SA N FR ANC ISCO/S A N M ATE O
Green Home Solutions Selecting Green Professionals Energy Saving Products N O V E M B E R / D E CE MBE R 2 0 08
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2OO8
[ C O N T E N T S ] 14
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INSIDE STYLE BIG 14 Green Home Standards
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GreenPoint Rated and LEED for Homes at a Glance. By Nate Traylor
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A Healthier Home
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Old World Craftsmanship
Building Green makes your home healthy. By Tracy Fox Custom-made furniture makes a unique difference. By Lisa Winer
NARI 32 Remodeling Green
How to find a Green-certified NARI contractor. By Debbie Mackey, NARI
4
22
Colonial Green
24
Re-Creating the Kitchen
26
Sustainable Style
28
Eco-Friendly Lighting
A cutting-edge Green renovation project. By Gabrielle Saveri The latest trends in Green kitchen products.
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Designer furniture ‌ sleek, comfortable and Green. By Beth Hughes High fashion bathrooms can be energy efficient. By Tracy Fox
November/December 2008 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
THmag.com
10 10 Motorized Peace of Mind
Eliminate the hassle—and dangers—of corded manual shades with the latest motorized technology. By Billie London
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Two Services Under One Roof
Design/build approach saves time and money. By Jean Saylor Doppenberb
GIVE YOUR PLACE A MAKEOVER!
32
30
Cabinetry Quandaries
An East Bay company solves the mystery of cabinet selection. By Fiona Gow
Mantels | Gas logs | Fireplaces | Gas inserts | Accesories Customer Designs-Full Ser vice Fireplace Installation
NGA 32 Houseplants Clean the Air
Live plants are more than decoration. By Kathy Bond Borie
CCIDC 34 Go “Green” Without Turning Blue
Lighting options to minimize your environmental impact. By Lynda Gould, IDS, CID, ALA
bonus online features
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5
[ F R O M
T H E
E D I T O R ]
Discover the possibilities of Green Living. T HE “LIVING GREEN” revolution continues to grow and has arrived on Main Street. Green Living begins at home. Most of the energy-derived pollution we produce comes as a direct result of the homes we live in— how we heat them, how we cool them, how we keep them lit and full of things that make us comfortable. This directly gives each one of us the opportunity to create change.
Jeff Curry, Publisher/Editor
The term Building Green encompasses many products and manufacturer techniques. It’s not just about one single thing, but many pieces combined in such a way they create a better environment—both inside and outside the home. One of the best and easiest ways to limit your carbon footprint is to remember the 3R’s—reduce, reuse and recycle. It’s not high tech or glamorous, but it’s very important.
In this issue, we explore many ways that you can contribute to a healthier home, work, and play environments.
Volume 6, Issue 6 • November/December 2008
The Bay Area’s best resource for your lifestyle at home. PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Jeff Curry GENERAL MANAGER
Jason Douglas ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Charles Robins • Kendra T. Stack FEATURE WRITERS
Nate Traylor Tracy Fox Lisa Winer Debbie Mackey Gabrielle Saveri Beth Hughes Jean Saylor Doppenberb Billie London Fiona Gow Kathy Bond Borie Lynda Gould ART DIRECTOR
Jeff Clinton WEBMASTER
Energy efficiency is a buzz-term that is here to stay. In the feature, Building Green Primer, power-saving products speak to your conscience and your wallet. In Remodeling Green, using Green principles can safeguard your home by using nontoxic materials, using recycled building materials and natural lighting. We also cover two important rooms in your homes—kitchens and bathrooms. In Feel Good Kitchens, it touches on key areas of the kitchen and the Green resources to help you with your remodel. In the bathroom, Eco-Friendly Bathrooms talks about lighting and fixtures for energy efficiency with style. In this issue, some of the top industry associations have contributed articles regarding Living Green. Build It Green; they help us understand the different rating systems for Green. The National Gardening Association (NGA) talks about how houseplants clean the air inside your home and the California Council of Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) covers energy efficient lighting options. Our goal with this special Green issue and our future commitment to our “Living Green” section in our magazines, our online editions and our new online Resource Guide is to become your best source for all kinds of Living Green ideas, products and services. We hope you enjoy this issue and join us to be a part of the Green-living movement and discover the many energy and sustainable living possibilities for your home. Jeff Curry, Publisher/Editor Jeff@THmag.com
Chris Ryce ACCOUNTING
Diane Nasadiuk
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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
November/December 2008 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
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Uncommonly Creative Timeless Elegance COMPREHENSIVE RESIDENTIAL DESIGN AND BUILD SERVICES. Distinctive craftsmanship begins with exceptional designs and ends with lasting satisfaction.
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7
THIS MONTH ON inside style
Focus on Floors
Spruce up your home from the ground up with unique flooring. www.thmresource.com/feature
Inner Beauty
In the Clear
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Natural wood can enhance the look of your home.
ccidc
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window coverings
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Does Color Have a Function?
Subconsciously, color plays an important role in how a room makes you feel. www.thmresource.com/ccidc
Window Wise
Hot shutter fashions to keep you cool all summer long. www.thmresource.com/hunterdouglas
living spaces Kitchen Versatility
Specialty areas in the kitchen add function.
Kirei, Bamboo and other Green Materials
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Alternative building products are a sustainable solution for a healthy home and planet. www.thmresource.com/builditgreen
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November/December 2008 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
/thismonth THmag.com
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Remodels, Additions & New Construction
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9
Motorized Peace of Mind BY
BILLIE LONDON
Silhouette® Quartette™ window shadings with EasyRise™ cord loop and PowerRise with Platinum Technology.
Photos: Hunter Douglas (wwwhunterdouglas.com)
Eliminate the hassle—and dangers— of corded manual shades with the latest motorized technology.
10
Luminette® Counterparts® PowerGlide® with Platinum™ Technology.
November/December 2008 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
O
CTOBER WAS NATIONAL WINDOW COVERING SAFETY MONTH— a reminder that the latest battery-operated motorized window coverings offer improved child and pet protection (sadly, dangling cords on window coverings can cause accidental strangulation). Nearly every kind of manual window fashion, from horizontal blinds to pleated and cellular shades, can be retrofitted for added safety through the use of cord cleats and tensioned cords, but there are plenty of cordless, motorized entry level window covering options to make your living space as chic as it is secure. Platinum Technology motorized systems from Hunter Douglas offer safety, convenience, accessibility and energy-efficiency—and installation is as simple as manual systems. Powered by a remote control, it’s as easy as a touch of a button to raise, lower or tilt your window covering open or closed for all levels of privacy and light control. A proprietary battery-powered lifting system combines both line-of-sight (using infrared technology) and out-of-sight control (using radio frequency technology). Not only are the PowerRise motorized shades like Duette Honeycomb shades and Silhouette sheer window shadings convenient and beautiful, they can also be tied into home automation or Smart Home systems. PowerRise shades are perfect for the whole home, they offer effortless control of multiple or individual shadings and the absence of cords means enhanced child and pet safety. Motorized shades are very popular for Media rooms, children’s rooms, or those high or hard to reach windows. The aforementioned products are recommended by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC). Visit www.hunterdouglas.com for additional information. THM THmag.com
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Somehow, the holidays seem even more festive when you're saving money. That's why we're offering you a rebate of up to $100 per window on select Hunter Douglas window fashions. Offer valid September 25 – December 15, 2008. Ask for details. SAVE Duette®Architella™ Honeycomb Shades $ (per window / 10 window max)
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Ask about our full line of Hunter Douglas products. Savings apply on up to 10 windows per product. Manufacturer’s rebate. Limits and restrictions apply. ©2008 Hunter Douglas Inc. ® and TM are trademarks of Hunter Douglas Inc.
Two Services Under One Roof BY JEAN
SAYLOR DOPPENBERB
Design/build approach saves time and money.
W
HEN CONSIDERING A REMODELING PROJECT, a homeowner will look for a professional firm that can complete the job to his or her high standards. But the homeowner also wants to save time and money. The concept of design/build, as practiced by S.E.A. Construction for more than 20 years, is an innovative approach that blends the designing and building of the project by a single team of architects and craftsmen. With designers and builders working together, many of the traditional redundancies are eliminated, at a cost savings to the client. “Hiring a design firm first, then finding a trusted contractor to build the project, takes extra time and is often expensive because of many duplicated efforts,” explains Steven Albert, president and founder of S.E.A. “It requires two contracts instead of one—a type of arrangement that is often unnecessary, and to our way of thinking feels increasingly dated. So, beginning with our initial conversations, we educate potential clients about our combined design/build process.” At the first meeting with Steven and one of his designers, the client’s wishes are discussed and an inspection of the property’s structure and systems is conducted. Within weeks, a design solution and a detailed cost estimate of the project are presented to the client, who then has the opportunity to give it the green light. “We are responsible for building what we design, and this keeps our design team budget-sensitive,” says Steven. “Our pricing is competitive and fine-tuned.”
12
November/December 2008 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
THmag.com
more about…
outdoor Artistic Exteriors
To save time and money on your remodeling project, call S.E.A. Construction in San Mateo (650) 287-4202 or visit their showroom at 1941 O’Farrell Street, Suite 101, or visit the company’s Web site at www.seaconstruction.com. THM
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Steven says he insists on employing only the highest caliber architects and designers, all of them also Green-certified. S.E.A.’s has been ranked by Qualified Remodeling magazine as one of the Top 200 residential construction firms nationwide for more than ten years. Steven was also the recipient of the Big 50 award, which recognizes excellence in remodeling. Likewise, S.E.A.’s project and site managers are all master carpenters with many years of leadership experience. “We maintain a seamless relationship between our designers and builders on every project we take on, with the designer and the builder collaborating in the same office,” adds Steven. “Our integrated process of design/build ensures that a client’s plans are buildable and affordable before construction begins.” Sometimes there are loose ends that need to be addressed at the construction site to keep the project on target and on time. With the design/build approach, these elements are scrutinized and solved with more finesse than by a typical contractor who is left to figure it out alone. Being involved with the work crews on a day-to-day basis, the designer quickly resolves potential costly delays and glitches, eliminating expensive down time at the site. With the designer and the builder working as a team, the chance for miscommunication and misunderstandings is eliminated. S.E.A.’s subcontractors also participate in the planning stages so they can best incorporate their skills into the designs. When their work goes more smoothly, it requires less time, and the cost savings are passed on to the client. Customer satisfaction is foremost, which is why S.E.A. guarantees its work with a two-year warranty from the date of final inspection. But Steven will tell you that S.E.A. considers its relationship with past clients to be a lifetime commitment, and referrals that come from them are as precious as gold. With an eye on the old cliché “time is money,” the design/build team at S.E.A. uses its time and expertise efficiently, resulting in money saved.
Revive your dilapidated deck with a customized, handcrafted, permanent overlay that transforms your outdoor hardscape without tearing out existing concrete.
CONSULTATION SELECTION CUSTOM DESIGN FABRICATION INSTALLATION
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13
[ L I V I N G
G R E E N : BUILD IT GREEN]
Green Home Standards
GreenPoint Rated and LEED for Homes at a Glance BY
NATE TRAYLOR
Q
UICK, WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GREENPOINT Rated and LEED for Homes? Give up? Unless you’re in the building or energy industry, you might assume both programs are interchangeable, and on that assumption, you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. Not only do both programs carry similar missions, and collaborate together, it’s also possible for a home to earn a rating from both. For example, it is anticipated that all LEED certifiable homes will also qualify as GreenPoint Rated, just as a subset of GreenPoint Rated will also be LEED for Homes rated. BOTH PROGRAMS: • Require performance across different categories, as verified by a third-party rating process • Encourage builders to aim for increasingly higher levels of performance as they gain experience with Green building • Serve the full range of residential new construction in California However, there are distinct differences to be noted. GreenPoint Rated is a California grown and community-based program that rates homes performing above standard state practices (by at least 15 percent). Build It Green, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Green building in California, manages it. LEED for Homes, on the other hand, is a national program targeted to the top 25 percent of Green home builders. The U.S. Green Building Council developed LEED for Homes as a national consensus standard. GreenPoint Rated offers a more accessible point of entry and greater flexibility for builders, whereas LEED for Homes has more requirements for participation and offers differentiation among top-performing builders. Though they each have their own standards by which to measure Green building practices, both have the same goal of reducing the impact construction has on our planet and creating healthier homes to live in. Together, they provide a local support infrastructure with national recognition while bolstering builder participation and the adoption of Green building practices. For more information on either of these programs visit www.builditgreen.org and www.usgbc.org/LEED/homes. THM
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November/December 2008 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
THmag.com
2008 Award Winner Best of the Best Qualified Remodeler & Professional Remodeling Magazine
Experience the benefits of true design-build.
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1941 O’Farrell Street, Suite 101 v San Mateo
seaconstruction.com Contractor’s License #563320 San Francisco/San Mateo THM November/December 2008
15
[ L I V I N G
G R E E N ]
A Healthier Home BY
E
TRACY FOX
NERGY EFFICIENCY. It’s a buzz term not likely to go out of style anytime soon. Phrases like climate change, greenhouse gases, and environmentally friendly are also here to stay. If you’ve heard any of these expressions, you already know something about the impetus behind Green building or, as many folks refer to it, sustainable design. Power-saving products speak to your wallet and conscience because they decrease energy use and lighten the demand for fossil fuels. Cutting costs is only part of the equation, though. After some of the more obvious reasons—healthy lifestyle, air and water quality, and energy sources—what drives you to build Green?
Before getting started, ask yourself one or all of these questions: • Is this product made from a renewable resource? • Does it have a long and useful life cycle? • Will it make me or my family sick? • If I pay more up-front costs to buy this product, will it lower utility bills? • Does it give my home an improved resale position?
Building Green makes your home healthy.
You may suffer from allergies or asthma and require high-quality indoor air. Perhaps you have a passion for nature and want to preserve old-growth Amber Acorn by Lithonia Lighting (lightahome.com).
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November/December 2008 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
THmag.com
Components of Energy Star–Qualified Star-Qualified New Homes Efficient Insulation
between 25 and 40 percent of the energy used for heating and cooling in a typical residence. Tight construction or reduced air infiltration is one of the most important factors in lowering High-Performance Windows utility bills. Energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment, highperformance windows, and improved insulation are features to look for in a new home or to Tight Construction and Ducts consider when remodeling an older home. When buying a new home, ask the builder what specific steps the company Benefits of Energy-Efficient Homes took to reduce air leakage. In the Bay Area, there are several Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment Windows typically comprise a developers building Energy Star large percent of a home’s exterior homes (energystar.gov) to meet wall area. Request copies of the window’s rating label (which should be an higher environmental standards. Although developers may not necessarily use Energy Star or National Fenestration Rating Council [NFRC] label) to ensure renewable resources or nontoxic products to build the homes, the structures you’re getting the best technology. Think about it—if you buy a home with are part of the Green building continuum because they cost less to operate, low-performing products and materials, you’ll be left holding the bag, or which means less greenhouse gas emissions. more aptly, draining the money bag because of increased energy costs. Ninety percent of all energy consumed in this country is produced by Green homes don’t sacrifice beauty or comfort. On the contrary, they are burning fossil fuels—a limited and nonrenewable resource. This creates air more comfortable, cost-effective, and healthier places to live. THM pollution, acid rain, and global climate change. Air leakage accounts for forests. Maybe you find lessexpensive recycled products appealing. Whatever reason may be at the top of your list, these are some of the many causes influencing people to build Green. Living Green is about making incremental choices when the opportunity presents itself. For example, during a bathroom remodel, you might buy recycled glass tiles but decide certified wood (harvested from sustainably managed forests) is not within budget.
Real Wood Box Beams Jackel Enterprises manufactures real wood Box Beams. A Box Beam is a hollow timber produced to architectural specifications. Jackel primarily fabricates these beams from a character-grade Douglas Fir, but they can be made from any wood specie, including FSC material. Once installed, a Box Beam looks like a beautiful solid timber.
thm Jackel’s Box Beams are available in a variety of textures and finishes. Jackel manufactures Box Beams as long as 50 feet and as large as 30”x 30”. Box Beams are suitable for residential, corporate, or commercial applications. Whether you are an architect, designer, developer, builder, or homeowner, a Jackel Box Beam can be the perfect solution for your timber requirements.
347 Locust Street, Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: 831-768-3880 FAX: 831-768-3883 thmRESOURCE.com
Hardwoods Softwoods Mill Products
1-800-711-WOOD
woodboxbeams.com San Francisco/San Mateo THM November/December 2008
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[ L I V I N G
G R E E N ]
Custom-made furniture makes a unique difference.
OLD WORLD CRAFTSMANSHIP BY
E
LISA WINER
NJOY MAKING YOUR HOME AS ATTRACTIVE AS POSSIBLE SO that you can truly enjoy being there? You might want to consider adding a piece of custom furniture. Not only is custom furniture beautiful from an aesthetic point of view, it’s practical—a well-made piece will greatly outlast any furniture purchased from a furniture store. Bruce Bell of Double Dragon Woodworks is an expert furniture maker with a wide woodworking background and a particular interest in outdoor furniture. His outdoor projects have included arbors, frameworks that support climbing plants; pergolas, which also support plants but are freestanding and offer shade; and a mahogany outdoor gate to match a front door. His indoor projects include a Limbert bookcase and a Greene & Greene desk, both in the Arts & Crafts style. The furniture is all made of solid wood with custom-made joinery that generally doesn’t include metal fasteners. “Look at antique furniture,” says Bruce. It lasts because it was made by a craftsman who knew what he was doing and took pride in his work.” This contrasts with the typical imported particleboard furniture bought from a big-box store that comes in a box for home assembly. Particleboard is not very strong, says Bruce, and tends to chip away over time. The bolt holes in a piece
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November/December 2008 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
like a desk that receives a lot of weight wear out until they are too big for the bolt, necessitating the purchase of a new piece of furniture. Bruce has been tackling woodworking projects since he was 7 years old. He’s been in business for 8 years, spurred on by those who saw his projects and asked, “Where’d you get that?” He is a member of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) and frequently networks with other woodworkers, who Bruce says are fairly free with information. An important aspect of Bruce’s work is that he uses “Green” products and practices. He does his best to buy wood that comes from forests that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. This means the forest is cultivated in a sustainable way, grown like a crop and where more trees are planted than are cut, says Bruce. Builders are encouraged to use woods that are not scarce. The products in Bruce’s shop, even the tools he uses, are bought with an eye toward environmental protection. He tries to steer clear of metal fasteners because the production of metal “uses a lot of natural resources and is a dirty business, using a lot of toxic acids,” says Bruce. He tries to make sure his finishes, glues, and adhesives are as nontoxic as possible and does his best to buy from companies with a similar philosophy.
THmag.com
Bruce prides himself on his attentive customer service and affordability as well as well as his quality woodworking. He pays close attention to his customer’s specifications to provide that customer precisely what he or she desires. The customer will also save money in the long run by buying a piece that will last. Your destination for a quality piece of furniture at an affordable price is Double Dragon Woodworks. Contact Bruce at Double Dragon Wood Works by calling (415) 971-4724 or by going to his Web site at www.DoubleDragonWoodWorks.com. THM
CUSTOM-MADE FURNITURE
Lutron controls your light.™
Lutron introduces quiet electronic shades that protect your furnishing. ®
Your ideas come to life... Craftsmanship
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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 SERVING SAN FRANCSICO & THE PENINSULA FOR OVER 8 YEARS thmRESOURCE.com
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Screen Solutions
Interior and Exterior Automated Shading Systems 425 Salmar Avenue • Campbell Showroom by Appointment Only
408-374-8156
San Francisco/San Mateo THM November/December 2008
19
[ L I V I N G
G R E E N ]
Remodeling Green
BY
DEBBIE MACKEY, NARI
How to find a Green-certified NARI contractor.
H
EARING THE TERM GREEN MEANS SOMETHING DIFFERENT to just about everyone. Some of us think of recycling cans, while others believe it’s a comprehensive approach to being environmentally responsible, including energy efficiency and conservation, efficient use of resources, recycling of demolition material, and using renewable energy sources. Considering these factors when beginning a remodeling project can also pay off in health benefits and economic savings over time for you and your family. Using Green principles when remodeling has a variety of benefits. You can safeguard your home by utilizing nontoxic materials to help maintain indoor air quality, reducing allergy and asthma triggers. Using recycled-content building materials helps preserve natural resources more efficiently. Other Green principles encourage taking advantage of natural lighting to save energy and boost positive moods, and recycling construction and demolition waste. Once you’ve made the decision to do a Green project in your home—whether it’s simply making the best use of natural light, ensuring that your cabinets are reused by someone who needs them, or using every Green principle and material known to man— how do you go about selecting a trustworthy remodeling professional to help you derive the greatest Green benefit? Several organizations focus on training and educating industry professionals about Green building, including the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). NARI offers a 12-week Green remodeling course (24 class hours) to its members, followed by a very thorough and difficult certification examination. NARI’s Certified Green Remodeling Professional training looks at the house as a complete system and how each area works together; for example, learning how indoor air quality is impacted by material selection, incorporating energy conservation and use, and selecting sustainable and renewable products. The course also incorporates general building science principles in designing ways to derive the most Green benefit for the comfort and health of families, as well as the preservation and regeneration of the environment.
Consumers can locate a NARI Certified Green Remodeling Professional contractor by going to www.narisj.org or calling (408) 559-4996. Anytime you have a remodeling project, use a qualified professional who is a member of NARI. Consumers can also call the NARI national hotline at (800) 611-NARI or visit the Web site at www.nari.org and request a free copy of NARI’s How to Select a Remodeling Professional brochure. NARI is a professional association whose members voluntarily subscribe to a strict code of ethics and have passed a stringent screening process. THM 20
November/December 2008 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
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more about…
bathrooms
classic style AND hydrothermal massage INVITE
Sensational Surfaces
We all want to relax and rejuvenate amid spa-like luxury that delights the eye, but those beautiful bathroom surfaces must be durable and easy to clean, too.
INTO YOUR LIFE.
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In the Clear
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Transform your bathrooms into modern day personal spas. You no longer have to stick to traditionally shaped showers when it comes to design and construction.
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650.363.7333
1620 Industrial Way, Redwood City www.bainultra.com
Mon–Fri 8:30 am–5:30 pm, Sat 10:00 am–3:30 pm
Quality and Value Never Go Out of Style Gilman Screens & Kitchens provides the quality and service you expect and deserve when you’re remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, or creating a new look to any room in your home. Swanstone enhances any project with vanity tops, shower/bath surrounds, shower floors and kitchen countertops. Swanstone is 5 times stronger than other solid surface materials, is better at resisting stains, scratches, heavy impact and extreme heat, and costs less than other solid surface materials.
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Burlingame
Foster City
Mountain View
San Francisco
San Rafael
217 California Drive
1031 E. Hillsdale Blvd.
2039 W. El Camino Real
228 Bayshore Blvd.
530 W. Francisco Blvd.
650.340.2890
650.286.0433
650.691.6850
415.550.8848
415.455.5363
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San Francisco/San Mateo THM November/December 2008
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A cutting-edge Green renovation project.
COLONIAL GREEN BY
GABRIELLE SAVERI
I
F YOU’VE EVER VISITED SAN MATEO, you probably haven’t noticed that in a quaint neo-colonial home, on a quiet, suburban street called Harvard Road, there’s a mini-Green revolution going on. Thanks to a progressively minded family from the East Coast, architects Mark Tetrault and Marc Lindsell, of San Francisco-based 2M Architecture recently had the opportunity to give a cutting-edge, sustainable facelift to a not-so-energy-efficient traditional home. “The clients approached us about two years ago because their family had outgrown their house—their kids needed to have their own bedroom,” says the UC Berkeley and Harvard-trained Tetrault, who has been a business partner with Lindsell at 2M Architecture for more than three years. “They had a strong commitment to themselves to go Green as much as possible because they really thought it was the right thing to do,” he explains. “They were all very concerned about interior air quality, as their son has asthma.” The plan was to expand the New England-style home by adding a master suite on the second floor—and to do so in a way that would not add to their son’s lung problems while at the same time, helping the environment. They wanted low VOC-paints and adhesives, and to conserve materials and use recycled content as much as possible, explains Tetrault. Tetrault and Lindsell worked closely with their clients to conduct a modest expansion to make the house as large as it needed to be, and no larger—and to specify structural materials that used recycled content. After extensive planning, work began on the house and numerous Green innovations were introduced, including: insulation materials with no formaldehyde—Tetrault and Lindsell chose Ultra Touch 100%, an insulation product made of scraps of denim instead of fiberglass, low or zero-VOC paints from Benjamin Moore’s Aura series, lighting fixtures with low energy usage, FSC-certified yellow birch for the master bedroom floor, and engineered truss and floor joists reducing the amount of new harvest lumber needed and diverting industrial waste from landfill.
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On the decorative side of the renovation, sustainable specs called for the installation of dual pane windows from Pella Windows with low UV coatings, recycled glass countertops from IceStone LLC, dual-flush Toto toilets, and shower-surrounds made of industrial waste from tile cuttings and bonded together with a natural resin material. The clients also decided to install solar power throughout the house. “They were committed to adding photo-voltaic solar panels because they had a good western exposure”, says Tetrault. My client said, “I want the PG&E meter running backward.” 2M Architecture helped their clients figure out how solar might fit within the scope of the project, and after a significant financial commitment, the family bought BP (British Petroleum) solar panels. Boasts Tetrault, “the house now is virtually completely energy independent.” The clients are now working with the City of San Mateo to get Green-point certification on the house. Tetrault and Lindsell have enjoyed the experience immensely, and their clients are more thrilled with the sustainability of their new home. “Our client is very happy with the result”, says Tetrault. “They say that it feels like it’s always been this way, and that it doesn’t even have a new home smell!” What’s more, says Tetrault, is that the renovation is an encouraging reminder to homeowners that a house doesn’t have to look like a Green house to be Green. “There’s a tendency to think that if the house is Green, you have to see bamboo, or that kind of product, but it’s not a requirement”, he says. “You don’t have to go into reclaimed woods, or have it be a sod house, or build fresh. It’s a very green decision just to take what you have and reuse it as much as you can.” Thinking about renovating or building with the latest Green techniques? Call 2M Architecture, (415) 826-5459. You can view their portfolio online at www.2MArchitecture.com. THM
Creating ecologically responsive design through modern architecture.
formerly Marc Lindsell Architecture
• New construction and renovation • Residential and commercial • Interior Design • LEED or GreenPoint certified
Builder: S. E. A. Construction Photo: Ken Gutmaker
View our portfolio at www.2MArchitecture.com thmRESOURCE.com
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501 Cortland Avenue San Francisco 415.826.5459 San Francisco/San Mateo THM November/December 2008
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Re-Creating the Kitchen The latest trends in Green kitchen products.
Photo: Kirei (www.kireiusa.com)
Kirei Board can be used for cabinetry and other woodwork throughout the home.
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Photos: IceStone (www.icestone.biz)
S
TATE-OF-THE-ART CONVENIENCES, high-end cabinetry, sleek and sexy countertops, cooktops with designer tile backsplashes, and well-conceived lighting—this may sound like a must-have list for a gourmet kitchen, but with a few more considerations, any kitchen can be Green, too. Materials and finishes low in VOCs, energy-efficient appliances, plenty of natural light, and, essential to any good kitchen design, planning around your lifestyle all work together to create a Green kitchen. Great Green kitchen products are fast becoming the design trends everyone is talking about. When comparing Green alternatives for countertops, consider IceStone (www.icestone.biz) recycled glass and concrete terrazzo surfaces. Made from 100 percent recycled glass, IceStone slabs are installed and maintained like quarried stone, and you’ll have the same choice in edge treatments just like quarried stone as well. Choose from 24 standard colors or create a custom look. The panels can be cut into large-format tiles and are ideal for kitchen counters, tabletops, floor coverings, and even outdoor uses. Stonelace Designs (www.stonelacedesigns.com) in Berkeley offers decorative custom wall finishes, including finishes made with exclusive materials and metallic glazes. The natural oil and wax treatments, clay paints, lime finishes, Japanese and Venetian plasters, and milk paints add rich color and texture to walls. The company is committed to using low-VOC (or no-VOC) materials and will work with you in the Berkeley studio to create custom colors and patterns to coordinate with your home’s interior. Custom mouldings are a must-have in today’s kitchens. Stockton-based Timbron International (www.timbron.com) is manufacturing decorative wood-alternative mouldings. Comprising 90 percent recycled
IceStone solid surfaces are installed and maintained like natural stone.
plastic, the mouldings are of course termite proof, durable, waterproof, and don’t need to be painted if you want to leave them white. Timbron’s mouldings have received certification from Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) as an Environmentally Preferable Product. Cabinetry and woodwork take an interesting twist with new Green panel options. Kirei Board (www.kireiusa.com) is an engineered panel manufactured from the stalks of the sorghum plant— a rapidly renewable resource—after harvest. The stalks are then heat pressed to form a lightweight, durable board that is at once exotic and artistic and ideal for cabinetry, The adhesives used to bind the product are low in VOCs, but the panels can be finished and sealed like wood, so homeowners will need to select any aftermarket products used on Kirei Board. When an Oregon State University researcher developed glue patterned after the way mussels cling to rocky coastlines, it was a reminder of how the very thing we are trying to safeguard in Green building is often the inspiration behind the process. PureBond Plywood by Columbia Forest Products
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more about…
Photo: Ching-Wei Jiang/Stonelace (www.stonelacedesigns.com)
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
This Marin kitchen’s backsplash was created with Stonelace’s Fresco finish, made from Italian lime and hand-tinted in the Stonelace studio in Berkeley.
(www.columbiaforestproducts.com) is a line of formaldehyde-free decorative veneer panels used for high-end cabinetry and architectural millwork. Developing this mussel-mimicking adhesive is a win-win situation to improve IAQ in the home and reduce harmful manufacturing emissions. Homeowners can check with their architects and cabinetmakers on how to incorporate these kinds of materials into your construction project. As the heart of the home, kitchens should embody a healthful and inviting atmosphere. Combining energy-efficient appliances, beautiful Green building materials and finishes, and a space-saving layout is a great way to create the ideal kitchen. THM
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
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San Francisco/San Mateo THM November/December 2008
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Sustainable Style Designer furniture…sleek, comfortable and Green. BY
A
BETH HUGHES
T K&D FURNITURE, THE TRUE COLOR OF THE MODERN, forward-looking design is Green. While you can’t ignore the elegant contrasts of white against rich browns or black, or the rainbow of colors available in accent or custom pieces, everything is created to comply with the exacting standards for sustainability and indoor emissions set by the European Union. That’s because Europe, as well as Asia, is a big market for K&D, which entered the U.S. market only this year. “Everything’s as Green as possible,” says Benson Chow, the owner. “We use sustainably farmed woods,” said Chow. “When we can, we use veneers instead of hardwoods. We select low emission finishes and paints. All our furniture is built to minimize the environmental impact.” Right down to the last detail. For example, where glue is used, it has a very low phenol-formaldehyde content. “We do not use any volatile organic compounds (VOC) or urea-based formaldehyde glues,” he said. Nor does K&D use bromiated flame-retardants in their bedding or upholstered items. You may have heard of these as PBDEs. They’re thought to be some of the most dangerous chemicals, indoors and outside, and the EU standards K&D has adopted prohibit their use. Kitchen faucets are low-flow. Chow, a kitchen design fanatic, offers counters of PaperStone, a tough-as-nails, very durable material which is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper and recycled plastic resin.
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Even the packing materials can be recycled, and if Chow had his way, more of his customers from throughout the Bay Area would use public transportation to visit the store near AT&T Park. After all, there’s no need to worry about transporting big purchases home: K&D delivers. The location makes it easy for customers to compare K&D’s three lines—the original K&D, Kinetic and Senso—with the more expensive offerings of internationally known manufacturers which have showrooms nearby. Chow keeps hearing from customers that it’s a comparison that makes them select his furniture. Customers range from recent graduates furnishing a first apartment to a couple downsizing from the empty-nest of a large home to a more energyefficient, city-center condo. While all three lines feature items that pay homage to classics of modern design, Senso went a step farther. In 2003, K&D asked top European designers Ton Haas and Jochem Galama, and the design studio KSPD to create furniture. The results combine equal parts of sound environmental practices, comfort and a sleek style that elsewhere suggests a fat price. For the newest line, Kinetic, K&D tapped Italian, Dutch and German designers known for their minimalist work, then set them loose. They looked outside the traditional ideas and materials used in furniture, so you’ll find industrial elements, such as big, smoothmoving wheels, re-thought for use with tables. The fabrics might be familiar from clothing, yet, when transformed by use in a chair or a sofa, they seem entirely new. In all three lines, durability is designed in and the hallmark is adaptability. Display cases can serve as room dividers when placed out into a room rather than against a wall. Sofas can be customized to create corner unit that includes a chaise legs-up lounging.
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There is a seemingly endless array of options for coverings and finishes that ensure your furniture will be as unique as you. A detailed, full-color catalog showcases offerings available but not in the shop. (Yes, it’s printed on recycled paper and will soon be available for download so you can print only the pages you want). If this seems a bit daunting—you know what you like but will it all work together?—on-site designers can help you select everything needed for a re-doing a room to furnishing a new home. And you can take comfort in knowing there is substance with all this style: “Quality furniture will last,” says Chow. “There’s no need to keep replacing just because it breaks. That’s good for the environment, too.”
[ R E L A X I N G
B E D S
&
B A T H S ]
create a shower “Using your existing dressers and nightstands
ATranquil Retreat BY
and swapping your old wood bed for an upholstered
Finished, Framed and Frameless Enclosures
fraction of the cost of a new bedroom.” CRAIG KOHLER, OWNER OF ARTESANÍAS.
•••
HEIDI HILL
T
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
K&D is located on 700 2nd Street, San Francisco. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM; and Sunday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For more information call (415) 371-0200 or visit the Web site www.k-dusa.com. THM
for your life
one can really give you a fresh, new look at a
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
Customizable
thm
High Quality Practical
Functionality Since 1935
800.675.6225 calshowerdoor.com 1795 Yosemite Avenue • San Francisco
Specializing in Custom-Made Sofas and Sectionals
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
Two Locations
AN UPHOLSTERED BED GIVES YOUR ROOM A FRESH, DESIGNER LOOK AT A COST-CONSCIOUS PRICE.
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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Eco-Friendly Lighting High fashion bathrooms can be energy efficient. BY
TRACY FOX
W
AKING UP TO A DIMLY LIT OR outdated bathroom is nothing to smile about, but this doesn’t have to be the way you start each day. New energy-efficient windows will let in natural, uplifting light and keep out the cold and heat. Each year, Remodeling magazine publishes a report identifying which remodeling projects create the greatest return on investment, and each year kitchens and bathrooms come out on top. It’s no surprise. They are two of the most-used rooms in the home and receive the most scrutiny from potential buyers.
The Light of Day The quality of light in a bathroom is important. Daylight will reduce the need for electric lighting but is often a challenge in a room where you need the most privacy. Clerestory windows are a great solution if you don’t have second-story neighbors who can peek in from above. Because these windows are narrow and often placed near the ceiling line, they are typically not covered. Consider adding a window before installing a skylight because light is less controllable from above, and it penetrates the roof, an area with the greatest potential for heat loss and gain. Federal tax credits for energy efficiency are available for home improvements, including replacing windows and adding insulation.
Energy-Saving Fixtures Updating the fixtures in your bathroom is an excellent opportunity to save money while incorporating earth-friendly features to your home. Remember, the initial price you pay to buy a product that uses electricity is half the equation. The other half is the cost to operate it over time. Energy-efficient, high-fashion vanity fixtures are
CFL energy-efficient Lightbulb by Energy Star. Energystar.com.
available in numerous styles and finishes from weathered iron with dusted alabaster glass to brushed nickel with satin white glass. Look for fixtures with the Energy Star label for the most savings. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy created the Energy Star label to help consumers easily identify energy-efficient products in more than 40 categories. According to the Energy Star Web site, in 2005, Americans who chose Energy Star–labeled products saved enough energy to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 23 million cars—all while saving $12 billion on their utility bills. Keep in mind the difference between an Energy Star fixture and an Energy Star lightbulb. The fixtures use a pin-based lightbulb that should last seven years. The lightbulbs are CFL (compact fluorescent lights) and should be purchased according to lumens, not wattage. You can also use them with most incandescent fixtures already in your home. Look for lumens 800 and higher. Either way, your bulb is designed to use less energy than traditional bulbs and will last up to 10 times longer. If you install just one compact fluorescent lightbulb anywhere in your home, you will have prevented 500 pounds of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere! Now that’s something to smile about.
Acron, Urban Collection energysaving light in Amber by Lithonia Lighting. Lightahome.com.
For more on the Energy Star designation, visit energystar.gov. THM
Cirkel, Urban Collection by Lithonia Lighting. Lightahome.com.
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Design for the Environment Specializing in custom-made sofas and sectionals Showrooms 1747 Church Street San Francisco 1711 Greenwich Street San Francisco
415.922.2783
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www.artesf.com bedroom • living room • dining room • lighting • rugs and accessories
C LASSIC STYLE to M ODERN E LEGANCE As a direct importer, Superior Bath saves you time and money. All showroom items are in stock and we offer a price matching guarantee. Tempered Glass and Hardwood Vanities Bath, Kitchen, Tub and Shower Faucets Tempered Glass and Porcelain Sinks Faucet and Sink Combinations Accessories: Bath Hardware, Cabinets, Mirrors & Plumbing
Visit our showroom and receive 15% off by mentioning this ad, or the on-line version at superiorbath.com.
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510.265.0566 Superiorbath.com 28302 Industrial Boulevard, Suite E Hayward Mondays–Fridays 9 to 6 • Saturday 10 to 3 • Open by appointment on Sundays thmRESOURCE.com
San Francisco/San Mateo THM November/December 2008
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Cabinetry Quandaries An East Bay company solves the mystery of cabinet selection. BY
D
FIONA GOW
ECIDING ON THE RIGHT CABINETRY FOR A KITCHEN OR bathroom can leave many homeowners feeling lost. What are some of the basic questions to consider? There are of course aesthetics. Do you like cherry or oak wood? What style of door and handles appeal to you? Usage is another aspect. Is the cabinet for heavy pots, or will it showcase the family china? What accessories would you like? A lazy Susan? A spice rack? Sliding drawers to prevent back pain? And there’s usually a budget to consider. Are you looking for prefabricated cabinets, or are you willing to pay for custom-made products? A good place to start looking for answers to these questions is Armkea Cabinetry. “I’d say 80 percent of people who come in don’t know what they want and 20 percent come in with plans for a kitchen or bathroom remodel,” says Janet Mak, a project manager for Armkea. “Sometimes they have ideas of what they want, but don’t know how to make it happen. Armkea is all about helping customers figure out how to individualize their home, especially when it comes to custom-made products. Janet Mak, project manager for Armkea Cabinetry, recalls one customer who wanted an entertainment center built onto the top of a bench. “I’d never seen anything like that, but that’s what
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the customer wanted so that’s what we created,“ Janet says. Or, customers sometimes have catalogue photos of woodwork that captures their hearts and Armkea’s cabinetmakers craft perfect replicas. For clients preferring prefab cabinetry Armkea has 11 lines of modular cabinets. Janet recommends Toffee Nut, whose warm color and fine detail is particularly appealing. Customers can choose from a variety of natural wood finishes and stains, and more than 20 door styles to match the style of their home. Armkea also offers space-saving and functional accessories like deep drawers for pots and pans, blind corner optimizers, and pantry organizers. “We can also optimize and upgrade hardware, and add sliding doors or glass doors. It can all be done,” says Janet. It takes about 7 to 10 working days from the time of the order to installation. Customers give Armkea high marks. “Clients frequently remark that our staff is very hardworking and performs quality craftsmanship,” says Janet. So don’t be afraid to ask all those questions. Armkea’s there to help make you bring the best out of your home. Armkea Cabinetry has two showrooms in the East Bay. The Oakland showroom is located at 851 81st Avenue, Suite A, Oakland, (510) 383-8919. The Berkeley showroom is located at 1701 University Avenue, Berkeley, and (510) 848-3181. THM
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Affordable Cabinetry Custom-Made Your Way In Our Oakland Workshop
Berkeley
Oakland
1701 University Avenue
851 81st Avenue, Suite A
510.848.3181
Monday–Saturday 9–5
510.383.8919
Monday–Saturday 9–5
armkeainc@sbcglobal.net
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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.
Contractor’s License #827984
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[ N G A ]
Houseplants Clean the Air Live plants are more than decoration. BY
KATHY BOND BORIE
W
HETHER IN NATURE OR IN BUILT SPACES, plants improve our quality of life. The color green by itself has a calming, stressrelieving effect. Japanese garden design focuses on contemplative green spaces. Green office décor has been found to reduce absenteeism caused by illness. But live plants go a step further: they actually improve the air we breathe. They remove carbon dioxide (which we expel) and release oxygen (which we breathe in). They suppress mold spores. They even have the capacity to remove some indoor pollutants from the air. Certain houseplants have an ability to absorb toxins such as formaldehyde, which is contained in many building materials and household cleaning products. Benzene and trichloroethylene are other toxic chemicals found in indoor air that can be absorbed by houseplants through their leaves and roots. The pollutants are eventually broken down in the soil by microbes surrounding the roots. Some of the best houseplants for improving indoor air are easy to find at greenhouses and garden centers: • • • • • • • • • •
Many palms, such as areca, lady, and bamboo Rubber plant Dracaenas such as ‘Janet Craig’ and Dracaena marginata English ivy Boston fern Corn plant Spathiphyllum Golden pothos Weeping fig Schlefflera
Kathy Bond Borie is a horticultural editor at the National Gardening Association. For over 30 years, the National Gardening Association has worked to strengthen the essential connection between people, plants, and our environment. The NGA provides information, inspiration, and funding to educators, community organizations, and gardeners of all ages through personal outreach and its informationpacked Web site: www.garden.org. THM
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Houseplant Tips • The more airtight your home or office, the more indoor pollutants can build up in the air, and the more benefit houseplants can provide. • Place two or three full-sized plants per a 100-square-foot space. • If you don't have enough room for that many large plants, focus on placing plants where you spend the most time, such as near your bed and desk.
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Create a New View
Collier Warehouse has been dedicated to supplying
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architects, contractors, homeowners and developers with the highest quality products and services available since 1977.
Built around you.
www.colliergroup.com
NARI Awards: Supplier of the Year: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2006
tel: 415.920.9720 fax: 415.920.9727
President’s Award: 2002
San Francisco Showroom • 90 Dorman Avenue • San Francisco
Professionalism Award: 1999, 2006
[ C C I D C ]
Go “Green” Without Turning Blue Lighting options to minimize your environmental impact BY
LYNDA GOULD, IDS, CID, ALA
H
OW CAN YOU GO “GREEN” WITHOUT TURNING BLUE? Everyday, we are bombarded with ever growing messages about how to save the planet, but where do we begin? One of the easiest, top-of-mind ideas is to switch out the incandescent light bulbs in our homes with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). However, there are special features of fluorescents that are important to consider before making the switch. There are also environmentally friendly non-fluorescent options to consider. The quality of CFLs has vastly improved these last few years. No longer the glaring, blue-colored light of years past, these bulbs are now available with a light output that is very close to natural sunlight. Critics of the movement to replace regular bulbs with fluorescents cite concerns about the bulb's disposal due to the mercury inherent in its construction. While the amount of mercury in a fluorescent bulb is minimal, the issue still needs to be addressed. When the bulbs require replacement, disposal should be in a sealed container or double plastic bag. Care should be given to avoid breakage. The CFLs may also be transported to an approved collection center and recycled. Other options exist for a homeowner wanting to make a “Green” lighting choice. A great example is National Geographic’s new Solar Hybrid L.E.D. Outdoor Light. The patent pending design combines the technology of solar power with L.E.D.s
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and CFLs to make a suped-up energy efficient light. The solar panel on the top powers four long-lasting (up to 50,000 hours) L.E.D. lights. A light sensor automatically switches the L.E.D.s on at dusk for continuous operation until dawn. This is an ideal no-fuss outdoor lighting solution. In addition, a compact fluorescent bulb can be turned on if more light is needed. A quality dimmer switch added to a lighting circuit will reduce energy use. As the light is dimmed the energy consumption is also lowered. In addition, a dimmer set at 50% of its range can increase the life of the lightbulb by up to 20 times! The use of an occupancy sensor switch will also reduce energy. These smart switches turn off the lights in a room after a predetermined period of time when the room has been unoccupied. This type of switch allows for an energy efficient use of incandescent-powered fixtures and is ideal for bathrooms, bedrooms and laundry rooms. As the Green movement has progressed so has the lighting industry to meet the objectives of homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint. You can find plenty of energyefficient options that offer style and self-expression in addition to minimized environmental impact. Lynda Gould IDS CID ALA, is an Interior Designer for Lamps Plus www.lampsplus.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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•
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247 CALIFORNIA DRIVE
650.344.0729
602 SYCAMORE VALLEY ROAD, WEST
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925.362.8838