Spring 2010
Design of the times Kimberly Rider, and other Marin innovators, are steering home design into a new decade Page 8
Presented by the
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ith its unique mobile showroom and a large variety of beautifully crafted home cabintetry, Closets and Kitchens Van Go is dedicated to helping its clients transform their homes into masterpieces—artistically, aordably and sustainably. CK VANGO is the creative eort of David Closets and Kitchens Van Go Feinstein, a noted Bay Area interior designer and home-remodeling specialist. David feels strongly that each product should be as environPut your world mentally friendly as it is in order beautifully beautiful. His commitment to health, beauty and functionality has become a cornerstone for the business. David has put together a team of expert designers, builders and construction craftspeople who bring over 50 years of home improvement experience to every project. They oer custommade, high-quality home cabinetry and closet systems, cabinet refacing and elegant countertop options—all delivered with the convenience of their trademark mobile showroom.
Remodel with style
Meet with an experienced and professional designer, browse the mobile showroom and obtain a free in-home design consultation. Closets and Kitchens Van Go will be happy to bring organization and style to your home with storage solutions that will put your world in order— beautifully. Their amazing design team will help you bring your dream closet, home oďŹƒce or kitchen to life! ` Closets and Kitchens Van Go, 3095 Kerner Blvd., Suite M, San Rafael. 456-VANGO. www.ckvango.com
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City Carpets
From carpets to hardwoods... A flooring design center for designers and homeowners
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ince 1993, City Carpets has been invited into thousands of homes and businesses throughout the North Bay to provide flooring options from carpets and hardwoods to area rugs and tile. As Marin and Sonoma County’s exclusive STAINMASTER® Flooring Center, City Carpets offers a line of carpet that is unmatched by other STAINMASTER® carpet providers. Well-known designers, homeowners and business owners enjoy the same level of customer satisfaction that reflects not only the quality and selection of flooring materials offered, but the friendly expertise of the entire staff. According to City Carpets owner Leigh Bakhtiari, “Although we enjoy working with many of the North Bay’s best interior designers, we
equally appreciate being able to provide services to homeowners. Our showrooms are easy to work in and provide a large selection of today’s highestquality flooring products.” City Carpets sources and provides the very latest in fashion and materials. Customers appreciate the large 27˝ x 18˝ carpet samples and a unique cushion selector to sample what the carpet and padding will feel like together. To be certain you make the right color selection, City Carpets provides a showroom lightbox that helps to coordinate color samples with the true color of the carpet. Shop City Carpets for brand names that include STAINMASTER®, Ralph Lauren, Masland, Fabrica, Moda, Tommy Bahama, Pergo, Wilsonart, Amtico and more. If quality and the best warranty the industry can offer is a value to you, then you owe it to yourself to visit a City Carpets Showroom. Let a team of highly qualified flooring experts work with you to provide flooring that will complement your lifestyle and bring years of comfort and wear. ` City Carpets (Marin), 555 E. Francisco Blvd., San Rafael. 454-4200; (Sonoma) 7611 Redwood Dr., Cotati. (707) 792-6000. www.city-carpets.com
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very woman recognizes it when she sees it— that stylish skirt, fabulous top or jazzy pair of shoes that will add some spice to her wardrobe. With a few well-chosen pieces, you can update your look without spending a bomb. You can get the same kind of mileage out of strategic purchases for your home. A new table here or a piece of artwork there keeps your rooms looking fresh and exciting. If that sounds prohibitive, you need to know about Home Consignment Center. Home Consignment is one of the fastest growing furniture and Home Consignment home décor consignment stores this side of the Mississippi. In business since 1994, they now have 15 locations Home Consignment makes in three states and will freshening your home style be opening another in simple, affordable and February. They’ve basiwholly satisfying cally added a new store every year, going on 16 years. The reason for their success is simple. Instead of the tatty and outdated pieces typically found in thrift shops, Home Consignment sells furniture and furnishings from builders’ model homes, reps’ showrooms, factory closeouts and the area’s best homes—all at a fraction of retail. Everything is priced as though it is used, even when it is brand new. By specializing in stylish, high-quality furniture and home accessories, Home Consignment popularized consignment shopping well before a sour economy made frugality chic. Their Newport store has provided background furniture for television shows such as Desperate Housewives and is often the favorite shopping venue for celebrities. A few years ago, a friend who had relocated from Texas furnished her entire El Dorado Hills home out of Home Consignment’s Folsom store. Thrilled with
Update the smart way
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her purchases to this day, she declares she’ll never shop retail again: “Why would I, when I can get the quality I want at about half the cost?” Why, indeed! Especially when Home Consignment’s fantastic pricing is available every day on a constantly changing inventory. There’s no over-pricing or fake markdowns; just great values year-round. There’s no need to wait for semi-annual sales. And there are no dry seasons— those times when what’s showing doesn’t suit your taste or your home. Home Consignment receives new treasures daily. So, if you don’t see what you’re looking for today, it’s worth looking again tomorrow. You can get first pick on new deliveries by signing up to be notified when model homes, factory samples and other special shipments arrive. And with a new service they’re launching this year, Home Consignment is making factory direct specials available on their website for less than the wholesale price. Giving you what you want at a price you’ll love is only half of what Home Consignment can do for you. They’re ready to turn your unwanted but great condition furniture into cash—without the hassle of classified ads and annoying phone calls or the risk of having strangers come into your home. Home Consignment makes selling easy and fast. The median sales date for consignments is 15 days. That’s staggering! Home Consignment makes freshening your home style simple, affordable and wholly satisfying. Finding just the right love seat, occasional chair or object is pleasing enough. Getting almost twice the value for your dollar is even better. So why let a limited budget limit your style? At Home Consignment, you can update the smart way. Discover the pleasure of great savings for yourself. ` Home Consignment Center, 801 Tamalpais, Corte Madera. 924.6691. www.thehomeconsignmentcenter.com
Live Large.
(spend little.)
Beautiful Designer Furniture at Consignment Prices.
CORTE MADERA 801 Tamalpais 415.924.6691 DANVILLE 1901-F Camino Ramon 925.866.6164 MOUNTAIN VIEW 141 E. El Camino Real 650.964.7212
SAN MATEO 1888 So. Norfolk St. 650.577.8979 SARATOGA 600 El Paseo De Saratoga 408.871.8890 ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS: Yorba Linda, Laguna Niguel, Las Vegas, Folsom, Foothill Ranch, Roseville, Newport Beach, Austin
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re you tired of the mowing, allergies and constant upkeep required to keep your real lawn looking its best all year? If you installed Heavenly Greens’ FieldTurf all of those problems would go away and no one would ever know the difference. According to Troy Scott, Vice President of Marketing for the 10-year-old company, Heavenly Greens looks and feels so realistic; the most common Heavenly Greens reaction from people is disbelief that it’s a synthetic product. “You would have a very hard time pointing out which was which, if A Bay Area synthetic turf you saw a grass lawn leader, Heavenly Greens is side by side with our a company you can trust two-tone synthetic lawn,” says Troy. FieldTurf got its start in 1987, making turf By Jenny for sports applications. Over time they moved Jedeikin into the residential market and started to create products just for homeowners. “Homeowners and NFL quarterbacks have two completely separate needs when it comes to synthetic turf, over the last five years or so these DuraSpine products have been engineered specifically for home owners,” offers Troy. The latest generation of these products are called Ecobac, 100 percent recyclable products which are just as durable as the sports fields—Yet this turf is going to last over 15 years, requires virtually no maintenance, and saves the environment from
Lawn alternatives
excessive water waste and pesticide run-off from lawn chemicals. “But not all synthetic turf is created equal,” explains Troy. “Unlike some of these new-tomarket synthetic turf products, make sure you work with a reputable company that carries a solid warranty.” With over 10 years in the business, “Heavenly Greens is a company you can trust to do it right the first time,” he says. They even offer an industry leading 15-year warranty. Not to be forgotten is the pet application, specifically engineered and guaranteed for durability to resist digging or scratching, and it won’t discolor from urine stains. “We recently completed a 30,000 square foot installation at the brand new Silicon Valley Humane Society in Milpitas, directly because of this product’s durability.” Heavenly Greens offers two color options as well. “The turf comes in a very lush-looking solid green for the lawn that always looks picture-perfect,” says Troy. “The other option for folks is a two-tone color which is a bit more convincing as real grass. It looks like a lawn that was just mowed,” he says. “We’re working with many landscape architects as well as homeowners who are all looking for a better alternative due to the constant upkeep and ongoing expenses of real lawn.” If you’re looking into artificial lawn, you owe it to yourself to visit Heavenly Greens’ showroom in San Jose. ` Heavenly Greens, (866) 724-TURF (8873). www.heavenlygreens.com.
Beautifully Sustainable Kimberly Rider INTERIORS By Keli Vice
Photos By Matthew Carden
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n the heart of Marin County, Kimberly Rider has built a thriving design business by focusing on one simple concept: that truly inspirational designs should be both beautiful and sustainable. She and her team seamlessly blend healthy living with luxurious solutions, striving always to reflect their clients’ unique personal style. When we asked Kimberly to describe her design approach, she replied, “Luxe Bohemian meets Natural Glamour.” Perhaps not the answer you’d expect from a “green” designer well known for her sustainable designs and popular books on eco-friendly living. And that dichotomy is precisely what makes Kimberly Rider unique. She will help you discover your own personal vibe, then infuse your environment with beauty and style. You don’t need to choose between luxurious, gorgeous design and sustainable, environmentally-friendly materials. You can have both. But Kimberly Rider doesn’t just design amazing personal spaces. She also designs one-of-a-kind products, publishes books on eco-friendly living, stages celebrity eco-events,
consults on healthy choices for eco-living and is a regular guest on television, radio and panels that focus on sustainable living choices around the country.
Gorgeous, Sustainable Interiors Whether a home, office, playground or commercial development, personal spaces should inspire. Kimberly and her team take a significant amount of time to get to know their clients so the designs they create really reflect the client’s personal sense of style. Sourcing sustainable materials and ecofriendly products from around the world, Kimberly infuses living spaces with a unique brand of healthy luxury. And while her personal style reflects crisp, striking lines and texturally rich colors, this approach can be executed in a wide variety of styles. Fresh traditions. Warm
modern. Vintage eclectic. Rustic escapes. These are just some of the designs created for clients.
Inspired Commercial Spaces Kimberly’s design aesthetic has expanded far beyond residential spaces. From modern multi-use buildings or cozy residential developments, to eco-friendly luxury model homes and gorgeous, soothing spa spaces, Kimberly’s ability to uncover and express the clients’ vision and execute that vision with beautiful sustainable materials—is unparalleled.
KR Products In 2009, Kimberly introduced the KR Collection-—a unique assortment of original items designed by Kimberly, eclectic vintage objects and inspired pieces chosen carefully from her favorite furniture manufacturers, artisans and talented craftspeople (as well as original pieces designed by Kimberly). Pillows, bedding, accessories and furniture-—many of them one-of-akind—add beautiful texture, color and style to
any space. Vintage collectibles, refurbished antiques and custom lighting with an organic feel that utilizes the latest LED technology are all a part of her offerings. She is currently developing a multi-functional retail space in Sausalito, that will serve as both showroom and design studio, an ideal place to showcase the KR Collection.
Eco-Living Books Though she was busy designing inspiring spaces, building a business and raising her son, Kimberly was not content to rest on her impressive design laurels. In the past few years, Kimberly has authored two books on eco-friendly living titled “The Healthy Home Workbook” and “Organic Baby: Simple Steps for Healthy Living.” Each offers readers step-by-step guidelines to infuse their homes with simple, beautiful design ideas while advising on sustainable choices to improve the purity and health of their interior environments. Both are popular titles in the Chronicle Books catalog, and are available online at chroniclebooks.com and amazon.
Eco-Events What constitutes an eco-event? Picture a beautifully-designed event, with luxurious materials, gorgeous lighting and perfectly executed concept and layout—all created with eco-friendly, sustainable materials. Access Hollywood host Nancy O’Dell was looking for just this type of event, and worked with Kimberly to celebrate Nancy and Kimberly’s collaboration with Pure & Natural body care. Kimberly and her eco-event team can create complete design concepts, using organic and local floral designs, eco-friendly tabletops, energy-efficient lighting, and organic and local menu concepts, among other things. They can also make recommendations for sustainably -minded caterers, photographers and other vendors, and even recommend help select eco-friendly gifts for weddings, showers, product launches and corporate events. ` Kimberly Rider Interiors, 526 Third St. Suite A/3, San Rafael. 455-8430. www.kimberlyrider.com
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Cover: Interior by Kimberly Rider, photograph by Matthew Carden Art Director/Production Manager: Beth Allen Marin Home Design Art Director: Gabe Lieb Graphic Designers: Gwen Aguilar, Brindl Markel, Michelle Palmer, Missy Reynolds Advertising Director: Linda Black Display Sales: Dianna Stone, Linda Curry, Ethan Simon, Helen Hammond Traffic Coordinator: Amanda Deeley Writer: Samantha Campos Proofreaders: Jason Walsh, Carol Inkellis
Pacific Sun
pacificsun.com 835 Fourth St. Suite B (entrance on Cijos St.),San Rafael, 94901 Telephone: (415) 485-6700, Fax (415)485-6226. E-Mail: letters@pacificsun.com. ©2010 Embarcadero Media Company
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tudio Snaidero Bay Area, along with owner Michael Glasser, has been a unique resource for exceptional kitchens in the Bay Area since 1996. Representing Snaidero, Italy’s premier designer and manufacturer of kitchen cabinetry, Studio Snaidero celebrates 15 years in Marin this spring. With a background in both design and construction, Mr. Glasser has specialized in European kitchens for 25 years. His approach to kitchen design offers an exciting alternative to the predictability of the typical American kitchen. There is a fundamental divergence Studio Snaidero Bay Area between American and European views of the role of cabinetry in a kitchen. In this country, kitchen cabinets are customarily treated as casework, a built-in part of the home. ConAn unconventional, modern sequentially, people approach to kitchen design often try to make a connection between the external architecture of their home and what is “appropriate” for their kitchen. In Studio Snaidero’s view, this approach leads to a cul-de-sac of orthodoxy and repetition. In Italy no such connection is made between external architecture and interior living space. One is a given, the other a blank canvas. In Snaidero’s view cabinets are furniture, and just
Cuttingedge Italian cabinetry
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as furniture lends character and personality to living space elsewhere in a home, their very furniture-like cabinetry serves the same role for the kitchen. Snaidero’s singularly varied portfolio of cabinet styles opens a world of diverse, highly individual design possibilities for kitchens in any style of home. Founded in 1946, Snaidero has been a presence in the United States for over 30 years. The company is best known for their fabulous collaborations with Italy’s foremost designers.They have partnered with such design luminaries as Ferrari stylist Pininfarina and San Francisco Asian Arts Museum designer Gae Aulenti. Snaidero invites these designers to imagine highly original visions of what a kitchen can be. Their originality is manifested in an unparalleled degree of choice for Snaidero’s clients. Studio Snaidero believes a kitchen is first and foremost a living space, a special place to enjoy the company of family and friends. Kitchen design is not an exact science, rigidly defined by rules and formulas. Creating an efficient workspace is simple—creating dynamic living space is the challenge. Fortunately, function and visual drama are not mutually exclusive. Snaidero’s cabinetry is inherently interesting and involving, relying on form, shape and proportion, not simple door decoration. When developing a design, Studio Snaidero strives to create an engaging physical architecture of cabinetry, simultaneously addressing functional requirements while accentuating the design elements that make a Snaidero kitchen so unique. The result can by turn be serene, elegant, playful or avant-garde—but never ordinary. ` Studio Snaidero Bay Area, 835 Fifth Ave., Suite B, San Rafael. 258-8222.www.snaidero-usa.com; snaiderobayarea@earthlink.net
Zeba Home Design
Plush, cosmopolitan living Zeba combines bohemian luxury with a global appeal
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icture a luxurious bazaar abundant with thousands of artisan-created home furnishings as well as personal accessories in spicy, sensuous colors... Zeba Home Design in San Rafael is the first—and currently the only—North American outpost of Zeba of India, a retail and export design company founded in 1986. Zeba has stores throughout the Indian sub-continent as well as the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Holland, South Africa, Mauritius and the Philippines and is continuing to expand around the globe. In many ways, Zeba’s concepts, designs and styles reflect the zeitgeist of the 21st century: they have a global appeal that works for today’s customers who enjoy having their homes reflect their interests in a world’s worth of cultural traditions. Zeba plays to that with its hand-made merchandise—from textiles to furniture—infused with the latest technology and trends. Unlike large chain stores that take a world market approach to a mostly mass-produced inventory, Zeba’s buyers contract with individual artisans throughout India, many of them under fair trade agreements. As a result, Zeba’s inventory favors one-of-a-kind pieces. There are
hand-loomed rugs, teak cabinetry and furniture carved or painted with geometric or floral designs. Silks, satins, metallic threads and fanciful printed cottons adorn lampshades, bedspreads, decorative pillow covers and throw pillows. Unique home accessories feature candlesticks, brassware, statuary, placemats, vases and other decorative items. When it comes to personal fashion, Zeba also sells pashminas, silk scarves and jewelry, to name a few. The stock is updated weekly and changes seasonally, with treasures to discover every day. “Nothing is bought in bulk,” explains general manager Elvis Fernandes. “All our fabrics are created for us from scratch. We never repeat our inventory because we want Zeba to always feel fresh. We have many customers who come in all the time to see what’s new.” Zeba’s staff is trained to work closely with interior designers, home stagers and film companies. Some pieces are available to rent. Services also include stylists who will go to your home, take photos and offer options on color palettes and styles, creating a personalized “mood board” so you can tailor an environment specifically to your taste. Each customer who signs up for Zeba’s email list will receive a free buffet lunch next door at the award-winning Lotus Cuisine of India, owned by Zeba’s proprietor Surinder Pal Sroa. (The Novato-based businessman also owns Anokha Cuisine of India in Novato and Lotus Café in Fairfax). Just bring in a copy of this story to claim your meal. ` Zeba Home Design, 716 Fourth St., San Rafael. 259-6197. www.zebamarin.com.
Come in to Zeba Home and treat yourself to a world of color and style, right here in Marin Global, contemporary & affordable furnishings including antiques ■
Decorative home accessories — Area rugs, pillows, duvet & cushion covers, accent pieces & more ■
Fair-trade agreements with local artisans
www.zebamarin.com
716 4th St.
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San Rafael
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415-259-6197
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ost of us complain that we’re paying an enormous amount of money for our utility bills every month—and yet we’re freezing in our own homes, wearing sweaters and coats inside during the winter months. But by putting in an efficient clean-burning appliance, which cost as little as $.25/hour to run on Hearth & Home of Marin, Inc. high at the price of gas today, we could see our bills decrease substantially and live in our homes in comfort. Having a local, Hearth & Home provides knowledgeable and ambience and affordable, accommodating service efficient heat team available to service our needs makes a great deal of difference during the winter months when we need it the most. Since 2001, Hearth and Home has been the only full-service retail fireplace shop in Marin. They provide
Warmth of spirit
and install gas inserts, fireplaces, freestanding stoves; pellet stoves and inserts; EPA Phase II wood inserts, wood stoves and wood fireplaces; they install gas lines, electrical—it’s one-stop, stress-free shopping. They also install central air conditioning, electronic air cleaners, furnaces, BBQ’s, firepits and outdoor fireplaces. Generally the entire installation is completed in less than one day. Recent concerns about the environment are forcing many of us to change out our traditional open wood-burning fireplaces to cleaner, more responsible options. Hearth and Home believes we should have a choice of fuel by which to heat our home and have chosen some of the most efficient lines made. They have a wide array of products to choose from, with an incredible selection of modern and traditional units. Gas logs are yet another alternative, providing fireplace ambience for use in a formal living room setting or for people who just want a fire periodically but not very much heat. Gas inserts, which will heat large areas of the home, also provide an incredibly realistic fire to enjoy at the same time. Some of us are empty nesters with large homes—when the kids leave, we don’t want to pay what it costs to run the furnace and heat the house; we merely want to heat areas of the house we’re living in. With the state of the economy, we’re all looking for ways to save money every month. But if it means an initial investment up front to put in a heating appliance, with an end result that not only saves money from our heating bill, helps keep the air clean and adds value to our home for resale purposes, it may be time to visit Hearth and Home. ` Hearth & Home of Marin, Inc., 902 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael. 479-2876. www.hearthandhomeofmarin.com
Simply the Best! Hearth & Home of Marin, Inc.
s -ARIN #OUNTY S ,ARGEST 3ELECTION OF &IREPLACES )NSERTS AND 3TOVES s)NSTALLATIONS BY /UR ,ICENSED #OMPANY /WNER s 2EDUCE 9OUR 0' % "ILL
902 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael | 415-479-2876 www.hearthandhomeofmarin.com License No. 847647
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or over 50 years, Martin & Harris Appliances has been serving Marin County, providing their customers with competitive prices and the exceptional service they deserve. They carry a full line of appliances from major manufacturers, including General Electric, Maytag, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, SubZero, Bosch, Garland and more. Martin & Harris Appliances Martin & Harris can oer competitive prices to all contractors. Their warehouse is located on the premises, which enables their pro team to provide faster delivery as well as immediate pick-up. Martin & Harris supplies, Most importantly, they delivers and services your are willing to special household appliances order anything they do not have in stock. And Martin & Harris, Inc. has been given a rating of A+ on a scale from A to F by the Better Business Bureau, meeting all BBB Accreditation standards since 1968.
Home machine masters
January 13 - March 15, 2010
Great prices, fast delivery and personal service makes Martin & Harris, Inc. the best source for your new appliance. ` Martin & Harris Appliances, 2158 Fourth St., San Rafael. 454-2021. www.martin-n-harris.com
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Save up to $200 when you purchase a select GEÂŽ or GE ProďŹ leÂŽ ENERGY STAR qualiďŹ ed product GE has reduced prices so participating dealers can pass savings on to you. Acutal installment savings may vary by dealers. See store for details. Dealer determines own rerail price.
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GE Profile™ ENERGY STARŽ 22.2 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator with Internal Dispenser
GE Profile™ 4.1 IEC Cu. Ft. Colossal Capacity Stainless Steel Basket
GEÂŽ Built-In Dishwasher with Hidden Controls
GEÂŽ 25.4 Cu. Ft. Capacity Side-By-Side Refrigerator with Dispenser
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Ken’s Carpets Floor to Ceiling
The “Fifth Wall“ How flooring is vital to your home’s overall ambience
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wner Ken Walpole melds over 20 years experience in the ooring and furniture industries to provide personal color and design advice to his clients. He refers to oors as the “Fifth Wall,â€? for the impact they make on an environment’s ambience. Just replacing this one surface alone can change a room from feeling cold to warm; from formal to casual. Color also plays a huge role in this eect. Customers beneďŹ t from no-cost, in-home color consultations where Ken and sta pull together all proposed surfaces—cabinets, ooring, window coverings, lighting, etc.—with paint samples to successfully transform a space. Are you ready to make a change to your home environment but don’t know which direction to take? Ken’s 7,600-square-foot showroom may seem daunting if you don’t
really know what you want. The selections available in every category are vast, with carefully selected products oering the industry’s best—especially suited for Marin residents. “Our clients want their oor to function well and hold up to constant use for many years,â€? says Ken. “But if it doesn’t look the way you want, if the color clashes, if it doesn’t help to create the space of your dreams—you’ll never be satisďŹ ed with it. We guide you to the choices which will not only ďŹ t your pocketbook but will supply all the style, color and function that you demand.â€? Many homeowners are also looking for more eco-friendly options. Ken’s Carpets offers completely natural, un-dyed wool carpets with jute backings and absolutely no synthetic materials, and have recently expanded their selection of vegetable ďŹ ber rugs: including sisal, sea grass, mountain grass, paper, jute and abaca. Natural linoleum and cork are also available. ` Ken’s Carpets Floor to Ceiling, 1914 Fourth St., San Rafael. 454-5367. www.KensCarpets.com.
Homes Start Here.
1914 4th Street San Rafael (on the Miracle Mile) %+*# 1 000 '#*."!-,#/. "+)
Marin Home Design |
Beautiful
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he professionals at Heritage Landscapes know that a really good garden can change your life. For over 30 years, their skilled designers and landscape technicians have been creating and maintaining landscapes throughout Marin County. Recognized as an authority on environmental sustainability, the Heritage Landscapes team uses organic gardening methods and implements water-efficient strategies to reduce irrigation costs as well as eliminate the need for pesticides and chemicals. On some projects, irrigation costs have been cut in half. Heritage Landscapes Founder Jan Gross realizes that paradise is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each project calls for the integration of the homeowner’s Let Heritage Landscapes create style and color preferthe garden of your dreams ences along with the home’s architectural strengths. Jan’s depth of experience and knowledge encompasses Northern California’s myriad eco-systems and micro climates. Her award-
Backyard paradise
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winning designs have been celebrated by Better Homes & Gardens, Sunset Magazine and the California Landscape Contractors Association. This passion for the design, building and maintenance of unique landscapes is reinforced by Jan’s skill as an accomplished artist. Jan uses her deep and playful understanding of color and the environment to create designs that resonate with her clients’ dreams. Combining nature with inspiration, she and her team create paradise—one garden at a time. ` Heritage Landscapes, P.O. Box 2834, San Anselmo. 4588151. www.heritagelandscapes.net
YardPods
Personal space Let YardPods’ prefabricated rooms offer instant household relief!
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ave you always wanted your own arts studio? In dire need of a home office? Whether it’s an exercise room or workshop, a media room, wine cave or at-home Zen retreat—YardPods can provide you with the freedom to design the perfect space. YardPods are prefabricated, steel-frame, backyard rooms individually configured using a large catalog of modular, eco-friendly parts and materials. Pre-assembled in precision engineered panels at their high-tech, solar-powered Rohnert Park factory, YardPods are built with cold-formed galvanized light gauge steel framing, which has a high recycled content and is fully recyclable. Steel is lighter and stronger than wood; will not warp, shrink or support mold or infestation; is fire resistant and should last for at least 100 years.
All materials used in YardPods are selected to be as green as possible. The frame is built with almost zero waste. They use bamboo flooring, recycled insulation with excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties. They offer cool roofs which reflect the sun, as well as highly insulated doors and windows. As new green materials reach the marketplace, YardPods will incorporate them. For play, for work, for escape—your personal space can be only days away! ` YardPods, sales@yardpods.com, 299-1924. www.yardpods.com.
YardPods are pre-fabricated, steel frame rooms individually customized to the owner’s tastes using eco-friendly materials. Pre-assembled in precision engineered panels at our factory and fully assembled on your site in just a few days —permit free in most areas! For play, for work, for escape. Eco-Friendly Design & Materials
Free onsite design consultaƟon 415-299-1924 | YardPods.com
Marin Home Design |
Personal Space. Delivered.
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ince 1953, clients throughout the Bay Area have enjoyed Shades of Marin’s familyowned atmosphere to help them create a dream environment for their homes and businesses. As a Hunter Douglas Gallery, they offer the full line of custom blinds, shutters, drapery, awnings and shades. Their professional designers will help you Shades of Marin select the most fitting and beautiful window coverings from a wide variety of fabrics, colors, For all custom window textures, styles and functreatments, Shades of Marin tion. They are specialists has got you covered in motorization for their products, including integration into home automation systems. Independently owned and operated, Shades of Marin is your Diamond Certified source for the complete selection of Hunter Douglas window coverings, as well as custom draperies, toppers and much more. They have achieved Hall of Fame status from the Pacific Sun Best of Marin contest. Explore their comprehensive website for window
Blind beauty
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THE
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ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOW FASHIONS
sa e Now through April 15
treatment and design ideas through their innovative online virtual design tool. Ask for a free copy of their 92-page “Designing Windows Guide,” with hundreds of design options. Or consult with their staff of experts, who offer professional measuring, experienced installation and stylish design mastery. Shop with Shades of Marin and you’ll get the best national brands, superlative service and reliable expertise. Committed to your complete satisfaction, the Shades of Marin team of professionals will help you put it all together, from design to installation. ` Shades of Marin, 2070 Fourth St., San Rafael. 453-1518. www.shadesofmarin.com
SAVE
$
25i per unit
®
®
on Insulating Duette Architella Honeycomb Shades with mail-in rebate
Plus, receive a federal energy tax credit up to $1500* on qualifying styles installed now through December 31, 2010.
Shades Of Marin 2070 4th St San Rafael Mon-Sat: 9:00-5:30 415-453-1518 shadesofmarin.hdwfg.com 831573 MFR rebate offer valid for purchases made 2/1/10 – 4/15/10. Limitations and restrictions apply. Ask for details. *For tax credit details and restrictions and a list of qualifying products, ask a salesperson or check out the Manufacturer’s Certifi cation Statement and FAQs at hunterdouglas.com/taxcredit. Hunter Douglas and its dealers are not tax advisors. Consult a tax professional regarding your individual tax situation and ability to claim a tax credit related to the purchase of qualifying Duette® honeycomb shades with Architella® fabric. ©2010 Hunter Douglas. ® Registered trademark of Hunter Douglas.
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heir success with commercial, hospitality, and residential estate landscapes is built on years of experience of listening closely to clientsà needs and wishes. Expertise in a variety of areas allows Shepard Design Associates (SDA) to oer a wide range of services. Shepard Design Associates Whether working on a city container garden, large estate or a commercial landscape, SDA’s approach to the design Shepard Design process is key. Associates create great A registered gardens with impact landscape architect for more than 30 years, award-winning founder AJ Shepard incorporates extensive design research from his travels including details, colors, textures and materials into stunning estates enjoyed by his equally worldly and well-traveled clientele. His depth of understanding of the psychology of landscape design is unparalleled; his expertise in the physics of manipulating terrain to create a
Artful gardens
lookout or focal point, combining plants based on complementing or contrasting colors along with masterful pairing of dierent leaf textures, and integrating the building materials or water features is what makes the gardens SDA designs have impact. Taking pride in the ability to artfully integrate the landscape design with the design or style of the building is what sets Shepard Design Associates apart from other landscape design companies. Implementing the visionary nature of their design experience, the process combines a blend of disciplines with the ability to interpret the clientĂs objectives into a creative and seamlessly integrated landscape solution. SDA’s and AJ Shepard’s unique talents and evolutionary design approach is the cornerstone to their landscape architectural philosophy, which is to create great gardens that stand the test of time. As AJ says, “The most critical factor in great landscape design is a true understanding of what is possible.â€? ` Shepard Design Associates, info@shepardandassociates.net, 378-7817. www.shepardandassociates.net
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Rafael Floors
First-rate flooring Rafael Floors, 53 years of awardwinning service to Marin!
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afael Floors, Abbey Carpet Center is celebrating its 53rd anniversary this year. For most of those years, since 1962, Ron Leach has been a part of a flooring company that has been proud to serve the people of Marin. Co-owner Steve Villa joined the company in 1978. In recent years, Rafael Floors has won the Pacific Sun “Best of Marin—Carpet Store” award seven times,“Best Hardwood Flooring” five times and is in the “Best of Marin Hall of Fame.” The company has also earned the prestigious Diamond Certified Award, independently rated highest in quality. Rafael Floors has a large showroom, which provides opportunity to view a full
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every floor is a
range of styles and colors of wool, natural fiber and recycled fiber carpets, bamboo, cork, linoleum and hardwood (all “green alternatives”), as well as traditional vinyl and laminate flooring. Employees train to acquire CFS (Certified Flooring Specialist) and CFI (Certified Flooring Installers) designations to keep them up to date on the latest trends in product and installation techniques. Rafael Floors’ success is due to its professional, well-trained sales people and its own in-house installation force, all of whom make it their first priority to take care of the customer. They are proud that 80 percent of their business comes from referrals and those who return to them for their flooring needs. They also like to provide their customers with some special touches, such as thank you cards, plants and installation anniversary cards that remind them how long their flooring has endured the test of time. ` Rafael Floors, 822 Francisco Blvd. W., San Rafael. 456-3656. www.rafaelfloors.com
WORK OF ART
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his year presents a new beginning for an old tradition! The Marin Designers Showcase, presented by and benefiting the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership, is now in its fourth decade. This year’s Showcase house, “Rosegarden Estate,” is a magnificent 8,000-square-foot Georgian colonial located in the Country Club area of San Rafael. Built in 1929, the home has exquisite rose and
2010 Marin Designers Showcase
Sustainable solutions, sophisticated style This year’s Marin Designers Showcase at the ’Rosegarden Estate’ vegetable gardens, a spa, tennis court and a pool, as well as a picturesque view of the San Francisco Bay. The house showcases the talents and vision of over 25 Marin and Bay Area designers who create spaces rich with original ideas and modern comforts.
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2010 Marin Designers Showcase, 479-5710. www.marindesignersshowcase.com.
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Sustainable Solutions Sophisticated Style
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The Showcase will be open for viewing from May 14 through June 5, with an Opening Night party on May 13 and a Post-Event Sale on June 6. Visit www.marindesignersshowcase. com for hours and information. Businesses can support the 2010 Marin Designers Showcase as event sponsors, advertisers in the 38th Marin Designers Showcase commemorative book, or as product sponsors. The Marin Designers Showcase benefits the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership (Center), especially the volunteer services activities. For more information about the Center visit www.cvnl.org. Tickets are available now, and are $30 for general admission ($25 for 62+). `
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The “Rosegarden Estate” showcases the talents and vision of Bay Area designers who, while honoring the character of the home, create spaces rich with original ideas and modern comforts.
The home will be available for viewing May 14 through June 5, 2010.
Rosegarden Estate
Ticket prices: $30 (general admission) $25 (for adults 62+)
Proceeds Benefit Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership
To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.marindesignersshowcase.com or call 415.479.5710
L
ong time Marin County residents, Lance Schepps and Keith London, are founders of the family owned and operated business, The Good Nature Company, based in San Rafael. “Lance and I became friends over 20 years ago when our children were going to Sausalito Nursery School,” says Keith. “Our parents owned and operated their own The Good Nature Company businesses so we knew what we wanted to bring to the community when we made the decision to create our own company.” Marin County company “We were committed introduces the next to finding the best and generation of artificial most environmentally grass: onelawn™. friendly products and services without sacrificing beauty and quality,” says Lance. That search led to the creation of onelawn™, a line of estate-quality synthetic lawns which have the beauty and realism of a new sod lawn but offers the benefits of durability, no maintenance and it is 100 percent recyclable. “People sometimes ask us how a synthetic lawn can be considered eco-friendly,” says Lance. “First of all, lawns are not indigenous; they need an inordinate amount of resources and work to be maintained. In Marin County, the average lawn requires 70,000 gallons of water a year just to stay alive. Then there are the fertilizers and pesticides, the fuel and pollution of gasoline powered lawn equipment and finally, there are the clippings...millions of tons of clippings. When grass clippings break down in landfills, they create methane gas—a greenhouse gas and major contributing factor to global climate change.” “We realize that every business has some impact on the environment,” explains Keith. “That is why we have partnered with Trees for the Future in planting 100 trees for every lawn we install. No other bay area artificial grass company is involved in such a program.”
Superior lawn
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The Good Nature Company also distinguishes themselves from other synthetic lawn companies through its top quality, 100 percent American-made products, superior customer service and unique, sur-stay™ installation method. “I welcome going up against the big franchise artificial turf companies,” says Keith. “We have developed a superior installation method that is cut above the rest. We provide higher quality materials and great attention to detail and are still more than competitive because we are a lean company. Most importantly, we provide the most beautiful NO-FILL synthetic grass on the market today.” Unlike other artificial lawn companies, which use a sand and rubber infill (chopped up rubber tires) to lift and fill-out the blades, onelawn™ products are infill-free. Onelawn™ has more blades per square inch to achieve a thicker, more luxurious lawn. The Good Nature Company also issues a five year installation warranty and a ten year manufacturers warranty on the onelawn™ product. “A word of caution about warranties,” says Keith. “There are companies that offer warranties which extend beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. It may seem obvious, but I strongly recommend that you see in writing all of your warranties beforehand so you can make a truly informed decision.” Instead of a traditional showroom you must visit, the Good Nature Company brings the onelawn™ mobile showroom directly to you. By requesting a free in-home consultation, you can have the entire line of onelawn™ products, including their warranties, presented to you in the comfort of your living room. Please visit them at www.onelawn.com or call 415-4791234 for more information. ` onelawn™, 479-1234. www.onelawn.com
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Bellam Self Storage & Boxes
Packing, storing and safekeeping Bellam provides secured self-storage with friendly service
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ellam Self Storage has been serving Marin residents since 1982, and is locally owned and operated. On-site daily, Bellam’s proud owner and friendly sta enjoy helping the nicest customers in the county with storage and packing supplies, which can also be ordered online. Long considered the best self-storage in the area (and a 2009 winner of the PaciďŹ c Sun’s Best of Marin award), Bellam features a solar-powered, highly secured, concrete building for indoor storage that keeps cool in the summer and dry in the winter—an industry premium! Bellam is also the only self-storage business to be CertiďŹ ed Green since 2006. Featuring storage sizes ranging from 4x4 to 9x20, each space is individually alarmed and the facility has a modern computerized gate access system. They can accommodate the largest professional moving trucks in the covered loading and unloading areas. For enhanced security, the oďŹƒce is open during all hours that access is available. The folks at Bellam appreciate their customers—they post the wonderful comments they receive on their website. They invite you to call or visit the self-storage facility any day of the week to see the operation and wide selection of storage and shipping boxes, as well as packing materials; or to get professional advice on how to pack, store and ship, making the entire process easier. Come by for a personal tour and consultation. `
Bellam Self Storage & Boxes, 24 Bellam Blvd., San Rafael. 454-1983. www.bellamstorage.com
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tephanie Wickham Witt has been listing and selling homes in Marin since 1989. While at Frank Howard Allen Realtors, Stephanie was inducted into their Hall of Fame ranking in the top 10 agents of the company overall. She was also a member of the Presidents Circle of Excellence and was named as the Most Referred Agent by her peers. Now with Pacific Union since 2005, Stephanie brings with her a wealth of experience, an extraordinary level of customer care, integStephanie Wickham Witt, Pacific Union rity, honesty, sincerity and some of the most satisfied clients in the business. Providing the highest level of support and personal attention, Let Stephanie help you Stephanie is considered a make your Marin to trusted advisor, a skilled Hawaii Connection negotiator and valuable real estate resource. Being a fourth generation Mill Valley-an, Stephanie specializes in her hometown but has sold homes all over the county, most notably in
Local and Island Living
Napili Bay, Maui
Southern Marin. Also, after living on Maui and Oahu for about 14 years, she’s developed close ties to many agents who sell in Hawaii. So for Marinites who might covet the islands’ “gentle breezes that caress and de-stress; warm water clear enough to see coral, fish and turtles; the sweet smell of tropical flowers; a place where whales never cease to amaze”—let Stephanie make your connection. ` Stephanie Wickham Witt, Pacific Union, 37 Miller Ave., Mill Valley. 380-6136. www.marinhawaiiconnection.com.
4th Generation Mill Valley
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KENT WOODLANDS 17 Treetop Way New in 2007, this California Craftsman style home has all the newest, hottest and latest design features with a traditional, open and flowing floor plan. Set on an oak studded mostly level & sunny (approx. 27,387*sq. ft.) site with inspirational views of the hills and ridges, it has 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. (Approx. 4224* sq. ft.). On a quiet cul-de-sac w/ close access to Phoenix Lake and Mt. Tam open space. (* per tax records)
www.17Treetop.com Offered at $4,375,000
COMING SOON IN MILL VALLEY! Tam Valley - Sunny 3/ 2.5 plus family room, one level home with extra spacious yard and beautiful views to the hills and ridges.
Homestead Valley – Level, sunny 3/1 with full basement and one-car garage. Moments to Whole Foods and transportation.
Strawberry/Seminary Drive – Waterfront building 1/1 upper end unit with view of Richardson Bay and Mt. Tam. Covered parking and elevator.
www.MarinHawaiiConnection.com
Stephanie Wickham Witt
tel: 415.377.7553If Hawaii is calling, call me!
Marin Home Design |
Stephanie Wickham Witt
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ant to know how you can help the earth and your garden or landscape? Located in Fairfax, Buchholz Landscaping Company builds attractive, sustainable landscapes while providing exceptional service, intrinsic to and as natural Buchholz Landscape Construction, Inc. as the habitats they create. Helping to shape the future of our earth, Buchholz consultants incorporate sustainable landscape design and construction practices, including bio swales, rainwater harvestBuchholz builds on beauty ing and innovative irrigain sustainable landscapes tion techniques utilizing ET—or evapotranspiration-based smart controllers. They encourage the use of native and Mediterranean plants, which are not only beautiful but also attract the attention of beneficial insects and pollinators, eliminating the use of herbicides and pesticides. The Buchholz team can also show you how sheet, worm and bin composting are providing ways to help build healthy soil, while simultaneously reducing landfill waste.
Good-forthe-earth gardens
Wouldn’t you enjoy a pool or spa? How about a waterfall or pond? An outdoor kitchen or fireplace? These are natural elements that extend the outdoors, provide enjoyable experiences and create family memories. Decks, arbors, trellises are fundamental features that shape and define spaces—especially when they are constructed with repurposed wood, SHC (Sustainable Harvested Certified) lumber or composite materials that are readily available. Buchholz Landscape Builders have combined honesty, hard work and cutting-edge design to help make your dreams come true. They invite you to contact them and share your visions for an exquisite habitat that’s good for the earth—and good for you. ` Buchholz Landscape Construction, Inc., P.O. Box 1193, Fairfax. 259-0325. www.gardenbuilders.com.
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LANDSCAPE & GARDEN BUILDERS Lic. No. 703731
SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE DESIGN CONSTRUCTION MAINTENANCE | CONSULTING
Buchholz Landscaping Co. Inc. Fairfax • 415.259.0325 www.gardenbuilders.com
Ghilotti Construction Co.
Quality construction GCC maintains a family tradition of hard work and dependability
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ichard Ghilotti is proud of his company’s employees, their work and their reputation. As Northern California has grown, Ghilotti Construction Company (GCC) has grown with it, contributing quality construction, expert workmanship and outstanding service. The company is family owned and operated, and Richard is understandably proud of its heritage—one literally stamped into the history of the Bay Area by his grandfather, James Ghilotti, whose name can still be found on concrete slabs poured after the family’s company was founded in 1914.
Ghilotti Construction Co., 2301 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael. 256-1525. www.ghilotti.com
Marin Home Design |
Ghilotti Construction Company is now managed by Richard and his nephew, Brian Ongaro. Richard’s son, William Ghilotti, has also worked for the company for over 10 years. Headquartered in Santa Rosa, GCC has expanded into an industry leader with offices in San Rafael, American Canyon and Livermore, with revenues exceeding $100 million. Ghilotti explains that business, these days, centers around both public and private work projects. “We are a very good public works contractor known for infrastructure work, paving, grading, underground utilities, concrete work and road rehabilitation. We’re known for doing public works projects for Caltrans, and many county agencies throughout the Bay Area. And we never compromise our standards when it comes to safety, quality of work and staying ahead of schedules.” The private works division encompasses developers of subdivisions, shopping centers, high-tech industrial campuses, as well as residential home owners. “We try to help owners to be cost efficient in their design stage, which results in value engineering for the way they want to do it.” Going beyond capabilities, Richard Ghilotti says the company’s experience—particularly in serving the Bay Area—has well earned it the confidence of owners and the community. “We are very knowledgeable of the conditions of working in the Bay Area, which is an environmentally sensitive market. It is leading on green technology and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) technology, and we are a proponent of that. We’re way ahead of the curve on replacing off-road equipment with engines that don’t pollute,”says Ghilotti. Ghilotti Construction Company is poised to help contractors and owners efficiently build their project and reach their sustainability goals. Whether working locally in Marin, or beyond, Ghilotti Construction Company stands behind its reputation maintaining the family tradition of hard work and dependability. To find out how Ghilotti Construction Company can help on your future projects, contact them at (415) 256-1525. `
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From Stone Walls to Super Highways The Name You Can Build With...
A Full Service Contractor for All Your Private & Public Sitework Needs
415.256.1525 s 415.256.1530 2301 Kerner Blvd., Suite E
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San Rafael 94901
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