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 home design

8 10 18 30

FEATURES
4 18 30
The Remodel On Display 10 Tips
5 Building Blocks Simple Collections Make For A Successful Remodel
For Success Bold Statements
36
6 20 Bugs Be Gone
Be Our Guest Bathroom Redesign Exterminating Pesky Pests
Turn an Empty Room Into A
Welcome One. 22
Pet Proof
8 Protecting Your Home
Do-It-Yourself Design Inside And Out
Bring Function Back to
Your Furniture. 24
NARI
10 Contractor of the Year Awards
Room With A New View
26
16 Home Reinvention
Grill Seeker Creating New Space
In Your Old Place
 Something’s Fishy
the remodel
Building 5and Maintaining
Building BlocksYour Own Koi Pond
for Success
by Paul Strother

by construction
listed Melissa
task and a complete
scope of work for the
entire project. This
HIRE THE RIGHT is what you should use
CONTRACTOR for comparison of each
Hiring the right contractor proposal that is submitted.
for your project is the most important Once you or both you and
decision you will make. Utilizing a profes- your designer have completed
sional contractor will ensure that your sessions with all of the finish selections, the
project is done correctly, within the legal your contractor contractor can easily price these
laws, within budget, and within your time will not only keep you items. However, construction of the
frame. informed of the progress but project is subjective; this section of
You must be sure that not only does your will also give you an opportunity to the proposal must be critiqued. Lastly,
contractor meet all state and local licens- discuss any of your concerns as well. it is imperative to make sure everything
ing requirements, but they should also be you pay for is in the proposal/contract. For
bonded and insured. To verify the contrac- HOMEOWNER’S RIGHTS examples of what to be wary of in proposals,

T
tor’s license and good standing, visit the Prior to beginning your remodeling project visit stylemg.com this month.
Contractor State License Board’s Web site he tradition – know your of koi fishDo
rights! dates
notback
blindlygives
sign any
them everything they need,” he adds. “They still get
at cslb.ca.gov. In addition, it’s a good idea centuries contract to both
before China and Japan,
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RESOURCES
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916-852-1606
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location as depicted on theinplans. symbolism,

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koi produce
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project, who is locking theyard.front“A well-built
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communication sizedenjoyed
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pool for most of their life find that

include they do not
a detailed use it as for
description outdoor contractor,
eachlandscaping, visit narisacto.org.
Hansen says, “Do your homework
often as they get older. When they move into a smaller and build the koi pond correctly the first time, and you’ll
home after the kids are gone, they find that a koi pond get years of enjoyment from it.” •
 Discover Your Style
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 be our guest
Turn an Empty Room into a Welcome One
W
hen my brothers and I moved
out of our parents’ home, one
by one, my mother turned
what could have been a melancholy suc-
cession of events into multiple reasons to
celebrate. Suddenly, she had three new
rooms and endless possibilities at her
fingertips. “What will it be,” I imagined
her conspiring from my first apartment on
the other side of town. “A sewing room? A
home gym?” Of course, my father beat her
to the punch and announced they were
moving to a smaller house, but in the end
she did get one extra space to work with in
her new abode. My mom’s situation is one
that many empty nesters are confronted
with after a child leaves the home for good:
what to do with the extra room?
For many, the answer is obvious...a guest
room. And that’s not a bad choice since you
never know when your kid’s going to come
back knocking on the front door with a
suitcase in hand. But, that doesn’t mean
you can’t make it your own and diversify
the room to accommodate more than an
by Darren Elms
extra bed. Here are a few suggestions for
turning an ordinary guest bedroom into a
multi-purpose living space.
1. If you covet more options, start with
a sofa bed. I’m sure the mere mention of a
sofa bed will produce multiple groans from
readers. But, be assured, not all retractable
beds are created equal, and some don’t even
retract. Take the day bed. This nifty creation
functions as a bed and sofa without even
moving so much as a cushion for transfor-
mation. Plus it makes a wonderful place
to curl up with a book or take a catnap.
If you do end up going for the traditional
pull-out sofa option, give it a test run before
committing. There’s nothing less inviting to
a guest than a thin and lumpy mattress.
2. With all that space, why not co-
mingle with a home office. The beauty
of a home office or studio is that both really
only require a nice desk and a few functional
shelves to get the job done. A little creative
arranging and you can double your guest
room with a quiet place to get some work
done, whether it be on a computer, a draft-
ing board or an easel. Plus, the addition of
a few bookshelves can be the start of a great
little home library.
3. If you’re already set up with a couch,
why not install a fantastic home theatre
system and create a screening room.
To keep walls clear of heavy equipment,
try hanging a projector from the rear of
the room and project on an empty wall.
Clever placement of a speaker here and
there, and you can have a private place to
watch movies and cuddle on the couch with
some popcorn.
Photo © istockphoto.com/bgpix.
4. Or just go and create the guest
bedroom of your dreams. Sometimes it’s
better to keep it simple and make a guest
bedroom a TRUE guest room. Designers at
heart will love picking out the furniture and
décor of a second bedroom, anticipating the
comfort and needs of future guests. Enjoy
it; you know your visitors will! •
 Blind Corners
10000 Fairway Dr Ste 130
Roseville CA
M-Sat: 10:00 AM to 5:00PM
Sunday By Appointment
800-816-4003
916-746-7909
blindcorners.net

19421

the home design PROJECT PARTNERS shdmag.com

do-it-yourself design
Bring Function Back to Your Furniture
by Darren Elms

I
’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.
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
Photo by © istockphoto.com/itayuri.
and door frames, just avoid glass, as it can be danger-
ous. Wide bookshelves also make nice headboards,
providing spaces for books, clocks, lamps or whatever.
In a reverse twist, wrought iron bed frames could 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 innova-
tive in a creative and “green” way. •
 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 dif-
ferent adventures in transforming a
basic room into a vision of comfort,
convenience and style.
Were five redesigns in six years ex-
cessive? Probably. Did I spend way
too much time in IKEA looking for
furniture and meandering in Home
Depot ogling over color chips? Argu-
ably. But was it incredibly fun turn-
ing my modest accommodations
into a completely new space? Ab-
solutely. Now, 10 years later, I have
a home with many rooms at my de-
sign disposal. Do I put a new splash
of color or mix-up my motifs every “Kate”
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, ing in the marketing department. This longing for creativity and “a hands-on
all the time! life” provoked the engineer to consider her skills, experience and passions, and
In this spirit of diversification, we ultimately compelled her to shift gears and enter the field of interior design.
wondered what it would be like to While Neuman prefers a clean, classic and traditional approach to de-
take a single room or type of room sign, she believes “life is too short to be ordinary” and encourages her clients
and give it a makeover three times to push the envelope a bit while staying true to their core principles and style.
over. To help us with this experiment, “Traditional is flexible and timeless, plus it makes sense financially over time,”
we invited not one but two local she says.
designers, Laura Neuman of Pep- For our project, Neuman chose a nearly empty dining/living room as her
perJack Interiors and Jane Reed of starting point, with creamy white walls, a beautiful concrete floor and an
Decorating Den and Brush Strokes immovable black baby grand piano. As inspiration for her three vignettes,
Inc., to each take on three designs, she imagined three different women - Diana, Kate and Emeline - and created
each presenting their own set of ex- individual looks that reflect each of their personalities and lifestyles. For Neu-
pectations and challenges. man, all three women are “interesting, intellectually curious and sensible,”
and deserving of their own unique living space.

You’ve Got Personality Meet Diana

Laura Neuman has duality built into
her DNA. Growing up in Colorado
and spending time in New Mexico
and Wyoming, she surrounded her-
self 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-
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, or-
ange 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 unex-
pected pieces like the country French
table and Navajo rug complete the
picture. Notes Neuman, “Strong geo-
metric lines and earth tones coupled
with timeless design styles make these
elements a perfect fit for Kate’s func-
tional, stylish and personal home of-
fice.”
Meet Emeline
Emeline makes her home in the
American West while carefully car-
rying 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 im-
pressionist 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 feel-
ing and style, maybe even
create a collage of these.
2. Interview several interior de-
signers 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 Be Our Guest
across the home. Jane Reed’s design roots go back to
4. Spend budgets wisely and her native country of England, where
choose good investments in her father was a homebuilder and
design. let her accompany him on site tours.
5. Stay clear of short-term “I used to love getting new shoes so I
trends that are likely to pass could turn the shoebox into a dream
in the next few years. home, decorating it with carpet and
6. Carefully select and place fabric samples and making furniture
appropriately sized acces- from scraps of old woods,” she says. “I
sories that make a space guess I was just born into becoming
sing. a designer.”
Coming to a new country, let alone
For more on Laura Neuman and Pep- starting a new company, can be a
perJack Interiors, call 916-834-9751 or very daunting experience. Luckily
visit pepperjack interiors.com. 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 shortcom-
ings in the space.
BEFORE

Toile Meets Contemporary

A homeowner’s love of toile needed to be incorporated in a guestroom without ern patterns like polka-dot Roman
making the overall look too traditional. Reed used the toile pattern in upholstery shades and a reversible green du-
of an antique chair, the side panels and bolster and a lampshade. She paired vet. Colorful toss cushions and black
classic black and white paint with Benjamin Moore’s Hollingsworth Green lighting fixtures create the “perfect
and Stratton Blue, giving a fresh and sophisticated look, and introduced mod- 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 de-
tail throughout. The goal: to cre-
ate a warm and relaxing space
for weekend guests to enjoy. She
began the task by adding crown
molding to the ceiling and paint-
ing 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
“Off to College” side rails. Using the same
fabric as the duvet, inverted
pleat panels were used on
BEFORE the window with the rod ceil-
Off to College ing mounted in order to com-
Converting the bedroom of a recently off-to-college daughter into a guestroom plete a smooth line. Reed’s penchant
that also doubles as her school-break respite was not an easy task. Yet, Reed for color is seen in red accents scat-
found a way to honor the students “bubbly” personality while turning a very tered throughout the room.
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 cre- Designer Tips
ate 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 zebra- 2. 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
BEFORE appreciated.
3. For guestrooms, include a
luggage rack or chair spe-
cifically to hold an open suit-
case 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.

For more on Jane Reed and Decorating

Den, call 916-294-9777 or visit decdens.
com/janer.

FOR MORE DESIGNER TIPS AND

“Weekend Getaway” LOCAL RESOURCES,
VISIT STYLEMG.COM.
grill
seeker
by Jenn Thornton
W hen it comes to outdoor grilling,
you’ve hauled out the hibachi on
more than one occasion. As for that
rusty three-legged Weber? Well, it’s part of
the family. You’re a bit of an apologist for
the days when charcoal ruled the world.
Still, your memories of yesteryear don’t stop
you from waxing poetic about the back-
yard kitchen making itself at home all over
suburbia. After a few kabobs here, some
neighborhood tailgating there — you’re
a believer. And once you realize that the
dinner dishes are all but eliminated with
a well-aimed hose and some decent water
pressure, you’ll do whatever it takes to build
your own.
Oh, wait. What does it take? Before
you get cooking, size up the situation.
Placement, appearance, maintenance
and function — what should you know?
How do you effectively manage a proj-
ect from beginning to completion? Our
quick reference guide answers the burn-
ing questions.
Outfitting your outdoor kitchen can be
fraught with complications. The first step:
set a budget. Allow five percent for wiggle
room and stick to it. A customized outdoor
kitchen can cost anywhere from $2,000 to
$50,000, including structural modifica-
tions and installation costs, so know what
you can afford. A kitchen unit may be rea-
sonably priced, but what happens if you
get amenity-happy in the process? Add in
stainless steel cabinets, granite countertops,
warming drawers, fireplaces and pizza ov-
ens, and that five percent just stretched to
15 percent.
Determine utility to keep your budget
on course. Are you a serious entertainer or
an intimate family-gatherer; a casual griller,
or an all-weather enthusiast? An outdoor
kitchen should meet your skill level. If for Photos courtesy of Backyard Dream and Barbeques Galore.
you, top of the line means over the top, be
realistic about what you are prepared to
handle. Do your research before making
any purchases, and arm yourself with infor-
mation that effectively communicates your
specific needs. Warning: if you’re swayed by
that flashy, but ill-suited unit that you won’t
use or maintain, watch out – that 15 percent
just jumped to 50. Be clear about what you
need. Other utilitarian factors to consider are
children, traffic flow, spacing and efficiency.
When strategizing, you should also fac-
tor in appearance. You wouldn’t see a reprint
of the “Mona Lisa” hanging inside the local
 consider your home’s resale value. The
difference between quality construction
and a clumsy but well-meaning attempt
to remodel may be a pricey risk you can’t
afford. The National Kitchen and Bath As-
sociation (NKBA) suggests “sticking to the
basics and putting thought into what others
would like about your kitchen. Someone
else might own it one day and you’ll want
to make sure you get your money’s worth!”
The right designer can provide high style
on a low budget.
Appoint a qualified professional. The
NKBA advocates meeting with several de-
signers to exchange ideas. Check qualifica-
tions; ask for references and a portfolio, and
make sure to discuss your budget. If pos-
sible, schedule a visit to their showroom or
retail facility. But don’t be afraid to contract
with a new designer if he or she commu-
nicates well, satisfies your taste and shares
your style philosophy. If you feel pushed
out of your comfort zone, keep looking.
Site planning is critical to the process
of building. The outdoor kitchen is an ex-
tension of your living space, so backyard
kitchens are designed to accommodate a
way of life. As we all know, life “style” is im-
portant, but safety is paramount. Backyard
kitchens are susceptible to the same hazards
as traditional kitchens, so placement is ex-
tremely important. Structures should be
installed away from dangers that, left unat-
tended, may cause fires or worse. Addition-
ally, proper flooring is crucial. Marble and
tile surfaces are not the best options due to
slickness, and are not advised for children.
Practicalities and protection are other
auto body, would you? Of course not, since
that’s pin-up country. The same rule applies
to home style. If you are meticulous about
interior aesthetics, be equally fastidious out-
doors. Is your house wood or brick? Are
you a stainless steel modern or a brick-oven
traditionalist? Perhaps you love modern
technology, but Old World style. If you’re
at all doubtful, consult a design professional
to help extend your home’s stylistic bent
by seamlessly integrating your backyard
kitchen into its surroundings.
It is not advisable to install an outdoor
kitchen yourself. Installation and custom
fabrication require an expert touch. Do-
ing the remodeling yourself is a seductive
proposition, especially when it means sav-
ing a few bucks. Still, it’s a probable, but in-
visible long-term cost. If you’re still tempted,
reasons to plan accurately. For example,
positioning an outdoor kitchen next to the
house cuts down on electrical and plumb-
ing costs. Aesthetic positioning – extensive
or limited – that aims for a dynamic view
is likely to cost more because such installa-
tion may require reconstruction. To maxi-
mize a view while protecting a structure
from elemental damage, locate outdoor
units under an awning. The same effect
can be achieved with limited resources by
positioning a smaller island or portable
grill under an umbrella. Since we live in
a temperate climate, all-weather units are
more of a luxury than a necessity. Still, for
optimum protection, enclosures and pro-
tective equipment are always good ideas.
Maintenance is key. The same rules ap-
ply to the outdoor kitchen as to any other
part of the home. Items left unchecked raise
similar safety concerns and may lead to
faulty equipment. Design your backyard
kitchen so that maintenance is easy, as well
as cleaning and repairs. The more acces-
sible the equipment and accessories are, the
more likely they will benefit from regular
cleanings, which cut down on unnecessary
and expensive repair or replacement costs.
If you have a hard time keeping the sink
clear of dishes, how will you be at clean-
ing an outdoor grill? Honestly assess your
willingness and then proceed.
Customized backyard kitchens are a
popular alternative to setting the table these
days. With a variety of prices, models, and
brands, there is something to meet every
budget and taste. Trust the local experts to
build your dream kitchen. •

Simple Collections Make Bold Statements
M
y aunt is the queen collector.
Really, anything I ever learned
about purchasing, placing or
purging collectables I learned from her. My
current space, though a bit sparse as I go
through a minimalist phase, still takes cues
from her special skill at arranging multiple
items without looking like a candidate for
“Hoarders.” Displaying collections truly is
an art. I can think of at least 12 individual
collections my aunt holds dear, from Lladro
and Herend figurines, to Lennox china set-
tings and framed lithographs, and they all
have their place in the home and never, ever,
look cluttered. She has a gift, and I’m so glad I
learned from the best. So if like her, you have
a penchant for collections, large or small,
here are a few wise tips on how to keep them
beautiful and presentable all year long.
A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY
Collections, by their very nature, can get
large...quite large. A big collection need
not be an overwhelming one if displayed
properly. A traditional curio cabinet is one
option, providing a central showcase for a
variety of items. A great way to highlight
on display
by Darren Elms
certain pieces in a collection is to “free them
from the cage” and display a select few, either
on a mantle or side table, creating a center
of focus that’s small and not overwhelming.
Feel free to mix and match here when appro-
priate. The holidays especially are wonderful
occasions to bring seasonal items front and
center, such as a dining room centerpiece
or a festive mantle. Bring out the “stars” of
your collection and frame them with some
holiday cheer.
THE FRAME GAME
Speaking of framing, there’s no arguing that
framed prints and artwork can be a challenge
to display, especially in numbers. If you can
successfully collage a body of work on one
wall, go for it. A nice composition of related
works can look fantastic and really highlight
the importance of the collection. If the
quantity is more than one or two walls can
handle, consider displaying only a handful
of pieces at a time. You can always spread
the collection throughout the house, but
that might only reduce the impact of the col-
lection as a whole. Shadowboxes and other
framed displays are the perfect solution to
small collections, like pins, medals and other
valuable trinkets.
ONE WORD: ROTATE
Even someone like my aunt, with her
multiple collections, knows it’s not possible
to display all pieces at once. Well, possible,
but not always the first choice of a tidy
homeowner. Avoid clutter with the simple
rule of rotation. Think of your space as a
museum and give each collection a window
of exhibition. While some take the spotlight,
carefully pack others away in a safe place
until their moment arrives. Even collections
that stay out year-round should be moved to
Photo © istockphoto.com/monkeywrenched.
different locations to keep things interesting.
A new venue can instantly turn a tired collec-
tion into a fresh display.
And, should you find a collection no
longer interests you, or another obsession
comes along to take its place, there’s always
that place called eBay where countless
enthusiasts wait to sweep up your treasures
at a cost. The best collections give you joy
from first find to final purchase. Give them a
place to shine and enjoy the thrill over and
over again. •
 InteriorDesign
Thoughtful design that enriches and
inspires where we live and work.
Small spaces, whole homes, kitchen, bath
remodeling or refurnishing; small business
and tenant improvement design assistance.

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bathroom
redesign
by Stella Tuttle

W hen I was asked to write an article re-

garding bathroom design, I replied,
“No problem.” I spoke too soon!
How can I condense my 25 years of design
experience into a brief article about how to
design a bathroom for today’s family?
After reviewing my own history with
bathrooms (starting with an outhouse!), I
went to my textbooks and found that there
are 41 considerations for designing a bath-
room. My decision? Let’s keep it simple and
I approach every design challenge with
the same Bauhaus School of Design maxim,
“form follows function.” The function of
the bathroom is obvious and necessary, but
safety is the second most important aspect
just cover the most important points. of bath design. The highest percentage
 of accidents in the home occurs in the bathroom. Accessibility is
always a requirement to add to the design mix, and does not only
mean access for a wheelchair, but the potential space for a teenager
on crutches after a skiing accident, or room for a grandpa with a
walker to maneuver. It can only benefit you, both in cost and func-
tion, to plan for any unexpected contingencies.
One important factor to double-check is that all of the local
codes and requirements have been satisfied such as the installa-
tion of slip resistant tile on the shower floor, ground fault interrupt
outlets, energy conserving lighting and low flow water closets. Pay
a bit more money to add backing to the walls when remodeling
your bath, in case there is a future need for grab bars. Also, proper
Photo courtesy of Kohler and American Standard.
ventilation should be provided, not only to get rid of the inevitable
odors, but to dispense the humidity generated from the long
shower you take in the morning.
Storage is an often overlooked consideration in the design of
a bathroom. Most people believe that all of their toiletries can just
reside on the lavatory counter. With proper planning, these can
have their own allocated place, creating a much more elegant look.
I like to add one or two duplex outlets inside a cabinet to provide
power to those rechargeable appliances such as the shaver and
toothbrush. I also plan for a magnifying mirror to help with the
application of make-up.
When considering storage for your linens, you can choose to
be a bit self-indulgent. You can opt for a warming drawer in the
bathroom to provide a warm towel when you get out of the bath.
Since there are only a few places where this could work, proper
planning is necessary and well worth your time.
The selection of materials, faucets and fixtures is another article.
I used to tell my interior design students that there is no best prod-
uct per se, but a product that is best for the client and best for the
use. When trying to narrow down your numerous options, your
budget is the most important qualifier. Invest a generous amount
of the resources into the faucets. Take it from me - picking a bargain
faucet is penny-wise and pound-foolish. Paying the plumber to
replace a sub-standard faucet would cost more than spending that
extra money on an original quality fixture.
When deciding whether to install a tub/shower, a tub or just a
shower, remember that most municipalities require that you have
at least one bathtub in the house (the rest can be showers). Consider
the user’s ease or difficulty getting in and out of a tub to evaluate
your selections. The combination of wet feet and a slippery tub
bottom is an accident waiting to happen. Be careful!
Now, what to do with all of this information? Begin by making a
list of what is most important to you and your family. Start a file to
gather all the examples of your choices. Most people are quite good
at decorating their homes, but the kitchen and the bath areas can
benefit from the expertise of a professional designer. These areas
involve technical requirements and detailed material specifications.
A skilled designer can help you avoid costly mistakes.•
pet proof
Protecting your Home Inside and Out
by Darren Elms
N ew pets can be a particularly cu-
rious bunch. Just ask my mom
about her new Cavalier King
Charles, Finley. So excited at the prospect
of seeing another puppy in the house, he
charged right into his reflection on the stain-
less steel dishwasher. No 911 visit needed,
just a couple minutes to shake it off. The fact
is pets like to explore. And with exploring
comes sniffing, chewing, eating, scratching
and potentially harmful accidents. Fortu-
nately, it’s easy to prevent such disasters with
some simple steps. Keep your puppy or kitty
safe with these smart tips for pet proofing
your home and garden:
INSIDE
Use childproof latches to secure cabinets
that are close to the floor. This works for
pets as well as kids. When little paws try to
pry open places where they aren’t supposed
to tread, these great little plastic guards will
make all the difference.
Make sure all chemical bottle lids
are screwed on good and tight. From
the Drano to the Windex, don’t let a thirsty
puppy send you both to the ER. Better yet,
keep all poisons safely behind one of those
secured cabinets or completely out of harms
reach. The same goes for poisonous plants.
Hide the trash. Where there is garbage,
there is a hungry pet looking for leftovers.
Keep discarded food and trash items out of
reach or expect to find it scattered all over
your kitchen floor.
Put harmful wires or cords out of
reach. To prevent damaged electrical cords
and the risk of electrocution – all lamp, com-
puter, stereo, appliance, etc. wirings and
cords should be tied back and inaccessible.
Cover all air and heating vents. We
don’t want any great escapes.
Keep shoes and valuables in a secure
place. Unless you want your favorite heels
to be her new favorite chew toy, you’ll heed
this advice. Plus shoelaces and buttons can
cause choking, so avoid leaving those lying
around.
Close the toilet lid. There’s nothing
more disturbing than watching a pet drink
out of the toilet. Keep that water feature off
limits.
Check the washer and dryer for a
stray kitten before loading up. No joke,
this was a recommendation of the American
Humane Association. But, I guess anything
is possible, right?
OUTSIDE
Block off any open holes or pathways
out of the property. No one wants to see
a “missing” pet poster, so make sure yours
doesn’t have cause to be one.
Make sure your backyard is free of
unwanted guests. Occasionally snakes,
skunks, spiders and all sorts of interesting
critters decide your property is just right for
moving in. Make sure they are evicted before
Rover is welcomed to roam.
Remove poisonous plants. Animals
will eat ANYTHING. So if something in your
garden poses a danger, take it out. The same
goes for molding fruit that’s fallen off a tree.
Also, read all instructions on fertilizers and
pest controls to guard against any pet threat-
ening toxins. When it comes to both indoor
and outdoor plants, there are some common
varieties that are toxic to both cats and dogs;
they include aloe vera, amaryllis, baby’s
breath, oleander, milkweed and poinsettia.
For a list of the 24 most common plants
poisonous to pets, visit stylemg.com.
Protect your flower or vegetable beds.
Photo © fotolia.com/jazavac.
A little chicken wire for puppies and a layer
of coffee grounds for kittens will help keep
them at arms length from your tomatoes.
Cover your pool and spas. Until they
are the next Michael Phelps of the animal
kingdom, prevent drowning with protective
covering. •
NARI CONTRACTOR
©

of the year
I
2011
NA R
Natio
nal A
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tion
of th
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delin

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— JUDGES CHOICE AWARD
eling Entire House $250,000 to $500,000
n d Rrg emod
en t a
ovem www.narisacto
.o MAK Design + Build, Inc.
e Impr
—Hom

See more photos and a

complete listing of NARI
members in the 2011 NARI
Home Improvement Entire House Over $1,000,000
Team Entry: Broderick Design Associates,
and Remodeling Guide! Entire House $500,001 - $1,000,000
Reynolds Gualco Architecture & Interior Design
Grendahl Construction, Reynolds Gualco
Architecture & Interior Design

Residential Addition Over $250,000

Residential Exterior $100,000 and Over Residential Exterior Specialty Team Entry: Landmark Builders and Reynolds
JNT Building & Remodeling Landmark Builders Gualco Architecture & Interior Design

Residential Universal Design Commercial Interior Residential Interior $100,000 and Under
DreamBuilders Home Remodeling Morse Remodeling, Inc. Eberle Remodeling
 Residential Interior Over $100,000 Residential Kitchen Under $40,000 Residential Kitchen $40,000 to Under $80,000
DreamBuilders Home Remodeling Morse Remodeling, Inc. Eberle Remodeling

Residential Kitchen $80,000 to Under $120,000 Residential Kitchen $120,000 and Over Residential Bath Under $30,000
Morse Remodeling, Inc. MAK Design + Build, Inc. Accessibility Connection

Residential Bath $30,000 to $60,000 Residential Bath Over $60,000 Entire House Under $250,000
MAK Design + Build, Inc. Expert Design & Construction DreamBuilders Home Remodeling

Residential Addition $100,000 to $250,000

MAK Design + Build, Inc.

—Home Improvement and Remodeling Guide—

www.narisacto.org
home
reinvention These days, more than ever before, savvy homeowners

Creating New Space have discovered that renovating their house is an excit-
Photos courtesy of respective design

ing way to get a new, upgraded home – without changing

In Your Old Place

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.
by Lynn Machon
A Room Without a View
Homeowners and husband and wife team, Hal Eilersen
companies.

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
 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
BEFORE
With the Eilersen/Woods project, Eber-
le says the opportunities for improvement
were obvious. “There was very little view
out of the back or sides of the home,” he
says.“When you 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 de-
cades of projects under his belt, Eberle ad-
mits,“It was really quite a dramatic change.”
Details Make the Difference
In addition to structurally opening up the
living space, the remodel included upgrades
to the kitchen, living room, dining room, en-
tryway and guest bath. Along the way, cus-
tom details personalized the project.
The kitchen cabinets were made of
red birch with a unique wider-than-normal
frame and Durango-style doors. The ex-
tensive granite countertops were a feature
Eilersen says took forever to pick out.“We
went to every granite shop in the area to
find one we liked and that there was enough
of for the job.” In finishing the kitchen, stain-
less 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 ad-
dition of two full size sinks in the kitchen
versus the typical main sink and prep sink.
Eilersen agrees the kitchen is now the
major attraction of the home, but he says
the whole house just seems brighter and
more youthful. Eilersen admits that when it
comes to their new view, they had no idea
what they were missing. “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.”
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.
With a primary aim of creating a
warm, inviting, efficient, open and
large space, they transformed the
kitchen into a functional and beau-
tiful, 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 counter-
tops 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 renova-
tion and polished off its finished ap-
pearance for a striking remodel.
Visit stylemg.com for more
details, photos, and the
homeowner’s thoughts on
the Precision Cabinetry and
Design kitchen rennovation.
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10
Remodeling has become one
of America’s favorite pastimes.
Whether you are remodeling your
kitchen, adding a new addition, or
putting in a sunroom, remodeling
can be an enjoyable experience and
a great way to increase the value of
your single largest asset.
FOR A SUCCESSFUL REMODEL

by NARI

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

Not only is planning fun, it is also very important to the success of the
job. Unfortunately, however, there are a number of problems that can
occur when making changes to your home. But with some foresight,
common sense and the following tips, you can eliminate most of these
potential problems before they have a chance to take root.
Photos courtesy of NARI.
Tip 1: Hire the correct contractor. De-
ciding who to hire for your remodeling
project may be the most important deci-
sion you will have to make. Employing a
professional contractor is a safeguard that
your home improvement will be done
right, within budget, and on time.
When hiring a contractor, check to
make sure he or she is bonded, insured,
meets all state and local licensing require- Chapter of the National Association of the
ments, and is a member of a professional Remodeling Industry. To find a profes-
trade association such as the Sacramento sional remodeling contractor, either call
the Chapter office at 916-456-1200 or
visit their website at www.narisacto.org.
Tip 2: Proper planning. Your fin-
ished project will only be as good as the
design and planning that went into it.
Whether you are doing the remodel your-
self or hiring a contractor, it is important to
look over the blueprints and schematics to
make sure the design is exactly what you
want. If you are building an addition, be
sure your current heating and air condi-
tioning system has the capability to heat
and cool the extra space. If a contractor
is handling the work, he or she should
know if current systems need to be up-
graded.
Without proper planning, you prob-
ably won’t end up with the home improve-
ment you’ve been dreaming about. Not
only can the project look unsightly, it can
also end up costing you a lot of money
to fix unexpected problems and make
changes. Planning is essential.
Tip 3: Consider all options. Even
if you think you have the perfect design
for your home, be open to suggestions.
Avoid picking new colors for your home
based on a sample card from a paint store.
The small cards are not enough of a guide
to judge color intensity. Instead, paint a
poster board your desired color and put
it on the wall. Look at it during different
times of the day and from various dis-
tances to decide if this is the color you
really want.
Increasing your imagination and visu-
alizing alternative choices allows you to
make better, more informed decisions. It
also helps to talk to your contractor or in-
terior designer about the different options
available on the market. Their expertise
can save you a lot of time and frustration.
Tip 4: Pick the best products for your
budget. Your home is your most valu-
able asset, and it pays to protect that asset.
This means not using low quality products
when remodeling. Even though there are
a variety of design techniques and prod-
ucts available on today’s market, you don’t
want to cut corners in the hopes of saving
a few dollars and put quality at risk. This
is especially true if you plan on staying in
your home for a long period of time.
Inferior products can be a hazard to
you and your home. They can also end up
costing you more in the long run through
increased energy bills, maintenance costs,
and replacement fees.
Tip 5: Don’t overextend yourself on a
do-it-yourself project. Creating additional
problems and not having the expertise to
finish a project once you start it are two
pitfalls encountered by do-it-yourselfers.
Not only will you have to deal with the
added levels of frustration, but your costs
can also skyrocket when additional work
needs to be done. You might also have
trouble finding a contractor who will fix
your problems. Some remodelers refuse to
take on a do-it-yourself project gone bad.
And with contractors busier than ever, it
may be a long time before one can fit your
job into an already busy schedule.
Even though most homeowners enjoy
working around the home, there comes
a time when a job is just too big for their
capabilities. Before starting a job, know
what is involved and what your limitations
are.
Tip 6: Start a job at the appropriate
time. Timing is critical when planning a
home improvement project. Pick a start
date and an approximate finish date that
best fits your schedule and your contrac-
tor’s schedule. Be realistic. Don’t expect a
kitchen remodel to be completed in two
weeks when it could take more than a
month just to get the cabinets from the
manufacturer.
Timing the project can also reduce
stress. You don’t want to have your kitchen
torn apart when you’re planning a holiday
dinner or have your water turned off while
hosting company. If you are planning an
addition and need to have part of your
home opened up, think about what time
of the year would be best to have the home
exposed to the weather. You may want to
plan your family vacation to coincide with
the remodeling project.
Tip 7: Avoid the domino effect. It’s
easy for homeowners to fall prey to the
domino effect - so watch out. This hap-
pens when you have one room in the
home remodeled, such as the kitchen,
and it looks so good that you want to have
the living room done, then the bedroom,
then the bathroom. Before you know it,
you have the contractor working in every
room in the house, If you’re looking to
overextend your budget, this is a great way
to do it.
It’s natural to ask your contractor ques-
tions while he or she is in your home but
don’t be impulsive. If you do decide to
have another room remodeled, go through
the same careful planning stages that you
took for your initial project and create a new
budget.
Tip 8: Manage your budget. You cre-
ated a budget for a good reason - so stick to
it. You don’t want to end up short on cash
and not be able to finish your project, and
you don’t want to end up so far in debt
that you will regret ever making any home
improvements. Work with your contractor.
He or she should know how much money
you are willing to invest in the remodeling
project, and the professional can help your
job stay within cost.
You should also keep ten percent of your
budget as a reserve for the unexpected. Un-
foreseen costs will inevitably arise, and you
don’t want to get caught unprepared. The
reserve will allow for any sudden increase
in materials.
Tip 9: Avoid over remodeling for
your neighborhood. No matter how much
money you invest in your home, there is
only so much that you will be able to re-
coup if you decide to sell it. So if resale is in
your future, know your limits. Check the
real estate market to see what homes in your
area are worth. You will not increase the
resale value of your home by remodeling if
your home is already at its maximum value
for your neighborhood.
If you plan to stay in your home for a
long period of time, however, then spend
whatever is necessary on remodeling to
make you feel comfortable.
Tip 10: Know your rights. Before you
sign any contract, be sure you know what
is involved. Don’t blindly sign any contract
and sign away your rights as a consumer.
A contract should include a comprehensive
description of the project, a payment sched-
ule, a timetable, and the types of products
that will be used. The responsibilities of the
contractor and any subcontractors should
also be detailed.
A contract also needs to list provisions
for warranties, changes in procedures, and
in case problems arise, alternative dispute
resolution clauses. •
 bugs be gone
Exterminating Pesky Pests
by Jacqueline Renfrow
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.
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 crit-
ters 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 Con-
trol, ants and spiders are the most common
home invaders. “There are many species of
ants in California, the most common be-
ing 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 Califor-
nia – 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 clear-
ance from shrubs and flowers from the structure, and
keep sprinkler water from hitting your home. Also,
maintain proper sanitation around trash cans.
Photo © fotolia.com/GraçaVictoria.
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.
 ADVERTISER INDEX
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 ADVERTISER INDEX
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