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ENTERTAINING 16
Remodeling Lite Ideas and tips for smaller projects to beautify your home. By Lisa Winer
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Kitchen-Wise Making the right choices when it comes to appliances for your kitchen. By Tammy Hansen
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Purely for You—and the Planet Healthy whole house water filtration. By Melinda Peacock
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Creating the Perfect Kitchen Using a kitchen designer to realize your vision. By Tammy Hansen
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February/March 2009 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
KITCHENS 24
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[ F R O M
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Fresh Ideas For a New Kitchen
Volume 11, Issue 1 • February/March 2009
The Bay Area’s best resource for your lifestyle at home. PUBLISHER
Steven Gandy
S THE CALENDAR TURNS TO 2009, we look toward a brighter economy and future. We survived the Holidays and cherished the moments we were able to spend with friends and family. But it also allowed us to find faults with our current kitchen arrangements. Not enough counter space, crammed kitchen cabinets with doors half open with pots and pans we use only once a year spilling out, and zero entertaining space to allow guests to mingle while we’re preparing food top the list of major complaints we’d most like to see changed.
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ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Jeff Curry GENERAL MANAGER
Jason Douglas ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Tracy Carson • Michael A. Frieburg Cindy McCue • Stephan Raimist FEATURE WRITERS
As incredible values abound in this depressed market, this may be the best time in the past few decades to jump in and do some serious remodeling. We all know that kitchens top the remodeling list, so allow us to offer a few suggestions…
Steven Gandy, Publisher
You’ll find using high-energy window treatments can add up to huge savings on your utility bills at home. In Kitchen-Wise, you’ll find great ideas on a wide range of appliances for your kitchen, and how to mix and match them to meet any individual style and budget. We also have a great article on whole house water filtration and how it can benefit the environment and your bank account. Jeff Curry, Associate Publisher/Editor This issue also features great industry articles from some of the top industry associations. The California Council of Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) brings a great read on making smart choices in virtually every part of your kitchen, from the cabinets and hardware, to flooring and tile. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) talks about how opening up your kitchen can bring a whole new level of enjoyment to your home.
MaryJo Camp Toni DeWaal Heidi Doerfert Tammy Hansen Barbara E. Hernandez Melinda Peacock Lisa Winer ART DIRECTOR
Jeff Clinton WEBMASTER
Chris Ryce ACCOUNTING
Diane Nasadiuk
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We hope you enjoy this issue and as always, feel free to send in your comments and suggestion. We’d love to hear from you. Jeff Curry, Publisher/Editor Jeff@THmag.com
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HIGH ENERGY Beautiful window treatments that cut utility bills. BY
HEIDI DOERFERT
ID YOU KNOW THAT YOUR WINDOWS TREATMENTS could do more than add style to your home? They can actually act as insulation. In the winter, you can lose 40% of your home’s heat through your windows. In the summer, that sun streaming through the glass makes it harder for you to keep your home cool. Energy efficiency has become more than a buzz phrase in these challenging economic times, now it is a necessity. With this in mind, Hunter Douglas offers more than just another pretty window. Their energy efficient window coverings marry fashion and practicality. Duette Architella honeycomb shades from Hunter Douglas have cells that trap the hot or cold air, decreasing the intensity of the temperature as it enters the room. “This line of honeycomb shades provide the ultimate in energy efficiency at your window,” says Cate Vanegas of Hunter Douglas. A honeycomb shade with a triple cell construction will increase the energy efficiency of a single pane of glass by five times and more than double the efficiency of a double-glazed window. You’ll see the results in black and white on your monthly utility bill! Hunter Douglas hopes to educate consumers on the amount of energy that is literally being thrown out the window and the costs savings available to you by simply adding the right treatments. From February 1 to April 30, 2009, participating dealers and Hunter Douglas are offering savings on a wide selection of their most stylish and energy-efficient window fashions in the Stop The Great Energy Giveaway promotion. “Almost five percent of all energy consumed in the U.S. passes through the windows of residential homes,” said Donna Lobosco, Director of Brand Communications for Hunter Douglas. “This is also a wonderful opportunity for local residents to help pave the way towards greener living.” During the Stop The Great Energy Giveaway, consumers will be rewarded with a $50 rebate per window on purchases of Duette Architella shades. Ideal for patio and sliding glass doors, Duette honeycomb shades with the Vertiglide™ Duolite™ design option will be offered at a $300 rebate per window. You can get rebates on other great Hunter Douglas products during the Stop The Great Energy Giveaway such as: vertically oriented Luminette® Privacy Sheers, which combine soft fabric sheers with rotating fabric vanes behind them for privacy and light control, with a $200 rebate per window; Silhouette® window shadings, with the Signature S-Vane™, similar to Luminette but on the horizontal, with a $100 rebate per window; Pirouette® window shadings with a $75 rebate per window—this product resembles a hobbled Roman shade, but features soft horizontal fabric vanes attached to a sheer backing that open into soft contoured folds for an enhanced view and slide into a flattened position for excellent light blockage; and Vignette® Modern Roman Shades, a dramatically improved innovation on the traditional Roman shade, with a $50 rebate per window. To help you pick out a shade that will compliment your home’s décor, Hunter Douglas offers the award-winning iMagine Design Center on its Web site. You can see the colors, textures and construction details up close and even view them within a variety of room settings. Each product has a features list that includes its energy efficiency rating, available safety options, sound absorption and more.
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February/March 2009 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
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[ E N T E R T A I N I N G
K I T C H E N S ]
REMODELING Ideas and Tips for Smaller Projects To Beautify Your Home BY
LISA WINER
KITCHEN REMODEL MIGHT NOT BE ON THE MINDS of many of us in this down economy. But in fact there are many ways to refresh and add punch to your kitchen without spending a lot of money. We asked some experts to weigh in with their ideas on how to do just that. “Once you start opening up walls, more inspections are involved, and labor is more costly,” says Lisa Jasper, co-owner of Jasper Construction and Design in Alameda. Adding flair to your kitchen can be as simple as replacing the old fluorescent box in the kitchen ceiling and treating it out with moldings, new paint, and new lighting. Removing the fluorescent lights creates a coffer, or a space, that lends a sense of height to the kitchen. Customizing that space can give a 1960s kitchen a whole new decorative look at low cost, says Lisa. Architectural moldings, in particular, can really lift a room, she says. “Otherwise a room is just a box.” For a country look, a simple option is to stencil or paint a wood floor. A shelf high up—a foot down from the ceiling— adds some visual interest and functionality when books, accessories, or ceramic pottery are added. Undercabinet lights and a new backsplash are other ways to give your kitchen some sparkle.
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REVIVING AND REFACING There are several options for updating your cabinets. Least expensive is reviving, in which the existing finish is kept on but a professional livens it up. You can’t change the wood or door style, says Andrea Burton, owner of Kitchen Solvers of the Valley in Danville, but you can go a little darker, which softens the way the grain looks. Next in line of expense is painting cabinets. Andrea advises the homeowner get a professional for this project. “I don’t recommend painting cabinets yourself,” she says, as a professional will be able to maximize the life of the paint job and prevent chipping. >> Neil Kelly Cabinets in an FSC-certified hickory. Uses a mix of contemporary materials, including stainless appliances and accents, sandblasted glass countertops, rough slate, and cedar. 16
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Photo: Neil Kelly Co. (www.neilkellycabinets.com)
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Lastly is refacing, in which existing doors and drawer fronts are replaced and the cabinet boxes are veneered to match the new wood. The cost of refacing is about 30 percent less than replacing cabinets, says Andrea. Refacing is more environmentally friendly than replacing cabinets as well, as much less goes into the landfill. A very inexpensive way to dress up your cabinets is to add new hardware. Companies have wonderful hardware available, says Lisa. Pullout and lazy Susan systems, roll-out trays and tray dividers are great ways to make older cabinets more usable and to create more space.
K I T C H E N S ]
Photo: The Shadowlight Group/Eldorado Stone (www.eldoradostone.com)
[ E N T E R T A I N I N G
Mountain Ledge profile in Bitteroot color with dry-stack grout technique from Eldorado Stone. Walker Zanger Calacata Slab.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY Many options are available for making kitchen energy use more efficient, thereby allowing the homeowner to save money on his or her electric bill. “There are some beautiful new faucets” that will help he homeowner save on both the water and electric bills, says Andrea. New appliances can also provide energy efficiency. Point-of-use water heaters only draw energy when the water is needed, in contrast to tank units. Newer lighting such as LED lighting uses much less energy than conventional lighting. Convection ovens cook faster than regular ovens and therefore save energy. Induction cooktops put the majority of the heat directly into the pan, says Mark Karas, president of the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms in the house to remodel, says Lisa, because electrical, plumbing, and venting are all involved. But a little creativity on how to maximize the use of kitchen professionals can take the homeowner a long way. There’s no need to quell that urge to remodel with the plethora of affordable options available. THM
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Photo: Walker Zanger (www.walkerzanger.com)
LET THE SUN SHINE IN Consider increasing the size of your kitchen window to make the kitchen seem larger. Andrea created a bay window in her kitchen with a seat, and added several feet to her kitchen. Finally, you may want to consider hiring a professional organizer, who can come to your home to help you get rid of what you don’t need and clean out, says Andrea.
CA bath
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[ E N T E R T A I N I N G
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Kitchen-Wise Making the right choices when it comes to appliances for your kitchen. BY
TAMMY HANSEN
LEGANT COOKTOPS WITH EXTRA BURNERS, DOUBLE OVENS, refrigerators sporting computer keyboards—all are enticing. However, the first appliance many customers choose is the dishwasher. That might seem counterintuitive for a remodel project, but it makes perfect sense to Sincere Hardware Supply Store Manager Keith Chan. Busy families treasure the few extra minutes of family time a well-engineered dishwasher can provide, says Keith. Sincere, which began as a small hardware and plumbing store in 1988, has grown up with the boom in remodeling of the past decade or so. What started as a simple retail storefront now is a full service kitchen and bath design center with everything from countertops to windows to flooring to appliances. The Oakland based company expanded its appliance offerings two years ago to create one-stop shopping for not only a variety of brands, but also a variety of price points. Keith encourages customers to mix and match appliances to meet specific needs within a budget. A cooking aficionado, for example, might be more excited about an induction cooktop than the high-end dishwasher. In that case, a midrange dishwasher might free up a little extra cash for a top-of-the-line stove or even a pair of wall ovens. “Most customers will mix and match the price points but stay with one brand name,” Keith says. “It depends on the customer’s needs.” There are plenty of viable options for each appliance, he adds. Trends come and go, but convenience remains the bottom line for homeowners choosing a new set of appliances. The computer and television in the refrigerator door might be enticing, but it’s the push-button refrigerator shelf adjuster that closes the deal. Here are Keith’s tips and trends for the big three appliances in most kitchen remodels:
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COOKTOPS British Thermal Units (BTU) remain the gauge for quality in cooking on gas. Entry level, stand-alone gas stoves start at around 10,000 BTU. Mid range hovers at 12,000 and often includes basic convection. For the serious cook, it’s a BTU up to 15,000 with true convection (elements at top and bottom of the oven for even heat throughout the stove). The trend toward electric stoves with induction cooktops continues. (Electric heat output is measured in kilowatt-hours or kWh.) Besides the sleek look and even heating, induction cooktops offer families peace of mind that little fingers won’t get singed. The heat is transferred only through iron or steel pots.
REFRIGERATORS Interior space and convenience drive different price points. Entry-level refrigerators will have smaller interior cubic feet and button controls.
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Mid range refrigerators feature individual freezers, digital controls and a water dispenser. A high-end refrigerator features removable shelves and push button electronic shelf levers. Many also are built-in and match cabinetry. Counter depth refrigerators continue to gain favor with aesthetic minded remodelers. Removable shelves that level electronically are a favorite for high-end refrigerators.
DISHWASHERS Entry-level dishwashers feature simple dials and buttons and generally have plastic interiors. Mid range dishwashers offer stainless interiors and often several push button options. At the highest prices, dishwashers often feature automatic shutoff sensors and a sanitizer option. Quiet operation is a feature for many mid-range and upper range models. Stainless steel exteriors and energy saving sensors that detect when each load is clean are favorites with consumers.
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Visit any one of five Sincere Hardware Supply locations (Downtown Oakland, West Oakland, Modesto, Sunnyvale and Reedley) for help with your kitchen remodel. Go to www.sincerehardware.com for showroom addresses and more about the Oakland based kitchen and bath design centers. Visit the downtown Oakland design center at 276 11th Street Oakland, (510) 832-2838. THM
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Purely forYou–and the Planet Healthy whole house water filtration. BY
MELINDA PEACOCK
O YOU HAVE BOTTLED WATER delivered to your home every month? Or buy cases of individually packaged water bottles at the store? Frankly they can seem like the only options to ensure great tasting, high quality water. But there is a better choice that can save you money and benefit the environment. It’s a home water filtration system. “It took me several years to find the best water filtration company,” says Eric Nelson. Eric is owner of SplashWorks, a kitchen and bath showroom that has offered a wide array of quality plumbing fixtures and accessories for over 20 years. “There are a lot of fly-by-night companies out there claiming to have a good system, but they usually aren’t reliable,” explains Eric. “I wanted concrete evidence, a proven track record, and customer testimony. Environmental Water Systems (EWS) is whom I eventually chose. We tried other manufacturers, but they didn’t match up to the caliber of EWS for whole house systems.” EWS is the #1 company in sales of whole house filtration systems in the world. Environmental Water Systems utilizes a granular activated carbon system, which has the benefit of removing chlorine, chloramines, and trihalomethanes while still retaining essential minerals your body needs like calcium and magnesium. The result is better tasting and cleaner water that is less likely to irritate or dry out your skin. “It also removes up to 96% of volatile organics, pesticides, and petroleum,” adds Mark Revels of EWS. A filter can be installed at the kitchen sink, where much of a family consumes its water. However, a wholehouse system enables clean water at every faucet, including bathroom sinks, showers, tubs, and even the ice-cube maker in the fridge. Whether brushing your teeth or enjoying a chilled drink, it is great to know that the same high quality water is available everywhere in the house. “This is one of the few things that you can purchase in your life that pays for itself,” explains Eric. “If you currently have water delivered to your home, a whole-house filtration system pays for itself in about 7 to 8 years, and even earlier if you also buy individual bottles at the store.”
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EWS’s systems are a great way to “go green”. The biodegradable filter only needs to be replaced about every 10 years. And with great water coming straight from the tap there is no need to buy individual plastic water bottles that get recycled, or just as likely, end up in a landfill. “In addition to the lower cost, long life, and the environmental aspects of EWS products, the whole-house system requires no maintenance and has a back flushing feature that automatically cleans the filter every three days,” describes Eric. Many systems also offer water softening, which takes natural minerals out of the water and adds in sodium or potassium chloride. Often these systems flush salt water, which is harder to recycle, back into the municipal water supply. “As an alternative, we suggest purchasing a filter with a water conditioner,” says Eric. “The most popular EWS system has the conditioner built right into the unit.” Water conditioning changes the molecular structure of the water, but doesn’t add any harsh ingredients. “The result is water that doesn’t have that slick, slimy feeling that salt-softened water can have,” Eric says. “Water spots still appear but are easier to clean and wipe off—just like a water softener.” It is a rare opportunity when doing something good for yourself and your family and will also be good for the environment. An EWS water filtration system is a costeffective and environmentally friendly way to have clean, fresh tasting water from every faucet in your house. It is purely perfect! You can see a variety of water filtration systems at the SplashWorks showroom located at 1284 Lincoln Avenue in San Jose. Information is also available at www.splashworkskb.com or call (408) 279-5202. THM
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CREATING THE PERFECT KITCHEN BY
Using a kitchen designer to realize your vision.
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TAMMY HANSEN
HETHER IT’S THE ELEGANCE OF TUSCANY or the clean lines of modern architecture, kitchen remodels often start with a homeowner’s gauzy dreams. It takes attention to detail and a commitment to that vision to turn dreams into a functional, beautiful gathering space. Professional kitchen designers act as the director in the love story between homeowner and a remodeled room—helping the players narrow their focus, assuring the set is as functional as possible, and maintaining the vision through sometimes complicated steps. Principal Designer Julie Cavanaugh of Design 101 in Saratoga calls it ‘design integrity’.
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WORLD’S LARGEST SELECTION OF TUBS TO FIT: Your Bathroom – Your Body – Your Budget “I am my client’s design advocate,” she says, adding that her goal is to “make their home a joyous space when it’s done.” Keeping track of details while doggedly pursuing a vision is the forte of the designer. For perhaps five to ten percent of an overall remodel cost, a designer makes sure the dream kitchen never veers into the realm of nightmares. Julie and the design team at Design 101 take a unique approach to delivering the dream. Designers oversee the project from the blueprints to the fabric prints on the barstool chairs. To do so, they get to know both the homeowners as well as envision the kitchen as it will fit into the entire home. “The kitchen is not just a single space,” Julie says. “It’s a transitional space that is integrated into your whole house.” Julie’s first step is to help homeowners define a vision that is specific to the family that will live in the space. Clients get ‘homework’ that includes a surprising “relinquishing of their clippings” in which they write notes on magazine photos, discuss then, and then give them to Julie. By the time they free themselves of the glossy photos, the designer is well on her way to helping create a space that combines the best ideas from several sources— most importantly the clients’ lifestyle and dreams. “It’s not somebody else’s picture. It’s their own home,” she says. Call Design 101 at (408) 873-1100 to arrange a free consultation, or visit the showroom Monday through Saturday at 1821 Saratoga Avenue, Suite 101, Saratoga. Find the company online at www.design-101.com. THM
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DANEK S. KAUS
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TV IS KNOWN FOR DESIGNING AND INSTALLING INNOVATIVE entertainment systems throughout an entire house, often when the house is being built or remodeled. They are also gaining a reputation for helping people enjoy their favorite TV shows and music outdoors. “People are always looking for creative ways to entertain themselves and their guests in the backyard,” said Caterina Vado, sales and marketing manager for Modern TV, in San Jose. They might want a TV over the bar or a great sound system for their music.” Before installing these systems, there are many things to consider, such as where to put cable lines and speakers, how to mount everything, and make it waterproof. If you want to be able to move the TV indoors and back out again, the installation needs to be accessible. The next issue is that of where to put the speakers. Typically, people have mounted them under an eave or overhang. But Modern TV has high quality speakers that can be incorporated into the landscaping. They have speakers that look like rocks. Other speakers look like real planters that light up. Others mimic waterfalls and fountains. Some look like a Roman column or can be mounted on such a column. “Imagine sitting in your backyard and having your favorite music come out of a waterfall on a beautiful day,” Vado said. “It’s quite an experience. To make matters better, all of the outdoor speakers her company offers are waterproof. And speaking of waterproof, Modern TV also offers waterproof televisions. Once you have your TV and speakers outside, you need to have a way to control them. In the old days, you had to walk back inside to adjust the sound and change the channel or radio station. Now you can control your TV, radio, CD player, and iPod from a hand-held keypad. These keypads are enclosed in a little box that keeps moisture out. In those cases where people have remodeled their home or landscaped it, but didn’t think about incorporating outdoor speakers, but now want to add them without digging up the yard, Modern TV offers a new product called Soundcast. It is a wireless, mobile, cone-shaped device that contains a speaker system, including a subwoofer. When not in use, the two-and-a-half foot tall device can be stored indoors and charged like a cell-phone or iPod. The charge lasts for about 12 hours of continuous use. ODERN
Soundcast OutCast weather-resistant, wireless speaker.
Soundcast iCast Wireless Transmitter.
www.THmag.com
more about…
kitchens Kitchens With Care
With the Soundcast, you can play music directly from your iPod, which plugs into a dock on the Soundcast, or from your stereo system inside the house. The speakers play in all directions. You can control the Soundcast directly with a keypad. The cone lights up at night, both for aesthetics and for safety, so people don’t accidentally bump into it. “It doesn’t require any wires and it sounds phenomenal, even in a huge yard,” Vado said. The speakers can actually be heard from a distance of 300 feet, the length of a football field. “At a retail price of only $699, it is ideal for people who want to entertain on a budget, or who don’t want to dig any trenches,” Vado said. Franco Vado, president of Modern TV, said that outdoor sound systems are more affordable and better than ever. “The technology is constantly improving,” he said. “In the 42 years I have been doing this, people have always wanted to listen to music outside. In the old days, you had big box speakers. It wasn’t easy to have music outside, with components exposed to the weather. Now, with new technology, you can hide the speakers and they can last a long time, even in hard weather.”
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To learn more, visit Modern TV, 1228-B Bascom Avenue, in San Jose or call (408) 293-1330. Visit their website at www.moderntvonline.com. THM
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Screen Solutions Interior and Exterior Automated Shading Systems 425 Salmar Avenue • Campbell Showroom by Appointment Only
408-374-8156
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1941 O’Farrell Street, Suite 101 O San Mateo
seaconstruction.com Contractor’s License #563320
Automatic Electricity BY
BARBARA E. HERNANDEZ
F
ROM DRYING ONE’S HAIR TO OPENING THE GARAGE DOOR, little can be done around the house without electricity. But when each light has a switch, homeowners may look at their half-dozen faceplates and think, “Isn’t there a way to make it easier?” Mark Clausen, President of Clausen Electric, Inc. in San Jose and Carmel, may have an answer. His company creates computerized automation so homeowners can turn all household lights on and off with the touch of a single switch. He can create settings labeled “romantic mode” and “dining mode” or create the feeling someone is home when families are on vacation.
“In a very large home you may have five or six switches for each room,” he says. “We create a fully automated home with energy-efficient lighting.” Some energy-efficient lighting includes LED lights, or light-emitting diodes, that use less energy and have a longer lifespan than incandescent light bulbs. The LED lights also pack more light in a much smaller bulb. “The future is definitely LED,” Clausen says. “It gives the feeling of an incandescent light source and can also be part of a home’s nicer ambient lighting.” Clausen Electric also provides homes with standby generators, something gaining in popularity since Y2K. With so many people working from home, power becomes more crucial and a power loss in more remote areas like Portola Valley or the Los Gatos hills can literally mean losing a day’s work. “Public utilities are getting more and more unreliable,” he asserts. “With the rolling blackouts in summer, the big storms knocking out power and trees falling on power lines, people really want a back-up system.” Low-voltage and energy-efficient landscape lighting is another trend that Clausen sees emerging, possibly due to homeowners wanting to draw neighbors’ eyes and attention
Simplifying your life through home automation. 30
February/March 2009 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
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more about…
outdoors Pool Decks Perfected
to their homes on dark streets. Not only is the landscape lighting needed for safety, but also to show off the home’s curb appeal. “It’s only 12-volt lighting, so not only is it energy-efficient, it’s safe,” he says. With 12-volt, or 20-watt lighting, rather than the usual 110-volt cables, pets can chew outdoor wiring with little more than a small jolt. The low-voltage also allows homeowners to dig up and change lighting themselves as opposed to hiring contractors to handle the high-voltage conduits. But Clausen says that most customers want to concentrate on interior lighting. Automated lighting usually comes into the house as keypads or touch panels and can be placed at convenient places throughout the house, including the front door—so homeowners can adjust the lights as they come in or leave. With automation, lighting can be programmed on timers, for the number of people in the room or synchronized with security alarms. He says, “It’s a more efficient system that ties it all together.”
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For more information on Clausen Electric, Inc. call (408) 927-7332 or visit www.clausenelectricinc.com. THM
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specializing in: High-efficacy Lighting Lighting Design Efficiency Inspections Interior Lighting Structured Wiring Exterior Lighting Residential Lighting Commercial Lighting Landscape Lighting Standby Generators Warm Floors Call for a home efficiency inspection and see how much you can start saving on your energy bills – TODAY!
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HOME THEATER MADE EASY
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We Specialize In Custom Home Theater Design & Installation 32
February/March 2009 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
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[ N K B A
N O R T H E R N
C A L I F O R N I A
C H A P T E R
]
Open Kitchen Plan VER THE YEARS, THE KITCHEN HAS CHANGED FROM a closed-in-room where typically one person did the majority of the cooking to the new social gathering spot. Many kitchens these days house homework or office areas and function as the overall command center of the home. Entertaining styles have changed over the years as well. People enjoy cooking with guests, often engaging them in the process of meal preparation. Everyone wants to be in the kitchen with the wonderful aromas and exciting action. An open kitchen serves this type of lifestyle very well. It allows visual access to other rooms and often a connection to the outdoor spaces. This removal of barriers socializes the entire space and often frees up the cooking centers as now everyone feels connected. Creating an open floor plan recognizes this construct and embodies it in the design. To create an open plan, professional kitchen designers start with an understanding of how the space is to be used, by whom, looking at ages and various abilities, storage needs, and budget to deliver a plan. From there, it is fine tuned with details. In this example, the clients wanted a social kitchen set to handle every day meals, as well as small gatherings. Occasionally there would be larger outdoor parties with buffet service. The aesthetic goals were for a transitional kitchen that could stand the test of time, combined with some modern accents. Cherry cabinets in a wide shaker style are the backdrop for cool metal and cobalt blue accents. The original ceiling line followed the roofline and peaked at one side. This drew the eye up. The new ceiling still followed the pitch of the roof but was leveled off at 10'-6" and now makes the space feel proportionately large. The sink wall serves as a strong focal point and adds appropriate scale to the new ceiling height with the 3 raised glass-front cabinets and cobalt blue glass tiles. The island was designed to be at one level for maximum food preparation and serving space. It houses a 30" range top with a downdraft so the clients can cook and still visit with guests. Red glass pendants illuminate the island and visually balance the space. Professional style appliances line the back wall and keep the work triangle compact. Additional serving area is adjacent to the refrigerator and pull-out pantry. A large door system opens up to the outside and allows for maximum traffic flow for small or large gatherings. This new open kitchen is efficient and expresses the clients’ style. There is now plenty of room for guests and family to mingle and take part in the kitchen activities.
O
Creating more space in your kitchen. BY
TONI DEWAAL, CID, CGBP
Toni DeWaal, NCIDQ, CGBP, is a designer at Harrell Remodeling (www.harrellremodeling.com) and the vice president of communications for NKBA, Northern California Chapter. The mission of the NKBA, Northern California Chapter, is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry. For more information, visit www.nocankba.org or www.nkba.org. THM
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February/March 2009 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
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Your dream kitchen starts here
CABINETRY & COUNTERTOPS PROFESSIONAL DESIGN & REMODELING
408.248.4050 1793 Lafayette Street, Suite 200 • Santa Clara kitchengalleries.com
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South Bay/Silicon Valley THM February/March 2009
35
[ C C I D C ]
Wise Decisions on a Budget budget-friendly ideas for your kitchen. BY FUNCTIONALLY BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN IS THE result of many design and product selections. Making choices for this space becomes particularly difficult when budgets are tightened. Forfeiting the perfect tile design, your favorite high tech appliances or an exquisite cabinet detail are concessions that most don’t want to make. Hiring a qualified design professional is a great investment in making the most of your remodeling dollars. When consulting with a designer, wants and needs are prioritized and money is allocated to the details that are most important to the family and the design solution. Consider these budget-saving designer tactics. When deciding on a tile design to enhance your solid countertop, one can use a limited number of expensive tiles in a creative pattern with a less expensive field tile. This holds the cost down without sacrificing impact. The balance of varied materials adds to the enriched overall effect. Instead of assuming that one must have all top of the line appliances, consider which appliances are most important to you considering your kitchen uses and splurge on those models only. Do your homework and understand new products on the market that might fulfill your needs
A
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February/March 2009 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
MARYJO CAMP, CKD, CBD, CID
less expensively. A counter depth, free-standing refrigerator might suit your needs as well as a more expensive built-in model. The money saved in one decision can allow for your favorite detail. Understand what you are paying for in cabinets. Make sure that the features you are paying for are really essential to the success of your design. There might be existing elements that are appropriate to reuse in the new design. Perhaps a favorite antique piece in an alcove is a better solution than building in new cabinets. A design professional can help you make these money saving decisions. Many feel that a smaller budget doesn’t allow for the fees a designer will charge. A mistake made in the name of saving money is too costly to risk. The knowledge and creative ideas that a design professional brings to project adds value at every budget level. Invest in wise choices to create your own functionally beautiful space. MaryJo Camp, CKD, CBD, CID, is Vice President-Marketing and Business Development, Standards of Excellence Appliances and Decorative Plumbing, www.standardsofexcellence.com. For a list of Certified Interior Designers in your area or to view the CID Pages (a visual directory of CID’s), visit www.ccidc.org/cidpages. THM
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Your Home Outside Your Home
Please check proofs very carefully before approving. As per contract, proof must be returned as is or with clearly marked changes within 48 hours or ad is deemed correct.
SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM OUTDOOR KITCHENS AND FINE MASONRY WORK NOTE: Advertiser accepts full responsibility for accuracy and content of
South Bay Feb/March 2009
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COMPLETE CONCRETE , MASONRY, LANDSCAPING AND WOODWORK SERVICES Driveways • Patios • Pool Decks • Fireplaces • Barbecues • Pergolas • Cabanas Fencing • Retaining Walls • Decks • Sport Courts • Pools • Water Features Drainage • Irrigation • Low-Voltage Lighting • Custom Gardens and More Authorized dealer of Viking appliances and Sunbrite outdoor LCD TVs.
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approval form
H O M E T H E AT E R & W H O L E - H O U S E A U D I O
WHOLE-HOUSE SOLUTIONS D S L D AT A / T E L E P H O N E
SECURITY SURVEILLANCE MONITORING
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Planning a remodel? Enjoy the comfort of knowing your home is prewired to handle your current and future wiring needs. We specialize in home theater, whole-house audio, structured wiring, lighting control, and security. We offer quality components from the top manufacturers. Call us today for your design consultation.
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38
February/March 2009 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
THmag.com www.THmag.com
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/ w wSouth w.Bay/Silicon l i q u i Valley d c o aTHM t i n gFebruary/March d e s i g n s .2009 c o m39
WWW.THEDOOREXPO.COM
THE
DOOR EXPO
(408) 842-0012
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Let us open the door for you...
(916) 780-6574 2028 Opportunity Drive, Suite 110 Roseville, CA 95678
Over 80 doors on display Wrought iron doors, custom entry doors, interior doors, ornamental glass 40
February/March 2009 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
THmag.com www.THmag.com
s h o w c a s e At MARBLED ELEGANCE, you can find custom manufactured stone surfaces for
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beautiful grout-free bathrooms. Cultured
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are created by combining natural crushed
marble and other cast polymer products stone with non-porous resins. Cast polymers achieve the beauty of natural marble and granite, while providing a variety of shape, size, and color. Products include shower pans, tubs, counters, walls, cabinets, and shower doors. MARBLED ELEGANCE 2008 Martin Avenue Santa Clara • (408) 970-8991 www.marbledelegance.com
SAN JOSE TILE & STONE, features an expansive selection of ceramic, porcelain and stone tiles from around the world. In business for 17 years, we are proud to offer superior service, unmatched quality and very competitive pricing. We are your one-stop tile and flooring source. Please visit our Web site www.SanJoseTileandStone.com. SAN JOSE TILE & STONE [ R E L A X I N G
B E D S
&
2016 Senter Road San Jose • (408) 280-7328
B A T H S ]
create a shower “Using your existing dressers and nightstands
ATranquil Retreat
for your life
and swapping your old wood bed for an upholstered one can really give you a fresh, new look at a
Finished, Framed and Frameless Enclosures
fraction of the cost of a new bedroom.”
7634 Monterey Street Gilroy • (408) 847-0281
CRAIG KOHLER, OWNER OF ARTESANÍAS. BY
HEIDI HILL
••• Customizable
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
T
To see Artesanías’ beautiful selection of upholstered beds and furniture, visit the main showroom at 1747 Church Street, San Francisco. For more information, call (415) 643-6309 or explore the Web site at www.artesf.com. THM
High Quality Practical Functionality Since 1935
800.675.6225 calshowerdoor.com
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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.
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ROOM WITH A VIEW, $695
www.artesf.com bedroom • living room • dining room • lighting • rugs and accessories
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May/June 2008 THM San Francisco/San Mateo
thmRESOURCE.com
thmRESOURCE.com
San Francisco/San Mateo THM May/June 2008
29
“Homeowners need design advice without PDF
link to photo gallery
search link to manufacturer web site
feeling the pressure to buy,” says Sandy Wulf, owner. The session includes 3 hours in your
links to thmRESOURCE.COM
home answering decorating questions and providing room-by-room specific design ideas/products with below retail shopping sources. The fee includes a color portfolio of all information.
Sign up for your FREE e-edition at
THmag.com thmRESOURCE.com
www.
www.crackerjackcreations.com 408.241.4044 BROCHURE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
South Bay/Silicon Valley THM February/March 2009
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G re e n . .. wi th
Envy
S A N F R A N C I S C O O R C H I D S O C I E T Y ’ S 2009
PACIFIC ORCHI D EX POS I T I ON America’s Finest Orchid Show
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F ORT M ASON C ENTER , S AN F RANCISCO For tickets and information please visit
WWW.ORCHIDSANFRANCISCO.ORG or call 415-665-2468 A Califo rnia N on - P r of it T ax E xem p t 501( c) 3 C or p orat ion Cattleya leopoldii var. alba by Sally Robertson
The Bay Area’s Largest Door & Window Showroom.
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Quality Since 1961
Mon.-Thur. 7:30–5:00 • Fri. 7:30–4:30 • Sat. 9:00–3:00
Your retractable screens.
True beauty. Revealed.
O
pen up your home to the true beauty of your surroundings with the comfort of Phantom Screens.
Let cool summer breezes and the fragrance of your garden into your home with doors and windows open wide – without unwelcome flying visitors or direct sun glare. When you don’t need Phantom Screens, they retract completely out-of-sight.
Expertly fitted to your doors and windows by professional installers, Phantom Screens complement your unique décor. With custom colors and unique wood grain finishes, Phantom Screens keep your home true to your vision.
Screen Solutions 3ALMAR !VENUE s #AMPBELL Showroom By Appointment Only
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Call 1-888-PHANTOM (1-888-742-6866) for your local distributor. Visit www.phantomscreens.com to find out more.
Affordable Cabinetry Custom-Made Your Way In Our Oakland Workshop
Berkeley
Oakland
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851 81st Avenue, Suite A
510.848.3181
510.383.8919
Monday–Saturday 9–5
Monday–Saturday 9–5
armkeainc@sbcglobal.net
We match any design for kitchen, bath, office, and entertainment cabinetry. Bring us your photos, drawings, or samples, and we’ll make and install it.
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K&D San Francisco
(415) 371-0200 700 2nd Street • San Francisco Corner of 2nd & Townsend
Monday–Saturday 10–7, Sunday 11–6
www.k-dusa.com
Timeless Beauty BY
Y
PATRICIA HAYSE HALLER
OU’VE HEARD IT SO OFTEN THAT IT’S ALMOST A CLICHÉ.
Someone buys an old house, rips back a tattered carpet and crows with triumph to discover hardwood floors. What is it about a real wood floor that makes it such a treasure? For Mark Frazier of 3rd Generation Floors, it all comes down to value — and values. “Dollar for dollar, hardwood floors are one of the best investments you can make in your home,” says Mark. “It’s one of the few things you can do — other than a kitchen remodel — that offers a 100% return on your investment.” But hardwood’s mystique is also about beauty, permanence, and an easy-going lifestyle. The natural sheen of wood is easier to care for than most other surfaces. And, unlike carpet, which must be replaced every five to ten years, “the walls will fall down before you need to replace your hardwood floors.” Mark learned about the value of hardwood — and about the values that have made his Pleasanton-based business a success — from the two
generations that preceded him. “My grandfather, my father and my uncle all did floors, and I’ve been doing floors since I was 10 years old,” he says. He started 3rd Generation Floors in 1982, and has built a reputation for being as reliable and sought after as the material he works with. The company installed the floors for all of the Signature Property homes in Pleasanton’s prestigious Ruby Hill community, and has just finished laying a new dance floor of wenge wood in a diagonal parquet pattern at Fusion, one of San Francisco’s hottest nightclubs.
Using hardwood floors for endurance and brilliance.
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more about…
interiors Green to Burn
Use only the energy you need with budget-minded advances in fireplace technology.
www.thmresource.com/fireplacesplus
“Time is everything, and if one subcontractor is late it throws everything off,” says Mark. “I’ve remodeled two homes and built two from the ground up, and I know how important that is. So we are there when we say we’ll be there. And if I say we’ll be done on a certain day, then we’ll finish that day even if we have to stay until midnight to get it done. That’s what really sets 3rd Generation apart.”
Revolutionary Room Design
A wall bed and functional wall system will give you a multipurpose space for a guest room and more. www.thmresource.com/valetorganizers
To add the lasting beauty and value of hardwood to your home, contact 3rd Generation Floors at (925) 462-6106, go to www.3rdgenerationfloors.com, or visit their 2-story, 6,000square-foot showroom at 440 Boulder Court in Pleasanton. THM
That Endures... Beauty For Generations In business for 25 years... our knowledge and expertise in the hardwood flooring industry sets us apart from most floor covering companies. With services such as sanding, refinishing, staining, borders, inlays, medallions and many other wood flooring specialties, our commitment to this industry is unsurpassed. We offer interior trim, custom hardwood stairs, and new dustless sand system.
S HOWROOM H OURS : Monday to Friday 8 AM –5 PM Saturday 10 AM –2 PM (by appointment only) Contractor’s License #606160
(925) 462-61O6 3rdGenerationFloors.com 440 Boulder Court Pleasanton
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www.thmRESOURCE.com
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Old World Thinking Using Thicker Granite Slabs in your Kitchen.
W
HEN YOU THINK OF GREAT DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE,
you think about Europe. You can see the beautiful design and commitment to quality Europeans live by. So when it comes time to renovate your kitchen countertops, take a cue from them and consider a thicker slab of granite. Not only is thicker granite more durable and sturdy (the European and New York standard is 1 1⁄4-inch-thick granite, compared with California’s 3⁄4-inch standard), but it’s also easier to install than thinner granite, says Andrei Gourji, who has made it his business for years to import European-standard granite from around the world to his Marble City store in San Carlos. “Our thicker granite requires less fabrication and takes less preparation,” explains Andrei, who is president of the company. “Marble City customers get thicker, richer-looking, seamless granite counters fabricated with their choice of edging, and installed and sealed for about the same price as the 3⁄4-inch counters.” These advantages are made possible through the installation. Because California-standard granite countertops must be laid on top of 3⁄4-inch plywood for structural support, installers must patch the seams by gluing a granite bullnose or sculptural edge to the end. At best, that glued piece www.THmag.com
detracts from the countertop’s smooth lines. At worst, shoddy work can mar the surface of the countertop. Thicker, 1 1⁄4-inch granite doesn’t require any plywood or patching so it creates a seamless, smooth surface. Strength is another benefit of using 1 1⁄4-inch granite. It’s strong enough to support its weight and It can easily support the length of a foot-long breakfast bar overhang, while 3⁄4-inch granite typically isn’t strong enough to extend more than 6 inches from the edge without using cumbersome under-cabinet supports. Marble City imports its granite from around the world and offers more than 100 varieties. Counters are available with an assortment of edge styles, and the company’s Diamond Certified rating ensures prompt and excellent service. When it comes to quality granite and professional installation, you don’t have to travel far. Marble City offers beautiful 1 1⁄4-inch slabs to Bay Area residents and installs them with exceptional, satisfying results. For more information, contact Marble City by calling (866) 234-6896 or at their Web site, www.marblecityca.com. The showroom is located at 611 Taylor Way, Suite 6, San Carlos. Hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday; and 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Saturday. THM
THICKER
IS
BETTER
The Bay Area’s Largest Selection of 1 ⁄4" thick granite countertops for your home. 1
WHY
IS THICKER BETTER?
1. 2. 3. 4.
No seams on final edge. No plywood on top of cabinets. No additional support for overhanging pieces up to 12". Under-mount opening for the sink is the same thickness as on the front edge. 5. The finished product is more elegant. 6. Same price or less than the 3⁄4" material.
MARBLE O GRANITE O NATURAL STONE MORE THAN 150 COLORS IN STOCK
(800) 249-1980
MarbleCityCa.com
Visit our showroom today! 611 Taylor Way, #6
MARBLE
AND
GRANITE FABRICATION
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San Carlos
AND INSTALLATION
SPECIALISTS
Contractor’s License #864521
THE ULTIMATE PAINT JOB: GUARANTEED FOR LIFE! Is the paint on your home chipping away or is the surface beginning to crack? Are you building or remodeling a home and can’t decide on which type of exterior to apply? Before you have your home repainted or you choose your exterior finish, you should know that there is another option available.
outlast vinyl siding products. It can be applied on wood, brick, stucco, concrete blocks and more, eliminating chipping, flaking, and peeling. This exterior coating, which is a class-A fire retardant, will also waterproof, soundproof, and insulate your home.
the harshest weather conditions and provide unsurpassed corrosion and mildew resistance. It will waterproof your home and insulate it from the damaging rays of the sun. It creates a “breathable” barrier on your home that can expand and contract. The result is a maintenance-free coating that will reduce energy costs, provide longlasting protection, add curb appeal and value to your home.
Phantom Screens
Rhino Shield is an exciting alternative that makes your home look freshly painted year after year and is proven to
s ,IFETIME TRANSFERABLE WARRANTY s /VER TIMES THICKER THAN PAINT s 7ON T CHIP mAKE OR PEEL s 7ATERPROOFS AND ENDS ROT s 5NLIMITED COLORS s "ONDS TO WOOD STUCCO SURFACES s ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE
Available in a variety of colors, Rhino Shield’s highly specialized exterior wall coating system is designed to protect your home and preserve your investment. It forms a protective shield on your home that can withstand even
STOP
CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
PAINTING YOUR HOME THE SAME OLD WAY
1-888-868-7575 1-888-868-7575 www.RhinoShieldCA.com
HOME COATING SAL *Limited-Time Offer
E Save $1,0
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d a h Contractor’s License #847726