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1 September/October 2010 THM East Bay SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010
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S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 O1O
[ C O N T E N T S ] INTERIOR
TRENDS
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Eco-Friendly Flooring New eco-options for flooring keep your home green and your air clean. By Deborah Burstyn
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Multi-Function Comes Home From home office to guest room in seconds. By Xu Bei Shi
CCIDC 16 Blending of Styles Merging traditional and contemporary provide unique results. By Zara Stender, CID, IDS, CMG
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Feng Shui Energy Connecting you with your living environment. By Julia Arndt
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September/October 2010 THM East Bay
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
ideas and resources for your home
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BayArea.com Search the Bay Area’s ultimate resource guide for more articles of interest, links
NARI Committed to Quality 8 National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s code of ethics. By Beandra Bey
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A Room for all Reasons Contemporary garages are garnering new respect. By Beandra Bey
EVENTS 22 Let the Festivities Begin These local home shows encourage a sense of fun. By Tammy Hansen
First Impressions Exciting new ways to enhance your home front. www.thmag.com/e-feature
to more resources, Web sites, and professionals who can help you with all your home projects. Unique Backyards Locally designed and manufactured garden ornaments. www.thmag.com/e-giannini
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One-Stop Kitchen and Bath A showroom for your complete kitchen remodel. www.thmag.com/e-zmckitchen
Backyard Storage. Enjoy your yard and gain storage space. www.thmag.com/e-ccidc
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Marmoleum black and red amaranth vinyl tile. Photo courtesy Forbo (www.forbo.com). TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
Call 925.389.3481 or e-mail Jeff@THmag.com for more information. East Bay THM September/October 2010
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Volume 10, Issue 5 • September/October 2010
GO Have Fun GIVE Us Your “To Do List”
The Bay Area’s best resource for your lifestyle at home. PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Jeff Curry FEATURE WRITERS
Julia Arndt Beandra Bey Deborah Burstyn Tammy Hansen Zara Stender, CID, IDS, CMG Xu Bei Shi
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[ N A R I ]
ALTERA DESIGN & REMODELING INC. www.alteradesign.com 925-938-1100 • License # 577881 DOUGLAH DESIGNS www.douglahdesigns.com 925-284-4560 • CID # 6194
Committed To Quality BY
GREEN ENVIROTEK, INC. www.greenenvirotek.com 800-968-9007 • License # 86326 HOMETELLIGENT INC. www.hometelligentinc.com 800-298-2003 • License # 935175 MAXINE CHRISTISON INTERIOR DESIGN www.maxinechristisoninteriordesign.com 925-937-2448 • CID # 0532 PACIFIC STONE INC. www.pacificstone.com 925-680-8741 • License # 876202
BEANDRA BEY
T’S NOT HARD TO SPOT remodeling professionals. They are smart people who keep up-to-date on emerging trends in their industry. More often than not, they are also savvy marketers. But above all, these pros are distinguished by the way they treat their customers and their peers. So it was surprising to Gary Collins, owner of Concord-based Windows and Beyond, that there was no remodeling code of ethics when he entered the industry twenty-one years ago. He discovered that the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) did have one and he’s been a very active supporter of this association ever since. Collins was so convinced of the importance of having these rules–to–work–by that he founded a San Jose NARI chapter in 1989, and in 2007, another NARI chapter in Concord. The persistent recession has hit the housing industry hard, says Collins, with professionals from the worst-affected sectors seeking remodeling work. NARI’s code ethics offers very relevant guidelines for these trying times. “We all play out of the same sand-box and it is critical that we treat each other fairly. How we treat customers and how we treat each other are one and the same.” If you are looking for remodeling professionals who take pride in their profession and offering you a project of the utmost quality, consider using NARI’S network of experienced craftsmen. Their commitment to NARI’s code of ethics will make all the difference for your remodeling needs.
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Finding NARI professionals is just a click way. Homeowners can perform a quick search of the local Diablo Valley NARI Chapter’s website: www.naridiablovalley.org or by calling (925) 864 5680. For membership information, contact Jeff Curry at (925) 389-3481. THM
TWILIGHT SOLUTIONS www.twilghtsolutionsinc.com 925-525-6105
National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s code of ethics.
VALLEY OAK DESIGNS 925-938-3833 • License # 513421 WINDOWS & BEYOND www.windowsandbeyond.net 925-689-6600 • License # 852798 For membership information: Jeff Curry • 925-389-4821 • Jeff@THmag.com
NARI’s Code of Ethics Each member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry is pledged to observe high standards of honesty, integrity and responsibility in the conduct of business by: Promoting in good faith only those products and services which are known to be functionally and economically sound, and which are known to be consistent with objective standards of health and safety. Making all advertising and sales promotion factually accurate, avoiding those practices which tend to mislead or deceive the customer. Writing all contracts and warranties such that they comply with federal, state, and local laws. Promptly acknowledging and taking appropriate action on all customer complaints. Refraining from any act intended to restrain trade or suppress competition. Attaining and retaining insurance as required by federal, state, and local authorities. Attaining and retaining licensing and/or registration as required by federal, state, and local authorities.
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Eco-Friendly Flooring New eco-options for flooring keep your home green and your air clean. BY
DEBORAH BURSTYN
UST LIKE OTHER MATERIALS FOR THE HOME, many kinds of flooring now come readily available in attractive new choices that are design-driven, longlasting and eco-friendly. This new wave of sustainable flooring options is as stylish and strong as their nonsustainable varieties. But these “green” floors are not only good for the planet; they are good for you, too. That means they are made from components that do not deplete our natural resources and also do not “off gas”— that is, release—toxic chemical by-products that may contribute to indoor air pollution. Today, there are green versions of traditional materials like hardwood and tile, new selections like bamboo and cork as well and a choice that’s both new and old—linoleum, brought back to the marketplace because of its environmentally sound qualities. To make sure that you don’t get floored by all the choices out there, here’s a run-down on the some of the top choices in eco flooring today.
There’s even a unique type of cork flooring made from wine bottle corks—how’s that for recycling? The wine corks are cut into circular discs about 6mm (1⁄4") thick and glued on a special paper backing to form interesting and unique mosaic patterns. They resemble penny tiles and can be mixed with their ceramic cousins for an interesting design options.
Put a Cork on It
Wooden It Be Nice to Have a Guilt-Free Wood Floor?
J
With a rich earthy color and textures reminiscent of wood, cork flooring provides advantages all its own. Cork floors are great for areas where maximum comfort and high noise absorption is required like a kitchen or playroom. The inherent qualities of cork make it an attractive flooring choice in all living areas in the house. Cork provides warmth and resilience, sound insulation and a comfortable cushion underfoot. Harvested every 10 years from the outer bark of the cork oak, it is a renewable resource and considered environmentally sustainable.
Bamboo–Not Just For the Jungle Bamboo flooring is an excellent environmentally-sensible alternative to hardwood floors or carpet. Actually a grass, not a tree, bamboo is harvested from managed plantations and does not destroy the habitats of wildlife. Whether you prefer the deep espresso hues or gym floor light tones, properly aged bamboo will make a stylish and strong addition to your home. Bamboo is silky smooth to the touch but harder and more dent-resistant than many hardwoods such as white oak and maple. High-quality brands of bamboo flooring will give you a durable, nontoxic, and beautiful floor for many years.
Yellow heart pine, Douglas fir, maple, oak, and hickory— there’s nothing like a real hardwood floor. For homeowners sold on traditional hardwood floors, the Forest Stewardship Council makes sure that your lumber comes from sustainably managed forests. Many of types of wood are produced in FSC-certified forests in which the trees are regenerated, biodiversity is conserved, and air and water quality are preserved. FSC-certified wood flooring is comes in hundreds of different shades and styles. >>
Walnut flooring, historic stain with tung oil. 10
September/October 2010 THM East Bay
Photo courtesy Globus Cork (www.corkfloor.com)
Photo courtesy Carlise Wide Plank Floors (www.wideplankflooring.com)
Photo courtesy Forbo Flooring (www.forbo.com)
Photo courtesy Ecotimber (www.ecotimber.com)
[ I N T E R I O R T R E N D S ]
Solid horizontal-grain bamboo flooring, in amber.
East Bay THM September/October 2010
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Another option is to go with salvaged or reclaimed flooring recycled from older buildings. Most reclaimed wood flooring is milled from structural beams and timbers that were used in warehouses and factories in the early 1900s. Some might even be salvaged tongue/groove planks flooring. In either case, the vintage wood instantly brings charm and character to a room.
Roll Out the Green Carpet Easy-to-find natural carpets are those made from natural sisals, jutes, and sea grass. But for a softer yet natural floor covering, you can also find low-toxic100 percent wool carpets made with undyed or vegetable-dyed yarn and minimal natural latex (rubber) glue. Thick and resilient, real wool offers natural insulating properties. For more color varieties, try carpets with high recycled (synthetic) content and less-toxic backings and adhesives. ideas and resources for your home
Photo courtsey Eco Friendly Flooring (ecofriendlyflooring.com).
more on interior trends
BayArea.com
Back to the Future with Linoleum A popular kitchen floor of mid-20th century America, linoleum was first introduced and patented in 1860. Made of natural and renewable materials such as linseed oil, pine resins, wood flour, and pigments, it was ready for a comeback in eco-conscious the 21st century—and it’s here. Today, natural linoleum is available in many colors ranging from pastel and subdued to vibrant and daring colors. Available in both sheets and tiles, linoleum is a durable, biodegradable Eco-friendly bamboo stair treads.
material that is comfortable, warm and quiet. Linoleum is also hypoallergenic and antistatic; characteristics that help linoleum repels dust and dirt. Linoleum is an excellent option for playrooms and home gyms. Unlike vinyl flooring, the colors in linoleum are embedded all the way through the material.
Add Class with Recycled Glass Tiles
Photo courtesy Forbo Flooring (www.forbo.com)
Recycled glass tiles have grown up. It used to be that the only kind available was a bright rainbow mash-up of many bits of glass. Not anymore. Today tiles that are 98% recycled glass are available in solid uniform colors and sizes. Made of reclaimed windows from old buildings, and manufacturing waste from window and windshield production, recycled glass mosaic tiles have only been available since 2008. It is suitable for floors in both dry and wet areas. Whatever room you’re flooring, you can make sure what’s underfoot is green by choosing eco-friendly materials like Forest Stewardship Council certified wood floors, durable cork, mature bamboo, natural wool carpeting, natural linoleum or recycled glass tiles. All you got to lose are indoor pollutants. THM
Marmoleum Click is made from renewable resources, including linseed oil, wood flour, and pine rosins. 12
September/October 2010 THM East Bay
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
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Multi-Function Comes Home From home office to guest room in seconds. by Xu
bei Shi
T SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA at the time, turning your infrequently used guest room into a home office for the family. It was a good idea…until the houseguests arrived and you didn’t have a comfortable space for them. Why compromise? With a custom designed home office and wallbed you can have your work space and your guest room. The ideal solution! Larry Fox, president and owner of Valet Custom Cabinets and Closets, points out that in a standard 12 foot square room a homeowner has more than enough space for both an office and a guest room without sacrificing workspace or a comfortable room for company. A typical design will have a desk and workspace on one wall wrapping around to a wallbed with side cabinetry on the adjacent wall. Custom office features might include multiple workstations, specialty cabinets designed for computer equipment, concealed wire management, and lighting. Wallbeds are often accompanied with side cabinets that offer wardrobe storage and nightstands. “It’s a fully integrated solution that meets the needs of the family and the individual,” says Fox. The results go far beyond what most of us could conjure up using elements from a catalog or furniture store. Customers often start by visiting one of Valet’s showrooms to gather ideas and see the product features and quality first hand. They gain a good feel for what can be accomplished and an expectation of cost. The focus then shifts to design and a complimentary in-home design consultation is scheduled. “We ask a lot of questions to fully understand each customer’s specific requirements and goals,” says Fox. “With the aid of our computer
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CAD program we are able to develop a custom solution that ideally meets their individual needs in both function and style.” A designer will ask about things the client may not have even considered. For example: How much filing space is needed? Will you be using a laptop or computer tower? Would you like your guests to have reading lights in their bed? Follow up questions are then asked, such as do you need standard or legal size files or both? “We work on the functionality first and then we craft the aesthetics and styling options,” says Fox. Valet’s experienced design team excels at making the most out of any space while complimenting the elegance of the home. Whether it is utilizing corner spaces, placing printers and CPU’s on slide-out shelves under a desk, or adding in a locking ergonomic laptop tray that slides under the desk when not in use, every inch of space is thought out. Designers will also recommend which type of wallbed will work best in the room. In addition to twin, double and queen sizes, wallbeds are available in
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The Very Best in Synthetic Turf both vertical and side-tilt options. Vertical tilt beds can even be ordered with an integrated fold down table. “Our primary objective is to create a unique solution that fits for you,” says Fox. In one home, Valet installed an office and wallbed in San Francisco for a customer who has back issues. To address the customer’s need to be standing while working, one section of the desk was raised to 45 inches high for his laptop. Customers can choose from a wide range of material options crafted in Valet’s 15,000 square-foot Campbell factory, a certified green manufacturing facility that uses 95 percent environmentally preferred products. Valet services the entire Bay Area with over 40% of their business coming from repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals. Fox, who has owned the company for 10 years, prides himself on the 96.4% on time rate once an installation appointment is set. “We provide a unique and personal service,” he says. 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 Mon– Fri 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sat 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM;
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[ C C I D C ]
Blending of Styles Merging traditional and contemporary provide unique results. BY
ZARA STENDER, CID, IDS, CMG
ONTEMPORARY OR TRADITIONAL and never the twain shall meet? Well, not anymore. With the financial caution all of us are exercising, we are more drawn to customs that represent a safer, saner time period. However, there is new fresh thought that will not be denied. I find that when clients want contemporary style in their home but still yearn for traditional, blending the two takes a steady hand and keen sense of balance. Simplicity was key with this client who wanted a modern look for his new home, but found he was still drawn to the comfort and familiarity of his Midwestern/German roots. To successfully accomplish this, we needed to: • Blend clean, straight lines of contemporary style with the ornate qualities of 18th Century furniture • Honor the modern architecture of the space • Incorporate old world into the new. • Mix metals, woods and stone • Keep color shades, tints and tones in the same family
C
Photos by Zara Stender
Mirrors are from Thomasville’s Brompton Hall Collection.
ideas and resources for your home Mix metals, mix for more on BayArea.com interiors woods, mix styles? Sounds like a design nightmare…not so…although it could easily go wrong. Paint can solve the problem by creating a “bridge” between these elements. The trick is to blend colors to produce a hue that pulls it all together seamlessly. Using Sherwin-Williams 7005 Pure White as a base, metallic gold and silver were added in to ‘platinumize’ the wall color. The brushed nickel, antique gold, and bronze [not shown] elsewhere in the space make a smooth transition. The finished result is a soft, multi-dimensional feel. The mirrors of ornately carved mahogany blend with the brushed nickel of the light fixture, travertine, and marble off setting the hard surfaces and curvilinear lines. For a warmer effect add more gold or a greater amount of silver for a cooler end product. The result was a space that seamlessly blended the two and was not so retro as new, fresh and forward. To accomplish the same in your home you may want to consider hiring a Certified Interior Designer. Merging straight lines into sensuous curves requires the restrained and balanced perspective of a professional. You’ll find that a little guidance will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
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September/October 2010 THM East Bay
Zara Stender is a Certified Interior Designer, CCIDC Board member, Chairholder with the Color Marketing Group, and STIR Magazine Advisory Board member. You can find information on Certified Interior Designers in your area at www.ccidc.org/cidpages. THM
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[ I N T E R I O R
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Feng Shui Energy
Connecting you with your living environment. BY
JULIA ARNDT
OWADAYS, WE TEND TO USE THE WORD “ENERGY” in casual conversations to often describe our impressions of another person. We might say, “he has great energy” or “their energy is so negative”. What we are really referring to is one’s internal character or Qi (Chinese for vital energy). Typically, and without it being completely obvious to us, our external environment, as well as the dwellings where we live or work, affect our internal energy. Winston Churchill’s statement, “We shape our dwellings, and afterwards our dwellings shape us” may indicate some deeper level awareness and understanding of the relationship between people and their surroundings. Homes, offices, and rooms provide varied emotional responses. When we talk about energy in terms of a room we might say, “I have difficulty concentrating in this room” or “I feel energized in this room”. Many of us might remember entering a space where we felt like we could move right in and, contrarily, we have entered spaces we couldn’t wait to leave. Determining the tangible and intangible energies that exist within a space and how they correspond to the person occupying a space is something the Chinese figured out many years ago. Feng shui (literally translated as wind and water) refers to a complex and dynamic system that can simply be described as energies that combine movement or flow (wind) with containment (water). It is not necessarily literally translated into wind and water but the two elements are essential to achieve a healthy and nourishing environment. On a basic level, good feng shui means creating energy within a space that feels good, looks good and works to enhance the needs and well-being of individuals who inhabit them. While feng shui does not adhere to any one particular design style, interior design plays an integral role in the balancing and harmonizing of individual spaces. It makes good sense; when there is balance and harmony in the
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environment one is more likely to experience a natural shift towards a happy, healthier and more prosperous and productive life. Inspired Place’s client responses range from, “I’m now feeling inspired and motivated” to “this experience provided me with solutions that enhanced my business, creating greater success”. Approaching design from a classical feng shui perspective or by integrating its core principles places the occupants at the center of design resulting in interiors that create a tangible and measureable harmony between the two that brings about a higher quality of living. Next time you are conscious of how you feel in a space, it’s likely the feng shui. Others who have found success by integrating feng shui principles into their homes and businesses are Donald Trump, Steven Spielberg, Donna Karan, Madonna, Oprah Winfrey, Tommy Hilfiger, Ponderosa Homes, The Wall Street Journal, MGM Grand, Bank of America, Citibank, McDonalds, Dreamworks, Virgin Airlines and the Los Angeles Zoo—and that’s just the short list! Julia Arndt, Allied ASID, NKBA, NCGBP, is a certified Classical Feng Shui specialist. To learn more about classical feng shui, contact Julia Arndt at (415) 300-7175 or visit www.inspiredplaces.com. THM
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Contemporary garages are garnering new respect.
A Room for All Reasons BY
H
BEANDRA BEY
AVE YOU EVER LOOKED INSIDE YOUR GARAGE AND
had that irritating feeling that it is a space going to waste? If so, you are in great company. Many savvy homeowners have had that same feeling. The good news is that quite a few of them took action with great results. It’s actually an important trend, says Nick Granato, owner of Premier Garage. ”Plenty of homeowners are downsizing their lifestyle, buying smaller houses.”
Reducing their total area space triggers them to look for ways to maximize all available room space, he says. “Homeowners are really starting to conceptualize their garages as an extension of their homes. Once they make that thought transition, it’s a natural progression to visualize their garage as not only a place to store their cars. It’s a place that also can double as, for example, a recreation room, a hobby workshop or a home office.”
Smart Strategy With the garage often being one of the largest rooms in a house, it’s really a very smart strategy, says Granato. The large array of cabinets and other organizing product options available today make designing a multi-use garage easy, “one of the three partners (Nick, Viny or Scott) visits our clients’ homes for a free consultation so they are always dealing with one of the owners to ensure the most personalized service. We bring along our computer-based design templates so our clients can visualize how their garage will look once we agree on a design plan.” Garages are also perfect places to store a lot of items that, left in the home proper, can contribute to a cluttered look, he says. “We provide our customers with attractive storage solutions for such items as shoes, backpacks and seasonal clothing. We also can design areas for refrigeration units and wine coolers.”
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September/October 2010 THM East Bay
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
RESOURCE GUIDE APPLIANCES
Direct Appliance 925-560-0500 www.directappliancedublin.com ARTIFICAL TURF
PolyGrass 866-5O2-188O www.polygrass.com AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT
Mechanical Air Service 800-913-4822 www.mechanicalairservice.com
Design Tradeoffs Most design plans require some type of compromise by the owners, says Granato. “Usually the space choices active families must make have to do with their bicycles. Bicycles are space hogs, each requiring at least six feet of space. With a sports-loving family typically having three or four bikes, homeowners have to decide how many cars and bikes they can realistically store in their garage.” Thinking of their garage as an extension of their home tends to tap a homeowner’s creative vein, he notes. “We see our clients asking for such personal touches as customized floor treatments, such as the Harley Davidson logo we embedded in a customer’s garage floor.” This kind of options puts the “S” in Home, Sweet Home. For more information or a free consultation and design, give Premier Garage a call at (866) 497-2880 or visit www.premiergarage.com. THM
WE GO BEYOND THE LAWN
CABINETS & CLOSETS
Valet Custom Cabinets & Closets 925-362-8838 www.valetcustom.com CLEANING SERVICE
Spring Fresh Cleaning 800-750-7175 www.springfreshcleaninginc.com CUSTOM FRAMING
Acanthus 925-866-1144 www.acanthusonline.com GARAGE STORAGE
Premier Garage 866-497-2880 www.premiergarage.com GARDEN ORNAMENTS
Giannini Garden Ornaments 650-873-4493 www.gianninigarden.com GRANITE & CABINETS
ZMC Kitchen & Bath 866-497-2880 www.zmcproducts.com HOME THEATER
Hi-Def Audio Video 408-294-6632 KITCHEN DESIGN CENTER
Ric’s Kitchen & Bath 510-733-5543 www.Rics-kitchen-bath.com LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Proper Pruning • Fertilization Watering • Mulching Landscape Design Flower/Bulb Planting Gardening Consultation Offering weekly, monthly & quarterly maintenance programs.
Call 925.937.2253 masterpiecegarden.com TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
Masterpiece Gardens & Design 925-937-2253 www.masterpiecegarden.com LUMBER & MILLWORK
Jackel Enterprises 800-711-WOOD (9663) www.jackelenterprises.com
for more resources
OUTDOOR FURNITURE & BBQ
Complete Backyards 408-748-8100 www.completebackyards.com PAINT CENTER
Professional Paint Center 925-933-3315 PAINTING CONTRACTOR
Rhino Shield 888-868-7575 www.rhinoshieldca.com PAVING STONES
Black Diamond Landscape & Designs 800-942-1955 www.blackdiamondlandscape.com PaverPro 888-804-9180 www.PaverPro.com REDWOOD FENCING
Borg Redwood Fences 925-426-9620 www.borgfence.com REMODELING CONSTRUCTION
Sunshine Construction, Inc. 925-472-8760 www.sunshine-construction-inc.com SHOWER DOORS & ENCLOSURES
California Shower Door Corp. 800-675-6225 www.calshowerdoor.com SOLAR
Sky Power Systems 925-380-1362 www.SkyPowerSolar.com SWIMMING POOLS
Lifetime Pools 650-494-7070 www.lifetimepools.com TILE AND STONE
Western Tile Design Center 925-671-0145 www.westerntiledesign.com WALLBEDS
Wallbeds ”n” More 925-570-5663 www.wallbedsnmore.com WINDOW TINTING
Solar Control Glass Tinting Co. 800-999-3828 www.solarcontrolcompany.com
ideas and resources for your home
BayArea.com
List your business, call 925-389-3481 East Bay THM September/October 2010
21
[ E V E N T S ]
Let the Festivities Begin These local home shows encourage a sense of fun. BY
TAMMY HANSEN
OOKING FOR THE FUN IN FENG SHUI? A BIT OF LAUGHTER with your landscaping? How about a little recreation to go with your remodel? Home improvement may be a serious subject—you want good quality at a fair price—but it doesn’t have to be dreary, says Kari Damron, show manager for the 24th Annual Alameda County Fall Home & Garden Show, which runs October 1-3 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. Damron encourages her 300-plus exhibitors to offer enjoyment along with enlightenment. “’Look at this! How much fun is this! I’m so glad to see you today.’ That’s the energy that I want to flow to the homeowner when
L
The 24th Annual Alameda County Fall Home & Garden Show Alameda County Fairgrounds Friday, October 1 • 12 PM-6 PM Saturday, October 2 • 10 AM-7 PM Sunday, October 3 • 10 AM-6 PM. $6 general admission (kids 12 and under are free)
The 15th Annual Contra Costa Fall Home & Garden Show Concord Sleep Train Pavilion Friday, October 22 • 12 PM – 6 PM Saturday, October 23 • 10 AM – 7 PM Sunday, October 24 • 10 AM- 6 PM $6 general admission (kids 12 and under are free)
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September/October 2010 THM East Bay
For a FREE Pass Visit
they walk through that www.TodaysHomeBayArea.com door,” Damron says. Companies like The Floor Store, Wallbeds “n” More, and S.A.F.T.E. (Safety Alert For The Elderly) are happy to oblige because they are sharing their newest products with truly interested shoppers. Vendors at the Alameda show and its sister, the 15th Annual Contra Costa Fall Home & Garden Show, October 22-24 at Sleep Train Pavilion in Concord, offer valuable ‘face time.’ Home shows are a great place to get one-on-one interviews with manufacturers and service providers ranging from general contractors to producers of specialty vinegars. “Homeowners are careful, especially today, to compare,” Damron says. “At the show you can ask a question and get it answered right away.” The 11,000 visitors at the Alameda Spring show came with specific jobs in mind. Damron expects a similar crowd for the fall show, in which exhibitors will help homeowners refine plans, shop for new products, and spark some creativity. Show goers also go home with sacks of promotional materials and giveaway items. That’s part of the fun. The first 300 customers at the Alameda show receive a free flowering plant. Playing exhibitor bingo can net a prize from one of the 26 participating companies. There are also plenty of samples and a bevy of jaw dropping booths designed to showcase new products. Don’t forget the huge apple treats from De Brito Chocolate Factory, commonly known as “The Candy Apple Lady.” Come with a sense of fun, Damron says, “and by all means bring your ideas.” For more information visit www.capitalshowcase.com or call (800) 222-9351. New exhibitors are always welcome. THM
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Š 2009 PremierGarage. All rights reserved. Each franchise independently owned and operated. Space is what you make of it. Make it work. Make it last. Make it PremierGarage is a trademark of PremierGarage.
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