Real Spaces DC Ranch/Silverleaf & North Scottsdale March/April 2017

REALSPACES 2017 • ISSUE 2

DC RANCH / SILVERLEAF & NORTH SCOTTSDALE

TM

REAL DESIGN • REAL IDEAS • REAL ESTATE

SIERRA HIGHLANDS North Scottsdale’s Newest Luxury Gated Neighborhood

Buffalo Collection The Hides Have It

7

Projects to

Remodel Your Scottsdale Home

REALSPACESMAG.COM

Great Outdoor Sound For Your Backyard

Estate Planning In an Uncertain World

Specializing in Custom Orders FURNITURE • ART • ACCESSORIES TA BL E S • L IG H T ING • H A NDBAG S

A M E R I C A N B U F FA L O LE AT H ER FU R NI T U R E Experience the ultimate in luxury, comfort & design with furniture from Buffalo Collection. Our furniture is hand-made in America using the finest materials & methods of old world craftsmanship. Let us enrich your lifestyle by creating timeless custom furnishings of the highest quality for your home.

BuffaloCollection.com WORLDWIDE SHIPPING • MADE IN THE USA

7044 E. 5th Avenue, Scottsdale, AZ

4 8 0.9 4 6. 39 03

buffalo collection pg 1

publisher’s letter

Real Living ...

Every Day Is Special

W

e’ve all heard that every day is special and that we should make the most of it since it is a precious gift. That’s why it’s called the present!

We also know that it’s not possible to change our past or to live in the future. However, we can learn from past experiences and dream and plan our futures while fully living and enjoying our present life today!

Living with an “attitude of gratitude,” we can make the most of each day and make “choices” that impact our lives in a positive way. Surely we cannot control all that happens to us, but we can create our own path to daily success.

Each day we can make conscious decisions and choices in the following areas to live happy, joyful and peaceful lives: SEEK AND PURSUE YOUR PURPOSE – Focus on who you were created to be … know that you are unique, with gifts and talents that are of value and are to be shared with others.

EMBRACE MORAL VALUES AND PRINCIPLES – Always maintain high ethical and moral standards of behavior and living in all that you do in your daily life.

TAKE ACTION AND BEGIN NOW – Act and begin today! Be proactive rather than reactive … keep moving forward. Do not procrastinate. Begin now … make something happen!

LIVE WITH PASSION – Loving what you do and acting with enthusiasm, focus, motivation and a compelling emotion will propel you toward accomplishing your goals. Do what you enjoy!

TAKE TIME TO PRAY – Prayer and meditation throughout your day connects you spiritually. It’s an opportunity throughout the day to seek guidance, direction and purpose while also expressing personal gratitude for all your many blessings.

SET GOALS – Live each day to the fullest and set a goal to make each day special. As Abraham Joshua Heschel once said, “Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement … get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.”

Treat every day as special. Enjoy your present. And live life to the fullest!

Trif Kupanoff Publisher

2 // REALSPACES

MARCH/APRIL 2017

Your Silverleaf and DC Ranch Specialist al rS Fo

Demand

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Whether Buying or Selling

THE BEST Silverleaf Upper Canyon 7,464 sf • 5 Bedrooms • 6.5 Baths Listed at $5,500,000

Spectacular Service Outstanding Results

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Highest Price Per Square Foot Sold at $1,016/sf

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Over $50 Million in Sales 2016

DC Ranch 3,568 sf • 4 Bedrooms • 3 Baths Listed at $729,900

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

Contact Mike for a Complimentary Consultation or Market Evaluation 480.861.8883

Mike@MikeDomer.com | MikeDomer.com

Silverleaf Upper Canyon Silverleaf Upper Canyon 4 Bedrooms | 7 Baths 14,313 sf • 5 Bedrooms • 8 Baths 9,832 sf | $6,995,000 Listed at $9,995,000

table of contents 2017 • ISSUE 2

2 6 8

REALSPACES REAL DESIGN • REAL IDEAS • REAL ESTATE

Publisher’s Letter

www.realSPACESmag.com

PUBLISHER

Estate Planning in an Uncertain World

Trifon M. Kupanoff, Jr. 480.245.5888 tkupanoff@minomedia.net

EDITOR

Sierra Highlands - North Scottsdale’s Newest Luxury Gated Neighborhood

12

Modernizing Traditional Homes

20

Buffalo Collection: The Hides Have It

22

Great Outdoor Sound for Your Back Yard

Kimberly Hundley editor@minomedia.net

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erin Loukili

DESIGNER Jaclyn Threadgill

ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIPS 480.245.5888 moreinfo@minomedia.net

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michael A. Kupanoff Dale Gardon Laura Hudson Jonathan Stuart Michael Kowitz

EDITORIAL/PHOTO SUBMISSIONS editor@minomedia.net

24

Seven 2017 Projects to Remodel Your Scottsdale Home

26

Revolutionary Protection Revives Exposed Stone, Tile, Pavers

ON THE FRONT COVER Sierra Highlands by Rosewood Homes: Custom cabinetry throughout this home includes built-in specialty features such as oversized Island with furniture-quality legs, roll-out spice drawers, cookie-tray dividers, glass uppers, and Butler’s Pantry with stemware display and wine storage. A professional-grade Thermador range is enhanced by professionalgrade Gaggenau appliances, including a 60-inch, built-in refrigerator/freezer/ wine refrigerator. Photo courtesy of Rosewood Homes.

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DISTRIBUTION Joe Johncola

PO Box 27721, 7339 E. Williams Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85255-9998 480.245.5888 www.minomedia.net REAL SPACES is published 6x per year by Mino Media LLC. Opinions expressed are those of the authors or persons quoted and not necessarily those of Mino Media LLC. While efforts to ensure accuracy are exercised, the publisher and/or Mino Media LLC assumes no liability for the information contained in either editorial or advertising content.

Information contained within is subject to change. Publisher and/or Mino Media LLC assumes no responsibility or liability for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. Reproduction in whole or part without the expressed written consent from the publisher/Mino Media LLC is strictly prohibited. REAL SPACES is the registered trade name of this publication.

Copyright 2017 by Mino Media LLC. All rights reserved.

MARCH/APRIL 2017

by

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real tax

Estate Planning in an Uncertain World

By Howard M. Rosen, Epstein Schneider, PLC

B

By Howard M. Rosen, CPD, JD Epstein Schneider, PLC Certified Public Accountants www.epsteinschneider.com

6 // REALSPACES

y now you have heard that Congress is taking a look at revising or even eliminating the estate tax. So, how do you plan for your estate in such an uncertain environment?

First, let’s take a look at what estate planning entails. We start with the basics: wills and trusts.

Wills are public documents that dictate how your assets are to be distributed at your passing. The problem with wills is they are public, which means anyone can access them to see what assets you owned. In addition, wills are subject to probate, an expensive way to administer your estate.

Trusts accomplish the disposition of your assets but are private (not open to public disclosure) and less costly to administer than wills. This will hold

true no matter what Congress does to change the federal estate tax laws.

Trusts, like wills, can be modified, changed or revoked in whole or in part at any time prior to your passing. Not happy with how your assets are to be distributed? Change your trust. Have a new family member? Change your trust. You have the ultimate in flexibility during your lifetime.

These are easy first steps that everyone should utilize. Next we move on to healthcare directives and powers of attorney, but we’ll leave that for next time.

Of course, for larger estates there are methods to reduce or eliminate any potential tax on the disposition of your assets. We suggest you talk with your tax advisor about your estate planning needs.

MARCH/APRIL 2017

Living JU

R P ED R U IC C E TI O N

ASHTON WOODS CHARMER ~ DC RANCH

EFFICIENCY TOWN HOME ~ DC RANCH COURTYARDS

LONE MOUNTAIN TOWN HOME ~ PRIVATE POOL

9230 E Canyon View Road 4 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,935 sq ft | $595,000

8650 N Thompson Peak Pkwy #1076 2 Bed+Office | 2 Bath | 1,773 sq ft | $545,900

7293 E Eclipse Drive 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 2,661 sq ft | $484,000

SO V AR IE IN W G S

M O SE TIV LL AT ER ED

H O R S D EL R O EA V M ER ’S

C

ST

IN G

SO O M

LI ST ED

O N

the North Scottsdale Lifestyle

5 ACRE EQUESTRIAN RETREAT ~ NORTH SCOTTSDALE

PRIVATE ENCLAVE AT QUAIL RIDGE ~ TROON VILLAGE

1.6 ACRE PRIVATE LOT ~ EAGLES GLEN

27333 N 90th Street 6 Bed | 6.5 Bath | 7,276 sq ft | $1,895,000

11147 E Desert Vista Drive 3 Bed | 3 Bath | 3,168 sq ft | $899,000

10051 E Buckskin Trail 3 Bed+Office | 4.5 Bath | 4,200 sq ft | $949,000

Darla McCormick, REALTOR®

Cathy Hotchkiss, REALTOR®

Multi Million Dollar Producer REMAX International 100% Club

ABR, CDPE, E-PRO, GRI, SRS Institute for Luxury Home Marketing®

Darla@RMXPlatinum.com www.Darla.SearchScottsdaleHomesNow.com

CathyHotchkiss@comcast.net www.CathyHotchkiss.com

480.363.7418

480.236.3336

new spaces

Sierra Highlands North Scottsdale’s newest luxury gated neighborhood by Rosewood Homes

ABOVE: A large interior Courtyard is visible throughout the home while providing seamless indoor/outdoor living with two disappearing walls of glass. The well-detailed Courtyard includes an impressive stone-clad fireplace. RIGHT: This architecturally impressive Italian Revival exterior design beautifully complements the nearby mountains in this inspiring North Scottsdale location. This unique, well-detailed home features distinctive roof lines, thickened walls, and impressive towers bathed in stone and dressed with dramatic pre-cast concrete columns and details.

8 // REALSPACES

MARCH/APRIL 2017

new spaces

25 custom, quality residences carefully placed among 40-acres of inspiring topography with abundant mountain views

By David M. Kitnick, Founder of Rosewood Homes

REALSPACESMAG.COM

O

nly nine homes remain for sale in Sierra Highlands, North Scottsdale’s newest luxury gated neighborhood by Rosewood Homes. These exceptionally well-detailed residences are available in a variety of uniquely different floor plans in a choice of meticulously crafted authentic architectural styles. Each one-story residence at Sierra Highlands is designed for seamless indoor/outdoor living with “disappearing walls of glass” adjacent to private courtyards and spacious rear yards, along with large expanses of “picture windows” capturing scenic views. This exclusive collection of finely crafted residences range in size from 4,115 to 5,042 livable square feet plus large courtyards, rear covered loggias and three- and

four-car garages on lots ranging from ¾ to 1½ acres.

Optional Casitas, Wine Rooms and Guest Houses can increase the overall size up to 6,189 square feet.

Each thoughtfully designed residence features soaring ceilings ranging from 12- to 20-feet, along with large ensuite bedrooms, custom iron and glass front doors, custom Isokern or Ortal fireplaces, custom cabinetry and countertops, ceiling beams, spa-like Master Suites and truly Gourmet Kitchens, including state-of-the-art Gaggenau Kitchen appliances plus so much more.

The residence featured in these photos is displayed in an Italian Revival exterior design with extensive detailing, including generous amounts of stone, along with pre-cast concrete columns, quoins

REALSPACES // 9

new spaces

and custom “rusticated” stucco. Additional exterior styles include Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean and Ranch Hacienda with abundant four-sided detailing unique to each style, including authentic Cantera Stone, custom Iron scrollwork, finials, handmade ceramic tile and much more. The interior of this unique “Great Room” plan features a wonderful interior courtyard with impressive stone fireplace and two disappearing walls of glass that seamlessly allow the courtyard to blend with the interior of the home.

The modern-style interior design provides a soothing palette for an upscale yet comfortable environment suitable for entertaining as well as everyday living.

The luxury residences at Sierra Highlands have attracted discerning buyers who desire a unique and extremely well-designed, well-constructed and well-detailed home with outstanding livability, timeless style, superior energy efficiency and enduring durability. That’s what homebuyers can expect from Rosewood Homes who was voted #1 by homeowners for “Overall Quality” and #1 for “Customer Satisfaction” in North America for an unprecedented four consecutive years on the prestigious Eliant Homebuyers Satisfaction Survey. For more information, contact Jennifer Fuenning at jfuenning@rosewoodhomes.com

10 // REALSPACES

TOP: The large Master Suite is trimmed with beautiful but subtle wood wainscoting along with a soffitted and wood beamed ceiling and a wonderful modern stone-faced Ortal fireplace. The Master Suite includes a convenient built-in dresser and multiple sitting areas including large sofa overlooking the resort-style backyard, and offering gorgeous mountain views. ABOVE: Gorgeous 4-sided professional landscaping complements the impressive double negative edge pool trimmed with stone. An outdoor kitchen and dining area offers extensive seating for entertaining. A built-in BBQ grill, fire pit and putting green provide additional opportunities for enjoyment.

MARCH/APRIL 2017

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Rosewood Homes is pleased to present a limited offering of 25 inspiring custom-quality luxury homes in scenic North Scottsdale set on generous ¾ to 1 ½ acre lots with beautiful mountain views.

Each well-detailed, single-story residence is designed for seamless indoor/outdoor living ranging from 4,115 to 6,189 square feet with professional Gaggenau kitchens, casitas, guest houses and 3 & 4 car garages.

From the low $900s to the mid $1 millions

www.sierrahighlands.com | 8484 East Sand Flower Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona | 480-970-1900 Open Daily 10 AM to 6 PM Except Fridays 12 PM to 6 PM Rosewood Homes is the only 4-time winner of the prestigious Eliant Homebuyers Choice Award voted by homebuyers for providing the “Best Overall Purchase & Ownership Experience” in North America. In the interest of continuous improvement, Rosewood Homes reserves the right to change or modify pricing, plans, designs, materials, features and specifications without prior notice or obligation. Sales by Rosewood Sales Group, LLC. Rosewood Homes Construction, LLC ROC#250901. © Rosewood Homes 2017.

architecture & design

ENTERTAINMENT LOUNGE (AFTER) When modernizing homes, audio-visual components play a big part in reconciling sizes and proportions. In this example, the traditional fireplace was replaced with a modern elongated fireplace. The custom stone surround was designed with a detailing reference back to the traditional corbel details, but with crisp clean shapes and proportions.

Also the audio speakers were hidden in the millwork design outfitted with speaker cloth colored to match.

12 // REALSPACES

MARCH/APRIL 2017

architecture & design

MODERNIZING TRADITIONAL HOMES

By Dale Gardon, AIA, LEED AP, Principal of Dale Gardon Design Architecture by Dale Gardon Design Photography courtesy of Dale Gardon Design

M

any homeowners and buyers are looking for new solutions to update their current or future homes. While even a coat of paint can go a long way toward transforming a space, as these images of some of our recent projects show, homeowners have an arsenal of tools for more dramatic makeovers.

Paint alone, of course, doesn’t solve the majority of potential issues or create new opportunities for reimagining a home. Everything should be reviewed—from floor plan flow and opening adjacent spaces, to creating more daylight access and simplifying details and millwork.

A holistic approach to modernization can take a space from a mere “refresh” to an entirely different and dynamic level that fosters greater enjoyment of the home.

When redesign is done well by consulting with a professional, the investment can pay great dividends both monetarily and emotionally for homeowners.

Not only will they enjoy increased immediate and long-term property value, but they’ll also delight in a daily basis in the greatly enhanced livability of their space.

Dale Gardon, AIA, LEED AP Principal of Dale Gardon Design Architecture by Dale Gardon Design 480-948-9666 dale@dalegardondesign.com www.dalegardondesign.com

REALSPACESMAG.COM

REALSPACES // 13

architecture & design

before

ENTERTAINMENT LOUNGE (BEFORE & AFTER) In this Formal Mediterranean Traditional Estate home, the interiors were redesigned with contemporary millwork and furnishings; some of the traditional details remained to successfully coexist with the new contemporary elements.

after

14 // REALSPACES

MARCH/APRIL 2017

before

architecture & design

MASTER SUITE (BEFORE & AFTER) This transformation of the master suite involved a lightened ceiling color, softer window treatments, bold accents of wall coverings, and wellselected modern furnishings; the original carpet and fireplace were able to remain and complement the newly added elements.

after

REALSPACESMAG.COM

REALSPACES // 15

architecture & design

16 // REALSPACES

MARCH/APRIL 2017

architecture & design

before

LIVING ROOM (BEFORE & AFTER) This second example of a Formal Mediterranean Traditional Estate home exemplifies the dramatic impact of lighter wall colors, colorful art, and light-colored tile flooring. The majority of the structural elements were unchanged except for an added multi-slide door on the right, where arched French doors existing previously.

after REALSPACESMAG.COM

REALSPACES // 17

architecture & design

after KITCHEN (BEFORE & AFTER) A lighter color palette for walls and millwork dramatically transforms this heart of the home, and creates enough open space for a breakfast seating area with a coffee bar.

before 18 // REALSPACES

MARCH/APRIL 2017

Building Luxury Custom Homes Since 1993

www.fortehomes.com

4120 W. Kitty Hawk Way, Suite 1 Chandler, AZ 85226 | 480.777.5823 Forte Homes can guide you through the entire custom home process including lot selection, architectural design and engineering, interior design, pool and landscape design and construction nancing. Forte Homes has several designers and architects that we work with to match your needs and desires with the strengths and abilities of the individual designers. Each of our custom homes is uniquely designed for your lot.

ROC#110581

interior spaces

BUFFALO COLLECTION:

The Hides Have It

Michael and Laura Levenberg, owners of Buffalo Collection, feature buffalo-leather products as well as the works of 40 artists and artisans in their showroom.

By Kimberly Hundley

Buffalo Collection 7044 E. Fifth Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85251 480-946-3903

20 // REALSPACES

E

ven on lazy weekday mornings in Old Town Scottsdale, a steady stream of passersby trickle into the furniture showroom/gallery called Buffalo Collection.

Once through the door, they don’t leave.

Well, not anytime soon.

They’ve stumbled upon the golden ticket to a sensory Disneyland of contemporary Western culture.

You can see the realization light up visitors’ faces within seconds of crossing the showroom threshold. And so they tarry among the textures, colors and artistry of a curated collection unlike any other in Scottsdale.

That is more than fine with owners Michael and Laura Levenberg. Their business is a labor of love, and the couple relish showing off the pieces and telling origin tales.

Buffalo-leather furniture is the spine line— the hump, if you will—of Buffalo Collection.

Leather of the bison, or American buffalo, differs from cowhide in thickness and flexibility, and its grain shows off the animal’s widely spaced fibers.

MARCH/APRIL 2017

interior spaces Because of buffalo’s beauty, suppleness and durability—lab tests show the leather is twice as thick and has more collagen than cowhide—it is an ideal material for upholstery, a fact the Levenbergs came to know almost by accident or perhaps fate.

“The whole concept was born on a ranch in Colorado,” Michael says of Buffalo Collection’s furniture line. The business sprang organically from an overgrazed cattle ranch where bison had been introduced to rejuvenate the land, he explains. The restoration project was so successful, the ranch couldn’t sustain the entire herd and began producing meat.

Rather than let the hides go to waste, the Levenbergs collaborated with a fourth-generation furniture builder to outfit the ranch with heirloom-quality pieces.

Visitors to the ranch started asking if they could buy the striking buffalo-hide sofas and club chairs, and the Levenbergs admitted they simply didn’t have that many bison.

“So we called other ranchers and started accumulating data,” Michael says. “Sadly, we found out that 90 percent of the hides of the bison-meat business were ending up in landfills. We called the ranchers back and said if you can find a way to process the hides better, get them on salt and get them to us, we’ll pay you for your hides.”

A delighted list of waiting customers soon began placing orders with personalized color and design requests, and the Levenbergs evolved again, this time into experts in coordinating with tanners, builders and related service providers.

“Everything about this has just been an evolution,” Michael says.

Today, Buffalo Collection offers four basic neutral tones of leather—sand, saddle, mocha and black—as well as about 30 tanning colors and finishes. Hides are individual to the animal, scars and all, and unique as fingerprints. Depending on the type of treatment selected, natural grain can be minimized or enhanced to crisscross hides like fine spider webs or textured alligator skin.

Buyers can also choose from a breadth of details such as hump hair, buffalo-fur trim, fringe and cowboy-inspired touches. The types of orders are limited only by imagination, from ottomans and headboards to wall treatments and stair runners.

Customization, the Levenbergs say, has been key in building their loyal and enthusiastic client base.

“Most people don’t come in and say, ‘I’ll take that.’ They’ll say they love a certain sofa, but they want a straight back instead of the camel back, or they want a darker stain or a gloss,” Michael says.

“This furniture is built to last a lifetime, so you might as well have it built the way you like it!”

Southwestern artists and artisans, many of whom incorporate buffalo images into their pieces. Worldrenowned gourd artist Robert Rivera, for example, mounts buffalo horns atop some of his intricately painted masks. On the back wall of the showroom, a herd of buffalo charge down the canvas of a classic oil, and in a nearby chair, prehistoric buffalo bound across fur-edged pillows.

Every corner and niche of Buffalo Collection harbors surprises. Browsers who are enchanted by a whole buffalo “robe” rug may suddenly notice a pillar light of glowing onyx, or a gnarl of gleaming cedar. Customers who’ve flown into the Valley just to shop leather may have eyes only for the sofas until they look up and spot antler chandeliers fashioned from amber glass. And quite suddenly, it can seem as though Kachina rattles are everywhere, peering from the walls through their dark slitted eyes.

“We handpick every single piece from every single artist, and it makes for a very curated collection that is always changing,” Michael says.

“We know each and every one of these artists and craftspeople personally, so it’s also a very interesting experience for the people visiting.”

The Levenbergs say it feels good supporting talented people whom they know. They like knowing where their checks are going, and they like knowing the work they buy is organically sourced and locally crafted.

“That’s how we look at the world,” Michael says.

“And I think, across the board, people are getting to be more conscious, more thoughtful with their spending. They’re getting tired of mass-produced things. They are interested in something unique and handmade in America.”

Buffalo Collection ships worldwide. The showroom is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily except for Thursdays (closing is 9 p.m.) and Sundays (closing is 5 p.m.) Summer hours begin in June; call for details.

An Artisanal Feast

Buffalo Collection’s showroom features the work of about 40 classic and contemporary Western and REALSPACESMAG.COM

REALSPACES // 21

audio spaces

Great Outdoor Sound for Your Back Yard

By MIchael Kowitz, Jerry's Audio Video

R

ecently, we met with a client who asked, “What’s the best way to add music to my backyard?”

First, we asked three pertinent questions: What is your current backyard layout? What would be the allowable placement or positioning of the speaker system? What is your ultimate goal for the quality and performance of the system? Once we had those answers, we were able to come up with three solutions—Good, Better and Best—for their particular space.

BEST: BETTER: GOOD:

The first solution, and the most affordable, is the “All-Weather” outdoor speaker facing into the backyard space.

These speakers start as low as $200 per pair and can go up from there.

This is a simple, nononsense approach to adding sound on a small patio or under the eaves of a home.

Michael Kowitz Jerry's Audio Video 602-263-9410 www.jerrysav.com

22 // REALSPACES

A better solution is an outdoor “rock” style speaker. These speakers are typically placed in the back of the yard (along an exterior fence) facing toward the house. This solution aims the sound toward the house. This is a better placement because it not only allows for more direction of the sound, it is also less obtrusive to the neighbors in most cases.

The optimal solution is a dedicated outdoor speaker system. These systems range from 2.1 systems (two speakers and a dedicated subwoofer) to multiple speakers and multiple subwoofers, depending on the size and layout of the backyard. Ultimate backyard music systems utilize multiple speakers for the best coverage and incorporate subwoofers that can be either in-ground or xeriscape applications.

More speakers equal better coverage with less volume, which also means the least intrusion for the neighbors if designed properly.

Speakers are ultimately what reproduce the sound and therefore are the most important part of the system. If budget is an issue, we would recommend that you spend your money on the speakers and sacrifice on amplification. If budget is not an issue, the rule of thumb is the more watts the better, especially when you want to fill the great outdoors with sound. With proper design and implementation, great outdoor sound can be found in a simple solution for anyone’s backyard.

MARCH/APRIL 2017

Home Theater Hi-Fi Audio 4K UHDTV A/V Furniture Whole House Music Surveillance Networking Security Lighting Control Motorized Shades Custom Installation Since 1970, Jerry’s Audio/Video has been the nest specialty audio/video retailer in the state of Arizona.

Always at the forefront of cutting edge technology, we visit with every one of our clients to ease the shopping experience for them. It’s all about time, your time. We want to make your buying experience as simple as possible.

There is no better way to recommend the correct products or technology before viewing the actual space or environment where they will exist. The type of construction, oor coverings, window locations, and size of room are all critical to the proper recommendation of the correct products needed to optimize the experience created by the system. Our in-home consultation allows us to understand your exact needs, and allows us to explain the many possibilities for the best solution for your technology requirements.

Allow us to do the shopping for you, and receive a personalized experience every time. We offer the nest brands in the industry and are competitive with our pricing. Jerry’s Audio/Video is the trusted expert with 45 years of product knowledge, understanding of technology, and best installation practices.

602-263-9410 www.jerrysav.com

Call today and mention Real Spaces Magazine to schedule your free In-Home Consultation.

remodel spaces

7 Remodeling Projects for Your 2017 Scottsdale Home

By Jonathan I. Stuart, Stuart Luxury Homes

R

Stuart Luxury Realty LLC 480-797-1300 (M) www.StuartLuxury.com Jonstuart@aol.com 905 S. Lola Lane #2 Tempe, AZ 85281

24 // REALSPACES

emodeling trends in Scottsdale may constantly change, but some tried-andtrue projects always make homes more beautiful, valuable and functional.

These include upgrades to technology or energy efficiency, as well as the kind of enhancements that allow homeowners to fully enjoy the exceptional Scottsdale lifestyle.

Four of the most common 2017 remodeling projects in Scottsdale are 1) kitchen and bath remodels, 2) adding universal design features to help owners stay in their homes longer, 3) revamped backyards with resort-style features, and 4) adding attached or detached casitas, where family or friends may visit or stay.

In addition, technology and energy efficiency have improved dramatically in recent years. Three related projects common in Scottsdale today are 1) upgrading old air conditioning systems with programmable thermostats, 2) improving home insulation, and 3) utilizing home-automation technology that includes security systems.

Kitchen and bath remodels are always the most popular projects. Common features include space redesigns to make them more functional and open, and updates with the latest products. Popular kitchen and bath upgrades include new cabinets with more

appealing finishes and colors while also providing better layouts and additional storage space. Projects often include newly engineered quartz countertops and cutting-edge appliances with better energy efficiency and other improvements. Universal design features for many kitchen and bath remodels include changing cabinet heights, and replacing bathtubs with curb-less showers.

Casitas are often added to allow multiple generations of a family to live or vacation together. Families find this solution helps them care for an elderly parent at home as an alternative to the significant expense of a nursing home. Resort-style backyards allow family and friends to better enjoy their time together and include features such as added pools, spas, ramadas, misters, heaters, fire pits, outside TVs and sound systems, and BBQ grills or full outdoor kitchens.

Some popular projects help save money or are done out of necessity. For example, if your AC is more than 10 years old, it may be time to upgrade it, as summer cooling costs can account for up to 45 percent of your annual electrical bill per APS; new units are significantly more energy efficient.

Even if you don’t want to incur the expense of upgrading your AC until it breaks, two other projects are available to help you save money and run your units more efficiently. One would be adding a programmable thermostat, and the second is to have your ductwork inspected or tested to check for leaks, which can be repaired or sealed if found. Upgrading your home’s insulation can also significant cut electricity bills over time, depending on your current insulation.

Finally, modern technology has allowed many home functions to be run from your smartphone.

These include security systems, AC, lighting, garage doors and even your pool and spa. For example, doorbell or cameras can be motion activated to provide enhanced security for your property, whether you are home or traveling out of state—features especially valuable for part-time residents.

Good luck with your projects, and if you have questions or want a free report showing your home value or the cost of common remodeling projects, please email me at Jon@StuartLuxury.com.

MARCH/APRIL 2017

NEW CONSTRUCTION • REMODEL • ADDITIONS • KITCHEN & BATH

Email us today for your FREE report showing common remodeling project costs for your home!

ROC#176118B

Stuart Luxury Homes LLC Stuart Luxury Realty LLC

480.797.1300 Jon@StuartLuxury.com www.stuartluxury.com

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Make your backyard mom friendly and dad ready with a premium Lynx grill at BBQ Island.

From professional quality and innovation for the modern home to the world’s only voice-activated, app-controlled gas grill, the outdoor cooking experts at Arizona’s premier BBQ store are here to help you turn grilling into an outdoor living experience.

BBQ Island Scottsdale 15815 N Frank Lloyd Wright, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 | 877.474.5669

REALSPACESMAG.COM

REALSPACES // 25

real stone

Seal the Deal

Revolutionary protection revives exposed stone, tile, pavers

By Kimberly Hundley

Before

Y

ou see it all the time in the Valley, even at the most luxurious estates. The ravages of sun and time wreak havoc on a home’s expensive surface materials.

Those once-vibrant stone patios, concrete-paver driveways, and wet-look tiles fade into chalky shadows of their former selves, usually in the space of a couple years.

Blame Arizona sun exposure, sure. But DryTreat, a breakthrough line of products out of Australia, is changing the luster and longevity of natural stone and similar materials. Think of Dry-Treat as an SPF formula for porous surfaces, protecting everything from red brick and travertine to marble and flagstone.

Dry-Treat’s before-and-after project photos speak for themselves, as do the product’s nearly

After

unheard of 5- to 15-year guarantees for clients working with an accredited applicator, says Ryan Tonnemacher, general manager of family-owned Beyond Stone Solutions, established by Lisa and Dan Brewer and serving the Greater Phoenix Metro area for more than 40 years.

“So many people in Arizona spend tens of thousands to put in these beautiful patios and decks, and then they put on a cheaper, traditional seal that lasts one to two years,” Tonnemacher says. “DryTreat is the Bentley of seals, and we’ve seen a big increase in homeowners opting to use it because it protects their investments the best.”

Unlike other sealants, Dry-Treat’s products are engineered to penetrate deeper into surfaces, permanently bonding with the pores of treated materials. The formed molecular barrier repels oil and water, protecting against stains and liquids. Some Dry-Treat products are formulated to enhance the color of treated surfaces, others to defend against specific environmental or cleaning challenges—with premium protection always a constant.

“It’s quite a bit more expensive than the traditional seal that lasts one to two years, but this way you’re only paying to have it re-cleaned every couple of years, so you save money in the long run,” Tonnemacher says. “And Dry-Treat is really the only way to get lasting color back to your stone.”

Dry-Treat sealants and enhancers work for indoor as well as outdoor surfaces, but Beyond Stone Solutions’ focus this year is arming homeowners to battle sun damage.

“We really want to educate people on the need for the correct seal, especially outside,” Tonnemacher says. “Existing surfaces can be sealed at any time, but obviously it’s ideal to seal a new install.”

Interested in a free estimate? Beyond Stone Solutions is happy to come out to your property, and no job is too small or big. Most projects—depending on scope, on-site moisture levels and type of sealant selected—can be completed in two days.

To view numerous case studies, before-and-after photos, and customer comments, visit BeyondStoneSolutions. com. Contact: 602-993-9800; FreeEstimates@ BeyondStoneSolutions.com.

26 // REALSPACES

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28 // REALSPACES

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