Style Home Design 20100910

7/29/2019 Style Home Design 20100910

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home design

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Photo

fotolia.com/GeorgeMayer.


2/46

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FEATURES

4The Remodel

5 Building BlocksFor Success

6Open a New Window

A Guide to Energy Efficiency

8Be Our Guest

Turn an Empty Room Into A

Welcome One.

10

Do-It-Yourself DesignBring Function Back to

Your Furniture.

14Water Features

Making a Splash

16Porch Authority

Your Homes First Impression

18Let it Shine

Solar Panel Installation

is a Bright Idea

20Grill Seeker

22Spice Up A Room

Without Breaking the Bank

24Bathroom Redesign

26The Perfect Closet

28Backyard Decor

Give Your Back View a New Look

30Get Off the Floor

Take Tile to a New Level

32Home ReinventionCreating New Space

In Your Old Place

3610 Tips

For A Successful Remodel

42On Display

Simple Collections Make

Bold Statements

24

home design

10 28 42


4/46

T

he tradition of koi fish dates back

centuries to both China and Japan,

but it wasnt until a 1914 exhibi-tion in Tokyo that the rest of the world be-

gan to see the colorful fish as the ornamental

creatures we know today. Because koi fight the

current of the water to swim upstream, popular

culture often interprets the symbol of the koi as

representing non-conformity or strength in time

in adversity ideas that many people find appeal-

ing enough to incorporate into their backyard

landscape design.

a BeVy oF BeNeFits

According to Georgia Vonk, Treasurer of the non-profit Camellia Koi Club of Sacramento, There are

lots of reasons people install a koi pond but it usually

starts with the love and admiration of koi. Whether

your interest in koi ponds is one based in history or

in symbolism, building a pond in your own yard can

create an ambiance of beauty and serenity bejeweled

by these swimming gems.

Koi ponds add sound, movement and color to the

yard. A well-built koi pond just draws people to it,

explains Steve Walker, president of Sacramento Koi.

Many people who have enjoyed having a swimming

pool for most of their life find that they do not use it asoften as they get older. When they move into a smaller

home after the kids are gone, they find that a koi pond

gives them everything they need, he adds. They still get

the enjoyment of having the soothing sound and appeal

of water in their backyard but also receive the addedbonus of a pond full of beautiful koi, which often will

come up and eat out of your hand.

PicKiNG your PoND

Once youve decided on installing a koi pond, there are

a few preliminary things to keep in mind. John Hansen

with Nimbus Pond says, The size and design of a koi

pond should blend with its surroundings. Koi ponds

need to be close to a shaded gathering area. Shaded

locations work best because the shade helps slow algae

growth and can keep the water cooler during the summer

months, however, koi ponds can be constructed in mostoutdoor settings. To keep the fish safe from predators like

heron and raccoons, ponds should be at least four to five

feet deep; otherwise, experts recommend homeowners

purchase a net to cover the pond to keep the koi safe.

Even though many might imagine pond water being

murky, a koi pond should be crystal clear, down to the

bottom. Because koi produce a significant amount of

waste, a bottom drain and a good filter are crucial. Some

filters can even produce a current for the koi to swim

against to act additionally as a sort of biological filter.

If you are considering adding a koi pond to your

outdoor landscaping, Hansen says, Do your homeworkand build the koi pond correctly the first time, and youll

get years of enjoyment from it.

PhotoFotolia/Elenathewise.

Building and Maintaining Your Own Koi Pond

by Melissa

RESOURCES

Nimbus Pond, Inc.

916-852-1606

nimbusponds.com

Camellia Koi Club

camelliakoi.org

Sacramento Koi

916-652-4231

sacramentokoi.com

HIRE THE RIGHT

CONTRACTOR

Hiring the right contractor

for your project is the most important

decision you will make. Utilizing a profes-sional contractor will ensure that your

project is done correctly, within the legal

laws, within budget, and within your time

frame.

You must be sure that not only does your

contractor meet all state and local licens-

ing requirements, but they should also be

bonded and insured. To verify the contrac-

tors license and good standing, visit the

Contractor State License Boards Web site

at cslb.ca.gov. In addition, its a good idea

to ask your contractor for referencesandcall them. This gives you an opportunity

to learn about your contractor and how

they conduct business. Check to see if your

contractor is a member of a professional

trade association, such as the Sacramento

Chapter of the National Association of the

Remodeling Industry (NARI) an indica-

tion of ethical standards, commitment and a

representation of the best in their industry.

COMMUNICATION IS CRUCIAL

Just as communication between thehomeowners is important, it is equally

important with your contractor. I have been

the recipient of an agitated client wanting to

know why the door to his office is not in the

location as depicted on the plans. I had to

reluctantly inform him that it was his spouse

that authorized the new location of the door.

Therefore, know what is going on with your

project, who is locking the front door, what

is being delivered, and stay in touch with

your contractor. Weekly communication

sessions with

your contractor

will not only keep you

informed of the progress but

will also give you an opportunity to

discuss any of your concerns as well.

HOMEOWNERS RIGHTS

Prior to beginning your remodeling project

know your rights! Do not blindly sign any

contract before knowing exactly what the

job entails and what you may or may not beresponsible for, should things go south.

A contract should include a complete

description of all construction tasks, a pay-

ment schedule, and a time line of such tasks.

The entire inventory of products to be used

should be listed, which is typically provided

by the designer. A contract also needs a list

of responsibilities for the contractor and any

subcontractor he might bring to the project.

Warranty issues and changes to the project

procedures, plus alternative dispute resolu-

tion clauses, should be described in case offuture problems. As they say, it is better to

error on the side of caution, as opposed to

not addressing issues beforehand.

PROPOSALS

You must have a defined scope of work.

If you receive a proposal with minimum

description, you should consider throwing

that one away. There is a minimum of 25

construction-task categories for any average

sized kitchen remodel. Your proposal should

include a detailed description for each Photoistockphoto.com/skodonnell.

listed construction

task and a complete

scope of work for the

entire project. This

is what you should use

for comparison of each

proposal that is submitted.

Once you or both you and

your designer have completedall of the finish selections, the

contractor can easily price these

items. However, construction of the

project is subjective; this section of

the proposal must be critiqued. Lastly,

it is imperative to make sure everything

you pay for is in the proposal/contract. For

examples of what to be wary of in proposals,

visit stylemg.com this month.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR PROJECT

Another component to a successful remodelthat seems to get overlooked is how to cope

with the stress that may occur during the

course of construction. For example, you

might learn that your floor tile delivery will

be delayed by two weeks, forcing you to

either re-select or wait. Another scenario

is that you arrive late to work because the

delivery driver cannot find his keys to move

the truck parked behind your car.

The best recommendation for these

types of stressors is to realize that your

day-to-day routine will be disrupted for theduration of the job. So, educate yourself and

your family and prepare to cope with some

disruption. A good source of information

for what to expect is your contractor. He or

she should be sensitive about your situation

and be willing to assist you throughout your

project.

Paul Strother is president of the Sacra-

mento Chapter of NARI. To contact him or

to find a reputable professional remodeling

contractor, visit narisacto.org.

the remodel5 Building Blocks for Success

by Paul Strother


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Custom Window Treatments | Furniture | LightingBedding | Floor Coverings | Accessories


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Photo

istockphoto.com/JaySpooner.

opena new

windowA Guide to Energy Efficiency

by Darren Elms


7/46

An energy efficient window is one that

increases the insulation values to be closer

to the efficiency of your walls, says Roma

Brandon of Milgard in Sacramento. U-Factor

rating measures the resistance of energy

through the windows (similar to how they

rate the different insulation in your walls), and

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measuresthe windows ability to block the heat that enters

into the home from the sun. For both of these

measurements, a lower rating is better.

According to Brandon, there are several

ways to upgrade a window, from more efficient

glass with Low-E 3 coatings to spacers to

injecting a heavier gas, like argon, between

two panes. We do have energy packages

that incorporate these options and help our

windows exceed Energy Star standards by as

much as 26 percent, says Brandon.

The benefits of new windows go beyondenergy efficiency, improving sound resistance

with dual pane glass or vinyl, and adding

instant curb appeal. Window replacement is

the only improvement that you can make to

your home that will not only improve the value

of your home because of the curb appeal, but

will also reduce the amount of energy required

to maintain a comfortable environment inside,

notes Brandon.

How much does new window installation

cost? That really depends on the fit and

finish of the home says Brandon. Shesuggests a consultation with a professional

to discuss costs, which can vary from $300

to $1,000 per opening and be completed in

anywhere from one day to several for more

complicated jobs.

If you want to keep your budget down and

still get the benefits of new windows without

replacing your current ones, theres another

option to consider: window films. Ourcompany carries hundreds of different types

of insulating window films in a variety of styles

and finishes to solve many heat, cold, glare, or

UV situations as well as many different types

of decorative films to give a custom look or

finish, says Charles Doyle of Energy One in

Sacramento. V-Kool window films can bring

a standard dual-pane vinyl frame window up

to Low-E 3 specs by retrofitting our film to

the glass (on the inside pane of glass just like

wallpaper).

Window film like V-Kool can start savingon energy bills in as little as 18 months, blocks

up to 99.9 percent of harmful UV from intense

sun, provides glare control and makes glass

stronger in case of sudden accidents. And

unlike outdated versions, films introduced in

the last 20 years include metal to reflect heat,

last a lifetime, and are resistant to cracking,

fading, peeling or bubbling.

Whether taking the installation route or

coating your current panes with film, the

benefits of upgrading your windows are

substantial, energy saving, and mean moneyfor the long haul.

WINDOW

REPLACEMENT

COMPANIES:

Architectural Specialty Sales Co.

Diamond Springs

530-626-1586

Brothers Home Improvement

Roseville

916-791-9170

brothershomeimp.com

Cavolt & Sons

Rocklin

916-624-8222

Dicks Rancho Glass

Rancho Cordova

916-476-8411

Fair Oaks

916-459-4949

dicksranchoglass.com

Forrest Windows

Folsom

916-987-1931

forrestwindows.com

Halls Winow Center

Sacramento

916-669-1469

hallswindowcenter.com

J&J Glass Co.

Diamond Springs

530-622-7218jjglasscompany.com

Southgate Glass

Sacramento

916-421-1723

Carmichael

916-480-0303

southgateglass.com

Yancey Bros.

Sacramento

916-457-5113

WINDOW FILMS:

Best Solar Control

El Dorado Hills

877-765-2790

bestsolarcontrol.net

Energy One

916-990-5460

energyoneusa.com

WCS Window Films

Sacramento888-380-6640

wcswindowfilms.com

A

friend recently moved into a house

built in the 1920s. Though their new

abode appeared to have gone through

some renovating over the years, the occupants

discovered one major flaw outdated windows.

Their current panes not only allowed an

unnecessary amount of neighborhood noise

into the house, temperature extremes began

to drive up their energy bills as well. Their

decision to introduce more energy efficient

windows into the home will save them money,

increase comfort and security, and affordthem a good nights rest.


8/46

When my brothers and I moved

out of our parents home, one

by one, my mother turned

what could have been a melancholy suc-

cession of events into multiple reasons to

celebrate. Suddenly, she had three new

rooms and endless possibilities at her

fingertips. What will it be, I imagined

her conspiring from my first apartment on

the other side of town. A sewing room? A

home gym? Of course, my father beat her

to the punch and announced they weremoving to a smaller house, but in the end

she did get one extra space to work with in

her new abode. My moms situation is one

that many empty nesters are confronted

with after a child leaves the home for good:

what to do with the extra room?

For many, the answer is obvious...a guest

room. And thats not a bad choice since you

never know when your kids going to come

back knocking on the front door with a

suitcase in hand. But, that doesnt mean

you cant make it your own and diversifythe room to accommodate more than an

extra bed. Here are a few suggestions for

turning an ordinary guest bedroom into a

multi-purpose living space.

1. If you covet more options, start with

a sofa bed. Im sure the mere mention of a

sofa bed will produce multiple groans from

readers. But, be assured, not all retractable

beds are created equal, and some dont even

retract. Take the day bed. This nifty creation

functions as a bed and sofa without even

moving so much as a cushion for transfor-mation. Plus it makes a wonderful place

to curl up with a book or take a catnap.

If you do end up going for the traditional

pull-out sofa option, give it a test run before

committing. Theres nothing less inviting to

a guest than a thin and lumpy mattress.

2. With all that space, why not co-

mingle with a home office. The beauty

of a home office or studio is that both really

only require a nice desk and a few functional

shelves to get the job done. A little creativearranging and you can double your guest P

hoto

istockphoto.com/bgpix.

be our guestTurn an Empty Room into a Welcome One

by Darren Elms

room with a quiet place to get some work

done, whether it be on a computer, a draft-

ing board or an easel. Plus, the addition of

a few bookshelves can be the start of a great

little home library.

3. If youre already set up with a couch,

why not install a fantastic home theatre

system and create a screening room.

To keep walls clear of heavy equipment,

try hanging a projector from the rear of

the room and project on an empty wall.Clever placement of a speaker here and

there, and you can have a private place to

watch movies and cuddle on the couch with

some popcorn.

4. Or just go and create the guest

bedroom of your dreams. Sometimes its

better to keep it simple and make a guest

bedroom a TRUE guest room. Designers at

heart will love picking out the furniture and

dcor of a second bedroom, anticipating the

comfort and needs of future guests. Enjoyit; you know your visitors will!


9/46


10/46

Ive seen it all...bicycle tires (spokes and all) twisted and curved intoa gorgeous table; a vintage suitcase, opened, padded and legged

to become the back and seat of a stylish chair; glasses beautifully

strung together to create a dramatic, cascading glass chandelier. The results

of these inspired reinventions give old pieces of junk, from bottles to

bowling pins, a second life. Not all of us have the time, skill or equipment

to create a sofa out of a perfectly halved claw foot tub (though the challenge

is tempting!), but there are plenty of simple ways to take stuff collecting

dust in the corner of your garage and transform it into design pieces that

would make Crate and Barrel envious.

do-it-yourself designBring Function Back to Your Furniture

by Darren Elms


11/46

Top Drawer to Top Shelf

If you have an outdated dresser or desk hanging outsomewhere, or the means to procure one, those drawershave the potential to hang elsewhere...on your wall.Who needs an expensive shadow box to display itemswhen a drawer will do the trick nicely? Simply removethe drawers and give them a good sanding, if necessary,and a fresh coat or two of paint. Find the right spotand use your preferred wall attachment for a sturdyfix. Note: you may need to remove the backing wherethe drawer slid into the original unit on some modelsto make it flush with the wall. Drawers can also stacknicely to create a bookcase-type structure, just be sure

to secure them with a fastener to keep it steady.

Opening DoorsGiven its size, sturdiness and shape, an old door especially if its made from solid wood offers manyopportunities for reuse. My favorite door repurposing,and a fairly easy one to accomplish, transforms the unitinto a table, be it tall or small. I think a small coffeetable style works best, but you can really choose anyleg length for a preferred height. I suggest sanding orremoving the paint before attaching legs, especially ifyou plan to repaint or add a new stain, and remember

to remove all hardware knobs and hinges unless youprefer to leave them on. Once you choose your four legs(many hardware stores have a variety of styles), drill in

Photo

byistockphoto.com/itayuri.

the proper hole (there should be a screw at the end ofeach leg) and secure into place. Make sure to measureleg placement carefully and evenly to properly balancethe table. Now all it needs is the finishing touches ofpaint or a nice stainand youre ready to entertain!

Screen TestDressing screens make great headboards with littlefuss to install. Simply place the screen flat against thewall and push the bed against it to keep in place. Youcan also hammer in a thin nail or two should it not restcompletely flush with the wall. If youre feeling a little

more ambitious, you can paint or stretch fabric aroundthe screen for a completely different look. Make surethe fabric is tight and use a staple gun to attach it to theback. Ive seen the same technique also used with doorsand door frames, just avoid glass, as it can be danger-ous. Wide bookshelves also make nice headboards,providing spaces for books, clocks, lamps or whatever.In a reverse twist, wrought iron bed frames could finda second life in your garden. Push the legs into thedirt or lean up against a wall. Watch your tomatoes,bougainvillea and other plants and vines crawl up thisnifty makeshift trellis!

So before you buy new, see what you can repurposearound your home. Old can become fresh and innova-tive in a creative and green way.


12/46


13/46


14/46

Photo

scourtesyoftheirrespectivecompanies.

Folsoms Donna Grant, owner of

Creative Concrete Products, has been in

the business for more than 30 years. Shesays that in this area many homeown-

ers are opting for water designs in their

landscaping because of the soothing

ambiance water features can provide.

Peoples tastes are very individual, so

Ive seen orders for fountains, statuaries,

bird baths and ponds a wide variety of

things, Grant says. But no matter the

preference, she adds, everyone likes the

idea of calmness and adding something

that beautifies their surroundings.

Adam and Bill Groth, cousins and co-owners of Barracuda Watergardens in Au-

burn, agree. Including a water feature in

your yard adds depth and texture. Unlike

standard landscaping, water features cre-ate ever-changing sight and sound, says

Adam. Bill adds, they can be enjoyed

day and night [with underwater lighting]

and people admit to finding themselves

staring at them for long periods of time.

Some people say that they now spend

more time outside reading, entertaining

and hanging out with the family next to

their water feature.

There are a few tips that the experts

recommend for homeowners consider-

ing this design technique to complimentthe nature that surrounds their dwellings.

Making a Splash

byMelissa Camilleri Magliola

Water

FeaturesW

ater gardens andother outdoor waterfeatures are a current

trend in landscape design. Rang-ing from birdbaths and fountains,to small ponds and flowing wa-terfalls, water features can add

an unexpected dash of beauty toyour yard, be it large or small.


15/46

Mark Jones, CEO and owner of Turning

Leaf Inc. in Granite Bay, suggests that the

key is, location, location, location (to)

assure the water element is placed just

right to capture the desired attraction.

Because of certain zoning restrictions,however, homeowners should check

with the county before installing larger

water gardens and make sure to obtain

building permits, if necessary.

As with any construction, Michael Saia,

owner of Spring Creek Water Gardens of

El Dorado Hills, encourages homeown-

ers to, check references extensively. Ask

those references how well their feature has

been operating and how well it stays clean;

this will give you an indication of the qual-

ity of work the company offers.It is also important to consider

whether a still or a flowing water design is

more appropriate for your yard. Still wa-

ter is typically best for any plants you may

choose to incorporate into the design and

can offer a reflecting pool aesthetic. On

the other hand, a flowing design creates

the pleasant sounds of a babbling brook,

captivating more of your senses.

Jones, however, points out that the

design options, of course, dont stop with

just flowing or still water. He says hiscompany sees a combination of fire and

water treatments (which) seem to be a

hot trend. For example, Turning Leaf

recently completed an infinity edge pool

that incorporated a fire element along the

waters surface.

In choosing the right design for your

yard, keep in mind the required main-

tenance for the upkeep of your water

feature. Small features such as birdbaths

and miniature still ponds can be easily

kept free of growth and mosquitoes witha few drops of a simple algaecide. But, as

Adam Groth points out, because com-

petition in manufacturing has grown tre-

mendously in the last decade, products

such as pumps and filters have greatly

improved and [have] become more

homeowner-friendly. He says, this has

allowed homeowners and contractors to

choose from top quality products, which,

when installed properly, can greatly re-

duce maintenance and increase enjoy-

ment (of larger water features) for thehomeowner.


16/46

Photo

istockphoto.com/HeidiMorton.

PorchAuthority

by Rachel Mosely

Your Homes

First Impression


17/46

Because a porch is part of the exte-

rior of your house, you may want toconsider the exterior additions youd

like to make first, as they will probably

be the largest investments in terms of

both time and money. For example, you

should decide if youd like your porch

to be screened or open-air. Professional

installation of screens can be expensive,

but you can also find cost-cutting, do-it-

yourself methods on a variety of home

and garden magazine pages, Web sites,

and programs such as Home and Gar-

den Television (HGTV and HGTV.com).Dont rule out this option based on lin-

gering images of your grandmothers

outdated sunroom screens are prac-

tical in combating the elements and

insects, and there are elegant, modern

options available. The same rules go for

porticos, awnings, and other architec-

tural details such as railings and balus-

trades. There is an unlimited number

of options in style and detailing; and

do-it-yourself resources are available

with various levels of difficulty (if yourelooking to save a dollar). That said, its

always a good idea to consult a profes-

sional before taking on a major home

improvement project, and its always a

bad idea to make structural changes to

your home without substantial knowl-

edge and experience.

Once the structure of your porch

is determined, you can decide how to

furnish it. The porch should be a place

to relax, unwind and enjoy yourself,

whether youre alone or with family andfriends, and the seating you choose can

help you get there. Wicker and rattan

are popular outdoor choices, but thereare alternatives such as teak wood and

wrought iron. Consider a bench or a

chaise lounge to achieve a laid-back, yet

stylish atmosphere. Use cushions, pil-

lows and floor coverings to add charm,

comfort and interest without breaking

the bank. Maximize the space, as well as

the time and money you invest in it, by

using your porch for meals and entertain-

ing, as well as other activities that you and

your family normally do inside. A small

bistro table can make a perfect spot for

breakfast, a morning coffee, or studying,and kids toys can be stowed away inside

Aporch is more than an extra room attached to your house it is also a unique de-sign space where the indoors meets the outdoors. There are twice as many waysto make an impact with the freedom that a porch provides you can combine

the stately elegance of exterior architecture with the soft touches of interior design. Especially

in the case of the front porch, impact is key. As the welcoming point of your home, the front

porch can just as easily say stay away as it can say come on in!

a storage bench after playtime.

Now that youve outfitted your porchwith the basics, you can add the fin-

ishing touches that make it a part of

your home. This is a great space to get

into the spirit of each season with fes-

tive decorations. Its also an excellent

display space for plants and flowers. An

arbor, trellis or pergola is a beautiful way

to support climbing plants, although it

requires substantial care and mainte-

nance; to achieve a similar effect with

less work, try hanging plants. Nostalgic

and whimsical pieces such as rockingchairs, porch swings, planter boxes,

ceiling fans and shutters dont have to

look old-fashioned a single vintage

piece can look charming without be-

ing overdone. And if youre working

with an especially tight space or budget,

spruce up items that are already part

of the entrance to your home, such as

address numbers, lighting, letterboxes,

walkways, or paint colors. Its said that

you never get a second chance to make

a first impression, and your home is noexception to the rule!


18/46

The Sacramento area has a long his-

tory with innovative means to pro-ducing energy. Most famously, in

1895, on the heels of the first hydroelectric

plant on the American River harnessed by

Folsom State prison, the Folsom Power-

house created the countrys longest over-

head transmission at the time (22 miles in

distance) and provided Sacramento with its

first electricity. While our energy needs have

outpaced some of these earliest technolo-

gies, advancements in alternative energy

seek to change the ways we power up in

the future.One of the most popular, and abun- Ph

oto

scourtesyofGraniteBayEnergy.

a home on an annual basis. At The Solar

Company, solar electric systems require

approximately 65 square-feet of panel area

to generate one kilowatt of electricity. These

panels also have a 40-year design life and

come with a 25-year warranty.

If youve made up your mind and youre

ready for solar, whats the next step? Do your

research. Wonderlin notes, You need to un-

derstand the types of solar power systemsthat are available and which companies of-

fer which manufacturers; and pay attention

to the warranty offered on equipment. Ac-

cording to Mizany at Solar Depot, sharing

the experience with others is a great way to

spread the word about solar. The first thing

you want to do is invite your neighbors over

to show off your newfound commitment

to green power and show them your electric

meter spinning backwards, he says.

Solar may not be for everyone, but it

certainly offers an enticing alternative tothe right customer. As one sales consultant

at The Solar Company puts it: There is not

one single act a person can do that amounts

to the quantitative benefits of solar. And the

neighbors think youre cool.

RESOuRCES

The Solar Company

916-509-3123, thesolarco.com

Solar Depot916-381-0235, solardepot.com

Granite Bay Energy

916-791-2426, granitebayenergy.com

Premier Power

888-232-0353, premierpower.com

Database of State Incentives

for Renewables and Efficiency

(DSIRE)

dsireusa.org

dant, sources out

there is solar. Solar

is an investment, and

a good one at that,

says Justin Mizany

of Solar Depot in Sacramento.

The average annual return on

investment for a residential solar

system in California is anywhere

from 12-15 percent over the life ofthe system. Try to get that kind of

return on Wall Street or in the banks

these days. With an unlimited sup-

ply of California sunshine to be had,

local residents are finding the long-

term benefits of solar panel installation

a plus for both the environment and

their pocketbooks.

Its commonly believed that the cost

of installing a solar panel system can

be so pricey it cancels out the sav-

ing benefits on an electricity bill. Notnecessarily so, says Nicole Wonder-

lin of The Solar Company in El

Dorado Hills. Solar loan payment

is almost always lower than the

current monthly electric bill. And

once its paid off (average system

payback time is 5-7 years), you

enjoy the benefits of your system for

20-plus years, she says. And remember,

installing solar is an investment, not an ex-

pense, and it increases value of your home

or property. In addition, there are tax cred-its and rebates available to solar power users

(for details, visit dsireusa.org).

So exactly how much solar does the av-

erage home need to meet normal demands?

That really depends on how much energy

you use, running the air conditioner or

heating the pool. According to The Solar

Companys stats, an average 2,500-square-

foot, single-family home uses about 5,000

kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. A

three-kilowatt (AC) solar system, typically

installed on the roof or ground, will gener-ate nearly all the electricity required for such

letit shineSolar Panel Installation is a Bright Idea

by Darren Elms


19/46

HOME &GARDEN

THE ARTS

JONRATTENBURY

OUR KIDS

MENTORING

CAUSE & EFFECT

ASSISTANCELEAGUE

HEALTH & WELLNESS

ORGANDONATION

LOCAL

DISTINCTIVEDENTISTS

LOCALSTYLE

HOMEDESIGNEXPERTS

stylemg.com

MARCH2

010


20/46

When it comes to outdoor grilling,

youve hauled out the hibachi on

more than one occasion. As for that

rusty three-legged Weber? Well, its part of

the family. Youre a bit of an apologist for

the days when charcoal ruled the world.Still, your memories of yesteryear dont stop

you from waxing poetic about the back-

yard kitchen making itself at home all over

suburbia. After a few kabobs here, some

neighborhood tailgating there youre

a believer. And once you realize that the

dinner dishes are all but eliminated with

a well-aimed hose and some decent water

pressure, youll do whatever it takes to build

your own.

Oh, wait. What does it take? Before

you get cooking, size up the situation.Placement, appearance, maintenance

and function what should you know?

How do you effectively manage a proj-

ect from beginning to completion? Our

quick reference guide answers the burn-

ing questions.

Outfitting your outdoor kitchen can befraught with complications. The first step:

set a budget. Allow five percent for wiggle

room and stick to it. A customized outdoor

kitchen can cost anywhere from $2,000 to

$50,000, including structural modifica-

tions and installation costs, so know what

you can afford. A kitchen unit may be rea-

sonably priced, but what happens if you

get amenity-happy in the process? Add in

stainless steel cabinets, granite countertops,

warming drawers, fireplaces and pizza ov-

ens, and that five percent just stretched to15 percent.

Determine utility to keep your budget

on course. Are you a serious entertainer or

an intimate family-gatherer; a casual griller,

or an all-weather enthusiast? An outdoor

kitchen should meet your skill level. If for

you, top of the line means over the top, berealistic about what you are prepared to

handle. Do your research before making

any purchases, and arm yourself with infor-

mation that effectively communicates your

specific needs. Warning: if youre swayed by

that flashy, but ill-suited unit that you wont

use or maintain, watch out that 15 percent

just jumped to 50. Be clear about what you

need. Other utilitarian factors to consider are

children, traffic flow, spacing and efficiency.

When strategizing, you should also fac-

tor in appearance. You wouldnt see a reprintof the Mona Lisa hanging inside the local P

hoto

scourtesyofBackyardDreama

ndBarbequ

esGalore.

by Jenn Thornton

grillseeker


21/46

auto body, would you? Of course not, since

thats pin-up country. The same rule applies

to home style. If you are meticulous about

interior aesthetics, be equally fastidious out-

doors. Is your house wood or brick? Are

you a stainless steel modern or a brick-oventraditionalist? Perhaps you love modern

technology, but Old World style. If youre

at all doubtful, consult a design professional

to help extend your homes stylistic bent

by seamlessly integrating your backyard

kitchen into its surroundings.

It is not advisable to install an outdoor

kitchen yourself. Installation and custom

fabrication require an expert touch. Do-

ing the remodeling yourself is a seductive

proposition, especially when it means sav-

ing a few bucks. Still, its a probable, but in-visible long-term cost. If youre still tempted,

consider your homes resale value. The

difference between quality construction

and a clumsy but well-meaning attempt

to remodel may be a pricey risk you cant

afford. The National Kitchen and Bath As-

sociation (NKBA) suggests sticking to the

basics and putting thought into what others

would like about your kitchen. Someoneelse might own it one day and youll want

to make sure you get your moneys worth!

The right designer can provide high style

on a low budget.

Appoint a qualified professional. The

NKBA advocates meeting with several de-

signers to exchange ideas. Check qualifica-

tions; ask for references and a portfolio, and

make sure to discuss your budget. If pos-

sible, schedule a visit to their showroom or

retail facility. But dont be afraid to contract

with a new designer if he or she commu-nicates well, satisfies your taste and shares

your style philosophy. If you feel pushed

out of your comfort zone, keep looking.

Site planning is critical to the process

of building. The outdoor kitchen is an ex-

tension of your living space, so backyard

kitchens are designed to accommodate a

way of life. As we all know, life style is im-

portant, but safety is paramount. Backyard

kitchens are susceptible to the same hazards

as traditional kitchens, so placement is ex-

tremely important. Structures should beinstalled away from dangers that, left unat-

tended, may cause fires or worse. Addition-

ally, proper flooring is crucial. Marble and

tile surfaces are not the best options due to

slickness, and are not advised for children.

Practicalities and protection are other

reasons to plan accurately. For example,

positioning an outdoor kitchen next to the

house cuts down on electrical and plumb-

ing costs. Aesthetic positioning extensive

or limited that aims for a dynamic view

is likely to cost more because such installa-

tion may require reconstruction. To maxi-

mize a view while protecting a structurefrom elemental damage, locate outdoor

units under an awning. The same effect

can be achieved with limited resources by

positioning a smaller island or portable

grill under an umbrella. Since we live in

a temperate climate, all-weather units are

more of a luxury than a necessity. Still, for

optimum protection, enclosures and pro-

tective equipment are always good ideas.

Maintenance is key. The same rules ap-

ply to the outdoor kitchen as to any other

part of the home. Items left unchecked raisesimilar safety concerns and may lead to

faulty equipment. Design your backyard

kitchen so that maintenance is easy, as well

as cleaning and repairs. The more acces-

sible the equipment and accessories are, the

more likely they will benefit from regular

cleanings, which cut down on unnecessary

and expensive repair or replacement costs.

If you have a hard time keeping the sink

clear of dishes, how will you be at clean-

ing an outdoor grill? Honestly assess your

willingness and then proceed.Customized backyard kitchens are a

popular alternative to setting the table these

days. With a variety of prices, models, and

brands, there is something to meet every

budget and taste. Trust the local experts to

build your dream kitchen.


22/46

As ASID award-winning designer, Joyce

Hoshall says, The psychology of color is a

designers most powerful tool! Whether you

choose drama with bold contrast or soft nu-

ances of color for serenity, dont be faint

paint!So come on lose the drab and get with

the fab! Add a little color to your life! When

you are considering what hue to add to a

room, first consider the psychological im-

pact of color:

Cool colors such as blue, green and

purple are often considered very calming

and evoke feelings of relaxation often as-

sociated with water and rolling hills. Blue

is an ideal color for bedrooms because of

its soothing qualities. Green can be used

throughout the entire house. Purple try itin the kids bedroom, it has a very jovial rich

by Wendy Sipple

quality to it.

Warm colors such as red, orange and

yellow are often associated with sunshine

or fire they invoke feelings of warmth.

Red is great for dining rooms because it

symbolizes passion and energy and stimu-

lates the appetite. Orange should be con-

sidered in living rooms, family rooms and

bedrooms because it is less intense thanred but still very passionate and welcom-

ing. Yellow is truly a mood brightener and

eyecatching color best used in poorly lit

areas of the house.

Do not be afraid to experiment with

colors, patterns and textures. Many experts

are incorporating colors once thought of as

Spiceup a room

without breaking the bank

taboo, such as browns and greys, which can

really add richness, depth and texture to a

room.

Do not be afraid of monochromatics

just vary the value or shade of the hue. And,

keep in mind that you do not have to paintthe entire wall. Outline a box on the wall

with painters tape and paint either within or

outside the box, whichever suits you best.

Or, experiment with the sheen of the paint

outline vertical stripes on the wall with

painters tape and alternate with the same

color but one with a flat finish and one with

a high-gloss finish. This is called striping

and it can add a more formal designer feel

to the room. With a little creativity, you will

be amazed with the results that you can

achieve without spending a ton of time andbreaking the bank.

I

f you have been watching

HGTV lately you have seen

some amazing room transfor-mations. Have you noticed that

many of those dramatic changes

are due to the choice of design,

texture and the color of the paint for

the walls? If hiring a design team is

not in your budget why not go for

a color change, taking one room

at a time until your transformationis complete?


23/46


24/46

When I was asked to write an article re-

garding bathroom design, I replied,

No problem. I spoke too soon!

How can I condense my 25 years of design

experience into a brief article about how todesign a bathroom for todays family?

After reviewing my own history with

bathrooms (starting with an outhouse!), I

went to my textbooks and found that there

are 41 considerations for designing a bath-

room. My decision? Lets keep it simple andjust cover the most important points.

by Stella Tuttlebathroomredesign

I approach every design challenge with

the same Bauhaus School of Design maxim,

form follows function. The function of

the bathroom is obvious and necessary, but

safety is the second most important aspectof bath design. The highest percentage


25/46

Photo

courtesyofKohlerandAmericanStandard

.

of accidents in the home occurs in the bathroom. Accessibility is

always a requirement to add to the design mix, and does not only

mean access for a wheelchair, but the potential space for a teenager

on crutches after a skiing accident, or room for a grandpa with a

walker to maneuver. It can only benefit you, both in cost and func-

tion, to plan for any unexpected contingencies.

One important factor to double-check is that all of the local

codes and requirements have been satisfied such as the installa-

tion of slip resistant tile on the shower floor, ground fault interrupt

outlets, energy conserving lighting and low flow water closets. Pay

a bit more money to add backing to the walls when remodeling

your bath, in case there is a future need for grab bars. Also, properventilation should be provided, not only to get rid of the inevitable

odors, but to dispense the humidity generated from the long

shower you take in the morning.

Storage is an often overlooked consideration in the design of

a bathroom. Most people believe that all of their toiletries can just

reside on the lavatory counter. With proper planning, these can

have their own allocated place, creating a much more elegant look.

I like to add one or two duplex outlets inside a cabinet to provide

power to those rechargeable appliances such as the shaver and

toothbrush. I also plan for a magnifying mirror to help with the

application of make-up.

When considering storage for your linens, you can choose tobe a bit self-indulgent. You can opt for a warming drawer in the

bathroom to provide a warm towel when you get out of the bath.

Since there are only a few places where this could work, proper

planning is necessary and well worth your time.

The selection of materials, faucets and fixtures is another article.

I used to tell my interior design students that there is no best prod-

uct per se, but a product that is best for the client and best for the

use. When trying to narrow down your numerous options, your

budget is the most important qualifier. Invest a generous amount

of the resources into the faucets. Take it from me - picking a bargain

faucet is penny-wise and pound-foolish. Paying the plumber to

replace a sub-standard faucet would cost more than spending that

extra money on an original quality fixture.When deciding whether to install a tub/shower, a tub or just a

shower, remember that most municipalities require that you have

at least one bathtub in the house (the rest can be showers). Consider

the users ease or difficulty getting in and out of a tub to evaluate

your selections. The combination of wet feet and a slippery tub

bottom is an accident waiting to happen. Be careful!

Now, what to do with all of this information? Begin by making a

list of what is most important to you and your family. Start a file to

gather all the examples of your choices. Most people are quite good

at decorating their homes, but the kitchen and the bath areas can

benefit from the expertise of a professional designer. These areas

involve technical requirements and detailed material specifications.A skilled designer can help you avoid costly mistakes.


26/46

We all know that getting dressed

in the morning can be a chal-

lenge. It is much easier to ac-

complish this task when you know that

you can get to whats in your closet. All too

often, poor organization and an inefficient

design lead to clutter and spending hours

trying to find the perfect outfit.

Take Terry and Wendy for example. They

have a couple of unique problems with

their walk-in master closet. They bothlike to hang their slacks full length, and

by Russell Reyes

tion project is to identify what you have.

This starts with sorting your clothing into

things you wear and things that just take

up space. A good rule of thumb is if you

havent worn it in a year unless it is a sea-

sonal item or if its ripped, stained, out-

dated, or just doesnt fit anymore, get rid

of it. My clients usually end up donating a

few bags of clothing to a local charity.

Once you know what you have, you

can decide what kind of space you willneed. If you keep many folded items in

with Terry being 6 plus, his slacks are

very long. Although they did have dou-

ble hanging throughout the closet, there

was not enough shelf space in their exist-

ing wire rack system. There also wasnt

enough shelf space for their folded gar-

ments, forcing Wendy to stack them on the

top shelf, almost out of her reach. Finally,

the closets design did not fully use the 10

height of the ceiling. Just by looking at the

before pictures, you can see what I mean.The key to tackling any closet organiza-

Perfectthe Closet


27/46

your closet, you will need shelving. If the

bulk of your clothing is pants and tops,

then the majority of your hanging should

be double hanging. If you only have a few

tall hung items like dresses and long coats,

then maybe a little space can be devoted tothe traditional tall hanging. The solution

for Terry and Wendy was to extend their

closet up to eight feet, giving them a larger

space for double hung items and very tall

spaces for their long slacks and dresses.

If you have a lot of shoes, be sure to plan

a space to store them. I always include a

shoe wall for my clients, so the days of

mismatched pairs and shoe clutter on the

floor are gone!

Now that you know what you need, it is

time to call a professional to help you withyour closet, or, if you are the do-it-yourself

type, it is time to hit the hardware stores.

One word of caution here as the old ad-

age goes you get what you pay for!

Look for quality above price-point, be-

cause your closet will have to support a lot

of weight. Out of the box components are

designed for average use, and if you plan

on stuffing them with clothing, you may

not get the longevity you are looking for.

Remember, clothes are HEAVY. Make sure

you choose sturdy components, madefrom at least 1/2 Melamine or plywood,

with 3/4 being the best choice. Look for

components that will allow you flexibility

if your storage needs change down the

road. For example, you may need to add

shelves where hanging once was. As for

the hanging, make sure your new closet

has adjustable hang bars, so that you canmove them up or down depending on

what your needs are. For shoes, instead of

buying those little cubbies that rest on the

floor, try adding shelves at 6 intervals to

an existing shelf wall, and get those shoes

up where you can see them. It will save

you from stooping down every morning

to pick a pair of shoes.

Sliding wire baskets make great alterna-

tives to drawers in a closet, and are usually

less expensive. They are great for lingerie,

tees, socks, or handbags. Dont forget thelittle details like a belt rack and a tie rack

if needed. Mount a four or five prong coat

rack on an unused part of the closet and

you have a great place to keep all those

baseball caps. Other useful accessories

include a slide out valet pole, removable

hampers and even fold down ironing

boards for larger, walk-in closets.

Dont be intimidated by small closets

either; they usually benefit the most from

a new closet system and in a lot of cases

they can get up to 50% more storage! Newhomebuilders are installing at least double

hung wire systems in the closets, but if

you have a wooden, single-bar contractor-

grade closet, 50% of the space is going

unused.

In Terry and Wendys case, we doubled

up a lot of hanging and added a lot of badly

needed shelving, without compromis-ing the need for tall hanging as well see

the after pictures. They were astounded

by how much more space they had! A

closet like this could have been installed

by the homeowner in one weekend, with

a professional design and precision cut

components delivered to their door. If you

know how to use a level, cordless drill and

hack saw, doing it yourself can save you as

much as 30%. Make sure the instructions

are clear and there is a phone number you

can call if you need help.Another organizational tip: When you

are putting your closet back together, cat-

egorize your clothing (pants with pants,

skirts with skirts, etc.) and sort by color,

going from light to dark. And, have all

your clothes facing the same direction.

Youll be amazed how much easier it is to

find that perfect pair of black pants when

all the black pants are grouped together.

Once youve figured out what to keep

and what should go, and more impor-

tantly, youve got the right design for yourindividual closet, getting dressed in the

morning will be a breeze.


28/46

1. Jim Shore Birdhouse, $50 at Tree House, 452 Main Street, Placerville. 530-295-0102. 2. Fleur de Lis Doormat, $106 at Wild Plum, 111 Mill Street,

Grass Valley. 888-854-0628, wildplumonline.com. 3. Custom Fireplace, prices vary based on design, at Backyard Dream, 9341 Greenback Lane,

Orangevale. 916-783-5777, backyarddream.com. 4. Meadowcraft Dogwood 7-Piece Outdoor Dining Set, starting at $2,033 at For All Seasons,

8701 Auburn Folsom Road, Granite Bay. 916-797-2100 5. Custom Putting Green, $12-$14 per square foot at Sierra Putting Greens, El Dorado

Youve got the green grass, the patio, and maybe a pool, but theres still some things

missing before you can impress the neighbors at your next backyard shin-dig. Styles got

you covered this month with nine must-haves thatll have your friends over in a jiffy.

4

2

3

1

backyarddcor

Give Your Back View a New Lookby Melissa Camilleri Magliola


29/46

8

5

9

7

6

Hills. 916-458-8432, sierrapg.com. 6. Landscape Lighting, prices vary based on design, at Silva Lighting, 25005 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 130,

Folsom. 916-817-2000, silvalighting.com. 7. Bose 251 Environmental Speakers, $398/pair at Bose Factory Store, Folsom Premium Outlets.

916-355-0102, bose.com. 8. Imperial Lun Windchime, $79 at Feng Shui Emporium, 3450 Palmer Drive, Suite 4182, Cameron Park. 888-490-6687,

luckycat.com. 9. Steady Stick Wine Bottle/Glass Holders, $10-$13 at Crate & Barrel, Roseville Galleria. 916-784-9100, crateandbarrel.com.


30/46FloorFloor

Get Off TheGet Off The


31/46

Theres nothing new about using

tile for a flooring surface. For

years, homeowners have en-

joyed tiles durability in handling foot

traffic. But more and more designers arereceiving requests from homeowners to

get creative with their tile designs: on

backsplashes, fireplaces, even walls.

Kara Grannes, interior designer with

Interiors by Decorating Den and Brush-

Strokes, Inc. in Folsom has seen this

increase in alternative uses for tile over

the past eight years as a member of the

National Kitchen and Bath Association.

Especially living in California, she

says, there are wonderful influences

of Spanish, Italian and Moroccan styles,toward which homeowners gravitate

styles that lend themselves to tile work

on surfaces other than floors.

PoPular Projects

Many homeowners are using ceramic

tile and natural stone in areas of their

home where they want to make a state-

ment, says Michael Bennett, owner of

Bennett Tile Company in Roseville, and

member of both the Placer County and

Sacramento Builders Associations. Hesays that hes tiled baths to give the aes-

thetic of a Roman spa, and even tiled

the walls in his own laundry room. I

will never have to paint that room again

because of scuff marks from coming in

and out of the garage, he says. Deco-

rative kitchen backsplashes and tiled

wall mosaics have also gained popularity

over the last few years.

But homeowners arent just sticking

to tiling indoors. Outdoor projects like

backyard kitchens counters, fireplaces,and even exterior walls allow people

to show off their design taste. Use of

unique color combinations, sizes, and

textures can create a design that fits a

homeowners personality and lifestyle,

says Joe Pestoni, a 20-year licensed tile

installer and owner/CEO of Elegant Tile

in El Dorado.

Why tile?

In this economy, it is important that

home improvement projects be costeffective and long lasting. As Pestoni

points out, unlike other design me-

diums, repairs and replacements [of

tile] are easy. If there is a crack in the

countertop, no problem! Just replace

the cracked tile(s) rather than the entire

countertop.

Besides easy maintenance, ceramictile can be considered a green product.

The products used to make ceramic tile

and the products used to install it do

not emit VOCs or harmful vapors in

the environment, which pleases earth-

conscious consumers. Installed prop-

erly, ceramic tile lasts a lifetime, which

keep future replacement costs down and

landfills clear, says Bennett.

Plus, the variety of aesthetics is end-

less. There are tiles made to look like

wood, without the maintenance ofwood. There are ceramic tiles made to

look like natural stone. This can keep

the cost down, [and] the wow factor

in, Grannes says.

Photoistockphoto.com/jimkruger.

DO-IT-YOURSELF!

So yore sold on the idea of tile in yor

home design, bt want to take a stab

at a project on yor own? Why not try

something simple first. Our local experts

suggest trying a tabletop first, whether an

even squared pattern or a mosaic pattern.If a tabletop seems too extreme to start,

consider tiling a serving tray. However,

Bennett adds, installing tile can take years

of practice to do the job right so that it lasts

for years to come. If you are unsure with

your home improvement abilities, a deco-

rator or licensed contractor can definitely

help make your design idea a reality.

RESOuRCES:

Bennett Tile Company

916-773-8453

bennetttilecompany.com

Ble Ribbon Tile Company

Folsom/Shingle Springs

916-983-3210/530-672-2122

El Dorado Floor & Design

916-984-6683

eldoradosgcarpet.com

Elegant Tile in El Dorado

530-622-2229

eleganttileinc.com

Interiors By Decorating Den

Brush Strokes, Inc.916-294-9727

uniquebrushstrokes.com

Take Tile to a New Level

by Melissa Camilleri Magliola


32/46

home

reinventionCreating New SpaceIn Your Old Placeby Lynn Machon

These days, more than ever before, savvy homeowners

have discovered that renovating their house is an excit-

ing way to get a new, upgraded home without changing

their address. Especially when it comes to resale values,

experts say updating a kitchen or bathroom could be the

best money you ever spend on your place.

A Room Without a View

Homeowners and husband and wife team, Hal Eilersen

and Nancy Woods, have lived in their Granite Bay home

15 years and love the natural setting of their property. Thehouse is located on a really pretty piece of land, with lots P

hoto

scourtesyofrespectivedesign

comp

anies.


33/46

of oaks and granite and redwoods around, says Eilersen. But, he says, the homes original construction didnt

take advantage of those beautiful views. In fact, he says, the view to the outside was mostly blocked from the

kitchen, dining and living rooms.

From an aesthetic standpoint, the Eilersen/Woods home needed updating as well. The kitchen counters

and backsplash were covered in small white tile, and the cabinets were a dark wood. Without much natural

lighting, the living space felt small and dark.

Yet Eilersen says, the decision to remodel their home in spring 2008 wasnt just as much about fashion as

it was about function. My wife and I are vegetarians, so the cooking that we do takes a lot of time, he says.

The kitchen wasnt laid out very well for two people to cook at the same time. We were always bumping into

each other and ghting over who got the sink, he laughs.In turn, Eilersen and Woods decided they needed a change. We basically wanted to open up the whole

area, improve the views and improve the functionality of the kitchen. A Lesson Plan in Remodeling

Enter Kent Eberle, owner of Eberle Remodeling in Sacramento. Since 1985, Eberles rm has handled strictly

residential remodeling, which after 25 years in the business, includes mostly repeat customers and referrals.

Once a physical education teacher by trade, Eberle says remodeling a home is a lot like following a lesson

plan. It really boils down to details, you have to get from point A to point B and the more you can spell it

out, the better youll be, he says.

Eberle says that for most homeowners, the decision to remodel is largely nancial. In addition to the

costs associated with moving, if theyve been in their home for any amount of time, theyve got equity built

up in the home. Its always better to upgrade a home rather than change tax brackets with a new one.

BEFORE


34/46

With the Eilersen/Woods project, Eber-

le says the opportunities for improvement

were obvious. There was very little view

out of the back or sides of the home, he

says. When you rst walked in there was a

large brick column and wall that separated

the family room from kitchen.

We basically just gutted the whole area

and opened it up, creating more of a great

room effect, he says. Then we added large

picture windows with casements on either

side, exterior doors, and for even morelighting we used recessed can lights and low

voltage under-cabinet lights. Even with de-

cades of projects under his belt, Eberle ad-

mits, It was really quite a dramatic change.

Details Make the Difference

In addition to structurally opening up the

living space, the remodel included upgrades

to the kitchen, living room, dining room, en-

tryway and guest bath. Along the way, cus-

tom details personalized the project.

The kitchen cabinets were made ofred birch with a unique wider-than-normal

frame and Durango-style doors. The ex-

tensive granite countertops were a feature

Eilersen says took forever to pick out. We

went to every granite shop in the area to

nd one we liked and that there was enough

of for the job. In nishing the kitchen, stain-

less steel xtures were added.

As part of the remodel project, new

wood ooring was extended from the

kitchen into the family room, the entryway

was tiled and a hand railing from family room

to living room was redone. Another specialtouch for the cooking couple was the ad-

dition of two full size sinks in the kitchen

versus the typical main sink and prep sink.

Eilersen agrees the kitchen is now the

major attraction of the home, but he says

the whole house just seems brighter and

more youthful. Eilersen admits that when it

comes to their new view, they had no idea

what they were missing. Im not sure we

ever anticipated how nice it would be to

have the house more open to the views of

the outside. We just love it now; its beensuch a nice change.

omeeinvention

Kitchen inDespair

Another Granite Bay kitchen was in dire

need o a renovation. The ormer room

was a tight, dark space with limited

preparation room, and only allowed or

one cook. The homeowners enlisted

Precision Cabinetry and Design to

remodel their kitchen. They provided

design schematics, material selection,

an electrical plan, product ordering

and then construction.

With a primary aim o creating a

warm, inviting, ecient, open and

large space, they transormed the

kitchen into a unctional and beau-

tiul, bright workspace and opened

up the space as a whole, removing

the dividing cabinetry. They worked

with the existing foor material and

installed dark cherry wood cabinets

that magnicently complemented

the Purple Dunes granite counter-tops in a leather nish. The large,

central butcher block island aorded

the homeowners ample preparation

space and a perect spot to gather

when entertaining. A stainless steel

Kohler sink, Moen aucet and new

appliances completed the renova-

tion and polished o its nished ap-

pearance or a striking remodel.

Visit stylemg.com for more

details, photos, and thehomeowners thoughts on

the Precision Cabinetry and

Design kitchen rennovation.

BEFORE


35/46

URNITALIA IS COMING TO THE ROSEVILLE GALLERIA LOCATED NEXT TO LOUIS VUITTON.

scover a passion for design in our new Natuzzi Italy Flagship Gallery. New spaces of harmony, conceived to host an exclusive

llection of sofas and living room furnishings all designed and made in Italy by Natuzzi, the leading Italian furniture company. Style

d functionality combined, the Avana features deep quilted seats coupled with adjustable headrests for the ultimate relaxation.

2615 Town & Country Place

Sacramento, CA 95821

In The Collection at Town & Country,

Behind William Glen at Fulton & Marconi6.484.0333 www. furnitalia.com


36/46

Remodeling has become one

of Americas favorite pastimes.

Whether you are remodeling yourkitchen, adding a new addition, or

putting in a sunroom, remodeling

can be an enjoyable experience and

a great way to increase the value of

your single largest asset.

10Photo

scourtesyofNARI.

One of the most exciting aspects of remodeling is planning the project.

Not only is planning fun, it is also very important to the success of the

job. Unfortunately, however, there are a number of problems that can

occur when making changes to your home. But with some foresight,

common sense and the following tips, you can eliminate most of thesepotential problems before they have a chance to take root.

by NARI

FOR A SUCCESSFUL REMODEL


37/46

Tip 1:Hire the correct contractor. De-

ciding who to hire for your remodeling

project may be the most important deci-

sion you will have to make. Employing a

professional contractor is a safeguard thatyour home improvement will be done

right, within budget, and on time.

When hiring a contractor, check to

make sure he or she is bonded, insured,

meets all state and local licensing require-

ments, and is a member of a professionaltrade association such as the Sacramento

Chapter of the National Association of the

Remodeling Industry. To find a profes-sional remodeling contractor, either call


38/46

the Chapter office at 916-456-1200 or

visit their website at www.narisacto.org.

Tip 2: Proper planning. Your fin-

ished project will only be as good as the

design and planning that went into it.

Whether you are doing the remodel your-

self or hiring a contractor, it is important tolook over the blueprints and schematics to

make sure the design is exactly what you

want. If you are building an addition, be

sure your current heating and air condi-

tioning system has the capability to heat

and cool the extra space. If a contractor

is handling the work, he or she should

know if current systems need to be up-graded.

Without proper planning, you prob-

ably wont end up with the home improve-

ment youve been dreaming about. Not

only can the project look unsightly, it can

also end up costing you a lot of money

to fix unexpected problems and make

changes. Planning is essential. Tip 3: Consider all options. Even


39/46

if you think you have the perfect design

for your home, be open to suggestions.

Avoid picking new colors for your home

based on a sample card from a paint store.

The small cards are not enough of a guide

to judge color intensity. Instead, paint aposter board your desired color and put

it on the wall. Look at it during different

times of the day and from various dis-

tances to decide if this is the color you

really want.

Increasing your imagination and visu-

alizing alternative choices allows you to

make better, more informed decisions. It

also helps to talk to your contractor or in-

terior designer about the different options

available on the market. Their expertise

can save you a lot of time and frustration. Tip 4:Pick the best products for your

budget. Your home is your most valu-

able asset, and it pays to protect that asset.

This means not using low quality products

when remodeling. Even though there are

a variety of design techniques and prod-

ucts available on todays market, you dont

want to cut corners in the hopes of saving

a few dollars and put quality at risk. This

is especially true if you plan on staying in

your home for a long period of time.

Inferior products can be a hazard toyou and your home. They can also end up

costing you more in the long run through

increased energy bills, maintenance costs,

and replacement fees.

Tip 5:Dont overextend yourself on a

do-it-yourself project. Creating additional

problems and not having the expertise tofinish a project once you start it are two

pitfalls encountered by do-it-yourselfers.

Not only will you have to deal with the

added levels of frustration, but your costs

can also skyrocket when additional work

needs to be done. You might also have

trouble finding a contractor who will fix

your problems. Some remodelers refuse to

take on a do-it-yourself project gone bad.

And with contractors busier than ever, it

may be a long time before one can fit your

job into an already busy schedule.Even though most homeowners enjoy

working around the home, there comes

a time when a job is just too big for their

capabilities. Before starting a job, know

what is involved and what your limitations

are.

Tip 6: Start a job at the appropriate

time. Timing is critical when planning a

home improvement project. Pick a start

date and an approximate finish date that

best fits your schedule and your contrac-

tors schedule. Be realistic. Dont expect akitchen remodel to be completed in two

weeks when it could take more than a

month just to get the cabinets from the

manufacturer.

Timing the project can also reduce

stress. You dont want to have your kitchen

torn apart when youre planning a holidaydinner or have your water turned off while

hosting company. If you are planning an

addition and need to have part of your

home opened up, think about what time

of the year would be best to have the home

exposed to the weather. You may want to

plan your family vacation to coincide with

the remodeling project.

Tip 7: Avoid the domino effect. Its

easy for homeowners to fall prey to the

domino effect - so watch out. This hap-

pens when you have one room in thehome remodeled, such as the kitchen,

and it looks so good that you want to have

the living room done, then the bedroom,

then the bathroom. Before you know it,

you have the contractor working in every

room in the house, If youre looking to

overextend your budget, this is a great way

to do it.

Its natural to ask your contractor ques-

tions while he or she is in your home but

dont be impulsive. If you do decide to

have another room remodeled, go throughthe same careful planning stages that you


40/46

took for your initial project and create a new

budget.

Tip 8: Manage your budget. You cre-ated a budget for a good reason - so stick to

it. You dont want to end up short on cash

and not be able to finish your project, and

you dont want to end up so far in debt

that you will regret ever making any home

improvements. Work with your contractor.

He or she should know how much money

you are willing to invest in the remodeling

project, and the professional can help your

job stay within cost.

You should also keep ten percent of your

budget as a reserve for the unexpected. Un-foreseen costs will inevitably arise, and you

dont want to get caught unprepared. The

reserve will allow for any sudden increase

in materials. Tip 9: Avoid over remodeling for

your neighborhood. No matter how much

money you invest in your home, there is

only so much that you will be able to re-

coup if you decide to sell it. So if resale is in

your future, know your limits. Check the

real estate market to see what homes in your

area are worth. You will not increase the

resale value of your home by remodeling if

your home is already at its maximum value

for your neighborhood.

If you plan to stay in your home for along period of time, however, then spend

whatever is necessary on remodeling to

make you feel comfortable.

Tip 10:Know your rights. Before yousign any contract, be sure you know what

is involved. Dont blindly sign any contract

and sign away your rights as a consumer.

A contract should include a comprehensive

description of the project, a payment sched-

ule, a timetable, and the types of products

that will be used. The responsibilities of the

contractor and any subcontractors should

also be detailed.

A contract also needs to list provisions

for warranties, changes in procedures, and

in case problems arise, alternative disputeresolution clauses.


41/46


42/46

My aunt is the queen collector.

Really, anything I ever learnedabout purchasing, placing or

purging collectables I learned from her. My

current space, though a bit sparse as I go

through a minimalist phase, still takes cues

from her special skill at arranging multiple

items without looking like a candidate for

Hoarders. Displaying collections truly is

an art. I can think of at least 12 individual

collections my aunt holds dear, from Lladro

and Herend figurines, to Lennox china set-

tings and framed lithographs, and they all

have their place in the home and never, ever,look cluttered. She has a gift, and Im so glad I

learned from the best. So if like her, you have

a penchant for collections, large or small,

here are a few wise tips on how to keep them

beautiful and presentable all year long.

A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY

Collections, by their very nature, can get

large...quite large. A big collection need

not be an overwhelming one if displayed

properly. A traditional curio cabinet is one

option, providing a central showcase for avariety of items. A great way to highlight

certain pieces in a collection is to free them

from the cage and display a select few, eitheron a mantle or side table, creating a center

of focus thats small and not overwhelming.

Feel free to mix and match here when appro-

priate. The holidays especially are wonderful

occasions to bring seasonal items front and

center, such as a dining room centerpiece

or a festive mantle. Bring out the stars of

your collection and frame them with some

holiday cheer.

THE FRAME GAME

Speaking of framing, theres no arguing thatframed prints and artwork can be a challenge

to display, especially in numbers. If you can

successfully collage a body of work on one

wall, go for it. A nice composition of related

works can look fantastic and really highlight

the importance of the collection. If the

quantity is more than one or two walls can

handle, consider displaying only a handful

of pieces at a time. You can always spread

the collection throughout the house, but

that might only reduce the impact of the col-

lection as a whole. Shadowboxes and otherframed displays are the perfect solution to Ph

oto

istockphoto.com/monkeywrenched.

on displaySimple Collections Make Bold Statements

by Darren Elms

small collections, like pins, medals and other

valuable trinkets.

ONE WORD: ROTATE

Even someone like my aunt, with her

multiple collections, knows its not possible

to display all pieces at once. Well, possible,

but not always the first choice of a tidy

homeowner. Avoid clutter with the simple

rule of rotation. Think of your space as a

museum and give each collection a window

of exhibition. While some take the spotlight,

carefully pack others away in a safe place

until their moment arrives. Even collectionsthat stay out year-round should be moved to

different locations to keep things interesting.

A new venue can instantly turn a tired collec-

tion into a fresh display.

And, should you find a collection no

longer interests you, or another obsession

comes along to take its place, theres always

that place called eBay where countless

enthusiasts wait to sweep up your treasures

at a cost. The best collections give you joy

from first find to final purchase. Give them a

place to shine and enjoy the thrill over andover again.


43/46


44/46

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Page 13

GTL Construction Inc.916-821-5046

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Page 5

Page 12

Back Yard Dream

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Rocklin - 4430 Granite Drive

916-783-5777

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Page 5

Grand Entrance

916-284-4191

www.yourgrandentrance.com

Decorating Den Interiors

916-294-9777

www.decdens.com/janer

Page 5

Page 2

Granite Transformations

11367 Trade Center Drive, Ste. 130

Rancho Cordova

888-624-8235

www.granitetransformations.com

Page 9



Rancho Cordova

888-624-8235


Page 5

Decorating Den Interiors

916-294-9777

www.decdens.com/janer

Page 5

El Dorado Floor & Design98 Clarksville Rd.

Folsom

916-984-6683

www.eldoradofloor.com

For moreinformation call:

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ADVERTISER INDEX

Page 35

Page 41

Furnitalia2615 Town and Country Plaza

Sacramento

916-484-0333

www.furnitalia.com

BC Electric

916-337-9700 530-337-9700

Page 19

Folsom Home & Garden Show

Presented By: Style Home Design

Saturday, October 9th

916-988-9888

www.shdmag.com

Page 41

Page 43

Blind Spot Blinds & Shutters408 Vernon Street

Downtown Roseville

916-773-7768

www.shutterspot.com

Five Star Landscape

916-302-4390

www.fivestarlandscape.com

Page 23



Rancho Cordova

888-624-8235


folsomHOME&GARDENSHOW

presented by:

HOME &GARDEN

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MENTORING

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HOMEDESIGNEXPERTS

stylemg.com

MARCH2010

FURNITALIAIS COMING TO THE ROSEVILLE GALLERIALOCATEDNEXT TO LOUIS VUITTON.

Discover a passion for design in our new Natuzzi Italy Flagship Gallery. New spaces of harmony, conceived to host an exclusive

collection of sofas and living room furnishings alldesigned and madeinItalybyNatuzzi, theleadi

Documents

Style Home Design 20100910