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[ C O N T E N T S ] SEDUCTIVE
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Bathroom Remodeling on any Budget It’s a balance between good design, fixtures and space. By Heidi Doerfert
B UILD I T G REEN 12 Water Efficiency in Your Bathroom Save water, save money, protect our watersheds. By Annette Hartsfield
NKBA 14 Creating Personal Space Ideas to turn your master bedroom and bath into your own personal retreat. By Jennifer Ho, CKD, CBD
16
Your Private Sanctuary Give your master bedroom a low-cost high-impact makeover. By Deborah Burstyn
18
Short on Space? Wallbeds help homeowners maximize space by making rooms multifunctional. By Xu Bei Shi
18
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May/June 2010 THM East Bay
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TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
ideas and resources for your home
6
BayArea.com Search the Bay Area’s ultimate resource guide for more articles
6
Updating your Landscaping Small additions make a big difference in your yard. By Lisa Winer
8
Enjoy the Sunlight Let the sun in without the heat or glare. By Tammy Hansen
of interest, links
Designing Your Deck The many surfaces for today’s decks. www.todayshomebayarea.com/feature
to more resources, Web sites, and professionals
CCIDC 20 A New Master Suite Design a space to meet your personality. By Patsy Zakian-Greenough
CLCA 22 Water-Wise
who can help you with all your home projects.
Year round tips for keeping your yard green.
Moving Outdoors Casual furniture provides comfort and style. www.todayshomebayarea.com/glosterfurniture
20
Outdoor Eating Adventures Exploding demand for outdoor kitchens. www.todayshomebayarea.com/ccidc
Luxury Bath on a Budget 6 Tips to creating a stunning yet economical bathroom. www.todayshomebayarea.com/nkba
Find more great ideas and resources for your home on
TodaysHomeBayArea.com Post your Web page on TodaysHomeBayArea.com! ON THE COVER Photo: Release 6060 corner from Pearl Baths. Pearl Baths (www.pearlbaths.com). TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
Contact Information • Multiple Links to Your Web Site • Photo Gallery • Press
Call 925.659.6200 or e-mail Jeff@THmag.com for more information. East Bay THM May/June 2010
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Volume 10, Issue 3 • May/June 2010
The Bay Area’s best resource for your lifestyle at home. PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Jeff Curry FEATURE WRITERS
Deborah Burstyn Heidi Doerfert Patsy Zakian-Greenough Annette Hartsfield Tammy Hansen Jennifer Ho Xu Bei Shi Lisa Winer ART DIRECTOR
Jeff Clinton WEBMASTER
Christina Carey ACCOUNTING
Diane Nasadiuk
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Updating your Landscaping Small additions make a big difference in your yard. BY
LISA WINER
K
EEPING YOUR GARDEN LOOKING ITS BEST DOESN’T HAVE TO
be expensive. In this difficult economy, adding a water feature or getting a horticultural consultation could be just the kind of lift your home needs. Michael Moore of Masterpiece Gardens has 20 years of experience helping his customers get the most out of their landscape. The first step in updating a landscape may be simply taking care of what you already have. A yard is a “living product,” says Michael. “It’s not like a driveway that you pour and you are done with. Proper pruning and fertilization are essential.” Michael can also help the homeowner conserve water without ripping out existing sprinklers. Another option may be embellishing the areas you enjoy in the yard, where the kids play or where you spend the summer sitting. New plant material can give life to the area, as can a new patio surface. Consider updating a troubled area of the yard or your front yard, to give the home more curb appeal. Water features or a fire pit are great ways to add interest to a garden with a limited investment. Water features can be free standing, made of concrete and plugged in, or more natural,
Please e-mail resumes to Jeff@THmag.com. 6
May/June 2010 THM East Bay
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made of rocks and boulders. A nicely wooded area can be made even that much nicer with a stream or a waterfall. Michael has a hands-on approach to the complete design, installation, and maintenance of gardens. A graduate of California Polytechnic in San Luis Obispo with a degree in ornamental horticultural, he listens closely to his clients during the design process. “I’m interested in what works for each individual family,” he says. “Improve what you do have and make it more useable,” advises Michael. He can work on a schedule to check on a regular basis to see how a garden is doing. Michael loves being outside and getting to know his clients and their families. Masterpiece Gardens is your go-to location for the best in landscaping. Masterpiece Gardens & Design is an award-winning Bay Area garden landscape design-build firm that provides a wide range of services. Call (925) 937-2253 for an in-home consultation or visit their website www.masterpiecegarden.com for more information. THM
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Enjoy the Sunlight Let the sun in without the heat or glare. BY
TAMMY HANSEN
W
— THOSE SUNGLASSES THAT IN THE 80’S defined cool. Three decades later they still look great, but the new versions offer better protection from the sun’s harmful ultra violet rays. You could say something similar about today’s home window tints. New technologies have brought superior interior protection, clear finishes, and even shatter resistance. While window tints might not be as high on your summer shopping list as a pair of Ray-Bans, maybe they should be. A close look at the couch or your wood floors could be enough to convince you your palace needs as much protection as your eyes, according to Rocky Burcham, owner of Solar Control Glass Tinting Co., San Ramon. Damage to furnishings is one of the most common complaints he hears. “Wood starts to crack and get brittle; floors start to discolor; furniture starts to fade,” says Rocky, who has been helping homeowners cool down their interior spaces for 35 years. Nearly half the damaging light that enters through windows is ultra violet, or UV light. It’s the main culprit in fading furniture. Another 25 percent of light is made up of visible light. The final 25 percent is infrared heat, a major factor in increased temperature in your home. Think of window tinting as “a nice pair of sunglasses” for your home, Rocky says. With them, you can reduce sun damage, lower AYFARERS ARE BACK
the temperature, and even protect your skin. (The American Cancer Society supports the use of UV blocking tints like Vista.) Vista ceramic tints cut nearly 100 percent of UV light, 98 percent of infrared light and 75 percent of radiant heat. The films carry a lifetime warranty against bubbling, tearing or fading. But there’s another advantage to the new technology — clarity. Back in the 80’s, tinted windows kept out harmful rays by reflecting them, creating a mirror-like exterior finish. New technologies give a more transparent look to tinted windows. Stylish outside? Check. Protective? Check. And there is one last benefit. Just like sunglasses, window tints significantly reduce glare inside and out. Tinting turns a too-bright living space into a comfortable, glare-free room. And UV reduction actually allows pupils to open and gather more light, so the view out the window is enhanced. “You actually see better through the film than through a normal window,” Rocky says. Solar Control Glass Tinting is Diamond and Value Star Certified. For more information call (800) 999-3828, or visit www.solarcontrolcompany.com and protect your home this summer season. THM 8
May/June 2010 THM East Bay
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
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Bathroom Remodeling on any Budget BY
Photo: Case Handyman & Remodeling
It’s a balance between good design, fixtures and space.
10
HEIDI DOERFERT
OU KNOW IT’S TIME TO TAKE ACTION when you’re watching one of those home improvement shows and the BEFORE photos of a bathroom remodel look better than yours! Outdated and unattractive amenities are no way to start and end your day. Whether your space needs a shot in the arm or a complete facelift, the transformation is within your reach.
Y
$ Bathroom Botox® You want to give your bathroom new life but don’t have want the hassle or expense of a big remodel? Think about a mini-facelift. By keeping your existing layout and changing out a few key items you can really bring your bath back to the future. Rejuvenate your powder room with new paint and fixtures. According to HGTV.com, hot trends are ecofriendly (think organic cotton towels and energy-efficient, table-top lighting); watercolor hues like turquoise and lush green; and brushed nickel faucets and accessories. Jim Kabel, at Case Handyman and Remodeling Services in San Jose explains that it can be as simple as swapping out towel bars and lighting fixtures but you may want to think about replacing that old toilet, too! “Custom touches like removing the medicine cabinet and filling in the wall niche and replacing the shower door with a pretty curtain or a new door in a satin nickel finish gives an immediate update.” Simple and low-cost bath projects can really refresh the space and give it new life and enjoyment,” says Jim. $$ Bathroom Revamp If your space needs a lot more help than just swapping out a few things, it’s time to talk to a contractor. Perhaps you’re ready to trade
May/June 2010 THM East Bay
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in that tiny, pre-fab shower stall for a walk-in one fit for a spa. And, head. Finishing touches included a new light fixture above the vanity the 1970s called and they want their vanity back! To cut costs, and a coordinating wall cabinet above the toilet for linen storage. If consider keeping the main elements: tub, shower and toilet in the leaving everything in its place doesn’t fix how your space functions, same location so the plumbing doesn’t have to be moved. But, if it may be time for some tear out. It can be as simple as moving the your floor plan is so dated it doesn’t function well, a fresh layout location of the vanity or more involved by borrowing some extra space may be just what the doctor ordered. from the closet. A trip to The Plumbery can provide endless R ES OUR CES inspiration. With locations in Dublin and Redwood $$$ Bathroom Overhaul Case Handyman Remodeling City, it’s easy to visit one of their 12,000 square It is finally time. You’re done fighting with your spouse 408-323-5300 foot showrooms. From tubs and shower enclosures for space over your single-sink vanity. You want a www.sanjose.caseremodeling.com to faucets and fixtures The Plumbery is a one-stop master bath retreat with all the bells and whistles. Ric’s Kitchen and Bath shop for your bathroom project. “We’re seeing a This is the most complex type of bath remodel and 510-733-5543 www.Rics-Kitchen-Bath.com requires design and architectural expertise. You move toward the contemporary,” says Sheryl Doyle. want to make sure the addition blends with the “Homeowners are desiring a spa-like feel. Rain Splashworks 408-279-5202 existing style, character, and layout of the home. shower heads, body sprayers, massagers and steam www.splashworks.com When embarking on this type of remodel, working units make your morning shower luxurious.” Sheryl The Plumbery with an experienced contractor is a must to ensure says espresso-toned vanities, glass mosaic accent 925-829-1234 proper layout and building code compliances. tiles, brushed and polished nickel and even chrome www.plumbery.com When homeowners in the Willow Glen area were are en vogue. Sheryl also points out that in this ready for an overhaul, they turned to Case. The San economy people are choosing to stay put and put Jose couple dreamed of transforming their 40-year-old bedroom their hard-earned dollars into creating the space they desire. into a master suite and bathroom. Case created more space without Jim Kabel says this “pull and replace” type of bathroom remodel completely reframing the existing roof and stayed within property is by far their most common job. A client in the Almaden Valley area setbacks. Additional space was added at the back of the house and of San Jose wanted new life to his well-worn bathroom. Case met the Case’s team of skilled carpenters and craftsmen produced a custom homeowner’s desires with a new maple vanity finished in rich nutmeg space with an open, contemporary feel. Working with well-qualified and topped with Kodiak Brown cultured granite and clean, modern professionals for a bathroom remodel can bring together the chrome fixtures. “We replaced the standard tub with a spa tub and capabilities needed for a successful outcome,” explains Jim. THM shower combo with shower body sprays and ceiling mounted shower
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
East Bay THM May/June 2010
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Save Water, Save Money, Protect our Watersheds
Water Efficiency in Your Bathroom INSTALL A HIGHEFFICIENCY TOILET BY ANNETTE
HARTSFIELD
AVE YOU EVER HAD TO GO WITHOUT WATER, even for just a short time? I recently had our home’s water heater replaced, which meant I had no domestic water for one day. For the first time I was acutely aware of how often I use water. I couldn’t wash the dirty dishes in the sink, run the clothes washer, or flush the toilet. All it took was a few hours of deprivation to show me just how much I take the availability of water for granted. Many experts believe that water will overtake energy as the resource of greatest concern to Californians in the coming years. We live in a state with a growing population, limited water reserves and unpredictable rainfall, not to mention that we are still facing serious drought conditions throughout the state. Of all the choices you make for a bathroom remodel, the most important are those that increase water efficiency. Build It Green’s GreenPoint Rated Checklist, which tracks green features incorporated into a home, includes the following three main points to hit when remodeling your bathroom:
H
DISTRIBUTE DOMESTIC HOT WATER EFFICIENTLY How much water goes down the drain while you wait for it to get hot? A normal wait-time can be up to a minute. At 2.5 gallons per minute, that adds up quickly. The closer your water heater is to your fixtures the quicker you’ll get hot water. Unfortunately, this isn’t always a feasible solution— especially for a remodel. Another way to greatly shorten hot water delivery time is to install an on-demand hot water circulation system. These systems consist of a pump with on-demand controls (a push button or motion-sensor activated) that sends cold water back to the water heater until hot water arrives at the sink. On-demand circulation systems save both energy and water, work with all water heater systems, and start at around $300. 12
May/June 2010 THM East Bay
Older toilets typically use 3.5 gallons of water per flush or more. Standard new toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush. Toilets that use 1.3 gallons per flush are called High Efficiency Toilets (HET). According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if you replace an older toilet with a WaterSense labeled model (the water efficiency equivalent to EnergyStar), you could save 4000 gallons per year. WaterSense toilets are available at the same variety of price points as regular toilets and will save you about $90 per year in reduced water bills. Plus, the East Bay Municipal Utility District offers a $50 rebate for replacing your old toilet with a HET.
REPLACE FIXTURES WITH WATER EFFICIENT FAUCETS AND SHOWERHEADS Flow reducers and low-flow showerheads are easy to retrofit into existing fixtures and can cut water usage by as much as 40% with little noticeable effect. A variety of water conservation devices are available free of charge to East Bay Municipal Utility District customers (check www.ebmud.com for pickup locations). For a list of suppliers of high efficiency faucets, showerheads, and toilets, see Build It Green’s Product Directory at www.BuildItGreen.org. The EPA estimates that the average household spends as much as $500 per year on its water and sewer bill. By making just a few simple changes to use water more efficiently, you could save about $170 per year and contribute to the protection of our water supply. Annette Hartsfield is a Build It Green Program Associate and grant writer. For more info on the GreenPoint Rated Checklist for green upgrades on your home, visit www.BuildItGreen.org. THM TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
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[ N K B A ]
CREATING PERSONAL SPACE Ideas to turn your master bedroom and bath into your own personal retreat. BY JENNIFER
HO, CKD,CBD
National Kitchen & Bath Association
F YOU’RE THE TYPICAL NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HOMEOWNER, you’ve a lot on your plate—the pressures of work, family schedules, and the Bay Area commute. And let’s face it—as much as we love our kids—having a quiet place for ourselves away from the video games, the music, the friends, and the movies can be golden. Yet with the economy is still recovering, and vacations a dim memory, many of us are discovering the perfect place to catch our breaths and create our very own personal retreats—our master bedrooms and baths. To achieve that perfect balance of calmness and serenity, here are some suggestions:
I
Think soft colors that invite you to linger While turquoise may be the color for 2010, take a page from the latest designs from award-winning spas and hotels—it’s no accident that many use paler tones in taupes, mints, and light blues to achieve a sense of tranquility. If you’re not a fan of cool tones, consider warmer paint tones which suit our California climes, light caramels and creams. Avoid vibrant energetic tones, such as oranges and bright reds, which stimulate rather than relax.
Master bath in taupes and blues. Main Street Kitchens; designers mother/daughter team Kelly Morisseau, CMKBD, CID and Carol Morisseau, CMKBD, CID.
Make your master bedroom a true retreat, not a second office It’s a challenge to relax when work notes, the kids’ schedules, and your emails are reproaching you from across the room! Desks have no place in a personal retreat. For a true, calming retreat, you need to be free of daily distractions, with a quiet area to rest and gather your thoughts. Is there room to sit and read or to put your feet up other than your bed? Corners can be the perfect spot for a comfy armchair and ottoman. TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
Take advantage of natural light What do the most relaxing bed and breakfasts places have in common? They take advantage of windows and exterior doors to let the outdoors in—why shouldn’t you? Our bodies respond well to natural light. If you have patio doors leading out to a deck or small garden area, extend your bedroom space with a charming patio table and chairs—the perfect spot for a morning coffee or evening aperitif.
Lighting sets the mood Bathrooms need a bit more brightness for safety, but it’s a challenge to maintain an intimate quiet space with the fluorescent lighting our energy code requires. Consider instead high-efficacy LED lights which can be controlled with dimmer switches for perfect soft lighting over the tub, or combine a dimmer switch with an occupancy sensor for incandescent lighting. A bedroom has different requirements. Think gentle pools of light where you need them, using a combination of dimmable table or floor lamps. If you read in bed, wall sconces or reading lights over the bed are much more beneficial—and restful!—than overall room lighting. With the right steps, your bedroom and bath can be so much more— a true retreat to rejuvenate your mind and body. Enjoy! Kelly Morisseau, CMKBD, CID, is a designer at Main Street Kitchens, www.MainStreetKitchens.com, and a member of the Northern California Chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. The NKBA is your source for design ideas, expert remodeling tips, and advice. To find a design professional near you please visit www.nkba.org THM
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Your Private Sanctuary Give your master bedroom a low-cost high-impact makeover. BY
DEBORAH BURSTYN
HEN BRIGHT SPRING AND SUMMER LIGHT STREAMS through the windows, it’s suddenly crystal clear that some spaces in the home need perking up. Take the master bedroom for example. It’s your very own private sanctuary for resting, dreaming and escape. Yet most of us give it low priority. Instead we put our decorating dollars into more visible public spaces in the home like the kitchen, living room or family room. We treat ourselves last. But we don’t have to. The master bedrooms are one place where minimum time and money can yield big returns. Today’s Home magazine got advice from Santa Clara decorator Sandy Wulf of Crackerjack Creations on fast fun ways to make the master bedroom fresh and gorgeous.
W
HOW TO GET A GREAT NEW LOOK WITHOUT BREAKING THE BUDGET
Palo Alto decorator Sandy Wulf of Crackerjack Creations shares her suggestions for an easy master bedroom makeover: • New bedding • New paint • De-cluttering • Under bed storage • “Do-it-yourself” closet system 16
May/June 2010 THM East Bay
“Start with new bedding,” suggests Sandy. “The bed is the biggest feature in the master bedroom. “So choose your bedding with an eye to it being your focal point and setting the tone for the color scheme in the room.” Next, Wulf advises selecting paint colors for the walls to coordinate with the new bedding. Here’s a trick she likes to use: • Choose a medium light color for three of the four walls • For the fourth wall (headboard wall) use a color from the same paint chip but at three times the color intensity for an accent wall “The room will still be light, but dramatic,” she says. TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
New Location in San Ramon! HOW TO DE-CLUTTER THE BEDROOM
It’s natural for a bedroom to get cluttered. But a room crammed to the gills is not attractive or relaxing. That’s why decorator Sandy Wulf recommends a strict editing process: • Remove all non-essential furniture except for the bed, two night stands and one dresser • No hampers, storage boxes, laundry supplies, computers, bookcases, etc. “Less is more. The bedroom should be a tranquil space; not a dumping ground for leftovers and laundry!” Wulf offers. “Not small, just less. Large furniture in a small space actually makes the room appear larger!” SELECT THE BEST STORAGE FOR YOUR SITUATION
• Use under the bed storage for rarely used items • Opt for clear plastic containers on wheels designed for under the bed • Retrofit closets with “do-it-yourself” systems from home improvement stores • Or tuck a vintage dresser into one side of a double closet for extra drawer space and something you’ll enjoy seeing when you open your closet If there’s budget to spare, new lighting, a wall-mounted flat screen television and new throw pillows to match the new bedding provide some luxe touches. Now just add fresh cut flowers and candles. Sweet dreams. For more design ideas, contact Sandy Wulf, Crackerjack Creations at (408) 241-4044 or visit her web site, www.crackerjackcreations.com. THM
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SHORT ON SPACE? Wallbeds help homeowners maximize space by making rooms multifunctional. BY
XU BEI SHI
OR MANY HOMEOWNERS, IT’S A TOUGH CHOICE: home office or guest room. Yet Larry Fox, president and owner of Valet Custom Cabinets and Closets, insists there’s no need to make a choice because a comfortable wallbed allows one room to do double duty. His wallbed customers all face the same challenge— lack of space. “We have customers with growing families,” he says. “They need room for visitors but they also need the extra bedroom as an office. They want to have a home office, craft room or sewing room but they also want an extra room their guests. Grandparents often visit. Other customers want it for everyday use, maybe they’ve moved to a retirement condo from a house, or they’re just starting out in a condo. They don’t want a bed to take up space when not sleeping.” With their vast assortment of wallbeds—queen, double and twin size bed are available in both vertical and side-tile options. Valet also offers beds with fold down tables and even beds that open with the touch of a remote. Designers work with customers to create a personalized and fully integrated solution that can include a home office or craft center, as well as storage such as wardrobe cabinets or bookcases. “We are not a furniture store selling a wallbed,” says Fox. “We are a custom cabinet maker.” That’s a big distinction. The team of in-house designers can devise a custom solution for all kinds of scenarios where space saving and multiple uses are the goal for a room.
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RESOURCE GUIDE LANDSCAPE DESIGN
APPLIANCES
Masterpiece Gardens & Design 925-937-2253 www.masterpiecegarden.com
Direct Appliance 925-560-0500 www.directappliancedublin.com
OUTDOOR FURNITURE & BBQ
CABINETS & CLOSETS
Complete Backyards 408-748-8100 www.completebackyards.com
Valet Custom Cabinets & Closets 925-362-8838 www.valetcustom.com
PAINT CENTER
CLEANING SERVICE
Professional Paint Center 925-933-3315
Spring Fresh Cleaning 800-750-7175 www.springfreshcleaninginc.com
PAINTING CONTRACTOR
MGD Painting and Decorating 925-679-2802
CONCRETE
Lara’s Concrete 925-458-6304
PAVING STONES
Black Diamond Landscape & Designs 800-942-1955 www.blackdiamondlandscape.com
CUSTOM FRAMING
Acanthus 925-866-1144 www.acanthusonline.com
REDWOOD FENCING
Borg Redwood Fences 925-426-9620 www.borgfence.com
DRAPERIES
Exclusive Fabrics & Furnishings 866-413-7273 www.thedrapeboutique.com
REMODELING CONSTRUCTION
Sunshine Construction, Inc. 925-472-8760 www.sunshine-construction-inc.com
GARAGE STORAGE
Premier Garage 510-226-9627 www.premiergarage.com
SHOWER DOORS & ENCLOSURES
California Shower Door Corp. 800-675-6225 www.calshowerdoor.com
GARDEN ORNAMENTS
Giannini Garden Ornaments 650-873-4493 www.gianninigarden.com “Because it’s custom cabinetry, we can do anything a customer would like,” says Fox. Customers can opt for wood, or laminates and a variety of different decorative options. Valet’s 20,000-square-foot Campbell woodshop is a certified green facility and that 95 percent of all materials used are sustainable. The most requested options? Fox says reading lights and decorative cabinet fronts top the list. For Valet’s customers, the result is a multi-purpose room rich in the details that come only from a fully integrated solution that hides its multitasking talents elegantly. The Valet’s solutions even add value to a home when an owner goes to sell. Fox hears from customers that buyers rarely want their integrated cabinetry removed. In fact, “it’s written into the contract that it will stay,” he says.
TILE AND STONE
Western Tile Design Center 925-671-0145 www.westerntiledesign.com
GRANITE & CABINETS
ZMC Products 866-497-2880 www.zmcproducts.com
WALLBEDS
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
Mechanical Air Service 800-913-4822 www.mechanicalairservice.com
Wallbeds ”n” More 925-570-5663 www.wallbedsnmore.com WATER HEATERS
Phillips Water Heater Service 925-584-9846
KITCHEN DESIGN CENTER
Ric’s Kitchen & Bath 510-733-5543 www.Rics-kitchen-bath.com
WINDOW TINTING
Solar Control Glass Tinting Co. 800-999-3828 www.solarcontrolcompany.com
List your business, call 925-659-6200
ROEBER’S INCORPORATED has led the way in plumbing, heating & cooling since 1923. Specializing in service, repair & new installations for
For more information on Valet Custom Cabinets and Closets, Organizers, go to www.valetcustom.com and visit their showrooms: Campbell Showroom & Manufacturing; 1190 Dell Avenue, Suite J, (408) 370-1041; Hours: Mon - Fri 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sat 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Danville Showroom; 602 Sycamore Valley Road West (in the Danville Livery) (925) 362-8838; Hours: Tues – Sat 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. THM
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
both business & residential. NATE Certified technicians. Carrier Factory Authorized dealers. ROEBER’S INCORPORATED 510.537.0556 www.roebers.com East Bay THM May/June 2010
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[ C C I D C ]
A New Master Suite Design a space to meet your personality. PATSY ZAKIAN-GREENOUGH, CDI, CKD, CAPS, CGBP
MASTER BEDROOM IS YOUR PERSONAL SANCTUARY WHERE you begin and end your day. With long work schedules and commutes, we count on our private spaces to re-energize us and comfort us at the end of a long day. When this homeowner decided to update their master suite there were two things they knew they wanted, one was a view to their garden and two was an accessible shower. I had already worked with them on previous projects, presenting them with new window ideas, details, finishes and textures and a color scheme that reflected their love of garden colors. A scale model of the room and ceiling helped them visualize their new master suite. Taking the next step wasn’t a problem. The solution was just what they wanted and more. Here are some tips to get started with your project: • Select a Certified Interior Designer (CID) to work with you. A CID is certified in the State of California and qualified by education, experience, and examination. • Evaluate your existing space for light, view, storage or accessibility problems. • Collect photos of things you like. • Work with your wish list. Sometimes an idea can be achieved in different ways. Keep an open mind to new materials and ideas. • Develop a budget range. Make sure your finances are in order including your home equity line of credit. • Spend “up-front” time planning. This will help reduce stress, unnecessary design revisions and change orders. • Check with the building department for applicable codes.
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May/June 2010 THM East Bay
• Consider keeping your master suite on the first floor for accessibility. • Consider automatic sensor faucets in bathrooms, hand-held showers, wall-hung toilets—deep soaking bathtubs can offer Designer Patsy Zakian-Greenough, project produced by therapeutic benefits. Harrell Remodeling, Mountain View. • Add blocking behind walls in a bathroom for “grab” bars. • Consider planning wider doorways, and using levers for doors “and cabinetry hardware for ease of use. • Consider where you will live during construction. • Plan for success…take time to get completed plans and specifications. • Determine start and finish dates and have a written production schedule. Remember, good design is always beautiful, regardless of the specialty you’re designing for. A house should be designed not just “for who you are today, but also for the person you’ll become tomorrow. Patsy Zakian-Greenough, CID, CKD, CAPS, CGBP practices in Palo Alto. You can find information on Ms. Zakian-Greenough and other Certified Interior Designers in your area at www.ccidc.org/cidpages. THM TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
Photos: William Enos, emeraldlight.com.
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[ C L C A ]
Water-Wise Year round tips for keeping your yard green.
ANY PEOPLE OVER WATER their landscapes by over 50% and many water districts are encouraging customers to reduce their use. The amount of water your landscape needs differs considerably depending on the climate and season. The California Landscape Contractors Association is pleased to present you some general guidelines that work year round. • Allow lawn areas to dry out slightly between watering. • Because soil compacts over time, have your lawn aerated at least once a year. Aeration pulls out plugs of soil and opens the pores so air and water can get in. Over time, aeration may actually reduce the amount of water plants need because they are getting the benefit of every drop. • In general, new plantings will require more frequent watering than older plants with more established root systems. • Roots will grow only where they can get water. Shallow watering results in shallow root systems that can dry out more quickly during hot spells. When you water, water deeply. • Allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering is critical. Muddy or soggy soil is a sign of trouble. • To keep soil from drying out too fast around shrubbery or in flowerbeds, apply a layer of compost where unprotected earth is exposed to the sun. • To prevent over watering trees in the lawn area, keep grass about two feet away from the trunk. • Periodically use a shovel or spade to check the moisture content of the soil below the surface. Even if the surface appears to be dry, the soil at root level (six to eight inches deep) might be quite moist. • Some landscaped areas will need less water than others. Set days, times and durations to correspond to the needs of each zone. • If you see water running into the gutter, or if you suspect over watering, set the timer to water less frequently, for shorter time periods or both.
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Water availability is an important issue that impacts us all. These short tips can help you reduce your water usage and yet still maintain a beautiful landscape, which is an important part of any community. Landscape positively alters the environment, reduces carbon emissions, improves air quality, protects the land, provides food, creates oxygen and sustains life. By watching your water usage and giving your outdoor landscape only the water it needs, you are helping to protect our environment and shape our future. The California Landscape Contractors Association is a non-profit trade organization of licensed landscape and landscape-related contractors. For more landscaping information, ideas and tips, visit www.CLCA.org. THM
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May/June 2010 THM East Bay
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