Bay Living Magazine September/October 2014

BayLiving

PUBLISHER WALLY HICKS III BAY AREA DIRECTOR DEBBIE TARNOFF MARKETING SPECIALIST JENNIFER BURKE PRODUCTION MANAGERS DAWN DOWLATSHAHI, DAVID MARCHAND WRITER/COPY EDITOR CAITLIN FEENER PUBLISHER’S REPRESENTATIVES MARKET LINK ADVERTISING MAILING ADDRESS Affluent Target Marketing, Inc. P.O. Box 18507 Anaheim Hills, California 92817-8507 (714) 446-6280 (888) 612-7400 www.baylivingmagazine.com For comments to the publisher: wally@keyaccess.com 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 bi-monthly by Affluent Target Marketing, Inc., P.O. Box 18507, Anaheim Hills, California 92817-8507. 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 Living Publications can take no responsibility for unintentional copyright infringement.

Affluent Target Marketing, Inc. has the right to refuse advertising.

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BAY LIVING Contents

sAN FRANCIsCO, sAN MATeO & sANTA CLARA • vOL XXXv • NO. 5 • Odd sePTeMBeR/OCTOBeR 2014 B AY L I V I N G M A G A Z I N E . C O M

15 - 22 Home Fashion A Neoclassical Jewel–The Magnificent Klismos Chair Area Rugs To Enhance Your Décor Hardware For Those Who Aren’t Afraid To Turn Heads Home Sweet Home–Shining A Light On The Most Exciting Interior Innovations Of Our Times Accessibility To Luxury And Everything In Between Your Guide To Finding The Ideal Furniture Simplify Your Life By Organizing Your Home

ON THE COVER

34 - 35 Remodeling How To Get The Most Out Of Your Home Remodel Experience Stone Veneer Adds Style To Your Home

36 Go Green Solar Solutions For Your Home–Smart, Sustainable, And Efficient

23 Aquariums

38 - 39 Home Services

Elegant Aquariums–Living Art For Your Home

Garage Makeover: Easy Said; Easy Done!

Professional Barbeque Cleaning Protects Your Investment And Makes Food Taste Better

24 Home Theater & Automation A Truly Smart Home

26 - 29 Kitchen & Bath Discover Your Ideal Kitchen And Bathroom Remodeling Solution Luxury Faucets & Drains–Style, Down To The Finest Detail More Than Just Undercounter Refrigeration A Shower For Any Space

30 - 32 Home Interiors Do Your Want Your Woodwork To Look Beautiful Again?

Whole-House Decorating–The Solution For Every Interior

40 - 46 Exteriors & Landscaping If You Can Dream It, Build It! Pools Created Just For You Regain Some Control Over Your Comfort A Holistic Approach To Landscaping Custom Outdoor Cabinetry–Elegant And Functional Evict Termites Withour Leaving Your Home It’s Time To Create Your Very Own Little Piece Of Paradise

48 - 49 Health Beauty and Fitness Reshape Your Body In 20 Minutes!

Josephine Homes' exquisite European furniture, lighting and accessories are handmade in Italy. The hallmark of Josephine Homes is its unparalleled quality, full customization service offerings and a comprehensive collection, allowing you to create a style that is truly yours alone. Josephine Homes' elegant products are housed in many beautiful homes, estates and palaces around the world. With over 20,000 unique products in its collection, Josephine Homes has the proficiency to be your partner for simple everyday projects as well as extraordinary special commissions.

For your convenience, Josephine Homes offers complimentary interior design services with purchase. A large inventory of in-stock items is also available to fulfill your immediate needs.

Josephine Homes' showrooms are located at 2 Henry Adams Street, Showroom #490 in San Francisco. To set up an appointment, you can call (415) 252-0959 or visit www.JosephineHomes.com for more information. See their ad on page 3 and article on page 15.

homefashion

The magnificent Klismos Chair Incorporating superb craftsmanship and legendary innovative designs, the exquisite Klismos chair stands the test of time. Handmade in Italy, this one-of-a-kind chair combines elegance and irrepressible passion of the past with the incredible lightness of modernity. Its rounded geometry along with masterful inlay techniques and exceptional top-quality materials help make this chair an astonishing piece of art. Here, universal values of harmony and elegance find that the neoclassical style is the most appropriate form of expression.

Refined decorations as well as harmonious proportions balance the power of this superbly crafted chair. The curvilinear and energetic shapes echo its noble simplicity and subtle eminence. Its harmonious floral decorations are perfectly vibrant and softened by smooth geometrical lines. The Roman figures’ inlay and their rhythmic distribution strengthen the sensational beauty and liveliness of this magnificent piece of art.

The chance to live with whimsical masterpieces—that is a promise by Josephine Homes to all of those who love truly beautiful and genuine fine furnishings. Each one of Josephine Homes’ masterpieces is handmade in Italy with the most precious materials and devoted attention to the fine details. Living spaces decorated by Josephine Homes become sights worth seeing that cannot only be admired, but also experienced every day.

Josephine Homes’ showrooms are located in the heart of the prestigious San Francisco Design Center at 2 Henry Adams Street, Suite 490 in San Francisco. You can call 415-252-0959 for more information or visit www.JosephineHomes.com

Available at Josephine Homes Hand-Made in Italy ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

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dding a touch of class, area rugs can define the entire atmosphere of a home. They also serve a utilitarian purpose because area rugs protect your floors from general wear and tear.

Elegant, handmade area rugs play a major role in transforming the overall ambiance and comfort of a room.

However, many homeowners may find it challenging to find those ideal rugs. There are so many questions to consider—is the rug meant to make a statement, or are you looking for something subtle? Are you partial to modern or traditional styles? Some common rug styles include medallion, allover, floral, tribal, contemporary and pictorial.

Area rugs have seemingly limitless options for colors and patterns, including bright or vibrant colors, contrasting combinations, and sharply angled designs. When purchasing a rug, you can look for a company that can help reduce those moments of indecision.

There is no better way to get a feel for the

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look you want to achieve than by actually testing out the rug in your home. Look for a company that offers a 30-day trial run with your new area rug, and you won’t have to worry about whether or not it will be a right fit. If you decide against the rug, you can return it without any hassle or obligation.

Additionally, when a company offers to bring a variety of different rugs to your home, you have the ability to see what would fit in your décor before you buy anything.

Before your rug shopping experience, there are a few things that you can start considering. First, take inventory of the existing color scheme in the room. Pay particular attention to the color of the flooring and the furnishings. Think about whether a room is going to be formal or informal. The rug you choose can, and will, help define this space. Also, consider which rug shape is best for you. While most rugs cover almost 30% of a room's flooring, there are smaller and larger sizes available.

Established almost 35 years ago by Amir Amidi, Medallion Rug Gallery is a company that offers all of these services, as well as an extensive selection of area rugs ranging from imported

antique rugs to traditional Persian rugs. With Medallion Rug Gallery, you gain access to an experienced team and extensive network of exquisite rug makers. Offering no-obligation inhome trials, you can “try before you buy” to ensure that your rug is exactly what you were looking for. They also offer a trade-in/trade-up program, as well as a lifetime full exchange guarantee. For more details, you can call them at 888-741-0916 or visit www.medallionrug.com.

You can also visit their beautiful showroom at 353 University Ave. in Palo Alto.

ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

homefashion

n entire room can be defined by the details. A charismatic presence that is confident, charming and magnetic becomes a force that draws you in— so there’s no question about what owns the space. Command attention with the inspired, eye-catching designs and finishes of Baldwin Hardware.

Baldwin boasts both style and substance. With a variety of portfolios, Baldwin is able to match the style, taste and lifestyle of its various customers.

Born of the desire to dress luxury homes with styles that are a true fit to each homeowner’s design vision, Baldwin Estate offers a wide range of inspired products in highly crafted designs and rich finishes.

The company’s premium portfolio, Estate creates a signature look with unparalleled elegance and unrivaled quality. Offering nearly endless custom styles and finishes allows architects, designers, and affluent homeowners the opportunity to create a truly unique signature style.

Master craftsmen create each piece in the Estate line with meticulous care and attention, and always by hand.

The Estate portfolio includes knobs, levers, deadbolts, entrances, keyless entry, multipoint, rim locks, Euro mortise, and roses.

Baldwin has recently launched their newest addition to the best-selling Estate portfolio: The Santa Monica™ line. Santa Monica stuns with its simplicity and clarity of form, putting a visual emphasis on vertical and horizontal lines with a keen focus on pure geometry (without sacrificing comfort).

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A sleek and modern offering, Santa Monica’s multi-point design appeals to a variety of applications, and the depth of the line’s roses and levers provide maximum design flexibility. Santa Monica is available in five levers, four rosettes, two handlesets, and one square deadbolt with single and double configurations.

You can see Baldwin Hardware products locally at Belmont Hardware.

When you visit one of Belmont Hardware’s seven 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, Berkeley, 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.

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homefashion

Home Sweet Home Shining a Light on the Most Exciting Interior Innovations of Our Times an you imagine living without the modern comforts of your home? Amenities that we have become accustomed to are standard fare in today’s interiors. For those who want the newest home innovations, two categories stand out as leading the way: light control and energy management. Sally Morse, Director of Creative Services at window fashions leader Hunter Douglas, shares how and why.

Managing Light: Window Treatments “The evolution of windows is remarkable,” says Morse, “from hide coverings to panes made of translucent animal horn, then thin slices of marble, oiled paper and finally glass. And the shapes and sizes of windows changed too, requiring innovations to the original window treatments said to be invented by the Egyptians 4,000 years ago.”

Breakthroughs date back to 1946 when Hunter Douglas brought out the world’s first lightweight aluminum Venetian blinds. Today, Duette ® Architella® honeycomb shades take the cellular structure and make it even more energy-efficient by placing another cell within the cell. Silhouette® window shadings, with the Signature S-Vane™, is a sheer product with rotating vanes that diffuse light and provide variable light control. Silhouette A Deux window shadings combine Silhouette with a room-darkening roller shade that sits on the same head rail, yet operates independently.

Temperature: Save Energy and Time “It’s so easy to control room temperature these days,” says Morse. “It’s among the most extraordinary advances ever.” Hunter Douglas is a leader of the pack—one of its most innovative is the Duette Architella Trielle™ honeycomb shade, delivering 20% greater energy efficiency than original

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Duette Architella shades thanks to six layers of insulating fabric. It can reduce heat loss at the window by up to 45% and solar heat gain through the window by up to 80%.

Artificial Lighting: More than a Light Bulb Light-emitting diodes, or LED-based lights, are increasingly the homeowner’s light of choice. Offering lower energy consumption, longer lifetime, improved physical robustness and smaller size, they are a smart choice for every room. Recessed ceiling lights, chandeliers, sconces— nearly every style of home lighting is now available with LEDs, not to mention sofa frames and tables, draperies and even wall coverings.

A New Age of Enlightenment: The Connected Home Home automation is developing at a rapid rate. Hunter Douglas offers a wide range of motorized window treatments that operate with its patented Platinum™ App, which can now be integrated into home automation systems. With a tap of a finger, you can easily preset and reset the precise positioning of multiple motorized window coverings for optimal privacy, security, energy management and ambiance. It is also now available with a sunrise/sunset timer feature that uses GPS data to calculate the location-specific times.

To see a variety of different Hunter Douglas products, you can visit PKS Interiors, an authorized Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer located at 101 E. El Camino Real in Sunnyvale, 408-738-9183 or 650-948-4162. www.pksinteriors.net. Or you can also visit Rebarts Interiors, an authorized Hunter Douglas Window Fashions Gallery showroom located at 247 California Drive in Burlingame and 990 Industrial Road Ste. 106 in San Carlos, 650-348-1268 or 650-508-8518. www.rebarts.com.

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homefashion

ACCESSIBILITY TO LUXURY And Everything In Between

he closer homeowners look at residential elevators, the more they realize the value of putting one into their own home. Not only does having an elevator eliminate the use of the stairs when traveling to different levels of the house, it is also beneficial to your long-term home value.

If you are looking for increased luxury and affluence in your living spaces, then a residential elevator is a must-have accessory. Moving far beyond an easy access solution for those with mobility challenges, an EECO Home elevator is also a luxurious upgrade that adds an increasingly desirable feature to any dĂŠcor.

Even tedious daily tasks such as moving around groceries, laundry, furniture, children, and luggage are made easy.

Each elevator can be custom tailored based on your needs and how the home was built, allowing you to create a unique feature that accentuates your home.

Choose materials and fixtures for your home elevator to create a visually stunning showpiece. You can choose from different models, and customize just about everything, including the interior and exterior finish, fixture design, handrails, telephone options, lighting, gates, and much more.

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All EECO Home elevator models are designed to provide a smooth, quiet ride for your enjoyment. They are also equipped with the latest safety devices, such as backup systems, so that you can rest assured that your elevator has met strict safety standards. All elevators are capable of integrating security access systems, giving you control of who can or cannot use your elevator. Engineered to use the least amount of power possible, elevators are also extremely energy efficient and utilize high efficiency motors and components. Utilizing recycled materials whenever possible, as well as vegetable based, biodegradable hydraulic oil, EECO Home elevators are also environmentally friendly.

Established in 1946, Elevator Equipment Corporation has been a leading supplier of products to the elevator industry, now offering homeowners the opportunity to purchase direct from the manufacturer.

For more information, you can call them at 888-877-4762, visit www.eecohome.com, or email them at sales@eecohome.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,

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benches, 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 6114/6101 Geary Blvd. (25th Ave.) in San Francisco, open daily from 10–6. You can also call them at 415-831-6529 or visit their website at www.avetexfurniture.com.

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etting ready in the morning has to be easier than racing around the house, trying to find matching shoes and a shirt that isn’t wrinkled. Isn’t it time to rid your life of the morning mayhem? Working with a closet professional, they will help design and create an organized custom closet, as well as other areas of your home.

A custom closet adds value to your home. There is something luxurious about walk-in closets, no matter what the size, devoting an entire room to storage and organization. Reach-in closets can literally double your storage with closet organizers. Multiple rods, custom-built trays, shelves and cabinets will utilize all of your space. For additional closet space, turn one of your bedroom walls into a wardrobe closet with lots of hanging and folding space, hidden shoe shelves, and closet doors that slide or swing open.

Finishes add color and character. Melamine finish is affordable and durable, while opting for stained or painted wood offers higher levels of customization. You can add decorative and architectural elements such as carved wood appliqués, crown and base molding, and decorative hardware.

Wood closet organizers offer the ultimate in personalization and luxury.

The richness and exclusive feel of wood and wood veneer accentuates the architecture and beauty of your home. Choose from maple, cherry, birch, and mahogany.

Closet accessories are the essential working pieces, from padded jewelry drawers to customized additions such as tie, belt, and pant racks, ironing stations, shelf dividers, shoe racks, pull-out baskets and trays.

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Organization can be achieved in other areas of the home, too.

Because home offices are often located in very visible parts of the home, custom office desks, workstations, bookshelves, and more can help clean things up. Designs feature both freestanding furniture and built-in configurations in a huge range of sizes, finishes and details.

Wall beds are the perfect way to save space. Wall beds allow you to convert rooms instantly, save valuable floor space, and let guests sleep over with comfort and convenience. Everything is designed to work within the bed cabinet and surrounding built-ins, effectively creating a multi-functional room. Custom shelving, drop-down tables, pullout nightstands, display alcoves, and media cabinetry are some of the accessories to consider.

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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aquariums

Elegant Aquariums– Living Art for Your Home

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he ability to watch peaceful and exotic fish brings a sense of tranquility to any surrounding. In fact, it has been proven that the presence of an aquarium in a room can lower people’s blood pressure and relieve their anxiety.

Aquariums are also a great educational piece for young children, providing them with a sense of responsibility and care. Therefore, when you have an aquarium at home, it’s more than just a decoration—it’s a piece of living art that promotes both physical comfort and interaction.

Depending on your aquarium preferences, there are options for everyone. The three basic types of aquarium habitats include live reef, saltwater fish-only, and freshwater. Reef habitats are defined as an aquarium with live corals, invertebrates, and compatible fish. Saltwater fish-only aquariums are tanks that house only fish, allowing you to mix a variety of fish all together. And freshwater aquariums can be kept in a community environment or in a habitat specific to their physical region.

Aquarium specialists will design an efficient aquarium system, depending on your needs and desires. Knowledgeable in all different types of aquarium design, specialists can customize your tank— whether it involves specialized filter requirements for specific fish or unique solutions for decorative hideaways. No matter the size or budget, there is a system for you. All you have to do is feed your fish, sit back, and enjoy.

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Because aquariums are normally installed next to high-end flooring and cabinetry, plumbing your aquarium properly is of utmost importance. A company should recognize these types of often overlooked details, as well as offer service for your aquarium once it’s been installed. Depending on your schedule and system, aquariums should be maintained accordingly.

If you currently own an aquarium and are looking to give it a makeover, aquarium specialists can also overhaul your current system by cleaning everything out, converting the water, updating the ecosystem, and even upgrading your filtration.

SeaLife Aquarium designs, installs, overhauls, and services aquariums to meet all budgets and requirements. Since 1995, SeaLife has been installing and servicing any size aquarium, from 20 to 2,000 gallons. They offer customized maintenance packages. Their aquarium specialists can also take over maintenance on existing aquariums.

For more information, or a free design consultation, you can call them at 408-234-7925, visit www.sealife-aquarium.com, or email jeff@sealife-aquarium.com.

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homeautomation

A Truly SmArT Home t’s a dark and rainy evening and you are finally heading home from the office or a late-night outing. All you want to do is relax in your warm, cozy house watch a little TV or curl up with a good book. When you get home, the house is freezing and dark, even the slightest noise makes you jump with unease as you attempt to navigate the multitude of light switches around the house, turn on the heater, make sure the doors are locked and find the three remotes that the TV requires. Not exactly the homecoming you’d like.

Now, here’s what could have happened if you owned a “smart home.”

Before you head home, you simply hit the “Arriving” button on your phone.

When you get there, the driveway lights brighten, the garage door opens, the intruder alarm is deactivated, the lights inside your home turn on and the house is already at a comfortable temperature. Before leaving the car you take a quick look at the home’s security cameras that instantly appear on your smart phone. Confident it’s safe, all you have to do is find that book or press the “Watch TV” button on the lighted control and get comfortable!

So, what makes a house “smart,” and how is this approach different from other devices and applications that are becoming so common in our culture? A truly smart home is a house whose various systems are integrated with a Central Processing Unit (CPU, the “brains”) which controls the various sensors and activation systems. Working together they can monitor and control a wide range of home operation and monitoring tasks based on your specific needs with a single control interface.

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With a system that actually “thinks” for itself, you can control a variety of functions from an intuitive user interface. This simplifies your life by getting rid of the several remote controls that most people have sitting on their coffee table, and it automates your daily tasks. You can extend the simple conveniences to include everything, from lighting, access control, entertainment components, heating and air conditioning, communication, surveillance, shading and more. You can even operate your home’s systems from anywhere on your smart phone and be notified of any problems automatically.

The goal is to enhance the safety, security, convenience and comfort of your home to meet both your family’s desires and property’s needs. Really, the only limitation to what your smart home can do is your imagination.

Leaving for vacation? Simply press a single button and everything on the property is set in vacation mode. Not home when the housekeeper’s coming?

Send her an electronic “key” that will let her in once at the specific time she needs.

For more information about upgrading your own house into a functional and innovative smart home, Automation and Entertainment Inc. can help. Utilizing their years of hands-on experience and expertise in systems integration, the professionals at Automation and Entertainment Inc. will turn your dream home into a reality by integrating the latest entertainment technologies and automation strategies in a convenient and easy-to-operate fashion that blends seamlessly with your decor. You can call them at 408-353-4223 to schedule a free inhome consultation, email info@automationandentertainmentinc.com, or visit www.automationandentertainment.com.

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kitchen&bath

o, you've decided that the time has come to reinvent your living spaces. Whatever your reason may be, recreating the ambiance of your home can be a superb investment, both personally and financially.

So much time is spent in both the kitchen and bathroom, which is why these rooms are popular choices for rejuvenation. Your kitchen is more than just a place to cook meals—it is the heart of your home where your family and friends gather to share and make memories. Additionally, the bathroom is the place where you start and end your day. The look and feel of this room can affect your mood from the moment you wake up, to the moment you get ready for bed.

Here are different ways to approach your project so that you can ensure a smooth and successful remodel. There are three levels of remodeling when it comes to both kitchen and bathroom makeovers.

Cosmetic kitchen remodeling allows you to make an old kitchen new again by replacing some of your kitchen’s more dated elements, saving you both time and money. Never inconveniencing you with extensive demolition, experts can replace countertops, backsplashes, plumbing fixtures, lighting, flooring and even cabinet refacing with minimal intrusion to your daily routine.

Pull and Replace Kitchen Remodel

AFTER Pull and replace kitchen remodeling lets you to update certain features while keeping your functional kitchen layout.

You can replace cabinets, fixtures and surfaces without having to compromise the familiar kitchen you know and love.

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BEFORE

AFTER Custom Kitchen Remodel Custom kitchen remodeling allows you to create an entirely new space that fits the way you use it. You can chose from a variety of kitchen layouts and design options so you can finally enjoy the kitchen of your dreams.

BEFORE

Cosmetic Bathroom Remodel Cosmetic bathroom remodeling allows you to refresh the design without gutting the space. Work within your budget to replace fixtures and other components that are most in need of replacement, such as sinks, bath and shower hardware, lighting, mirrors and more.

Pull and replace bathroom remodeling offers the opportunity to keep layout of your bathroom while upgrading the style.

Everything is replaced, but nothing changes location. This is the perfect way to upgrade the major areas of your bathroom such the shower, bathtub or toilet so that you have a rejuvenated space that stays within your budget.

Custom bathroom remodeling is the way to go if you need more physical space, or want to rearrange your bath for both convenient and comfort. This remodeling route allows you to take advantage of award-winning project design capabilities, and provides you with several layout options. Discover the true potential of a bathroom that has been created for maximum efficiency and pleasure.

With Case® Design/Remodeling, every single aspect of your home improvement needs are covered. The process-driven 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 408-323-5300 for a free consultation.

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kitchen&bath

Luxury Faucets & Drains f there were just one word to describe California Faucets, it would be “yes.” Embracing the ability to customize your own creation, California Faucets offers over 30 faucet series and decorative finishes, as well as customizable trim options. Each fitting is handmade, starting with good old-fashioned craftsmanship that features solid brass construction, and assembled in their local factory in California. And if you don’t see something you like, you can mix and match any handle with any spout, in any finish.

Their StyleDrain ® systems are artistic luxury drains that both enhance and complete the look of a beautiful shower. Elegant, carefully engineered StyleDrain systems unify what has been the most overlooked part of a shower with an aesthetic exclamation point.

Made of solid, forged brass, this patented design features 30 custom finishes and is a truly one-of-a-kind decorative shower drain system. Able to accommodate high-volume water flow, StyleDrain is also compatible with multiple-head showers, patios, atriums, or any other wet floor application. An extraordinarily fast draining capacity that handles water flow ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

at the highest level of efficiency makes StyleDrain ideal for virtually any application.

With no visible screws, StyleDrain offers a flush grill plate for smooth styling and the ultimate in foot comfort. Adding to its sense of style is the unique square shape. In contrast to typical round shaped drains, StyleDrain is a dream for bathroom remodeling.

You can see California Faucets’ products locally at Belmont Hardware.

When you visit one of Belmont Hardware’s seven 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. To see California Faucets’ products on display, as well as a variety of additional products, you can visit the Belmont Hardware showrooms located in San Jose, Walnut Creek, Fresno, Novato, Belmont, and San Francisco. You can also visit the Belmont Hardware showroom located in Berkeley, 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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kitchen&bath

More Than Just

Refrigeration

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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 for Any

A

Space

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 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 installation team supports the new owner, Aristotelis “Telly” Sionides, and company founder and vice president, Bruce Downs. Together, they continue to build on the company’s sterling 28-year reputation for strong customer service, forward-thinking design and top-notch materials and products.

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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

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homeinteriors

to Look Beautiful Again? 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 and a finish is applied using the same method as described above.

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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Cabinet Renewal

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 650731-3917, and you can call N-Hance Wood Renewal, serving Santa Clara county at 408-220-6626. You can visit www.nhance.com.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • BAY LIVING

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homeinteriors

Whole-House Decorating–

aving an absolutely perfect home décor is a concept most homeowners think they will never get to truly experience.

While it’s nearly impossible to put a finger on exactly what needs to be changed or what’s missing, people often feel like something is incomplete. And no matter how many new items you buy or move around, your interior never seems to feel just right.

The reason that homeowners often feel this way is because successful home decorating is a true form of art that requires both design knowledge and the precise materials for the style you want to achieve. A trained eye can see certain things that you might be overlooking, and they know exactly how to solve the problem.

With a full service design center, you have every single product you need to create a successful interior right at your fingertips. Choose from a multitude of different types of flooring, including carpet, hardwood, laminates, tile, area rugs and more. Windows can be uplifted with draperies, blinds, Roman shades or shutters from top-of-line-manufacturers. From cabinets, wallpaper, bedding,

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fabric, hardware and rods, countertops and more, the collaboration of a skilled decorating expert with instant access to products is a combination that results in a flawless interior for every home.

If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, a professional can create custom pieces to fit your exact needs. Additionally, creating custom items doesn’t have to be expensive—there is a solution for everyone. The time has come to finally create the home you have always wanted that is ideal for both your personality and lifestyle.

PKS Interiors has been servings the Bay Area for over 30 years, and is an exceptional resource for your home’s interior décor needs. Truly a one-stop-shop for all of your decorating needs, PKS offers the design and sales of flooring, window coverings and cabinets, along with a huge selection of products. For more information, you can call PKS Interiors at 408-738-9183 or 650-948-4162. You can also visit their website at www.pksinteriors.net

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homeremodeling

Remodel Experience

ome remodeling offers homeowners the perfect opportunity to transform the home they love into the home of their dreams.

Whether you have the need for more living space, or want to upgrade your home environment in order to enhance your lifestyle and resale value of your home, a full-service design build company can partner with you to create a home that fits your needs and personal style.

Beginning a home remodeling project is a huge step. An experienced contractor can guide you through the decision-making process for comfortable, beautiful results on time and on budget.

Consider how the home remodeling process is going to affect your lifestyle. Maybe it’s time for that new kitchen? The focal point of most homes, a new or updated a kitchen can increase functionality, aesthetic appeal and your home’s value. Walk through your home and address the areas to be renovated and how it affects day-to-day livability.

Also, be sure to think about your family’s future needs. Will your family be growing or changing? If so, a basement provides you with so much opportunity for expansion. You can double your living space—whether you need additional bedrooms, a game room, an office, or even a wine cellar.

This is both a quick and economical transformation because it adds little disruption to your day.

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Consider the potential of all lifestyle enhancements, new bathrooms, new decks and porches that increase outdoor living spaces to energy-efficient windows and siding. Simple upgrades might be the perfect solution for your home, from new carpentry and molding to upgraded trim.

However, no matter what you decide on, the most crucial part of the process is to hire a dependable company that is both experienced and equipped to handle all aspects of your home remodel. Here are some helpful aspects to consider before signing any contracts.

Experience. A company and their craftsman should have plenty of experience and be willing to offer any advice to ensure that your project turns out exactly how you want it. They should also be proud to offer a list of references with contact information so that you can check.

Integrity. A company’s proposal should outline the details of the project clearly and completely so that you understand all aspects and nothing surprises you later down the road. The priority should be to complete your project on time, on budget, and all work should be backed up with a warranty.

Process. A pre-construction walkthrough should occur before any demolition starts to ensure that everyone is on the same page and no questions go unanswered. When the project gets started, a company should always arrive on (or before) the scheduled time. Finally, all craftsmen should be clean, courteous and background-checked.

Cinnabar Builders is a full service construction management company that incorporates the very best practices in project planning, scheduling, execution and communication. For more information or a free consultation, you can call them at 408-439-2410 or visit www.cinnabarbuilders.com

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homeremodeling

adds

Style to Your Home

enuine stone provides a classic look to homes in a way other materials simply cannot achieve. There is a distinctive, timeless beauty to stone, which is why people have built homes and landscaped their property with this natural resource for centuries. The feeling of permanence created with stone makes any home feel more complete.

In recent years, stone veneer has become an increasingly popular choice among homeowners, architects and designers.

Design professionals no longer associate stone installation solely with outdoor living, veneers allow these looks to be brought inside as well. Suitable for almost any location, veneer can be applied to an interior accent wall, kitchen backsplash or island, over fireplaces, in bathrooms and much more.

Stone veneer is now available in hundreds of varieties, in nearly limitless colors and styles. Masons today can access stone from all parts of the world through select stone specialty retailers. The variety of choices ensures that you can find the exact color, profile and texture to match your home. Weathered and aged stone veneers are used for a nostalgic look of charm and longevity for a rustic, mid-century or farmhouse feel. Dimensional, sleek veneers can add a look of simplicity for contemporary or modern design. If you are looking for your home to make a statement or you would rather blend in with your home’s surroundings, the availability of the right products has never been easier.

If you are considering stone for your home, start by visiting a ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

masonry showroom to see all of the possibilities. Peninsula Building Materials is your local Bay Area source for stone, brick, and masonry products. A family owned business in operation for over 90 years, PBM has acres of inventory from which to choose. Peninsula Building Materials is dedicated to serving the customer and finding the right stone for both your home and your budget. Their product experts are happy to help guide you along the process. You can visit their Masonry Showroom at 2490 Charleston Road in Mountain View, open Tuesday–Saturday. Material yard locations are in Redwood City, Sunnyvale, San Martin and Livermore. For more information you can call them at 877-282-0522 or visit www.pbm1923.com

The stone alcove adds a distinctive centerpiece to kitchen activities SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • BAY LIVING

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gogreen

Solar Solutions for Your Home—

Smart, Sustainable, and Efficient olar technology continues to sweep the nation, and it’s easy to see why. Essentially, solar is a fabulous investment for anyone to make—not only do you get to enjoy immediate benefits and big money savings, but you also get to do your part in helping the environment.

Solar power is an alternative source of energy that accomplishes the same power needs as other sources while reducing a dependency on less-sustainable methods, such as oil, so that we can keep our beautiful coastlines clean.

Two of the most popular ways to go solar is with solar electric panels for your home, and solar pool heating. Both implementations are worth considering if you aren’t quite sure what your first step should be in regards to going solar with your own home. Here are just some of the benefits that you will experience with these innovative technologies.

When used to heat a pool, solar systems also save you money by eliminating the need for a gas heater, which can get extremely expensive. A solar pool-heating panel gathers heat daily to uphold a very enjoyable pool temperature—you don’t have to worry about turning anything on to heat your pool. It’s like having your very own luxurious resort pool in the backyard that is always perfectly comfortable and ready for swimming. FAFCO® highefficiency panels are locally produced in California, and are an industry leader in solar pool heating.

Solar electric panels dramatically reduce your need for buying power.

Eliminating your home’s high electric bills, panels allow you to produce your own energy instead of just buying it as you go from the electric company. It also safeguards you against those high-energy tiers and steady price increases from the electric company. With the money saved on energy, solar electric panels allow you to gain financial flexibility to expand into other

S

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environmentally friendly and money saving options, such as buying an electric car, or allocating your money to other favorable things.

SunPower® solar electric panels offer extreme efficiency, (featured in the photo above). This allows you to produce power in a much smaller footprint than conventional 14% efficient panels because they are 21.5% efficient. Locally headquartered, SunPower operates their business in San Jose. Suniva® is another recommended brand that offers a lower price point and is also manufactured in the USA. One of the most important factors to consider before making the switch to solar is to find a company that offers full solar services. That way, if you decide to add or alter other solar solutions later on down the road, your professional can integrate everything in a collaborative and convenient fashion.

POCO Solar Energy, Inc. is your local full solar company that has been designing, installing, and maintaining solar energy systems that provide electricity, heat swimming pools and domestic hot water since 1984. With over 150 years of combined solar knowledge, POCO’s team has the experience you can count on to help you choose the smarter solutions to reduce your energy bills and enhance your quality of life.

You can call them at 408-970-0680 for more information, or you can visit their website at www.pocosolar.com. You can also email them at info@pocosolar.com.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • BAY LIVING

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homeservices

Garage Makeover: Easy Said; Easy Done!

s

ince the family entrance is generally through the garage, how happy do you think they will be when they have more than a narrow pathway to inch their way through to the door? You know what we mean. There is so much "stuff" in the garage that there's barely room to go in and out, much less park the car! Admit it. It's embarrassing to open the garage door and have the neighborhood see your mess.

Now imagine having the garage floor looking more like a brilliant showroom rather than the ugly stained and dirty concrete you have gotten used to. Innovative new technologies have created floor coating systems that can be installed in as little as one day, and driven on the next.

And cleanup is as easy as your kitchen floor; simply wipe up spills with a soft cloth or paper towel, all without ever leaving a stain in the finish.

One of the biggest surprises in organizing your garage with cabinetry and floor coatings is the expanded living space and utility that is suddenly available, not to mention a home for the family car, boat

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or motorcycle, as the space becomes more of a useful extension of your home. The other plus is the increased value additional storage brings to the home.

After a thorough sorting of your garage possessions to determine what to keep, toss, and donate, begin the makeover with fullyfinished, full-back cabinets. The easy-clean melamine interiors are designed to store anything from camping gear to holiday decorations to luggage and golf clubs. Use the upper portions of the cabinets for seasonal storage and the lower sections for items used more frequently.

With all-steel construction hardware, high-grade European concealed hinges and cast steel handles, they're the ultimate in storage solutions. The one-inch thick, fully adjustable shelving can hold a load of 100 lbs. per shelf. The cabinets stand up to harsh temperature extremes and are mounted off the floor to prevent water damage and pest infiltration.

Finish the garage makeover with the latest in chemical and stain resistant floor coatings that are designed and engineered for easy cleaning. The exclusive hybrid polymer finishes enhance lighting and eliminate that ugly, dirty look of raw concrete. These coatings, which can be installed quicker and driven on sooner than the traditional "epoxy" floor coatings of the past, turn the garage into a more inviting space that you're likely to set up your next party or weekend gathering in.

The search for durable, attractive garage cabinetry, flooring and organization ends with PremierGarage of Bay and East Bay. For a one-stop solution to your garage mess, and to schedule a designer, you can call them at 888-987-GARAGE (4272), and visit their website at www.bayareagarageflooring.com ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

homeservices

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) 396-1440. They operate under the motto “Quality Service at an Honest Price,” and their friendly and well-trained staff is there to serve you. You can see a complete list of their services and prices online at www.thebbqdoctorsofca.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • BAY LIVING

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exteriorslandscaping

If You Can Dream It, Build It! Pools Created Just For You

W

hether you are looking to design a brand new pool and spa, or need to upgrade your existing environment, there is no denying that the hours of entertainment you and your family get from a customized outdoor living space is worth every penny. From cooling off in the summertime by jumping in the refreshing pool, to winding down during late evenings in the warm and relaxing spa, there is truly no better way to maximize your outdoor space.

No matter what your specific needs may be, your options are virtually unlimited when it comes to creating your own resort-quality pool paradise.

If you are in need of complete pool construction, experienced pool experts utilize a specific process to ensure that your project is completed promptly, correctly, and precisely to your satisfaction. A full service pool contractor can handle everything to ensure that each part of the process is streamlined and done right the first time. After discussing your vision and creating a design, excavation will start.

The pool will then be formed, poured, and decking and coping will be carefully installed. As soon as the additional finishing touches have been brought to life, all that’s left is to add water and jump in!

If the pool and spa currently in your yard is in need of some rejuvenation, a full service pool contractor can also offer the finest upgrades in order to refresh your old environment. A beautifully designed and properly planned pool renovation can add to the

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overall value of your home and provide you with the chance to enjoy your backyard like you never have before. One of the most efficient ways to upgrade is with top-of-the-line equipment.

Replacing aspects of the pool such as pumps, filters, motors, heaters and control systems with energy-conserving, state-ofthe-art products, your pool will perform reliably as well as save you money.

Don’t forget the final touches that make your pool and spa truly unique. Sheer waterfalls are an elegant addition to your pool, from simple to ornate depending on your style. Spa spillovers are another way to bring a waterfall into your swimming space. LED lighting can add a whole new dimension to your poolscape. Fountains offer the soothing sound of trickling water while floating around in the pool on a quiet day. If you really want to achieve a resortstyle environment, a pool bar is a must-have. Swim up to the bar and enjoy refreshments without leaving the water.

Bay Area Pools is your local full service swimming pool company.

For 25 years, they have specialized in the construction, remodeling, repairing and maintenance of pools, working with homeowners to create outdoor spaces suited perfectly for specific lifestyles. A member of the Better Business Bureau and the APSP (Association of Pool and Spa Professionals), you can call Bay Area Pools at 650-347-7516, visit their website at www.bayareapools.net, or email them at bayareapools@sbcglobal.net. Lic. #680665, C-53/B. ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

exteriorslandscaping

REGAIN SOME CONTROL OVER YOUR COMFORT

our home is not only your sanctuary, but it’s also your largest investment. If you aren’t making the most of your livable space, then the time has come to make a change. There are many things that might be keeping you from enjoying certain areas of your home. You might love those large windows that let in a lot of natural light and showcase your gorgeous view, however the sunlight probably becomes excessive at times, if not bothersome. Not to mention the annoying glare that seems to follow you around the living room, especially while trying to watch television.

Perhaps certain furniture and your flooring have started to fade due to UV radiation. UV exposure is dangerous—if the sun seeping into your home is already fading your furnishings, think of what it might be doing to you and your family.

This type of discomfort also extends to the outdoors. You might have a gorgeous patio that overlooks a perfectly manicured landscape. Yet, when the summertime arrives, you can only spend time outdoors during the evening because that bright sun is simply too much to handle. Think of all the money you have invested to create a lovely outdoor environment that you aren’t even able to enjoy year-round.

Fortunately, there are a variety of options for you to explore that offer cost-efficient and functional solutions to all of your problems with the sun.

Exterior rolling shutters are the ultimate shading solution that provides up to 100% light blockage. Not only are they completely

Y

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retractable at the push of a button, but they will also save plenty of money on heating and cooling costs. Rolling shutters also keep your family protected by increasing the safety of your windows and decreasing the exposure of your home’s interior to strangers.

If you don’t want to block your view to the outside, solar screens block 90% of UV rays and annoying glares. With either manual or automatic control options, you can choose form many colors while adding elegance and comfort to your home.

For your outdoor space, retractable awnings allow you maximize your yard, while also shading the interior at the touch of a button. Retractable awnings make your deck or patio 15 degrees cooler in 15 seconds. Installed on the house, awnings move out from the supporting wall with freestanding arms (so there are no posts). You can even choose custom sizes, and beautiful colors and patterns of Sunbrella® fabric.

Pergola awnings are another outdoor option. The Arbor Awning can mount onto an existing backyard arbor or glass roof, or even a trellis to provide shade. Sunbrella fabrics are also used with this shading solution.

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 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • BAY LIVING

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exteriorslandscaping

A Approach to

Landscaping

NO MOW GRASS

successful landscape goes way beyond just creating a pretty garden—it’s the collaboration between multiple aspects working together to create much more than what simply meets the eye. Any homeowner with an outdoor living area knows how many questions constantly arise when caring for a landscape. What plants are best for my climate?

What is safe for my family? What do I need to do in order to keep things organic?

All of these questions are very important to the overall prosperity of your landscape. Luckily, professionals know exactly how to be proactive when faced with these types of issues. Offering organic, non-toxic solutions, the holistic approach to landscape management is a superior solution for both the aesthetics of your home and the health of your family.

Holistic landscaping involves consideration of the whole picture of each individual landscape. It requires the evaluation of how every element interacts with one another, and the knowledge that sometimes caring for the smallest detail can bring out the deepest beauty in a landscape. Designing with sustainability in mind, a holistic expert understands the practical relationship of elements such as irrigation, drainage, soil composition, disease and pest control, and plant health.

Holistic professionals use their experience and resources to discover the source of a problem, rather than applying quick fixes to patch the symptoms. Instead of defaulting to quickly treating issues with herbicide or pesticide, they will evaluate the issue, and only if necessary, apply the least toxic method available to avoid applying a potential poison to the environment. By identifying and addressing the root

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cause, you can avoid recurring issues and guard against unforeseen havoc down the line.

Just like any landscape, the project must always begin with good design. The first step is to meet with a designer and/or architect to discover what your vision is. Once you have approved a plan, a professional will observe your existing landscape to see what kind of drainage, irrigation, and other conditions they will be working with. After you’re content with the estimate, professionals will get to work on creating your masterpiece.

Once finished, you will not be abandoned and left to tend to your landscape alone! A landscape management manager will provide you with an estimate for monthly maintenance services, so you can rest assured that your garden will continue to receive the best care.

The Village Gardener has a genuine love for people, plants and the environment. Ongoing research on new plants, products and methods that are effective yet non-toxic in the landscape and environment is a mainstay of their company, allowing them to keep a finger on the pulse of the newest innovations in the green industry. From design and creation, lawn management, plant care, seasonal natural pruning, green debris removal, irrigation management, disease, pest and weed control and more, The Village Gardener can help you with all of your holistic gardening needs. For more information, you can call them at (650) 592-9440 or visit www.thevillagegardener.com.

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exteriorslandscaping

Custom Outdoor Cabinetry

ELEGANT AND FUNCTIONAL utdoor kitchens have evolved drastically from the basic barbecue island. Innovative cabinetry solutions from Brown Jordan® Outdoor Kitchens provide the freedom to custom design unique outdoor living areas. Create an outdoor entertainment showplace that will add value to your home.

Designed to blend with the surrounding landscape, custom cabinetry complements Brown Jordan furniture and continues the indoor theme to the outdoors. Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens are fully customizable stainless steel cabinets manufactured in the U.S.A. The collection offers powder coated finishes in 10 exclusive designer colors, eight realistic faux wood finishes, four custom textures, and a variety of exclusive door styles, providing almost limitless design possibilities.

Features rival the latest innovations of indoor cabinet lines including

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concealed hardware, solid core doors, trash pullouts, fixed and sliding shelves, soft-close, self-close drawers, and leveling legs. The option to apply designer powder coat finishes adds protection to the stainless, allowing it to withstand any climate for a virtually maintenance-free investment.

Cabinets are designed to fit all major outdoor appliances; grills, social cookers, side burners, smokers, pizza ovens, bars, beverage centers, and more.

If you are looking for a little extra touch of glitz and glamour, insert options are available for the cabinet doors, including wood grain options and textured metal that can be left in its true stainless form or powder coated with a designer finish.

All cabinets come with a lifetime warranty, and all powder coated finishes come with a seven-year warranty.

Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens meet the needs of today's homeowners, architects, designers, builders, hotels and resorts that seek cabinetry to fit the unique décor and style of an outdoor living environment.

For more information, you can call them at 855-839-5063, visit their website at www.brownjordanoutdoorkitchens.com, or email info@brownjordanoutdoorkitchens.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • BAY LIVING

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exteriorslandscaping

Evict Termites Without Leaving Your Home

T

ermites are among the most destructive pests in the United States, causing property damage to 600,000 homeowners each year. Although you have no choice when the termites move into your home, you have many different choices once you discover them. Twenty years ago homeowners didn’t have many choices, and tent fumigation was the standard extermination method for termites. This outdated method entails moving out of your home for three and a half days while a dangerous amount of toxic gas is pumped into your home. Homeowners who choose tent fumigation are forced to pay for three days worth of lodging, dining and pet boarding, as well as pack or discard all the food and medicine in their home. Not only is tent fumigation incredibly inconvenient, it also leaves a huge footprint on the environment.

The chemicals used for fumigation have been identified by the California Air Resources Board as Toxic Air Contaminants, and have a harmful and long-lasting impact on the ozone layer. Fortunately there is an affordable, eco-friendly and effective alternative that won’t displace you from your home.

XT-2000 Orange Oil® Plus is a revolutionary, scientifically proven product used by IPM companies to control termites. This innovative formula is 95% pure orange oil, a natural termite pesticide made from pressed and distilled orange rinds. With orange oil, you get rid of your termites with the same guaranteed results as fumigation while still enjoying the comforts of home.

Trained technicians come to your home and perform a thorough inspection to detect the termite colonies. Using a high-tech optical scope, the technician can determine the extent to the infestation and inject orange oil directly into the infested wood members, killing the termites on contact. The fumes also act as a neurotoxin to the termites, creating a pleasant orange fragrance that humans smell without any effect. A remarkable property of orange oil is its ability to wick

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through wood, traveling through the porous cells in all directions.

Therefore, orange oil not only treats the areas into which it was injected, but will soak into surrounding areas providing a superior termite protection.

For more information on XT-2000 Orange Oil® Plus, or to find a certified Pest Control operator, you can call (866) 870-8485. XT-2000 has been in business since 2004, and they have treated over half a million structures, including homes, apartments, schools, commercial buildings, and more. Orange Oil Plus is 95% pure orange oil— beware of imposter products that contain only trace amounts of orange oil but also contain hazardous petroleum distillates. XT-2000 Orange OIl professionals are certified XT-2000 Orange Oil experts. They go through a required vigorous training program and have annual training updates. Very few pest control products are as vigorously controlled, so when looking for a pest control professional be sure they are a Certified XT-2000 affiliate by visiting their website at www.xt2000.com ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

exteriorslandscaping

It’s Time to Create Your Very Own Little Piece of Paradise ost people like to get away from home when they need a vacation. When you crave the calming sounds of Mother Nature—flowing streams, dancing waterfalls and the quiet breeze whistling through trees— wouldn’t it be more convenient if you didn’t have to leave your house?

Homeowners often underestimate the potential of their own outdoor living spaces. Just think: for the same price as the down payment on that timeshare you visit once a year, you could enjoy the benefits of a vacation every single day.

When professionals design and create an exotic paradise in your yard, the result is more than just a new environment—it’s a complete lifestyle change. Customized water features will transform a traditional lawn and patio set into a new rejuvenated area: a place where you can relax and read the newspaper, enjoy a glass of wine after work, or entertain friends and family around the beautiful focal point of flowing water.

Depending on the ambiance you wish to create, there are different types of water features to consider. Ponds, waterfalls and streams are built with Mother Nature in mind so you don’t have to fight to keep your beautiful water feature crystal clear. The new pond technologies developed in recent years make caring for a water feature easier than ever. Innovative pumps are not only extremely efficient, but they can run at varying speeds so that you can conserve energy when nobody is at home. You can even increase the flow of your water feature with a remote control, enhancing the enjoyable experience of running water to your liking.

If you want to incorporate water into your yard, but are hesitant about taking on the maintenance of a pond, a Pondless™ Waterfall is the perfect solution. A Pondless Waterfall is pretty much what its name suggests—a waterfall and stream without the pond, also sometimes referred to as a Disappearing Waterfall. With no standing water, the water falls into a cobblestone bed. This presents the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of flowing water without the hassle.

You can even take your new outdoor design one step further with a functional swimming pool or spa. Whether you have an existing swimming situation that is in need of a makeover or want to create something brand new, a pool can become a personal paradise with the right planning. Water slides, lush green gardens, rock design and more can truly work wonders on the transformation of your property.

Your yard will feel more like a five-star tropical resort!

If you are ready to discover the full potential of your property, then California Aqua Pros can help. Building exotic water features and backyards for over 20 years, every creation by California Aqua Pros is designed specifically for you—no two features are ever alike. For more information, you can call them at 1-800-994-0262 or visit their website at www.CalAquaPros.com.

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ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

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 full-time 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 24 private fitness studios throughout California and Texas specializing in this unique approach.

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

After several months she’d also dropped 1 to 2 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

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BAY LIVING • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Physician Diane Rand firms her body during a 20-minute training session at The Perfect Workout.

women – have a fear of “bulking up” like a 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 55year-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.

ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

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.

Joyce Reclaims her Youthful Figure 54-year-old Joyce Magnuson had always been slim and slender when she was younger. But in her mid 40’s 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.

ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

Arlene Esgate tones her arms as part of her 20-minute training session in San Diego.

After 5 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 b l o o d p re s s u re m e d i c a t i o n s t h a t 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 24 private studios throughout California and Texas that specialize in one-on-one personal training with the slow-motion strength training method, including these Bay Area locations: San Francisco (415) 413-0400, San Mateo (650) 513-2747, Menlo Park (650) 300-4308, Sunnyvale (408) 912-1387, Walnut Creek (925) 357-9704, Danville (925) 395-4891, Oakland (510) 254-3763 and Southwest San Jose (408) 899-5812. www.ThePerfectWorkout.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • BAY LIVING

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