Symmetry Fall 2013

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Remodeler’s Resource Guide Included

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www.VentanaMan.com 512-388-9400 1609 Chisholm Trail #100, Round Rock

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President’s Message

Board of Directors

If you have picked up this issue of Symmetry Central Texas, you are already on the right path to a great remodeling project. You most likely found this magazine at an Austin Home Show or your favorite vendor’s showroom, or it was handed to you by a contractor or subcontractor.

And that also means that you just met a member of NARI from the Austin chapter. NARI stands for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, and it is the only national organization dedicated to the professional remodeling industry.

2013 Board of Directors Austin NARI President John Martin Straight and Level Construction Company, Inc.

President Elect Savana Beckman SchroederCarpet

Vice President

The articles in this magazine feature members from the Austin NARI chapter. The ideas, pictures and quotes in the articles are sourced directly from members. The back section of Symmetry Central Texas also features a full membership guide for the Austin chapter, complete with icons that represent the specialties of each member.

Chris Risher RisherMartin Renovations

NARI members from Central Texas are the best of the best. Our members have pledged to observe the highest standards of honesty, integrity and responsibility in the conduct of business. Our chapter holds multiple events throughout the year that focus on the latest trends, educational topics and pertinent information to ensure that we remain the authority on remodeling practices and techniques.

Secretary

NARI members are composed of architects, designers, general contractors, vendors and subcontractors. By combining all the strengths and knowledge bases of these various fields, a NARI member is well positioned to deliver a fantastic product. NARI is unique in that members are encouraged to work together on projects and to be sounding boards for each other when a difficult situation is encountered.

Mike Cottrell Moore Supply Company

Every October, the Austin NARI chapter holds a Tour of Remodeled Homes. These tours function on an open house format where you can meet the general contractor and their vendors, see their work in person and garner ideas for your own home. This year the tour will be held on October 19 and 20, from 12pm to 6pm both days. The homes are featured in this issue of Symmetry Central Texas, and you can visit the chapter website for tour updates.

Sandy Weatherford Urban Home Magazine

On behalf of the Austin NARI chapter and the publishers of Symmetry Central Texas and Austin-San Antonio Urban Home magazines, we hope that you enjoy these articles and find them helpful as you enter into your remodeling project.

John Martin Straight and Level Construction Company, Inc. President | Austin NARI www.austinnari.org

Treasurer Catherine Wilkes David Wilkes Builders Kayvon Leath Anchor Ventana

Directors At Large Jeff Bullard Avenue B Development, LLC

Dolores Davis CG&S Design-Build Randy Meek Eastside Lumber & Decking

Past President David Davison Realty Restoration, LLC

Austin NARI P.O. Box 9964, Austin, Texas 78766 Office: 512.997.6274, Fax: 512.852.4611 Executive Director | Linda Olivier Mobile: 512.300.5254, linda@austinnari.org Executive Assistant | Rick Rudolphi rick@austinnari.org

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Publisher Symmetry Central Texas is published by Louis Doucette Big City Media Group, LLC. Advertising rates available upon request. All rights Editors reserved by copyright. No part of this Trisha Doucette and Leslie Woods publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written Editorial Advisory Board consent of publisher. Every effort is made Mike Cottrell – Moore Supply Company / to assure accuracy of the information The Kitchen & Bath Showplace contained herein. However, the publisher Dawn Hearn – Dawn Hearn Interior Design cannot guarantee such accuracy.

Advertising is subject to errors, omissions Strategic Media Placement and/or other changes without notice.

Diane Purcell Mention of any product or service does not Contributing Writers constitute endorsement from Symmetry Central Texas. The information obtained Jackie Benton in this publication is deemed reliable from Julie Catalano third party sources, but not guaranteed.

Mauri Elbel Symmetry Central Texas does not act Sue-Ella Mueller as an agent for any of the advertisers in this publication. It is recommended that Advertising Sales you choose a qualified remodeling, home Sandy Weatherford – Austin furnishings, or home improvement firm Gerry Lair – San Antonio based on your own selection criteria.

Symmetry Central Texas does not act as Design and Production an agent for any of the realtors or builders Jennifer Nelson – Full Nelson Productions in this publication. It is recommended that Printing and Direct Mail you choose a qualified realtor to assist you in your new home purchase.

SmithPrint Symmetry Central Texas will not Phone knowingly accept advertising for real Austin: 512.385.4663 estate that is a violation of the Fair San Antonio: 210.410.0014 Housing Act. All real estate advertising in Symmetry Central Texas is subject to Fax the Fair Housing Act that states, “We 830.981.8887 are pledged to the letter and spirit of U. Business Office S. Policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the 4714 Cambridge / Sugar Land, Texas 77479 nation. We encourage and support an Sales Office affirmative advertising and marketing 10036 Saxet Drive / Boerne, Texas 78006 program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, Email religion, sex, handicap, familial status or louisd@bigcitymagazines.com national origin.” © Copyright 2013 by Symmetry Central Texas. All Rights Reserved.

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Symmetry Central Texas / Fall, 2013 f e at u r e

Radical Renovations

Breathing New Life into Old Spaces

Austin NARI Tour of Remodeled Homes

perspectives

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trends

Kitchens

Counter Intelligence

Amazing Array of Alternatives in Countertops Takes Kitchens from Drab to Fab

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Freestanding Tubs Make a Statement

Outdoor

Screened-in Serenity

You Say You Want a Revolution?

Technology Renovates Communications in the Building Trades

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Is It Really a Bargain?

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LED There be Light!

Experts Urge Homeowners to Think Twice Before Shopping for Materials Online

Sure, you’ve heard of them. But do you really know what they are?” products

Baths

On Their Own

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Indoor/Outdoor remodeler’s resource guide

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Austin NARI Members

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AutodeskÂŽ Revit modeling and photographic rendering

by Christopher Davison, AIA, Realty Restoration

You Say You Want a Revolution?

Technology Renovates Communications in the Building Trades

By Jackie Benton

There’s a revolution brewing in homebuilding and remodeling these days: one that invokes an exciting spirit of cooperation and collaboration as much as it does the creativity of all involved.

New software, mobile apps and gadgets give homebuilding and remodeling professionals an incredible array of technology from which to choose, allowing them to respond nimbly to job site situations as they crop up, stay on top of timelines, keep their clients informed, and even keep their billing straight.

These new technologies have heralded a new wave of connectivity which allows homeowners to take a more participatory role in their home building and remodeling projects.

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“I do think our clients want to feel more involved in the process,” says John Gehlken of Austin Impressions. “The technology helps them feel more connected. If they are traveling, it helps them feel more up-to-date on what’s happening on a day-to-day basis. We try to be very proactive with our customers and keep them abreast of what’s going on. Our goal is to use innovative technology to solve practical problems. As a homeowner, you want that kind of transparency.”

Gehlken has made incorporating technology a natural part of his business plan, and carries with him his holy trinity of tech: his laptop, iPhone and iPad. “Our goal is to use innovation and technology to solve practical problems.

We can now keep everyone up-to-date, and the homeowner has a very non-confrontational way to communicate with me. I can see problems as they are coming up because it’s part of this communication process, and I am aware of what’s going on with a project.”

Dylan Martin agrees with Gehlken’s assessment of how technology has changed his business for the better. Back in the not-sodistant past, Martin, president of Dylan Martin Homes and Remodeling, would visit job sites with a slew of three-ring binders chock full of paperwork pertaining to each of his job sites.

“I used to carry around four crates of binders because I wanted to have all the information at my fingertips. I sometimes had to stop the job and go back to the office to find what I needed.

With my iPad, no matter where I am, I have everything I need about my projects handy. We also use our iPads and iPhones to take digital photographs, which we store on Dropbox and BuilderTrend, that can be shared with everyone including subcontractors, homeowners and the entire staff at Dylan Martin Homes.”

How high-tech helps today’s building trades professionals doesn’t stop there, says Martin. “Our technology starts in the field and continues in our office. We use Adobe Acrobat X to create visual documents describing the project and what we will be doing. This really helps everyone understand the project and keeps everyone on track. Our favorite app is BuilderTrend, a project management program used not only for managing the project but keeping the client updated on every aspect of their project. We can assign tasks, add notes, share all files, post pictures, and track

change orders and selections. BuilderTrend is used by everyone involved in the project, from the subcontractors to the designers to the homeowners. They can see the calendar, track the progress, and add documents and notes.”

Dylan Martin says his company’s clients love the ease with which they can check on their project’s progress, as well as the ease with which they can email any questions or concerns. For his part, Martin appreciates how the constant communication allows him to spend more time with his family. “I don’t get phone calls at 8:00 p.m. when I’m at home with my family. Our clients can email a list of questions, and we get answers to them promptly,” he says.

In addition to keeping track of communications, builders and designers are finding new software and apps that make communications much easier for themselves and their clients. “There are so many hats we have to wear in this business, from the actual design to the invoicing, and my day would be twice as long without these technologies,” says Jenny Silverman, office manager for Top Notch Renovations. Silverman says there are several favorite programs her team uses on a regular basis.

“We love Penultimate. It has a light graph background, and you can quickly create sketches,” says an enthusiastic Silverman. “It’s used by our designers, especially when they have very specific ideas about where things should be, and we can create their vision exactly. We’ve found Penultimate and the specificity it offers allows the designer and the client to decide exactly how things should go in the beginning so there’s no confusion at the end of the job. This way, we end up with a perfect project while saving money.”

Silverman says applications and software can help their clients communicate more effectively with her team to create a perfect, personalized home design. “Houzz is one of our favorites for our clients,” she says. “The customer can tell us with visuals exactly what they like and put together an Ideabook. Houzz also offers a way to source — there are little tags that hang down on the products so you can send a note to the poster and inquire where they got those items.”

Christopher Davison, AIA, with Realty Restoration especially loves the ability software gives him to share key concepts with his clients.

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Davison uses Autodesk® Revit, a software specifically created for Building Information Modeling (BIM), and considers it the workhorse behind all his designs. “For years, design and construction documents were separated into different programs: one for visual representation and the other for documentation,” he explains.

“Revit allows me to design in 3D and work on the construction documents at the same time. Being able to show a client, who would otherwise have trouble visualizing a space, the before and after potential of their kitchen remodel is priceless. Being able to not only explain a tricky barrel vaulted ceiling to my superintendent but show him graphically in three-dimension how to frame it and add that tricky, hidden AC ductwork saves time and money that would have been wasted working things out in the field.”

Perhaps there is no better way to understand and embrace the Tech Revolution in home building than when it comes to seeing how it empowers and emboldens home builders and homeowners alike. Armed with open lines of communication, homeowners no longer feel stranded and alone — with a click of a mouse or the touch of a keypad, they can see their project and understand the day’s progress.

Designers no longer have to worry whether others can visualize their creations, and builders no longer have to wonder whether they are proceeding according to plan. High Tech has taken the guesswork and heartache out of home design, while keeping everyone in the communication loop, thus ensuring every project is a truly collaborative one. n

RESOURCES Austin Impressions, Inc.

512.215.2120, www.austinimpressions.com

Dylan Martin Homes and Remodeling 512.692.9212 www.dylanmartinhomes.com

Realty Restoration, LLC

512.454.1661 www.realtyrestoration.com

Top Notch Renovations

512.538.1962 www.topnotchrenovations.com

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Photography by Casey Fry

Radical Renovations

Breathing New Life into Old Spaces

By Mauri Elbel

There is something undeniably inspiring about taking an old space and breathing a new sense of life into it. Whether it’s a home you have loved for years that no longer suits your lifestyle or a new house in need of a fresh touch, redesign done right can be a beautiful thing. From playful children’s rooms and haute kitchens to spa-worthy bathrooms and spacious master suites, these five radical transformations serve as wow-worthy testaments to the beauty of renovation.

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Realty Restoration, LLC

512.454.1661 www.realtyrestoration.com

Twelve Stones Designs

512.705.2121 www.twelvestonesdesigns.com

This modern kitchen completed by Realty Restoration with design and material selections by Twelve Stones Designs gleams with high-end finishes and clean lines, creating an inviting space for both cooking and gathering. The redesign was centered around two main goals: to create a contemporary aesthetic that would correlate to the home’s original post-modern era and to remove a load bearing wall that blocked the view of the living area and pool, says Realty Restoration’s David Davison. However, the design-build team soon realized that they had inherited numerous major issues the home’s previous owner had tried to cover up.

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“To address the load bearing piece, we built a support column which transfers all the roof loads to the concrete garage floor below,” says Davison. “The column also provides a pathway for plumbing and electrical to the island. To camouflage the column and integrate it into the overall design, our team came up with the idea to wrap the column in a geometric grid pattern made out of MDF panels and stainless steel tubing.” continued on page 14

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Symmetr y The new design raised the plane of the island behind the sink which abuts the column so that it looks unified with the island and serves the dual purpose of making space for the custom HVAC ducting. “This actually worked out to our advantage in multiple ways,” says Christy Bowen, of Twelve Stones Designs. “It allowed us a place to continue the stainless steel element in the backsplash behind the sink, and it conceals dirty dishes from the living room side.”

Aesthetic goals were achieved by incorporating multiple finishes, door styles and colors. The back wall is outfitted in alder wood slab doors. The Calcutta Gold marble backsplash serves as textural artwork for the entire room while the platinum color of the quartz counters pulls out the gray veining in the tile. “We wanted to make the island a piece that could be viewed as either part of the kitchen or the living space,” Bowen says.

“Therefore we used a shaker style door which matches the existing cabinets in the living

Straight and Level Construction Company, Inc.

512.577.9297 www.straightlevel.com When the owner of this 1969 Barton Hills home wanted to transform her rental property into her permanent residence in 2012, a complete transformation was in order. One of the first areas to tackle was its awkward master bathroom. Originally, the master suite contained two medium sized closets, two separate sinks and a cramped shower area along with a large, dark storage area behind the bathroom. The sink areas were open to the master bedroom so there was no real delineation of space. “The goal was to turn an oddly laid out part of the home into a luxurious space with plenty of real estate allocated to each room,” says John Martin of Straight and Level Construction.

Photography by Tom Coplen

room. We then painted them in soft gray which we pulled from the color in the marble backsplash.”

An Elkay® Avado kitchen faucet and soap dispenser looms above the Vault Smart Divide stainless steel sink by Kohler®.

Castelli pendant lights by Sonneman® in polished nickel with clear glass shades hover over the island and tie in with the clear-seated bar stools. Variants of gray from Sherwin-Williams® comprise the color palette, serving as a canvas to display the rich stain of the custom cabinetry and pops of color throughout the kitchen. “I love everything about this kitchen — how it all flows together to create a harmonious space with the existing architecture and how it creates a sense of openness and welcome to the cook and guests alike,” says Bowen.

“The structural column takes the cake, though. I love how we were able to take what could have been an eye-sore and create this architectural conversation piece.”

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The homeowner envisioned a master suite with an open, earthy feel and ample light, which was achieved by reallocating the space in the master bath and the large storage area behind the master bedroom. The closet became much larger and functional, and the main bath area and wet room became a relaxing space to start and end each day. The wet room, a combined bathtub and shower space enclosed by a large wall of frameless glass, is what makes this space unique. Four windows bathe the bathroom in natural light and the closet receives daylight until the sun goes down via a 14” sun tunnel. The dark tones of the alder cabinetry mesh well with the master bath’s color scheme. Blue Fusion, a level five granite, spans the countertops, shower bench and tub deck area, serving as an exotic counterpoint to the surrounding earth-toned tiles, paint selections and oil rubbed bronze fixtures and hardware.

Stacked earth stone from Arizona Tile lines the shower/tub room walls and a basket weave pattern of the same material is laid on the shower floor, creating playful textures throughout the space. Giallo Paillanti honed marble, cut to 9”x18” pieces and laid in a brick-set pattern, comprises the floors in the main bath area and master closet. Custom copper sinks with Kohler® plumbing fixtures adorn the vanity. The main bath area is lit by two recessed cans, a wall sconce and a hanging fixture that doubles as a ceiling fan

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while the shower/tub room is lit by four 4” recessed cans.

Attention to detail can be seen in every corner, from the custom Brazilian mahogany French doors that serve as a bold entry point to the master bath to the recessed television that is stylishly framed to blend into the wall.

“The wet area is unique, yet practical — it has a ‘resort’ feel,” says homeowner Sheryl O’Briant. “Next to the kitchen, the master bath is the most used room in the house.

It should be a place that is comfortable, practical and beautiful.”

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Photography by Paul Finkel

CG&S Design-Build

512.444.1580 www.cgsdb.com When a Bouldin Creek family began to feel the space limits of their cottage-style home, CG&S Design-Build added two new wings for the growing family, one with a bathroom and two bedrooms for the children and the other with a master suite and office. “The house had good living areas and a large kitchen, but the bedroom and bathroom situation was cramped,” says Mark Evans, CG&S project designer. “The family was on top of each other — there was only one bathroom in the

house, and a small master bedroom and two very small rooms for a family with two kids.”

A large pecan tree occupying the area where the family would have liked the addition presented an obstacle, but CG&S sidestepped it by creating two wings — one for the parents and one for their two young children on opposite sides which created a courtyard. The two wings allow for backand-forth views, creating an openness and flow that transfers over the private courtyard.

Access to the children’s bedrooms is granted via a purple hall. Originally, Evans says the hall was designed to serve as a place to hang the children’s artwork but the bold color and texture provided by the wooden boards provided all the visual stimulation needed.

The children’s bathroom countertops are Silestone® Mont Blanc and the fixtures are a mixture of Kohler®, Delta®, BrizoTM and Vortens®. In the bedrooms, Tuftex Charming creates a carpeted floor. Thoughtful textures and bold colors used strategically in this children’s addition play off of each other without overwhelming. “Have fun with the materials and choose things that are a little trendy, but not too over the top,” Evans says.

“You can be especially brave with paint color because it can be easily changed as the children grow up.”

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Photography by Andrea Calo

Clark Richardson Architects

512.636.7653 www.clarkrichardson.com When a Hyde Park bungalow that had been used as a rental property for years had fallen into disrepair, Clark Richardson Architects was called on to facilitate a historic renovation and addition. The result is a tasteful transformation that blends well into the context of the surrounding neighborhood while honing into the client’s lifestyle with an eye toward her future. An avid art collector, professional photographer and longtime Hyde Park resident, Clark Richardson Architects worked closely with the homeowner to update this elegant three bedroom residence and home studio.

Her desires for a contemporary but also contextual project led to an interesting juxtaposition of historic exterior features surrounding a modern, open plan and minimal interior detailing, according to partners Ed Richardson and April Clark.

Throughout, the client’s extensive art collection is framed with views to exterior gardens and the site’s three fantastic heritage trees, each planted for the original owner’s daughters in the 1920’s.

This open space connects the kitchen with the living and dining areas, facilitating

a continual flow through the home and granting views to the client’s photography studio. White oak floors provide a creamy contrast to 8-foot custom mahogany French doors while white minimalist trim keeps the space clean and allows the art to take center stage. The doors to the studio feature the client’s “Art Door” by famed New Orleans artist Bill Hemmerling set into the frame as a showcased sculptural item integrated into the architecture of the house.

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Photography by Bryant Hill

Greenbelt Homes, LLC

512.740.8592 www.greenbelthomesaustin.com A 1970’s ranch style house tucked in Austin’s hilly Cat Mountain area was in desperate need of a modern-day makeover.

Before deciding to purchase the property, the owners engaged the expertise of Greenbelt Homes to assess the home’s potential and required investment. Since the house contained good bones, Greenbelt was able to reconfigure its choppy spaces to unveil a stylish and cohesive floorplan.

Standing in the home’s remodeled master bath, a neutral space enhanced by visuallyinspiring textures and grain-patterns, gives you a feel for how far the home has come.

“The master bath and closet were very small,” says Chris Shaffer, president of Greenbelt

Homes. “It had six bedrooms so we decided to take one of the bedrooms and turn it into a closet and master bathroom.”

Transforming the superfluous bedroom into the new master bathroom allowed Greenbelt to create a much more spacious bath and closet area than what previously existed.

Durable warm-toned ceramic and porcelain tiles make up the floors and continue up the walls surrounding the tub and shower.

The unique grain pattern on the pecan wood cabinets serve as the focal point of the master bathroom, a contemporary space that exudes warmth and light, blending well into the revamped home’s hip, modern vibe that boasts fun and funky wallpapers, geometric patterns, irresistible textures and exotic finishes throughout. n

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Austin Impressions, Inc.

CG&S Design-Build

Austin Impressions, Inc.

CG&S Design-Build

Greenbelt Homes, LLC

Clark Richardson Architects

Realty Restoration, LLC

Straight and Level Construction

Austin NARI Chapter’s Tour of Remodeled Homes Premiere Partners Homes Audino Construction, Inc.

In this hectic and fast-paced world, your home is your haven. It’s important for your home to offer the warmth, protection and serenity you desire, while reflecting your personality and lifestyle. The professional remodelers of NARI excel in offering clients the education, guidance and options to create a unique and inviting living space without having to move out of their home.

The Tour of Remodeled Homes is a collection of some of the best remodeling Austin has to offer. We give special thanks to the homeowners who have graciously opened their homes to the public for these tours. By doing so, others can enjoy the creativity and details of each project, be inspired to create more livable spaces, and find solutions that will allow more flexible and functional areas in their own homes.

Whether you are entertaining the idea of remodeling your own home or are just curious about the latest trends in the industry, The Tour of Remodeled Homes in Austin will offer much insight into the options available for you.

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OCTOBER 19 & 20, 2013 HOURS: 12:00pm – 6:00pm LOCATION: Greater Austin Area TICKETS: Available October 1, 2013 Pre-purchases are $20 for all homes, and are available at Breed & Co., Treehouse, Inc. or through www.AUSTINNARI.org/tour2013.

Tickets are available at all Tour Homes on the days of the event - $25 for all homes.

TICKET LOCATIONS: 718 W. 29th St., Austin 3663 Bee Cave Rd., Austin

4477 S. Lamar Blvd, #600, Austin

CULINARY DREAM KITCHEN Audino Construction, Inc.

512.258.6728 www.audinoconstruction.com The owner of this home hired the talents of Audino Construction to address the issues with her twenty year old kitchen. Being an avid cook and hostess, the homeowner requested efficient storage and a flowing space that would allow her to connect with her guests.

Engaging the expertise of Dawn Hearn Interior Design for materials and finishes, Audino Construction delivered an unbelievable space by thinking outside the box...or, walls, in this case. Creative use of bamboo cabinetry negated the need for walls allowing ample space for customized storage, including an ingeniously camouflaged space for the washer and dryer.

Sparkling glass tiles reflect light back into the room and floating wood shelves complete the feeling of a generous, open space that is now ideal for entertaining.

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MODERN STEEL, GLASS, WOOD: STUNNING SHOW-STOPPER

ENLIVENED BUNGALOW

Austin Impressions, Inc.

CG&S Design-Build

This Lost Creek home was ripe for a major update and remodel. Known for their deft ability to marry natural materials with sleek lines, plate glass and industrial steel, the homeowners hired the award-winning team of Austin Impressions to build this dramatic space. The priority was to showcase the natural beauty of the huge lot and private backyard forest. Design that serves multiple functions is also a theme through the whole of the house. Cleverly designed ceiling articulations and fur-downs appear like floating origami throughout the space. To soften the rigid feeling of glass and steel, natural woods, such as pecan and oak, are blended amidst the space to emanate a unity with nature. You won’t want to miss this show-stopping remodel/addition on this year’s tour.

This 1940’s period house was originally a two bedroom, one bathroom bungalow. Once again, CG&S Design-Build worked their magic by doubling the square footage with two more bedrooms, a bathroom and a master suite filled with all the modern day amenities. Come see how CG&S creatively worked around one of the City of Austin’s protected pecan trees to create a bright and jovial kids’ bedroom wing and a peaceful, spa-inspired parents’ retreat.

512.215.2120 www.austinimpressions.com

SIZZLING CONTEMPORARY REMODEL WITH COOL ENERGY SAVING FEATURES Austin Impressions, Inc.

512.215.2120 www.austinimpressions.com With a special focus on energy savings and bringing in more natural light, Austin Impressions achieved the perfect balance between letting the light in without letting the heat in. New energy efficient windows and doors, LED lighting, spray foam insulation and a repaired leaky A/C duct system helped to recoup lost energy costs so that the updated sleek finishes could bask in the natural light. Once again, Austin Impressions shows their adeptness for detail with the use of floating ceiling structures and transitions. Wide open spaces permit an expansive view of the greenbelt beyond, and swank materials and finishes are featured throughout.

512.444.1580 www.cgsdb.com

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FIRMLY MODERN CG&S Design-Build 512.444.1580 www.cgsdb.com

Suffering from major water damage after pipes burst on the upper level, this house was completely revamped by the award-winning firm of CG&S Design-Build. Where there once stood a modest 1980’s era dwelling, now stands a structurally improved, stunningly modern home nestled in the Cat Mountain area. The new floor plan liberated the kitchen from its enclosed space allowing natural light to flood the entire first floor. The floating stair case becomes a sculptural element, while luxurious materials and finishes are touted throughout the home.

KEEPING AUSTIN GREEN: HISTORICAL RENO GETS A CONTEMPORARY REHAB Clark Richardson Architects 512.636.7653 www.clarkrichardson.com

New comer to Austin NARI, Clark Richardson Architects gets a “green” thumbs up with this impressive whole-house historical renovation/addition. Clark Richardson Architects was able to bring to life an interesting juxtaposition of historic integrity, contemporary features and environmental conscientiousness. This Austin Energy Green Building 5 Star Certification recipient implemented conservation measures by installing a water harvesting system and by reusing original materials in inventive ways. Integrated into the home is a passive cooling system and newly designed high efficiency HVAC and thermal envelope. Come see these and many other amazing features of this sophisticated Hyde Park gem.

WHOLE-HOUSE REMODEL WITH METROPOLITAN PANACHE Greenbelt Homes, LLC

512.740.8592 www.greenbelthomesaustin.com Before deciding to purchase the property, the owners engaged the expertise of Greenbelt Homes to assess the home’s potential and the investment it would require.

Seeing that this 70s era ranch-style house had “good bones,” Greenbelt reconfigured the chopped up spaces unveiling this stylish, cohesive floor plan. To link the gathering spaces, walls were removed between the den and kitchen. In the master suite, a superfluous bedroom was transformed into the new master bath and spacious closet. This home exudes a hip, modern vibe with fun and funky wallpapers, geometric patterns, irresistible textures and exotic finishes displayed throughout.

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MAKING THE “OUTDOOR” CONNECTION! Premier Partners Homes

512.215.4797 www.premierpartnershomes.com The award-winning firm of Premier Partners took this 854-square-foot cottage and turned it into a sprawling 2,460-square-foot family dream home with a handsome outdoor space perfect for entertaining. La Cantina folding doors open up to the new “L” shaped porch, made of Brazilian Red Balau wood, which beacons you to experience the xeriscaped front, side and back yards. Working with the homeowner to preserve as much of the original structure as possible, the team was able to reuse the original long leaf pine flooring and integrate it with pine flooring reclaimed from the Dallas apartment building where the infamous Lee Harvey Oswald once lived. Don’t miss these and the many more unique features this home has to offer, such as soapstone countertops, handmade glass hardware and cork wallpaper!

POST-MODERN KITCHEN GETS A MILLENNIAL TRANSFORMATION

“BRADY BUNCH” ERA RANCH GOES FROM DRAB TO FAB!

Realty Restoration, LLC

Straight and Level Construction Company, Inc.

Realty Restoration’s quality craftsmanship shines once more!

However, what you don’t see on this remodel is just as amazing as what you do see. Partnering with Twelve Stones Designs, the awardwinning trifecta overcame extensive structural, functional and aesthetic issues during the transformation of this Tarrytown bungalow to bring forth this unequivocally polished space. Notable features include unique “flyover” soffits, a gorgeous sinuous Calcutta gold tile backsplash, luxurious custom-built cabinetry and a sculpturesque structural column which grounds the sleek 15 foot long island.

Unaltered since its construction, this 1969 home was in desperate need of an update. Straight and Level Construction was awarded the task of bringing new life to a home lost in a time warp! Not one inch of this home was untouched by the masterful talents of the award-winning firm. Structural and mechanical systems were replaced and aesthetic elements were updated. The new gourmet kitchen, gorgeous great room and generous master suite are a few of the must-see features on this tour stop. The original fireplace remains intact, beautifully and thoughtfully restored as a reminder of the home’s transformation. The result is a showcase of the quality of craftsmanship Straight & Level provides for every job.

Be sure to stop in! n

512.454.1661 www.realtyrestoration.com

512.577.9297 www.straightlevel.com

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Dawn F. Hearn, ASID, NARI, CAPS Texas Registered Interior Designer #9501

New Construction Remodeling Space Planning Consultation Furnishings Accessories

www.dawnhearn.com 512.930.0250

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Counter Intelligence Amazing Array of Alternatives in Countertops Takes Kitchens from Drab to Fab

By Jackie Benton Got a kitchen remodeling project to which you’d like to add a little zest? Think outside the “Granite or Silestone®” box and consider using countertops made of alternative materials. Thinking outside the box also gives a wide array of options, some with the look and feel of more traditional materials, and others with their own unique, beautiful properties. Using your savvy style smarts to select just the right kind of countertop can really pump up the volume on your kitchen project, taking it from snore-and-bore plain to fabulous with just a simple installation.

The choices available in countertops may feel overwhelming at first when you push your limits and discover the hundreds of colors, patterns and textures that are offered on the market today. Embrace your luck and choose from the variety offered, and don’t be afraid to look at new products, as well as some “oldies but goodies,” that are now being used in new ways.

GLASS SLABS AND RECYCLED GLASS COMPOSITES Price: Vetrazzo® $110-$130 per square foot Vetrazzo® has enjoyed quite a bit of play in the press, and it’s no wonder.

Made of sustainable recycled glass, Vetrazzo can be used for numerous surface applications, ranging from countertops, tabletops and bar tops to deck flooring, hearth and fireplace surrounds, and more. Strikingly beautiful and available in a glorious palette of colors, Vetrazzo also scores big points for LEED projects. Polycor, Inc. acquired Vetrazzo in 2010 and has worked hard to maintain Vetrazzo’s original commitment to the highest sustainability standards, sourcing local glass and using only recycled, un-processed glass in manufacturing.

“Vetrazzo is very aesthetically pleasing, although on the higher side of the price range,” says Nathan Brown, the “go to” kitchen remodel expert at TreeHouse, a recently opened retail store dedicated to sustainable and healthy living. “Oftentimes we will have people that are interested in it because of its sustainability and beauty.

It’s a good product, and I really like it.” Like anything worth having, Brown notes that a little maintenance is required. “Vetrazzo should be sealed occasionally. When you invest that big in countertops, you want to invest a little care as well. This is a great product of recycled glass and concrete, and it has an excellent green story.”

Vetrazzo®

Fall 2013 PAPERSTONE ® Price: $24-$90 per square foot PaperStone® is a relative newcomer to the countertop market, and is priced fairly reasonably. Made of 100 percent postconsumer paper fused with a petroleum-free resin made of cashew liquids, PaperStone is one of the few architectural solid surface materials that has received FSC standard certification by the SmartWood program of the Rainforest Alliance.

It emits no radon gas and is VOC-free. PaperStone’s considerable sustainable qualities give its users environmental street cred, and using it in a kitchen remodel can help rack up a project’s LEED points.

PaperStone’s appearance actually resembles wood more closely than stone, and is much easier to work with than stone. Its non-porous surface absorbs virtually no water, and it is

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“PaperStone does have a good green story, as it is made of paper and resin, and is very durable. But it does require special care and it does show wear,” he says. “You can refurbish it if you want to, and some people are okay with having countertops that have a ‘lived-in’ look, but you do have other people that are not as wild about that.”

Restoring the new look of PaperStone is relatively easy, but avoid using bleach, as it will leave a permanent white, ghostlike stain. “You can use fine grit sandpaper, or even a Scotch-Brite™ scouring pad PaperStone®, courtesy of Dorado Stone Distributors to get it looking pretty nice rather quickly,” says Brown. extremely rigid and dense, making it a favorite “But the just installed ‘new look’ doesn’t last with DIYers looking to do their own counter very long depending on how much you use installations, or even use PaperStone to create your kitchen. It does and it will show wear. We other furnishings. like this product, and do recommend it, but we But, be aware that PaperStone has always check to be sure our customers know other qualities that may not make it the what they are getting into with PaperStone perfect choice for every project, says Brown. before they buy it.”

SOAPSTONE Price: $80-$100 per square foot Soapstone is made of metamorphic rock composed of mineral deposits, with talc, chlorite, dolomite and magnesite as its main minerals. The presence of talc is what gives soapstone its characteristic soft feeling, and its natural durability has made it a favorite in American homes since the early 1800’s. Naturally antibacterial, soapstone is porous and does not burn or stain when sealed with mineral oil. It requires little maintenance, with any scratches easily buffed out.

When cut, soapstone oxidizes from light grey to dark charcoal in color. It typically may be found on the market in dark greenishblack colors, although lighter greenish-gray slabs are available.

Over the years, soapstone will show signs of wear and develop a patina, which has come to be cherished by those who love the stone’s durable quality. Acids and alkali cleaners will not etch soapstone as they do other countertop materials.

What soapstone lacks in color choices, it more than makes up for in its versatility. Not only can countertops be created, but solid soapstone sinks, wall and floor tiles, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, cabinet knobs, shower basins and even tubs can be precision-crafted for that one-of-a-kind look of soapstone.

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WOOD Price: $40-$120 per square foot Wood is an old-fashioned favorite that is enjoying a resurgence of popularity. Once downgraded because it was thought to harbor germs and bacteria (actually, wood countertops have been found to be safer than their plastic laminate counterparts), kitchen designers are rediscovering the charm of wooden countertops.

While wood may lack the heat resistance of other countertop options, it gives a kitchen a warm-to-theheart-and-soul organic feeling. Available in a variety of lengths and widths, popular choices are hard rock maple, red oak and lyptus, a dark wood similar to cherry. And there are occasions where having a wooden countertop makes perfect sense in the kitchen, such as a dining counter or a food chopping block where cutting and slicing are done in food preparation.

Maintaining the beauty of wood countertops requires a bit of work — while polyurethane can seal and protect the counter for a few years, homeowners should consider applying a glossy mineral oil finish on a regular basis, about every six weeks — although this may be more of a time commitment than some homeowners can muster. Nicks and burns, however, can be lightly sanded and buffed out with oil.

“Wood as an alternative countertop choice is one of my favorites,” admits Brown. “I use wood quite a bit.

I’m not a good proponent for putting wood throughout

Wenge wood island countertop, courtesy of Audino Construction, Inc.

the kitchen, but use it where it makes sense. This is one example of how I like to walk people through what they might expect from a maintenance and wear aspect, but I do love using it for islands and over-bars. It’s a great design element, and I particularly like using it where there’s a space to sit. It’s very comfortable, and using it as a countertop makes it feel as if you’re sitting at a table. Being able to introduce that material from a design standpoint makes it a nice element, and it can really complement a lot of other things going on in the kitchen.”

So, don’t be afraid to explore and revamp your attitudes toward countertop materials when remodeling that kitchen. Use your own counter intelligence and put some of your design smarts to work on your project. As simple, standard and functional as countertops are, considering them an active part of your kitchen design can be the difference that takes your design from drab to fab and makes your kitchen remodel a show-stopping superstar.

CONCRETE AND CONCRETE COMPOSITES Price: $32-$110 per square foot Popular during the 1980s, concrete counters are making a big comeback. But unlike their messier Eighties forebears, these counters are precast and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes from rough and stone-like to buttery smooth. Sustainable concrete blends with high recycled content such as fly ash and rice husks are trending right now. But the real darling of the concrete countertop world grabbing the limelight these days is the eco-friendly Squak Mountain Stone Composite countertop. Developed as a master’s thesis project to produce a building material using only locally sourced and recycled materials, Squak Mountain Stone is hand-cast slabs from Portland cement, waste fly ash, waste glass dust, recycled paper and pigments bound with low-carbon cement. The slabs are coated with a food-grade sealant and then buffed to a fine sheen, and the result is a slab that is both stain resistant and warm to the touch.

Brown likes Squak Mountain Stone, but notes it does require routine maintenance. “You can’t really refinish or refurbish it. It does show wear and requires some periodic resealing,” Brown explains. “You need to be prepared to live with lived-in looks. Because of these properties, it’s difficult for me to recommend it to people. I like them to arrive at a decision on their own, and consider whether they will do the required maintenance so they don’t hate me six months after the installation. This probably isn’t the best choice for people with kids or who cook a lot, or if they want something maintenance-free. n

RESOURCES TreeHouse, Inc.

512.861.0712 www.treehouseonline.com

Anchor Ventana Glass 512.388.9400 www.ventanaman.com

Parrish and Company

512.835.0937 www.parrishandcompany.com

Fall 2013

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On Their Own Freestanding Tubs Make a Statement

By Julie Catalano

Rub a dub dub, just look at these tubs. Sleek, unique and standing on their own, they hold the promise of a soothing soak or invigorating scrub while taking luxury to a whole new level. Like a classic centerpiece on a perfectly set table, freestanding tubs are grabbing the spotlight as the ultimate focal point in bathroom design.

Fall 2013 Stand-alone tubs might bring to mind the bare bones containers of the Old West or the Victorian-style claw foot, but today’s iterations go far beyond that stereotypical picture, with a mind-boggling range of sizes, shapes, colors and materials. From vintage Old World to chic contemporary to classically roll-topped, made of everything from enameled cast iron to acrylic, to polished copper, stainless steel, stone such as granite or marble, all the way to polished woods and more.

“There are so many options it’s unbelievable,” says Mike Cottrell, outside sales account manager for Moore Supply Company’s The Bathroom and Kitchen Showplace in Austin. “Freestanding tubs are definitely becoming more popular as people want to create more of a spa-like environment for a master bath.”

Fortunately that doesn’t mean you need a bathroom the size of a spa — but it doesn’t hurt. The diversity of shapes and dimensions means that almost all but the smallest bathrooms can usually accommodate a stand-alone tub as an alternative to a build-in. “It does need a little niche,” says Cottrell. “A spot where it can rest comfortably.” For some that might mean building a deck, setting it in an alcove, or placing it underneath a window.

“You can get them as small as 60 by 32 inches,” says Debbie Williams, showroom consultant at Economy Supply in Round Rock, “and still absolutely make a statement. Whether you have a single or double bathroom doors, when you open them, the first thing you’re going to see is that tub.”

Freestanding tubs also give designers more leeway in creative placement of other bathroom elements, often creating the illusion of more space.

Of course there are practical matters to consider, like plumbing.

Where exactly does the water come from if a tub is smack-dab in the middle of a room? Same place it always has — from pipes coming up through the floor or wall and attached to faucet fixtures. “If you place the tub against the wall, you can have a wall-mounted tub filler which saves you from having all those pipes showing,” says Marla Jaffe, sales designer, plumbing/cabinet design at KIVA Kitchen & Bath in Austin. And forget ugly or unsightly hardware ruining the aesthetics of a freestanding tub. “There are nice-looking metal pipes that come up through the floor,” often hidden by a deck or platform. For a real wow factor, there are ceiling mount tub fillers like Laminar Flow by Kohler® that deliver a clear column of water from above or the side.

Left: A custom-made Resin Tub with fiber optic lighting from Audino Construction, Inc. Top Right: A Stainless Steel Elliptical Tub from Diamond Spas.

Bottom Right: The Drayton Collection from Victoria + Albert Baths.

Bottom Left: The Old World Bathtub from Stone Forest, available in Carrara marble, limestone, papiro cream, multi-color onyx, honey onyx and travertine romano.

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Top Left: The Abrazo by Kohler® Top Right: Laminar Flow by Kohler® Bottom Left: BainUltra’s Essencia ThermaSens™

And that brings us to budget. Yes, there’s a price to be paid for all of this fabulous form and function — but that doesn’t mean you’ll get soaked. Says Williams, “When I start talking to people about Victoria + Albert tubs” — a British company featuring the ENGLISHCAST® finish made of volcanic limestone with high grade resins — “people will say they can’t afford it. But they often don’t cost any more than a cast iron tub and I think you’re getting a lot more bang for your buck.” Size and materials obviously play a part: A 72-inch tub is more than a 60-inch; polished marble or mahogany will take the cost way up from a lower-end $1800 acrylic to upwards of $3000-$5000 and beyond (the Abrazo by Kohler® is around $7200).

Plumbing budgets can be controlled by the placement of the tub against a wall instead

of in the middle of the room. “You can order tub spouts in lengths of nine to twelve inches, and then you just have your trim plate on the wall to turn the water on,” adds Williams.

One “bell and whistle” that takes a freestanding tub over the top is the addition of an air tub, what Jaffe calls “the wave of the future.” Air tubs use “the same kind of motor as a blow dryer, but bigger.”

Warm air hits the water, creating an all over gently simmering, bubbling effect instead of the sometimes forceful jets of a whirlpool.

“Much more relaxing,” says Jaffe, “and you can use bubble bath and bath oil, because there are no pipes or things to get gunked up.

You’re more tempted to stay in the tub longer and relax.” Canadian company Bain Ultra features the ThermaSensTM bath system with three distinct therapies: aromatherapy (scent), thermotherapy (heat) and chromatherapy (colored lights) to create especially soothing effects.

Before you completely zone out, the experts offer a few words of advice on choosing a freestanding tub. “Talk to your

contractor and make sure you discuss the full scope of the price difference between a freestanding and a build-in,” says Mike Cottrell. “A plumbing bid may come back a little higher than you planned to spend, but oftentimes in the overall scheme it can be close to a wash because you’re spending less on doing a tile or granite backsplash.” Debbie Williams adds, “Most people are thinking cast iron, but that can weigh upwards of 300 pounds and it pulls warmth from the water trying to warm itself. Acrylics are warmer.”

Finally, says Jaffe, the waste (drain) and overflow (the circular disk at the top) is often a separate plumbing piece. “If the company you’re buying the tub from offers that, you won’t have any problems with proper fit.”

Once you’ve handled all the practical matters, you can sink in, relax and soak up the luxurious ambience of your new freestanding tub. You’ve earned it. n

RESOURCES Moore Supply Company 512.454.4619 www.bkshowplace.com

Economy Supply Co.

512.244.3326 www.economysupplytexas.com

KIVA Kitchen & Bath/McNairs Appliance Gallery 512.454.4526 www.kivahome.com

Fall 2013

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Is It Really a Bargain?

Experts Urge Homeowners to Think Twice Before Shopping for Materials Online

By Jackie Benton If Dawn Hearn had a nickel for every time one of her clients uttered the phrase, “It seemed like such a good deal when I bought it on the Internet,” the owner of Dawn Hearn Interior Design would probably need a wheelbarrow to trundle all those nickels to the bank. Over the years, Hearn has seen clients hoping to save money by ordering products online for their projects with her, only to watch her clients helplessly from the sidelines as they are caught up in a nightmare of broken promises, broken products and broken communications as they try to put things right.

As Mama said, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And although there’s no way Mama could have predicted online purchasing, there’s quite a bit of solid advice that still rings true in this day of the Internet. Although clients hone in on the cost savings of ordering online, which generally ends up being only a 10 percent price difference when ordered online versus ordering through a professional remodeler, the true costs easily rack up in more than dollars and cents. An incomplete or incorrect order or a broken product not sourced locally can add costly time delays to a project. A product that ships too early or too late can also wreak havoc to a project’s timeline. And quite often, in the case of online purchases, the homeowner has no real recourse to correct the problem in a timely way, if at all.

Hearn has seen it all. “I’ve had clients give me fabric to work with that has had major flaws. If my client had purchased a window treatment from me, or I supply the fabric and there’s a problem, it will be taken care of immediately. I have the resources to handle these issues quickly. But if it’s something the client has purchased without my help, it’s an entirely different matter. I’m a full-service design firm, and will try to help my clients in any circumstance, but if it’s something my client purchased instead of my company,

there are times when I can’t,” she explains.

“Frankly, I don’t see any advantage to ordering product online,” Savana Beckman, owner of Schroeder Carpet, states firmly.

“This is not like ordering clothes from the J.Crew® website. Potentially, the quality of the materials is not as good, and you have no control over the quality. If my clients buy blinds online and the cord breaks, what’s the process to address that? If I sell my clients blinds and something breaks, I do it all: I take it down and replace it and ship it back.

This is a service you’re not going to get from people you don’t have a relationship with when you order online. And that’s another important aspect: by sourcing locally, you’re supporting small businesses that are your neighbors and are providing you with an important service.”

There are a lot of key components to ordering materials that are best left to professionals to handle, Beckman explains.

And there’s a lot that can go wrong when ordering materials online. “When you’re ordering wood flooring or tile, you have to consider the weight factor, and then you have to worry whether you have purchased enough materials. Homeowners typically don’t know how to measure and fit, unless they have worked in this industry before,” she says.

“Ordering online may also mean not going with a typical name brand with warranties that most consumers would be familiar with or that they have seen advertised. While it’s quite possible to find first quality goods, if they are discontinued, you won’t be able to get more if you need them. The products may or may not come with warranties and even if promises regarding quality have been made, if something goes wrong, how are you ever going to get any restitution from anyone you have not looked in the eye?”

Beckman’s question regarding product quality and customer satisfaction is echoed

by Gabe Sutton, co-owner of Harway Supply. ”Misinformation and poor or even no service are the two biggest complaints we hear,” confirms Sutton. “A lot of times the given information is inaccurate, or if you call for

help and get through the queue, the customer service operator could have poor product knowledge, and there you are with buyer’s remorse and no accountability — no help righting a wrong.”

Another problem homeowners face when ordering large home appliances online is potential damage incurred during shipping, Sutton says. In addition, there could be warranty issues as well as problems securing the appliances for new home building if the appliances arrive earlier to the job site than expected. “When you order online, there’s no one to move the service process along. A warranty is a bit enhanced if purchased locally — everything we sell we can install, and the warranty starts the day it’s installed,” he says.

“With an online company, the warranty starts the day the product is shipped.”

And Sutton dismisses the thought that online offers better price breaks for appliances. “With appliances, everything has a model number on it,” he explains. “Most of the time, if you come in here with your online deal, I’m going to match the price. It’s very rare that I can’t beat an online price or match it.”

But mostly, Hearn, Beckman and Sutton all agree it just comes down to common sense, and doing business with local companies committed to providing excellent care and customer service. “I think it’s a lot easier when you have local support,” Hearn says emphatically, “so there’s service wrapped into the cost. I think it’s like insurance. If you’re buying from a reputable company and supplier, you’ll be taken care of. It’s important to have a resource where you have someone in your court.” n

RESOURCES Harway Supply

512.491.7600 www.harwaykitchenanddesign.com

Dawn Hearn Interior Design 512.930.0250 www.dawnhearn.com

Schroeder Carpet

512.462.1551 www.schroedercarpet.com

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LED There be Light!

LED lights? Sure, you’ve heard of them.

But do you really know what they are?

By Sue-Ella Mueller LED lights are nothing new. In fact, the technology has been around for decades. However, lately, it seems the popularity of LED lighting has hit an all time high. Just about every product that requires some sort of lighting, from your cell phone to your outdoor Christmas lights, is touting the use of the little beacon. So what’s the big deal and why are LED lights so much better than your grandpa’s Edison bulb?

“LED stands for light emitting diode. It’s a semi-conductor chip that illuminates when electricity is applied to it. There’s no filament, no gas, no phosphorous, no mercury,” explains Tyson Neal, associate vice president of the family-owned Legend Lighting in north Austin. “ Traditional light bulbs require a great deal of electricity in order to illuminate. That isn’t the case with LED lights says general manager of Lights Fantastic Bob Contos.

“These lights have extremely low energy consumption, yet they can produce as much light as a traditional light bulb,” he says.

Adds his associate, Angela Ryan, an LED consultant and outside salesperson for Lights Fantastic, “LED lights have an extremely long life, the average being 50,000 burning hours before they slowly begin to dim. Whereas an incandescent light only burns on average up to 2,000 hours.”

With that kind of burn, one would only expect a great deal of heat. But that’s another selling point for LED lighting. “Instead of emitting heat into a space, the heat is on the backside of the fixture itself and even then, there is very little heat coming off of the LEDs,” says Scott Bailey, store manager for Austin’s Lighting Inc. “We’re actually able to use tape lighting in wine rooms now without worrying about heat damaging the wine.” And with outdoor LED lighting, since UV rays are not released from the fixtures, bugs are no longer drawn to your front door.

Perhaps the most significant benefit of LED lighting, however, is the size. “It’s so miniscule that it can be used [to light] small or inaccessible places — places we never

imagined lighting before,” shares Neal.

LED lights use less energy, produce little heat, are small enough to be used almost anywhere and only need to be switched out every decade or so — that many benefits may lead one to wonder why there aren’t LED lights in every socket around the world.

“They do cost more than what we are used to typically paying for a light bulb. But it comes down to understanding what you are paying for. It’s an integrated system like a computer,” Ryan says.

And while the technology may be great, there is one small detail that manufacturers are still working on. “There are design limitations. Because the heat has to be carried away from the chip to keep it from frying, it requires metal heat sinks. You don’t want a beautiful chandelier with heavy metal around the bottom of each bulb,” explains Neal. “But they’re working on it and there are LED chandeliers and candelabras available.

The problem with those is that there are no replacement parts once the light dims.

Honestly though, if a decorative chandelier lasts 15 years before the LED goes out, it’s probably time to replace that fixture anyway to keep up with the fashion.”

Sold on the idea of LEDs? Don’t rush out and buy new fixtures and bulbs just yet.

There is a difference among manufacturers and not all diodes are created equally. “The process of choosing diodes is called binning and is based on color and consistency. Bin one may be great, bin two only good and bin three just okay. Depending on what bin a manufacturer chooses will determine the color and consistency of your LEDs,” Ryan says. Look for readings on color temperature (determines the color of the light), lumens (the brightness of a light), and warranty information. “You should expect a warranty of at least five years,” she says.

But Bailey believes even a consumer who is well-versed in the LED lingo may still meet with disappointment when purchasing fixtures from big box stores. “A manufacturer may tell you the lumens, but if you actually measure it with a photo meter, it’s not

Courtesy of Legend Lighting

putting out what they say it should. If you go to a lighting showroom, you can actually see the light. We have a light lab in our showroom and we can show you what the different temperatures look like,” he says.

“For example, a contemporary home with whites would look best with a 3500 Kelvin temperature fixture, but a traditional home, with lots of woods, would use a warmer, 2700 Kelvin temperature fixture.

Does this new age of LEDs signal an end to the Edison bulb era? Not necessarily according to Neal. “There will always be a place for specialty incandescent light bulbs and filament bulbs. They give off a light that you can’t produce with LEDs. And the fluorescent will remain popular with commercial consumers; it’s still very cost effective for its life span. I don’t see either going away,” he says. “But I do see LEDs pushing the design element of what we can do with lights. It truly is exciting.” n

RESOURCES Legend Lighting, Inc.

512.251.0000 www.legendaustin.com

Lighting Inc.

512.491.6444 www.lightinginc.com

Lights Fantastic

512.452.9511 www.lightsfantastic.comv

Fall 2013

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Screened-in Serenity

By Mauri Elbel A screened porch seems to be design’s savvy solution for bringing Mother Nature’s outdoor beauty in while keeping her bugs and critters out. The rising trend presents a smart option for homeowners wanting to expand their living area with a versatile and inexpensive space that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Whether admiring fall’s golden-red foliage, enjoying winter’s temperate breezes, witnessing spring’s vibrant blossoms or marveling at summer’s striking sunsets, Central Texans are hard-pressed to find a more peaceful place to be than the outdoors.

Fall 2013

Photography by Tre Dunham, Fine Focus Photography

“Our weather allows us to be outside year round,” says Mark Audino of Audino Construction, Inc. “A screened porch is an extension of your living space. In the warm season, the negative side is the mosquitoes, therefore screened porches allow you to utilize the space year round — and it’s in those hot, steamy months when you see the real advantages. The clients we have built screened porches for love them, and they utilize them more than folks who just have a covered outdoor space.”

When Audino’s Lake Austin clients were seeking to add more living space to their canal-front home, building a screened porch was the answer.

“This property is surrounded by water, front, back and sides as well, which is the main reason mosquitoes are pretty bad several months out of the year,” Audino says.

Their 350-square-foot contemporary screened-in porch features Ipe on the walls and floors, sealed with a durable Sikkens clear finish. Rich copper panels surround the fireplace and door, serving as bold focal points of the room while a custom light fixture by Elettra Chandelier looms above like art. Luxury Westminster teak outdoor furniture, including a high-end dining table and chairs, end table and console, mesh well with the streamlined space, creating a comfortable and inviting vibe.

This screened porch was designed around the property, allowing people to gather around the fireplace or sit around the table while enjoying uninterrupted views of the lake just beyond. Both Ipe and copper are materials continued from the home’s exterior, creating a seamless transition between the existing home and the screened-in addition.

“I love the look of both the copper and the Ipe,” Audino says. “Ipe is a hard wood that really lasts a long time and is insect resistant — it is just gorgeous on these floors and walls.”

Custom screened porches such as this have become increasingly popular around this

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area of Texas — and there are good reasons in addition to keeping the bugs out. It’s a much cheaper, easier and faster way to add space to your home than a typical interior room because it doesn’t call for windows, insulation, sheetrock or HVAC systems.

“Pretty much everyone I meet would love to do a screened porch, including my wife,” says John Martin of Straight & Level Construction Company, Inc. While screened porches vary in cost depending on the project, for some families, adding a screened porch is a small investment that can bring lasting benefits.

Case in point: the 12-foot by 18-foot screened porch Straight & Level recently completed for a Central Austin family who was outgrowing their home. With three young children, the family of five was starting to realize the space limitations of their 1,800-square-foot, 1940 Allandale home until the decision was made to add a screened porch.

“Adding a screened porch to their house kept them from considering a move,” Martin says. “It was either move and leave the house which they loved, or find a way to add onto it without breaking the bank. This way, they could add onto the house and create another living space, without the added costs of heating and cooling.”

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Photography by Tom Coplen, BuenaVista Photography

The screened porch’s grid is made from four-by-four cedar posts, with the lower portion containing 4-inch by 4-inch hog wire to adhere to building codes for an added element of safety for the family’s young children. Marasanduba deck boards are used throughout, and the underside of the roof overhang consists of 1-by-6 v-groove pine with a solid color stain.

“If there is an area where you can use pine, and stain or paint it to look like cedar, you can save a significant amount financially,” says Martin, who also prefers solid stains over semi-transparent stains in hot climates like Austin. “You get at least twice as much longevity out of the solid stain as you would a semi-transparent stain. The solid stain allowed us to combine cedar and pine, pine being far less expensive. The grain of the wood still peeks through, but the overall difference in wood color between cedar and pine is disguised by the stain.”

The family’s primary goal was to create an extension of the home that would be usable year round. With existing floor space, the addition required building walls, an

overhang and relocating the stairs to create a more functional, rectangular space. Today, the screened porch serves as a dining, entertaining and play area for their three children. It is furnished with tables, chairs and benches built by the homeowners that can be transported inside or outside.

“The family already loved being outdoors and having breezes blow through their house, but the mosquitoes made this impossible,” says Martin. “Having a screened-in porch allowed them to open up their whole house to the outdoors without the trouble of insects.”

When it comes to creating outdoor spaces in Austin, Martin says the name of the game is to get outside without being directly in the sun. This screened porch was designed with a generous overhang which allows the screened porch to serve a dual purpose: the family can play and relax out of the sun and the structure becomes a shading mechanism for the rear of the home.

“What I like most about this screened porch is the overhang itself — the screened porch is basic but the overhang itself is what makes it jump out,” he says. “Typical

overhangs are between one and two feet, however, the overhang built on this screened porch is four-and-a-half feet. The overhang can act like a giant sail, so careful attention must be paid to uplift. There is just as much danger of an overhang of this size rising up in a high wind as falling down. We built and installed custom struts at calculated points around this overhang to keep it in place. With careful planning, a structure such as this will stand the test of time.” n

RESOURCES: Audino Construction, Inc.

512.258.6728 www.audinoconstruction.com

Straight and Level Construction Company, Inc. 512.577.9297 www.straightlevel.com

Fall 2013

www.UrbanHomeMagazine.com 210.410.0014 - San Antonio 512.385.4663 - Austin

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Products

The TESORO Collection of finishes offer a fresh palette to re-imagine your spaces as you always dreamed they could be. Inspired by rich textures and intriguing color contrasts discovered at the 2011 Milan Furniture Fair, TESORO is imported from Italy exclusively for California Closets.

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California Closets

www.austingutterking.com 512.276.9480

Austin: 512.477.8300 San Antonio: 210.829.1991 www.californiaclosets.com

Austin Gutter King

Foscarini’s classic Caboche suspension fixture has become a genuine icon in the world of lighting and design. Now available in LED, the Caboche affords a higher efficiency level while maintaining the intensity of diffused light that captivates its audience.

The Ariel Ceiling Fan from Savoy House features blades that have been crafted in the style of wind turbines for maximum air movement and comfort. Ariel fans produce 20 percent more airflow, use 20 percent less energy and are 20 percent quieter than normal ceiling fans.

Lights Fantastic

Legend Lighting, Inc.

512.452.9511 www.lightsfantastic.com

512.251.000 www.legendaustin.com

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Products

Switch has made it their mission to replace the inefficient incandescent bulbs in the 32 billion Edison sockets around the world with affordable LED bulbs. And they are well on their way — their first LED bulb uses 80 percent less energy than an incandescent bulb, and lasts 25 times as long. With 40w, 60w, 75w and 100w LED options, Switch makes it easy to start saving energy.

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock. As the sand was deposited in estuaries and tidal flats eons ago, it also held random concentrations of minerals that now show up in the stone as spots, freckles, “eyes” or colored patches. The occurrence of these mineral inclusions is a natural expression of this unique material. The sandstone from Stone Forest is chosen for its beautiful movement and character. This sink measures 4 x 19 x 14 inches, and the veining in each piece is unique.

TreeHouse, Inc.

Moore Supply Company

The regal Hancock chest by Port 68 has a modern classic silhouette designed to be used as a single chest or grouped in a series of two or three. Its lacquered red color is married with matte black metal key hardware and metal base, and is finished red inside and out.

Free of the constraints associated with typical outdoor products, the Park Stevens weather-proof landscape audio system allows for discrete speaker placement in every outdoor environment. The speakers blend into the scenery; the sound seems to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.

Dawn Hearn Interior Design

Austin Home Theater

512.861.0712 www.treehouseonline.com

512.930.0250 www.dawnhearn.com

512.454.4619 www.bkshowplace.com

512.659.8105 www.austinhometheater.com

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Remodeler’s Resource Guide KEY

Electrical Supply & Service Bowne Electric, Inc.

www.bowneelectric.com 512.454.5325

Environmental Consultants Design

Additions

Kitchens

Windows Siding

Baths

Roofing

Outdoor Spaces

Architect/Architectural Design

Banking & Finance

Bartush Design, LLC

Colonial National Mortgage

www.bartushdesign.com 512.415.3787

C. Reese Design, Inc. www.c-reesedesign.com 512.291.5717

Clark Richardson Architects www.clarkrichardson.com 512.636.7653

Martinhouse Designs (A) www.martinhousedesigns.com 512.657.8238

Appliances Factory Builder Stores

www.factorybuilderstores.com 512.834.1442

Harway Supply, Inc. www.harwaykitchenanddesign.com 512.491.7600

Milestone Distributors

www.cnmcs.com/leaholubec 512.329.1958

Frost National Bank www.frostbank.com 512.473.4806

Building Materials BMC – Building Materials and Construction Services www.buildwithbmc.com 512.977.7401 – Millwork 512.378.9411 – Lumber

Austin Energy Green Building

www.greenbuilding.austinenergy.com 512.482.5358

Flooring Bellus Flooring

www.bellusflooring.com 512.751.4441

Big D’s Hardwood Floors www.bigdsfloors.com 512.848.1107

ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings www.prosourcefloors.com 512.836.7888

Schroeder Carpet

Eastside Lumber & Decking

www.eastsidelumberaustin.com 512.426.1182

www.schroedercarpet.com 512.462.1551

Fine Lumber & Plywood, Inc. www.finelumber.com 512.836.8990

Foundation Repair & Service

James Hardie Building Materials

Centex House Leveling-Austin, LLC

McCoy's Building Supply #62

Douglas Foundation Repair

www.jameshardie.com 512.527.4326 www.mccoys.com 512.395.6644

www.welevelit.com 512.444.5438

www.levelmyfoundation.com 512.699.1049

Stock Building Supply

www.milestoneppliance.com 214.217.2801

www.stocksupply.com 512.444.3172

Parrish and Company

TreeHouse, Inc.

www.parrishandcompany.com 512.835.0937

Whole House

www.treehouseonline.com 512.861.0712

Glass & Masonry Anchor Ventana Glass www.ventanaman.com 512.388.9400

Martinez Drywall 512.844.0644

Audio Visual & Security

Custom Cabinets & Closets

A&B TV

Calfornia Closets of the Texas Hill Country

Masonry & Glass Systems, Inc.

www.californiaclosets.com 512.477.8300

www.masonryglass.com 210.599.6260

www.austinhometheater.com 512.659.8105

Custom Home Consulting

Insulation

DJB Systems, Inc.

By Design Custom Home Consulting

DeRuiter Insulation, Inc.

www.abtvaustin.com 512.454.4534

Austin Home Theater

www.djbsystems.com 512.288.5811

www.customaustinhomes.com 512.917.2653

www.deruiterinsulationinc.com 512.834.0551

Fall 2013

Insurance Capitol City Insurance www.ccinsurance.com 512.343.0280

Interior Design Dawn Hearn Interior Design www.dawnhearn.com 512.930.0250

Heather Toolin Designs/ Sonno Domestic Living

www.sonnodomesticliving.com 512.452.4005

Next Level Austin

www.nextlevelaustin.com 512.680.7965

Nine Design Group

www.ninedesigngroup.com 630.715.8875

Twelve Stones Designs www.twelvestonesdesigns.com 512.705.2121

Job Site Services Vaquero Waste & Recycling www.vaquerotx.com 512.771.6656

Kitchen & Bath Fixtures Economy Supply Co.

www.economysupplytexas.com 512.244.3326

KIVA Kitchen & Bath/ McNairs Appliance Gallery www.kivahome.com 512.454.4526

Moore Supply Company www.bkshowplace.com 512.454.4619

Shower Doors of Austin

www.goframelessaustin.com 512.831.3651

Lighting Legend Lighting, Inc.

www.legendaustin.com 512.251.0000

Lighting Inc.

B. Moore Construction, Inc.

Lights Fantastic

www.b-mooreconstruction.com 512.671.3473

www.lightinginc.com 512.491.6444 www.lightsfantastic.com 512.452.9511

Capital Construction Services

Maintenance Services

Casa Remodeling

ABC Home and Commercial Services www.abchomeandcommercial.com 512.673.9156

www.capitalbuild.com 512.291.5007

www.casadesignremodeling.com 512.300.2273

CG&S Design-Build

Paint Supplies & Service Alan Heine Painting, Inc. www.alanheinepaint.com 512.263.4334

Kelly-Moore Paint Co., Inc.

www.cgsdb.com 512.444.1580

Crystal Sunrooms and Remodeling

www.kellymoore.com 512.331.1255

www.crystalsunrooms.com 512.832.4786

Sherwin-Williams

David Wilkes Builders

www.sherwinwilliams.com 512.323.5514

Plumbing Supplies & Service

www.davidwilkesbuilders.com 512.328.9888

Don Boozer Construction, Inc.Â

Steve's Plumbing Repair, Inc.

www.stevesplumbingrepair.com 512.276.7476

www.boozerconstruction.com 512.251.2237

Dylan Martin Homes and Remodeling

Remodelers Almost Perfect Construction www.apcaustin.com 512.445.4470

Audino Construction, Inc.

www.dylanmartinhomes.com 512.692.9212

Enabler, LLC

www.enablerllc.com 512.707.0760

Eric Harrison Builders, LLC www.audinoconstruction.com 512.258.6728

Austin Creative Builders, Inc. 512.280.2353

Austin Impressions, Inc.

www.ericharrisonbuilders.com 512.480.8160

Erickson Custom Homes, LLC

www.ericksoncustomhomes.com 512.674.5391

www.austinimpressions.com 512.215.2120

Gradek Contracting and Design, LLC

Austin Kitchen Company

www.gradekcontracting.com 512.538.2000

www.austinkitchencompany.com 512.200.4118

Graf Developments

Avenue B Development, LLC

www.grafdevelopments.com 972.571.6076

www.avenuebdev.com 512.638.1514

Greenbelt Homes, LLC

www.greenbeltconstruction.com 512.740.8592

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Handyman Connection

www.austin.handymanconnection.com 512.418.0800

J&H Contracting 512.244.3235

JNA Construction, LLC www.jnaconstruction.com 512.266.2046

Kettler-Austin, Inc. www.kettleraustin.com 512.474.2300

Kitchens by Bell. LLC

www.kitchensbybell.com 512.905.4111

LMG Construction

www.lmgconstruct.com 512.707.0707

Mackenzie Design Build, Inc. www.mackenziedesignbuild.com 512.220.8891

New Creations Custom Kitchen and Bath www.newcreationsaustin.com 512.963.9043

RRS Construction Services

www.rrsconstructionservices.com 512.745.2768

Sky West Builders, LLC

Stone & Tile Alpha Granite Austin

www.skywestbuilders.com 512.801.1536

www.alphagraniteaustin.com 512.834.8746 ext.114

Speciality Builders

Architectural Granite and Marble, Ltd.

Straight and Level Construction Company, Inc.

www.agmgranite.com 512.263.7625

www.specialtybuilders.com 512.288.5167

Emser Tile www.straightlevel.com 512.577.9297

www.emser.com 512.835.2888

Square Construction

Fox Granite, LLC

512.913.2302

Texas Construction Company www.txconstruct.com 512.451.8050

Tier1 Group, LLC

www.t1remodel.com 512.986.8306

Top Notch Renovations www.topnotchrenovations.com 512.538.1962

www.foxgraniteaustin.com 512.653.5571

National Tile & Stone

www.toomuchstone.com 512.522.1516

New Stone Concepts www.newstoneconcepts.com 512.804.1878

Travis Tile Sales, Inc. www.travistile.com 512.478.8705

Transformations Building and Remodeling

On-Call Management

www.transformationsbuilding.com 512.415.7734

Windows & Doors

www.oncallremodeling.com 512.288.1564

VenCo Construction, Ltd.

BMC - Marvin Windows and Doors Distributor

PJB Contracting, LLC www.pjbcontracting.com 512.719.4688

Premier Partners Homes www.premierpartnershomes.com 512.215.4797

Pride of Austin Custom Homes www.prideofaustinhomes.com 512.879.8473

Pro-Service Painting & Remodeling www.proremodelingaustin.com 512.301.5775

Realty Restoration, LLC www.realtyrestoration.com 512.454.1661

RisherMartin Renovations www.rishermartin.com 512.495.9090

Robert Coe Builder

www.coebuilders.com 512.447.3481

www.venco-construction.com 512.990.5331

Vorspan Design Build, LLC

www.vorspandesignbuild.com 512.371.0337

Watermark & Co. www.watermarkandco.com 512.426.8503

Roofing Austin Gutter King

www.austingutterking.com 512.276.9480

J-Conn Roofing & Repair Service, Inc. www.j-connroofing.com 512.479.0510

Solar Solar Tex

www.solartexonline.com 512.371.0399

www.marvin.com 512.977.7440

Cowart Door Systems www.cowartdoor.com 512.459.3467

Crestview Doors, Inc.

www.crestviewdoors.com 866.454.6302

Exclusive Windows & Doors of Austin, LLC www.exclusivewindowsanddoors.com 512.341.9282

Window Coverings & Awnings CR Window Coverings, Inc.

www.craustinwindowcoverings.com 512.329.5741

Southern Shutters & Blinds

www.southernshuttersusa.com 512.931.0400

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