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[ C O N T E N T S ] 14
INSPIRED BACKYARDS 14
The Great Escape Create your own getaway at home with these budget-friendly ideas for your outdoor living space. By Heidi Doerfert
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Outdoor Havens Beautiful Pools with excellent pedigrees. By Lisa Winer
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High Energy Beautiful window treatments that cut utility bills. By Heidi Doerfert
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Perfect Fit Explore the numerous wall bed options to find the right one for your home. By Cara Watkins
CLCA 20 Make A Good Impression Great ideas for adding value to your home. By Toni DeWaal, CID, CGBP
CCIDC 24 Borrowing Outdoor Space for Everyday Living Ideas for creating a unique living space. By Patsy Zakian-Greenough, CKD, CID, CAPS, CGBP
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Screen Solutions Interior and Exterior Automated Shading Systems ON THE COVER Essentiel Black Ceramic Top Dining Table with Essentiel Batyline® Mesh Dining Arm Chairs. Photo: Henry Hall Designs (www.henryhalldesigns.com). thmRESOURCE.com
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[ F R O M
T H E
E D I T O R ]
Making the Outdoors Your Playground T HERE’S NO DENYING IT, outdoor spaces are becoming a bigger part of our everyday lives. BBQ’s, pools, custom concrete, etc. The list of upgrades we can install to make our outdoor experience outstanding is ever growing. Live the good life. Cook outdoors. Spend quality time with friends and family. This issue of Today’s Home is full of great stories and ideas to make your backyard dreams a reality…
Volume 7, Issue 2 • March/April 2009
The Bay Area’s best resource for your lifestyle at home. PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Jeff Curry GENERAL MANAGER
In a great story from Lifetime Pools, we’re taught how a pool can be a tranquil stress-releasing hideaway from the grind of everyday life.
Jason Douglas ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Michael A. Frieburg
Wallbeds ‘N’ More will give your home room you probably didn’t realize was available with wonderful options in space saving wallbeds that will open up space for a home office, workout room, or whatever else you can dream up.
Jeff Curry, Publisher/Editor
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 bringing the tranquility of the outdoors inside. The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) talks about the value of using a qualified contractor to get your landscaping job done right the first time.
Cindy McCue Stephan Raimist FEATURE WRITERS
Toni DeWaal Heidi Doerfert Patsy Zakian-Greenough Cara Watkins Lisa Winer ART DIRECTOR
Jeff Clinton WEBMASTER
In more GREAT news this month, Today’s Home is going Green. We’ve made the switch to recycled paper. Every issue from now on will be using paper that is 85-100% recycled—20-30% of which is Post Consumer Waste. This means we’re keeping a lot of waste out of landfills and doing right by the environment.
Chris Ryce ACCOUNTING
Diane Nasadiuk
EDITORIAL INQUIRIES
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
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“ .” Every issue from now on will be using paper that is 85-100% recycled...
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HIGH ENERGY Beautiful window treatments that cut utility bills. BY
HEIDI DOERFERT
ID YOU KNOW THAT YOUR WINDOWS TREATMENTS could do more than add style to your home? They can actually act as insulation. In the winter, you can lose 40% of your home’s heat through your windows. In the summer, that sun streaming through the glass makes it harder for you to keep your home cool. Energy efficiency has become more than a buzz phrase in these challenging economic times, now it is a necessity. With this in mind, Hunter Douglas offers more than just another pretty window. Their energy efficient window coverings marry fashion and practicality. Duette Architella honeycomb shades from Hunter Douglas have cells that trap the hot or cold air, decreasing the intensity of the temperature as it enters the room. “This line of honeycomb shades provide the ultimate in energy efficiency at your window,” says Cate Vanegas of Hunter Douglas. 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 efficiency of a double-glazed window. You’ll see the results in black and white on your monthly utility bill! Hunter Douglas hopes to educate consumers on the amount of energy that is literally being thrown out the window and the costs savings available to you by simply adding the right treatments. From February 1 to April 30, 2009, participating dealers and Hunter Douglas are offering savings on a wide selection of their most stylish and energy-efficient window fashions in the Stop The Great Energy Giveaway promotion. “Almost five percent of all energy consumed in the U.S. passes through the windows of residential homes,” said Donna Lobosco, Director of Brand Communications for Hunter Douglas. “This is also a wonderful opportunity for local residents to help pave the way towards greener living.” During the Stop The Great Energy Giveaway, consumers will be rewarded with a $50 rebate per window on purchases of Duette Architella shades. Ideal for patio and sliding glass doors, Duette honeycomb shades with the Vertiglide™ Duolite™ design option will be offered at a $300 rebate per window. You can get rebates on other great Hunter Douglas products during the Stop The Great Energy Giveaway such as: vertically oriented Luminette® Privacy Sheers, which combine soft fabric sheers with rotating fabric vanes behind them for privacy and light control, with a $200 rebate per window; Silhouette® window shadings, with the Signature S-Vane™, similar to Luminette but on the horizontal, with a $100 rebate per window; Pirouette® window shadings with a $75 rebate per window—this product resembles a hobbled Roman shade, but features soft horizontal fabric vanes attached to a sheer backing that open into soft contoured folds for an enhanced view and slide into a flattened position for excellent light blockage; and Vignette® Modern Roman Shades, a dramatically improved innovation on the traditional Roman shade, with a $50 rebate per window. 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 Web site. 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.
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March/April 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
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Perfect Fit BY
CARA WATKINS
K
ADAMS, OWNER OF WALLBEDS ‘N’ MORE, OFTEN GETS the same reaction when people see her space-saving beds for the first time. ‘They think it’ll be perfect for their home office,’ she says, ‘but they don’t always see the other possibilities that wall beds offer.’ A few moments in her brand new Burlingame showroom, however, and all that changes. Browsers will quickly be introduced to a multitude of practical uses for her versatile wall beds. The store’s recent wave of customers includes, for example, parents of college-age children, who, according to Kathy, don’t want their kids to feel displaced when they return home for vacation, but still want to make use of that extra space while they’re gone. New retirees are also among those who have found wall beds the perfect solution to their space needs. ‘These are people who have downsized to a smaller home, but want room for extended family to visit,’ explains Kathy. ATHY
Explore the numerous wall bed options to find the right one for your home.
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The wall beds come in queen, full, and twin sizes, and work with any mattress up to 11 inches thick. Owners can simply store the mattress, sheets, and pillows in the wall bed itself, and then lay claim to that extra space. ‘The beauty of my wall beds is that they’re made of solid woods and plywood veneer, not particle board,’ Kathy emphasizes. Customers can choose from oak, pine, or birch, and each style has up to six finishes to match the customers’ decor. ‘The units are also detachable so you can rearrange the room and take the unit with you if you move.’ In contrast, a typical Murphy bed model is built into the wall. At the showroom, Kathy displays approximately a dozen beds. She encourages clients to come in with room measurements,
photos, and wood samples they want to match. And, of course, she encourages customers to try out the beds, noting their piston-lift mechanism makes the beds easy to open and close. Styles include a vertical or horizontal bed configuration, and a selection of matching shelving, wardrobes, and cabinetry. There is even a desk that can be added to the main wall bed unit for an ultimate space-saving room layout. The Hidden Bed, which combines a twin or full bed with a 7-foot work space, is a perfect solution for a craft room or sewing station. So no matter how much space you have—or don’t have—a wall bed is an innovative way to make the most of it. For more information, call Kathy at (650) 888-8131 or visit the Web site at www.wallbedsnmore.com. THM
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Create your own getaway at home with these budget-friendly ideas for your outdoor living space.
[ I N S P I R E D
B A C K Y A R D S ]
The Great Escape BY
HEIDI DOERFERT
N THIS TRYING ECONOMY, spending money on a one-time, exotic vacation this summer may not be in the cards. But imagine transforming your outdoor space into a getaway that will bring you pleasure for many years to come! When gas prices first began to rise, the media coined the phrase “staycation.” This idea of creating your own personal sanctuary at home not only offers more bang for your buck, but also an alternative to the stress of traveling. So, how do you begin to take that humdrum backyard and turn it into an outdoor retreat? First, think about how you want to use the space. Will you be entertaining a crowd or are you looking for a quiet, Zen-like corner to relax? If your yard is big enough, you may be able to have the best of both worlds. Ask yourself where your ideal vacation spot would be. Are you jetting off to the tropics or taking in the English countryside? The answer can give you the inspiration for the look and feel of your outdoor space. Just as your walls and floors define the style of your home’s interior, hardscapes and landscapes define it on the outside.
I
Photo: Gloster (ww.gloster.com)
PLAN AHEAD
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Photo: Henry Hall Designs (ww.henryhalldesigns.com)
Whether you want to give your yard a boost or do a complete transformation, the first step is having a plan. “A master plan for the outdoor living space, including the hardscape, planting, lighting and irrigation, is instrumental in having a successful project at the end,” explains Sandra Diehl, owner of Avant Garden Design in Vallejo. Carefully mapping out your desires for your backyard will prevent a hodge-podge look and also enables the contractor to give you a proper bid. Sandra stresses the importance of having an irrigation system in place so all of your beautiful plants and flowers flourish instead of deteriorate. To craft an outdoor space with a retreat-like feel, she recommends using structures and plant material to create privacy. “An overhang or pergola gives an instant feeling of intimacy and comfort.” Instead of one main area, designate a couple of different spots for relaxation such as a cozy corner to read or a table for two near a bubbly fountain to spend time with your spouse. A great tip: don’t plant flowers or shrubs that attract bees near your sitting areas. Transitional elements such as gates, arbors and pathways will make you feel as if you’re entering a >>
San Francisco/San Mateo THM March/April 2009
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[ I N S P I R E D
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special place. If you’re looking to rev up your space, a tropical oasis may be just what the doctor ordered. Sandra recommends palm trees like the Mexican Fan and Date Palm, Native Hibiscus such as Rose of Sharon, Birds of Paradise, and Day Lilies. Use hot hues like reds, oranges and hot pinks! And, don’t forget to turn on the lights. “Lighting is one of the forgotten, but important elements to a great outdoor space.” Whether it’s to guide you safely down a path in the evening or to highlight your favorite tree, proper illumination definitely sets the mood.
Water is an essential element in transforming your yard from tired to tranquil. Fountains, waterfalls and ponds add soothing sound, but carefully consider which one best fits your lifestyle. Sandra advises to think about how much time you’re willing to spend on maintenance. “Obviously, a coy pond will require a lot more attention than one without fish.” If you want the beauty of water without the upkeep, a pondless water feature may be great option. Once installed, they are virtually maintenance-free which is good news for busy homeowners. Of course, nothing says exotic escape like a pool! You may be pleasantly surprised at how affordable a swimming pool can be. Richard Evans, President of Cookie Cutter Pools, says success is in their motto: “Keep it simple with lower overhead.” Cookie Cutter is a large construction company with a few decades of experience. They offer a menu of 3 Pool Sizes and Shapes, 3 Colors of Brick Coping and 5 Plaster Colors. Richard says this allows Cookie Cutter to
Photo: Gloster (ww.gloster.com)
THE H2O FACTOR
purchase their equipment and products in bulk and they can pass that savings on to you. A basic pool can start at as little as $24,000. And, you’ll be splashing around sooner than with a traditional pool builder. “We build pools in less than 30 days!” says Richard. While the basic pool packages are the most economical way to go, Cookie Cutter offers custom touches and upgrades and can build any shapeand-sized pool you desire. During your free consultation, Cookie Cutter can help you pick the best pool for your lifestyle and budget.
Photo: Gloster (ww.gloster.com)
DINNER, ALFRESCO STYLE
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One of the best things about a vacation is the food. Imagine being able to prepare an entire meal on your patio while enjoying the company of your family and friends. Outdoor kitchens are becoming a must-have for the staycationer. Scott Costa of Costa Construction, Inc. in San Ramon says he’s seen a definite rise in demand for outdoor kitchens. “The stand-alone grill is really becoming a thing of the past.” The three elements for a functional outdoor kitchen are a grill, prep space and storage. You can decide how simple or elaborate these elements are. Scott advises picking the right grill for your needs. If you are going to be serving up burgers to dozens
THmag.com
[ I N S P I R E D of guests on a regular basis, you may want to go with a grill in the range of 48-53 inches wide. Think about how you work in your indoor kitchen and try to mimic that on the outside. “I recommend placing the kitchen in close proximity to your back door in case you need to get extra supplies,” says Scott. “Although, some homeowners do prefer to put their outdoor kitchen near the pool for a resort-like feel.” Adequate storage and a built-in refrigerator will help you avoid running back and forth from the patio to your house. Scott says that it’s ideal to build an overhang or pavilion to protect your kitchen from the elements. If that’s not in the budget, durable covers can keep your island and grill looking new for years. Another cost-effective tip is to go with a propane grill so you don’t have to tap into your home’s gas line.
B A C K Y A R D S ]
take your patio to the next level. From textured area rugs to wall art to chandeliers, you can find furnishings made specifically for outdoor use. From simple to showstopper, an outdoor re-do can make you eel like you’re on vacation all year-long! For more information on outdoor remodeling or to find a contractor, please visit us on the web at www.thmresource.com. THM
Patio furniture not only offers a place to lounge, it can really bring your overall vision to fruition. For a restful retreat, think natural materials. A pair of bamboo or wooden chairs with cushions in earth tones and end tables with clean lines offers instant calm. To evoke cottage charm, wicker always fits the bill. All-weather wicker is not your Grandmother’s wicker. It is woven with resin and is affordable, easy to clean, and weather resistant. If the Tuscan countryside is calling your name, use wrought iron pieces to create your own private bistro. Rich tones in mustard, olive green and deep red will having you shouting, Bellissimo! Your outdoor oasis needs accessories just like the inside of your home. These added touches
Photo: Kingsly-Bate (ww.kingslybate.com)
OUTDOOR DECOR
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OUTDOOR HAVENS
Beautiful pools with excellent pedigrees. BY
LISA WINER
BACKYARD SWIMMING POOL CAN BE A RESPITE FROM day-to-day stress set amidst rocks and trees; a lap pool meant for vigorous workouts; or a place for family and friends to meet for water fun and games. Whichever the homeowner is seeking, he or she will find superior service and products at Lifetime Pools. President Ray Whitford has been with the company for 33 years; his father founded the company in 1962. The firm’s mission is to “create lifetime pools for lifetime customers.” “We build every pool with the finest quality and workmanship in a time frame we would accept for ourselves,” says Ray. However big or small the job, “the enthusiasm is the same.” The company also does renovations of existing pools and spas. This concern for the customer is reflected in the company’s commitment to pool service. Lifetime Pools is one of the few swimming pool construction companies with its own service department. For as long as the customer’s pool needs it, service is available.
A
Lifetime Pools is also highly construction and engineering-oriented. “Superintendents are assigned to each project, and follow the project throughout each phase,” says Ray. “We are in constant contact with the homeowner.” A PLACE OF BEAUTY The staff at Lifetime Pools are also skilled in pool and spa aesthetics. “We can work with existing natural conditions – such as rocks and trees—to sculpt and build pools to create an eye-pleasing backyard retreat, a sanctuary,” says Ray. Waterfalls or submerged jets that bubble upward to create a visual and audio effect are a few options. There are hundreds of different kinds of tiles, surfaces, and materials to choose from, says Ray. Recently there have been major developments in both aesthetics and functionality of pool surfaces. “The possibilities of what you can do with a swimming pool are limitless,” says Ray.
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[ I N S P I R E D
B A C K Y A R D S ]
“The ‘green’ concept is very much an ongoing development for us,” says Ray. “There have been real revelations in terms of types of equipment to minimize chemical use in pools, like chlorine.” Such developments enhance the whole feel of the pool. There have also been major developments in the use of automated controls, to make pools very user-friendly. A MAINSTAY OF THE COMMUNITY Lifetime Pools has built pools for such clients as the Santa Clara Marriott and peninsula developer Barry Swenson Builders. In addition to building pools and spas—where a series of jets circulate water at high velocity to create a massage-type action— the company also constructs therapeutic pools for hospitals and health club complexes. The staff at Lifetime Pools are interested in providing the customer with specifically what he or she is looking for—in the nuances of that particular job. Attentive service, a commitment to quality, and a great value—what more could the pool customer ask for? For more information contact Lifetime Pools at (650) 494-7070. Or, visit them on the Web at www.lifetimepools.com. THM
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San Francisco/San Mateo THM March/April 2009
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[ C L C A ]
MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION BY
TONI DEWAAL, CID, CGBP
S THE OLD SAYING GOES, you don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. Savvy homeowners know that their yards make an impression every day—on visitors, friends, family and the whole. But even if you’re not overly concerned with looks, a well-done landscape can put money in your pocket. A recent study reported the costs of landscaping had a recovery value of at least 100 percent and up to 200 percent, which compares to a recovery value of 70 to 125 percent for a kitchen and 80 to 120 percent for a bathroom remodel. So, if you need to spruce things up a bit, or even add some new features that will expand living space for you and your family, here are some tips from the California Landscape Contractors Association to get your project off on the right foot. Hire a licensed contractor: If the price of your job is $500 or more (including costs of labor and materials), state law requires that the person or company doing the job be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. One of the best ways to choose a contractor is to use the Contractor Search feature on the CLCA website at www.clca.org. Once you have a list of prospective contractors and have your initial meetings, ask to visit jobs each contractor has completed. If possible, talk to the homeowners and ask if their expectations were met. Also ask your contractor about liability and workers’ compensation insurance. In fact, CLCA recommends that you ask to see written proof of insurance policies. Make a checklist. Some time before you meet with your contractor, take a tour of your yard, and make a list of improvements or features you want to add. If you like to entertain outdoors, for example, consider an outdoor kitchen-one of today’s hottest amenities. Fountains and water features are among the most popular landscape features today. Many contractors have stunning photographs of the features they’ve created, so ask to take a look. And because a picture is worth a thousand words, showing your contractor photos you collect from books and magazines is a great way to convey your ideas and priorities. Be sure to take a look at a number of projects before you settle on the contractor to install rock or stone. There can be a huge difference in the quality of the work and craftsmanship from mason to mason. Some masons do mostly brick and concrete, and others are experts at using natural stone. Keeping up the good work. A good plan will include a professionally installed, inground irrigation system with automatic timer. Be sure to ask your contactor about the latest water-conserving devices.
A
Great ideas for adding value to your home.
For more Information contact CLCA at (916) 830-2780. Or, visit them online at www.clca.org. THM
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March/April 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
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[ C C I D C ]
Ideas f or creat ing a unique l iving s p ace. BY
PATSY ZAKIAN-GREENOUGH, CKD, CID, CAPS, CGBP
O YOU EVER WISH YOU HAD MORE SPACE for entertaining or maybe another place to relax and catch your breath? You’ve thought of an addition, but that could be costly and time consuming. Why not consider an existing space that could be used differently? When Certified Interior Designer Genie Nowicki was asked to design a local remodeling project, she did just that. She took an existing entry deck and transformed it into a lovely greeting area as well as a space for entertaining. Here are a few ideas to think about as you start your project: First, select a Certified Interior Designer (CID) to work with you. A CID is certified in the State of California and is qualified by education, experience, and examination. Share your lifestyle history with your designer to identify your needs. To make this entry area accessible to everyone who came to visit, Genie added a discrete ramp that meanders through well-established trees and landscaping. The ramp seems to “float” off the ground as piers were placed under the center of the ramp with iron braces for additional support. She added light along the pathway, which made it safer and a favorite route for all who come to visit. Have you thought about artistic features you could include in your plan? Genie relocated a custom copper water fountain from the interior living area to the entry. The water adds a soothing sound and the sculptural form adds interest. Attractive, correctly scaled planters (with a drip system) and comfortable
D
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This beautiful entry, now elegant and inviting, serves to welcome family and friends for entertaining or light informal meals. Design: Genie Nowicki, CKD, CBD, CAPS, CGBP, CID of Harrell Remodeling, Inc., in Mountain View.
March/April 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
benches at the front door are key components. It now feels inviting to guests whether for entertaining purposes or just light meals and coffee. Is your space showing signs of deferred maintenance? In this instance, the existing deck required some repair work. Thinking outside the box, Genie was able to take advantage of this opportunity to re-route electrical and gas lines. Because this was a down sloped lot, some excavation was done, deck boards were salvaged and reused for the new ramp and new deck boards were installed by using a clip system. The clip system and waterproof framing underneath the deck will extend its life by eliminating water penetration into the wood. Does your door allow enough light to pass through so that two areas can feel connected? The front door system allows light to spill into the house. And, a concealed Phantom Screen keeps the bugs out while still letting fresh air in. Is your entry a point at which you control all your security? Take advantage of coordinating your systems for easy access and convenience. Remember that good design is always beautiful. You don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. A remodel should not be built just for who you are today, but for the person you’ll become tomorrow. Patsy Zakian-Greenough, CKD, CID, CAPS, CGBP is the Senior Designer at Harrell Remodeling, Inc., www.harrell-remodeling.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
Photo: Bill Enos, Emerald Light Photography
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