SF March 2009

Lap of Luxury

Creating Extra Space

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o: H

enry

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M A R C H / A P R I L 2 O O 9

[ C O N T E N T S ]

18

14

I N S P I R E DB A C K Y A R D S14 The Great Escape

Create your own getaway at home with thesebudget-friendly ideas for your outdoor living space.By Heidi Doerfert

18 Outdoor HavensBeautiful Pools with excellent pedigrees.By Lisa Winer

thmRESOURCE.com San Francisco/San Mateo THM March/April 2009 5

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10 High EnergyBeautiful window treatments that cut utility bills.By Heidi Doerfert

12 Perfect FitExplore the numerous wall bed options to find the right one for your home.By Cara Watkins

CLCA20 Make A Good Impression

Great ideas for adding value to your home. By Toni DeWaal, CID, CGBP

CCIDC24 Borrowing Outdoor Space

for Everyday Living Ideas for creating a unique living space. By Patsy Zakian-Greenough, CKD, CID, CAPS, CGBP

THmag.com6 March/April 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo

[ F R O M T H E E D I T O R ] Volume 7, Issue 2 • March/April 2009

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

Jeff Curry

GENERAL MANAGER

Jason Douglas

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Michael A. Frieburg

Cindy McCue

Stephan Raimist

FEATURE WRITERS

Toni DeWaal

Heidi Doerfert

Patsy Zakian-Greenough

Cara Watkins

Lisa Winer

ART DIRECTOR

Jeff Clinton

WEBMASTER

Chris Ryce

ACCOUNTING

Diane Nasadiuk

The Bay Area’s best resource for your lifestyle at home.THERE’S NO DENYING IT, outdoor spaces are becoming a bigger part

of our everyday lives. BBQ’s, pools, custom concrete, etc. The list ofupgrades we can install to make our outdoor experience outstanding

is ever growing. Live the good life. Cook outdoors. Spend quality time withfriends and family. This issue of Today’s Home is full of great stories andideas to make your backyard dreams a reality…

In a great story from Lifetime Pools, we’re taught how a pool can be a tranquil stress-releasing hideaway from thegrind of everyday life.

Wallbeds ‘N’ More will give your home room youprobably didn’t realize was available with wonderful optionsin space saving wallbeds that will open up space for a homeoffice, workout room, or whatever else you can dream up.

This issue also features great industry articles fromsome of the top industry associations. The CaliforniaCouncil of Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) brings agreat read on bringing the tranquility of the outdoors inside.The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA)talks about the value of using a qualified contractor to getyour landscaping job done right the first time.

In more GREAT news this month, Today’s Home is going Green. We’vemade the switch to recycled paper. Every issue from now on will be usingpaper that is 85-100% recycled—20-30% of which is Post ConsumerWaste. This means we’re keeping a lot of waste out of landfills and doingright by the environment.

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

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SUBSCRIPTIONS AND GENERAL INQUIRIES

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

Please e-mail resumes to [email protected].

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DID YOU KNOW THAT YOUR WINDOWS TREATMENTS could do morethan add style to your home? They can actually act as insulation. In thewinter, you can lose 40% of your home’s heat through your windows.

In the summer, that sun streaming through the glass makes it harder for youto keep your home cool. Energy efficiency has become more than a buzzphrase in these challenging economic times, now it is a necessity. With this in mind, Hunter Douglas offers more than just another pretty window. Theirenergy efficient window coverings marry fashion and practicality. DuetteArchitella honeycomb shades from Hunter Douglas have cells that trap the hotor cold air, decreasing the intensity of the temperature as it enters the room.“This line of honeycomb shades provide the ultimate in energy efficiency atyour window,” says Cate Vanegas of Hunter Douglas. A honeycomb shade witha triple cell construction will increase the energy efficiency of a single pane of glass by five times and more than double the efficiency of a double-glazedwindow. You’ll see the results in black and white on your monthly utility bill!

Hunter Douglas hopes to educate consumers on the amount of energy thatis literally being thrown out the window and the costs savings available to youby simply adding the right treatments. From February 1 to April 30, 2009,participating dealers and Hunter Douglas are offering savings on a wideselection of their most stylish and energy-efficient window fashions in the Stop The Great Energy Giveaway promotion.

“Almost five percent of all energy consumed in the U.S. passes throughthe windows of residential homes,” said Donna Lobosco, Director of BrandCommunications for Hunter Douglas. “This is also a wonderful opportunity for local residents to help pave the way towards greener living.”

During the Stop The Great Energy Giveaway, consumers will be rewardedwith a $50 rebate per window on purchases of Duette Architella shades. Ideal for patio and sliding glass doors, Duette honeycomb shades with theVertiglide™ Duolite™ design option will be offered at a $300 rebate perwindow. You can get rebates on other great Hunter Douglas products duringthe Stop The Great Energy Giveaway such as: vertically oriented Luminette®

Privacy Sheers, which combine soft fabric sheers with rotating fabric vanesbehind them for privacy and light control, with a $200 rebate per window;Silhouette® window shadings, with the Signature S-Vane™, similar toLuminette but on the horizontal, with a $100 rebate per window; Pirouette®

window shadings with a $75 rebate per window—this product resembles ahobbled Roman shade, but features soft horizontal fabric vanes attached to a sheer backing that open into soft contoured folds for an enhanced view and slide into a flattened position for excellent light blockage; and Vignette®

Modern Roman Shades, a dramatically improved innovation on the traditionalRoman shade, with a $50 rebate per window.

To help you pick out a shade that will compliment your home’s décor,Hunter Douglas offers the award-winning iMagine Design Center on its Website. You can see the colors, textures and construction details up close andeven view them within a variety of room settings. Each product has a featureslist that includes its energy efficiency rating, available safety options, soundabsorption and more.

To find out more about Hunter Douglas’ Stop the Great Energy Giveaway promotion, pleasevisit their Web site at www.hunterdouglas.com or call (800) 274-2985. THM

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BY CARA WATKINS

KATHY ADAMS, OWNER OF WALLBEDS ‘N’ MORE, OFTEN GETS

the same reaction when people see her space-saving beds for the first time. ‘They think it’ll be perfect for

their home office,’ she says, ‘but they don’t always see theother possibilities that wall beds offer.’

A few moments in her brand new Burlingame showroom,however, and all that changes. Browsers will quickly beintroduced to a multitude of practical uses for her versatilewall beds.

The store’s recent wave of customers includes, forexample, parents of college-age children, who, according to Kathy, don’t want their kids to feel displaced when theyreturn home for vacation, but still want to make use of thatextra space while they’re gone. New retirees are also amongthose who have found wall beds the perfect solution to theirspace needs. ‘These are people who have downsized to asmaller home, but want room for extended family to visit,’explains Kathy.

Perfect Fit

Explore thenumerous wallbed options tofind the right onefor your home.

The wall beds come in queen, full, andtwin sizes, and work with any mattress up to11 inches thick. Owners can simply store themattress, sheets, and pillows in the wall beditself, and then lay claim to that extra space.

‘The beauty of my wall beds is thatthey’re made of solid woods and plywoodveneer, not particle board,’ Kathy emphasizes.Customers can choose from oak, pine, orbirch, and each style has up to six finishes to match the customers’ decor. ‘The units are also detachable so you can rearrange the room and take the unit with you if youmove.’ In contrast, a typical Murphy bedmodel is built into the wall.

At the showroom, Kathy displays approximately a dozen beds. She encouragesclients to come in with room measurements,

photos, and wood samples they want to match. And,of course, she encourages customers to try out thebeds, noting their piston-lift mechanism makes thebeds easy to open and close.

Styles include a vertical or horizontal bedconfiguration, and a selection of matching shelving,wardrobes, and cabinetry. There is even a desk that can be added to the main wall bed unit for an ultimate space-saving room layout. The Hidden Bed, which combines a twin or full bed with a 7-footwork space, is a perfect solution for a craft room orsewing station.

So no matter how much space you have—or don’thave—a wall bed is an innovative way to make themost of it.

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Create your own getaway at homewith these budget-friendly ideas

for your outdoor living space.


IN THIS TRYING ECONOMY, spending money on a one-time,exotic vacation this summer may not be in the cards. Butimagine transforming your outdoor space into a getaway that

will bring you pleasure for many years to come! When gas pricesfirst began to rise, the media coined the phrase “staycation.”This idea of creating your own personal sanctuary at home notonly 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 andturn it into an outdoor retreat? First, think about how you want touse the space. Will you be entertaining a crowd or are you lookingfor 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 yourselfwhere your ideal vacation spot would be. Are you jetting off to thetropics or taking in the English countryside? The answer can giveyou the inspiration for the look and feel of your outdoor space.Just as your walls and floors define the style of your home’sinterior, hardscapes and landscapes define it on the outside.

PLAN AHEADWhether you want to give your yard a boost or do a completetransformation, 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 successfulproject at the end,” explains Sandra Diehl, owner of AvantGarden Design in Vallejo. Carefully mapping out your desires for your backyard will prevent a hodge-podge look and alsoenables the contractor to give you a proper bid. Sandra stressesthe importance of having an irrigation system in place so all ofyour beautiful plants and flowers flourish instead of deteriorate.To craft an outdoor space with a retreat-like feel, she recommendsusing structures and plant material to create privacy. “Anoverhang or pergola gives an instant feeling of intimacy andcomfort.” Instead of one main area, designate a couple ofdifferent spots for relaxation such as a cozy corner to read or a table for two near a bubbly fountain to spend time with yourspouse. 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 >>

BY HEIDI DOERFERT

[ I N S P I R E D B A C K Y A R D S ]

The Great Escape

Photo: Gloster (ww

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Photo: Henry H

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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 hothues like reds, oranges and hot pinks! And, don’tforget to turn on the lights. “Lighting is one of theforgotten, but important elements to a great outdoorspace.” Whether it’s to guide you safely down a pathin the evening or to highlight your favorite tree,proper illumination definitely sets the mood.

THE H2O FACTORWater is an essential element in transforming youryard from tired to tranquil. Fountains, waterfalls andponds add soothing sound, but carefully considerwhich one best fits your lifestyle. Sandra advises tothink about how much time you’re willing to spend on maintenance. “Obviously, a coy pond will requirea lot more attention than one without fish.” If youwant the beauty of water without the upkeep, apondless water feature may be great option. Onceinstalled, they are virtually maintenance-free whichis good news for busy homeowners.

Of course, nothing says exotic escape like a pool!You may be pleasantly surprised at how affordable aswimming pool can be. Richard Evans, President ofCookie Cutter Pools, says success is in their motto:“Keep it simple with lower overhead.” Cookie Cutter is a large construction company with a few decadesof experience. They offer a menu of 3 Pool Sizes and Shapes, 3 Colors of Brick Coping and 5 PlasterColors. Richard says this allows Cookie Cutter to

purchase their equipment and products in bulk and they can pass thatsavings 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 poolbuilder. “We build pools in less than 30 days!” says Richard. Whilethe basic pool packages are the most economical way to go, CookieCutter offers custom touches and upgrades and can build any shape-and-sized pool you desire. During your free consultation, CookieCutter can help you pick the best pool for your lifestyle and budget.

DINNER, ALFRESCO STYLEOne of the best things about a vacation is the food. Imagine beingable to prepare an entire meal on your patio while enjoying thecompany of your family and friends. Outdoor kitchens are becominga must-have for the staycationer. Scott Costa of Costa Construction,Inc. in San Ramon says he’s seen a definite rise in demand foroutdoor 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 orelaborate these elements are. Scott advises picking the right grill for your needs. If you are going to be serving up burgers to dozens


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Photo: Gloster (ww

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[ I N S P I R E D B A C K Y A R D S ] 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 yourindoor kitchen and try to mimic that on the outside. “I recommendplacing the kitchen in close proximity to your back door in case youneed to get extra supplies,” says Scott. “Although, some homeownersdo prefer to put their outdoor kitchen near the pool for a resort-likefeel.” Adequate storage and a built-in refrigerator will help you avoid running back and forth from the patio to your house. Scottsays that it’s ideal to build an overhang or pavilion to protect yourkitchen from the elements. If that’s not in the budget, durablecovers can keep your island and grill looking new for years. Anothercost-effective tip is to go with a propane grill so you don’t have to tap into your home’s gas line.

OUTDOOR DECORPatio furniture not only offers a place to lounge, it can really bringyour overall vision to fruition. For a restful retreat, think naturalmaterials. A pair of bamboo or wooden chairs with cushions in earthtones and end tables with clean lines offers instant calm. To evokecottage charm, wicker always fits the bill. All-weather wicker is notyour 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 ownprivate bistro. Rich tones in mustard, olive green and deep red will having you shouting, Bellissimo! Your outdoor oasis needsaccessories 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 foroutdoor use.

From simple to showstopper, an outdoor re-do can make you eel like you’re on vacation all year-long!

For more information on outdoor remodeling or to find acontractor, please visit us on the web at www.thmresource.com. THM

Photo: Kingsly

-Bate (ww.kin

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THmag.com

BY LISA WINER

Lifetime Pools is also highly constructionand engineering-oriented. “Superintendentsare assigned to each project, and follow theproject throughout each phase,” says Ray. “Weare in constant contact with the homeowner.”

A PLACE OF BEAUTYThe staff at Lifetime Pools are also skilled inpool and spa aesthetics. “We can work withexisting natural conditions – such as rocks and trees—to sculpt and build pools to createan eye-pleasing backyard retreat, a sanctuary,”says Ray. Waterfalls or submerged jets thatbubble upward to create a visual and audioeffect are a few options.

There are hundreds of different kinds of tiles, surfaces, and materials to choosefrom, says Ray. Recently there have beenmajor developments in both aesthetics and functionality of pool surfaces. “Thepossibilities of what you can do with aswimming pool are limitless,” says Ray.

OUTDOOR HAVENSBeautiful pools with excellent pedigrees.

18 March/April 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo


ABACKYARD SWIMMING POOL CAN BE A RESPITE FROM day-to-day stress set amidst rocks and trees; a lap pool meantfor vigorous workouts; or a place for family and friends to meet

for water fun and games. Whichever the homeowner is seeking, he or she will find superior service and products at Lifetime Pools.

President Ray Whitford has been with the company for 33 years;his father founded the company in 1962. The firm’s mission is to“create lifetime pools for lifetime customers.”

“We build every pool with the finest quality and workmanship in a time frame we would accept for ourselves,” says Ray. However big or small the job, “the enthusiasm is the same.” The company also does renovations of existing pools and spas.

This concern for the customer is reflected in the company’scommitment to pool service. Lifetime Pools is one of the few swimmingpool construction companies with its own service department.For as long as the customer’s pool needs it, service is available.


“The ‘green’ concept is very much an ongoing developmentfor us,” says Ray. “There have been real revelations in terms oftypes of equipment to minimize chemical use in pools, likechlorine.” Such developments enhance the whole feel of thepool. There have also been major developments in the use ofautomated controls, to make pools very user-friendly.

A MAINSTAY OF THE COMMUNITYLifetime Pools has built pools for such clients as the Santa Clara Marriott and peninsula developer Barry Swenson Builders.In addition to building pools and spas—where a series of jetscirculate water at high velocity to create a massage-type action—the company also constructs therapeutic pools for hospitals andhealth club complexes.

The staff at Lifetime Pools are interested in providing thecustomer with specifically what he or she is looking for—in thenuances of that particular job. Attentive service, a commitmentto quality, and a great value—what more could the pool customerask for?

For more information contact Lifetime Pools at (650) 494-7070. Or, visit themon the Web at www.lifetimepools.com. THM


20 March/April 2009 THM San Francisco/San Mateo THmag.com

AS THE OLD SAYING GOES, you don’t get a secondchance to make a good first impression. Savvyhomeowners know that their yards make an impression

every day—on visitors, friends, family and the whole. Buteven if you’re not overly concerned with looks, a well-donelandscape can put money in your pocket. A recent studyreported the costs of landscaping had a recovery value of atleast 100 percent and up to 200 percent, which comparesto a recovery value of 70 to 125 percent for a kitchen and80 to 120 percent for a bathroom remodel. So, if you needto spruce things up a bit, or even add some new featuresthat will expand living space for you and your family, hereare some tips from the California Landscape ContractorsAssociation to get your project off on the right foot.

Hire a licensed contractor: If the price of your job is$500 or more (including costs of labor and materials), statelaw requires that the person or company doing the job belicensed by the Contractors State License Board. One of thebest ways to choose a contractor is to use the ContractorSearch feature on the CLCA website at www.clca.org.

Once you have a list of prospective contractors and have your initial meetings, ask to visit jobs each contractorhas completed. If possible, talk to the homeowners and ask if their expectations were met. Also ask your contractorabout liability and workers’ compensation insurance. In fact, CLCA recommends that you ask to see written proof of insurance policies.

Make a checklist. Some time before you meet with your contractor,take a tour of your yard, and make a list of improvements or features you want to add. If you like to entertain outdoors, for example, consideran outdoor kitchen-one of today’s hottest amenities.

Fountains and water features are among the most popularlandscape features today. Many contractors have stunning photographsof the features they’ve created, so ask to take a look. And because apicture is worth a thousand words, showing your contractor photos youcollect from books and magazines is a great way to convey your ideasand priorities.

Be sure to take a look at a number of projects before you settle onthe contractor to install rock or stone. There can be a huge difference in the quality of the work and craftsmanship from mason to mason.Some masons do mostly brick and concrete, and others are experts at using natural stone.

Keeping up the good work. A good plan will include a professionallyinstalled, inground irrigation system with automatic timer. Be sure to ask your contactor about the latest water-conserving devices.

For more Information contact CLCA at (916) 830-2780. Or, visit them online at www.clca.org. THM

Great ideas for addingvalue to your home.

BY TONI DEWAAL, CID, CGBP

[ C L C A ]

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[ C C I D C ]

DO YOU EVER WISH YOU HAD MORE SPACE for entertaining or maybeanother place to relax and catch your breath? You’ve thought of anaddition, but that could be costly and time consuming. Why not

consider an existing space that could be used differently?When Certified Interior Designer Genie Nowicki was asked to design a

local remodeling project, she did just that. She took an existing entry deck andtransformed it into a lovely greeting area as well as a space for entertaining.

Here are a few ideas to think about as you start your project:First, select a Certified Interior Designer (CID) to work with you. A CID is

certified in the State of California and is qualified by education, experience,and examination.

Share your lifestyle history with your designer to identify your needs. Tomake this entry area accessible to everyone who came to visit, Genie added adiscrete ramp that meanders through well-established trees and landscaping.The ramp seems to “float” off the ground as piers were placed under thecenter of the ramp with iron braces for additional support. She added lightalong the pathway, which made it safer and a favorite route for all who cometo visit.

Have you thought about artistic features you could include in your plan?Genie relocated a custom copper water fountain from the interior living area to the entry. The water adds a soothing sound and the sculptural form addsinterest. Attractive, correctly scaled planters (with a drip system) and comfortable

benches at the front door are key components. It now feels inviting to guestswhether for entertaining purposes or just light meals and coffee.

Is your space showing signs of deferred maintenance? In this instance, the existing deck required some repair work. Thinking outside the box, Geniewas able to take advantage of this opportunity to re-route electrical and gaslines. Because this was a down sloped lot, some excavation was done, deckboards were salvaged and reused for the new ramp and new deck boards were installed by using a clip system. The clip system and waterproof framingunderneath the deck will extend its life by eliminating water penetration into the wood.

Does your door allow enough light to pass through so that two areas canfeel connected? The front door system allows light to spill into the house. And,a concealed Phantom Screen keeps the bugs out while still letting fresh air in.

Is your entry a point at which you control all your security? Take advantageof coordinating your systems for easy access and convenience.

Remember that good design is always beautiful. You don’t have tosacrifice style for comfort. A remodel should not be built just for who you are today, but for the person you’ll become tomorrow.

Patsy Zakian-Greenough, CKD, CID, CAPS, CGBP is the Senior Designer at Harrell Remodeling,Inc., www.harrell-remodeling.com. For a list of Certified Interior Designers in your area or toview the CID Pages (a visual directory of CID’s), visit www.ccidc.org/cidpages. THM

Ideas for creating a unique living space.

Borrowing Outdoor Space for Everyday Living

BY PATSY ZAKIAN-GREENOUGH, CKD, CID, CAPS, CGBP

Photo: Bill Enos, Emerald Lig

ht Photography

This beautiful entry, now elegant andinviting, serves to welcome family and friends for entertaining or lightinformal meals. Design: Genie Nowicki,CKD, CBD, CAPS, CGBP, CID of HarrellRemodeling, Inc., in Mountain View.

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SF March 2009