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Go For It!

25 products you’ve got to know about if you want sizzle, style, splash or pizzazz in your home remodel

With the kids back in school and the holidays approaching, now’s the perfect time to finally start that remodeling project, or resolve to ring in the new year by giving your home a fresh look inside and out. We’ve rounded up some of the newest, most innovative products—from practical to pampering—to mix and match with most décors. And if you’re concerned about improving your family’s health and preserving the environment, we’ve included some stylish “green” products, too. Whether you’re looking to turn your place into a personal paradise, getting it ready for resale, or thinking “new house,” eyeball some of these ideas to get your creative juices flowing. There’s no time like now for enjoying life and entertaining with warmth and style, and there’s no better place to do it than at home.

1. A garage to floor you

Yes, it’s really possible to give that grungy concrete floor a facelift. One option is to have the old floor stained and sealed, adding color if you like (starting at $10 a square foot). Or, go glossy. PolishedCrete, a tough silicate substance, is applied and highly polished after the top layer of the floor is ground down to prepare it ($8 to $10 per square foot; $4 additional per square foot for stain). Microtop from Bomanite, great for hiding oil or other unsightly stains, can be applied in virtually any color over the existing floor and then sealed ($6 to $8 a square foot). Both give existing floors a durable, easy-care finish. Let your imagination run wild and add a colored graphic for about $750. It takes just two days to turn a drab garage floor into a dream. Available from Bay Area Concretes (800) 350-6021; bayareaconcretes.com.

2. The real deal

“Real” linoleum flooring, made from linseed oil, is making a comeback. Durable, easy-to-care-for Marmoleum can often be applied directly over an existing floor. Cost is $7 to $8 per square foot. Available from The Carpet Dealer/Carpet One, 423 Main St., Woodland (530) 666-5825; carpetone.com.

3. Classy glass

A stained-glass window can add a beautiful and functional work of art to your home. Jackson Jean will custom design and make an art glass piece for the door, sidelights or transom, picture window, and now, using mirrors and no light source, for an interior wall. Using triple polycarbonate glazing, he can also design outdoor pieces that will withstand the elements. Not only beautiful, these pieces are also an elegant way to block out unwanted light. Prices, which include Jean’s design fee, start at $150 per square foot and can exceed $1,000 per square foot, depending on the type of glass and intricacy of the design. Jackson Jean Studio, 946 Florida St., Vallejo (707) 297-1243.

4. Heat it up

The new Wolf Induction Cooktop brings one of the best-kept secrets of European and commercial kitchens to your home. Induction cooking uses the transfer of magnetic energy, rather than flames or electric elements, to generate heat. The 15-inch-wide cooktop has two heating zones, for a total of 3,600 watts of cooking power and a “Hi-Power” mode that can divert energy from the front to the rear element for super-quick boiling or searing. Since energy goes directly to the cooking vessel, nearly 90 percent is used for cooking, making the unit energy efficient—and preventing it from heating up the kitchen. Immediate heating and adjustments can make cooking more than 50 percent faster than other methods. Cleanup is a snap since the surface doesn’t heat up and spills don’t stick. Priced at around $1,400, the cooktop has a smooth glass surface with subtle crosshatch pattern, and a black ceramic top resistant to staining, impact and heat. It’s finished off with Wolf’s classic stainless steel trim. Available from St. Helena Appliance, 360 McCormick St., St. Helena (707) 963-4122; subzero.com.

5. Stow it

Multipurpose furniture pieces, such as ottomans and tables, are decorative and practical because they open and can be used for storage. Available in a variety of sizes, styles and colors priced from $500 to $700 from Kristine Passalacqua Studio of Interior Design, 919 W. Second St., Benicia (707) 746-7123; studioofinteriordesign.com.

6. Save a tree

For beautiful, durable floors that help preserve the environment, consider an updated version of an old favorite: bamboo. Today’s bamboo flooring is stronger than many hardwoods. Plus, its natural resistance to water makes it a good choice for areas where wood or laminate is not normally recommended: the kitchen and bathroom. It’s available unfinished and in an array of colors and textures, or it can be darkened through a carbonization process. Its durability reduces the need to use harsh cleaning compounds. And because bamboo is a grass plant rather than a tree, it’s renewed more quickly. Better quality floors use low- or formaldehyde-free glues, and can be refinished, if needed. High quality bamboo flooring starts at about $5.50 per square foot, plus installation, which typically takes a day or two. Available from Benicia Floor Company, 84 Solano Square (in the Safeway shopping center), Benicia (707) 745-9024.

7. Outta sight!

Got a great view? Now you can enjoy it without sharing your home with pesky insect invaders. Phantom retractable screens are as functional as traditional screens, but they disappear when you don't need them by rolling into housings mounted to the door. They’re great for either swing-in or swing-out double French doors and many other applications. Available in virtually any color. A single screen door is about $345 installed; a double, about $645. High-Tech Screens, 674 Second Street East, Sonoma (707) 996-1147; phantomscreens.com.

8. Completely cool

The all-steel PRO 48 side-by-side professional-style refrigerator is Sub-Zero’s newest and biggest. Available as a built-in or freestanding model, it’s made in stylish stainless, with either glass or solid stainless doors. This 18.4-cubic-foot refrigerator with 11.4-cubic-foot freezer has two compressors—that keeps foods fresh longer and prevents odor transfer between fridge and freezer. And there's so much more: LED lights for a warm glow; versatile storage options like full-extension drawers and interchangeable drawer dividers; washable bins that can go directly into the oven; a touch-and-glide crisper drawer; automatic icemaker that can fill either the stainless steel bucket or an entire drawer with ice from filtered water; all-glass refrigerator and stainless freezer shelves; exterior temperature display; intelligent microprocessor that detects usage patterns and automatically adjusts defrost patterns; and auto-close hinges that eliminate door slam. The list goes on. Priced at around $12,000. Available from Pearson’s Appliance & TV, 4685 Central Way, Fairfield (707) 864-8814; subzero.com.

9. A natural for cooks on-the-go

The highly efficient Solar Sport Oven from the not-for-profit Solar Oven Society won the praise of Gourmet magazine in January. Sturdy and weather-efficient, the portable 10-pound unit, constructed from recycled materials, reaches temperatures of 210 to 265 degrees Fahrenheit without reflectors, and 350 degrees with reflectors (for use in cooler climes) when placed in direct sunlight. It bakes, roasts, steams and cooks pasta, rice and lentils using only solar energy and minimal amounts of water—so nutrients are retained. Simply place the food in the unit, place the Sport facing the sun and fuggedaboutit. Because it slow-cooks, you never have to worry about burning food. It can be used year-round on sunny days. Priced at $124.97 ($147.94 with a reflector), plus $22.97 for shipping, it comes fully assembled and includes two 3.4-quart black enameled cooking pots with lids, thermometer, instruction book with recipes and water pasteurization indicator that confirms when water is safe to drink if it’s being used to purify water. Solar Oven Society, 3225 E. Hennepin Ave., Suite 200, Minneapolis (612) 623-4700; solarovens.org.

10. Let there be light!

A bay window can add beauty and depth to an interior by allowing in more light and making a room appear larger. A seating or display area can be added for extra flair and functionality. Low-maintenance vinyl frames provide durability; custom styles, sizes, and a wide selection of decorative glass, grids and tints are options. Prices start around $2,000. Installation usually takes a day, or two, if you are changing the size of an existing window. Vacaville Glass, 713 E. Merchant Drive, Vacaville (707) 448-6492; vacavilleglass.com.

11. No hand wringing

The built-in Jentle Jet Laundry Sink from MTI Whirlpools uses the power of three whirlpool micro-jets to thoroughly launder hand-washables, so only jetted water touches garments. The micro-jets circulate water in a gentle-to-firm motion, using an air-volume control knob with a specially designed 1.0 HP pump. Because the user controls the pressure, it is gentle enough for delicate lingerie, but strong enough to clean even heavily stained athletic uniforms. The Jentle Jet comes standard with a recessed soap dish, silent air-volume control, suction fitting with removable filter and washboard front. Options include drain kit with remote pop-up basket strainer, timer, choice of faucets, variety of cabinet styles, and Jentle Jet Soft Scent low-sudsing cleanser. Made of durable high-gloss Lucite acrylic, the Jentle Jet is available in more than 50 colors. Starts at $728. Available from All Star Plumbing/Plumbing Innovations, 325 Third St., Napa (707) 226-1085; mtiwhirlpools.com.

12. Monster machines

The new Maytag Neptune Front-Load Washer models boast the largest usable capacity around. At 3.81 cubic feet, they can handle a big bruiser load of 28 towels or 20 pairs of jeans. Maytag’s exclusive Intellifill Water Level Sensor automatically matches water level to load size, saving water and energy. The Neptune Front-Load Dryer can take the washer’s entire load. It’s got a 16-cycle Gentle Breeze Drying System and an IntelliDry Sensor Dryness Control that adjusts temperature so you can kiss that shrinkage problem goodbye. Available in white and platinum. Washers are $899 to $1,299; gas or electric dryers priced from $699 to $869. Available at area Maytag stores, The Home Depot and Lowe’s; maytagneptune.com.

13. You’re all wet

Make your fully enclosed shower a retreat with new products from Kohler. The WaterTile bodyspray ($119) sits nearly flush to the wall, and one or more can be placed strategically on a wall, ceiling or at an angle at the intersection of a wall and ceiling. Add to the cascade effect with a WaterTile wall-mount showerhead ($199). These all-brass, easy-to-clean products are available in two intensities: a 54-nozzle spray and a 22-nozzle spray. Available from Premier Bath & Kitchen, 3201 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa (707) 545-7191; us.kohler.com.

14. A fresh face

If your cabinets gotta go, but you want to save some dough, think about resurfacing. Resurfacing can extend the life of your existing cabinets by 10 or more years, and almost any type of cabinet is a candidate. First, your old doors and hardware will be removed, and you choose replacements. Then you’ll select new laminate or wood veneer facings. After sanding, your existing cabinets will be outfitted with new facings, cut to fit (including around appliances), and applied. For added dimension, you can add a pigmented glaze and finishing touches like crown molding. Resurfacing runs $135-$250 per linear foot of cabinet (an average kitchen has 30 to 36 linear feet of cabinets); glazing adds 20 percent to 30 percent to the cost. Once your products are ready, installation typically requires three to five days. According to Carlos Aguilera, an owner and the CEO of Golden Cabinetry in Fairfield, a minor kitchen remodel like resurfacing can bring a 150 percent return at resale time—that’s $1.50 for each $1 spent. And if your drawers are looking droopy, you can get them a makeover, too. Golden Cabinetry, 1891 Woolner Ave., Suite H, Fairfield (888) 332-9663; goldencabinetry.com.

15. There oughta be a law—and there is

Do you know that as of Oct. 1, 2005 Title 24 of the state building code requires energy-efficient fluorescent lighting in remodels and new construction? If you change a lighting fixture during a remodel, you must use an approved fixture—one that takes pin-inserted fluorescent bulbs (not screw-ins, so you can’t cheat and swap them for incandescents). There are some exceptions; for example, 50 percent of the total wattage in the kitchen can be from non-high efficiency lighting, provided those lights are controlled by different switches than those that control the high-efficiency lights. The rules vary by room, so when planning your remodel, consult your designer, lighting contractor or PG&E for the exact requirements. PG&E offers rebates on some lights and fixtures—which come in many styles—and a list of approved products at pge.com.

16. A hot way to cool

Duette Honeycomb Shades from Hunter Douglas give you a choice in light control with a selection of sheer to opaque fabrics. The single, double or triple “honeycomb” design of each cell makes them energy efficient. They’re available in more than 300 material/color combinations, vertical and horizontal orientations, and in many sizes and specialty shapes. For easy open and close, you can choose Hunter Douglas’ PowerRise electrical powered hand-held remote that can accommodate multiple side-by-side shades or wall-switch control system. A recent local installation of a 35-inch by 22-inch single honeycomb design with hand-held remote cost $370, complete. Available from The Carpet Dealer/Carpet One, 423 Main St., Woodland (530) 666-5825; carpetone.com.

17. Spare your air

Dust, pollen, molds and other nasty contaminants are often re-circulated throughout your home. They damage furnishings and even worse, aggravate allergies and asthma. When you replace your furnace, consider an Electronic Air Filtration System from Carrier. It’s said to remove 90 percent of the bad stuff for a relatively small price: It costs about the same as operating a 40-watt light bulb. Adding a system when you are replacing the furnace can add $675 to $950 to the cost. Sometimes you can retrofit your existing furnace. That can run $1,000 to $1,500. Available from Dependable Heating and Air, 1855 N. First St., Dixon (707) 446-1511; residential.carrier.com.

18. Moving outside

Bye-bye round glass-topped patio table. Hello, square and rectangular rust-free cast aluminum tables that seat a crowd and are topped off with marble, tile or stone. Chairs are big and cushy, made of durable fabrics and vibrant colors, and joined by sofas and chaise lounges (some double-sized to fit). A 65-inch square table that seats eight runs about $1,500; chairs start at about $100 each. Available from Frellen’s Casual & Outdoor Furniture, 6800 Goodyear Road, Benicia (800) 707-7888; frellens.com.

19. Become a fan of cleaner air

The Air Cleaning Ceiling Fan with built-in filters, fluorescent lights and a separately operated ionizer with indicator light is a natural for efficiency. The units are said to remove dust, smoke, pollens and more. The three-speed ultra quiet fan also has a reverse speed. Each fan services a 12-by-14-foot room. $189, plus shipping. From Real Goods (800) 994-4243; realgoods.com.

20. Take the plunge

Usher in the new era of toilets with TOTO’s ultra luxurious, sleek NEOREST 600 ($5,200-$5,980) and its compact counterpart, the NEOREST 500 ($3,200). These “aware” tankless toilets pack in the features for comfort, convenience and personal hygiene, integrating a lid that automatically opens and closes, automatic flushing at the appropriate pressure, a catalytic deodorizer, TOTO Washlet warm-water personal cleansing technology and remote control operation. The Cyclone flush engine even scrubs the bowl, including under the rim. And the energy-saving Fuzzy Logic system records usage frequency and engages a power-saving mode during periods of infrequent use.

If you prefer to give your old toilet a makeover, three TOTO Washlet combination models (which can be installed on existing toilets), incorporate a hand-held wand with water flow options for personal cleansing, temperature-controlled heated SoftClose seat (eliminating toilet seat slam), warm-air dryer, air purifier, massage feature and a remote control. They’re priced from $727 to $1,248. All products are available in Colonial White, Cotton and Sedona Beige, and in round and elongated styles. Available from Steve Silva Plumbing, 901A Enterprise Way, Napa (707) 252-3941, stevesilvaplumbing.com; and General Plumbing Supply, 3436 Broadway (Highway 29), American Canyon (707) 558-1900. totousa.com; neorest.com; washlet.com.

21. Your dream kitchen—outdoors

With outdoor entertaining the hottest thing since the advent of the gas grill, sturdy, high-performance cooking products—built-in or freestanding—will put sizzle in your soirees, no matter what you’re serving. Viking offers stainless steel professional-grade products in four finishes with options and accessories such as sideburners, the TruSear infrared burner, built-in gas ovens, wok/cooker, warming drawers, roll-around carts, outdoor ventilation hoods, refrigerated beverage centers and dispensers, refreshment centers and stainless steel cabinets. Gas grills start at $2,689; carts at $969; cabinets at $669. Available from Pearson’s Appliance & TV, 591 Orange Drive, Vacaville (707) 446-2815; vikingrange.com.

22. Get carried away with cleaning

This product line could keep your home, family and pets clean the environmentally friendly way and give you an aromatherapy treatment to boot. According to the manufacturer, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Aromatherapeutic Household Cleaners can handle tough cleaning jobs, and gently soothe, invigorate or refresh the spirit with lavender, lemon verbena or geranium fragrances. There are all-purpose dish, hand and laundry soaps; shower and carpet cleaners; pet wipes and oatmeal shampoo; window sprays and more. We’ve never met her, but they say there really is a Mrs. Meyer, an Iowa mother of nine children (not including pets!). Priced $5 to $20. Available at area Cost Plus World Market and Nugget Market stores, Golden Carrot and Health Link International in Napa, Ranch Market Too in Yountville, and from mrsmeyers.com.

23. Over the top

Ready to give your overworked countertops a makeover? Think about this. Granite Transformations countertops are custom cut to fit over your existing countertops—in any room—no matter what the current material. No demolition is required, and the job is usually finished within two days. There are three beautiful, durable, easy-to-care-for Trend product lines fashioned from the finest stones and granites. Typical cost is between $4,000 and $5,000, installed, for 60 square feet; sink replacement is extra, when necessary. According to Fairfield store owner Jay Polson, this improvement can add value to your home of $3 for each $1 spent. Granite Transformations, 1891 Woolner Ave., Suite J, Fairfield (707) 422-1707.
granitetransformations.com.

24. Cut the clutter

Are your closets in chaos? Shoes running rampant? Experts from The Closet Factory will come to your home for a free consult, take measurements, provide pictures and samples, then work with you to come up with a new design. From basic to elaborate, choose adjustable cubbies, divided drawers, and the company’s exclusive belt and tie rack, in materials from fiberboard to Melamine to furniture-grade stained or painted wood. Finish with elegant rods, hardware and crown molding, if you like. After your products are manufactured at the company’s San Rafael plant, installation typically takes one to three days. Prices start at about $1,000 for a walk-in closet with sliding doors. How about putting an entertainment center in that niche in the living room, or sprucing up your pantry, laundry room, home office or garage? Get moving. Your clothes are counting on you. Closet Factory showroom, 655 DuBois St., Suite C, San Rafael (800) 999-6607; closetfactory.com.

25. Do the wave

Sharp, the originator of the indispensable Carousel microwave turntable, has introduced the Insight Pro Microwave Drawer, a 30-inch-wide, 1.0 cubic-foot capacity (that’s big enough to hold a 9-by-13-inch dish) pull-out microwave ideal for the kitchen and other areas of the home (think bar or home theater). Easily installed under a cabinet or counter, this microwave has 11 cook settings, 1,000 watts of power and a large viewing window. Available in stainless steel, white or black finishes, prices start at $799. Or get it built into one of four new models of Insight Pro ranges starting at about $1,299. Available from Golden West Home Builder Center, 1001 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa (707) 545-4905; sharpusa.com.

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