Seattle Home Fashion | Seattle Home Decor | Kitchen and Bath Seattl

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NORTHWEST LIVING

Publisher Wally Hicks III Production Managers Dawn Dowlatshahi, David Marchand Writer/Copy Editor Caitlin Feener Marketing Manager Debbie Tarnoff Home Furnishings Director Deborah Mesna Marketing Specialists Glenda Bayly, Eric Tushman Publisher’s Representative Market Link Accounting Mai Huong Thi Le Administrative Coordinator 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 orangecountylivingmagazine.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 Northwest Living. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we cannot supervise the way in which information found in Northwest Living is used. Northwest Living is produced bimonthly by Af flu ent Target Marketing, Inc., P.O. Box 18507, An a heim Hills, California 92817-8507. Re pro duction without permission is strictly prohibited. All submitted materials, including images, logos, and text, for advertising and editorials are assumed to be the property of the provider, and Affluent Living Publications can take no responsibility for unintentional copyright infringement. Affluent Target Marketing, Inc. has the right to refuse advertising.

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Northwest Living VOL XXXV • NO. 5 • ODD OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 NORTHWESTLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

16 - 18 H OME FASHION Do You Want Your Cabinets To Look New? If You Knew This...

30 - 40 EXTERIORS LANDSCAPING Champion TimberStack™ Siding Warm Up Cold Evenings With Custom Outdoor Fire Features

19 - 26 H OME I NTERIORS Discover The Benefits Of Truly Efficient Central Vacuum Systems Gorgeous Kitchen Countertops Find A Permanent Solution For Your Crawlspace The Most Efficient Way To Heat And Cool Your Home Do You Need Skylights?

28 KITCHEN & BATH Shower In Elegance

Your New And Improved Outdoor

ON THE COVER

Living Space Restoration Over Replacement!

Making The Case For A Garage Makeover Rain Or Shine? You Shouldn’t Have To Choose Just One! Extend Some Comfort And Style To Your Backyard!

Completely Redefine Your Home Experience

By actually opening up the walls to your home, you can create an indoor/outdoor living and entertainment space that offers unparalleled luxury. Featured on the cover, modern operable glass wall technology conveniently allows you to transform fixed walls into flexible openings that invite the outside in, while removing any visual and physical barriers.

For more information about NanaWall opening glass walls or to make an appointment to visit the showroom, you can call Rob Laris at 425-825-7900.

You can also visit the NanaWall website at www.nanawall.com. See their ad on the back cover and article on page 40.

homefashion

Do You Want Your Cabinets to Look New But Don’t Want to Harm Your Bank Account or the Environment?

Cabinet Renewal

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

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

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

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

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

Say you have maple cabinets and would like a darker stained wood, the new finish can be custom dyed to your color preference, and then professionally applied with a sprayer for a seamless, streak-free finish.

The change can be as subtle or dramatic as you wish.

Do you want painted cabinets, or have painted cabinets that need touching up? Not a problem. The same cleaning and repair process is used and a fresh coat of paint is applied using the same method as described above. Also, detailing such as glazing or antiquing can be added for a new look.

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Before

After

Basic Floor Renewal

Before

After

Don’t replace your wood cabinets or doors—all you have to do is rejuvenate them. For more information about having your cabinets, floors or other woodwork in your home done, you can contact NHance Wood Renewal at (877) 868-WOOD (9663) or visit the web at www.nhance.com/seattlewoodrenewal.

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homefashion

If You Knew This…

Raised window and door headers

ost of us will remodel or build infrequently. As a result, it is far too common to wish we had done something differently. As a response to this, the Designed by L.I.F.E. process was created. With this process, you can address the six pathways of your home: View, People, Light, Sound, Smell, and Touch. Using proven techniques, these aspects can be balanced and harmonized.

First, consider the View pathways. Orienting windows to reveal views should be obvious. With that said, in the bathroom photo, the builder had placed a vanity with an eight-foot-wide mirror, completely blocking the view!

Next, consider People pathways. What happens as you enter your home? Your kitchen begins there! As you come in, with an armload of groceries, will you have a place to set them down? Plus, in “no shoes” homes, will you have a pile of them to stumble over?

It is recommended to take the floor plan and shade out all the areas where people will be walking. Living rooms can shrink to where furniture placement is awkward at best when usable floor space is revealed.

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Bathroom–with view unblocked

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What about Light pathways? We can be light sensitive, here in the Northwest. Industry practice is to place the top of windows and doors at about 80-inches. For two-story homes, consider raising up the window headers into the cavity of the second floor, thereby replacing the rim joist.

On north-facing kitchens, the sense of connection to light and the outdoors is dramatically increased when windows and doors run to the ceiling.

Light can also bring glare. Polished counters in west-facing kitchens may enjoy great views, but require sunglasses when cooking dinner on a summer day! Plus, with LED lighting becoming more and more common, the glare off polished countertops from the intense light of LEDs can be painful for some.

Sound affects our ability to enjoy our home. Many dishwashers are now as quiet as a whisper. Yet, some hoods make so much noise, you cannot have a comfortable conversation. Counters can be hard and noisy. Dishes can clatter in many sinks.

There are other sounds that either say, “quality” or “cheap.” When you shut a door, does it sound hollow? When you walk across the floor, do your footfalls sound solidly placed or spongy? Choose materials for more than aesthetic reasons. Consider how they sound, as well.

What about Smell? In some homes, we can smell what’s cooking at the front door! That may be pleasant for some, yet having the smell of fish permeating your home is not at the top of most wish lists! Dealing with odors is an important part of good planning.

Finally, consider Touch. Some counters are not only hard, noisy and cause glare, they can be quite cold on elbows when sitting at them. Consider using wood for eating bars. Modern sealants can make wood virtually impervious to staining.

You can visit www.spaceplanner.com for more about the Designed

by L.I.F.E. process. You can also call Richard Landon Design at (425) 957-0451 for more information. Balance the six pathways and you will have a home that not only will look great and work well, your home will ultimately feel right to you!

ONLINE AT NORTHWESTLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

homeinteriors Discover the Benefits of Truly Efficient

CENTRAL VACUUM SYSTEMS f course, you want the best vacuum possible when it comes to cleaning your home. Because central vacuums are up to five times more powerful than the typical portable vacuum, homeowners tend to prefer this efficient cleaning option.

However, central vacuum hoses are usually heavy, bulky, and definitely not ideal when you have to lug them up and down the stairs. And then when you are finished, you still have to find a way to fit that oversized hose into a closet that’s way too small.

Luckily, there is a better way. Hide-A-Hose central vacuum systems are revolutionary—you will never have to carry or store a bulky hose again. Here’s how Hide-A-Hose works. Simply pull out the amount of hose you need from the inlet valve, connect your cleaning wand attachment, and begin vacuuming. When you are finished, the suction from the central vacuum power unit retracts the hose into the SmartTube™ system that is hidden behind the wall: it’s that clean and simple!

One of the greatest characteristics of installing a built-in central vacuum system is the health factor.

Because of its strength, this type of vacuum captures more dust, dirt and allergens, and completely removes them from your living space. Allergy sufferers’ symptoms can be improved up to 61% with a central vacuum system, according to the University of California Davis School of Medicine.

If you are ready to enjoy a cleaner, healthier home with the most convenient method of vacuuming available, Omar’s Built-In Vacuums can help. Founded in 1965, Omar’s has enhanced homeowner lifestyle with flexible systems priced to fit family budgets. All power units are manufactured in Woodinville. For more information on Hide-A-Hose and much more, you can call Omar’s Built-In Vacuums at 425-296-0219. You can also visit their website at www.omarsvacuum.com

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 • NORTHWEST LIVING

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homeinteriors

Gorgeous Kitchen Countertops Have Never Been More Attainable!

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ranite and natural stone countertops have become a staple for new homebuilders and a must-have upgrade for existing homeowners. This luxurious addition offers homeowners an elegant and durable medium for enhancing their interior décor and increasing the value of their home. Each stone has its own unique beauty to enhance its environment.

However, homeowners often have two misconceptions regarding the kitchen countertop process. First, they are worried about long and invasive construction. Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, the last thing you need are workers taking up your valuable space for weeks, possibly even months. And second, they are worried about the cost. Not only does natural stone look expensive, most companies don’t give clients the opportunity to see pricing on the materials, which can be unfairly misleading if you are on a budget.

Now, you can have the kitchen countertop remodel of your dreams.

Not only does this quick and efficient process require minimal demolition in a one-week turnaround time, from template to installation, but you can also have it at the price you can afford.

Specializing in remodeling, professionals will treat your home as if it were their own. First, you will get a free in-home consultation that includes measurements and estimates. Then you will get the opportunity to visit a huge facility that not only displays beautiful hand-selected granite, marble and limestone slabs in a gallery-like setting, but also shows the pricing for you to review while browsing.

Once you have chosen your material, you get the extremely unique opportunity to also choose any finish you would like. Most companies

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don’t offer this option, yet it can make all the difference in the world regarding customization and attention to detail. You will not have to compromise because choosing your own finish allows you to achieve the look you truly desire for your kitchen.

Before you purchase anything, professionals will then completely take any of the stressful guesswork out of the process by creating a digital design layout using their innovative software. You can see exactly what your finished product will look like, giving you complete control of the layout before agreeing to anything.

After making all final decisions, your project unfolds from there.

Every cut is made with the precision of a digital CNC saw/water jet, and every part is milled on the CNC machine. After the slabs are cut, professionals will hand-finish your new masterpiece and give a final inspection to make sure that no details have been missed.

Upon arrival at your home, your new countertops will be ready to go! Professionals will remove and install your new addition in just one day—you won’t have to wait around for weeks to enjoy your new gorgeous upgraded kitchen.

The path to a beautiful new kitchen has never been more convenient, affordable, or enjoyable. For more information or help in your countertop project, you can contact Venetian Stone Works in Woodinville at (425) 486-1234 or visit their website at www.venetianstoneworks.com.

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homeinteriors

Find a Permanent Solution For Your Crawlspace ost likely, you are familiar with what a crawlspace is.

However, have you ever really given much thought to what might be going on inside of your own crawlspace?

Most homeowners are unaware that there are solutions to this often overlooked area that will not only provide you with a more efficient living space, but will drastically improve the air quality in your home.

We live over dirt, and that is exactly what a crawlspace is—dirt. It is damp, moist, and always dark underneath our homes, and nothing more than a flimsy piece of plastic separates the structures from the ground.

With the average crawlspace, there is no protection from water, moisture vapors, soil gases, rodents, mold, mildew, odors, structural damage from moisture, and poor air quality. According to the EPA, 40% to 50% of the air you breathe in the living area of your home comes from the crawlspace—the silent attack on our homes and health. Not to mention the amount of heat and energy that is regularly lost.

Additionally, if you or someone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma, it’s even more crucial to evaluate your crawlspace. Damp environments produce mold, and crawlspaces are ideal for this growth. No matter how minor the mold growth, small particles can make their way into your home and compromise both your health and comfort.

Utilizing years of experience, professionals can provide the appropriate combination of services to help you combat and tackle any concerns or unique situations you might have. Sealing and closing your crawlspace can be done with two different methods—with a white liner system (such as Clean and Dry), or with concrete. By isolating the wet and moist soil and damp foundation walls from the rest of your house with crawlspace encapsulation products, you can stop the damaging effects caused by water.

Closing the crawlspace is also known as conditioning. With the conditioning process, professionals will close the air vents in the foundation, preventing the loss of heat from your forced air heating and ducting system, as well as the preventing any cold air from entering under the house during the winter.

No matter what the solution for your crawlspace may be, the result will be a healthier, cleaner, and safer home for everyone.

Perma Dry Waterproofing, Inc. has been improving both crawlspaces and homes since 1997. Their full-time office staff, trained installers and service technicians, and experienced sales department are dedicated to serving your needs. Perma Dry offers an innovative crawlspace encapsulation liner with a ventilation system, as well as a variety of other specialty products. For more information, you can call them at (425) 440-0402. www.permadrywaterproofing.com

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Before

After

Before

After ONLINE AT NORTHWESTLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

homeinteriors

The Most Efficient Way To Heat and Cool Your Home

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ost homeowners realize that heating and cooling systems make up a large portion of their energy bills; however, many energy-saving solutions often involve costly, invasive construction projects. Luckily, there is a better solution—the ductless heat pump.

Unlike regular heat pumps, ductless heat pumps (also known as DHPs) both heat and cool your home without ductwork, thus eliminating potential energy loss from leaky or unsealed ducts.

Some of the benefits of ductless heat pumps include: • Money and energy savings. DHPs can lower heating costs by 80% compared to standard electric heating systems, potentially saving thousands of dollars per year.

• More comfort, less noise. DHPs heat or cool with an ultra quiet fan that circulates air evenly, eliminating hot and cold spots. Your home remains comfortable all year long!

• Improved air quality. DHPs have a built-in air filter.

• Easy operation. Sit back and relax as you control your system with a wireless remote control, or from your phone, tablet, or computer (no matter where you are).

• Easy installation. No ductwork means unobtrusive installations. DHPs are perfect for homes that don’t currently have a forced cooling/heating system because you aren’t required to install air ducts.

If you are ready to start saving, Sundance Energy Services can help. Sundance Energy Services, an approved Master Installer with the NW Ductless Heat Pump Project and

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Diamond Dealer with Mitsubishi, offers highly trained technicians, a 24-hour emergency service, and is a factoryauthorized service center. They are preferred contractors with Puget Sound Energy, Snohomish County PUD, and Seattle City Light—a status required for utility rebates. For a free in-home consultation or more information, you can call 888-885-4867, visit www.sundanceenergy.com, or send an email to info@sundanceenergy.com.

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homeinteriors

Do You Need Skylights?

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he great Pacific Northwest has some of the best scenery on the planet and when the sun shines, you remember why you live here. However, sunny days can be very scarce, in our part of the world. That is why skylights are a popular and simple way to add natural light to our homes and lives.

Skylights can be used to brighten up any room in your home. They are most effective in hallways, stairwells, kitchens and large living spaces where the adjacent window light falls short. Living rooms, family rooms and great rooms tend to be shadowy during daylight hours. It just doesn’t seem right to have to flip on a light in the middle of the afternoon.

A well-placed skylight will chase away those shadows, providing usable natural light for cooking, reading and other activities. Interiors become more a friendly and spacious environment for living. Because they are located on your roof, skylights yield much more light than vertical windows, for a longer duration during the day.

Skylights will supplement the aesthetics of any living space, complimenting all architectural styles and adding value to your home. A skylight is one of the most affordable home improvement projects available, while giving the maximum return on your investment. The “wow” factor alone is priceless.

So, to answer the question: Do you need skylights? Here is a simple one-question test.

1. Do you live in the Northwest?

If you answered yes, then you definitely need skylights!

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For more information about skylights and other innovative glass improvements for your home, Solarium/Skylight can help.

Their professionals are more than happy to assist you in making an educated decision about a home investment you can truly appreciate and enjoy for years to come. You can call them today at 425-318-1378 or visit www.solariumskylight.com

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 • NORTHWEST LIVING

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kitchen&bath

Shower in Elegance

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shower can be the most calming event of the day. However, accomplishing this task in an elegant, custom-designed shower can completely enhance the experience by adding beauty and unique style to the bathroom while adding tremendous value to your home.

Whether you are completely tired of your bathroom and are looking to give it an upgrade or already have a gorgeous shower that is simply missing something—experts can help transform your existing bath environment into a masterpiece with artistic, high-quality custom creations that cannot be found elsewhere.

There is a myriad of different options when it comes to luxury, and shower enclosures are a great place to start. The incredible transformation that takes place with the addition of gorgeous architectural glass will leave you speechless. Professionals will help you find the perfect fit for your artistic project. From frameless shower enclosures, framed doors, art glass and even timeless classics, such as standard shower and tub doors—there is always a perfect match for your style and home. If you have a very busy schedule, heavy glass shower enclosures with glass treatments make cleaning and maintenance a breeze.

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The professionals at Northwest Shower Door want to give you a reason to sing in your shower. Family-owned and operated, Northwest Shower Door works with architects, builders, contractors and homeowners to design, create and install the most beautiful and luxurious enclosures and glass creations. Their highly trained experts are devoted, talented and dedicated to producing the best product. They are members of The Master Builders Association and they have a Facebook page. For more information, you can call 206-430-1954, visit their showroom at 3223 1st. Ave. South, Suite A in Seattle, or visit www.nwshowerdoor.com

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exteriorslandscaping

Champion TimberStack™ Siding

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n many ways, your home is a reflection of you. It shows off your unique personality and individual style. That’s why it’s important to invest in an attractive, durable, custom-designed exterior.

Champion’s TimberStack™ siding represents a significant achievement in performance, quality, and curb appeal. Modern engineering ensures that the siding’s appearance and functionality will last a lifetime. It also enables Champion’s TimberStack to protect the most luxurious homes on the market while complementing the overall look and feel of the surrounding neighborhood—and satisfying even the most demanding HOAs. TimberStack is the siding of choice for the discriminating homeowner who will accept nothing less than the finest custom-designed home-exterior product available nationwide.

Champion’s TimberStack siding delivers all of the best attributes of wood in a state-of-the-art product. It is the ultimate in engineered siding and is perfect for the most demanding home-exterior projects. It prevents common problems with existing siding and other home-exterior materials, including high energy bills, constant maintenance, reduced home value, difficult cleaning, outdated or unattractive aesthetics, infiltration of the elements, and more.

TimberStack takes the many benefits of traditional lap siding to the next level with the use of a heavy-duty reinforcement that creates extreme strength for wind resistance, straighter walls, and accurate spacing for a truly spectacular appearance. Four color families are available, with a total of 29 colors from which to choose.

The siding is pre-finished with Diamond Kote™, a technically advanced application process that enables TimberStack siding to resist blistering, peeling, and flaking under the harshest of conditions. Of course,

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TimberStack is protected by an unmatched warranty.

Performance Features •Made in the USA as a custom-designed system. It is not an imported, •pre-fabricated, or force-fit siding product.

•Considerably lighter and stronger than fiber-cement products.

•More resistant to impact than fiber-cement products.

•Much easier to clean and maintain than fiber-cement products.

•Longer panels create fewer seams than fiber-cement products.

•Far more resistant to cupping and warping than conventional •wood siding.

•Hidden fastener system eliminating blowouts, sunken or unsightly •nails, and bad touch-up.

•Superior resistance to wind and other elements of nature, •including insects.

•Available in six- and eight-inch widths and in lengths of 16 feet.

•Pre-finished with Diamond Kote in all color collections and •custom colors.

•Diamond Kote colors are formulated with mineral-based pigments, •strong UV inhibitors, and pure acrylic polymers to keep the siding •colors true and vibrant, to enhance resistance to scratches and impact, •and to make cleaning a very simple task.

Champion has been in business for more than 60 years and is committed to helping homeowners lower their energy bills, make their homes more comfortable, and increase property value. Champion’s focus on singlesource responsibility makes it the leader in custom-designed and custommanufactured home-exterior systems: They design it, build it, install it, and guarantee it. This approach has fueled the company’s growth into more than 70 locations across the United States, all of which are supported by professional sales, installation, and service teams. For more information about Champion and its portfolio of American-made replacement windows, roofs, sunrooms, siding, and doors, you can visit www.GetChampion.com.

You can also call them at (206) 462-2374.

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exteriorslandscaping

Warm Up Cold Evenings With Custom Outdoor Fire Features re you deterred from venturing outside by cool evenings and annoying pests? Do you shy away from inviting friends and family over because the only gathering place is inside your cramped house? This fall, why not add value to your property and extend your living space with an outdoor fireplace?

With a return to the coolness of autumn and the decline of warm evenings, many Seattle-area residents are now returning to the outdoors from their air-conditioned enclaves. To combat cold temperatures and biting insects well into the fall season, you can install an outdoor fireplace that will comfort and protect you and your family while gathering around the warmth of a glowing fire.

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Experienced stonemasons can build any fire feature that you may desire with a wide range of material options. Both natural and manufactured stone options can be provided. Additionally, you have the option of a wood or gas-burning fireplace. Whereas gas is cleaner, makes no mess, and is easier to start, wood has a great smell, prevents pests, and provides a little charm to your patio. Professional designers can help discuss your needs in order to design the ideal fire feature to suit your outdoor living needs.

The outdoor fireplace adds a centerpiece to your landscape that will last forever, as well as bring friends and families together for years to come. In addition to the outdoor fireplace, there are many other options to enhance our outdoor living spaces, including landscape lighting, shade structures, patios, and seating walls.

The options for outdoor fires are numerous, but Green Spaces Landscaping has many years of experience building fire pits, fire rings, fireplaces with chimneys, and more. You can contact their professional designers to assist with all of your landscaping needs. For more information, you can call Green Spaces Landscaping at (425) 214-1992 or visit www.GreenSpacesLS.com

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exteriorslandscaping

Your New and Improved Outdoor Living Space

Is Just a Few Steps Away

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rom proposal to purchase, the journey to your new, custom outdoor living space can be a little daunting, leaving you with mixed feelings of excitement and apprehension. However, here are five basic steps to ensure that you have a pleasant and stress-free construction experience.

1. List. Design leads want to hear your vision for the space. This includes all of the changes that you would like to see happen to make your life easier and more enjoyable. If you notice anything on a day-to-day basis that you might want to plan ahead for, write it down. If you find yourself thinking, “Maybe we could have our son/daughter’s wedding reception here this summer,” be sure to make a note.

2. Budget. Professionals recommend that homeowners budget for oneand-a-half to two times more what they ultimately want to spend on their project. While budgets can always be worked with, a cushion will accommodate any changes or last minute upgrades you may decide to make. An important thing to consider when budgeting is the longevity of the project.

This helps ensure the accuracy of your proposal.

3. Shop. While this might mean lots of online forms and repeating your project several times to the receptionist on the phone, it will all be worth it.

Not all contractors offer designs, or they may specialize in only one aspect of your project. Additionally, if you want your project finished in time for summer, it’s recommended that you get a proposal before April, as many homeowners will start scheduling appointments late spring in anticipation of the onset of warm weather.

4. Patience. Rushing a start date is one of the biggest reasons for project delays down the road. If you have project start or completion deadlines, make them known during the proposal process so professionals can tell you if it’s a possibility. Homeowners that succeed in pushing up their start date up

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tend to not only experience more project delays along the way, but also suffer a more stressful project experience.

5. Enjoy. From breaking ground to the last nail, you should enjoy and make the best of your project experience. Get to know your project manager, never hesitate to raise questions or concerns, and speak up if you want to make any upgrades or changes. By the time your project is complete, a company’s goal should be not just to have built a beautiful outdoor living area, but a healthy, honest relationship with you.

USI Custom Outdoor Living is a residential construction company, locally owned and happily serving the Greater Puget Sound since 2009.

Not only do they take pride in the width of services they provide, but also the depth of their designs and quality of their craftsmanship.

Design leads and project managers expertly guide all customers from start to finish, regardless of how simple or complex the project; they can even provide permitting services, and all employees are held to standards that exemplify values. Customers receive complimentary consultations on their project prior to sale, custom designed project drawings, up to $300 for any referrals, and a hassle free buying experience. For more information, you can call them at 866-573-8358 or visit www.usiwestcoast.com.

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exteriorslandscaping

W

e use our bathroom on a regular basis, they play a vital role in our daily lives and most of the time get overlooked for regular maintenance until we think it is too late to revive.

One common mistake made when unsightly mold and mildew take over your tile and grout is to spend thousands of dollars to replace it when you already spent that much to install the original surface. Another common mistake is when homeowners try to take matters into their own hands and start scrubbing, only they don’t realize that acidic cleaners can cause even more damage.

Most stones are sensitive to acid, not to mention these cleaners can actually hurt the structural integrity of both grout and stone.

Some simply don’t know that there are other more cost effective ways to removing mildew and mold. The technology is out there to effectively remove stains, mold and mildew from a hard surface for a fraction of the cost to replace it and will look Street of Dreams worthy.

Unless you are dead set on replacing your hard surfaces and are willing to pay for a completely different design and style then the obvious, most cost effective choice would be to have it restored by a professional company with lots of experience dealing with all types of hard surfaces. One look at the numbers, and you will realize exactly how much restoration can save you. For example, a standard shower with 110 square-feet of tile and grout could cost you around $1,191.85 (plus tax) to replace or more. That same size shower would cost many hundreds of dollars less to restore back to its original luster. While this is just an example and each individual project has varying factors, you can definitely see which option is going to put more stress on your bank account.

To get your tile and grout looking flawless once again, this revolutionary multistep cleaning process uses grease and soilcutting enzymes to break down heavy soils that are then removed using high-temperature rotary jet extraction equipment. Hightech equipment rinses tile and grout clean ONLINE AT NORTHWESTLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

Before After and leaves the finish looking good as new and ready for that final sealing, which will coat, protect and enhance your surfaces for years to come.

HammondKnoll is one of the only businesses in the area that provides both cleaning and repair of tile and hard surfaces in your home or business.

Most people need repair or restoration work—rather than just cleaning—to restore their tile or other hard surfaces back to their original beauty. For over 73 years, HammondKnoll has provided expert cleaning and repair services for Puget Sound homes and businesses. Their trusted tile experts can renew all tile or hard surfaces in your bathrooms, kitchens and entryways. They clean and repair tile and other hard surfaces in showers, floors, counter-tops, bathtubs, and walls. Additionally, HammondKnoll offers a variety of other specialty services including carpet cleaning, vinyl and specialty floor cleaning, furniture and upholstery cleaning and repair, and even leather cleaning, repair and restoration. You can call them at (253) 472-9686 or visit their website www.HammondKnoll.com

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exteriorslandscaping

Making the Case for a Garage Makeover s you drive home from work, pull into the driveway and hit the button to raise the garage door, you are reminded of the one thing about your home you wish you could change— the garage. In TV sitcoms it’s the closet that is overflowing with stuff that falls on anyone that dares to open it. But for most of us, it is the sight of a discolored concrete floor, unpainted walls, and the random arrangement of boxes, bins and bikes that cause our mood to change drastically as we make plans to once again “tackle the garage” this weekend.

If you are ready for a garage makeover, start from the ground up.

Flooring will have the greatest impact on how you see your garage. The more you like your floor, the more you will want to keep clutter off of it.

Next, finish the walls and ceiling if not already painted. Check your lighting and consider adding track or recessed lights. Finally, identify storage solutions that not only fit your needs, but also fit in the space available.

Along the way you will have an abundance of choices. Here are some tips to guide you through the process.

Flooring. Full chip decorative floor coatings are by far the most popular choice. The look, durability, and ease of maintenance make them a great option. Choosing the wrong contractor or flooring type can be a very unforgiving mistake. Ensure your decision takes the following into consideration: 1. Thorough floor prep by way of diamond grinding or shot blasting. All coatings installed on improperly prepped floors are doomed from the start.

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2. Polyaspartics are proven to be much more durable and stain resistant than epoxies or acrylics. Although the cost can be up to 25% higher for polyaspartics, this is money well spent.

3. A properly installed full chip floor requires an initial prime coat for bonding, a thicker base coat to absorb the broadcast of chips, followed by a final clear coat for protection. By contrast, a two-coat system omits the prime coat by broadcasting chips into the initial coating, thus weakening the bond between the coating and the concrete.

Storage. Cabinets, wall storage, and overhead racks are the most popular solutions for garage organization. Holiday decorations, seasonal items or bulky items can be more cost effectively stored up high using overhead storage racks. Lawn tools, sports equipment, and car cleaning supplies are a perfect fit for slat wall or similar wall storage solutions. Of course, you will likely need cabinets as well. Consider the following: 1. Custom versus modular cabinets: The available space, your unique storage needs, as well as your style preferences will determine which style suits your needs best.

2. Keep cabinets off the floor: Garage floors are sloped for proper drainage. For that reason, cabinets should be mounted 4”-6” off the ground.

3. Well made, quality cabinets cost more. Like cars, cabinets come in a variety of sizes, materials, and styles. Know what you can afford, what you are buying and why. Choosing cabinets on price alone may result in sizes or configurations that do not properly accommodate your unique needs.

If you’re considering a garage makeover, Garage Innovations is a licensed general contractor offering a full suite of products and services including flooring, storage, drywall finishing, painting and more. You can call for a free estimate at 866-728-0996.

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exteriorslandscaping Rain oR Shine?

You Shouldn’t have to ChooSe JuSt one!

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t’s a challenge to find an outdoor patio or deck system that allows you to spend time outdoors all year long, no matter the weather. Some enclosed patio covers keep you dry when it’s raining, but what happens when the sun comes out and you want nothing more than to lie in your favorite chair and enjoy the beautiful sky? Finding that perfect medium, where you can adjust accordingly depending on both your mood and the environment, seems almost impossible for most homeowners—until now.

Innovative louvered roof systems provide you with the ambiance you desire at the exact moment you need it, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor living space virtually every day of the year.

When it rains, you stay dry. When you want to barbeque, the smoke can escape easily. When it’s significantly hot outside, you can protect your home from the heat and reduce the temperature. When it’s nice and sunny, you can bask in the sunlight. The choice is all yours.

American-made and designed, professionals can customize and install your state-of-the-art patio or deck cover. Available in three attractive colors and multiple sizes, the systems are crafted from heavy-grade extruded aluminum and powder-coated paint. Featuring a lifetime warranty, the louvered roof system can withstand heavy snow and high winds and can be easily cleaned from the bottom (keeping it protected from moss and dust,

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no climbing necessary). Systems can even serve as a freestanding cover for a hot tub or gazebo.

American Louvered Roof Systems can make the outdoors accessible to any homeowner in the Pacific Northwest. With a motorized system that is second to none, the goals at American Louvered Roof Systems are to stay ahead with technology, offer competitive pricing, unsurpassed warranties, and outstanding customer service.

For more information, you can call them at 425-658-5287 or visit www.louveredroofs.com. Lic. #AMERILR873B8.

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exteriorslandscaping Extend Some Comfort and Style

TO YOUR BACKYARD! ith the virtually neutral climate found in the Northwest, many people settle with a few patio chairs and a barbeque in their backyard. What most homeowners don’t realize is that with an attractive patio cover and the simple addition of heat, you can easily turn a seldomused yard into an extension of your home that can be used all year long.

Functional and beautiful outdoor living environments add square footage to your living space while simultaneously adding resale value to your home. You have so many incredible options when it comes to creating the perfect outdoor environment for your unique lifestyle.

If you love to cook for family and friends, you are truly missing out until you’ve experienced the pleasures of an outdoor kitchen. Reclaim your outdoor space from cold nights and bring the warmth and romance of gathering around a fresh cooked meal into your yard. With so many looks to chose from, including tile, stucco, stone, and more, your outdoor kitchen will be as beautiful, comfortable, and warm as the room inside the home.

Complement your outdoor room with a grill island that can take outdoor entertaining to a whole new level. An island complete with top-of-theline grill and accessories will change the way you think about outdoor cooking. Custom created to blend perfectly with the aesthetics of your home, you can even match the look of existing tile, stucco, or stone.

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Fire pits and custom fireplaces are elegantly designed to add dimension to any porch, patio, balcony, or even deck. Enhancing the ambiance of backyard living, a fire pit can deliver the benefits of gas heating outdoors. Convenient, safe, and easy to light and extinguish, you no longer have to be a victim to the cold weather. You can even spice up dinner time with an outdoor fireplace and pizza oven! This splash of warmth will keep you feeling great outside all year long.

Outdoor Living Concepts offers complete turnkey jobs from design to completion, and all components are done in-house so quality and scheduling can be controlled throughout the entire project. From kitchens, custom fireplaces and fire pits, custom grill islands, patio covers, and more, Outdoor Living Concepts has been in the industry for 26 years and can assist you with creating your dream outdoor environment. For more information, you can call them at 425-337-5234 or visit www.OutdoorLivingConcepts.net

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exteriorslandscaping

Completely Redefine Your Home Experience hether you’re constructing a new home or remodeling your current residence, it’s time to become acquainted with a whole new level of lifestyle quality. Just imagine the possibilities of an expanded sense of space that an open wall affords, while preserving unobstructed views when it is closed.

Build peace of mind and stunning looks into your home with the highest quality opening glass wall systems. Modern operable glass wall technology conveniently allows you to transform fixed walls into flexible openings that invite the outside in, while removing any visual and physical barriers.

By actually opening up the walls to your home, you can create an indoor/outdoor living and entertainment space that offers unparalleled luxury. Enjoy the ambiance while simultaneously staying comfortable with a transparent barrier that protects you and your family, no matter what the climate or seasonal extreme. Additionally, you’ll never get tired of how effortlessly the wall glides open and shut with just one hand.

If home is where the heart is, then let NanaWall quicken your pulse with enhancements that delight the imagination. You’ll be delighted with how NanaWall opening glass wall systems let you change the look and

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feel of your home. As years pass, NanaWall systems remain as durable as they are beautiful, down to even the unseen hardware’s operations. For more information about NanaWall opening glass walls or to make an appointment to visit the showroom, you can call Rob Laris at 425-825-7900. www.nanawall.com

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