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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2OO9
[ C O N T E N T S ] 16
ENTERTAINING 18
KITCHENS 16
Remodeling Lite
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Kitchen-Wise
Ideas and tips for smaller projects to beautify your home. by Lisa Winer
Making the right choices when it comes to appliances for your kitchen. by Tammy Hansen
NKBA 20 Open Kitchen Plan
Creating more space in your kitchen. by Toni DeWaal, CID, CGBP
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L I V I N G
G R E E N
2M AR CHIT ECTURE
14
Architectural Green
Building Green: The Right Way by Gabrielle Saveri
10
Energy Boost
12
Stellar Systems
Reduce your heating bill this winter with efficient window coverings. by Heidi Doerfert Home theater built right. by Heidi Doerfert
CCIDC 24 Wise Decisions on a Budget
Lutron controls your light.™
Budget-friendly ideas for your kitchen. by MaryJo Camp, CKD, CBD, CID
Lutron introduces quiet electronic shades that protect your furnishing. ®
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Sivoia QED™: One touch raises or lower shades in virtual silence. Expensive art and furnishings can be ruined by direct sunlight. Lutron, the world leader in lighting control solutions, enables you to adjust your electric light and lower shades to adjust natural light all in a single keypad. We even make systems that will keep track of the sun to lower shades automatically. Sivoia QED™ wall control. © 2004 Lutron Electronics, Co., Inc.
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[ F R O M
T H E
E D I T O R ]
Volume 7, Issue 1 • January/February 2009
New Ideas For a Whole New Kitchen
A
S THE CALENDAR TURNS TO 2009, WE LOOK toward a brighter economy and future. We survived the Holidays and cherished the moments we were able to spend with friends and family. But it also allowed us to find faults with our current kitchen arrangements. Not enough counter space, crammed kitchen cabinets with doors half open with pots and pans we use only once a year spilling out, and zero entertaining space to allow guests to mingle while we’re preparing food top the list of major complaints we’d most like to see changed.
Jeff Curry, Publisher/Editor
As incredible values abound in this depressed market, this may be the best time in the past few decades to jump in and do some serious remodeling. We all know that kitchens top the remodeling list, so allow us to offer a few suggestions…
With A Sensational Solution, you’ll read about how using the right contractor can lead to wonderful new and exciting ideas for your kitchen that were right under your nose. In Old World Thinking, you’ll find a great article on the benefits of using a thicker piece of granite and how it can be easier to install and possibly save you money. There’s also an article on a local architectural firm that specializes in Green builds. Including Green techniques and ideas that can lead to a healthier and safer home for you and your family. This issue also features great industry articles from some of the top industry associations. The California Council of Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) brings a great read on making smart choices in virtually every part of your kitchen, from the cabinets and hardware, to flooring and tile. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) talks about how opening up your kitchen can bring a whole new level of enjoyment to your home. We hope you enjoy this issue and as always, feel free to send in your comments and suggestion. We’d love to hear from you. Jeff Curry, Publisher/Editor Jeff@THmag.com
The Bay Area’s best resource for your lifestyle at home. PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Jeff Curry GENERAL MANAGER
Jason Douglas ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Tracy Carson Michael A. Frieburg Cindy McCue Stephan Raimist FEATURE WRITERS
MaryJo Camp Toni DeWaal Heidi Doerfert Tammy Hansen Gabrielle Saveri Lisa Winer ART DIRECTOR
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Today’s Home is looking for highly motivated Account Executives with 2 years of advertising and marketing experience. We offer a dynamic environment, excellent growth opportunities, competitive earnings, and a benefits package. Full- and part-time positions available. Please e-mail resumes to Jeff@THmag.com. 6
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THIS MONTH ON living green
Sustainable Style
Designer furniture…sleek, comfortable and Green. www.thmresource.com/calshowerdoor
Re-Creating the Kitchen The latest trends in Green kitchen products. www.thmresource.com/feature
cabinets
Old World Craftsmanship
Custom-made furniture makes a unique difference. www.thmresource.com/doubledragon
window coverings
design/build
Cabinetry Quandaries
Subconsciously, color plays an important role in how a room makes you feel. www.thmresource.com/armkea
houseplants
Two Services Under One Roof
Houseplants Clean the Air
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Design/build approach saves time and money.
Live plants are more than decoration.
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Motorized Peace of Mind
Eliminate the hassle—and dangers—of corded manual shades with thelatest motorized technology. www.thmresource.com/hunterdouglas
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ENERGY BOOST Reduce your heating bill this winter with efficient window coverings. BY
HEIDI DOERFERT
W
E ALL KNOW NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION.
To find out how you can make your windows more beautiful and energy-efficient, please visit their Website at www.hunterdouglas.com or call (800) 274-2985. THM 10
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Duette® Architella™ honeycomb shades with Standard Cordlock.
Duette® Architella™ honeycomb shades with UltraGlide®.
Photos: Hunter Douglas (wwwhunterdouglas.com)
WHEN OUR country was going through the energy crisis of the late 1970s, Hunter Douglas developed the first highly efficient window covering, combining fashion with a revolutionary honeycomb design. Today, in the midst of another crisis in energy costs, Hunter Douglas heeds our call with the introduction of the Duette Architella Collection. “This line of honeycomb shades provides the ultimate in energy efficiency at your window,” says Cate Vanegas of Hunter Douglas. “Duette Architella shades feature a patented construction of a honeycomb within a honeycomb. This provides more air pockets than traditional honeycomb shades and can reduce heat loss at the window by up to 50 percent!” Did you know that almost half of the heat that escapes from your home leaves through the windows? With Duette Architella shades, the cells actually trap the hot or cold air, decreasing the intensity of the temperature as it enters the room. A honeycomb shade with a triple cell construction will increase the energy efficiency of a single pane of glass by five times and more than double the energy efficiency of a double-glazed window. And, that means savings on your monthly utility bill. Technology paired with beauty is a win-win. Duette shades come in a wide array of fabrics and colors. You can choose from sheer, semi-sheer, semi-opaque and opaque fabrics which allow you to choose your desired level of privacy and light control. With the Architella line, an extra layer of fabric gives the color of the shade a richer appearance, as it prevents bright sunlight from washing out the interior fabric color. You’ll also enjoy its softer look and feel as well as its increased energy efficiency. To help you pick out a shade that will compliment your home’s décor, Hunter Douglas offers the award-winning iMagine Design Center on its website. You can see the colors, textures and construction details up close and even view them within a variety of room settings. Each product has a features list that includes its energy efficiency rating, available safety options, sound absorption and more. Better still, why not shop at one of your local Hunter Douglas dealers to see this amazing product for yourself.
THmag.com
Save Energy–Beautifully.
Duette® Architella™ Honeycomb Shades
Duette® Architella™ honeycomb shades with UltraGlide®
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Hunter Douglas Window Treatments meet both your design and energy needs. 40% of the heat that escapes from your home leaves through the windows, and 50% of the solar heat that enters a room comes in through—you guessed it—the windows. Obviously, energy efficient treatments can translate into considerable utility bill savings, especially if your windows are on a cold north exposure in the winter or a sun-saturated west wall in the summer. Saving energy is a beautiful thing with Hunter Douglas.
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STELLAR SYSTEMS BY
HEIDI DOERFERT
T
HE LIGHTS ARE DIMMED, YOU SIT BACK IN YOUR SEAT, and the roar of stampeding elephants fills the room. The picture on the high definition screen is so vivid you feel like you can reach out and touch them. Now imagine that you’re not in a movie theater enjoying the latest animated family film, but in the privacy and comfort of your own home. The addition of a home theater is the ultimate luxury and one that should be entrusted to a professional with the knowledge to bring out the best in the latest technology. Eric Cox, owner of 20/20 dB, is a licensed contractor specializing in custom electronic residential and commercial sales, design, and installation. His services include home theater, multi-room audio and home automation. He has 12 years of experience in the industry and knows that understanding the structure of your home is crucial in giving you the perfect set-up for your lifestyle. “I want my clients to see technology as a specialty like an architect or an interior designer. It’s just as important to hire someone who has the experience in home electronics as it is for other areas of your house.” Eric likes to educate his clients so the equipment doesn’t intimidate them. During a free consultation, he inspects his clients home or business and discusses their needs and options. One of Eric’s first recommendations is a universal remote. Say goodbye to multiple remotes and the need for a manual to turn on your television! A single remote control with a very simple interface allows everyone in the household to use and enjoy the entertainment system. 20/20 dB uses only the highest quality and most innovative product lines such as Hitachi, Furman, TruAudio, Sherbourn, and Colorado vNet.
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Home theater built right.
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FOR AN IMPROVED LIFESTYLE RELY ON THE EXPERTS IN HOME THEATER SYSTEMS
Customer satisfaction is Eric’s main goal. A 20/20 dB client in San Leandro says, “Eric knew exactly what the project entailed and the price of the complete project was very reasonable for the quality. He was extremely polite, did exactly what I needed, was neat, and promptly made his appointments on time.” For a recent project in Scottsdale, Arizona, Eric installed a home theater, a multi-room audio system, and a central control system by Colorado vNet. With the central control system, the homeowner is able to control the audio system, lighting system, security, and even heating and ventilation from multiple touch panels throughout the property. “There’s a term in the industry called wall acne,” explains Eric. “That’s when you have a light switch, security keypad, intercom and thermostat cluttering up a particular area on your wall. An automation system can eliminate all of that by giving you remote access to the systems in your house with a simple to use interface!” Unlike the big chains that send strangers to install your equipment, never to be heard from again, Eric builds a relationship with each and every client. “When you call 20/20 dB, you get me on the line. I will continue to be there to assist you so you get the most out of your system for years to come,” says Eric. To learn more about adding a high quality audio and video system to your home, please call Eric Cox, of 20/20 dB, at (510) 432-0180. THM
20/20 dB, a leader in home theater systems, specializing in multi-room audio/video systems, system integration and automation.
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[ L I V I N G
G R E E N : 2M ARCHITECTURE]
Architectural Green
Building Green: The Right Way BY
GABRIELLE SAVERI
I
F YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT RENOVATING A traditional home or building a new one using the latest Green techniques, you might want to call 2M Architecture, a San Francisco-based architecture firm specializing in socially and ecologically responsive design. Firm owners Mark Tetrault and Marc Lindsell joined forces about 3 ½ years ago and are actively promoting green building design wherever they can. “The regulatory agencies in the Bay Area are now starting to require Green business practices, and we’re doing what we can to do the same,” says Lindsell, who is LEEDcertified and accredited under Build-it-Green. 2M Architecture recently finished work on a highend Green renovation in San Mateo, adding a master suite and the latest sustainable bells and whistles to an older New England-style home. Check it out, along with some of the firm’s latest Green projects, at www.2MArchitecture.com
Marc Lindsell
Mark Tetrault
2M Architecture, 501 Courtland Avenue, San Francisco (415) 826-5459, www.2MArchitecture.com. THM
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415.519.4761
Creating ecologically responsive design through modern architecture.
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Builder: S. E. A. Construction Photo: Ken Gutmaker
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501 Cortland Avenue San Francisco 415.826.5459 San Francisco/San Mateo THM January/February 2009
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[ E N E R T A I N I N G
K I T C H E N S ]
Remodeling Lite
Photo: Walker Zanger (www.walkerzanger.com)
Ideas and Tips for Smaller Projects To Beautify Your Home
16
BY
LISA WINER
A
KITCHEN REMODEL MIGHT NOT BE ON THE MINDS of many of us in this down economy. But in fact there are many ways to refresh and add punch to your kitchen without spending a lot of money. We asked some experts to weigh in with their ideas on how to do just that. “Once you start opening up walls, more inspections are involved, and labor is more costly,” says Lisa Jasper, co-owner of Jasper Construction and Design in Alameda. Adding flair to your kitchen can be as simple as replacing the old fluorescent box in the kitchen ceiling and treating it out with moldings, new paint, and new lighting. Removing the fluorescent lights creates a coffer, or a space, that lends a sense of height to the kitchen. Customizing that space can give a 1960s kitchen a whole new decorative look at low cost, says Lisa. Architectural moldings, in particular, can really lift a room, she says. “Otherwise a room is just a box.” For a country look, a simple option is to stencil or paint a wood floor. A shelf high up—a foot down from the ceiling—adds some visual interest and functionality when books, accessories, or ceramic pottery are added. Undercabinet lights and a new backsplash are other ways to give your kitchen some sparkle. REVIVING AND REFACING There are several options for updating your cabinets. Least expensive is reviving, in which the existing finish is kept on but a professional livens it up. You can’t change the wood or door style, says Andrea Burton, owner of Kitchen Solvers of the Valley in Danville, but you can go a little darker, which softens the way the grain looks. Next in line of expense is painting cabinets. Andrea advises the homeowner get a professional for this project. “I don’t recommend painting cabinets yourself,” she says, as a professional will be able to maximize the life of the paint job and prevent chipping. Lastly is refacing, in which existing doors and drawer fronts are replaced and the cabinet boxes are veneered to match the new wood. The cost of refacing is about 30 percent less than replacing cabinets, says Andrea. Refacing is more environmentally friendly than replacing cabinets as well, as much less goes into the landfill. A very inexpensive way to dress up your cabinets is to add new hardware. Companies have wonderful hardware available, says Lisa. Pull-out and lazy Susan systems, roll-out trays and tray dividers are great ways to make older cabinets more usable and to create more space.
Walker Zanger Terra-cotta Contessa Collection. January/February 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
THmag.com
Photo: Eldorado Stone (www.eldoradostone.com)
TundraBrick profile in Riverbed color with standard grout.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY Many options are available for making kitchen energy use more efficient, thereby allowing the homeowner to save money on his or her electric bill. “There are some beautiful new faucets” that will help he homeowner save on both the water and electric bills, says Andrea. New appliances can also provide energy efficiency. Point-of-use water heaters only draw energy when the water is needed, in contrast to tank units. Newer lighting such as LED lighting uses much less energy than conventional lighting. Convection ovens cook faster than regular ovens and therefore save energy. Induction cooktops put the majority of the heat directly into the pan, says Mark Karas, president of the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
Photo: All designs and images © Hubbardton Forge
LET THE SUN SHINE IN Consider increasing the size of your kitchen window to make the kitchen seem larger. Andrea created a bay window in her kitchen with a seat, and added several feet to her kitchen. Finally, you may want to consider hiring a professional organizer, who can come to your home to help you get rid of what you don’t need and clean out, says Andrea. Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms in the house to remodel, says Lisa, because electrical, plumbing, and venting are all involved. But a little creativity on how to maximize the use of kitchen professionals can take the homeowner a long way. There’s no need to quell that urge to remodel with the plethora of affordable options available. THM thmRESOURCE.com
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[ E N E R T A I N I N G
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Kitchen-Wise
Making the right choices when it comes to appliances for your kitchen. BY
E
TAMMY HANSEN
LEGANT COOKTOPS WITH EXTRA BURNERS, DOUBLE OVENS, refrigerators sporting computer keyboards—all are enticing. However, the first appliance many customers choose is the dishwasher. That might seem counterintuitive for a remodel project, but it makes perfect sense to Sincere Hardware Supply Store Manager Keith Chan. Busy families treasure the few extra minutes of family time a well-engineered dishwasher can provide, says Keith. Sincere, which began as a small hardware and plumbing store in 1988, has grown up with the boom in remodeling of the past decade or so. What started as a simple retail storefront now is a full service kitchen and bath design center with everything from countertops to windows to flooring to appliances. The Oakland based company expanded its appliance offerings two years ago to create one-stop shopping for not only a variety of brands, but also a variety of price points.
Keith encourages customers to mix and match appliances to meet specific needs within a budget. A cooking aficionado, for example, might be more excited about an induction cooktop than the high-end dishwasher. In that case, a midrange dishwasher might free up a little extra cash for a top-of-the-line stove or even a pair of wall ovens. “Most customers will mix and match the price points but stay with one brand name,” Keith says. “It depends on the customer’s needs.” There are plenty of viable options for each appliance, he adds. Trends come and go, but convenience remains the bottom line for homeowners choosing a new set of appliances. The computer and television in the refrigerator door might be enticing, but it’s the push-button refrigerator shelf adjuster that closes the deal. Here are Keith’s tips and trends for the big three appliances in most kitchen remodels:
COOKTOPS British Thermal Units (BTU) remain the gauge for quality in cooking on gas. Entry level, standalone gas stoves start at around 10,000 BTU. Mid range hovers at 12,000 and often includes basic convection. For the serious cook, it’s a BTU up to 15,000 with true convection (elements at top and bottom of the oven for even heat throughout the stove). The trend toward electric stoves with induction cooktops continues. (Electric heat output is measured in kilowatt-hours or kWh.) Besides the sleek look and even heating, induction cooktops offer families peace of mind that little fingers won’t get singed. The heat is transferred only through iron or steel pots.
REFRIGERATORS Interior space and convenience drive different price points. Entrylevel refrigerators will have smaller
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interior cubic feet and button controls. Mid range refrigerators feature individual freezers, digital controls and a water dispenser. A high-end refrigerator features removable shelves and push button electronic shelf levers. Many also are built-in and match cabinetry. Counter depth refrigerators continue to gain favor with aesthetic minded remodelers. Removable shelves that level electronically are a favorite for high-end refrigerators.
DISHWASHERS Entry-level dishwashers feature simple dials and buttons and generally have plastic interiors. Mid range dishwashers offer stainless interiors and often several push button options. At the highest prices, dishwashers often feature automatic shutoff sensors and a sanitizer option. Quiet operation is a feature for many mid-range and upper range models. Stainless steel exteriors and energy saving sensors that detect when each load is clean are favorites with consumers.
more about…
kitchens Treasured Hunt
Gorgeous granite countertops are a kitchen’s crowning glory, but beauty isn’t the only feature granite has to offer. It can withstand scorching pots and resist food absorption with proper sealing. www.thmresource.com/granitewholesale
Design is an Extraordinary Adventure Jeanese Rowell, with her ever-increasing depth of experience, her embrace of invention, and her extraordinary and unrelenting curiosity, defines her vision as much more than a designer. www.thmresource.com/jrowell
Visit any one of five Sincere Hardware Supply locations (Downtown Oakland, West Oakland, Modesto, Sunnyvale and Reedley) for help with your kitchen remodel. Go to www.sincerehardware.com for showroom addresses and more about the Oakland based kitchen and bath design centers. Visit the downtown Oakland design center at 276 11th Street Oakland, (510) 832-2838. THM
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[ E N E R T A I N I N G
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OPEN KITCHEN PLAN Creating More Space in Your Kitchen BY
TONI DEWAAL, CID, CGBP
O
VER THE YEARS, THE KITCHEN HAS CHANGED FROM A closed-in-room where typically one person did the majority of the cooking to the new social gathering spot. Many kitchens these days house homework or office areas and function as the overall command center of the home. Entertaining styles have changed over the years as well. People enjoy cooking with guests, often engaging them in the process of meal preparation. Everyone wants to be in the kitchen with the wonderful aromas and exciting action. An open kitchen serves this type of lifestyle very well. It allows visual access to other rooms and often a connection to the outdoor spaces. This removal of barriers socializes the entire space and often frees up the cooking centers as now everyone feels connected. Creating an open floor plan recognizes this construct and embodies it in the design. To create an open plan, professional kitchen designers start with an understanding of how the space is to be used, by whom, looking at ages and various abilities, storage needs, and budget to deliver a plan. From there, it is fine tuned with details. In this example, the clients wanted a social kitchen set to handle every day meals, as well as small gatherings. Occasionally there would be larger outdoor parties with buffet service. The aesthetic goals were for a transitional kitchen that could stand the test of time, combined with some modern accents. Cherry cabinets in a wide shaker style are the backdrop for cool metal and cobalt blue accents. The original ceiling line followed the roofline and peaked at one side. This drew the eye up. The new ceiling still followed the pitch of the roof but was leveled off at 10'-6" and now makes the space feel proportionately large. The sink wall serves as a strong focal point and adds appropriate scale to the new ceiling height with the 3 raised glass-front cabinets and cobalt blue glass tiles. The island was designed to be at one level for maximum food preparation and serving space. It houses a 30" range top with a downdraft so the clients can cook and still visit with guests. Red glass pendants illuminate the island and visually balance the space. Professional style appliances line the back wall and keep the work triangle compact. Additional serving area is adjacent to the refrigerator and pull-out pantry. A large door system opens up to the outside and allows for maximum traffic flow for small or large gatherings.
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This new open kitchen is efficient and expresses the clients’ style. There is now plenty of room for guests and family to mingle and take part in the kitchen activities. Toni DeWaal, NCIDQ, CGBP, is a designer at Harrell Remodeling (www.harrellremodeling.com) and the vice president of communications for NKBA, Northern California Chapter. The mission of the NKBA, Northern California Chapter, is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry. For more information, visit www.nocankba.org or www.nkba.org. THM
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(415) 371-0200 700 2nd Street • San Francisco Corner of 2nd & Townsend
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Old World Thinking Using Thicker Granite Slabs in your Kitchen.
W
HEN YOU THINK OF GREAT DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE,
you think about Europe. You can see the beautiful design and commitment to quality Europeans live by. So when it comes time to renovate your kitchen countertops, take a cue from them and consider a thicker slab of granite. Not only is thicker granite more durable and sturdy (the European and New York standard is 1 1⁄4-inch-thick granite, compared with California’s 3⁄4-inch standard), but it’s also easier to install than thinner granite, says Andrei Gourji, who has made it his business for years to import European-standard granite from around the world to his Marble City store in San Carlos. “Our thicker granite requires less fabrication and takes less preparation,” explains Andrei, who is president of the company. “Marble City customers get thicker, richer-looking, seamless granite counters fabricated with their choice of edging, and installed and sealed for about the same price as the 3⁄4-inch counters.” These advantages are made possible through the installation. Because California-standard granite countertops must be laid on top of 3⁄4-inch plywood for structural support, installers must patch the seams by gluing a granite bullnose or sculptural edge to the end. At best, that glued piece 22
January/February 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
detracts from the countertop’s smooth lines. At worst, shoddy work can mar the surface of the countertop. Thicker, 1 1⁄4-inch granite doesn’t require any plywood or patching so it creates a seamless, smooth surface. Strength is another benefit of using 1 1⁄4-inch granite. It’s strong enough to support its weight and It can easily support the length of a foot-long breakfast bar overhang, while 3⁄4-inch granite typically isn’t strong enough to extend more than 6 inches from the edge without using cumbersome under-cabinet supports. Marble City imports its granite from around the world and offers more than 100 varieties. Counters are available with an assortment of edge styles, and the company’s Diamond Certified rating ensures prompt and excellent service. When it comes to quality granite and professional installation, you don’t have to travel far. Marble City offers beautiful 1 1⁄4-inch slabs to Bay Area residents and installs them with exceptional, satisfying results. For more information, contact Marble City by calling (866) 234-6896 or at their Web site, www.marblecityca.com. The showroom is located at 611 Taylor Way, Suite 6, San Carlos. Hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday; and 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Saturday. THM THmag.com
classic style AND hydrothermal massage INVITE
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800.675.6225 calshowerdoor.com 1795 Yosemite Avenue San Francisco thmRESOURCE.com
San Francisco/San Mateo THM January/February 2009
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[ C C I D C ]
Wise Decisions on a Budget Bud get-friendl y i deas f or your ki t chen. BY
MARYJO CAMP, CKD, CBD, CID
A
FUNCTIONALLY BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN IS THE result of many design and product selections. Making choices for this space becomes particularly difficult when budgets are tightened. Forfeiting the perfect tile design, your favorite high tech appliances or an exquisite cabinet detail are concessions that most don’t want to make. Hiring a qualified design professional is a great investment in making the most of your remodeling dollars. When consulting with a designer, wants and needs are prioritized and money is allocated to the details that are most important to the family and the design solution. Consider these budget-saving designer tactics. When deciding on a tile design to enhance your solid countertop, one can use a limited number of expensive tiles in a creative pattern with a less expensive field tile. This holds the cost down without sacrificing impact. The balance of varied materials adds to the enriched overall effect. Instead of assuming that one must have all top of the line appliances, consider which appliances are most important to you considering your kitchen uses and splurge on those models only. Do your homework and understand new products on the market that might fulfill your needs
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January/February 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
less expensively. A counter depth, free-standing refrigerator might suit your needs as well as a more expensive built-in model. The money saved in one decision can allow for your favorite detail. Understand what you are paying for in cabinets. Make sure that the features you are paying for are really essential to the success of your design. There might be existing elements that are appropriate to reuse in the new design. Perhaps a favorite antique piece in an alcove is a better solution than building in new cabinets. A design professional can help you make these money saving decisions. Many feel that a smaller budget doesn’t allow for the fees a designer will charge. A mistake made in the name of saving money is too costly to risk. The knowledge and creative ideas that a design professional brings to project adds value at every budget level. Invest in wise choices to create your own functionally beautiful space. MaryJo Camp, CKD, CBD, CID, is Vice President-Marketing and Business Development, Standards of Excellence Appliances and Decorative Plumbing, www.standardsofexcellence.com. For a list of Certified Interior Designers in your area or to view the CID Pages (a visual directory of CID’s), visit www.ccidc.org/cidpages. THM THmag.com
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create a shower “Using your existing dressers and nightstands
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Your ideas come to life... Craftsmanship
and swapping your old wood bed for an upholstered one can really give you a fresh, new look at a fraction of the cost of a new bedroom.” CRAIG KOHLER, OWNER OF ARTESANÍAS.
••• company will use it. Being able to personally choose the fabrics that will be used on your upholstered bed is what gives it a one-of-a-kind style. Artesanías offers upholstered beds in 10 different styles, all of which can be customized to the client’s specifications. The mission at Artesanías is to bring designer-level products to the everyday consumer, and more important, at a price level most people can afford. Along with its custom line of upholstered beds, the store also features custom sofas, accent chairs, and dining chairs all made in the United States to exacting standards. “You don’t necessarily need an interior designer if you come into my store,” says Craig. “If you have an idea, we’ll help you make it happen.” The staff at Artesanías is very knowledgeable and always available to sit down with customers to help achieve a polished look in any room of their home.
HE IDEAL BEDROOM OFFERS A TRANQUIL RESPITE from day-to-day life by making the most of designer elements that complement and accentuate the homeowner’s personal style. Creating a bedroom that has the perfect balance of style and comfort can come simply by updating the centerpiece of the room—the bed. If you’ve been thinking of changing your bedroom furniture, but can’t quite commit to spending thousands of dollars on a new set, Craig Kohler, owner of Artesanías in San Francisco, has an idea for you. “Using your existing dressers and nightstands and swapping your old wood bed for an upholstered one can really give you a fresh, new look at a fraction of the cost of a new bedroom. An upholstered bed can also create an uplifting atmosphere in a room that is dominated by heavy wood furniture.” Whether your tastes are contemporary or traditional, upholstered beds work with any existing décor. “It’s not just a contemporary look or a traditional look,” Craig explains. “You can decide the look your room will have by the fabric
To see Artesanías’ beautiful selection of upholstered beds and furniture, visit the main showroom at 1747 Church Street, San Francisco. For more information, call (415) 643-6309 or explore the Web site at www.artesf.com. THM
~
High Quality Practical Functionality Since 1935
800.675.6225 calshowerdoor.com 1795 Yosemite Avenue • San Francisco
Two Locations
AN UPHOLSTERED BED GIVES YOUR ROOM A FRESH, DESIGNER LOOK AT A COST-CONSCIOUS PRICE.
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you choose.” White creates a clean, contemporary look, as do ethereal shades of blue, which are currently very popular with designers. Another way to infuse the room with style is to use layers of different texture and color, contrasting heavier fabrics on the headboard with silky bedding or using patterned fabrics to create accents that reflect your favorite design styles. “An upholstered bed brings style options you just don’t get with wood,” adds Craig. There are hundreds of fabrics to choose from, and if you still don’t find what you’re looking for, you can bring in your own fabric and the
Detail
Finished, Framed and Frameless Enclosures
HEIDI HILL
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for your life
1711 Greenwich Street San Francisco
415.922.2783 1747 Church Street San Francisco
415.643.6309 www.artesf.com bedroom • living room • dining room • lighting • rugs and accessories
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The f urni t ure you wa n t f or b oth side s of your home i nside & ou t side
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DOUBLE DRAGON WOOD WORKS (415) 971-4724 DOUBLEDRAGONWOODWORKS.COM
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510.848.3181
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510.383.8919
Monday–Saturday 9–5
armkeainc@sbcglobal.net
We match any design for kitchen, bath, office, and entertainment cabinetry. Bring us your photos, drawings, or samples, and we’ll make and install it.
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707.584.3400 Monday–Friday 8:30–4:30 Saturday 9:30–3:00 5805 Labath Avenue Suite #2 • Rohnert Park AmericanKitchenandBath.biz
[ L I V I N G
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MAGINE OWNING A LUSH LAWN THAT NEVER NEEDS mowing, watering, or fertilizing ever again! No imagination needed, it’s true. Heavenly Greens, Northern California’s exclusive distributor of FieldTurf offers a synthetic lawn that looks and feels so real, even the neighbors won’t be able to tell the difference. This new product made from polyfiber is so durable and environmentally safe, even your dog can’t damage it. Safe for kids and pets, it’s the top choice for installs in homes, daycare centers, playgrounds, schools, golf courses, parks, & kennels. It is also the same product installed on professional football and soccer fields around the country. In addition to having a 20-25 year life, this synthetic turf system can assist architects and designers in obtaining points toward LEED certification, the national standard for what constitutes a “Green Building” in new construction. Best of all, it’s environmentally safe and drought resistant. Never having to water, mow or fertilize obviously saves precious resources, but did you know the average lawn consumes 56,000 gallons of water a year? This expense alone costs the average homeowner up to 70% of their annual water bill. Plus, not having to water eliminates the run-off of toxic fertilizers into our environment. Even more, just 1 gas powered lawn mower can pollute a much as 10 cars in 1 hour! With water bills on the rise and the extreme threat of drought, installing this top notch synthetic lawn pays for itself. It even drains better than real grass, no more muddy feet or paws across your floors. Heavenly Greens also can install a Signature Series custom designed putting green which is certified by the
Save water and resources with this unique synthetic turf. PGA. Installing your own putting green now gives you access to your favorite sport year round. But don’t be fooled! There are plenty of synthetic turf companies on the market attempting to duplicate the results of this wonder grass, but none have successfully created the look, feel and durability of FieldTurf. With four separate landscape applications, residential and commercial landscaping, professional putting greens, playgrounds and pets you can clearly see why FieldTurf is the number one selling synthetic turf worldwide. Heavenly Greens is the only authorized FieldTurf dealer in the region and has been awarded the prestigious “Diamond Certification” for customer satisfaction. To learn more about the new modern lawn, call them today at (866) 724-8873 or visit them on the web at www.HeavenlyGreens.com. THM
H O M E T H E AT E R & W H O L E - H O U S E A U D I O
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Hours: Mon.–Fri. 10–7, Sat. 9–5:30, Closed Thurs. and Sun. ®
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