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TRENDY INTERIORS 8
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Eco-Friendly Flooring New eco-options for flooring keep your home green and your air clean. By Deborah Burstyn
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Kitchen as Their Centerpiece A remodeling company meets the challenge of a young family’s growing needs. By Lisa Winer
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Feng Shui Energy Connecting you with your living environment. By Julia Arndt
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Multi-Function Comes Home From home office to guest room in seconds. By Xu Bei Shi
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October/November 2010 THM
Designer Know-How Get the most for your money on a kitchen remodel. By Deborah Burstyn
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ideas and resources for your home
BayArea.com Search the Bay Area’s ultimate resource guide for more articles of interest, links
NKBA 7 Outdoor Bathrooms A new trend in bathroom design. By Shari Steele
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[ N K B A ]
OUTDOOR BATHROOMS BY
SHARI STEELE
IRST WE SAW OUTDOOR KITCHENS. Next, we will be seeing more and more bathroom applications that are indoor/outdoor oriented. As more people are purchasing smaller, more affordable properties or simply downsizing due to grown children, forward thinkers are considering the possibility of creating an outdoor room that is an extension of the bathroom they have—or are looking into adding some outdoor features into new bathroom planning.
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more articles from nkba
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BayArea.com
A new trend in bathroom design.
One of the biggest trends has been the popularization of going to spas. Another is traveling to exotic places, island spots with waterfalls, hot springs and fountains. Instead of spending lots of money at a spa or traveling far away to get a “zen” experience, why not incorporate these qualities into an area of your bathroom and adjoining outdoor space. You can enjoy a mini vacation and spa experience everyday, permanently. We call these “Staycations”. National Kitchen & Bath Association For those more adventurous types, an Now we all know about hot tubs, but how many of you outdoor shower would be ideal. Just ask have ever taken an outdoor shower, sauna, or steam bath? any kid and they will tell you how much This can be added to a hot tub area in the backyard without fun they are. too much of a stretch. The idea is to be outdoors in the For this trend to work you really would garden with greenery surrounding you. Privacy is not even want to hire a designer, someone who has a problem as there are many ways to impede any vision of done a project like this before. You should consult with 2-3 designers, what you are doing. take a look at their work and see if it supports your vision. And most of Another idea would be to incorporate larger windows and bring plants all have fun. Remember this is your mini spa staycation. indoors. There are now vertical methods of growing plants with walls going green. And yes, they will work indoors with stone floors, or rocks and floor Shari Steele is the designer at Shari Steele Designs (steele.shari@gmail.com) and drains. You could include a large garden window filled with growing container is the V.P. of Academic Relations for NKBA Northern California as well as Chairperson plants toward the outside bathroom wall or incorporate large French doors for the 2011 NKBA Design Competition. From choosing a designer to picking out fixtures, that open out to an outdoor pond or water feature. You can almost hear the the NKBA is your best source for design ideas, expert remodeling tips, and advice. water gurgling. Not hard to imagine but certainly calming and a wow factor To find a design professional near you please contact www.nocankba.org. THM in any home.
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South Bay/Silicon Valley THM October/November 2010
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Photo courtsey Eco Friendly Flooring (ecofriendlyflooring.com).
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Eco-friendly bamboo stair treads.
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Eco-Friendly Flooring New eco-options for flooring keep your home green and your air clean. BY UST LIKE OTHER MATERIALS FOR THE home, many kinds of flooring now come readily available in attractive new choices that are design-driven, long-lasting and ecofriendly. This new wave of sustainable flooring options is as stylish and strong as their nonsustainable varieties. But these “green” floors are not only good for the planet; they are good for you, too. That means they are made from components that do not deplete our natural resources and also do not “off gas”—that is, release—toxic chemical by-products that may contribute to indoor air pollution. Today, there are green versions of traditional materials like hardwood and tile, new selections like bamboo and cork as well and a choice that’s both new and old—linoleum, brought back to the marketplace because of its environmentally sound qualities. To make sure that you don’t get floored by all the choices out there, here’s a run-down on the some of the top choices in eco-flooring today.
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Put a Cork on It With a rich earthy color and textures reminiscent of wood, cork flooring provides advantages all its own. Cork floors are great for areas where maximum comfort and high noise absorption is required like a kitchen or playroom. The inherent qualities of cork make it an attractive flooring choice in all living areas in the house. Cork provides warmth and resilience, sound insulation and a comfortable cushion underfoot. Harvested every 10 years from the outer bark of the cork oak, it is a renewable resource and considered environmentally sustainable.
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
DEBORAH BURSTYN
Bamboo–Not Just For the Jungle
Roll Out the Green Carpet
Bamboo flooring is an excellent environmentallysensible alternative to hardwood floors or carpet. Actually a grass, not a tree, bamboo is harvested from managed plantations and does not destroy the habitats of wildlife. Whether you prefer the deep espresso hues or gym floor light tones, properly aged bamboo will make a stylish and strong addition to your home. Bamboo is silky smooth to the touch but harder and more dentresistant than many hardwoods such as white oak and maple. High-quality brands of bamboo flooring will give you a durable, non-toxic, and beautiful floor for many years.
Easy-to-find natural carpets are those made from natural sisals, jutes, and sea grass. But for a softer yet natural floor covering, you can also find lowtoxic100 percent wool carpets made with undyed or vegetable-dyed yarn and minimal natural latex (rubber) glue. Thick and resilient, real wool offers natural insulating properties. For more color varieties, try carpets with high recycled (synthetic) content and less-toxic backings and adhesives.
Wooden It Be Nice to Have a Guilt-Free Wood Floor? Yellow heart pine, Douglas fir, maple, oak, and hickory— there’s nothing like a real hardwood floor. For homeowners sold on traditional hardwood floors, the Forest Stewardship Council makes sure that your lumber comes from sustainably managed forests. Many of types of wood are produced in FSC-certified forests in which the trees are regenerated, biodiversity is conserved, and air and water quality are preserved. FSC-certified wood flooring is comes in hundreds of different shades and styles. Another option is to go with salvaged or reclaimed flooring recycled from older buildings. Most reclaimed wood flooring is milled from structural beams and timbers that were used in warehouses and factories in the early 1900s. Some might even be salvaged tongue/groove planks flooring. In either case, the vintage wood instantly brings charm and character to a room.
Back to the Future with Linoleum A popular kitchen floor of mid-20th century America, linoleum was first introduced and patented in 1860. Made of natural and renewable materials such as linseed oil, pine resins, wood flour, and pigments, it was ready for a comeback in eco-conscious the 21st century—and it’s here. Today, natural linoleum is available in many colors ranging from pastel and subdued to vibrant and daring colors. Available in both sheets and tiles, linoleum is a durable, biodegradable material that is comfortable, warm and quiet. Linoleum is also hypoallergenic and antistatic; characteristics that help linoleum repels dust and dirt. Linoleum is an excellent option for playrooms and home gyms. Unlike vinyl flooring, the colors in linoleum are embedded all the way through the material. Whatever room you’re flooring, you can make sure what’s underfoot is green by choosing eco-friendly materials like Forest Stewardship Council certified wood floors, durable cork, mature bamboo, natural wool carpeting, natural linoleum or recycled glass tiles. All you got to lose are indoor pollutants. THM
South Bay/Silicon Valley THM October/November 2010
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A remodeling company meets the challenge of a young family’s growing needs.
Kitchen as Their Centerpiece BY ICHELE AND PAYSON Johnston, homeowners in San Jose’s Cambrian district, were faced with a challenge. Michele homeschooled her two young daughters and spend a lot of time crafting. Yet her kitchen, where she preferred to engage in these two activities, wasn’t up to the job. The galley kitchen, in the front of the house, was very small. The layout—one way to enter and exit, cooktop on one side and sink on other—made for a dangerous situation if the kids were running through. The kitchen was also separated from the rest of the house. The Johnstons really wanted to have their kitchen be the “central entertainment, planning and coordination family center,” says Jim Kabel, owner of Case Remodeling, which remodeled the Johnstons’ home. Michele wanted to be able to keep an eye on the kids in the backyard while she cooked, and to be more connected to the rest of the house. The existing footprint wasn’t good for expanding, says designer Ramona Tan. The solution? After an extensive inquiry into how her clients used their home, Ramona suggested to the Johnstons that they flip-flop the kitchen with a very large, underused dining room toward the back.
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LISA WINER
This entailed major changes to electrical, plumbing and structural systems and the framing of the roof, says Jim, and to make the new location of the dining room a little bigger, the front of the house was bumped out a few feet. A sun porch in the back of the house—presumed to be attached to the house but actually freestanding—became part of the kitchen. “We had to totally reconstruct that space to create one whole living space for the kitchen,” says remodeling consultant project manager, Mike Brennan. The freestanding porch was something no one knew about and was potentially dangerous in an earthquake. Mike calls such surprises a “dragon in the ceiling.” In the new kitchen, an island with a sink was created that acted as protective barrier between hot areas and the room's major walkway. The new floor plan allowed for two pathways in the kitchen, so family members could enter and exit without crossing the pathway of someone at the stove. A repurposed entryway on the side of the house opened onto a breakfast nook adjacent to the kitchen, which became the designated home schooling and crafting area. Two pantries were created for home schooling/crafting and food storage, as well as a customized broom closet. The new kitchen opens onto the living room and family room spaces, making the home feel more connected. Adding a bay window to the dining room in the front and a sliding glass door that joins a seating area with the backyard has created a sense of lightness and openness to the whole house. TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
The kitchen was outfitted in a traditional style with a painted white rub-through finish on the cabinet doors, creating an old-world look. In accordance with the family’s low-maintenance needs, Case used a backsplash of simple beadboard, which can just be wiped down and is very easy to repair. The countertops and island are of very dense granite, which is easy to maintain. The appliances are all modern stainless steel. The homeowners had quite specific needs, says Ramona, which made the design of the space both a challenge and enjoyable. “They had a very specific vision.” Meanwhile, the Johnstons just had their third child, and the design of their home is satisfying their “growing needs.” They are very pleased and—as was their wish – they spent a majority of time while at home in the kitchen. Their family home, with the kitchen as their centerpiece and dining room still useful for formal events, suits them just fine.
Before
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For more information, contact Case Handyman and Remodeling at (408) 323-5300 or visit www.SanJose.CaseRemodeling.com. THM
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Feng Shui Energy BY
JULIA ARNDT
OWADAYS, WE TEND TO USE THE WORD “ENERGY” IN CASUAL conversations to often describe our impressions of another person. We might say, “he has great energy” or “their energy is so negative”. What we are really referring to is one’s internal character or Qi (Chinese for vital energy). Typically, and without it being completely obvious to us, our external environment, as well as the dwellings where we live or work, affect our internal energy. Winston Churchill’s statement, “We shape our dwellings, and afterwards our dwellings shape us” may indicate some deeper level awareness and understanding of the relationship between people and their surroundings. Homes, offices, and rooms provide varied emotional responses. When we talk about energy in terms of a room we might say, “I have difficulty concentrating in this room” or “I feel energized in this room”. Many of us might remember entering a space where we felt like we could move right in and, contrarily, we have entered spaces we couldn’t wait to leave. Determining the tangible and intangible energies that exist within a space and how they correspond to the person occupying a space is something the Chinese figured out many years ago. Feng shui (literally translated as wind and water) refers to a complex and dynamic system that can simply be described as energies that combine movement or flow (wind) with containment (water). It is not necessarily literally translated into wind and water but the two elements are essential to achieve a healthy and nourishing environment. On a basic level, good feng shui means creating energy within a space that feels good, looks good and works to enhance the needs and well-being of individuals who inhabit them. While feng shui does not adhere to any one particular design style, interior design plays an integral role in the balancing and harmonizing of individual spaces. It makes good sense; when there is balance and harmony in the environment one is more likely to experience a natural shift towards a happy, healthier and more prosperous and productive life. Inspired Place’s client responses range from, “I’m now feeling inspired and motivated” to “this experience provided me with solutions that enhanced my business, creating greater success”. Approaching design from a classical feng shui perspective or by integrating its core principles places the occupants at the center of design resulting in interiors that create a tangible and measureable harmony between the two that brings about a higher quality of living. Next time you are conscious of how you feel in a space, it’s likely the feng shui. Others who have found success by integrating feng shui principles into their homes and businesses are Donald Trump, Steven Spielberg, Donna Karan, Madonna, Oprah Winfrey, Tommy Hilfiger, Ponderosa Homes, The Wall Street Journal, MGM Grand, Bank of America, Citibank, McDonalds, Dreamworks, Virgin Airlines and the Los Angeles Zoo—and that’s just the short list!
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Julia Arndt, Allied ASID, NKBA, NCGBP, is a certified Classical Feng Shui specialist. To learn more about classical feng shui, contact her at (415) 300-7175 or visit www.inspiredplaces.com. THM
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October/November 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
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Multi-Function Comes Home From home officeto guest room in seconds. by Xu
bei Shi
T SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA at the time, turning your infrequently used guest room into a home office for the family. It was a good idea…until the houseguests arrived and you didn’t have a comfortable space for them. Why compromise? With a custom designed home office and wallbed you can have your work space and your guest room. The ideal solution! Larry Fox, president and owner of Valet Custom Cabinets and Closets, points out that in a standard 12 foot square room a homeowner has more than enough space for both an office and a guest room without sacrificing workspace or a comfortable room for company. A typical design will have a desk and workspace on one wall wrapping around to a wallbed with side cabinetry on the adjacent wall. Custom office features might include multiple workstations, specialty cabinets designed for computer equipment, concealed wire management, and lighting. Wallbeds are often accompanied with side cabinets that offer wardrobe storage and nightstands. “It’s a fully integrated solution that meets the needs of the family and the individual,” says Fox. The results go far beyond what most of us could conjure up using elements from a catalog or furniture store. Customers often start by visiting one of Valet’s showrooms to gather ideas and see the product features and quality first hand. They gain a good feel for what can be accomplished and an expectation of cost. The focus then shifts to design and a complimentary in-home design consultation is scheduled. “We ask a lot of questions to fully understand each customer’s specific requirements and goals,” says Fox. “With the aid of our computer CAD program we are able to develop a custom solution that ideally meets their individual needs in both function and style.” A designer will ask about things the client may not have even considered. For example: How much filing space is needed? Will you be using a laptop or computer tower? Would you like your guests to have reading lights in their bed? Follow up questions are then asked, such as do you need standard or legal size files or both?
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“We work on the functionality first and then we craft the aesthetics and styling options,” says Fox. Valet’s experienced design team excels at making the most out of any space while complimenting the elegance of the home. Whether it is utilizing corner spaces, placing printers and CPU’s on slide-out shelves under a desk, or adding in a locking ergonomic laptop tray that slides under the desk when not in use, every inch of space is thought out. Designers will also recommend which type of wallbed will work best in the room. In addition to twin, double and queen sizes, wallbeds are available in both vertical and side-tilt options. Vertical tilt beds can even be ordered with an integrated fold down table. “Our primary objective is to create a unique solution that fits for you,” says Fox. In one home, Valet installed an office and wallbed in San Francisco for a customer who has back issues. To address the customer’s need to be standing while working, one section of the desk was raised to 45 inches high for his laptop. Customers can choose from a wide range of material options crafted in Valet’s 15,000 square-foot Campbell factory, a certified green manufacturing facility that uses 95 percent environmentally preferred products. Valet services the entire Bay Area with over 40% of their business coming from repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals. Fox, who has owned the company for 10 years, prides himself on the 96.4% on time rate once an installation appointment is set. “We provide a unique and personal service,” he says. For more information on Valet Custom Cabinets and Closets, Organizers, go to www.valetcustom.com and visit their showrooms: Campbell Showroom & Manufacturing, 1190 Dell Avenue, Suite J, (408) 370-1041 Mon– Fri 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sat 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Danville Showroom, 602 Sycamore Valley Road West (in the Danville Livery) (925) 362-8838 Tues– Sat 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. THM TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
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Designer Know-How BY
DEBORAH BURSTYN
A
GET THE MOST FOR YOUR MONEY ON A KITCHEN REMODEL.
PROFESSIONAL KITCHEN DESIGNER CAN BE A HOMEOWNER’S
best friend when it’s time to remodel the kitchen. Even on a budget. In fact, if you want to keep costs down, a designer can be the most important member of your remodel team. With all the fabulous product choices out there and the thousands of possible new looks, remodeling can seem overwhelming; especially if you’re trying to contain costs. A professional designer can help you achieve the best looking kitchen for your money and even find additional ways to save with tricks of the trade you might not have known yourself. One of the most economical ways to work with a designer is to find one who is part of a comprehensive design-build team. These are companies that provide one-stop shopping with all the remodeling and building professionals you need for a project working together as an integral team under one roof. All their services are included in one bid from the start. One of the top rated design-build firms nationally is S.E.A. Construction in San Mateo. “The premise of design-build is that you have the architect, contractor and designer work together as a team under one roof, everything is very streamlined. Instead of going to a separate contractor, getting bids and then finding out something is over cost to install and having to go back to the designer, we all work together in-house and constantly track how design impacts costs,” explained Tonya Wilson, a professional kitchen and bath designer with S.E.A. Construction. Today’s Home spoke to Wilson about how to get the most impressive look and high-functioning design for the best value. 16
October/November 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
With Tonya’s trained eye observing kitchen design trends and the latest kitchen materials in the marketplace, Wilson wisely knows the best places to cut corners—and where not to —for a budget-savvy kitchen remodel. Here is her advice based on her insider’s knowhow of kitchen design.
WHERE YOU CAN SAVE: Cabinet Boxes: These are the interiors of the kitchen cabinets, the part no one ever sees. “If the budget is really tight, this is one area to cut back on,” advises Wilson. “Go with particle board instead of a plywood interior. Particle board has come a long way; it is not as flimsy or crumbly as it used to be. It’s more durable and you can save.” Cabinet Doors: Go for a gorgeous exotic wood cabinet door like zebra wood or mahogany that only looks expensive. “If we do a veneer as opposed to a solid wood door then you get the look of wood without the cost,” Wilson says. Flooring: “A lot of people like the idea of a tile floor but it can cost twice as much as a wood floor,” comments Wilson. “I recommend engineered wood which is still a solid wood but over a substrate. Cherry and oak are very popular. I especially like oak because it has the widest versatility. With oak your kitchen can be modern, traditional or transitional.” TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
Appliances: Today many brands have upped their game to compete with top dollar professional-quality appliances and Wilson thinks they’re a great buy. She also recommends a counter-depth refrigerator instead of a built-in. “Most refrigerators are 28 or 30 inches deep but cabinets are only 24 inches deep. So the refrigerator usually sticks out like a sore thumb. Now there are counter depth refrigerators that are 24 inches deep. We put a cabinet on top of them and then we put panels on any exposed side of the refrigerator. It looks built in without the expense. This alone can save several thousand dollars.” Roll-out Shelves: – Be strategic with these, Wilson suggests. “It is really only the bottom drawers that are the most inaccessible. So just put in a roll-out shelf there and a regular shelf on top. This way you get the best of both worlds and a lower cost.”
WHERE YOU SHOULD SPLURGE: Tile Backsplash: “A lot of people think that a tile
backsplash is luxury, not a necessity. But it really is a major part of a kitchen’s wow factor. It makes a huge difference,” says Wilson. She creates her tile backsplash ideas on a computer so clients can see a range of colors, designs and materials before making a decision. Countertops: “Most people assume that an engineered stone countertop will be less expensive than granite. That is not the case. Solid granite is still the best buy out there. And today there are a lot of new options and finishes. You can do a honed or leathered finish with a lot of texture to it. It will give you a higher visual impact,” Wilson explains. She adds, “If you plan to ever resell your home and you can list granite counter tops, you will see the return on it.” Appliances: Although you may not need to buy the most expensive
appliance brands on the planet, you should upgrade to stainless steel finishes, Wilson maintains. “Definitely go stainless. It is going to be more expensive than white or black but it is one of those features that lets people who walk in know your kitchen is updated and remodeled.” Soft-Close Cabinet Door Hardware: This is a soft close mechanism that prevents cabinet doors from slamming and rattling the china. Wilson recommends it as an important detail in a remodel. “Your cabinets are going to last longer, and it is a feature that is highly valued and impressive when other people check out your kitchen.”
Overall, Wilson recommends stainless steel-finished appliances, a hardwood floor, granite countertops, soft-close cabinet doors and pendant light fixtures over the kitchen island. “I try to help the client prioritize where it is important to spend money and where it makes sense to save.” In the grand scheme of things, the biggest savings may come from working with a design-build firm like S.E.A. Construction. Their outstanding reputation, track record and one-stop team of experts will save time and money on your kitchen remodeling project. For more information, call S.E.A. Construction (650) 287-4202 or visit their showroom in San Mateo at 1941 O’Farrell Street, Suite 101. Visit the company’s Web site at www.seaconstruction.com. THM TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
What W Wh haatt w would ould ld d you you do wit with ith a little li ttle eextra xt money xtra money this this fall? ffall? fal A Home Equity Line e of Credit e or Second Mortgage from o National Nat 1st can make your dreeams come true! At National 1st Credit Un nion, you’ll find: ■ Loan amounts up to 75% of your equity ■ Loan amounts up to $200,000 ■ Low competitive raaattes PLUS, when ■ No aap ppraisal ffeees* y o u ffun und a HELOC HELOC you fund ■ Tax deductible interest** or SSecond econd Mortgage Mortgage or ■ Flexible terms with N ational 1st 1st with National ■ No annual ffeee you will will rreceive eceive a you Home D epot $100 Home Depot Gift Card!
For more inffo ormation on our mortgage products, visiit us online aatt www..national1st.org or come into any National 1st branch. Email: mortgages@naational1st.org Phone: 408.524.4500 • 888.672.6073
Local brranch a anch locations: 2999 San Ysidro W Waay Santa Clara, 95051
5353 Almaden Expresswaay San Jose, 95118 (located next to TJ Maxx Home Goods)
* Free aap ppraisal is ffo or online valuation only. If the online valuation is insufficient you may request a ffu ull ap appraisal aatt your expense. ** The interest paid on the portion of the credit exceeding the property value is not tax deductible for Federal income tax purposes. Please consult a tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest. Please present this ad when fun funding your HELOC or Second Mortgage with National 1st Credit Union and your $100 Home Depot gift card will be aawa warded. Off ffer er expires November 30, 2010. South Bay/Silicon Valley THM October/November 2010
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Shower Oasis Updating your bathroom provides comfort and is a good investment. BY
PATRICIA HAYSE HALLER
W
HEN IT COMES TO RENOVATING YOUR BATHROOM,
it might be time to change your frame of reference. In fact, it may be time to go frameless. Recession worries have some homeowners hesitating about whether now is the time to redo their outdated bathroom, and toying with the temptation to opt for the cheapest solution instead of getting what they yearn for— beauty, design, and quality. “People are holding onto their pocketbooks more than ever before,” says Terri Downs of CB Showers in San Carlos, an award-winning specialist in custom frameless shower enclosures since 1986. Whether homeowners are updating a tired bathroom or remodeling a small bathroom into a larger space, she sees too many of them searching for the cheapest price, rather than the best value. Fortunately, there are times when what’s best for your pocketbook and what’s best for your soul agree. A bathroom renovation is a prime example, especially one that includes a frameless shower enclosure. According to the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report for 2009-10, (www.remodeling.hw.net/2009/costvsvalue/national.aspx) an upscale bathroom remodel is still one of the best investments you can make in your home, offering on average a 71% return on investment if you were to sell your home within one year. And one of the biggest bangs-for-the-buck in modern 18
October/November 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
bathroom renovations is the frameless shower enclosure. Made of tempered safety glass, frameless shower doors last three to four times longer than a framed shower door, are easier to clean, and look equally at home in both traditional and modern décors. “A basic frameless door costs just a few hundred dollars more than an old-fashioned framed door,” says Terri. “But it gives you a much nicer, more updated look. Beautifully tiled or marbled walls are enhanced, and, like a mirror, clear glass opens up the space making the room look larger.” All that makes a bathroom—and the whole home—more desirable in today’s buyers’ market. But value isn’t just about what you can get out of your home or bathroom in the future. It’s how you feel living in it every day. “People use their bathroom as their oasis,” says Terri. “In these tight economic times, spa visits are often an unaffordable luxury and so TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
many people seem to be tense and on edge these days”, she said. “We all need a place where we can go chill. Renovating your bathroom is a real mood lifter. It makes you feel so good about where you live, because your house is a reflection of who you are.” That need to personalize your space is why CB Showers—which has been Diamond Certified since 2003—goes the extra mile to help each homeowner create an enclosure that uniquely fits their personal style. “Our enclosures are custom ordered, and we carry a huge range of products, with glass and hardware options in all different colors, textures and designs, says Terri” In the San Carlos showroom, shoppers will find matching door hardware and bathroom fixtures ranging from oil-rubbed bronze and antique brass to sparkling chrome and polished brass. The company also carries colored glass for backsplashes and shower walls; framed and sliding enclosures for smaller spaces; mirrors for vanities and walls; even bar glass shelves. “There are more choices now than there have ever been,” says Terri. “But it’s important to remember that our focus is and always has been frameless shower doors. Other glass companies have added frameless to their product line in the last decade, and there are a few who claim they can do what we do cheaper, but aren’t licensed, insured or properly trained.” In contrast, CB Showers, which is fully insured and licensed, introduced the frameless shower enclosure concept to the Bay Area almost 25 years ago and stands behind all their installations 100%.
Make one room into two!
CUSTOM DESIGNS ALSO AVAILABLE! 1350 DELL AVENUE • CAMPBELL
The largest display of wallbeds in the Bay Area!
For more information on the value of going frameless, visit CB Showers, Inc. at 1160 Industrial Road #10 in San Carlos or www.cbshowers.com, or call (650) 593-6997. THM
Showroom Open by Appointment
(408) 761-4732 Other Locations: San Ramon (925) 895-2406 • Burlingame (650) 888-8131 NEW LOCATION–Novato (415) 827-1876
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Your Frame-less Specialist Custom Shower Enclosures & Mirrors COME VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT 1160 INDUSTRIAL ROAD, #10 • SAN CARLOS
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Contractors License #753993
South Bay/Silicon Valley THM October/November 2010
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[ C C I D C ]
Blending of Styles Merging traditional and contemporary provide unique results. BY
ZARA STENDER, CID, IDS, CMG
ONTEMPORARY OR TRADITIONAL and never the twain shall meet? Well, not anymore. With the financial caution all of us are exercising, we are more drawn to customs that represent a safer, saner time period. However, there is new fresh thought that will not be denied. I find that when clients want contemporary style in their home but still yearn for traditional, blending the two takes a steady hand and keen sense of balance. Simplicity was key with this client who wanted a modern look for his new home, but found he was still drawn to the comfort and familiarity of his Midwestern/German roots. To successfully accomplish this, we needed to: • Blend clean, straight lines of contemporary style with the ornate qualities of 18th Century furniture • Honor the modern architecture of the space • Incorporate old world into the new. • Mix metals, woods and stone • Keep color shades, tints and tones in the same family
C
Photos by Zara Stender
Mirrors are from Thomasville’s Brompton Hall Collection.
ideas and resources for your home Mix metals, mix for more on BayArea.com interiors woods, mix styles? Sounds like a design nightmare…not so…although it could easily go wrong. Paint can solve the problem by creating a “bridge” between these elements. The trick is to blend colors to produce a hue that pulls it all together seamlessly. Using Sherwin-Williams 7005 Pure White as a base, metallic gold and silver were added in to ‘platinumize’ the wall color. The brushed nickel, antique gold, and bronze [not shown] elsewhere in the space make a smooth transition. The finished result is a soft, multi-dimensional feel. The mirrors of ornately carved mahogany blend with the brushed nickel of the light fixture, travertine, and marble off setting the hard surfaces and curvilinear lines. For a warmer effect add more gold or a greater amount of silver for a cooler end product. The result was a space that seamlessly blended the two and was not so retro as new, fresh and forward. To accomplish the same in your home you may want to consider hiring a Certified Interior Designer. Merging straight lines into sensuous curves requires the restrained and balanced perspective of a professional. You’ll find that a little guidance will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
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October/November 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
Zara Stender is a Certified Interior Designer, CCIDC Board member, Chairholder with the Color Marketing Group, and STIR Magazine Advisory Board member. You can find information on Certified Interior Designers in your area at www.ccidc.org/cidpages. THM
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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
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com Call
South Bay/Silicon Valley THMoutOctober/November 2010 1-888-PHANTOM (1-888-742-6866) for your local distributor. Visit www.phantomscreens.com to find more.
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[ C L C A ]
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
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Screen Solutions Interior and Exterior Automated Shading Systems 425 Salmar Avenue • Campbell Showroom by Appointment Only 22
October/November 2010 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
408-374-8156
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South Bay/Silicon Valley THM October/November 2010
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C U S T O M S O L U T I O N S TA I L O R E D T O Y O U R S P E C I F I C N E E D S A N D S PA C E
HOME OFFICES • WALL BEDS • MEDIA CENTERS • CLOSETS • GARAGES
V I S I T A N D
U S AT
N O W T H E
CAMPBELL DANVILLE
W W W. V A L E T C U S T O M . C O M
F O L L O W I N G
1190-J DELL AVENUE
S H O W R O O M
•
L O C AT I O N S :
408.370.1041
602 SYCAMORE VALLEY ROAD, WEST
$500 GREEN CERTIFIED
AT
925.362.8838
MUST ACT BEFORE 11-15-10
OFF
SINCE 1973
•
M I N I M U M $ 5 , 0 0 0 P U R C H A S E . S O M E R E S T R I C T I O N S A P P LY.
LICENSE #782217