7/29/2019 Bucks County House and Home 2008-01 http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bucks-county-house-and-home-2008-01 1/80 Make an Entrance: ENTRY DOORS that stand out Make an Entrance: ENTRY DOORS that stand out Efficient and Comfy LAUNDRY ROOMS A STELLAR CELLAR: Pipersville basement has something for everyone Get Organized: CLOSET SYSTEMS simplify your life Efficient and Comfy LAUNDRY ROOMS A STELLAR CELLAR: Pipersville basement has something for everyone Get Organized: CLOSET SYSTEMS simplify your life OFFICIAL 2008 PHILADELPHIA HOME SHOW GUIDE WE’VE GOT IT! The Official PHILADELPHIA HOME SHOW GUIDE ... All You Need To Know to Go, Plus Exhibitors and Show Floor Plan! (see pages 37-44) www.housemagazine.com www.housemagazine.com
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Above: Funky and fun, the Eon Clock by Henry Huang features thin-ply wooden arms with tri-color stripes of blue, green and yellow. TheEon stretches to 14 inches in diameter and is available at thePlushpod Web site.
Right: Whether you're noting time in NewYork, Rome or Moscow, the Trio Clock
from Europe by Net helps you track timein all three cities on its three different
faces. Designed by Slamp Lab, the illumi-nated quartz wall clock, almost 21 incheslong and 6 inches wide, is available at the
Europe By Net Web site.
Right: At midnight, Target's Mona Lisa WallClock reveals the full image of this printdetail. Available online through Target, theclock measures 10-by-8 inches.
Above: Target's Flower Wall Clock in boldblue and luminous lime. Measurements are10.6 inches square.
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Linda Barth, Debi Bryant, Sarah Heenan,Joetta Moulden, Elaine Rogers
ART DIRECTOR
Debbie Epting
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Sanford Molinaro
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Michelle BucciThomas Ondo
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bill Cartledge, Ozzie RVOIII
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Annette Korkus
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Lisa Santangelo
SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER
Karen O’Toole
ACCOUNTING DIRECTOR
Darlene Versak
SALES MANAGER
Rochelle Dodge
MARKETING CONSULTANTS
Lynn Nelson, Tina Perrotta, Jerry Kwait, Gary Edelstein,Joye Minnick, Amy B. Weiss, Barbara Arnold, Ed Barnes
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Bob Doran
Advertising Information Call: 888-202-5501
BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOMEHouse & Home Magazine, Inc., dba Bucks County House & Home (“H&H”). H&H reserves the rightto determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materi-als for clarity and space. H&H is not responsible for loss, damage or any other injury to unsolicited
manuscripts, unsolicited artwork or any other unsolicited materials. Furthermore, H&H will assumethat unsolicited photographs, as well as ad photographs, are being submitted for possible publica-tion, and should they be published, no fee is due the photographer or model unless otherwiseagreed upon in advance in writing.
Bucks County House & Home is a newsmagazine with emphasis on home repair and remodeling.H&H does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does H&Hor its staff or its writers and editors assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial con-tent appear in any publ ication. Readers are encouraged to notify H&H when they suspect false or misleading advertising.
Before attempting any renovation or repair project mentioned in House & Home, readers areadvised to consult with professional home repair and renovation specialists for assistance, and totake any and all appropriate safety precautions.
Bucks County House & Home has not independently tested any services or products advertisedherein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. BucksCounty House & Home makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such productsor services. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renova-
tion professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products.No reproduction of printed materials is permitted without the consent of the Publisher of Bucks
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2820 Audubon Village Drive, #324 Audubon, PA 19403
Hunkpapa Sioux Indian boys photographed in Fort Yates, North Dakota,by Greg MacGregor. This is one of 60 images featured in the University of Pennsylvania’s “Lewis and Clark Revisited” exhibition.
arts antiques
BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME JANUARY 200826
THROUGH JANUARY 20
ANTONIO MANCINI: 19TH-
CENTURY ITALIAN MASTER
This exhibition highlights a groupof paintings and pastels that weregiven to the museum as a gift fromthe estate of American art collectorand dealer Vance N. Jordan.Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and Friday until 8:45p.m.Fee: $14 adults, $12 seniors, $10students and ages 13 to 18, under12 freeLocation: Philadelphia Museum of
Art, Benjamin Franklin Parkway at26th Street, PhiladelphiaMore details:
www.philamuseum.org or 215-684-7860
THROUGH JANUARY 27
STEVE POWERS: THE MAGIC WORD
Steve Powers, an internationally known graffiti artist andPhiladelphia native, was recently championed in the contemporary art world. This exhibit features
some of his most compelling work.Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Sunday Fee: $7 adults, $6 seniors and
students, under 5 freeLocation: 118 N. Broad St.,PhiladelphiaMore details: www.pafa.org or 215-972-7600
BEGINNING JANUARY 27
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: THE ART OF
EXPLORATION
More than 100 original worksselected from the thousands of commissioned and published natureartwork from “National Geographic”magazine will be on display in theKress and Rodale galleries of the
Allentown Art Museum. Illustratorshave been accompanying explorersand archaeologists all around the
world in order to re-create the wonders found on theseexplorations. This exhibit will be achance to see some of theseillustrations.Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday toSaturday and 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday Fee: $6 adults, $4 seniors andstudents, $3 ages 6 to 12, under 6free
Location: 31 N. Fifth St., AllentownMore details:
www.allentownartmuseum.org or610-432-4333
ALFRED STIEGLITZ AND THE
PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART
This 20th-century photographer’s work changed the course of the artof photography as a result of hisefforts to establish the medium as
a category of fine art. After hisdeath, his wife (painter GeorgiaO’Keeffe) chose several institutionsto receive his work, including thePhiladelphia Museum of Art.Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and until 8:45 p.m.Friday Fee: $14 adults, $12 seniors, $10students and children 13 to 18,
under 12 freeLocation: Philadelphia Museum of
Art, Benjamin Franklin Parkway at26th Street, PhiladelphiaMore details:
www.philamuseum.org or 215-684-7860
THROUGH FEBRUARY 3
PICASSO & DELAUNAY: THE BOOK
AS INSPIRATION
A rare portfolio of 13 prints doneby Pablo Picasso will be on display in the Payne Hurd Gallery of the
Allentown Art Museum. Thesesketches were a result of collaboration with legendary Parisian fine art publisher
Ambroise Vollard, who togetherproduced an illustrated edition of the Honore de Balzac novel, “LeChef-d’oeuvre inconnu.”
Accompanying these works will bethe compelling work of a book created simultaneously by modernist designer SoniaDelauney-Terk and poet BlaiseCendrars.Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday
to Saturday and 12 to 5 p.m.Sunday Fee: $6 adults, $4 seniors andstudents, $3 ages 6 to 12, under 6freeLocation: 31 N. Fifth St.,
AllentownMore details:
www.allentownartmuseum.org or610-432-4333
February 3
POE & DICKENS CHARACTERS &
THEMES ART SHOW
This art show will celebrate the
Poe and Charles Dickens and the works that both created.Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Fee: FreeLocation: 419 Green Lane,
Manayunk More details:
www.manayunkartcenter.org or215-482-3363
THROUGH FEBRUARY 10
LEWIS AND CLARK REVISITED: A
TRAIL IN MODERN DAY
Photographer Greg MacGregorretraces Meriweather Lewis and
William Clark’s expedition acrossNorth America two centuries afterthe original explorers made theirfamous journey. This exhibitionfeatures 60 of MacGregor’s black and white images paired withentries from the Lewis and Clark
journals, which MacGregor used tofollow their path.Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday to Saturday and 1 to 5p.m. Sunday Fee: $8 adults, $5 students andunder 6, Penn Museum membersfreeLocation: University of Pennsylvania’s Museum of
Archaeology and Anthropology,3260 South St., PhiladelphiaMore details:
www.museum.upenn.edu or 215-898-9213
THROUGH FEBRUARY 10
NORMAN ROCKWELL IN THE 1940S:
A VIEW OF THE AMERICAN
HOMEFRONT/CHARLES HARGENS:
AMERICAN ILLUSTRATOR
Rockwell created 71 covers for “The
Saturday Evening Post” during the1940s, chronicling the impact of the events occurring during World
War II. Forty of these original tearsheet covers will be featured in thisspecial exhibition. In addition, aselection of work by Bucks County’smost famous illustrator, CharlesHargens, will also be on view. His
work has appeared on covers for
“The Saturday Evening Post” as wellas “Boy’s Life” and illustrated coversfor the novels of Pearl S. Buck.Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday and 11 a.m. to
Steve Powers’ “ROAMING, 2007,” an enamel on aluminum piece of artwork, is on display at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Photocourtesy of Steve Powers.
“Untitled, Cheerleading 19,” an image byBrian Finke, which will appear in aspecial exhibit at the Michener ArtMuseum. Photo courtesy of ClampArt,NYC.
Phantom Screens provide the crowning touch in your home’s design — so
subtle, you won’t even know they’re there. Custom fit for doors, windows and
larger openings of every size and style, Phantom Screens serve as screens should:
they pull into place when needed and retract out-of-sight when they’re not.
Enhance the beauty of your home with Phantom Screens, designed in a choice
of colors and wood grain finishes to match every décor. Make living spaces larger,
airier, and show your awareness of design trends in an understated way — just
like a Phantom.
One of
Life’s Hidden Pleasures
The Screenthat Rolls Away!
To find out more about
Phantom Screens®
call 1.610.647.4902
www.phantomscreens.com
S e e u s a t
B o o t h # 1 1 1 9
F o r
H O M E S H O W
S A V I N G S.
BUCKS COUNTY’S EDITOR’S FINDS
fi ditfeatured on TLC’s Moving Up & in House Beautiful magazine
cleaningThe quietest, most powerful central vacuum system available now isalso the smartest system. Beam, the global central vacuum leader,added an intuitive, electronic user information system to its top-of-the-line system with the Serenity® IQS™ Power Unit. The Beam Serenity IQS is an intelligent system that brings fresh thinking to central vacu-ums. A bright blue liquid crystal display (LCD) on the Serenity IQSpower unit provides real-
time information telling thehomeowner how efficiently the system is performing, when to check the dirt levelin the collection receptacleand when to contact a dealerfor service. It also providesaccurate time and tempera-ture information.
The Serenity IQS delivers640 air watts of cleaningpower, up to 25 percentmore than competitive sys-tems. Beam offers AlphaSan®, a permanentanti-microbial agent infusedinto the collection bucketthat prevents formation andgrowth of mold. Electrolux
Central Vacuum Systemsmanufactures Beam prod-ucts. Go to www.beam.comto find a dealer near you.
Since 1984
Save 60% off the Cost of a New Kitchen
215-543-7080www.letsfaceit.org
$500 off ANY COMPLETE
WOOD KITCHEN
REFACING
Call for a Free Consultation
Must present coupon at time of estimateCannot be combined with any other offer
C TTransform any room in your home into a work of art with Venetian plasterfinishes. The textures and colors created by this process cannot be dupli-cated with paint or faux finishes. Authentic Italian plaster, composed of finely crushed marble, slaked lime and natural resins, is an environmentally friendly wall finish. Choose from marble-like to rustic applications fromVeneshe. Shown is a kitchen makeover inspired by a collection of artisan-crafted ceramics found on a trip to Tuscany. The warmly hued room fea-tures golden terracotta Valentino main walls, black Veneziano on accent walls and gold Calcenova on the ceiling. Visit www.veneshe.com to view more rooms by Veneshe. To begin your project, call 610-253-3539.
counterdesign
wall andceiling artistry
Countertops and surfaces throughout the home can be worksof art that showcase individual tastes. Offering a creative alter-native to traditional surfaces from countertop to backsplash totables and accessories, Counter Artists offers a cutting edgeprocess that blends art with function. Each project begins withthe application of four coats of polymer-based mortar. Nextdesign and color is added and finally a crystal coat of epoxy resin seals the new top. Shown is a glistening kitchen counter.To learn more, visit www.counterartists or call 570-441-3493.
Amodernsophistication
As a new year unfolds, plans areprobably underway to streamlineone or more rooms in your home.If you’re ready for a sleek contem-porary kitchen personality, con-sider CRYSTALIA. Recently introduced by NYLoft, the mate-rials for the line’s doors and draw-ers were carefully selected for theiraesthetic and functional appeal. An aluminum frame with stainlesssteel effect, integrated handle andcentral tempered lacquered glassare its main strengths. CRYS-TALIA is available in 13 colors.Shown here is acid green. You cansee the full line at NYLoft’s show-
room in Marketplace DesignCenter, Philadelphia. To view more products, visit www.nyloft.net or call 215-557-0050 for information.
looked. If you’re in the marketfor a new entrance, consider the
right style to fit your home and,
just as importantly, the best
materials available for a long-
lasting impression.
GRAND ENTRANCE
Exterior doors should reflect and
enhance your home’s design, whether it’s traditional, contempo-
rary or rustic. “The doors we offer
are like furniture for your entry,”
says Gywnn Dambly, owner, The
make an
entranceThis award-winning IWP Aurora custom fiberglass entry door from Penn Window and Door is designed for homeowners who wantthe look of real wood without the required maintenance. Available in four collections and 19 pre-finished color choices, IWP Auroradoors can be further customized with decorative glass, grilles, straps, clavos, speakeasies, a traditional craftsman shelf and dis-tressed or antique finishes.
of individuality to a door design. When selecting an entry door,
take a cue from your home's over-
all design. “Homeowners need to
understand the architectural char-
This welcoming entry features the warm feel of wood but is actually a fiberglass door.This door from C. A. Niece Lumber offers side lites and decorative glass as well as tradi-tional paneling.
“Polished brass hardware is so
yesterday, today everyone wants
antique finishes: satin nickel, black
chrome and antique bronze.”-Joe Creamer, office manager,
Springhouse Window and Door
>>>
35 Swamp Road • Newtown, PA (Down the street from Council Rock North)
2 1 5 - 3 5 7 - 0 9 0 9 • w w w. h o l l a n d f l o o r . c o m
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Success through customer satisfaction
The Hansbarger FamilyWe’re growing...
We proudly support
the National MS Society
Mannington floors are built from the idea up. We start with the latest trends inhome décor and end with the industry’s most advanced technologies. The resultsare the most realistic, durable and award-winning floors. Our SobellaTM, Resilient,Adura®, Laminate, Wood and Porcelain floors look better because they really arebetter. You can see it in the detai l. For moredetails, visit Mannington.com.
Bold and dra-matic, sometimesthe simple use ofblack and clearglass can make abig impression.Notice the newtrend of continu-ous patterningand larger pieces
of glass, ratherthan small intri-cate patterns.
This glass design by SGO Designer Glass shows off the new angular patterns ofglass design. The colors used bring color to a simple white door, creating a new lookwithout a new door.
eliminates draft and is very
secure against break-ins. Our mod-
els also come with warranties
against rusting.”
GLASS
Another feature to consider for an
entry door is the inclusion of glass.
This addition can create beautiful
design effects, increase light and
add to the efficiency of the door.
“We can design glass for your door
to match any style or color scheme
that will provide privacy while let-
ting in natural light,” says Paul
add decorative glass to an existing
door to give it a new and interest-
ing look.”
“We can create a door layout or
art glass pattern with a customer or
from a vision he or she may have,”
explains Dambly, who recently
included a glass feature on a client’s
door. “We created an entrance door
which had a custom beveled insu-
lated art glass pattern, which to
most looked like a prairie or con-
temporary pattern, when in reality,
it was a beautiful sentiment written
BEFORE
resourcesC.A. Niece Lumber
Lambertville, NJ
609-397-1200
www.niecelumber.com
Chapman Home CenterWest Chester
610-431-8898
www.chapmanhomecenter.com
Definis and Sons Window
Philadelphia
800-322-6177
www.definis.com
Door Stop Ltd.Newtown Square
610-353-8707
www.doorstopltd.com
Marvic Supply Co. Inc.
Doylestown
215-348-8400
www.marvicsupply.com
Mikolosky Co.Jamison
215-343-0234
www.mikoloskyco.com
North American
Window and Door
West Chester
215-428-3913
New Hope
215-862-7296ww.northamericanwindow.com
Visit our online resource directory at www.housemagazine.com to find
additional companies that offer these products and services.
An example of Therma Tru’s American Style collection of Classic Craft doors from C.A. Niece Lumber shows off the popular craftsman, bungalow and cottage homedesigns. Angular glass patterns and a rustic wood design and finish complete thelook of this fiberglass door.
an etched and carved glass Heron
motif was able to have her own art-
work used to create the glass insert.
DECIDING ON THE DETAILS
When selecting a door, there is
more to choose than just the color
and material. Here’s a list of other
design options to consider.
Size: “Depending on the size of
the entrance, you can choose a sin-
gle door, a door with side lites or a
double door,” Bennis says. Even if
you are starting out with only a sin-
gle door, you may want to consider
widening the entry.
Style: “Certain styles are popular
at the moment. For our fiberglass
doors, many people are choosing
the craftsman mission style,” says
Creamer. “These doors have only
recently come on the marketbecause there was a great demand
Admission: $10: Children 12 to 6 years old $3: Ages 5 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available at the Convention CenterBox Office during show hours. Beat the crowds and save when you buy tickets online, plus find handy information about parking,directions, up to date appearance times and more at phillyhomeshow.com
everything
you needto know to go
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Hall D,Entrance at 12th and Arch Sts.
The 2008 Philadelphia Home Show is bursting with new products,innovative ideas and an array of experts in all matters related to thehome. Meet more than 500 experts ready to help you with any
project, big or small.
Saturday January 19 11 am – 9 pm
Sunday January 20 11 am – 6 pm
Monday January 21 11 am – 9 pm
Tuesday January 22 4 pm – 9 pm
Wednesday January 23 4 pm – 9 pm
Thursday January 24 4 pm – 9 pm
Friday January 25 11 am – 9 pm
Saturday January 26 11 am – 9 pm
Sunday January 27 11 am – 6 pm
January 19-27, 2008Pennsylvania Convention Center
Learn How to “Go Green” atthe Philadelphia Home Show With so much talk about climate change, we all know we need to
make changes for ourselves and the planet. Green expert Shar
Olivier of PlanIt Greener will help cut through the "green noise"
and share insight into how to adjust
your lifestyle right at home. Guiding
Show visitors through the
burgeoning assortment of safe andstylish eco-friendly products available
for the home, Shar appears from
January 19 to 21.
Best GreenProducts ContestLearn about “Going Green”
and Win $300!Visitors to the Philadelphia HomeShow can learn aboutenvironmentally friendly productsand services for their homes by locating the “BEST Green Products”signs throughout the Show floor. Votefor your favorite Best Green Productfor the chance to win a $300
American Express gift card.
The Philadelphia Home Show
Produced by dmg world media 888-254-0882
Show Manager - Sharon Woodard Sales Representative - Trina Williams
fall in love with your home, againphiladelphia home show
to feature new products, ideas and aisles of experts at the
pennsylvania convention center
January 19 to 27
Remember your first time? You probably fell in love with your new home the first timeyou saw it, or at least once your favorite comfy chair was in its proper setting. Now it’s inneed of some TLC and the Philadelphia Home Show has all the resources needed to
bring back the love! More than 500 national and local home product and servicepurveyors show what’s new at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street,Philadelphia, from Saturday, January 19, through Sunday, January 27.
The 2008 show will be bursting with new products, innovative ideas and an array of experts in all matters related to the home. Gather tips from the nation’s favorite paintingexpert, Brian Santos. Demonstrating methods perfected in his successful series of DIY books, “The Wall Wizard ” (aka Santos) will discuss money and time-saving tricks forfaux painting, wallpapering and other custom wall treatments. Dr. Gadget , as seen onTV’s The View, previews the latest products to capture the discerning home market’s
fancy. You will not only see and experience these unique items … you may even win one!Laugh and learn as the Renegade Gardener, Don Engebretson, reveals top blunders of gardening. See how you can make your yard and garden the envy of your neighborhood!From HGTV’s Cash in the Attic, meet Tim Luke to find out if real treasures are hiding inyour home.
With the urgency of global warming issues and the health of the planet on everyone’smind, the Philadelphia Home Show helps teach how to make your home greener andhealthier. LEED certified green build expert Shar Olivier of PlanIt Greener sharesinsight into the best eco-friendly products and services available for the home. Areadesigners show just what’s possible when you dream like a celebrity. People in theNewsroom Designer Showcase will highlight your favorite news personalities reflectedin rooms they’ve helped to create. Come see what creature comforts suit the likes of 6ABC’s Adam Joseph, NBC10’s Dawn Timmeney, CBS3 Meteorologist Maria LaRosa and Dave Huddleston of Fox Philadelphia.
Stroll though glorious Urban Gardens featuring floral and hardscape designs createdby area landscapers. The colors and fragrance of spring blooms are sure to leave your winter blues outside the Convention Center where they belong.
Visit www.phillyhomeshow.com to confirm appearance times and to purchasediscounted tickets.
GMC. More Than Your Garden Variety Trucks And SUVs. Whether you're a landscape professional or a DIYer, GMC has what it takes to get the job done. There's Sierra Crew, with unmatchedhalf-ton payload capacity.* Yukon Denali, with fold and tumble second row seating for increased cargo capacity.* And now there's
Acadia, the next generation of GMC, with an available power liftgate for easy access, and so much more. GMC has what you need tomake your job – and your life – easier.
promoter, casting his keen eye on hot new products as they enter the consumermarketplace. As seen on The View, Dr. Gadget will debut some of the latest and greatest gadgetsand gives some away to lucky audiencemembers! At the PhiladelphiaHome Show, January 19 to 21.
Show Friday, January 25 Jon Runyan, the 6-foot 7-inch, 330-pound right
tackle of the Philadelphia Eagles, prides himself onbeing a physical force both on and off the field. No
stranger to home improvement projects, Jon and his
wife are currently finishing work on their 13,000-
square-foot dream home (equipped with a game
room and elevator) on a sprawling 23 acres in
Moorestown, NJ.
A Touch of Spring in the
Convention Center Area landscapers bring colorsand hope of spring to theHome Show in several gardensettings. Even apartmentdwellers can borrow ideas
from our Urban Gardens tocreate their own city-scaledlandscape. Walled gardens andpatios transport us from thedreary grays of winter to thepleasant days of spring.
Learn How to Create
Unique Wall TreatmentsBrian Santos, also known as The Wall Wizard, will teach faux painting techniques, the latest wallpapering trends and offers unique walltreatment ideas. At the Philadelphia Home Show, January 25 to 27.
See Dream Rooms Created for TV Newscasters
Rich with ethnic flare, Dawn Timmeney of NBC10 and designer Melissa Hallowell of Busy Bee Design have come together to createan eclectic, child friendly den merging Orient and Occident in Tibetan design.
Adam Joseph of 6ABC joined forces with Ron Sulpizio of Interiors by Le Montage to create a living area touched by fusion flare andplentiful with creature comforts.
Barbara Klazmer-Eiseman of Klazmer-Eiseman Interiors andCBS3 Meteorologist Maria LaRosa collaborated to craft a cozy winter retreat.
With a bit of guidance from Fox Philadelphia’s Dave Huddleston,designers from Le Montage transformed a bare exhibition spaceinto the ultimate gentlemen’s retreat. This entertainment andliving room screams 1960’s cigar bar!
Meet Tim Luke
Appraiser from
HGTV’s
Cash in the
AtticTim Luke has an extensivebackground in the antiqueand collectibles field. He isthe featured appraiser onHGTV’s populartelevision show Cash in the Attic, has participated on public television’s Antiques Roadshow and has appeared as an expertappraiser on the Today Show, Oprah, GoodMorning America and the Discovery Channel, toname a few. Luke will retell stories of some of hisgreatest discoveries and clues visitors in on whichof grandma’s “collectibles” are really just dustcollectors! At the Philadelphia Home Show, January 25 to 27.
Replace carpeting with hardwood and linoleum with tile.
Kitchens and Bathrooms **Partial or complete remodel of kitchens and
bathrooms will recover an average of 90 percent of the costs.**
Kitchen: Pay special attention to cabinets and the functionality of appliances.
Bathroom: Install a new shower, a change in fixtures and/or tile for the walls.
Repaint CHEAPEST item of home improvements projects – A can of paint!
Fresh paint can add up to 10 percent to the final value of your home.
Add a bathroom An extra bathroom can add 5 percent to the value of your home.
As long as it is not built at the expense of a bedroom Garages are sought-after features
Built correctly they can add up to 5 percent value to a home.
If adding value is your goal, you should not convert a garage into living space.
Lofts, especially those which add an extra room and maybe even a separate bath
or shower, can add upwards of 10 percent value to a home.
Should stay in keeping with the rest of the home. Aim to make it virtually
indistinguishable from the rest of the property.
HVAC Many older homes do not have a central heating/cooling system
Adding one may be expensive, but the feature is vital to holding up the saleprice the property.
Choose an energy-efficient system. You will recoup part of your cost through
lower energy bills.
Repair anything that’s broken
Take a look at windows, doors and screens around your home.
Replacing any damages to these items is an inexpensive way to add value
and give your home a fresh new look.
Landscaping your front yard increases curb appeal
Replace patchy lawn, dying trees and trim bushes that have grown out
of control.
Don’t forget about the things you don’t see, like insulation
Insulating your house adds value and reduces energy bills.
Keep all warranties and certificates with the R-value rate, in case you decide
to sell your home.
Make Your Home Improvement
Dollars CountIt may not feel like it now, but spring is just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about those home improvement projects you put off last year.
Maybe you are thinking about adding a backyard deck or it’s nearing time to think about a new roof. The last working burner on the cooktop is evidence you’re
in need of kitchen help or it’s finally time to paint the most used rooms of the house.
No matter the job, start making plans at the Philadelphia Home Show. Home improvement specialists are eager to offer do-it-yourselfers the help to get started
or to consult on the bigger jobs needing professionals. If you are planning to hire a contractor, early spring is the time to do it. Many have had long, slow winters
and are eager to get back to work so they will be offering competitive prices too.
take the drudgery out of doing the washchorenomoreBy Harvey Marks and Alina Makhnovetsky
In a modern home, a laundry roomis no longer just an afterthought.Gone are the days when homeown-
ers would settle for a washer anddryer in the garage or a cramped
area not much bigger than a closet.Increasingly, laundry rooms are even
doing double duty, functioning as
an artist’s studio, craft center, homeoffice or play area.
“A laundry room can do morethan just house a washer and dryer,”
says Melinda Uhler, designer, ReicoKitchen and Bath. “I recently
designed a laundry room on thebedroom level of a house with a
mini kitchen area. This gave thehomeowner the opportunity to have
refrigeration, a coffee bar andmicrowave on the bedroom level
along with laundry facilities.” Although, revamping a laundry
space may involve removing walls toenlarge an area, it is also an
opportunity to extend the styleof your home and flex your decorat-
ing muscle.“Sometimes major remodeling is
Top: Sit and iron in com-fort with the Miele rotaryiron with an electronically
controlled roller speed.The iron has rollers forquick and easy transportand folds away neatly foreasy storage.
Left: Let your laundryroom entertain you as youtake care of clothes, aninnovative design trendshown here withFrigidaire’s Affinity front-load laundry line. The newproducts offer
SilentDesign, a whisper-quiet washing system, soyou can do laundry whereyou live or play.
laminate.”In either case, prepare for occasionalspills. A ceramic tile floor is attrac-
tive, stain resistant and easy to clean.Further, damp clothes or towels
certainly won’t ruin it. Ceramic tileis a wise choice since you can use the
same tile pattern for the sink coun-tertop and backsplash.
Vinyl and linoleum flooring arealso great alternatives because both
y yrooms. These products should not
be forgotten when redecorating
today,” says Greg Marinacci, owner,Maro’s Floor Covering. “The cate-gory as a whole has improved
tremendously in both quality anddesign and has been engineered to
Right and bottom: In this home,designer Cyndi Haaz, of Cyndi and
Tucci, showcases a laundry room thatonly measured 5 by 10 feet. It not only
held the washer and dryer, but was alsothe dog’s room. The owners wanted a
laundry tub, pantry and dog door, plus aworkable space for folding clothes. Thespace was reconfigured, an under-the-counter washer and dryer was installed
and the requested features were added.
for accessible storage and adding a wall-mounted rod for hanging
clothes will eliminate using the doorknobs and entry door.”
Fresh paint or wallpaper, natural
wood tones, curtains and otheramenities can also make a world of
difference in a laundry room. Evenreplacing typically harsh or dim
lighting with recessed fixtures andtask lights can transform a gloomy
room and give it a warm and invit-ing glow.
“The most important aspect of renovating a laundry room, or any
space in the home, is function,” saysCyndi Haaz, president, Cyndi and
Tucci Inc. “Any space can be madeaesthetically pleasing, but first and
foremost it needs to be functional.”
LAUNDRY ROOM BASICS
Whether the room serves multiplepurposes or just one, wide, clean
counters for sorting and foldingclothes are a must. Likely, you will
also need to decide whether you want open or closed storage. Long
shelves may be handy for stockinglaundry day necessities, such as
detergent and bleach. If you prefer
not needed,” says Greg Perini, salesmanager, Wellsford Cabinetry,
which manufactures semi-custom
and custom cabinetry. “Simply
adding a wall cabinet above the
washer and dryer will give a place
“Spending the money for the
room to look great is important,but the appliances come first.”
-Melinda Uhler, designer,
Reico Kitchen and Bath
Take the doldrums out of ironing with anexcitingly chic Amleto ironing board
designed by Group Italia for Magis. Theanodized silver-frame laundry roomessential folds flat for storage or can behung on the wall using the AmletoHook. Available through Unica Home forapproximately $350.
Take care of your work or personal business with an office/laundry room combination.Shown here, the GE Profile Harmony Clothes Care system introduces a CleanSpeak
system, meaning it contains both English and Spanish options on the LCD washerand dryer touch screens.
Designed by Wellsford Cabinetry for a busy mother of four, this laundry room featurescustom cabinets with a built-in ironing board, folding table, hanging rod, a large stain-
less steel sink and room to store everything.
Set up a mini-laundry room in your kitchen with stackable washer and dryer units,such as the new GE Frontload Laundry Pair. The dryer door is reversible for additionalflexibility.
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give many years of carefree service inhigh-traffic areas. Like laminates,
sheet vinyl has hundreds of wood,slate and stone patterns to choose
from to give a cold dark laundry room new life.”
them to a more user-friendly or
ergonomic height,” says Haaz. “If someone is replacing a washer and
dryer, we recommend raising themby putting a drawer or platform
underneath them. Today’s washers
them from excessive heat.
Both Whirlpool Duet® and Asko washers have built-in water
heaters for the machines’ sanitizingcycles, heating the water to maxi-
mum temperature. Each brand also
while you work. Its wide roller
makes it easy to press everythingfrom shirts and pants to bed linens
and tablecloths, giving them a crisp,professional finish.
Of course, the real key to a success-ful laundry room is choosing the
right washer and dryer. If yours havebeen around a while, it may be time
for an upgrade.“The purpose of a laundry room
is to wash and dry clothes. Spendingthe money for the room to look
great is important, but the appli-
ances come first. Look for good,efficient, well-made appliances,
such as Miele,” says Uhler.Currently, experts say, consumers
are moving toward front-loading washing machines considered to be
gentler on fabrics because they donot use an agitator to spin clothes.
Front-loading washing machinesalso reduce water usage up to 70
percent, while providing significantenergy savings not available with
top-loading machines.“The trend today is washers and
dryers in designer colors, elevating
underneath them. Today s washersand dryers often offer these features
as accessories or add-ons. In addi-tion, if the walls are painted an
interesting color, it adds to the
ambiance and makes the spacemore inviting.”
One possibility to consider is theBosch Nexxt ®700 Series
washer/dryer. The washer has extrasettings for cleaning delicates, such
as silk and wool, as well as a special
cycle designed for use with water-proofing agents. Its dryer features anarray of temperature sensors that
allow laundry to dry efficiently, while cutting energy usage by as
much as 50 percent. Another choice is Frigidaire’s
Affinity™ line, which offers anintelligent fabric-care system that
automatically customizes each load
for a whiter, brighter and cleaner wash and features a deep-clean cycleto treat stains. The dryer is designed
to enhance fabric care by precision-drying clothes while protecting
mum temperature. Each brand alsocomes in stackable models with dry-
ers as well as standalone units.Consider the new GE®
Frontload Laundry Pair with stack-
able washer and dryer units, if youdo not have much space. Its
HydroMotion wash system rotatesin two directions to clean with
exceptional efficiency and both the washer and dryer are very quiet.
There also is the LG Combo
Washer and Dryer, which savesspace by washing and drying in thesame chamber and comes in a soft,
brushed stainless steel color,designed to perfectly accent any
room. Because it has a direct drive, with no belts or pulleys, the LG
Combo is exceptionally quietand efficient.
IRONING MADE EASY
Unfortunately, even the best washerand dryer won’t eliminate the need
for ironing. The Miele rotary iron isdesigned to let you sit in comfort
For a more traditional feel with amodern twist, there is an Amleto
ironing board by Magis. This beau-tiful, contemporary Italian board
has a sleek silver frame with gray or
lilac highlights and folds perfectly flat for easy storage.
“I had a client tell me that shehated to do laundry and wanted the
room to have a feeling of the beach,a place she loved,” recalls Perini. “So
we used white cabinets to keep the
area bright and a laminate with a water pattern, combined with muralpaintings, to complete her vision.”
The modern laundry room hascome a long way. And while doing
the wash may never become yourfavorite task, it no longer means
spending the day in a dark, crampedand isolated corner of your home.
In fact, redesigning or giving an
additional function to the laundry room may even entice your wholefamily to join in on the fun.
H& H
Let the family gather around in Whirlpool’s new Family Studio. A space where everyone can enjoy hobbies, play games and take care of home management, like the laundry. TheFamily Studio features Whirlpool fabric care products and is designed to reveal only the appliances you need, when you need them.
Plenty of lower and upper cabinet space for concealed storage of cleaning supplies, room to hang washed clothing and Bosch’sNexxt 700 Series front-load washer and dryer, likened to a spa for your clothes, make this laundry room a pleasant working space.
www.cyndiandtucci.com
Maro’s Floor Covering
Ambler
215-646-8178
www.marosfloorcovering.
com
Reico Kitchen and Bath
King of Prussia
610-382-6304
www.reico.com
Wellsford Cabinetry Inc.
Stowe
610-537-8916
www.wellsfordcabinetry.com
Visit our online resource directory
at www.housemagazine.com to
find additional companies that offer these products and services.
KITCHENS - BATHROOMS - FULL HOUSE REMODELING
MASTER KITCHEN & BATH
606 B. 2nd Street Pike • Southampton, PA 18966CALL 215-355-4747 for a FREE IN HOME ESTIMATE • www.masterkitchendesign.com
Over 25 Years of Experience • Full Service Remodeling Company • We Offer Professional Design Services and Meticulous Installation
Gget organized and simplifyyour life with a closet system
By Lindsey Getz
Getting organized always begins as a
simple task, but it can quickly createeven more chaos and disorder. While
doing the work yourself might seem
like a good idea, some out-of-the-box
closet systems can be difficult to
assemble or don’t fit your needs.
Additionally, the task can easily esca-
late from a simple weekend project to
a month-long hassle. That’s why
many homeowners leave it up to thepros. Today’s closet possibilities are
virtually endless, and the benefits
stem beyond looks.
REAPING THE BENEFITS
There are many advantages to get-ting organized, including that it
saves time knowing where every-
thing is located.
“Having a place for all the items
in your closet limits the time you
have to search for things,” says
Dave Schaff, sales manager, Closets
by Builder’s Prime. “Plus, you can
see all of your inventory. The sayinggoes: ‘If you cannot see it, you will
not wear it, because you can’t
find it!’”
Top: This walk-in closet designed by Closet Tailors makes clothes and accessorieseasy to find and neatly stored.
Above: An organized closet system, such as this one from Closets by Builders Prime,can make it easy to find what you’re looking for, while giving you peace of mind thateverything is neat and tidy.
use a professional, adds Waterman.“We pay attention to every detail,”
he says. “We measure all necessary
hanging space. We even measure
the width of each person’s foot to
make sure three shoes can fit on
each rack instead of two and a half.
You won’t get that kind of cus-
tomization with a standard system.”
INITIAL STEPS
Before hiring a professional, do
your homework and find a com-
pany that will meet your needs. It’s
crucial that you locate a company
that will give you a free in-home
estimate, as well as a thorough
description of what work will be
done, says Waterman.“A design consultation should
always be complimentary,” he con-
tinues. “Make sure they leave the
designs with you.”
“When we have a potential cus-
tomer, we set up an in-home
appointment,” says Schaff. “We
then take measurements and dis-
cuss what’s needed. We use a com-
puter program to design a closet so
the customer can see the closet
before we start the work.”
“A small, typical closet from a
builder’s standpoint usually includes a pole and a shelf,” says
Palombo. “We remove that and add
a double pole unit to half of the
closet. Right there you now have
the same hanging space you did
before, but it takes up half the
space. Then you have the other half
to do what you wish, whether it’s
shelving units or additional hang-ing space.”
Going vertical is another solu-
tion for a small or basic closet, adds
Mason. “Our system is mounted on
a rail that allows a homeowner to
store items closer to the ceiling if
needed,” she explains. “It allows for
floor storage as well, since our sys-
tem does not need to sit on thefloor. By adding height, you can
almost double hanging space.”
For those desiring a top-of-the-
line closet, many options are avail-
able in the luxury market. One
trend is the rise in popularity of the
walk-in closet. Some homeowners
even want their own custom dress-
ing rooms. Customers seeking lux-
ury are interested in all of the bells
and whistles.
“High-end closets tend to be
even more cus-
tomized,” says
Waterman. “The
sky is the limit
with what’s avail-
able. We’ve done
everything from
adding crown
molding to the
ceiling to special-
ized lighting fea-
Storage space in thiskitchen nook wasmaximized with a
professionallydesigned, customorganization systemfrom Closet City Ltd.
“If it’s done right, you should be
able to open your closet and find
exactly what you are looking for.”-Joanne Landis, Closet City Ltd.
Get your children in the habit of keeping their rooms tidy with a storage system suchas the one shown from Closet and Storage Concepts.
This walk-in woman’s closet by Closet and Storage Concepts is a high-end exampleof how a closet system can help organize belongings. This luxury closet even featuresa center island for additional storage.
>>>
Robert Stevens
n g e s • w a l l o v e n s
washers • dryers • dishwashers • ranges • refrigeratorsmi cr ow av e s• ai r cWe Specialize In
Visit our online resource directory at www.housemagazine.com to find
additional companies that offer these products and services.
http://mysite.verizon.net/closetspace
Closet Tailors
Exton
610-368-1810
www.closettailors.com
The Closet Works, Inc.
Hatboro
215-675-6430
800-834-7420
www.closetworksinc.com
Unique Custom Closets Inc.
Philadelphia
215-708-3690
Closet City's professional design and installation team transformed this attic into aluxurious dressing room. Actual installation was completed in just 1 day.
A custom pantry done by Closet SpaceLLC gives each item its own place andmakes food and supplies easy to find.
tures and even card swipe systems
to protect valuables.”
In ultra-customized closets, every
piece of clothing and accessory can
have its own space.
“Sliding baskets, pull-out ham-
pers, velvet jewelry trays, tie racks,
belt racks, valet rods and island
units are all popular requests,” says
Hyneman.
As far as colors, dark and richer
colors tend to be popular in luxury
closets, says Fran Murray, owner,
Unique Custom Closets Inc.
“Other trends in high-end closets
include raised panel drawers and
slanted shoe shelves, which are a lit-
tle dressier and show things off.”
BEYOND THE BEDROOM
While wardrobes are the most obvi-
ous of closet categories, a lot more
is going on in the closet industry.
“The biggest trends right now are
mudrooms, laundry areas and
garages,” says Mason. “Plus, we canhelp consumers with wall storage
easier, add to yourdécor or simplybring fun and flairto your home.
The new 4-Slice Toaster by Krups is perfect for large families or any individual who makes toast often. The stainless steel, four-slottedtoaster has eight different toast settings and an instant eject button, which ensures that everyone's toast is cooked according to their per-sonal preference. A defrost feature easily warms bread that's been kept
in the freezer. The toaster also heats up bagels, muffins and bakedgoods without drying them out. The 4-Slice Toaster is available at www.HomeClick.com for $79.
Tcarry ladder
The Xtend & ClimbTelescoping Ladder by Core-Distribution extendsfrom 30 inches to 12.5 feetto avoid the hassle of carrying around a standard16-foot extension ladder. With a removable handle,the 25-pound Xtend &Climb ladder is easy totransport and store. Theproduct opens and locks by
the foot to allow just asmany steps as are necessary. A “No Pinch ClosureSystem” leaves a 3-inch gapabove the user's hands if the step below is open, while non-slip beveled endcaps provide a stablesurface for leaning. Theproduct is available forvaried prices at HomeDepot and other stores.
Lthe art of wineLooking for functional art? Wine Knots, created
by New York artist and sculptor Robin Antar,are hand-carved sculpturesthat hold up to two bottlesof wine. Carved from asolid piece of stone, thencast in stone and painted in
resin and oils, Wine Knotsmeasure 11 by 16 inchesand weigh 27 pounds.Perfect for the kitchen tableor in other areas of thehome, the product cur-rently comes in white andteal blue, but can be madeto order in other hues.Prices range from $600 to
$700, which includes thecost of shipping. Visit www.rantar.com for moreinformation.
TThe Crock-Pot Smart-Set Programmable Slow Cooker makes iteasier to cook to perfection. With 6 quarts, auto-cook settings,pre-set meat options and a programmable thermometer, the slow cooker lets you know when dinner is ready. Complete with a new brushed stainless design, the Slow Cooker includes a hinged, dish- washer-safe lid that makes meal preparation and serving simple.The product is available through JCPenney and Frontgate catalogsand online at www.HSN.com for $99.99.
V I S I T U S A T T H E P H I L A D E L P H I A H O M E S H O W - B O O T H # 1 1 3 3
In chartreuse, “Ostrich Feather” byDransfield & Ross.
In cotton and linen, “Pagoda” byCompany C.
• Full Interior Design Services
• Furniture & Reupholstery
• Custom Window Treatments
5927 York Road ( on Rt. 202 ) • Lahaska, PA
215.794.9100www.thefabricloftonline.com
• Custom Bedding
• Trimmings
• Decorative Hardware
HELP WANTED
Part-Time Editorial InternHouse & Home magazine,
The Philadelphia region's leading resource for home
design and décor, is offering a sharp and motivatedstudent the opportunity to intern with us.
Responsibilities:• Perform editorial assistant duties.• Research articles.• Contribute to articles.• Write original articles.• Attend exciting regional events.
Qualifications:• Serious, hard-working journalism or English major.• Demonstrated writing, communication and organizational skills.• Willing to work occasional weekends or evenings.• Should have an interest in writing about home renovations,
interior design and household products.• Knowledge of Associated Press style a plus.
Gain unmatched valuable experience and published writing samples. Startdate is flexible. Work requires about 15 hours per week. We offer you theability to work from home.
Send resume, clips and cover letter to:
E-mail: [email protected] to: 215-689-4999Mail: Intern Application, House & Home, Inc.P.O. Box 236, Fairview Village, PA 19409
make the lamps look more impor-tant. If you use lamps with a bit of
crystal, it will add a touch of ele-gance. Mirrors in hallways can be a
good idea. They’re a nice way todress up a bare hallway without
adding bulk. You will appreciate it’s
presence for a final check on your
outfit when leaving your home,as well.
Mirrors come in many styles and
shapes. Choose one that will rein-
force a room’s style. Don’t overlook
unusual shapes. Perhaps a round
one instead of a rectangular one will
be a refreshing break from all of the
straight angles and shapes in
a room.
and perhaps create a collection foryour home that is tied together by acommon look or favorite artist. Art
adds personality that makes a roomreflect who you are, your interests
and where you’ve been. When working with art, try to
focus on a color scheme or theme.Unify works with common matcolors, similar colored frames and
size and shape. One large piece can
create a focal point in a room, whilea small collection of pieces draw the
eye for a closer look. Art does not always have to hang
on the wall. Small oil paintings orframed prints can sit on a table on asmall easel and make a color state-ment. Additionally, the use of framed family pictures mixedaround a room will personalizeyour home.
If you're surrounded by things you
love, the room will be warm and
welcoming.
A lot of library shelving could look messy. The use of accessories, faux plants andphotographs provide a focal point in this impressive library space.
>>>
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itzpatrick’s state of theart resurfacing technique coversexisting concrete, asphalt, decksand more with beautiful beachpebbles that will bring the look of beach stone to your home.
Smooth and easy to clean,South Beach Resurfacing is asolid, yet flexible, permanent
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INTERIOR DESIGN
bowl of bright green granny smithapples might be just the shot of
An amazing transformation can bemade with fresh or artificial plants
and flowers. You don't need some-
thing dramatic and expensive. A simple plant potted in a decorativepot set on a coffee table, bookshelf
or on top of a cabinet adds life andcolor instantly. If you just don't
have time to tend plants or if yourroom is dark, find new artificial
plants. These work great for out-of-
reach spaces. Today’s faux florals
look beautiful and make it possibleto have your favorite flowers year
round.If you look at pictures of beauti-
ful rooms in home décor maga-zines, you will notice that every
room benefits from beautiful flow-ers, trees or plants. Designers often
use a simple vase of flowers to add aneeded pop of color to a room.
Don’t stop with flowers. When itcomes to Mother Nature, even a big
everything that looks interesting.Clocks, books, flowers, figurines,pots, mugs and pictures go a long
way in brightening a room. Try thepieces in different places until you
find just the right spot.Be sure to balance accessories
with bits of silk greenery or liveplants. Use color and texture to add
a “wow” factor to a space. Edit
accessories and only use the onesthat really work. Resist the tempta-tion to have everything match.
Combine soft and hard, rough andsoft, and shiny and flat surfaces.
BIGGER IS BETTER
One word of advice: It is better to
have a few large statement pieces
than lots of things. I often noticeclients have a price point they feel
uncomfortable to cross when it
If you have a collection, gather
them into one room to use for the
basis of your décor. Antique vases,
blue and white porcelain or
majolica are ideas you could use for
a decorating foundation. If you're
surrounded by things you love, the
room will be warm and welcoming.
Got a Question?
Jere Bradwell is a senior designer at
European Home Collection, located
at 5222 York Road, Buckingham. E-
mail design questions to him at
jere@europeanhomeco llection.com.
Include “design question” in the sub-
ject line. For a personal consultation,
call 215-794-4443.
H& H
Combining a console with a striking mirror, lamps and other accessories will make anordinary wall a special statement.
This traditional styled lamp with silk shade adds an elegant “touch of jewelry.”A dramatic faux floral arrangement is just what this foyer needs to make it beautiful.
ually buying items for her masterbath and bedroom and then taking
them back to the store or giving
them to friends. So she decided to
take action.
She decided to use paint, carpet
and other touches to unify her bed-
room and bathroom.
“I was always looking for that
elusive something that would make
our rooms complete, but I wasunsure what that might be,”
Gail says.
She and her husband, Jose,
needed new carpeting in the bed-
room, and she was unsure about
artwork, bedding and window
treatments. Jose, who built most of
the bedroom furniture, was worried
about having a decorator come inand tell the couple they needed to
get rid of everything, including the
furniture he built, and that it would
AFTER
After: (above) Closing in the vanity gave the couple more usablestorage. New lighting, hardware, more proportionally framedmirrors and accessories add function and pretty layers to theonce stark room.
Before: (left) The oversized vanity opening was wasting space,wall mirrors were the wrong scale and the room needed newlighting, hardware, towel hooks, a rug and accessories to addfunctionality and softness.
which type of bench should gounder it. She didn’t own a makeup
mirror that would be appropriate
for a vanity and didn’t know which
one to buy. The ceiling was tall and
everything she placed on the long
counter looked tiny. The room
seemed cold and stark.
In an attempt to soften the space,
Gail had painted the room four dif-ferent colors. “By the time you
came,” Gail told me with a sigh, “I
had given up and just painted
the bath the same color as our liv-ing room.”
TIP: Just because a builder gives
you a large vanity opening doesn’t
mean you are stuck with it and
must use it as such.
The first thing I did was ask Gail
if she ever had time to sit down to
put on her makeup. She laughedand said, “I wish!” She had just
assumed she would be forced to
“I was always looking for that
elusive something that wouldmake our rooms complete, but I
was unsure what that might be.”-Gail Nevarez
end up costing them an arm and
a leg.Gail finally convinced him that
she was wasting a lot of time and
money trying to decorate alone and
that hiring a professional would
give her direction. She read him my
mantra: “If it’s already paid for,
let’s try to make it work.” And
he agreed.
VANITY PROBLEMS
Like a lot of readers, Gail was stuck.
She had a very long vanity opening
After: (top ) New Ikea curtain panels, bedding and matching sage green paint in the bath soften and unify the two rooms, addingvisual punch and style.
Before: (above) The terra cotta bathroom walls lacked continuity with the sage green bedroom, where blank walls and flat beddingcried out for a splash of color with more contrasting layers.
decorate around the unused vanity.
I immediately suggested that Josefill up the opening with cabinets
and drawers for more storage.
Nothing is sillier, I said, than
spending money on a bench and
makeup mirror that you never plan
on using. We also discussed adding
knobs on the doors and pulls on the
drawers to match those they had
installed on the doors and addingtowel hooks 22 inches above the
“Jose and I were so surprised atyour suggestion to add new cabi-
nets,” says Gail. “It made so much
sense. Now we have the extra stor-
age we have both always wanted
and that empty feeling in the bath-
room is completely gone.”
COLOR, CURTAINS AND CARPET
As for selecting a bathroom wallcolor, that, too, was easy. I asked if
they were happy with the bedroom
wall color, and she said they loved
it. Problem solved.
TIP: Paint the bedroom and bath
the same color when there is an en
suite room (in this case, Benjamin
Moore’s “Dry Sage”). It creates a
smooth flow and continuity between rooms and positively
affects resale values.
Since Jose really liked the green walls, he was delighted with repeat-
ing it in the bath. Gail, on the other
hand, was worried that green would
be drab and darken the bathroom. I
explained that with the large wall of
frosted windows, white woodwork
and mirrors to bounce light
around, the green would be nodarker than the terra cotta wall
color. She was willing to give it
Before: (left) The frameless mirror“floated” on the tub wall, an area thatneeded tall flowers, candles, towels andartwork to eliminate starkness.
After: (above) Blooming dogwoodbranches repeat the framed dogwoodphotographs in the tub area. An archi-tectural wood carving is reflected in themirror.
AFTERBEFORE
sized bed.
BATH ADDITIONS AND ACCESSORIES
In the bathroom, I suggested they
continue their framed black and
white flower photos, adding one
above each towel bar by the tub and
one in the water closet. I also sug-
gested that Jose build a frame for
the tub mirror. It is flanked with a
pair of Hamlin vases and blooming
dogwood branches from Pottery
Barn that repeat the dogwoods in
the artwork. Jose removed the tall
wall mirrors over each sink and
built framed mirrors, staining them
instead of painting them white.
New Mercer Quad bath lights
from Pottery Barn complete the
sink area.
TIP: When framing a mirror, paint
the reverse side of the frame black
so that bare wood is not reflected in
the mirror.
To accessorize the long bathroom
counter, Gail brought out a white
Andover jewelry chest from Pottery
Barn, which I placed in the center
of the counter. We added two
matching Pottery Barn silver trays
on each side of it to hold toiletries.
The crowning touch is a hand-
carved wood architectural frag-
ment, which hangs above the win-
dows. It brings an exotic touch into
the bath and ties the new stained
wood mirror frames together. A
wool Estelle runner from Pottery Barn softens the floor and has both
the terra cotta floor color and wall
color in it.
“The rooms seem cleaner and
more pulled together than I would
have imagined,” Gail says. “You
incorporated my ivory coverlet with
the bold quilt he liked. By combin-
ing both our styles, we have a better
look than we would have achieved
separately. And at last, the room
is finished.” H& H
BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME JANUARY 200872
els from Ikea to soften the nearby bedroom windows and installed
white curtain rods from Lowe’s 9
inches above the top window to
frame the transom windows. Since
Gail had hung framed flower pho-
tographs over the bed, I suggested
she add a tight grid of four 16- by
20-inch matted flower photographs
from Cost Plus World Market to
hang on the blank wall leading into
the bath.
TIP: Hang art a frame-width or a
mat-width apart, both vertically
and horizontally, for the most pleas-
ing spacing.
I also recommended having a
mix of canvas paintings and art-
work under glass in the bedroom toeliminate boring “sameness.” They
shopped at Crate & Barrel for a 42-
inch wide inexpensive print transfer
on canvas for the wall between
the windows and they found a
watery boat painting they liked
(not shown).
For carpeting, I suggested a
warm, straw-colored flat carpet that
would not show vacuum cleaner
marks and had the visual texture of
sea grass (since some find sea grass a
bit rough on bare feet). Gail found
a wonderful carpet, Natural Beauty
by Shaw, “Boucle in Raffia,” which
gives the look of sea grass but the
comfort of plush carpeting. And to
give Jose the color he wanted on the
bed, they bought a “Tango” king-
sized quilt (to fold at the foot of the
“Now we have the extra storage
we have both always wanted andthat empty feeling in the
of home remodeling materials, recycling is easierand more necessary than ever By Debra McGaughey
The GE Profile Built-in Compactor features an extra large 1.4-cubic-foot capacity and a 1/3-hp motor able to crush items to 1/4 of their original size, creating less trash volumefor landfills.
reuse and then recycle it.Picture this scenario: Your plans for
a new kitchen are about to begin.There’s a floor to replace, new cabi-
nets to hang and several new appli-ances to install. Before you park a
large, open dumpster on yourdriveway for 2 months to catch all
the debris, consider a better alterna-tive: recycling reusable material for
others to use and helping the envi-ronment simultaneously.
THE THREE R’S
The days of tossing every unwanted
household item into the curbsidetrash can are slowly fading. Now it’s
becoming economical, if not fash-ionable, to not only use recycled
items, but also to donate items forrecycling projects.
Consider the three Rs: reduce,reuse and recycle. The first goal is to
reduce the amount of waste youcreate, then reuse and then
recycle it.
The key to any recycling effort isto first determine if the material is
in reusable shape. If you are remod-eling a room, don’t just go in with a
sledgehammer and tear things up.
That’s not going to make itemsreusable. Try to remove items intactas much as possible. Give (or sell)
The new Ecopod Recycling System from Williams-Sonoma crushes plastic and alu-minum beverage containers and stores 50 of them in a plastic pod that slides outfor easy curbside transfer. Internet/catalog purchase only.
A rustic cabin, left, and Victorian-style home, right, by Discovery Architectural Antiques, feature salvaged wood materials, siding, windows, hardware, flooring and ceilings. Onlythe electrical, plumbing and insulation portions are new. These houses are environmentally friendly, suitable for guest houses and built to last for another 100 years.
A softer, more yielding version of traditional recycling containers, these brightly-col-ored recycling bags by Design Within Reach can function as hold-alls for recyclablesas well as reusable shopping bags and gardening totes.
>>>
RECYCLING
washed out in the sink or outside with a garden hose. Velcro tabs
allow the bags to be grouped
together in a row.Compactors have come a long
way in trash reduction. GE’s new Profile Built-in Compactor, with
1.4 cubic feet of capacity, uses a
1/3-horsepower motor for maxi-mum compacting power. And
picked up. Most appliances are thenturned over to a scrap-metal busi-
ness for collection and reuse.Have construction debris? There
is a market for Sheetrock®. Somecompanies will turn Sheetrock
debris into the paper backing fornew Sheetrock.
PRESERVING HISTORY
Many architectural salvage ware-
houses and businesses will accept wood windows, screens, doors,
interior and exterior wood siding
BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME JANUARY 200876
and trim, flooring, roofing, kitchenand bath fixtures, cabinets and
bricks. Any items you take to
warehouses should be in reusablecondition.
RECYCLE HOTLINE
An excellent source for recyclingmaterials is www.earth911.org. The
site, which started from a hotline in Arizona in 1991, gives residents
detailed information on how torecycle everything from old carpet-
ing, tile, furniture and more viastate and zip code.
“Basically the goal is to empowerresidents to find local environmen-
tal information on a national level,”says Anne Reichman, director of
public affairs for earth911 and itstelephone counterpart, 1-800-
CLEANUP. “It’s basically an infor-mation network. It’s grown from a
reuse and recycle site to inclusion of such issues as water quality and
global warming. It’s a one-stopenvironmental shop.”
DAILY EFFORTS
If your recycling consists of small,
everyday items, you can be environ-mentally sensitive and stylish at the
same time.Design Within Reach, a national
chain of upscale design stores, offerscolorful, softer versions of tradi-
tional recycling containers throughits Recycling Bags product. Made
of industrial-strength tarpaulin, aheavy double-warp fabric that is
plastic-coated, these recycling bagsare waterproof and can be quickly
p g p Williams-Sonoma’s new Ecopod
Recycling System crushes plasticand aluminum and includes two
more pods for holding newspapers,glass bottles, plastic bags and other
recyclables.For outside, compost collector
bins allow you to turn leaves or
materials by restacking the bottom-less shelves. Even look for compostcottages, offering an attractive way
to keep mulch materials.If you’re not already a recycler,
try to change your habits to see if there is a reuse for materials in your
trash, instead of just throwing
it away.
H& H
A countertop compost pail fromGardener’s Supply Co. has a removableliner to tote kitchen scraps to the com-post pile. A charcoal filter inside the lidcontrols odors.
Stained glass rescued from a house tobe demolished.
flooring and leftover molding and
architectural details to an architec-tural salvage business.
Does your municipality have arecycling program? Place leftover
paper and metals in curbside recy-
cling bins. To recycle appliances,check with your town to see if youcan put them out on heavy trash
days. If the item contains Freon, thechemical must first be removed in
an environmentally safe mannerand tagged to show it has been
removed; otherwise, it won’t be
An arts and crafts style cabinet with glass doors found at an architectural salvagewarehouse.
colonialplankfloors.com
• Hand Made Planks• Prefinished
• Solid Hardwood• 18th Century Nails• Wide, Long Boards• 215-997-3390
309 Office Furniture-15
A to Z Exotic Hardwoods, LLC-19
Affordable Garage Doors-Inside Back Cover
Alpine Painting & Restorations-17
Amerom Industries-77
Aquatic Connections-19
Artesian Pools & Spas-23
Artistic Furnishings-45
Basement Services 911, LLC-61Beco Kitchens & Baths, Inc.-Inside Front Cover
