Hawaii Renovation 20 March 2011 by Oahu Publications, Inc

HAWAII

MARCH 20, 2011

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

808-695-3976 SHOWROOM HOURS M-F 8-4, SATURDAY 9-4

www.hawaiihomeexpo.com TOLL FREE 800-895-7070

Serving Hawaii Since 1981

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Highon Contemporary Cultural Design ood design isn’t just about selecting the best elements for a space — it’s also about reflecting the tastes and values of those who inhabit it. This really rang true for me during a project with my clients Kavita, Amrita and Bhavani — three SouthAsian women with a family room inspired by a 60-yearold man’s passion for golf. The family room was the real hub of the home, but its drab decor didn’t match its occupants. The Berber carpet, red brick fireplace and golf-motif wallpaper border reflected the masculine preferences of the home’s

CANDICE TELLS ALL by candice olson previous owner. The women wanted a warm, cozy hangout that referenced their heritage. So, using the principle of contemporary cultural design, I set out to give them a modern space with a spicy Masala flavor.

For inspiration, I visited an Indian fabric shop where I marveled at lovely saris in red, maroon and gold. Traditional Indian design features rich colors, in addition to detailed embroidery, metalwork and dark wood. I wanted to in-

tegrate all of these conventions in the space, but do so in a super-fresh way. The secret to contemporary cultural design is knowing when to pull back on the reins, and that kind of self-control isn’t easy. You may as well put a plate of brownies in front of me and

tell me to eat only one! Instead of trying to replicate a style in every aspect, you must focus on a few key elements that represent the style. By using small spoonfuls of relevant patterns, colors and textures, you create a culturally inspired space that doesn’t

scream “cliche.” First things first. I did a happy dance as I tore down the golf-inspired wallpaper and put up clean grasscloth with a foil shine. I also installed new laminate flooring in a rustic oak finish. I then SEE PAGE 14

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Shielding your home from Mother Nature

e don’t usually pay attention to our doors and windows until a break-in occurs or our windows start leaking. As the rain increases, you may encounter windows that leak or are “frozen” open, allowing the rain to get inside. If you have older jalousie windows, maybe you find that even when closed, they do not protect the inside of your home. Water pools at the bottom of the window and eventually destroys your windowsill, sheet rock and window frame. Left unchecked, this water can create dry rot and mold inside your walls. While you can do spot repairs, the best solution is to replace those old, inoperable and outdated windows.

Windows Hawaii offers you a wide variety of doors and windows to meet your budget and style. The company offers a lifetime warranty

on not only the product itself, but the installation as well, for the life of your home. If one of its windows leaks in 20 years, the company will replace/repair the defective window at no charge to you.

Benefits Besides protecting your home from the elements, Windows Hawaii’s windows also will do the following: Protect your home from the summer heat by utilizing a special glass that reflects both heat as well as 95 percent of Ultraviolet light — the light that faces your carpets, drapes and woodwork. Ventilation. Let us show you how our Anlin windows and doors can be locked in an open position, allowing you both ventilation and security at the same time. Sound. Our dual-pane windows also markedly reduce noise from traffic, dogs barking and noisy neighbors. Appearance. Upgrade the appearance and value of your home. Anlin win-

dows rate in the top 10 percent in return on investment. Their value will increase along with your home. Self-cleaning glass. We use special glass that repels water spots. Clean those hard to get windows with a garden hose. Windows can also be removed from inside your home for easy cleaning. Easy installation. We complete most window replacements in 1-3 days. No special preparation is needed, just access to your window from inside the home.

Siding Weather also takes a toll on siding. We offer the best quality siding materials, Acrylic/Vinyl siding as well as Hardie Cement board siding. Never paint your home again. Protect against termites and weather deterioration. There is a lifetime installation warranty as well. Don’t put off protecting and enhancing your home. Call Windows Hawaii today at 671-0808 or 383-7233 for a free consultation and estimate. MARCH 20, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3

HAWAIIRENOVATION

The Benefits of

Photovoltaics Alternative Electric can help Hawaii’s homeowners make a wise investment

hotovoltaics is creating quite a buzz among Hawaii homeowners. Also known as PV, photovoltaics is a form of solar. “But instead of heating your water, it actually produces electricity,” explains Chad Matsumoto, who co-owns Alternative Electric with Bronson Apana. Although the up-front costs may be high, there are many benefits that make PV a wise overall investment, and Matsumoto offers these examples:

State and federal solar energy income tax credits can reimburse up to 65 percent of the cost of a solar system.

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Privacy with Curb Appeal Are you looking to replace, upgrade or add a new fence or gate to your home? Servco Raynor Overhead Doors can help. Our fence designs are aesthetically appealing, easy to install, environmentally sustainable and are more durable and

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electricity with a PV system, Hawaii can decrease oil demand and green house gas emissions.

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Lower monthly electric bill. This may be the most recognizable benefit. Alternative Electric offers free consultations and estimates on how many PV panels are needed. A company representative visits a home and looks at its roof design, electrical set up, electrical consumption and a homeowner’s budget before recommending a suitable system.

Tax credits . Although the initial cost for PV is high, many people may overlook the tax credits.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Better Cabinets for Yourselves ith so many cabinet companies to choose from, why not go with the company that offers you the widest selection of instock cabinets and the most competitive prices out there? Bekin Cabinets now offers eight different cabinet lines with a wide variety of features, ranging from the deep-rich colors of dark cherry to premium

grade American Oak and the golden, vibrant tones of Canadian Maple. “With so many options, you not only save by coming to see us but you also save money,” says Josh Chen, professional kitchen designer. The company’s European Cabinet lines are frameless, creating more space with a combination of modern designs and

stylish features, to give your bathroom or kitchen a sleek, updated look. Frameless cabinets are easier to clean and provide more space for storage because there are no gaps between the cabinets, or between the cabinets and the wall. All of our cabinets are made of wood from North America, ensuring they are made from the finest-

quality lumber. These include premium-grade cherry, oak and maple — all offered at reasonable prices. At Bekin Cabinets, Chen guides customers through the selection process and even offers consultation services. For more information, visit Bekin Cabinets at 565 Kokea St., Unit G6. Or, call 843-2284.

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MARCH 20, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 5

HAWAIIRENOVATION BIA-Hawaii Remodelers

The

New

Hawaiian

Home Offers Hard Hat Tours March 31 BY KAREN NAKAMURA

IA-Hawaii will conduct official Hard Hat Tours in the New Hawaiian Home for contractors, consultants, construction workers, Construction Training Center of the Pacific, industry education and government officials on Thursday, March 31. The New Hawaiian Home is a model demonstration prototype of designing, building and living Green. The hourly tours will explain and showcase the Green Building elements

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designed and built into the infrastructure of this home and will focus on building industry standards. Tour participants will be able to see some of the green building materials installed, as well as learning why these materials were specified to meet green building standards, prior to the walls being closed in with drywall. The hourly tours are scheduled for 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. All tours require hard hats,

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closed- toe shoes and an RSVP. Contact Jessie Tugade-Parmley at 629-7501 or e-mail jtp@biahawaii.org to reserve your place on the Thursday, March 31 tours. The New Hawaiian Home construction commenced on

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Feb. 1, and with the cooperation and voluntary support of more than 80 contractors and vendors. The home is on schedule to be completed in late May. Open House tours and seminars at the New Hawaiian Home also will be conducted in

June and July for the public, and specific details will be announced in this column as details are finalized.

Karen Nakamura is executive vice president / CEO of Building Industry Association of Hawaii.

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(Airport - across Lagoon Drive) (Downtown - behind Costco gas station) 2959 Koapaka St. • Honolulu, HI 96819 500 Alakawa St. #106 • Honolulu, HI 96817 Ph: 836-8181 • Fax: 836-8166 Ph: 853-2088 • Fax: 853-2058 www.gcgchi.com AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

HAWAIIRENOVATION for you right here in Hawaii. Light up your home with pure natural light with the Solaro Day™ light simulator, which is dubbed the “Skylight That’s Not.” With Solaro Day™ it’s possible to have natural light virtually anywhere in your home without cutting large holes through your roof. An added benefit is no harmful UV rays or heat transfer. This light fixture is ideal for the do-it-yourselfer. Only a 3/8-inch diameter hole is required for the interconnect cable making the installation fast and simple. The Solaro Day™ line offers lighting equivalent from a 75-watt bulb to eight 100-watt bulbs. As the sun rises, this light fixture mimics the sun and gets brighter. As the sun sets, the light fixture dims. The basic kit includes a 30-watt high performance weatherproof solar panel with aluminum mounting brackets, the Solaro Day™ light fixture, and complete D.I.Y. installation instructions. Current state and federal tax credits of 35 percent and 30 percent, respectively, apply and provide homeowners with an exceptional value on this solar light fixture. Call 486-8894 for more information on any of these products. See, touch and kick the Crimsafe security screen for yourself at RMA Sales’ showroom, located at 99-134 Waiua Way in Halawa Business Park.

Spring Home Enhancements from RMA Sales

e live in the tropics, where airflow is critical to home comfort. So unless you have central air conditioning, does it make sense to cut your airflow by 50 percent with sliding windows? Tradewind louver jalousie windows by RMA Sales allows 100 percent airflow. Tradewind’s aluminum or vinyl surround frames deliver style and functionality to island homes. The 4- or 6-inch blades are available in clear, opaque, gray, bronze tint, low-e glass, as well as redwood, aluminum and PVC. A 2-inch decorative vinyl exterior trim option to accentuate the window profile also is available. A perfect complement to the Tradewind window system is RMA Sales’ latest addition to its portfolio of

quality home products: the Crimsafe stainless steel security mesh and frame system. This system is compatible with sliding windows, doublehung windows, and jalousie louvers. From a distance, Crimsafe looks Do-it-yourselfers can add natural light to their just like a regular insect homes with the Solaro Day light simulator kit. screen. But Crimsafe is unlike any other insect screen you’ve ever seen. It is a patented mesh in a vice-like grip, which gives it security screen that makes your home enormous strength against attack. This virtually impenetrable to thieves. All screen can also be upgraded to a hurriCrimsafe windows use the unique screw- cane screen that protects your home clampTM system: tamper-resistant from wind and projectiles. And this screws go through a metal clamp, then amazing screen also improves a winthrough the Tensile Tuff ® Security mesh dow’s ability to block heat transfer up to and grip right into the frame, to hold the 52 percent. Best of all, it’s custom made

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MARCH 20, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 7

HAWAIIRENOVATION

The Benefits of Photovoltaics FROM PAGE 4

Investment pur poses. A PV system is one of the best investments a homeowner can make. After tax credits, the payback on a PV system is approximately six to eight years, and maybe even sooner as the cost of electricity rises. After the system pays for itself, a homeowner can enjoy 17-19 years of virtually maintenance-free electric production. A PV system also increases the value of a home. It increases equity and it’s a hot seller, according to some Realtors. Alternative Elec-

tric designs, installs and maintains solar photovoltaic systems. “We take care of all phases of PV installations, so homeowners get the best quality materials, design and workmanship,” says Matsumoto. “We are also a full-service electrical contractor offering residential and commercial electrical services as well as photovoltaics.” Hawaii’s yearround sunshine makes it one of the most efficient solar energy sites in the world. For a free estimate/consultation, call Alternative Electric at 630-6741 or 285-3663.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

6 hot tips

Solar Savvy:

from the

industry pros ook all around — gleaming new solar panels are going up on roofs all over Hawaii. And it’s little wonder. With our exorbitant electricity rates, year-round sun, and substantial tax credits, installing a PV system in Hawaii makes more sense than ever. A new system can cost as little as $5,000 after

credits, and the savings on your electric bill means that investment can pay for itself in 5 and 1/2 years. So what are the downsides? As with any industry experiencing rapid growth, scores of new providers will flood the market and consumers can be faced with a lot of choices. Homeowners who educate them-

selves before investing will enjoy reliable energy savings for generations to come. Here are six tips from the pros at Alternate Energy, Hawaii’s locally owned, familyoperated solar energy provider since 1993: SEE PAGE 10

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

6 hot tips

Solar Savvy: FROM PAGE 9

1. Be aware of sales gimmicks like cash rebates or free trips. Because of the tax credits involved, the government frowns upon these kinds of incentives. You don’t want to open yourself up to an audit. 2. Insist on a reputable solar panel manufacturer. There are literally dozens of new brands jumping on the bandwagon. You are making an investment that should last decades. Will the company be around to honor its warranty? 3. Walk before you run. With few exceptions, no one should consider solar PV without first investing in a solar hot-water heater. Hot-water heating can account for up to 40 percent

of an average family’s energy bill. If a provider tries to sell you a PV system without discussing solar water heating or other energy-saving measures, be wary. 4. Ask if the provider

employs its installers. Many providers use subcontractors to handle the all-important installation aspect of the job. If something goes wrong two years down the road, you don’t want your

provider passing the buck. 5. Consider Hawaii’s climate and weather patterns. High winds and salt-water corrosion are a part of life in our state. Alternate Energy is a Certified Mitsubishi Installer. While many solar panels only meet the minimum windload rating of 50 pounds per square

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provider has passed rigorous testing and has the necessary experience with solar, roof work, hook-ups and permitting to do a topnotch job. Alternate Energy is located at 1111 Dillingham Blvd., in Honolulu. For more information, call 842-5853 or visit www.Al ternateEnergyHawaii.com

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foot, Mitsubishi panels are rated to 112 ppsf. Mitsubishi is also the ONLY manufacturer to offer warranty within the 500-meter coastal zone. 6. Be sure to hire a fullservice, licensed solar company. Look for the state’s C-60 Solar Power Systems Contractor license. This ensures your

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Golden Cabinets, High Quality Does Not Cost You More

he highest quality hardwood cabinets — solid cherry wood, maple, and oak — are always available and affordably priced at Golden Cabinets, home of Hawaii’s largest inventory of fine solid wood kitchen and bath cabinetry. Wide selections of finely crafted designs, styles and finishes are featured at the two Golden Cabinets Inc. showrooms located at 500 Alakawa St. and 2959 Koapaka St. This month, in addition to the standard low prices, you can take advantage of a 35 percent discount on inventory at both showrooms. Homeowners, builders, and designers who place their

order by March 31 will be entitled to this special discount. And, the new 2011 stock is in! Cabinets, shelves, moldings and drawers are all available in rich cherry wood, warm maple, classic oak and white finishes. No particle board, plastic or laminates are incorporated into these solidly built natural wood products. All are fitted with handsome, heavy duty, stainless steel fixtures and precision hinges. The cabinet doors come in a variety of styles, including solid wood and wood with framed glass insets to show off your fine crystal and dinnerware. There is also a choice of glass panels — clear, frosted and etched. A vari-

ety of designs to accommodate all kitchen layouts, such as corner cabinets with fold-out doors and lazy susans, and cabinets with roll-out shelves, plus vanities and vanity accessories for the bath, can be viewed in the showrooms. “Cabinets are the first thing you see when you walk into a kitchen, so whether you are building new or remodeling, you want to be sure you are making the right choice,” said Golden Cabinets owner Wen Wen Cao. “And there’s no long wait between ordering and installation — one week after you place your order, the cabinets of your choice will be delivered or can be picked up by your contractor. “We also offer free assembly and design services ... just provide the rough dimensions of the room and we can lay out a cabinet design and configuration for you on the computer in a matter

of minutes. Then, if you approve of the basic layout and estimate, we will go to the job site and make the final measurements. “Because we specialize in cabinets, we have the expertise to help you create a more beautiful and functional kitchen ... at a price

you can afford.” For information and directions to the showrooms, which are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, call Golden Cabinets, 2959 Koapaka St., at 836-8181, or 500 Alakawa St., at 853-2088.

JAPAN NEEDS OUR HELP! Please help! Donate $25 to REDCROSS for relief efforts in Japan and receive $250 off of your next flooring package with us. Valid until April 19, 2011. (26" x 8') On selected stock. While supplies last.

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MARCH 20, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 11

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Adding tile to your Green product list

re you planning an upcoming remodel for your home? Going green and using sustainable building materials continues to be a top trend in home improvement. Remodeling green isn’t just about using products with recycled content, it’s also about using superior products that will stand the test of time and reduce energy costs. You can choose from a number of options when remodeling green, including modern energy-efficient appliances and lowVOC paints. Traditional products also can be environmentally friendly. For example, many homeowners choosing to go green are selecting ceramic tile for a

variety of reasons. Ceramic tile is inherently a sustainable product. It’s a great choice because it lasts up to four times longer than carpet and wood flooring. It never needs to be refinished like wood floors do, contributing to a low lifecycle cost. To clean, all you have to use is hot water, which means no harsh chemicals are flushed into the ecosystem. Tile also doesn’t release fumes or fibers into the air like carpet can. Many people dislike carpet because it houses microbes and other germs, and dirt can become deeply embedded, requiring a costly cleaning by a professional. Tile eliminates these issues entirely.

Getting all the great ecofriendly qualities of tile doesn’t mean a sacrifice of good design. Tile of Spain manufacturers offer stunning options in any size, format, texture, color and pattern. From modern, sleek designs to ornate, classic patterns, visit

www.spaintiles.info to find tile that will perfectly suit your design personality. Emerging technology has eliminated some of the concerns people tend to have when it comes to tile. Adding new tile used to be a daunting task. Tearing out old layers and disposing of

them is messy and timeconsuming. New slim tiles are only 3 to 6 millimeters thick and thin enough to be applied over existing tile, offering a new look to walls and floors with less hassle, and saving construction waste from the landfill. Tile no longer has to be cold. It’s an ideal product to use in raised flooring and radiant heating. In fact, technological advances now allow for the tile to work in tandem with a home’s HVAC system. High-tech tiles adopt the temperature of the room and once past a certain temperature use nano energy

storage cells to absorb thermal energy and then slowly release it back into the room. This technology alone can save the average home more than 16 percent in electricity bills. Dry setting tile is now an option for home remodelers as well. Tile can be applied without mortar or grout, which means if you move, you can take the tile with you. Or you can change it in a few years without a lot of work. If you don’t like the appearance of grout lines and worry about keeping these areas clean, there are new options in large format tile which can lessen the number of joints. Additionally, rectification of tile, a process where the edges of the tile are shaved off for perfect calibration, makes it possible to get a very tight “credit card” joint that allows a more seamless appearance. If sustainability is a key consideration when remodeling, make sure the products you select are durable, easy to clean and are good for the health of your home and the environment. Ceramic tile helps you accomplish all of the above on your green check list.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION centers each year — with the highest rates among children younger than 5. Luckily, preventing these poisonings can be simple. To start, do nothing. That’s right — keep all cleaners,

tap water. To prevent tap water burns, simply turn your hot water heater down below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, never leave potential fire hazards, such as space heaters, candles, irons,

Simple tips and Updates to ensure a home, safe home ome, safe home ... but is it? Home-related injuries result in nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits every year, according to the Home Safety Council (HSC). The top three culprits include falls, poisonings, and fires and burns. Since we know these leading injury causes, we should be able to avoid them, right? Unfortunately, that’s not the case. A recent HSC survey showed that while 92 percent of homeowners think about home safety often, only one-third were able to name a precaution they had actually taken at home. It’s time to stop thinking and start acting. A few simple home updates will protect you and your loved ones from these top home dangers.

Fight against falls Did you know that a person who lives to be 75 years

old will have spent an average of 1.5 years in the bathroom? That’s why it’s essential that this highly used room be as safe as possible. Grab bars are an easy and effective solution to avoiding falls. Products such

as Moen Home Care Grab Bars with integrated accessories combine the safety benefits of a grab bar with three common bath essen-

tials — a towel bar, a toilet paper holder and a shelf — making each bath functional and fashionable. And, to motivate you to install these products — not just think about it — each grab bar includes Moen Home Care’s patented SecureMount Anchors to quickly, easily and securely install the grab bars in just minutes. Next, add a light-sensor nightlight in the bathroom — or in the hall outside the bathroom — to provide a well-lit path for nighttime visits to the restroom. The illumination will allow you to see where you’re going and avoid any potential tripping hazards in the path. Prevent poisoning Accidental poisoning is the second leading cause of unintentional home injury deaths in the United States. In fact, more than two million poisonings are reported to poison control

curling irons or food on the stove, unattended. Try replacing lit candles with battery-powered “flameless” candles or put your curling or flat iron in a protective case (or even a pot holder) when finished for added precaution. In no time at all, your home will be better equipped to fend off the top three home safety hazards. For more information about Moen Home Care Grab Bars or other bath safety products, visit www.moen.com/home care.

chemicals and medications in their original containers with labels to ensure that they are all used properly and not mistaken for another product. Next, ensure that all poisonous items and medications are locked and out of reach of children. This can be as simple as adding child-proof locks on cabinets (which are simple for adults, but children are usually not coordinated enough to open) or purchasing and installing a medicine cabinet or storage cabinet with a built-in lock for added safety. Banish burns It’s a good thing that 93 percent of adults report working smoke alarms in their homes. However, some burns occur without any smoke. In fact, more than 112,000 emergency room visits occur each year from burns caused by hot

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Replacing

the kids’ room décor (when their tastes change)

ecorating a child’s room is a challenge filled with variables - not the least of which is just how long the room’s

inhabitant will actually like walls decorated with fuzzy bunnies or fire engines. In fact, the one thing you can count on is that what your

child loved as a toddler is most likely not what she’ll want for her room’s theme when she’s a “big kid.” While you want your child to be comfortable in his own space, you don’t want to spend a mint if you know you’re going to

have to redo the room again in a few years. It makes sense to choose decorating options that are easy to change so that a room’s decor can grow with your child. Here are some hints for decorating touches that you can easily redo or reverse:

Take it to the walls The walls are the biggest design element in any room — and, fortunately for parents, they’re one of the easiest things to

change. Painting is an easy, cost-effective way to completely change the look of a room. If your son is tired of baby blue walls, take a famSEE PAGE 15

High on Contemporary Cultural Design FROM PAGE 2

place, but custom couches divided the room into two usually equal big bucks. For areas: a fireplace/TV lounge a fraction of the price, I created my own custom conand a working/eating space. A fireplace should be a figuration with existing focal point in a space, but showroom pieces. I purthe existing one was just an chased two one-armed eyesore. I put in a new gas loveseats and pushed them unit and covered up the old together. I complemented brick wall with carved wal- the new extra-long couch nut tiles. I then clad the with a cognac-colored armhearth in polished marble chair and a brass-and-mirtile and flanked it all with ror coffee table. To complete the lounge, scrumptious dark wood cabinetry into which I I went searching for a traworked a flat-screen TV. ditional carpet with a neuI really wanted a large, tral tone and found a non-standard-size couch gorgeous muted Persian for the wall facing the fire- that looks like it has a lot of

history. Near the window, I created a working/eating area with a round wood table, chairs and an antique hutch. On the window (and patio doors), I chose stunning paisley drapes in brandy, orange and white — a juicy twist on a conventional fave. For ambience, I installed a stunning brass pendant over the table. I also chose to install a mirror above the sofa and flanked it with sconces in a stained silverleaf finish. I then added a host of accessories, including sumptuous pillows,

woven baskets and other delectable artifacts. Using traditional elements like carved wood and metalwork in a modern way, I created a culturally inspired hangout for Kavita, Amrita and Bhavani that thankfully has absolutely nothing to do with golf. Interior decorator Candice Olson is host of HGTV’s ‘’Candice Tells All.’’ For more ideas, information and show times, visit www.hgtv.com/ candice-tells-all/show/index .html.

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Deciding to go with a new décor tion it, even move it to a different wall — all without damaging the mural or the wall beneath it. Unlike wall decals or wall stickers, the mural does not rip or wrinkle and can be reused hundreds of times. Log on to www.muralsyourway.com to learn more.

FROM PAGE 14

ily trip to the local home improvement store and pick out a new color. Do try to encourage kids away from very dark colors, as those can be harder to cover up the next time you repaint. Another option is a peel and stick mural. Products like SmartStick by MuralsYourWay.com allow you to decorate a room without

risking the integrity of the walls. Perhaps your daughter is seeking a princess room or your son is hoping for a Disney wall to depict his favorite movie. You’ll find plenty of Disney characters available in easy-to-install and easy-to-remove SmartStick. A patented adhesive allows you to easily place the material on nearly any surface (walls, windows, even doors), pull it down, reposi-

The material world For bedrooms, linens can make a significant design statement. They’re also a flexible, costeffective way to change a room’s look. Replacing the toddler-themed linens on your tween’s bed with something more contemporary for her age group, may allow you to keep the walls,

carpeting and furnishings as they are. Even if you invest in high-end sheets and a comforter, the overall cost of linens will be far less than the expense of completely redoing the room. Curtains can work the same way. They’re easy to change, and by replacing toddler-themed curtains with something more age appropriate — plus a decorative curtain rod — you can impart a classy, more-grown-up atmosphere to a room for a modest investment. For a bit more of an investment, consider reupholstering the gliding rocker that’s still sitting in your daughter’s room. The neutral tones or pastel colors might have been appropriate when you were

rocking her to sleep as a baby, but she probably has more definitive color preferences now. Rather than discarding or selling the chair, why not add some bold patterned pillows and turn it into a welcoming yet sophisticated-looking spot where she can read or chat on the phone in comfort? Art and accessories Table lamps, floor lamps, wall hangings — even decorative faceplates for light switches — accessories can help remake a room’s image without breaking the bank. If your child is old enough to have voiced his desire for a new room design, he’s probably capable of telling you his preferences in terms of accessories and artwork.

Talk to your child about his vision for his room. Maybe he’d like to replace the fire engine theme with an homage to his favorite sports team. It’s easy to find a range of accessories — from wastebaskets to bed sheets — that will appeal to lovers of virtually any sport. Whatever the theme your child chooses, carry it throughout with cost-effective accessories.

From peel-and-stick wallpaper murals to freshening old furniture, it’s possible to give a child’s room a whole new look for not much money. And there are many ways to ensure that the updates will be simple to redo when your child’s tastes change again in the future.

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Education Key to

Home Construction Projects

Graham Builders offering free seminars

raham Builders is Hawaii’s most experienced design plus-build company specializing in residential construction. With its own dedicated staff of architects and architectural designers, Graham Builders has helped hundreds of families build their own Home for Life. For the past 18 years, Graham Builders also has helped thousands of Hawaii families through the firm’s free educational seminars. Unlike other seminars, Graham Builders’ goal is to educate homeowners with helpful information on how to start a home construction project and provide its expertise to those who need to modify their current home so they can live there for a lifetime. “When we realized that many homeowners were confused and oftentimes misinformed about what was entailed in a home construction project, we recognized the need for a seminar,” says Danny Graham, CEO. “Others have since followed, but we were

the first home construction company in the state to offer seminars, and ours is still the most comprehensive.” Held monthly at the Honolulu Country Club, homeowners attending Graham Builders’ “Building Your Home for Life” seminar will discover where to start, how to select a builder, what to watch out for, as well as what one needs to know about residential design, setting a budget, estimating, financing and scheduling. A leader in multi-generation homes and agingin-place design, Graham Builders also offers valuable information on what families need for a successful project. Topics include designing for flexibility, adaptability, and independent living, and pooling resources to help the bottom line. The two-hour seminar also offers information on ways to “green” your home — simple, yet effective solutions that will maximize comfort while reducing energy costs. Topics include

16 | HAWAII RENOVATION | MARCH 20, 2011

taming the energy beast, water management, edible landscaping, and reducing noise, heat and other discomforts.

“Our ultimate goal with the seminars is to inform and educate homeowners about what is involved with new builds or remodeling projects, and why they should choose professionals with a proven track record,” said Evan Fujimoto, Graham Builders president. “More than 5,000 homeowners

have attended our seminars and leave feeling empowered with knowledge to help them make informed decisions about their home projects.” Homeowners interested in learning more about the latest trends in design and renovation can attend Graham Builders’ upcoming

“Building Your Home For Life” seminar on Saturday, April 23 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Honolulu Country Club. Seminars are free, but reservations are required. For a full schedule of 2011 seminars or to register, visit www.grahambuilders.co m or call 593-2808.