east bay may 2010

EAST BAY

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MAY/JUNE 2010

ideas and resources for your home

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M A Y / J U N E 2 O 1 O

[ C O N T E N T S ]

16

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TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com

10 Bathroom Remodeling on any BudgetIt’s a balance between good design, fixtures and space.By Heidi Doerfert

BUILD IT GREEN12 Water Efficiency in Your Bathroom

Save water, save money, protect our watersheds.By Annette Hartsfield

NKBA14 Creating Personal Space

Ideas to turn your master bedroom and bath into yourown personal retreat.By Jennifer Ho, CKD, CBD

16 Your Private SanctuaryGive your master bedroom a low-cost high-impact makeover.By Deborah Burstyn

18 Short on Space?Wallbeds help homeowners maximize space by makingrooms multifunctional.By Xu Bei Shi

S E D U C T I V E M A S T E R B A T H S

4 May/June 2010 THM East Bay

TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com East Bay THM May/June 2010 5

Find more great ideas and resources for your home onTodaysHomeBayArea.com

ideas and resources for your home

BayArea.com

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home projects.Moving OutdoorsCasual furniture provides comfort and style.

www.todayshomebayarea.com/glosterfurniture

Outdoor Eating Adventures Exploding demand for outdoor kitchens.

www.todayshomebayarea.com/ccidcLuxury Bath on a Budget6 Tips to creating a stunning yet economical bathroom.

www.todayshomebayarea.com/nkba

Post your Web page on TodaysHomeBayArea.com!Contact Information • Multiple Links to Your Web Site • Photo Gallery • Press

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Designing Your DeckThe many surfaces for today’s decks.

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ON THE COVER

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6 Updating your LandscapingSmall additions make a big difference in your yard.By Lisa Winer

8 Enjoy the SunlightLet the sun in without the heat or glare.By Tammy Hansen

CCIDC20 A New Master Suite

Design a space to meet your personality.By Patsy Zakian-Greenough

CLCA22 Water-Wise

Year round tips for keeping your yard green.

TODAYSHOMEBayArea.com6 May/June 2010 THM East Bay

Volume 10, Issue 3 • May/June 2010

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The Bay Area’s best resource for your lifestyle at home.

KEEPING YOUR GARDEN LOOKING ITS BEST DOESN’T HAVE TO

be expensive. In this difficult economy, adding a water feature or getting a horticultural consultation could

be just the kind of lift your home needs. Michael Moore ofMasterpiece Gardens has 20 years of experience helping hiscustomers get the most out of their landscape.

The first step in updating a landscape may be simply takingcare of what you already have. A yard is a “living product,” saysMichael. “It’s not like a driveway that you pour and you aredone with. Proper pruning and fertilization are essential.”Michael can also help the homeowner conserve water withoutripping out existing sprinklers.

Another option may be embellishing the areas you enjoy inthe yard, where the kids play or where you spend the summersitting. New plant material can give life to the area, as can anew patio surface. Consider updating a troubled area of theyard or your front yard, to give the home more curb appeal.

Water features or a fire pit are great ways to add interest to a garden with a limited investment. Water features can be freestanding, made of concrete and plugged in, or more natural,

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made of rocks and boulders. A nicely wooded area can be madeeven that much nicer with a stream or a waterfall.

Michael has a hands-on approach to the complete design,installation, and maintenance of gardens. A graduate of CaliforniaPolytechnic in San Luis Obispo with a degree in ornamentalhorticultural, he listens closely to his clients during the designprocess. “I’m interested in what works for each individual family,”he says.

“Improve what you do have and make it more useable,” advisesMichael. He can work on a schedule to check on a regular basis tosee how a garden is doing. Michael loves being outside and gettingto know his clients and their families. Masterpiece Gardens is yourgo-to location for the best in landscaping.

Masterpiece Gardens & Design is an award-winning Bay Area gardenlandscape design-build firm that provides a wide range of services.Call (925) 937-2253 for an in-home consultation or visit theirwebsite www.masterpiecegarden.com for more information. THM


Enjoy theSunlight

Let the sun in without the heat or glare.BY TAMMY HANSEN

WAYFARERS ARE BACK — THOSE SUNGLASSES THAT IN THE 80’Sdefined cool. Three decades later they still look great, but the new versions offer better protection from the

sun’s harmful ultra violet rays.You could say something similar about today’s home window

tints. New technologies have brought superior interior protection,clear finishes, and even shatter resistance. While window tints mightnot be as high on your summer shopping list as a pair of Ray-Bans,maybe they should be.

A close look at the couch or your wood floors could be enough to convince you your palace needs as much protection as your eyes,according to Rocky Burcham, owner of Solar Control Glass TintingCo., San Ramon. Damage to furnishings is one of the most commoncomplaints he hears.

“Wood starts to crack and get brittle; floors start to discolor;furniture starts to fade,” says Rocky, who has been helpinghomeowners cool down their interior spaces for 35 years.

Nearly half the damaging light that enters through windows is ultra violet, or UV light. It’s the main culprit in fading furniture.Another 25 percent of light is made up of visible light. The final 25 percent is infrared heat, a major factor in increased temperaturein your home.

Think of window tinting as “a nice pair of sunglasses” for yourhome, Rocky says. With them, you can reduce sun damage, lower

the temperature, and even protect your skin. (The American CancerSociety supports the use of UV blocking tints like Vista.)

Vista ceramic tints cut nearly 100 percent of UV light, 98 percentof infrared light and 75 percent of radiant heat. The films carry alifetime warranty against bubbling, tearing or fading. But there’sanother advantage to the new technology — clarity. Back in the 80’s,tinted windows kept out harmful rays by reflecting them, creating amirror-like exterior finish. New technologies give a more transparentlook to tinted windows.

Stylish outside? Check. Protective? Check. And there is one lastbenefit. Just like sunglasses, window tints significantly reduce glareinside and out. Tinting turns a too-bright living space into a comfortable,glare-free room. And UV reduction actually allows pupils to open andgather more light, so the view out the window is enhanced.

“You actually see better through the film than through a normalwindow,” Rocky says.

Solar Control Glass Tinting is Diamond and Value Star Certified. For moreinformation call (800) 999-3828, or visit www.solarcontrolcompany.comand protect your home this summer season. THM


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YOU KNOW IT’S TIME TO TAKE ACTION when you’re watchingone of those home improvement shows and the BEFORE photosof a bathroom remodel look better than yours! Outdated and

unattractive amenities are no way to start and end your day. Whetheryour space needs a shot in the arm or a complete facelift, thetransformation is within your reach.

$ Bathroom Botox®

You want to give your bathroom new life but don’t have want the hassleor expense of a big remodel? Think about a mini-facelift. By keepingyour existing layout and changing out a few key items you can reallybring your bath back to the future. Rejuvenate your powder room withnew paint and fixtures. According to HGTV.com, hot trends are eco-friendly (think organic cotton towels and energy-efficient, table-toplighting); watercolor hues like turquoise and lush green; and brushednickel faucets and accessories. Jim Kabel, at Case Handyman andRemodeling Services in San Jose explains that it can be as simple as swapping out towel bars and lighting fixtures but you may want to think about replacing that old toilet, too! “Custom touches likeremoving the medicine cabinet and filling in the wall niche andreplacing the shower door with a pretty curtain or a new door in asatin nickel finish gives an immediate update.” Simple and low-costbath projects can really refresh the space and give it new life andenjoyment,” says Jim.

$$ Bathroom RevampIf your space needs a lot more help than just swapping out a fewthings, it’s time to talk to a contractor. Perhaps you’re ready to trade

[ S E D U C T I V E M A S T E R B A T H S ]

It’s a balance between good design,

fixtures and space.

BathroomRemodelingon anyBudget

BY HEIDI DOERFERT

Photo: Ca

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odeling


in that tiny, pre-fab shower stall for a walk-in one fit for a spa. And,the 1970s called and they want their vanity back! To cut costs,consider keeping the main elements: tub, shower and toilet in thesame location so the plumbing doesn’t have to be moved. But, if your floor plan is so dated it doesn’t function well, a fresh layout may be just what the doctor ordered.

A trip to The Plumbery can provide endlessinspiration. With locations in Dublin and RedwoodCity, it’s easy to visit one of their 12,000 squarefoot showrooms. From tubs and shower enclosures to faucets and fixtures The Plumbery is a one-stopshop for your bathroom project. “We’re seeing amove toward the contemporary,” says Sheryl Doyle.“Homeowners are desiring a spa-like feel. Rainshower heads, body sprayers, massagers and steamunits make your morning shower luxurious.” Sherylsays espresso-toned vanities, glass mosaic accenttiles, brushed and polished nickel and even chromeare en vogue. Sheryl also points out that in thiseconomy people are choosing to stay put and puttheir hard-earned dollars into creating the space they desire.

Jim Kabel says this “pull and replace” type of bathroom remodelis by far their most common job. A client in the Almaden Valley areaof San Jose wanted new life to his well-worn bathroom. Case met thehomeowner’s desires with a new maple vanity finished in rich nutmegand topped with Kodiak Brown cultured granite and clean, modernchrome fixtures. “We replaced the standard tub with a spa tub andshower combo with shower body sprays and ceiling mounted shower

head. Finishing touches included a new light fixture above the vanityand a coordinating wall cabinet above the toilet for linen storage. Ifleaving everything in its place doesn’t fix how your space functions, it may be time for some tear out. It can be as simple as moving thelocation of the vanity or more involved by borrowing some extra space

from the closet.

$$$ Bathroom OverhaulIt is finally time. You’re done fighting with your spousefor space over your single-sink vanity. You want amaster bath retreat with all the bells and whistles.This is the most complex type of bath remodel andrequires design and architectural expertise. Youwant to make sure the addition blends with theexisting style, character, and layout of the home.When embarking on this type of remodel, workingwith an experienced contractor is a must to ensureproper layout and building code compliances.

When homeowners in the Willow Glen area wereready for an overhaul, they turned to Case. The San

Jose couple dreamed of transforming their 40-year-old bedroom into a master suite and bathroom. Case created more space withoutcompletely reframing the existing roof and stayed within propertysetbacks. Additional space was added at the back of the house andCase’s team of skilled carpenters and craftsmen produced a customspace with an open, contemporary feel. Working with well-qualifiedprofessionals for a bathroom remodel can bring together thecapabilities needed for a successful outcome,” explains Jim. THM


RESOURCESCase Handyman Remodeling408-323-5300 www.sanjose.caseremodeling.com

Ric’s Kitchen and Bath510-733-5543www.Rics-Kitchen-Bath.com

Splashworks408-279-5202www.splashworks.com

The Plumbery925-829-1234www.plumbery.com


HAVE YOU EVER HAD TO GO WITHOUT WATER, even for just a shorttime? I recently had our home’s water heater replaced, which meant Ihad no domestic water for one day. For the first time I was acutely aware

of how often I use water. I couldn’t wash the dirty dishes in the sink, run theclothes washer, or flush the toilet. All it took was a few hours of deprivation to show me just how much I take the availability of water for granted.

Many experts believe that water will overtake energy as the resource ofgreatest concern to Californians in the coming years. We live in a state with a growing population, limited water reserves and unpredictable rainfall, not to mention that we are still facing serious drought conditions throughout thestate. Of all the choices you make for a bathroom remodel, the most importantare those that increase water efficiency.

Build It Green’s GreenPoint Rated Checklist, which tracks green featuresincorporated into a home, includes the following three main points to hit whenremodeling your bathroom:

DISTRIBUTE DOMESTIC HOT WATER EFFICIENTLYHow much water goes down the drain while you wait for it to get hot? A normal wait-time can be up to a minute. At 2.5 gallons per minute, that adds up quickly. The closer your water heater is to your fixtures the quickeryou’ll get hot water. Unfortunately, this isn’t always a feasible solution—especially for a remodel. Another way to greatly shorten hot water delivery time is to install an on-demand hot water circulation system. These systemsconsist of a pump with on-demand controls (a push button or motion-sensoractivated) that sends cold water back to the water heater until hot waterarrives at the sink. On-demand circulation systems save both energy and water, work with all water heater systems, and start at around $300.

[ B U I L D I T G R E E N ]

BY ANNETTE HARTSFIELD

Save Water, Save Money, Protect our Watersheds

INSTALL A HIGH-EFFICIENCY TOILET

Older toilets typically use 3.5gallons of water per flush or more.

Standard new toilets use 1.6 gallonsper flush. Toilets that use 1.3 gallons

per flush are called High Efficiency Toilets(HET). According to the Environmental

Protection Agency, if you replace an older toiletwith a WaterSense labeled model (the water

efficiency equivalent to EnergyStar), you could save4000 gallons per year. WaterSense toilets are available

at the same variety of price points as regular toilets and will save you about$90 per year in reduced water bills. Plus, the East Bay Municipal UtilityDistrict offers a $50 rebate for replacing your old toilet with a HET.

REPLACE FIXTURES WITH WATER EFFICIENTFAUCETS AND SHOWERHEADSFlow reducers and low-flow showerheads are easy to retrofit into existingfixtures and can cut water usage by as much as 40% with little noticeableeffect. A variety of water conservation devices are available free of charge toEast Bay Municipal Utility District customers (check www.ebmud.com for pick-up locations). For a list of suppliers of high efficiency faucets, showerheads,and toilets, see Build It Green’s Product Directory at www.BuildItGreen.org.

The EPA estimates that the average household spends as much as $500per year on its water and sewer bill. By making just a few simple changes touse water more efficiently, you could save about $170 per year and contributeto the protection of our water supply.

Annette Hartsfield is a Build It Green Program Associate and grant writer. For more info on theGreenPoint Rated Checklist for green upgrades on your home, visit www.BuildItGreen.org. THM

Water Efficiency in Your Bathroom


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IF YOU’RE THE TYPICAL NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HOMEOWNER,you’ve a lot on your plate—the pressures of work, family schedules, and the Bay Area commute. And let’s face it—as much as we love

our kids—having a quiet place for ourselves awayfrom the video games, the music, the friends, and the movies can be golden.

Yet with the economy is still recovering, andvacations a dim memory, many of us are discoveringthe perfect place to catch our breaths and createour very own personal retreats—our masterbedrooms and baths.

To achieve that perfect balance of calmnessand serenity, here are some suggestions:

Think soft colors that invite youto lingerWhile turquoise may be the color for 2010, take a page from the latest designs from award-winningspas and hotels—it’s no accident that many usepaler tones in taupes, mints, and light blues toachieve a sense of tranquility.

If you’re not a fan of cool tones, considerwarmer paint tones which suit our Californiaclimes, light caramels and creams. Avoid vibrantenergetic tones, such as oranges and bright reds,which stimulate rather than relax.

Make your master bedroom a true retreat, not a second officeIt’s a challenge to relax when work notes, the kids’ schedules, and youremails are reproaching you from across the room! Desks have no place in a personal retreat. For a true, calming retreat, you need to be free of dailydistractions, with a quiet area to rest and gather your thoughts. Is thereroom to sit and read or to put your feet up other than your bed? Cornerscan be the perfect spot for a comfy armchair and ottoman.

[ N K B A ]

CREATING PERSONAL SPACEIdeas to turn your master bedroom and bath into your own personal retreat.

BY JENNIFER HO, CKD,CBD National Kitchen & Bath Association


Master bath in taupes and blues. Main Street Kitchens; designers mother/daughter team Kelly Morisseau, CMKBD, CIDand Carol Morisseau, CMKBD, CID.

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Take advantage of natural lightWhat do the most relaxing bed and breakfasts places have in common? Theytake advantage of windows and exterior doors to let the outdoors in—whyshouldn’t you? Our bodies respond well to natural light. If you have patiodoors leading out to a deck or small garden area, extend your bedroom spacewith a charming patio table and chairs—the perfect spot for a morning coffeeor evening aperitif.

Lighting sets the moodBathrooms need a bit more brightness for safety, but it’s a challenge to maintainan intimate quiet space with the fluorescent lighting our energy code requires.Consider instead high-efficacy LED lights which can be controlled with dimmerswitches for perfect soft lighting over the tub, or combine a dimmer switchwith an occupancy sensor for incandescent lighting.

A bedroom has different requirements. Think gentle pools of light whereyou need them, using a combination of dimmable table or floor lamps. If you read in bed, wall sconces or reading lights over the bed are much morebeneficial—and restful!—than overall room lighting.

With the right steps, your bedroom and bath can be so much more—a true retreat to rejuvenate your mind and body. Enjoy!

Kelly Morisseau, CMKBD, CID, is a designer at Main Street Kitchens, www.MainStreetKitchens.com,and a member of the Northern California Chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association.The NKBA is your source for design ideas, expert remodeling tips, and advice. To find a designprofessional near you please visit www.nkba.org THM

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East Bay THM May/June 2010 15


WHEN BRIGHT SPRING AND SUMMER LIGHT STREAMSthrough the windows, it’s suddenly crystal clear thatsome spaces in the home need perking up. Take the

master bedroom for example. It’s your very own private sanctuaryfor resting, dreaming and escape. Yet most of us give it lowpriority. Instead we put our decorating dollars into more visiblepublic spaces in the home like the kitchen, living room or familyroom. We treat ourselves last. But we don’t have to.

The master bedrooms are one place where minimum time and money can yield big returns. Today’s Home magazine gotadvice from Santa Clara decorator Sandy Wulf of CrackerjackCreations on fast fun ways to make the master bedroom fresh and gorgeous.

HOW TO GET A GREAT NEW LOOK WITHOUT

BREAKING THE BUDGET

Palo Alto decorator Sandy Wulf of Crackerjack Creations sharesher suggestions for an easy master bedroom makeover:

• New bedding• New paint• De-cluttering• Under bed storage• “Do-it-yourself” closet system

“Start with newbedding,” suggests Sandy.“The bed is the biggestfeature in the masterbedroom. “So choose yourbedding with an eye to itbeing your focal point andsetting the tone for thecolor scheme in the room.”

Next, Wulf advisesselecting paint colors forthe walls to coordinatewith the new bedding.Here’s a trick she likes to use:

• Choose a mediumlight color for threeof the four walls

• For the fourth wall(headboard wall) usea color from the same paint chip but at three times thecolor intensity for an accent wall

“The room will still be light, but dramatic,” she says.

Your Private SanctuaryBY DEBORAH BURSTYN


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HOW TO DE-CLUTTER THE BEDROOM

It’s natural for a bedroom to get cluttered. But a room crammed to the gills is not attractive or relaxing. That’s why decorator Sandy Wulfrecommends a strict editing process:

• Remove all non-essential furniture except for the bed, two nightstands and one dresser

• No hampers, storage boxes, laundry supplies, computers, bookcases, etc.

“Less is more. The bedroom should be a tranquil space; not a dumpingground for leftovers and laundry!” Wulf offers. “Not small, just less. Largefurniture in a small space actually makes the room appear larger!”

SELECT THE BEST STORAGE FOR YOUR SITUATION

• Use under the bed storage for rarely used items• Opt for clear plastic containers on wheels designed for under the bed• Retrofit closets with “do-it-yourself” systems from home

improvement stores• Or tuck a vintage dresser into one side of a double closet for extra

drawer space and something you’ll enjoy seeing when you open your closet

If there’s budget to spare, new lighting, a wall-mounted flat screentelevision and new throw pillows to match the new bedding provide someluxe touches. Now just add fresh cut flowers and candles. Sweet dreams.

For more design ideas, contact Sandy Wulf, Crackerjack Creations at (408) 241-4044 orvisit her web site, www.crackerjackcreations.com. THM

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SHORT ON SPACE?

18 May/June 2010 THM East Bay

FOR MANY HOMEOWNERS, IT’S A TOUGH CHOICE:home office or guest room.

Yet Larry Fox, president and owner of Valet CustomCabinets and Closets, insists there’s no need to make achoice because a comfortable wallbed allows one room to do double duty.

His wallbed customers all face the same challenge—lack of space. “We have customers with growing families,”he says. “They need room for visitors but they also needthe extra bedroom as an office. They want to have a homeoffice, craft room or sewing room but they also want an

extra room their guests. Grandparents often visit.Other customers want it for everyday use,

maybe they’ve moved to a retirement condo from a house, or they’re just starting out in a condo.They don’t want a bed to take up space when not sleeping.”

With their vast assortment of wallbeds—queen,double and twin size bed are available in bothvertical and side-tile options. Valet also offers bedswith fold down tables and even beds that open with the touch of a remote. Designers work withcustomers to create a personalized and fullyintegrated solution that can include a home officeor craft center, as well as storage such as wardrobecabinets or bookcases.

“We are not a furniture store selling a wallbed,”says Fox. “We are a custom cabinet maker.”

That’s a big distinction. The team of in-housedesigners can devise a custom solution for all kindsof scenarios where space saving and multiple usesare the goal for a room.

BY XU BEI SHI



“Because it’s custom cabinetry, we cando anything a customer would like,” says Fox.Customers can opt for wood, or laminates anda variety of different decorative options. Valet’s20,000-square-foot Campbell woodshop is acertified green facility and that 95 percent ofall materials used are sustainable.

The most requested options? Fox saysreading lights and decorative cabinet frontstop the list.

For Valet’s customers, the result is amulti-purpose room rich in the details thatcome only from a fully integrated solution that hides its multitasking talents elegantly.

The Valet’s solutions even add value to a home when an owner goes to sell. Fox hearsfrom customers that buyers rarely want theirintegrated cabinetry removed. In fact, “it’swritten into the contract that it will stay,” he says.

For more information on Valet Custom Cabinets and Closets, Organizers, go to www.valetcustom.com and visit their showrooms: CampbellShowroom & Manufacturing; 1190 Dell Avenue, Suite J, (408) 370-1041;Hours: Mon - Fri 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sat 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; DanvilleShowroom; 602 Sycamore Valley Road West (in the Danville Livery) (925) 362-8838; Hours: Tues – Sat 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. THM

APPLIANCES

Direct Appliance 925-560-0500www.directappliancedublin.com

CABINETS & CLOSETS

Valet Custom Cabinets & Closets925-362-8838www.valetcustom.com

CLEANING SERVICE

Spring Fresh Cleaning800-750-7175www.springfreshcleaninginc.com

CONCRETE

Lara’s Concrete925-458-6304

CUSTOM FRAMING

Acanthus925-866-1144www.acanthusonline.com

DRAPERIES

Exclusive Fabrics & Furnishings866-413-7273www.thedrapeboutique.com

GARAGE STORAGE

Premier Garage510-226-9627www.premiergarage.com

GARDEN ORNAMENTS

Giannini Garden Ornaments650-873-4493www.gianninigarden.com

GRANITE & CABINETS

ZMC Products866-497-2880www.zmcproducts.com

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

Mechanical Air Service800-913-4822www.mechanicalairservice.com

KITCHEN DESIGN CENTER

Ric’s Kitchen & Bath510-733-5543www.Rics-kitchen-bath.com

RESOURCE GUIDE

List your business, call 925-659-6200

ROEBER’S INCORPORATED has led

the way in plumbing, heating &

cooling since 1923. Specializing in

service, repair & new installations for

both business & residential. NATE

Certified technicians. Carrier Factory

Authorized dealers.

ROEBER’S INCORPORATED 510.537.0556www.roebers.com

LANDSCAPE DESIGNMasterpiece Gardens & Design925-937-2253www.masterpiecegarden.com

OUTDOOR FURNITURE & BBQComplete Backyards408-748-8100www.completebackyards.com

PAINT CENTERProfessional Paint Center925-933-3315

PAINTING CONTRACTORMGD Painting and Decorating 925-679-2802

PAVING STONESBlack Diamond Landscape & Designs800-942-1955www.blackdiamondlandscape.com

REDWOOD FENCINGBorg Redwood Fences925-426-9620www.borgfence.com

REMODELING CONSTRUCTIONSunshine Construction, Inc.925-472-8760www.sunshine-construction-inc.com

SHOWER DOORS & ENCLOSURESCalifornia Shower Door Corp.800-675-6225www.calshowerdoor.com

TILE AND STONEWestern Tile Design Center925-671-0145www.westerntiledesign.com

WALLBEDSWallbeds ”n” More925-570-5663www.wallbedsnmore.com

WATER HEATERSPhillips Water Heater Service925-584-9846

WINDOW TINTINGSolar Control Glass Tinting Co.800-999-3828www.solarcontrolcompany.com


AMASTER BEDROOM IS YOUR PERSONAL SANCTUARY WHEREyou begin and end your day. With long work schedules andcommutes, we count on our private spaces to re-energize us

and comfort us at the end of a long day. When this homeowner decided to update their master suite there

were two things they knew they wanted, one was a view to their gardenand two was an accessible shower.

I had already worked with them on previous projects, presentingthem with new window ideas, details, finishes and textures and a colorscheme that reflected their love of garden colors. A scale model of theroom and ceiling helped them visualize their new master suite. Takingthe next step wasn’t a problem. The solution was just what theywanted and more.

Here are some tips to get started with your project:• Select a Certified Interior Designer (CID) to work with you.

A CID is certified in the State of California and qualified byeducation, experience, and examination.

• Evaluate your existing space for light, view, storage oraccessibility problems.

• Collect photos of things you like.• Work with your wish list. Sometimes an idea can be achieved in

different ways. Keep an open mind to new materials and ideas. • Develop a budget range. Make sure your finances are in order

including your home equity line of credit. • Spend “up-front” time planning. This will help reduce stress,

unnecessary design revisions and change orders.• Check with the building department for applicable codes.

• Consider keeping yourmaster suite on the firstfloor for accessibility.

• Consider automaticsensor faucets inbathrooms, hand-heldshowers, wall-hungtoilets—deep soakingbathtubs can offertherapeutic benefits.

• Add blocking behindwalls in a bathroom for “grab” bars.

• Consider planning wider doorways, and using levers for doors “and cabinetry hardware for ease of use.

• Consider where you will live during construction.• Plan for success…take time to get completed plans

and specifications. • Determine start and finish dates and have a written

production schedule.

Remember, good design is always beautiful, regardless of thespecialty you’re designing for. A house should be designed not just “for who you are today, but also for the person you’ll become tomorrow.

Patsy Zakian-Greenough, CID, CKD, CAPS, CGBP practices in Palo Alto. You can findinformation on Ms. Zakian-Greenough and other Certified Interior Designers in yourarea at www.ccidc.org/cidpages. THM

[ C C I D C ]

Designer Patsy Zakian-Greenough, project produced byHarrell Remodeling, Mountain View.

Photos: W

illiam Enos, em

eraldlight.co

m.

A New Master Suite

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

Design a space to meet your personality.


MANY PEOPLE OVER WATERtheir landscapes by over50% and many water

districts are encouraging customers to reduce their use. The amount ofwater your landscape needs differsconsiderably depending on the climate and season. The CaliforniaLandscape Contractors Association is pleased to present you somegeneral guidelines that work year round.

• Allow lawn areas to dry out slightly between watering.• Because soil compacts over time, have your lawn aerated at least

once a year. Aeration pulls out plugs of soil and opens the pores so air and water can get in. Over time, aeration may actually reducethe amount of water plants need because they are getting thebenefit of every drop.

• In general, new plantings will require more frequent watering thanolder plants with more established root systems.

• Roots will grow only where they can get water. Shallow wateringresults in shallow root systems that can dry out more quickly duringhot spells. When you water, water deeply.

• Allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering is critical.Muddy or soggy soil is a sign of trouble.

• To keep soil from drying out too fast around shrubbery or inflowerbeds, apply a layer of compost where unprotected earth is exposed to the sun.

• To prevent over watering trees in the lawn area, keep grass abouttwo feet away from the trunk.

• Periodically use a shovel or spade to check the moisture content of the soil below the surface. Even if the surface appears to be dry,the soil at root level (six to eight inches deep) might be quite moist.

• Some landscaped areas will need less water than others. Set days,times and durations to correspond to the needs of each zone.

• If you see water running into the gutter, or if you suspect overwatering, set the timer to water less frequently, for shorter timeperiods or both.

Water availability is an important issue that impacts us all. Theseshort tips can help you reduce your water usage and yet still maintain a beautiful landscape, which is an important part of any community.Landscape positively alters the environment, reduces carbon emissions,improves air quality, protects the land, provides food, creates oxygen and sustains life. By watching your water usage and giving your outdoorlandscape only the water it needs, you are helping to protect ourenvironment and shape our future.

The California Landscape Contractors Association is a non-profit trade organization of licensed landscape and landscape-related contractors. For more landscapinginformation, ideas and tips, visit www.CLCA.org. THM

[ C L C A ]

Water-WiseYear round tips for keeping your yard green.


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