SHD January-February 2012

shdmag.com

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home design

Featuring the Region’s Premier Home Design, Remodeling and Landscape Specialists!

home design

15 4 Forever Young

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10

24

27

FEATURES 9 Hot & Cold

Outdoor Play Areas

6 Less Is More Winter Energy Conservation

8 Do-It-Yourself Design Bring Function Back to Your Furniture.

10 Room With A New View 15 Extreme Makeover

24 Home Reinvention Creating New Space In Your Old Place

27 Bathroom Makeover From Dated to Divine

Two Award-Winning Remodels

22 NARI 2012 Contractor of the Year Awards

28 Bugs Be Gone Exterminating Pesky Pests

SET YOUR SIGHTS

If you plan to purchase a play set at a “Big Box” store or through their catalogs and online offerings, make sure you know the size of the unit that your outdoor space can afford and also research the actual quality of the materials before closing the deal. “Physically seeing the structure in person will help parents determine whether the system is right for their family,” says Scott. “I also recommend having all of the family members climb inside the play set to truly see how much room is inside and how stable it is. Using the ‘grab and shake’ test while shopping is also a good test of how well the system is constructed. If the system moves around now imagine how it will after a few years of use.”

SET THE SCENE For forts and climbing structures, six feet on all four sides of the system is recommended for space. For swings, double the height of the swing beam on either side (for example, eight-foot tall swing beams need 16 feet on either side). Scott Outdoor Play Areas says one of the biggest mistakes parents make is building a play

by Darren Elms area before they know what play set they are going to buy. “If postems, you’ll discover that most are designed sible, I recommend installing the play set for children ages three to 12. Considering first, then landscaping around it to ensure that each child develops at a different pace, proper safety space. Using common sense it is not uncommon to see families purchashere is important – keep the system away ing play sets for children who are only 18 from concrete, sidewalks, retaining walls, months to two years old. According to Scott windows and trees.” Positioning the system Schulz, president of Backyard Fun (a.k.a. close to where it can easily be seen from the Rainbow Play Systems of Sacramento), a kitchen or family room allows parents to family needs to take into consideration keep a watchful eye on their children if they that the children are only going to get bighave to step inside for a moment. ger. “A family should choose a play system that can grow along with their children,” MAINTAIN AS THEY MATURE he says. “Many families make the mistake Scott also notes a play set should be inof buying a smaller system only to find spected two to three times each year, to that in two to three years the children have ensure items like ropes and swings aren’t outgrown it.” wearing out and no bolts have loosened due Modular systems are a good bet, alto weather changes. To keep your play set lowing families to add on age-appropriate looking new, it is recommended to lightly activities over time. Purchasing a unit that power wash the entire system – just enough includes too many advanced features for a to clean off any dirt, debris and stain that is child could result in unnecessary injuries. no longer effective. •

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’ll never forget the amazement and delight when my parents drew back the sliding door curtains to reveal a magnificent wood playhouse that Santa miraculously delivered and built one Christmas Eve many, many years ago. “When can we go outside and play?” were uttered within seconds.

There’s nothing quite like getting a home playground as a kid. The scale, the privacy, the ownership; it’s like getting your first home without a pesky mortgage to worry about. While these structures of fun and frolic may be nothing but a delight to the kinder, it’s the parents left with the research, cost and installation. But don’t let those details dampen your fun. Here are a handful of tips to consider before purchasing a play system for your family.

GAUGE THEIR AGE If you check the fine print on most play sys-

Photo © Mark Herreid/fotolia.com.

forever young

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less is more Winter Energy Conservation

by Darren Elms

TURN OFF AND UNPLUG One of the easiest ways to conserve is turning off lights and other electric items when leaving the room. If you want to take it a step further, unplug under-used appliances. According to Roseville Electric, a spare garage refrigerator can add 10-25 percent to your electric bill. You don’t need to unplug your kitchen fridge, just remember that every time you open the door, the compressor needs to run for eight to 10 minutes.

Keep in mind that the benefits to the end of Daylight Saving Time include more than just an extra hour of sleep; adjust all automatic timers on lights, sprinklers and other relevant devices to accommodate the change.

THE HEAT IS ON (AND OFF) Our heating systems are perhaps the biggest energy suckers of the winter season, but it’s still simple to save without sleeping in an icebox. Thermostats should be

adjusted regularly to suit the schedule and needs of your household. According to SMUD, for every two degrees you lower your thermostat you’ll save 10 percent on your heating bill. They suggest setting and keeping the thermostat at 68 degrees when the home is occupied and 55 degrees at night or when it’s unoccupied. If you have a heat pump, set the lower temperature at 63 degrees. Similarly, PG&E recommends programming thermostats to turn heat on 30 minutes before people arrive and off 30-60 minutes before they leave. If you find this temperature range on the chilly side, keep a sweater or blanket handy.

PATCH, REPAIR OR REPLACE For added protection and comfort, plug leaks in heating ducts, install weather stripping or caulk doors. Proper ceiling insulation and high-performance windows create an added expense upfront, but will save you money in the long run. PG&E says closing curtains, shades and blinds during the night and unoccupied periods will help your home retain heat.

In the market to replace an appliance?

Choose products that have earned the ENERGY STAR® label. According to Roseville Electric, a new ENERGY STAR® refrigerator uses about 20 percent less energy than a standard new refrigerator and 46 percent less than one made in 1980. A new ENERGY STAR® washing machine uses nearly 50 percent less energy than a standard washer. Additionally, your en-

ergy company may provide rebates on certain ENERGY STAR® appliances.

Replace incandescent lightbulbs with efficient compact fluorescent ones, which use 75 percent less energy. Even your holiday tree and outdoor displays will benefit from LED lights. Plus, they are cooler and reduce the risk of fire.

YOU’RE IN HOT WATER SMUD says to avoid using large amounts of water between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., since energy prices are highest then and it costs your water utility provider more to run water pumps during those hours (costs which are passed along to you).

Newer water heaters may have insulation built into the unit, so check the owner’s manual to determine if additional insulation can be added. If not, Roseville Electric suggests wrapping your heater with a water heater blanket. You can also lower the temperature on the unit to about 120 degrees. This is sufficient for most household tasks, and it will save energy.

Speaking of water appliances, only run dishwashers and do laundry when the units are filled to capacity. Did you know using cold water in your washer reduces its energy use by 75 percent? You might dislike a cold shower, but your clothes likely won’t mind. • For a list of Web sites with even more wintertime energy saving tips, visit stylemg.com.

Photo © Martin Green/fotolia.com

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s we temporarily bid goodbye to our air conditioners and pool heaters, we must consider the energy needs of our homes for the chilly months ahead. With more time spent entertaining and hibernating in our homes during the winter, this season can be especially brutal on energy costs and waste.

Luckily, there are numerous ways to save both energy resources and some extra green for your wallet.

Your Painting Destination!

Benvenuti a casa.

Coming home is lovely when surrounded by beauty.

Natuzzi Total Beauty: sofas and furniture that are a complete expression of true style, harmony and quality “Made in Italy”, as seen in the elegant design of Cult sofa with crescent ottoman in genuine leather.

Sale 15% off all Natuzzi italia

SaCRaMeNto 2615 Town & Country Place Sacramento, CA 95821 916.484.0333 In The Collection at Town & Country, Behind Trader Joe’s at Fulton & Marconi RoSeVille 1198 Roseville Parkway #120 Roseville, CA 95678 916.742.7900 Fountains at Roseville, next to New Balance & Aveda Salon www.furnitalia.com www.natuzzisacramento.com

do-it-yourself design Bring Function Back to Your Furniture

by Darren Elms

Top Drawer to Top Shelf If you have an outdated dresser or desk hanging out somewhere, or the means to procure one, those drawers have the potential to hang elsewhere...on your wall. Who needs an expensive shadow box to display items when a drawer will do the trick nicely?

Simply remove the drawers and give them a good sanding, if necessary, and a fresh coat or two of paint. Find the right spot and use your preferred wall attachment for

a sturdy fix. Note: you may need to remove the backing where the drawer slid into the original unit on some models to make it flush with the wall. Drawers can also stack nicely to create a bookcase-type structure, just be sure to secure them with a fastener to keep it steady.

Opening Doors Given its size, sturdiness and shape, an old door – especially if it’s made from solid wood – offers many opportunities for reuse.

My favorite door repurposing, and a fairly easy one to accomplish, transforms the unit into a table, be it tall or small. I think a small coffee table style works best, but you can really choose any leg length for a preferred height. I suggest sanding or removing the paint before attaching legs, especially if you plan to repaint or add a new stain, and remember to remove all hardware – knobs and hinges – unless you prefer to leave them on. Once you choose your four legs (many hardware stores have a variety of styles), drill in the proper hole (there should be a screw at the end of each leg) and secure into place. Make sure to measure leg placement carefully and evenly to properly balance the table. Now all it needs is the finishing

touches of paint or a nice stain…and you’re ready to entertain!

Screen Test Dressing screens make great headboards with little fuss to install. Simply place the screen flat against the wall and push the bed against it to keep in place. You can also hammer in a thin nail or two should it not rest completely flush with the wall. If you’re feeling a little more ambitious, you can paint or stretch fabric around the screen for a completely different look. Make sure the fabric is tight and use a staple gun to attach it to the back. I’ve seen the same technique also used with doors and door frames, just avoid glass, as it can be dangerous. Wide bookshelves also make nice headboards, providing spaces for books, clocks, lamps or whatever. In a reverse twist, wrought iron bed frames could find a second life in your garden. Push the legs into the dirt or lean up against a wall. Watch your tomatoes, bougainvillea and other plants and vines crawl up this nifty makeshift trellis!

So before you buy new, see what you can repurpose around your home. Old can become fresh and innovative in a creative and “green” way. •

Photo by © istockphoto.com/itayuri.

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’ve seen it all...bicycle tires (spokes and all) twisted and curved into a gorgeous table; a vintage suitcase, opened, padded and legged to become the back and seat of a stylish chair; glasses beautifully strung together to create a dramatic, cascading glass chandelier. The results of these inspired reinventions give old pieces of junk, from bottles to bowling pins, a second life. Not all of us have the time, skill or equipment to create a sofa out of a perfectly halved claw foot tub (though the challenge is tempting!), but there are plenty of simple ways to take stuff collecting dust in the corner of your garage and transform it into design pieces that would make Crate and Barrel envious.

>>Kartell FL/Y Suspension Lamp Designed by Ferruccio Laviani, this modern, transparent lamp brings to mind a soap bubble with its iridescent reflection of light. Offered in a rainbow of colors. Available at lumens.com.

>>Francis Francis X7 Espresso Machine from illy Get a taste of Italy with a simple yet beautiful appliance.

Designed to use illy iperEspresso capsules, the X7 requires one touch to make aromatic espresso with velvety crema. Available at Sur La Table, 1198 Roseville Parkway, Suite 170, Roseville.

916-788-0603, surlatable.com.

hot&cold From cool ways to store wine to steaming espresso Italian-style, check out these great kitchen items designed for summer fun.

by Darren Elms

Photos courtesy of their respective companies.

>>Karbon Faucet

by Kohler Five pivoting joints offer the freedom of total range of motion. Now available in a palette of metallic colors to match your kitchen dĂŠcor. Available at The Plumbery Luxury Bath & Kitchen, 4467 Granite Drive, Suite 100, Rocklin.

916-315-8700, plumbingnthings. com.

>>KitchenAid 5-Speed Artisan Blender Perfect for making both chilly margaritas and summer fruit smoothies, this great blender serves all your kitchen needs year – round. Shown in Empire Red. Available at Sears, 1191 Galleria Boulevard, Roseville. 916-787-7400, sears.com.

>>427R Wine Storage by Sub Zero The Sub-Zero 427R wine storage unit offers eight shelves of wine storage above with two bulk storage drawers underneath. The two individually controlled wine storage zones hold up to 78 bottles. Available at Plumbing Unique Inc., 2690 Sunrise Boulevard, Rancho Cordova. 916-638-2763, plumbingunique.com.

>>Kitchen Basics Set

by Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Fabulous three-product set of earth-friendly dish soap, countertop spray and liquid hand soap in great summery scents like Rosemary (pictured), Basil and Lemon Verbena. Available at True Value Hardware, 4571 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville. 530-622-0992, truevalue.com/placerville.

room with a

new view

by Darren Elms

BEFORE

“Diana”

M

My first apartment was an intimate 14’x 22’ studio with a detached kitchen and bathroom. When I moved all those years ago, the walls were the standard white you’d expect in a typical rental. Six years later when it came time to move on, those same walls were again white, but beneath that fresh layer of paint were five different adventures in transforming a basic room into a vision of comfort, convenience and style.

Were five redesigns in six years excessive? Probably. Did I spend way too much time in IKEA looking for furniture and meandering in Home Depot ogling over color chips? Arguably. But was it incredibly fun turning my modest accommodations into a completely new space? Absolutely. Now, 10 years later, I have a home with many rooms at my design disposal. Do I put a new splash of color or mix-up my motifs every 12 months like the old days? Not of late. Do I dream about a seasonal shake-up when paging through my home décor magazines? Of course, all the time!

In this spirit of diversification, we wondered what it would be like to take a single room or type of room and give it a makeover three times over. To help us with this experiment, we invited not one but two local designers, Laura Neuman of PepperJack Interiors and Jane Reed of Decorating Den and Brush Strokes Inc., to each take on three designs, each presenting their own set of expectations and challenges.

You’ve Got Personality

Laura Neuman has duality built into her DNA. Growing up in Colorado and spending time in New Mexico and Wyoming, she surrounded herself with a love of history and art from an early age. Her “practical” side earned her a degree in industrial engineering at Stanford and a nearly 20-year career at Hewlett-Packard.

And while she enjoyed the exposure to cultures and sensibilities that her job offered her through frequent travel, she couldn’t help be envious of the fun her colleagues were hav-

“Kate” ing in the marketing department. This longing for creativity and “a hands-on life” provoked the engineer to consider her skills, experience and passions, and ultimately compelled her to shift gears and enter the field of interior design.

While Neuman prefers a clean, classic and traditional approach to design, she believes “life is too short to be ordinary” and encourages her clients to push the envelope a bit while staying true to their core principles and style.

“Traditional is flexible and timeless, plus it makes sense financially over time,” she says.

For our project, Neuman chose a nearly empty dining/living room as her starting point, with creamy white walls, a beautiful concrete floor and an immovable black baby grand piano. As inspiration for her three vignettes, she imagined three different women ­- Diana, Kate and Emeline - and created individual looks that reflect each of their personalities and lifestyles. For Neuman, all three women are “interesting, intellectually curious and sensible,” and deserving of their own unique living space.

Meet Diana

Educated and a seasoned traveler, Diana has a rich family history that needed to be represented in her home. European and Asian furnishings blend with a collection of keepsakes and treasures to create a “time-traveled” flair. Art is carefully scaled and hung next to a Chinese bookcase-turned-hutch/bar/ dining sideboard. A generous use of sterling silver pieces, both polished and tarnished, give the room a formal yet “unstuffy” feel. “The idea here is to mix things up, pull items from one room to the next, and unwrap that beautiful silver so it can add shine to the everyday.”

Meet Kate

This space combines Kate’s love of art with the function of a home office/studio, one of Neuman’s design specialties. The addition of a modular bookcase, orange table lamp, generously sized accessories, and painting by Sacramento artist William Ishmael give the room a contemporary vibe. The piano bench

“Emeline” doubles as a workbench, and unexpected pieces like the country French table and Navajo rug complete the picture. Notes Neuman, “Strong geometric lines and earth tones coupled with timeless design styles make these elements a perfect fit for Kate’s functional, stylish and personal home office.”

Meet Emeline

Emeline makes her home in the American West while carefully carrying over her European heritage.

A few pieces carry over from Diana and Kate’s rooms, like the pine table, rug, pottery and table lamp, showing how simple it can be to incorporate old pieces into a fresh design with a totally unique character. Beautiful French armchairs and a large impressionist landscape are brought in, as are large tools and the addition of flowers and greenery to bring a little of the outdoors in.

Designer Tips

1. Collect images and pictures that reflect the desired feeling and style, maybe even create a collage of these.

2. Interview several interior designers to get a sense of how they work and who might be a good fit with you and your project.

3. Focus energy and budget on one room at a time rather than on pieces and parts all across the home.

4. Spend budgets wisely and choose good investments in design.

5. Stay clear of short-term trends that are likely to pass in the next few years.

6. Carefully select and place appropriately sized accessories that make a space sing.

For more on Laura Neuman and PepperJack Interiors, call 916-834-9751 or visit pepperjack interiors.com.

Be Our Guest

Jane Reed’s design roots go back to her native country of England, where her father was a homebuilder and let her accompany him on site tours.

“I used to love getting new shoes so I could turn the shoebox into a dream home, decorating it with carpet and fabric samples and making furniture from scraps of old woods,” she says. “I guess I was just born into becoming a designer.”

Coming to a new country, let alone starting a new company, can be a very daunting experience. Luckily she found Decorating Den, giving

“Toile Meets Contemporary”

her access to hundreds of suppliers. Additionally, her husband is a general contractor specializing in remodeling, allowing the couple to provide a comprehensive service to their clients.

Reed says her current design mood is nostalgic, combining retro looks from Victorian to modern and adding her own favorite splashes of bright colors, textures and patterns. For this challenge, she took on three similarly-sized guestrooms and transformed each based on the homeowners’ needs, paying special attention to inherent shortcomings in the space.

BEFORE

Toile Meets Contemporary

A homeowner’s love of toile needed to be incorporated in a guestroom without making the overall look too traditional. Reed used the toile pattern in upholstery of an antique chair, the side panels and bolster and a lampshade. She paired classic black and white paint with Benjamin Moore’s Hollingsworth Green and Stratton Blue, giving a fresh and sophisticated look, and introduced mod-

ern patterns like polka-dot Roman shades and a reversible green duvet. Colorful toss cushions and black lighting fixtures create the “perfect crossover from old to new.”

Weekend Getaway

This awkwardly spaced room came to Reed with a large leather bed already purchased by the client and little architectural detail throughout. The goal: to create a warm and relaxing space for weekend guests to enjoy. She began the task by adding crown molding to the ceiling and painting both the ceiling and walls in different shades of taupe for contrast. A large mirror at one end of the room instantly made the room appear twice its size.

A duvet with a small geometric pattern and black and taupe fabrics accenting the sides make the bed look smaller and blend into the leather side rails. Using the same fabric as the duvet, inverted pleat panels were used on the window with the rod ceilBEFORE ing mounted in order to comOff to College plete a smooth line. Reed’s penchant Converting the bedroom of a recently off-to-college daughter into a guestroom for color is seen in red accents scatthat also doubles as her school-break respite was not an easy task. Yet, Reed tered throughout the room. found a way to honor the students “bubbly” personality while turning a very small room with limited closet space into a functional guestroom. “We painted the room in three horizontal stripes in different colors separating them with a bold two-inch band,” says Reed. “We continued the color into the ceiling to create more height to the room.” Bold black furniture, like a leather sleigh bed, was 1. A favorite piece of furniture added for drama against the three youthful shades of green on the walls, and or art can be the starting the new nightstand and chest brought additional storage. Sleek, contemporary point for décor. bedding, tufted silk window dressings, porcelain wall discs and a fun zebra2. Whatever the style, a room print rug and chaise lounge give the room a dose of energy and style. with a comfortable chair or chaise lounge will be greatly appreciated.

BEFORE 3. For guestrooms, include a luggage rack or chair specifically to hold an open suitcase or duffle bag.

4. Keep the room uncluttered and make sure there is plenty of storage.

5. Good design is available to all and should be fun and stress free.

“Off to College”

Designer Tips

For more on Jane Reed and Decorating Den, call 916-294-9777 or visit decdens. com/janer.

“Weekend Getaway”

for more designer tips and local resources, visit stylemg.com.

extreme makeover Two Award-Winning Remodels by darren elms

After

A

ny homeowner will tell you that once the dust settles on their home remodel project, it’s a skilled and qualified contractor that made all the difference. Despite an era of DIY and HGTV, some home projects are best left to the experts.

Luckily, the greater Sacramento area benefits from the local chapter of NARI, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

Before

Members of NARI are trusted and experienced professionals in the business, united by the organization’s commitment to ethics, expertise and exceptional work. In addition to full-service contractors, members include design-build firms, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, subcontractors, lenders and other related professionals who work in the remodeling field.

Additionally, NARI honors some of its members yearly with the Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards. Chosen for their expertise in specific categories based on size of project, type of room, and budget, the selected Photos courtesy of Phil Kampel Photography.

members hope to generate future contracts from new clients impressed with their work. Not a traditional design competition, the CotY’s look at how the overall project met and exceeded the clients’ needs and goals. According to Brenda Kress at NARI, project binders are submitted and viewed by a panel of judges who are normally NARI members from other Chapters. “Using a point system, each entry is graded in 10 overall categories,” she says. “At the conclusion, points are added up and those in each category with the highest points win.” The judges also select a “Judges’ Choice” award based on their collective decision and not points.

This issue, we feature two recent CotY honorees, Henley Homes, Inc. in the “Entire Home Remodel” (250K to 500K) category and DreamBuilders Home Remodeling in the “Bathroom Remodel” (60K+) category.

WHOLE HOUSE

OVERHAUL With 32 years of experience as a general contractor under his belt, George Henley wouldn’t trade his career in for anything.

“A man, a truck and his dog working in the sunshine…how can you beat it?” Not even the challenge of transforming a one-story, ranch-style home into a two-story Tudor twice the original floor plan could make the Newcastle-based contractor flinch.

“The changes to the home were tremendous,” he says of the mammoth project. “It is virtually a completely new home.”

Built in 1935, the original structure was a “modest” 1,400-square-foot home in a variation of the architectural “ranch” style. Single story, with a gabled roof design, the contractor says it was well maintained and in good shape, minus a leaky

Kitchen

Living Room

Photos courtesy of Phil Kampel Photography.

Entry

roof, when they first laid eyes on it. Still, homeowners Michele and Bob Hobza had their eyes set on something grander: an elegant “Tudor,” a half-timbered look with a German-framing style known as fachwerk.

They also desired the addition of a second story master suite.

“Bob was most concerned that the home didn’t look like it had a box sitting on top of it,” Michele says, describing the proposed second floor. “We wanted it to look as authentic as possible.” Connected through a select referral list via Applied Architecture, George’s business and the homeowners formed an ideal partnership from the start. “We interviewed several contractors and asked them how they would address the issue. We met with George and liked his answer best,” she shares.

“The owners were very detail oriented,” George notes, “which was a great match with Henley Homes.”

As with most major remodeling projects, budgets must be carefully considered before tearing down walls. Experts in the field, Henley Homes proved instrumental in developing the budget, starting with a cost projection range from low to high. “The scope of work, mainly to do with products and finishes, was selected in concert with the budget projections,” George says. “It was a matter of balance and choice by the homeowner to control and determine the project budget.” Fortunately for all parties involved, the subcontractors and suppliers hit their projected numbers, and the owners were then able to make selective upgrades throughout the project without surpassing their target.

“There are decisions a homeowner needs to make to keep the budgets and schedule in check,” Michele says. “Do we want this light fixture or a less expensive one? Granite or marble countertops? These things can get you caught up if you don’t have a vision from the beginning.”

Other than a very specific request to maintain and achieve only the finest quality of work and craftsmanship, George says his clients offered few expectations going into the project. “Initially, they had no real idea as to the magnitude of the job or how it would affect the existing first floor,” he shares. “So it was a bit of an eye opener when the demolition was done!”

Ten months of construction and several subcontractors later, George and his

Photos courtesy of Phil Kampel Photography.

crew turned the previous structure into a magnificent 2,600-square-foot, two-story home of the owner’s dreams. Most exceptional was the fact that 14 NARI members participated in the massive endeavor.

While Henley Homes, Inc. acted as general contractor and provided the construction, supervision and management of the entire project, they also coordinated the efforts of the additional team members, including Michael Malinowski of Applied Architecture, Linda Panattoni of Panattoni Interiors and The Transect Group, who performed the structural engineering. “We had our team over to the home at least once a week,” says Michele. “We would discuss the design, construction, process, etc. to make sure we were all on the same page.

Good communication is everything.”

To get a complete picture of the home’s transformation, a look at the original floor plan is a must. Starting with only three bedrooms and two baths, Henley Homes was saddled with the task of converting old spaces to newly purposed ones and adding a brand new master bedroom and bath, plus a laundry room, office and huge storage area. Thankfully, due to the skilled upfront design work and engineering of Allied Architecture, they encountered few road bumps in the building process.

George’s trained eye and craftsman skills helped create the rustic, fachwerk style the Hobzas desired. “He has a special tool he used to chip away at the wood to give it an authentic look,” Michele reveals.

“People who come over and look at the home think it has always been that way.”

Downstairs, they converted one of the existing bedrooms into a media room and opened the space to the living room with a beautiful elliptical arched opening.

The “before” kitchen included a small utility area that housed the home’s washer and dryer units. With plans to add a separate laundry room on the second floor, they were able to repurpose the space as a new wet bar and recycling area.

One of the more exciting prospects for George was the creation of the new upstairs level. “We were careful to pay special attention to detail throughout the project,” says George. “One example was having the millwork made and installed to match the beaded oval casing used in 1935.” But the absolute highlight of the project for

George was the master bathroom. “The vessel sinks and wall mount faucets are highlighted by recessed lighting and are the focal point of the bathroom,” he says.

“Many other features were incorporated, too, such as a therapeutic multi-optional bathtub and a glorious walk-in shower complete with body massage jets, as well as handheld and rain head outlets.” Shares Bob: “We are both retired, so we had ample time to spend supervising the project.

It was a lot of hard work, but fortunately we could offer the hours and attention to detail needed for a successful project. And we believe that it was.”

For their efforts on this extensive remodel, Henley Homes, Inc. received the

honor of being named “Contractor of the Year” in the category of “Entire Home Remodel” by NARI’s Greater Sacramento Chapter in the 250K to 500K cost category. According to George, the home’s new “curb appeal” likely caught NARI’s attention. “The ‘Tudor’ style features heavy wood timber trim and the steep pitched roofs,” he says. “Maintaining the architectural integrity of the time on the interior with the wood molding and elliptical arches is also pleasing.” This project will also be featured in NARI’s inaugural “Virtual Home Tour.” The tour will promote NARI, its members and a variety of completed projects; it’s slated to appear on the NARI Web site in the spring of 2012.

Master Bath

Master Bath

BATHROOM

RE-DIVINE

It all begins with a tree fort. Since completing his first structure at the ripe age of 10, Mike Russell couldn’t resist the urge to build. Following a 10-year stint serving in the United States Air Force, Mike began a 30-plus-year career in construction and became a general contractor in May of 2000. His El Dorado Hills-based company DreamBuilders has emerged as one of the leading home remodeling businesses in the area.

In March 2011, Mike met Mark and Chris Winston after the couple saw the signage on his work truck and made an appointment to visit his showroom. Connecting at that initial meeting, Mark and Chris knew Mike and DreamBuilders were the best fit to take on their extensive bathroom remodel. “We had a style in mind at the beginning and provided a few pictures from magazines to help communicate our ideas,” says Mark Winston. “DreamBuilders had many beautiful photos from their previous projects that inspired us and helped guide the new design.”

In addition to the cosmetic updates for an often-used space in a 1979 home, the Winston’s bathroom proved to be in overall bad shape. Numerous water leaks from the shower had taken their toll, and the discovery of dry rot demanded attention and repair.

Kathe Russell at DreamBuilders describes the challenges facing the contractor. “The structural work was due to the original home framing not being adequate

After

Before

in some areas and had to be beefed up,” she says. “The rest of the changes were more than cosmetic. An adjoining bedroom was claimed for use in the master suite area, which called for a new space plan that incorporated not only the wet areas but a walk-in closet as well.”

“An adjacent small bedroom provided a convenient way to expand the

bathroom area,” Mark says. “We really wanted to create a nice space.” Mike also asked the Winstons what upgrades they wanted in their new bathroom. That list included a two-person shower “with some bells and whistles,” custom tile layout with lots of travertine, a heated floor, a double vanity with custom framed mirrors, and most importantly, a tub, something miss-

Bathroom “after” photos courtesy of Dave Adams Photography.

ing from their original bathroom. Their well-organized walk in closet would feature new storage spaces and a fold-down ironing board.

Luckily, Mike and his team established a generous $65,000 to $75,000 budget with the Winstons, taking into account all the clients’ needs and referencing prior experience to come up with the approxi-

mate cost before pulling up any tile. “That way the expectation is set and no one is disappointed as we use that budget number as a guide for the design process,” Kathe says.

With any remodel it is important for a contractor to manage his or her client’s expectations and communicate up front the day to day impact of the construction,

like clean-up schedule and supervision.

Mike and crew, who were also employed to remodel the entire home, estimated a 12-week process for the entire project, though the bathroom and master suite would have been finished in six to eight.

“We want clients to know about every facet of their project so they always know what to expect,” Kathe shares.

Shower in Master Bath

The Winston’s missing tub would provide the focal point for the new bathroom as one entered the space. This addition involved the creation of a tiled arched ceiling and a glass block window to bring much needed natural light into the space. In the shower, a semi-circle bench added some fun and softened the shape by eliminating hard corners. Arches at the entry of the shower were designed with a similar effect in mind.

Paul, the project superintendent, supervised a large team of contractors that made up the bathroom crew, including demo, framing, plumbing, drywall and tile

installation, painting, cabinetry, closet installation, flooring and glass installation for the shower and mirrors – not a small team by any means. Just as Mike promised, DreamBuilders came within 2 percent of the bathroom remodel’s projected budget.

The Winstons couldn’t be happier with the final product. “This was our second remodel so we were aware of the challenges,” Mark says. “DreamBuilders made the whole project pretty easy for us. Now Chris greatly enjoys relaxing in the new tub and the convenience of having her closet so near. I delight every time the toilet flushes so well.”

“Mark and Chris were an absolute pleasure to work with,” Kathe says of their clients. “They became very much a part of the team that made their project come out perfect for them.”

Proud NARI members, DreamBuilders were thrilled to be included with such exciting entries for the annual CotY Awards and their win for “Residential Bathroom” remodel in the 60K+ category was well deserved. “I would like to think that they saw how well organized the space had become, as well as how all the products we used worked so well with each other to create the timeless look that we were going for,” Kathe says. “We wanted them to see that this was not just another bathroom but one that is uniquely individual to the client.”•

Bathroom “after” photos courtesy of Dave Adams Photography.

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Creating New Space In Your Old Place

by Lynn Machon

These days, more than ever before, savvy homeowners have discovered that renovating their house is an exciting way to get a new, upgraded home – without changing their address. Especially when it comes to resale values, experts say updating a kitchen or bathroom could be the best money you ever spend on your place.

A Room Without a View Homeowners and husband and wife team, Hal Eilersen and Nancy Woods, have lived in their Granite Bay home 15 years and love the natural setting of their property.“The house is located on a really pretty piece of land, with lots

Photos courtesy of respective design companies.

home reinvention

BEFORE

of oaks and granite and redwoods around,” says Eilersen. But, he says, the home’s original construction didn’t take advantage of those beautiful views. In fact, he says, the view to the outside was mostly blocked from the kitchen, dining and living rooms.

From an aesthetic standpoint, the Eilersen/Woods home needed updating as well. The kitchen counters and backsplash were covered in small white tile, and the cabinets were a dark wood. Without much natural lighting, the living space felt small and dark.

Yet Eilersen says, the decision to remodel their home in spring 2008 wasn’t just as much about fashion as it was about function. “My wife and I are vegetarians, so the cooking that we do takes a lot of time,” he says.

“The kitchen wasn’t laid out very well for two people to cook at the same time.We were always bumping into each other and fighting over who got the sink,” he laughs.

In turn, Eilersen and Woods decided they needed a change. “We basically wanted to open up the whole area, improve the views and improve the functionality of the kitchen.”

A Lesson Plan in Remodeling Enter Kent Eberle, owner of Eberle Remodeling in Sacramento. Since 1985, Eberle’s firm has handled strictly residential remodeling, which after 25 years in the business, includes mostly repeat customers and referrals.

Once a physical education teacher by trade, Eberle says remodeling a home is a lot like following a lesson plan. “It really boils down to details, you have to get from point A to point B and the more you can spell it out, the better you’ll be,” he says.

Eberle says that for most homeowners, the decision to remodel is largely financial. “In addition to the costs associated with moving, if they’ve been in their home for any amount of time, they’ve got equity built up in the home. It’s always better to upgrade a home rather than change tax brackets with a new one.”

home reinvention Kitchen in Despair Another Granite Bay kitchen was in dire need of a renovation. The former room was a tight, dark space with limited preparation room, and only allowed for one cook. The homeowners enlisted Precision Cabinetry and Design to remodel their kitchen. They provided design schematics, material selection, an electrical plan, product ordering and then construction.

BEFORE

With the Eilersen/Woods project, Eberle says the opportunities for improvement were obvious. “There was very little view out of the back or sides of the home,” he says.“When you first walked in there was a large brick column and wall that separated the family room from kitchen.”

“We basically just gutted the whole area and opened it up, creating more of a great room effect,” he says.“Then we added large picture windows with casements on either side, exterior doors, and for even more lighting we used recessed can lights and low voltage under-cabinet lights.” Even with decades of projects under his belt, Eberle admits,“It was really quite a dramatic change.”

Details Make the Difference In addition to structurally opening up the living space, the remodel included upgrades to the kitchen, living room, dining room, entryway and guest bath. Along the way, custom details personalized the project.

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

frame and Durango-style doors. The extensive granite countertops were a feature Eilersen says took forever to pick out.“We went to every granite shop in the area to find one we liked and that there was enough of for the job.” In finishing the kitchen, stainless steel fixtures were added.

As part of the remodel project, new wood flooring was extended from the kitchen into the family room, the entryway was tiled and a hand railing from family room to living room was redone. Another special touch for the cooking couple was the addition of two full size sinks in the kitchen versus the typical main sink and prep sink.

Eilersen agrees the kitchen is now the major attraction of the home, but he says the whole house just seems brighter and more youthful. Eilersen admits that when it comes to their new view, they had no idea what they were missing. “I’m not sure we ever anticipated how nice it would be to have the house more open to the views of the outside. We just love it now; it’s been such a nice change.”

With a primary aim of creating a warm, inviting, efficient, open and large space, they transformed the kitchen into a functional and beautiful, bright workspace and opened up the space as a whole, removing the dividing cabinetry. They worked with the existing floor material and installed dark cherry wood cabinets that magnificently complemented the Purple Dunes granite countertops in a leather finish. The large, central butcher block island afforded the homeowners ample preparation space and a perfect spot to gather when entertaining. A stainless steel Kohler sink, Moen faucet and new appliances completed the renovation and polished off its finished appearance for a striking remodel.

Visit stylemg.com for more details, photos, and the homeowner’s thoughts on the Precision Cabinetry and Design kitchen rennovation.

bathroom makeover From Dated to Divine

by Darren Elms

courtesy of Precision Cabinetry and Design.

Before photos courtesy of homewoners; after photos

A

t first glance, a bathroom renovation may seem like an easier project compared to other rooms in the home, given it’s proportionally small size.

Thing is, working in such a small space, everything’s got to fit just right. And with all those important fixtures in one room, functionality, in addition to aesthetics, is key.

Take this bathroom remodel completed by designer Michie Schmitz, CHD of Precision Cabinetry and Design in Rancho Cordova. Homeowners Richard and Vicki Sandness approached Michie for this overdue renovation. According to the designer the space was “very traditional 1980s… dark and dated.” The clients expressed their vision of a more modern space, with simple, clean lines and a focal point created in the room around the vanity. They relied on

Michie’s talents to create a functional and easy-to-clean space that still looked stylish.

Michie, together with contractor Jim Green of JP Construction, got to work on the project. The first priority was creating enough storage with the cabinetry. “Making sure there is a place for everything is crucial to a bathroom space,” says the designer. “Having the right amount of drawers, while keeping a beautiful look, is always a challenge.” With a few coats of white gloss on the cabinets, the bathroom achieves a chic, contemporary European vibe.

Many aesthetic improvements were made during the process, including new tile to help create a flow in the space. “The tiles in the shower and around the tub are an unusual size,” points out Michie. “They are 12 by 35 inches, and large tiles help create a clean look along with some very cool aluminum trim pieces flowing through the space.”

This metal trim also helps tie together the plumbing fixtures, and the aluminum edges on the white Pacific Crest cabinets perfectly

complement the tile and vanity.

A signature addition to the space is the Versailles drop-in tub, a beautiful feature that fits two people. “This tub has an amazing angled look but is also very comfortable for the homeowners,” says Michie.

Speaking of the homeowners, the Sandnesses couldn’t be happier with the results.

“I am so pleased with the outcome,” shares Richard. “Jim and his team were able to craft the metal edges on the water closet and tile to match the metal inserts. True craftsmen.”

Adds Vicki, “Michie’s design met all of our needs and exceeded our expectations. I can’t wait for Michie and Jim to redo my kitchen!”•

bugs be gone Exterminating Pesky Pests

by Jacqueline Renfrow

PREVENTION Prevention is the best medicine, even for your home. Be aware that most pests enter the house from the outside, so check to see that all doors and windows have proper screens installed. Also, consider exclusion – the sealing off of the tiniest of cracks. Common spots to seal off include the door to a basement, plumbing fixtures and where the rooflines

“

There are many species of ants in California, the most common being the Argentine ant.

”

meet. This usually works best for keeping out rodents, but ants, scorpions, earwigs and centipedes can make it through the tiniest of cracks.

Don’t ignore clutter. A dirty kitchen is more likely to attract pests, so wipe down counters, wash floors and avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink. Eliminate as many hiding places for critters as possible. “Sanitation is a must,” says Dave Ridinger from Advanced Pest Control of Sacramento.

KNOW YOUR BUGS According to Mike Kobus of Koby Pest Control, ants and spiders are the most common home invaders. “There are many species of ants in California, the most common being the Argentine ant,” he says. Other ants prevalent in the area include carpenters, or wood-destroying insects, meaning they nest in wood and leave small shavings; pine tree

ants, which prefer a softer wood or polystyrene and fiberglass insulation; pharaoh ants; and odorous ants, which give off a rotten smell when crushed.

There are also hundreds of types of spiders living in California – most of them non-poisonous. The black widow, however, is highly poisonous, and Ray Shelton, owner and operator of Alta Sierra Pest Control, says his company has received new business this year due to an abundance of black widows in the area. Adult black widows are shiny and dark-colored, and the females have a red-orange hourglass pattern on the underside of the abdomen, while males may have red-orange or yellow spots and stripes on the top of their abdomen.

TAKE BACK YOUR HOME Kobus recommends getting rid of ants with the application of a non-repellent pesticide, such as Termidor, to the perimeter and entry points of a home. This can be done effectively twice a year. “Termidor acts like a bait, but the ants don’t have to eat it,” says Kobus. “Ants forage through Termidor, get it on them, then transfer it to other ants, which can eliminate ant colonies up to 30 feet away.”

Beyond spraying and exclusion, a professional might try trapping – a method mostly used to eliminate rodents already in the house. If rodents inside continue to be a problem, baiting outside the house will lure them to move out of the structure in search of water.

Don’t forget the importance of a pest-free outdoor space.

Keep debris on your lawn to a minimum and landscaping well-manicured. Maintain at least four to six inches of clearance from shrubs and flowers from the structure, and keep sprinkler water from hitting your home. Also, maintain proper sanitation around trash cans.

Additionally, consider applying a residual pesticide to the foundations, eves and yard to prevent outdoor critters. • For more information on household pests and how to get rid of them, visit ipm.ucdavis.edu.

FOR ECO-FRIENDLY EXTERMINATING ALTERNATIVES, VISIT STYLEMG.COM.

Photo © fotolia.com/GraçaVictoria.

H

ave you noticed critters hiding out in your home this winter? Don’t feel you need to share your space. We spoke with local experts on what pests to be on the lookout for, how to get rid of them, and how to prevent them from invading your walls in the first place.

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