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[ C O N T E N T S ] 10
C A P T I VAT I NG 16
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KITCHENS
Kitchen Resolution Take your kitchen from lukewarm to hot in the New Year. By Heidi Doerfert
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Kitchen’s Top Performer Fireclay sinks add beauty and longevity to your kitchen. By Lisa Winer
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Countertop Options For Any Lifestyle From composite to recycled glass to concrete, there’s a new countertop that’s perfect for you. By Tammy Hansen
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February/March 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
ideas and resources for your home
8
BayArea.com Search the Bay Area’s ultimate resource guide
B UILD I T G REEN 8 Considering Home Energy Upgrades? Build It Green is here to help. By Annette Hartsfield
for more articles of interest, links
Eco-Fabulous Making your home Green is easier than you think. www.todayshomebayarea.com/feature
to more resources,
NKBA 18 Your Dream Kitchen
Web sites, and
The rewards are worth all of the effort. By Jennifer Ho, CKD,CBD
professionals CCIDC 20 Kitchen Remodeling Made Easy
who can help
Suggestions for saving dollars and your sanity. By David Wagner, CID
you with all your
CLCA 22 Recommendations to Maximize the Efficiency of Your Smart Controller
20
home projects. Going Green with Home Automation Thinking ahead will save both time and money on your installation. www.todayshomebayarea.com/hidefaudiovideo
Your Pathway to a Healthier, More Energy Efficient Home www.todayshomebayarea.com/builditgreen
The Forever Home: Going Green Designing Green to last a lifetime. www.todayshomebayarea.com/ccidc
Find more great ideas and resources for your home on
TodaysHomeBayArea.com Post your Web page on TodaysHomeBayArea.com! Contact Information • Multiple Links to Your Web Site • Photo Gallery • Press ON THE COVER Photo: John Umberger/Rutt HandCrafted Cabinetry (www.ruttcabinetry.biz). TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
Call 925.659.6200 or e-mail Jeff@THmag.com for more information. South Bay/Silicon Valley THM February/March 2010
5
RESOURCE GUIDE AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT
Hussey Brothers 408-733-6360 www.husseybros.com ARCHITECT
2M Architecture 415-826-5459 www.2marchitecture.com
Volume 12, Issue 1 • February/March 2010
KITCHEN & BATH GALLERY
Splashworks 408-279-5202 www.splashworkskb.com KITCHEN DESIGN CENTER
Ric’s Kitchen & Bath 510-733-5543 www.rics-kitchen-bath.com
The Bay Area’s best resource for your lifestyle at home. PUBLISHER
ARTIFICIAL TURF
Heavenly Greens 866-724-8873 www.heavenlygreens.com CABINETS & CLOSETS
Valet Custom Cabinets & Closets 408-370-1041 www.valetcustom.com CABINETS & GRANITE
Home Design Cabinets & Granite 408-571-1888 www.homedesigncabinets.com CULTURED MARBLE
Marbled Elegance 408-970-8991 www.marbledelegance.com DOORS & WINDOWS
Viking Door & Window 408-294-5546 www.vikingdoor.com ELECTRICAL
Clausen Electric 408-927-7332 www.clausenelectricinc.com GARAGE STORAGE
Premier Garage 650-286-9676 www.premiergarage.com GARDEN ORNAMENTS
Giannini Garden Ornaments 650-873-4493 www.gianninigarden.com GRANITE
Granite Wholesale 408-453-7500 www.granitewholesaleusa.com HOME THEATER
Hi-Def Audio Video 408-294-6632
KITCHEN & BATH SHOWROOM
Kitchen & Bath Showplace 408-554-1552 www.kbshowplace.com LANDSCAPE
West Bay Landscape Company 408-271-0510 www.westbaylandscape.com LUMBER & MILLWORK
Jackel Enterprises 800-711-WOOD www.jackelenterprises.com Rhino Shield 408-266-7048 www.rhinoshieldca.com PAVING STONES
Black Diamond Landscape & Designs 800-942-1955 www.blackdiamondlandscape.com REMOLDING CONSTRUCTION
S.E.A. Construction 650-287-4202 www.seaconstruction.com SCREENS AND SHADES
Screen Solutions 408-374-8156 www.phantomscreens.com SHOWER DOORS & ENCLOSURES
California Shower Door 800-675-6225 www.calshowerdoor.com SWIMMING POOLS
Lifetime Pools 650-494-7070 www.lifetimepools.com WALLBEDS
Wallbeds “n” More 408-761-4732 www.wallbedsnmore.com WINDOWS & DOORS
Argonaut Window & Door 408-376-4018 www.argowin.com
INTERIOR DESIGN
Crackerjack Creations 408-241-4044 www.crackerjackcreations.com
WINDOW TINTING
Solar Control Glass Tinting Co. 800-999-3828 www.solarcontrolcompany.com
List your business, call 925-659-6200 6
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Jeff Curry ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Jason Douglas • Rosanna Jerkins FEATURE WRITERS
Heidi Doerfert Annette Hartsfield Tammy Hansem Jennifer Ho Davd Wagner Lisa Winer
PAINTING
INTERIOR DESIGN
Jeanese Rowell Design 650-323-1065 www.jrdesign.com
Steven Gandy
February/March 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
ART DIRECTOR
Jeff Clinton WEBMASTER
Christina Carey 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. TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
S.E.A. CONSTRUCTION, INC. Design • Build
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[ B U I L D
I T
G R E E N ]
CONSIDERING HOME ENERGY UPGRADES? Build It Green is here to help. BY ANNETTE
HARTSFIELD
OW GREEN RETROFITS COULD SAVE THE WORLD.” This headline recently caught my attention. Working for Build It Green, a Bay Area based non-profit that promotes Green building practices, I know that home energy retrofits are a hot topic. I’m sure you’ve heard it too. The White House recently issued a “Recovery Through Retrofit” report, and a lot of the Stimulus dollars that are being funneled through local governments are ear-marked for home energy retrofit programs. So can remodeling your home Green really save the world? Probably not entirely, but the energy and water conservation elements of a Green remodel are certainly a good place to start. Many existing homes have excessive air infiltration, no wall insulation, and inefficient heating, cooling and water systems. In California, for example, over 70% of the housing stock predates Title 24, California’s comprehensive energy standards, and many of those homes have never been upgraded. And even though homes built before 1960 tend to be a lot smaller than the homes built today, they have a much higher energy usage rate. Typical improvements in these homes can result in 30% energy savings and 50% water savings, which translate into savings on your utility bills as well. They also often qualify for tax credits. The U.S. Department of Energy has outlined a number of home energy efficiency improvement tax credits that are redeemable through the end of 2010 (www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm). So where do you start? Sierra Club Green Home can help get you going. An online resource for homeowners, it introduces Green home upgrades and provides helpful hints you can do on your own. Build It Green’s Home Remodeling Green Building Guidelines help you delve a little deeper. Basic steps suggested in the Guidelines include: Make sure your attic and walls are well insulated. Air seal and weatherize your home. Upgrade or replace windows. Install water efficient fixtures. Install high efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Construct water efficient landscaping.
H
For some of these steps you’ll want to enlist professional help. Luckily, a lot of building professionals are seeing the value in learning how to conduct Green retrofits, and are seeking the necessary training. There are currently several high quality training programs in the Bay Area. One of the most respected in the state is run by Build It Green. Build It Green has trained nearly 5000 individuals to build healthier, more resource efficient homes. Our curriculum was recently named as a standard for Workforce Investment Boards to meet new Green jobs training goals. Our Advanced Training specifically focuses on retrofitting existing homes, guiding trainees through the deeper details of a comprehensive Green home analysis. Further, Build It Green requires builders to keep their certification current by accumulating 16 continuing education units every two years. Don’t be afraid to ask for Green building credentials when you’re hiring someone. Since Green retrofits are such a hot topic, you may find a lot of people claiming they know how to do them. We post a directory of current Certified Green Building Professionals on the Build It Green website. This is a great place to find professionals in your area who are dedicated to getting your house to perform at its best. You may not be able to save the whole world, but you can do a little, and you can save a bit of money while you’re at it. And thanks to organizations like the Sierra Club and Build It Green, you can find help along the way. Annette Hartsfield is a Build It Green Program Associate and Grant Writer. For more information on Build It Green’s programs and to find a Certified Green Building Professional in your area, visit www.BuildItGreen.org. THM
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TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
Your retractable screens.
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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
(408) 374-8156 www.screensolutionsonline.com
Call TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
1-888-PHANTOM (1-888-742-6866) for your local distributor. Visit www.phantomscreens.com to find more. South Bay/Silicon Valleyout THM February/March 2010
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[ C A P T I V A T I N G
K I T C H E N S ]
Kitchen Resolution BY
HEIDI DOERFERT
Take your kitchen from lukewarm to hot in the New Year. ITCHENS. ORIGINALLY INTENDED TO BE UTILITARIAN, they have become the hub and command center of any home. And, hopefully, a warm and inviting space for guests to gather. Since the beginning of the year 2000, homeowners have had a love affair with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, cherry cabinets, and tile floors. This look is classic and should stand the test of time, but as we enter 2010, bold trends are emerging— and they start with color, color, color.
K
IN LIVING COLOR We all remember the colors of the 60s and 70s kitchen—margarine yellow, crossing guard orange, and avocado green. Those hues forced us into a gleaming white period only to be replaced by those bridesmaid-dress colors of mauve and peach of the 80s. From there, we entered the neutral phase where most of us have lived happily 10
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TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
K I T C H E N S ]
Photo courtesy Bulthaup (www.bulthaup.com)
[ C A P T I V A T I N G
ever since. As we hit the 10-year mark of the Millennium, color is making a comeback. According to BHG.com, color is turning up in backsplashes (think turquoise mosaic tiles) and in countertops, like Dupont Corian’s new Illumination series. The material allows much more light to pass through shades like Arctic Mint and Lime Ice, creating an effect that’s positively glowing. Famous cook Rachael Ray has made Brady Bunch orange popular again and you can find it in Silestone’s Life Series line featuring colors like Orange Cool and Magenta Energy. If you’re not quite ready for that, you can go Zen with warm brown and berry tones or stick to shades of gray with the Platinum line. Nina Som of Cardinal Construction, Inc. in Pleasanton says while her clients still love traditional and Old World decor for their kitchens, she is seeing trends of color and clean lines inching their way in. >> TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
South Bay/Silicon Valley THM February/March 2010
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[ C A P T I V A T I N G
K I T C H E N S ]
Homeowners in Livermore went with a decidedly more modern feel with light, frameless cabinetry and a countertop that combines recycled glass and cement. It’s available in hues ranging from neutrals to blues, greens and ambers. Gray is the new brown, says HGTV.com, but you can put both colors together for a cutting edge look. Other sizzling combos are red and white and silver and green.
If a complete remodel isn’t in the budget in 2010, you can still kick up your kitchen by enhancing your existing cabinetry. N-Hance Wood Renewal in San Ramon can actually change the color of your cupboards. You can choose a color shift which warms up the color by a shade or two or injects new color into the existing cabinet tone. Or, you can opt for a complete color change. Turn lifeless oak to brilliant cherry, warm walnut, airy maple, or even off-white with an antique glaze. Greg Overfield of N-Hance says their service allows customers to stretch their makeover budget by saving on the cost of cabinet replacement. You can save those dollars for new appliances, lighting and flooring. N-Hance promises no mess, no dust, and no odor and most jobs are completed in a day! No matter what color you choose, you’ll be “green” since N-Hance uses low VOC, water-based finishes and they save good wood from being sent to the landfill. Another way to spice up your kitchen without calling for the demolition truck is to consider colored appliances. No, not the split pea green oven your mom had when you were growing up. Companies like Viking offer ranges and refrigerators available in 24 drop-dead colors like Mint Julep, Plum, and Lemonade. These shades are not for the faint-of-heart but for someone who wants their kitchen to make a dramatic statement.
Photo courtesy Bulthaup (www.bulthaup.com)
COLOR INFUSION
MIX IT UP A new way of thinking in the New Year is to not be so “matchy-matchy” when designing kitchen spaces. A client of Nina’s in San Jose went with natural maple on the upper cabinets, a couple of shades darker on bottom cabinets, and a rich espresso tone on the center island. Another dreamy option is off-white cabinetry mixed with sage green or black. Mixing colors creates a furniture-like feel and can turn your kitchen from functional to fabulous! Just like we’ve been taught to match our jewelry pieces, we tend to match our faucets and hardware. Nina says it’s absolutely okay to mix, as long as they have a complimentary tone. For example, you can pair a brushed nickel faucet with black cabinet hardware because silver and black look good together. Glass knobs can be a nice juxtaposition to stainless, marrying vintage with sleek. Knobs and pulls on upper cabinetry can be different than those on islands, as well. Ring in the New Year by turning up the volume in your kitchen. To find out how Cardinal Construction, Inc. can help you transform your space, call (925) 426-8854 or visit their Website at www.cardinal-construction.com. To learn more about enhancing your existing cabinetry with N-HanceWood Renewal, call (925) 820-1019 or visit their Website at www.trivalleywoodrenewal.com. THM 12
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TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
Largest Selection in the South Bay LARGEST SUPPLIER TO MANY MAJOR CONTRACTORS OVER 50 YEARS SUPPLYING AND SERVICING THE BAY AREA TOTO, ROHL, AMERICAN STANDARD, GROHE, ROBERN AND MORE
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347 Locust Street, Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: 831-768-3880 FAX: 831-768-3883
WallbedsNMore.com
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
South Bay/Silicon Valley THM February/March 2010
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[ C A P T I V A T I N G
K I T C H E N S ]
Kitchen’s Top Performer Fireclay sinks add beauty and longevity to your kitchen. BY
LISA WINER
HE BEST QUALITY AND WORKMANSHIP can be hard to find in this age of overseas manufacturing. That’s where SplashWorks comes in — a kitchen and bath supplier in San Jose that offers its customers only products that have longevity and beauty. Among such products is the fireclay sink, an old-fashioned, porcelain-type sink. Eric Nelson is the owner of SplashWorks. The products in his 3,500 square-foot showroom come largely from Europe, where they are typically made by artisans who have been in the business for decades or generations and the atmosphere is small and family-run. These manufacturers take “care and pride” in their work, says Eric. “The chances of the product being faulty is slim to none, and it should last years and years.” Compare this to much of the manufacturing coming out of countries like China, where a factory will often outsource a job to another factory, which could be making not only faucets, but other products like cars and toys. Such a model means less investment in the quality of the product, says Eric.
T
FIRECLAY SINKS Fireclay sinks are the best-quality porcelain-type sink available. The sink is known for its durability, achieved by firing the clay sink at 2,200 degrees, which solidifies it. The sink, which is not porous, is scratch and stain-resistant. The other porcelain option is porcelain over cast iron, which is not as durable. The classic fireclay sink is the apron-front style. In the last 15 or so years an under-mount sink has become available, where the kitchen counter sits on top of the sink. SplashWorks offers
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TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
M AKE
YOUR KITCHEN
WOR K H ARDER . fireclay sinks from Allia by Rohl, which produces its sinks in Limoges, France, the biggest fireclay region in the world. Since the lead was removed from porcelain-over-cast-iron sinks several years ago by law, which made that sink less durable, the market for fireclay sinks has taken off, says Eric. Fireclay sinks have been around for perhaps a couple of hundred years, a testament to their durability.
THE BEST OF THE BEST Established in the kitchen and bath business for 22 years, Eric is able to hand-pick the best products in the plumbing industry. The industry has exploded exponentially in terms of the products available from around the world. Eric and his staff do all the research for their customers, from kitchen sinks and faucetry to bathtubs and toilets. The SplashWorks team has over 70 years of experience between them. The store is Diamond Certified, the ultimate recognition from the industry. Their extensive product offering is not found at most plumbing showrooms in the area. For the best in plumbing fixtures including fireclay sinks, one need look no further than SplashWorks.
TURN THE TABLE ON EVERYDAY KITCHEN CHORES WITH THE PERFECT MARRIAGE OF FORM AND FUNCTION .
F ROM
FARMHOUSE SINKS
AND DESIGNER FAUCETS TO WHIMSICAL KNOBS THAT THRILL
WITH EACH TOUCH , WE HAVE THE BEST.
SPLASHWORKS,
COME
PLAY A WHILE AT
YOUR IDEA SOURCE FOR HARDWORKING KITCHENS.
To see the company’s selection of high-quality kitchen and bath fixtures, visit the SplashWorks Diamond Certified showroom at 1284 Lincoln Avenue in San Jose’s downtown Willow Glen area. For more information, call (408) 279-5202 or visit www.splashworkskb.com. THM
1 2 8 4 L I N C O L N A V E NUE , S A N J O S E , C A
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408.279.5202
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SINKS TUBS SHOWER DOORS FAUCETS TOILETS BIDETS ACCESSORIES MIRRORS LIGHTING
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
South Bay/Silicon Valley THM February/March 2010
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From composite to recycled glass to concrete, there’s a new countertop that’s perfect for you. BY
TAMMY HANSEN
Countertop Options For Any Lifestyle www.vetrazzo.com
OUNTERTOPS THAT WERE ONCE ‘always the bridesmaid’ in recent years have taken on a new prominence in kitchen design. While granite represents the most popular of surfaces, composite surfaces with new colors and textures marry several ‘must haves’ with fun new options. Composite, recycled glass, and concrete countertops offer fashion, functionality and an environmental sensibility. From spunky and modern to warm and traditional, they are enough to entice more and more homeowners to say, “I do.”
C
VETRAZZO When first introduced, glass based countertops represented a colorful, daring option in solid surfaces. In the past decade, the pallet has expanded to include more subtle tones. Soft, new Martini Flint and rich combinations like the popular Alehouse Amber with Patina from leading manufacturer Vetrazzo offer pizzazz in the browns that are found in nature. There are still plenty of playful options like Charisma Blue for the fun seeking homeowner (and the president, who has it on his desktop, according to Vetrazzo). An impressive 85 percent of the glass in the Northern California company’s countertops is recycled. Chips in the glass-cement-pigment recipe come mostly from curbside recycling. However, everything from laboratory beakers to traffic light lenses make each surface a story in recycling. Vetrazzo, a U.S. company, tracks the glass in each countertop and provides a Certificate of Transformation to the homeowner. Comparable to granite in hardness and
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February/March 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
maintenance, Vetrazzo’s glass countertops can also be used as fireplace surrounds, making them an option for the great room.
CAESARSTONE The pioneer in manufactured solid surfaces combines natural quartz and a tough polymer to create the best of both worlds for the kitchen counter. Often called
Your local Caesarstone dealer:
KITCHEN AND BATH S H O W P L A C E Kitchen and Bath Showplace 1200 Campbell Avenue, San Jose 408.554.1552 www.KBShowplace.com
www.concretenetwork.com
“composite” countertops, these surfaces are highly prized for ease of care. CaesarStone, founded in 1987, maintains a leadership position in composite counters with an eye toward environmentalism, style and functionality. A lifetime warranty and several Green certifications make it an Earth and home friendly choice. The company (based in an Israeli kibbutz) doesn’t stop there though. Fashion is as important as function for the firm. CaesarStone in November began offering Motivo, an embossed product for everything from backsplashes to custom furniture. The first two patterns are Lace and Crocodile. The current collection also features recycled countertops, hammered matte finishes and a unique black metallic accent surface. Colors such as Marrone and Carbone (both recycled) offer bold statements while Absolute Noir and Jerusalem Sand are a soft background for the kitchen. Playful homeowners can try bright Apple Martini or Ruby Reflections.
CONCRETE Mention concrete countertops and the imagination tends toward stark, modernistic forms. While certainly possible, the minimalist gray surface is only one option for this fairly new countertop choice. Custom coloring for this mix of sand, stone and cement means counters can be just about any hue. Concrete is unique in that colors can be applied much like a painting, so countertop art is possible. Detail work expands the genre with ornate edge details from Tuscan to contemporary. Embedding anything from coins to shells to personal mementos adds to the custom look. Integral sinks, drain boards and trivets offer functional accents. Care of concrete countertops is similar to granite. Hot items should not be placed on the surface, nor should it be used as a cutting board. Non-abrasive soaps are recommended. Manufacturers recommend waxing occasionally to maintain luster. Still not ready to take the plunge? Look for a local dealer that specializes in these unique countertops. Peruse the photos and visit showrooms for a chance to experience the real thing. Often the best way to overcome remodeling jitters is a date with someone who can give specific advice geared toward your needs. It could just be a marriage made in heaven. THM
South Bay/Silicon Valley THM February/March 2010
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[ N K B A ]
YOUR DREAM KITCHEN BY JENNIFER
HO CKD,CBD
EMODELING YOUR KITCHEN can be a daunting task. Yet when done correctly, it’s the most rewarding remodel in terms of return on investment, increased functionality, elevated aesthetics and more. “Where do I start?” is a common question. With so much to chose from and a wide variety of information in it can be confusing to navigate your way. So let this guide lead you through the door of kitchen remodeling.
R
Make a Wish List Take time to think about what you would like in your dream kitchen. Look through ideas and pictures and start making a scrapbook of the ones you like. In round one, don’t eliminate any ideas because National Kitchen & Bath Association you think it’s not possible. Remember, this is a wish list and wishes do come true! The idea is to identify what you like and dislike. Soon enough you will see a trend of ideas that appeal to you. It’s time to pare down your choices in round two. Ric’s Kitchen & Bath As you go through your collection of 3664 Castro Valley Boulevard prioritize what is most important to you. Castro Valley Place the most important 510.733.5543 ideas towards the front of www.Rics-Kitchen-Bath.com your scrapbook and the less important towards the back. Now that you have a vision of your dream kitchen it’s time to make it a reality.
The Rewards are worth all of the effort.
Find a Professional Ensuring that every need is met in the kitchen in terms of functionality, practicality and aesthetics is a job best left to a professional. Hiring a kitchen design professional can be one of the best choices you can make—wise choices based on their experience and mistakes averted can be major time and money savers. Interview at least 2-4 professionals. Get a feel for their projects. Make sure you feel comfortable working with them—trust and communication is essential to a well designed project. Your design professional is your personal guide and translator 18
February/March 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
in the world of kitchen remodeling. He or she will guide you through your choices, help you make the best choice for your situation and put it all down on an executable plan for you. The National Kitchen and Bath Association certifies design professionals specializing in Kitchen and Bathroom Design based on extensive industry experience and in-depth testing. An Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer (AKBD) have a minimum of two years of experience. A Certified Kitchen (or Bathroom) Designer (CKD, CBD) have a minimum of seven years experience. And a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD) have a minimum of ten years experience. Please visit www.NKBA.org for more information. Jennifer Ho, CKD, CBD is a designer at De Anza Interior (www.DeAnzaInterior.com) and is the Vice President of Government Relations for NKBA Northern California as well as a member of the International Ad Hoc Committee for NKBA National. From choosing a designer to picking out colors, the NKBA is your source for design ideas, expert remodeling tips, and advice. To find a design professional near you please visit www.nkba.org. THM TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
CABINET & GRANITE WHOLESALER OPEN TO THE PUBLIC SPECIALIZING IN: KITCHEN & BATH CABINETS GRANITE COUNTERTOPS TILE & MARBLE FLOORS BEAUTIFUL SINKS UNIQUE ACCESSORIES
Standard kitchen remodel completed in 7 days Highest quality imported cabinets 40+ colors of granite – over 1,000 prefabricated granite countertops in stock Complete sales, design, and service company Excellent customer service
Home Design Cabinet & Granite
We listen to what you need, what you want and what you desire. We pay close attention to detail from assisting you with selecting the products, 48 hour turnaround on delivery, as well as completing your project through the installation process.
(408) 571-1888 • 680 BRENNAN STREET • SAN JOSE • HOMEDESIGNCABINETS.COM
Enjoy Energy Savings and Comfort Too. You wouldn’t have only 1 light switch for your whole house… why have only 1 thermostat?
❒
Being comfortable is what American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning is all about.
Make your home comfortable for the whole family and enjoy up to 40% energy savings. *As seen on Ask This Old House. *Received “Best of What’s New” award from Popular Science magazine, 2008. *Can be installed in most existing HVAC systems with little alteration.
HUSSEY BROS., Inc
• Heating efficiency up to 96.7% AFUE
Air Conditioning & Heating
• Two-stage and fully modulating heat operation for additional energy savings and comfort
408-733-6360
• Variable speed blowers for increased efficiency and quiet operation
husseybros.com • Serving the Bay Area since 1977
• AccuClean Air Filtration Systems–rated the best whole house air filtration system by the Harvard School of Public Health
A+ Rating BBB • Contractors License #675669 TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
• Cooling efficiency rating up to 20 SEER
South Bay/Silicon Valley THM February/March 2010
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Kitchen Remodeling Made Easy suggestions for saving dollars and your sanity. BY
DAVID WAGNER, CID
OU HAVE DECIDED THAT YOUR KITCHEN is in dire need of updating and remodeling. The task can be daunting. Having spent almost forty years creating designer kitchens, I have a few suggestions that will make the remodeling process easier on your pocketbook and state of mind. The most important decision you should make is to obtain the services of a “Certified Interior Designer” specializing in kitchen design and remodeling. The reasons you want this specialized designer are twofold. They will provide you with a beautiful and functional kitchen within your investment parameters. They will save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in construction costs. One of the biggest reasons for kitchen remodels going over budget is clients believing that a “big box store” can design their new kitchen with their computer programs. Nothing could be further from the truth. Professional designers call this moving boxes around, not design! As a homeowner, you provide these drawings to contractors for the purpose of obtaining pricing for your kitchen remodeling construction costs. There is no way a responsible contractor can give you a realistic price with these drawings. All the drawings indicate to the contractor are cabinet wall elevations and floor plan. A Certified Interior Designer will furnish you and your contractor the following plans, details and specifications:
Y
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February/March 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
Detailed lighting locations, fixture sizing and Title 24 calculations to meet California energy requirements. Without these calculations and specifications your project will be put on hold by your local building department! Detailed location and sizing of all electrical outlets, appliance requirements such as electrical, gas, water and all plumbing, fixtures and ventilation including makeup air if required. Detailed drawings of all structural and nonstructural work that may be needed. Portions of the work that are load bearing or seismic will need to have a licensed engineer or architect sign off on the appropriate section of these plans. Your Certified Interior Designer has access to these professionals thus saving you and your contractor any additional expenses. There are obviously more time and money saving suggestions that your designer will provide you. The more information your designer furnishes to your contractor the more realistic their construction pricing will be. There is no greater feeling for a designer than to know they have exceeded your expectations and protected your investment! By David Michael Wagner, CID#0744, Wagner Kitchen Design, Long Beach, California. You can find information on Mr. Wagner and other Certified Interior Designers in your area online at www.ccidc.org/cidpages. THM
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
AFFORDABLE VALUE-BASED DESIGNS TO FIT EVERY BUDGET
W HOLE -H OUSE E LECTRONIC S OLUTIONS
SECURITY SURVEILLANCE MONITORING
D S L D AT A / T E L E P H O N E LIGHTING CONTROL
MOTORIZED SHADES
Planning a remodel? Enjoy the comfort of knowing your home is prewired ready to Call today for your design consultation
handle all your current and future technology needs. We specialize in full home automation including heating/air conditioning automation, lighting control, high definition video distribution, whole-house audio, structured wiring, and security systems. We offer quality components from the top manufacturers. Call us today for your design consultation.
(408) 887-4479 1610 Monterey Road • San Jose
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
Hours: Monday–Saturday 9–6 Closed Sunday ®
South Bay/Silicon Valley THM February/March 2010
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Recommendations to Maximize the Efficiency of Your Smart Controller MART CONTROLLERS, also known as weather based controllers, are one of the many valuable water saving technologies available to help make landscape water usage more efficient. These devices are irrigation clocks that adjust the amount of water applied to a landscape in response to environmental changes. Using sensors and/or weather information, these controllers adjust your irrigation system automatically in response to rain, wind or temperature changes. Smart controllers can help reduce landscape water usage and in some cases can offer dramatic savings. They can also help you maintain a more healthy landscape.
S
Smart controllers are becoming very popular in states like California which are experiencing severe water shortages. However, if used incorrectly this device may not give the desired water saving results. The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) is pleased to offer some recommendations to help you maximize the efficiency of this water saving device and to help keep your landscape beautiful. PROGRAM IT CORRECTLY.
In order to maximize and maintain water efficiency, the smart controller needs to be programmed correctly. These mini computers need in depth information about soil, plants, exposure, type of irrigation etc. because they are customized for your property. Like any computer, if it receives inaccurate information, it will not achieve the desired results, possibly resulting in over or under irrigated areas and damaged plants or hardscapes. MONITOR YOUR SITE.
Site conditions must be monitored, especially the first few weeks after installing your controller to fine tune and adjust your controller settings. Look for run off, poor plant heath, color changes and/or any other signs that settings might need to be modified. Several adjustments may be needed. WATER MANDATES AND RESTRICTIONS.
If you are limited to day of the week watering restrictions, your smart controller may not be allowed to function correctly. CLCA recommends to either use the smart controller or follow the allocated watering days, not both. If only allowed to water one or two days a week, it defeats the purpose of watering based on sensors and weather information. Smart controllers and good water management are often more effective at reducing landscape water usage than assigned watering days because most people soak their lawns during their allocated time, actually using more water than the site actually needs. Some cities and water districts are now allowing those with smart controllers to be exempt from restrictions. Be sure to check with your local water district regarding restriction exceptions. REGULAR MAINTENANCE OF CURRENT IRRIGATION SYSTEM.
It is important to regularly inspect your irrigation system and repair leaks and/or other problems. Since these controllers consistently adjust your watering, if there is a leak or other problem with the irrigation system, even if programmed correctly, your landscape may not receive the correct amount of water that it needs. Learning to read your water meter will help you determine if you have a leak.
the proper amount of water to meet their needs and help to maximize the efficiency of your controller because all the plants have the same water usage requirements. When selecting an irrigation system for your new landscape, take time to learn about the most efficient irrigation devices and about the water requirements of the plants being installed. Also consider including drought tolerant plants in your landscape design. A well-planned landscape incorporating advanced irrigation technology, drought resistant plants and a smart controller will see the most water savings.
INSTALLING NEW LANDSCAPE.
Smart controllers are an excellent tool to help reduce landscape water usage. When used and programmed properly, a smart controller can help you achieve substantial water savings.
If new landscape is being installed, group plants into similar areas based on water needs. These areas, called hydrozones will help your plants receive
For more water saving info, go to: www.clca.org/clca/about/consumer/drought/index.php. THM
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February/March 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
s h o w c a s e At MARBLED ELEGANCE, you can find custom manufactured stone surfaces for beautiful grout-free bathrooms. Cultured marble and other cast polymer products achieve the beauty of natural marble and granite, while providing a variety of shape, size, and color. MARBLED ELEGANCE 2008 Martin Avenue Santa Clara • (408) 970-8991 www.marbledelegance.com
ROOM WITH A VIEW, $695
San Francisco Orchid Society’s 58th Annual
“Homeowners need design advice without
PACIFIC O RCHID E XPOSITION
feeling the pressure to buy,” says Sandy Wulf,
FEBRUARY 26 - 28, 2010
owner. The session includes 3 hours in your
Gala Benefit: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 6:30
TO
10
PM
Early Bird Preview, Friday, February 26, 9-10 am
SHOW & PLANT SALE F RIDAY 10 AM –5 PM , S ATURDAY 9 AM –6 PM , S UNDAY 10 AM –5 PM
FORT MASON CENTER, FESTVAL PAVILION, SAN FRANCISCO
For tickets & information please visit
w w w. o r c h i d s a n f r a n c i s c o . o r g or call 415-665-2468 A California Non-profit Tax Exempt 501(C)3 Corporation
st Bay February 2010
o (925) 659-6202 or
00 with questions.
Cymbidium Piñata Watercolor by Sally Rober tson
America’s Finest Orchid Show
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. www.crackerjackcreations.com 408.241.4044 BROCHURE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
Promote your business in the showcase call (888) 274-1140.
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