photography by Ted Dayton

Quick Changes for Kitchens & Baths
"There are simple things that can update your space. Focus on decorative elements, as opposed to the whole area," advises Dustin Downen of Marty's Flooring America (252-2522). What Downen suggests:
• Change your baseboards and add crown moulding
• Switch out backsplashes (but leave the countertops!)
• Change the trim molding on the tile

Another quick fix: glazing your chipped or out-of-date tubs and sinks. Stains, rust and poor-color-choices turn sparkling new and white with the Hanna's Tub & Sink Glazing service (433-5866).

Perhaps the fastest, cleanest fix comes courtesy of Truly Dry (476-7775). The "walk on it right after the service" carpet-cleaning company has also cultivated a fantastic reputation for cleaning tile and grout. Seeing is believing. Check out the before and afters at www.trulydry.com, then schedule your own bleach- and acid-free appointment and get the new-tile look without the new-tile price.

Replace those (always-falling-off) sliding shower doors with a frameless glass shower enclosure from Preferred Glass & Windows (298-2165). Make sure to get the Clear Glass Coating, which will prevent hard-water stains and residue, making your enclosure looking fresh and new for years.

Fast Fan Fix
Dirty, poorly-operating ceiling fans detract from your home's ambiance and reduce the life of your fans. Starting at only $35 per fan, the Fantastic Fan (208-0100) company will completely clean your fans, removing each blade, degreasing the housing, steam-removing dust that forms inside the housing of the fan, tightening screws and lubricating bearings. It's all done quickly and without leaving a mess for you! You'll only be left with clean fans that run noise free. Owner Kevin Khouri can even install a new fan for you.

Four Questions to a more Beautiful Home
Stephanie Laney, professional interior designer and owner of Clear Images (254-2260), starts the design process by asking four questions to help research, define and achieve your home-improvement goals. They are: "What are your current and future lifestyle needs?" "What are your favorite colors and textures?" "What style or period do you favor?"and "What design styles do you prefer not to have in your home?" Whether you are working with a pro or DIY designing, the answers to these questions will serve as a guide through the entire process.

Reframe the Way You Think about Photos, Artwork & Mirrors
Re-framing or rematting prints and artwork offers a number of options for colors and finishes that will transform the look of your art - and your room! Choices range from ultra casual, such as distressed or shabby chic, to high elegance. Mat borders also come in a wide variety of colors and textures like suede, linen and silk. Wood frames naturally complement botanicals and landscapes, whereas gold tones can bring out the best in animation cells or photographs. Three dimensional objects can be framed in shadow boxes, creating a great conversation piece.

Framed mirrors are another way to transform a room. If you have a small room, add a mirror to make it look bigger. A framed mirror in a narrow stairwell opens it up. Bring some light into a dark room by hanging the mirror to reflect inside light, or better yet, catch the light from a window. Placing a mirror so that it reflects another piece of artwork or tapestries can help to make a large room feel warmer.
Tips courtesy of Fast Frame 291-1325.

The Qualifying Standards to be "Just SCV's Best"
Contractors license; positive history with the Better Business Bureau; Workers Comp, bond and liability insurance; competitive rates by industry standards; in business from five or more years; possess established place of business
(no PO boxes); positive performance with Registrar of Contractors; three professional and three personal references. Log onto Justscvsbest.com and find out how working with "the best" Santa Clarita home-improvement businesses comes with real benefits!

photography by Ted Dayton

Shutters: One Change, a Lifetime of Enjoyment
When you develop a remodeling budget, one major consideration should be, "How soon will I have to replace my new items?" When it comes to window coverings, the best, most economical choice for a long-term budget is shutters. Shutters are the one window covering that you won't have to replace. They are designed to last the lifetime of your home.

The savings don't stop there. Windows are also the biggest source of heat and cooling loss in your home. You will save real dollars in your heating and cooling costs with shutters on your windows. The insulation value of shutters makes a significant difference on your monthly budget by keeping the heat out during the summer and keeping the heat in during the winter. Shutters will eventually pay for themselves in utility savings.

To make your remodeling budget sound, you have to buy your shutters from a reputable source. In Santa Clarita, that source is CountryView Shutters (800-980-7838). They have been serving the community for years by providing the highest quality shutters, made completely in their own factory, offering superior customer service and a lifetime warranty. CountryView Shutters offers same as cash, no-interest financing on approved credit.

Change your Space with Only Three Yards of Fabric
"You can completely refresh a room with a very affordable fabric purchase," says Tom Fisk of Coming Home Fabrics (255-5023). With only three yards of fabric (and some simple sewing or craft skills!) you can make...
• Six to eight dining chair seats
• Four pillows
• One drapery panel
• A Valance over a six-foot window
• A shower curtain

Wednesday > September 22
La Via Bella Hosts Grand Opening of New Location in Valencia
From 5 p.m. to 8. p.m. at their new location at 24300 Town Center Drive #106, meet La Via Bella owners and staff while enjoying light refreshments and Grand Opening discounts of up to 30 percent. La Via Bella is an exclusive retailer of Sid Dickens, Ambella, Jan Barboglio, Sweet Dreams, Monica Willard, Jay Strongwater and Zoe Dufour Jewels. Their collection of fine home furnishings and accessories is considered one of the best in the SCV and beyond; 222-7006 www.laviabella.com