Fall 2021, 330 Homes

FALL 2021

FA MILY DOCKS AT DREA M L AK E HOUSE

MATT and REBECCA SAVAGE'S TRANSITIONAL HOME photo provided by Laura of Pembroke

A PARK HIDEAWAY TRANSFORMS FOR TWO

7 INDOOR PLANTS TO BOOST YOUR MOOD

FABULOUS, COZY FARMHOUSE PORCHES

<RX¶OO FRPH IRU WKH EHHI EXW \RX¶OO EH GUHDPLQJ DERXW RXU GHVVHUW

)ULHG SHDUO VXJDU ZDႉH ZLWK PDSOH ERXUERQ LFH FUHDP

<RX¶UH P\ ER\ %OX %DFRQ EOXH FKHHVH EXUJHU

2XU EXUJHUV DUH ELJ DQG EHDXWLIXO DQG GH¿QLWHO\ ZKDW GULYHV SHRSOH LQ EXW WKRVH WKDW KDYH WULHG RXU IULHG SHDUO VXJDU ZDႉH ZLOO WHOO \RX LW FDOOV RXW WR WKHP LQ WKHLU VOHHS )RUWXQDWHO\ ZH GHOLYHU HYHU\WKLQJ RQ RXU PHQX GD\V D ZHHN IRU OXQFK EUXQFK DQG GLQQHU VR \RX GRQ¶W HYHQ QHHG WR OHDYH \RXU EHG WR JHW ERWK

:H FDQ QRZ GHOLYHU EHHU ZLQH DQG FRFNWDLOV WRR

DQG WKDQNV WR &29,'

G H F XU

VR OR

\ O O D F

ORFDOO\

VRXUFHG

)$50 72 7$%/( )$0,/< )5,(1'/< )81

'5 Ä % (

)URQVW 6W &X\DKRJD )DOOV %XWFKHU$QG6SURXW FRP

)($785,1* /2&$//< 6285&(' 25*$1,& ,1*5(',(176

)DUP WR WDEOH RU FRXFK RU EHG RU RႈFH ORFDOO\ VRXUFHG RUJDQLF DQG QRQ JPR LQJUHGLHQWV

<RX PD\ KDYH NQRZQ XV IRU RXU FUDIW EHHU EXW QRZ ZH DUH VR PXFK PRUH

H[SHULHQFH WKH QHZ &UDIW 6RFLDO ZLWK QHZ GHFRU

62&,$/

ZLQH FRFNWDLOV DQG WKH DUHD¶V EHVW ERXUERQ VHOHFWLRQ

FUDIW FRFNWDLOV EHHU ZLQH

:H¶UH SUHWW\ VXUH \RX¶OO ORYH LW )URQVW 6W &X\DKRJD )DOOV

'5 Ä % (

&UDIW6RFLDO%DU FRP

KRXVH PDGH FDQQHG FRFNWDLOV WR JR EHHU FRFNWDLO DQG ZLQH ÀLJKWV FRFNWDLO ZLQH VDPSOHV SULYDWH KLGGHQ VSHDNHDV\

contents fall 2021 | volume 3 | issue 3

dream house

12

TR AN S ITI O NAL L AKE H O U S E

22

U P DATED H I STO R I C R EN TAL

36

PAR KS I D E H I D E AWAY

space lift 8 FARMHOUSE KITCHEN 48 COOL GARAGES

fresh design 20 LEPLEY & CO. 32 HOLIDAY DECOR 46 REDWOOD BURL CO.

open air 28 WATERFRONT BACKYARD 44 PORCH LIVING

spruce up 42 SWEEP YOUR CHIMNEY

FALL 2021

on the cover 12 | SHORE THING | photo provided by Laura of Pembroke

FA MILY DOCKS AT DREA M L AK E HOUSE

MATT and REBECCA SAVAGE'S TRANSITIONAL HOME photo provided by Laura of Pembroke

A PARK HIDEAWAY TRANSFORMS FOR TWO

7 INDOOR PLANTS TO BOOST YOUR MOOD

FABULOUS, COZY FARMHOUSE PORCHES

welcome

by COLIN BAKER

GR E E N WAY

Plants fill your home with vibrant life and stories.

a supplement to Akron Life magazine Publisher COLIN BAKER

cbaker@bakermediagroup.com

I

enjoy houseplants, but my house is getting overrun with them. It started slowly.

I didn’t notice at first, but eventually window ledges became alive.

We have a room in our house that is incredible for plants.

It’s glass all the way around, and every plant seems to love it. Every week, my wife would add a new plant. And now there isn’t a single open ledge or a shelf that doesn’t have something growing. It is cool, I must admit.

I have a brown thumb. It’s my wife who keeps the plants alive. How do I know I’m not good with plants? Well, a few years ago, my wife gave me a bonsai tree and all the books and tools to take care of it. It seemed like a great idea, and I was into it. But I forgot about it and then tried to play catch up by watering. Every day, I gave it more and more water.

And that’s when I realized — this thing was dead.

One of my better moments with plants was a rubber tree that came with our house. The previous homeowners were employees of one of the local tire companies, so what better plant to have? After the first year of living in our house, one of my kids left the backdoor to the sunroom open during below-zero temps, and much of the tree died. Well, that is a hardy tree, and it arose from the dead. And it’s now back

Creative Director WILLIAM L . TECKMYER III

to its previous splendor. It’s about 6 feet tall with shiny rubber leaves, and I love it.

Another one of the plants has a fantastic story. My wife’s family has a friend who worked in the White House during former President Barack Obama’s terms, and they gave us some clippings they had from a Swedish ivy plant. That story alone would be cool, but with research, it proved even more compelling.

We discovered that Swedish ivy plant had sat under a portrait of former President George Washington on the mantel in the Oval Office since former President John F. Kennedy's administration. The plant was a gift to Kennedy from the Irish ambassador to the United States in 1961 and was displayed by every president following, except for Obama, who chose to display grape ivy.

Plants can add character, stories and more to our homes.

Read our article about the benefits houseplants can have on our health on pg. 20. In this issue of 330 Homes, also find ways to enrich your house with furniture locally made from redwood trees, easy garage renovation ideas and inspiration for holiday decor.

Right now, our Swedish ivy plant is being displayed proudly in the Baker home.

I’m sure it will be clipped and passed along too.

6

|

33O HOMES fall 2021

wteckmyer@bakermediagroup.com Managing Editor K E L LY P E T RY S Z Y N

kpetr yszyn@bakermediagroup.com Assistant Editor ALEX ANDRA SOBCZAK

asobczak@bakermediagroup.com Graphic Designer TYLAR CALHOUN

tsutton@bakermediagroup.com C o n t r i b u t i n g Wr i t e r s SHARON BEST MICHAEL NIED Photographer TYLAR CALHOUN Sales B U N N Y L AC E Y STEVE T YSON BEN DICOLA

sales@bakermediagroup.com Circulation

circulation@bakermediagroup.com 330-253-0056, ext. 104 Editorial Interns MARCUS ANDERSON SAMUEL GROM M O R G A N M C G R AT H H A L E N A S E P U LV E DA

fall 2021 | volume 3 | issue 3 33O HOMES is published by Baker Media Group, LLC, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313. Copyright 2021©

by Baker Media Group, LLC, All rights reserved.

Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited without written permission. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by an addressed envelope and sufficient postage. Baker Media Group, LLC and Akron Life accept no responsibility for unsolicited material. Subscription rates: Continental U.S., One year —$19.95, Two years —$34.95. Call for Alaska, Hawaii or international rates. Single issues available by calling the circulation department or visiting akronlife.com/store. $3.95 each plus $3.50 shipping & handling. Editorial, advertising and business offices: (330) 253-0056, fax (330) 253-5868.

Call 216-362-4660 IRU IUHH GHVLJQ FRQVXOWDWLRQ RU YLVLW XV RQOLQH DW FORVHWIDFWRU\ FRP Now offering virtual and in-home appointments.

the art of organization FORVHWV _ JDUDJHV _ KRPH RI¿ FHV _ HQWHUWDLQPHQW FHQWHUV _ ZDOO XQLWV _ ZDOO EHGV SDQWULHV _ FUDIW URRPV _ ODXQGU\ URRPV _ PXG URRPV _ ZLQH URRPV ©2021 Closet Factory. All rights reserved.

space lift

|

fresh design

|

open air

|

spruce up

by ALEXANDRA SOBCZAK and photos by CLIFF FRANKS, BUCKEYE DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY

H E A RT OF I T A L L

A kitchen is the centerpiece of a rural farmhouse-style home.

W

hen Andrea Kumse and her husband, Kevin, were planning what they wanted in their new Atwater home, it all started with the kitchen.

Andrea loves cooking and wanted to be able to spend time with family while doing it whether she was hosting or just sharing a quiet night in with Kevin and their infant daughter.

“That’s where we spend most of our evenings,” she says. “I definitely think the kitchen is the heart of the home.”

Although the couple had built their previous Rootstown home through North Canton-based PH Design and Construction, this time they actively collaborated with the PH Design team during the planning process. That helped them achieve the farmhouse style they envisioned in their home that has Craftsman accents.

“I kind of wanted that look in the house that felt … a little bit more rustic but also clean,” Andrea says.

The Kumses got the cozy

details

the

onto their beautiful 7 acres of land and

hangout spot they wanted for

F L O O R P L A N : Andrea often felt

their family with farmhouse

separated in their previous kitchen. So this

surrounding farms. “You can look out and

features designed just for them.

home’s open floor plan and kitchen allow

see exactly why we moved out here,” she

Andrea describes the kitchen’s

Andrea to see people in the living room

says. When her daughter is older, Andrea

highlights.

and backyard through large black windows

hopes to be able to watch her play outside from the kitchen.

8

|

33O HOMES fall 2021

space lift

33O HOMES fall 2021

|

9

the

details

W O O D S : The wooden pieces around the kitchen bring a feeling of warmth. Tall overhead maple cabinets draw your eye to the pine custom range hood with a rough sawn texture over the stove. “It was a really unique piece that kind of ties the kitchen together,” Andrea says. There are also pine shelves with a smoked oak finish and rough sawn texture topped with plants, farmhouse signs and more flanking the windows overlooking the front yard. “Instead of it just being strictly cabinets, we wanted a place to have some fun decor,” Andrea says.

I S L A N D : One of the most important features is the large maple island with a black stainlesssteel farmhouse sink on one side, modern metal and faux-leather chairs on the other and three black metal lanterns overhead. “Our island is a little bit darker than the rest of the cabinets to kind of break it up,” she says. The piece serves as a focal point during entertaining, such as when Andrea’s brother and Kevin’s family visited. They hung around the island while Andrea cooked and ate pizza there. “I wanted this to be a gathering place,” she says.

C O U N T E R S : The Kumses wanted their countertops to be as white as possible, and they got that in the quartz surface on the counters and island, which brighten up the room and complement the white-gray tiles designed to look like brick on the main wall of the kitchen.

There’s ample space, so Andrea and Kevin can be there together to plan meals or tag-team making taco bowls for the family. “A lot of prep space — that was a really big thing for me to have,” Andrea says, “having vegetables all over the place to … meal prep for the week.”

10

|

33O HOMES fall 2021

PURE PERFECTION in water softening for over 60 years.

330.455.9466 VernDaleWater.com

Your family deserves the purest water possible and the experts at Vern Dale know more about clean, affordable water than anyone.

FREE REVERSE OSMOSIS with the purchase of any water softener system

0% financing available

HURRY! Offer ends 12/31/21

Use Code 330FREE 330.455.9466 | VernDaleWater.com

©2021 Vern Dale’s Water Center

dream house

by SHARON BEST and photos provided by LAURA OF PEMBROKE

SHORE THING

A family transitions into a dream lake house in Canton.

12

|

33O HOMES fall 2021

dream house

33O HOMES fall 2021

|

13

dream house

R

ebecca Savage envisioned her young family of four living in a contemporary lake house.

She and her husband, Matt, loved the scenic beauty of Lake Cable in Canton — and several of his relatives already lived on the 150-acre private lake that offers a haven for boating, swimming and fishing. When a vacant lot became available, the avid swimmers and pontoon boaters, who have 5- and 7-year-old kids, dove at the opportunity to build a house with their friend, Mark Memmer, owner of Massillonbased Memmer Homes.

“I would go to his open houses and fell in love with his aesthetic,” Rebecca says.

“They’re modern but still traditional with very clean lines.”

She also enjoyed buying decor from the Laura of Pembroke store in Canton. When she learned Pembroke designers often team up with Memmer Homes on lighting and furnishings, she found a great style connection with interior designer Karen Fehlman.

The overall look of the fivebedroom, 3,500-squarefoot home is transitional, which Fehlman describes as combining traditional elements with modern touches. “Even if things go in or out of style, transitional should always stay current,” she says.

The color palette Rebecca chose is mostly black and white for a crisp, timeless feel. Adding splashes of blues in the upholstery and artwork keeps that contemporary look from being cold while flowing in a lake vibe. Much of the seating in the home is midcentury modern.

14

|

33O HOMES fall 2021

dream house

CLOSER LOOK Homeowners Matt and Rebecca Savage have visited California’s Napa Valley a few times and recently began collecting wine. When Rebecca saw a glass-walled wine room at a Memmer Homes open house, she knew her new home would include one.

Though the coolness from ORE

the lower level and absence of direct sunlight meant they didn’t need climate control in the wine room, separating the space with glass walls and a locked door makes it feel more distinct while providing a unique and safe focal point for the home’s open lower level, which includes a kids’ play area and a grown-up dining and bar area.

“In the summer we’re mostly on the water, but we hang out here in the wintertime, watching movies or football games,” she says.

33O HOMES fall 2021

|

15

dream house

In the living room, two midcentury dark blue velvet armchairs sit across from more traditional soft gray chairs with nailhead trim. A creamy lowprofile sofa with unfussy lines lends understated yet sophisticated elegance. To achieve a quintessential transitional effect, rounded, lowprofile black chairs pair with a contemporary solid oak dining table finished in a sandblasted quarter oak veneer.

Traditional Mission-style cabinetry, painted black on the oversized island and white on the builtins, works with white granite countertops for crisp simplicity.

Memmer Homes helped the Savages pick an engineered hardwood with matte-finished oak planks to unite the mainlevel open floor plan with a warm, cohesive look.

“I wanted to keep it simple but dramatic at the same time,” Rebecca says.

16

|

“That color is really great for a young family,” Fehlman adds. “Medium to light tones hold up to wear and tear very well.”

For more of that drama, Rebecca chose black hexagonal tile for the floor in the powder room that has one wall accented with blue-and-white textural animal print wallpaper. It has easy access from the lakeside outdoor living space, which features an alfresco dining area and a dock for their pontoon boat.

“I love the darkness and

33O HOMES fall 2021

moodiness of it, but it’s still classic,” Rebecca says.

The leather-finished granite-topped bar and lounge area also show off that vibe in the lower level. Medium and darker shades of gray on walls and baseboards offset luxury vinyl floors with the look of reclaimed wood that stand up to dampness.

Natural light floods into the living room, dining room and vaulted owner’s suite through walls of windows.

dream house Transom crossbars over the vertical windows increase both the light and the drama of the space by making the ceilings feel higher.

“We wanted to use the windows to feature the lake as much as possible,” Rebecca says, noting they chose not to hang window dressings for an airier impression.

But the home’s most brilliant highlight is the light fixtures, which Rebecca and Fehlman both describe as jewelry for the home.

“Light fixtures really have the opportunity to

reflect your personality,” Fehlman says.

To show off Rebecca’s fun, stylish and tailored sides, Fehlman helped her find fixtures with both contemporary sleekness and approachable authenticity. Touches of bright gold and brass add a fresh feel to the midcentury glass globes above the dining table.

The stunning living room chandelier is one of Rebecca’s favorite pieces in the house. The combo of bright exposed Edison bulbs and a thin modern profile brings attention to the space without overwhelming the furniture.

“I wanted something large and grand in that area,” she says. She showed Fehlman an inspiration photo, and Fehlman helped find it within her budget.

Between the timeless decor, expansive lake views and a floor plan that welcomes guests in and out, this transitional home is the perfect backdrop for all the milestones in this young family’s future.

“My vision was … it’s an open floor plan that we can enjoy with family and friends and feel inviting,” Rebecca says. “It really came to life.”

dream house

18

|

33O HOMES fall 2021

sponsor e d conte nt

BE A MIR ACLE M A K ER Shana Kim is passionate about supporting kids in our local community. Join Shana in supporting our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

For every transaction of buying or selling a home, Shana will make a donation that helps support medical research initiatives and provides lifesaving care to local kids.

Put your money where your miracles are! Work with Shana and give kids every chance to get better.

More than 1 million wishes have come true through over $1 million that has been donated through RE/ MAX Crossroads to local children’s hospitals.

Globally make a difference in children’s lives with Shana as your local, national and global real estate agent serving over 85 countries with over 40 languages and 60 currencies. Selling, buying, building and relocating can bring miracles to our community!

Call Shana Kim today.

330-618-7848 salesbyshana@gmail.com

33O HOMES fall 2021

|

19

space lift

|

fresh design

|

open air

|

spruce up

by MORGAN MCGRATH and photos provided by LEPLEY & CO.

MIR A CL E GR O W Indoor plants are a mood booster you need.

H

ouseplants are lovely to look at, but research has also linked them to better mental health. Studies have shown that plants lift your mood, reduce stress and have a calming effect. Justin Lepley attests that.

“It gives something outside of ourselves to really focus on and care for,” he says. “Oftentimes, that reflects our own self-care and mental health.”

inside the Massillon Train Depot followed in November.

Plants have provided a positive fresh start in his life, so he advocates for homeowners to get houseplants to improve their well-being. And many happily do.

Graduating from Case Western Reserve University's School of Law in May 2020 amid the pandemic spurred Lepley to seek something more. He used his downtime to start selling plants from his personal garden out of a stand he set up in his Akron yard and named it Lepley & Co.

“A lot of customers … they’ll say things like, I needed a little boost of serotonin today, so I came into the shop,” he says.

Business grew so much that Lepley expanded to local suppliers and opened a Northside Marketplace location in August 2020, and a location

Northside, 21 Furnace St., Akron, Depot, 13 Penn Ave. SE, Massillon, lepleyandco.com

20

|

33O HOMES fall 2021

Lepley offers some tips on how to pick out houseplants to enrich your life and home.

fresh design

H E L P I N G H A N D : Plants are living things with needs. It’s crucial to ask yourself how much care you plan on giving: “Are they really good with a schedule, or … when they remember, they’ll get to it?” Lepley asks.

Look for care info on apps such as Planta that scan photos of plants. Customers can also send photos to Lepley & Co.’s number, 330-808-8490, and ask questions. Lepley says pothos plants are easy for newbies.

“They can tolerate a wide variety of lighting situations,” he says. “They’ll kind of wilt when they’re thirsty, which is a good reminder.”

F I N D T H E L I G H T: When searching for the perfect houseplant, consider location and lighting. “Some plants are

N EW L E AV E S

Consider getting these indoor plants.

better for low lighting, like the Sansevieria [snake plant], while others need a great deal of sunlight,” he says. Plants like cacti and succulents typically require specific placement too.

“They do really well in westfacing windows,” he advises.

“They get that bright, hot afternoon sun.”

WAT E R S O U R C E : Knowing a plant’s watering schedule is one of the most important

Philodendron Brazil: With

Alocasia frydek: A stunning

Rattlesnake plant: The

pieces of the care process.

leaves that resemble a heart

sight, this sizeable plant is

bold leaves move with light

“You’re much more likely to kill

shape, this tropical treasure

decorated with dark leaves

throughout the day, and at

your plants from overwatering

only requires water once a

and contrasting white stripes.

night, they fold inward. “They

them than from underwatering,”

week. “They’re really pretty.

But be ready for challenging

look kind of like praying hands

Lepley says. So carefully

They’re a really fast grower,”

care, like short, bright light

when they move,” Lepley

follow the instructions on the

says Justin Lepley, the owner

exposure, particular temps

says. “They’ve just got an

tag. Those who are tentative

of Lepley & Co. For a long

and specific humidity levels.

absolutely beautiful pattern

should try a manageable

lifespan, keep it in a standing

“They’re somewhat rare,” he

and coloration.”

snake plant. “They’re great

or hanging pot.

says. “They’re so eye-catching.”

oxygenators, so they’re a very good starter plant,” he says, “especially people who might not remember to water all the time.”

33O HOMES fall 2021

|

21

dream house

22

|

33O HOMES fall 2021

dream house

by KELLY PETRYSZYN and photos by TYLAR CALHOUN

TAKE CARE

A worn-down historic Akron home gets a restoration.

T

his 1919 century home in west Akron needed some love. Its cream siding was stained with dirt, its landscaping was dead and its electrical and plumbing were out of date.

But Aaron and McKayla Hale saw its potential as a rental that uplifts.

Finding good beyond the surface is what Aaron, a Bath native and a U.S. Navy and Army veteran, does.

He lost his eyesight when an IED exploded during a tour in Afghanistan with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit. He later lost his hearing, and after cochlear implants,

he can hear out of his left ear. As each challenge arose, he kept persisting.

“A friend of mine said, It’s only a disability when you let your limitations stop you,” he says. “So I found a way around my limitations.”

He married McKayla, a longtime family friend who had a crush on him, and they live with their 2-yearold twins and 10-year-old in Florida. Now, Aaron is focused on his passions: cooking and real estate. The Hales own the successful Extra Ordinary Delights online treat company, through which Aaron posts

33O HOMES fall 2021

|

23

cooking TikTok videos, and got into real estate to reinvest their earnings for their retirements and kids. Aaron’s mom, Carol, still lives in Akron, so she scouts locations. They then buy and fix properties for rent, including a long-term rental in Green, a duplex in Highland Square and this 1,900-square-foot historical home in west Akron. Aaron finds purpose in helping out.

“We’re rehabbing homes that need a little TLC,” he says. “We’re putting some sort of value back into my hometown, which I absolutely love.”

dream house

The Hales bought this home in 2018 and transformed it into an affordable family Airbnb over nine months.

They added it to Airbnb’s Frontline program that offers housing to COVID-19 first responders at a deep discount.

“I truly enjoy it,” Aaron says.

“My mother and McKayla are very creative at turning an unloved home into something really special.

I’m more of the numbers guy. I make sure it’s within the budget.”

They brightened the house by painting the woodwork, ceilings and most of the walls in whites and neutrals and redoing the wooden stairs in white and gray, using a distressing tool to add a weathered texture.

The goal was to maintain “I really like the clean look the Dutch colonial’s that white, black, gray 1919 charm while adding offers,” McKayla says. “You modern amenities and style. can add splashes of color …

McKayla and Carol kept and it kind of modernizes historic features like crown the feel of the house.” molding, 12-inch-wide baseboards and built-ins.

While much of the project was do it yourself, they “They don’t do this in homes enlisted contractors to anymore — this beautiful do technical upgrades, woodwork. It’s really sturdy including the electrical, hardwood,” McKayla says. plumbing and creating a “We wanted to keep these breakfast nook. The kitchen features because it is got a full remodel with new original to the house.” stainless-steel appliances, white-and-gray marbled The wide array of paint granite countertops, softcolors on the walls and close gray KraftMaid ceilings didn’t match, while cabinets, a herringbone tile natural wood features backsplash, a coiled faucet, darkened it. a sink and a pendant light.

24

|

Upcycled pieces of furniture, largely from the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, add color pops, including a living room console that McKayla repainted robin’s egg blue and added new black knob hardware to, and dining room chairs that she repainted with chalk paint and reupholstered in a white chevron fabric.

“With a bit of paint and imagination, you can make older pieces brand new again. That’s something Aaron’s mom and I both really enjoy doing,” says McKayla. But they kept the sunroom furniture as natural wood to accentuate the sunny warmth that streams in through the many windows.

33O HOMES fall 2021

For more personality, she decorated with blue paintings, often in gold frames, and local art, such as an Akron Civic Theatre marquee print and a stunning Don Drumm butterfly cookbook holder.

There was only one bathroom, so they hired a contractor to convert an upstairs bedroom into a bathroom. While they added a sliding glass door shower with a rainfall showerhead, a white double sliding barn door vanity with black

dream house

33O HOMES fall 2021

|

25

26

|

33O HOMES fall 2021

dream house

hardware by Knox Restoration sets a modern rustic tone for the bathroom, and a creamy brocade wallpaper from Akron-based January Paint & Wallpaper adds interest to a closet interior.

CLOSER LOOK

They worked their crafty magic in the bedrooms by painting desks cream or navy, adding white shiplap paneling to an attic bedroom and painting a lattice baby gate gray to hang as a deconstructed headboard in one room.

This bathroom, initially the only one, needed serious attention.

So homeowner McKayla Hale and her mother-in-law, Carol Hale, kept the original white tile around the glass block window, stripped the sides and covered it with a black honeycomb tile for a two-toned look. McKayla got a neutral vanity from Facebook

To match their neutral color palette, they had house painters redo the siding in a deep charcoal, SherwinWilliams Iron Ore, and brick and other features in a contrasting white.

Marketplace but swapped in black hardware for a cleaner feel.

They repainted the door, along with all the others upstairs, but they kept the antique knobs.

Some had lots of wear, grime and paint, so they cleaned and painted them black to match the home’s black-and-white color

“It gives it a modern touch,” McKayla says.

“It’s amazing how far it’s come.”

scheme while showcasing an original element.

“There’s so much history in this community,” McKayla says.

The Hales still live in Florida but are looking to live in Akron during the summers. For Aaron, fixing up houses in his hometown has been fulfilling, and he’s excited to continue the journey.

“It’s nice when you can hold on to that.”

“It’s something that’s fun and rewarding,” he says. “It’s also a way to give back to our community.”

33O HOMES fall 2021

|

27

space lift

|

fresh design

|

open air

|

spruce up

by SHARON BEST and photos by TYLAR CALHOUN

DI V E B A CK

A DIY outdoor renovation helps a homeowner reunite with lake living.

D

amion Dolney grew up sailing on Lake Erie with his family. When he left for college, lake life slipped away. Then he married Amanda in 2014, and the couple rediscovered that joy with a 17-foot powerboat on Chippewa Lake, not far from their Hinckley home.

Friends suggested trying Portage Lakes, so they rented a home and found the beaches, restaurants, bars and friendly people irresistible. “We loved having the boat in the backyard,” he says. So much so that they sold their home, acquired a couple of wakesurf boats and moved to PLX permanently in 2016. “The impetus of the move is the community’s feeling here and the amount of fun it is to live on the water,” Damion says.

Their 3,200-squarefoot 1952 home was expanded in the ‘80s when a previous owner acquired the neighboring 1,350-square-foot twobedroom, one-bath house as a guesthouse called the Mermaid Cottage.

The Dolneys have remodeled the entire property, starting with adding the covered lakeside pavilion and five docks for their wakesurf boats, kayaks and boating visitors. They added a midlevel pavilion with direct access from the home’s

28

|

lower level and a third covered area that connects the home to the cottage and serves as a carport.

“It’s given us flexibility in any situation to enjoy Portage Lakes without hindrance,” Damion says of the changes he’s done largely himself with the

33O HOMES fall 2021

help of contractor friends, from whom he learned construction. “We had a couple of parties this summer [with] 50 people all seated without bringing chairs. When you live in the Portage Lakes, it’s never two people that stop by — it’s 10.”

open air

U N D E R C O V E R : The lower dockside pavilion features a hip roof, which has four shorter downward sloping sides, to comply with Portage Lakes requirements for not obstructing views. It provides an additional neighborfriendly benefit when the Dolneys host parties in the spot that has a complete sound system, satellite TV and pulldown projection screen.

“It muffles the sound, holds [it] internally,” Damion says. “You could be watching a game, and 30 feet away, you can barely hear anything.”

33O HOMES fall 2021

|

29

open air

I N S I D E O U T: The mid-level pavilion, built in 2018, features exposed timber framing and a woodburning stove for yearround comfort. “It was our savior during COVID because it gave us an opportunity to see friends, stay warm, be outside and still have that social interaction.” When the Cleveland Browns were teasing a playoff run last winter, Damion and a friend devised detachable walls in six panels made of wood paneling with doublehung windows and a full-sized door to enclose the space for four seasons. With the wood-burning stove ablaze and the walls in place, Damion says it’s as cozy as an indoor living room, regardless of Ohio’s capricious weather.

T O P C H E F : Amanda gifted Damion a Blackstone 36-inch flattop grill for the mid-level pavilion, on which he makes everything from breakfast omelets to smash burgers. “I like being able to cook — completely covered — in the rain or snow,” Damion says. “That’s my favorite thing.”

Amanda’s favorite part? Being away from passersby and simply enjoying a view of the East Reservoir.

30

|

33O HOMES fall 2021

s p o n s o r ed c o n t e n t

T E S TA R E A LT Y S AV E S SUMMIT COUNTY RESIDENTS THOUSA NDS We all know of someone financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. While so many industry sectors have been hit hard, one of the bright spots has been the residential housing market.

“Summit County has seen a 32 percent increase in home sales in November and December of 2020 over the previous year. During that time, the average days on market fell from 69 to 40,” says Testa Cos. president Joel Testa. “The real estate industry has been one of the few around that has managed to thrive during these very difficult times. Because of this, we feel a moral obligation to our community to give back.”

Testa’s real estate firm has announced a program called “Community Strong,” which went live in 2020. If you have a home to sell in Summit County and are looking to buy another one in that same area, it is willing to list your home and assist you in purchasing your new home for free. That’s right — free. Testa is quick to point out that as much as it sounds too good to be true, there is no catch to the program.

“Our agents earn our fee from the seller of the new home our buyers purchase.

So, there is already no cost to the buyers for our service,” he says. “By committing to let us help you with that transaction, we are willing to list your house for sale at no charge.”

Testa sees this as a way to not only give back to the community but also to invest in future clients.

“We aren’t just offering this to families that need to retain as much of the equity in their house as they can when they sell,” he says. “We are hoping that aff luent sellers see the value and become new clients for life. So far we’ve managed to save some clients tens of thousands of dollars in each deal.”

For more info, contact Cassie Testa, director of residential sales and leasing at Testa Real Estate Group, at cassietesta@testacompanies.com or 330-945-HOME. Testa Realty 330-945-HOME testacompanies.com

33O HOMES fall 2021

|

31

space lift

|

fresh design

|

open air

|

spruce up

by SHARON BEST and photos provided by JONES GROUP INTERIORS

STAR DUST

Add twinkle to your house with professional holiday decor.

R

eturning from work to find your home effortlessly transformed into a winter wonderland might seem unlikely.

But that’s exactly what Eric Jones and his team at Akron-based Jones Group Interiors deliver with their professional holiday decorating service.

“We create the magic,” he says. “They miss the mess.”

into his designs that are tailored to each homeowner to avoid looking corporate or overdone.

Jones consults with clients to determine what their holiday decor wishes are, “There’s a sense of proporfrom a glitzy centerpiece tion and balance,” he says. for a gala event to an inti“That’s the science of what mate glow for a family den. we do to make the decoraThen he travels to Atlanta, tion look flawless.”

Dallas, New York City and His crew decorates houses other locales to search with white-glove care for unique ornaments you that includes cleaning up won’t find at big-box stores. meticulously, and they He also works heirloom even return in January to ornaments or other pieces box everything up and can a family finds meaningful

32

|

33O HOMES fall 2021

store it in their warehouse until next year. The result is a uniquely personal holiday display that creates wonder and joy.

“When you’re sitting there in the evening with a glass of wine, the candles and fire going, the lights on, it’s a space you want to be in,” Jones says.

He discusses some memorable holiday decor.

[ continued on page 34 ]

sponsor e d conte nt

GET ORGA NIZED W ITH A CUSTOM UNIT F ROM CLOSET FACTORY Let Closet Factory help transform your home into an organized oasis that will be the envy of your friends!

Our expert designers help create spaces that make it easy to stay organized. From glamorous walk-in closets that showcase your wardrobe to functional desks for virtual learning, an organized system will bring order to your life. We can also create the perfect mudroom to store backpacks and more. Our designs range from simple to spectacular and everything in between.

Closet Factory is the authority on custom storage, and we design around you to create an organization plan tailored to your needs. We design, manufacture and install custom closets, home offices, mudrooms, garages, pantries, entertainment centers, wall beds and more! Our Northeast Ohio location has been familyowned and -operated for over 22 years. That means you receive the experience you need with the personal touch you want.

Closet Factory 5305 Commerce Parkway W, Parma 216-362-4660 closetfactory.com

sponsor e d conte nt

T R E AT YOU R SEL F TO BET T E R WAT E R Vern Dale’s Water Center has been treating water in Stark and surrounding counties for over 60 years. Call us for: • Water Treatment Systems: We are the experts when it comes to treating your family’s water with equipment for the most challenging water problems. We offer a no-obligation free water analysis and 0 percent financing.

• Service: Our highly skilled technicians service most brands of residential water treatment equipment ranging from conditioners, filters, reverse osmosis and UV systems. We also pride ourselves on a quick response time.

• Water Coolers: We have the lowest water cooler rental price, as well as coolers available for purchase.

• Salt: We can load pickup salt for you, or we can deliver salt, carry it to your basement and load it into your tank. Ask about our Drop and Go delivery special.

• Bottled Water: We have the highest quality bottled water for pickup or delivery.

• Filters: We have a variety of whole-house cartridge filters and drinking water system filters available.

If you have a question or need, call us. Visit our website for online shopping and curbside pickup.

Vern Dale’s Water Center 3827 Kirby Ave. NE, Canton 330-455-9466 verndalewater.com 33O HOMES fall 2021

|

33

fresh design

[ continued from page 32 ] IMPRESSIVE PROPORTIONS: Jones found a pair of bearded gnomes in Atlanta and used them to set an oversized scale for this lush and whimsical mantel in this west Akron home. “People are afraid to make a statement,” he says. “Trade secret? Start big and keep getting bigger.”

He used 12-inch-wide garland, crystals from a vintage chandelier, vertical ornaments and three different sizes of lights, including twinklers for a sense of movement, to fill it with glitz and glamour.

GRACEFUL GRANDEUR: Because this

floating staircase is the first thing guests see upon entering this Clinton home, Jones made it the centerpiece of the family’s classic holiday decor. “A staircase traditionally has been associated with grandeur,” he says. “Our job is to make it look exceptional like it can’t the rest of the year.” He used hundreds of lights and gigantic ornaments over thick swags of artificial pine to match the scale of the home’s 20-foot ceilings.

QUIET ELEGANCE: When a client es-

chews the idea of traditional red-andgreen Christmas decor, Jones spends time getting to know what they really want. A Hunting Valley couple wanted an intimate, grown-up space “away from the Santa Claus mentality” where they could spend evenings together. He based the navy-and-gold theme of this tree with star accents and this mantel with metallic oak and maple leaf embellishments off the room’s chestnut woodwork and richly upholstered furnishings.

It creates a tranquil effect that fits seamlessly with the elegant room for a quieter holiday display.

CONTEMPORARY COLOR: To balance

a classic holiday look with a more contemporary feel, Jones chose colorful translucent glass balls to punctuate a variety of white and colorful lights on this flocked tree covered in artificial snow. “They look like bubbles, but it’s still traditional,” he says. He incorporated ornaments from the Fairlawn Heights homeowners’ world travels, such as a hand-blown glass fish from Hawaii, and topped the tree with an elegant white peacock for a dash of whimsy.

34

|

33O HOMES fall 2021

sponsor e d conte nt

S H U LT Z N A M E D HOMEBUILDER OF THE Y E A R As longstanding members of the Homebuilders Association, we are elated and honored to be awarded 2020 Homebuilder of the Year. We are a second-generation, family-operated company passionate about the communities we serve. Our vast portfolio of unique projects spans across custom homes and luxury renovations throughout Summit, Portage and Stark counties over the past 30 years.

Shultz Design & Construction is under the Shultz Companies umbrella of brands — a true full-service real estate group reaching from development to design to brokerage services. This award is largely attributed to the synergies of all our companies, employees, clients and loyal trade partners. Amidst uncertainty, 2020 was a great year for our team. We were able to connect with and service our clients in more meaningful ways as the concept of and connection with home was redeveloped for so many. We are in a thrilling 2021 and hope to work with you and your family in the near future.

Thank you to the HBA for its continued dedication to our industry — remaining a steadfast resource for builders to serve their communities.

Shultz Companies, Shultz Design & Construction 3465 S. Arlington Road, Suite 116 E, Akron, 330-896-8883, shultzdc.com

33O HOMES fall 2021

|

35

dream house

by MICHAEL NIED and photos by JACQUELINE ZEMA, ISO PHOTO STUDIO

TRE ASURE

TROVE A hideaway near the national park transforms into a charming home for two.

36

|

33O HOMES fall 2021

dream house

J

ill Pinto fell in love with her partner Tom Parry’s Akron home the first time she came over during a date five years ago. “I literally walked in and said, Don’t say anything to me,” she recalls. “I just wanted to take it all in.”

Parry had a similar experience nearly 30 years prior. In 1987, he bought the three-bedroom, three-bathroom home located just outside of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, around the corner from where he grew up.

Although the 2,750-squarefoot house underwent several renovations, both agreed a redesign was necessary when Pinto moved in in 2018. Enter Katie Heinz, owner and senior designer of Medina-based Interior Design Studio.

Parry’s renovation goals were simple: to preserve the richly grained woodwork, the dimmable lighting and his beloved sound system that reaches every room and the front and back yards. Pinto had free rein beyond those elements. Her aesthetic is traditional but light and airy. Her goals were to brighten the dated home and enmesh their belongings to create a shared life.

Heinz incorporated their visions into the three-year renovation that didn’t erase the home’s unique look and backstory. She was enchanted that it’s a kit home in a distinct early 20th-century style and was purchased out of a Sears catalog in 1958. “It’s roots and history,” she says. “There’s nothing like them anymore.”

33O HOMES fall 2021

|

37

dream house

Changes are particularly evident in the open floor plan 375-square-foot kitchen, dining and sitting rooms. They access a large deck with a hot tub and overlook an expansive backyard running to the tree line.

Emerald walls were painted a cozy off-white, and a black granite backsplash matching the kitchen countertops was swapped out for light subway tiles. Barstools were upholstered in a striped fabric with a pop of coral.

Moroccan-inspired pendant lights picked up in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, hang above an island.

The dining room showcases a glass table set for four. Parry’s love of music is evidenced by a stylized photo of the Beatles hung in the central nook of a well-stocked wet bar.

A neon-lit sculpture of a diner picked up at the Boston Mills Artfest is displayed on a shelf.

Eclectic accents, such as a flower-shaped side table, add whimsy to the sitting room. A tufted sofa is staged alongside an antique R.J. Horner china cabinet Pinto’s grandparents rescued from a barn. That’s not the only piece of family history: Her grandfather crafted a chair with carved wooden arms and legs using a lathe. Heinz reupholstered it with a lively bird fabric to pay tribute to Pinto and Parry, who are avid bird-watchers.

Similar treasures pop up like jewels around every

corner. A pink volcanic rock female climber sculpture by a Colombian artist hangs off the wall in the main-floor bathroom.

Three pieces from the Art of Dr. Seuss Collection are displayed in the den, including a painting of a green cat in an Uleaborg Finland subway.

The couple picked up another together — a hand-painted, cast resin trophy mount of the Sea-Going Dilemma Fish that’s framed above the granite-fronted fireplace they use all winter. Parry gifted Pinto the final one, which features a cat wrapped in a lime-green shower curtain, after he saw her admiring it in Lake Tahoe, California.

“She was in a bubble, locked in on that painting,” he recalls.

Comparatively, the owner’s suite is sparsely accessorized because it is already a work of art. A bed and floating nightstands rest inside a previously renovated dormer outfitted with atriumstyle windows. The couple sleeps underneath the open sky. “During a starry night or a storm, it’s pretty awesome,” Pinto says.

Heinz also transformed what used to be an office into a modern sitting area. A rounded sofa and seafoam walls play off warm-toned wood paneling. The result is a blend of old and new.

There’s nothing old about the owner's bathroom.

Last renovated 24 years prior, it’s now tricked out with modern amenities.

38

|

33O HOMES fall 2021

33O HOMES fall 2021

|

39

dream house

CLOSER LOOK A glass-enclosed steam shower replaced a walled-in shower to create the illusion of extra space within the 90-squarefoot owner's bathroom. Chrome showerheads spray from all directions, and a trough drain is a sneaky feature.

Designer Katie Heinz utilized two types of accent tiles in the luxe spot. A hexagonal glass

A damask area rug was cut into segments and trimmed to create runners.

Quartzite tops the vanity, which features dual sinks and bronze, gemstoneadorned cabinet pulls. A newly cased window bathes the room in natural light.

Tucked away within the woods so they can hear concerts from Blossom Music Center but still enjoy privacy, the serene home that was once just Parry’s now reflects the couple.

It’s lived-in, well-loved and filled with gems that nod to their history together and apart. And Pinto? She’s enamored as ever.

40

|

“Once a week I say to Tom, I love my house so much,” she admits.

33O HOMES fall 2021

tile mosaic sets the scene for a small nook in the corner, and white carved tiles wrap up one wall and continue across the ceiling in a graphic line. The latter is a favorite of the homeowners. “Every tile is different.

It sort of looks like a patchwork,” says Jill Pinto. “Katie brought one square, and I was like, Yes!”

s p o n s o r ed c o n t e n t

A N A RTISA N A PPROACH TO REMODELING & DESIGN Architectural Justice has been providing homeowners of The 330 with an artisan approach to design and remodeling for 35 years. Its unique Design Center in Medina offers clients a one-stop shop for all the materials and products needed to transform a home.

Architectural Justice is also one of the largest stocking stone fabricators in the area featuring nearly 2,000 slabs of exotic stone on-site. Along with stone fabrication, other on-site services include custom cabinetry, furniture, and millwork, architectural metal design and fabrication, as well as design and remodeling services.

Whether it's a small project or a full remodel, its purpose is to give you the most creative and innovative solution for your space.

Architectural Justice Design Center 2462 Pearl Road, Medina 330-225-6000 architecturaljustice.com

LUXURY KITCHENS & BATHS

FULL-SERVICE REMODELING

2462 PEARL RD. MEDINA, OH 330.225.6000 I ARCHITECTURALJUSTICE.COM 33O HOMES fall 2021

|

41

space lift

|

fresh design

|

open air

|

spruce up

by HALENA SEPULVEDA and photos provided by FRIENDLY SWEEPS

CLEAN SWEEP

Keep your chimney clear heading into winter.

T

he season of cuddling by the fire is just around the corner, so now is the best time to get your chimney cleaned. Being proactive is important, as winter is a time when your chimney is at risk for hazards such as freezing water that can lead to cracks in the chimney tile.

Lee Hlas, the owner of Medina-based Friendly Sweeps, recommends homeowners get their chimneys inspected at least once a year, even if they don’t use them very often.

“There’s a lot more that can go wrong,” he says, “especially if someone doesn’t use it for a long time.”

Annual chimney maintenance checks help keep chimneys clean and safe and can teach you how to monitor for signs of damage. Hlas offers some factors to consider when getting your chimney serviced this season.

which typically includes technicians inspecting your firebox for mortar or buildup, confirming gas lines work and are capped and checking that any ash in the ash dump is discarded and not a fire hazard. Technicians should also make sure the chimney’s damper, which

L O O K O V E R : Hlas

controls whether air can

recommends getting a

escape, is sealed and that

full assessment during

there are no cracks in the

your maintenance check,

tile. After an assessment, they give clients feedback

42

|

33O HOMES fall 2021

about whether the chimney needs additional services. “If it doesn’t need to be cleaned, we tell them upfront,” he says. If the chimney needs to be cleaned, however, technicians use a brush with heavy metal bristles to sweep out buildup from inside.

spruce up

S M O K E S I G N A L : Any creosote buildup that’s found

Superior Service, Smart Solutions

should be cleaned out right away, as it can affect your home’s air quality. The tar-like substance that results from improper smoke ventilation inside the chimney can become a fire hazard, and it might also impact your health. “Not getting it cleaned can bother some people with asthma, and for other people, it’s just annoying or can get in your carpet or your

Serving Northern Ohio for over thirty-five years...

although health issues caused

Let FIBER-SEAL preserve your interior design investments and eliminate worries about your fine Area Rugs, Carpet & Furnishings...

by chimneys are rare, they

Think of FIBER-SEAL when there is a need for:

should still be taken seriously.

Premium Carpet/Fabric Protection Customized Preventative Care Programs Quality Cleaning of Fabrics/Carpet and Area Rugs Outdoor Patio Cushion Cleaning and Storage

clothes,” Hlas says. He adds that

Professionals say that one way to ensure good air circulation around your fire is to use a fireplace grate that keeps wood

FiberSealNorthernOhio.com (216) 581-4144

off the ground.

S TAY WAT C H : Some signs that your chimney needs maintenance can be found by noting unusual sounds or smells and by peeking inside. “You get birds' nests, you get cracks and you get mortar falling apart if no one’s coming out to look at it,” Hlas says. Technicians keep animals out by putting a cap on the top as a barrier.

Homeowners should also pay close attention to leaking water, which can occur on top of the smoke shelf inside the chimney.

Technicians fix leaks by lining the chimney and repairing any cracks in flue tiles.

5497 River Styx Road, Medina, akronchimneysweep.com

33O HOMES fall 2021

|

43

space lift

|

fresh design

|

open air

|

spruce up

by ALEXANDRA SOBCZAK and photos by ASHLEY CARTER, ASHLEY IRIS PHOTOGRAPHY

HOME STEAD

A farmhouse connects a Hudson family to their land.

A

red barn filled with alpacas, a chicken coop, a greenhouse, a guest cottage, a wooden split-rail fence and expansive fields of green — these all complete the view from the back porch of the Fosters’ farmhouse, which sits on nearly 5 acres of land in Hudson.

When the family was planning the new build through Alair Homes Hudson, they wanted to feel like their indoor and outdoor living spaces were connected.

“It’s a modern farmhouse,” says homeowner Lisa Foster. “[It’s] trying to bring the views in the house.”

One of the main ways they threaded the areas together was through the addition of porches.

From the front porch’s three black-framed glass doors, the Fosters can see straight through their open-concept home and through three more glass

44

|

doors onto a back porch with a wall of windows.

“Although their color scheme to the house is neutral — it’s very white and black — the green from outdoors was very much a part of the whole design concept,” says Amiee Wiley, the project’s designer.

After moving in in December 2019, the Fosters now sit on the

33O HOMES fall 2021

porch swing or black rockers on the front porch while enjoying cocktails and watching the sunset, and the back porch provides the perfect spot for family meals with pastoral views.

Wiley and Foster discuss some of the aspects that make the porches so special.

W O O D S : A feature that may immediately catch your eye is the cedar beams that stand out against the front porch's white walls and complement the hanging wooden porch swing.

“The cedar on the front porch is really important to bring that warmth and texture,” Wiley says.

“It’s very inviting, gracious.” The back porch showcases a light pine ceiling, which works well amid the concrete floor and white walls.

“That brings in that farmhouse feel,” Foster says.

W I N D O W S : The home’s blackframed windows and doors serve as a striking design feature on the all-white walls, but they also provide stunning views and ample natural light. “It’s very modern,” Wiley says, “clean lines, very straight, lots of big open windows and open doors. Natural light was really important to the homeowner.”

The back porch helps the family enjoy the back pasture, without having to deal with the peskiness of insects. “You feel like you’re more outdoors,” Foster says.

F U R N I T U R E : While they have a big kitchen table, they often eat meals at the black wrought iron dining set on the back porch. “We do have a heater in there to extend the season,” Foster says. “The atmosphere is tranquil.” That dining set brings out the other black accents in the home, while the neutral-toned wicker seating area in the corner matches the home’s farmhouse decor. The back porch, along with the front porch’s swing, floral pillows and black rockers, prove to be great places for entertaining and comfy spots for family time. “It’s relaxing to have a porch swing,” Foster says.

33O HOMES fall 2021

|

45

space lift

|

fresh design

|

open air

|

spruce up

by SAMUEL GROM and photos provided by REDWOOD BURL CO.

NAT U R A L BE AU T Y

Redwood Burl Co. lets trees shine with its live-edge furniture.

GET the LOOK

T

o Ron Jagger, Mother Nature is the greatest artist. He aims to showcase her creations through his Redwood Burl Co. furniture.

“My goal is to make the beauty … nature makes clearer,” he says. “I feel like I’m making art, even if nature does most of the work.”

After spending 40 years honing his artistic woodworking among the redwoods of California and in mountainous Colorado, Jagger has developed impressive expertise and returned home to Medina, where he crafts custom live-edge tables, mantels, chairs and more.

Customers describe their vision as if commissioning art, and Jagger designs a piece by cutting, sanding, adding parts and varnishing. With many of the wood slabs featuring natural psychedelic-esque swirly patterns, a finished piece has movement as majestic as a finished painting.

The process starts with quality precut wood from sources like California, Arizona, Colorado and Ohio's Amish Country.

“I love what I do,” he says.

Customers browse the stun“Showing people the beauty ning wood in his workshop of nature in this way is and choose what speaks euphoric — almost a spirito them, including pieces tual experience.” that showcase rare growths called burls. “The wood Jagger explains the creative comes from the stump and process behind some of his roots,” Jagger says. “When one-of-a-kind pieces. a tree burls, it … creates growths with amazing patterns and shapes.”

46

|

33O HOMES fall 2021

C O F F E E TA B L E , $500-$2,000 The organic oil finish on this redwood burl brings out deep red fractal patterns. Even the edges are remarkable, resembling lava with dark ripples. Customers choose the material for the legs, and the shape and the thickness of the tabletop, so each table is unique. How to Style: With its longevity and beauty, Jagger suggests using it as a focal point of a family room — both physically and stylistically. “These always make good centerpieces,” he says.

G R A N D FAT H E R C L O C K , $1,500-$2,500 Crafted from the roots of walnut, buckeye burl, redwood burl and local trees, this grandfather clock looks as if it were a tree grown by Father Time himself.

While the main walnut slab stands tall and stoic, roots weave around the clock like crawling vines frozen in time. How to Style: A varnish finish accentuates the wood’s eye-catching patterns and makes it a striking statement piece.

“It’s great for entryways,” Jagger says.

WA L L S C U L P T U R E , $1 , 5 00 Paying homage to the source of his career, Jagger uses smaller pieces cut from buckeye burls and gnarly wood to construct a two-dimensional arboreal design. Slices of roots and stumps form leaves that make the awe-inspiring wall art come to life.

FOR A SIMPLER LIFE

460 Granger Road, Medina, 303-246-2153, redwoodburlcolorado.com

33O HOMES fall 2021

|

47

«

Redwood burl forms this entryway table, and the grooves are filled with blue resin to mimic the appearance of branching rivers.

How to Style: It can also be used for dining. “It’s versatile enough to use as a table,” Jagger says.

LEHMANS.COM 800.438.5346

»

E N T RY WAY TA B L E , $1,500

Lehman’s is your source for everything you need to live the simpler life. Whether you live without electricity, are preparing for a power outage, or want to learn a new skill, we can help.

On the Square in Kidron, OH Open every day except Sunday

LET’S BE SOCIAL @lehmanshardware

space lift

|

fresh design

|

open air

|

spruce up

by MICHAEL NIED and photos provided by ENCORE GARAGE OHIO

LIFT OFF

Make your garage fit your home’s style and needs with a remodel.

M

ike Padden thinks garages hold untapped potential.

“They’re basically a new frontier of home renovation,” says Padden, owner of Encore Garage Ohio, which has Akron-Canton and Medina-StrongsvilleCleveland offices.

Carol Null, director of inside sales and marketing for

Encore, says the pandemic made the idea of a garage renovation doubly appealing.

People are spending time at home identifying projects, and garage space is readily available to reclaim.

To begin, find what Padden calls a utility space. Think of it as underutilized square footage begging to become a multifunctional escape. For instance, Padden references a Hudson client who had workout equipment scattered across his home. They

48

|

33O HOMES fall 2021

transformed an unused bay in a three-car garage into a tricked-out gym (pictured above).

A garage can also house a child’s playroom, a hangout for friends, a spot to groom the dog or storage for offseason clothing. All it takes is imagination.

“Before it was a dungeon,” Padden says. “All of a sudden it becomes a vibrant space.”

These are some improvements Padden recommends.

space lift

FRESH SLATE Cracked flooring and stained walls make for an inhospitable space, so fix those first.

Padden says flooring is a job for the experts and cautions against do-it-yourself staining, which can turn the garage into an ice rink.

“Twenty-five percent of our business is tearing that stuff up,” he explains.

Encore repairs damage in floors and then coats them

Safer Lawn Care Naturally™!

with an epoxy called FlexCore. It’s nonslip, stain-resistant and durable against chipping, peeling and blistering. The glossy floor coat comes in a variety of colors and resembles terrazzo.

Upgrade dingy walls with a fresh coat of exterior-grade paint. In the Hudson gym, Padden used navy paint and stacked wood paneling in various shades to create an unexpected pop that coun-

Organic-based lawn care and organic flea & tick control that really works!

We proudly offer: ÝÛJgadÛl]klaf_ÛlgÛ\]l]jeaf]Ûl`]Ûf]]\kÛg^ÛqgmjÛkgad ÝÛ8ÛkY^]jÛdYofÛ[Yj]Ûhjg_jYeÛ^gjÛqgmjÛ[`ad\j]f Ûh]lkÛYf\Ûl`]Û ]fnajgfe]flÛl`YlÛaf[dm\]kÛo]]\ÛYf\Û[jYZ_jYkkÛ[gfljgd ÝÛ8fÛY^^gj\YZd]Ûy]YÛYf\Ûla[cÛk]jna[] ÝÛ8Û~ ÉÛk]jna[]Û_mYjYfl]]

We can give you that and more—contact us today!

(330) 920-9182

ters a white wall with the inspirational message “No

SmartLawnCare@NaturaLawn.com

Excuses” displayed in black

NaturaLawn.com/Akron-OH

block letters.

Get $50 OFF Your Full Lawn Care Program* *When you become a full lawn care program customer! Use Promo Code NLA21 New customers only. Offer ends soon. © 2021 NATURALAWN OF AMERICA, INC.

33O HOMES fall 2021

|

49

space lift

STOW AWAY

Adding drawers to cabinets

This is the time to get creative

Garages function as storage

and more wall hooks can turn

and decorate it as you would

spaces, but you can make

the spot into a handy tool

your home. Turn a corner into

yours neater with new cabi-

bench or simply a place to

a wet bar with a sink and

nets that hide anything from

stash keys, mail and other on-

mini-fridge or use an opening

trash cans to golf clubs.

the-go items. For countertops,

under the cabinets for a TV to

laminate, stainless steel or

watch the game.

Padden uses “garage-tough” units such as slat-wall systems and hooks that can

butcher block help incorporate

“People like dog baths to take

a design element.

care of their pooches,” Padden

withstand weather and con-

KEY COMFORT

says, referencing a white

ceal rakes, shovels, hoses and

Once the basics are set, it’s

tile dog shower system he

more behind custom cabinet

time for the finishing touches.

installed in Bath (pictured

doors. Overhead metal stor-

Padden recommends install-

above). That space got outfit-

age systems are ideal for less

ing heating for year-round

ted with wicker baskets for

frequently accessed items such

use. Consider swapping out

towels and plants, a ceramic

as bikes and suitcases. If your

single fluorescent bulbs for

treat jar, a wooden crate

house doesn’t have a mud-

LED lights or a sleek new light

for shampoo and a sign that

room, wall hooks and cubbies

fixture. Cushy patio furniture

says “Molly’s Dog Wash” for a

can organize coats and shoes.

provides stylish, weather-

personalized look.

resistant seating.

50

|

33O HOMES fall 2021

s p o n s o r ed c o n t e n t

R E V I TA L I Z E T I R E D SPACE S W I T H A FA L L U PDAT E Mood boosters — there are many types of them. Maybe the scent of a candle, a photograph, music or the softest afghan.

But what about color? Behr paint company is focusing its 2021 trend prediction report on examining emotions and selecting a paint hue that is right for the space. Here are a few options.

Make sure the walls around you in your workspaces are ref lecting and connecting with your needs.

Kalahari Sunset: Someone in a creative field like marketing and advertising may need to tap into something like this saffron color. It bursts with energy and can easily be incorporated on an accent wall.

Nocturne Blue: With the many unknowns of virtual learning and home schooling, kiddos may need a reassuring and calming color. Pair it with a classic neutral in the space, and it will help bring focus and calm to the school day.

Royal Orchard: For all those stay-at-home moms, take a look at this relaxing green that mimics the healing effects of nature and invites some much needed alone time after running the household all day.

Interior Design Studio 207 S. Court St., Medina 330-725-7623 interiordesignstudiooh.com

sponsor e d conte nt

CR E ATE A SIM PL ER L IF E AT L EH M A N'S Why were we voted the best place to visit in Amish Country? Why is there “a store nowhere else” like us? Because we exist to create a simpler life for you and your loved ones.

Why live a simpler life? You’ll feel the satisfaction and fulfillment it brings as you slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. Simpler products with honest ingredients are easier to understand.

Quality tools bring pleasure to your creative work.

Simpler values are sustainable so you are prepared for challenges. And, it’s all upheld by strong relationships with companions, community and kin.

Lehman’s carries all the practical, tried and true products you need to take the next step on your journey to a simpler life. On the square in Kidron, OH, we are open every day except Sunday and always open at lehmans.com.

Lehman's 779 Kidron Road, Kidron 800-438-5346 lehmans.com

33O HOMES fall 2021

|

51

THE

C O L L E C T I O N® Fine Homes & Luxury Properties

xpectations xc eeded E E Agents with the RE/MAX Collection are known for a higher level of service and cater to clients with discerning taste. Our extraordinary listings will exceed expectations with sophisticated marketing resources backed by the brand strength of the No. 1 name in real estate.* Fine Homes & Luxury Properties | theremaxcollection.com *Source: MMR Strategy Group study of unaided awareness.

SHANA KIM REAL ESTATE AGENT

RE/MAX CROSSROADS PROPERTIES

SalesbyShana@gmail.com 330-618-7848