Hawaii Renovation 13 February 2011 by Oahu Publications, Inc

HAWAII

FEBRUARY 13, 2011

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION he master bedroom has evolved into far more than a place where you hit the pillow and grab a few hours of sleep each night. Today, it’s almost a misnomer to call these modern, multifunctional rooms bedrooms. If you’re looking to renovate, expand or build a new master bedroom, think “master suite” instead. Don’t just create a cozy room meant for sleeping, because in recent years it really has turned into so much more. The growing trend of making the master suite one of your immediate family’s choice gathering spots stems from a flagging economy and the fact that more people are choosing to enjoy leisure time at home instead of out on the town. And believe it or not, many are choosing to spend it in the master bedroom.

Why go down to the kitchen? Install a coffee bar, complete with an espresso maker, coffee grinder and a mini refrigerator to store milk for those extra-foam lattes. Don’t expect to lounge on the bed with your cappuccino in hand. R e s e r v e space in your design for an ample sitting area where you can put a sofa, comfortable reading chairs and even a state-of-theart entertain-

BIA-Hawaii Remodelers

A joint effort in sustainable building, living BY KAREN NAKAMURA

t is not often that leaders from what most would initially think represent different interests come together for a unified cause, setting aside those things that would traditionally divide them and focusing on initiatives that unite them. Three key entities and their respective leaders — The Building Industry Association of Hawaii (BIA), the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) and the state Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism

The master suite: Finding haven at home ment system for movie nights and lazy Sundays. Add a built-in customized entertainment center to house the latest and greatest gadgets for everyone in the house. You’ll want to have room not only for the flat screen HDTV and BluRay player but also the kids’ gaming system, DVR receiver and a nook for Dad’s sound system. You might also want to include shelves for Mom’s prized collection of romantic old movies so she can watch them in the comfort of her bedroom haven. You can picture it already, can’t you? First, however, you must set the stage for this oasis, using a serene palette of color

2 | HAWAII RENOVATION | FEB. 13, 2011

SEE PAGE 11

Construction Industry Green Education Currently, there is a glass ceiling for contractors trySEE PAGE 11

FREE SOLAR OPEN HOUSES FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY

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Want to see your business featured in Renovations or have any questions on how we can help your compay grow, please contact Darwin Rogers at

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Talk story with homeowners who have already joined the RevoluSun and learn how the sun can virtually eliminate your electric bill. Meet the RevoluSun team who designed the system and, if you bring your electric bill, they’ll design a system customized for your home right on the spot.

529-4740 or email him at drogers@staradvertiser.com Renovation is a weekly supplement inserted in the Sunday edition of the 500 Ala Moana Boulevard Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Suite 7-500, Honolulu, HI 96813

Visit RevoluSun.com or call 748.8888 for complete schedule and addresses. LIC. # ABC 30244

“The master bedroom has increasingly become a restful retreat within your larger home — a place where you can spend the day, if you wish, with all the comforts of a traditional family room,” says Donna Schroeder, color marketing and design manager for Dutch Boy Paints. “The trend is to combine comfort with convenient amenities in an atmosphere that is peaceful and relaxing.” One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to look to sumptuous hotel suites for your design inspiration. Plush, comfortable and full of luxuries — big and small — hotel suites offer plenty of ideas you can mimic. You say you like coffee first thing in the morning?

(DBEDT) — have joined together to take sustainable living to a higher level. Their focus is to use their relentless passion and expertise to help Hawaii lead in sustainable building and sustainable living. They will take their collective lessons learned to the national platform to reform policies and guidelines that have hindered progress toward this cause.

HAWAIIRENOVATION

GE Monogram’s integrated fridge perfect for condo kitchens S

ervco Home & Appliance Distribution is pleased to introduce the new GE Monogram 30-inch fully integrated customizable refrigerator with convertible drawer to the Hawaii market. This new product is ideal as it offers Hawaii residents a unit designed particularly for those who have smaller kitchens. This fully integrated refrigerator has a clean look on the outside because it can be installed in inset cabinets — thus making it “disappear” behind existing cabinetry. Its small size will fit into a small condo kitchen, or two units can be placed side by side in larger spaces. The unit boasts three zones — a fresh-food compartment on top, a middle freezer/ice drawer, and a second, lower drawer that converts its function to fit your needs. With more than 80 different configurations, the GE Monogram provides the utmost flexibility in customizing your design. The refrigerator offers two door panel types: a solid door model with inner door bins and a glass door model without door bins but with deeper freshfood shelves. This refrigerator has dual refrigeration technology — dual evaporators and dual compressors. As a result, the unit provides optimal food preservation for three temperature zones:

fresh-food compartment, freezer drawer and convertible drawer. This allows the unit to better hold humidity and eliminate odor transfer as there is no sharing of air between the freezer and refrigerator compartments. Doors are reversible, and the freezer drawer aligns with the silverware drawers. The convenient freezer drawer (located above the convertible drawer for easy access) has a hidden electronic ice maker, filters ice, makes up to 4 pounds of ice, is easy to reach ice storage. The new convertible lower drawer has full extension slides, deep design, see-thru sliding left to right bin and a soft-close freezer and convertible drawers. It is the first and only convertible drawer in a built-in refrigerator freezer. You are able to set the lower drawer to fit any temperature needed. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate another version coming to Hawaii in May. The new wine reserve has tilted Beachwood shelves with a 106-wine bottle capacity. It has a two-zone upper compartment and a separate temperature control in the upper compartment. The soft-close, full extension wine racks provide smooth and easy access to wine bottles. As with the refrigerator, there is a middle freezer/ice

drawer, and a second, lower drawer that converts so that it can be used for more wine, for chilled drinks or frozen foods. The new Monogram refrigerator is also the “greenest” unit sold in Hawaii. GE is proud to introduce the first HFC-free refrigerator in the U.S. By replacing the standard hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant with a hydrocarbon (HC) alternative called R600A, it has a less harmful impact on the environment while reducing global warming. Best of all, the solid door refrigerators are Energy Star qualified and exceed 2010 DOE energy standards by 20 percent. Servco Home and Appliance Showroom is the display facility for Servco Home and Appliance Distribution, a wholesale distributor of premier lines of kitchen appliances and bath accessories. The showroom presents quality brands like GE Monogram, Bosch, Thermador, Gaggenau

and undercounter refrigeration and wine captains from U-Line. Other brands include GE Profile, GE Café and GE appliances, Best and Broan hoods, plumbing products for both kitchen and bath from KWC, Hansa and Rohl, kitchen systems from Franke, undercabinet lighting from Hera, outdoor grills from Alfresco and split air-conditioning systems from Sanyo.

Stop in at the Servco Home and Appliance Showroom, located at 2841 Pukuloa St. in Mapunapuna, to see this and many more innovative products on display. Or, visit the company online at www.servcoappliance.com. The showroom is open to the public for viewing Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. FEB. 13, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3

HAWAIIRENOVATION after

before

Seminars offer building tips pdating your home or building a new one is about to get a whole lot easier. Oahu homeowners and landlords can get answers to all of their renovation questions at either of two “Building to Your Lifestyle” seminars being presented by HK Construction. “These informative seminars are free, fun and open to the public,” says com-

Products w e N 1 1 0 2 AvaoriltaLobcaletion

pany vice president Alan Twu. “If you’re thinking of building or remodeling for the first time, this seminar will help you understand the process a homeowner will go through from start to finish.” The “Building to Your Lifestyle” seminars will take place at Pearl Country Club on Thursday, Feb. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. and at Ward Warehouse on Fri-

day, Feb. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. A representative from American Savings Bank will be on hand to give options and answer any financing questions. “Most of all, we get people one step closer to having the home they’ve always dreamed of for their family,” says Twu. At the end of the seminar, participants will be invited to meet one-on-one

with HK Construction design consultants for advice. “HK Construction is a kamaaina company that has built hundreds of quality homes and home improvements throughout Oahu,” says Twu. “We have more than 35 years of experience in the construction industry. Our staff offers a full range of services with the knowledge and designing capabilities to

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build to your unique lifestyle.” “As a local company, we want to give our clients a “One-stop Shop” that you don’t often see anymore because many companies become very specialized,” Micah Keoho says. “We are able to offer a wide array of services, and are able to control costs and offer better quality because we keep it in-house.”

“Although some contractors dread the thought of warranties, I can tell you with full confidence that HK Construction is not afraid of warranties. We back our work 100 percent and are not happy until our customers are happy,” says Twu, who represents the fourth generation of builders in his family. HK Construction tackles projects ranging from new home construction and major additions to complete interior renovations. Team members guide and inspire homeowners throughout the design and building process. “They were very professional and efficient in providing their services, and were very knowledgeable as well as friendly, which made me very comfortable with them,” says Cynthia Lai, a recent customer. “I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs work done to their homes.” To reserve a spot at this week’s free “Build to Your Lifestyle” seminars, call HK Construction at 3483111. Or, to learn more about the company, log on to www.hkchawaii.com.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION he average Hawaii homeowner spends $280 a month on electricity. Over the course of 25 years and adjusted to include historical electricity rate increases, that is a staggering $135,000! Why invest all that income when you can make cleaner, smarter electricity and save money today on your own roof? By purchasing a solar energy system now from local solar company RevoluSun, Hawaii residents can begin saving an average of $70 per week. That’s $10 per day that could be put back into your pocket with solar. “Most people consider buying a solar system in the fall, when thoughts turn to

taxes and the extremely generous state and federal tax incentives look more appealing,” said Eric Carlson, RevoluSun partner. “But purchasing a system today puts money in your pocket right away. Homeowners can change their tax withholding status the instant they install a system and take home more money every payday. There’s no need to wait for tax time to realize the value of solar tax incentives.” In addition, a RevoluSun solar system that virtually eliminates the monthly electric bill also insulates homeowners from unpredictable energy costs. For example, as Memorial Day approaches oil prices jump. Oil is already well over $85 per bar-

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rel, and energy forecasters are now reporting oil will approach $110 per barrel this summer, which should dramatically increase the cost of energy Hawaii residents purchase from the utility company. Another reason to go solar sooner rather than later is the recent policy allowing Hawaii homeowners to sell power to the electric company at market rate thanks to the feed-in tariff. So residents can not only offset their current electricity bill, but also make additional income by investing in a solar energy system. “Many people are aware of the financial and environmental benefits of solar, but don’t understand the best way to purchase a system,” Carlson said. “At RevoluSun, we understand and can help you navigate the various tax incentives. We also have many financing partners, including SunRun, who can help Hawaii homeowners purchase a solar system with as little as $0 down.” With the SunRun Power Service, homeowners pay a pre-determined and fixed amount for the solar electricity produced by their system for the same or less than they are currently paying for electricity. This solar power service lets homeowners go green while protecting them from un-

predictable rate increases. SunRun takes complete care of the system, including all maintenance, monitoring, repairs and insurance as part of the 20-year service plan. “Unlike other companies jumping into the solar field, RevoluSun is totally focused on providing Hawaii residents a premium solar experience, from the customized energy system, to the professional and quality installation, to helping clients understand their financing and tax credit options,” Carlson said. “We pride ourselves in guiding Hawaii homeowners step-by-step through the process so that going solar is an easy and simple choice that is not only good for the homeowner’s wallet, but also good for the environment.” To schedule your free energy evaluation, visit www.RevoluSun.com or call 748-8888.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION reate curb appeal with a flooring overlay by Granicrete Hawaii. These beautiful transformations are achieved in a matter of days with our alternative flooring systems, providing an excellent return on investment. Whether you are looking to add some curb appeal or update your interior space, Granicrete’s contemporary concrete surfaces are an excellent alternative. Workers overlay existing concrete, tile and wood, thus providing an authentic stone look or decorative concrete finish. Available in unlimited designs and colors, the company promises to work with customers to ensure they receive the look they desire. Looks of flagstone, slate, travertine, tiles and other stones can be easily achieved as certified installers carefully craft and color these flooring looks by hand. They are available in different textures and finishes from matte to high gloss. Flooring is applied at 1/16-inch to 1/8-inch thickness and is extremely

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durable, tested over decades to withstand the harshest of weather conditions and high-traffic areas. It is roughly three times stronger than concrete, a great solution for kitchens, living spaces, bathrooms, patios, pool decks, walkways, driveways, barbecues, bars, fireplaces, walls, and backsplashes. Granicrete also offers overlay systems for countertops and shower surfaces. Additionally, the company holds certification training for professionals and do-it-yourselfers interested in installing Granicrete products as a business or in their own homes or rental properties. Its next countertop and flooring class is scheduled for March 11-13. For more information, visit the company website at www.Grani creteHawaii.com or its showroom at 94-1388 Moaniani St. in Waipio Business Center.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

The master suite: Finding haven at home FROM PAGE 2

comfortable reading chairs and even a state-ofthe-art entertainment system for movie nights and lazy Sundays. Add a built-in customized entertainment center to house the latest and greatest gadgets for everyone in the house. You’ll want to have room not only for the flat screen HDTV and Blu-Ray player but also the kids’ gaming system, DVR receiver and a nook for Dad’s sound system. You might also want to include shelves for Mom’s prized collection of romantic old movies so she can watch them in the comfort of her bedroom haven. You can picture it already, can’t you? First, however, you must set the stage for this oasis, using a serene palette of color and textures to accent the space and create a true sense of retreat. The first consideration? Paint and the color it provides. Your choice of paint will create the canvas that complements and highlights all of the room’s other design features. “This year’s color trends are inspired by everyday life, making them versatile in any setting, including a master suite,” Schroeder says. “One collection that works especially well is one that reflects a practical way of life — a true functionality.” In this palette, texture is key and colors are soft and faded. Windswept and washed effects, as well as monochromatic layering, set off this modern collection. Inspired colors from Dutch Boy’s innovative Color Simplicity System include Boardwalk Blue, Composed Bloom, Spruce Hollow

and Range Brown. Another palette working its way into the contemporary master suite is one that revolves around technology, which also reflects the modern amenities that are incorporated into these living spaces. In Dutch Boy’s “Abyss” trend for 2011, soft neutrals and grays complement the true serenity of a master suite and the reflective alone time you appreciate when you’re away from today’s sometimes overwhelming abundance of technology and instant communication. Consider such hues as Dutch Boy’s Gargoyle Shadow, Fresh Linen, Pursuit of Happiness and Piccolo. Nothing ties a room together better than luxurious design elements like custom-made fabric headboards and coordinating bedding in silks, Egyptian cottons and other natural fibers. Think mix-andmatch when it comes to furniture as eclecticism rules in 2011. The pervasive influence of steampunk — a quirky mix of old and new — makes it perfectly fine to blend a contemporary platform bed with an ornate, Victorian dresser. The style is flea market meets highend, and it looks great. “Life moves at a rapidfire pace these days, and a master suite is one place where you can get away from the hustling pace and just take a deep breath,” Schroeder says. “When creating your sanctuary within your home, take time to consider all the design options so you can have a space where you can escape from responsibilities, deadlines and outside noise and simply just relax.”

From left, Robert Armstrong, Armstrong Builders LLC; City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard Tamayo, City Councilman Stanley Chang, Lori Ann and Daniel Ambrosewicz, owners; state Sen. Mike Gabbard, Michael Brant, Gentry Homes Ltd.; state Sen. Pohai Ryan and Kahu Kelekona Bishaw. Courtesy photo

A joint effort in sustainable building, living FROM PAGE 2

ing to get into sustainable, green building. This is especially true for smaller contractors, which is the primary target for the BIA. There is a perception that sustainable, green building is inefficient, cost prohibitive and too difficult. The New Hawaiian Home will serve as a learning tool for BIA contractors and prospective contractors to better understand green building concepts. An education curriculum will be developed over the course of the construction project

and will be used in future educational opportunities the BIA engages in. In partnership with other building trade organizations, construction trade unions and major supply dealerships, the BIA will share best practices to lead the industry in sustainable, green building. End User Education Most people don’t realize the easiest and most effective way to wean Hawaii off of its dependency on fossil fuel starts with the end user — the everyday

citizen. If Hawaii reduces its energy use by 12 percent, the almost $1 billion savings could be reinvested into our economy — just from simple lifestyle changes we could make as average citizens. HECO has taken a leadership role to educate communities atlarge that our journey off of fossil fuel starts in the mirror. The New Hawaiian Home is more than just a sustainable, green home; it transcends to a sustainable, green and still modern lifestyle. In addition to LEED Platinum and ANSI

Silver National Green Building Standards, the New Hawaiian Home will incorporate acquaponics and composting systems, edible or usable landscaping, solar dryers (Hawaiian clothes line) and most importantly, developed in a way that assures that the years ahead result in the reduced carbon emission footprints that LEED and ANSI Standards expect. Karen Nakamura is executive vice president / CEO of Building Industry Association of Hawaii.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION speeds in a small arc so that the blades appear to be vibrating. What can oscillating tools do? By switching out the blade, oscillating tools can be used to tackle a wide variety of applications and materials, including wood, laminates, metal, grout, adhesives and drywall. Many people know that oscillating tools cut and sand. What they might not know is that they can be used for so much more, including grinding, scraping, flush cutting, plunge cutting, caulk removal, grout removal and more.

A tool

Why would I need an oscillating tool? Users find that oscillating tools often accomplish what other tools in their toolboxes can’t, and many times turn typically time-consuming projects into ones that are much more manageable. For example, oscillating tools allow users to make cuts in tight spaces. They turn the process of installing new flooring into an easy job: Using a scraping blade, power scrape tacky flooring adhesive to remove existing flooring. Then, cut rolls of carpet in manageable pieces with a cutting blade. You can also flush-

you can’t do without on your home improvement project s you begin planning your next home improvement project, make sure you have all the tools you need before you start the work. As you are gathering the “staples,” such as hammers, screwdrivers, saws and wrenches, you might need — don’t forget to look into oscillating tools.

What exactly are oscillating tools? Oscillating tools are compact, yet full-featured multi-tasking tools designed for a wide range of home projects, especially repair, restoration, installation, remodeling and renovation work. A variety of blades attach to the tip of the tool and oscillate from side to side at high

12 | HAWAII RENOVATION | FEB. 13, 2011

cut baseboards to install new tile flooring with a wood-cutting blade. Additional common applications include removing tile grout and tub adhesive, sanding down old wooden furniture, removing rust, grinding out thin set beneath a tile, cutting drywall to install an electrical outlet or cutting an old pipe flush to a wall. How much do I need to spend on an oscillating tool? Oscillating tools have a wide range of price tags, from $70 all the way up to $400. You should consider several factors in determining how much to spend on an oscillating tool: How will you be using the tool? If you are planning to use an oscillating tool frequently in a professional setting, you will need to opt for a tool that offers the highest level of performance. Typically, these tools have the highest price tags. The homeowner planning to use an oscillating tool for work around the house can find all the features he or she needs in a tool priced around $100 to $150, such as the Dremel Multi-Max, which comes in a corded or cordless variety. While less expensive tools can also be used for home improvement tasks, they offer far less versatility and range of use. What tool features are important to you? Users who want to get the most versatility out of their oscillating tool should opt for one with variable speed. Most tools on the low end of the price scale only offer a single speed. Other nice features include electronic feedback, so the tool maintains a constant speed under pressure, and an electronic brake, which stops the tool immediately when it is

turned off. Are accessories compatible between systems? Typically, oscillating tools are not compatible with all brands of oscillating accessories. There is some crossover between brands, so check packaging before you buy to confirm which accessories will work with the tool you select. The Dremel brand recently introduced a new Dremel Multi-Max Universal Adapter, which allows users of all brands of oscillating tools to utilize the brand’s patented Quick Fit oscillating accessories. For more information on oscillating tool systems, visit www.dremel.com.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION tarting any home project can be stressful, especially when undertaking those projects in the most-used rooms of the house, like the kitchen and bathroom. From overall room style to structural changes and fixtures, many pieces of the puzzle need to fit together to create the finished product. Consumers are concerned with every detail of a kitchen and bathroom project, especially the finish of their new fixtures, according to new research from faucet-maker Moen. “Whether consumers are purchasing faucets for a remodeling project, replacing an existing faucet or selecting one as part of their new home construction, we’re finding that the finish does matter,” says Jack Suvak, director of research and insights for Moen. “And it’s much more than just selecting chrome instead of brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze. Consumers are looking

for product lines that have a number of finish options available to fit any style they desire.” Chrome is still king in the kitchen and bath, representing 47 percent of all faucets purchased, the research shows. Stainless steel and brushed nickel came in second at 37 percent, and oilrubbed bronze came in third at 7 percent — a number that’s doubled in the past few years. “As American consumers continue to be more varied in their style choices, it’s becoming more

that modern or traditional is more their taste, we can provide a variety of options to meet the needs of homeowners. As a result, Moen has added new finish options to some of its most popular product lines.” In the bath “We’ve seen a lot of changes in bathroom finish preferences during the past few years,” says Suvak. “In 2007, more than 60 percent of consumers purchased chrome, whereas now, less than 50 percent do.”

Hot new kitchen and bath trends: Finishes that fit tastes, lifestyle

important for manufacturers to offer a variety of finishes on new and existing products,” says Suvak. “While we can’t make style decisions for consumers and tell them

Which finish are those consumers selecting instead? Stainless steel and brushed nickel purchases for the bath have increased, growing in popularity from 24 percent in 2007 to 36 percent in 2010. To offer additional options for consumers in the bathroom, Moen has added the popular LifeShine brushed nickel finish to its modern 90-degree collection. The collection features a minimalist design with its geometric, 90-degree-angled lines. In addition to the new LifeShine Brushed Nickel finish, 90 degree is also available in chrome. In the kitchen “Research continues to show that traditional design remains popular in the kitchen, but consumers are

also looking to incorporate traditional elements in new ways,” says Suvak. “As a result, we’re seeing a demand for finishes that fall into that ‘traditional’ category. But consumers are often having a difficult time finding these finishes on products that they love.” One such “traditional” finish that consumers are taking a different approach with is oil-rubbed bronze. Its warm hue is the perfect addition to any kitchen faucet, and while it is a smaller portion of the market, it has been gaining popularity the past few years. “Nowadays, the applications for oil-rubbed bronze include products with transitional and modern styling, and consumers are looking to add a hint of traditional flair to these types of products,” says Suvak. Arbor kitchen collection faucets

feature a single-handle design and unique styling, such as high-arc spouts and a curved, S-shaped handle. Although not traditional in its design elements, the availability of Arbor faucets in the new oilrubbed bronze finish allows the faucet collection to coordinate with virtually any home decor. “It’s no secret that consumers want choices, especially when it comes to choosing products for their homes,” Suvak says. “With the expansion of our product lines to include finish options that are popular with consumers, we’re hoping to not only provide the products they want, but also make completing their home projects much easier.” For more information on the latest products and research, visit moen.com or call (800) BUYMOEN (800-289-6636).

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HAWAIIRENOVATION Kichler Lighting LED arrangements provide stylish and environmentally friendly options for your bathroom.

Murals by manufacturers like Murals Your Way allow for versatile decorating.

Top decor trends for your home omething old, something new. Something borrowed, something blue. While typically the refrain for brides, this adage holds equally true for the top home decorating trends this year.

What’s old is new again Whether they’re genuine period pieces being repurposed or home furnishings reproduced from popular items from the ’50s, ’60s or ’70s, vintage will be hot next year, according to Kenneth Ludwig of Kenneth Ludwig Home decorating expert Kenneth Ludwig recommends repurposing old furniture, as vintage items are in for 2011.

Home Furnishings Ltd. Examples include chair frames redone in new upholstery, traditional lighting fixtures in newer brass or pewter finishes, or products imported from Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic such as chairs done in old grain sacks, or old carts from factories used for end tables or coffee tables. A spectrum of colors Color trends have carried over from 2010 to 2011 with the soothing aqua and green hues that draw their inspiration from the verdigris deposits found on weathered copper statues, predicts design expert, TV host/spokeswoman and best-selling author Kathy Peterson. For outdoor furniture and accessories, she sees sassy colors like lime green, bold orange and Caribbean blue, along with more subdued hues such as sage green, barn red and mocha brown. The mad world of furniture Taking a nod from the award-winning AMC series “Mad Men,” Linda Fougerousse of Interior Transformation Inc. also sees furniture styles returning to the ’50s and ’60s with

14 | HAWAII RENOVATION | FEB. 13, 2011

round tapered legs on angles, geometric accents and seating with curved backs. Jase Frederick of Jase Frederick Sustainable Interiors adds that classic wood pieces made from sentimental stock like fallen trees or scrap wood from ancestral or historic structures will become heirlooms to pass from one generation to the next. A trend that will stick around A small change in a room can make a huge difference — and wall coverings make a dramatic, yet cost-effective statement. With their innovative new SmartStick repositionable wall murals, Murals Your Way has made it easy for homeowners, renters and even college students to add a fresh new look to indoor and outdoor walls, floors, doors and windows. “Easily replied and removed, SmartStick murals boast a high quality, lightly textured finish and can be reused and reinstalled hundreds of times,” says Todd Imholte, president of Murals Your Way. “It’s a perfect temporary — or long-term — decorating solution for consumers.” Illuminating insights As living green becomes more ingrained in our lives, LED lighting will continue to light the way, according to Jeff Dross, senior product manager of Kichler Lighting, who will introduce several new under-cabinet systems and landscape products with an ultra-efficient technology next year. For a casual, contemporary

twist, Dross also suggests hanging chandeliers in new areas such as bathrooms, bedrooms and closets, and embracing today’s art glass applications, which are much more chic and casual than the Tiffany lamps of the past. Nothing bland about neutrals In a recent video posted on her website, Michelle Lamb — cofounder and chairwoman of Minneapolis-based Marketing Directions Inc. and editorial director of The Trend Curve — spoke about a resurgence in neutrals this year. These more complex “chameleon” neutrals will have more color, and will shift and change based on the light and whatever’s around them. Lamb claims that these neutrals will be “the likes of which we haven’t seen in 20 years or more.” You’ve gotta have heart The kitchen remains the “heart of the home,” according to Andrea Vollf of Andrea Vollf Interiors. Consumers interested in remodeling their kitchens should consider a well-designed, open, airy layout that integrates the kitchen into the rest of their homes. Dross also suggests new countertop materials in lieu of granite, such as quartz stone or binding crushed recycled glass underneath a solid, smooth surface for those seeking green alternatives. Underfoot‚ but not underrated M. Grace Sielaff of M. Grace Designs Inc. envisions rich-looking herringbone-patterned hardwood floors in an ebony oak

finish — paying attention to board thickness and giving special consideration to products that meet industry LEED requirements. For a green touch, Frederick suggests hardwood flooring from reclaimed wood or sustainably grown and harvested sources. To add warmth, Marta Cullen of Dream Interiors suggests round rugs — the bigger, the better. Things are definitely looking up According to Janet Davidsen of Details in Design Inc., homeowners are casting their eyes upward. The ceiling will be embellished and noticed more as the “fifth wall,” and may be painted or architecturally enhanced to play more of a focal point in a space. Sielaff also suggests homeowners consider a painted metallic ceiling with a large, eye-catching chandelier. Green continues to be keen According to Kathy Hoffman of Susan Fredman Design Group, products and materials such as bronze, copper, clay, cotton, linen and hemp — which are environmentally friendly, contribute to healthy indoor air quality, and can be repurposed or recycled at the end of their lifespan — will be in high demand. Vollf adds that using such natural textures as hemp, jute, organic cotton, recycled polyester, bamboo fiber, organic wool and linen, and soy silk will help keep it simple but still green. For more information on top trends, go to www.muralsyour way.com.

HAWAIIRENOVATION

DIY-challenged? 3 easy ways to transform a floor-to-ceiling room

f you’re among the millions of American homeowners who’ve decided that sprucing up the home you have is more cost-effective than moving into something newer or bigger, you may be looking for some easy ways to improve your living space. If you’re not a seasoned doit-yourselfer, you could consider calling in the pros — but that would fly in the face of your efforts at frugality. Transforming a room from floor-to-ceiling isn’t as hard as it may sound, even if you’re DIY-challenged. The job can be simple if you start from the ground and work your way up with these easy DIY tasks:

lay some new carpet or rip out that vinyl with your bare hands. But if you’re a DIY newbie, you can change the look of your floor with a lot less effort and skill. Cover up crummy carpet with colorful area rugs and strategically arranged furnishings. Mask that vinyl that is so “lastdecade” with easy-to-install, self-stick carpet tiles or vinyl tiles. Refinishing a hardwood floor may be beyond your skills, but virtually everyone can wield a paint brush and roller. Simply paint tired wood floors in a neutral color — brown, tan, khaki or even white — to create a freshlooking foundation for your room decor.

Floors with flair Look down. What’s on the floor under your feet? Are you happy with what you see? If you’re living with stained carpet, shabby vinyl or hardwood that has seen better days, it’s time to make a change. If you were a DIY diva, you could refinish those hardwoods,

Walls that ‘wow’ Painting is one of the easiest ways to freshen up a room, and painting walls really requires no special skills. Pick a new color you love — or simply freshen up the existing color. Hit the paint store and ask the staff there for some tips on how to make

the job go smoothly. Wallpaper is another great way to revive a room’s look, but it’s traditionally considered a job requiring some sophisticated DIY skills. Until now, that is. Mural-maker MuralsYourWay.com now carries a line of wallpaper murals that is virtually DIY foolproof. SmartStick repositionable wall murals are backed with a patented adhesive that allows you to easily place the wallpaper on any flat surface (walls, windows, even doors), pull it down, reposition it, even move it to a different wall. The material does not rip or wrinkle and can even stand up to a trip through the washer and dryer. MuralsYourWay.com carries thousands of murals that can all be printed on SmartStick and customized to fit your wall exactly. Wall murals and wall paper are great ways to dress up a room, and now it’s easier than ever to use this favorite technique of top designers.

Ceilings that snap When was the last time you looked up at your ceiling — for any reason other than to change a light bulb? It’s an area of room decor that often gets overlooked, but smart interior designers know ceilings have a big impact on how a room looks and feels. For your purposes, a little color experimentation can probably go a long way. Fortunately, many paint stores and home improvement warehouses now offer free brochures and paint chips that suggest subtle pairings of appealing wall colors with unexpected ceiling hues. Or, if you prefer to play it safe, simply repaint the ceiling white — it’s one of the fastest, easiest ways to make a room feel bright and new. You don’t need the DIYskills of a home improvement show pro to upgrade your home and freshen your decor. You can get the job done with a few simple tricks and a weekend of elbow grease.

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Tropical Wholesale: Successfully replacing windows, doors for the past 30 years I

s it time for you to change or update old jalousies or broken and outdated windows? Lifetime Windows and Doors from Tropical Wholesale may be the answer for you. We are experts when it comes to Hawaii window and door replacement. Tropical has replaced thousands of windows and doors over the last 30 years. If it’s for security, beauty, easy self-cleaning, energy efficiency or privacy, we have a variety of windows to choose from and our prices are reasonable. In the 1980s, Matthew Houar, Tropical’s owner, started bringing the first security windows to

16 | HAWAII RENOVATION | FEB. 13, 2011

Hawaii. Later, he brought the first vinyl windows to the islands. Consumers enjoyed the products so much that in 1984, Tropical opened Hawaii’s first vinyl window factory. Today, Tropical is still bringing the best and newest vinyl window and door products to Hawaii. As proof, Tropical is now the distributor of Simonton Windows and Doors. Simonton is the No. 1-rated vinyl window and door product in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates. Additionally, Simonton’s Vinyl Windows and Doors are a Sam’s Club-approved product. So if you are a member of Sam’s Club,

you may contact Tropical because we are an approved contractor by Sam’s Club. Tropical also has programs to address those beat up drywall areas and termite-damaged areas as well. Tropical’s motto is “No sense do the job if you don’t do it right.” Now most people would think that replacing their windows is too pricey a project. But because of Tropical’s volume purchasing, we are able to beat others pricing with a better product. So if it’s time to change those old jalousies or broken windows or doors, call Tropical at 263-1252 or 2922942.