BayLiving PUBLISHER WALLY HICKS III PRODUCTION MANAGERS DAWN DOWLATSHAHI, DAVID MARCHAND WRITER/COPY EDITOR CAITLIN FEENER V. P. MARKETING DEBBIE TARNOFF HOME FURNISHINGS DIRECTOR DEBORAH MESNA MARKETING SPECIALISTS JENNIFER BURKE PUBLISHER’S REPRESENTATIVES MARKET LINK ACCOUNTING MAI HUONG THI LE ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATORS SARAH CARLISLE
ADVERTISING MAILING ADDRESS Affluent Target Marketing, Inc. P.O. Box 18507 Anaheim Hills, California 92817-8507 (714) 446-6280 FAX (714) 446-6294 (888) 612-7400 www.affluenttargetmarketing.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. CIRCULATION VERIFIED BY U.S. POSTAL RECEIPTS.
BAY LIVING B AY L I V I N G M A G A Z I N E . C O M
SAn FRAnCISCO, SAn MATeO & SAnTA CLARA • vOL XXXIv • nO. 3 •even
Contents 15 - 23 Home Fashion A Neoclassical Jewel The Magnificent Klismos Chair The True Beauty Of Real Wood Floors Getting Organized Why Reupholster? Furniture That Speaks For Itself Bring Your Dream Home To Life WIth An Interior Designer Window Fashion In Motion Who Says Finding The Right Flooring Has To Be Difficult?
24 - 29 Home Interiors Replace Your Windows & Doors: Start Saving 30-50% On Your Energy Bill Stunning Wine Cellars Created Just For You What’s Your Decorating “Personality”? Bring Some Light Into Your Life WIth A Solatube Doors That Fit Just Perfectly
Make A Statement WIth Your Staircase
Savvy Solar Solutions
Restore Your Patio Furniture And Give It A Whole New Look Now You Can Have Your Very Own Treehouse A Remarkable, Unique Patio Opening Roof System Adapts To The Weather, Or Your Mood
34 - 40 Kitchen & Bath
56 - 57 Health Beauty and Fitness
30 Remodeling Thinking About Remodeling?
32 Go Green
Maximize Your Bathroom Space When Selecting Kitchen Appliances, How Do You Know What To Choose? Retreat Into A Magnificent Shower Upgrade Tile Countertops Without Demolition Beautiful Bathroom, No Stress! Plumbers You Can Trust
Reshape Your Body In 20 Minutes!
41 Plant Care Magnificent Plant Growth With Less Maintenance
42 For Your Information Automatic Gas Shut-Off Valves Save Lives And Property From Deadly Gas Explosions
43 Home Services Painting Done The Right Way
44 - 55 Exteriors & Landscaping
The Klismos Chair By: Josephine Homes
june/juLy 2013
Garage Makeover: Easy Said; Easy Done! Flow And Function Complete Outdoor Living Make A Statement With Paving Stone Solutions Ceramic Coating A Step Above Paint New “Pondless Waterfall” A Low Maintenance & No Liability Solution Protecting And Shading Your Home Can Make A Measurable Difference It’s A Grill. It’s A Smoker. It’s An Oven! Fences, Decks And Turf – Functional Beauty For Your Home
ON THE COVER Your outdoor living space should be equally as comfortable and inviting as the interior of your home. Upscale swimming pool designs, like the infinity edge pool with custom features and spa featured on the cover, give any area a luxurious feel. Complete the ambiance with gorgeous landscaping, outdoor kitchens and more, and you will soon discover how incredible the outdoors can be. For more information, you can call Stonebridge Pools & development at 408-426-1164 or visit their website at www.stonebridgepools.com. See their ad on page 5 and article on page 45.
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
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homefashion
hardwood flooring gives any interior an elegant look and feel that simply cannot be matched. If you are looking to add sophistication to your surroundings, the time has come to discover gorgeous Portofino Wood Floors. The Portofino Collection of hardwood flooring invites the warmth and beauty of a unique handcrafted hardwood floor into your home. Since its introduction in 2005, Portofino Wood Floors has grown to offer nearly a hundred different styles of distinctive hardwood, with colors, species and finishes to suit every kind of lifestyle and living space. American Traditions Series. Flooring is made from 100% domestically sourced North American hardwoods. The series is available in both engineered and solid construction and a wide range of designer colors.
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Authentics Series. This 9/16” x 5” hand-sculpted floor offers a robust wear layer of 4mm and a durable aluminum-oxide finish. Superior structure and finish allows this floor to last a lifetime. Fornaio Series. A 9/16” x 6” French white oak floor offered in a variety of textures and colors with an easy to care for oil look, aluminum-oxide finish makes this one of the most innovative products for today’s consumers. Bamboo Series. A wide variety of eco-friendly bamboo flooring options are available, including strand bamboo, one of the hardest floors on the market. Bamboo is great for high-traffic areas and offers a unique look with an easy to care for aluminum-oxide finish. Portofino Wood Floors is committed to creating the world’s most beautiful, durable and desirable floors that explore the infinite variety and natural beauty of real wood. If you want to make a bold, distinctive design statement with your flooring, you can see page nine to find your local Portofino wood floor dealer. ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
Our experience with Cinnabar Builders was outstanding! Their up-front attention to detail kept the project on schedule, and minimized surprises. The subcontractors used were also very professional, and performed quality work. They really exceeded our expectations, and it shows in the finished product! ~T.M.
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s space in the family home continues to be a problem, more people are searching for organizational solutions. Whether it is a closet that is busting at the seams, a garage that holds so much that you can’t find anything, or a home office where you just can’t work, what can you do? The solution is to get organized. Take an inventory of everything you want to store in the space. Determine what you want to keep and get rid of the rest. Donate clothes to a charity, go through all of the items that you didn’t even know you had and dispose of them. The key is to be honest with yourself; if you haven’t worn an item or used it in the last year then get rid of it. The only exceptions are sentimental items like wedding dresses. This is probably the most difficult part of the process. A suggestion is to get help from someone with an unbiased opinion. Not only will you accomplish this difficult task, but you will be able to spend some time with a close friend. Once you know what you are going to keep in the space, then determine where everything will go. Group similar things together (all shoes, all shirts, or all cans of paint), and sketch the space to draw a plan.
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Getting Organized By Kathryn LaBarbera This will help you to create a vision. Make sure that the plan makes everything visible and easy to access. If you can’t see it, you probably won’t use it. Use all of the available space. Since storage space is hard to come by, it is important to store things neatly and efficiently. Smaller shelves, cubbies, or baskets can make good use of the space where clothes are not hanging in the closet. Shelves no wider than three feet keep the items in the garage tidy. Printers, CPUs, scanners, and fax machines are best if stored in cabinets under the countertop for the best use of workspace. The last decision you need to make is how you want your organized space to look. Closets can have a utilitarian look with the use of plastic storage boxes or be truly organized with a closet system installed by a closet company. Items in garages can be stored on shelves or behind doors. Offices should blend
in with your home. Whether you decorate with an art deco flair or are more traditional, it is important to create a space in the look that reflects your style. The hard thing is getting started. Look at your calendar and make a date with yourself. Set aside a weekend to begin the organizational process. However, if you are having a difficult time or just don’t know where to start, call an expert. There are professional organizers and custom closet companies that help people every day. The key is to take the first step. For more information or to schedule a free design consultation, you can call Closet Factory at 888-678-6789, visit their showroom at 1000 B Commercial, San Carlos, or visit them online at www.closetfactory.com ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
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
A
re you tired of brown, boring furniture? If so, it’s time to discover a new experience in high style and high value furnishings that has been referenced as, “jewelry for your home.” Caracole® is a portfolio of unique items that work in harmony to furnish your entire home. Every piece represents high design and independent thinking, with more than 50 finishes and materials. These include exotic woods, mixed elements and hand-applied finishes. Each Caracole piece stands alone, speaking for itself. You might see a closed storage items as a bedroom dresser while your neighbor views the same piece as the perfect dining room sideboard. As you browse through the three distinct and carefully edited portfolios, you can throw any rules out the window and allow your subliminal preferences and unconditioned reflexes to make the call. Above all, you can have fun utilizing Caracole’s fresh originality to make your home the perfect reflection of you. Each Caracole silhouette is unique and can satisfy your style choices. The difference is in the details— whether it’s the comfort of seating or specialized accents such as nail trim or graceful lines, you will enjoy personalizing each piece. To see more of Caracole and other fine furniture manufacturers, you can call or visit Furniture Royal at 2000 S. Rainbow Blvd. in Las Vegas. 702-253-0600. You can also see their ad on page eleven of this issue.
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homefashion
WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER o you wish your home was flawlessly arranged and gorgeous like the ones you see on TV? A beautiful home doesn’t just happen—it is the result of good planning, expertise and is a true reflection of personal style. Whether you have an extremely specific idea in mind as to how you wish your interior looked or don’t have the slightest clue where to start, the knowledge and expertise of an interior designer is a valuable asset starting with the planning stage all the way through the completion of your project. They can help save you money and valuable time by preventing mistakes and knowing the best way to utilize your budget based on your needs. You can relax while design professionals work with you to transform your interior into the perfect environment. A design professional can help you develop your own style with information about color, form, space, light and texture. Conceptualization is the most important part of the process. From furniture selection to lighting, they will be your consultant at all times ensuring that your project will be successful. There are helpful things that you can do to prepare for a consultation with your designer. First, you can collect decorating magazines or design books. Consider cutting out pictures of furniture, styles, window treatments, color schemes, paint, wallpaper, floor coverings, and anything else that appeals to you. This type of pre-planning will give your interior designer valuable insight into the things you love and how you might envision the final product.
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Whether you are looking to recreate a few rooms or your entire home, a design professional will work with you to bring your dream home to life. Janice McCabe Interior Design has been located in Los Gatos since 1986. Janice McCabe believes in long-term design value, which is achieved by selecting quality pieces and timeless design. For more information, you can call them at 408-369-9919 or visit www.janicemccabe.com
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vailable on soft, sheer Silhouette® window shadings and an array of other Hunter Douglas window fashions, PowerRise ® with Platinum ™ Technology is the most advanced battery-powered wireless motor control system on the market. Operated using the Platinum remote or wireless wall switch, PowerRise quietly raises and lowers shades while precisely controlling vane tilt for many Hunter Douglas window fashions. Additionally, it will easily integrate with most home automation systems, offering the ultimate in control possibilities. PowerRise with Platinum Technology combines the best features of infrared (IR) and radio frequency (RF) communication to control motorized window fashions. This proprietary system uses an ergonomic remote that allows users to control a single window covering or multiple window fashions simultaneously. Individual window coverings can be operated by point and press operation in the infrared mode. By adding radio frequency, the remote no longer needs to be pointed directly at a receiver eye for operation and users can control window coverings farther away or even in an adjacent room. Additionally, coming this fall, operation will be as simple as using an application on your smartphone or iPad. Similar to PowerRise, PowerGlide® with Platinum™ Technology system powers up vertically oriented Luminette® Privacy Sheers and Modern Draperies, as well as Skyline® Gliding Window Panels. Hunter Douglas, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of custom window fashions in North America. To see a variety of different Hunter Douglas products you can call or visit Rebarts Interiors, located at 247 California Dr. in Burlingame, 650-348-1268 or Monique’s Draperies at 2235 Winchester Blvd. in Campell, 408-374-8100.
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homefashion
Who Says finding the right
Flooring Has to be Difficult?
common issue for many homeowners is finding the ideal flooring solution—one that is functional, affordable, and compatible with your particular lifestyle. Proper carpet and flooring installation is so important because it relates to both the beauty and longevity of your home. Whether you are looking for carpet, rugs, hardwood or even refinishing, it’s crucial that every step is done just perfectly. However, don’t let this stress you out. Nothing makes flooring selection easier than the help of a seasoned professional who can guide you through the process. The only thing you have to do is enjoy your new floor. Not only will experienced carpet and floor stylists help you find what you are looking for, they will even bring the showroom to you. The innovative Shopping From Home program allows you to view products and make decisions from the comfort of your own environment.
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A problem that often occurs when ordering carpet is that it might take weeks to arrive. Once you start visualizing your beautiful new floors, waiting is the last thing you’ll want to do. You don’t have to worry about this when a company carries dozens of ready-to-install carpet rolls onsite. Additionally, having established relationships with major carpet mills allows you to experience significant savings. Not only will you get your carpet sooner than later, you will also get it for the best price. California Carpet has been providing convenient flooring solutions for over 30 years. California Carpet employs its own installers, ensuring that your entire experience is executed correctly from beginning to end. For more information, you can contact them in San Carlos at 650-591-3355, 695 Industrial Road, or in San Francisco at 415-487-3636, 1197 Folsom St. www.calfloor.com
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homeinteriors
Replace
your Windows & Doors
Start Saving 30 - 50% on your Energy Bill
f your utility bill is too high, chances are it is because you are throwing money out your windows. Since the turn of the millennium window technology has made great advancements, therefore if your home has older windows, you are missing out on great energy savings. During the cold winter months older windows are completely ineffective at keeping the warm air inside your home; during the hot summer months they cannot keep the cool air inside. Milgard windows are about three times more successful than older windows at retaining your home’s temperature and their energy efficient technology could be saving you a staggering 30–50% on your energy bill. With said savings, in the long run, it is actually more expensive to not replace your windows! Innovations in window and glass door coatings enable today's windows to provide excellent energy efficiency, clarity, and performance. New windows also raise your property value and will dramatically improve your home’s security, an important benefit some homeowners overlook. Did you know that 90% of all residential break-ins result from windows that are inadvertently left unlocked? With Milgard’s SmartTouch® window locks one smooth, single motion closes and locks your window. Without pinching, squeezing or twisting, this one-touch operation is easy to use and will ensure you never forget to lock your window again. Stainless steel hardware makes this innovative lock practically indestructible and will provide your home with a lifetime of uncompromised protection. These amazing qualities of energy efficiency, performance and security can also be found in sliding glass doors. You can give your patio a whole new look by exploring different styles of glass, multi-pane options, colored glass and different frame finish colors. Whether you are shopping for windows or doors, you will be pleasantly surprised at the multitude of wood, fiberglass,
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vinyl and aluminum options for you to explore. You will be able to see and feel the difference in quality and craftsmanship. Their full lifetime warranty includes parts, labor and even accidental breakage. To set up a free in-home estimate for replacement windows and/or doors you can contact SGK Home Solutions at (800) 876-2209. A leader in the industry, SGK is Milgard’s largest certified dealer in Northern California. This means you will have access to an unbeatable selection of quality products, knowledgeable professionals to help you select the right doors and windows for your home and AMMA certified Master Installers to install them. In business over 20 years, they have been Diamond Certified for six consecutive years, and winner of the Angie's List Super Service Award three years in a row! You can visit their showroom in San Jose located at 3801 Charter Park Court. You can also learn more by reading their glowing review on Yelp, or visiting them online at www.sgkhomesolutions.com.
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homeinteriors
Stunning
Wine Cellars W
hether you have been buying wine for years or have recently found yourself interested in the hobby, there comes a point in every collector’s career when there are just too many bottles and not enough space. However, wine storage is a tricky scenario because there are so many different factors to consider. From temperature control to limited space, where do you even start? No matter what your needs may be, there is nothing better than having an innovative custom wine solution created exactly for your unique situation. Small or large, wine cellars can be built in any room—the garage, bonus room, basement, closet, or even under the stairs. Building a successful wine cellar is all about listening to your personal wishes and preferences, and then translating them into a design concept. A professional company will help with all of the decision-making and
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streamline the process so you don’t have to worry. They will factor in your budget and purchase items that are appropriate for the space and use. Essentially, any stressful situations will be taken care of before they arise due to careful planning and experience. You don’t have to stop with the wine cellar either. Professionals can assist with whole-house remodels, one-room transformations, material selections, color consultations, and even furniture selection. For more information, Senga Interior Design can help. With the knowledge, experience and understanding to judge quality versus dollar spent, Senga Interior Design will guide you with spending wisely so that you get the most value. With exceptional creativity, problem solving and space planning, Senga Interior Design delivers peace of mind with every project. You can contact them at 650-345-4636 or info@sengadesign.com and visit their website at www.sengadesign.com to browse a selection of completed projects.
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homeinteriors
What’s Your Decorating “Personality”?
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e all have different decorating personalities. Some people change their furnishings frequently and equate home décor to fashion trends. Others buy the highest quality traditional furniture, keep it forever, and plan to pass it down to their children. And then there are those of us in between who aren’t sure when we should replace that sofa that’s just not quite right for the space. There is much to consider when planning your decorating and furniture purchases. If you’re feeling a bit lost about home decor decisions, here are some tips to help get you started. 1. Determine the real use of each room. Which rooms need to be highly functional, and which can be decorative or for special occasions? What is your family’s lifestyle? How much wear and tear will each room get from kids, pets, or frequent entertaining?
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2. Take stock of your current furniture. Do you have family heirlooms, antiques, or very high-quality furnishings? If so, you may be keeping these pieces a long time, and you have the option of reupholstering or refinishing them to freshen their appearance and function. If you’re living with furniture that you’re not fond of, doesn’t quite fit the space, or is past its prime and not worth repairing, start planning for buying some new pieces or whole sets. You can always sell your old pieces or donate them to a charitable organization. 3. Give some serious thought to your own personal style. Look all around you for inspiration and narrow down your favorite colors and interior motifs. Magazines, books, online sources, home shows, stores, and professional decorators can all give you insight into the types of décor that best suit your style and make you feel at home. Start a photo collection of styles that you love – pictures of entire rooms, particular pieces of furniture or fabrics, or even travel photos of a Morrocan palace, an Italian villa, or an English cottage. All these images will be useful for inspiration whether you are redecorating yourself or hiring a designer. Ask yourself these questions: Do you love formal settings or comfy/casual? What kind
of mood do you want to create in your room... calm and relaxing, or dynamic and energetic? Do you love color palettes with warm tones or cool tones? Do you lean toward traditional or contemporary? Which styles will complement your home’s architectural character? All these clues will help you pinpoint the unique decor that best suits your personality. 4. Identify and work around a focal point in each room. This can be a fireplace, a conversational seating arrangement, a piece of art, a window with a view, or many other features. 5. Keep in mind natural traffic patterns through and between rooms and arrange your furniture accordingly for ease of movement 6. A common decorating challenge is to define spaces in open floorplans. You can achieve this with furniture arrangement, area rugs, folding screens, a “wall” of tall houseplants (consider bamboo), or sometimes even a fountain or sculpture. There are many other considerations for putting together your décor, whether in one room or an entire house. If you decide to hire a designer, make sure to check their references, look through their portfolio, establish a clear budget and time-frame, and pull out that photo collection of the looks you love. If you enjoyed reading this article and would like to see more general topic articles please email your topic recommendations to debbie@keyaccess.com ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
BRING SOME
LIGHT Into Your Life With A Solatube
ho wouldn’t want to make their home more healthy, vibrant and energy efficient while also increasing its resale value? With just one simple home improvement, you can achieve all of the above. Experience the many advantages of incorporating natural sunlight into your indoor environment with a Solatube®. Here’s how the Solatube works. A high-tech dome on the roof focuses sunlight down a tube lined with Spectralight Infinity®, the world’s most reflective material. It filters out heat and UV rays and then diffuses the visible-spectrum light evenly through a room. The effect is extraordinary. Solatube generates exceptional lighting, more than you would expect from a skylight much larger than its size. It also costs considerably less than other daylighting options, such as windows and skylights, including both product and installation costs. You will save money on energy bills because Solatube allows you to switch off the electric lights during the day.
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Installation is fast, clean and easy. There is no structural reframing, tunneling, dry walling or painting necessary. A professional can install your Solatube in less than two hours. Plus, the compact and flexible design of the Solatube allows it to be installed in just about any room, including rooms without direct roof access and smaller spaces where daylighting might not be an option. And finally, this home improvement is actually good for you. It has been shown in several prominent studies that increasing daily exposure to natural light can enhance mental and physical well-being, boost concentration and energy levels and a variety of other unexpected perks. For more information about Solatube, you can contact your local dealer. For Sunlight Concepts, serving Santa Clara, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties, located at 1130 Walsh Avenue in Santa Clara, call 408-827-1015 or visit www.sunlightconcepts.com Solar Lighting Express, serving San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties, is located at 1181 Chess Dr., Ste. C in Foster City, and can be reached by calling 650-999-0656 or visiting www.maxsunlight.com.
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homeinteriors Doors That Fit Just Perfectly eplacing old, run-down doors is single-handedly one of the best ways to upgrade the entire look of your home. Interior, closet and entry doors are a focal point of any environment and homeowners are often amazed by the incredible transformation that takes place with replacement. Additionally, a modest investment in new doors significantly increases the overall value of your home. However, replacing doors is in fact a challenging project for even the most experienced craftsman. Every door opening has unique characteristics, and just the slightest error in door preparation can lead to doors that don’t work properly or fit correctly. This paired with the stress of being without doors for extended periods of time can scare a homeowner away from going through with the process. Here’s the good news—replacing your doors no longer has to be plagued with uncertainty and invasive demolition. In fact, buying and installing new doors has never been easier! Your hands won’t get the slightest bit dirty with this innovative, no-hassle door replacement service. Advanced digital measuring technology measures door openings, and the digital information is fed into a computer controlled CNC milling machine that cuts the doors to exact measurements of the actual opening. You get a perfectly fitting door for every opening as soon as you need it—all of the guesswork is removed from the process. On-site adjustments can also be made to ensure the fit is just right.
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Interior Door Replacement Company is your one-stop door service. Replacing more than 200 doors in the Bay Area every week, they supply the door, paint and lockset as well as delivery, installation and the removal of old doors. With a keen focus on doors, Interior Door Replacement Company is equipped with the expertise to address virtually any door-related issue or problem, and is the only door business located in the Bay Area using advanced computer-controlled milling technology. For more information or a free in-home estimate, you can call them at 650-273-5489 or visit www.interiordoor.com.
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homeinteriors
he stairway is one of the most central elements of any home. Upgrading your staircase not only adds the perfect touch of artistic beauty to a space, it can completely transform the overall ambiance of your environment. Unfortunately, most homeowners are unaware of how versatile a stairway truly is and this design opportunity is often overlooked. The options are vast. You can change a few simple elements, such as swapping out wood balusters for iron, and give your staircase a makeover that subtly complements your existing interior dĂŠcor. Or, you can give your room an elegant new focal point with a grandiose, curved freestanding staircase, custom-built from the ground up. Because there are so many options when it comes to creating a staircase, do not hesitate if you are unsure about what you want. Professionals will both guide you through the different selections and listen to what you are trying to achieve with the look and feel of your home. On the other hand, if you know exactly what you want, professionals are ready to turn your dream into reality! No matter what your situation may be, whether you are building a brand new home or conducting a
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remodel, Tree of Life Stairs is able to design and build whatever you need in a staircase. Tree of Life Stairs operates a unique service because the company donates 10% of its earnings to various charities and non-profit organizations. They strive to be a business that gives life to others, both in local communities and around the world. Not only will you gain a superb staircase, but also the peace of mind knowing that your purchase has helped make a positive impact by giving back to those in need. For more information, you can call Tree of Life Stairs at 408-225-7979. You can also visit www.TreeofLifeStairs.com to see examples of their stunning craftsmanship and use their helpful design tool.
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homeremodeling
THINKING ABOUT REMODELING? The Benefits of Working with a Design/Build Company
After enovating your kitchen and upgrading your bathroom will give your home a fresh new look and increased functionality. A room addition provides additional space for a growing family or any lifestyle changes. If you want something totally new and different, then you may want to consider a complete renovation. With all the options and choices available, where do you start the ball rolling on your project and whom do you call? The simple answer is an expert—someone who can handle each and every detail. Selecting the right company can make a huge difference in the projects’ success. You want a company that will walk you through the process from the idea stage until the project is completed. A design/build company provides a one-stop shopping experience that expedites the entire remodel procedure. This gives you peace of mind knowing they are taking care of everything, relieving the pressure off of you, the homeowner. There is one contact in charge of every aspect of your remodel. Therefore all questions, suggestions or new ideas can be communicated quickly. Design/build professionals utilize a very structured process, allowing you to not just stay within your established budget; they ensure a well-managed project that is always finished on time. Initially, you and the professional will discuss your ideas and expectations and then they will prepare a preliminary design. Based on this design, they will then develop an estimate of the costs associated with the project. Working with you, the project can be modified until it fits your exact needs and budget. Once you approve the budget, they will finalize the design with complete architectural and structural plans. The next step is the final cost estimate and bidding process, where they will work you in selecting the contractors and will prepare the scope of work.
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Before Obtaining permits is next, followed by the actual project planning and scheduling. After the construction starts, your design/build professionals will ensure quality control of the project until the job is finally completed. 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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JUNE/JULY 2013 • BAY LIVING
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gogreen
Solar Solutions ost homeowners are aware that choosing solar energy for the home is one of the smartest things you can do for both your budget and the environment. However, many are also under the impression that switching to solar power can be a very difficult and financially stressful process. The good news is: this is not necessarily the case. In fact, going solar with your power is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do, having an incredibly positive impact on both your quality of life and checkbook. Here are just some of the reasons why you might want to make the switch. The savings are tremendous. Solar power will save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars each year. You can reduce your monthly utility bill by as much as 50–90%. There are so many incredible federal, state and local tax incentives to take advantage of. And, you can actually make a profit by earning 30–60% of your expenses from government-sponsored rebates and credits. You don’t have to buy—you can lease. This is an incredibly opportunity, especially for the budget-savvy homeowners. The SunPower® lease program offers a 20-year maintenance-free system, and your panels will be protected with the industry-leading warranty for homeowners pioneered by SunPower. With no money down, you literally start saving from day one. Instead of one big payment per month, you get to make two smaller payments and keep the difference! With your first payment at the start of the lease, you will have already dramatically reduced your payment to the utility company, secured twenty years of uninterrupted solar energy production on your
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property and secured a long-term, maintenance free system for your home. You get to help save the planet, too. Solar systems are entirely eco-friendly. Solar power is a renewable, “green” alternative energy source that creates absolutely no pollution, and is obtained without harming the environment. By switching to solar, you get the opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable world. If you have any additional questions about solar power for your home, Green Power Installers can help. An authorized SunPower dealer, Green Power Installers also carries products from some of the best solar manufacturers on the market. Professionals will ensure that you receive maximum savings and an investment that will pay off for years to come. Learn more about the Green Power Installers’ exclusive 0% down leasing option, and you will soon realize how truly easy it is to go solar, not to mention rewarding. For more information, you can call them at 408-615-1558 or visit www.greenpowerinstallers.com
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Enhance Your Backyard & Increase Security Privacy | Beauty | Protection | Enjoyment
Mention Bay Living
SAVE $2*
Per Linear FT. *Discount valid toward new fence construction only. Not valid with other offers. Exp. 7-15-13
Fences | Decks | Artificial Turf | Gazebos | Arbors & Trellises | Retaining Walls BORG—EXPECT MORE With more than 27 years of experience, Borg Fence, Decks & Turf provides outdoor living products that add value and joy to your home. Whether your yard needs a fence, deck, artificial turf, gazebo or custom creation, Borg Fence, Decks & Turf can make your dream backyard a reality.
FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATIONS & ESTIMATES!
888-887-8015 www.borgfenceanddecks.com
Lic#811226
kitchen&bath
MAXIMIZE eberit North America is part of the Geberit Group, a European market leader and global provider of sanitary technology. Geberit provides concealed installation systems for residential wall-hung and floor-mounted toilets and fixtures, as well as bath waste and overflows. Geberit systems improve the look of any bathroom by hiding the unsightly toilet tank. Replacing a standard tank and toilet with the Geberit system results in more usable space, improved hygiene and better accessibility. This gives designers and homeowners maximum freedom to create unique spaces. Geberit Concealed Tank and Carrier Systems offer unsurpassed quality and trouble-free performance while enhancing the functionality and beauty of the bath space. Every one-piece toilet tank is individually leak tested and insulated to prevent condensation. The advanced flush valve operates reliably and quietly and features single- or dual-flush capability: 0.8 GPF (3 LPF) or 1.6 GPF (6 LPF). Bathroom design is transformed through technology that conceals the functional components while retaining reliability, performance and easy maintenance. The only visible element of Geberit in-wall toilet systems is the flush panel, available in a range of styles and finishes to match any bathroom design. The flush panel accentuates bathroom décor while providing practical and convenient single- or dual-flush options.
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With Geberit, design flexibility is not limited by the toilet bowl. A wide variety of bowls are compatible with the Geberit system and available from major ceramic manufacturers, including bowls from renowned designers like Philippe Starck. The key benefit is maximization of space: with the toilet off the floor, the entire bathroom becomes open and accessible. The Geberit system allows adjustment of the seat between 15 and 19 inches to accommodate user preference or accessibility requirements. In turn, cleaning is simple and satisfying when you install the Geberit system. A Geberit tank and toilet system is free of seams and tight spots where unhealthy dirt, dust and germs can hide. Geberit also offers concealed systems that support the installation of urinals and bidets, as well as washbasins, for a bathroom with a complete “off-the-floor” look. Now Geberit introduces a new concept in toilet technology: Monolith. Monolith radically alters the look of the floor-mount toilet and expands your options by removing the unsightly tank that stands in the way of stunning bathroom design.
While offering all the advantages of Geberit in-wall systems, this slim, attractive alternative to a traditional toilet is secured to the wall and can be adapted to any bathroom or powder room. Showcasing the latest water-conserving technology, Monolith uses the same dualflush mechanism as Geberit in-wall systems. The system’s large and small levers offer two water-saving flush choices: 1.6 GPF (6 LPF) and 0.8 GPF (3 LPF), respectively. Monolith is made of high-quality materials and is available with black or white tempered glass. Fill and flush valves are easily accessible for simple maintenance. Monolith hides the toilet tank, valves and other working components for a sleek, modern look. For additional information, you can contact Geberit North America at 2100 South Clearwater Drive, Des Plaines, Ill. 60018, visit geberit.us or call 800-566-2100. ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
kitchen&bath
When Kitchen Appliances
How Do You Know What to Choose? Deciding on the right kitchen appliances involves much more than color selection and knob turning. The truth is, the process can seem completely overwhelming at times—there are so many things to consider. What size refrigerator is going to be big enough for your family? Should you go with a space-conserving traditional single-unit range, or does a modular approach, which keeps the wall oven separated from the cooktop, make more sense for your lifestyle? What characteristics should a dishwasher offer in order to cut energy costs? These are just a few common questions that you may have considered when contemplating kitchen appliances. And this is completely normal, which is why it’s crucial that you receive proper assistance when searching for your ideal solutions. Essentially, the most satisfying experience should include the personal attention and expertise of factory-trained personnel, a selection of major brand names, and fully functional kitchen displays that highlight the capabilities of each product. It’s no dream—such places do exist! Imagine a showroom filled with high-end refrigerators, ranges, cooktops, dishwashers, ovens, and more, all plugged in so that you can view each of their options and features. Walk around this vast showroom, and you will discover a large selection of major brand name appliances as well as a factory-trained sales staff that is able to answer all of your questions by lending their expertise to help you determine the right appliance for your available space, budget, ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
and personal needs. If you still can’t decide, you can visit one of the full kitchen displays that feature functional appliances. These displays are designed to make difficult decisions a little easier by showcasing the superior performance of the products. It’s also a great way to hear how quiet these appliances—including ventilation systems—are while operating. You get the opportunity to experience burners in action, watch live demonstrations about the way steam and convection wall ovens operate, and even see how laundry appliances function. Once you’ve made an informed decision and are happy with your choice, you can schedule delivery and installation of your appliances. And if what you desire is not in stock, it can be ordered right away and delivered to your home within a few days. For more information, Atherton Appliance & Kitchens can help. You can visit them 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 call them at 650-369-1794. 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 also email them for a quote at info@athertonappliance.com, or visit www.athertonappliance.com to see more appliances, cabinets, countertops and culinary education. JUNE/JULY 2013 • BAY LIVING
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kitchen&bath
shower can be the most calming event of the day. An elegant, custom designed frameless shower enclosure can enhance the experience by adding beauty and luxurious style to the bathroom while adding tremendous value to your home. The exquisite elegance of a frameless shower door provides beautiful form, which allows for the reflection of light and the visual enlargement of your space. Cumbersome metal frames that obstruct the view of the shower and distract from the beauty of the bathroom have been almost completely eliminated. Using 3/8" and 1/2" thick glass as well as a large selection of hinges and handles available in 25 different colors to match most plumbing finishes, frameless shower doors are both beautiful and functional. Each frameless shower enclosure is customdesigned to your specifications and manufactured for its specified opening using as much glass and as little metal as possible. To minimize glass maintenance, a very effective and durable glass protection process is available called "ShowerGuard" which comes with a 10-year-warranty. The website: wwwShowerGuardglass.com explains how it works and why this type of glass protection is popular for many customers. Glass protection along with minimal cleaning ensures your
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frameless shower enclosure maintains the appearance of the original installation for years to come. For more information, you can call Creative AGI Shower Door & Mirror Company at 650-364-7025. You can also visit their website at www.CreativeAGI.com, or visit them at 701 Hurlingame Ave. in Redwood City.
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kitchen&bath
These countertops were beautiful in the 1980's.
Without Demolition
T
ile countertops have been a mainstay of clean and won’t stain. Method uses a proprietary, non-acid bonding California décor for decades. The look The Natural Accents stone look is not only agent and does not introduce harmful acids into of gleaming tile and fresh grout is hard to becoming the hottest new finish for countertops, your home. The company is also one of the Bay beat, but after a while, the finish dulls and but also is being used on tile surrounds and Area’s leading bathtub refinishers. A complete the grout becomes impossible to clean. The bathroom tile floors. interactive photo book of the company’s kitchen traditional solution is expensive removal and According to Burch, Natural Accents fin- and bathroom refinishing work can be viewed replacement. ishes can also be applied to existing laminate, online at http://www.miraclemethod.com/photoProfessional refinisher, Dale Burch in fiberglass, acrylic, Corian ® and cultured book/interactive.htm. To learn more about Santa Clara has a better solution, refinish the marble surfaces. Miracle Method or their incredible Natural Accents tile surface. “We can create an updated new Part of the 34-year-old Miracle Method product, you can visit www.miraclemethod.com, look over the existing tile surface with the Surface Refinishing network, Burch and Gray or call toll-free 888-819-4399 to be connected to unique Natural Accents® stone-look finish.” are licensed and insured and have thousands the nearest Miracle Method office. CCL#920540 Available in a wide range array of colors and of satisfied Bay area customers. Miracle CCL#680455. textures, a Natural Accents finish Miracle Method refinished the countertops and backsplash giving the kitchen a new look in just two days! creates a custom look, without the cost and hassle of removal and replacement remodeling. “Kitchen countertops are the new wow-factor for homeowners,” says Claire Gray. “With savings of up to 75 percent of the cost of replacement, a Natural Accents makeover offers a beautiful and durable solution without breaking the bank,” adds Gray. The refinishing process involves cleaning the original surface, repairing any chips or loose grout, and applying a bonding agent. The surface then receives several coats of Natural Accents color. Once cured, two coats of a clear, protective coating is applied. The entire process takes three days or less, not weeks, and certainly without the mess of traditional removal and replacement. It still looks like tile, but is easier to
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kitchen&bath
Beautiful Bathroom,
NO STRESS! hen you think about updating your bathroom, does it pain you to imagine the long and grueling process that you must go through before the transformation is completed? If this is the type of stress that keeps you from giving your bathroom a makeover, then the time has come to discover a convenient solution that doesn’t require weeks of invasive demolition and time you simply don’t have. The bathtub is a focal point of any bathroom—when you give a worn or out-of-date tub a quick new look, you will be amazed by the total transformation that takes place. However, the good news is that you don’t have to replace the entire bathtub. Instead, high-quality bath liners are easy to install and extremely durable, leaving you with a fully functional, affordable and beautiful bathroom in just a few hours. Constructed from 100% acrylic, each tub
liner is guaranteed to never crack or fade, and is extremely easy to maintain. Unlike some other products on the market, these tub liners are nonporous and feature special technology that ensures they will stay both mildew- and mold-free for years to come. All factory-certified installations include the use of sanitarygrade silicone with Mildewicide, an anti-microbial chemical that resists the growth of mold and Before mildew. You can say goodbye to harsh scrubbing agents or heavy, leave-on cleansers—a swish of the cleaning cloth with a mild cleanser, and you are done. Additionally, you can make your new bathtub look any way you want. Each liner is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, allowing you to completely rejuvenate a dated bathtub so that it looks brand new.
Plumbers Trust
After
Bath Solutions by Mike Counsil is your one-stop area for all bathroom remodeling and replacing needs. Dedicated to offering you the highest quality product with exceptional customer service, all products are 100% satisfaction guaranteed and all warranties are in writing. For professional and friendly service, you can call them today at 669-800-4110 or visit www.bathsolutionsbymikecounsil.com
you can
s an aspect of the home that tends to be ignored until it’s too late, being able to identify plumbing problems will go a long way toward reducing the risk of damage to your home. Maintaining the plumbing in your home will help you avoid extremely costly repairs later on down the line and will keep your house functioning at its full potential. However, if you have ever found yourself feeling disappointed with plumbing service you have received in the past, you are definitely not alone. Whether it’s something as simple as needing a drain cleaned or a more urgent situation such as a malfunctioning water heater, when you need plumbing service it should not only be a pleasant experience with a knowledgeable professional, but it should be available when you need it. One of the most valuable characteristics a client should always have with their plumber is trust. All services should be 100% guaranteed in writing, ensuring there are no costly surprise expenses or gimmicks. You should always feel completely confident that your plumber is not only experienced and able to solve your problem, but also the kind of person that you feel comfortable
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having in your home. A company should always put customer service at the top of their priority list. Additionally, a plumbing company that offers specialized maintenance programs is an incredibly valuable asset. Maintenance programs take the worry about of your plumbing by providing you with priority service, discounts and regular maintenance, saving you both time and money in the long run. Mike Counsil Plumbing and Electric has been family owned and operated since 1988. Offering customers access to their Diamond Club maintenance program, Mike Counsil Plumbing offers all plumbing services, including drain cleaning, water heaters, salt-free water treatments, gas and sewer line replacement or repairs, and much more. All technicians are background checked and go through extensive training two times a week. Mike Counsil Plumbing is Better Business, People’s Choice, Best of the Bay, and Merchant Circle excellent award winners. For more information, you can call them at 669-600-2206 or visit www.mcplumbing.com ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
plantcare
Magnificent Plant Growth WITH LESS MAINTENANCE
K
eeping those gorgeous plants alive and well can be much harder than it looks, whether they are in your house, office, restaurant or hotel. How often should you water your plant, and how do you know if it’s been watered too much? Do you need to change the soil or make any adjustments? As most people have experienced, plant maintenance can be both time-consuming and stressful. The time has come to stop worrying about your plants. Unique, award-winning Lechuza® self-watering planters completely take the guesswork out of plant maintenance. Spanish for “owl,” the Lechuza sub-irrigation system watches over your plants like the wise bird it’s named for, ensuring that they always receive the care they need for optimum growth. Lechuza planters are innovative in both design and function. The planters’ various shapes, sizes and colors will complement any interior and exterior. Each planter breaks away from the continuous weekly watering routine and you might not even have to water for up to 12 weeks, depending on planter size, plant type and location. Plants grow larger, greener and more colorful because the Lechuza system delivers water and fertilizer gradually. Planters also have a visual indicator, which alerts you when water is needed. Innovative high-quality design makes the planters much lighter in weight. Easy removable liners allow plants to be switched with ease, and some liners are interchangeable between different models. 100% recyclable, an assortment of planters feature hi-gloss (premium), matte (color), or wicker-like (cottage) finishes. Lechuza planters can be moved around with optional coasters Enjoy more free time while Lechuza saves your plants! For more information about Lechuza planters, you can contact Maintain Green, the largest west coast stocking dealer, at 866-724-7582. You can also visit www.MaintainGreen.com or email Info@MaintainGreen.com
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foryourinformation Automatic Gas Shut-Off Valves
and Property
from Deadly
Gas Explosions o you know how to turn the gas off in your home or building? If not, you aren’t alone. Automatic gas shut-off valves are designed to proactively protect 24/7, whether you are home or not. These simple and inexpensive mitigation, prevention and safety devices protect persons and property from death, injury and loss that can result from gas explosions and fires in urban and rural settings, not just in locations susceptible to natural disasters, but in homes, apartments and businesses across America. Many insurance companies either require the installation of these devices or offer substantial premium discounts. In most cases, the discount will pay for the installation over a couple of years.
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Two types of valves can be installed: seismic gas shut-off valves and excess flow valves. Seismic gas shut off valves operate strictly by motion caused by an earthquake and are designed to remain closed until manually reset. These valves are mounted in the gas lines that are attached to the gas meters outside of the home or structure. Excess flow valves immediately restrict gas flow to a non-hazardous level (bypass flow) to avert the potential for a dangerous release of gas into the home when there is a break or rupture to the internal lines for any reason. Gas flow is inhibited at the line that runs downstream from the meter into the structure. Once the gas line
is properly repaired, the bypass flow automatically resets the device to restore gas flow to the appliance. These valves are installed downstream from the gas meter. Both products provide a significant contribution to overall risk management. For detailed information on accepted and approved products, procedure and benefits, you can call 925-408-3267 and visit www.turnoffgas.com
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homeservices he addition of color can completely transform both the look and feel of your surroundings. Finding the perfect colors for your living space will not only personalize your home, it will also increase its value. With the art of color and the help of a professional, you can create any kind of ambiance you desire throughout the entire house. Bring the kitchen to life with warm and energetic tones while keeping the living area calm and balanced with cooler colors. This is what color does—you can evoke emotions and set any mood you desire with perfectly planned paint. Additionally, a new coat of paint for the exterior of your home can make your home look good as new. There is no better way to increase curb appeal and give your exterior a stunning transformation. Your paint project should be conducted with an experienced company that always puts your needs first, delivering personalized, responsive, turnkey service with fast turnaround times. Professionals should listen to your ideas and opinions in order to determine your ideal paint solution. It’s your home, and you should be completely satisfied with both the process and end result! Lazzco Painting has been providing residential painting services in the Bay Area for over 20 years. Owner Frank Lazzeroni oversees every job, ensuring every client receives an extremely personable and hands-on experience. From walls, ceilings, doors, windows, mantels, paneling, wainscoting, baseboard, and much more, Lazzco Painting can help improve any area of your home with color. For more information and a free consultation, you can call them at 408-518-9746 or visit www.lazzcopainting.com. For a free consultation, you can email Frank@lazzcopainting.com.
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JUNE/JULY 2013 • BAY LIVING
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exteriorslandscaping
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
exteriorslandscaping
Flow Function Complete Outdoor Living he coordinated beauty of pool and landscaping adds an extra dimension to your yard that maximizes function and visual appeal while increasing the value of your home. The right contractor can design the perfect atmosphere for enjoyment and relaxation without sacrificing quality. With a company specializing in complete design and construction of outdoor living spaces, homeowners can tie all aspects of their front and backyard together in a unique design that flows, functions, and fits the architectural style of their home. Upscale swimming pool design incorporates multiple features that give this backyard highlight a luxurious feel, including spas, waterfalls, pool bars, beach entries, and infinity edges. Custom fireplaces, firepits, and barbecue areas create gathering spaces for guests, while stone bridges and fountains make eye-catching focal points in either the front or backyard. Thoughtful landscape design completes the entire space. It’s crucial that your outdoor living space is equally as comfortable and inviting as the interior of your home. Outdoor kitchens and recreation areas expand the square footage of your living space. Combine this with verdant and vibrant growth, and the result is a diverse and eye-pleasing panorama of textures and colors that will dazzle and delight your senses. Tree-lined walkways, flowerbeds and shrubbery can turn your pool into a centerpiece of your home. One of the greatest aspects of using just one company to create your entire environment, from pool design to landscaping, is the ability to achieve flawless design flow throughout the entire outdoor area. Whether your goal is to recreate the lush gardens and timeless class of Versailles or to keep things understated with a minimalist and modern look, the choice is yours and the possibilities are simply endless. For more information on designing and building your outdoor living area, you can call Stonebridge Pools & development at 408-426-1164. You can also visit their website at www.stonebridgepools.com
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exteriorslandscaping
BEFORE
AFTER
re you bored with your outdoor living spaces? Many homeowners have realized that their outdoor area is a very wise place to invest when it comes to home upgrades, however they don’t always know where to start. There’s the driveway, patio, pool deck, barbecue area, retaining wall—it can seem overwhelming at times.
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Why not upgrade all of these areas with just one hardscaping solution. Not only can gorgeous interlocking pavers rejuvenate almost all of your outdoor surfaces, they will add stunning sophistication and beauty to the entire ambiance of your home. One of the greatest benefits of paving stones is the diversity of design options. With so many sizes, shapes, colors and styles available, you can find the perfect product to complement your home’s architecture. From rustic Mediterranean to clean and contemporary, the choices are abundant. Additionally, you can rest assured knowing that you are receiving the highest quality craftsmanship, and your pavers have a lifetime warranty against cracking or breaking. Your entire project will be approached with your peace of mind and satisfaction as the top priority. Professionals will work with you from start to finish in all aspects, and no project is ever started until the customer is 100% happy with their selections. Every single home is treated with care! Professionals strive to establish a lifelong relationship with every customer. Everything is done right the first time so you can relax and enjoy the experience without any stress. Exterior Designs is a family owned and operated business. Lifelong San Mateo County residents, Todd Chandler and his son Brandon are involved with every single project. Exterior Designs offers a 20-year warranty on installations and a lifetime guarantee on pavers. They can upgrade driveways, walkways, patios, pool decks, retaining walls, drainage, artificial turf, decorative lighting and more. For additional information about giving your outdoor living space an incredible new look, you can call Exterior Designs at 650-863-7328 for a free, no-obligation design consultation, or website at www.exteriordesignsbytodd.com. Exterior Designs is an ICPI-certified installer. ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
can be applied over wood, brick, stucco, concrete blocks and more, eliminating chips, flaking, deterioration, and peeling. This exterior coating will also soundproof and insulate your home. Available in a variety of colors, highly specialized exterior wall coating systems are designed to protect your home and preserve your investment. It forms a protective shield on your home that can withstand even the harshest weather conditions and provides unsurpassed corrosion and mildew resistance. It will insulate your home from the damaging rays of the sun. It creates a “breatheable” barrier on your home that can expand and contract. The result is a maintenance-free coating that will reduce energy costs, provide long lasting protection, and add curb appeal to your home.
Ceramic Coating A Step Above Paint s the surface of your home chipping away or the paint beginning to deteriorate? Are you building or remodeling a home and can’t decide on which type of exterior to apply? Before you have your home re-painted, or choose your exterior finish, you should know that there is another option available. This exciting alternative isn’t paint. It’s a ceramic coating, better than the best paint. It
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Part of the product’s longevity relies on surface preparation, a three-step process that will protect your home for years to come. First, all dirt and grime are removed from the exterior of the home. This includes any mold and mildew that might be on the surface, which is scraped, sanded, and filled with a sealant. Second, a primer is applied which permeates the substrate. It also acts as a bonding agent for the ceramic coating. Finally, the coating is applied to all surfaces. When the application process is complete, you will have invested wisely, knowing that your home has curb appeal that cannot be denied. If you are ready to protect your home and preserve your investment, Rhino Shield can help. For a limited time, present this article and save $1,000 off your project! For more information, you can call Rhino Shield at 855-RHINO-55. You can also visit www.RhinoShieldCA.com for further product information. They back their product with a 25-year warranty.
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exteriorslandscaping
New “Pondless Waterfall” a Low Maintenance & No Liability Solution
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new technology in water features, the “Pondless Waterfall”, has been created for homeowners who want a water feature without the pond. Now, you can have water cascading gracefully over rocks, creating a peaceful and harmonious sound without the care and maintenance of a pond. Water features have been a very popular addition to today’s outdoor environments. Water features provide a visually appealing focal point in any yard, and offer a beautiful sound that can block out undesirable noises. Although water features are a welcome addition to many homes, for some homeowners they may just be another maintenance item. With the Pondless Waterfall, a homeowner can have a wonderful visual and audible sensation without the concern of maintaining a pond. The Pondless Waterfall is maintained simply by refilling the reservoir every few weeks or by adding an auto-water fill valve to compensate for water loss due to evaporation. The system can be placed on an automatic timer so there is no need to run it continuously. Each Pondless Waterfall system is designed to meet the needs of the individual homeowners. Each waterfall works without a pond as the water disappears into a gravel bed that is planted with aquatic marginal plants. The waterfall itself is made completely of natural rock and a great alternative for a front yard pond. The Pondless Waterfall is perfect for commercial and residential applications. This is a safe option for a home where child safety may be a concern or liability. Water features are one of the ways we can create our own paradise in our outdoor environments. It has been said that the sound of water enhances all five senses. There is a special serenity and tranquility that accompanies the sight and the sound of water. California Aqua Pros specializes in the design and installation of water features, waterfalls, streams, ponds and pondless waterfalls and can help bring the beauty and serenity of a water feature into your life. For more information, you can call (800) 994-0262 or visit them at www.calaquapros.com
Pondless Waterfall by Russell Watergardens, Seattle WA.
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Protecting and Shading Your Home
CAN MAKE A
MEASURABLE DIFFERENCE S ummer is on the way, and experts predict even hotter weather than usual. As a result, your home and family may be put under additional stress that can compromise your ability to live comfortably and securely. Therefore, it’s necessary to take note of these three critical factors of stress: Sunlight. Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States? Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is classified as a human carcinogen by the U.S. Department of Health. Heat. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, heat kills more people each year in the United States than tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, or lightning. Intruders. Area burglaries are up 34%, according to the San Jose police. Intruders have an easier time getting in through windows, which are completely unprotected in most homes. However, you have control over these critical factors. Here is what you can do to protect yourself. Block 99% of harmful UV radiation and save thousands of dollars. Control your utility bills as well as the amount of light and heat that enters through your windows and glass doors. Extend the life of your furniture, carpet
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and irreplaceable pictures and heirlooms. Extend the amount of living space you already own by 25% or more. Reclaim spaces that were once too bright, hot or exposed, and open up space for greater outdoor living and entertainment. Protect and secure your family in seconds— keeping everyone safe. Create instant privacy with the push of a button, and prevent anyone from breaking your windows (even golfers and kids playing catch). You can block, extend, and protect your home with innovative shading solutions depending on the unique needs of both your home and lifestyle. Retractable awnings will keep your energy costs down by blocking the sun’s heat in warmer months. You can also maximize outdoor spaces in addition to shading your interior at the touch of a button. Awnings make your deck or patio 15 degrees cooler in 15 seconds, and you can choose from Sunbrella® fabrics as well as custom made colors and sizes. Exterior rolling shutters help you maintain a comfortable lifestyle by offering 100% light blockage. Rolling shutters reduce the fading effects of the sun, allow you to save money in heating and cooling costs, and deter burglars from entering your home.
And finally, retractable solar screens block the sun while allowing you to keep your view, stopping 90–95% of destructive UV rays and solar heat. Shield your valuables from sun damage while simultaneously saving money on energy bills. 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
JUNE/JULY 2013 • BAY LIVING
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It’s a Grill. It’s a Smoker. It’s an Oven!
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hat is round, soft green in color, made of space-age ceramics, weighs 140 pounds, and is, in a design sense, 3,000 years old? It’s Big Green Egg®, the kamado cooker with an army of EGGheads (good EGGs)! And speaking of an army, it was U.S. servicemen in Asia who shipped kamados back home after WWII, thus starting the modern phase of the cooker’s evolution. It is at the top of its game in any cooking mode: grilling, low ’n slow barbecuing, smoking, even baking. Fueled by natural lump charcoal, which it consumes sparingly (one 20-pound bag will last for more than a month, even cooking out several times a week). Approximately 80 percent of the charcoal remains after cooking, so its reuse factor (simply close the vents after cooking to save the unused charcoal) makes it cost-efficient as well as versatile and fun.
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In a marketing environment of planned product obsolescence, the ceramic parts come with a lifetime guarantee against damage from normal use. It is weather-impervious and there are no hot spots or flare-ups from within and no need to add charcoal while cooking. The innovative ceramic material (now based on space-age technology) keeps the outside surface far cooler than any gas grill.
You can smoke a turkey or a ham in about one quarter the time of a water smoker. All that and incredible fuel-efficiency, too. It gets ready to cook in minimal time, keeps meat and poultry moist and juicy, and has
the flavor of charcoal because it cooks with charcoal. As a smoker it provides a wide range of controlled low temperatures which are easily maintained at 180° to 250°F. As a grill it sears and cooks foods at 750°F for steakhouse searing, and as an oven it will bake crispy-crust pizza, bread, and desserts as well as a brick oven. For the cooking perfectionist, temperatures are controllable to within a few degrees with top and bottom vents. Designed and built for heavy-duty use, it cannot be harmed by extreme external temperature, rain, or snow. It cleans up easily, and inside heat burns off grease and spatters just as with a self-cleaning oven. It is as close to perfect as possible, and will last nearly forever. For more information, you can call Atherton Appliance & Kitchens at 650-369-1794, or visit their showroom at 695 Veterans Blvd. in Redwood City. You can also see their website at www.athertonappliance.com ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
Fences, Decks & Turf – Functional Beauty For Your Home
o you find yourself pondering over the fact that your exterior décor is lacking in expression and style? Have you been craving a stronger sense of protection for your home? No matter what your reason may be, there is no better way to give your home an upgrade that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing than with a gorgeous new fence or deck. Fences can do so much for your environment—they enhance your property value, beautify acreage, define boundaries, create barriers, accent landscaping, and offer you and your family some privacy and increased security. Here are just some of the options you can choose from when selecting the perfect fence: Redwood. When it comes to redwood, always start with the best quality you can buy. Different wood fence styles include board on board (with or without lattice), custom designs, solid board fencing, and dog-ear fencing. Vinyl. This choice of fence is economical, adds value, is easy to maintain, and offers incredible design appeal. Vinyl can be customized in almost any way imaginable. EcoStone. Create a fence that looks like real stone, yet can withstand forceful impacts, resist graffiti and is super easy to maintain. EcoStone is also an excellent sound barrier. Aluminum. Available in a number of different styles and color options, and constructed without the use of screws, aluminum fences are designed to impress and built to last. Ornamental Iron. Wrought iron is ideal when you are concerned about security but want to preserve your view. Many fence and gate options are available.
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A well-designed deck can add living and entertaining space to an existing home, making a backyard seem more like an exclusive resort. A smart return on investment, decks can be basic or customized into free-flowing shapes. Some different types include: Redwood. Offered in a variety of appearances that allow you to create an ideal deck that meets both your taste and budget, rich and classic redwood is often chosen for its timeless natural beauty and outstanding performance. Composite. Made of a mixture of plastic and wood fibers, this type of decking was originally designed to provide homeowners with a low-maintenance option. PVC. Setting a new standard in the decking industry, PVC decking boards are extremely scratch-resistant and it will not absorb juices, wine or certain greases. This is a great option if you have patio furniture or animals. Railing. Accent your deck with railing, available in redwood, aluminum, composite, cable, glass panels, iron and vinyl. Each option is unique and can be paired with your deck choice. If you are ready for a picture perfect lawn without the time commitment, artificial turf is a perfect solution. It has a very similar look and feel to natural grass, but it does not require mowing, watering, weeding and feeding. Borg Fence, Decks & Turf has over 27 years of experience specializing in fences, decks, gazebos, gates, artificial turf, trellises, arbors and retaining walls. A green company that uses renewable resources, and as a standard practice removes and disposes your old fence, recycling each component. For more information, you can call them at 888-887-8015 or visit www.borgfenceanddecks.com. You can also see their ad on page 33. JUNE/JULY 2013 • BAY LIVING
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exteriorslandscaping
RESTORE YOUR PATIO Furniture And Give It a Whole New Look
Now, You Can Have Your Very Own Treehouse
Before & After
Complete with its own tree
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ERE IN THE BEAUTIFUL GOLDEN STATE, HOMEOWNERS TEND TO SPEND MORE TIME THAN MOST ENJOYING THEIR BACKYARDS. WITH OUR LONG CALIFORNIA SUMMERS, THE BACKYARD BECOMES A USEFUL EXTENSION OF THE HOME AND AN IDEAL PLACE TO ENTERTAIN GUESTS. Therefore, patio furniture gets a lot of use— and with use comes wear. If you have already invested in high-quality furniture such as Brown Jordan, Tropitone ® , OW Lee ® , Woodard, or Homecrest™, refinishing is an excellent alternative to buying new. Many homeowners who are redecorating their exterior living space choose to refinish their furniture with different colored fabrics, saving 50% of the cost of buying new. A professional patio repair specialist can easily restore furniture in any stage of life to like-new quality in a few easy steps. The process of patio furniture restoration is virtually identical to the original manufacturing. The worn-out frame of your existing patio furniture is sandblasted down to bare metal in order to remove every speck of paint, dirt, and rust. The frame is then inspected for
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Before & After
cracks and broken welds, and all necessary repairs are made. After the frame is deemed flawless, a powder-coated frame finish is applied to the clean metal. Powder coating is a spectacular process in which powder particules are electrostatically charged, applied to the metal frame, and then baked in an oven at 400 degrees. The result is excellent durability, corrosion resistance, and better UV stability. After the frame of your patio furniture is looking sparkling new, brand new vinyl strapping is installed. If your furniture requires fabric slings, measurements are taken and new slings are sewn and installed. For more information on refinishing your wrought iron or aluminum patio furniture, you can contact Patio Chair Care at (925) 682-4247, or you can visit them online at www.patiochaircare.com
magine your very own treehouse ready to be enjoyed by your entire family. This unique clubhouse is authentic to the core... the log a real, old fallen tree. And the charming house that jauntily crowns it is made from old, recycled barn wood. Armed with the acceptable password, simply enter the door in the hollow log, climb up the ladder in its center, and pull yourself through the trap door in the clubhouse floor. Just as no two trees are exactly alike, each house is a unique creation. The recycled barn wood varies as well, with colors that range from old barn-red to a natural, weathered look. The standard reaches about 14’ tall, with logs about 5’ in diameter and 6’ tall. Standard options include a front porch, fireman’s escape pole, flip down loft bed, rope swing extending from the side of the log, a roof dormer on one or both sides, and a slide coming out of the back of the clubhouse. Nothing is more exciting than the challenge of a custom order, though! The tree house can be shipped anywhere in the country and comes in two units: the clubhouse, and the log. Installation services are available and lead time runs between 6-8 weeks. For more information on The Ultimate Treehouse, you can call (888) 612-7400 x 321, visit www.affluentproducts.com, or email products@keyaccess.com. A child’s dream, it’s sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. ONLINE AT BAYLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
exteriorslandscaping
A Remarkable, Unique
Patio Opening Roof System Adapts to the Weather, or Your Mood
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he Louvered Opening Roof System is constructed of Zincalume louvers that rotate from completely closed to 155° open, by use of a small motor. It is safe to use and incredibly easy to operate. The motor is powered by a 12 volt transformer. A portable-remote controls the operation of the louvers. A rain sensor is standard to close the louvers during periods of bad weather. Each Vergola unit is also equipped with timer controller to adjust the position of the louvers several times a day for optimal protection and ventilation. The Louvered Roof System offers many benefits, including: Versatility. It can be built as a patio roof or commercial cover. It can also be installed flat or pitched.
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Sun control. The louvers can be positioned during winter months to cast the sun’s natural warmth into rooms to save on energy costs. During the summer, they can be moved to block direct sunlight to protect your home from unwanted solar heating. Light control. With the push of a button, the louvers can be moved to give the desired amount of light into your residence. This is a great way to naturally illuminate work or living areas while cutting back on power consumption. Ventilation. During the summer months, a place in the shade is where you want to be. The Louvered Roof System provides this by angling the louvers to a partially open position. Providing natural ventilation as hot air escapes and cool air replaces it. Rain protection. The Opening Roof
System has a uniquely designed louver that provides complete overlap to help prevent rain penetration. Shade control. You can also control the amount of shade needed. The amount of heat and light can be varied for work or relaxation. For those with sensitive skin or those concerned about health risks associated with sun exposure, the Opening Roof System is an ideal solution. Full light can be enjoyed without direct sunlight. Imagine being able to control heat on your patio at the touch of a button. With the Louvered Roof System, you can enjoy the outdoors year-round and worry-free. For more information or a demonstration of this amazing opening roof system and others, you can call Screen Solutions at 408-374-8156 or visit their website at www.screensolutionsonline.com JUNE/JULY 2013 • BAY LIVING
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helathbeautyfitness
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 20 private fitness studios throughout California 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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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 20-minute 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 20 private studios throughout California that specialize in one-on-one personal training with the slowmotion strength training method, including these Bay Area locations: San Mateo (650) 513-2747, Menlo Park (650) 300-4308, Sunnyvale (408) 912-1387, Walnut Creek (925) 357-9704, Danville (925) 395-4891, and Southwest San Jose (408) 899-5812. www.ThePerfectWorkout.com JUNE/JULY 2013 • BAY LIVING
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