Christine's Blog

Interlocking Pavers add value at any budget...

cmacshane — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:18:00 GMT

THE HOUSE WHISPERER

PAVER PATIO BACK YARD MAKE-OVER.

There is something to be said for low maintenance yards and the classic look and durability of stone-work. We got to see the combined effect in the make-over of a hillside home as Blue Oak Landscaping went to work transforming lava-cap into a back yard retreat.

Blue Oak used the Belgard -” Mega Arbel” Pavers supplied by Sutherland Landscaping Center to create a terraced patio. A “dry creek” was formed over a French drain by combining larger local rocks and smaller crushed rock to simulate a natural looking run off that combines both form and function.

I was fortunate enough to get in and have a look at the property as they were compressing the soil to lay in the pavers. Each flat area was treated to a good soil packing to ensure a level surface to set the pave stones. The finished pavement was then “grouted” with Polymeric Sand that will set between the pavers and hold them in place. Sutherland Landscape Center has all the supplies you will need as well as years of experience and tips to share. Of course, if you would prefer to have it installed for you, look no further than Blue Oak; not only are they expert in the field but enthusiastic about their work. Something that goes a long way!

Each of the Belgard pavers are designed to simulate natural stone but have an irregular interlocking system that make laying a natural looking patio or path truly a breeze. The Arbel pavers are made to look like a flagstone and make for a beautiful addition to a garden with easy budget consideration.

There are several benefits to using paver stones like these. It is definitely a plus in adding value to your property as well as a durable and low maintenance installation that add a personal touch to your outdoor entertaining area. They can be installed in sections if you are on a budget and would like to add as you are able to manage. Starting small with a pathway instead of the patio will give the homeowner a sense of what is involved as well as budgeting for the larger projects that come to mind.

Patience is needed for this project. It is important to have a level and compact base. It is also important to take your time and fit the pieces together so that it creates a snug connection. The pay-off is a long lasting addition to your home that will definitely give you the edge if you do decide to sell.

You can contact Sutherland Landscape Center

At www.sutherlandscape.com

Or (530) 893-4531

2720 Hwy. 32. Chico

Ben at Blue Oak Landscaping can be reached at

www.blueoaklandscaping.com

Or (530) 518-7248

SETTING THE STAGE- WHAT IS STAGING?

cmacshane — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:06:00 GMT

THE HOUSE WHISPERER

SETTING THE STAGE…WHAT IS STAGING?

When I walked into the Project Home it immediately became clear to me that it needed a little attention if it was to get sold. The house was built in the seventies and still carried some of the flavor of that time period…including the furniture! It is a common problem and one that can be remedied fairly quickly it turns out.

I contacted KC Décor here in Chico to see if they would be interested in furnishing the home for our Open House. KC Décor is not a staging company, they are a furnishing and accessory company and so, with their great variety of styles to choose from and the keen eye of Leslie Ziemkowski of Lifeprint Interiors we were able to bring the staged area into this decade and into a whole new look.

Staging a home for sale actually started in the 1970’s and really only came to the public awareness in the 1990’s when things got slow in the real estate market. Essentially, a staging company will reshuffle what you have or bring in items from their own supply to create a warm and inviting atmosphere to show the home off to its greater potential. Done correctly, the stager will display each room in its best light and remove the homeowner’s personal stamp so that potential buyers can envision themselves in the home.

Remember… you never get a second chance to give a great first impression! With a company like KC Décor, the home owner can do the staging themselves to cut costs. They can rent the needed items (and get a few pointers on their project) from KC Décor and create the look that will sell.

Staging does not mean the entire home needs to be done. Typically the main rooms of the home will need some attention and the rest will need cleaning, thinning out and re-arranging. This is the time to bring in an expert eye so that all your time and effort can be channeled without waste…you have a house to sell!

Some staging companies can be hired to help a home owner to simply re-arrange (i.e. re-designing) their furniture to give their home a new look with what they have. It is a great way to save dollars and get the look you want! Leslie utilized both rented and available items to create an up-to-the minute showcase for all the hard work of our participant companies.

OK. That’s nice. It all sounds good – but is it worth it? Haven’t homes sold in the past without staging them? Yes they have. However, in the current market, it takes quite a bit of convincing to get the price you need out of your home. Homes are being sold undervalue and it is a time where any advantage is worth employing. Statistics have shown that staged homes sell consistently for higher prices than those that are not. So, a small investment can bring about a large pay-off when the home sells. Buyers tend to not chip away at the price if it has been ‘dressed’ to sell.

Here’s a TIP… the small cost of staging is often recovered over 300% in the sale of a home and…staged homes sell for 17% higher than un-staged ones. What a great investment!

It is critical that you stage your home in the first two weeks when realtors and buyers come to check out the new listing. You may not get them back for a second look!

We have set up the Project Home so that you can compare the staged area with the original home – it will clearly demonstrate the huge impact that staging your home will have. Come by and see for yourself this weekend, March 6th from 11am to 3pm at 1147 El Monte in Chico.

Here’s my analogy… I may want to buy the little black dress even without seeing it on and without the shoes and the jewelry…but I could just as easily leave it. Now, let me put the dress on and get the hair done and the bag too…and get out of my way - that dress is mine!

So, if you are a homeowner, realtor, a designer or a stager…

Contact KC Décor (A Rental Resource for Staging and Redesign) at

www.kcdecorchico.com

(530) 345 1084

info@kcdecorchico.com

Contact Leslie Ziemkowski

A Real Estate Staging and Home Re-design Company.

www.lifeprintinteriors.com

"Before you throw that away..." Crackle Finishes.

cmacshane — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:36:00 GMT

THE HOUSE WHISPERER

BEFORE YOU THROW THAT AWAY…

CRACKLE FINISHES

I have recently been asked to help bring new life into older decorative pieces and as a result, have a little collection of mirrors and lamps that need a new look. It is something that I run across quite a bit and am happy to meet the challenge of such a transformation. I know that the mirrors would cost hundreds of dollars to replace and with just a few hours and some paint techniques – they look like new…or in this case, older!

Crackle finishes have been around for some time and have evolved from Tole painting applications to Shabby Chic to a general antiquing method.

For this week’s segment, I will be reworking two mirrors and a lamp base to take them from the 1980’s into this century with a crackle and a pop!

Here’s How –

You will need…

Crackle finish medium or White glue (yes, just white Elmer’s glue)

Cheap disposable brushes

Primer (if piece is unpainted)

Base coat (choose colors that provide contrast and use only flat or satin paint)

Second contrasting paint

Water based sealer (varathane)

Patience

-Clean and dry piece to be crackled. Paint with primer if it is unpainted. Let dry.

-Paint on base coat and let dry.

-Using cheap bristle brush, apply thick coat of crackle medium or white glue. If using glue, wait until it forms a ‘skin’ but is NOT completely dry and then apply your second paint color.

-Apply your second color in one stroke. If you brush back and forth, you will smooth out the crackle effect. As it dries it will form a nice crackle.

-Always seal a crackle finish as it is an unstable finish and will be easy to chip otherwise.

-Rub an aging glaze over the piece. Reseal if desired.

TIPS – using the disposable bristle brushes gives your crackle some nice texture as it dries.

- Brush in different directions to make sure the crackle is not too uniform.

- If using white glue, be sure and apply second coat of paint before it dries completely.

Have fun with your cracklin’ and don’t forget to write to me and tell me about your projects or anything you would like me to work on for our segment. I love new ideas and am always on the look out!

HOW TO PAINT INTERIOR TRIM

cmacshane — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:34:00 GMT

HOW TO PAINT INTERIOR TRIM.

Painting the baseboards and ceiling crown molding need not be as difficult a task as it first appears. Home owners will often shrug their shoulders and sigh at the prospect of refreshing theirs and more often than not, will find something else to do to avoid the job. Just a little know how can fix all that and have your base boards and trim looking fabulous for years!

If it is time to upgrade or update your molding, remove the old boards as you can paint the new ones before they are installed.(Note – if you have a bad back or knees, it is a good idea to remove the base boards and paint them on saw horses.) If not, clean them with a mild detergent and water or TSP to ensure the paint will adhere.

Tape off above and below areas to be painted.

Fill and sand any nicks and problem joins as a nice coat of paint will broadcast any irregularities.

Prime new board with an oil based primer sealer.

Caulk the edge between the wall and board and smooth into place.

Use latex enamel paint on these surfaces as it dries to a hard finish and is very durable.

The paint can be thinned with a little paint conditioner (like Flotrol) to reduce the amount of brush marks left as you paint.

Use an angled 1 ½” brush so that cutting in is easier and the paint “lies” in smoothly.

Enamel paints generally require two coats, so apply thin, smooth coats by applying the paint a little away from the last area painted and paint back in toward the wet edge. This will keep the paint smooth as you go.

Paint the second coat after the first has dried to the touch.

When painting along the taped edges keep the brush fairly dry of paint so that paint does not build up and cause the tape to stick to the painted surface.

Use a razor blade to cut along the tape edge before removing it as it may be difficult to get a clean edge after the second coat has dried.

Allow to dry and set (over night) before replacing the boards. Fill nail holes, sand and touch up with paint.

Ta Da! All done. This is something that needs to be done every few years depending on the use of the room. Some areas gets a LOT more traffic and need attention more often than the walls themselves!

LAST DAYS AT WHISPER HOUSE

cmacshane — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 14:24:00 GMT

LAST DAYS AT WHISPER HOUSE

Well, it has been quite the journey from my first talk with Georgie Bellan about finding a home to use as a project all the way up to the finished product. Of course, we slowed it down for filming schedules, but even so, coordinating any home make-over takes considerable cooperation and know how. The “conductor” of all of this was Beth Dunn from Trilogy Construction and as she was focused on a quality job on time - on budget… that is what we got!

I am spending my Sunday doing the final cleaning and painting baseboards to make sure that all the wonderful additions look great! Trilogy was in earlier in the week making sure everything works and is where it should be. So now, we just need a little time to get ready to show you our “kitchen on a budget”.

Once Tom from Floors by Ray had finished laying our slate-look linoleum, the room finally came together. It is amazing how this happens in every project I have worked on. Sometimes it takes just getting all the pieces together to realize your vision. We have so many choices now that it can be mind-blowing to try and narrow them all down to something that has both function and beauty…and within budget! I have tried to utilize the collective experience and knowledge of the contractors and businesses that have helped us with this remodel as I recognize the time and money that was saved vs. trial by error decisions. It is important to listen to what they have to say, even if you choose otherwise, as they will skillfully weave through the infinite options and help you narrow it all down to what you can live with, want to have and can afford.

I am looking forward to doing some new projects with them in the months to come. We have some fun outdoor ideas to explore as well as more room by room changes.

Thanks for joining us each week and I will see you next Wednesday!

Lighting and hardware make our kitchen shine!

cmacshane — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:10:00 GMT

THE HOUSE WHISPERER

BRINGING IN THE BLING…LIGHTING AND HARDWARE MAKE OUR KITCHEN SHINE!

Well, we are moving right along and have added some really big changes to our 1970’s kitchen. The counters are up to date, the cabinets are clean and white and the walls are starting to find their character. This week we are adding the pendant lighting and the canned lights from our wonderful Wolfe Electric. I can’t wait to see the place in full illumination!

Pendant lights are used over counters and tables to create a soft, intimate light and are part of the task lighting group. They do not have to match your other lighting choices, but should make sense to the over-all design. You can achieve this by being consistent with color and style.

Oak Ridge Cabinets will be there to re-hang the doors and to fit the hinges and handles on our lovely cabinets. We went with an oiled bronze to compliment the light fixtures.

Sue Haase helped me choose from a huge catalogue of hardware varieties and we found just what I was looking for and it was well within budget. We asked Oak Ridge to re-hang the doors for us because, well, they are great at it and, when cabinet doors are painted, any gapping at the center seam will show if they are not hung straight.

It is amazing to work with all of our contractors and businesses on this project. Each of them have come with their years of experience and enthusiasm for their trade to contribute such a well executed part to the whole. Of course, Trilogy Construction have been keeping everything running like clock-work and in all my years in the trade, I have to say, I have not experienced such clear and consistent communication as I have with them. Everyone knows what is going on and what will be coming up. All questions are answered and problems mutually solved. I would not hesitate to recommend them or any of our fabulous crews!

So, we are on our way to the floors and finishing up. Not long to go and we will have our open house for all to see!

WOLFE ELECTRIC

Lighting Showroom

1300 Park Avenue. Chico

Ph; 530 345 2800

OAK RIDGE CABINETS

11128 Midway. Durham

Ph; 530 893 8774

SUE HAASE DESIGNS

Ph; 530 342 2828

GETTING IT DONE RIGHT...

cmacshane — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 02:42:00 GMT

We are installing the granite as I write this. It came in sections, prefabricated and ready to plop into place…by someone other than your truly! I might be able to choose granite and might even be able to co-ordinate it with a lovely tile back splash, but the lugging and the cutting and the gluing are best done by the experts… with the right tools to boot!

Dave at CHICO DESIGN CENTER and his wonderful staff have a team of local experts from which to receive bids. They will collect your material and job information (specs) and will see which of their trusted and well known talent are up for the job. You don’t have to worry about quality as Dave has already done the work for you.

Dave highly recommended Kevin Carpenter and Tyler Gutierrez from NATURAL ELEMENTS here in Chico to do the installing of our UbaTuba granite countertop. The guys came to the home and carefully measured so that their cuts to the granite in their shop on Hegan Lane would be precise. Today, they are trimming and finishing any finer cuts needed to ensure an exact fit.

Each piece is reinforced as needed with a metal rod that gives extra strength to areas that may need support due to added pressure; places like the sink edge. Now while we had them pre-fabricate a bull-nosed edge to our counter top, they will custom cut any edge or treatment you like and, will even cut stone you have had sitting and waiting for that special project to come up. Here it is! Now you can call the guys and have them get you on your way.

Kevin and Tyler have fitted yachts in Newport Beach, homes in Almanor and now…our little project in the Whisper House.

They set the sink and everything is sitting, glued and waiting for the next step. Thanks guys!

NATURAL ELEMENTS

2700 HEGAN LANE # 162

CHICO

530-591-7618

Tyler Gutierrez and Kevin Carpenter

CHICO DESIGN CENTER

2300 PARK AVENUE

CHICO

530-893-9392

Dave Myers

COLOR TRENDS FOR YOUR HOME

cmacshane — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:32:00 GMT

HOUSE WHISPERER

COLOR TRENDS FOR YOUR HOME

CHRISTINE MAC SHANE

Every few years another wave of color washes through our lives and we are left to decide whether we should grab our Boogie board and ride it, or let it pass and hope the next one is our style. I have recently been pondering how much of who I have become has to do with the orange carpet from my childhood, but have decided to just move on and never, ever do that again. Following trends can lead to a fatal and costly outcome, so let’s take a look at them and see where we might catch the wave without hitting the beach.

For some six years we have seen a trend toward the warmer colors of the rural Italian villas. The Tuscan style is still in play, but softer, less thematic, less fuss. It evokes a home life of extended families and gives us a feeling that we were part of that as we madly dash out to get take-out.

The cooler colors of the orient were quietly staying their ground in the green tea and blue-green families. These bring a note of quiet and simplicity. Usually found in the homes of the over fifty crowd. Done with raising small children, ready to go out and live a little and wanting a solace in their home.

I have helped many who were struggling to get rid of the last piece of calico print wallpaper and the pink and blue from what I refer to as the “Blue Goose Era” of the early nineties. (See my painting over wallpaper blog). So, we are left to wonder how to stay in the trends without having to sell everything you own in ten years!

Stay away from overly thematic décor. By this I mean keep the wall treatment soft, unfussy and if you are not absolutely in love with a dynamic color like red, stay neutral. Every color has a neutral grouping, so you can have any color you want – just softer.
The current trend is wide open. Contemporary has gone retro and traditional incorporates the Orient as well as Country…so there is no “wrong” choice. Choose what you love and can live with.
When in doubt ask an expert. It is worth the small fee believe me! The most common mistake I come across is that people tend to be timid and choose too light a color. Bright colors resonate and your sunny yellow will feel radioactive in a small room. How to choose tones is as important as color. Light colors turn “white” to your eye in a few days and you will feel disappointed that you went out on a limb choosing that soft tan and now the limb fell off and you are left with no contrast at all.
I am seeing Greens getting grayer this year and browns showing up all over. Reds take on a terracotta hue and black is getting a lot of wall time. Blue is on its way back in folks…but thank fully we have hundreds to choose from!
It is just paint. Remember that. There is always a remedy for a color choice gone horribly wrong. Breathe… and call me!

Bottom line is – it is your space, your place and you have to live there. So even if the Blue Goose look is your thing, wear it with gusto and enjoy your home! Trends are designed to keep the market place humming, not because the people demand it. So if it is time for a repaint you have much to choose from, but it all comes down to what you feel comfortable living in. Enjoy!

Granite Counter tops Made Easy...

cmacshane — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 03:05:00 GMT

THE HOUSE WHISPERER

GRANITE COUNTER TOPS MADE EASY…

CHRISTINE MAC SHANE

This week I visited Dave Myers at the Chico Design Center to pick out the granite to be installed in the House Whisperer project home. We toured the back warehouse area where large slabs of pre-historic granite stand in their supports awaiting my inspection. One slice reminds me of a view of outer space, another holds fossils in its burnt red stone and yet another makes me think of the soft sands as they fold through the Sahara desert. There are sparkles, pebbles, sliced rock and a million years of history caught in each piece. It is worth a visit just to see what the earth has turned up.

Granite is a perfect choice for counter tops for more than just its obvious beauty. It is extremely durable and does not chip like tile will do. It wears heat and stains better than the manufactured countertops and is more likely to dull your knife than bare the cut marks of a butcher block wood.

The great thing about granite is that it has become more affordable over the years. It is worth investigating the difference between exotic granite, standard granite (more readily available) and tile options. Ceramic tile is cheaper but will also chip and break easily over time. Grout cleaning is another hurdle to consider as unclean grout harbors bacteria…and we don’t want that! Each piece of granite is unique and even the prefabricated types are inviting to the touch.

Dave and his staff are able to answer your questions on styles and budget and give you tips on your design decisions. Once you have a made a selection, Dave will have your granite installed by a professional team and you will be one step closer to your finished kitchen!

BUDGET TIPS;

Have your color scheme and price limit in mind when you come to view the granite. This will help narrow down your choices.
Prefabricated granite comes with a “bull-nose” edge and is cheaper than having a custom edge created.
Some granites are harder than others. These ensure that your investment will last for years to come and still be a beautiful piece of stone.
Consider resale value as part of your decision making. Granite and marble are better for resale than tile.
Save money in other areas (less expensive hardware and plumbing) so that you can have a show stopping counter to entice buyers.

You can come by the Chico Design Center to view their huge granite showroom and their exceptional tile and flooring options too.

CHICO DESIGN CENTER

DAVE MYERS

2300 PARK AVE. CHICO

530-893 9392

HOW TO KEEP IT CLEAN WHILE YOU PAINT

cmacshane — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:11:00 GMT

THE HOUSE WHISPERER

HOW TO KEEP IT CLEAN WHILE YOU PAINT

CHRISTINE MAC SHANE

I recently painted a room for a client and though the walls looked terrific, one little Murphy’s Law paint splotch plopped silently from my brush and onto a fabric blind pullIing the whole project to a screeching halt. Blinds are expensive and, if the manufacturer has not already explained the cleaning procedure to you, it is well worth the time to investigate that information as soon as you can. I have written this little snippet after years of accumulated on-the-job learning and hope it helps…

1. FABRIC BLINDS – use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. Soak the swab head in the alcohol and let the paint absorb the alcohol from the swab. NEVER EVER EVER EVER RUB THE BLIND….EVER. Simply press and roll the swab back and forth without rubbing…ever…and after several passes you will find the paint lifts. Continue until you are satisfied with the spot. If the blind color lifts too, stop immediately and repeat the procedure with water to lift the alcohol from the blind.

2. PAINTED SURFACES – use a scrubbing sponge from your kitchen to mildly abrade the painted surface and the sponge side to wipe clean. FINGER NAILS are Nature’s very own paint scraper and will scrape paint from tile and surfaces that should not be scratched.

3. MIRRORS AND GLASS – allow to dry and simply use a scrubbing sponge or single edged razor blade to scrape from surface.

4. CLOTHES – immediately soak in water to prevent from drying. Spray with laundry stain remover or MURPHY’S OIL SOAP and wash. If already dry, use rubbing alcohol to remove the paint, or, soak the spot in Murphy’s Oil Soap (original) and scrub with a toothbrush after the soap has broken the paint down.

5. ADHESIVE- after pulling off contact paper or tape use a heat gun or hairdryer to break down glue and scrape clean. Wipe with rubbing alcohol.

I have often been asked whether one should tape wall trim and window sills. If you are inexperienced with painting or are rolling paint, then by all means prep the room with tape. It will help keep clean up at a minimum IF the tape is applied correctly.

1. BLUE PAINTER’S TAPE – was invented in 1988 for automobile painting purposes. It is made with an acrylic adhesive that contains UV resistant material. This means it will not transfer the glue to the glass surface of your windows if the sun heats things up while you are painting. You can leave this relatively gentle tape on for up to a week.

2. GREEN TAPE – is the same as the blue but is used for “soft” surfaces like freshly painted walls, lacquered woods, and fragile finishes. It is better to remove the tape from these surfaces as soon as the paint is dry.

3. MASKING TAPE – is a rubber based adhesive tape that should NOT be left on surfaces for any extended period as the adhesive will transfer. It is good for short term use and for “hard” surfaces like unfinished wood, concrete and brick and, even carpet.

TIP; - “burnish” the tape to the surface by rubbing the side closest to the painting edge with your fingernail or scraping tool. A clean edge can be made by painting the paint edge with the existing base paint before beginning.

- remove the tape as soon as the paint is dry to touch. Score the edge of the tape with a single edged razor blade to minimize paint peeling off with the tape.

If you have any tips or cleaning suggestions please feel free to contact me at christinemacshane@yahoo.com.

OUR KITCHEN CABINET UPDATE

cmacshane — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:12:00 GMT

THE HOUSE WHISPERER

OUR KITCHEN CABINET UPDATE

CHRISTINE MAC SHANE

We have taken out the heaviness in the project kitchen by removing the overhead vent and cabinets and the built in desk and brick wall. After Drews Drywall Inc. finished the imperfect smooth wall and ceiling treatment, we were ready for the cabinets! Oak Ridge Cabinets modified the remaining kitchen island and added a beautiful crown molding to the walls and cabinets and now we are being treated to a complete facelift by Hughes Painting Company.

Bill Hughes created his company back in 1996 and has based its success on years of working in the painting trade and their attention to detail. He and Mike Warren have had a great deal of experience painting cabinets as well as interior and exterior general painting. They were the perfect choice for our kitchen make-over!

The kitchen was paper and taped to help keep the work area clean. The drawers and doors were masked off and taken out to the garage for spraying. When I came by to see how things were progressing, it felt like the house from E.T. when the scientists had taken over. Everything was covered in plastic and the garage had been transformed with saw horse and planks topped with all of the doors and drawers in their little paper PJ’s awaiting surgery. Paint doctor Mike was ready to spray!

He cleaned the varnish with a lacquer thinner to give the surface some “tooth” and sprayed each side with an oil based primer. This will ensure that the final coats adhere to the surfaces and when set, give a smooth, durable finish.

This is a fairly difficult operation to perform as the materials are very noxious and need to be handled with care. It is, however, reasonably easy for professional painters like Hughes as they are well equipped to take all precautions and get the job done in a good time and without discomfort to the home owner.

We chose a soft white from Sherwin Williams. It is a lovely Dover White that does not contain too much yellow and will sit nicely against just about any other color.

If you are thinking of up dating your own cabinets, remember, it is vital to use the perfect products. So, whether you decide to have a professional do it for you, or you rent a sprayer and try for yourself, it is important to use the right product and to give each layer due time to “cure”. What does “cure” mean? It means that the paint has had time to set up and connect with the surface it is applied to. It will take longer than just being dry to the touch. Most products will have a time listed on the side of the can and it will generally suggest at least 12-24 hours between coats. Don’t rush… cabinets take a lot of use and need to be able to look great for years to come despite the constant use and cleaning. It is well worth having them done professionally just to be sure your make-over lasts a long, long time.

How much will it cost to make-over my cabinets? Well, as with any project, it will be determined by the condition of the existing cabinetry and what you intend to do with them. The most costly option is to have them all removed and replaced, which will also allow you to reconfigure your kitchen and add or subtract your usable space. Re-facing is less expensive and requires a cabinet company like our Oak Ridge Cabinets to come in and reinvent your cupboard doors and trim. They can also add newer options like our wine rack and book case. The next option in order of cost is professional painting. This is great if the over all condition of the cabinets is fine and you are not changing the layout of your kitchen. A good, professional finish like the one Hughes Painting Company is providing will last well over 10 years. Finally, if you do-it-yourself it will be the least expensive and will rely entirely on your ability and use of the correct product to give you a wonderful new look!

We are changing out the hinges and handles and I was fortunate to have Sue Haase help me with that. She has many, many options to choose from and had them shipped to me within three days! I chose a rubbed bronze look in a contemporary design and kept well within our small budget concept. I would strongly suggest you look to a designer like Sue for your detail choices as she has a library of options at her disposal and you will get an individual look at a very reasonable price.

Mike from Hughes has removed all the old hardware before painting so that Sam from Oak Ridge can rehang the doors when they are set.

Please feel free to contact me or any of our fine companies for tips or assistance with your project…

HUGHES PAINTING COMPANY

Contact; Bill Hughes or Mike Warren

Ph: 530- 892 9704 or 530- 877 3319

www.hughespaint.com

SUE HAASE DESIGNS

Contact; Sue Haase

Ph; 530- 342 9272

Painting Oak Furniture - It can Be Done!!!!

cmacshane — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:20:00 GMT

THE HOUSE WHISPERER

REVAMPING THE OAK TABLE AND CHAIRS…IT CAN BE DONE!

CHRISTINE MAC SHANE

There is a very familiar oak table and chair set in the House Whisperer kitchen. It can be found in some form or other in most homes across the country and, it is due an update. It can be pricey to replace an otherwise perfectly good piece of furniture, so, with paint in hand, I set out to give it a new look for a fraction on the dollar!

Once you have determined your decorating theme you can choose a complimentary new look for your furniture. I went with a rustic look so that I can incorporate any nicks and wear and tear that already exists.

The first thing will be to get a good coat of primer on your table and chairs. I set up a spray area in my courtyard by using an old shower curtain as a drop cloth and another tacked to the wall behind. This provided adequate coverage and allowed plenty of ventilation. Using a good primer in the color closest to my base color, I gave it a good coat and left it outside to dispel the fumes. Once it is dry, let it sit over night to really set up. (It is winter as I write this and so, I brought them inside after the smell had gone so that they would not absorb moisture.)

Apply your base color and additional decorative touches and allow to dry for another full day. I used Rustoleum products as this is a heavy use item and needs a good, strong paint to hold up. You can also use enamel paints from your local paint store. In this case, I used a red/brown base and followed with a darker brown/black to paint on and rag off, leaving a faux leather look. I then added a little more black in the form of a glaze so that it softened the look and did not scream LEATHER!!! My intention was not to do a leather finish as such, but to give the table and chairs a rustic, old world feel.

You do not have to use a sealer if you have used enamel or the harder finishes like the Rustoleum products. I use sealers only when I have used artist acrylics and want to be sure my work is protected.

I will be working on the table next and may take it up a notch with a little artistic turn to the table top…we shall see…

Please feel free to contact me at christinemacshane@yahoo.coom or cmacshane@khsltv.com with and questions or suggestions you may have.

Get Your Ducts In a Row For Efficient Energy Use

cmacshane — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:04:00 GMT

THE HOUSE WHISPERER

GET YOUR DUCTS IN A ROW FOR EFFICIENT ENERGY USE.

CHRISTINE MAC SHANE

We are all looking to save money when it comes to our monthly bills and what better way to do so than to ensure your power usage is helping to trim those dollars? One of the biggest drains on your energy consumption is lack of maintenance. Just like your car. If you keep the tires in good order and the motor running smoothly, gas consumption goes down. In your home, it means replacing air filters, cleaning and repairing ducts and insulating against cold and heat. This week, we will be visited by another wonderful local company, Hignell Heating and Air, to help us with our duct testing. This is just one of the many maintenance services Hignell has to offer and is well worth the time in the money you will save in energy costs.

Beth Dunn, from Trilogy Construction called our friends at The Hignell Companies to install the downdraft vent system. They are well versed in the mechanics of such a job and, quite frankly, I am glad of that as I was hoping someone else would have to crawl under the house (not me!).

While they are here, they will be running a duct efficiency test to see if we are in need of other maintenance and repairs. I am confident in their reputation and so, I know that they will give me an accurate reading and that I can trust what the tests reveal. It is important to go with an honorable company for tests like this as you are trusting that they will not lure you into having work done that is not required. We are in good hands with The Hignell Companies and Trilogy Construction though.

On a side note, if you are planning on having renovation work done, this is a great time to get all your ducts etc tested. I would also recommend you figure that into your initial loan, so that you can take care of all these unseen factors. Talk with Danny at Access Real Estate Lending to get an idea of how you might incorporate such an addition. Hignell will gladly do the duct testing for free (bonus!) and will refer you to the repairs and replacements needed.

Last week, we had the guys from Oak Ridge Cabinets in to add crown molding and revamp the kitchen work island. While they were there, they cut a vent slot for the downdraft to fit into, so it was ready for the Hignell guys to fit the ducts and set up for our first big steamy pot of spaghetti!

I was amazed to see the pile of “dander” on the old air filter as it was pulled out to be replaced by a nice new one. This is something that should be done at least twice a year under normal circumstances and more often if you suffer from allergies or have heavy traffic. This will also enable your system to work more efficiently and keep costs down.

HIGNELL COMPANIES

1750 Humboldt Road, Chico

(530) 894-0404

www.hignell.com

TRILOGY CONSTRUCTION

7066 Skyway, Paradise

(530) 877-1180

www.BolinCompanies.com

ACCESS REAL ESTATE LENDING

51 Mangrove Avenue

(530) 877-5122

www.accessloans.net

How To Add A High-End Look Without The High-End Cost

cmacshane — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 03:12:00 GMT

THE HOUSE WHISPERER

HOW TO ADD A HIGH END LOOK WITHOUT THE HIGH END COST.

CHRISTINE MAC SHANE

One of the goals of the House Whisperer program is to offer options in your home projects that give you a high end result without the cost and the headaches. Some times that will mean you can do it all yourself, even if you can only lick an envelope. Other times it means working alongside a professional or, having them do it for you. In some cases it can cost more to do it yourself (in time and re-dos) if you have had no experience in the project at hand. I had this in mind when I consulted with Sam from Oak Ridge Cabinets…

We needed an updated look for the kitchen cabinets and cabinet trim. Sam suggested a 3 ½” crown molding to replace the dated 1 1/2” on the cabinets and, to finish off the room, extend the trim around the dining area. I was surprised at how quickly it all went up and how incredible it looks. I can envision a warm glazed wall and a soft ceiling color just to finish things off.

I had lived at the project home for a brief period, which enabled me to see what worked and what could be put to better use. The island side cupboards and front pantry style cupboard were difficult to reach and so, tended to not get any use. Sam and his crew built a panel to fit over the front of the island and, after removing the doors, installed this fabulous upgrade. They also built a book case and a wine rack at their shop and were able to simply slip them in to the old side cupboards and set in place. These will get a coat of enamel paint and will look as though they were always part of the island…just better!

Oak Ridge Cabinets have been in Chico for 26 years and both Scott Bechhold and Sam Mac Neill have developed their highly regarded company from the ground up. They use up to the minute digital technology as well as hand crafting to provide a superb service and finished product. I have worked alongside them on jobs as small as our island upgrade and designer kitchen construction in custom homes. They are detail oriented and will work with your budget and needs.

Contact Sam or Scott at www.oakridgecabinets.com or call 530- 893-8774.

After the gents from Oak Ridge had cut the opening for the vent in the butcher block island, the lads from Ginno’s arrived to drop it into its new home. Brad Holmberg and Kevin Skinner brought over our new telescopic downdraft vent system and readied it for the mechanical install next week. Our new vent sits only 8 1/2” above the counter and rises to 30” when it is activated to remove the steam and smoke. It keeps a nice low profile and has the added advantage of removable and dishwasher safe grease filters – so –clean up is easy too!

Thank you to Ginno’s. They have offered excellent service in our area for over 50 years and have kept it local and in the family all that time.

You can reach them at www.ginnos.com or call them at 530-342-2182.

Five Things That Make New Year Parties a Breeze...

cmacshane — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:14:00 GMT

HOUSE WHISPERER

FIVE THINGS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION A BREEZE.

CHRISTINE MAC SHANE

Some of the most memorable and enjoyable parties I have been to were unplanned and thrown together at the last minute. Why? It is as simply because “expectations” were not in the way. A couple of friends were over and we decided to call others to join us, calls were made, food and beverages came with them and everyone had the best time … all without one lick of worry. Even better...everyone gets to clear out their leftovers from the fridge!

We are all spinning with the end of the year hustle and though we want to have friends over for an evening, it can be difficult to plan and even afford a great do. So, what can we do to make it not only possible, but affordable and fun?

1. If you choose a THEME, do so because it makes it easier to plan a menu and decorate rather than to create a large expense for yourself. You may know of someone who has had a theme party earlier in the year that you can borrow from to create your own spin on. The theme will also help you pull together colors and foods and will narrow own your options so that it is not overwhelming.

2. Have a PLAN B. I have the best times at parties where there are games and “getting to know you” puzzles. It may seem awkward at first, but if you have a group of people who are new to each other, this will guarantee a good mix. Do simple, relaxed things like – gift exchanges (re-gift exchanges are very funny!), questionnaires for guests to ask of each other to guess their false identity and even card and board games will bring everyone to the table.

3. Make UNFUSSY FOOD. Think about larger options like lasagna and meatballs, vegetable platters with dips and cheeses with breads. These are all help yourself items and will help your guests to fill up between drinks. I suggest removing any pre-prepared foods from the store containers and arranging them on your own so as to show your guests that you are welcoming them to your home…not the grocery aisles…

4. Provide non-alcoholic DRINKS. This is so important these days as we are reminded to not drink and drive and some of us are happy to have a glass or two, but would like to finish the evening off with something soft. I have numerous friends who do not drink at all and sadly, have to take their own non-alcoholic drinks to most occasions. Water in a jug with lemon slices, a sweet punch and some diet options are great. There are so many flavored teas available, but you can make your own with herbal and regular teabags…they’ll think you are amazing!

5. RELAX AND ENJOY. It is a party – and that means you get to have fun too. It will all be over in the morning and clean up will be a breeze if you had a wonderful time yourself.

Thank you for joining me each week for our snippet on Wednesday mornings. I look forward to it each week and love to say “Hi” when we cross paths around town. The best of everything to you in the New Year… and I will see you next week!