning worries like you can get from the traditional furnace. And, no combustion means no natural gas, oil or propane expenses, either.

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Geothermal Unit

How It Works

Additionally, geothermal heating and cooling systems qualify for a Federal tax credit for 30% of the cost of the installed system.

Federal energy credits help homeowners pay for qualified residential alternative energy equipment, like geothermal systems. It is wise to check with your tax professional to make sure that this is a good fit for your situation.

ClimateMaster is the world’s largest manufacturer of residential ENERGY STAR® qualified geothermal heat pumps for heating and cooling. ClimateMaster’s Trilogy Packaged Systems are the most technologically advanced geothermal heating and cooling systems available. ClimateMaster has geothermal heating and cooling systems that are 400–600% efficient, and can cut your heating, cooling, and water costs by up to 80%.

If you are ready to start heating or cooling your home more efficiently, then Cold Craft, Inc. can help. Cold Craft installs ClimateMaster’s geothermal heat pumps that are ENERGY STAR® qualified and Cold Craft is designated as a GeoElite Dealer. For more information, you can call 888-447-0071 or visit www.ColdCraft.com.

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products&services

re you tired of viewing the world through a worn out old screen? If you want to enjoy the beauty of your home without diminishing either your décor or the striking views outside of your windows, then the time has come to discover the next best thing in screens that can provide a convenient solution for every door situation.

Whether you have a single doorway, double door sets, or sliding patio doors, retractable screens work for every home—allowing you to use them when you need them, and keep them hidden when you don’t.

Most homeowners don’t even realize how incredibly spacious a room can feel when there isn’t a screen door behind the glass door, blocking your view.

Retractable doors remain hidden, allowing for beautiful unobstructed views and a feeling of openness.

Extremely versatile, retractable screens will work for any single or double door (inswing or outswing,) slider, or patio door. They are custom measured

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and built specifically for your doors. In most cases, the retractable screens are mounted flush to your threshold so you never have to worry about tripping when you walk in the door.

Manufactured in the USA, ClearView retractable screens come in 12 standard colors, 300 custom colors, and 20 wood grain finishes, allowing you to find the perfect fit for every room. Retractable screens feature the highest-grade powder coating, and are crafted with absolutely no plastic. They will also never snap back when you open them. With great attention to detail and the highest quality materials, ClearView retractable screen doors are known for their exceptional product and focus on customer service. Bringing the incredible screen door that does not snap back to homeowners, their patented speed reducer is unique to ClearView. For more information, you can call them at 888-691-2077 or visit www.clearviewnorcal.com.

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products&services

Beautiful Woodwork

Cabinet Color Change

T

here’s an alternative to replacing your wood cabinets or floors. People often put off refinishing their cabinets or wood floors because of the inconvenience, dust, noxious odor, consumed time, and budget. Over time, dirt build up, wear and tear, scratches and age-discolored finishes can make wood look flat and lifeless. Replacing cabinets or refacing (putting on new doors) requires new wood to make their products. Traditionally, once wood floors, cabinets or other woodwork in the home reached the point where it looked terrible, the options were limited.

The good news is that with the products and methods available today, restoring the beauty of wood has never been simpler or more cost effective. By improving the look of your existing cabinets, you will save time and money. Technicians experienced with this process and methods of renewing wood finishes can produce like-new luster to your wood cabinets, floors and trim without the waste, mess and harsh odors from chemicals or expense of traditional sanding and refinishing. This can be done in only days not weeks.

Here’s how it works: A thorough cleaning is critical for great results, so the first step is to clean the wood surface of any dirt, grease and grime out of the pores.

Any repairs needed are also made at this time including gaps, holes, splintered wood, etc.

Once the wood surface has been cleaned and repaired, it is sealed and the new water-based finish is then applied. The newer water-based finishes available today have been proven to be as strong and long-lasting as traditional oil-based finishes, but do not have the harsh chemical fumes or yellowing tendencies. It’s non-toxic and odorless. Additionally, pigments and dyes can be added to the new finish so that the technician can achieve virtually any color desired. Say you have maple cabinets and would like a slightly darker stained wood, the new finish can be custom dyed to your color preference and then professionally applied.

Do you want a color change for your cabinets? The same cleaning and repair process is used and a stain or opaque finish is applied with a sprayer for a seamless, streak-free finish. The change can be as subdued or dramatic as you wish.

Don’t replace your wood cabinets or floors—all you have to do is “N-Hance” them. N-Hance also does banisters, doors, fireplace mantels, windowsills, bamboo, cork, engineered veneer, hand-scraped and distressed wood floors, and much more.

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Before

After

Basic Floor Renewal

Before

After

For more information about having your cabinets, floors or other woodwork in your home refinished, you can call N-Hance Wood Renewal, serving San Francisco and San Mateo counties, at 650-731-3917 or visit www.sfwoodrenewal.com and you can call N-Hance Wood Renewal, serving Santa Clara county at 408-220-6626. Or visit www.nhance.com/siliconvalley.com ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

products&services

Exceeding Expectations With a Properly Installed Synthetic Lawn ith the call to conserve water, people living in California are implementing ways to do their part. Yards continue to switch from natural to synthetic lawns. In general, full service turf companies get asked a lot of questions. Here are a few care and maintenance tips to share.

Q: Synthetic turf gets hot. How do you cool it down?

A: Apply HydroChill—a safe, antimicrobial, odorless, and gelatinous substance that uses moisture to cool the entire turf system. When hydrated, HydroChill holds moisture, and as the temperature of the turf rises, HydroChill evaporates. The result is an evenly cooled surface—the hotter it is, the cooler it gets.

Q: My lawn smells like dog urine. What do I do?

A: Envirozyme is an easy to apply liquid solution. The bioengineered bacterial blend eradicates the smell of urine and spray by digesting the odor causing bacteria left behind by pets. It can be applied full strength or diluted.

Q: Do you need to service a synthetic lawn? If so, why?

A: Servicing synthetic turf amenities is highly recommended. A professional service will clean out yard debris built up between the blades of grass, such as pebbles, dust, dirt, leaves, pine needles, weeds, and more. Bi-annual services can extend the life of the material and improve the turf’s appearance and playability.

Q: What is a good-looking, quality lawn?

A: Bolt™ fiber offers a sports performance grade material. Bolt’s thicker

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and durable fibers add strength and resilience and are designed to reflect light and lower the luster. Properly installed Bolt™ turf appears as natural as real grass.

Q: Where do you start the synthetic lawn process?

A: Find a lawn you like, and then ask who installed the turf and for a contact number. Then, find a lawn you do not like and ask for the same information. Next, measure the area (length-by-width equals square footage). Ask for pricing and the process of installation. Finally, determine a project budget you are comfortable with.

The professionals at Southwest Greens® have been building synthetic turf masterpieces for 18 years. Southwest Greens specializes in the Art of the Installation; proudly designing and building quality synthetic turf amenities that will place your yard above the rest. You can learn more by calling 650-349-4885 or visiting www.sw-greens.com.

APRIL/MAY 2016 • BAY LIVING

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exteriorslandscaping

creAte shAde when And where you desIre With the Added Value of Security, Energy Savings, and Increased Home Value omeowners tend to have a love/hate relationship with the sun. You might love those large windows that let in a lot of natural light and showcase your view, however the sunlight also most likely becomes excessive at times, if not downright bothersome. Here are some of the greatest ways to gain control over the sun so that you can call the shots, while increasing the security, savings, and value of your home.

H

Exterior Rolling Shutters. You want to let the natural light brighten up your home, but you hate having to avoid those living areas that become too harsh, too hot, and just downright uncomfortable. Exterior rolling shutters help to shield you and your family from the devastating effects of the sun. Not only do they block UV rays from damaging your floor and furniture, but they also help reduce your heating and cooling costs almost instantly. This also reduces the wear and tear on your HVAC system because you don’t have to use it as much. You can reclaim your living spaces that have become lost to light, heat, and even the cold, and you can do it all with the simple press of a button!

Rolling shutters allow you to simultaneously add value to your home and feel comfortable during any season. By simply having exterior rolling shutters installed, you add instant, real value to your home.

Along with saving you money on those energy bills, exterior rolling shutters will keep your home and family protected by never even giving burglars a chance. Hit the button and your shades roll down, lock in place, and create an aluminum-alloy barrier from you and the outside world.

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exteriorslandscaping

Solar Screens. Solar screens block 90% of the sun’s UV rays, so you limit the sun’s damaging effects on your furniture and floors.

But unlike rolling shutters, solar screens let you take in that million-dollar view while protecting your home. They may be thin, but solar screens are powerful, durable, and incredibly useful.

Retractable solar screens offer an immediate reward for smart homeowners. The comfort of keeping out the sun’s heat in a simple and stylish way is worth real money. If you ever decide to sell your home, you’ll be glad to know that your exterior shading has actually increased the value of your property. And even if you never sell your home, you’ll still reap the cost-savings benefits of a set of solar screens.

However, you want to be sure your home is protected without compromising style. With solar screens, you can select from a variety of different colored screens to match the theme of your home, as well as white, beige, or dark brown frames, which are built with aluminum and coated in epoxy powder for extended life and durability.

And perhaps best of all, you don’t have to mess with fragile strings like with traditional blinds. You get your choice of manual or automatic controls, and your solar screen fits nicely in a 4” box right above your window or sliding glass door.

Retractable Awnings. With motorized retractable awnings, you get sun protection and coverage that goes beyond clunky umbrellas or canopies so that you can transform your outdoor area into a cool, enjoyable retreat. Not only can you cool down your outdoor space by 15 degrees in just 15 seconds with a single awning, they are also custom made just for you and your home. Each awning comes with freestanding arms instead of poles or stands that tend to get in the way, and all fabrics are sourced from Sunbrella®. Not only will you get a reliably firm awning thanks to individual suspended springs maximizing the elasticity in the folding arms, using your awning is also easy. Choose from manual or motorized to fit your preferences.

Retractable Pergola Covers. If you already have a pergola, arbor, or glass roof, you want to make sure the space underneath is comfortable and usable. Enhance your space with a retractable cover. Pergola awnings use a gas piston tension system to ensure the consistent, reliable function of your awning for years to come. The recently improved tensile unit holds the fabric nice and taut, making it roll up more smoothly. Instantly lower the temperature of even the harshest glass-roof rooms, reducing your energy consumption and cooling costs significantly. They are electronically controlled and built-to-last. You can even protect your pergola awning with rain and wind guards for longer life.

For more information about exterior shade solutions for your home, the professionals at European Rolling Shutters can help determine your optimal solution. European Rolling Shutters have been protecting homes and families for nearly three decades. You can call them to book a free, no-obligation, in-home consultation at 800-327-0195, visit their showroom at 404 Umbarger Road, Suites A and B in San Jose, or see www.ERSshading.com.

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APRIL/MAY 2016 • BAY LIVING

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exteriorslandscaping

ENJOY YOUR GARAGE! With Garage Cabinetry and Hybrid Polymer Floor Coatings

T

he last bastion of the truly finished residence is “The Garage.” If you’re embarrassed to open your garage door, just imagine your garage being as lovely as the rest of your home.

Custom cabinets, floor coatings, and versatile gridwall organizer systems are created to bring order out of chaos for a lifetime of beauty and service. Homeowners who want to expand their living space will also discover they have increased the value of their home.

For starters, hybrid polymer floor coating systems are engineered for easy cleaning and designed to be stain and peel-resistant while enhancing lighting and eliminating the ugly, dirty look of raw concrete. Choose from a variety of cool solid colors or simulated granite finishes.

You won’t believe the difference a smooth, bright floor makes in your garage or even in your basement! Some parents use their finished garage as a safe, indoor playroom for their children during bad weather. Simply put the car in the driveway, add a space heater or rug, close the door, and let the children ride tricycles and big wheels in perfect safety.

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One popular use of finished garages is teen parties with a floor that is perfect for dancing. Because there is no clutter in the garage, it feels like a wonderful bonus room instead of a garage.

The exclusive PremierOne hybrid polymer coating technology is engineered for both performance and convenience. This system can generally be installed in one day, with a return to full use within 24 hours. Leave it to us to take care of all the details, including rental of a POD storage box, load out service as well as painting and drywall work.

The path to a clean and inviting garage, of course, is fully finished cabinets with easy-clean thermo-fused melamine surfaces (interior and exterior) to store everything from camping gear to holiday decorations.

It’s the ultimate in storage solutions with full-face doors with high-grade concealed hinges, all-steel construction hardware, and cast steel handles. The 1”-thick fully adjustable shelves have a load rating of 100 lbs. per shelf. Seasonal items can be stored out of sight near the top and frequently used items stashed in the lower shelves.

Expect full-back cabinets that stand up to harsh temperature extremes and are mounted off the floor. This makes floor cleaning a breeze, eliminates hiding places for pests, and allows water to flow out the door.

PremierGarage cabinets are designed specifically for the garage and have the largest cubic storage capacity in the industry—up to 90 inches tall, 48 inches wide, and 24 inches deep with no center supports, making it easy to store big items.

The search for durable, attractive garage or basement flooring and cabinetry ends with PremierGarage of Bay and East Bay. You can schedule a designer at 650-286-9676 and visit their website at www.bayareagarageflooring.com. Lic. #894280.

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exteriorslandscaping

Professional Barbeque Cleaning Protects your Investment and Makes Food Taste Better

I

n the Bay area, grilling up a hearty meal on the barbeque is a beloved pastime for most homeowners. Everyone loves a good cookout, but not many enjoy cleaning the barbeque—so it is safe to say that most grills out there could use a good scrub down.

Deep cleaning your barbeque will not only make it sparkle and shine, this procedure also will improve the taste of your food! This procedure removes fat, carbon deposits, and harmful carcinogens that can be transferred to your food. The deep cleaning also removes grease, which will make your outdoor cooking much safer by greatly reducing the chance of grease fires. On top of all of this, barbeque cleaning also prevents future corrosion, protecting your investment and extending the life of your grill.

Now that it’s been established that cleaning your barbeque is a great idea, some homeowners might be asking, “Why not do this myself?” A thorough cleaning can be a messy job, and takes about two and a half hours to properly execute. A mobile barbeque company can come to your home, and give each part of your barbeque a thorough

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yet gentle cleaning with environmentally friendly cleaning process.

They will clean and degrease every part, inspect your burners, pressure regulator, igniters and tubes and even polish your barbeque when they are done. Sometimes it is just better to call in the professionals.

For more information on mobile barbeque cleaning, you can contact BBQ Doctors at (408) 409-1369. Take advantage of off season discounts and quicker turn around time by getting your barbeque cleaned now.

You can see a complete list of their services and prices online at www.thebbqdoctorsofca.com

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exteriorslandscaping

Build Your Outdoor Environment for Year-Round Use egardless of the change in season, your outdoor environment should be designed for use in year-round weather conditions. Landscape professionals can design and build you a customized dreamscape to enjoy in every season.

In spring, a beautiful paver patio and/or garden path is a great way to maximize your outdoor living space. Pavers add style and class to your home and are more durable than concrete. What better place to sit and enjoy nature as the plants begin to bloom than your own personal dreamscape?

Summer is the perfect time to entertain friends and family with a barbeque island or outdoor kitchen. Add a pergola or patio cover to provide shade so you can appreciate those long summer days outdoors. Plan ahead by building your yard with high efficiency irrigation, which will save your plants and save you money by reducing your water usage.

When the leaves begin to change and the season turns to fall, a great way to enjoy the outdoors is by sitting around a fire pit spending time with your friends and family. Fire pits can be gas or wood burning, and seating can be added with the addition of a nearby garden wall.

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When winter comes, everyone else’s brown lawn will turn to mud. Yet, you can still enjoy a lush, green waterless lawn and the year-round beauty of drought tolerant landscaping, which will save you money all year long.

Additionally, low-voltage lighting will add ambiance to your yard throughout the holidays.

Black Diamond Paver Stones & Landscape Inc. can help you transform your yard into an outdoor environment you will enjoy for years to come. They offer a 27 year warranty on paver installation and a lifetime warranty on paver stones. For more information, you can visit www.BlackDiamondLandscape.com, or to make an appointment, you can call 408-329-9508 in the South Bay or 650-539-4532 in San Francisco or the Peninsula.

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healthbeautyfitness

Reshape Your Body in 20 Minutes!

By John Colman

When Diane Rand reached age 50, she got concerned that her weight was slowly creeping higher and her clothes were feeling too tight. As a practicing physician in San Diego, she knew the diagnosis. “Your muscles atrophy as you age, and this slows down the metabolism,” says Rand. “I knew it would keep getting worse if I didn’t correct it.” The antidote?

Effective weight training. But, she’d never lifted weights before. Plus, her fulltime job as a physician as well as her family life left little time in her schedule for exercise.

Fortunately, Diane read an article about “slow-motion” strength training, a revolutionary new exercise method promising a firmer, stronger, more shapely body from just two 20-minute training sessions per week. Even though the time efficiency and results sounded almost too good to be true, she decided to enroll with a personal trainer at The Perfect Workout, a local company with dozens of private fitness studios specializing in this unique approach.

Right away she noticed immediate increases in her muscle tone and energy.

After several months she’d also dropped one to two clothing sizes and was fitting into clothes which used to be too small.

“My trainer pushes me in a safe way, and I walk away feeling great after each session,” says Diane. “This is the wave of the future.”

Lean Muscles—The Key To Reshaping Your Body The Perfect Workout’s trainers encourage clients to build lean muscle tissue, which increases the body’s metabolism, burning extra calories even while you’re sleeping. Many people—especially women—have a fear of “bulking up” like a

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Physician Diane Rand tones her arms as part of her 20-minute training session in San Diego.

bodybuilder if they were to start strength training. In reality, if you’re older than 25, it’s much more likely that too little muscle is the problem rather than too much muscle. In their book Biomarkers: The 10 Keys to Prolonging Vitality , William Evans, Ph.D., and Irwin Rosenberg, M.D., show the research demonstrating that adults who don’t strength train lose an average of a half pound of lean muscle tissue each year starting at age 25.

As an example, a typical 55-year-old woman will have 15 pounds less lean muscle (and significantly more fat) than what she had at age 25. Muscle takes up less space than fat, so this typical

55-year-old woman has arms and thighs that are softer and less firm, wears a larger clothing size, and has a slower metabolism that burns fewer calories each day.

Effective strength training changes all of this. It increases your body’s metabolism, causing you to burn more fat and calories all day long. Strength training reshapes and tones your legs and arms.

And since muscle takes up 20% less space than fat, adding muscle and losing fat will make your body firmer, smaller, and more shapely. A fit 140-pound person can wear clothes several sizes smaller than an out of shape 140-pound person.

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healthbeautyfitness How Can Slow-Motion Strength Training Work So Quickly?

Slow-motion strength training involves brief and demanding workouts to get great results. The basic concept? Lift relatively heavy weights excruciatingly slowly (10 seconds to lift, another 10 seconds to lower) for as many repetitions as you can until you’re unable to move the weights anymore.

And when you learn to challenge your muscles as deeply as a skilled trainer can teach, it’s impossible to workout much longer than 20 minutes, even if you try. Dr. Philip Alexander, physician and faculty member at Texas A&M University’s College of Medicine, explains that it’s the intensity of exercise that stimulates greatest changes. “A slower repetition loads the muscles more effectively and efficiently. It’s harder!” exclaims Alexander. “That’s why it stimulates such a great total response from the body.”

Dr. Alexander has tracked hundreds of subjects using slow-motion strength training, noting significant improvements in muscular strength, HDL cholesterol profiles, bone density, and glucose tolerance. Other research adds more supporting data. Two separate studies by Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., and one study by Ellington Darden, Ph.D., demonstrate that slow-motion strength training produces 50% to 59% faster improvements than regular weight training. And because the repetitions are harder, each training session must be limited to 20 minutes—making this exercise method quite time efficient.

In 3 months Justin Brunette dropped 4 inches from his waist and lowered his body fat percentage by 6.4% with effective nutrition and weekly 20-minute training sessions at The Perfect Workout.

Joyce Reclaims Her Youthful Figure 54-year-old Joyce Magnuson had always been slim and slender when she was younger. But in her mid 40s, life’s stresses caught up with her and she began gaining weight. “During the next few years, I kept getting heavier, until I was thoroughly broken and disgusted with myself,” says Joyce.

Fortunately, she happened to read an article about slow-motion strength training and how it would reshape her body with just two 20-minute training sessions per week. The effectiveness of the method made sense to Joyce, and she decided to enroll with a personal trainer at The Perfect Workout.

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In 3 months Laura Retana Shelp lost 23.4 pounds and 10½ inches off her waist with improved nutrition and two 20-minute training sessions a week at The Perfect Workout.

After five months of combining an effective nutrition plan with two 20minute training sessions each week, not only had she gotten stronger, she’d lost 43 pounds and dropped from a size 16 to a size 10. She was also able to get completely off the blood pressure medications that she’d previously needed to take. She adds, “The perk is looking good in the current styles. Even Macy’s keeps me motivated to stay fit!”

The Perfect Workout has dozens of private studios throughout the United States that specialize in one-on-one personal training with the slow-motion strength training method, including these Bay Area locations: San Mateo (650) 513-2747, Menlo Park (650) 300-4308, Sunnyvale (408) 9121387, Walnut Creek (925) 357-9704, Danville (925) 395-4891, Oakland (510) 254-3763 and Southwest San Jose (408) 899-5812. www.ThePerfectWorkout.com APRIL/MAY 2016 • BAY LIVING

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