home improvement guide · 10/27/2010 · window accents 45a state rd princeton nj m-f: 10:00-5:00...

FALL 2010OCTOBER 27, 2010

HomeImprovement

Guide

Kitchen by Tobias Design

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2 The Latest in Interior Design TrendsOffer a Dynamic Look For the House

The look you love!Why not? It may be easier to accomplish

than you think, and with the help of an interior designer or decorator, your home can have the ambiance and aura you have always hoped for.

A fresh coat of pain or wallpaper, new accessories, fabrics, new appliances in the kitchen — the choices are exciting and can all be customized to your taste.

Differing life-styles call for different choices, and more people are selecting a de-signer to help them, points out Deborah Leamann of Deborah Leamann Inte -rior Design in Pennington. “People are buying less but of higher quality. Investing in a designer helps prevent costly mistakes.

“We see a more casual life-style today, leading to a textured, casual, easy living look,” she continues. “More minimal window treatments. No more stuffy granny furni-ture. Wallpaper is the rage — it adds instant style! It’s fast, easy, and not messy to install. Instant gratifica-tion!

“Built-ins are on every project we do. They are problem-solvers and space-savers. Want a spot for ev-erything? We design built-in furniture to address the indi-vidual client’s needs. It can

be painted, decoratively-finished, or in various wood styles.Instant Personality“Reclaimed everything!”

says Ms. Leamann enthu-siastically. “Old items are recycled into the design theme, whether it’s an old sink, tub, door, hinges and hardware, or light fixtures. Reclaim it and re-use it.

And wood floors are the hottest ticket. We love old! Especially in a newer home. It adds instant personality that becomes special and sets apart the everyday track from the custom.”

Color, texture, and style are all important, adds Bar-bara Gardner, President of Collins Interiors in Prince-ton. “In colors, we see egg plant to lavender to mauve, soft grays to peach, and we see it everywhere — in drap-eries, lamps, and upholstery, as well as accent pillows and vases.”

Carpeting is probably the biggest change, she points out. “People are moving away from the Oriental rug design to soft patterns, with grays and soft blues. It’s an antique kind of washed feel with tone-on-tone grada-tions of color.”

A new paint color for a room can make a tremendous difference, and Ms. Gardner Continued on Next Page

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also notes the popularity of wallpaper, including natural grass cloth. “Having wallpa-per on just one wall, such as behind the bed or the sofa, is a great look. It adds ac-cent and interest. Natural grass cloth has made a huge come back.”

When painting one wall a different color or wallpa-pering it, the point is to add accent and interest, and the colors are typically more vivid, adds Ms. Gardner. “They can set off artwork or pick up and match a color in fabric.”

In addition, there is a lot of client interest in an organ-ic, natural look, she says. “Light, hand-planed wood with a lot of natural grain showing through the wood is very popular. “People are sensit ive to the environ-ment, and there is a lot of interest in very old pieces and antiques. This is great recycling, and antiques all have a history.”

Intriguing LookAmy Lebowitz, owner of

Decorating Den Interiors in Princeton, points out an intriguing new look in drap-eries. “We are seeing an increasing amount of com-mercial grade fabrics cross over into residential use. The fabrics are inherently fire-re-

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Continued on Next Page

Latest TrendsContinued from Preceding Page

tardant and wash and wear. Designs and colors are more ‘friendly’, hip, and trendy, and can be used in tradi-tional applications, such as pleated in swags and panels, as well as in a more modern approach, including being used as a room divider, for slides doors, etc.”

Ashton-Whyte, the charm-ing home decor shop in Pennington, is known for its selection of table linens, bedding, and accessories. “We are seeing people — from young families to re-t ired people — who are looking to create warm wel-coming spaces that they can truly enjoy,” reports owner Ellen Sabino. “People are staying home and enter-taining more. We have seen a strong interest in table-top, from beautiful linens to fun candles and decora-tive items. Our assortment includes elegant yet casual merchandise as well as a more formal assortment for the very special occasion or holiday.

“When it comes to bed-ding, people are focusing on quality pieces that feel and look beautiful. The colors vary, and everyone has their own color sensibility. We try to steer people away from trends and have them focus on what they truly love. Our assortment is extensive, al-lowing us to individualize our clients’ selection.”

Ashton-Whyte also has an irresistible baby depart-ment with the latest in baby clothing, layettes, keepsake pillows and quilts, as well as specialty items, such as handpainted porcelain” First Tooth” and “First Lock”

boxes and piggy banks.Color Trends

Morris Maple & Son is a long-time Princeton painting institution. Customers know they will f ind everything they need, including advice and information from the experienced staff.

“Paint color trends change every few years for interior colors,” explains owner Mike Skillman. “Right now, sage greens, soft khakis, and oth-ers that have an earthy and organic feeling are popular as well as ‘clean’ off-whites. There is always the occa-sional vibrant dynamic color, too, like a bright red in the dining room or hunter green in a study.”

Morris Maple’s major paint lines are Benjamin Moore, Pratt& Lambert, and Mu-ralo, as well as Cabot’s and Olympic stains for the exte-rior.

“Most paints on the mar-ket now are water-based, and all paints have had to have lower VOCs (volatile organic compounds) during the last 10 years by law,” says Mr. Skillman. “There are a number of zero VOC lines that are virtually odor-less, and we carry Benjamin Moore’s Natura line that, unlike some brands, stays zero VOC even after tinting to any color. Some brands start out zero VOC on the shelf, but use universal oil tints and push the VOC level back up after tinting to your color choice.

“Since there is a need in some uses to have an oil-based product for perfor-mance, like kitchen cabi-nets or exterior deck stains, Benjamin Moore has just in-troduced a hybrid product,

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Advance, for interior trim that is oil-based, but cleans up with water, and has al-most no odor. Olympic stain also has such a product for most of their exterior semi-transparent colors. These are the cutting edge type of products that will probably be the way of the future in paints and stains.”

With the advent of all the different types of sid-ing available today, exterior

painting is not the issue it once was. “Exterior painting is usually only done on an ‘as needed’ basis and some-times not even then,” points out Mr. Skillman. “The lon-gevity of an exterior paint is pretty much determined by the type and age of the house and how it has been maintained in the past. But on a new home, exterior stain or paint can be expected to

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last 10 to 12 years. Interior painting is usually only done with decorating changes or by people just moving into a new residence.”

Do-It-YourselfersHe adds that if homeown-

ers plan to hire a profes-sional painter, they should never focus only on the low-est estimate. “Since painters are not licensed in New Jer-sey, estimates and job qual-ity are all over the board. People should do research with references and con-tact their local paint store regarding the ability of any given contractor. The price of a paint job as well as how it looks and lasts is all in the preparation of the surface, and that is what is usually cut to keep a price down to get a job.”

Painting also appeals to many do-it-yourselfers, re-ports George Smith, owner of Smith’s Ace Hardware in the Princeton Shopping Center. The “Paint Shop” at the store has everything the homeowner/painter needs, and with a knowledgeable staff to offer assistance and advice.

“Many customers who come in are going to do the painting themselves. This is one of two things homeown-ers feel comfortable doing. They’re not plumbers or electricians, but they feel

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they can paint and also do lawn care.”

The Ace “Paint Shop” is booming, he adds. “The paint has been even more popular than I expected. We sell a great amount of paint, including the premier, top-of-the-line Benjamin Moore Regal, as well as our Ace line.”

All paints today have low VOCs, he says, “and you are not inhaling dangerous fumes. We will also soon be carrying the Natura Benja-min Moore line with zero VOCs. Customers here ex-pect environmentally-friend-ly products.”

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Painting is popular every season, reports Mr. Smith, and the selection at the store has a color for everyone and every room.

Tinting System“A fresh coat of paint can

make a big difference, and people like to change the look in a room. Paint will last a long time, but hom-eowners just like to change their color scheme. Colors are br ighter today, and many people like to paint an accent color on one wall. They’ll usually pick up another color in the room, match something else in the room. This has become very popular.”

He points out that the Ben-jamin Moore line of Classic Colors is somewhat sub-dued, while its new Preview line offers brighter colors. “We also have a computer-ized tinting system. We can make any color you want.”

Most people use latex paint (water-based ), but there is oil-based for spe-cial projects. “Oil-based paint is good for problem areas, such as places with a lot of moisture or for old pieces, such as woods, that needs tightening up,” says Mr. Smith. “We also have oil-based enamel for metal, including wrought iron pa-tio furniture, plant stands, etc.”

Floor paint is another popular item, and it is avail-able for wood and concrete. Staining is another option for homeowners. “We carry stains for refinishing furni-ture, stains for bare wood, and Polyshades for some-thing already finished,” he

explains. “With another product, Restor-A-Finish, you don’t have to strip and refinish the piece. You just rub it into the wood with steel wool, and it looks re-finished.”

Ace also carries all the painting supplies, including brushes (both natural and synthetic ), rollers, paint pans, etc. “There is also a new Teflon paint pan for rollers that is very popular,” he adds.

No room in the house is more popular than the kitchen. “The heart of the home”, as some call it, and the choices available today to make your kitchen just the way you want it are remark-able. Colors, appliances, styles, size — you are limited only by your imagination.

Kitchen Design“The trend in kitchen de-

sign today is to hide as many appliances as you can,” says Debbie Schaeffer, President and CEO of Mrs. G TV & Appliance in Lawrenceville. “Manufacturers, such as Miele, Sub-Zero, Bosch, and Thermador, have refrigera-tors that are integrated with a wood panel and once in-stalled, you will never know a refrigerator exists. It looks like a beautiful pantry or ar-moire. The French door de-sign is as popular as ever, but most consumers like it hidden behind panels.

“Dishwashers, garbage compactors, and warming drawers can also be hidden behind wood panels and only those ‘in the know’ can find it!” she continues. “Some people are even taking their microwave and placing it behind closed doors. I just finished a kitchen with beau-tiful black decorative cabi-

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nets with black appliances and integrated refrigerators and dishwashers. It’s open to the family room, and you would never know it as a kitchen. You would think it was a library.”

Ms. Schaeffer also points out that the laundry room is not what it once was. Great-looking washers and dryers in all colors and styles are must-haves for many hom-eowners. “Also, with many

people experiencing mold issues from the first genera-tion of front loaders a few years back, there is a move-ment back to top loaders. The advanced technology and success of eco-friendly Whirlpool Cabrios, GE Har-monys, Maytag Bravos, LG, and the new Vantage from Whirlpool are driving con-sumers back to top loaders. The new Vantage with supe-rior fabric care comes with a

high price tag for those who are looking for high-end de-sign and high tech features for the laundry room. They are gorgeous! You will enjoy doing your laundry with the Vantage!”

Fall is a perfect time to get the house in shape, and with all the opportunities avail-able in interior design today, it will be an intriguing explo-ration, and fun as well!

— Jean Stratton

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Morris Maple & SonPainting The Town for more than 100 years.

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RECENT WORK BY T. JEFFERY CLARK, ARCHITECT includes a Princeton Ridge residence with Colonial Revival details, a private roof deck and open breezeway.

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For all your fine gardening and organic lawncare needs,trust the knowledgeable, honest professionals atRichard A. McCoy Horticultural Services, Inc.

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PROPERTY MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS

TRIMBLE

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MOORE’S CONSTRUCTIONHOME IMPROVEMENTS LLC

CARPENTER • BUILDER • CABINET MAKERCOMPLETE HOME RENOVATIONS • ADDITIONS

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Family serving Princeton 100 years.

Scott M. Moore of

License #13VH03282100

CertifiedRenovator

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P & M GONZALES

LANDSCAPINGFALL CLEAN-UP

Seeding • Mulching • Trimming • WeedingLawn Services • Planting • and much more!

609-637-0550


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Federal Energy Tax Credit Still AvailableFor Energy-Efficient Products and Items

With consumers ever more focused on environmentally-

friendly and energy-efficient products, an increasing number of government-based savings have become available for purchases of these items.

Tax credits can be applied to HVAC, insulation, roof-ing, water heaters, windows and doors, as well as geo-thermal heat pumps, small wind turbines, and solar en-ergy systems.

“The 2009-10 energy tax credit is a federal tax credit that is part of the President’s economic stimulus bill,” ex-plains J. Scott Needham, President of Princeton Air

Conditioning, Inc. “Hom-eowners may be eligible for a tax credit if they purchase certain types of heating and air conditioning equipment or make other energy-effi-ciency improvements before December 31, 2010.

“This legislation combines spending and tax credits to improve the nation’s infra-structure. The tax credit, which is 30 percent of the cost of improvements up to a $1500 cap, applies as a direct reduction of taxes owed. Taxpayers should use form 5695 — the Residen-tial Energy Efficiency Prop-erty Credit.”

Pr inceton A ir car r ies Trane and Lennox furnaces,

air conditioners, and water heaters, which can qualify for this credit.

“I’ve been amazed at how many people are aware of the credit,” says Mr. Need-ham. “Activity has been very brisk.”

Great SavingsIn addition, the company

has been involved in the installation of geothermal heating and cooling units, also avai lable for a tax credit. “These units can last much longer than traditional furnaces and air condition-ers,” he adds. “It is growing all the time. People realize there will be great savings over the long run, and it is

7 0 L e i g h A v e n u e P r i n c e t o n , N e w J e r s e y 0 8 5 4 2 j h w a r c h i t e c t . c o m 6 0 9 9 2 1 - 0 7 4 4J O S E P H H O B A R T W E I S S A r c h i t e c t u r e P l a n n i n g D e s i g n

ARCHITECT / PLANNER

CONSULTANT

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design solutions

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“Energy Conservation Design Award” – American Institute of Architects“An Architect Who Listens” – U.S. 1 Newspaper“Problem-solver” – Town Topics“The Architect’s Architect” – Architect Colleague“Fundamentally Fun!”– Design NJ Magazine“Nature Inspired” – Design NJ Magazine“A Talented NJ Architect” – Builder/Architect Magazine“Architectural Visionary” – U.S. 1 Newspaper“A True Renaissance Man” – Princeton Packet“Artistry and Vision in Design” – Builder/Architect Magazine“Architect Connects with his farming roots.” – Princeton Packet“Blends seamlessly into the environment” – Design NJ Magazine

Possibilities Always

Design solutions on a personal level for over 30 years

Jefferson Bath and KitchenA Division of N.C. Jefferson Plumbing, Heating & A/C, Inc.

ELEGANT | SUSTAINABLE

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609-924-3624Open By Appointment Only

Master Plumber Bruce Jefferson NJSL#7084; HICL #13VH03224100

LAWRENCEVILLE HOME IMPROVEMENT CENTER carries energy efficient windows that are eligible for the Federal Energy Tax Credit.

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Energy Tax CreditContinued from Preceding Page

helpful to the environment.“For geothermal and solar

hot water systems, there are much more generous cred-its. In 2008, residential heat pumps were added to sec-tion 25C of the Internal Rev-enue Code, which provides a 30 percent tax credit with no cap for qualif ied sys-tems/properties placed in service through the end of 2016. This tax credit can be used to offset both regular income taxes and alternative minimum taxes (AMT).”

Many people are respond-ing to these opportunities, points out Jeffrey Moser, owner of Princeton General Contracting. “Many custom-ers are taking advantage of the tax credits available to them by having these differ-ent types of projects com-pleted. The window and door replacements are espe-cially popular as they give you the most bang for your buck. This is an area where most homeowners can see an immediate improvement because there is a large de-crease in heat/cooling loss at windows and doors with higher efficiency. This leads to lower utility bills and higher comfort levels. Im-provements in insulation is another item that will bring lower bills and higher com-fort levels.”

Popular ProjectsBryan Russo, owner of

the Lawrencevil le Home Improvement Center, notes that storm windows and storm doors are also eli-gible for the credit. “Our company has qual if y ing windows, doors, insulation, and roofing, and we have done hundreds of projects that have qualified for the credit. ninety-five percent of our customers are selecting qualifying products. Projects that qualify can be as little as a few hundred dollars. In

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, Designer and Builder

general, a project that max-imizes the credit at $1500 will cost about $8000.

“Windows, front doors, patio door, garage doors, insulation are among the most popular projects, and almost all of our customers want to receive the credit and thus select products that qualify. Not only do the credits help to offset the upfront costs, but the more efficient products help save every month on heating and cooling costs.”

“In the long run, this is truly the way to go,” agrees Diane Yonkowski of Ver-non’s Penn Supply in Tren-ton. “A higher efficiency wa-ter heater or boiler gives the homeowner an initial rebate and lower energy bills. The federal tax credit is offered on our Novitz tankless wa-ter heaters and Weil Mclain Ultra boilers. Generally, the consumer who is asking

about the tax credit has al-ready done research on the product, but we have all the information needed on the tax credit.”

Jefferson Bath and Kitch-en in Princeton also carries products eligible for this tax credit, as well as for others, reports Jill Jefferson-Miller, Jefferson’s project manager. “We have lots of customers interested in upgrading their HVAC systems with more efficient units, and the tax credits and rebates have been a recognizable form of motivation. The tax credits are equal to 30 percent of the cost (including labor and material) up to $1500, and the New Jersey Clean Ener-gy Program offers rebates.”

Maximum Benefit “Furnaces and boilers

seem to be the most common units that have enabled our

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customers to benefit from the tax credits,” she contin-ues. “The average furnace replacement is about $4000, and the super-efficient boil-ers, such as the Weil Mclain Ultra with an efficiency of 94 percent, can run anywhere from $7000 to $11,000 de-pending on the size. As you can see, the consumer will qualify for the maximum ben-efit with these upgrades.

“Tankless water heaters are becoming more popular as the technology has im-proved over the past couple of years. These have about a 95 percent efficiency rating and can cost about $4000-$4500 for the average two and a half-bath home. So again, the consumer can qualify for the maximum benefit amount.”

Ms. Jefferson-Miller also

Energy Tax CreditContinued from Preceding Page

points out that an American Standard Comfort Plus pro-gram offers up to $1000 cash back on a qualifying furnace or air conditioning system purchased through a quali-fied dealer (such as Jeffer-son). But it is only available until November 15, 2010. Cash back amounts are based on A/C SEER (Seasonal En-ergy Efficiency Rating) and furnace efficiency.

Before homeowners make a decision to purchase one of these energy-eff icient products, they can consider having an energy audit for their house, points out Jef-frey Moser. “There are com-panies that will perform a home energy audit. This will consider the entire house as a unit, and the audit will re-veal specific items that can be improved upon and what the impact will be on the ef-ficiency of the house.

“I have had clients con-tact me after the audit was

performed, looking to have some of the suggested im-provements be implemented. Audit companies do not per-form the improvements, but only make suggestions.”

Keep in mind that the resi-dential energy tax credit is available only through De-cember 31. “The new prod-ucts must be installed by that date,” says Bryan Russo. “So order ASAP to get them in place by the deadline. Some products take six to eight weeks to order and be ready for installation.”

Consumers must save all the receipts, and then apply for the tax credit at the time they file their income tax re-turn.

For further information and to obtain tax credit forms, check www.energystar.gov and www.njcleanenergy.com (for the NJ Clean Energy rebate form).

— Jean Stratton

33 Princeton-Hightstown Road • Princeton, NJ 08550 609-799-5777

(Located in the Ellsworth Shopping Center Behind the Princeton Junction Train Station)

Baths Etc.Baths Etc.409 Route 539 • Cream Ridge

609.758.4600(Next to Dunkin’ Donuts)

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609.683.0349

Photo by Darko Zagar

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home improvement guide · 10/27/2010 · window accents 45a state rd princeton nj m-f: 10:00-5:00...

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