Today's Home Improvement - Premier Issue

TODAYSHOMEIMPROVEMENT.com

T O D A Y’S

I N S P I R A T I O N S • L I F E S T Y L E S • S O L U T I O N S

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Sept

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.com

INSPIRED COLORINSPIRED COLORTHE CHIC PALETTES OF 2010 AND BEYOND

inside:LOFTY SPACES

DESIGN ESSENTIALS FOR AN URBAN RETREAT

GREEN WATCHSMART TIPS FOR SUSTAINABLE

VALLEY LIVING

THE GREAT OUTDOORSCREATE A SPLASH WITH YOUR

BACKYARD RENO DOLLARS

plus:AWARD-WINNG RENOVATIONS

FROM BORING TO BEAUTIFULIN LESS THAN 6 MONTHS!

www.westar-sw.com

Our Customers Say It Best.

4 TODAYSHOMEIMPROVEMENT.com

26COLOR TRENDS

Find Your Own Perfect PaletteSherwin-Williams offers useful tips and ideas for

adding color to your own surroundings.

35 MAXIMUM CURB APPEALFour Better-than-New Exterior TransformationsArchitects employ several strategies to enhance your curb appeal.

40 SPACE SOLUTIONSBig Ideas for Small RoomsDiscover tricks and techniques to open up aspace and create a feeling openness.

tH i F E AT U R E S

Scottsdale15125 N. Hayden Rd., Ste 117

Scottsdale, AZ 85260Phone (480) 596-0092Fax (480) 596-0439

Phoenix2020 E. University Dr.Phoenix, AZ 85034Phone (602) 258-7901Fax (602) 258-8335

Tucson2986 W. Ina Rd., Ste 110Tucson, AZ 85741

Phone (520) 795-4663Fax (520) 623-1111

Come in today and work with our design sales consultants in the comfort of our showrooms.New Phoenix Showroom • Appliance Overstock Showroom

Transform your kitchen into the most technologically advanced room in the home.

® Registered Trademark/™ Trademark of Jenn-Air, U.S.A. © 2009. All Rights Reserved www.jennair.com


44 P E O P L E & S PA C E S

Home Court Advantage A Phoenix Mercury star finds her niche.

48 A RT F U L L I V I N G

Living AlfrescoCreate trendy outdoor spaces.

52 F I N A L C O AT

For All It’s Worth10 ways to boost your property value.

ON THE COVERSherwin-Williams’ shades of urban, eco-rooftops inspire the grassy and yellow greens in the Local Momentum collection, while the tranquility of water and sky stir a serene blue. And the influence of raw, natural materials like sand and wood are found in this collection’s neutral hues.see page 26

tH i D E PA RT M E N T S

10 P U B L I S H E R ’ S N OT E

Getting UnderwayWelcome to the premier issue of Today’s Home Improvement.

13 T R E N D WAT C H

Inspirations. Lifestyles. Solutions.Discover what’s hot for your home.

18 L I V I N G G R E E N

Solar Water HeatingRevamp your energy budget.

22 D I Y C O R N E R

Install A Cedar-Lined ClosetTransform boring into beautiful.

48

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44

Everyone loves a café.Now, everyone can have one.GE Café™ is GE’s first new line of appliances in 15 years, and it’s an exciting new salesopportunity. With stainless steel exterior and robust styling, builders and new homebuyers will want to make it the centerpiece of their new home. For remodelers and theircustomers, the GE Café will easily transform any kitchen with restaurant-inspired design.At long last, everyone can afford to have an inviting café – right at home.www.geappliances.com/café

Come see our fine GE Appliances at Westar Kitchen & Bath at the Tempe,Scottsdale, Peoria and Tucson locations. Phone: (602) 271.0100

PUBLISHER Michael A. Kupanoff

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Neal McDaniel

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Lindsey Hall, Jessica Knop

WEB DEVELOPER Theo Tigno

EDITORIAL INTERN Katelyn Bolnick

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Danielle D’Adamo, Lesley Factor,Michael Higgins, Robert Jensen,Gina Meno, Leigh Anne Monitor,Michael Higgins, Rex Steppe

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jon Denker-Caps, Barry Gossage, Hart Interior Design,

Sherwin-Williams,David Zilly

SUBSCRIPTIONS 480.443.7750 ext. 312

[email protected]

ACCOUNTING 480.443.7750 ext. 314

[email protected]

REPRINTS/E-PRINTS Wrights Reprints877.652.5295

[email protected]

CORPORATE OFFICE

PRESIDENTTrifon M. Kupanoff, Jr.

VICE PRESIDENTMichael A. Kupanoff

LPI Multimedia, Inc. is a proud member of:

15170 N. Hayden Rd., Suite 5, Scottsdale, AZ 85260T 480.443.7750 F 480.443.7751 www.lpimultimedia.com

Send email to [email protected] us at todayshomeimprovement.com

Today’s Home Improvement™ is published six times per year by LPI Multimedia Inc. Opinions expressed are those of the authors or persons quoted and not necessarily those of LPI Multimedia Inc.

While efforts to ensure accuracy are exercised, the publisher assumes no liability for the information contained in either editorial or advertising content. Publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. Reproduction in whole or part without the expressed written consent from the publisher is prohibited.

Today’s Home Improvement™ is the registered trade name of this publication. Copyright ©2010 by LPI Multimedia Inc. All rights reserved.

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I N S P I R AT I O N S • L I F E S T Y L E S • S O L U T I O N S

VO L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1 • September/October 2010

May not be available with other offers. All rates and offers are subject to change and exclude applicable taxes, equipment fees and franchise fees. Deposit may be required. Some services not a

T

Cox Bundles.You need it. We got it.

See page 9 for details!

*Available to residential customers in Cox Arizona service areas. Some services not available in all areas. May not be available with other offers. Installation fees, equipment rental, taxes and other surcharges not included. Other restrictions may apply. All rates subject to change. Deposit may be required. Cox Advanced TV - Cox TV Starter at a minimum, digital gateway service, and digital receiver or CableCARD™ rental required for Advanced TV. If you own a One-way Digital Cable Ready (DCR) TV or other display device that is CableCARD compatible, you may lease either a CableCARD or a digital set-top receiver in order to receive Cox Advanced TV. In order to receive Interactive TV services offered by Cox, such as the Interactive Programming Guide (IPG), On Demand, Pay-Per-View, and all digital programming options, you must rent a digital receiver. If you wish to rent a CableCARD in lieu of a digital receiver, you must obtain the CableCARD from Cox. CableCARD is a registered trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. (CableLabs®) and is used with permission. Local HD channels can be tuned with an HDTV set with clear QAM tuner. An HDTV set and an HD receiver or CableCARD™ rental required in order to access other HD programming. Cox TV Starter service required for local broadcast HD channels. Cox Advanced TV and Essential service required for cable network HD channels. Cox Advanced TV required for premium HD channels, DVR and On Demand. On DEMAND and other interactive services require a digital receiver and may not be available in all areas. An HD receiver is required to access HD On DEMAND. Availability of On DEMAND content to Cox Advanced TV customers is based on the channels included in their digital cable subscription package. Some On DEMAND programming costs extra. 700 HD viewing choices based on total number of HD channels, HD On DEMAND programs, and HD PPV options. 700 is a weekly average as number of programs fl uctuates on a weekly basis. On DEMAND is not available in all areas. MyPrimetime show availability begins the day after on air premiere barring technical diffi culties. Fast Forward, Pause and Rewind functions may not be available for all MyPrimetime programming.Cox High Speed Internet - Cable modem required. Cox High Speed Internet Ultimate is available in all Cox High Speed Internet serviceable areas with the exception of Benson, Douglas, Pirtleville, Wickenburg and Verrado. Cable modem required. For best speed performance, use of Cox approved cable modem is recommended. Uninterrupted or error-free Internet service, or the speed of your service, is not guaranteed. Actual speeds may vary. The security and privacy software will automatically terminate upon termination of your Internet service and is not available for Apple users. Cox cannot guarantee the intended results from the security and privacy services or that the software will be error-free or free from interruptions or other failures. Media Store and Share is only available with Cox Preferred or higher speed Internet packages. Professional installation and a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem required to receive Premier Plus and Ultimate Internet service speeds. Cable modem is sold separately. For users of Microsoft operating systems: If you are using an MS operating system other than Vista/Windows 7 (e.g., Microsoft XP), your registry keys must be updated to enable maximum speed performance. †PowerBoost temporarily increases your download speeds for the fi rst 18 - 22 Mb of a fi le when extra bandwidth is available and is a registered trademark of Comcast Corporation, used with permission. The maximum download speeds of Ultimate are up to 55 Mbps with PowerBoost and 50 Mbps without PowerBoost. ESPN recommends an Internet connection speed of at least 768 Kbps for the best viewing experience, but a minimum connection speed of 450 Kbps is required. To check if your computer system can run ESPN3.com, visit www.cox.com/espn3. Cox Digital Telephone - Modem equipment required. Modem uses household electrical power to operate and has backup battery power provided by Cox if electricity is interrupted. Telephone service, including access to e911 service, will not be available during an extended power outage or if the modem is moved or inoperable. Cox 5 cent per minute or $15 Unlimited long distance rates are limited to direct-dialed long distance calls within the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa. Telephone services provided by Cox Arizona Telcom, LLC. ©2010 CoxCom, Inc. dba Cox Communications Arizona. All rights reserved.

Move up before you move in.

Cox Bundles.You need it. We got it. All your family’s technology needs from one company, on one bill.

Build the bundle that’s right for you by adding features like the ones listed below.

Cox High Speed InternetSM

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Boost®† – You’ll get an extra burst of

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more FREE with Media Store and Share

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Cox Digital Telephone®

Reliable home phone service — save your wireless minutes

existing phone number

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Cox Advanced TVEnjoy more than 700 HD viewingchoices, including HD On DEMAND

in 100% digital quality

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Call today!623-748-8957 | cox.com

*Available to residential customers in Cox Arizona service areas. Some services not available in all areas. May not be available with other offers. Installation fees, equipment rental, taxes and other surcharges not included. Other restrictions may apply. All rates subject to change. Deposit may be required. Cox Advanced TV - Cox TV Starter at a minimum, digital gateway service, and digital receiver or CableCARD™ rental required for Advanced TV. If you own a One-way Digital Cable Ready (DCR) TV or other display device that is CableCARD compatible, you may lease either a CableCARD or a digital set-top receiver in order to receive Cox Advanced TV. In order to receive Interactive TV services offered by Cox, such as the Interactive Programming Guide (IPG), On Demand, Pay-Per-View, and all digital programming options, you must rent a digital receiver. If you wish to rent a CableCARD in lieu of a digital receiver, you must obtain the CableCARD from Cox. CableCARD is a registered trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. (CableLabs®) and is used with permission. Local HD channels can be tuned with an HDTV set with clear QAM tuner. An HDTV set and an HD receiver or CableCARD™ rental required in order to access other HD programming. Cox TV Starter service required for local broadcast HD channels. Cox Advanced TV and Essential service required for cable network HD channels. Cox Advanced TV required for premium HD channels, DVR and On Demand. On DEMAND and other interactive services require a digital receiver and may not be available in all areas. An HD receiver is required to access HD On DEMAND. Availability of On DEMAND content to Cox Advanced TV customers is based on the channels included in their digital cable subscription package. Some On DEMAND programming costs extra. 700 HD viewing choices based on total number of HD channels, HD On DEMAND programs, and HD PPV options. 700 is a weekly average as number of programs fl uctuates on a weekly basis. On DEMAND is not available in all areas. MyPrimetime show availability begins the day after on air premiere barring technical diffi culties. Fast Forward, Pause and Rewind functions may not be available for all MyPrimetime programming.Cox High Speed Internet - Cable modem required. Cox High Speed Internet Ultimate is available in all Cox High Speed Internet serviceable areas with the exception of Benson, Douglas, Pirtleville, Wickenburg and Verrado. Cable modem required. For best speed performance, use of Cox approved cable modem is recommended. Uninterrupted or error-free Internet service, or the speed of your service, is not guaranteed. Actual speeds may vary. The security and privacy software will automatically terminate upon termination of your Internet service and is not available for Apple users. Cox cannot guarantee the intended results from the security and privacy services or that the software will be error-free or free from interruptions or other failures. Media Store and Share is only available with Cox Preferred or higher speed Internet packages. Professional installation and a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem required to receive Premier Plus and Ultimate Internet service speeds. Cable modem is sold separately. For users of Microsoft operating systems: If you are using an MS operating system other than Vista/Windows 7 (e.g., Microsoft XP), your registry keys must be updated to enable maximum speed performance. †PowerBoost temporarily increases your download speeds for the fi rst 18 - 22 Mb of a fi le when extra bandwidth is available and is a registered trademark of Comcast Corporation, used with permission. The maximum download speeds of Ultimate are up to 55 Mbps with PowerBoost and 50 Mbps without PowerBoost. ESPN recommends an Internet connection speed of at least 768 Kbps for the best viewing experience, but a minimum connection speed of 450 Kbps is required. To check if your computer system can run ESPN3.com, visit www.cox.com/espn3. Cox Digital Telephone - Modem equipment required. Modem uses household electrical power to operate and has backup battery power provided by Cox if electricity is interrupted. Telephone service, including access to e911 service, will not be available during an extended power outage or if the modem is moved or inoperable. Cox 5 cent per minute or $15 Unlimited long distance rates are limited to direct-dialed long distance calls within the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa. Telephone services provided by Cox Arizona Telcom, LLC. ©2010 CoxCom, Inc. dba Cox Communications Arizona. All rights reserved.

Move up before you move in.

Cox Bundles.You need it. We got it. All your family’s technology needs from one company, on one bill.

Build the bundle that’s right for you by adding features like the ones listed below.

Cox High Speed InternetSM

Great News! Cox Ultimate High Speed Internet – 50 Mbps. Now available everywhere.*

Boost®† – You’ll get an extra burst of

speed for downloading movies,

music, photos, games and more

more FREE with Media Store and Share

included with your

subscription at no additional charge

Cox Digital Telephone®

Reliable home phone service — save your wireless minutes

existing phone number

Caller ID, Call Waiting, Voice Mail

and more

Distance for only $15/mo

Cox Advanced TVEnjoy more than 700 HD viewingchoices, including HD On DEMAND

in 100% digital quality

of shows and movies that you can

watch when you want

On DEMAND category lets you

access your favorite primetime

programming on your schedule

Call today!623-748-8957 | cox.com

WELCOME to the premier issue of Today’s Home Improvement! Few things are moreexciting for a magazine staff than the debut of a new publication we’ve poured our heartsand minds into for the past several months. And for me—a home improvement fan —the thrill is doubled.

We know you’ll be thrilled also with our great lineup of editorial over the coming year.Our timely features will encompass renovations and room makeovers, interiorand exterior design, home furnishings, outdoor living, home technology, homemaintenance, do-it-yourself projects and more. With a focus on local trends, productsand services, Today’s Home Improvement can serve as your guide to help you create yourdream home right here in the Valley.

In this issue, you’ll find stories on 2010 designer color trends for the home, décor tipsfor an urban loft, the evolution of kitchen design, and how a lighting makeover canupdate a room and create an entirely new ambience. In addition, Valley architect MichaelHiggins showcases four incredible exterior makeovers, tips on expanding your livingspace outdoors and an interior designer shares some big ideas for small spaces.

You’ll also discover helpful home improvement tips in our regular columns. This issue’sdo-it-yourself project is a cedar-lined closet, our Green Living column tells you howa solar water heater can save you money, and CheckList offers 10 ways to boost yourproperty value.

We’re pleased you’ve joined us for the unveiling of a magazine that’s sure to become aValley favorite. Enjoy!

MICHAEL A. [email protected]


Getting Underway

tH i P U B L I S H E R ’ S N OT E

www.arizonawholesalesupply.com

showroom locations

Scottsdale Showroom: 15125 N. Hayden Rd. #117480.596.0092Phoenix Showroom: 2020 E. University Dr. 602.258.7901East Valley Showroom: 75 W. Baseline Rd. Ste. #10-12,Gilbert, 480.892.3984West Valley Showroom: 8581 W. Kelton Ln. #210, Peoria, 623.583.9553Tucson Showroom: 2015 N. Forbes Blvd. 520.795.4663

it all begins with your vision.Your kitchen is the center of activity in your home. Shouldn’t it reflect your creativity, taste and personality? Let our experienced design consultants help you realize your dream with a no obligation, personal tour of our Arizona Wholesale showroom.

Together we can help you create a custom kitchen that brings your ideas to life, delivering the most beautiful kitchen to you-on time, within budget and beyond all your expectations.

Please call to schedule your free appointment Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

come discover the possibilities. www.arizonawholesalesupply.com

my style. my passion.

my kitchen.appliances I outdoor kitchen products I flooring I water systems I countertops I ceiling fans I closet systems I cabinetry I and so much more...

Please support Trees for Change, an SRP EarthWise™ program. When you give, 100% of your

contribution helps plant ponderosa pine seedlings in Arizona forests destroyed by fire. The $3

a month will be added right to your SRP bill. To help make a change, visit srpnet.com/trees.

FOR JUST $3 A MONTH YOU CAN HELP REFOREST ARIZONA.

tH iI N S P I R A T I O N S • L I F E S T Y L E S • S O L U T I O N S

TREND WATCH

Color SplashBLEND STYLE AND FUNCTION

Bored with your bathroom? Add bright touchesof color with the new Versatile Collection fromSonia. Featuring a wide range of mix-and-match colors and numerous color combos forbathroom consoles and countertops, splashesof orange or red are sure to bring any blandbathroom back to life. The console box is madeof multilayer marine-grade wood, which is 100percent water resistant. The wood counterpartsare offered in walnut, wengé, white and ashfinishes. The setup shown is priced at $4,330.954.572.5454

www.sonia-sa.com

TODAYSHOMEIMPROVEMENT.com 13

tH i T R E N D W A T C H

14TODAYSHOMEIMPROVEMENT.com

CHIC AND SLIMWe love this sleek a new lighting fixture from Studio Italia. Inpiano createsa soothing, subdued glow without indirect light. The energy-saving, wall-mounted light uses compact fluorescent bulbs, saving approximately one-fourth of the normal energy used, lasting about 10 times longer thanregular bulbs and is perfect for small rooms and hallways. Prices start at$1,098. 305.621.9602

www.sid-usa.com

DISAPPEARING ACTNeed that extra boost to make a good room great? Weather Shield’s newpocket door system integrates outdoor and indoor living spaces through aretractable patio door stored in a wall cavity. The patio door glides on aroller base along rails built into your home, and can be opened and closedby pulling the handle or mechanically by a push-button remote or wallmounted keypad. Available in standard pine or maple, cherry, mahogany,oak, character alder, American fir or aluminum-clad materials. From$15,000 to $22,000. 800.222.2995

www.weathershield.com

MOON BATHINGShower in style with Neptune’s brand new Luna shower kit. This mini-malist yet sophisticated design features an acrylic tray and glass shower doorin the shape of a half moon. The glass centered design complements thewhite acrylic and fits well in any color bathroom. Prices start at $2,920.450.773.7058

www.bainsneptune.com


SPACE CASEYou can create that sleek, modern kitchen you’ve been craving— even ifyou have limited space to work with. SieMatic introduces CompactDesign,its new space-saving kitchen design, which includes sliding doors forkitchen cabinets and increased amounts of hidden storage space to helpyou combat kitchen clutter. Oak finish, linear countertops and side panelsprovide a contemporary aesthetic, and bursts of vibrant color helpbrighten the compact space. 215.604.1350

www.siematic.com

GLASS ROOTSPut a twist on your dining area by replacing that outdated chandelier withStudio Italia Design’s new handspun and handblown lace lighting fix-tures. This dangling light will not only add an elegant touch, the glass cre-ated by expert Murano artists in Italy is sure to be a conversation starter.The fixtures are sold separately and are priced at $1,172 each.305.621.9602

www.sid-usa.com

HIT THE LIGHTSWhat good is a textured wall design if you can’t show it off? Pure Lightingintroduces the Stratus LED Linear Wall Grazer, a lighting solution fortextured walls and other textured vertical surfaces. If you mount the wallgrazer on the ceiling, it will evenly cover walls up to 30 feet high with LEDlight. Especially effective on your textured stone or brick walls, and the sys-tem will burn for up to 50,000 hours. 773.770.1195

www.purelighting.com

FANCY FAUCETSometimes, all a room needs is a little extra charm. Add an extra personaltouch to your bathroom sink with THG’s new faucet line. The gold andcrystal Vogue faucet is adorably complemented with colorful gem stones,available in Gray Agate, Rose Quartz, Thulite, Cornaline, Smoky Quartz,Rock Crystal and Amethyst. Or try the Capucine faucet for a sleek, mod-ern design and knobs embellished with purple butterflies. Both faucets arealso available in finished chrome. Priced from $2,643 to $5,796.954.425.8225

www.thgusa.com

tH i T R E N D W A T C H

Bowled OverFUNCTIONAL SINK ART

The Velvet Cienega sink by Alchemy Glass &Light offers an opportunity to add a functionalpiece of art as the center of attention in yourkitchen and bathroom. Showcasing the artfulcapability of earthly beauty, the sink is sure tocomplement both modern and traditionaldesigns. Prices start at $1,300 and pro ducts canbe purchased through Clyde Hardware inPhoenix. 323.235.6606

www.alchemyglass.com



HIDE AND SLEEKHide-A-Hose unveils its retractable vacuum, a built-in hose that can coverup to 2,300 square feet of your home. The sleek SmartTube system isstored in walls, attics or crawl spaces. All the tubing is connected to a central power unit usually placed in the garage, basement or equipmentroom. Prices range from $1,800 to $3,600. 877.851.4491

www.hideahose.com

BATHING BEAUTYSwiss bathroom specialist Laufen introduces its Palomba bathroom collection. The Palomba floor-standing bathtub is made of ceramic andfeatures a Macassar finish and thick exterior. The bathtub is rimless whenfilled, giving you a modern, simplistic aesthetic.

www.llaufen.com/usa

Solar Water HeatingREVAMPYOUR ENERGY BUDGETby Rex Steppe


tH i L I V I N G G R E E N


IF YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT REMODELING, you’ve no doubt put alot of time and energy into planning how you want things to look and howyour space should function when it’s all said and done. A lot of detail goesinto a home remodel, but if you’re like most people, you may haveoverlooked some important changes that can add to the comfort of yourhome while keeping more of your hard-earned money in your pocketmonth after month.

There’s no better time to remodel your energy budget than while youremodel your home. A long-time proponent of energy savings around thehome, Arizona Public Service (APS) suggests looking at your home’sappliances as an integral part of any upgrades you are considering.

Most homeowners to look for the ENERGY STAR logo when shopping forenergy-efficient appliances, but you may be surprised to discover whichoften-overlooked home appliances cost you the most money on your energybill last month. Next to your air conditioner, chances are it was your waterheater. If yours is like many Arizona families, your water heater aloneaccounted for approximately 15 percent of your total energy bill last year.

GO SOLARThe easy solution is to install a solar water heater, and many electric powerproviders offer incentives for customers who do so. By going solar, you canvirtually eliminate the cost of heating your water. Solar water heaters arenot only affordable, they also provide environmental benefits. If only 10percent of homes in Arizona used solar water heaters, we would saveenough energy to power more than 36,000 homes. And, since the sun

serves as the energy source, this solution is clean and renewable.

Putting the sun to work for you is also easy on the wallet. A homeownermay pay anywhere between $600 to $1,000 for a water heater dependingon size and type, while a typical solar water heater costs just over $5,000.However, when you combine power company incentives with state andfederal tax credits, the same solar water heater could cost as little as $1,000and provide most of your family’s hot water needs.

When the system isn’t producing hot water (such as during the nighttime),your traditional water heater acts as a backup to heat your water.Considering that an electric water heater costs the typical family around$250 per year to operate, your savings will accumulate very quickly.

APS customers interested in taking advantage of the available incentivesshould begin by consulting a licensed contractor. If you are not an APScustomer, check with your electric service provider to see if similarprograms are available, and be sure to check whether the system you wantto acquire qualifies for rebates before purchasing it. When makingimprovements to your home this year, don’t forget those that will save youmoney for years to come and help create a cleaner environment. n

Rex Steppe is an Account Executive with Customer Information and Programs for ArizonaPublic Service (APS). He is also Marketing Manager for the APS Renewable EnergyIncentives program.

Learn more at www.aps.com/GoSolar

SOLAR INCENTIVES CHECKLIST

1. Through APS’ incentive program, homeowners may be eligible for a one-time incentive payment from APS equal to 75 cents multiplied by the first-year kilowatt hour (kWh) savings your system provides.

2. Other incentives, such as a Federal tax credit (30 percent of the system cost up to $2,000) and a state tax credit (25 percent of system cost up to $1,000), may also be available to you.

3. Participants in the program are required to contribute a minimum of 15 percent of the actual system cost.

4. The system must be installed by a licensed contractor in the state of Arizona and the equipment must be OG-300 rated to qualify for the incentive.

5. Reserve your incentive with APS, as funds are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The incentive application, along with instructions and other resources can be found at www.aps.com/GoSolar.

“IF ONLY 10 PERCENT OF HOMESIN ARIZONA USED SOLAR WATER

HEATERS,WEWOULD SAVEENOUGH ENERGY TO POWERMORE THAN 36,000 HOMES.”


Install a Cedar-Lined ClosetTRANSFORM BORING INTO BEAUTIFUL

by Leigh Anne Monitor

t H i D I Y C O R N E R

“REMODELING PROJECTS CAN COST TENS OF THOUSANDSDOLLARS,” says Pat Simpson, home improvement expert and host ofHGTV’s “Before & After, Fix It Up!” and “Room to Improve.” “But youcan do a little shopping at your favorite home center and give your housea makeover without spending a fortune.”

One easy, inexpensive and beautiful DIY project anyone can do is to coverbare and boring closet walls with cedar wood liners. This look transformswhat was bland into a space that’s natural and useful. A cedarcloset keeps clothes safe from moths, mildew and silverfish. And it’s easierthan a messy closet paint project. In fact, if you cut your wood outdoors,you won’t even need a drop cloth for the closet floor.

The average price of a master-bedroom closet renovation is $3,500, butyou can create a cedar closet using do-it-yourself, easy-to-install cedarpanels or planks for $150 to $360 for a standard-sized closet. And the bestpart is, a cedar closet looks polished and expensive when completed and itdramatically brightens the look and feel of the bedroom.

Cedar wood liners from a handful of companies are available at homeimprovement stores. Cedar liners from CedarSafe are made of thin piecesof aromatic, unstained, natural Eastern red cedar that fit together in aninterlocking, tongue and groove style. They nail in easily with one piecefitting smoothly against the next, and are thin enough to nail over existingcloset walls with a nail gun.

CedarAmerica Cedar Shelf Lining also offers aromatic cedar woodlining, and the company also features cedar accessories for the closet,

...YOU CAN CREATE A CEDAR CLOSET

USING DO-IT-YOURSELF, EASY-TO-INSTALL CEDAR

PANELS OR PLANKS ...


DIY CHECKLIST

Materials needed: For this project, you will need seven to 12 boxes of cedar lining (available at Lowe’s orHome Depot), depending on thesquare footage of your project. Thewebsite cedarsafeclosets.com has step-by-step video instruction hostedby HGTV host Pat Simpson.

Estimated time: A cedar closet project can be installed over a week-end. You can rent a nail gun at a homeimprovement store and some storeswill even cut the cedar wood for youonce you measure the space. For thecloset rods, you will need a drill to remove and reinstall the hardwareover the cedar wood.

Maintenance note: A cedar closet is easy to maintain. Simply sand thewood lightly or apply cedar oil aftertwo years. This keeps the closetsmelling great as it continues to protect against roaches, silverfish and moths.


D I Y C O R N E R

such as hangers. Little Cedar Log Homes isanother company that offers cedar wood for closetsor chests.

Renovating your closet with cedar lining will leavea lasting impression on visitors and give you anattractive pest-free storage space you can enjoy foryears to come. n

Leigh Anne Monitor, a long-time newspaper journalist basedin Birmingham, Alabama, is a representative for CedarSafe.

Learn more at www.cedarsafeclosets.com

A cedar closet looks

polished and expensive

when completed and

it dramatically brightens

the look and feel of

the bedroom.


MAKING GALLERY ART

& CUSTOM FRAMING

AFFORDABLE

n CUSTOM FRAMING

n HUGE INVENTORY OF FRAMED ART

n CUSTOM MIRRORS

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Framing OrderTODAY’S HOME IMPROVEMENT SEPT/OCT 2010

2010

C O V E R S T O R Y


COLOR TRENDSFIND YOUR OWN PERFECT PALETTE

by Danielle D’Adamo


GLOBAL TAPESTRY

The Sherwin-Williams Global TapestryLifestyle Collection dances a festive tangowith bold shades of orange, red, gold andgreen and also waltzes with balancing brownsin roasted and sandy tones.

C O V E R S TO RY


This Mission-inspired kitchenshowcases colors in the

Lifestyle Collection includingGambol Gold, Alexandrite,

Tigereye, Enticing Red, Umberand Basket Beige.

Tango orange, Asian red, grassy green, electric pink—vividcolors in home décor have exploded onto the scene inrecent years where cautious neutrals ruled for decades.What’s new for ’10? Designers are taking their color cuesfrom exotic cultures, local environments, luxury living andtechno-brights. Case in point: The 24 hues selected bySherwin-Williams color experts for 2010 transcend fluidlyacross four Lifestyle Collections that reflect these trends.

In addition to highlighting visually the ways these colortrends are influencing design,Today’s Home Improvementtook advantage of the expertise of Jackie L. Jordan,director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams toget useful tips and ideas for adding color to your ownsurroundings.

IMAGINATION CAN TAKE YOUANYWHERE.


C O V E R S T O R Y

THI:How does Sherwin-Williams choose its new color offeringsto coordinate with home design trends?

JLJ: Sherwin-Williams researches and tracks trends in all areas,ranging from global and local economies to world cultures andtravel to technology, fashion and pop culture. These trendsthen translate into color palettes and color directions forinterior design and decorating applications.

THI: Are there any rules of thumb we should follow forcoordinating colors throughout a room?

JLJ: One of the easiest ways to coordinate colors is first,determining what type of color scheme you prefer. Mono-chromatic schemes are very lovely and typically utilize one colorin various tints, tones and shades, such as using a dark, mid-tone and light blue and perhaps a neutral such as white orbeige. Use a color wheel to find out what type of scheme

you prefer; complementary (those are colors across from eachother on the color wheel) or analogous (colors next to eachother on the color wheel). These are the easiest schemes tohave success with.

THI: With today’s smaller but more open floor plans, is it bestto stay with one color scheme from room to room?

JLJ: With today’s open floor plans, it does becomechallenging to change wall color effectively from room toroom. However, don't let that keep you from changing colorschemes with furniture and accessories. Use a neutral orthe same wall color throughout and change the accents inthe room with pillows, draperies, etc. Follow the same conceptfor coordinating color in one room but carry that conceptinto other rooms. For instance, if you are using a scheme withthree coordinating colors, make one color the dominatecolor in each space and use the other two as accents.


CONSCIOUS LUXURY

Sherwin-Williams Conscious Luxury Lifestyle Collection draws its inspiration from this new twist on design–evoking a feeling of luxury

and sophistication while also reflecting a conscious investment in preserving our surrounding landscape. This collection blushes with sophisticated, cosmetic-inspired pinks, as well as blue and purples

that reflect the brilliant sheen of conflict-free gemstones.

Colors in this Lifestyle Collection include Constant Coral, Insightful Rose, Steamed Milk, Plummy, Plum Dandy and Celestial.


LOCAL MOMENTUM

Sherwin-Williams Local Momentum is inspiredby the handiwork of local artisans and the beauty of the natural resources found in all of our communities. Shades of urban, eco-rooftops inspire the grassy and yellow greens in the Local Momentum collection, while the tranquility of water and sky stir a serene blue. And the influence of raw, natural materials like sand and wood are found in this collection’s neutral hues.

Colors in this Lifestyle Collection include Lemon Verbena, Grandiose, Wool Skein, Mesa Tan, Black Fox and Aqua-Sphere.


C O V E R S TO RY

FOLLOWTHE PATH OF YOUR INSPIRATION.

TECHNO-COLOR

Technology is not only expanding our reachworldwide, it is also extending to the world of design. Catch the next color wave with the eye-catching pinks, blue and green in this collection, and then go industrial with concreteand stainless steel grays. Bright colors are a key element, providing a dramatic contrastwhen used with the darker, more subduedtones that are also part of this palette.

Colors in this Sherwin-Williams Techno-ColorLifestyle Collection include Hep Green, Gauntlet Gray, Zircon, Ruby Shade, Zany Pinkand Reflecting Pool.

THI: Do you have any tips for avoiding a “we didn’t hire adesigner” look when changing a room’s decor?

JLJ: If you are changing everything, I suggest keeping it simpleto begin with. I like to keep big-ticket items such as sofasand tables neutral, and then add color with less expensiveitems such as pillows and paint. Live with new furniture andwall colors before you start to accessorize. Sometimes weget carried away with accessories and end up with a spacethat offers little relief for the eyes.

Accessories typically look better in groupings of odd numbers(three or five). Also, remember your artwork does notneed to match your sofa. Finally, mixing design styles can betricky for some, so if you stick to one style (contemporaryor traditional) it will give cohesiveness to a room.

THI: Many of us are afraid of color and gravitate towardneutrals. Is there any hope for us?

JLJ: There is hope for everyone! Just look at magazines andbooks and visit model homes to see how designers are usingcolor. If you find something that really inspires you, go for it.Painting a room is the easiest and least expensive way to makea statement. Start with a small room like a powder roomor guest bedroom to get the feel for what color can do fora small space before you embark on a larger project. Thenyou will be much less apprehensive about moving into thefamily room or master bedroom. n

Danielle D’Adamo is a contributor to Today’s Home Improvement.

To get inspiration for your own project, visit www.colorofinspiration.com


F E AT U R E S

A two-car garage added to the archway in the rear yard provides a transition between buildings. Stucco now dresses the exterior slump-block walls, while eaves impress with a Spanish Colonial-style makeover. The garage doors are accentuated with wood overlay and iron hardware as well as a storage area that pops from the front.

Salvaged, reclaimed clay-roof tile gives the home a feeling of durability and permanence. And the new low walls defining the front-entry courtyard now feature colorful garden beds,which add a welcoming street appeal. As a final touch, attractive wrought iron light fixtures gently illuminate the front of the home.

Photo by David Zilly


FOUR BETTER-THAN-NEW EXTERIOR TRANSFORMATIONS

by Michael Higgins

MAXIMUM CURB APPEAL

The term “makeover” might suggest that a home is old and outof date, but many homes suffer from curb appeal problems—whether they were built 50, 40 or 20 years ago. Architects canemploy several strategies to enhance curb appeal, from giving ahome’s exterior a needed lift to creating an entirely new façade.Their “tricks of the trade” can help create a stunning new look.

BEFORE


F E A T U R E S

Landscaping can cover many mistakes in the original home,and it is one of the lowest cost investments you can make toensure a beautiful façade. Removing overgrown or unsuitablelandscape elements and replacing them with the right landscapedesign is always an important part of exterior makeovers.

Many times, transitions from outdoors to indoors that provideshade are missing from a home’s original design due tobudgetary constraints. Adding shadow porches, walkways,arcades and courtyards is often part of redesign. Front entriesthat address the street and pedestrian traffic are importantelements of curb appeal. This was lost on post-world warhousing and the age of the automobile, and most homes builtin the 1950s and 1960s were approached from the drivewaywith a front door facing away from the street. (The Arcadia areais a good example.) A makeover of such a home will make itinviting from the street rather than feeling secluded.

Windows should fit the style and scale of the home. Anotherbenefit to replacing windows is that technology has come far inthe last 10 years, making them much more energy efficient.Beautiful front doors with added glazing are like a welcominghandshake to visitors.

Massing is another technique to add interest and substance toan elevation. Many homes were originally built with long flatfacades, but additions that add depth and change the line ofthe house also add interest and balance to the home.

Another element that is often lost on post-war housing isdetail. As modernism was taking hold, much detail andtradition was lost in architecture. Boring facades often shareone attribute in common: They lack detail. Trim, mouldings,accentuated columns, window sills, shutters, wainscoting orbelly banding, Interesting eave details and decorative railingsare all details that create visual interest. Another importantelement of detail is to use more than one exterior material.

Lighting is also an important element of curb appeal.Decorative light fixtures add detail, welcome guests, providesecurity and can support the style of the home.

To make your exterior makeover project a success, invest indirection from an experienced professional. A goodarchitect is one who specializes in residential renovation, willlisten to your needs, is an excellent communicator, proceedscautiously by obtaining estimates and pricing during theprocess, and understands the context of your neighborhood,how the house relates to the neighbor-hood and the style youdesire. With help from the right professional, your home canbecome a curb appeal sensation and the showplace of yourneighborhood. n

Architect Michael Higgins is Principal of Scottsdale-based Higgins Architects, LLC.

Learn more at www.higginsarch.com

BEFORE

AFTER


BEFORE

Above: New colored-concrete decking around the pool classically transforms this backyard, nowfeaturing a huge patio where residents can enjoy a breakfast nook off the kitchen. Scissor trusses allowfor higher ceilings on the patio, wrapped with a planter to soften the transition from the main home.And a new ramada affords views of Camelback Mountain.

The exterior of the home is enhanced with tapered columns and windows with divided panes thatadd charm as well as increase energy conservation. Finally, stucco over the insulation board provides a consistent finish while improving energy conservation.

Opposite: An added second story, complete with Romeo and Juliet balcony, changed the face and feel of this home. Canterra stone accentuates the openings, and Mexican brick highlights the window sills.Wall vines and front landscaping are now finely manicured, and trimmed hedges buffer the home in relation to the circular drive.

To comply with zoning codes, the color of the walls now have a low-light reflectance value. New smallwindows in the living room balance internal light and infuse the building’s face with charm and vibrancy.

Photos by David Zilly

AFTER


F E AT U R E S

BEFORE

Above: The Anderson home is difficult to recognize after its amazing facelift, which began with replacingthe asphalt driveway with sandblasted concrete pavers. The new red-clay tile roof is lower maintenancethan was its flat predecessor, and it provides shade to the building walls. Colored stucco was used tolower light-reflectance value, eliminating the need for repainting.

The height of the covered entryway was adjusted to create a welcoming, human-scale approach to thefront door. Colored-concrete columns, mouldings and a finely crafted front door add inviting details tothe façade. The garage structure was revamped with three smaller doors, enriched with hardware andwood-textured doors. The stepped-back second story over the garage adds to square footage whilebetter integrating the structure into the overall, less-imposing look.

Photo by Jon Denker-Caps

AFTER

SPACEF E A T U R E S


SPACE SOLUTIONSBIG IDEAS FOR SMALL ROOMS

by Gina Meno

Armless sofas, sectionals and chairs allow proper seating while creating openness in your room. Chairs with open arms alsopermit flow in a room along with sofas having exposed wooden feet verses full skirts. Glass and shiny metals used on casegoodsreflects light and creates a nearly-invisible quality.

Ottomans and benches create additional seating in your family room when needed for visiting guests, but because they arebackless, they give a visual effect that the room is open and inviting.

Use light-colored fabrics on large upholstered sofas and sectionals while adding color, print or movement on occasional chairs,ottomans and accent pillows. This color proportion will give the appearance of larger, more open space.

Given the advantages of wireless computers, set up a narrow desk or side table that will allow you to multitask in your family orgreat room. This allocated work surface provides an area where you can be on-line while watching your favorite show or whilegathered with family members. This narrow desk will also allow for family togetherness while completing homework, playinggames or reading.

The use of mirrors or sets of mirrors open up a space and create the façade that the room size has increased. Before hangingthese mirrors consider what they will reflect back. Mirrors can add character and charm to a room when they reveal somethinginteresting or architectural rather than a bare wall.

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AE TODAYSHOMEIMPROVEMENT.com 41

The striped paint detail adds height to thisyoung girl’s room, and the bookcase have adds

needed storage space.


Smaller spaces need adequate storage so that items havea place to be put away. Use patterned storage boxes thatcan be stacked on shelves, under cocktail or end tables andeven under your bed to organize and hide clothing andother valuables.

Keep the room clean and simple when it comes toaccessorizing. The overuse of accessories can make a roomfeel busy and cluttered. Group items together visually,adding height and interest while allowing space to flowbetween groupings to avoid over stimulating the collectionsin your room.

Adequate lighting will make a room feel larger because it iswell lit and open. Lighting has never come in as manyoptions as it does today. There are great wall and ceilingmounted fixtures, retro-looking swaged floor lamps andminiature halogen lights for bookcases and shelving units.Place an up light behind a plant to add a shadowed effectthat subtly softens a room.

Paint can add drama to make your room look and feellarger than it is. If you have low ceilings, consider addingvertical painted stripes to add height, or if the space is theopposite scenario, add horizontal paint lines to increasewidth visually.

Try hanging drapery panels higher above the windows thanyou normally would. This creates the illusion of height in aroom and gives the space perspective. n

Gina Meno is President of Hart Interior Design, based in Tempe. Hart Interior’s

sister companies are H3D, which designs custom millwork working with green

materials, and The Hart Studio, offering design for luxury homes.

Learn more at www.hartinteriordesign.com

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TOP: Floor to ceiling mirrors open up this dining room, reflecting light from the chandelier as well as an interesting

metallic backsplash in the kitchen.

MIDDLE: In this living space, color is distributed to the accent chairs, keeping the sofa light for openness

in the room. In the nook area, the drapery hung ceilinglength adds height to the room, and an upholstered bench

supplies additional seating.

BOTTOM: Bold color combined with small-footprint furniture add to the feeling of a more open space.

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When you hear the name Diana Taurasi, the term basketball starmight roll right off your tongue. Now in her sixth season withthe Phoenix Mecury, this WNBA Champion’s list ofaccomplishments includes three consecutive NCAA titles duringher days at the University of Connecticut and two Olympic goldmedals with Team USA. Even more impressive, she’s added allof this to her résumé

With such a hectic existence, Taurasi needed a comfortable placeto hang her jersey. In 2007, she purchased a condo in theBiltmore area. She cites her affinity for the city lifestyle as onereason for choosing this particular neighborhood. “Growingup in Chino, Calif., I am used to a city feel since it’s so close toLos Angeles,” says Taurasi. “The Biltmore area offers that, butalso has a close community sense.”

Home Court AdvantageA PHOENIX MERCURY STAR FINDS HER NICHE

by Lesley Factor

tH i P E O P L E & S P A C E S


Among the neighborhood’s many attractions, she’s particularlyfond of restaurants such as Chelsea’s Kitchen and Delux, whichshe enjoys while in town since cooking isn’t one of her strongsuits. But at the end of each day, Taurasi couldn’t shake thefeeling that something just wasn’t right. Then she realized herapartment didn’t yet feel like home.

Being a self-proclaimed minimalist with an active lifestyle, asimple design was important to Taurasi. When she chose thespace, the “modern and sleek” look really appealed to her. Soto help add a sense of her own personality and touch, she optedfor a black and white theme with pops of color. This lookinhabits what designers refer to as the 60-30-10 rule, and canbe easily replicated by anyone.

Typically, people see every room in parts and 60 percent is seenas the basic theme or unifier. In the living room, where Taurasisays she spends most of her time, the walls are painted white,serving as a neutral backdrop. The next element, or 30 percent,should add variety to the space and thus draw the human eye.Taurasi chose black furniture, which creates direct contrast tothe area and adds an edgy feel to the room. Lastly, 10 percentof the room should add extra pizzazz. Taurasi achieves this

through the use of lime green couch pillows. The result is asubtle yet elegant space that captures the exact essence of itsowner. Other items that add a burst of color to a room are floralarrangements, paintings and rugs.

During her downtime, Taurasi can usually be found on thecouch catching up on her favorite show, “True Blood,” orstaying connected with her friends on the Internet. Because shetravels for up to eight months a year, she doesn’t feel the needto fill her home with items that will go unused. She is, however,a “green” advocate and owns many energy-efficient appliancessuch as her refrigerator, washer and dryer and many of the itemsin her kitchen. “It’s just my way of helping out,” she says. When asked what household item she can’t live without, she isquick to respond, “The iron. Since I’m usually on the court oron the road, I have to make sure I look presentable.”

In just a short amount of time, Taurasi has found her niche inthe Valley and created her ideal space, and she hopes to callPhoenix home for at least a while. For her Mercury teammates,the feeling is definitely mutual. n

Lesley Factor is the public and community relations manager for the Phoenix Mercury.

PERFECT YOUR SPACE

• Add texture and interest to your kitchen by

installing tile. For the best look, keep tiles

limited to one area such as the alcove above

the stovetop or the wall over the kitchen desk.

• Need to make a room feel larger but don’t

have the extra space? Flooring of a lighter

color will automatically widen a room,

especially when the material is laid diagonally

instead of parallel to a wall.

• If you want to turn your bedroom into a

retreat, but don’t have the built-in space, add a

bench to the end of the bed and/or a comfort-

able chair near the window for a cozy feel.

(far left) Diana Taurasi (left) Block concrete walls can add a minimal,edgy feel to a room. (above) Taurasi opted for a simple, modern

design for her living room. (right) Lime green pillows add a burst ofcolor to a black and white color scheme.

Taurasi photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE/Getty Images


tH i A RT F U L L I V I N G

One of the best ways to add living space to your home is to increase the outdoor areas, which can be done ratherinexpensively. So, what can you do to your home to take full advantage of our wonderful climate? Develop youroutdoor space, don’t ignore it. It’s an essential part of enjoying the beautiful climate we have here in the Valley.

An interior Arizona courtyard provides a complete sense of safetyand allows the home to open up

during nice weather. A wood trellisedstructure provides shade during the

day and the fireplace provides a focal point that can be viewed from

inside the home. Photo Courtesy:Jon Denker, www.CapsFoto.com

This Arizona patio was made forbarbeques and social gatherings. Itcontains a small, yet colorful wallfountain exuding a southwestern flare.It is the perfect focal point for thisbackyard. The comfortable seating,shade trees and covered patio allowthe space to be used in any kind ofweather. Photo Courtesy: David Zilly

Living AlfrescoTRENDY OUTDOOR SPACES

by Michael Higgins

Here are a few things to consider:

1. Shading. In Arizona, one of the first things to consider isshading your outdoor space. Some creative ways to accomplishthis are through the use of awnings, umbrellas, tree placementand structures. Understanding the orientation of your outdoorspace is paramount in creating a comfortable environment. Forinstance, during the winter months, north-facing backyardstend to have more morning and afternoon shade, while south-facing backyards will have more sun in the afternoon. Youshould also ask yourself, what time of the day and year will yoube using the space?

2. Elements. When designing outdoor spaces consider theelements—water, plants, seating, televisions, music, barbeques,armadas and appliances. These elements add function,aesthetics, personality and entertainment value. You want thespace to be beautiful, but it should also be fun, user-friendlyand functional for the entire family to enjoy.

3. Romance. Along with a family-friendly backyard, manycouples want their space to elicit romance, intrigue, passionand fascination. You can achieve this with candles, fireplacesor fire pits and direct and indirect lighting such as landscapelights, dimmers and sconces.


A front courtyard serves as a porch and gathering spot where the homesresidents can connect with neighbors and friends. The fire pit surrounded by

Adirondack chairs is situated on a patio defined by flagstone pavers with alawn that fills the gaps. The lawn provides a cooling effect and a more informal

feeling to the space. A big tree provides the perfect amount of shade duringthe summertime. Photo Courtesy: Jon Denker, www.CapsFoto.com


A RT F U L L I V I N G

4. Continuity. A few extras to keep in mind—and these are thedetails that’ll make your backyard space uniquely yours—consider continuity, truly bringing the indoors, outside. Forinstance, opening up exterior walls with expandable glass doors,or extending your indoor flooring material, outdoors—thisbrings a sense of continuity to your two spaces, creating one,large continuous space. Then, by adding misting systems, fans,fountains, lush vegetation and patio furniture that mimics theindoor look, will bring it all home. n

Michael Higgins, of Higgins Architects in Scottsdale, has specializedin residential architecture since 1994 in a wide variety of historicalstyles and has been widely published in architectural journalsthroughout the southwest. www.HigginsArch.com

Select patio furniture that will weather our intense sun and harshclimate. These chairs, designed by Philippe Staark, are available throughDesign Within Reach in Scottsdale. They were specially made for theoutdoors. They blend into the flooring material and how the greenish-blue potted plants match the accent color scheme of the home. Thesetouches give this Arizona backyard, an authentic Southwestern feel.Photo Courtesy: Jon Denker, www.CapsFoto.com

HIRING A PROFESSIONAL

1. Get Referrals. If you see a home

you like, ask the homeowner for the

name of the designer or contractor

they used. Be sure to check with

your local building department to

ensure that any required permits

are obtained.

2. Check References. When hiring

a contractor, always ask for a list of

current, satisfied customers and look

at the completed projects. Call the

references you receive and ask if the

work was done on time and within

budget. Would they use this person

again? Was the process enjoyable?

3. Hire Licensed Professionals.You should know if your contractor

is registered, actively licensed, bonded

and insured. And here’s why. Hiring a

licensed contractor offers protection

to property owners, such as the

ability to file a complaint against the

contractor’s license. This is your

guarantee should the workmanship

be below standard or in violation of

existing codes. Arizona contractors

can not obtain a license without

possessing a minimum amount of

experience and must pass a business

management test. In many cases,

they are even subjected to criminal

history background checks, and must

not have any unresolved, outstanding

contracting complaints.

Source: www.AZRoc.gov

VISIT US ONLINE AT:

AND BE INSPIRED.

TODAYSHOMEIMPROVEMENT.com

I N S P I R A T I O N S • L I F E S T Y L E S • S O L U T I O N S

FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR NEXT HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.


This Ramada provides a wonderful focal point at theend of this long pool. These outdoor spaces are usuallyconsidered one of the nicest and most utilized portionsof the homes we design. The Ramada has a fireplace,flat screen television, wet bar with a small refrigeratorand a pool bath and storage room for toys located atthe rear of the structure.Photo Courtesy: Jon Denker,www.CapsFoto.com


tH i F I N A L C O AT

HOMEOWNERS PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART not only in how their home is perceived byprospective buyers, but also its actual appraised value. To help sellers better maximize their profitpotential, follow these 10 tips for readily increasing a home’s worth.

For All It’s Worth10WAYSTO BOOST YOUR PROPERTYVALUEby Robert Jensen

Paint the exterior - A fresh coat of paint can give even arelatively new home a much needed facelift, and can often bedone for as low as a few thousand dollars. Select a neutral tonethat is consistent with other residences in the neighborhood. Also,be sure to pay close attention to eaves, gutters and drains that mayalso need painting.

Complete all needed repairs - To maximize a home’s worth,it should be in good condition both inside and out. Don’t waituntil there is an offer on the home. Hire an inspector now andfix any problems such as roof deficiencies, leaky plumbing andelectrical concerns.

Purchase a home warranty - Establish peace of mind thatcomes with knowing a home and its contents are adequatelycovered in the event of a loss. A transferrable home warrantyprotection plan can provide added security to the homeowner—and the potential buyer.

Furnish the home to sell - Appeal to the buyer’s emotion.Furnishing a home can go a long ways to getting your homesold, increasing the odds of it selling. Give buyers the option toprocure the property with or without furnishings, and have apre-established sale price set for either scenario.

Upgrade front yard landscaping - Curb appeal plays a bigrole—more so than people realize. Potential buyers driving theneighborhood may never call the number on the For Sale sign ifyour home doesn’t look appealing from the outside. And buyerswaiting for their Realtor to show up often spend a good amountof time critiquing the landscaping while waiting. In addition topurposeful foliage, add landscape lighting and a weather- and soilmoisture-based landscape irrigation scheduling device to boostthe value even more.

Create a quick kitchen makeover - Kitchens are one ofthe number one rooms in the home in which you get the most

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bang for your remodeling buck. Countertops and appliances arethe quickest fix, along with faucets, fixtures, door knobs and othereasily changed items that can have a great impact on the space.

Think spa, not bathroom - The master bath is an importanta factor in a home’s worth. Think spa, or private sanctuary wherethe master bath is concerned—a space meant to be relaxing,rejuvenating and more. Give buyers something to be excitedabout with upgraded faucets, fixtures, lighting, cabinetry, mirrorsand other details. Then, dress it up with plants, candles and otherinexpensive, high impact décor.

Install soft and hard window treatments - There isnothing more boring than a plain window. Take advantage of thiseasy opportunity to give the home’s interior design more impact,while also increasing the home’s worth. In addition to “hard”treatments such as blinds and shutters that offer privacy, also addsoft treatments hung from decorative fixtures, which can alter theappeal of a room entirely. Look to a professional to ensure thebest outcome.

Replace carpet rather than just cleaning - Rather thansimply steam cleaning old, used carpet, replace it with fresh,neutral-toned carpet with an upgraded pad for an extra luxuriousfeel. Spending the extra money on new carpet will really makeyour home stand out from the crowd in looks, feel and even smell.

Don’t overlook your closets - The better organized a closet,the larger it appears and the better it reflects on a home overall.Now is the time to box up those unwanted clothes and shoes anddonate them to charity. Then, invest in a closet organizationsystem—either by a professional or self-installed. A closetmakeover will have a positive impact on an appraisal.

Robert Jenson is CEO of luxury Las Vegas realty The Jenson Group atRE/MAX Central.

Updated countertops and appliances are the quickest fix, giving you the most bang for your

remodeling buck.

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J Materials: PDF via email to: [email protected]

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