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THmag.com4 January/February 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo

J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 O O 9

[ C O N T E N T S ]

18

16

E N T E R T A I N I N G K I T C H E N S

16 Remodeling LiteIdeas and tips for smaller projects tobeautify your home.by Lisa Winer

18 Kitchen-WiseMaking the right choices when itcomes to appliances for your kitchen.by Tammy Hansen

NKBA20 Open Kitchen Plan

Creating more space in your kitchen.by Toni DeWaal, CID, CGBP

thmRESOURCE.com San Francisco/San Mateo THM January/February 2009 5

14 Architectural GreenBuilding Green: The Right Wayby Gabrielle Saveri

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10 Energy BoostReduce your heating bill this winter with efficient windowcoverings.by Heidi Doerfert

12 Stellar SystemsHome theater built right.by Heidi Doerfert

CCIDC24 Wise Decisions on a Budget

Budget-friendly ideas for your kitchen.by MaryJo Camp, CKD, CBD, CID

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[ F R O M T H E E D I T O R ] Volume 7, Issue 1 • January/February 2009

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

Jeff Curry

GENERAL MANAGER

Jason Douglas

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Tracy CarsonMichael A. Frieburg

Cindy McCueStephan Raimist

FEATURE WRITERS

MaryJo CampToni DeWaal

Heidi DoerfertTammy HansenGabrielle Saveri

Lisa Winer

ART DIRECTOR

Jeff Clinton

WEBMASTER

Chris Ryce

ACCOUNTING

Diane Nasadiuk

The Bay Area’s best resourcefor your lifestyle at home.AS THE CALENDAR TURNS TO 2009, WE LOOK

toward a brighter economy and future. We survivedthe Holidays and cherished the moments we were

able to spend with friends and family. But it also allowedus to find faults with our current kitchen arrangements.Not enough counter space, crammed kitchen cabinetswith doors half open with pots and pans we use only oncea year spilling out, and zero entertaining space to allowguests to mingle while we’re preparing food top the listof major complaints we’d most like to see changed.

As incredible values abound in this depressed market,this may be the best time in the past few decades to jumpin and do some serious remodeling. We all know thatkitchens top the remodeling list, so allow us to offera few suggestions…

With A Sensational Solution, you’ll read about how using the rightcontractor can lead to wonderful new and exciting ideas for your kitchenthat were right under your nose. In Old World Thinking, you’ll find a greatarticle on the benefits of using a thicker piece of granite and how it canbe easier to install and possibly save you money. There’s also an articleon a local architectural firm that specializes in Green builds. IncludingGreen techniques and ideas that can lead to a healthier and safer homefor you and your family.

This issue also features great industry articles from some of the topindustry associations. The California Council of Interior Design Certification(CCIDC) brings a great read on making smart choices in virtually every partof your kitchen, from the cabinets and hardware, to flooring and tile. TheNational Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) talks about how openingup your kitchen can bring a whole new level of enjoyment to your home.

We hope you enjoy this issue and as always, feel free to send in yourcomments and suggestion. We’d love to hear from you.

Jeff Curry, Publisher/[email protected]

Jeff Curry, Publisher/Editor

EDITORIAL INQUIRIES

[email protected]

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

(925) 274-1140, [email protected]

NATIONAL INQUIRIES

[email protected]

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND GENERAL INQUIRIES

[email protected]

190 North Wiget Lane, Suite 280Walnut Creek, CA • 94598

WWW.thmRESOURCE.com© 2009. All editorial (headline, subhead, story, captions) published in Today’s Home

is copyrighted and remains the sole property of Today’s Home. All rights reserved.Reproduction or reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.

Today’s Home is looking for highly motivated Account Executiveswith 2 years of advertising and marketing experience.

We offer a dynamic environment, excellent growth opportunities, competitiveearnings, and a benefits package. Full- and part-time positions available.

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WE ALL KNOW NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION. WHEN OUR

country was going through the energy crisis of the late 1970s,Hunter Douglas developed the first highly efficient window

covering, combining fashion with a revolutionary honeycomb design.Today, in the midst of another crisis in energy costs, Hunter Douglasheeds our call with the introduction of the Duette Architella Collection.“This line of honeycomb shades provides the ultimate in energy efficiencyat your window,” says Cate Vanegas of Hunter Douglas. “Duette Architellashades feature a patented construction of a honeycomb within a honeycomb.This provides more air pockets than traditional honeycomb shades andcan reduce heat loss at the window by up to 50 percent!”

Did you know that almost half of the heat that escapes from yourhome leaves through the windows? With Duette Architella shades,the cells actually trap the hot or cold air, decreasing the intensity of thetemperature as it enters the room. A honeycomb shade with a triple cellconstruction will increase the energy efficiency of a singlepane of glass by five times and more than double the energyefficiency of a double-glazed window. And, that meanssavings on your monthly utility bill.

Technology paired with beauty is a win-win. Duetteshades come in a wide array of fabrics and colors. You canchoose from sheer, semi-sheer, semi-opaque and opaquefabrics which allow you to choose your desired level ofprivacy and light control. With the Architella line, anextra layer of fabric gives the color of the shade a richerappearance, as it prevents bright sunlight from washingout the interior fabric color. You’ll also enjoy its softerlook and feel as well as its increased energy efficiency.

To help you pick out a shade that will compliment yourhome’s décor, Hunter Douglas offers the award-winningiMagine Design Center on its website. You can see thecolors, textures and construction details up close and evenview them within a variety of room settings. Each producthas a features list that includes its energy efficiency rating,available safety options, sound absorption and more. Betterstill, why not shop at one of your local Hunter Douglasdealers to see this amazing product for yourself.

To find out how you can make your windows morebeautiful and energy-efficient, please visit their Websiteat www.hunterdouglas.com or call (800) 274-2985. THM

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Hunter Douglas Window Treatments meet both your design and energy needs. 40% of the heat that escapes from your home leaves through the windows, and 50% of the solar heat that enters a room comes in through—you guessed it—the windows.

Obviously, energy efficient treatments can translate into considerable utility bill savings, especially if your windows are on a cold north exposure in the winter or a sun-saturated west wall in the summer. Saving energy is a beautiful thing with Hunter Douglas.

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BY HEIDI DOERFERT

THE LIGHTS ARE DIMMED, YOU SIT BACK IN YOUR SEAT,and the roar of stampeding elephants fills the room.The picture on the high definition screen is so vivid

you feel like you can reach out and touch them. Nowimagine that you’re not in a movie theater enjoying thelatest animated family film, but in the privacy and comfortof your own home.

The addition of a home theater is the ultimate luxuryand one that should be entrusted to a professional with theknowledge to bring out the best in the latest technology.Eric Cox, owner of 20/20 dB, is a licensed contractorspecializing in custom electronic residential and commercialsales, design, and installation. His services include hometheater, multi-room audio and home automation. He has12 years of experience in the industry and knows thatunderstanding the structure of your home is crucial ingiving you the perfect set-up for your lifestyle.

“I want my clients to see technology as a specialty likean architect or an interior designer. It’s just as important tohire someone who has the experience in home electronicsas it is for other areas of your house.”

Eric likes to educate his clients so the equipment doesn’tintimidate them. During a free consultation, he inspectshis clients home or business and discusses their needs andoptions. One of Eric’s first recommendations is a universalremote. Say goodbye to multiple remotes and the need fora manual to turn on your television! A single remotecontrol with a very simple interface allows everyone inthe household to use and enjoy the entertainment system.20/20 dB uses only the highest quality and most innovativeproduct lines such as Hitachi, Furman, TruAudio, Sherbourn,and Colorado vNet.

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Customer satisfaction is Eric’s main goal. A 20/20 dB client inSan Leandro says, “Eric knew exactly what the project entailed andthe price of the complete project was very reasonable for the quality.He was extremely polite, did exactly what I needed, was neat, andpromptly made his appointments on time.”

For a recent project in Scottsdale, Arizona, Eric installed a hometheater, a multi-room audio system, and a central control system byColorado vNet. With the central control system, the homeowner isable to control the audio system, lighting system, security, and evenheating and ventilation from multiple touch panels throughout theproperty. “There’s a term in the industry called wall acne,” explainsEric. “That’s when you have a light switch, security keypad, intercomand thermostat cluttering up a particular area on your wall. Anautomation system can eliminate all of that by giving you remoteaccess to the systems in your house with a simple to use interface!”

Unlike the big chains that send strangers to install yourequipment, never to be heard from again, Eric builds a relationshipwith each and every client. “When you call 20/20 dB, you get me onthe line. I will continue to be there to assist you so you get the mostout of your system for years to come,” says Eric.

To learn more about adding a high quality audio and video system toyour home, please call Eric Cox, of 20/20 dB, at (510) 432-0180. THM

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IF YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT RENOVATING Atraditional home or building a new one using thelatest Green techniques, you might want to call

2M Architecture, a San Francisco-based architecturefirm specializing in socially and ecologically responsivedesign. Firm owners Mark Tetrault and Marc Lindselljoined forces about 3 ! years ago and are activelypromoting green building design wherever they can.“The regulatory agencies in the Bay Area are nowstarting to require Green business practices, andwe’re doing what we canto do the same,” saysLindsell, who is LEED-certified and accreditedunder Build-it-Green.2M Architecture recentlyfinished work on a high-end Green renovationin San Mateo, addinga master suite and thelatest sustainable bellsand whistles to an olderNew England-style home.Check it out, along withsome of the firm’s latestGreen projects, atwww.2MArchitecture.com

2M Architecture, 501 CourtlandAvenue, San Francisco(415) 826-5459,www.2MArchitecture.com. THM

Architectural GreenBY GABRIELLE SAVERI

[ L I V I N G G R E E N : 2 M A R C H I T E C T U R E ]

Marc Lindsell Mark Tetrault

Building Green: The Right Way


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[ E N E R T A I N I N G K I T C H E N S ]

AKITCHEN REMODEL MIGHT NOT BE ON THE MINDS of manyof us in this down economy. But in fact there are many ways torefresh and add punch to your kitchen without spending a lot of

money. We asked some experts to weigh in with their ideas on how todo just that.

“Once you start opening up walls, more inspections are involved,and labor is more costly,” says Lisa Jasper, co-owner of JasperConstruction and Design in Alameda. Adding flair to your kitchencan be as simple as replacing the old fluorescent box in the kitchenceiling and treating it out with moldings, new paint, and new lighting.

Removing the fluorescent lights creates a coffer, or a space, thatlends a sense of height to the kitchen. Customizing that space cangive a 1960s kitchen a whole new decorative look at low cost, saysLisa. Architectural moldings, in particular, can really lift a room,she says. “Otherwise a room is just a box.”

For a country look, a simple option is to stencil or paint a woodfloor. A shelf high up—a foot down from the ceiling—adds some visualinterest and functionality when books, accessories, or ceramic potteryare added. Undercabinet lights and a new backsplash are other waysto give your kitchen some sparkle.

REVIVING AND REFACINGThere are several options for updating your cabinets. Least expensiveis reviving, in which the existing finish is kept on but a professionallivens it up. You can’t change the wood or door style, says AndreaBurton, owner of Kitchen Solvers of the Valley in Danville, but youcan go a little darker, which softens the way the grain looks.

Next in line of expense is painting cabinets. Andrea advises thehomeowner get a professional for this project. “I don’t recommendpainting cabinets yourself,” she says, as a professional will be ableto maximize the life of the paint job and prevent chipping.

Lastly is refacing, in which existing doors and drawer fronts arereplaced and the cabinet boxes are veneered to match the new wood.The cost of refacing is about 30 percent less than replacing cabinets,says Andrea. Refacing is more environmentally friendly than replacingcabinets as well, as much less goes into the landfill.

A very inexpensive way to dress up your cabinets is to add newhardware. Companies have wonderful hardware available, says Lisa.Pull-out and lazy Susan systems, roll-out trays and tray dividers aregreat ways to make older cabinets more usable and to create more space.

BY LISA WINER

Ideas and Tips forSmaller Projects To

Beautify Your Home

Remodeling Lite

Walker Zanger Terra-cotta Contessa Collection.

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ENERGY EFFICIENCYMany options are available for making kitchen energy use moreefficient, thereby allowing the homeowner to save money on his orher electric bill. “There are some beautiful new faucets” that will helphe homeowner save on both the water and electric bills, says Andrea.New appliances can also provide energy efficiency.

Point-of-use water heaters only draw energy when the water isneeded, in contrast to tank units. Newer lighting such as LED lightinguses much less energy than conventional lighting. Convection ovenscook faster than regular ovens and therefore save energy. Inductioncooktops put the majority of the heat directly into the pan, says MarkKaras, president of the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

LET THE SUN SHINE INConsider increasing the size of your kitchen window to make thekitchen seem larger. Andrea created a bay window in her kitchen witha seat, and added several feet to her kitchen. Finally, you may want toconsider hiring a professional organizer, who can come to your hometo help you get rid of what you don’t need and clean out, says Andrea.

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms in thehouse to remodel, says Lisa, because electrical, plumbing, and ventingare all involved. But a little creativity on how to maximize the use ofkitchen professionals can take the homeowner a long way. There’s noneed to quell that urge to remodel with the plethora of affordableoptions available. THM

TundraBrick profile in Riverbed color with standard grout.

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THmag.com


BY TAMMY HANSEN

ELEGANT COOKTOPS WITH EXTRA BURNERS, DOUBLE OVENS,refrigerators sporting computer keyboards—all are enticing.However, the first appliance many customers choose is the

dishwasher. That might seem counterintuitive for a remodel project,but it makes perfect sense to Sincere Hardware Supply Store ManagerKeith Chan. Busy families treasure the few extra minutes of familytime a well-engineered dishwasher can provide, says Keith.

Sincere, which began as a small hardware and plumbing store in1988, has grown up with the boom in remodeling of the past decadeor so. What started as a simple retail storefront now is a full servicekitchen and bath design center with everything from countertops towindows to flooring to appliances. The Oakland based company expandedits appliance offerings two years ago to create one-stop shopping fornot only a variety of brands, but also a variety of price points.

Keith encourages customers to mix and match appliances to meetspecific needs within a budget. A cooking aficionado, for example,might be more excited about an induction cooktop than the high-enddishwasher. In that case, a midrange dishwasher might free up a littleextra cash for a top-of-the-line stove or even a pair of wall ovens.

“Most customers will mix and match the price points but stay withone brand name,” Keith says. “It depends on the customer’s needs.”

There are plenty of viable options for each appliance, he adds.Trends come and go, but convenience remains the bottom line forhomeowners choosing a new set of appliances. The computer andtelevision in the refrigerator door might be enticing, but it’s thepush-button refrigerator shelf adjuster that closes the deal.

Here are Keith’s tips and trends for the big three appliancesin most kitchen remodels:

COOKTOPSBritish Thermal Units (BTU)

remain the gauge for quality incooking on gas. Entry level, stand-alone gas stoves start at around10,000 BTU. Mid range hovers at12,000 and often includes basicconvection. For the serious cook,it’s a BTU up to 15,000 with trueconvection (elements at top andbottom of the oven for even heatthroughout the stove).

The trend toward electric stoveswith induction cooktops continues.(Electric heat output is measuredin kilowatt-hours or kWh.) Besidesthe sleek look and even heating,induction cooktops offer familiespeace of mind that little fingerswon’t get singed. The heat istransferred only through ironor steel pots.

REFRIGERATORSInterior space and convenience

drive different price points. Entry-level refrigerators will have smaller

Kitchen-WiseMaking the right choices when it comes to appliances for your kitchen.

18 January/February 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo


more about…

kitchensTreasured HuntGorgeous granite countertops are akitchen’s crowning glory, but beauty isn’tthe only feature granite has to offer. It canwithstand scorching pots and resist foodabsorption with proper sealing.www.thmresource.com/granitewholesale

Design is anExtraordinary AdventureJeanese Rowell, with her ever-increasingdepth of experience, her embrace ofinvention, and her extraordinary andunrelenting curiosity, defines her visionas much more than a designer.www.thmresource.com/jrowell

interior cubic feet and button controls.Mid range refrigerators feature individualfreezers, digital controls and a waterdispenser. A high-end refrigerator featuresremovable shelves and push buttonelectronic shelf levers. Many also arebuilt-in and match cabinetry.

Counter depth refrigerators continueto gain favor with aesthetic mindedremodelers. Removable shelves that levelelectronically are a favorite for high-endrefrigerators.

DISHWASHERSEntry-level dishwashers feature simple

dials and buttons and generally haveplastic interiors. Mid range dishwashers

offer stainless interiors and often several push button options.At the highest prices, dishwashers often feature automaticshutoff sensors and a sanitizer option. Quiet operation is afeature for many mid-range and upper range models.

Stainless steel exteriors and energy saving sensors thatdetect when each load is clean are favorites with consumers.

Visit any one of five Sincere Hardware Supply locations (Downtown Oakland,West Oakland, Modesto, Sunnyvale and Reedley) for help with your kitchenremodel. Go to www.sincerehardware.com for showroom addresses and moreabout the Oakland based kitchen and bath design centers. Visit the downtownOakland design center at 276 11th Street Oakland, (510) 832-2838. THM



20 January/February 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo THmag.com

OVER THE YEARS, THE KITCHEN HAS CHANGED FROM Aclosed-in-room where typically one person did the majorityof the cooking to the new social gathering spot. Many

kitchens these days house homework or office areas and functionas the overall command center of the home. Entertaining styleshave changed over the years as well. People enjoy cooking withguests, often engaging them in the process of meal preparation.Everyone wants to be in the kitchen with the wonderful aromasand exciting action. An open kitchen serves this type of lifestylevery well. It allows visual access to other rooms and oftena connection to the outdoor spaces. This removal of barrierssocializes the entire space and often frees up the cooking centersas now everyone feels connected. Creating an open floor planrecognizes this construct and embodies it in the design.

To create an open plan, professional kitchen designers startwith an understanding of how the space is to be used, by whom,looking at ages and various abilities, storage needs, and budgetto deliver a plan. From there, it is fine tuned with details.

In this example, the clients wanted a social kitchen set tohandle every day meals, as well as small gatherings. Occasionallythere would be larger outdoor parties with buffet service. Theaesthetic goals were for a transitional kitchen that could standthe test of time, combined with some modern accents. Cherrycabinets in a wide shaker style are the backdrop for cool metaland cobalt blue accents.

The original ceiling line followed the roofline and peaked atone side. This drew the eye up. The new ceiling still followed thepitch of the roof but was leveled off at 10'-6" and now makes thespace feel proportionately large. The sink wall serves as a strongfocal point and adds appropriate scale to the new ceiling heightwith the 3 raised glass-front cabinets and cobalt blue glass tiles.

The island was designed to be at one level for maximum foodpreparation and serving space. It houses a 30" range top witha downdraft so the clients can cook and still visit with guests.Red glass pendants illuminate the island and visually balance thespace. Professional style appliances line the back wall and keepthe work triangle compact. Additional serving area is adjacentto the refrigerator and pull-out pantry. A large door system opensup to the outside and allows for maximum traffic flow for smallor large gatherings.

This new open kitchen is efficient and expresses the clients’style. There is now plenty of room for guests and family to mingleand take part in the kitchen activities.

Toni DeWaal, NCIDQ, CGBP, is a designer at Harrell Remodeling (www.harrell-remodeling.com) and the vice president of communications for NKBA, NorthernCalifornia Chapter. The mission of the NKBA, Northern California Chapter, is toenhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethicalbusiness practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bathindustry. For more information, visit www.nocankba.org or www.nkba.org. THM

OPEN KITCHEN PLANCreating More Space in Your Kitchen


BY TONI DEWAAL, CID, CGBP

http://www.thmresource.com/cat.php?c=15



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WHEN YOU THINK OF GREAT DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE,you think about Europe. You can see thebeautiful design and commitment to quality

Europeans live by. So when it comes time to renovate yourkitchen countertops, take a cue from them and considera thicker slab of granite.

Not only is thicker granite more durable and sturdy(the European and New York standard is 1 1⁄4-inch-thickgranite, compared with California’s 3⁄4-inch standard), butit’s also easier to install than thinner granite, says AndreiGourji, who has made it his business for years to importEuropean-standard granite from around the world to hisMarble City store in San Carlos.

“Our thicker granite requires less fabrication and takesless preparation,” explains Andrei, who is president of thecompany. “Marble City customers get thicker, richer-looking,seamless granite counters fabricated with their choice ofedging, and installed and sealed for about the same priceas the 3⁄4-inch counters.”

These advantages are made possible through the installation.Because California-standard granite countertops must belaid on top of 3⁄4-inch plywood for structural support,installers must patch the seams by gluing a granite bullnoseor sculptural edge to the end. At best, that glued piece

detracts from the countertop’s smooth lines. At worst,shoddy work can mar the surface of the countertop. Thicker,1 1⁄4-inch granite doesn’t require any plywood or patching soit creates a seamless, smooth surface.

Strength is another benefit of using 1 1⁄4-inch granite.It’s strong enough to support its weight and It can easilysupport the length of a foot-long breakfast bar overhang,while 3⁄4-inch granite typically isn’t strong enough to extendmore than 6 inches from the edge without usingcumbersome under-cabinet supports.

Marble City imports its granite from around the worldand offers more than 100 varieties. Counters are availablewith an assortment of edge styles, and the company’s DiamondCertified rating ensures prompt and excellent service.

When it comes to quality granite and professionalinstallation, you don’t have to travel far. Marble City offersbeautiful 1 1⁄4-inch slabs to Bay Area residents and installsthem with exceptional, satisfying results.

For more information, contact Marble City by calling(866) 234-6896 or at their Web site, www.marblecityca.com.The showroom is located at 611 Taylor Way, Suite 6, SanCarlos. Hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday throughFriday; and 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Saturday. THM

Using Thicker GraniteSlabs in your Kitchen.

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[ C C I D C ]

AFUNCTIONALLY BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN IS THEresult of many design and product selections.Making choices for this space becomes particularly

difficult when budgets are tightened. Forfeiting the perfecttile design, your favorite high tech appliances or anexquisite cabinet detail are concessions that most don’twant to make. Hiring a qualified design professional is agreat investment in making the most of your remodelingdollars. When consulting with a designer, wants and needsare prioritized and money is allocated to the details thatare most important to the family and the design solution.

Consider these budget-saving designer tactics.When deciding on a tile design to enhance your solidcountertop, one can use a limited number of expensivetiles in a creative pattern with a less expensive field tile.This holds the cost down without sacrificing impact. Thebalance of varied materials adds to the enriched overalleffect. Instead of assuming that one must have all top ofthe line appliances, consider which appliances are mostimportant to you considering your kitchen uses and splurgeon those models only. Do your homework and understandnew products on the market that might fulfill your needs

less expensively. A counter depth, free-standing refrigeratormight suit your needs as well as a more expensive built-inmodel. The money saved in one decision can allow for yourfavorite detail. Understand what you are paying for in cabinets.Make sure that the features you are paying for are reallyessential to the success of your design. There might beexisting elements that are appropriate to reuse in the newdesign. Perhaps a favorite antique piece in an alcove isa better solution than building in new cabinets. A designprofessional can help you make these money saving decisions.

Many feel that a smaller budget doesn’t allow for thefees a designer will charge. A mistake made in the nameof saving money is too costly to risk. The knowledge andcreative ideas that a design professional brings to projectadds value at every budget level. Invest in wise choicesto create your own functionally beautiful space.

MaryJo Camp, CKD, CBD, CID, is Vice President-Marketing andBusiness Development, Standards of Excellence Appliances andDecorative Plumbing, www.standardsofexcellence.com. For a listof Certified Interior Designers in your area or to view the CID Pages(a visual directory of CID’s), visit www.ccidc.org/cidpages. THM

Budget-fr iendly ideas for your ki tchen.

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BY MARYJO CAMP, CKD, CBD, CID




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[ R E L A X I N G B E D S & B A T H S ]

THE IDEAL BEDROOM OFFERS A TRANQUIL RESPITEfrom day-to-day life by making the most of designerelements that complement and accentuate the

homeowner’s personal style. Creating a bedroom that hasthe perfect balance of style and comfort can come simplyby updating the centerpiece of the room—the bed.

If you’ve been thinking of changing your bedroom furniture,but can’t quite commit to spending thousands of dollars ona new set, Craig Kohler, owner of Artesanías in San Francisco,has an idea for you. “Using your existing dressers andnightstands and swapping your old wood bed for an upholsteredone can really give you a fresh, new look at a fraction of thecost of a new bedroom. An upholstered bed can also createan uplifting atmosphere in a room that is dominated byheavy wood furniture.”

Whether your tastes are contemporary or traditional,upholstered beds work with any existing décor. “It’s notjust a contemporary look or a traditional look,” Craig explains.“You can decide the look your room will have by the fabric

ATranquil Retreat

you choose.” White creates a clean, contemporary look, asdo ethereal shades of blue, which are currently very popularwith designers. Another way to infuse the room with style isto use layers of different texture and color, contrasting heavierfabrics on the headboard with silky bedding or using patternedfabrics to create accents that reflect your favorite designstyles. “An upholstered bed brings style options you just don’tget with wood,” adds Craig.

There are hundreds of fabrics to choose from, and if youstill don’t find what you’re looking for, you can

bring in your own fabric and the

company will use it. Being able to personally choose the fabrics thatwill be used on your upholstered bed is what gives it a one-of-a-kindstyle. Artesanías offers upholstered beds in 10 different styles, all ofwhich can be customized to the client’s specifications.

The mission at Artesanías is to bring designer-level products to theeveryday consumer, and more important, at a price level most peoplecan afford. Along with its custom line of upholstered beds, the storealso features custom sofas, accent chairs, and dining chairs all madein the United States to exacting standards. “You don’t necessarilyneed an interior designer if you come into my store,” says Craig.“If you have an idea, we’ll help you make it happen.” The staff atArtesanías is very knowledgeable and always available to sit down withcustomers to help achieve a polished look in any room of their home.

To see Artesanías’ beautiful selection of upholstered beds and furniture, visit themain showroom at 1747 Church Street, San Francisco. For more information,call (415) 643-6309 or explore the Web site at www.artesf.com. THM

BY HEIDI HILL

“Using your existing dressers and nightstandsand swapping your old wood bed for an upholsteredone can really give you a fresh, new look at afraction of the cost of a new bedroom.”

CRAIG KOHLER, OWNER OF ARTESANÍAS.

AN UPHOLSTEREDBED GIVES YOURROOM A FRESH,DESIGNER LOOK

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[ L I V I N G G R E E N ]

IMAGINE OWNING A LUSH LAWN THAT NEVER NEEDSmowing, watering, or fertilizing ever again! No imaginationneeded, it’s true. Heavenly Greens, Northern California’s

exclusive distributor of FieldTurf offers a synthetic lawn thatlooks and feels so real, even the neighbors won’t be able totell the difference. This new product made from polyfiber is sodurable and environmentally safe, even your dog can’t damageit. Safe for kids and pets, it’s the top choice for installs inhomes, daycare centers, playgrounds, schools, golf courses,parks, & kennels. It is also the same product installed onprofessional football and soccer fields around the country.In addition to having a 20-25 year life, this synthetic turfsystem can assist architects and designers in obtainingpoints toward LEED certification, the national standard forwhat constitutes a “Green Building” in new construction.

Best of all, it’s environmentally safe and droughtresistant. Never having to water, mow or fertilize obviouslysaves precious resources, but did you know the average lawnconsumes 56,000 gallons of water a year? This expensealone costs the average homeowner up to 70% of theirannual water bill. Plus, not having to water eliminates therun-off of toxic fertilizers into our environment. Even more,just 1 gas powered lawn mower can pollute a much as 10cars in 1 hour!

With water bills on the rise and the extreme threat ofdrought, installing this top notch synthetic lawn pays foritself. It even drains better than real grass, no more muddyfeet or paws across your floors.

Heavenly Greens also can install a Signature Seriescustom designed putting green which is certified by the

PGA. Installing your own putting green now gives you accessto your favorite sport year round. But don’t be fooled!There are plenty of synthetic turf companies on the marketattempting to duplicate the results of this wonder grass,but none have successfully created the look, feel anddurability of FieldTurf.

With four separate landscape applications, residentialand commercial landscaping, professional putting greens,playgrounds and pets you can clearly see why FieldTurfis the number one selling synthetic turf worldwide.

Heavenly Greens is the only authorized FieldTurf dealerin the region and has been awarded the prestigious“Diamond Certification” for customer satisfaction.

To learn more about the new modern lawn, call them today at(866) 724-8873 or visit them on the web at www.HeavenlyGreens.com. THM

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Documents

SF January 2009