D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 9 T H E C O M P L E T E R E S O U R C E M A G A Z I N E F O R Y O U R H O M E D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 9 T H E C O M P L E T E R E S O U R C E M A G A Z I N E F O R Y O U R H O M E

D A L L A S / FO R T WO R T HD A L L A S / FO R T WO R T H

KITCHEN & BATH SPECIAL ISSUE FEATURING:KITCHEN & BATH SPECIAL ISSUE FEATURING:• QUESTIONS TO ASK

BEFORE YOU REMODEL

• CREATING THE MODERN BATH

• THE KITCHEN WORK TRIANGLE

• KITCHEN & BATH WORKBOOK

• QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU REMODEL

• CREATING THE MODERN BATH

• THE KITCHEN WORK TRIANGLE

• KITCHEN & BATH WORKBOOK

KitchenBathG U I D E

2010

KitchenBath

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house& home | December 2009 | house and home on l ine . com4

Kitchen & Bath Guide

15 Questions to Ask Before You Remodel

19 The Modern Bath

22 The Kitchen Work Triangle

24 Kitchen & Bath Workbook

Holiday Gift Guide Perfect presents for the season

Fabulous Fireplace MakeoverEnjoy warmth and comfort all year long

14

26

30

departments

features

PUBLISHER . . . . . . .Mike Harrison, Ph.D.

EDITOR & ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amanda Flatten

ART DIRECTOR . . . . . . . . . .Robert Coplin

EDITORIAL INTERN . . . . . .Marie Williams

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . Leigh Bell, Jeffrey Jacoby, Tyson Woods

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES . ..Colleen Ballew,

. . . . . . . . . Dawn Betrus, Amy Bouaazzi,

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Tammi Greene

OFFICE MANAGER . . . . . . . Cheryl Collier

PRINTING . . . . . . . . . DROR International

PUBLISHED BY MBH PUBLISHING, LLC

D A L L A S / F O R T W O R T H

MBH Inc., dba Dallas/Fort Worth House &Home ("DFWH&H"), is a news magazine withemphasis on interior design and remodeling.House & Home does not knowingly acceptfalse or misleading advertising or editorialcontent, nor does H&H or its staff assumeresponsibility should such advertising or edi-torial content appear in any publication.

House & Home has not independently test-ed any services or products advertised hereinand has not verified claims made by its adver-tisers regarding those services or products.House & Home makes no warranties or repre-sentations and assumes no liability for anyclaims regarding those services or products orclaims made by advertisers. Readers areadvised to consult with the advertiser and/orother home repair and renovation profession-als regarding the suitability of an advertiser'sproducts.

No reproduction is permitted without thewritten consent of the Publisher. Copyright2009, all rights reserved. Subscriptions avail-able for home delivery at a cost of $25 peryear.

P.O. Box 117023Carrollton, TX 75011-7023

972.395.3409

December 2009 | Vo l . 8 Issue 12contents

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10

on the coverBlending traditional with modern, thiskitchen by Hatfield Builders (www.hatfieldbuilders.net) features hand-scraped oak floor-ing, black galaxy granite countertops, a glasstile backsplash, custom cabinetry, pendantlighting and stainless steel appliances.Photography by Ken Vaughan

Editor’s Note

Around TownOut and about in the Metroplex

What’s NewAwards, store openings and more

Green HouseAvoiding the Garbage Grinch

Cooking At HomeHoliday baking with pumpkin

GardeningStopping Crepe Murder

34

32

BEFORE AFTER

BEFORE AFTER

The kitchen andbath are two of themost popularrooms to remodel.While revamping thesespaces can be expen-sive, it will add themost value to yourhome.

Beginning on Page14, our 2010 Kitchen

& Bath Guide tackles all the issues home-owners face when transforming theseimportant rooms. Hours and hours ofplanning, research and effort go into get-ting the perfect kitchen or bath. Whetheryou are updating an existing space, orbuilding a new home, this guide providesthe resources you need to get the resultyou want.

Cost, foundation, time, style — youmust take everything into considerationbefore you take on a kitchen or bath redo.On Page 15, discover all the questions youneed to ask yourself before beginning aproject, from how much money you arewilling to invest and the goals you want toachieve, to where to start and determiningthe areas in which you should spend themost money.

Then in “Building Blocks of theModern Bath” on Page 19, find out howthe modern bath has changed over theyears. Today’s homeowners want a spa-quality bathroom, and every aspect isessential to create a special retreat: fixtures,cabinets, mirrors, lighting and more.

The guide concludes with a completeworksheet that will help you determine allthe details and materials that are mostimportant to create the look and functionyou desire most in your kitchen or bath.

Also in this issue, check out the bestlocal gift ideas in the Holiday Gift Guideon Page 26. Finally on Page 30, turn upthe warmth in your home with ideasabout how to transform your fireplace intoa showpiece.

Happy holidays from everyone atHouse & Home.

AMANDA FLATTENEditor

editor’s note

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house& home | December 2009 | house and home on l ine . com8

around town By MARIE WILLIAMSDecember 2009

The Valley House Gallery is hon-ored to present its fourth exhibi-tion of work by Spanish artistMiguel Zapata, titled “MiguelZapata, New Work.” The exhibitruns through Saturday, Dec. 12.The Valley House Gallery is locatedat 6616 Spring Valley Rd., Dallas(between Preston and Hillcrest).Information: 972.239.2441 orwww.valleyhouse.com

Check out the new Four SeasonsMarket, debuting at the FirewheelTown Center. Every Saturday from 9a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can enjoyproducts from local farmers, spe-cialty food producers and localcraftsmen, while sampling and pur-chasing select products. TheFirewheel Town Center is located at245 Cedar Sage, Garland.Information: 214.295.7463 orwww.fourseasonsmarkets.com

Anteks Home Furnishings, 1135Dragon St., Dallas, is hosting theShiprock Santa Fe Trunk Show onFriday and Saturday, Dec. 4 and 5.Jed Foutz and Jamie Way will show-case vintage Navajo blankets, rugsand a selection of historic and con-temporary jewelry from ShiprockSanta Fe Collection. A public pre-view with cocktails will be Fridayfrom 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., whileappraisals and viewing will be fromnoon to 5 p.m. on Saturday.Admission is free. Information:214.528.5567 or www.antekshome.com

The Plaza at Preston Center, 8300-

8400 Preston Rd. and 4001-4033E. Northwest Highway, Dallas, wel-comes Santa and his reindeer,Comet and Cupid, for the 13thannual Santa Days. On Dec. 5, 12and 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.,kids can have their picture takenwith Santa and his reindeer for free,while enjoying the plaza’s holidaydécor and unique shops. SantaDays is perfect for kids to giveSanta their wish lists and parentsto get a head start on holiday shop-ping. Information: 469.232.0000 or www.theplazaatprestoncenter.com

The Colleyville Women’s Club andthe Star-Telegram kick off the 25thAnniversary Holiday Home Tour onSunday, Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. to 5p.m. The tour features five exquisiteresidences, all beautifully decoratedfor the holidays. Santa’s Elves andGift Shop will be located at one ofthe residences, featuring snacks,as well as special gifts for purchasesuch as cookie mix jars, holidayaccessory gift baskets and the clubcookbook, Black Tie & Boots. Raffletickets also will be available. Tourtickets may be purchased inadvance for $20 or bought on theday of the tour for $25. Information:817.358.1805 or www.c-w-c.org

Enjoy select teas and scrumptioustreats prepared to put you in theholiday spirit. The Dallas Arboretum,8525 Garland Road, Dallas, is host-ing its Holiday Tea throughWednesday, Dec. 30. The teas takeplace in the DeGolyer Garden Caféand Tea Room, starting at 11 a.m.

and ending at 2 p.m. Cost is $35per person and RSVP is required.Then, bring the entire family out tobe a part of Holiday at theArboretum. Immediately followingyour tea, enjoy a visit from Mr. andMrs. Claus, a live reindeer and the“Artistry of the Nativity” display,located in the DeGolyer Estate. Thiswork features 500 creations depict-ing cultural interpretations of thenativity. The event goes throughJan. 3. Information: 214.215.6500or www.dallasarboretum.org

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden,3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., FortWorth, is hosting its annual Birds’Christmas Tree on Saturday, Dec. 5from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. During thisfree event, kids can enjoy visitingwith Santa, seeing the BotanicGarden Squirrel, Smokey the Bearand a children’s violin ensemble.Children should bring biodegradablebird feeders to hang in the trees ofthe Botanic Garden’s Grove.Information: 817.871.7686 orwww.fwbg.org

Get your holiday off to a fun startwith a western-themed family event.The Fort Worth Stockyards, 130 E.Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, kicks offChristmas in the Stockyards onDec. 5, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Kidscan enjoy everything from ponyrides, chicken roping, a petting zoo,carriage rides, writing letters toCowboy Santa and caroling. There’s

also live entertainment and thelighting of a 40-foot Christmas treefor everyone. The event is free.Information: 817.625.9715 orwww.fortworthstockyards.org

Whether fresh from the oven orenjoyed as a snack between holidayshopping, cookies are a delicioustreat during the holidays. Sunday,Dec. 13 at 2 p.m., take part in anintense, yet fun cookie workshop atSur La Table, 4527 Travis Street,Dallas. During the Holiday Cookiesclass, Chef Natasha Berlin willshare great recipes to use at homeor for gifts. Cost is $69.Information: 214.219.4479 orwww.surlatable.com

The Dallas Architecture Forum con-tinues its 14th Season of Lectureswith the Executive Director of PhilipJohnson’s Glass House andChristy Maclear for The Bob JamesMemorial Lecture on Thursday,Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. in the HorchowAuditorium at the Dallas Museumof Art, 1717 N. Harwood St.,Dallas. Single tickets, available atthe door only, are $20 for generaladmission, $10 for DMA membersand $5 for students with I.D.Dallas Architecture Forum mem-bers are admitted for free. Thereception will begin at 6:15 p.m.Information: 214.764.2406 orwww.dallasarchitectureforum.org

The Dallas Arboretum is hosting its Holiday Tea times through Wednesday, Dec. 30. The teastake place in the DeGolyer Garden Café and Tea Room, starting at 11 a.m. and ending at 2p.m. Cost is $35 per person.

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s annual Birds’ Christmas Tree event is Saturday, Dec. 5 from11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Children should bring biodegradable bird feeders to hang in the trees ofthe Botanic Garden’s Grove.

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house& home | December 2009 | house and home on l ine . com10

Aspenmark Roofing Solutions, apremier Dallas roofing company,has partnered with Owens Corning,a global leader in building materialsand insulation. Aspenmark will offerinsulation service on all residentialroofing products with the use of theOwens Corning AttiCat System andPink Fiberglass Insulation. OwensCornings’ Pink Fiberglass uses 35percent recycled content, and itsinsulation is an eco-friendly, energy-efficient product that has earnedthe Energy Star Home seal from theU.S. government. AspenmarkRoofing is located at 4730 CarolLane, Dallas. For information, call214.823.7663 or visit www.aspenmarkroofing.com.

Countertop Valet, a new servicedebuting in the Dallas/Fort Wortharea, will come directly to yourhome and install custom, high-quali-ty countertops in a minimum ofthree days. As a special addedbonus, the company is offering com-plimentary cheese boards made outof Silestone quartz, one of themany countertop materials. Forinformation, call 888.508.2538 toschedule an appointment with a per-sonal kitchen stylist or visitwww.countertopvalet.com.

Jennings Plumbing Services is nowoffering Noritz Tankless WaterHeaters. For more information, call972.492.5369.

245Design, an elite group of Dallas-area residential design profession-als, have joined forces to create adynamic marketing and resourceprogram for its members. Servicesinclude: architecture, remodeling,construction, land planning andbuilding. The benefits of the organi-zation include increased exposure,increased sales and profits andexpanded media coverage to pro-mote products and services.Charter members include SuzanneBrown, Dobson Flooring; JeffreyGoodman, Skanadario by GoodmanSupply; Barry Hensley, HensleyPremier Builders; MichelynneMcNeeley, RM SquaredProductions; Jenny Sandlin,Elegante Iron Inc.; Karen Taylor,Southwest Ink Public Relations;Aubrey Tuggle, Tuggle DesignArchitecture; Kevin TuggleInPhase Audio; Geanie Vaughan,Lee Lighting; Elaine Williamson,Architextures Interior Design;and Tyler Wood, Home ArtisanAuthority. For more information,contact Karen Taylor at972.677.7926 or e-mailkaren.taylor@southwestink.com.

Case Handyman andRemodeling Services has beennamed on the 2009 AnnualNational Firms list in remodel-ing, having achieved the No. 4ranking by Qualified RemodelerMagazine. The annual listing is

published to recognize remodelingfirms in six areas such as annualsales volume for the previous year,total number of years in business,association membership, certifiedemployees on staff, industryawards and community service. For more information, call800.513.2250 or visit www.casefranchise.com

Thirteen remodeling companies inGreater Dallas were named local win-ners in the 2010 Contractor of the Year(CotY) Award competition in 19 differ-ent categories. These awards are part ofthe annual competition held by theNational Association of the RemodelingIndustry.

NARI Greater Dallas members receiv-ing local CotY Awards include:Residential Kitchen under $40,000: USIRemodelingResidential Kitchen $40,000 to$80,000: Servant RemodelingResidential Kitchen $80,000 to$120,000: Euro Builders andRemodelersResidential Kitchen over $120,000:Terrasse PropertiesResidential Bath under $30,000: B&RCustom RemodelingResidential Bath $30,000 to $60,000:Euro Builders and Remodelers

Residential Bath over $60,000: TerrassePropertiesResidential Interior under $100,000:DecoArteResidential Addition under $100,000:Terrasse PropertiesResidential Addition $100,000 to$250,000: von Gillern ConstructionResidential Exterior under $100,000:DecoArteResidential Exterior $100,000 and over:Traver ConstructionResidential Exterior Specialty: RHDConstruction CompanyEntire House under $250,000: QualityCraftsmen Inc.Entire House $500,001 to $1,000,000:Capital ImprovementsResidential Historical Renovation/Restoration: Provenance PropertiesCommercial Interior: R.M. ThompsonCompanyCommercial Exterior: R.M. ThompsonCompany

Also at the CotY Awards banquet,Dallas/Forth Worth House & Home mag-azine’s own Tammi Greene, senioraccount executive, was presentedNARI’s 2009 Ambassador Award for pro-motion of NARI Greater Dallas in theindustry. For more information aboutNARI Greater Dallas, call 214.943.6274or visit www.naridallas.org.

what’s new By MARIE W I L L IAMS

Countertop Valet, a new service debuting in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, willcome directly to your home and install custom, high-quality countertops in aminimum of three days.

Terrasse Properties won four NARI CotY Awards, including an award for this modernbath in the Residential Bath over $60,000 category.

11

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house& home | December 2009 | house and home on l ine . com12

Oh, the holidays: a season

of good will and cheer,

merriment and nog. A time

for smiling genuinely at

your ring-bearing sweet-

heart or “genuinely” at

Aunt Martha’s annual con-

tribution to your ugly

sweater collection.

Unfortunately, Santa’s ten-

dency to leave waste in his

wake marks the holiday

season as the unchallenged

Grinch of garbage. In fact,

most trash facilities across

the United States report a

dramatic uptick in waste

collection and processing

during December and January, in some cases two or three times as much

as other months of the year. Good for the trash industry, not so good for

the planet. So, given all of the shopping and wrapping and decorating

and cooking, the cool toys for the tots and really cool toys for the adults,

how does one make their holiday eco-spirit thrive this year?

ON THE FIRST DAY …

Your kids will hate me for saying this, but the most effective solutions for

greening your holiday are also the simplest: Buy less stuff and buy better

stuff. After all, the dirty not-so-secret about the period between

Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is that consumption reaches its annual

peak as we eagerly purchase and discard products new and old, tacky or

toxic. Worse, most of your well-considered purchases will unceremoni-

ously end up tossed in the garbage can within six months time, the aver-

age lifespan for typical consumer products in the United States. Whether

it’s an iPhone or an Xbox, a snow globe or a snow blower, statistics say it

will be buried in the ground or burned in a waste incinerator — or, per-

haps merrier, banished to the Land of Misfit Toys — before next holiday

season. Disposability over durability. That’s why it’s so important to

choose quality over quantity in your gift-giving endeavors.

Of course, most of us can’t afford to buy everyone we know a hand-

crafted, imported, one-of-a-kind … whatever, but we can make wise

decisions with our dollars that help avoid causing ecological cold sweats

during the fever pitch of holiday consumption. A few tips: Purchase

fewer but longer-lasting gifts, services like a gym membership or a day at

the spa rather than physical goods, edible or compostable items like a

bottle of wine or bath soap for small gifts. Heck, you could even do

something naughty like knit Aunt Martha a sweater as a countermeasure

for the well-orchestrated public humiliation scheme she exacts upon you

every year. Plus, from an environmental perspective, it’s durable, long-

lasting and, most importantly, it doesn’t add another piece of cheap plas-

tic junk to the already unsustainable waste stream.

UNMERRY E-MESS

In this the digital age, one sector of the holiday economy deserves spe-

cial mention: electronics. During the holiday buying season, electronic

gadgets fly off the shelves (not by themselves … yet) at a lightning-fast

clip. Simultaneously, as these new e-toys enter the scene, old e-toys exit

— all too often along with yesterday’s garbage. According to U.S. EPA

estimates from 2007, Americans discarded more than 200 million com-

puters, cell phones, monitors, keyboards, mice, TVs, DVD and CD

players, PDAs and the like. Almost two million tons of electronic

devices containing hazardous materials like lead, mercury, cadmium and

brominated flame-retardants, among others, were landfilled. And the

number continues to rise. In fact, electronic waste — or e-waste — is

the fastest-growing portion of the U.S. waste stream and accounts for

most of the heavy metals entering trash facilities across the country.

Fostering fear or admonishing the techno-buyer isn’t the point here

(hey, it is the holidays, right?). Instead, I believe this is the perfect time

of year to remind folks that proper recycling for obsolete electronics is a

must while buying the latest whiz-bang gadget is not. Although the new

iPhone is really cool (remember, adults get the really cool toys), ask

yourself whether or not your year-old iPhone still does the job. After all,

the underlying reason we discarded 200 million e-products has less to do

with utility or functionality and more to do with the perception of

obsolescence. Same rule applies for computers, televisions, gaming sys-

tems and the rest of the constantly evolving and expanding universe of

electronic playthings. As you fall in love with your new flat screen or

Blackberry or netbook, make sure the old one ends up in a safe place.

That’s showing your holiday spirit.

RESOURCES FOR GREENING YOUR HOLIDAY

You can find responsible e-cycling options in a number of communities

throughout the Metroplex and the state at www.TexasTakeBack.org. You

can see a litany of green gift ideas at www.treehugger.com/giftguide/ or

www.green-living.com. For more information on sustainable electronics

purchasing and the companies that score highest on an eco-scale, visit

www.electronicstakeback.org.

Jeffrey Jacoby is program director for Texas Campaign for the Environment, a grass-

roots nonprofit working locally and statewide to press for sustainable waste and recy-

cling policies. Call 214.599.7840 or visit www.texasenvironment.org.

By J EFFREY JACOBYgreen house

Avoiding the Garbage Grinch

13

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A MUSTSEE!

w w w . h o u s e a n d h o m e o n l i n e . c o m

• QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU REMODEL

• BUILDING BLOCKS OF THE MODERN BATH

• THE KITCHEN WORK TRIANGLE

• KITCHEN & BATH WORKBOOK

• QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU REMODEL

• BUILDING BLOCKS OF THE MODERN BATH

• THE KITCHEN WORK TRIANGLE

• KITCHEN & BATH WORKBOOK

KitchenBathG U I D E

2010

KitchenBathG U I D E

2010

COVER:

Kitchen remodel by

TRAVER CONSTRUCTION

Photography by Ken Vaughan

COVER:

Kitchen remodel by

TRAVER CONSTRUCTION

Photography by Ken Vaughan

15

Your Formica kitchen countertops scream 1982, and the bathroom hasn’t changed sinceyou sang REO Speedwagon in the shower. Perhaps it’stime for a remodel.

Don’t just dive in. Outside of adding on, revamp-ing a kitchen or bath is one of the most expensiveyet valuable changes you can make to your home. Inthe Dallas area, a mid-range kitchen remodel runsabout $21,000 if it’s minor and about $57,000 if it’smajor, and a bath remodel costs about $16,000,according to Remodeling magazine. It’s not cheap,but roughly 78 percent of that money is recouped inincreased resale value, says the publication’s 2008-09“Cost vs. Resale” report.

The right choices are essential to such an importantinvestment. Here are the questions you should askbefore remodeling a kitchen or bath.

SELF-REFLECTIONBefore delving too deeply into a remodel, ask yourselfa few questions that will better define the job.

1. WHAT DO I WANT TO ACHIEVE?Do you want to improve your home because you planto spend plenty more years there or because you planto sell it soon? Are you an empty nester needing a freshstart? Are you simply looking to update your home?

2. HOW MUCH AM I WILLING TO INVEST?Prices vary drastically depending on materials, prod-ucts and depth of remodel that you choose. Anupscale, major kitchen remodel costs more than$100,000, or about twice the price of a mid-rangeone. “Kitchen size is the biggest cost driver,” says MaryKathryn Reese, co-owner of Kitchen Design Concepts.

Get Ready To Remodel

Take Everything Into Consideration — Cost,Foundation, Details And Desired Outcome —Before You Take On A Kitchen Or Bath RedoBY LEIGH BELL AND AMANDA FLATTEN

ABOVE: KitchenDesign Conceptstransformed a tired MStreets kitchen with aclosed floor plan intoan open, invitingspace. CeasarstoneChampagneLimestone countertopscomplementKitchenCraft SalemMaple cabinets with aCappuccino stain. Thebacksplash includesshimmering glass tilesand tumbled slate.

Kitchen Bath Guide

house& home | December 2009 | house and home on l ine . com16

“The larger the space, the more cabinetry, countertops,backsplash, flooring and walls to paint there are. Thesecond factor is what substantive changes are beingmade. Does a load-bearing wall have to be moved?Are you moving work areas, like a sink, from a wallto an island?”

3. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?After design plans are complete, expect a kitchen orbath remodel to take three to six months.

4. AM I WILLING TO INVEST MY MONEYIN WHAT MATTERS?It’s not the sexiest part of a kitchen or bath, but cabi-nets are the most important aspect of a remodel. Thisis the foundation upon which everything else lies.High-dollar granite countertops won’t last on a cheapfoundation.

“Semi-custom cabinets are more affordable than fullcustom cabinetry,” Reese says. “Painted finishes aremore expensive than stain, and glazes add to cost, too.”

These remodels take time and thought. You mustbe willing to spend the effort and the money.

WHERE TO BEGINYou’re ready for a remodel, now get prepared.

1. WHERE SHOULD I CONCENTRATE ALL THATEFFORT AND MONEY?Kitchen, master bath and powder room — secondarybaths and laundry rooms are not as important asthese three areas to buyers. “If you don’t have thebudget to remodel the entire bath, you can freshenup the room with new plumbing fixtures or a newtoilet,” says Kathy Richardson, sales manager atPierce Decorative Hardware and Plumbing, addingthat convenience items are a hit in the kitchen.“Homeowners are going for stainless steel one bowlsinks, pot fillers over the cooktop, instant hot watersystems and water filtration systems.”

2. HOW DO I START?Seek professional help, but make sure it’s the right kindof help. Ask contractors if they are licensed, can pro-vide references and are registered with the BetterBusiness Bureau. Certified kitchen and bath designers

know that certain details are germane to these rooms.The work triangle, traffic flow, heights of countertopsand tables make a huge difference in the way a kitchenfunctions. Designers certified by the National Kitchenand Bath Association have been independently evaluat-ed and tested and improve their skills through ongoingeducation and professional development.

3. CAN I HAVE MY NEW KITCHENTOMORROW?In a word, no. Have you ever done a remodel before?“It’s important to establish the expectations of thebuyer,” says Kitty Decareaux, vice president of cabi-net sales at Factory Builder Stores. “Remodels usuallycreate a bigger mess and take longer than most peo-ple expect.”

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESSIt’s time to make decisions and dig into details.

1. WHAT DO I LIKE/DISLIKE ABOUT MY CURRENTKITCHEN OR BATH?

ABOVE: D&D Remodeling opened up this previously closed off Flower Mound kitchen to the living and dining rooms. Highlights include granite countertops and knottyalder cabinetry. The 8-foot ceiling was replaced with a vaulted, beamed ceiling. Photography by Ken Vaughan.

17

Narrow down the qualities you’d like to throw out andthose you want to keep and/or enhance. “This enables adesigner to realize the client’s expectations and meet orexceed them,” Decareaux says.

2. WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE AM I SEEKING IN MYNEW BATH OR KITCHEN?Will the kitchen be used mostly for entertaining or gath-ering the family while cooking a meal? Do you bake orcook regularly? In the bath, do you want an invigoratingshower or a relaxing soaking bath? These answers willdetermine everything from design to product choice andplacement.

3. WHAT’S ALL THIS TERMINOLOGY MEAN?You’ll hear a lot of phrases thrown out, and it’s importantto familiarize yourself with some of them to be aware ofchoices, says Paul Home, director of product and market-ing at Grand Hall USA Inc.

He suggests studying up on types of water heaters:tank, tankless and hybrid. Types of piping: copper or thepopular PEX piping. Recirculation: a retrofit system that

provides hot water instantly, but has some setbacks. Andfinally, thermostatic mixing valves (TMX): blend hot andcold water at user-specified location to provide consistenttemperatures so the shower doesn’t go hot when someoneflushes the toilet.

4. DO I WANT TO SPEND MONEY ON HIGH-ENDPRODUCTS AND MATERIALS?Again, first invest in the foundation of a room, and therest depends on your budget. “If you’re going to stay in ahouse for more than 5 years, then you can justify spend-ing more on the look or functionality you want becauseyou’ll have the benefit of living with and enjoying yourinvestment,” Reese says. “If you don’t spend much timein the kitchen, then there’s no need to spend extra. Justdo the basics.”

GREEN IS THE NEW BLACKKitchens and bathrooms make more waste and use moreenergy than any other room in the house, so it’s impor-tant to consider the environment during a remodel.

Sanjay Ahuja, vice president at PF Waterworks, helpswith eco-conscious questions.

1. WHAT TECHNIQUES WILL HELP ME CONSUMELESS?Daylight harvesting (sensors determine daylight andadjust artificial light accordingly), thermostats, dimmersand tankless water heaters.

2. WHAT SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS CAN I USE IN MYREMODEL?Recycled paper countertops, any recycled content likeantique tiles, cork flooring, PermaFLOW self-cleaningdrains and bamboo cabinets.

3. HOW DO I KNOW THAT I’M BUYING “GREEN”PRODUCTS?Look for the following labels: natural/nontoxic, low-embodied energy, sustainably harvested,recyclable/biodegradable, recycled content, locally har-vested and durable.

ABOVE: This “Minimal” kitchen from the Varenna Collection of Poliform USA shows just one possible arrangement of the line’s kitchen components — in a very sleekway. Scott + Cooner is Poliform USA dealer.

Part of the Country Kitchen Collection, the ROHLWall Mounted Country Kitchen Swing Arm PotFiller with Cross Handle extends for use overfront and rear burners and neatly folds awaywhen not in use. It retails for $845 and is avail-able at Pierce Decorative Hardware andPlumbing.

Factory Builder Stores’ transitional bath includes his and her sinks and vanities ina painted white finish, along with plenty of storage space in tall matching cabinets.The contrasting dark-framed mirrors are flanked by soft-light sconces.

house& home | December 2009 | house and home on l ine . com18

LEFT: This remod-eled kitchen by EliteRemodeling featuresa 3cm GoldenNamibia Granitecountertop withsquare edges andcustom cabinets —lower cabinets werepainted a SheratonSage with a lightglaze, while theupper and full heightcabinets were paint-ed Bone White witha light glaze alongthe seams andedges. Handscraped hardwoodfloors and rough-sawn faux beams onthe ceiling add tothe warm, invitingfeel of this kitchen.

19

Beyond the kitchen, our bathroom isthe most utilitarian space in the house,and let’s be honest: We spend a lot oftime there.

It reflects our lifestyle. So, we can’t talk about the mod-ern bath without talking about the modern lifestyle andhow the evolution of American living has transformed thebathroom.

These days, both parents work and together raise a busyfamily that likely consists of children, and sometimes, anaging mother or father. Then there’s the baby-boomer cou-ple who are emptying the nest and making a home that willage with them.

BUILDINGBLOCKSof theMMOODDEERRNNBBAATTHH

TODAY’S BATH NEEDS SPACE—AND PLENTY OF IT—ALONG WITH

GOOD FIXTURES, CABINETS, MIRRORS AND LIGHTING TO CREATE

A RELAXING SPA-LIKE ENVIRONMENT By LEIGH BELL AND AMANDA FLATTEN

ABOVE: The Jeton Collection

by designer Bill Sofield for

Kallista combines the classi-

cism of 20th century French

architecture and the spontaneity

of haute couture. The collection

may be ordered through

Morrison Supply Co. and any-

where Kohler products are sold.

RIGHT: This tub by interior

designers Ludovica and Roberto

Palomba is part of a larger suite

of bath products for the Swiss

manufacturer, Laufen. Find

Laufen products through TKO

Associates in Dallas.

ABOVE LEFT & THIS IMAGE: Dornbracht’s Supernova bathroom by Sieger Design features a suite of fittings for tub, lava-

tory, bidet and shower. The Supernova waterfall tub filler releases a sparkling sheet of water from its broad squared tap.

Kitchen Bath Guide

house& home | December 2009 | house and home on l ine . com20

No matter its demographics,households have tightenedthe purse strings in thisstruggling economy, and,although the averagehouse downsized by 200square feet since last year,the bathroom is largerthan ever.

What does that sayabout the modern bath?A lot.

First, the bathroom must beimportant if it’s growing whilehouse size shrinks. Today’s householdshave higher demands, to which the modern bath must respond. It’s spaciousand makes better use of space. It facilitates two people simultaneously gettingdressed. It’s friendly to the environment and baby boomer’s wheelchairs orarthritic knees. The modern bath is a refuge and spa-like, as families cutback onoutside luxuries but still need a “getaway.” It’s a place to linger.

The modern bath must be many things. And larger is the greatest request.The average bath today is three times larger than 20 years ago, says Kohler’sSenior Interior Designer Diana Schrage. “Now, the size of the master bath rivalsthe size of the master bedroom,” she says.

TANDEM BATHS

Fewer stay-at-home moms and more domestic partners mean two people aregetting ready for work each morning in American bathrooms. This societal shiftrequires two vanities and sinks, a larger shower — often with two heads for per-sonal temperature and water-pressure preferences — and, if not two separatelavatories, then one private toilet.

The bathroom becomes a meeting place for couples in the morning. Theyplan the day — who’s picking up the kids, what’s for dinner — while shaving,putting on makeup and getting dressed.

The divided bath often includes a vanity, and shared countertops separatespace at varying heights, maybe 36 inches on one side and 42 inches on theother, with a raised toe kick and stock cabinetry beneath.

“Regardless of space, we are seeing the separation of the bathroom,” Schragesays. “Each may have a privatized toilet and storage. They don’t have to be huge,but it’s a degree of separation.”

CALGON TAKE ME AWAY

If one thing has influenced the modern bath it’s the spa, Schrage says.“Homeowners want the bathroom to be a place where they can pamper

themselves and relax, a place to soak in the bath after a long day at work,”says Kathy Richardson, sales manager at Pierce Decorative Hardware andPlumbing. “Freestanding tubs with sleek floor-mounted faucets add to thatfeeling of tranquility.”

Light and open is the key to the spa-like bathroom, as well. “In the modernbath, bigger and brighter is better,” says Chris Galbraith, sales manager forFashion Glass & Mirror.

Products abound to help, allowing the “spa concept” to go from sim-ple — replace the clutter with a few candles — to extreme. These are justa few examples.

Kohler offers VibrAcoustic bathtubs ($3,000ish to $6,000ish) that emitsoundwave vibrations beneath the water that choreograph with above-watermusic and colors to control breathing and achieve different goals from calmingand relaxation.

Chromatherapy in bathtubs and showers ($2,000ish to $10,000+) distributelight throughout your entire shower or bathroom. Steam showers with jets andother accoutrements is an entire market, and some bathtubs allow aromatic oilsto be infused in the bath water.

Toilets light up, heat up, play music, and wash and dry you. (Check outToto’s Neorest 600 for about $3,000). The list of luxurious indulgences go on.

“Now the size of the master bath

rivals the size of themaster bedroom.”

—Diana SchrageSenior Interior Designer,

Kohler

The Ilbagnoalessi One tub by Italian designer Stafeno Giovannoni of Alessi for Laufen is a modern classic.

A glass shower by Fashion Glass & Mirror keeps this bathroom open and airy and

allows the beautiful tile work in the shower to shine through.

21

High-priced purchasesfor the bathroom “are stilloccurring but people mustperceive that they addvalue to the home,”Schrage says.

THE SPA SPACE

The “spa experience” hasalso greatly influencedthe design and lightingof the modern the bath,reducing aesthetic tosimply minimal.

Smaller baths realizethis look with higher ceil-ings, plenty of glass andsmartly placed mirrors.“Seamless glass showersand focal mirrors open upa room and can make evena small bathroom look bigger,” Galbraith says.

Homeowners don’t have to give up the feeling of luxury,even in smaller spaces. “If you only have room for a tub/show-er combo, you can still have the same luxury, and air tubscome in all sizes,” Richardson says.

Contributing to the overall ascetic look is cabinetrywith clean lines that opens at the bottom — about 12 to18 inches — and sits on slim legs, all of which create thesense of space and openness.

Innovations in glass tile and its sleek style are ideal for themodern bath and can be mixed with natural stone, like lime-stone and marble, in bathrooms.

Integrated basins and countertops, plenty of glass anddoorless showers also contribute to the spa-look. Clutter is hid-den in recessed-wall compartments, oversized under-sink stor-age and additional linen closets outside of the bathroom. Afterall, most of us are minimalist-minded but have a lot of stuff.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Dark is out when it comes to color and lighting in themodern bath.

White is the go-to hue these days (52 percent preferit), and once again, blame it on the spa. Kohler intro-duced “honed white” “in a direct response to the influ-ences of the spa,” Schrage says.

A splash of dark, on the countertop or in cabinets iscommon but used judiciously. White reflects and embell-ishes natural light.

Lighting is a key issue in baths. Poor lighting con-tributes to shaving nicks and infamous makeup lines.“Two areas where lighting is crucial are in the shower andat the vanity,” says Mary Kathryn Reese, co-owner ofKitchen Design Concepts. “You need a can light (or anequivalent) in the shower, and it has to be wet rated. Atthe vanity, it’s ideal to have sconces at head height ratherthan over-mirror lighting. This is good from a selectionstandpoint because there are so many choices of beautifulsconces.”

RIGHT: A Fire and Ice

bathroom created for

Kohler by designer

Beth Slifer lets alter-

nating warm and cool

tones and textures

highlight the delicate

balance of nature in

this eco-friendly bath-

room. Here, the

warmth of the lighting

balances with cool

glass lavatory sinks

which rest on a recy-

cled concrete counter-

top set into a custom

bamboo base cabinet.

RIGHT: Also in Slifer’s

eco-friendly bathroom

for Kohler, a waterless

urinal and high-efficien-

cy toilet save water.

RIGHT: In this inno-

vative mirrored cabi-

net by Robern, a sub-

sidiary of Kohler, the

mirrored door lights

straight up and holds

in position, enabling

lights and faucets to

be placed in front of

the cabinet. Elegant

Additions and

Morrison supply carry

Robern cabinets.

house& home | December 2009 | house and home on l ine . com22

In a kitchen with three work centers (stove,sink and refrigerator), the sum of the threetraveled distances should total no morethan 26 feet with no single leg of the trian-gle measuring less than 4 feet or more than9 feet.

No major traffic patterns should crossthrough the basic work triangle.

When the kitchen plan includes morethan three primary work centers, eachadditional travel distance to another workcenter should measure no less than 4 feetor more than 9 feet. Each leg is measuredfrom the center-front of theappliance/sink. No work triangle legintersects an island/peninsula or otherobstacle by more than 12 inches.

The width of a work aisle should be at least 42 inches for one cook and at least48 inches for multiple cooks. Measure the counter frontage, tall cabinets andappliances.

Information adapted with permission from National Kitchen and Bath Association’s Kitchen and Bath Workbook, 2008.

A clear floor space of at least 30 inches by 48 inches should be provided at eachkitchen appliance. Clear floor spaces can overlap.

Your Kitchen’s Work Triangle

Your Kitchen’s Work Aisle

NO LESSTHAN 4 FEET

NO MORETHAN 9 FEET

42”48”

48”

Kitchen Bath Guide

23

In the past, the kitchen work triangle was considered inviolate, never to bechanged. Several factors, however, are causing it to be reinterpreted significantly:larger kitchens with open space, variable appliance sizes and functions, multitaskcooking preferences and specialized food and beverage preparation areas. In manyfamilies these days, there’s more than one cook in the kitchen. Mom, Dad, thekids, and maybe even their dinner guests might gather in the kitchen to preparedinner. Modern kitchens today might have two, possibly three, work triangles. (Seeillustration below.)

With the advent of the open kitchen/great room concept in the late ’80s andearly ’90s, kitchen designers were faced with a serious problem: fewer walls to usefor storage and appliance placement coupled with homeowners’ growing desire tohave it all. This proved to be an asset for talented designers. With fewer walls,designers created new storage techniques for cabinetry such as dish pantries insteadof typical wall units. The resulting larger floor space meant kitchen islands couldexpand and perform a variety of tasks. The expanded kitchen footprint alloweddesigners to increase storage, enhance function and heighten performance.

In the mid ’90s, Sub-Zero introduced below-the-counter refrigerators and freez-ers and offered panels to conceal and integrate these appliances seamlessly into cab-inetry. This allowed designers to place appliances at point-of-use locations insteadof being generally located.

At the same time, new modular cooking components that perform specializedcooking functions instead of just a single free standing range allowed designers tocreate multiple and even overlapping work triangles. Homeowners can easily speci-fy an 18-inch induction cooking system here, a grill or griddle there, a steameradjacent to a separate small sink, while the ovens stand nearby. The cookingprocess has become directed, individualized and even staged.

Because of these new appliances and design formatting, work zones or inde-pendent food preparation stations developed. Now with the addition of anothersink or water source, a designer can create separate prep, cooking, cleanup or bak-ing centers with more sharing of functions and little or no interference in trafficpatterns. The reward of this type of design is that several cooks can work togetherin the kitchen performing separate tasks with no conflict or overlap. Form, fun andfunction are neatly tied together.

Baroque Fineberg is an avid cook who has been designing fine kitchens inHouston for more than 20 years. His work has been recognized and published indesign and trade publications nationally and internationally. He may be reachedat 713.522.8977.

Not So Fast: The WorkTriangle Is EvolvingBY BAROQUE F INEBERG

RANGETOP/GRILL

INDUCTION COOKINGCOOKTOP

SINGLESINK

REFRIGERATORDRAWERS

REFRIGERATOR/FREEZERPREP SINK

ALLIED STONE1520 Selene Dr. #106Carrollton972.242.9977www.alliedstoneinc.com

CARPET MILLS OF AMERICA469.46.6631www.cmaflooring.com

D&D REMODELING DESIGN972.445.3025www.ddremodeling.com

ELEGANT ADDITIONS(To the trade)150 Turtle Creek Blvd., Ste.203, Dallas214.745.0088www.elegantadditions.net

ELITE REMODELING2930 Preston Rd., Ste. 980Frisco972.334.9800www.elitehomeremodeling.com

FACTORY BUILDERSTORES512 E. Dallas Rd., Ste. 500Grapevine817.410.8868

3833 W. Frwy., Fort Worth817.570.9621www.factorybuilderstores.com

FASHION GLASS &MIRROR#7 Prestige Circle, Allen972.747.7557585 S. Beckly, Desoto972.223.8936www.fashionglass.com

FERGUSON BATH,KITCHEN & LIGHTINGGALLERYArlington: 817.261.2561Fort Worth: 817.348.8489Dallas: 214.761.9333Grapevine: 817.442.0446www.ferguson.com

GRANITE & TILE OUTLET4757 W. Park. Blvd. Ste. 104,Plano972.596.31003180 FM 407, Highland Village972.317.5618www.granitetileoutlet.com

JENNINGS PLUMBING SERVICES972.492.5369

KINGDOM FLOORING4801 W. Park Blvd. #448 Plano972.612.8700www.kingdomfloors.com

KITCHEN DESIGNCONCEPTS2741 East Beltline Rd., Ste.113, Carrollton214.390.83006322 Gaston Ave., Dallas214.827.9881www.kitchendesignconcepts.com

LAUFENwww.laufen.com

MORRISON SUPPLY CO.1331 E. Plano Pkwy, Ste. A Plano 972.309.0521www.morsco.com

PIERCE DECORATIVEHARDWARE AND PLUMB-INGDallas: 214.368.2851Fort Worth: 817.737.9090www.piercehardware.com

PF WATERWORKS877.265.9777www.pfwaterworks.net

PTI HARDWOODS1101 Ohio, Ste. 108Plano214.778.2462www.ptihardwoods.com

RES REMODELING 972.345.6364www.resremodeling.com

ROCK YOUR HOUSE 817.366.4030469.233.6987www.rockyourhouse.com

SCOTT + COONER1617 HI Line Dr., Ste 100Dallas214.748.9838www.scottcooner.com

TILE EXPO13830 N. Stemmons Frwy.Farmers Branch972.241.3150

TKO ASSOCIATES230 Decorative CenterDallas214.741.6060www.tkoassoc.com

WALKER ZANGERwww.walkerzanger.com

resources

house& home | December 2009 | house and home on l ine . com24

Kitchen Bath Guide

NEW CONSTRUCTION OR REMODEL?_____________________________________

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR CURRENTKITCHEN?_____________________________________

WHAT DOESN’T WORK IN YOUR EXISTINGKITCHEN?_____________________________________

IF SPACE PERMITS WOULD YOU LIKE AN EAT-ING/SEATING AREA OR AN ISLAND? FOR HOWMANY PEOPLE?_____________________________________

Check one:

YOUR STYLE:TRADITIONALMODERNTRANSITIONALECLECTICVICTORIANROMANTICARTS & CRAFTSCOUNTRY

WHAT COLOR SCHEMES APPEAL TO YOU?_____________________________________

YOU ENTERTAIN:FREQUENTLYOCCASIONALLYNEVER

NUMBER OF COOKS REGULARLY USING YOUR KITCHEN:

ONETWOMORE THAN TWOCHILDREN COOK WITH ME

Cabinets

WANT ALL NEW CABINETRYCABINET LINE ______________________CABINET STYLE _____________________COLOR _____________________________FINISH _____________________________HARDWARE _________________________CEILING HEIGHT OR STANDARD

WANT TO REMODEL EXISTING CABINETSNEW CABINET DOORSPAINT EXISTING CABINET DOORSSTAIN OR WASH WOOD OF EXISTING CABINET DOORSCOLOR ___________________FINISH ___________________

HARDWARE ______________

Appliances

COOKTOPGASELECTRICHALOGENINDUCTIONCOMBINATION

OVENGASELECTRICCONVECTIONCOMBINATIONOTHER

RANGEGASELECTRICCONVECTIONHALOGENINDUCTION COMBOSLIDE-INDROP-INVENTILATED UNIT

MICROWAVEMODEL _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _FEATURES _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _FINISH _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

CLEAN-UPDISHWASHERCOMPACTORDISPOSALUNDER-COUNTER TRASH RECEPTACLERECYCLING CENTER

REFRIGERATORSIDE-BY-SIDEFREEZER TOPFREEZER BOTTOM

FREEZERSIDE-BY-SIDECHEST

WASHER AND DRYERYESNO

Countertops

WOODGRANITE

MARBLEQUARTZLAMINATECONCRETESOLID SURFACETILERECYCLED MATERIALS

Flooring

WOODTILE (CERAMIC)VINYLCARPETMARBLECONCRETECORKOTHER

Fixtures/Fittings

SINKSINGLE BOWLDOUBLE BOWLTRIPLE BOWLVEGETABLEUTILITYCERAMICSTAINLESS STEELCAST IRONOTHER MATERIAL________________________________________

ROOM FOR WALK-IN PANTRYYES NO

SPECIALTY ITEMSAPPLIANCE GARAGEBAKING CENTERBEVERAGE CENTER W/ UNDER-COUNTER FRIDGECOFFEE CENTER W/ ESPRESSO MACHINEICE MAKERPURIFIED WATER DISPENSERUPDRAFT HOODCORNER CABINETSWINE RACKDRAWER DIVIDERSPULL-OUT WASTE BINSSLIDING SHELVESLAZY SUSANSPICE RACKGLASS IN DOORSCROWN MOLDINGPET FOOD STORAGEFLAT-SCREEN TVDESK WITH COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESSOTHER ACCESSORY____________________

Kitchen Specifics

25

workbookBath Specifics

Check one:

YOUR STYLE:TRADITIONALMODERNTRANSITIONALECLECTICVICTORIANROMANTICARTS & CRAFTSCOUNTRY

BATHING HABITS:DAILY SHOWER ONLYDAILY SHOWER, OCCASIONAL BATHDAILY BATH ONLYDAILY BATH, OCCASIONAL SHOWER

Cabinets

WANT ALL NEW CABINETRYCABINET LINE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _CABINET STYLE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _COLOR _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _FINISH _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _HARDWARE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

WANT TO REMODEL EXISTING CABINETSNEW CABINET DOORSPAINT EXISTING CABINET DOORSSTAIN OR WASH WOOD OF EXISTING CABINET DOORSCOLOR _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _FINISH _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _HARDWARE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Fixtures/Fittings

SINKSINGLE BOWLDOUBLE BOWLTRIPLE BOWLLAVATORYPEDESTALVESSELCERAMICSTAINLESS STEELCAST IRONOTHER MATERIAL _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

FAUCET #1 STYLE_____________________________________

FAUCET #2 STYLE_____________________________________

TOILETTOILET MODEL_____________________________________

BIDETBIDET MODEL_____________________________________

TUBTUB FIXTURES _____________________________________

SHOWERSHOWER FIXTURES _____________________________________

WHIRLPOOL/SPA WHIRLPOOL FIXTURES _____________________________________

Safety Features

GRAB BARSTEMPERATURE CONTROL VALVESOTHER _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Washer and dryer

YESNO

Vanity Countertops

WOODGRANITEMARBLEQUARTZLAMINATECONCRETESOLID SURFACETILERECYCLED MATERIALS

Flooring

WOODTILE (CERAMIC)VINYLCARPETMARBLECONCRETEOTHER _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Specialty Items

TOWEL WARMERSTEAM SHOWERFLAT-SCREEN TVCOFFEE STATION

Lighting

GENERALINCANDESCENTFLUORESCENTHALOGEN

TASKINCANDESCENTFLUORESCENTHALOGEN

ACCENTINCANDESCENTFLUORESCENTHALOGEN

Bathrooms should have a minimum floor toceiling height of 80 inches over the fixtureand at the front clearance area for fixtures.A shower or tub equipped with a shower-head should have a minimum floor to ceilingheight of 80 inches above a minimum area30 inches by 30 inches at the showerhead.

house& home | December 2009 | house and home on l ine . com26

HOLIDAYGift GuideLEFT : Mecox Gardens hasunique spun glass acces-sories, per fect for a holidaygift. The Odin Vase comes inSmoke Glass or Clear Glass.Cost is $188. 214.580.3800,www.mecoxgardens.com

RIGHT : The gift of goinggreen is all the rage thisyear. ECOBAGS ClassicString Bags are great foreco-friendly grocery shop-ping without plastic bags.These string totes come inmany colors, are machinewashable and can hold upto 40 pounds. Single bagsstart at $5.25 or are avail-able in sets of five for $22.800.720.BAGS,www.ECOBAGS.com

LEFT : Children can sendpostcards to their loved onesthis holiday season with spe-cial junior postcards by bou-tique stationer Felix Doolittle.Sold in sets of 20, a set fea-tures five different illustra-tions (holiday and non-holidaythemes available) each with adifferent color border. Eachset is $30. Shown: A non-holi-day themed set by artist FelixFu. 617.969.8883, www.felix-doolittle.com

BELOW RIGHT : Give the coffee-lover in your family a unique gift withthe new Bamboo Coffee Vault. The eco-friendly Bamboo Coffee Vaultworks as a coffee vault, small cigar vault or packaged tea box. It’salso available in a rosewood finish. The price is $31.58.469.398.2108, www.proformagreen.com

ABOVE: Give the per fect hostess gift with these cute, penguin-shaped salt and pepper shakers by Jonathan Adler, priced at$48. The shakers come packaged in retro boxes and are madefrom high-fired stoneware, finished in matte white and blackglazes. 214.373.4444, www.nestdallas.com

By MARIE WILLIAMS

IDEAS FOR SPECTACULAR PRESENTS

27

ABOVE: A Williams-Sonoma customerfavorite is the Spiced Chestnut OilsCollection, featuring a comforting blend ofbuttery fragrance of chestnut essence,spiced up with aromatic cinnamon andclove. All products are biodegradable.Prices may vary as each item in the collec-tion can be purchased separately or in cer-tain sets. www.williams-sonoma.com

RIGHT : Have fun this holiday season playing your favoritegames at home or on the road with a travel game set, con-tained in a wooden game box, available at Pottery Barn for$99. This travel set includes a deck of cards, checkers, tic-tac-toe, dominos, poker chips, dice, a playing board andpieces for chess. www.potterybarn.com

ABOVE: The per fecthome accessory this hol-iday season is a throwpillow by artistPulvemacher available atWrite Selection. Choosefrom a santa claus orChristmas tree printedpattern. The pillows sellfor $85 each.214.750.0531.www.writeselection.net

ABOVE: Add some zest to any tree this season with a hand-blown glass ornament, $28 each at Kittrell Riffkind ArtGlass. Shown: hand-blown glass ornament by artist MichaelTrimpol. Also, delicate vases will add color to any part ofthe home. Available in an assortment of colors, 6 inches x4 inches. Cost is $44 each. Shown: Fun Ruffled Glass Vaseby artist Bill Burch. 972.239.7957, www.kittrellriffkind.com

ABOVE: Make those holiday meals stand out this year withthe best flatware. Stiletto by artist Broggi is sold at LigneRoset in Dallas. This elegant stainless steel flatware ispriced at $180 per place setting and comes with a storagepouch. 214.526.2220, www.ligne-roset-usa.com

ABOVE: A really cool, funhome accessory is the TokyoBay “Tank” Robot Alarm Clock, $54,available at DH Collection, a modern home accessoriesstore. 817.877.1994, www.dhcollection.com

house& home | December 2009 | house and home on l ine . com28

ABOVE: Give the gift of interior design to someone specialthis season, with a gift certificate from award-winning interiordesigner Margaret Chambers, who will assist in all designingand decorating needs. Gift certificates are available startingat $250 and can be used for merchandise or an interiordesign consultation (good for 2 hours). 214.651.7665,www.chambersinteriors.com

LEFT : Add a special ornament tothe tree this year: Tango Zango isfeaturing three different kinds offairies, each unique in style.Choose from royal fairies, stock-ing holder or wine bag fairies. Theroyal fairy creates both a fun andwhimsical mood, although eachhandcrafted costume gives eachfairy a personality all its own.Fairies come in various sizes andprices, beginning at $32. Shown:“Royal Fairy” by artist MarkRoberts. 214.890.0202,www.tangozango.com

RIGHT : Santa is coming to McShanFlorist. Placed on a wooden slab,Santa comes with a decoratedchristmas tree and sleigh full ofChristmas trim, 22 inches x 14inches. Cost is $65 (orderonline or call the store).214.324.2481,www.mcshan.com

ABOVE: Start those cold mornings off right with a hot cup ofcoffee. Green Mountain Coffee has a variety of selectionsthat come with the Fair Trade Organic Sampler. Complete withthree 10-ounce bags, choose from French Roast, SumatranReserve and Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, all for the price of$24.95. 802.882.2270, www.greenmountaincoffee.com

RIGHT : Add a little western flavor to your holiday this year.Teskey’s Saddle Shop in Weather ford has everything fromboots and saddles to western fashion for men and women.The company also sells picture frames. These handmadeMexican-style picture frames are $174.99 and $179.99.888.955.2955, www.teskeys.com

29

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house& home | December 2009 | house and home on l ine . com30

With cold weather and the holidays among us, there’snothing like an evening spent enjoying a warm fire.

A fireplace serves as a focal point of a room, while bringing bothwarmth and comfort into the home. Options abound, from wood burningand ventless to direct-vent gas. And the fireplace surround is just as impor-tant as the type of fireplace you have. An outdated fireplace surround canbe an eye-sore, but an updated surround can change the feeling of thewhole room. “With a fireplace update, a homeowner can increase energyefficiency, while updating and increasing home value,” says Casey Arnold,co-owner of Rock Your House.

GETTING THE PERFECT LOOKThere are two ways to improve the quality of any room with an existingfireplace. One way involves upgrading an older fireplace by choosing amodern look by painting old brick or re-facing the surround with aunique natural stone, which will make the fireplace stand out. The otheroption is to have a fireplace insert added; this replaces a worn out orinefficient fireplace.

If choosing a new fireplace surround is the answer for your room, Arnoldsays there are many different types of stone to choose from, with the threemost popular being Austin chalk, stack stone and random-pattern fieldstone.“A fireplace can be designed to have a rustic, modern or very old-world look,”Arnold says.

SO MANY STYLESHomeowners can customize their fireplace by choosing among a multitude ofstyles. A cast stone fireplace provides a smooth, molded fireplace surround,while basic stone gives the fireplace a traditional, old-world feel or modernlook. Adobe or stucco adds a southwestern look. If you want bold and cre-ative, then add a keystone along the eyebrow of a brick fireplace, giving it aEuropean or Mediterranean look.

Bob Gross, owner of Chimney King, says stone is one of the more popularsurrounds in North Texas today. “Many people choose cultured stone becausethis specific type looks like real stone, is fairly lightweight and easy to apply,”he says.

CHOOSING A TYPE OF FIREPLACEFireplaces are customized according to specific materials used and by the typeof fireplace the homeowner selects. A wood-burning fireplace can burn a vari-ety of materials, such as real wood split logs or manufactured logs. However,wood-burning fireplaces build up soot and produce more smoke, increasingthe cost of chimney maintenance. Pricing can range from $1,500 to $4,000 toadd a wood-burning fireplace, depending on size and structure.

A direct-vent gas fireplace is energy-efficient, less costly to install andhas no soot buildup or odor from burned logs. However, use of gas is costlyand there’s an added danger of gas leaks. The price range is the same as awood-burning fireplace.

Enjoy warmth and comfort throughout the yearBy MARIE WILLIAMS

Fabulous Fireplace Makeovers

The Montecito Estate wood-burning fireplace, from the Dave Lennox Signature Collection, offers outstanding heat output and is highly efficient. The 4.0 cu. ft. firebox with30-inch log capacity is one of the largest available in its category. It combines the craftsmanship of a traditional masonry fireplace with clean and powerful non-catalyticcombustion heating. The selection of doors and facades allows you to achieve a customized look that reflects your style. Available at Chimney King

RIGHT: Ravenna gas fireplace inserts from Lennox offer the convenience ofgas, the look of a real wood fire and a variety of face options to enhance anydécor. Approved to fit most zero-clearance factory-built and masonry fireplaces,the Ravenna turns your standard fireplace into a cost-effective heat source.

Ventless fireplaces involve less con-struction, can be placed in any room,cost less and require no chimney, but arelimited in size and appearance and aresubject to high electric costs. Prices rangefrom $1,000 to $2,500.

The last option is a fireplace insert; it’s energy efficient and easy toinstall. Price can vary depending on style of insert, but style options arelimited. For this option, homeowners must have an existing fireplace andchimney. Fireplace inserts start at $700 and can go up to $6,000.

MANTLE MAKEOVERAnother important part of the fireplace design is the mantle. RalphCanaan, owner of Hearthside Fireplace Shop, says the mantle is impor-tant because it adds character to the fireplace, based on colors and shadesof wood the homeowner selects. Light wood creates a contemporary look,while dark wood gives a traditional look.

The right mantel can draw even more attention to the fireplace, mak-ing it a true focal point. “A mantle is just a reflection of the room setting,whether contemporary, rustic or traditional,” Canaan adds.

31

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From Lennox, the Merit Series louverless direct-vent (MLDVT) gas fireplaces deliver the clean, elegant presentation of a true louverless design. Inside, the fireplaces producetall flames and a warm ember glow at very low BTUs, reducing energy consumption and costs without sacrificing fire quality. Find Lennox products at Chimney King.

Rock Your House refaced an existing brick fireplace with stacked stone featuring a keystone to bring a rustic,natural look to this living space.

house& home | December 2009 | house and home on l ine . com32

cooking at home

Mini Pumpkin Whoopie PiesMakes 3 dozen

FOR COOKIES: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease or line fourbaking sheets with parchment paper. Combine flour,baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger andsalt in medium bowl. Beat butter and sugar in largemixer bowl on medium speed for 2 minutes. Addeggs, one at a time, beating well after each addi-tion. Add pumpkin and vanilla extract; beat untilsmooth. Stir in flour mixture until combined. Drop byheaping measuring teaspoons onto prepared bakingsheets. (A total of 72 cookies are needed for therecipe.) Bake for 10 to 13 minutes or until springyto the touch. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes;remove to wire racks to cool completely.

FOR CREAM CHEESE FILLING:Beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla extract insmall mixer bowl on medium speed until fluffy.Gradually beat in powdered sugar until light andfluffy. Spread a heaping teaspoon of filling onto flatside of one cookie; top with flat side of secondcookie to make a sandwich. Repeat with remainingcookies and filling. Store in covered container inrefrigerator.

COOKIES2 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten1 cup Libby’s 100 % Pure Pumpkin1 teaspoon vanilla extract

CREAM CHEESE FILLING 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature6 tablespoons butter, softened

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Old-Fashioned Soft PumpkinCookies Makes 3 dozen

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease baking sheets. Combineflour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmegand salt in medium bowl. Beat sugar and butter in largemixer bowl until well blended. Beat in pumpkin, egg andvanilla extract until smooth. Gradually beat in flour mix-ture. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared bakingsheets. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges arefirm. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove towire racks to cool completely. Drizzle Glaze over cookies.

GLAZE INGREDIENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS:Combine 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 3 tablespoonsmilk, 1 tablespoon melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanillaextract in small bowl until smooth.

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened

1 cup Libby’s 100 % Pure Pumpkin1 large egg1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pumpkin-Oatmeal RaisinCookies Makes 4 dozen

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease baking sheets.Combine flour, oats, pie spice, baking soda and salt inmedium bowl. Beat butter, brown sugar and granulatedsugar in large mixer bowl until light and fluffy. Add pump-kin, egg and vanilla extract; mix well. Add flour mixture;mix well. Stir in nuts and raisins. Drop by rounded table-spoons onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 14 to 16minutes or until cookies are lightly browned and set incenters. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove towire racks to cool completely.

2 cups all-purpose flour1 1/3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened1 cup packed brown sugar1 cup granulated sugar1 cup Libby’s 100 % Pure Pumpkin1 large egg1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup chopped walnuts3/4 cup raisins

HOLIDAY BAKING

WITH PUMPKIN

Family gatherings... favorite holidaydecorations ... thewonderful smellsof baked goods —the holidays arefull of familiar ritu-als and specialmemories.Traditions are partof what make theseason so enjoy-able.

For many, this time ofyear means baking familyfavorites — how manytimes do people ask you tomake Grandma’s breadpudding or your specialcookies? The holidayswouldn’t be the same with-out them.

Pumpkin treats are per-fect for holiday baking. Themellow, sweet flavor blendsbeautifully with spices, cit-rus and nuts. Pumpkin is aversatile and delicious addi-tion to any holiday tradi-tion.

For more ways to make bak-ing with pumpkin a tradi-tion in your home, visitVeryBestBaking.com.

SweetTraditions

Article courtesy Family Features. All materials courtesy Libby’s.

33

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house& home | December 2009 | house and home on l ine . com34

By TYSON WOODS

gardening

It is as predictable as winter: Every year as the lawns

no longer need mowing and the leaves from fall are all

gathered up, a number of landscape companies begin

to knock on doors advising unknowing homeowners

that it is time to cut back Crepe Myrtles.

This is a ritual that is unfortunately performed all over the southwestand other sections of the country where Crepe Myrtles grow. But beware— topping Crepe Myrtles is such an appalling horticultural and arbori-cultural practice that many years ago Southern Living magazine coined thephrase, “crepe murder.” The magazine also proclaimed Crepe Myrtles themost mis-pruned tree in the south.

Knowledgeable, qualified arborists and educators have been trying foryears to educate consumers about this terrible practice, but it seems thatfinancial motivation by uninformed contractors to keep their crews busyduring this slower season continues to drive this damaging practice. Forhomeowners it is regrettable that this misguided belief — the practice oftopping — is necessary and that it is also good for the trees. Everywhereyou look it appears landscape companies are topping Crepe Myrtles so itis logical, but in this case inaccurate, to assume a contractor or “profes-sional” must know what they are doing. Please help stop “Crepe Murder”by enlisting qualified arborists and educated landscape professionals.

Crepe Myrtles are beautiful, durable trees with trunks and branchesthat will develop very unique and attractive silhouettes. The practice oftopping ruins their graceful shape. A topped tree develops a bushygrowth of many branches creating a “nest-like” growth. When toppingis repeated year after year, the trees will develop grossly deformedbulges and unnatural branching patterns. In addition to the cosmeticdisfigurement, the practice makes the trees susceptible to a whole list ofpest and disease problems.

While knowledgeable, experienced arborists don’t recommend “crepemurder,” there are good reasons to prune Crepe Myrtles. 1. Remove deadwood and conflicting trunks and branches.2. Prune low growing branches to clear walks and drives.3. Prune branches to clear structures or conflict with other trees or

shrubs.4. Remove sucker shoots or minor canes. Aesthetically, it is more

pleasing to have fewer, stronger trunks.

Often there needs to be a reduction in the height of a Crepe Myrtlebecause trees get much larger and taller than we realize when they areplanted. Ideally we would be more selective at planting time andchoose one of the smaller growing varieties, but if you have a tree thatmust be reduced, there are techniques that can be used. Drop crotchpruning is a technique that reduces a limb or trunk to a crotch ratherthan just stubbing it off. Drop crotch reduction pruning can be used toreduce the height of a tree without the unnatural regrowth associatedwith topping. In some cases it might be appropriate to cut the treeback to ground level. It is surprising how quickly a tree will redevelopfrom the roots. Sometimes the most effective thing is to transplant orremove a tree if it is too large and replant a more appropriate sized tree.

Rather than continuing the bad practice of “Crepe Murder,” it wouldbe more appropriate if the time and effort spent on the destructive prac-tice of topping Crepe Myrtles was put into positive actions that add to thelong-term value and beauty of this amazing tree. A properly cared forCrepe Myrtle, like a fine wine, will only get better as it matures.

Crepe Murder

Tyson Woods is an ISA Certified Arborist with Moore Tree Care (214.352.6088;www.mooretreecare.com). Moore Tree Care provides organic, proactive services for thelong-term health and vigor of trees and gardens. Moore Tree Care is the designatedtree care consultant for the Dallas Arboretum, the designated arborist for the UptownDistrict, and works closely with the Texas Trees Foundation, along with many otherleading commercial and residential projects throughout the Dallas and Fort WorthMetroplex.

Proper winter pruning for your Crepe Myrtles

“Crepe Murder” — the topping Crepe Myrtles — causes trees to develop grosslydeformed bulges and unnatural branching patterns.

This is what a Crepe Myrtle should look like in winter. Crepe Myrtles are beauti-ful, durable trees with trunks and branches that will develop very unique andattractive silhouettes.

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