home garden magazine - los altos town crier · custom draperies, blinds, shades and shutters. all...

&&m a g a z i n em a g a z i n ehome gardenhome garden

Hillside havenLos Altos Hills home designed to maximize views

Glass doorsSliding and folding glass doors invite the outdoors in

Also inside:Native gardens can boast an array of colors

A Los Altos Town Crier PublicationSpring/Summer 2017

| Home & Garden | April 26, 2017

Home & Garden | April 26, 2017 |


Los Altos Town Crier138 Main St., Los Altos, CA 94022

948-9000losaltosonline.com

Editor Bruce Barton

Magazine Editor Traci Newell

Designer Mary Watanabe

Writers Tanya Kucak

Lisa Paramore

Carolyn Snyder

Copy Editors Mary Larsen

Colleen Schick

Photographer Megan V. Winslow

Sales Staff Janice Fabella

Kathy Lera

Dawn Pankonen

Ad Services Director Chris Redden

Production Staff Mary Watanabe

Elise Eisenman

Publisher Paul Nyberg

Associate Publisher Howard Bischoff

Human Resources Director Liz Nyberg

Receptionist Peggy Hennessee

Cover photo: When designing their Los Altos Hills home, Donna and Keith Yue aimed to maintain the integrity and essence of the hillside site.Photo by Megan V. Winslow/Town Crier

Magazine Staff SSSS

Circulation: 16,500. Mailed directly to households in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and select areas of Mountain View. Hundreds of subscribers receive the Town Crier in neighboring communities as well as out of state. The Town Crier can be purchased at newsstands in Los Altos, Mountain View and Palo Alto.

Upcoming 2017 Magazines

Senior LifestylesPublishes May 24

Los Altos Arts & WinePublishes July 5

Home & GardenPublishes Aug. 30

˙© Los Altos Town Crier Company Inc., 2017.All Rights Reserved.

&&home gardenhome gardenm a g a z i n em a g a z i n e

HavenThe design of Donna and Keith Yue’s Los Altos Hills homeoptimizes its panoramic views.

Page 5

BloomsNot all colorful

landscaping requires an abundance of

water or maintenance.

Page 14

OutdoorsSliding and folding glass doors and walls can create extended indoor/outdoor living space.

Page 20

WaterWater conservation is

key in the new wave of drought-tolerant

landscaping.

Page 28

Senior Lifestylesm a g a z i n e

A Los Altos Town Crier Publication

Senior servicesLocal programs offer

wide range of activities

Also inside:• Fit and fun

• Rhyme time

• Active aging

2016

Have a story idea for one of our magazines?

Email Editor Bruce Barton at [email protected]


By Carolyn SnyderSpecial to the Town Crier

The house Donna and Keith Yue built on Taaffe Road in Los Altos Hills is the culmination of their visits to countless open houses. “Maybe 700,” Keith said. “It may have seemed like 700, but it was more like 200,” Donna countered. The couple had relocated from Hong Kong to a home they owned near down-town Los Altos but wanted a view, more amenities and space for guests. So they began their search.

HAVEN

Haven in the forestCouple use open-house experience to design their perfect home

Continued on Page 6

COURTESY OF MALIKA JUNAID

The split-level Los Altos Hills home of Donna and Keith Yue takes advantageof the hillside and bay views.


LINDA C. KRAMERDEBORAH G. RADIN

Trusts | Wills | Estate Planning | Trust and Probate AdministrationElder Law | Conservatorships | Medi-Cal Planning

Dispute Resolution and Litigation

650.941.8600280 Second Street, Suite 100 | Los Altos | www.kramerradin.com

KRAMER RADIN LAW FIRM

At the time, with elderly fam-ily members and two teenagers to consider, they wanted an environ-ment that was welcoming for ev-eryone. And they wanted privacy and separation from the stress of high-tech life. “We saw too many spec homes. They became predictable,” Keith said. “We became aware of the flow – what worked and what didn’t. I like to cook, so the kitch-en design was important.” Armed with cool ideas from the myriad houses they toured, the couple decided to build rather than buy.

Optimizing the view Their search for property led them to Taaffe Road and a sloped, wooded site where the vegetation nearly obscured the bay view. “We bought a house inside a forest,” Keith said. “I fell in love with the setting and the peace and quiet.” They judiciously cleared the building site to optimize

the views, planting a new tree for every one that was removed, and deconstructed the house. In its place is a 7,500-square-foot residence with six bedrooms (each with its own bath), office, game room, home theater, gym,

Continued from Page 5

MEGAN V. WINSLOW/TOWN CRIER

Succulents peek out from a vertical planter in the basement-level outdoor seating area accessible from the sliding doors of the Yues’ guest room.

Continued on Page 8

HAVEN


Serving Santa Clara & San Mateo Counties

Since 1981

PAZMANY BROS. LANDSCAPING

650-941-8596www.PazmanyBros.com

Complete Property Maintenance & Yard Installation

• Landscape Design & Installation • Irrigation Installation & Repairs

• Yard Demolition • Curbing & Hardscape Services

All Inquiries Responded Within 48 Hours Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Lic. #992858

Sterling CustomUpholstery

1243 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA (At Miramonte-behind Baskin-Robbins)

www.SterlingCustomUpholstery.com

(650) 961-8700

$9250 Labor Special

Total Price For Labor On Standard Couch or ChairPlus the cost of any fabric you select from our complete line of fabrics. Labor price of $92.50 includes frame, spring and webbing repair. Additional charge for cushion filler, tufting and channeling. Customer supplied fabric charged at standard labor rate of $55 per yard.

FREE ARM COVERS with upholstery of any couch or chair

With this coupon only. Regular value $27.50 plus 1/2 yard of fabric. Expires 6/30/17

FREE Pick Up & Delivery Our 51st year.

Re-upholstery RecyclesACCREDITEDBUSINESS

sauna, wine cellar and tasting room. Automatic gates provide access to a motor court and what appears to be a single-story Mediterranean-style home. However, looks are deceiving, because the metal-work entry doors open to reveal a multilevel modern inte-rior. “The site had a lot of challenges,” said architect Malika Junaid of M Designs Architects in Los Altos. “Because of the topography and the town’s height and grading regula-tions – and the desire to take advantage of the view – we had to do a split-level entry. The house steps down with the terrain.” The Yues wanted to maintain the integrity and essence of the site. Junaid’s goal was to have the house adjust to the site rather than damage the site for the house. “The main design philosophy was to enter the house on higher ground, coming from your normal, fast-paced day, and then leaving stress behind by walking down to the informal level with its views and connections to the backyard and bay,” she said. The master suite, tucked away on the upper level, has the best view and features a row of oversized floor-to-ceiling windows, a fireplace, a jaw-dropping closet and master bath with heated floors and sloped-basin vanities. Both the steam shower and jetted tub can accommodate two people.


Automatic gates provide access to a motor court, above, at the Yues’ Mediterranean-style home. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MALIKA JUNAID

HAVEN


Also on the upper level are a scenic loft and two sec-ondary suites nearby.

Common rooms On the main level is the living room, which boasts 12-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling shelving flanking the fire-place and a folding glass wall that opens for easy indoor-outdoor living. A staircase leads down to the rear terrace. Just down the hall are the dining room, kitchen and family room. Keith designed the kitchen, which has natural stone

Continued on Page 10

HAVEN

A central fireplace, right, unifies the kitchen and family room. Floor-length windows maximize the view.


surfaces, an island with bar seat-ing, two sinks, soft-close cabine-try and high-end appliances. “I like to cook what I love to eat,” he said. A central fireplace unifies the kitchen and family room, which has French doors accessing the terrace. Floor-length windows maximize the views. Also on this level are a private home office with a complete wall of bookshelves and a guest suite with a stone-clad bathroom. According to Junaid, the lower level, or basement, was created “to accommodate both teenagers and adults in their enjoyment of shar-ing a space together while still be-ing able to be separate. The home theater, game room and wine cel-lar are connected so all ages and groups can hang out to-gether.” The game room, with a pool table, opens to a tasting room with a wet bar and temperature-controlled wine cel-

lar that can hold more than 800 bottles. The home theater features surround sound and tiered seating. Other amenities from the Yues’ open-house checklist:



The rear terrace of Keith and Donna Yue’s Los Altos Hills home offers expansive bay views and features both dining and lounging areas.


HAVEN


room-specific lighting, speakers, jamb-less window and door casings, 8-foot doors, wide-plank hardwood floors, an elevator and, of course, solar panels. “It’s a smart house,” Keith said.

However, the couple has made a smart decision. They purchased the property in 2010, but the house was not built until 2015, at which time their children were off to college and their lifestyle had changed. They’ve decided to stay close to downtown and hope another family will make Taaffe Road their home. n

Custom Draperies, Blinds, Shades and Shutters.All draperies are locally made. Woman owned business.Receive 20% off when you mention this ad (does not include orders using customer’s own material or installation charges).

The Drapery Lady408-981-1874

[email protected]

Professionally InstallingSynthetic Turf GrassGolf Greens & More

Since 1996

Visit OurDesign Showroom

Locally Owned & OperatedSan Carlos, CA

Call for an Appointment650.349.4885sw-greens.com

license #983689


HAVEN


The Yues’ master suite, tucked away on the upper level, boasts the home’s best views through floor-to-ceiling windows.


SPECIALIZING IN:• ADDITIONS• REMODELS• INTERIORS

DESIGN AWARDS:

Platinum Award, Entire House

Judges Choice Award, Bathroom

Platinum Award, Kitchen

License # 667735

DESIGN ◆ BUILD ◆ FURNISH

346 Main Street, Los Altos 94022650.941.4384

www.ikbinc.com

From Concept to Completion...Endless Possibilities


Respect,Service,Results,

& Referrals

Lynn NorthPresident’s Club

direct 650.209.1562cell 650.703.6437

[email protected]

CalBRE# 01490039

4th Generation Resident

Serving the communities

of Los Altos, Mountain View,

Sunnyvale and Cupertino

I am personally committedto your success in selling orfinding your dream home.

Lynn

North

RESULTS: Sold the last 25 homes in an average of 9 days, and all

for over the asking price!

By Tanya KucakSpecial to the Town Crier

Liz Calhoon loves flowers. When she moved to her Los Altos home several decades ago, she grew fuchsias and even served as head of the fuchsia society. One day, she said, she heard on the news that California has a semiarid climate and realized that “it didn’t make sense to pour all that water into plants.” Some potted fuchsias needed water twice a day in the summer. So she began learning about Mediter-ranean and California native plants, and now she grows mostly drought-tolerant or-namentals. One entire area of her garden boasts natives and other low-maintenance

BLOOMS

Color bloomsLocal drought-resistant garden celebrates whimsy

Garden art mixeswhimsically with daffodils and other bulbs that rebloom every year.

TANYA KUCAK/ SPECIAL TO THE TOWN CRIER



RISTORANTE BELLA VITAA Fine Dining Experience

376 First Street, Los Altos

[email protected]

RIS

TORANTE

BE

L L A V I TACelebrate all your Special Occasions

with us!

RISTORANTE BELLA VITA

Our Courtyard and Wine Cellar are available for

private dining and banquet events. Try our premier catering service for all

occasions.

plants that she said “thrive on neglect” and get no irri-gation. Ceanothus and manzanita look good year-round, Calhoon noted, and “surprise you in the spring with flow-ers.” Three native purple sage shrubs have grown at least 10 feet wide each in four years, covering a steep, sunny area. Toyons, which thrive with no added water, delight Calhoon when their berries attract robins and cedar wax-wings. Hummingbirds visit a non-native abutilon in her backyard, which blooms a long time – and which she grew from a cutting. Whimsy is in every corner of Calhoon’s backyard: gar-den art in the form of butterflies and other critters, as well as small signs and quirky plants. Garden art “doesn’t take any work,” she said. She chose to grow some plants be-cause she liked their names: eyelash grass, love in a mist and pine tree crassulas, for instance.

Easy bloomers Continuing the theme of plants that bloom a long time or don’t require much care, some of Calhoon’s favorite plants are bulbs and succulents. Bulbs “grow themselves,” according to Calhoon, and keep coming up year after year. “Daffodils make me happy,” she said. “Plant them once and that’s it.” They’re easy to grow, Calhoon likes the color and they don’t need to be protected from gophers (because gophers don’t like them). “Daffodils give back,” she said. Gophers have made themselves at home in the small red fescue lawn in the backyard. “Because I’m not mowing and going for the meadow look, the mounds of soil the gophers push up go undetected

BLOOMS

TANYA KUCAK/SPECIAL TO THE TOWN CRIER

Bill Wallis geranium blooms in part to full sun, prefers good garden soil and rambles through other garden plants. Cut back to the ground in late fall, it both comes back from the roots and reseeds itself.



until they are big and numerous,” Calhoon said. “Now my lawn’s kinda lumpy.” It does need water at least once a week in summer to stay green. Bill Wallis geranium, a subshrub with sprawling stems and deep blue-purple flowers less than an inch wide, “plants itself,” Calhoon said. Each plant can reach over a foot high and almost two feet wide. It “intermingles with whatever” and “goes with the yellow flowers I like,” she added. Succulents are easy to propagate, don’t need much care or water and “appeal to my frugality,” Calhoon said. She cultivates a large assortment, arranged in containers to highlight the wealth of shapes and colors. In 2009, Calhoon joined the Santa Clara County Mas-ter Gardeners, a University of California program that trains volunteers to share science-based information on home horticulture. She said she learned that “healthy soils give you healthy plants” and that “one-third of our food requires pollination,” so it’s important to encourage ben-eficial insects in the garden and avoid using pesticides. Tanya Kucak gardens organically. Email her at [email protected]. n

BLOOMS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TANYA KUCAK/SPECIAL TO THE TOWN CRIER

The stunning blue flowers of ceanothus, above, appear every spring without supplemental irrigation. Its glossy, wrinkled foliage looks good year-round. Pine tree crassula, below, frames a small sign in Liz Calhoon’s Los Altos garden: “Don’t Just Stand There – Weed!”


EXPERT TREE CARE NATURALLY

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE/EVALUATION650.477.8995 • 408.898.2199www.naturalarborcare.com

PREVENTDISASTERS!

Call for an evaluation to determine if any hazards or diseases are present

in your trees.

PREVENTDISASTERS!

SAMEDAY &

24 HOUREMERGENCY

SERVICE

FULLY LICENSED • BONDED & INSURED • LIC. #714671

Specializing in All Phases ofProfessional Tree Care

Trimming & PruningTree Removals

Crown ReductionEnd Weight PruningSpraying & Feeding

Stump Grinding & Removal

Mention This Ad for

10% OFFNew clients only. Valid whenpresented at time of estimate. Not valid with other offers.

Expires 12-31-17


Soften harsh sunlight and save with Hunter Douglas window fashions.REBATES AVAILABLE ON SELECT LIGHT-TRANSFORMING STYLES. ASK FOR DETAILS TODAY.

SILHOUETTE® WINDOW SHADINGS

$100 REBATE on qualifying purchases

APRIL 15—JUNE 26, 2017

*

*Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 4/15/17—6/26/17 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. For certain rebate-eligible products, the purchase of multiple units of such product is required to receive a rebate. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2017 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 17Q2NPSILC3

Rebarts Interiors, LLC253 State StLos Altos, CA 94022

Tuesday - Friday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pmSaturday: 11:00 am - 4:00 pmEvening Appointments Available650-288-4377rebarts.com

Call or visit us today for Free Estimate and Free Installation and 20% off





*










*







Call or visit us today for Free Estimate andFree Installation and 20% off


Artistic Garage Doors, Inc.

CustomGarage Doors

are our Specialty

1200 Industrial Road #6

San Carlos, CA 94070

(650) 594-1183

(650) 413-1660

FAX (650) 594-9912

Lic# 717735www.artisticgarage.com

email: [email protected]

Mark Brand Architecture and Christopher Stark Photography

By Lisa ParramoreSpecial to the Town Crier

As Californians’ pas-sion for outdoor living continues to grow, many homeown-ers crave a stronger integration of their indoor and outdoor spaces. Magazines and websites like Houzz and Pinterest have plenty of stunning photographs to entice read-ers with living environments that blur those lines. With the many older ranch homes in the area that were built before this trend became widespread, what should a homeowner consider to

OUTDOORS

Innovative doors integrate interior with exterior

TOWN CRIER FILE PHOTO

Sliding glass doors bring the outside in, providing additional living area without disrupting usable floor space.Continued on Page 22


030217-RSS-Flyer_US

*Fares and Ready Set Sail offers are based on Promo(s) RF/RG/PJ. Featured fares and are per person based on double occupancy, cruise or Land+Sea Journeys only. Fares are in U.S. dollars. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses are additional and range from $80.00-$1,580.00. Subject to availability. Offers are per stateroom based on double occupancy, for 1st and 2nd guests sharing a stateroom and excludes 3rd/4th guests, except as provided herein. Offers are available for new bookings only, apply only to the cruise portion of Alaska Land+Sea Journeys, are not combinable with any other discounts and are not transferable or refundable. Offers are applicable on select 2017 & 2018 departures. Prepaid gratuities (hotel service charges): Holland America Line pre-pays room gratuities on behalf of guests. Gratuities for bar, dining room wine accounts, or spa/salon services are not included. Onboard spending money is in USD and amounts vary by cruise length and stateroom category. US$100 internet credit per stateroom (US$50 per person): Holland America Line cannot guarantee the availability of internet connection or speed. For full terms and conditions applicable to your cruise, please refer to hollandamerica.com/readysetsail or the appropriate Holland America Line brochure. Offers are capacity controlled, and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. Other restrictions may apply. Ready Set Sail ends June 1, 2017. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands.

Book ANY stateroom on select sailings June 2017 — March 2018 and enjoy incredible values up to US$1,000 including:*

n Prepaid gratuities (hotel service charges)

n Up to US$500 onboard spending money

PLUS, book a suite and also receive a US$100 internet credit!

BOOK BY JUNE 1 TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE SPECIAL OFFERS.

EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH HOLLAND AMERICA LINE

Cruise in classic style and encounter new places, cultures and experiences on

Holland America Line.

Call to Action Here

Agency name here Phone Number email, address here

Book ANY stateroom on select sailings June 2017 — March 2018 and enjoy incrediblevalues up to $1,000 including:*

- Prepaid gratuities (hotel service charges)

- Up to $500 onboard spending money

EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH HOLLAND AMERICA LINE

Cruise in classic style and encounternew places, cultures and experiences on

Holland America Line.Contact:

All Horizons and FROSCH Travel

to take advantage of this EXCELLENT Holland America

Promotion!!

FROSCH Travel825 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park

650.941.5810 or [email protected]

CST# 2118750-50

PLUS, book a suite and

also receive a $100

internet credit!

BOOK BY JUNE 1, 2017 TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE SPECIAL OFFERS.

*Fares and Ready Set Sail offers are based on Promo(s) RF/RG/PJ. Featured fares and are per person based on double occupancy, cruise or Land+-Sea Journeys only. Fares are in U.S. dollars. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses are additional and range from $80.00-$1,580.00. Subject to availability. Offers are per stateroom based on double occupancy, for 1st and 2nd guests sharing a stateroom and excludes 3rd/4th guests, except as provided herein. Offers are available for new bookings only, apply only to the cruise portion of Alaska Land+Sea Journeys, are not combinable with any other discounts and are not transferable or refundable. Offers are applicable on select 2017 & 2018 departures. Prepaid gratuities (hotel service charges): Holland America Line pre-pays room gratuities on behalf of guests. Gratuities for bar, dining room wine accounts, or spa/salon services are not included. Onboard spending money is in USD and amounts vary by cruise length and stateroom category. US$100 internet credit per stateroom (US$50 per person): Holland America Line cannot guarantee the availability of internet connection or speed. For full terms and conditions applicable to your cruise, please refer to hollandamerica.com/readysetsail or the appropriate Holland America Line brochure. Offers are capacity controlled, and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. Other restrictions may apply. Ready Set Sail ends June 1, 2017. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands.


No-questions-asked warranty + no-surprises price = no brainer.

budgetblinds.com

650-641-2400

Get up to $500 in rebates during our spring Signature Series* event - call now!*Applies to selected Signature Series® window treatments by Budget Blinds®. Purchases $1,000 or more qualify for $100 re-bate; purchases $2,500 or more qualify for $250 rebate; and purchases $5,000 or more qualify for $500 rebate. Restrictions may apply, ask for details. Valid for a limited time, not valid with any other off ers, discounts, or coupons. Off er good at initial time of estimate only. At participating franchises only. ©2017 Budget Blinds, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Budget Blinds is a trademark of Budget Blinds, LLC and a Home Franchise Concepts Brand. Each franchise independently owned and operated.

Brad’s Friendly Tree ServiceSince 1991

• Aerial tree pruning expert• Tree removal• Stump grinding• Tree replant

State Contractors # 729287

650-903-9560

achieve a satisfying result? Adding a room to the house may offer maximum flexibility, but many homeowners are challenged to achieve a more seamless integration within their home’s existing footprint.

Sliding glass doors Some homeowners looking to remodel start with a home in which the main living room or family room fea-tures an existing passage door or a 5- to 6-foot-wide slid-ing glass door. Sliding glass doors certainly remain a common solu-tion, as the individual panels slide in one plane and do not disrupt the usable floor inside or out. Wider sliding panels can transform an ordinary wall into an impressive expanse of glass. The ease or complexity of achieving this depends on whether load-bearing walls are affected and how close light switches and electrical outlets are located. Bear in mind that bypass sliding glass doors limit the actual opening, as the panels travel along two tracks and half of the panels remain fixed. If the wall is wide enough, it is possible to slide the panels all the way into the walls on either side like a pocket door. Again, creating a pocket opening in an existing room may require addressing a load-bearing wall or electrical services. Also near the top of many wish lists is to have the floor-


OUTDOORS

Floor-to-ceiling glass walls, above, invite the outdoors in, ideal with the California climate.TOWN CRIER FILE PHOTO


ing surface inside more or less even with the outside so that the entire space feels more cohesive. An older home with a sliding glass door or passage door might require the landing outside to be replaced to achieve this effect. Some city building departments require structural engineering for decks taller than a certain height, so be certain to in-vestigate during the planning stages.

Folding glass walls Folding glass walls with panels that stack to one or both sides are not new; the German manufacturer NanaWall led the way with a well-engineered top-hung system that lends itself to numerous configurations, though it is not the only brand available.

OUTDOORS

Folding glass walls, right, can expand a home’s dining and entertaining space. COURTESY OF PANORAMIC DOORS Continued on Page 26


Art For The Floor

Exquisite beauty, life-long quality, truly one of a kind.650-327-5040 | STEPHENMILLERGALLERY.COM | MENLO PARK

FINE ORIENTAL RUGS





Soften harsh sunlight and save with Hunter Douglas window fashions. REBATES AVAILABLE ON SELECT LIGHT-TRANSFORMING STYLES. ASK FOR DETAILS TODAY.

*Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 4/15/17—6/26/17 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. For certain rebate-eligible products, the purchase of multiple units of such product is required to receive a rebate. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2017 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 17Q2MAGSILC2

California Paint Company360 S California AveDesign Hours:

M-F: 8:30 am - 4:00 pmSat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pmSun: Closed650-326-9285www.californiapaint.com




Soften harsh sunlight and save with Hunter Douglas window fashions. REBATES AVAILABLE ON SELECT LIGHT-TRANSFORMING STYLES. ASK FOR DETAILS TODAY.

*Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 4/15/17—6/26/17 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. For certain rebate-eligible products, the purchase of multiple units of such product is required to receive a rebate. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2017 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 17Q2MAGSILC2

California Paint Company360 S California AveDesign Hours:

M-F: 8:30 am - 4:00 pmSat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pmSun: Closed650-326-9285www.californiapaint.com

Spring Interior Fashion Sale!April 10th through June 2nd

California Paint Company360 S California AvePalo Alto

Design Hours:M-F: 8:30 am - 4:00 pmSat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pmSun: Closed650-326-9285www.californiapaint.com


The place for Do-It-Yourselfers, Interior Deco-rators, Contractors or those looking for expert electrical installation, service and repairs—

with a smile.

Our showroom is stocked with the finest brands and a dazzling array of choices.

Stanford Electric Works is here to help residents in the Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and surrounding

areas with their lighting needs.

126 San Antonio CircleMountain View

(Next to Bruce Bauer Lumber & Supply)

650-323-4139StanfordElectricWorks.com

Monday – Friday 9am - 6pm • Saturday 10am - 3pm126 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View (Next to Bruce Bauer Lumber & Supply) • 650.323.4139 • StanfordElectricWorks.com

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Service Changes & Upgrades Troubleshooting & Wiring Repairs Dedicated Circuits 220-Volt Circuits Recessed Lighting Outdoor Lighting

Kitchen / Room Remodel Wiring Lamp Repair & Restoration GFI Plugs & Circuits Ceiling Fans LED Lighting Specialists Large Section of Light Bubs & LED’S

The place for Do-It-Yourselfers, Interior Decorators, Contractors or those looking for expert electrical installation, service

and repairs — with a smile.

Our showroom is stocked with the fi nest brands and a dazzling array of choices.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

Central Expy

Alma St

El Camino Real

San

Anto

nio

Rd

California St

Del M

edio

Ave

SanAntonio

Circle

Scan this QR code to open our App!

Monday – Friday 9am - 6pm • Saturday 10am - 3pm126 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View (Next to Bruce Bauer Lumber & Supply) • 650.323.4139 • StanfordElectricWorks.com

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Service Changes & Upgrades Troubleshooting & Wiring Repairs Dedicated Circuits 220-Volt Circuits Recessed Lighting Outdoor Lighting

Kitchen / Room Remodel Wiring Lamp Repair & Restoration GFI Plugs & Circuits Ceiling Fans LED Lighting Specialists Large Section of Light Bubs & LED’S

The place for Do-It-Yourselfers, Interior Decorators, Contractors or those looking for expert electrical installation, service

and repairs — with a smile.

Our showroom is stocked with the fi nest brands and a dazzling array of choices.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

Central Expy

Alma St

El Camino Real

San

Anto

nio

Rd

California St

Del M

edio

Ave

SanAntonio

Circle

Scan this QR code to open our App!

Also known as accordion-style doors, the ability to stack the panels resolves the barrier of the fixed panel of the sliding glass door. It becomes even more important to consider the height of the landing outside, whether a wooden deck, stone patio or concrete surface, as it should span the entire width of the opening. Some floor space, whether inside the room or outside, must remain clear for the panels to stack.

Slide and pivot systems A more recent innovation is a product by Panoramic Doors that consists of individual panels that travel along a top and bottom track, pivot individually and stack at one or both ends of the opening. Because the panels are not connected to one another, there are no hinges and the pan-els can swing in or out. The only visible hardware is the door handle used for the “master panel” to open and close the system. With approximately 40 percent less hardware than similar folding glass wall systems, and the fact that they are manufactured in California, they can be a less expensive option.

Keeping out insects Just as there have been advances in glass wall systems, several options enable homeowners to mount an insect screen that does not interfere with the span of glass. There are products that retract into a housing at either end, with the two screens held together in the center with a magnet. Centaur products can span up to 24 feet in width. Brio offers a retractable pleated screen that can span up to 32 feet. The mild climate on the Peninsula makes indoor-out-door living attractive. Local window and door showrooms have some of these systems installed so that homeowners can get a feel for how the options operate. Innovations in sliding glass doors and movable glass walls are blurring the line between what used to be easily identifiable as a door, window or wall. Lisa Parramore is a Certified Professional Land-scape Designer with Harrell Remodeling Inc. For more information, visit harrell-remodeling.com. n


OUTDOORS

COURTESY OF PANORAMIC DOORS

This Mountain View home sports accordion glass doors, which can work on any size residence.


YOU WANT STYLE? HERE IT IS!

Beyond these elegant tubs from South Africa we offer you

AN ADDITIONAL 100 FREESTANFING MODELS

(510) 770-86864796 Davenport PlaceFremont, CA 94538www.tubz.net

YES, OF COURSE WE HAVE ALL THE “OTHER” BATHROOM FIXTURES SUCH AS NEARLY EVERY TOTO TOILET INCLUDING THEIR BIDET WASHLETS IN ALL 3 RESTOOMS’ FAUCETS VANITIES, STEAMERS, SHOWERS, ETC.

COME EXPERIENCE 400 “HANDS-ON/FEET-IN” MODELSSee even one short video at www.tubz.net or go directly to “You tube” and type in: “Welcome to Tubz in Fremont”

25 Different Walk-In-Tubs including the largest selection of whirlpool bathtubs in a single showroom anywhere in the world!

OPEN: SUN-THURS CLOSED: FRIDAY & SATURDAYNEW: AVAILABLE Friday – Only By Appt. with Jeremy


By Tanya KucakSpecial to the Town Crier

Despite the healthy amount of rain last winter, Los Altos still has a summer-dry Mediterra-nean climate, and conservation is still the cheapest and easiest way to save money on your water bill as well as to ensure that we all have enough water for essential needs. The drought is not over: Recurring droughts histori-cally have been part of the Bay Area climate, and the summer-dry pattern means that if you have a garden, you need to pay attention to watering. Although reservoirs in Northern California are in bet-ter shape than they have been in several years, the focus is on “making conservation a way of life,” according to Julie Ortiz, water conservation manager at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.

Permanent restrictions Ortiz described the following “permanent water waste restrictions” that apply to use of water in the landscape. • Avoid runoff when watering. • Use a shut-off valve on the end of the hose. • Use a broom or rake to clean sidewalks and other paved surfaces, rather than hosing them off. • Use only recirculating fountains.

WATER

Conserving water,drought or notTips for saving water – and money – in the garden

TANYA KUCAK/SPECIAL TO THE TOWN CRIER

Creating a permeable path enables stormwater to recharge the water table rather than running down sidewalks and streets into the bay. Above, several inches of mulch, though packed down, allow water to infiltrate. The mulched path flows nicely into planted areas.



DANISH CONCEPTS

• Turn off irrigation during or just after measurable rainfall. In May, the Public Utilities Commission plans to re-view whether to keep current drought restrictions in force. In the meantime, particularly if you’re thinking about renovating your garden, here are some factors to keep in mind. • Save water from the outset by choosing plants ap-propriate to the Bay Area’s dry summer climate. This fall may be a good year to install a new landscape if you’ve been letting your garden go brown because of the drought. Summer is a great time to plan a garden, but because new plantings need regular water to become established, you can reduce your water bill and conserve water by planting at the beginning of the rainy season. Typically, drought-tolerant plants will need regular water for the first couple or so summers so that they can develop the extensive root systems that enable them to withstand drought. Many California native plants offer drought tolerance as well as support for local pollinators. Plants from other Mediterranean climates also can be good choices for drought-tolerant gardens. • Depending on what you are growing, incorporat-ing compost into your soil and adding mulch on top (2-4

inches) will help your soil retain water and prevent runoff. Keeping water on-site helps recharge the local water table. • If you’ve noticed any wet areas or ponding in your yard, now is the time to fix them. Installing a rain garden, a dry creek or a dry well can help keep water on-site, pre-vent erosion and proactively prevent problems caused by standing water. • If you’re adding hardscape, consider using permeable pavers, permeable concrete or other permeable surfaces such as thick mulch or gravel. • To reduce evaporation, water in the cooler part of the day, or set your irrigation system to start between 2 and 6 a.m. If you see any runoff, program shorter runtimes. Then, if more water is needed, schedule additional start times with an hour or two in between so that water can soak into the soil. Do the same as days get hotter and wa-ter needs increase – program more start times with short-er runtimes. For instance, instead of starting at 2 a.m. and running for nine minutes, program your controller to start at 2 a.m. for three minutes, 3 a.m. for three minutes and 4 a.m. for three minutes. • If you have an irrigation system, install a weather-based irrigation controller that keeps track of rainfall and temperature. Tanya Kucak gardens organically. Email her at [email protected]. n


WATER


115 Phelan Ave., Suite 3, San Jose, CA 95112Office: (408) 294-6763 • Fax: (408) 294-6797

www.MayConstructionInc.com • [email protected] #524952

t May Construction it is our goal to assist clients in making educated decisions while being aware of the challenges and opportunities that may arise. Beginning with the initial phone consultation, open communication allows our team to tailor your project to best meet the needs and objectives of your lifestyle.

The highest standards for superior customer service at May Construction are backed by vision, integrity, dedication and commitment set by Greg May and his team. These elevated standards not only benefit clients, but are carried out through our project man-agement. May Construction continues to specialize in Design/Build, Whole House Remodels, Additions, Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels and total project management. Give us a call today, we would be happy to assist you with your remodeling needs.• Design/Build

• Home Remodeling

• New Additions

• Kitchen Remodels

• Bathroom Remodels

A

“We wholeheartedly recommend May Construction, a well-managed professional, thorough, and highly effective business, a real standout in the construction world. It’d have been unthinkable getting through our project without them.” -Noemi and Dave (former client)

Budget analysis and project development by May Construciton – Interior design by Liz Williams

home garden magazine - los altos town crier · custom draperies, blinds, shades and shutters. all...

Documents