011313 hr opt

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

AN EDITION OF

EASY WAYS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME. See 8

A glimmer of light has entered Hawaii’s homes with G&S ShutterDesigns and its signature Polycore Shutter line — a beautiful, strongand durable enhancement to every design scheme. See page 3

JANUARY 13, 2013 | HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM

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Like the holiday season, my out-of-town guests have come and gone. Ienjoyed their company, but now it’s

time to get back to “normal.” I started bytaking down holiday decorations (sigh)and doing a thorough cleaning of myplace.

As much as it pained me, I threw awayuneaten treats. I scrubbed, dusted, vacu-umed and wiped down nearly everythingin sight. I could finally relax, or so I thought.Soon, I found myself asking, “What’s thatsmell?”

It turned out that smell was comingfrom my sink. Spotless as it was on theoutside, the inside reeked, and the smellwas creeping up the drain and into thekitchen. I found out that the problemcould be many things. Luckily for me, the

solution was simple.I didn’t consider that the drain needed

cleaning, too. I even had a homemaderecipe for drain cleaner. I guess my head

was still stuck in holiday mode. All you need for this type of

cleaning is baking soda andvinegar. Pour baking soda intothe drain. You can use 1 table-spoon or up to a 1/2 cup,depending on the severity ofthe problem. My sink wasextra stinky, so I used 1/2 cup.Next, pour 1/4 cup to 1 cup ofvinegar down the drain,depending on how much bak-ing soda you used.

Cover the drain with a stop-per. If it’s a double sink, putstoppers in each. Then, let themixture sit for 15 to 30 min-utes. The baking soda andvinegar will react, and the mix-ture will put force on anyblockage inside, which is prob-ably the root of the stench.Finish it off by removing the

stoppers and running hot water throughthe drain. I let my hot water run for aboutone to two minutes.

The stink is gone, but to keep it from

coming back, I’ll have to add drain cleaningto my weekly routine. If this doesn’t workfor you, or if the smell comes back toosoon, you may have a larger issue. Theproblem could lie in your P-trap, which isthe P-shaped fitting under your sink. It isdesigned to trap water in order to createa seal, blocking sewer gases from creepingup your sink. Check it to ensure it’s cleanand free from debris.

Other problems may lie in your vent,overflow drain or even your faucet. In anycase, it is always best to consult a profes-sional for serious problems.

2 • JANUARY 13, 2013 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

JOANNE ROMERO2 JANUARY 13 • 2013

Hawaii Renovation is a weekly advertising supplement published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Send your comments and story ideas to [email protected]

SALES MANAGERDARWIN ROGERS

Phone: 529 - 4740 | [email protected]

Getting rid of sink stink

Every homeowner wants the bestfor his or her home, and oftentimesthe importance of window cover-

ings is overlooked. Commonly, windowcoverings are the last item purchased whenrenovating or furnishing a home. The truthof the matter is that window coverings playan important role in maintenance, upkeepand appeal of your home. Plantation shut-ters are the best window coverings on themarket, and G&S Shutter Designs believesit has the best plantation shutter in Hawaii.

G&S Shutter Designs stands firm behindits Polycore Shutter, which benefits home-owners fivefold. Easy maintenance, energyefficiency, longevity, insulation and eleganceare the five main benefits of plantationshutters. Although plantation shuttersrequire a slightly larger upfront investmentthan other window covering options, thelong- term benefits prove to be well worthit, especially for Hawaii homeowners.

Being that plantation shutters are a high-er priced product than most other windowcoverings, G&S Shutter Designs attemptsto make it easier on homeownerswith its competitive pricing. The com-pany believes it has the most afford-able pricing for the highest qualityshutters on the island.

“We really just want to offer ourcustomers a high-quality productalong with the best price on theisland,” said G&S Shutter Designsowner Gavin Shibuya. “Our goal is tocreate positive relationships with ourcustomers, provide superior productsand excel in customer servicethroughout the whole process frompoint-of-sale through installation,”stated Shibuya.

Polycore Shutters are built to lastThe quality and strength of G&S Shutter

Designs Polycore Shutters are unmatchedin today’s shutter industry. The technologyof aluminum co-extrusion is the signatureaspect that differentiates the PolycoreShutter from all other planation shutterson Hawaii’s market. “The additionalstrength of aluminum throughout our shut-ter allows us to take our single shutter pan-els up to 36 inches in width, which ensures

that our louvers will not sag or warp,” saidShibuya. This technology proves to be ofutmost importance — especially in Hawaii,where homes take a beating because ofdrastic weather changes and harsh ele-ments such as sun, moisture and salt.

The Polycore Shutter is the world’s onlysolid synthetic shutter with a co-extrudedaluminum core. All of the rails, stiles andlouvers are reinforced with an aluminumcore. They have a baked-on waterbornepaint and are both fire-retardant and mois-ture-resistant. The Polycore Shutter comes

in five different shades of white, three differ-ent louver sizes and a variety of framingoptions. This allows customers to tailor theirshutters to match any interior décor.

G&S Shutter Designs has been in busi-ness for seven years and has many satis-fied customers all over the island. Thecompany’s professionals are young, moti-vated and determined individuals whotake pride in their work and strive to bethe best shutter company on the island.“We have completed many projects over

the years, which include KahalaNui, St. Francis Hospice and wecurrently handle the develop-ment Ka Makana at Hoakalei,”said Shibuya. It is a small localbusiness that strongly believesin customer service and excep-tional workmanship.

Every window is treated in acustom manner specifically tai-lored to the needs of that par-

ticular home. “G&S Shutter Designs has theexperience to handle any job and we treateach and every home as if they were ourown,” claimed Shibuya.

G&S Shutter Designs aims to beautifyand protect Hawaii homes, one window ata time. It offers the most technologicallyadvanced shutter, affordable pricing andexceptional workmanship on the island.Contact G&S Shutter Designs today soyou can enhance your home with thefinest window coverings offered at thebest price.

G&S SHUTTER DESIGNS

The wise choice in plantation shuttersPHOTOS COURTESY OFG&S ShutterDesigns

HR COVER STORY JANUARY 13 • 2013 3

JANUARY 13, 2013 • 3

G&S SHUTTER DESIGNSON THE COVER

contact // 383-1407email // [email protected] web // www.gsshutterdesigns.com

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

AN EDITION OF

EASY WAYS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME. See Page 18

A glimmer of light has entered Hawaii’s homes with G&S ShutterDesigns and its signature Polycore Shutter line — a beautiful, strongand durable enhancement to every design scheme. See page 3

JANUARY 13, 2013 | HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM

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302 Sand Island Access Road • 447-2752 • Monday-Saturday: 9am.- 5pm. • Sunday: Closed Contractor License #C-7137 Visit americancarpetone.com/midweek

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Now that it’s a new year, it’s a newyou! Let water flow into your lifeto create tranquility, enhance “qi”

(life energy), reduce stress and improveyour outlook. According to a study pub-lished in Psychology Today in December2010, spaces with water elements aremore restorative than green spaces with-out a water feature.

“With the hustle and bustle of the holi-days behind us, why not begin 2013 by cre-ating a renewing, relaxing space to call yourown?” said Andrew Dedrick, Geobunga

executive director. “A water feature caninstantly change the look of your outdoorspace, creating a tranquil, aestheticallypleasing, luxurious attribute to your garden

or lanai. The soothing sounds of awater feature can wash away themental noise of a busy day, ordrown out unwanted back-ground noise from nearby trafficand less-than-tranquil neighbors.”

Geobunga cultivates andgrows hundreds of lilies, lotusesand other water plants at itsWaimanalo farm available forsale at both the Waimanalo andSalt Lake location. Whether youhave a backyard pond or just asmall lanai, anyone can enjoy the

beauty of a water garden. Contrary towhat their stunning beauty might imply,they are fairly simple to maintain forexperts and novices alike.

“I have a water lily on my front step thathas bloomed every day for over a year,”said Dedrick. “It’s so simple to care for — Iperiodically snip off old flowers and fertilizemonthly. Anyone can enjoy the beauty ofthese plants, anywhere they have access tosunlight.”

And at Geobunga, there is no need tostress over the price of adding one of thesebeautiful features to your garden.Geobunga offers water features pricedfrom as little as $150 to $700, with grandfeatures ranging from $800 to $2,800.

Geobunga turns the ordinary into

extraordinary as Hawaii’s best resource foranyone looking to enhance their outdoorexperience. Providing unique garden ele-ments from around the world, Geobungaspecializes in stone pavers and benches,decorative rocks, ceramic pots, fountainsand bamboo accents, including a variety ofplants. With the best prices, selection andservice in the state, each visit to Geobungabrings something new to discover.

Don’t forget to check out the company’ssocial media sites on Facebook (www.facebook.com/geobunga) and Twitter(@geobunga).


GEOBUNGA6 JANUARY 13 • 2013

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Home World Pearl City

488-7399

The ‘people’s choice’ inremodeling contractorsFounded by president Carl Gaumont

in 1987, Pacific Isle Contractors Ltd.has been building and remodeling

homes in the Islands for a quarter of a cen-tury. Gaumont described the company as asmall contracting business that has foundits niche in residential remodeling. Projectsrange from kitchen and baths to large-scalerenovations, additions as well as new-homeconstruction.

While Pacific Isle Contractors hascompleted many additions and renova-tions over the years, older homes built inthe 1930s and 1940s are some of itsfavorite projects.

“We renovated a number of olderhomes in the Nuuanu and Manoa areasand appreciate the architecture of thatera,” said Gaumont. “Some of these homeswere considered ‘tear downs’ by othercontractors, but after careful inspection, we

found them quite structurally sound.“You need to put things in perspective. If

you’re going to spend the money on a largescale renovation and 10 percent of thatcost is necessary for repairs to the struc-ture, you’re probably ahead of the gameonce you figure in the replacement costs ofone of these beautiful older homes.”

Oftentimes the clients will be living in thehome while work is being done, so they arekept abreast of scheduling and the scope ofwork to be performed at any given time tominimize disruption to their daily lives.

“Communication is a high priority,”Gaumont said. “We want homeowners toknow what to expect on any given day, so wecan address any issues that might arise. Ourgoal is to help you attain your dream home.”

Here is feedback from clients:

It has been eight years since Pacific Isle

Contractors did a very challenging, major ren-ovation and addition to our very uniqueKailua home.We were not only extremelyhappy with the results, but loved the experi-ence of working together with Carl and ourarchitect, Paul Sheffield. We are now lookingforward to working with Carl once again,building a new home in Kahaluu.

— Pau and Gail Switzer

We just completed renovating our home inNuuanu, including new windows, siding and a

family room addition with a beautiful deck forentertaining friends and family. Our experi-ence with Pac. Isle Contractors has beenextremely enjoyable. Carl and his crew arevery professional and produce high-qualityworkmanship.

— Andre Lee

“Your renovation should be fun, not stress-ful, and Pacific Isle Contractors works hard toearn your trust and confidence,” saidGaumont. “We want to be your contractor.”

JANUARY 13, 2013 • 7

PACIFIC ISLE CONTRACTORS LTD. JANUARY 13 • 2013 7

PACIFIC ISLE CONTRACTORS LTD.contact // 623-4717 address // 94-437 Kealakaa St.

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Freshen up the kitchenwith renewed cabinetryThe staff at Essential Cabinet Refacing

Inc. (ECR) would like to wish you aHappy New Year. Did you have to

dig through all your dusty pots and pans tofind your roasting pan? Well, now is the timeto start planning your kitchen remodelingby saying, “Out with the old and in with thenew!” Reorganize, de-clutter and make aplan with your remodeling expert fromECR on how you could have a more efficientand modern kitchen.

Remember that ECR can do the job andmake it fit your budget. Refacing is an excel-lent way to use your money wisely.

ECR has more than 20 years of experi-ence in satisfying customers. The companycan save you money by refacing your cabi-nets — a method that gives the kitchen anew look without having to rip everythingout. The doors and drawers are replacedand the faces of the cabinets are resur-faced, but the rest of the cabinet boxremains intact and in place. Your kitchen willhave an entirely new look! Refacing saveson cost and makes everything more con-venient for you.

ECR also can make problem areas more

efficient and accessible. Need more cabinetspace and have room for a new pantry?Need to replace your dishwasher with acabinet? Need some rollout drawers inthe pan-cabinet for easier access? ECRcan build it. All the company’s cabinetsare custom made at its Sand Island shopso the price is very affordable (no mid-dle-man sales commission).

And if you’re ready to have all yourcabinets replaced, ECR can build newcustom cabinets — made to order.Owners Ringo and Michele Pauly havetheir office’s shop at 212 Mohonua Place,where showroom hours are from 8 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more information or to schedulea free, no-obligation estimate, calltoday.


ESSENTIAL CABINET REFACING INC.8 JANUARY 13 • 2013

ESSENTIAL CABINET REFACING INC.contact // 847-7835 web // essentialcabinetrefacing.com

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The politics of what’s atstake for homeowners

BY KAREN NAKAMURA

National policy has acknowledged the importance ofthe home in American family life for almost a cen-tury. But despite the fact that most Americans

want change that will mend the housing market, create jobsand boost the overall economy, policymakers are proposingradical changes that threaten the dream of homeownershipfor millions of current and future Americans.

The policies that are being considered could negativelyimpact Americans’ ability to buy a first home, keep their cur-rent home or enter into the move-up market.

Mortgage interest deduction Eliminating or limiting the mortgage interest deduction

would impose a huge tax increase on millions of middle-classhome owners and discourage prospective buyers. Changingthe deduction would cause after-tax housing costs toincrease, and housing demand to decrease.

The reduced demand would depress home prices. Such a

change in home values could weaken theeconomic recovery and perhaps drive thenation’s economy back into recession.

Mandating downpaymentsThe national Qualified Residential

Mortgage standard that is being pro-posed by federal agencies would requirea minimum 20 percent downpaymentand other stricter qualifications, which would keep home-ownership out of reach for most first-time home buyersand middleclass households. According to estimates, itwould take 12 years for the typical family to save enoughmoney for a 20 percent downpayment on a median-pricedsingle-family home.

Creditworthy borrowers denied opportunitiesCreditworthy borrowers are being prevented from buying

homes by overly restrictive lending standards which is slow-ing the housing recovery and hurting the economic recovery.

Restoring the flow of credit to qualified home buyers willboost the housing market, help put America back to work,and strengthen the economic health of communities acrossthe country by providing tax revenues that local govern-ments need to fund schools, police and firefighters.

For more information, go to www.biahawaii.org orwww.protecthomeownership.com.

Karen Nakamura is executive vice president/CEO of theBuilding Industry Association of Hawaii.

JANUARY 13, 2013 • 9

BIA HAWAII JANUARY 13 • 2013 9

New Great Name, Same Great Company

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VISIT OUR 3000 SF SHOWROOM TODAY!926 KOHOU STREET 847-7711

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Cumaru is one of the most beautifuland versatile colors of wood flooring.It seems to blend incredibly well with almost anything you put next to it. And it is one of the hardestwoods in the world. I’ve got it in my own house and love it! See it in person and learn more interestingfacts at our next seminar! Aloha!

Come and visit our showroom at1018 Smith St. • Hon., HI 96817www.cvconstructionhawaii.com

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BY SARAH PACHECO

In the past year CV Construction LLC has built a strongreputation among its clients as a trustworthy companythat provides honest, reliable service for a great value.

“We always try to give that extra and make sure theclient is happy, and by happy, I mean to the extent that we’vedone our job right,” said project manager Victor Yeung, the“V” in CV Construction.

Victor, whose background is in sales, met future businesspartner Chuan “Sam” He (the “C” in the company’s name)six years ago, shortly after returning home to Hawaii aftersome time spent living in California. Victor began by workingpart-time with Sam’s former construction business, eventu-ally joining the company full-time in 2009.

Sam, who has an extensive 15-year background in com-mercial and residential construction on Oahu, Maui and theBig Island, decided in early 2011 that he wanted a new part-ner with whom to launch a new company that would bettermeet the requests and needs of his clients. He chose Victoras that person and within a few months, CV Constructionwas created.

Since opening in March 2011, CV Construction hasworked on more than 60 projects here on Oahu, includingdoctors’ offices, dental offices, financial institutions andrestaurants. However, the majority of business revolvesaround residential projects, from kitchen and bathroomremodeling to home additions and other large-scale resi-dential renovations.

CV Construction doesn’t just build houses, according toVictor. “We get invested with our clients and develop a vest-ed interest in their future, because we don’t just consider ita project — we’re dealing with people’s homes, we’re deal-ing with their livelihood, we’re dealing with what they live in.After we leave, they still have to deal with it day after dayafter day,” he explained.

“We’re family-style, family-oriented, and we take care ofour clients just like we’d like to be taken care of. Everybodywe have in our company is family.”

That extends to CV Construction’s employees, all ofwhom are either relatives or friends from Sam’s native vil-lage of Fujian, China.

The company rarely, if ever, will rely on a subcontractor,which gives CV Construction control over the cost andtimeline of the project, ultimately saving clients undue stressand money.

For more information, call 531-3888 or stop by theshowroom located at 1018 Smith St. Hours of operationare 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.to 2 p.m. Saturday and by appointment only Sunday. Lookfor upcoming news on the company’s second locationopening soon.


CV CONSTRUCTION10 JANUARY 13 • 2013

Where clients are part of the family

CV CONSTRUCTIONcontact // 531-3888 • 428-5191

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: I notice thatthe state of my environment does affect me,but I’m curious as to whether or not therehave ever been studies done about this. Isthere any “proof” that the environment influ-ences our well-being? I’m more of a skeptic, Iguess, and would appreciate any informationyou can offer.

In 2005, I went to the feng shui world sym-posium where close to 100 of the world’sleading experts gave presentations on

their areas of expertise. The majority of pre-senters discussed various aspects of fengshui application. However, what I found mostinteresting were those who introduced dis-ciplines complementary to feng shui.

I loved the scientific information aboutdangerous EMF’s (electromagnetic fre-quencies from electrical items) andBaubiologie (the analysis of a building’s“health” and how unseen toxins adverselyaffect the occupants), but the lectures onenvironmental psychology interested memost because, like you, I craved “proof ”beyond what I already knew that the envi-ronment affects us.

What is environmental psychology?Environmental psychology is a direct

study of the relationship between the envi-ronment and its inhabitants. Hundreds ofpeer-reviewed studies have been docu-mented since the mid-’80s, showing multi-ple correlations and confirmations of theprinciples I speak about in feng shui. Thesestudies show conclusively that a home’smost important value is its fundamentalrole in the physical and psychological well-being of its inhabitants. The studies alsoshowed that without a comforting home,people aren’t prepared to optimally meetthe challenges of everyday life.

Comfort is keyIn my consultations, I often tell clients to

choose furniture for their home that is aes-

thetically pleasing, reflects their taste andfeels good. Recent research supports this.If the seating in the home makes peoplefeel warm and comfortable, their socialexperiences while in that space will bewarm. The influence of your surroundingson your mood is significant because mooddetermines how we think, and ourthoughts and how we convey them to oth-ers define us as human beings. A positivemood tends to broaden our thinking, andbroader thinking has broader repercus-sions, especially in shared family spaces.

For example, if we are in a positive mood,we tend to get along better with others, make

better decisions, and are better problemsolvers, more creative and mentally efficient,more flexible and understanding of others,and more generous and socially responsible.

Environmental stressIn a feng shui consultation, my goal is to

create a stress-free environment so that theclient can be more productive. One studyshowed how environmentally induced stresseats up the mental processing power at ourdisposal. When stressed by things in ourhome, we tend to focus on trying to figureout what’s happening in the world around usand how to manage it.

For example, an image in the home, suchas Edvard Munch’s painting, “The Scream” (ascary image of a person with both hands onher face, mouth agape), can trigger uncon-scious insecurities and fear, creating unneces-sary stress. An image of a jungle may seeminnocent enough, but, because so many sur-vival-compromising things can happen there,such images are considered a no-no becauseof what they can trigger subconsciously.

Identifying environmental stress in your home

What is stressful for one person maynot be for another, and some of the stimulithat either stress or soothe are highly indi-vidual and can vary even among membersof the same family. In the previous exampleI gave, if the Munch image was purchasedby your loving spouse during an especiallyhappy time of your life and you lovedMunch’s work, the effect may be positive.On the other hand, if your husband pur-chased the painting as a gift to cover up anaffair that you found out about, its effectmight be negative.

Research can show us typical stressreducers, but it’s important to be con-scious of items in the environment as theyrelate to guests. If you know your guestsintimately, you may know that an item thatpleases you may make someone else feeluncomfortable. You can temporarilyremove the item. If in doubt, place themore “personal” things in the privateareas, keeping public areas for more uni-versally positive images.

Environmental psychology supports feng shui

When I found out that studies were doneon the impact the environment has on itsinhabitants and that those studies support-ed feng shui, I found the confirmation I waslooking for. It also helped me understand onanother level why it was important to bemore conscious of what I have in my home.I hope it does the same for you!

Alice Inoue is a life guide at Alice Inoue LifeGuidance LLC, a company committed toassisting people in living empowered lives.Alice shares her wisdom as a professionalspeaker and personal consultant, and offers aseries of instructional DVDs on feng shui, aswell as her award-winning books on feng shui,happiness and spiritual life wisdom. Visitwww.aliceinspired.com to read her blog, signup for her newsletters and download usefulfeng shui tips.

JANUARY 13, 2013 • 11

ALICE INOUE JANUARY 13 • 2013 11

withAlice Inoue

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It’s one thing to enjoy a spa-like setting when actually in aspa and paying spa prices, and another thing to know youcan saunter into a spa each and every day in your homefor a mental and physical energy-boosting experience.

Bathrooms are usually the smallest rooms of the house,but also the most frequently used, which is why developingthis space into a spa-like setting is a good idea. Homeownerscan affordably bring glamour into their bathrooms with color,patterns, textures, fixtures, lighting and accessories.

ColorsFind colors that inspire you. For some people, the bold

hues of reds and browns emit energy and happy feelings,while other people prefer calming purples and blues for aspa setting. Bring these colors into your bathroom via painton the walls, linens, floor coverings and even the counter-top on the vanity.

PatternsElements of design add a lot of elegance to smaller

spaces like bathrooms. You can incorporate designs intothe decor in many ways, including the linens, the floor dec-oration or even the shower door patterns. For example,Sterling has designs in Templar, bishop’s lace and creekside

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TexturesReplace your towels, rugs and bath mat with thick, high-

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FixturesWhen a busy schedule limits the time needed for a long

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LightingLighting enhances the mood of a room from bright

and glorious to subdued and reflective. Determine whatsort of ambiance you would like to create in your bath-room space, and then find light fixtures and bulbs thatmatch those surroundings. Some homeowners prefertempered colors, and use shades to filter the light, whileothers look for brighter lighting, which can bring out a


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enjoying the relaxing feel of rain in theshower. Kohler Co. has developed anexternal shower column that allowshomeowners to bring the rain showerinto the shower, without having tochange the plumbing behind the walls.This external shower column allowshomeowners to incorporate glam intothe bathroom without any major con-struction costs, making it an affordableremodel. The HydroRail combines a rainshower with a handshower, offeringflexibility and customization for the pre-ferred style.

Incorporating elements of these fac-tors into your bath will help enhancethe comfort and quality, bringing youthe perfect spa setting that you canenjoy day and night. As you settle intoyour renovated bathroom, you’ll discov-er you’ll never want to leave the luxuryof it again.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.

JANUARY 13, 2013 • 13

JANUARY 13 • 2013 13

The routine you follow in the show-er is a personal one and studiesshow it can serve a number of dif-

ferent purposes. From getting clean towarming up, from relieving pain to simplyrelaxing, we shower for many reasons.These simple and cost-effective tips canhelp you make the most of your showerexperience:

Update your showerheadIf your shower leaves something to be

desired, it may be time to replace yourshowerhead. The Delta In2ition two-in-one shower is a showerhead and hand-held shower in one, combining thesoothing comfort of a drenching showerwith the convenience of a handheldshower.

Select the scents that complementChoose fragrances that complement

your shower to get the biggest benefit

each day. For example, soaps infused withrosemary and eucalyptus may helpsoothe sore or tired muscles.

Amplify your shower with soundThere’s a reason many people enjoy

singing in the shower; music can help ele-vate your mood. According to a 2011report from The Mayo Clinic, music canalso offer certain health benefits, includingreducing pain or helping boost memory.


Three simple steps to a more satisfying shower

Last week, I gave you some tips onhow to remodel or fluff up yourspace in 2013 using easy tips of three.

This week I’m going to continue with theDiscovery Bay unit I remodeled for a clientfrom Canada.

I believe that when designing or decorat-ing a space, you should try to keep it cohe-sive. Colors, textures, styles. Whateverroom you’re in, you should feel that eachroom is part of the same space. The excep-tions are powder rooms and kids’ rooms.(Kids love those princess-pink and dinosaurthemes!) So here are some tips on how tokeep it cohesive but still interesting.

Cohesiveness is especially importantwhen dealing with a smaller space. Havingtoo many different colors and textures canchop up your rooms and make your overallspace seem even smaller. Flow and transi-tion are key.

Remember last week, the flooring mate-rial I chose was dark? I used the same floor-ing throughout the unit, including the bed-

room and bathroom, since this luxury vinyldoes very well in damp spaces. Andbecause there was no break in the floors, itmade the space feel more open.

Use of pattern also enhanced cohesive-ness. In the bedroom, I chose a very boldgeometric pattern for the headboard,

which I placed high enough that I didn’tneed art on the wall. I put a coordinatinggeometric pattern on the pillow and leftthe rest of the bedding in neutral bronzesand creams.

Now, do you notice the geometric pat-tern in the shower curtain in the nearbybathroom? And in the view from the bed-room to the lanai? There’s also a bold geo-metric pattern on the wall plaque.

You may not notice at first why thespaces work well together, but becausethey’re in such close proximity, keeping therepetition in pattern helps create a flowfrom one space to the next. The addedinterest comes from the fact that no pat-tern is used twice.

Another way to create cohesiveness iswith color. Remember last week, theaccent color in the living room and kitchenwas orange? Does that mean I need tocarry orange through the entire apart-ment? Absolutely not. But I wanted colorsthat would carry an island feel and tie inwith the orange and my dominant neutralcolors.

In the bedroom, I chose a warm greenfor the accent wall behind the headboard.In the photo it looks bronze, but it’s really

a warm sage green that is picked up in theorchid on the bed tray. It’s also picked up inthe accent pillows on the lanai furniture.And missing from the photos is wall artthat’s also green.

So green tied the bedroom to the lanai,all anchored by a continuation of neutralcolors. Did I have to keep going with thegreen? No! As with the orange, keep somethings the same in transitioning from roomto room, but change at least one thing. Inthe bathroom I switched the accent colorto purple.

For those who are regular readers, doyou remember my tip from last weekabout elements? Another important ele-ment is materials, so glass, wood andceramics are present in every room.

To keep it cohesive, mentally walkthrough your space and think what can youincorporate from one room to another tomake it flow. But don’t get stuck there —incorporate new elements to keep it inter-esting. Good luck and go with the flow!

Cathy Lee is president and designer ofCathy Lee Style and Cathy's Marketplace, afurniture and accessories showroom withdesign services at 1110 University Ave. Sherecently opened reStyle Hawaii, an affordable,style-conscious consignment warehouse withupholstering and repurposing services at 420Keawe St. in Kakaako. Lee's interior designwork has been featured in local and nationalpublications, on HGTV and in her DIY designworkshops that teach homeowners the basicsof style. Visit www.cathyleestyle.com.

A Call for CohesivenessWhen decorating, color, texture and style are the keys to creating flow between rooms

CATHY LEE14 JANUARY 13 • 2013

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Whether constructing a residencefrom scratch or creating an addi-tion to an existing structure,

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For those clients that have trusted theirhomes to S. Tanaka Construction, the “wow”factor stems from the exceptional profes-sionalism provided by the experienced build-ing firm through every step in the process.The home builder has served Hawaii formore than 28 years and “aims to please,” as ittakes pride in the referrals it receives fromsatisfied customers that are delighted withthe constant communication, quality workand the fact that their projects are finished ontime and at or under budget.

“Our main forte is brand-new homes oradditions,” said S. Tanaka’s owner Ryan Tanaka,who also noted that the company is well suit-ed to handle specific renovations to kitchensand bathrooms. “We’re a design-build opera-tion, so we work with the customer as far ascoming up with the layout of the house andexecuting its design.”

The company got its start 28 years agowhen Shinya Tanaka began the process of

helping Oahu’s residents out of a humbleoffice/warehouse space on Ward Avenue.While the company has grown, and nowoccupies a more functional locale in Kalihi, S.Tanaka Construction still makes it a priorityto provide stellar customer service, includingflexible appointment schedules for its clients.Customers can plan consultations duringevening hours and on weekends — sched-ules are created to accommodate the needsof clients.

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structure, Tanaka reminds customers that thecost per square foot can actually outweighthat of a new building because of the addi-tional costs involved with retrofitting or tap-ping into existing infrastructure, and linking itto a brand-new project area. S. TanakaConstruction provides free estimates thataren’t necessarily based on a per-square-footbasis, as different amenities and other desireswill create inaccuracies within the quote. Forexample, when a homeowner chooses toadd options such as air conditioning systems

or upgrade bathroom fixtures, lighting fixtures(e.g $10,000 chandelier), cabinetry, counter-tops, flooring etc., the cost of the project willincrease while the square footage of thebuilding remains the same — thus, whatother companies would have offered as anestimate based on cost per-square-footwould then be skewed.

For instance, a 2,000-square-foot homethat costs $300,000 would equal $150 persquare foot. Now, lets add photovoltaics,which would cost $30,000 and increase thecontract price to $330,000, equaling $165per square foot.

“We don’t charge by the square foot.Some companies do, but we don’t becausethere are too many variables. Every lot condi-tion is different and the conditions varyregardless of the home’s square footage,”Tanaka explained. “With additions, we have todeal with the existing structure, everythingfrom walls to windows and concrete needs tobe factored in, and that affects the cost — anda lot of people don’t realize the extra workinvolved as opposed to starting from scratch.”

Whether you have a vision or you’rein the brain-storming process, get yourfree consultation at S. TanakaConstruction by calling 848-5010 or vis-iting www.STanakaConstruction.com.


S. TANAKA CONSTRUCTION16 JANUARY 13 • 2013

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A s it continues to transition from itsoriginal Kalihi location to a newhome down the road at 1727

Republican St., Hawaii Hardwood Flooringis offering up to 70 percent off a widerange of flooring products and accessories.So, as the company moves into its newdigs, customers can move some high-quali-ty flooring upgrades into their homes andstill have enough money left over to tackleother home improvement projectsplanned for the new year.

New customers are shepherdedthrough the pre-planning and consultingprocess by the friendly staff at HawaiiHardwood Flooring. The skilled experts arealso offering a Floor Refinishing Special, ashome or business owners can refinish anexisting flooring system for just $4.75 persquare foot.

Hawaii Hardwood Flooring brings morethan 30 years of experience to every floor-ing project it takes on, and President ChrisBrenna makes it a priority to offer cus-tomers a multitude of residential and com-mercial flooring options. The company fea-tures three installation teams and threesanding and finishing teams that take the

worry, stress and mess out of the installa-tion process.

If a brand-new flooring system is not fea-sible, Brenna suggested refinishing anyexisting wood flooring to extend its life. Henotes that it will usually take a week for histeam to sand and refinish 500 square feetof flooring, and the floor will need 30 daysto harden after the refinishing process, asthe floor will cure and become scuff-resis-tant.

“If you live in an older house with exist-ing flooring that is looking pretty old, youcan refinish the floor with our dustlesssanding and finishing process that typicallytakes a week to do,” said Brenna, who alsorecommends putting protectors on thebottom of furniture pieces to lessen theirimpact on the floor. “The process will makeyour floors look brand new for companycoming over.”

Hawaii Hardwood Flooring also hassome tips for homeowners looking tobrighten or spruce up their living space asthe new year shifts into full gear.

For those homeowners with aging car-pet who have been considering switching

to a hardwood flooring option, Brenna sug-gested pre-finished engineered or solidhardwood floor types as a quick and effec-tive solution, as installation normally takesone to two weeks.

While pre-finished hardwood flooringhas grown in popularity, Hawaii HardwoodFlooring is one of the few local flooringbusinesses also offering sand-and-finish andunfinished materials. The wide variety offlooring choices coupled with their corre-sponding installation procedures and dis-tinct appearances provide customers witha wealth of choices throughout each proj-ect.

Hawaii Hardwood Flooring offers peaceof mind with a price-match guarantee,two-year warranties (as opposed to one-year guarantees offered by most competi-tors) and the user-friendly company is alsoable to assist with the moving of furnitureand cleaning. Additionally, the companyoffers free cleaning kits with each flooringsystem purchased and installed.

“Updating your flooring is just one of theways to spruce up your home,” Brennasaid.

For more information, call 842-7755. Tospeak with Brenna directly about the bestflooring options, call 306-3374.

JANUARY 13, 2013 • 17

HAWAII HARDWOOD FLOORING JANUARY 13 • 2013 17

HAWAII HARDWOODFLOORINGcontact // 842-7755address // 1727 Republican St.web // www.HawaiiHardwoodInc.com

The easy way to hardwood flooring

Looking for simple and quick ways toadd some spice up your abode? Getyour home looking its best with

some easy home improvement projectsand seasonal inspirations. By making a fewsimple updates and adding new designpieces to your home, you can give yourhome that makeover its been needing:

Add a splash of new colorPainting is the easiest way to make a dra-

matic and instant impact on a room.Consider areas of your home that’ll get themost notice, like your dining room, kitchen,guest bath, foyer and even guest bed-rooms. If you’re interested in a quick proj-ect, consider painting one wall of a room asan accent wall. You’ll create a new focalpoint for the room that can be easilyachieved by going a shade darker, brighteror complementing the existing wall color.

For the best results whether you’re paint-ing entire rooms or just couple of walls, pickup a Purdy White Dove roller cover. A high-density cover created to produce smoothand lint-free results, White Dove coverswork with all latex- and oil-based paints andstains and are available in a variety oflengths and thicknesses. With a lint-freedesign, White Dove covers reduce theworry of shedding, while the woven Dralonfabric adds to the smooth and uniform fin-ished appearance. Using the right toolreduces the amount of time spent paintingso you’ll be done with this project in a flash.

Decorate cheerfullyTo quickly accent neutral- or solid-col-

ored furniture, add colorful, patternedthrows and pillows. The additional throwswill provide warmth and bright pillows willincrease the personality of any room.

Brighten upConsider updating your current light fix-

tures or bulbs to brighter ones to increasethe lighting in your home — both inside andout. Adding ambient, candlelight will alsomake your home feel cozier, helping you tounwind after a long day. Candles don’t haveto be limited to sitting on table tops or inhurricanes — install wall sconces and deco-rative wall art pieces containing tea lightcandles for additional style. For added safetyand mobility, chose battery-operated lightingoptions for homes with children and pets.These not only work great during power-failures and storms, but also illuminate darkareas such as closets that may not have elec-trical lines for installation.

By taking the steps, you’ll find more timeto enjoy yourself at home.


18 JANUARY 13 • 2013

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A forward-thinking firm thateducates, helps homeowners A s one of Hawaii’s premier design+build companies

for the past 21 years, Graham Builders is a leader inidentifying new building trends and keeping up with

ones that trickle down from the commercial sector. GrahamBuilders uses this knowledge to educate homeowners whileencouraging them to think realistically about their homebuilding or renovation needs.

With green building entering a mature stage of develop-ment, the latest buzz words in building are “disclosure” and“transparency.” This translates to how manufacturers,designers and builders should integrate design, specificationsand installation methods in construction projects and estab-lish standards on how to best communicate and validate thebenefits of those decisions.

“Many companies promote proprietary products ormaterials based on stated benefits, but are the claims gen-uine and verifiable?” said Evan Fujimoto, Graham Builderspresident. “Homeowners can be easily swayed by what isthe hottest trend or based on hearsay, even though it mightnot be the best option given long-term economic, environ-mental and health impacts.”

A forward-thinking company, Graham Builders providesmore value to homeowners by giving them additional infor-mation about the products, materials and methods that arebeing used for their home and an explanation of the bene-fits based on budget, need and life-cycle analysis.

A second trend, as identified by the American Institute of

Architects (AIA), is the bottoming out of home sizes. Withthe housing downturn coming to an end, residential archi-tects report an increase in requests for bigger houses.

“People build homes of sizes they think they need, which isoften overstated or over-estimated,” said Fujimoto. “Big homesoften result in underutilized spaces. Homeowners need torecognize over-building will give them a temporary heightenedperception of increased enjoyment and value, but the realcosts of construction, maintenance, furnishings, debt serviceand underutilization will diminish that perception over time.”

To many of its clients, Graham Builders is a breath offresh air as the company encourages homeowners to con-sider their needs before the start of each project.Oftentimes, people don’t realize that bigger homes do notnecessarily translate to long-term happiness or satisfaction.

Homeowners interested in learning more about the lat-est trends in design and renovation, including GrahamBuilders’ expertise in multi-generational living, can visitGraham Builders’ booth at the 2013 BIA Home Buildingand Remodeling Show at Neal S. Blaisdell Center ExhibitionHall, Jan. 25-27.

For those who cannot make it to the show, please attendGraham Builders’ free upcoming “Building Your Home forLife” seminar on Saturday, Feb. 23 from 9 to 11 a.m. at theHonolulu Country Club. Seminars are free, but reservationsare required. To register, visit www.grahambuilders.com orcall 593-2808.

JANUARY 13, 2013 • 19

GRAHAM BUILDERS JANUARY 13 • 2013 19

GRAHAM BUILDERScontact // 593-2808address // 1144 Young St.web // www.grahambuilders.com

W here do bugs enter your home? The short answer:all over. So, how do you protect your home? TheNPMA gives the following tips for preventing pests

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• Attics should be kept well ventilated and dry by using dehu-midifiers and ventilators.

• Keep any items stored there off the floor and in sealed plas-tic containers to prevent nesting.

• Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home.

• Keep tree branches and shrubbery well-trimmed and awayfrom the house.


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Follow these steps to make any renovation a successIt takes dedication, organization and determination to deliv-

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about planning and delivering for our families and loved ones.Whether you are ready for the new year or not, it has

arrived. Another year in the rear view mirror! Have you beenthinking about adding an extra room or remodeling yourkitchen all year long, but haven’t gotten around to making thecall? Maybe you are expecting a baby or your adult childrenare returning to live at home and you need an extra bed-room? Or has the ohana outgrown that small family room?

Putting your plans into reality sounds easy doesn’t it? Formany of us, though, it is difficult to get going. Prepare tolaunch your ideas by formulating your thoughts on paper;write them down. This gives you an opportunity to studyand change plans as you think it through. What will theroom consist of and where is the best location to constructit? What will the architecture, window style, floor covering,paint and lighting look like?

The second step is to visualize the end result. To accomplishthis, do your research. Cut out photographs and post them upwhere you can view them daily. Reflect on the project at hand.

The final step is to take action. Pick up the phone and call alicensed contractor who can help. That way, you can have agreat construction experience this year.

Town & Country Builders LLC is offering it’s monthly plan-ning calendar for a coupon discount valued at $1,000 in sav-ings (some restrictions apply). January specials feature roomadditions and kitchen remodels. You can save by calling thecompany today.

Town & Country Builders is a licensed general contractingdesign build firm that has been serving Oahu residents forthe past 32 years. The company specializes in new and cus-tom homes, remodels, second story additions, designerkitchens, bathrooms, Americans with Disability Act (ADA)modifications/improvements and multigenerational homes. Italso offers full construction services including planning andpermitting.

You can reach Town and Country Builders at 737-7766 fora free in home consultation or visit www.townandcountrybuildersllc.com. Town & Country Builders is a member of theBetter Business Bureau with an A+ rating and is a certifiedremodeler. It’s also the winner of the 2012 elite excellence in“Customer Satisfaction” award.

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TOWN & COUNTRY BUILDERS LLC JANUARY 13 • 2013 21

TOWN & COUNTRY BUILDERS LLCcontact // 737-7766web // www.townandcountrybuildersllc.com

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For elite access to Solar Frontier CIS pan-els and an “ideal” PV installation, callRisource Energy. You can also visit the com-pany on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RisourceEnergyHawaii).

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Selling your home? A greatdeck heightens curb appealI f your home’s outside

appearance is startingto look a bit shabby

and could use some mani-curing, it might be time tothink about adding curbappeal, which is an integralpart of selling a home.Smart sellers know thattaking extra steps to carefor and present a home’s

exterior is a worthwhileinvestment, particularly dur-ing the real estate off-sea-son. There is one improve-ment you can make thatwill help boost your home’soutdoor appeal no matterwhat the season: a deck.

You can enhance yourdeck, and therefore add toyour home’s overall appeal,

by adding simple touchesand accessories thatinclude:

• Staging a tiny deck or ararely-used balcony off amaster bedroom as aromantic getaway withcozy, cushioned seatingand a raised fire pit.

• Adding designer stylewhile safeguarding yourdeck with Latitudes DeckStones, 16-inch interlock-ing square tiles made ofnatural slate or granite.

• Lighting a deck to createa warm, welcoming moodfor evening entertaining,as well as an importantsafety feature. LED decklighting kits, like thoseoffered by Deckorators,are both practical andvisually appealing.

• Incorporating deck rail-ings into your design toadd both safety and visualappeal. Decorative rail-ings with ornate balus-ters, post caps and postcovers can give vir tuallyany wood or compositelumber deck a distinctivelook for a modest invest-ment.

This article is courtesy ofBrandpoint.

JANUARY 13, 2013 • 23

JANUARY 13 • 2013 23

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HOMEWORKSCONSTRUCTION

contact // 955-2777address // 2111 S. Beretania St.

W hen Homeworks Constructionproject coordinator Sarah VanDe Vanter first met with her

clients to plan their new multigenerationalhome, they presented her with a photofrom a magazine they had been saving foreight years. Homeworks had designed andbuilt their “inspiration house,” which incor-porated features the family knew theywould want in their own home when theywere ready to build.

“The family ... a middle age couple andolder parents ... had very specific wantsand needs, some requiring very creativesolutions on our part,” Van De Vanter said.“They owned homes on two lots, back toback, with access on two different streets.The new home would occupy the site ofa 60 year old home on a 5,000 squarefoot lot, which we demolished.

“The outdoor covered lanai was to beplaced at the back of the new home facingthe gardens with the garage and mainentryway in the front. The main living areaopens to the lanai and gardens, so evenfor a small home on a small lot in an urbanneighborhood, there’s a sense of indoor-

outdoor ambiance. Since parking is scarcein this Kalihi neighborhood, we created asmuch on-premises parking as possible. Atthe same time, we had to maximize inte-rior space and design for two generations,one utilizing a wheelchair.”

Homeworks was able to incorporatetwo master suites in the approximately1,700 square foot space, one with a

wheelchair accessible shower and grabbars. Alcoves for large items such as a TV,had to be created to facilitate easy accessthroughout the home. The open floor planincludes a main living/dining/kitchen areawith space to accommodate a large, mov-able dining table.

“Although we needed to stay within atight budget, we managed to provide a

number of upscale finishes such as quality,solid hardwood cabinets. A special requestfrom the patriarch of the family was a win-dow in his master suite overlooking thegarden and a beautiful, fruit bearing avoca-do tree he had planted years ago.”

Van De Vanter noted that she and theentire design build team will be available inthe Homeworks Construction booth atthe BIA Home Building & RemodelingShow at Blaisdell Center Jan. 25, 26, and 27to review prospective projects with atten-dees and discuss their “wish lists” both forrenovations and new custom homes.

Homeworks project coordinator KimGreen will conduct a free seminar on“Home Modification for MultigenerationalLiving, Aging in Place and Disabled FamilyMembers” Tuesday, Feb. 5, 6 to 8 p.m. atthe Homeworks Construction Showroomlocated at 2111 S. Beretania St., 2nd floor.One on one consultations with “Thrivefor Life” owners and occupational thera-pists Catia Garell and Damian Sempio willbe a special feature.

For reservations and additional infor-mation, call 955-2777.

HOMEWORKS CONSTRUCTIONBACK PAGE STORY24 JANUARY 13 • 2013

New home requires creative solutions


Experienced design-build professionals meet the challenges of constructing a multigenerational house in Kalihi