so u t h ba y /s il ico n v a ll e y
ide as and resources for your home
Backyard Living c
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r provided b ove
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todays omeBayArea.com A PRIL /h MAY 2012
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April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley 1
PA YM EN T IN T fo E rd R et ai ES ls • T O .A N .C O . st or e
NO
al l
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12 M ON TH S
2 April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
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TRUE ESSENCE OF NATURAL STONE Direct Importer
Custom Fabrication and Installation Here at Venice Tile & Marble, we specialize in kitchens, baths, fireplaces, medallions, and engraving. We also install interlock stone and pavers. Come experience our beautiful indoor/outdoor showroom where our staff will help you choose the perfect material to fit your lifestyle and budget.
venice
tile & Marble Committed to Excellence in Workmanship
Two locations to serve you
(408) 452-1114 venicetileandmarble.com
1720 Rogers Avenue San Jose DESIGN CENTER 4 April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
1717 Junction Avenue todays homeBayArea.com San Jose
Bringing the Inside, Out!
®
The new standard for outdoor living & kitchens Outertainments is setting the new standards in outdoor living & kitchens and is ready to help you with your design. Let’s get creative together to make your dream outdoor living space come alive. • W ide selection of natural stone and granite for your countertops & facings. • I nclude a full line of features: minibars, refrigerators, prep stations, cutting boards, single drawers, double drawers and access doors. • F ireplace, firepits, Sound systems, TV area, lighting and furnishings available • Q uality craftsmanship with stainless steel frames for durability.
Outertainments has a design team ready to assist you in creating any outdoor living space of your desire. Custom applications and design solutions available.
• Lifetime Warranties
“Bringing The Inside Out”™
408.594.0971 www.outertainment.com todayshomeBayArea.com
April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley 5
A P R I L / M AY 2 O 12
[ c o n t e n t s ] 10
b a c k y a r d
16
10 Hitting Fifty Lifetime Pools goes Green as it enters its golden age. by Gabrielle Saveri
l i v i n g 20
12 Innovative Design Your backyard paradise begins with the right patio cover. by Natasha Hampton
16 Beautiful, Durable and–Yes–Affordable Taking a new look at the Old World elegance of pavers. by Patricia Hayse Haller
20 A Breath of Fresh Air A new standard for retractable door screens.
19 PKS Interiors When quality and service count. by Gabrielle Saveri
22
22 Handwoven Collection The evolving art of the hand-knotted rug. by Stephen Miller
on the cover Photo courtesy Milgard Windows & Doors. (www.milgard.com) 6 April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
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South Bay April/May 2012 Please email approval to Jeff@THmag.com or call (925) 389-3481 with questions.
approval form Please check proofs very carefully before approving. As per contract, proof must be returned as is
Lutron controls your light.™
Lutron introduces quiet electronic shades that protect your furnishing. ®
Sivoia QED™: One touch raises or lower shades in virtual silence. Expensive art and furnishings can be ruined by direct sunlight. Lutron, the world leader in lighting control solutions, enables you to adjust your electric light and lower shades to adjust natural light all in a single keypad. We even make systems that will keep track of the sun to lower shades automatically. Sivoia QED™ wall control. © 2004 Lutron Electronics, Co., Inc.
or with clearly marked changes within 48 hours or ad is deemed correct.
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Screen Solutions
Interior and Exterior Automated Shading Systems 425 Salmar Avenue • Campbell Showroom by Appointment Only
408-374-8156
www.ScreenSolutionsOnline.com todayshomeBayArea.com
April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley 7
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Volume 13, Issue 5 • April/May 2012
BayArea.com The Best of Both Worlds
A guest room and a home office are not mutually exclusive. Most people think they have to make a choice. They can carve out some work space by putting a desk in one corner of the guest room, or they can make out-of-town guests less than comfortable. Read more >>
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publisher
Steven Gandy Editorial/Production Jeff Curry associate publisher
Gary Whitman art director
Jeff Clinton administrative assistant
Debi West distiribution
Steve Gandy printing
Your Turf
The advantages of artificial grass.. Lush green lawns add beauty to any home and are eagerly sought after by gardeners. Unfortunately, most people do not have enough time to cultivate their garden and achieve this goal. Read more >>
www.Thmag.com/e-fieldofgreens
The Island Lifestyle
Dura Supreme islands are the hub of activity in the kitchen. Often the centerpiece of activity, an island can be as simple as a small table or an elaborate multilevel surface with its own sink, dishwasher and seating for the entire family. Read more >>
Lon Albert • Pressworks (925) 600-0244 web marketing
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Shower Enclosure Basics Trends in the shower door industry.
When considering the purchase of a shower door or enclosure, the first item to be decided is, “What type of enclosure should I consider?” Read more >>
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Search for Today’s Home (408) 374-8156 • 425 Salmar Avenue Campbell, CA • 95008 www.TodaysHomeBayArea.com ©2011 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. todayshomeBayArea.com
PKS Interiors
When Quality and Service Count by Gabrielle Saveri
Give Your Eyes and Feet a Break with New Floor and Window Coverings
I
f you’re planning to revamp your home, there’s one local establishment you might not want to miss. Sunnyvale-based PKS Interiors, a family-owned business, has been serving clients from all over the Bay Area for more than 30 years. The company started out as a drapery cleaning business, but over time, has evolved into a full-scale home design firm specializing in middle- to high-end home products and design services for homeowners, designers, architects, and developers, for customers who need some help sprucing up their homes. “We’re a home improvement design center,” says company President Paiman Sadigh. “We can do pretty much anything,” he adds. PKS Interiors offers hardwood flooring and laminates, window coverings, kitchen and bathroom tiles and countertops, carpeting, and cabinets and vanities, all at competitive prices. The firm also specializes in draperies from all over the world. “We carry about a hundred different companies,” says Sadigh, “some American, some loomed in Italy, others from India, Belgium and France, in all types of colors and patterns.” Sadigh says the key to his firm’s success is its top-notch quality and service. PKS Interiors’ staff is comprised mostly of designers certified by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Attention to detail is paramount in everything each designer does. “We do many things to add quality,” says Sadigh. “Take countertops, for example. A lot of places just laminate the counter and don’t polish it, and walk away,” he explains. “We take the extra step to polish it, and give it that finished look.” PKS Interiors is perhaps best known for its draperies and window coverings. “With draperies,” says Sadigh, “we use color matching cotton thread. Most places don’t – they use a monofilament thread that is clear and does not match. Over time, it breaks up in dry cleaning and in the sun. The result is you’ll see your side and bottom hems coming undone,” he explains. “Clients come to us because of the quality of the work and service they get. We stand behind our work.” PKS Interiors also features a shop at home service in which designers go out to private homes with samples, helping clients choose colors, patterns and products that go best with their home décor. “We can take care of the design part,” says Sadigh. “If someone has no idea and they need help, they come to us. Price-wise, for design, we’ve never been beaten.” With a large home improvement store in Sunnyvale, and another showroom for designers in Los Altos, PKS Interior’s territory is extensive, spanning from the South Bay to San Francisco, Marin County, and the East Bay. Sadigh says his firm never turns away business, and is willing to accommodate almost all orders. “We do as little, or as much as the client wants.”
For more information contact PKS Interiors at (408) 738-9183 or (650) 948-4162 or on the web at www.pksinteriors.net. Visit their showroom located in Sunnyvale, 101 E. El Camino Real. THM todayshomeBayArea.com
SAVE UP TO $500! Mention Today’s Home when you call or visit our showroom. Offer expires 5/31/12. Not valid with other offers.
• Draperies, Blinds and Roman Shades • Carpet, Tile, Hardwood and Laminates • Cabinets,Vanities and Countertops • Quartz, Granite and Marble Schedule your complimentary in-home design consultation & estimate by calling (408) 738-9183
PKS Interiors
(408) 738-9183 or (650) 948-4162 www.pksinteriors.net 101 E. El Camino Real • Sunnyvale April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley 9
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Hitting Fifty Lifetime Pools goes Green as it enters its golden age. by Gabrielle Saveri
G
reen construction and the use of eco-friendly products are on the rise nationwide. According to a recent report posted on Inc.com, the “overall green building market is expected to more than double from $49 billion by 2013,” and companies selling products that cut down on energy costs are “well positioned for future growth.” The swimming pool design business is part of this emerging trend. As consumers grow savvier about saving both money and the environment, pool construction companies are now offering a wide variety of products and services to help people build eco-friendly, energyefficient and aesthetically beautiful swimming pools for their homes or businesses. Here in the Peninsula and South Bay areas, Palo-Alto-based Lifetime Pools continues to improve and expand its role in the eco-friendly pool design area. Founded in 1962 as a small, family business, the firm has emerged as the preeminent pool builder in the Peninsula, South Bay and Santa Cruz areas. This year, the firm is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Lifetime Pools specializes in swimming pool engineering and construction, and offers innovative ways to cut energy consumption and the use of chemicals while simultaneously lowering costs. “Our forte is creating pleasure, recreation and stunning masterpieces that enhance the lives of our clients,” says Ray Whitford, president and CEO of the firm. “Creating a sanctuary for them, while being sensitive to what’s going on with the environment in terms of energy savings and the traditional chemical considerations that people would have with maintaining pools.” Whitford believes the key to his company’s success is its depth and sense of innovation. “Through the years, there has always been strong competition, but we’ve been able to set ourselves apart in terms of what we do. We’re a
10 April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
construction and engineering oriented company, not just a sales organization,” he explains. “We continue to be on the cutting edge and be as creative as possible in everything we do.” That means using the most innovative, and environmentally-friendly pool design products on the market. Popular eco-friendly pool features include: magnetic variable speed pumps controlled by digital keypads (which can save on energy usage and cost); thermal/solar heaters, and most recently, geothermal heaters which use ground heat to cool the house and heat the pool at the same time; UV sanitation systems that reduce the need for chemicals; and in-floor cleaning systems that not only remove debris from the pool, but also circulate the water so that the temperature remains more uniform, thus cutting down on energy usage and costs. Automation is also a key new component. “It’s computer automation for controlling different functions and effects of the pool,” says Whitford. “You can now control your pool from your PC and smart phone. With lighting, you can program sequences of lighting in the pool so lights
todayshomeBayArea.com
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will fluctuate and you create a wave of light in the pool. All diagnostics for filter operation and heaters now can be done via laptop. With automated controls, we can make equipment come on at certain times, or increase filtration time but decrease the rpms of the motor,” he explains. “Energy savings are huge.” With five decades in the business, Whitford proudly boasts a list of clientele ranging from newcomers wanting brand new pools to old-timers he’s had for up to 40 years. “We’ve had customers we’ve built two or three pools for. We have people who remove their existing pool and put something new in because they want something different,” he laughs. Pools can range in cost anywhere in price from $40,000 to $100,000 plus. “We can do pretty much everything in terms of automation,” Whitford says. “What drives the cost is how creative the customer gets. We can do things as simple as automatic pool covers, or pools with vanishing edges, to grottos, waterfalls, water features, and water slides. It’s limitless in terms of what can be done.” Whitford is proud of the lifetime of his pools, his company, and his clients, and hopes his business will continue indefinitely. “It’s a milestone that we’ve made fifty years. We’re creating lifetime pools for lifetime customers.”
To find out how to make your new or existing pool more enjoyable, more beautiful and more energy efficient, contact Lifetime Pools at (650) 494-7070 or visit www.lifetimepools.com. THM
3/27/12 9:09 AM Page 2
We Build Backyard Fun! Residential • Commercial • Remodeling
LIFETIME POOLS INC.
e Award Win e-Tim ner Nin
Since
1962 650-494-7070 408-738-1576
CA License #220382 C-53 todayshomeBayArea.com
www.lifetimepools.com
April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley 11
approval form
[bac k ya r d
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Your backyard paradise begins with the right patio cover.
Innovative Design by Natasha Hampton
T
he contemporary patio has come a long way from the days when it consisted mainly of a wooden patio table, a bar-b-q, and a couple of chairs. Today, in many homes the patio is one of the nicest “rooms� of the house. Outdoor kitchens rival their indoor counterpart with granite covered bar-b-q islands, complete with high quality cook-tops, side burners, refrigerators, sinks, and even an oven can be included. Luxury outdoor furniture, whether teak, rod iron, or resin-wicker, are just as nice, and often more expensive than their indoor cousins. Many outdoor rooms include fireplaces or fire pits, high end dining sets, and large screen televisions for catching games on the weekend. A quest to create the perfect outdoor living environment for all seasons, climates, and settings has produced a unique, fully adjustable, and waterproof louvered roof system called Vergola. This amazing patio cover allows you to maximize the use of patios, decks, walkways, and balconies, enabling you to choose and control the amount of sunlight and shade that suits your purposes. The Vergola Opening Roof System is constructed of color bond steel louvers that rotate from completely closed to 155 degrees open, by use of a small motor. It is safe to use and incredibly easy to operate. A portable-remote controls the operation of the louvers. Rain sensors are standard to close
12 April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
todayshomeBayArea.com
[bac k ya r d
the louvers during periods of bad weather. Each Vergola can also be programmed to adjust the position of the louvers several times a day for optimal protection and ventilation. The Vergola offers many benefits, including: Versatility. It can be built as a patio roof, carport, commercial cover, or to cover a swimming pool. It can also be installed flat, pitched, or used vertically as a privacy screen. Climate control. The slim louvers can be positioned during winter months to cast the sun’s natural warmth into rooms to save on energy costs. During the summer, they can be moved to block direct sunlight to protect your home from unwanted solar heating. Light control. With the push of a button, the louvers can be moved to give the desired amount of light into your residence. This is a great way to naturally illuminate work or living areas while cutting back on power consumption.
l i v i n g]
Closed for heavy rain
All available sun
Full overhead sun
Maximum ventilation
Ventilation. During the summer months, a place in the shade is where you want to be. The Vergola provides this by angling the louvers to a partially open position. Even in light rain, the louvers can be left partially open and the water will drain away in the contours of the louver. >> todayshomeBayArea.com
April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley 13
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Rain protection. The Vergola Opening Roof System has a uniquely designed louver that provides complete overlap to help prevent rain penetration. Coupled with the rain sensor, you needn’t worrying about protecting your patio furniture in inclement weather. Shade control. You can control the precise amount of shade desired. The amount of heat and light can be varied for work or relaxation. For those with sensitive skin or those concerned about health risks associated with sun exposure, the Vergola is an ideal solution. Full light can be enjoyed without direct sunlight. Imagine being able to control heat and light on your patio at the touch of a button. With the Vergola system, you can enjoy the outdoors year-round and worry-free. Since 1999, Screen Solutions has been providing custom solutions to common problems for bay area homeowners and companies. Using retractable and innovative products, they take a solutions based approach to provide insect protection, and solar control of damaging UV and heat. Doors, windows, and large openings can be controlled and patios turned into comfortable living spaces. Complete from design to installation, their professionals will measure, determine the best sun angle, and discuss the different options for your project. Call them for a free consultation meeting. For more information or a demonstration of the Vergola Opening Roof System, visit their website at www.screensolutionsonline.com or call Screen Solutions at (408) 374-8156. THM
14 April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
todayshomeBayArea.com
VERGOLA Create the perfect outdoor environment whatever the weather with the Award Winning Vergola Operable Louvre Roof System. A flick of a switch enables you to control the amount light, shade and ventilation. The unique double skinned design also provides thermal insulation and sound reduction. At the first hint of rain, the automatic rain sensor closes the louvres to form a weatherproof shelter. Whether traditional or contemporary, the Vergola system integrates seamlessly into all types of buildings.
Whatever the weather enjoy Outdoor living all year round
Closed for heavy rain
All available sun
Full overhead sun
Maximum ventilation
Screen Solutions
Interior and Exterior Automated Shading Systems 425 Salmar Avenue • Campbell Showroom by Appointment Only
408-374-8156
www.screensolutionsonline.com todayshomeBayArea.com
April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley 15
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Beautiful, Durable and–Yes–Affordable
Taking a new look at the Old World elegance of pavers.
16 April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
by Patricia Hayse Haller
I
nterlocking paving stones transform any plain driveway into a distinguished entryway and turn a concrete patio into an elegant terrace. Most homeowners, however, assume that such a high-end look must carry a high-end price tag. Not so, says Tiffany Van Alst, Marketing Director of Black Diamond Paver Stones & Landscape, Inc., a leader in the design and installation of paving stones for Bay Area homeowners since 2004. “People are paying $10 to $14 or more per square foot for stamped concrete,” she said. “But we can do a beautiful paver surface for as low as $8.99 per square foot, which includes demolition, installation and materials.” But value goes beyond price. First, says Van Alst, a hardscape crafted from pavers is “drop-dead gorgeous,” with hundreds of colors, patterns and styles to choose from. Secondly, today’s manufactured pavers are three to five times stronger than concrete, making them a durable and practical option, especially in California. “We live in earthquake country, and if your concrete cracks down the middle, you have to tear it up and start over,” she said. With pavers, any damage can easily be fixed. Black Diamond can re-level a temblor-heaved driveway, replace oil-stained stones, even remove todayshomeBayArea.com
pavers to provide access to broken pipes or troublesome roots, then re-lay them once the problem is corrected. “With blacktop you have to patch and seal,” said Van Alst. “Concrete cracks. With pavers, you never have to do them again —– ever. Think of the cobblestone streets in Boston. Those have been there since the 1600s. I did a tour of Italy and I walked down cobblestone streets that have been there since Roman times.”
This durability, and Black Diamond’s confidence in their installers’ expertise, is why the company offers a lifetime warranty on the paving stones and a 27-year warranty on the paver installation. Black Diamond also offers full-service design and installation for other landscape needs, including plants/ trees, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, pergolas, sod and synthetic lawns. They provide a free professional landscape design — a $500 value — as well as interest-free financing for up to 12 months and are willing to do projects in stages to accommodate a customer’s schedule and budget. “We’re about providing an expert look, an expert design and the best quality for the best price,” said Van Alst. “When we install pavers, we know we’re putting a little of ourselves into their home and their lives forever.” That commitment has earned Black Diamond an A+ rating with zero complaints from the Better Business Bureau. For a free estimate, call Black Diamond Paver Stones & Landscape, Inc. at (800) 611-2980 or visit www.BlackDiamondLandscape.com. THM
Your Frame-less Specialist Custom Shower Enclosures & Mirrors COME VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT 1160 INDUSTRIAL ROAD, #10 • SAN CARLOS
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS
OF
EXCELLENCE
Offering Diamon-Fusion®
SHOWERS, INC. 650.593.6997 cbshowers.com todayshomeBayArea.com
Contractors License #753993
April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley 17
approval form
[bac k ya r d
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A Breath of Fresh Air C
A new standard for retractable door screens.
reated to give homeowners ultimate control the Legacy retractable door screen is easy to use, whisper quiet and designed for easy living. Featuring an ergonomic and intuitive Latch & Release handle with smooth operating slidebar, Legacy by Phantom Screens® sets a new benchmark for retractable door screens. Legacy is a retractable screen solution that is simple to operate, durable and blends with the aesthetics and décor of any type of home. At the heart of the new Legacy door screen — and included as standard — is Phantom’s Latch and Release handle which automatically latches the screen in the closed position to prevent it from opening in breezy conditions. It is easily released by simply pressing the subtle thumb lever. To ensure smooth operation Legacy uses track guides with a built-in lubricant that helps maintain easy movement of the slidebar across the door frame. Designed to match any home Legacy retractable screens are available in Phantom’s eight Signature color choices ranging from Slivered Almond to Coastal Gray. All Legacy screens have a factory-applied powder coated finish that resists fading and chipping — giving homeowners a quality and durable retractable screen door. The fiberglass mesh ensures resilience and provides full ventilation and protection from both insects and UV rays. Legacy retractable screens fit a wide variety of door types including single and double doors, out-swing and in-swing doors and sliding patio doors. To preserve the aesthetics of a doubleFrench doorway, two Legacy door screens can be mounted to the door frame, one on each side. To operate the screens, the slidebars are pulled to the center of the opening and held in place with the Latch and Release handle. Introducing the Legacy retractable screen from Phantom, Ron Somers, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Phantom Screens said, “We work incredibly hard to create the very best retractable screen solutions for homeowners.” “We’ve spent the last 20 years leading the industry with innovative products which are designed to give years of problem free service to our customers. The Legacy simply demonstrates the unparalleled dedication we have to delivering superb products which are great quality and easy to use. And with so many features included as standard, we believe we are setting the benchmark for the industry.” Phantom Screens hand assembles all of its products in its manufacturing facility in Canada, and Screen Solutions, the distributor for Santa Clara
18 April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
and San Mateo counties, has minimized the time from order to installation by stocking many sizes and colors. Phantom screens are custom fit onsite and can usually be installed in 1-2 weeks, depending on the time of year. By cutting out the time for factory ordering, Screen Solutions provides nearly instant satisfaction for its customers. Screen Solutions has provided the South Bay and Peninsula the full range of Phantom products and their own installation expertise for over ten years. After installing more than 20,000 screens for many satisfied customers, Screens Solutions knows that this is a partnership that will endure for years to come—just like their products. Explore the full range of Phantom Screen products at www.screensolutonsonline.com. Call Screen Solutions at (408) 374-8156 for a free consultation, to make an appointment to visit their showroom in Campbell, or to schedule an installation. THM
todayshomeBayArea.com
Open Up
Your Living Space
Let fresh air into your home without unwelcome insects or glare of direct sunlight. Designed for doors, windows and large openings, Phantom Screens remain out of sight until you need them.
425 Salmar Avenue Campbell • 408.374.8156 Showroom by Appointment
www.screensolutionsonline.com
todayshomeBayArea.com
April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley 19
adv e r t i s e m e n t
A Company that Cares About Their Community.
Mike Counsil Plumbing and Electric has established itself as a leading and reliable provider of plumbing and electrical services in the Bay Area. They employ knowledgeable, licensed plumbers and electricians to ensure that your plumbing jobs are done right the first time. All employees have had a background check and are subject to random drug testing. Over many years of quality, professional service, Mike Counsil Plumbing and Electric, has acquired the ability to quickly and accurately diagnose the plumbing or electrical work that needs to be done. This makes it possible for them to provide you with a realistic and fair proposal before any service begins. Mike Counsil Plumbing and Electric is always aware of exceptional service that is needed to make sure all clients are taken care of and given the attention they deserve. 100% satisfaction guarantees and 100% financing at 0% for 12 months are additional reasons clients feel comfortable being a part of the Mike Counsil family.
Still Lifting Salt and Wasting Money!
They have partnered with many companies to bring their customers the latest technology in plumbing and electrical services. Their search for the greenest products for their clients is a continuous part of delivering the best in plumbing and electrical services to their client’s.
Have more time to spend with your family
20 April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
Our communities are constantly looking for ways to conserve and preserve the environment. Products that Mike Counsil Plumbing and Electric offer products to their clients that are designed to help improve their quality of life and further be a part of helping the community. One company that has helped with the growing concern of the chemicals and contaminants that may be present in the water supplied daily to our homes, is Pelican Water Systems. The Florida based company has roots in the water treatment industry dating back to the late 1970’s, and has developed a Premium NO SALT water softening/conditioning system that includes water filtration. Read on to find out more about this life changing system that can give you peace of mind every time you take a drink of water from your faucet, bathe or take a shower.
todayshomeBayArea.com
adv e r t i s e m e n t
“Pelican-ize” for whole house Protection” By Justin Barker If you are like most responsible people who value the health of their family, you believe in protecting your home. You have planned for potential problems from storm damage to security and theft protection. You sleep safely at night knowing your family is safe and your home is secure. You would never open the door and let a stranger in your home or open your windows and allow noxious fumes to enter should there be a toxic spill in your yard. Consider that many people have not given any thought to the water that enters their home. Each person serviced by the municipal water supply is at the mercy of whatever is in that water. Unless you have a premium point of entry (P.O.E.) water filtration system, your water supply may contain any number of contaminants. Each city water treatment facility must use chemicals to “treat” or “kill” bacteria that is in the water supply before it is safe for human consumption. The most common chemical used to kill bacteria is chlorine. The second most common is chloramine (chlorine plus ammonia). One must consider that with each bath, each shower, each time you wash your vegetables before cooking, the chlorine is rapidly absorbed through your skin and the skin of the vegetables. That is both alarming and easily preventable. Pelican Water Systems is the fastest growing , truly eco-responsible whole home water solutions company in the country. They specialize in premium whole house SALT FREE water softening/conditioning and filtration giving your family better than bottled water quality through every tap in your home. No electric, no SALT bags, not a drop of wasted water and virtually zero maintenance, and the Pelican Whole House System protects your plumbing and appliances from the damaging effects of hard water and scale. Call your authorized Pelican Dealer now for up to $500 instant rebate,with installation or visit www.pelicanwater.com to learn more about “pelican-izing” your whole home and having better than bottled water from every tap in your home. Your Bay Area Dealer is Mike Counsil Plumbing and Electric. (408) 703-6530
Call to Schedule An Appointment
(408) 703-6530
todayshomeBayArea.com
April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley 21
Handwoven Collection The evolving art of the hand-knotted rug. by Stephen Miller
W
hen one uses the term
Sultanbad
”Oriental Rug,” a wide array of images may appear to the mind’s eye, but probably none would be more prevalent than a floral patterned wool rug richly colored in predominantly navy blues and dark reds. While that may have been the case at one time, the handmade rugs of today offer us much more variety. The influence of Western Suzani fashion began to influence the world of hand-knotted rugs at the end of the nineteenth century by way of carpets made in the town of Sultanabad, Iran. The Anglo-Swiss firm of Ziegler and Company started making carpets employing ready-dyed wools and large looms that could produce the required sizes for Western homes, rugs coined with the name “Sultanabads.” The early Sultanabads offered both allover patterns and central medallions. In keeping with the proportions of Western architecture and design, the scale of the designs was open and never overcrowded. The colors used were different as well, employing lighter shades and pastel tones with more ivory. The same techniques have been used in modern Sultanabads, whether from the same weaving district in Ikat Iran, or from those of the same name but produced in Pakistan or Egypt. The rug illustrated is a modern Sultanabad from Iran. The scale of the design is open enough to incorporate even randomly placed large pieces of furniture. The use of ivory in the main border, matching the field color, further contributes to the open, airy feeling of the piece. The materials used are the finest hand-spun wools with centuries-old vegetable dyes thereby ensuring the end-user a lifetime of enjoyment of its color and design. Another trend that has some precedent in rug making is the adaptation of textile designs into to hand-knotted rugs for the floor. Suzani designs and Ikat patterns are two striking examples of this direction where the rug adaptation of
22 April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
the design still convey the feeling of the respective textile upon which they are based. The Suzani pattern mimics Central Asian textiles of the same name; textiles with hand-stitched gardens of florid silk embroidery on linen. The end result is that the Suzani has a curvilinear feeling. The Suzani pictured is based upon a nineteenth century textile from Uzbekistan. The ivory ground mimics the linen and the design is highlighted with the use of silk.
Ikat rug designs, on the other hand, tend to have a repeating pattern that usually, though not always, repeats in ever-ascending rows throughout the rug. These rugs rarely have borders, so the effect on the room is again one of expansiveness. Furniture placement is also less constrained as there is no need to “center” an individual piece of furniture to conform to the rug. The pile on the example shown is very tightly knotted and closely cropped, further enhancing the precision of the pattern and the illusion of being a textile underfoot. In sum, the term “Oriental rugs” is not really the best descriptor for this cherished form of art, as most rugs are not “Oriental.” Rather, they are woven in the Near East, Central Asia and the sub-continent of India and Pakistan. But the mystique of the Orient will surely continue to inspire our imaginations for generations to come. For more information, visit the Stephen Miller Gallery, 800 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park or call at (650) 327-5040 or at www.stephenmillergallery.com. THM todayshomeBayArea.com
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April/May 2012 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley 23
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