SOUTH BAY/SI LICO N VAL LEY
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Distinctive Interiors Shade Solutions Design on a Budget OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2009
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Sivoia QED™: One touch raises or lowers shades in virtual silence.
Lutron® introduces quiet electronic shades that protect your furnishings.
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2OO9
[ C O N T E N T S ] 10
DISTINCTIVE 10
Refacing Your Home “On The Cheap”
INTERIORS 14
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Tips and tricks to beautify on a budget. By Gabrielle Saveri
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Custom Design in Today’s Economy Jeanese Rowel Design offers fine design for every budget. By Patricia Hayse Haller
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Controlled Lighting Screens are the perfect way to manage natural and artificial light. By Elisa Clark
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Adding Space Without Adding On Wallbeds gives you back the room. By Patricia Hayse Haller
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The Best Just Keeps Getting Better
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S.E.A. Construction adds transparency to budgeting and job pricing.
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Beam Me Up! Add architectural flair to your home with wood box beams. By Heidi Doerfert
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October/November 2009 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
Take Ordinary and Create Extraordinary!
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BEAUTIFUL RESURFACING FOR FLOORS AND WALLS
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NO TEAR OUT NEEDED!
Grass to Envy A new kind of eco-friendly synthetic turf saves the money and time spent tending. By Jenny Jedeikin
INTERIOR
EXTERIOR
GARAGE FLOORS KITCHENS LIVING ROOMS DRYWALL COATINGS
DRIVEWAYS PATIOS POOL DECKS STUCCO
CCIDC 26 Color Infused Neutrals
408.921.6888 armorcoatings.net
As the decade winds down, black, white and grey take center stage. By Zara Stender, CID, IDS, CMG
SINCE 1984 Contractor’s License #456383
CLCA 28 Making Your Water Feature More Sustainable Great ideas for your yard, and the environment. By Michael Riley
Unique and Innovative Garden Ornaments for All Your Landscaping & Decorating Needs
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THOUSANDS OF ITEMS ON DISPLAY ITALIAN TERRA-COTTA AND CERAMIC GARDEN FURNITURE WOOD-BURNING PIZZA OVENS FROM ITALY WALL FOUNTAINS FOUNTAINS PLANTERS
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TABLES • BENCHES STATUES • BIRDBATHS
Visit Our Showroom 225 SHAW ROAD, SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO MON–SAT 8 AM–4:30 PM
650.873.4493 • gianninigarden.com TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
South Bay/Silicon Valley THM October/November 2009
7
NEVER MISS A N ISS U E!
Volume 11, Issue 5 • October/November 2009
Pick up your next issue at any of these locations. Campbell Plumbing Gallery Valet Organizers Miracle Method of Santa Clara Wallbeds “n” More Argonaut Windows
The Plumbing Bank Pool Patio and More Barbeques Galore Kelly Moore Paints Campbell Tile & Stone
Carpet One Silicon Valley Cambrian Glass Screen Solutions California Kitchens
PUBLISHER
Steven Gandy
Cupertino Cort Furniture Rentals Downey Savings Argonaut Windows Kitchen Max
Remax Realty Craftsmen’s Guild Hot Spring Spas Sofa Plus
Bank of the West Brooks Furniture De Anza Plumbing Graniterock
Design & Interiors Coldwell Bank Realtors Pella Windows
Vintage Bath Walther’s Carpet One Valet Organizers
Coldwell Banker Los Gatos Roofing
Kitchens Of Los Gatos Ariana Rug Gallery
Pool Patio and More Artistic Stone Gallery
Peninsula Window Fashions Relax the Back
Stove Works Mancini’s Sleep World Barbeques Galore The Bath Room
Custom & Security Hardware Downey Savings Terra Teak The Cabinet Shop
Coldwell Banker The Fulton Shop Cabinets By Design
Alain Pinel Realtors Jeanese Rowell Designs Medallion Rug Gallery
Menlo Park Lamp Gallery Dolma Tibetan Carpets
Mountain View Artistic Kitchen & Bath Design Artistic Stone Carpet Mart Gilmans Kitchens
Palo Alto Warm Things Barbeques Galore Lifetime Pools
Gary’s Original Atherton Appliance Airport Appliance Gray’s Paint & Wallpaper
Mancini’s Sleepworld Plumbing ‘n Things
Hermary’s Patio World Bayshore Supply Pull Home Plate Kelly-Moore Paints
The Lighthouse Hearth & Home Home Plate Furnishings 3D Tile
FEATURE WRITERS
Elisa Clark Heidi Doerfert Patricia Hayse Haller Jenny Jedeikin Michael Riley Gabrielle Saveri Zara Stender ART DIRECTOR
Jeff Clinton
Chris Ryce ACCOUNTING
Bay Area Fireplaces Superior Marble & Cabinet Saratoga Plumbing Prudential California Realty Emser Tile & Natural Stone KZ Kitchen Cabinets & Stone Modern TV Hi-Def Audio Video
Antiques Colony Adam Santana Real Estate Coldwell Banker Realty Inman Construction Home Design Cabinet & Granite Wright Lighting & Fireside Finer Floor Covering Elegant Kitchen & Bath
Lampshade House Gallery 33 Kelly-Moore Paints Creative Energy
Gray's Paint & Wallpaper Lamps Plus The Fulton Shop Jennifer Convertibles
Sousa’s Garage Doors, Inc. Digital City Mancini's Sleepworld
Kitchen Galleria Russell's Furniture University Electric
Design 101 Cupertino Kitchen Design Artistic Kitchens
Stewart Title Co. Cornish & Carey Realtors Saratoga Kitchen & Bath
International Kitchen & Bath Home Consignment Center Window Max
Downey Savings Mattress Discounters Bedroom Superstore
EDITORIAL INQUIRIES
Editorial@THmag.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
San Jose Splashworks Lamps Plus Dal-Tile Corporation Bathroom Remodelers Alain Pinel Realtors Kitchen & Bath Showplace Classic Kitchens Downey Savings
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Diane Nasadiuk
San Carlos Midland Cabinets Quesco Cabinets CB Showers California Stools Bars & Dinettes Marble City
Jason Douglas
WEBMASTER
Redwood City Coast Lighting Expert Woodworking, Inc. Tom’s Outdoor Furniture
Jeff Curry
Ken Sorensen
Los Gatos Wells Fargo Traditions
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
GENERAL MANAGER/EDITOR
Los Altos Eurodesign Alain Pinel Realtors Los Altos Hardware
The Bay Area’s best resource for your lifestyle at home.
(925) 659-6200 Sales@THmag.com NATIONAL INQUIRIES
Jason@THmag.com SUBSCRIPTIONS AND GENERAL INQUIRIES
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San Mateo Collective Antiques PC Kitchen Cabinets Home Consignment Center Bay Area Floors
Santa Clara Marbled Elegance Mancini’s Sleepworld Maki Kitchens
Saratoga Blaine’s Lighting Pool Guys, The Manicini's Sleepworld
Sunnyvale Coldwell Banker Realty Sincere Hardware Coldwell Banker Realty
This is a partial list. Call for other locations in your neighborhood or if unavailable at any of these locations, call us at (925) 659-6200 and we will mail you an issue. Also available on online at TodaysHomeBayArea.com 8
October/November 2009 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
(888) 274-1140 • (925) 659-6200 P.O. Box 2025 • San Ramon, CA • 94583 WWW.TodaysHomeBayArea.com © 2009. All editorial (headline, subhead, story, captions) published in Today’s Home is copyrighted and remains the sole property of Today’s Home. All rights reserved. Reproduction or reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.
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Rev up your curb appeal with cosmetic touches. www.todayshomebayarea.com/feature
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Web sites, and professionals who can help you with all your home projects. Endless Outdoor Opportunities
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Create your own staycation charm. www.todayshomebayarea.com/gianninigardenornaments
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South Bay/Silicon Valley THM October/November 2009
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Photo courtesy Kreiss (www.kreiss.com)
Photo courtesy Thibault (www.thibautdesign.com)
Photo courtesy Baker Milling (www.baker.kohlerinteriors.com)
Photo courtesy McGuire (www.mcguirefurniture.com)
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Refacing Your Home
“On The Cheap” BY
GABRIELLE SAVERI
F YOU’RE CUTTING COSTS RIGHT NOW LIKE most people, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great time to give your home or interior living space an update. In fact, now might be a better time than ever to start those little home improvement projects you’ve always dreamed of. “It’s a great time to build,” says Keith Dunlop, Manager of Special Projects for Mill Valley-based Caletti Jungsten Construction. Dunlop specializes in construction for clients who want to design small projects but who don’t want to remodel a whole house. His business right now is booming. “We are utterly astounded by the number of clients we have brought in specializing in this area,” he adds. “We can draw a line straight to the clients who don’t have millions.” Part of the reason for the surge in small projects is that remodellers are sharpening their pencils and keeping their margins as low as possible in these difficult economic times. “So, it pays to negotiate,” says Dunlop. “Subcontractors are all negotiable right now. There has not been a better time to build in the last ten years.” According to Dunlop, there are a number of things people can do to update their interior living spaces without spending a lot of money. “If you really want to make the biggest impact with the least amount of money, says Dunlop, “think about finishes.” There is currently a multitude interior wall finishes available on the market ranging from eco-finishes, soft pastels and textural products, to specialty Calvin Klein colors and hand-mixed paints. You can change the color of your walls, or the finishes on your floors to create a whole new vibe in your home. Dunlop suggests hiring a designer or decorator to work up an interesting color scheme, and then painting your home to give it a new look. “I have one client in Mill Valley where we refinished the floors and are painting the interior. The house is going to look like a million dollars.” According to Dunlop, the interior painting cost about $12,000, and the floor finishes around $9,800. “For under $20,000 it’s going to look like a brand new house.” Another option includes just choosing one room and focusing on that. “Instead of spending a lot of money on a whole house, we can work up one room,” says Dunlop. “It’s all about making that room a sanctuary—making it so that you want to go home from work and spend time in that room,” he explains. For example, says Dunlop, if you love your den and music, think about putting in bamboo floors or cork while working up a new design. Or you can hire a carpenter to build some new cabinetry in FSC-certified wood to store your favorite books, DVDs or art objects. You can even go over to local mills in your area and personally pick out the recycled or salvaged wood for your new cabinets. Or another inexpensive improvement is to hire someone to build you a home theater. It can cost as little as $10,000 if you choose the accessories yourself. Dunlop recently designed an award-winning home theater in Tiburon and says they are especially popular right now. A couple of great ideas for finishing touches on your home theater are flatpanel wall mounts for your flat-screen TVs and universal remote controls. Both are a great ways to add wow factor when your friends and family come to >>
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visit without spending a fortune. OmniMount has added their new MotionPicture series of motorized cantilever mounts that will hold just about any flat-panel monitor up to 55 inches and 110 lbs! Wall mounts are great for rooms that have a lot of light. Glare on your screen can easily be removed with a touch of the included remote. Your TV can instantly be moved 15 degrees up, or up to 20 degrees left and right. To keep your home theater under control, Universal Remote Control offers their Digital R50 universal remote. This remote can control up to 18 components, and features an incredibly easy to use setup wizard. Its large color LCD screen allows you to easily program all of your home theater equipment without the aid of the Internet or a PC. The important thing, says Dunlop, is to not “spread the money too thin by thinking about your whole house.” Make a room special. “Then, next year, when you have more resources, you can do another room. One day you’ll look back and realize you’ve remodeled your whole home.” Eve Simon, a Mill-Valley-based feng-shui consultant and lifestyle designer who specializes in reflecting personality through interior design, agrees. Simon believes a home should reflect one’s personality and uniqueness and not just be a generic duplicate of a magazine article or news trend. Says Simon: “When I go into a house, I find out what kind of people are living there, what their lifestyle is, and what the blockages are in their life. What is in their way is usually reflected in their home.” Simon says that changing the color scheme in a house is a very easy and inexpensive fix. “If you want to have more passion in your bedroom, you shouldn’t sleep in a blue bedroom. You should sleep in a room that has red or orange, to add some fire to it,” she explains. Simon also likes to suggest to her clients organizing and rearranging furniture, objects and even rooms. “Sometimes a room is set up as a bedroom, but it would work much better as an office,” she adds. As a designer, Simon tries to use the accessories that are already in a home to make an impact. “I tell my clients that they don’t need to buy anything new. I just work with what is by arranging the place and accessories.” Simon says lifestyle does not have to be expensive. “What’s reflected in your house is reflected in your life. It’s about consciousness. You don’t need to throw things away if you have a conscious lifestyle. You don’t need to recreate yourself all the time.”
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If you’re looking to do more structural work on the cheap, Jessica Rothschild, a principal at San Francisco-based Rothschild Schwartz Architects, suggests adding a window or skylight to your home. “Often adding a window is not as much money as people would think,” she explains,” and you get a big bang for your buck.” Skylights create the same effect. The cost for either is about $2-3,000. Another money-saving option is landscaping the garden. “Investing in your garden as soon as you acquire your property is a good idea, because by the time you sell your property, your landscaping will mature, and that’s a really good value,” Rothschild explains. A seismic retrofit is also another relatively inexpensive thing to do to update your property—and it only costs $5-10,000 for the job. “You don’t get any visual or aesthetic payback but you get peace of mind,” she adds. Marc Melvin, of San Francisco-based Marc Melvin Design, says the best way to update your home without spending too much is to focus on an area of your house that needs organization or improvement and then to add the smaller things that make a difference. “We’re doing a remodel for a major CFO here in the city,” he explains. “They already have a home. This was their first remodel,” he explains. “In the bathroom, the owner wanted a beautiful mosaic floor that would normally cost thousands and thousands of dollars. In the end, we designed an area for the vanity and for the shower and toilet. We imbedded a mosaic tile pattern in the floor to look like a carpet—we didn’t do the whole floor. Then she bought beautiful handles that tied into the mosaic. All the little things at the end became a joy, and it told a story. It was all the little things remembered about traveling and said she didn’t have in her other home.” According to Melvin, just adding some small touches and the right hardware in a home can make a big difference. “You make a savings by not doing something all the way. You can spread it out and do it in a way that tells a whole story without having one big, huge impact.” Whether you’re hiring a designer, contractor or architect, it’s all about money saving these days. So, if you have any money to spend, this could be a good time to invest in your home. “In this day and age, it’s all about money engineering,” says Melvin. “It makes you have to push yourself as a designer. And it forces the client and designer working together as a team to figure out what the priorities are and where you want to spend your money at the end of the day.” THM
Caletti Jungsten Construction, www.calettijungsten.com 495 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley (415) 381-3162
Conscious Living www.con-living.com (415) 246-3605
Rothschild Schwartz Architects www.rothschildschwartz.com (415) 401-0077
Marc Melvin Design www.marcmelvindesign.com 586 Utah Street, San Francisco (415) 431-9100 OmniMount www.omnimount.com Universal Remote Control www.universalremote.com TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
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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
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Hours: Monday–Saturday 9–6 Closed Sunday ®
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Jeanese Rowel Design offers
Custom Design BY
PATRICIA HAYSE HALLER
HE IDEA OF HIRING A DESIGNER TO HELP you transform your home can be scary— especially if you assume “custom” means “expensive.” But it doesn’t have to, says master designer Jeanese Rowell. For her, custom design is all about making your home fit your lifestyle and reflect your personality. And that’s something that can be quite affordable, especially when you approach it with curiosity, creativity, and 25 years worth of connections in every area of home decorating, finishing and furnishing. It’s that combination of unique vision, broad experience, and a vast network of fabricators, suppliers and contractors that keep Jeanese Rowell Designs incredibly busy. Even during the economic downturn, she travels all over the Bay Area and beyond to meet and work with new clients. She also travels the country and the world to stay on top of design and pricing trends, learn about new products and materials, and build relationships with artisans, fabricators and suppliers who offer both great design and affordable prices.
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TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
fine design for every budget.
in Today’s Economy “I don’t leave any stones unturned,” says Jeanese. “And I can tell you that pricing right now is incredible. In today’s market, nothing is impossible as long as you use some imagination and determination.” A Palo Alto native and graduate of Stanford, Jeanese started her career as an interior decorator, but soon branched out to offer complete remodeling design and build services. Today she does it all, from drafting a design and taking the plans to the city building department, to construction and product selection. She has her own team of cabinet and furniture makers, so she can design the perfect piece for a particular room and have it built locally to save time and money. She has nurtured relationships with suppliers large and small, from Nepalese villagers crafting hand-made rugs to an Italian stone merchant who goes out of his way to find highquality and unusual granites and other stone at reduced prices. She seeks out green alternatives, like a woman who collects old railroad ties across Australia and New Zealand and mills them into unique and beautiful hardwood flooring. She’s even been featured in a multi-part television series called ‘Bay Area Living: Home Improvement Edition’ on KRON-TV. Jeanese throws all that energy and passion into every project she works on, regardless of size. She begins each project with a two-hour consultation, asking questions about the client’s goals, lifestyle and budget, and observing their lifestyle. “I need to come in, look at the color of your eyes, see what surrounds you,” says Jeanese. At one such meeting, she noticed that the husband and wife had different seating habits. “She likes to curl up in a chair,” says Jeanese. “He likes to spread out in a chair. And they wanted to sit together.” So she had them sit down as if they were watching television, with his arm around his wife. Taking measurements, she had her furniture makers create a sofa that is the perfect fit. “I love the challenge of finding new things and of creating a new look for someone,” says Jeanese, who is as proud of her work as she is of her seven children and 18 grandchildren. “It’s like watching children grow.” In addition to complete interior and exterior redesign and rebuild services, Jeanese Rowell Design offers landscaping servies and staging of real estate for sale. For more information, contact Jeanese Rowell Designs at (877) 323-1066 or on the Web at www.jrdesign.com. THM
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
South Bay/Silicon Valley THM October/November 2009
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Controlled Lighting Screens are the perfect way to manage natural and artificial light. BY
ELISA CLARK
OST HOMEOWNERS ARE GRATEFUL for a house that has a lot of windows to let in natural light. But that light can become an annoying glare on the TV when you’re trying to enjoy a movie, and the UV rays can damage furniture and flooring. Keeping the blinds closed all day will keep the light out, but then you can’t enjoy the beautiful view from your windows. With controllable shading solutions from Lutron, you can manage the light that comes in your windows without having to sacrifice the view. Steve Gandy, owner of Screen Solutions in Campbell (a dealer for Lutron automated shade systems), notes that several of his customers have chosen shade systems to maximize the enjoyment of their windows. “Today controlling light means controlling both the electric and natural light,” says Steve, who has owned the business since 1999. Lutron offers a line of exterior shades that have the added benefit of keeping radiant heat off of the glass, being more energy efficient, and allowing you to keep your interior design style intact. The shades come in multiple colors and densities to complement any color scheme. Depending on the homeowners’ needs, there are three types of shades that block different quantities of light. Solar shades filter up to 97 percent of UV rays. Steve describes these shades as sunglasses for your house.
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Solar shades cut out glare, eliminate sun damage to carpets and flooring, and are ideal for south- and west-facing rooms that get too much sun. Their sheer fabric also means they don’t obstruct the view from windows. The second type is the privacy shade, a mesh shade that allows the viewer to see form and shadow, without seeing through it. The privacy shades are a perfect choice for bathrooms and
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
[D I S T I N C T I V E bedrooms, or anywhere homeowners don’t want prying eyes. Finally, there are blackout shades, which are completely opaque and block out 100 percent of the light coming into a room. Blackout shades are most popular for home theater areas where people want a dark room to watch their favorite movies. “Glare from the windows can diminish the effect and beauty of high-definition televisions,” Steve explains. When the blackout shades are lowered, homeowners can enjoy their favorite TV show or movie without the bothersome glare, much like in a theater. Controlling the light in a room is not just about choosing the appropriate shade; homeowners also need to raise and lower the shades easily to suit their needs. Automated systems such as the Sivoia QED (Quiet Electronic Drive), offer ultraquiet operation, are very small, can be integrated with lighting systems, and
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provide multiple remote control options. Steve notes, “Everything can be programmed to happen with the push of one button.” Lights and shades can be controlled from the same wall box or keypad. Some systems can even be controlled by an astronomical time clock to raise and lower lights and shades according to the time, date, and direction of the window. Whether they’re for the exterior or interior, the right shades will let you enjoy the beautiful light and view from your windows while still controlling the amount of light that comes into your home. And with a fully automated system, using the shades is as simple as pushing a button. To find a shading solution for your windows, or to get more information about Lutron products, call Screen Solutions at (408) 374-8156. THM
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
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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 TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
South Bay/Silicon Valley THM October/November 2009
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Adding Space Without Adding On BY
PATRICIA HAYSE HALLER
WALLBEDS GIVE YOU BACK THE ROOM.
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Make one room into two!
Wnallbedsore
CUSTOM DESIGNS ALSO AVAILABLE!
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A Comfortable extra bed for any room!
1350 DELL AVENUE • CAMPBELL
The largest display of wallbeds in the Bay Area!
Showroom Open by Appointment
(408) 761-4732 Other Locations: San Ramon (925) 570-5663 • Burlingame (650) 888-8131
WallbedsNMore.com 18
October/November 2009 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
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OST OF US CRAVE JUST A LITTLE EXTRA SPACE. We dream of a playroom for the kids; a hobby or sewing room where we can get creative; or an exercise room for private workouts. A great way to fill that craving – without buying or building a bigger house – is with a wallbed. The beauty of a wallbed is that it doesn’t take up any more space than a regular bed when it’s down, but when it’s up, you gain all that space for other activities. Wallbeds come in a variety of styles and finishes, but they all disappear into a 17" deep cabinet when you don’t need them. Wallbeds “n” More offers the largest displays of wallbeds in Northern California, with options for every budget, from a “U Do It” bed that you finish yourself to complete custom room sets with bed, cabinets, shelves and desks. All are made in California of real oak, birch or alder veneered plywood, with no particle board or melamine. And all are backed up by a lifetime warrantee on the mechanism, and Wallbeds “n” More will deliver and install your new wallbed for you. The wallbeds are easy to use so they are great for kids. At night, they pull it down to sleep, and in the morning they tuck the covers in, put the bed up, and their bedroom becomes a playroom, with plenty of floor space for any activity. The guest room is another perfect use for a wallbed. It only comes down when you have visitors. The other 90 percent of the time, the bed is up and you have a bonus room that makes our whole house feel bigger. In this economy a lot of people realize they don’t need a bigger house. They just need to make the house they have work for them. A wallbed helps them do that.
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To find out how Wallbeds “n” More can help you gain a room, call Eric at (408) 761-4732 or visit wallbedsnmore.com. THM TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
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You wouldn’t have only 1 light switch for your whole house… why have only 1 thermostat?
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ase fax to (925) 274-1160 or
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Being comfortable is what American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning is all about.
Call 274-1140 withhome questions. Make your 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 and three stage 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 October/November 2009
19
approval form
[D I S T I N C T I V E
I N T E R I O R S ]
The Best Just Keeps Getting Better S.E.A. Construction adds transparency to budgeting and job pricing. ERE’S A SIMPLE FACT. People who are the best at what they do keep finding ways to get even better. That’s just who they are. And that’s why they’re the best. Take Steve Albert, for example. Over the past 21 years, he’s grown his company, S.E.A. Construction Inc., into a superior remodeling and building powerhouse. S.E.A.’s amazing organization provides homeowners with a simple but comprehensive process that includes everything necessary, from site review through architectural and interior design, permitting, and full service construction services. Now, Albert is adding to his already comprehensive menu of services, a practice he calls budgeting transparency. “It’s something that has been around in one form or another for many years, but never in a collaborative process.” And collaboration with their clients is what S.E.A. is all about. “With an open book competitive estimating system we are able to consistently deliver the lowest possible prices for the finest quality work,” Albert said. Albert further explains that his budget transparency process also allows: • Accurate preliminary budgets based on current costs • Architects, designers, and clients access to all pricing impacts as they develop designs • Competitive bidding to insure the lowest possible pricing from qualified subcontractors and vendors • Flexibility that allows changes without costly delays or penalties
H
Once S.E.A.’s team and the homeowners complete
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October/November 2009 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
their design, S.E.A. seeks multiple bids from vendors and suppliers, and draws upon their expertise in their trades to eliminate waste and provide the best systems at the lowest possible prices. “We then negotiate with the vendor that presents the best bid at the best price. We review these with the homeowner and select the build team together,” explains Albert. For smaller projects, S.E.A.’s own in-house expert carpenters and employees can complete all the onsite work. But for major remodels and additions, S.E.A. seeks out the best drywall, electrical, heating and other technicians to ensure that the project is done in the most cost effective and efficient way. “We also encourage the homeowners to get bids if they desire. I have learned over the years that this serves everyone because it typically assures clients that the estimates we’re getting are in line with what they have asked for,” Albert said, adding, “We also encourage them to bring whatever talents or connections they have to the table.” “We apply all the power associated with knowing what things cost to construct at the beginning, and then work with design to achieve the most efficient way to build them. This allows budget control and cost effectiveness not available through other methods”. A recent example shows the process is not only different but superior to even the big box home improvement store experience, according to Albert. Big box sells itself as the most cost effective approach, “not always true” says Albert. He recently worked with homeowners who were quoted a price that was promised to be accurate and all-inclusive. After estimates were compared and all missing items included, S.E.A. was awarded the job. The clients wanted personalized and thoughtful designs from experienced interior designers who are well versed in the selection of the highest quality products. They also desired experienced professionals to provide all the construction services on time and on budget as promised.
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
[D I S T I N C T I V E
I N T E R I O R S ]
“We’re not going to try to lowball anyone just to get into the project and then surprise them with higher costs. We know it is possible to get great products that are made to last and still be cost effective,” said Albert. Thanks to S.E.A.’s transparent, collaborative approach to pricing and budget control, homeowners know they’re getting the best in design and construction services at the lowest possible cost. “We’re in the business of solving problems. Tell us what you are trying to achieve. We’ll make it happen providing the highest quality workmanship and materials with the greatest cost effectiveness.” Please contact Steven Albert at S.E.A. Construction Inc at (650) 287-4202 or visit their Web site at www.seaconstruction.com. S.E.A. is a proud member of NARI. THM
A good remodeler shouldn’t be hard to find. We’ve all heard the stories—“The guy just stopped showing up.“ If only they’d used a NARI contractor. NARI contractors undergo a thorough background check and are screened using stringent criteria for experience and workmanship, and must display a commitment to the NARI Code of Ethics. For more information on NARI or a referral to a NARI remodeler near you, visit www.nariremodelers.com.
NARI of Silicon Valley 408.559.4996 www.narisv.org ©2009 NARI
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
South Bay/Silicon Valley THM October/November 2009
21
[D I S T I N C T I V E
I N T E R I O R S ]
BEAM ME UP! BY
HEIDI DOERFERT
Add architectural flair to your home with wood box beams.
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October/November 2009 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
F YOU’VE EVER LOOKED UP at a ceiling and said, ‘Oooh!’ chances are it had wood box beams. There is something utterly grand about them. With many homeowners choosing to stay put in this economic climate, adding custom touches to your house can make it feel new and luxurious. Steve Jackel of Jackel Enterprises, Inc. in Watsonville says his company specializes in creating faux wood box beams to enhance any décor. “Faux timber has many advantages over real wood. It weighs much less, decreases labor time and can be fabricated into any length or size you need. Once installed, you can’t tell the difference between faux and the real thing,” he explains. You may think that wood beams only lend themselves to a rustic look but that’s not the case. Jackel’s Box Beams can add drama to any space, including contemporary. “You can use a beam with a non-textured finish and a vertical grain in a light wood such as fir. It gives a clean, linear look,” says Steve.
I
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From a contractor standpoint, box beams are a practical and beautiful design application for a client. The hollow wood frames can be installed after walls are finished; can hide unsightly steel members; and provide a channel for electrical wiring, lighting and plumbing. New construction often has residential fire sprinklers in the ceiling, which box beams can conceal. “Contractors utilize our beams to achieve design goals for their homeowners. It’s a quick install, has high impact and the client loves that their house isn’t torn apart!” says Steve. The style options are extensive. If you crave an Old World feeling Steve recommends a beam with a textured finish in a darker stain like Tudor Brown. You can pattern the beams to showcase high ceilings or cover them completely to bring incredible warmth to a space. A non-textured beam with straight lines dressed with molding would lend itself to a more classic look. “Coffered ceilings, which are beams arranged in a grid pattern, are a stunning effect in a traditional home, “Steve notes. He encourages clients to visit his 20,000 square foot warehouse and mill so they can custom treat beams to your specifications. Jackel Box Beams proudly serves the Bay Area and ships its products all over California and beyond. “If you desire to add character and depth to a room and make a big statement, but don’t want the stress of messy construction, our affordable and high quality faux box beams are the answer,” says Steve. To find out how you can add the dramatic beauty of Box Beams to your space, call Jackel Enterprises, Inc. at (800) 711-WOOD (9663), visit their Showroom at 347 Locust Street, Watsonville or visit the Web site at www.jackelenterprises.com or www.woodboxbeams.com. THM
Jackel Enterprises, purveyor of quality lumber & millwork, offers distinctive wood products to enhance your home’s ambiance. Real Wood Box Beams Wood Mantles Trims and Moldings in Imported & Domestic Woods
1-800-711-WOOD www.woodboxbeams.com www.jackelenterprises.com 347 Locust Street, Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: 831-768-3880 FAX: 831-768-3883
Largest Selection in the South Bay
approval
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LARGEST SUPPLIER TO MANY MAJOR CONTRACTORS
❒ Approved as is
South Bay Oct/Nov 2009
OVER 50 YEARS SUPPLYING AND SERVICING THE BAY AREA TOTO, ROHL, AMERICAN STANDARD, GROHE, ROBERN AND MORE
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KITCHEN AND BATH S H O W P L A Please C E fax to (925) 274-1160 or Call 274-1140 with questions.
4O8.55 4 .1552
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1200 Campbell Avenue • San Jose
kbshowplace.com TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
WHOLESALE PLUMBING SUPPLIES
South Bay/Silicon Valley THM October/November 2009
23
approval form
Grass to Envy A new kind of eco-friendly synthetic turf saves the money and time spent tending to the lawn with. BY JENNY JEDEIKIN
W
56,000 GALLONS OF WATER a year, yet still have your property looking like a tropical paradise? Install Heavenly Greens’ Fieldturf in your yard and guests, pets, and sports-minded kids, will never know the difference. According to Troy Scott, Vice President of Marketing for the nine-year-old company, Heavenly Greens looks and feels so realistic; the most common reaction from people is disbelief that it’s a synthetic product. “You would have a very hard time pointing out which was which, if you saw a grass lawn side by side with our two-tone synthetic lawn,” says Troy. “Yet this turf is going to last 20 years, requires virtually no maintenance, and saves the environment from excessive water waste and the pesticide run-off from lawn chemicals.” If the environmental angle doesn’t convince homeowners, Troy finds the low maintenance aspect is another big reason why more people are turning toward synthetic lawns than ever before. “When you consider the fact that each weekend roughly 54 million people are mowing 20 million acres of grass in this country, this product is a much healthier environmental alternative.” The average homeowner will recoup their entire investment ANT TO SAVE NEARLY
on the product in six to eight years, because of the savings they will accumulate from using no water, lawn mowing equipment, or fertilizers. “But not all synthetic turf is created equal,” explains Troy. “Unlike some of these new-to-market synthetic turf products, make sure you work with a reputable company that carries a solid warranty. Heavenly Greens is guaranteed to last fifteen years, and has a shelf life of 20-25 years.” Made of polyethylene, and very soft to the touch, Heavenly Greens continues to be the product of choice for thousands throughout the Bay Area. The company recently serviced the Marin County Humane Society, as well as Google and YouTube, on their interior and exterior corporate headquarters. “We installed an amazing putting green for the YouTube staff, which is only one of our four different applications,” notes Troy. “There’s commercial and residential use, a playground or play area turf padded Before
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October/November 2009 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
RESOU RCE G U ID E for additional safety, and a putting green product for our PGA endorsed professional putting greens.” Not to be forgotten is the pet application, specifically engineered and guaranteed for durability to resist digging or scratching, and it won’t discolor from urine stains. While your dog may never know the difference, you will certainly notice the appeal of less yard maintenance, and those yellow burn marks are a thing of the past. “Fieldturf is LEED certified, meaning it can help new construction, or upgrade projects obtain LEED credits for green building initiatives, which is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”, Troy explains. Most recently Heavenly Greens installed 30,000 square feet at the Silicon Valley Humane Society in Milpitas. Heavenly Greens services the entire Northern California region, and the home installation process is simple. “It takes just one day to embed up to 500 square feet of turf,” says Troy. “That’s the rule of thumb, depending on the area and the access we have to your yard.” The installation process includes removing four inches of surface material from your yard, then replacing it with base rock, and other materials to prepare the drainage system under the turf. Once the base is complete, the product is rolled out, custom cut to fit your area, then secured, and the final layer of infill stationed above. Simple to maintain, all this turf requires for cleaning is the natural rinsing that occurs with rainwater. It can also be hosed down occasionally, and even disinfected if required, as the product is resistant to discoloring from most chemical cleaners. Heavenly Greens offers two color options as well “The turf comes in a very lush looking solid green for the lawn that always looks pictureperfect,” says Troy. “The other option for folks, that I prefer myself, is a two-tone color which is a bit more convincing as real grass. It looks like a lawn that was just mowed,” he says. “These products are incredibly realistic, and a fantastic alternative to our ever increasing water problems here in California—we’re even starting to see various counties offering rebate programs to install synthetic turf because of the large water savings.” Take the time to visit the Heavenly Greens showroom in San Jose, you can contact Heavenly Greens at (866) 724-TURF (8873), or visit their Web site at www.heavenlygreens.com. THM
AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT
Hussey Brothers 408-733-6360 www.husseybros.com
KITCHEN & BATH GALLERY
Splashworks 408-279-5202 www.splashworkskb.com
ARCHITECT
KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING
2M Architecture 415-826-5459 www.2marchitecture.com
CA Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers 408-360-9700 www.cabr.net
CABINETS & GRANITE
KITCHEN & BATH SHOWROOM
Home Design Cabinets & Granite 408-571-1888 www.homedesigncabinets.com CONCRETE RESURFACING
Creative Resurfacing 925-899-2415 www.creativeresurfacinginc.com CONCRETE RESURFACING
Armor Coatings 408-921-6888 www.armorcoatings.net
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
CULTURED MARBLE
PAINTING
Marbled Elegance 408-970-8991 www.marbledelegance.com
Rhino Shield 408-266-7048 www.rhinoshieldca.com
DOORS & WINDOWS
PAVING STONES
Viking Door & Window 408-294-5546 www.vikingdoor.com
Black Diamond Landscape & Designs 800-942-1955 www.blackdiamondlandscape.com
ELECTRICAL
PLUMBING FIXTURES
Clausen Electric 408-927-7332 www.clausenelectricinc.com
Plumbing N’ Things 650-363-7333 www.plumbingnthings.com
GARAGE STORAGE
REMOLDING CONSTRUCTION
Premier Garage 650-286-9676 www.premiergarage.com
S.E.A. Construction 650-287-4202 www.seaconstruction.com
GARDEN ORNAMENTS
SCREENS AND SHADES
Giannini Garden Ornaments 650-873-4493 www.gianninigarden.com
Screen Solutions 408-374-8156 www.phantomscreens.com
GRANITE
SHOWER DOORS & ENCLOSURES
Granite Wholesale 510-657-4400 www.granitewholesaleusa.com HOME THEATER
California Shower Door 800-675-6225 www.calshowerdoor.com SWIMMING POOLS
Hi-Def Audio Video 408-294-6632
Lifetime Pools 650-494-7070 www.lifetimepools.com
INTERIOR DESIGN
Jeanese Rowell Design 650-323-1065 www.jrdesign.com
WALLBEDS
Wallbeds “n” More 408-761-4732 www.wallbedsnmore.com
INTERIOR DESIGN
Crackerjack Creations 408-241-4044 www.crackerjackcreations.com
WINDOWS & DOORS
Argonaut Window & Door 408-376-4018 www.argowin.com
List your business, call 925-659-6200 TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
South Bay/Silicon Valley THM October/November 2009
25
[ C C I D C ]
Color Infused Neutrals EUTRALS ARE THE FOUNDATION OF ANY INTERIOR SCHEME but as 2009 moves into 2010, the traditional “greying off” of color moves front and center in a new way.
N
WHITE White is essential for the relationships of other colors to be understood. It’s like the vanilla in a chocolate cake. It is often the choice of people in a transitional period of their lives such as moving, divorce, career change or other events. White represents cleansing and renewal. The Color Marketing Group, [CMG], the international trend and color forecasting organization, has identified white as an important color for 2010. It shows up as the underlying force for the final year of the decade and the beginning of the next.
BY
ZARA STENDER, CID, IDS, CMG
As the decade winds down, black, white and grey take center stage.
BLACK Black always seems to represent power and prestige. It is upscale and authoritative, especially for women. Accessories in black add elegance to any interior plan. It is most appropriately used as an anchoring and accent color. The combination of black, white and gold is considered to be the most upscale color grouping.
GREY It has been noted that colors tend to become greyer at the end of every decade. Grey lends an upscale quality to Black, white and grey are infused with soft teal in this bedroom by Zara Stender for Thomasville, Nocturne Collection. any environment but use caution as it can be lifeless, cold, and depressing in large amounts. The new trend with grey is to infuse it with other hues. It readily takes on the personality of the surrounding palette. Interiors with a predominance of grey are always sophisticated and graceful. Black, white and grey when tastefully used, add classic elegance and sense of stability to any room setting. Zara Stender, CID, IDS, CMG is an interior designer for Thomasville Industries, www.thomasville.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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October/November 2009 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
s h o w c a s e At MARBLED ELEGANCE, you can find
CLAUSEN ELECTRIC, is experienced in high-
custom manufactured stone surfaces
end new construction and remodeling since
for beautiful grout-free bathrooms.
1992. Specializing in “Smart Technology,”
Cultured marble and other cast polymer
we’ve worked with some of the nation’s top
products achieve the beauty of natural
lighting designers. Let Clausen Electric, Inc.,
marble and granite, while providing
light the way for your plans.
a variety of shape, size, and color.
CLAUSEN ELECTRIC, INC. 19970 McKean Road San Jose • (408) 927-7332 www.clausenelectric.com
MARBLED ELEGANCE 2008 Martin Avenue Santa Clara • (408) 970-8991 www.marbledelegance.com
ROOM WITH A VIEW, $695
BLACK DIAMOND LANDSCAPE &
“Homeowners need design advice without feeling the pressure to buy,” says Sandy Wulf,
DESIGN in addition to our landscaping
owner. The session includes 3 hours in your
work, we are pleased to offer an
home answering decorating questions
online retail outlet for pond and
and providing room-by-room specific design ideas/products with below retail shopping
water-feature projects. Black
sources. The fee includes a color portfolio
Diamond is the installer for all
of all information.
of your landscape needs.
www.crackerjackcreations.com
BLACK DIAMOND LANDSCAPE & DESIGN 800.942.1955 www.blackdiamondlanscape.com
408.241.4044 BROCHURE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
Promote your business in the TODAY’S HOME showcase Call (888) 274-1140
South Bay ne/July 2008
ax to (925) 274-1160 or
74-1140 with questions. TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
approval form 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.
NOTE: Advertiser accepts full responsibility for accuracy and content of the ad. ❒ Approved as is ❒ Approved with clearly marked changes ❒ Make clearly marked changes and provide new proof Signed _______________________________________________
DISCLAIMER: Please check proof carefully for content. If you are viewing the proof on a monitor or printing out a copy, you will not be seeing the exact, final color. The colors on the PDF or JPG will vary. Images on this proof may appear low-res for file transfer purposes. Images will appear sharer in the final magazine. Today’s Home is not responsible for the color quality on supplied images. Proof is intended as an opportunity to check content only.
South Bay/Silicon Valley THM October/November 2009
27
approval form
[ C L C A ]
Making Your Water Feature More Sustainable BY
MICHAEL RILEY
Great ideas for your yard, and the environment.
USTAINABILITY IN WATER FEATURES means not only decreasing the amount of energy used, but also includes minimizing the need to replace water. The following elements can help you reduce your water feature’s water usage and make it more energy efficient.
S
The farther and harder the water falls, the more it evaporates. Big waterfalls may seem appealing, but in individual yard settings they can overwhelm the environment. When falling the water is thinner, some of it turning to mist, and has more surface area exposed to direct sunlight. The result is water loss due to drift and evaporation. If you are considering creating a new waterfall, scaling down can help you maximize your water savings while still enjoying the benefits of a smaller waterfall. Plant some cover. Experts advise covering at least 40 percent of a pond’s surface area with aquatic plans. Too much temperature variation between day and night encourages algae growth. The plants also aid the ecosystem, working with Mother Nation to keep the pond healthy and clean, which enhances its longevity and enjoyment. Add some shade. You don’t need to completely block out the sun, of course, but shading the water — especially during the hottest times of the day-can greatly cut down on the evaporation. Keep the water clean. Clean water is a key to maximizing your satisfaction, energy efficiency and the overall longevity of your water feature. Enhancing sustainability with captured rainwater. Rainwater harvesting is growing in popularity as s supplement to using city water for water features and landscape irrigation. Essentially, a rainwater catchment system consists of storage tanks (often buried underground) fed by pipes leading down from gutters. Even in areas of lower annual precipitation, there are times each year when the rains comes down in buckets, then quickly washes away and dries up when the storms pass. A catchment system capitalizes on those times, which are often enough in many cases to replenish the supply for long-term use. A benefit of using rainwater is that is has not been treated with chemicals. Rainwater doesn’t have chlorides and has less salt than is usually found in the local water supply. This results in better water for the plants. Choose an energy efficient pump. There are lots of new energy efficient pumps that can bring down the cost of your pond. In general, external pond pumps are many times more energy efficient than submersible pumps. In many past cases, pool pumps have been used for water features which are much more expensive to run. If you need help, hire a licensed contractor: If you are considering an upgrade and need a contractor be sure to hire a licensed contractor. If the price of your job is $500 or more (including costs of labor and materials), state law requires that the person or company doing the job be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. One of the best ways to choose a contractor is to use the Contractor Search feature on the CLCA website at www.clca.org. THM
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October/November 2009 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
Y westbaylandscape.com Contractor’s License #784406
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
South Bay/Silicon Valley THM October/November 2009
29
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
(408) 374-8156 www.screensolutionsonline.com
30
Call (1-888-742-6866) October/November 20091-888-PHANTOM THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com for your local distributor. Visit www.phantomscreens.com to find out more.
Bringing a New Look to Concrete Driveways Pool Decks Walkways Patios Drywall Exterior Walls Fireplaces Stucco & more
Beautify & Repair Old, Ugly Concrete 866-956-4490
CreativeResurfacingInc.com 25 YEARS OF CONCRETE EXPERIENCE
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
Authorized dealer of LimeCoat® Products
Contractor’s License #927076 South Bay/Silicon Valley THM October/November 2009
31
Š 2009 Dal-Tile Corporation
Get lost in your counter countertop. top. top
When you look at our natural stone slabs, you may feel yourself being carried away by the raw beauty of nature’s intricacies. At Daltile, we search the world to bring beautiful, high quality slabs to your rooms. Visit one of our showrooms to let your imagination run wild. San Leandro | 510.357.6197 2303 Merced St.
San Jose | 408.855.0950 2549 Zanker Rd.
Sacramento | 916.646.8705 1235 Fee Dr.
daltileexoticslabs.com Featured slab: Spectrus