Hawaii Renovation - 27 June 2010

HAWAII

JUNE 27, 2010

Old, New

Out with the

In with the

Murakami’s Roofing Service is still meeting residents’ housing needs after nearly 35 years in business AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

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Still Roofing After All These Years

he Murakami family has been meeting the roofing needs of Hawaii residents for nearly 35 years, thanks to the dedicated service of its owners.

Owner Clifford Murakami actually launched the roofing business back in 1976. But five years ago, he turned the reins of the company over to his oldest son, Clinton, who’s since served as owner and operator of Murakami’s Roofing Service.

Murakami’s is primarily a residential roofing contractor that specializes in single-family homes, and covers all types of roofing and waterproofing projects. The company installs various types of roofing material for residential customers. Asphalt shingles that range from the standard 30-year shingle to the more durable 50-year types are very cost effective and are mildew- and algae-resistant. The company also offers metal roofing in various configurations like standing seam panels or aluminum shakes or shingles.

For low slope roofs, roll roofing remains the standard and is offered in 12-, 15- and 20year warranties. Additionally, the company has been offering cooling solutions for rooftops over the past few years.

Murakami’s also can apply reflective elastomeric roof coatings to rooftops — a service that greatly reduces roof surface temperatures. Attic fans and ridge vents are installed as a way of eliminating heat build-up in attic space and increasing the life span of roofing material. Murakami’s also will repair termite and dry rot damage to any roof’s structure.

The company will do roof repairs that range from replacing wind-damaged shingles and minor leak repairs to partial reroofing projects.

As our economic climate gets worse, Murakami’s Roofing stresses that consumers do their homework before choosing a roofing contractor and a roof system.

First, make sure your contractor is proper-

T

2 | HAWAII RENOVATION | June 27, 2010

As our economic climate gets worse, Murakami’s Roofing stresses that consumers do their homework before choosing a roofing contractor and a roof system.

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED JUNE 27, 2010 INC. | HAWAII RENOVATION | 2

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The greenest AC systems in the world are available from the company with the bluest logo.

First, make sure your contractor is properly insured and has a good rating with the Better Business Bureau.

ly insured and has a good rating with the Better Business Bureau. Having good credentials will give consumers a better level of comfort to know that their contractor is competent.

Second, make sure you know your options, as there are different grades of materials and types of installations.

For example, when installing asphalt shingles, there are various grades (between 30- and 50-year types) and

you can choose to remove or go over the existing roofing.

Third, ask if your project will be supervised and if you’ll be informed on the progress of the project.

In closing, it’s a good idea to prepare as best as possible when making a purchase that can have a positive effect on the value of your home.

For more information on Murakami Roofing Services, call 348-8270.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Creative Solutions for

Bedroom Storage ho couldn’t use more room around the house?

If you’re like most of us then you probably wish you had greater organization and more space.

Well, help is on the way.

For more than six years, Organized Hawaii has been assisting Hawaii families in getting organized and maximizing their space.

“We saw a need to help people maximize the existing space in their homes and do it in a beautiful and creative way,” says Kamuela Potter, who, along with her husband, Brent, own Organized Hawaii. The company specializes in custom-designed closets, home offices, wall beds, garages, entertainment centers and pantries.

“After an in-home consultation, people are usually amazed to find out how much space they actually have but aren’t utilizing,” she adds.

When it comes to maximizing the space in the bedroom, this husband-and-wife team starts with the closet. “We break the hanging clothes into doublehanging (shirts), medium-hanging

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(pants) and long-hanging (dresses). Then we add shelves for folded clothes, shoes and handbags.

“Next, we incorporate drawers so the homeowner can reduce furniture in the bedroom.”

If space allows, they may also include hamper baskets, shoe organizers, jewelry trays and specialized hooks for belts and ties.

Once the closet is fully utilized, the Potters shift their focus to the rest of the room and often provide designs for platform beds with large storage drawers underneath, wall units with shelves that reach up and over the bed, and custom window seats that can provide additional storage space.

“Our primary goal is to eliminate bulky furniture and replace it with systems that are compact, functional and open up the room,” Kamuela Potter explains. “When you maximize the closet you can get rid of the dresser and other furniture making more room for living and relaxing. Our clients are always amazed at how much space they have by the time we’re done.”

One of the other benefits of utilizing the Organized Hawaii team is that everything is designed to match. With 108 different combinations of colors and door styles to choose from, the Potters will work with you to find a look that matches your home and décor.

4 | HAWAII RENOVATION | June 27, 2010

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HAWAIIRENOVATION ost of us don’t spend our days contemplating the benefits of the sun.

But we should. In fact, we should make it a point to carefully consider how photovoltaic systems work and save us money prior to having them installed on our rooftops.

An understanding of tax credits from both the state (35 percent) and federal government (30 percent) needs to be understood, since there are different conditions on how the credits are applied between residential and commercial buyers.

Most people are familiar with the purchase of a car or another consumer item, but this may be the first time they will be buying a solar electric system. Purchasing a solar photovoltaic system for your home or business is an excellent way of reducing your energy cost and providing a way to hedge the impact of future energy cost increases.

Before purchasing a PV (photovoltaic) system, you need to be clear regarding the tax credit rom the State of Hawaii. Tax information release No. 2010-2 was recently released to clarify the term “system” for the purposes of Renewable Energy Technologies Income Tax Credit. The state investment tax credit of 35 percent limits the residential amount of a credit to $5,000.

Commercial credit limits, however, are much higher. Some companies promote what may be termed as a loophole in the code by inferring that systems installed with multiple inverters would allow the $5,000 limit to be exceeded. PV systems that have micro inverters, which are attached to each solar panel, were argued to be separate systems since each panel had its own micro inverter and was a system unto itself, qualifying the homeowner for more than the limit. Inverters are equip-

Photo M

Voltaics

What you should know before you purchase a solar electric system

ment that converts the direct current produced by the solar panels into alternating current, which can be used in home or business.

The clarification states that the inverters alone do not dictate the number of systems that qualify for the credit. It further states that the number of connections to the project sites’ electrical system is the proper test and the Department of Taxation will “look into the number of independent connections into the final utility metering device or circuit breaker.” It also states that electrical connections need to be legitimate and that the department reserves the right to inspect any installation to scrutinize if it is a legitimate installation.

As a general rule, roofs are used as the platform for the photovoltaic system. Important considerations by homeowners or building owners should be examined first, prior to an installation. The first consideration is that the panels will probably be attached to a racking system that is secured through the roof to a structural element below the roof deck. If the attachment is done improperly, two problems can occur.

The first issue resolves around the fact that the roof’s primary purpose is to make the occupied space below watertight and dry. Racking systems require numerous penetrations to hold the system in place and each penetration should be properly constructed or flashed in a manner that follows good roofing practice. Bolting a post into the roof with a little bit of caulking is not good roofing practice and the question of “will it leak?” is really a question of “when it will leak.”

The second consideration is a code reSEE PAGE 8

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JUNE 27, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 5

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Ready to W

Renovate?

The key ingredients are style, color, pizzazz

hether you’re remodeling a kitchen or bathroom or adding a bedroom, one of the most important decorating steps is choosing windows to match the architectural style of your home.

For example, you wouldn’t use a zebra print shower curtain to complement a nautically themed bathroom. Likewise, a contemporary casement window may not harmonize with the decor in your vintage-themed kitchen. The wrong window option can detract from your home’s style.

“Window styles can dramatically change the way you interact and feel in a room,” says Elaine Sagers, Pella Corporation’s vice president for marketing and customer support. “For instance, installing a wall of fixed windows that showcases a beautiful garden or scenic landscape can instill feelings of tranquility and peace. The right window style can enhance the mood in a room and the overall appearance of your home.”

Pella Windows and Doors make it easy to determine what window style suits your remodeling or replacement project. The company’s website offers stepby-step instructions on how to choose a window based on your style, energy performance needs and budget.

Style matters First, consider the style of your home. For 2010, traditional is the most popular kitchen and bath design style, followed closely by contemporary, according to a National Kitchen

and Bath Association (NKBA) survey.

Windows don’t have to be boring. “Think outside the box and choose something that shows off your style and personality,” Sagers says. “Pay attention to functionality as well. Plus, when you choose qualifying energy-efficient replacement windows and doors, you can earn a 2010 energy tax credit and help save on your utilities in the longterm.”

Window types Casement windows. Often called crank-out windows, these open and close outward with the turn of a handle. The single sash creates a clear view to the outdoors, popular in contemporary homes and hard-to-reach places, like over a bathtub or kitchen sink.

Awning windows. Hinged at the top, these windows open out like an awning, ideal for rainy climates to enjoy fresh air during a gentle rain. They’re often used above or below other windows and doors, in bedrooms and in hard-to-reach places.

Double-hung windows. These windows offer flexibility to raise or lower each sash for ventilation, traditional style.

Single-hung windows. A traditional style opened by raising the bottom sash, used in easyto-reach places like bedrooms.

Sliding windows. A contemporary-style sliding sash moves horizontally to help reduce reaching when opening or closing this window.

Bay and bow windows. When SEE PAGE 10

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Movable

Walls

Can't see your LCD TV from an angle? No problem. Movable wall mounts are the answer ore than one new, flatpanel-TV owner has joyfully mounted his new prized possession — either on the wall or a console — only to discover that the image doesn’t look right when he sits in his favorite chair. He’s a victim of viewing angle challenges, a problem that can confine TV viewing to a tiny zone, directly in front of the LCD TV. While costlier plasma TVs rarely pose viewing angle problems, if you’ve ever tried to view a less costly LCD TV from a 70 or 80 degree angle, you’ve probably seen picture degradation. LCD TVs are often more cost-effective, allowing you to purchase a larger screen for less money, and can offer an exceptional picture when viewed from straight on, but the nature of the technology means the picture will be of a lower

M

quality if viewed from an angle.

One solution, of course, is to arrange your seating so that you are only ever viewing the image from directly in front of the TV. However, this may not always be practical in smaller rooms or areas like a bedroom, where you may not have available wall space directly in front of the bed.

Movable wall mounts are a better solution, flat screen experts report. Fortunately, there are many options for wall mounting a TV that will allow you to adjust the viewing angle. A movable mount can help you optimize picture quality, so you’re getting the most out of your expensive investment. Plus, modern movable mounts are made with aesthetics in mind, so you can be sure to find a mount that fits your needs and SEE PAGE 10

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Photo Voltaics

FROM PAGE 5

quirement for wind and the mph the panels must withstand without blowing off the roof. It is required by code that the system panels must be secured on the roof so as to meet 105 mph wind speeds. The higher the wind speed requirements, the more requirements for penetrating the roof deck into a structural element (rafters). The more penetrations required, the more opportunity for roof leaks. If the solar collection panels are not secured properly, it is likely that panels will blow off the roof, damaging both the panels and any objects struck.

During recent winds, solar panels were observed to have been blown off roofs because of improper installation. The question to be asked is, “what will happen when we have a storm with really high winds?” It is important that the PV system installation be performed in a manner that is both watertight and secure during high winds.

The roofs age or condition is another factor when considering the installation of a PV system.

The older the roof, the more likely that foot traffic will cause damage during installation. As roofs age,

they lose flexibility and become brittle. Extensive foot traffic will shorten the life span of the roof as it can damage the roofing materials by causing micro tears in roofing components too weak to withstand the stress of equipment or workers on rooftops.

Some roofs such as tile and wood shake damage much easier than others. Most workers are not educated on how their activity will damage the roof and do not take the proper precautions to protect your property.

If the roof is of the older variety, it may be appropriate to have it replaced prior to the installation of a PV system. A licensed roofing contractor should be contacted to examine the roof to determine the life expectancy remaining in the roof. If the roof needs to be replaced in a few years, considerations regarding the removal and reinstallation of the solar panels with racking systems is a cost factor you might want to avoid.

The following suggestions are made to ensure you have a successful project: 1. Have your roof examined by a professional roof contractor to determine current conditions and if roof needs replacement.

2. Request flashing diagrams

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so you can determine if proper detailing of roof penetrations are going to be installed. Show the drawings to a the roofing contractor to see if he feels it meets industry accepted practices.

3. Research the racking system to be used on the internet and check to see how many penetrations through the roof are needed to meet the wind speed code requirements for Hawaii.

4. Ask the contractor how the roof is going to be protected during the installation and how will the workers be secured with harnesses to prevent falls. Does the contractor have a safety plan?

5. Check to see that the tax credits are being properly applied to your system and not overstated.

Pacific Islands Construction is actively involved in the installation of PV and roofing systems in Hawaii. As a general contractor, we also have specialty licenses in roofing, waterproofing and electrical work. We have trained crews who understand both the roofing requirements for the panel installation and the electrical needs in providing power to your home or business.

For more information, call 8417756.

FROM PAGE 4 Whether you like the classic look of white with bead board doors or the modern look of mocha and shaker doors, the choice is yours.

“You could spend days driving all over the island trying to find furniture that fits and has some of the features you wan, but then all of those pieces may not match,” Potter says. “You end up with a room that isn’t coordinated and probably isn’t exactly what you wanted anyway. We design exactly to your needs and utilize every square inch of space and ensure a perfect fit. The end result is stunning and comes with a lifetime guarantee.”

In-home estimates are free.

The couple’s showroom is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.3:30 p.m., and is located at 94547 Ukee St., No. 307, in WaipioGentry.

For more information, call 6780096 or visit the website, Orga nizedHawaii.com.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Fast

Fixes Four fabulous, fashionable ways for anyone to dress up the home

hen it comes to home improvement, you don’t have to be a professional to get professional-looking results. Many simple projects can dramatically update your home and are easy enough for even the novice doit-yourselfer.

Start by choosing one of the smallest rooms in your home that you use every day — the bathroom. With these four fast fixes, you’ll achieve fabulous results that are shockingly easy.

W

Vamp up your vanity Just by its name, the bathroom vanity should exude beauty to make a style statement in your bath. However, if your current vanity features chipped paint or a dated color, it’s time for an update. Rather than buying new, you can easily make your current vanity look clean and fresh with a coat of paint.

To prep for your project, remove the doors and drawers, tape off any areas that you don’t want painted and wipe down everything with soap and water.

For the transformation, spray a primer over the cabinet surface and apply several light coats of an indoor/outdoor spray paint in your favorite color. Once everything is dry, install the doors and drawers for a brand new look.

Time: two to three hours

stylish finishes, such as Chrome, Brushed Nickel and Mediterranean Bronze.

To install your faucet, be sure you have the proper tools. Then, just follow the manufacturer’s directions to remove the old faucet and install the new. For extra help, websites, such as moen.com, offer step-by-step bathroom design videos to walk you through the simple process.

Time: one and a half hours

Don’t fear your faucet While anything that has to do with plumbing seems overwhelming, don’t fear. Updating your bathroom faucet is a fairly simple project that can dramatically update the look of your updated vanity. To start, determine whether your sink or countertop requires a centerset (one-piece) or widespread (handles and spout are separate) faucet.

Once you know the type of faucet you need, manufacturers, such as Moen, offer a wide selection of style and finish options to meet your design desires. The Banbury Collection, available at The Home Depot, offers a traditional design in both low- or higharc versions and in

Swap out showerheads Once you’ve mastered swapping out the faucet, changing your showerhead will be a breeze. In fact, the most difficult part may be choosing your new showerhead. At retailers, such as The Home Depot, you’ll find a variety of luxurious, yet inexpensive, options. Moen’s Banbury line features seven new options for any showering preference, including a five-setting wallmount showerhead, a five-setting hand held showerhead and a five-setting combination that includes both hand-held and wallmount showerheads that can be used separately or together.

Once you’ve chosen the showerhead to meet your needs, use a wrench to loosen the current piece, remove and attach the new showerhead.

Time: less than 30 minutes

All about the accessories One of the easiest ways to add a decorative touch and functionality to the bath is with accessories, such as towel bars, towel rings, robe hooks, tank levers, shelves, soap and toothbrush holders and even curved shower rods. Luckily, accessories are simple to install and there are many lines available to perfectly match or complement your new faucet style and finish.

The key to proper installation of accessories is ensuring a secure grip to the wall. This is achieved by attaching the accessory’s mounting plate with at least one mounting screw into a stud — and support the other by using a hollow-wall fastener, such as a molly bolt. Once you have the mounting plates in place, simply attach the accessory and tighten the set screws.

Time: one and a half to two hours (depending on number of accessories installed) While you may not currently feel like you’re a handyman or ma’am — these four fast fixes really are simple enough for a novice. And, by doing it yourself, not only will you save money, but also gain a sense of pride that will encourage you to accomplish other home projects.

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JUNE 27, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 9

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Ready to Renovate?

FROM PAGE 6

wall space is limited or additional accent is desired, a traditional-style bay or bow window features more windows to capture a beautiful view outside.

Fixed windows. Since they do not open, energy-efficient fixed windows let in light and provide a focal point.

Special shape windows.

Achieve architectural interest with styles ranging from circles and half-circles to trapezoids, pentagons and more.

Color adds punch Next, determine your room’s color palette. Match your window trim to the woodwork for a contemporary, finished look, or experiment with a complement-

ing woodwork or finish color for a fun, less formal style.

Many windows offer hardware options. Color-matched hardware for sash locks or cranks provides a seamless look, while metal finishes, like oil rubbed bronze or satin nickel, make a bold, artistic statement.

NKBA named brushed nickel, polished chrome, satin nickel, bronze and stainless steel as the most popular finishes for 2010.

Finish in window fashion Window fashions are functional — blocking bright sunlight and providing privacy — and they also provide pizzazz. Pella’s Designer Series windows offer custom-made built-in window

fashions (blinds, fabric shades, decorative panels and grilles) that are tucked between panes of glass so they’re protected from dust, damage and little hands.

The textured, colored interlayers of between-the-glass decorative panels create a one-of-akind design accent that allows light to shine through the window but obscures the view great for creating privacy.

No matter what your style or needs, choosing the right window for your remodeling or replacement project will be a decision that you’re happy to live with for years. To learn more about Pella’s window styles, visit www.pella.com or call (888) 847-3552.

Movable Wall Mounts FROM PAGE 7 your decor.

Options for movable wall mounts include: • Full-motion mounts. These mounts extend, tilt and swivel in all directions. Place your LCD TV on a full-motion mount and you’ll be able to view your TV from multiple positions in a room — whether it’s the sofa directly in front of the TV, or your favorite recliner in the far corner of the room. Sanus Systems manufactures a full-motion wall mount that fits 42- to 63-inch flat panels and extends nearly 26 inches from the wall on dual extension arms for added strength. A slightly different version allows the TV to extend 28

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inches from the wall and hides cables within the arm.

• Tilting mounts. Mounts like the VisionMount LT25 can fit flat screens up to 60 inches wide and allow you to position and reposition the TV after it’s mounted. Tilting mounts are a great solution if you would like to watch your flat screen while you’re laying flat on a bed. They also help reduce glare from lights and windows.

• Motorized mounts. A remote control allows you to move these fully automated mounts from anywhere in the room, making it easy to achieve the perfect viewing angle for a variety of seating areas. You can preset the mount to move the TV to a selected position when you turn on the TV,

or you can use the remote to position the TV as desired. Sanus makes a motorized full-motion wall mount that extends 12 inches from the wall and fits TVs 40 to 63 inches in size. A decorative cover conceals cables and hardware. An ultra quiet version extends 9 inches from the wall and provides, quiet, smooth movement. Motorized tilting mounts are also available.

Movable wall mounts mean there’s more reason than ever to wall mount your flat panel, especially if you have an LCD TV. These mounts allow you to adjust the viewing angle to ensure maximum visibility and enjoyment of your flat-panel TV. Courtesy of ARAcontent

“Quality and Integrity from the Ground Up.” “As a longtime realtor, business owner, and former president of the Honolulu Board of Realtors, I know what to look for in a contractor. We had the 40-day rain while Chris was renovating my home, but he protected it and showed an amazing ability to solve problems as they arise. I would recommend him to anyone who wants the job done in a timely manner and who wants to reach the final inspection with happiness and satisfaction.”

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Conserving

H20

Effortless ways to preserve a relatively scarce resource in the home

he summer months are right around the corner, and water conservation will undoubtedly be brought to the forefront for those who are impacted by water usage restrictions in their cities.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), at least 36 states anticipate local, regional or statewide water shortages by 2013, even under non-drought conditions.

“The reality is that water conservation is a responsibility that we all share, regardless of location,” says Carol Anne Kemper, product manager, Delta Faucet Company. “By making small changes around the house and to our daily routines, we can make a significant impact on our water supplies without feeling as though we’re sacrificing our comforts or experience.”

She suggests starting with the home bathroom, where the water-saving potential is great.

“The EPA estimates that Americans use roughly 3.3 billion gallons of water each day just for showering,” says Kemper. “We can bring that number down by

T

taking a slightly shorter shower or using a water-saving showerhead.”

It seems to be abundant, but water is a relatively scarce resource. Less than 1 percent of the world’s fresh water is readily accessible for direct human use.

Here are a few tips that you can follow to reduce your water consumption in the bath: • Install a water-efficient showerhead. By installing a water-efficient showerhead, the average four-person household can potentially save an estimated 11,000 gallons of water per year.

• Fix a leaky faucet. According to the EPA, a leaky faucet dripping at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year.

• Learn to reuse and recycle.

Don’t pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it, such as watering plants or cleaning.

• Turn off the water. According to the EPA, a bathroom faucet usually runs at 2 gallons of water per minute. By turning off the water while brushing your

teeth or shaving, you can save more than 200 gallons of water per month.

• Take showers instead of baths. The average bathtub can hold up to 70 gallons of water when full. By opting to take an 8-minute shower instead of a bath, each person can save approximately 50 gallons of water per day.

• Switch to a high-efficiency toilet. A highefficiency toilet uses less than 1.3 gallons per flush, leading to an average of 20 percent less water per flush when compared to the industry standard of 1.6 gallons.

For those who want to conserve water in the bath but are concerned about sacrificing their desired shower experience, Delta Faucet offers its awardwinning, exclusive H2Okinetic technology that blankets the body while using less water.

The technology manages droplet size, velocity, spray coverage and thermal dynamics, which results in larger water droplets that retain heat longer. The combination of the massaging effect and a denser spray pattern creates a drenching coverage that delivers a satisfying shower at a 1.5 gpm flow

rate at 60 pounds per square inch (psi), resulting in water savings of approximately 36 percent.

In conjunction with manufac-

turers, leading organizations are also taking on water conservation as a serious issue. In March 2010, the EPA established its WaterSense specifications for

showerheads to promote water efficiency in the shower, and product performance and quality.

To earn the WaterSense designation, a showerhead or handshower must flow at a rate of no more than 2.0 gpm, tested at a flowing pressure of 80 psi, and is tested against the following attributes to ensure performance and user satisfaction: • A consistent flow rate across a range of pressures • Spray force • Spray coverage Delta Faucet Company was the first to earn the WaterSense designation for showerheads, and currently more than 50 percent of its bath suites feature showerheads and handshowers that meet the latest WaterSense specification.

Those showerheads and handshowers that meet these WaterSense requirements use about 20 to 40 percent less water than the industry standard.

In addition, the company will continue to gain showerhead and handshower certifications, with the expectation that by summer 2010, 80 percent of its bath suites will feature an option to meet WaterSense requirements.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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HAWAIIRENOVATION fter the “I dos” are exchanged and the reception is over, couples find out that the realities of cohabitation do not always make for smooth sailing, especially when it comes to blending different tastes and styles. While newlyweds find

A

Just married?

How to reconcile your decorating differences

themselves saying “I do” at the altar, that phrase frequently turns into “I don’t” when the couple begins combining two unique decorating styles into a single household.

“It’s never easy to incorporate two divergent ideas of design and comfort into one home,” says Christopher Prebel, senior product manager at Pratt & Lambert Paints. “The man likes modern. His new wife likes flea-market chic. If you pick only one style, it’s not going to feel like a ‘married’ home. The question, then, is, ‘How can you blend both and be satisfied?’”

This might take some time, but no one says you have to decorate an entire house

overnight. So what should you do?

First, de-clutter. Both of you have baggage that you could stand to dump, donate or list on eBay. Sit down together and negotiate what stays and what goes, and then stick to your plan.

Next, spend time looking at decorating publications and websites and watching decorating shows on TV to decide what sort of style you both like. Talk about what you see, what you love and what you don’t. The husband might hate feminine, floral prints.

And, the wife might cringe at preppy plaid. But maybe they both prefer slip-covered sofas and daring wall colors. And once you find that common ground, you can start formulating your decorating strategy.

Paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to start personalizing any living space, and it all comes down to color.

Color possibilities are endless, so chances are you’ll be able to find something you both like.

Visit your local paint dealer and collect color chips or actual inexpensive paint samples that you can put on the wall to compare options. Most paint companies have helped simplify the color selection process. Pratt & Lambert Paints, for example, has a color display that features pop-

out color chips that let you evaluate color by overlaying chips against existing furniture and design elements. Additionally, various color cards provide you with suggested color combinations to give you further inspiration.

If you’re the kind of couple who likes to remain en vogue with your decor choices, consider researching the latest color trends. A variety of design industry groups develop color forecasts each year, and paint manufacturers prepare palettes to echo these predictions. Hot directions for 2010 include: • Nurture. Colors inspired by sustainability, balance and making an impact on the greater world. Try gray on your walls and accent with shades of palm green, nutmeg, browns and yellows.

• Symbol. Colors in this palette seek inspiration from architectural and historical symbolism — rich, complex and even moody hues, such as tobacco, bay leaf green, maroon and warm reds.

• Sense. Hues in this palette not only please the eye but also stimulate the other senses by echoing tactile wonders with colors like that of an artichoke.

• Sojourn. Inspired by the sights of global travel, the colors in this palette combine an eclectic mix of cultural references,

blending camels and honeyed lights with rich, artistic reds, slate blues and plums.

Color is the biggest hurdle in any decorating decision — and once you cross that challenge off your list as something you’ve accomplished together, the rest should fall easily into place. Some other helpful tips to keep in mind while you’re creating the perfect first home include the following: • Mix it up, don’t match it perfectly. It’s fine to be eclectic. A home that is perfectly “matchymatchy” lacks character. Your home is about you, and it should carry a bit of both of your personalities versus looking like you copied a picture in a magazine.

• Cleverly blend items from the past with new things in every room. You both had a life before you got married — let your history reflect into your present. Yes, it might involve compromise, but that’s what relationships are about, isn’t it?

• Buy big items, such as furniture, window treatments, flooring upgrades and appliances, together. Shopping as a team gives added cohesiveness to the overall look and allows you both to have a say in major purchases.

Marriage is “for better or for worse.” A little creativity and compromise will ensure that at least your decor is for “the better.”

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