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Interior Home Improvement Trends & Tips
April, 2011 - Issue #78
BATH
The interior designer says...
A well-designed bath will be your oasis. Starting the day on a high note is easy when your bath radiates calm. Create a personal space all your own at a small vanity with a framed mirror and a few of your favorite things, such as fresh flowers, an old-fashioned shaving kit or personal mementos.
Even with a smaller budget, there's no need to sacrifice quality or craftsmanship on your remodel. There are many cabinet, countertop, tile and fixture choices that are very inexpensive. With the help of a seasoned pro, you'll find the deals you need for a look that's much more "expensive" than its actual cost. For a price you can afford, you can get high-end quality tradesmen, backed by a company that is licensed, bonded and insured. Hillpointe Construction 200-3800 www.hillpointe.com
An expertly-remodeled bathroom requires great attention to the smallest details - but before you get there, you need a plan. Scour through a professional's online portfolio to get a better idea regarding your likes and dislikes, then select a team that can assist you in streamlining the project - from plans to permits, designers to final selections and installs. Working with a company that thrives from referrals and makes customer satisfaction a number-one priority will ensure satisfaction; Terry Beeler & Son General Contractor, Inc. 251-4630 www.beelerbuildsembetter.com
Get a fresh look with updated shower and tub doors. Designs come in framed and frameless, with L-shaped stay-clean tracks for easy maintenance. A wide variety of tempered glass choices are available, too, from clear, smoked, or obscured to etched, painted, or carved safety glass. Preferred Glass & Windows 298-2165 www.preferredglassandwindows.com
Tile and mosaic medallions are luxurious additions to a remodeled bathroom. Equally gorgeous on the ceiling (think: an elegant chandelier dropping dramatically from a mosaic medallion) or as part of your flooring (popular choices include mosaic tile where bathmats would traditionally be placed), the key to finding the perfect tile is locating a one-stop-shop with phenomenal selection. Surfaces USA www.surfacesusa.com 200-0085
FURNISHINGS
The interior designer says...
The trend in design is to blend the interior with the exterior of your home. You can accomplish this flow with a cohesive color scheme, repetition of a texture or use of materials. These design tricks lead the eye from inside to outside and visually expands the living space.
Distressed wood from old barns can be remade into beautiful furniture. The wood can be left unfinished for a rustic look or treated and stained to create a more polished finish. Mixing distressed wood pieces in a contemporary or eclectic space will warm the room and create a more interesting, layered style. Mention this article and receive 10 percent off your first purchase. Suburban Chateau 775-2980 www.suburbanchateau.com
New furnishings are a treat, especially when they're on sale. Take up to 40 percent off of retail prices at Douglas Furniture's Sofa Sale. Choose from thousands of leathers and fabrics; custom orders and sizes are included, too, as are recliners. Special pricing is available now throughout the store on a variety of fine furniture selections. Douglas Furniture 255-8366 www.dougfurn.com
WINDOW COVERINGS
The interior designer says...
A custom drapery will enhance the decor in your room, but it can also hide an unsightly view and filter damaging sunlight. Window treatments offer a great opportunity to emphasize the vertical elevation of the space. Here's a design trick: Mount draperies above and wider than small window openings to create the illusion of a larger opening in the room.
This season, dress your windows in style and enjoy generous rebate savings, too. The HunterDouglas Energy Smart Style Savings Event features rebates of $25 to $300 per unit and runs through April 29, 2011. Choose from honeycomb shades, gliding window panels, privacy sheers, modern draperies, window shadings and more. Alpine Shutters 251-1038 www.alpineshutters.com
KITCHEN
The interior designer says...
Most homeowners want their kitchen to look great, but the primary objective is to have a highly-functional workspace. A professionally-designed kitchen will have both. An important design rule (broken in many kitchens) is the "Work Triangle," which is made up of an imaginary line drawn from the center of the sink, to the center of the cook top, to the center of the refrigerator and finally back to the sink. The sum of the triangle's three sides should not exceed 26 feet; each leg should measure 4 to 9 feet. This will place the kitchen's major workstations near the cook, but not too close that the kitchen becomes cramped. So how does your kitchen measure up?
Organization always makes everyone's life easier, especially in the kitchen. Imagine opening a cabinet and quickly finding what you need. With options like Lazy Susans in your cabinets; drawer organizers; pullouts for your pantry; and soft close drawers, you will save time and frustration. Top that off with the counter material of your choice (granite and Cesarstone are great choices) and finish with an easy-to-clean under-mount sink. Custom-made cabinets are designed to fit your unique lifestyle, and high-quality manufactured cabinets are more affordable than ever. Dannick Design 775-7430 www.dannickdesign.com
Incorporating a small family room into a small kitchen makes for a much more user-friendly space. When little kitchens are paired with little family rooms, neither serve the functions they aspire to. During casual family gatherings, everyone seems to want to be in both rooms at the same time. More and more, we are merging these rooms cohesively. Just as newer home builders are realizing that the "great room" serves the family better than a living room, our kitchen-family rooms honor the way families spend time together. Kathy's Kitchen & Bath Design 645-2104 http://kathyskitchens.shutterfly.com
Stain-resistant granite makes for a worry-free kitchen you aren't afraid to use. SenSa Granite by Cosentino offers long-term stain protection, strength, durability and elegance. The 15-year warranty against stains stands on proven technology that permanently bonds SenGuard stain protection to the stone. The result is a low-maintenance countertop that's easy to clean and comes in a wide array of colors. Woodward Kitchen and Bath 251-3865
Refinishing or refacing kitchen cabinets is an affordable way to beautifully change the look of your kitchen. Wondering if cabinet refinishing is in your budget? Snap a few photos and email them to americanfinefinish@mac.com. They'll reply with a quick quote. American Fine Finishing 775-2706 www.affpics.com
PAINT & FINISH
The interior designer says...
Look no further than the red carpet to identify current color trends. Fashion and design influence each other, so it may not surprise you to read that pink is the hot color of 2011. Softer than red, but just as warm, pink is the most flattering color at night, especially when paired with candlelight. There is a shade of pink that can please everyone, men included. Benjamin Moore's "Fairest Pink" is a color with depth that works great with shades of brown or black.
Select a color palate that you love. If you are planning on selling your home in the short term, neutrals are always a good choice. But the rest of us should surround ourselves with color that coordinates with the feelings we hope to inspire in that space. Color palate choice, however, can be overwhelming. Professional, personalized color consultations are available and, when partnered with eco-friendly, superior products and the best in preparation and application, the long-lasting results will make you smile every day. Mint Condition Painting & Moulding 251-5521 www.mintconditionpainting.com
Few wall finishes can provide the warmth and character that comes so effortlessly to authentic Venetian plaster. Unlike the thick paint sold at DIY stores, real Venetian plaster is actually created from aggregate minerals mined from Italy. Applied by hands trained by Italian artisans, the top-end finish is less like paint and more like stone. Available in a wide range of tones (think: mustards, creams, even greens) and textures, Venetian plaster evolves your space in a way that even new furnishings can't match. Anything but basic, this unique wall treatment is especially at home in living spaces where cozy congregations of loved ones are desired. Cindi Rowley Designs 259-8792 www.cindirowleydesigns.com
When you're looking for something more unique than common beadboard, old-fashioned raised-panel wainscoting is the answer. With a beautiful beveled edge and refined corners, raised-panel wainscoting is the cream of the moulding crop. More rare than its plain cousins (because few professionals know how to install it flawlessly), raised-panel wainscoting is a coveted addition in dining rooms and other larger spaces. Requiring a creative mind and practiced hands, this divine application can set your home apart from the rest. Ayers Painting & Moulding 478-5596
FABRIC IMPROVEMENTS & ACCENTS
The interior designer says...
Express yourself with favorite colors and designs with accessories, pillows and throws. Create a new look by switching out pillows or creating custom slipcovers to breathe new life into old, worn furniture. (Pre-wash your fabric prior to having the slipcovers made to ensure a perfect fit after future washings.)
Make a big statement with small collections. Consider the impact of a grouping of crystal-embellished designer picture frames; a treasured display of Sid Dickens memory blocks; entertaining pieces that also serve as gorgeous accessories, like Michael Aram's Black Orchid line; and more. You don't need to overwhelm a space to express your personal sense of style and elegance. La Via Bella (now on Town Center Drive) 222-7006 www.laviabella.com
Create a truly custom look by selecting from thousands of fabrics. Coming Home Fabrics has started to transform their showroom to include full 54-inch-wide samples. Available now are a vivid selection designed by Dwell Studios for Robert Allen, followed by an extensive selection of Waverly fabrics. Fashion fabrics will be shown as short yardage samples so that you always have access to the latest and most popular patterns and colors. Basic fabrics will always be in stock, too. Coming Home Fabrics 255-5023
Tami Smight is a full-service interior designer who provides an extensive menu of design services. She is, among other things, responsible for the best-dressed windows in the Santa Clarita Valley; 430-0127 www.tamismightinteriors.com
Carpet that Helps You Breathe Easier
New & Improved Carpet Installation
Brent's Carpet One (255-3337 www.brentscarpetone.com) is now offering "Healthier Living Installation," and if your family has ever struggled with allergies or asthma (or if you just like things neat and clean!), read on. This new process of carpet removal revolves, in part, around the ultra efficiency of a professional HEPA-vacuum system. It starts with a thorough vacuuming of the carpet, which is then removed by professional installers wearing booties (so as not to track dust or allergens through the home). The pad is also vacuumed, then safely removed, and the space is cleaned again. The staff then sprays a non-chemical antibacterial fluid on the floor, which physically ruptures the cells of even the tiniest microbes. Brent's professionals are licensed to use this incredible concoction, which has been proven safe for both pets and people. Smaller spaces can even be draped off from the rest of the home to prevent any wayward particles of dust from entering other parts of the house. The result is carpet removal with significantly less dust and particles entering your living space. When followed by the installation of hypoallergenic, antimicrobial carpet cushions, even highly-sensitive family members will be able to breathe easier.
Don't Worry about Mold when your Carpet is Truly Dry
Too often, carpet cleaning is delayed to avoid taking the carpet out of service for long periods of time. And there's always the irony that, in an attempt to remove things like mold spores, buckets of water are left (along with dirt, mold and allergens) on the carpet by traditional carpet-cleaning methods. The beauty of the Host Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning System is that carpet cleaning can be routine and not a special production. Vacuuming, pile lifting, spot cleaning, traffic lane cleaning and overall cleaning can be performed any time. Because Host is low moisture, carpets are back in service as soon as the cleaning is done. The Host Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning System is a proven method for achieving clean and dry carpet that looks its best every day. Host is recommended by leading carpet manufacturers worldwide and is safe for all types of carpet including stain-resistant, sisal, wool, and even delicate oriental rugs. Truly Dry Carpet Cleaning (476-7775 www.trulydry.com) uses the Host Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning System.
The interior designer says...
A well-designed bath will be your oasis. Starting the day on a high note is easy when your bath radiates calm. Create a personal space all your own at a small vanity with a framed mirror and a few of your favorite things, such as fresh flowers, an old-fashioned shaving kit or personal mementos.
Even with a smaller budget, there's no need to sacrifice quality or craftsmanship on your remodel. There are many cabinet, countertop, tile and fixture choices that are very inexpensive. With the help of a seasoned pro, you'll find the deals you need for a look that's much more "expensive" than its actual cost. For a price you can afford, you can get high-end quality tradesmen, backed by a company that is licensed, bonded and insured. Hillpointe Construction 200-3800 www.hillpointe.com
 |
Get a fresh look with updated shower and tub doors. Designs come in framed and frameless, with L-shaped stay-clean tracks for easy maintenance. A wide variety of tempered glass choices are available, too, from clear, smoked, or obscured to etched, painted, or carved safety glass. Preferred Glass & Windows 298-2165 www.preferredglassandwindows.com
Tile and mosaic medallions are luxurious additions to a remodeled bathroom. Equally gorgeous on the ceiling (think: an elegant chandelier dropping dramatically from a mosaic medallion) or as part of your flooring (popular choices include mosaic tile where bathmats would traditionally be placed), the key to finding the perfect tile is locating a one-stop-shop with phenomenal selection. Surfaces USA www.surfacesusa.com 200-0085
FURNISHINGS
The interior designer says...
The trend in design is to blend the interior with the exterior of your home. You can accomplish this flow with a cohesive color scheme, repetition of a texture or use of materials. These design tricks lead the eye from inside to outside and visually expands the living space.
Distressed wood from old barns can be remade into beautiful furniture. The wood can be left unfinished for a rustic look or treated and stained to create a more polished finish. Mixing distressed wood pieces in a contemporary or eclectic space will warm the room and create a more interesting, layered style. Mention this article and receive 10 percent off your first purchase. Suburban Chateau 775-2980 www.suburbanchateau.com
 |
WINDOW COVERINGS
The interior designer says...
A custom drapery will enhance the decor in your room, but it can also hide an unsightly view and filter damaging sunlight. Window treatments offer a great opportunity to emphasize the vertical elevation of the space. Here's a design trick: Mount draperies above and wider than small window openings to create the illusion of a larger opening in the room.
This season, dress your windows in style and enjoy generous rebate savings, too. The HunterDouglas Energy Smart Style Savings Event features rebates of $25 to $300 per unit and runs through April 29, 2011. Choose from honeycomb shades, gliding window panels, privacy sheers, modern draperies, window shadings and more. Alpine Shutters 251-1038 www.alpineshutters.com
 |
The interior designer says...
Most homeowners want their kitchen to look great, but the primary objective is to have a highly-functional workspace. A professionally-designed kitchen will have both. An important design rule (broken in many kitchens) is the "Work Triangle," which is made up of an imaginary line drawn from the center of the sink, to the center of the cook top, to the center of the refrigerator and finally back to the sink. The sum of the triangle's three sides should not exceed 26 feet; each leg should measure 4 to 9 feet. This will place the kitchen's major workstations near the cook, but not too close that the kitchen becomes cramped. So how does your kitchen measure up?
Organization always makes everyone's life easier, especially in the kitchen. Imagine opening a cabinet and quickly finding what you need. With options like Lazy Susans in your cabinets; drawer organizers; pullouts for your pantry; and soft close drawers, you will save time and frustration. Top that off with the counter material of your choice (granite and Cesarstone are great choices) and finish with an easy-to-clean under-mount sink. Custom-made cabinets are designed to fit your unique lifestyle, and high-quality manufactured cabinets are more affordable than ever. Dannick Design 775-7430 www.dannickdesign.com
Incorporating a small family room into a small kitchen makes for a much more user-friendly space. When little kitchens are paired with little family rooms, neither serve the functions they aspire to. During casual family gatherings, everyone seems to want to be in both rooms at the same time. More and more, we are merging these rooms cohesively. Just as newer home builders are realizing that the "great room" serves the family better than a living room, our kitchen-family rooms honor the way families spend time together. Kathy's Kitchen & Bath Design 645-2104 http://kathyskitchens.shutterfly.com
Stain-resistant granite makes for a worry-free kitchen you aren't afraid to use. SenSa Granite by Cosentino offers long-term stain protection, strength, durability and elegance. The 15-year warranty against stains stands on proven technology that permanently bonds SenGuard stain protection to the stone. The result is a low-maintenance countertop that's easy to clean and comes in a wide array of colors. Woodward Kitchen and Bath 251-3865
Refinishing or refacing kitchen cabinets is an affordable way to beautifully change the look of your kitchen. Wondering if cabinet refinishing is in your budget? Snap a few photos and email them to americanfinefinish@mac.com. They'll reply with a quick quote. American Fine Finishing 775-2706 www.affpics.com
 |
The interior designer says...
Look no further than the red carpet to identify current color trends. Fashion and design influence each other, so it may not surprise you to read that pink is the hot color of 2011. Softer than red, but just as warm, pink is the most flattering color at night, especially when paired with candlelight. There is a shade of pink that can please everyone, men included. Benjamin Moore's "Fairest Pink" is a color with depth that works great with shades of brown or black.
Select a color palate that you love. If you are planning on selling your home in the short term, neutrals are always a good choice. But the rest of us should surround ourselves with color that coordinates with the feelings we hope to inspire in that space. Color palate choice, however, can be overwhelming. Professional, personalized color consultations are available and, when partnered with eco-friendly, superior products and the best in preparation and application, the long-lasting results will make you smile every day. Mint Condition Painting & Moulding 251-5521 www.mintconditionpainting.com
Few wall finishes can provide the warmth and character that comes so effortlessly to authentic Venetian plaster. Unlike the thick paint sold at DIY stores, real Venetian plaster is actually created from aggregate minerals mined from Italy. Applied by hands trained by Italian artisans, the top-end finish is less like paint and more like stone. Available in a wide range of tones (think: mustards, creams, even greens) and textures, Venetian plaster evolves your space in a way that even new furnishings can't match. Anything but basic, this unique wall treatment is especially at home in living spaces where cozy congregations of loved ones are desired. Cindi Rowley Designs 259-8792 www.cindirowleydesigns.com
When you're looking for something more unique than common beadboard, old-fashioned raised-panel wainscoting is the answer. With a beautiful beveled edge and refined corners, raised-panel wainscoting is the cream of the moulding crop. More rare than its plain cousins (because few professionals know how to install it flawlessly), raised-panel wainscoting is a coveted addition in dining rooms and other larger spaces. Requiring a creative mind and practiced hands, this divine application can set your home apart from the rest. Ayers Painting & Moulding 478-5596
 |
The interior designer says...
Express yourself with favorite colors and designs with accessories, pillows and throws. Create a new look by switching out pillows or creating custom slipcovers to breathe new life into old, worn furniture. (Pre-wash your fabric prior to having the slipcovers made to ensure a perfect fit after future washings.)
Make a big statement with small collections. Consider the impact of a grouping of crystal-embellished designer picture frames; a treasured display of Sid Dickens memory blocks; entertaining pieces that also serve as gorgeous accessories, like Michael Aram's Black Orchid line; and more. You don't need to overwhelm a space to express your personal sense of style and elegance. La Via Bella (now on Town Center Drive) 222-7006 www.laviabella.com
Create a truly custom look by selecting from thousands of fabrics. Coming Home Fabrics has started to transform their showroom to include full 54-inch-wide samples. Available now are a vivid selection designed by Dwell Studios for Robert Allen, followed by an extensive selection of Waverly fabrics. Fashion fabrics will be shown as short yardage samples so that you always have access to the latest and most popular patterns and colors. Basic fabrics will always be in stock, too. Coming Home Fabrics 255-5023
Tami Smight is a full-service interior designer who provides an extensive menu of design services. She is, among other things, responsible for the best-dressed windows in the Santa Clarita Valley; 430-0127 www.tamismightinteriors.com
 |
New & Improved Carpet Installation
Brent's Carpet One (255-3337 www.brentscarpetone.com) is now offering "Healthier Living Installation," and if your family has ever struggled with allergies or asthma (or if you just like things neat and clean!), read on. This new process of carpet removal revolves, in part, around the ultra efficiency of a professional HEPA-vacuum system. It starts with a thorough vacuuming of the carpet, which is then removed by professional installers wearing booties (so as not to track dust or allergens through the home). The pad is also vacuumed, then safely removed, and the space is cleaned again. The staff then sprays a non-chemical antibacterial fluid on the floor, which physically ruptures the cells of even the tiniest microbes. Brent's professionals are licensed to use this incredible concoction, which has been proven safe for both pets and people. Smaller spaces can even be draped off from the rest of the home to prevent any wayward particles of dust from entering other parts of the house. The result is carpet removal with significantly less dust and particles entering your living space. When followed by the installation of hypoallergenic, antimicrobial carpet cushions, even highly-sensitive family members will be able to breathe easier.
Don't Worry about Mold when your Carpet is Truly Dry
Too often, carpet cleaning is delayed to avoid taking the carpet out of service for long periods of time. And there's always the irony that, in an attempt to remove things like mold spores, buckets of water are left (along with dirt, mold and allergens) on the carpet by traditional carpet-cleaning methods. The beauty of the Host Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning System is that carpet cleaning can be routine and not a special production. Vacuuming, pile lifting, spot cleaning, traffic lane cleaning and overall cleaning can be performed any time. Because Host is low moisture, carpets are back in service as soon as the cleaning is done. The Host Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning System is a proven method for achieving clean and dry carpet that looks its best every day. Host is recommended by leading carpet manufacturers worldwide and is safe for all types of carpet including stain-resistant, sisal, wool, and even delicate oriental rugs. Truly Dry Carpet Cleaning (476-7775 www.trulydry.com) uses the Host Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning System.
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