FREE SAN FRA NCISCO/SAN MAT EO
ideas and resources for your home
cover
Defining Entries Custom Outdoor Art J U LY / A U G U S T 200 9
Smart Landscaping BayArea.com
Contractor’s License #563320
DISCOVER THE BEAUTY AND ELEGANCE OF NATURE. TRAVERTINE - MARBLE - PAVERS - LIMESTONE - SLATE - GRANITE - GLASS
OAKLAND - HOUSTON - TURKEY
J U LY / A U G U S T 2 O O 9
[ C O N T E N T S ] 8
10
EXTRAORDINARY 8
External Affairs
10
Rev up your curb appeal with cosmetic touches. By Heidi Doerfert
14
12
EXTERIORS
Endless Outdoor Opportunities Create your own staycation charm. By Deborah Burstyn
Remodeling Made Easy Experts at taking the pain out of remodeling. By Deborah Burstyn
14
Perfect Fit Everything for the entire home under one roof. By Lisa Winer
CCIDC 16 Creating More Room Outside Tips for expanding your exterior living space. By Lisa Sten CID, CGBP
CLCA 18 Drought Recommendations from the California Landscape Contractors Association Part 2 of a 2 part series.
4
July/August 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
16
Volume 7, Issue 4 • July/August 2009
SHOWER
DOORS
INC
Practical beauty for the home since 1989
The Bay Area’s best resource for your lifestyle at home. PUBLISHER/EDITOR
CONSULTATION
Jeff Curry
SELECTION
GENERAL MANAGER/EDITOR
Jason Douglas CUSTOM DESIGN ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Michael A. Frieburg Stephan Raimist Pat Silberman • Ken Sorensen
FABRICATION INSTALLATION
FEATURE WRITERS
Deborah Burstyn Heidi Doefert Lisa Sten Lisa Winer ART DIRECTOR
Jeff Clinton WEBMASTER
Chris Ryce
(415) 453-0236 • (707) 773-2898 1217 North McDowell Boulevard • Petaluma empireshowerdoors.com
ACCOUNTING
Diane Nasadiuk
s h o w c a s e EDITORIAL INQUIRIES
Editorial@THmag.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
(925) 274-1140, x202 Sales@THmag.com NATIONAL INQUIRIES
Jason@THmag.com SUBSCRIPTIONS AND GENERAL INQUIRIES
Info@THmag.com
The Fireplace Element offers a wide selection of fireplace mantels, inserts, and logs. Gas installs and custom surrounds are also available. We also offer many services including the fabrication, removal, and installation of gas, wood, and pellet inserts, fireplaces and stoves. We have also incorporated
190 North Wiget Lane, Suite 280 Walnut Creek, CA • 94598 WWW.TodaysHomeBayArea.com © 2009. All editorial (headline, subhead, story, captions) published in Today’s Home is copyrighted and remains the sole property of Today’s Home. All rights reserved. Reproduction or reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.
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. TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
a plasma TV with speakers and wiring, all above the fireplace. Our experience makes us fireplace remodeling specialists. FIREPLACE ELEMENT 1970 West El Camino Real Mountain View • (650) 938-2000 www.thefireplaceelement.com
Promote your business in the TODAY’S HOME showcase Call (888) 274-1140 San Francisco/San Mateo THM July/August 2009
5
ideas and resources for your home
BayArea.com for all your home improvement ideas
great new articles now online! kitchens Kitchen-Wise Remodeling Lite
bathrooms A Bold, Beautiful Bathroom Luxe for Less
outdoor
interiors
Outdoor Havens Romancing the Stone
associations
Conscientious Closets Sitting Pretty
exteriors
NKBA NARI
Dramatic Doors Window Splendor
ideas and resources for your home
BayArea.com
Bringing a New Look to Concrete Driveways Pool Decks Walkways Patios Drywall Exterior Walls Fireplaces Stucco & more
Beautify & Repair Old, Ugly Concrete 866-956-4490 CreativeResurfacingInc.com Contractor’s License #927076
25 YEARS OF CONCRETE EXPERIENCE
Authorized dealer of LimeCoat® Products
Transformative architecture, ecologically responsive design
❒
formerly Marc Lindsell Architecture
• New construction and renovation • Residential and commercial • Interior Design • LEED or GreenPoint certified 501 Cortland Avenue San Francisco 415.826.5459
View our portfolio at www.2MArchitecture.com TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
San Francisco/San Mateo THM July/August 2009
7
[ E X T R A O R D I N A R Y
E X T E R I O R S ]
External Affairs BY
HEIDI DOERFERT
E SPEND A GREAT DEAL OF TIME IN OUR HOME so it’s natural to want to spend our decorating dollars on the interior. But think about how you feel when you pull up to your house. Does it make you smile? Does your home welcome your guests? Not only does curb appeal add to the enjoyment of your home, it will also add to its value. The next time you drive up to your abode ask yourself what jumps out first. Is it a negative, like the neglected porch or the cracked and gloomy driveway? Don’t despair. Here are a few, demo-free options to brighten things up!
W
H E AV Y M E T A L A surefire way to customize your home’s exterior is to use decorative ironwork. Phil Lockwood of Metal by Phil in Dixon says he can incorporate his artistic designs into gates, railings, arbors, sculpture, and usable art. “A creative idea is to replace panels on a wood fence with metal vines, flowers or whatever theme suits your desire. Clients love to choose an element that is meaningful to them.” Phil worked on a project with a homeowner who lives in a wetlands area where cattails are abundant. He transformed steel into a stunning gate featuring realistic cattails and ducks soaring in flight. “No two pieces of mine are alike,” explains Phil. “I always strive to give each one its own unique touch.” If you have a porch in need of some TLC, Phil can create an eye-catching railing to define the area. Imagine having a “garden” of calla lilies that never needs watering! “If you really want to make your house stand out from your neighbors, consider placing a wrought iron arbor over the garage or the entrance to your home. One of my most popular designs is a grapevine, dripping with grapes and leaves.” Phil has developed a special color technique that makes his creations come to life. Never underestimate the importance of a home’s front entrance when it comes to curb appeal. A client of Phil’s asked him to create a piece that was as tranquil and serene as a Japanese brush painting. The result? A work of art Phil calls “The River Gate,” finished in a green copper patina. Caution: your guests may never come in when there is something this beautiful to gaze at outside!
CONCRETE SOLUTIONS Another important element in making your home appealing from the street is one of the largest surfaces in the front—the driveway. If you think of it as a huge welcome mat, you’ll realize that dreary, gray slab isn’t very welcoming at all. If you don’t want to deal with the noise, expense and stress of a demolition consider a facelift by Liquid Coating Designs in Pleasanton. President Charles Suhay explains how the transformation happens. “Liquid Stone is a unique blend of minerals and
8
July/August 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
Rev up your curb appeal with cosmetic touches.
[ E X T R A O R D I N A R Y
cements. It soaks into the existing surface, filling cracks and holes. It’s then hand-carved and stained by my team of experienced craftsmen for a custom look.” Whether your home’s style is Cottage Charm, Old World, or Sleek Modern, Liquid Coating Designs has over 15 years of experience in transforming driveways from drab to dreamy. Since you want the walkway to your front door to be clearly defined, you may want to extend the Liquid Coating Designs process to your pathway for a cohesive appearance. “You get the sophisticated look of flagstone, travertine, slate cobblestone, or river rock without the hassle and destruction of a construction project,” says Charles. “Our customers often say they now have the best looking driveway on their block!”
E X T E R I O R S ]
“Rhino Shield is a permanent paint system for your home’s exterior. It goes on like paint, looks like paint, but unlike paint, it lasts a lifetime.” Jeff says a Rhino Shield paint job won’t chip, peel fade or crack. It forms a protective, waterproof shield on your home that can withstand even the harshest weather conditions and prevents mold growth and peeling. “Rhino Shield actually acts as an insulator, reflecting over 90% of the suns rays away from your home, and will reduce your monthly energy bill,” he explains. And, the process has only three steps: First, the Rhino Shield crew pressurewashes your home and identifies any areas that need to be repaired. Secondly, after a thorough inspection, the patented Rhino Shield waterproof primer and adhesive is applied. The final step is to apply the ceramic top coat, tinted in the shade of your choice. Rhino Shield comes in every color that traditional paint does so making your home gorgeous has never been easier.
T O P C O AT “Never paint your home again!” states Del Olson, co-owner of Rhino Shield. Does it sound too good to be true? It isn’t, explains Del, who along with his son and co-owner, Jeff Olson, has been busy making this dream come true for Bay Area homeowners.
From iron art to distinctive driveways to a one-of-a-kind paint job, you can max out your home’s curb appeal without breaking a sweat or the bank. To find out more about Phil Lockwood’s custom iron work, call (707) 592-1248 or visit www.metalbyphil.com. To learn how Liquid Coating Designs can transform your concrete surfaces, call (925) 931-1937 or visit www.liquidcoatingdesigns.com. To get the last paint job your house will ever need, call Rhino Shield at (888) 868-7575 or visit www.rhinoshieldca.com. THM
San Francisco/San Mateo THM July/August 2009
9
[ E X T R A O R D I N A R Y
E X T E R I O R S ]
Endless Outdoor Opportunities Create your own staycation charm. BY
DEBORAH BURSTYN
ISTEN TO THE LYRICAL SOOTHING SOUND of water circulating through a stone fountain. Inhale the scent of ripening lemons and oranges in trees elegant in matching oversized planters. Gaze at the charming statue of a young girl holding a basket of roses. Feel the sun-baked warmth of the stone bench that cradles you. A Mediterranean garden certainly is a feast for the senses. An impossible dream? With the economy still in the doldrums, you can’t spend thousands of dollars to take that trip to Tuscany this year? Here’s a wonderful alternative. For a fraction of the cost of a journey to southern Europe, Giannini Garden Ornaments Inc. can help you create that same look right at home in your own garden. With Giannini’s Euro-style handmade pieces, you can turn your dreams into a “staycation” reality. You can even get your own authentic outdoor pizza oven! Best of all, the stone outdoor pieces you place in your yard will last a lifetime, not just two weeks—and add value to your property. “We really want our customers to be happy,” asserts Piera Giannini, who co-owns the business with her husband Marino Giannini. “We like to spend a lot of time with them here helping them choose what will make them happy.” With so many pieces to choose from—there are about 1,000 at their South San Francisco showroom and factory at any given time—the Gianninis understand that it can be difficult to make a decision. You can get a preview of their many charming elegant pieces on their website but a visit to their showroom is the best way to get a real feel for the scale and style of a piece. “The selection is so vast, you need time to shop here and people come back more than once,” adds Piera.
L
All pieces are designed by Marino, whose family in Italy has worked in the statuary business for several generations. Recently, he designed a new line of minimalist contemporary fountains. Molds are made on the premises for his designs and the pieces are produced there as well. At last count, the Gianninis have over 5,000 molds of Marino’s designs. “He drives me crazy,” laughs Piera. “He is a true Italian artisan— always designing. We can’t keep up with him.” So although Marino’s design inspirations come from his native Italy, nearly all of the Gianninis’ stone garden pieces are made onsite with a resulting smaller carbon footprint. It would take a lot more fuel and cause more pollution to ship similar heavy pieces from Mexico, China or Europe. The cement they use comes from nearby Fremont, making the exquisite garden ornaments not only reasonably priced but a way to buy local. But the Gianninis also offer an exclusive selection of several product lines from Italy that they have chosen themselves. These include stone pizza ovens, Italian terra cotta pieces and Italian ceramics. The Gianninis met as students in Italy when Piera, a native San Franciscan, was on vacation. They started their business in 1993 in their garage with wall fountains that Marino made. Today, in true Italian family tradition, the couple’s oldest son, Pierluigi, 24, has joined the firm after earning his business degree, and Alessandro, 18, works with them on weekends. The family ambiance adds to the authenticity and integrity the Gianninis bring to everything they do. Whether it means running around and turning off fountains in the showroom so the customer can listen to the sound of just one or gathering cement samples of their 14 different color finishes for customers to take home—“vintage” and “antico” are the favorites right now—the Gianninis pride themselves on offering products and service that combine the best of contemporary and classic European style. How to Create Your Own Backyard Paradise With 3 Easy Pieces 1. Piera Gianinni recommends starting with a fountain. “A fountain gives your outdoor space a fabulous focal point,” she says. If space is tight, consider a wall-mounted fountain. Otherwise go for a tiered fountain. Cost? “You can get a great fountain with pumps and everything for about $550,” Piera estimates. 2. Next, Piera recommends getting at least two identical very, very, big plant containers. These will cost about $80 to $100 each. Plant small trees in them. For a Mediterranean look, Piera suggests citrus or olive trees. “That’s a very Tuscan style, says Piera, “and it’s beautiful.” 3. Still have some room in the budget? Go for a statue, Piera suggests. “A statue adds visual interest and makes a garden space look finished. It is a refined and elegant look. “We have estate-style statues that look like they are one of a kind but they are not priced like one of a kind.”
10
July/August 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
THmag.com
Unique and Innovative Garden Ornaments for All Your Landscaping & Decorating Needs THOUSANDS OF ITEMS ON DISPLAY ITALIAN TERRA-COTTA AND CERAMIC GARDEN FURNITURE WOOD-BURNING PIZZA OVENS FROM ITALY WALL FOUNTAINS FOUNTAINS PLANTERS TABLES • BENCHES STATUES • BIRDBATHS
Visit Our Showroom 225 SHAW ROAD, SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO MON–SAT 8 AM–4:30 PM
650.873.4493 • gianninigarden.com
create a shower for your life
Finished, Framed & Frameless Enclosures Match a Fountain to Your Home’s Style “Today,” says Piera, “you can really mix styles in an eclectic way. In Italy, for example, you have these rustic stone houses and inside they have a sleek ultra-modern kitchen. Or they have a beautiful piece of modern sculpture in their yard next to an antique clay oil jar—and it all works.” Mediterranean: Piera recommends a tiered fountain in a classic but updated style. She also suggests classic lion’s head motif fountains either freestanding with a pond or as a wall fountain. Mid-century Ranch: “You can really tweak a ranch house to whatever you like,” says Piera. “I used Italian-style statuary and fountain at mine. But Asian statuary works very well with ranch houses.” Victorian: “Definitely urns,” says Piera. “And planter boxes.” She also recommends a more traditional style tiered fountain. Or a wall fountain with some carving and relief work. Contemporary: Fountains that resemble walls of water or a simple column topped by a sleek orb. “Contemporary is very popular right now,” said Piera. “That’s why my husband designed this new line. People were asking for that style and we listen to our customers.” For more information visit Giannini Garden Ornaments at 225 Shaw Road, South San Francisco, or call them at (650) 873-4493. You can also visit them on the Web at www.gianninigarden.com. THM
Customizable High Quality Practical Functionality Since 1935
800.675.6225 calshowerdoor.com 1795 Yosemite Avenue San Francisco
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
San Francisco/San Mateo THM July/August 2009
11
Remodeling Made Easy BY
W
DEBORAH BURSTYN
HAT IF YOU COULD FIND A HOME REMODELING
Experts at taking the pain out of remodeling.
was all-inclusive like a resort in Cancun? Say you could get all the services you need bundled together to save a lot of money—and time—instead of running around to find the same services a la carte. And because this is your house we’re talking about and not a resort vacation, instead of worrying about where to go for dinner, you didn’t have to worry about nasty construction surprises, unaffordable designs, mistakes, missing permits, cost overruns or hidden fees. In other words, what if a home improvement project was handled expertly from start to finish with every type of professional you need for the job under one roof as part of one company? You’d have it made. Literally. Whether it’s a new kitchen or bath, second story addition or complete renovation, your project would get done on time and on budget. Makes a lot of sense. Yet Steve Albert of S.E.A. Construction finds that over 20 years after he started his San Mateo-based company, his is still one of the only design/build firms around taking advantage of all the power that a fully coordinated system offers. S.E.A. works on the principle of organic process with every facet interconnected and an integral part of the structure. The architects, builders and even an interior designer are all S.E.A. employees who work together to create outstanding results. As important, SEA has a handful of structural engineers who embrace the system as well and are willing to work alongside the other professionals to find the most cost effective solutions to engineering challenges. Albert says, “The professionals we have on staff here allows S.E.A. to do what it does best. We can streamline a project because all the experts get around a table and talk to each other from conception to permitting, and then through construction as well.” When potential problems are addressed up front—and solved, the project is bound to run smoothly. “We’re not wasting time redesigning, reengineering and having to shut down a project for weeks at a time. We’re not comfortable with inefficiency, it costs our homeowners time and money” When the professionals are all on the same team, you win. Ideas emerge that enhance the project’s efficiency and the homeowner’s lifestyle while preventing any jams that cause delays and waste precious materials. COMPANY THAT
12
July/August 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
“We excel in taking people through the maze of planning, permitting, pricing and product selection to get them to where they want to be,” Albert says. After an initial meeting with the homeowner, Albert’s staff checks local building codes to make sure a client’s dream of say, adding a second story is allowed. S.E.A.’s architect Rafael Gomez creates a floor plan addressing the client’s desires, and Albert consults with the soils and structural engineers before preparing a preliminary estimate. This ensures that your designs are structurally sound and meet California’s seismic code right from the start. At the second meeting to review the preliminary designs and schedules and learn what parameters exist.
THmag.com
Tired of your messy garage?
You get a budget accurate to within 10 percent of the final cost, a complete feasibility study for $150, with no thousands of dollars wasted on architectural drawings that are out of step with reality. “Instead of having everyone design in a vacuum, we have them design as a team,” he explains. “This helps keep costs down for the homeowner. You need accurate budgeting from the initial conversation if you are going to be able to hit your target budget.” For example, in a current bathroom addition project, Albert’s plumber suggested during the design phase that a planned new toilet be moved to accommodate existing sewer lines. This is much better than having a plumber show up to install a toilet and announce that it can’t be done. Albert says that his firm’s coordinated approach is especially sought after for kitchen remodels. Because a kitchen is the most complex and most expensive room in a house, he explains. “Plumbing, heating, venting, electrical—all these systems have to be run through confined spaces involving expensive cabinetry. And in that small space you are installing an extraordinarily large amount of expensive items. If one dimension is off, it negatively affects half a dozen other things.” With cost savings in architectural design, engineering and interior design, Albert estimates that projects done by his firm save clients anywhere from ten to 20 percent of the total cost. Whether it’s figuring out how to upgrade a home’s existing heating, electrical or plumbing system, instead of tearing them out—“hardly ever necessary” according to Albert or turning floor joists so carpenters don’t have to spend three days getting duct work through the house, the staff consults with each other to make well thought-through decisions. “We never compromise on great design, but we don’t make the client spend tens of thousands of dollars where it’s not needed. The client is in complete control of how their money is spent.” Even in the best of times, those are words to live by and these days it makes more sense than ever to work with S.E.A. Construction, Inc. 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
Affordable Solutions for Every Organization Budget Cabinets | Accessories | Floor Coatings | Overhead Storage
Free Estimates, Free Installation, Lifetime Warranty on Cabinets, 20 Year Warranty on Floors
SAVE
250 00
$ Proudly Serving the Bay Area
on any Cabinet &F Coatin g Packa loor ge.*
For more information, call
866.497.2880 or visit PremierGarage.com *Offer must be presented at time of estimate/order. Offer may not be copied, duplicated, transferred or combined with any other offer. Valid at participating locations only. Minimum purchase requirement must be met. No cash/credit back. Not valid on prior purchases. Void where prohibited. Contractor’s License #894280
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
San Francisco/San Mateo THM July/August 2009
13
PERFECT FIT BY
LISA WINER
L
IKE ITS NAME SUGGESTS,
SINCERE HARDWARE, PROVIDING THE BAY AREA with the lowest prices in everything for remodeling, is genuinely devoted to its customers. The company serves the homeowner with all that they need for the home, from granite countertops to water heaters to windows, as well as offering kitchen design services. “We are unique in the market because we are a one-stop shop,” says Keith Chan, manager of Sincere Hardware’s downtown Oakland location. “We provide everything for remodeling the whole house.” If a customer sees a product they are interested in that Sincere Hardware doesn’t have on hand, Sincere Hardware will do its best to see if it can be special ordered. “The customer is not limited to what we carry or display,” says Keith. “We are interested in finding the perfect fit for the customer.” Not only will they make the extra effort to find the customer that perfect fixture or wood flooring, Sincere Hardware will do it at the absolute lowest cost for the customer. If within seven days of purchasing something the customer finds the same item cheaper elsewhere, they need only provide the quotation, and the price will be matched with an additional 5 percent off.
14
July/August 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
Everything for the entire home under one roof.
THmag.com
“We just want to tell the customer our retail price is the best price every day,” says Keith. Sincere Hardware has designers on staff to do same-day computer kitchen design. The company has thousands of kitchen cabinet materials in stock in 12 different colors, as well as 50 different colors of granite countertops and 1 million square footage of flooring. Sincere Hardware also provides granite countertop installation.
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY Sincere Hardware is interested in doing its best to serve the local community. The staff are willing to offer the benefit of their expertise in remodeling if the customer so desires, providing direction and suggestions. Excellent service, low cost, and a complete range of products, including stone and wood flooring, granite countertops, cabinetry, appliances, tile, decorative plumbing and fixtures, windows and building supplies are the hallmarks of this unique company. All that waits at Sincere Hardware is your visit. Visit any one of six Sincere Hardware Supply locations (Downtown Oakland, West Oakland, Modesto, Sunnyvale, San Francisco 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
sto ne f lo o rin g
b athroom fixtures
cabinetr y
Better environment…Same Low Price
windows
applia nc es
wa ll tiles
p lu mb in g
Discover Everything You Need for Remodeling at the Bay Area’s Low-Price Leader FREE, same-day computer kitchen design tile s
Bay Area delivery service Discount to contractors, apartment owners & developers
" wo o d f lo o rin g
!
UP TO 40% OFF MAJOR DESIGNER BRANDS Come visit our new Kitchen and Bath Showroom 276 11th Street, Oakland • 510.832.2838
Stores in: Oakland • San Francisco Sunnyvale Modesto • Reedley
b u ildin g mate rials
Visit sincerehardware.com for directions Sincere Service with Sincere Prices
gran ite TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
San Francisco/San Mateo THM July/August 2009
15
[ C C I D C ]
CREATING MORE ROOM OUTSIDE BY
LISA STEN CID, CGBP
AKE ADVANTAGE OF CALIFORNIA’S INCREDIBLY MILD CLIMATE BY maximizing your real estate’s potential (and your enjoyment in your home) with increased indoor / outdoor living spaces. Here are some tips to help you get there:
T
Develop a Plan Identify how many people you want to accommodate and at what type of seating—will you need lounge chairs, a large dining table or relaxing chaises? The first step is a good floor plan, as Dining and Lounging Areas, Cooking Centers and Pool Areas often blend. Consider the traffic circulation between these outdoor rooms and their proximity to each other. A cozy gathering spot around a fireplace or fire pit is another great area to consider.
Tips for expanding your exterior living space.
Install an Outdoor Kitchen A basic outdoor kitchen might include a grill, sink and refrigeration. A more developed kitchen could include additional wine or beer refrigeration, a pizza oven, firewood storage or a rotisserie. Consider low maintenance materials for the countertops and rustproof stainless steel for appliances and cabinets.
Provide Sun Protection An open-beamed structure, such as a pergola, or a deep roof overhang can help to create a permanent place for shading. A fixed, manually operated or electrically operated retractable awning is another solution that offers protection from the sun’s UV light. These post-less awnings can be mounted on a wall above windows or doors, in the roof’s eave or on the roof, leaving the floor area clear for tables and seating.
Manage the Views Install an arbor with climbing roses or carefully place shrubbery and vegetation to lead your eye to a focal point in the yard. Fences, gates and other structures can conversely mask or “screen” unsightly views.
By Lisa Sten, CID, CGBP, Senior Designer with the Design + Build firm Harrell Remodeling in Mountain View. For more information or to attend one of our workshops, visit 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 16
July/August 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
Photo by Bill Enos, Emerald Light.
Don’t forget to include high-quality exterior furniture, rugs and accessories and lighting. Also, provide portable heaters for chilly nights. Then all you have to do is invite the company!
Multiple exterior living areas, some defined by shaded pergolas, are easily accessible from this residence remodeled by Harrell Remodeling.
THmag.com
classic style AND hydrothermal massage INVITE
INTO YOUR LIFE.
In addition to remarkable design, you can personalize your bath to match your décor. The choice is yours to make, from the color of your bath, its base color and even to the exterior shell, according to your own personal preferences. Customize your bath and your experience to suit your needs with the best massage a bath can give.®
650.363.7333 1620 Industrial Way, Redwood City www.bainultra.com
Lutron controls your light.™
Mon–Fri 8:30 am–5:30 pm, Sat 10:00 am–3:30 pm
CUSTOM-MADE FURNITURE
Lutron introduces quiet electronic shades that protect your furnishing. ®
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.
Your ideas come to life... Craftsmanship ~ Detail ~ Satisfaction
Sivoia QED™ wall control. © 2004 Lutron Electronics, Co., Inc.
The f urni t ure you wa n t f or b oth side s of your home i nside & ou t side
~
Screen Solutions Interior and Exterior Automated Shading Systems 425 Salmar Avenue • Campbell Showroom by Appointment Only TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
408-374-8156
DOUBLE DRAGON WOOD WORKS (415) 971-4724 DOUBLEDRAGONWOODWORKS.COM SERVING SAN FRANCSICO & THE PENINSULA FOR OVER 8 YEARS San Francisco/San Mateo THM July/August 2009
17
[ C L C A ]
Drought recommendations from the California Landscape Contractors Association Part 2 of a 2 part series. ANDSCAPING IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF ANY community, not only from the joy it brings, but the quality of life that it provides to humans and other species as well. Plants positively alter our environment, reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, protect the land, provide us food, create oxygen and sustain life. As our climate changes we need to protect our plants, adapt to our changing environment and make choices that benefit us all and preserve our future. The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) is pleased to offer some recommendations to help you make smart choices and protect the environment using your area’s mandated water reductions. This advice can help your landscape survive this year’s drought and help you prepare for predicted future water shortages.
L
How to Maximize Landscape Watering During A Drought. Start watering earlier and finish before 9:00 AM. Set your spray irrigation timer to run half the normal time and run a second cycle at least half an hour later. This will dramatically reduce runoff. Clay and other soils will only absorb so much water and anything beyond that point is wasted water. Average time should be 5 minutes or less per cycle on a level site. Consider a smart controller, which monitors the weather and adjusts watering accordingly. Soil may look dry, but may still have plenty of moisture. If a 6" screwdriver goes easily into the soil then wait to water.
What if I Can Only Water One or Two Days a Week? Program your sprinkler time for multiple start times with run cycles about 5 minutes each. Repeat the cycles 3-4 times at least 30 minutes apart. If runoff occurs, reduce minutes per cycle. Mow lawns higher and less frequently. Do not take off more than 25% when mowing. Help your trees get more water as mentioned above.
How Can I Maximize My Landscape Water Savings? Check regularly for leaks and then fix them immediately. Incorporate existing water saving technology into your irrigation system. New sprinkler heads and smart controllers maximize water savings. If you have a water meter, learn to read your meter. It will help you determine if you have a leak. Turn on each sprinkler zone and see how much time it takes to start generating runoff for each zone. Round sprinkler time down to the nearest minute and set that time as your maximum run time for each station. Program your controller for multiple run cycles. Runoff means wasted water. No runoff means the water is being absorbed by the soil.
How Can I Prepare for a Drier Future? Make sure your irrigation system is efficient, pressure regulated and consistently up to date with the latest water saving technology. Study your landscape and the local community. Examine the long-term survivability of your current landscape and consider incorporating climate appropriate plants. If your area is at risk for fire, consider adding native fire retardant plants and learn how to protect your property. Study your environment, the animals that exist within the landscape and your long term needs to help you make good ecological choices. For information about saving water, please go to: www.clca.org/clca/about/waterWise.php. THM 18
July/August 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
THmag.com
Now you can have a guest room… …even if you don’t have room! ❒
The largest display of wallbeds in the Bay Area.
Wnallbedsore " "
M
A Comfortable extra bed for any room! 31B EDWARDS COURT • BURLINGAME
Add a guest room… without a contractor!
Showroom Open by Appointment
(650) 888-8131 Other Locations: San Ramon (925) 570-5663 • Campbell (408) 761-4732
WallbedsNMore.com TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
- Mateo - 2009 San Francisco/San THM July/August -
19
Now Open! Our new 6,000 sq. ft. showroom featuring the largest selection of high quality doors, hardware and mouldings in San Francisco.
10% OFF SIMPSON DOORS purchased during the months of July & August.
200 Industrial Street, San Francisco
■
415.550.6777
a green company since 1964
■
CALDWELLS.COM