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Interior Trends
Successful Remodeling SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
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S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 O 11
[ C O N T E N T S ] INTERIOR TRENDS 10
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Lighten Up Light and shade solutions for every room and every mood. by Natasha Hampton
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Design is Key The importance of design in remodeling your home. By Gabrielle Saveri
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Welcome to the Smart Home New technology puts you in control of your home By Natasha Hampton
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A Smooth Remodel How to avoid decision fatigue syndrome during a remodel. By Robert Clemens
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ON THE COVER Tuktu chair upholstered in Ironies leather, custom Etienne sofa, and custom Vigo table. All from Ironies. Photo: Ironies (www.ironies.com)/David Livingston. TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
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The Great Escape Create your own getaway at home with these budget-friendly ideas for your outdoor living space. By Heidi Doerfert South Bay/Silicon Valley THM September/October 2011
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ideas and resources for your home
Volume 13, Issue 5 • Sept./Oct. 2011
BayArea.com Keeping It Cool (and Warm)
Kitchens
New window coatings offer solutions year-round.
Bathrooms
It’s going to be a scorcher of a summer. Did you remember the sunscreen…for your couch?
Interiors
Read more >>
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Your First Impression Using “Curb Appeal” to add tremendous value to your home. If you’re a homeowner in this down housing market, you need to pay closer attention to “curb appeal,” or the appearance your house makes from the street. 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.
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Light and shade solutions for every room and every mood. 10
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Lighten Up BY NATASHA HAMPTON O MUCH OF A ROOM‘S APPEAL DEPENDS ON THE play between light and textures. Lighting and window covering solutions work in harmony to blend natural light with electrical light to create the perfect ambience for life’s special occasions, be they intimate romantic dinners or boisterous Super Bowl parties. At Screen Solutions, homeowners will find the latest in lighting control and shading systems to help bring those beautiful effects into their homes. Lutron, a manufacturer of lighting control systems for more than 40 years, offers the Sivoia QS 64, a small roller shade system that incorporates quiet electronic drive technology for efficient and graceful control. Able to hide unobtrusively in window jambs and pockets, the compact 15⁄8-inch diameter roller tube controls up to 64 square feet of fabric, and can automate and control Roman shades as well. The Sivoia QS 64 can be controlled from wall-mounted switches, handheld remotes, Smartphones, or can be integrated into any home automation system or universal remote control. Have custom windows? The larger Sivoia QS 100 and 225 models allow for window coverings of almost any size. Lutron is a market leader in window covering innovation. Their Kirbe’ Vertical Drape System, an entirely new type of window treatment, smoothly pulls the drapery up and completely out of the way at the touch of a button. The Kirbe’ captivates with its unique and unexpected motion. Their CERUS – Cord Eliminating Roman Uptake System has revolutionized the design of Roman shades. This innovation allows for safer Roman shades by eliminating the lifting cords typically associated with their construction, while adding aesthetic benefits as well. Their newest introduction,
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September/October 2011 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
Homeowners can integrate control of their Sivoia QS shades with Lutron’s RadioRA2 light control system. RadioRA2 wall-mounted and tabletop controls communicate with smart dimmers, letting you create just the right lighting for every activity or any mood. RadioRA2 systems are wireless, and scalable, so they can grow with your home’s lighting needs over time. In addition to light and shade control, RadioRA2 offers temperature control by adjusting your heating and cooling systems any time of day—even while away from home. Not surprisingly, with RadioRA2, you can control your lights and shades from your iPhone, iPad or other handheld device. With the sophistication of high-tech controls comes the newest in fabrics to complement a room’s decor. Lutron offers a number of textures and options, including blackout shades, prints, and the popular SheerShade options. Blackout fabrics block 100 percent of light and can be designed to completely darken a room, which is useful for home theaters and rooms for daytime sleepers. SheerShade fabrics are one of the hottest trends in window coverings because they enhance a view while offering privacy and protecting furnishings and floors from harmful UV damage. The SheerShade fabrics are available in different weaves, densities and colors for a variety of light control needs. Lutron’s small and quiet drives can be mounted in the window frame, hidden behind a fascia, or built into a soffit. With all of the fabric and programmable options available, homeowners can create well-designed interiors that merge efficiency with beauty. Lutron’s Sivoia QS and RadioRA2 systems let you integrate light with life, the way you live it. 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 insect protection, solar and lighting control, and home automation. Complete from design to installation, their professionals will help you understand the different options available for your project. Call Screen Solutions today for a free consultation at (408) 374-8156. For more information about Lutron products, go to www.lutron.com. THM TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
ROOM WITH A VIEW, $695 “Homeowners need design advice without feeling the pressure to buy,” says Sandy Wulf, owner. The session includes 3 hours in your home answering decorating questions
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Design is Key BY GABRIELLE SAVERI HEN EMBARKING ON A NEW PROJECT FOR YOUR HOME— whether it’s a small remodeling job to spruce up your bathroom or kitchen, or a major structural renovation, like adding on a whole new room – nothing is more important than figuring out ahead of time what the “design” is going to be. “Design decisions are the roadmap to construction,” says Ellen Coleman of San Francisco- and Aspen-based Ellen Coleman Design, Ltd. And sitting down with an expert and nailing down design details before buying supplies and starting in on construction is key to saving money and time in your remodeling project. One way to do that is using a “design-build” firm, or one-stop shop that offers both design and construction services. “Design-build,” means that a single point person or firm — the design-builder — can be hired to do a whole project from start to finish. That entity – the contractor, designer, or developer — is responsible for incorporating the design phase into the construction phase, streamlining the workload, and reducing costs in the process. Design-build offers an alternative to more traditional construction models in which an independent designer is hired at the beginning of a project, and then contractors, after bidding for the work, come in and do the work according to design plans. Many firms today utilize the design-build approach as a way to comprehensively and efficiently meet a client’s needs. San Jose-based CASE® Design and Remodeling, a design-build firm catering to Santa Clara County, believes that design is of supreme importance when remodeling your home. “We strongly believe an investment in design reaps tremendous benefits in the accuracy,
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The importance of design in remodeling your home. completeness, and timeliness associated with most, larger or complex home remodeling projects,” says owner Jim Kabel. “No major kitchen, bath, or addition should be tackled without defining the goals and options available within your budget.” Started in January, 2005 as a franchise of Bethesda-based CASE® Design and Remodeling, the nation’s largest full-service franchise remodeling company, Kabel’s company offers a wide variety of services including basic home repairs, cosmetic fixes and living space renovations, and kitchen and bathroom remodels. Design is so important that Kabel has recently changed the name of his company, which used to be called CASE® Handyman Remodeling. “In talking with many potential clients, we’ve learned that many don’t necessarily associate the term “handyman” in our name with the professional design capabilities available in our team today,” he says. With a brand new name, CASE® Design and Remodeling employs an integrated design and construction team consisting of an interior TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
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designer, project manager, and two design assistants to help with sourcing and pricing materials, along with a contractor who does drawings to support design projects. The process is rather simple. “When I’m working with a client, designing with them and coming up with options,” says CASE® interior designer Ramona Tan, “I have someone to consult with who gives a cost to each option to make sure its within a budget the client feels comfortable with so there are no surprises at the end.” According to Kabel, having an integrated team is the key success. “Detailed CAD drawings really make it secure for the client,” he explains. “Everyone is operating, literally, from the same sheet of paper so there are no surprises. Our approach is to integrate design and build together to ensure clear communication, one point of ownership, and that a complete plan exists so the project completes on time.” Asked what makes CASE® stand out, Kabel says it’s customer service as evidenced by the numerous design and customer satisfaction awards won by the company. “We’re designing something that fits the client’s style and budget, and not pushing some kind of vision that a designer might have,” he explains. “We try to understand a client’s lifestyle, life changes in their family, what their future plans are. We create a design that balances their budget with the way they plan to live.”
FREE KITCHEN & BATH SEMINAR September 17th • 10 am-12 pm Call 408.323.5300 to reserve your space.
For more information or to discuss your project, contact CASE® Design and Remodeling, 6155 Almaden Expressway, Suite 400, San Jose. Call (408) 323-5300, or visit www.sanjose.CaseRemodeling.com. THM
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Welcome to the Smart Home New technology puts you in control of your home. BY
NATASHA HAMPTON
elcome to the smart home. Simple, practical control of your music, movies, lights, temperature, security system and door locks from anywhere in your home—to anywhere in the world.
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IT’S AFFORDABLE: Home automation used to be only available to the very affluent. It was very costly and complicated; it required expensive equipment and extensive programming. Though it has long been considered out of reach for the average homeowner, times have changed! New technologies, new companies and increased competition have dramatically dropped the cost of home automation. You will be surprised at the degree of automation you can achieve with even a modest budget. IT’S SCALABLE: Most systems today are modular, which allows you to add functionality at your own pace. Start with lighting: simply changing the wall switch to a “smart switch” allows you to bring the lighting circuit onto the system and gives you control and the ability to set scenes. IN THE KITCHEN: Food prep, dining, and entertaining are a few common choices. You can add additional circuits at any time, simply by adding additional switches. And then, you can add more control over time. The addition of a “smart thermostat” adds temperature control throughout the house. Whole home audio and video, security cameras, remote controlled door locks, window coverings, a gas fireplace, spa and other appliances can all be controlled with the touch of a button.
more articles on
IT’S EASY TO INSTALL: Wireless technology home electronics has eliminated much of the electrical cost associated with installation. There is no need to tear open walls and remodel your entire home just to add home automation. Simple systems can often be installed and programmed in a matter of hours, saving you time and money. 16
September/October 2011 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
IT’S EASY TO CONTROL: Use your system to start a movie, dim the lights, adjust the temperature, lower the shades and even start the popcorn maker! Access your music and videos from any room in the home. Make your home theater system easy enough for a child to use with one simple remote. Control your system from your computer, touch panels, handheld remotes or your iPhone/iPad. From inside the house, down the street to around the globe— you can have control from wherever you can access the internet. IT’S GREEN: By controlling your home, it’s easier to conserve. Your lights can go on or off by using an astronomical time clock, which not only keeps the time and date, but also factors in your latitude and longitude, adjusting your lighting throughout the year to meet your specific needs. Using dimmers, timers and occupancy sensors will all reduce wasted energy and money. Combined with Smart Meters, these technologies even allow your system to monitor and report your energy consumption in real time. 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 home automation, and solar and lighting control. Complete from design to installation, their professionals will help you understand the different options available for your project. If you’ve never considered home automation before, now’s the time. Look into systems from industry leaders— Control4, Crestron, and ideas and resources for your home BayArea.com Lutron. Investigate how easy and affordable it is to start to be Smart. For more information or a free in-home consultation on home automation call Screen Solutions at (408) 374-8156. THM TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
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A S MOOTH R EMODEL BY
ROBERT CLEMENS
ECISION FATIGUE SYNDROME isn’t a clinically recognized condition but perhaps it should be. S.E.A. Construction’s Petalyn Albert coined the term for that enveloping fog of tiredness that can descend on even the style-savviest homeowners during a remodel. “Decision Fatigue Syndrome can occur anywhere between demolition and drywall,” Albert says. She’s seen it hit people before they’ve even made their first decision. Here are just some of the early symptoms of decision-fatigue Albert identified: 1. You wonder which color chip you’ll hit with a flying dart. 2. You call Fido in to see which floor sample he’ll sit on first when he enters the room 3. You find yourself asking everyone their opinion; from the designer friendof-a-friend who can get you a 99% discount, to the plumber on your job who confesses plainly that he’s color blind.
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ideas and
Although she can joke about it, Albert knows DFS can be a serious matter. Becoming overwhelmed can lead to an “I just don’t care anymore” frame of mind that can have adverse consequences for the project and everyone involved, notes Albert. Her husband Steve Albert who founded S.E.A. Construction, a popular San Mateo-based firm, is a 22-year veteran of custom remodeling and renovation. His award winning team of in-house professionals has made it a priority to develop a deeper understanding of what their clients go through during a remodel and to offer extensive support and services in those areas. Isn’t DFS just part of doing a remodel? Yes, but it can be managed. Serial remodelers and professionals learn ways to cope. Even if you tackle a remodel only once or twice in your lifetime, Albert believes you can benefit from the wisdom of serial remodelers to make that once or twice in a lifetime project a better experience for you and your family. The key step that pays dividends, according to Albert, is establishing your criteria for making decisions before you even make your first decision. resources for your home BayArea.com “Without pre-set criteria, each decision takes more effort and energy than it needs to, hastening your journey to Numbs-Ville,” Albert said. Start with the basics: 1. Where will quantity apply? e.g. Large floor areas? Field Tile? Number of sconces? 2. Where will quality apply? Touchable Cabinet hardware? Door locks? Italian Windows? TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
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3. Where will sheer beauty apply? Designer color palette? Texture? Accents? 4. Which items/areas can you identify which will require a combination of two or all three of the above? Now, here’s where the money comes in, Albert says. She offers a general guide when budgeting for your basics she calls “The 6 Q’s.” Keep in mind that the costs for each of the six “Q’s” can increase significantly when quantity, quality and beauty increase or combine with one another: 1) Quantity = $ 4) Quality + quantity = $$$$ 2) Quantity + beauty = $$ 5) Quality + beauty = $$$$$ 3) Quality = $$$ 6) Quality + beauty + quantity = $$$$$$
Criteria Part 1: Defining Questions for the 6 Q’s Albert’s corollary is that value typically equals price but price does not always equate to value. “When value doesn’t live up to price we feel cheated,” said Albert. “But if the price doesn’t live up to the value, we feel like we’ve won the lotto. Look for items you imagine carry a higher price than they actually do.” • Before you looked at the tag, what do you estimate it would fetch? • What did a similar item cost elsewhere? • Is your sense of beauty excited? • What about quality? How does your eye measure quality before you touch it? • Did you instinctively assign a higher price tag to the item than it actually costs?
The Criteria Part 2: Defining Questions for including core values
How to avoid decision fatigue syndrome during a remodel.
Always be prepared to ask why an item’s cost is so low or so high. If it’s higher than you expected think of it as an opportunity to further refine your educated eye. You are the only one who can decide if the reason justifies the price tag. On the other hand, if it is remarkably less expensive it is important to find out why. “The answer will inform you,” Albert says. “But more than that, you may want to qualify the reason: Asking the ‘why’ question could save you from making an iffy choice you’d have to live with for years.” • Does the way the item was acquired offends you? • How do you feel about forced labor or exploitive methods of acquisition? • Does acquisition require deforestation or endanger a species? Our purchases today go a long way in creating the world we get tomorrow so if you have ethical “Not on my watch and not with my money.” sensibilities, you should be sure to enlist them as part of your criteria. One last word of advice from Albert: Be smart about asking other people’s opinions. They may launch into a lengthy explanation of what they like and how they would approach the project, potentially disagreeing with almost everything you and your team have done so far. If this tends to rattle you, then you need to be very selective about whose opinions you seek. It’s your project – own it. Make your decisions and stand by them. There may be no way to completely avoid Decision Fatigue Syndrome. But you can manage it so that you avoid becoming emotionally exhausted during your remodel. And best of all, you can always count on S.E.A. Construction’s accomplished team and coalition of skilled experts to help you narrow down your choices and support you through that valley of Decision Fatigue. 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 or our blog: http://seaconstruction.blogspot.com. THM
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LIFETIME POOLS INC.
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CA License #220382 C-53 20
September/October 2011 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
www.lifetimepools.com TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
The GreaT escape
I
N THIS TRYING ECONOMY, SPENDING MONEY ON A ONE-TIME, EXOTIC
vacation this summer may not be in the cards. But imagine transforming your outdoor space into a getaway that will bring you pleasure for many years to come! When gas prices first began to rise, the media coined the phrase “staycation.” This idea of creating your own personal sanctuary at home not only offers more bang for your buck, but also an alternative to the stress of traveling. So, how do you begin to take that humdrum backyard and turn it into an outdoor retreat? First, think about how you want to use the space. Will you be entertaining a crowd or are you looking for a quiet, Zen-like corner to relax? If your yard is big enough, you may be able to have the best of both worlds. Ask yourself where your ideal vacation spot would be. Are you jetting off to the tropics or taking in the English countryside? The answer can give you the inspiration for the look and feel of your outdoor space. Just as your walls and floors define the style of your home’s interior, hardscapes and landscapes define it on the outside.
PLAN AHEAD
Create your own getaway at home with these budget-friendly ideas for your outdoor living space.
Whether you want to give your yard a boost or do a complete transformation, the first step is having a plan. “A master plan for the outdoor living space, including the hardscape, planting, lighting and irrigation, is instrumental in having a successful project at the end,” explains Sandra Diehl, owner of Avant Garden Design. Carefully mapping out your desires for your backyard will prevent a hodgepodge look and also enables the contractor to give you a proper bid. Sandra stresses the importance of having an irrigation system in place so all of your beautiful plants and flowers flourish instead of deteriorate. To craft an outdoor space with a retreat-like feel, she recommends using structures and plant material to create privacy. “An overhang or pergola gives an instant feeling of intimacy and comfort.” Instead of one main area, designate a couple of different spots for relaxation such as a cozy corner to read or a table for two near a bubbly fountain to spend time with your spouse. A great tip: don’t plant flowers or shrubs that attract bees near your sitting areas. Transitional elements such as gates, arbors and pathways will make you feel as if you’re entering a special place. If you’re looking to rev up your space, a tropical oasis may be just what the doctor ordered. Sandra recommends palm trees like the Mexican Fan and Date Palm, Native Hibiscus such as Rose of Sharon, Birds of Paradise, and Day Lilies. Use hot hues like reds, oranges and hot pinks! And, don’t forget to turn on the lights. “Lighting is one of the forgotten, but important elements to a great outdoor space.” Whether it’s to guide you safely down a path in the evening or to highlight your favorite tree, proper illumination definitely sets the mood.
THE H2O FACTOR
more on outdoor spaces TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
Water is an essential element in transforming your yard from tired to tranquil. Fountains, waterfalls and ponds add soothing sound, but carefully consider which one best fits your lifestyle. Sandra advises to think about how much time you’re willing to spend on maintenance. “Obviously, a coy pond will require a lot more attention than one without fish.” If you want the beauty of water without the upkeep, a pondless water feature may be great option. Once installed, they are virtually maintenance-free which is ideas and resources for your home BayArea.com good news for busy homeowners. >> South Bay/Silicon Valley THM September/October 2011
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Of course, nothing says exotic escape like a pool! You may be pleasantly surprised at how affordable a swimming pool can be. Richard Evans, President of Cookie Cutter Pools, says success is in their motto: “Keep it simple with lower overhead.” Cookie Cutter is a large construction company with a few decades of experience. They offer a menu of 3 Pool Sizes and Shapes, 3 Colors of Brick Coping and 5 Plaster Colors. Richard says this allows Cookie Cutter to purchase their equipment and products in bulk and they can pass that savings on to you. A basic pool can start at as little as $24,000. And, you’ll be splashing around sooner than with a traditional pool builder. “We build pools in less than 30 days!” says Richard. While the basic pool packages are the most economical way to go, Cookie Cutter offers custom touches and upgrades and can build any shape-and-sized pool you desire. During your free consultation, Cookie Cutter can help you pick the best pool for your lifestyle and budget.
DINNER, ALFRESCO STYLE One of the best things about a vacation is the food. Imagine being able to prepare an entire meal on your patio while enjoying the company of your family and friends. Outdoor kitchens are becoming a must-have for the staycationer. Scott Costa of Costa Construction, Inc. says he’s seen a definite rise in demand for outdoor kitchens. “The stand-alone grill is really becoming a thing of the past.” The three elements for a functional outdoor kitchen are a grill, prep space and storage. You can decide how simple or elaborate these elements are. Scott advises picking the right grill for your needs. If you are going to be serving up burgers to dozens of guests on a regular basis, you may want to go with a grill in the range of 48-53 inches wide. Think about how you work in your indoor kitchen and try to mimic that on the outside. “I recommend placing the kitchen in close
REDUCE FADE HEAT • GLARE
proximity to your back door in case you need to get extra supplies,” says Scott. “Although, some homeowners do prefer to put their outdoor kitchen near the pool for a resort-like feel.” Adequate storage and a built-in refrigerator will help you avoid running back and forth from the patio to your house. Scott says that it’s ideal to build an overhang or pavilion to protect your kitchen from the elements. If that’s not in the budget, durable covers can keep your island and grill looking new for years. Another costeffective tip is to go with a propane grill so you don’t have to tap into your home’s gas line.
OUTDOOR DECOR Patio furniture not only offers a place to lounge, it can really bring your overall vision to fruition. For a restful retreat, think natural materials. A pair of bamboo or wooden chairs with cushions in earth tones and end tables with clean lines offers instant calm. To evoke cottage charm, wicker always fits the bill. All-weather wicker is not your Grandmother’s wicker. It is woven with resin and is affordable, easy to clean, and weather resistant. If the Tuscan countryside is calling your name, use wrought iron pieces to create your own private bistro. Rich tones in mustard, olive green and deep red will having you shouting, Bellissimo! Your outdoor oasis needs accessories just like the inside of your home. These added touches take your patio to the next level. From textured area rugs to wall art to chandeliers, you can find furnishings made specifically for outdoor use. From simple to showstopper, an outdoor re-do can make you feel like you’re on vacation all year-long! For more information on outdoor remodeling or to find a contractor, please visit us on the web at www.TodaysHomeBayArea.com. THM
Before
After
High-Performance & Ceramic Window Film
SOLAR CONTROL GLASS TINTING CO. Lifetime Warranty • Nonreflective Nonmirrored Look
925.866.6168 SOLARCONTROLCOMPANY.COM
SINCE 1975 CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE #636209
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September/October 2011 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley
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.
SCREEN SOLUTIONS Interior and Exterior Automated Shading Systems
425 Salmar Avenue • Campbell • 408.374.8156 Showroom by Appointment
www.screensolutionsonline.com Contractor’s License #944356
TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com
South Bay/Silicon Valley THM September/October 2011
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