Atlanta home improvement 0415

atlanta home

®

M MPROVEMENT S M A R T

H O M E

I M P R O V E M E N T

S T A R T S

APRIL 2015

WWW.ATLANTAHOMEIMPROVEMENT.COM

H E R E

Grass, Hardscape, Groundcover?

How to choose what works best in your yard… and where p. 57 2015

Contest Winners

NEW! DIY Blogger Beat

Upcycle old lockers into bright, new storage! p. 66

p. 26

See who won and get inspired by their affordable room makeovers!

PLU

ED

What Atlanta home improvement insiders want you to know p. 37

Tiledin Tile is popping up in surprising places and in new materials all over Atlanta p. 46 0415_cover-001.indd 1

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eautiful Kitchen Cabinets Influence the feel of your home!

10' x 10' KITCHEN CABINETS $ and up

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Cannot be combined with any other offers.

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FAX: 770-680-4201 5845 Oakbrook Parkway, Suite E & F, Norcross, GA 30093 0415_cover-001.indd 2

25

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BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS WELCOME 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Mon-Sat. Showroom opens to public

GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

18.

$

starting at

99

PER SQ. FT. INSTALLED

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atlanta home

®

MPROVEMENT S M A R T

H O M E

I M P R O V E M E N T

S T A R T S

H E R E

PRESIDENT/FOUNDER

Sherri Adair

PREMIUM IMPORTED TEAK FURNITURE FOR LUXURIOUS OUTDOOR LIVING

AtlantaTeakFurniture NO Middleman • Wholesale Prices

PUBLISHER

Patti Stephens ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Jennifer Prins

EDITOR AND SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Jayne Hallock editor@homeimprovementmag.com COPY EDITOR

Taylor Arnold

DIRECTOR OF CONTENT MARKETING

David Leonard

ART DIRECTOR

Dona Halliday

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Sandi Edelson

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Chela Counts

CONTRIBUTORS

Kathy Kantorski Amy Meadows

Our products are made with the highest quality materials available in the world and are manufactured with the finest craftsmanship. Showroom open by appointment or during open house sales

Visit www.AtlantaTeak.com 5305 Peachtree Ind. Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30341 • For print, web, email and social media advertising information contact us at:

678.429.2814

80 West Wieuca Road, Suite 115 Atlanta, GA 30342 (404) 303-9333 x 17 FAX (404) 303-0030 info@homeimprovementmag.com

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com Follow us on

Atlanta Home Improvement magazine uses soy-based ink and is printed on 100 percent recyclable paper.

Our print partner, Newpoint Media Group, recycles all excess paper, printing plates and any other recyclable materials used in the printing process.

Inquiries and submissions regarding advertising and editorial should be directed to the address above. Atlanta Home Improvement does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does Publisher assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear.

Readers are encouraged to notify Publisher when they suspect false advertising. Atlanta Home Improvement reserves the right to edit editorial for clarity and space availability. No content i.e. articles, graphics, designs and information (any and all) in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Publisher.

Providing a Better Renovation Experience

404.377.3350

A

t l a n ta

c h a p t er

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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DESIGN-BUILD KITCHENS WHOLE HOUSE SECOND STORY ADDITIONS BATHS www.artisansofatlanta.com ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT APRIL 2015

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contents Photos courtesy of (left to right) Traditions in Tile and Stone, photography by Susan V. Hill; Levantina, photography by Tomasz Warek, designed by BNR Builders; The Tile Shop

Tiled in Style Tile is popping up in surprising places and in new materials all over Atlanta. Don’t miss our handy tile comparison chart!

Photos courtesy of (top to bottom) Alisha Nesbitt, photography by Emily Cameron; Legacy Landscape, Inc.

26

6

features

26 The 2015 Decorating on a Dime Contest winners!

See who won and get inspired by their affordable room makeovers!

37 PLU

ED

What Atlanta home improvement insiders want you to know!

57

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT APRIL 2015

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46

57 Covered Up!

Grass, groundcover, hardscape? We help you decide what works best‌and where!

ON THE COVER: Photo courtesy of Floor and Decor

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

3/24/15 12:39 PM

Small energy leaks can really add up.

Do you know how much energy your home is wasting?

The average home has enough air leaks to create an opening over 3 feet wide. So schedule a Whole House Energy Assessment, performed by a certified BPI contractor, to find out where your home is losing energy. Complete a BPI assessment and you’ll get up to a $225 rebate. And if you make the recommended energy improvements, you could get up to $2,350 in rebates. Learn more at georgiapower.com/wholehouse or call 1-877-310-5607. Š 2015 Georgia Power. All rights reserved. Certain restrictions apply. Must be a Georgia Power customer. Valid through December 2015. Rebate eligibility varies based on improvements made and energy reduction achieved. Rebate request must be submitted with receipt within 60 days of purchase or installation of qualifying improvements. Full details available online.

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Photography by Sawyer Photography

contents Family Owned & Operated Since 1980

Frameless Shower Specialists

15 WE ALREADY KNOW YOU ARE INTO IMPROVING YOUR HOME. Now join the fun with our sister publication Best Self Magazine and vote for your favorite “self improver” in our Over 40 and Fabulous contest! Read more on page 15.

Keep your shower glass looking clean with no soap scum or mineral deposits with

LIFETIME GUARANTEE

12 in every issue

66 Photo courtesy of DogsDontEatPizza.com

10 Editor’s Letter 12 Editor’s Picks

Unique home décor shopping on Chamblee’s Antique Row

15 Home Front

Quick tips, expert advice, fun events and more!

18 Garden Inspiration

Check out the 2014 Urban Agriculture Council’s Judge’s Choice Winners!

20 New! Our Expert Panel Q&A

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM Monday-Friday 9-5

www.chattahoocheeglass.com

8

22 New! The Payoff: Home Improvement ROI

8 ways to get more bang for your home improvement buck

770.497.1977

63 Resource Finder

10360 Medlock Bridge Rd. Johns Creek, GA 30097

66 New! DIY Blogger Beat

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT APRIL 2015

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What’s in (and what’s out!) with the “softer side” of décor trends

Find help with your home improvement projects

Old lockers find new life as bright and clever toy storage!

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

3/24/15 11:52 AM

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editor’sletter A Better Way to Enjoy Outdoor Living

Complete Under Deck Ceiling Installed

Happy National Decorating Month!

Decorating.

To some, it’s a dirty word. If you’re a skilled,

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schooled interior designer,

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you don’t want to be known as “just a decorator.” If you’re a manly, macho man who cares

Engineered for Durability and Ease of Maintenance

about traditional gender roles, you’d rather be caught dead than “decorating.” And yet we do it. All of us, every day.

It’s a very human impulse. When we repaint the exterior of our home, that’s decorating. When we slap a bumpersticker on our truck bumper, that’s decorating. When we get a tattoo, put on cosmetics or even cut our hair in a new way: decorating, decorating, decorating.

DIY Kits Available

So this month—which happens to be National Decorating Month—don’t fight it. Embrace that urge to decorate! Pick one favorite room in your house and ask yourself, how can I make this better?

It’s not like there’s a shortage of décor options in our big, beautiful city! A quick Google search of “Atlanta home décor” gives you over 20 million results.

TO RECEIVE THE BEST LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE FROM YOUR UNDERDECK SYSTEM, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

So get your creative sparks flying by reading a few of this month’s features and departments. On page 26, we address any budget constraints head-on with our “Decorating on a Dime” contest. You won’t believe how beautiful $1000 can

First, there are four basic types of material available to choose from, including: • Vinyl – a material that does not age well • Galvanized – is steel with a zinc coating that can rust from the edges • Galvalume – is steel with aluminum and zinc coating, but it could still rust from the edges over time • Aluminum – offers the best option to avoid rust and provide superior corrosion resistance

be! If antique-ing and one-of-a-kind-ing is your style, see

ADDITIONALLY, TO HAVE YOUR SYSTEM LAST FOR YEARS TO COME, IT IS IMPORTANT TO:

your grass and groundcover, which you’ll find on page 57.

• Use compatible fasteners to avoid galvanic action (or rust) • Have no obstructions which could cause water damming and buildup of trash • Have the ability to remove a single panel to access areas to maintain the system properly

our Chamblee Antique Row editor’s picks on page 12. (You won’t believe the fun and affordable décor available in that charming little shopping district!)

And by the way, decorating isn’t limited to knick-knacks and paint color. Page 46 features a great way to “decorate” your kitchen, bath and much more…with tile! We even decorate your outdoor space in our feature on choosing No matter what area or room you choose, upgrading your indoor/outdoor décor is easier and more fun than you ever imagined. So don’t be afraid to jump in and get creative.

This is the month to do it!

Happy Decorating,

770.309.3999

www.magnoliaoutdoorliving.com sales@magnoliaoutdoorliving.com 10

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT APRIL 2015

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Jayne Hallock Editor & Social Media Director AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

3/23/15 2:23 PM

In this Issue 4 Things You’ll Learn This Month

1 2 3 4

Where can you get some unusual home decor? p. 12 Who won our Decorating on a Dime contest? p. 26

Charles G. Crisp, President and Bella Lizasuain, General Manager

What is an encaustic tile? p.51 What are the most popular grasses in Atlanta? p. 57

Coming in May

Photo courtesy of Emily Followill, photography by Emily Followill

After our brutal winter, we’re all ready to bound around our yards like happy springtime puppies. Check out our features on all the ways you can turn your backyard into a play space, from playgrounds to putting greens to bocce courts!

Heading back indoors, we will also feature all the neat ways you can use wallcovering in your home. Also, in honor of National Home Improvement Month, we’ll turn you on to all the new, super-helpful free tools and home improvement apps out there!

Splendor

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ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT APRIL 2015

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3/23/15 2:23 PM

Chamblee’s Antique Row

editor’s

picks

New and notable home improvement products

In celebration of National Decorating Month, we decided to go off the beaten mall/retail store path in search of more one-of-a-kind home décor options. What better place to do this than in the shopping district called “Chamblee’s Antique Row”? While these picks by no means show all the fabulous shops in this area, it’s a great sample of the nifty, thrifty stuff you can find for your home.

4

1

3

2

5

1. Treasure Hunt

2. Estate Gallery We honestly couldn’t take

3. Consignment Furniture Depot

4. Broad Street Antique Mall

5. The Icehouse

Enter a cavernously cool store called The Treasure

enough photos here. Rows

We may never shop retail

When you first walk in to

much in the “Chamblee

Hunt. We spied some chic

of elegant glass, statues,

furniture again. Store

this store, you find a small

Antique Row” area, it’s

designer-type women

home décor and more.

employees tell us that

retail-feeling space with

definitely something of

perusing the seeming

This shop has a high-end

the (wonderful, chic) stuff

shelves full of beautiful

a departure. You’ll find

acres of cute knick-

boutique feel. Easy to see

they sell here often comes

collectibles and décor. But

vintage goods from the

knacks, collectibles and

why it’s called a “gallery”

from movie sets and other

enter the back area and

50s – 70s. One look at

furniture. No wonder!

with its emphasis on

high-end places. We found

you are transported to

this groovy chair and

The enormous selection

beautiful artwork. We had

so many great, unique

antique furniture nirvana.

you just know they

is a designer’s paradise.

to resist bringing home

pieces like this bright red

Unique pieces like this

carry interesting vintage

We especially loved this

this set of bright blue

corduroy lounger. Stop

leather-topped octagonal

furniture, knick-knacks

swanky hand painted

Asian “dogs.” Go see them

by at 5461 Peachtree Rd,

table are everywhere. Visit

and even vintage-look

party platter set. Find out

at 3550 Broad St. Suite

Chamblee, GA 30341 or

them at 3550 Broad Street,

appliances! Visit 5441

more at TheTMart.com. Or

C, Chamblee, GA 30341

check for new arrivals at

Chamblee, GA 30341 or go

Peachtree Road, NE

drop by 3550 Broad Street,

or visit AtlantaFurniture

ConsignmentFurniture

to BroadStreetAntiqueMall.

Chamblee, GA 30341 or go

Chamblee, GA 30341.

Consignments.com

Depot.com

com

to IceHouseChamblee.com

12

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT APRIL 2015

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Although this is very

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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Direct From the Quarries

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The KitchenAid brand has a complete line of products designed for cooks—offering virtually every essential for the well-equipped kitchen with a collection that includes everything from countertop appliances to cookware, ranges to refrigerators and more…

7455 Trowbridge Road NE • Sandy Springs, Ga. 30328 • 404.255.0640 • www.sewellappliance.com

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ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT APRIL 2015

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Ytititi tititi Ytitid!

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

3/24/15 10:41 AM

homefront Expert Tips, News and Happenings from Atlanta’s Home Improvement Community

Expert Q&A

Green For Sale

Q:

What type of stainless steel countertop

should I buy?

A:

Three common grades of stainless steel exist

in the foodservice industry and are: Types 304, 316 and 400. The best grade for homes, Type 304, has the necessary stain and corrosion resistance and is easily formed into shapes and welded.

Type 316 has higher stain resistance and is commonly seen in high acidity environments, but is much

Photo courtesy of Wylde Center

more expensive. Type 400 is

Shy spring is peeking its head up (finally!) and Atlanta gardeners are

less expensive but is prone to

rejoicing. Many of them are headed to Decatur this month where they can

rust and corrosion. (Interesting

find the best selection of vegetables, herbs, trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials

side note: 400 grade is magnetic

and much more. The annual Plant Sale Festival is hosted by the

and 300s are not. This is why

Wylde Center at the organization’s Oakhurst Garden, and will

kitchen inspectors often carry

run from Friday to Sunday, April 10–12 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. All of

magnets with them in

the vegetables have been propagated by the Wylde Center’s horticulture staff, while many of the other plants offered for sale will be provided by

restaurants, to confirm which

local growers and partner organizations. Proceeds from the sale benefit the

type they are using.)

numerous educational offerings at the Wylde Center and help support the Atlanta non-profit organization’s four public greenspaces.

—Dewey Thomas

See WyldeCenter.org for more information.

of Anvil Metalworks Inc. has designed and

Meet Kitchen and Bath Designer Joe Hazellief DCD Kitchen and Bath Design Studio in Norcross is proud to introduce Joe Hazellief as its newest designer. Originally working in the Architecture field, Joe brings with him 12 years of rich expertise in residential interiors as well as kitchen and bath design. Passionate about helping homeowners navigate projects large and small, he says his goal is “…to help clients make their new space a place to come home to.” Welcome Joe! AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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Photo courtesy DCD Kitchen & Bath Design Studio, photography

by Gregg Willett Photography

Photo courtesy of Anvil Metalworks, Inc.

fabricated residential stainless steel countertops, sinks and cabinetry in Atlanta for the past 21 years. He has enjoyed his experiences engineering and supplying products for both European countertop companies in the U.S. and American home improvement stores. For more information see AnvilMetalWorks.com

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT APRIL 2015

15

3/23/15 2:38 PM

homefront Vote for your Fab 40 favorite by April 5th!

Who are the most fabulous members of Atlanta’s over40 crowd?

Free Pond Maintenance Seminars!

Find them in our sister publication Best Self Atlanta magazine’s Over 40 & Fabulous! contest, going on now. (You

Photo courtesy of Splendor Koi

obviously already are a fan of ‘home

Maintaining a pond is tricky

improvement’,

business. Splendor Koi and Pond,

now let these

Atlanta’s trusted source of Koi Photo by Sawyer Photography

contestants inspire you to work on some ‘self improvement!’) The contestants were

BEST SELF ATLANTA MAGAZINE’S 2014 Over 40 & Fabulous Contest winners.

Pictured L-R: Erika Carter, Diana Hofsommer, Marsha Middleton, Toni Moceri, Dr. David Jones, Jen McGowan Guynn, Sue Cobb, Beth Ann Bearup, Virginia Keagle, Peggy Rainbow

fish, pond products and pond information, is offering their expertise in the pondkeeping.

Splendor Koi holds free seminars on the first Saturday of every

nominated by their

month, with guest speakers and

friends, co-workers or family members because they give back to the community,

topics ranging from mitigating

keep themselves looking great, and enjoy life to the fullest. Get to know them on

springtime pond problems,

Best Self Atlanta’s Facebook page, facebook.com/bestselfatlanta, and vote for your

to caring for your Koi. Visit

favorite fabulous contestant until April 5th. The top 10 winners will share their

SplendorKoi.com for more

stories in Best Self Atlanta’s June issue, so don’t miss it!

information!

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH April 10–12 Dogwood Festival Hours Vary Piedmont Park Dogwood.org

April 18 – May 10 2015 Decorators Show House and Gardens Hours Vary DecoratorsShowHouse.org

April 10–12 Wylde Center Annual Plant Sale 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Oakhurst Community Garden WyldeCenter.org

April 18–19 Sandy Springs Artsapalooza Hours Vary 6100 Lake Forrest Drive, NE Sandy Springs, GA 30328 SandySpringsArtsapalooza.com

April 11 Art on the Chattahoochee 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Jones Bridge Park GwinnettParks.com

April 18–19 Alpharetta Arts StreetFest 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Historic Downtown Alpharetta AwesomeAlpharetta.com

April 24–26 Spring Home and Garden Show Perimeter Mall (770) 844-0213 April 27–30 Design ADAC Hours Vary AdacAtlanta.com/design-adac May 1-3 Druid Hills Home Tour Hours Vary DruidHillsTour.org May 9 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Lenox Square Mall 8 a.m.

Atlanta.Info-Komen.org

For more event listings, visit AtlantaHomeImprovement.com Have a home improvement question or news tip? Send to editor@homeimprovementmag.com.

16

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT APRIL 2015

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AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

3/24/15 11:58 AM

APRIL BRINGS A SHOWER OF SPECIAL DEALS AND SAVINGS NEW LOCATION—CORNER OF ELLSWORTH INDUSTRIAL & OLD CHATTAHOOCHEE AVE.

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gardeninspiration And The Winner Is… Spring has sprung! Let’s get inspired to upgrade our outdoor spaces!

We thought we’d show you some stunning projects completed by members of the Urban Agriculture Council. Here are the “Judges’ Choice” winners of the 2014 Professional Landscape Awards.

C hat ham | De sign /B Seasonal c ol or uild /Install at ion: - C ommerci al 0 enti al , under $50,00

esid B ui ld /Installation: R n/ ig es D | n ig es D Bennett

P lanters | Des

Focke le | La n

dscape Man

agement : R

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,000-$200,000

esident ial

P lanters | Design/Build/Installation: Residential, $50,000-$150,000 18

ign /B uild /I

merci al, $75 nstall at ion: C om

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expertpanel

Trendy Textiles

In honor of National Decorating Month, what are the newest textile trends? What’s in and what’s out?

ALI INAL Designer Rug Warehouse

Natural fibers, linens, and linen blends are all trending in fabrics right now. They have made a huge footprint in the design industry. We are seeing linens in every color and the solid neutrals seem to be the most popular. Shades of beige, taupe and grays have a soft elegant look.

For rugs, an eclectic,

Linens can be printed, and even embroidered.

and remain relevant by

A tone-on-tone embroidered linen gives you a modern but classic look, without being fussy. Even if you choose solid linen you can add a decorative tape/flat braid down the leading edge of panels for a timeless, classic look. We are seeing a wide choice of textures, and colors, from plain linen, to Greek key, or even embroidered tapes. Tapes can also give your pillows and lampshades a tailored modern updated look.

20

modern vibe is in these days. Expect to see a more sophisticated look for 2015, especially the surprising return of luxurious rugs, i.e.

Oushak rugs, with pale colors and soft textures. Handmade rugs are still a classic utilizing updated colors. Painterly Rug designs resembling abstract paintings are also in, especially those rendered in silk that seem to shimmer and even change color.

Finally, there is nothing more “sophisticated” than the cowhide rug for today’s modern, yet approachable design aesthetic. What’s out?

Over dyed patchwork and Persian designs.

The shaggy Moroccan black-and-whites are also overexposed and out.

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT APRIL 2015

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DEIDRA CUNNINGHAM IKEA

Interchange-able covers that slip on over an existing pillow can inexpensively breathe new life into your decor. Faux silk throw pillows and shiny textures are associated with luxury and opulence. Add a pop of color with rich jewel-toned throw pillows. Or stick to neutral silk throw pillows for an understated touch.

Bold graphic patterns are the perfect way to make a statement without overwhelming the room.

Textured pillows are a great way to add variety to your room design and are a nice contrast to shiny textures of wood and glass. It’s also a good way to add variety without adding additional patterns.

MARINA MOROZOVA Lumen Solution LLC

What’s out in window treatments? We often hear from customers who are frustrated with their unsightly, nonfunctioning unevenly hanging shades. So it’s no surprise that more and more of our customers have fallen in love with motorized shades.

This is an efficient, streamlined solution that I think will continue to gain popularity in 2015.

You can now even operate your shades from your smart phone or iPad! Motorized shades are available in different fabrics and colors, which allows you to customize your shades to match any decor. For colors, we are seeing a trend in window treatments toward blue and gray shades, as well a return to classic, timeless beige.

MARY JO COOPER CC Designs Atlanta

If you’re looking to update your bedding here are some new trendy ideas to do just that.

Metallics are really hot!

Adding metallic embellishments is a great way to bring “bling “into your bedroom.

Or maybe you like the beach? Navy blue and white are good choices for a more sophisticated coastal look. Another option is using neutrals with pops of corals, oranges, yellows or aquas.

For a more dramatic look, try the trendy emerald green and white.

Finally, gathered bed skirts are very out right now. If you want a bed skirt, a nice, clean, straight lined tailored look is what’s “in” for 2015.

Photos courtesy of (left to right) Fabric and Fringe Warehouse, photography by Alma Aleman; Designer Rug Warehouse; IKEA, photography by Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2015; Marina Morozova, photography by Sergey Melmichenko; CC Design Atlanta (ADO Coopers Creations, LLC)

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3/20/15 9:42 AM

ThePayoff – Real Estate ROI

Invest Wisely: 8 Ways to Get More Bang for Your Home Improvement Buck “How do I get the greatest return on my investment?”

making it the largest and most expensive home in the

This is a question every homeowner faces whenever they

neighborhood.

7. Be sure to improve in keeping with the home’s style. If

decide to remodel.

your home is a 1920s bungalow, then be sure to try to stick

Unfortunately, there’s no

to classic, neutral choices

easy answer or simple formula. This is because

and period moldings.

what a buyer might be

8. Typically you can

willing to pay for that

expect to make

improved home can

between 70 percent

depend on many factors,

and 90 percent

like the choice of project,

back on your home

the materials used, the

improvement

value of other homes in

investment dollar

your neighborhood and

—sometimes more,

so on.

sometimes less—

But—still—it’s important

within the first year or two.

to at least have some idea of what your

By remodeling smart,

improvements might be

you can increase and

worth. Broadly speaking, there are a few solid home improvement truths.

1. Kitchens and baths are almost always the first

Three factors determine your project’s ROI. Will it impact your home’s appraised value, how long will you be in the home and how strong is your area’s resale market?

rooms a buyer will focus on, so while these rooms can be the most costly to redo, they’re more likely to pay for themselves.

2. Adding rooms like a new family room or master suite also tends to fare well at resale time.

3. There are other, more specific ways to be judicious when making improvements. New paint, new counters, new appliances, a new sink, new faucet and hardware for the kitchen can change the look and update the home.

4. Simply adding a new bathroom vanity, faucet, showerhead or paint can go a long way. (Assuming the

even make money on the improvement the longer you stay in the home. As with any investment, it’s the quiet power of compounding

that creates good returns.

By being in the home a longer period of time, you give the real estate market time to increase and you leverage the remodeling investment as property values grow.

In general, when deciding whether or not a home improvement project is a good investment consider this: how your project impacts your home’s appraised value; how long you plan to be in the home; how strong the resale market is in your area.”

Happy renovating!

tile or flooring is in good shape.)

5. Spending more money does not always equal more value. Pools and sunrooms are a good example of that.

While these items may be something you enjoy, very few people are willing to pay extra for these.

6. Another thing to keep in mind is the neighborhood and home style. Make sure you do not over-improve for the neighborhood. For example: in a neighborhood that has mostly three bedroom, two bath homes, you would not want to add another two bedrooms and a bath, thereby 22

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT APRIL 2015

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Linda Lehsten has been a realtor, investor and renovator for 20 years and specializes in the in-town market. Decatur, Candler Park, Old Fourth Ward, VaHi, Morningside and Inman Park are just a few of the neighborhoods she knows well. She is currently working at Keller Knapp Realty and can be reached at LindaLehsten.com for more info.

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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CONTEST WINNERS

Atlanta! You knocked it out of the park...

In honor of National Decorating Month we issued you a challenge and you really rose to the occasion.

For our 2015 “Decorating on a Dime” Contest we asked if you could transform a room for under $1,000.

With some creativity, a few repurposed items and a whole lot of vision, our winners made the “old” look beautifully new again. In the next few pages, you’ll meet our winners and learn their stories and see exactly how they afforded it all. We hope their nifty finds and ingenuity will help you with your next project.

Photography by Emily Cameron

(Tip: Make sure to take photos and document your progress because you might be next year’s winner!)

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AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

3/24/15 3:49 PM

Winner - Alisha Nesbitt

transformed her son’s nursery into this girly, gorgeous nursery for her new daughter Rian for $899.54 Decorating for a princess! That was the vision I had in mind before I started and nothing less than perfect would do for our Rian.

I transformed my son’s old nursery into a nursery for my daughter who was born on December 29th.Though the transformation looks dramatic, I actually kept it pretty simple. I only had to wallpaper just one wall plus I changed the paint color and refurbished and upholstered the crib.

I ordered the wallpaper from Graham and Brown online and Neal Schwartz is the independent contractor who painted the room and hung the wallpaper!

I also repurposed furniture from other parts of the house to cut costs. The mirrored vanity has been sitting in my closet unused for six years. I decided to pull it out of the closet and pass it on to my daughter. The vanity gives the room the perfect touch for a “Princess” themed nursery. So does the pink glitter crown that we recycled from her baby shower!

Budget

Crib .........................................$199.54 New rug ..................................$175.00 Wallpaper ...............................$150.00 Paint and wallpaper labor.......$375.00

BEFORE AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT APRIL 2015

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3/24/15 3:49 PM

CONTEST WINNERS

2nd Place Jae Vinson, Blogger at Design O.C.D. transformed her guest room for $260

Budget

Homemade burlap headboard ................... $80 Fuchsia curtains (Amazon.com).................. $60 White bed skirt with navy blue stripes ........ $30 Paint .............................................................. $47 Fabric .............................................................. $3 Sunburst mirror (HomeGoods).................... $40

Inspiration can come from anywhere! Mine came from that pair of fuchsia curtains.

The newly painted white wall enabled me to bring in color and interest with new fabric and paint (the existing pieces were refreshed) and a few new accessories were added. I used my original paintings on the wall along with some plates from Target and Crate & Barrel I already owned. Then I purchased a new sunburst mirror. I did not replace the sheets or duvet cover but purchased a new bed skirt. No new furniture was purchased for this makeover. I actually made the burlap headboard with a nailhead trim and painted the dresser. On this miniscule budget, I still ended up with a room that suits my taste. It now feels more modern and even more welcoming.

BEFORE

Design and Renovation WAREHOUSE THE SOUTH’S LARGEST IN-STOCK SELECTION

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ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT APRIL 2015

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770-794-8106 770-794-8106

2440 Canton Road • Marietta, GA 30066

2440 Canton Road • Marietta, GA 30066 S H O P A N Y T I M E O N L I N E AT www.FabricsAndFringe.com www.FabricsAndFringe.com AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

3/23/15 3:19 PM

3rd Place Nancy Minnich redecorated her daughter’s bedroom for $457

Quarter round (Hardwood Floors Unlimited)..........$15 Rug (IKEA) .................................................................$60 Paint (Lowes) .............................................................$63 Primer (Lowes) ..........................................................$20

Budget

Floor sealer (Hardwood Floors Unlimited)...............$50

Closet light (Lowes)...................................................$24 Door hinges and hardware (Lowes) .........................$24 Curtains (Marshalls) ..................................................$40 Chandelier (My Favorite Place) ................................$40 Rent a sander (Sunbelt Rental) ..............................$121

Inspired by Lilly Pulitzer! It was time to update the purple, yellow, & orange walled bedroom belonging to our daughter. Her inspiration was a pink floral Lilly Pulitzer duvet cover. My husband and I primed and painted the walls and ceiling. We removed the shag carpet and uncovered hardwood floors.

We sanded and sealed the floors and installed quarter round molding. The bi-fold closet doors were replaced with louvered doors and we replaced the BEFORE

dated ceiling fan and light with a chandelier. We re-purposed the curtain rods, bedding and rugs. While still girlie, the room is now bright & inviting.

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ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT APRIL 2015

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3/23/15 3:19 PM

CONTEST WINNERS

Professional Winner We couldn’t resist this pretty lobby makeover. After all, aren’t our workplaces often “home away from home”?

Laura Anzures, Daniel’s Floors transformed this lobby for $748.72

Chairs (Medical Supply House )...........$159.00

Budjet

Rug (Target) .............................................$49.99 Paint ......................................................$100.64 Curtains & Rods (Target) ........................$ 53.48 Tables (Craigslist Seller) ..........................$75.00 Flooring ..................................................$260.65 Lamps & Shades (Target) .......................$49.96

The lobby had an old, black futon, chairs, a plastic tree and horrible carpeting. The walls were yellow and orange. I had to find seating that was as durable, comfortable and stylish. I had to find something that would accommodate people of all body types. I searched Craigslist for

BE

office furniture and lobby furniture. I initially found what I thought was a great set of chairs online. But when I went to purchase the chairs, they really weren’t as cool as they looked in the

BEFORE

photo. I spied the chairs that I ended up buying, hidden behind a bunch of medical beds. I got a great deal because there were only 5 chairs, not a set of 6. The chairs will hold weight up to nearly 300 lbs. The chairs I was going to purchase were $275 for the set. The ones I got were better...and less expensive!

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Call for pricing at

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or visit us at the RFS Showroom!

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3/23/15 3:19 PM

Professional Honorable Mention

While this makeover cost a bit more than our limit, we simply had to include the submission from Sunshine On A Ranney Day, which is a wonderful nonprofit organization. They create dream room makeovers for children with long-term illnesses or disabilities. We are proud to help spread the word about this fantastic, inspiring group!

The beginning of the story is tragic. At 4 years old, Brianna Hudson was riding in her family’s car when it was hit head-on by a Corvette driven by a teenager. The driver and passenger in the Corvette were killed and Briana was left with serious injuries to her brain and spinal cord. Through her family’s faith in God and extensive therapy, Briana can BEFORE now get around using a wheel chair. Since Briana needed to be on the main floor, she was sharing her parent’s bedroom. That’s when Sunshine on a Ranney Day, a non-profit organization whose motto is, “We don’t just make rooms, we make room for hope!”, stepped in. Their charity uses professionals to help kids with long-term illnesses. They renovated the garage and transformed it into Briana’s dream bedroom with a wheelchair ramp and handicap accessible bathroom. For more information about this incredible makeover (and organization!) visit http://bit.ly/ranneybriana

L to R: Denise Hudson, Holly Ranney, Briana Hudson, Peter Ranney, Brian Robins, Sgt. Buddy Mays, Danny Hudson

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Did you know you could get everything on this page

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Upgrading your decor is affordable and fun at IKEA! Come get inspired at Atlantic Station and bring home a “new room” of your own!

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Disconnect from your busy world & Discover the north Georgia mountains at Covered Bridge Estates in Ellijay, GA.

A peaceful mountain community less than a hour north of Atlanta!

Whether you’re searching for your first mountain home, vacation retreat or planning your retirement, Covered Bridge Estates is right for you.

Our community offers an abundance of lifestyle opportunities. Watch wildlife from your balcony. Take a leisurely walk on paved roads throughout the gated community. Covered Bridge Estates is just a stone's throw away from Carter's Lake and the entrance to the Appalachian Trail where recreation opportunities such as hiking, boating, and mountain biking abound. Enjoy the convenience of local vineyards, dining & antique shops. Visit the historic downtown square, and enjoy the Annual Apple Festival. Covered Bridge Estates... the next place you will want to call home.

Community Features · Professionally planned community · Gated entrance w/cameras · Homesites starting in mid 30's · 1 to 3-acre build-able homesites

· Model open daily · Homes starting in mid 200's · Several home plans to choose from 1700 - 2500 sq. ft. of living area

Contact Mike Kunkel at 706-669-4177 or mike@estatesatcoveredbridge.com Or Visit www.estatesatcoveredbridge.com

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For details call 1-800-524-2421, Ext. 850, or visit georgiapower.com/heatpump. *Certain restrictions apply. Must be a Georgia Power single-family customer. $550 rebate for 18 SEER (or higher) traditional or 16 SEER (or higher) VRF conversions. $400 rebate for 15 SEER (or higher) heat pumps and $200 rebate for 13 or 14.9 SEER heat pump conversions. Equipment must be installed by a participating dealer by August 31, 2015, with notification to Georgia Power by August 31, 2015. For all available Georgia Power rebates, visit georgiapower.com/rebates. ©2015 Georgia Power Company. All rights reserved.

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PLU

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Romancing the Stone – Pros & Cons of Travertine Tile

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No More Cold Feet! – Consider Underfoot Heating for Your Home

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Don’t sweat the HVAC stuff - How to Choose Your Heating and Air Provider by Cool Air Mechanical

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How To Make Your Closet Feel Like A Luxury Space

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AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

3/20/15 11:39 AM

PLU

Romancing the Stone – Pros & Cons of Travertine Travertine is a natural stone and popular building material, used in everything from floors, countertops, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, showers and sinks. It can be polished, honed or textured.

But is it right for your home? Check out these pros and cons and decide!

PLU PLU

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EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST

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Pros:

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Aesthetic appeal: Travertine tile has a luxurious appearance and comes in a wide variety of colors, from muted neutral shades to bright bold coral tones.

one of your largest investments and you do not want to make expensive mistakes. Enhance Floors & More is A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau and has been a Home Reports “Best Pick” for fourteen consecutive years. Don’t trust your project to

Ageless appearance: Travertine already looks weathered and is truly timeless. The Colosseum in Rome is composed mostly of travertine!

a company that you have never heard of and cannot research.

Our strong reputation for quality

Cost: Travertine is as attractive and durable as marble, but costs less.

and customer service gives you peace of mind.

We are your total home design center!

Impervious to temperature extremes: Travertine can stand up to extreme heat and cold.

Visit our Marietta Showroom and make your dream home a reality.

Nonslip: The natural non-slip texture of travertine makes it a good flooring choice.

Cons: Porosity: Travertine is a very porous stone and even when the holes are filled in, the materials used to fill in the holes can wear down over time.

Elisabeth Stubbs Co-owner

Acid sensitivity: Travertine is composed of calcium carbonate, which is highly reactive to vinegar, orange juice and other weak acid foods. Not ideal for kitchen counters!

Lack of uniform appearance: As travertine is a naturally occurring stone, not all the tiles in the shipment will look exactly the same.

Maintenance: A natural, soft stone, travertine is subject to staining and etching. Special products are required to clean and maintain its surface.

This article is brought to you by Enhance Floors & More 1847 Roswell Road Marietta 30062 770-565-3808 | www.enhancefloors.com AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

3/24/15 2:10 PM

PLU

No More Cold Feet!

PLU

Consider Underfoot Heating for Your Home Where should you install heated flooring?

The most obvious place to add heated flooring is in the bathroom. (This is especially ideal for bathrooms over a garage, where there is unheated space underneath.) Additionally, we have found that basements, kitchens and sunrooms also benefit from a heated floor.

Because the product is a completely sealed system, it allows for installation on shower floors, and bench seats as well.

Underfloor heating is safe, cost effective, and energy efficient: Unlike heated air, the radiant heat used in underfloor heating does not dry out the room. It operates on a low voltage system that does not require much energy.

You can also pick zones, and run your heated floor on a timer.

Once installed, what maintenance do I need to worry about? Will it ever stop working?

Our company has used a product called Speedheat on numerous occasions over the past nine years, and we have not experienced any maintenance issues whatsoever, the installations are in perfect working order.

in ED in EDin EDin ED

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Can heated floor systems be installed under flooring other than tiles?

Yes, depending on the heating element company. With Speedheat, we can help our clients heat tile, hardwood, and even carpet flooring.

This article is brought to you by Atlanta Design & Build 770-565-8999 | AtlantaDesignBuild.com AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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Don’t sweat the HVAC stuff How to Choose Your Heating and Air Provider

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We service all brands, makes & models EPA & NATE Certified

First, check with rating sites, such as Kudzu, Google+, Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau to read what “real customers” are saying. Remember, all opinions are subjective, but do consider them and look for consistent patterns.

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Look for companies who achieve awards from manufacturers such as “The Dave Lennox Award.”

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Services Include: Air Conditioning Heating Maintenance Programs

Make sure your HVAC company is licensed, bonded and insured. In addition, a reputable company will “pull a permit” which means that they don’t cut corners and are not afraid to have their work scrutinized.

Service Repairs

Ask if technicians are employees or subcontractors. A full service company has better quality control over employees, with training to create a consistent method of installation, service and repair.

Water Heaters

Indoor Air Quality Humidity Control Zoning Smart Thermostats Ductless Systems Duct Cleaning

Make sure that technicians are background checked and drug tested. A reputable, full service company will have already done this to insure that they can trust the person who is being sent to your home.

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Tiled in

From shiny metallics to woodinspired hues, new tile trends are popping up all over Atlanta!

By Kathy Kantorski

K

nown as much for its strength as its aesthetic, tile is the material of choice for most kitchen and bathroom floors. But it can do so much more! Thanks to updated

manufacturing technologies and expanding trends, there are now more ways than ever to incorporate tile into your home.

Here’s a guide to tile types and trends, plus some tips on installation and maintenance.

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Cecilia glass blend by Bisazzae

Porcelain: Saint Barth Barbanera Wood P lank

Copper Slate by American Olean Photos courtesy of (left to right) Floor & Decor; Specialty Tile

Porcelain planks Need a floor that can withstand your family’s wear, tear and spills? Then consider porcelain, which is available in many different finish options. “Glazed porcelain tiles are much harder and more wear- and damage-resistant than non-porcelain ceramic tiles, making them suitable for any

and more popular and they’re starting to look a lot more like wood—I love this look!” says designer Erica Nicole Illions with Snappy Kitchens. “Wood floors are a great look, but a lot of people worry about having to refinish them and potential water damage issues. Wood-look tiles are an awesome alternative— they don’t have to be refinished, and water won’t hurt them.”

application, from light traffic to the heaviest residential and

Illions isn’t the only one singing the praises of this tile.

light commercial traffic,” say Elisabeth Stubbs and Mallory

Stubbs and Bernard call wood-look tiles a “hot design trend

Bernard of Enhance Floors and More.

on the rise,” and note that the tiles come in a variety of

“Full-body porcelain tiles carry the color and pattern through the entire thickness of the tile, making them virtually impervious to wear and suitable for any application, from residential to the highest-traffic commercial or industrial applications,” Stubbs says.

The front entryway is also a popular location for porcelain tile installations, although, according to Seble Mengistu of Pineapple House Design, you need to consider the adjoining rooms. “In Georgia’s high-end homes, the material used in the entry generally continues to the other main-floor areas.”

plank lengths, mimic many different species of wood and even offer a handscraped aesthetic. The tiles are made of porcelain, which is one of, if not the most durable tile material available, and today’s inkjet technology means that, “until you touch them, these planks are pretty much indistinguishable from hardwood,” says Lisa Laube of Floor & Decor. “Not only are they low maintenance, but these woodlook tiles can go where it’s impractical for hardwood: think basements, bathrooms, utility rooms and more.”

So if you prefer wood flooring in your living room, Mengistu

Go big or go home

recommends installing a tile and wood mix in the entryway.

“Bigger is better when it comes to today’s tile trends,” Laube

Speaking of mixing wood and tiles, you can now have the

says. “We have 24-inch tiles and bigger flying off the shelves.

best of both worlds with tiles that have been made to look

A 32-inch tile can seem overwhelming, but in reality, a large

like wood planks. This material has been gaining popularity

tile is actually less distracting than smaller, traditional tiles

and improved offerings over the last couple of years, and now

because there are fewer grout lines. Plus, less grout lines also

it’s the hottest trend in tile. “Wood-look tiles are getting more

means less maintenance.”

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Local experts all note that this “the bigger, the better” trend is here to stay, and that the previously standard 12-by-12inch square tiles are now outdated.

However, the installation process for these larger tiles can be tricky.

“If you’re installing a 12-by-24-inch tile, make sure you have a tile layer who is proficient at installing this tile,” says Ann Wisniewski

Marble: Crema Marfil Classic Premium

Travertine: Argento Brushed Stick Photos courtesy of Floor & Decor

of AJW Designs Inc. “Ceramic in that shape bows slightly during firing, and when you lay it, you have to alternate the seams, otherwise they will not lay evenly.”

Theresa Minkoff with Moda Floors and Interiors also advises laying large-format rectangular porcelain tile in one-third stagger brick joints instead of half-stagger brick joints to avoid “lippage” that results from bowed tiles.

Patterns and textures

Some homeowners are using several different natural stones in a tile pattern or doing a mixed-media application by adding metallic and mirror accents alongside the stone tiles for a unique design. But even those who want to stick with one tile material are no longer constrained to a typical grid pattern. Designers are now creating one-third brickjoint patterns, along with herringbone, offset, Versailles, hopscotch and chevron motifs.

Feras Irikat of Lunada Bay Tile adds, “It’s moving tile from a simple, practical surface into a realm of art.”

Textured or molded tiles are also becoming very popular in the design world. Minkoff notes that these tiles can have fabric, wood and leather textures, as well as molded

Hue cues

waves, offering a unique look (and feel!) to your home’s

“Try color!” Irikat exclaims. “In the past, people relied on

walls.

earth tones to decorate their spaces, and now people are

Another new material trend is patterned concrete tiles,

getting bolder with their color choices. You’re seeing vibrant hues, soft pastels, metallic finishes and everything in

beautiful, unique designs and patterns,” says Berk

between.” Ozbarlas agrees, and advises homeowners not to

Ozbarlas, of Arketype. “In the manufacturing process, the

be afraid of expanding their horizons past white or beige tile

paint actually goes through the tile, so even if you sand

options. “There are so many great color options out there

the surface and reseal it in the future, you will never lose

in ceramic, porcelain and glass. Even pairing white tile with

your design. This is a great option for floors that receive a

a colorful feature, such as a glass mosaic backsplash, can

lot of wear and tear.”

provide new life to your home.”

Don’t Be Dated

also known as encaustic tiles. “Encaustic tiles offer

These tile trends may be on their way out: • • • •

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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• •

• ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT APRIL 2015

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About the grout

consistency.” Wisniewski agrees, adding that she highly

When shopping for tile, you can easily become captivated by the tile designs and materials and overlook the grout, deciding

recommends grout with pre-mixed sealer added. “There is a urethane grout that is wonderful,” she notes.

on this seemingly insignificant part of the project at the last

Want to avoid the grout as much as possible? Shop for

minute. But it’s not insignificant! Just the color of grout can

tiles with rectified edges, Illions says. “Rectified edges

alter the look of the whole installation! “Always upgrade the

allow tiles to lay very close to each other so grout lines are

color of the grout!” Minkoff says. “There are so many great

much smaller, but this also increases the complexity of the

new grouts on the market, touting stain resistance and color

installation and is often more costly.”

What’s Your Type?

Use this chart as a “rule of thumb” guide to choosing the right tile for your home. As always, we recommend you consult an expert before making any final buying decisions!

Tile

Best Uses

Average Cost

Vinyl

Kitchen flooring

Sheet vinyl: $2 per sq. ft.

Luxury vinyl tile: $3 per sq. ft.

Comfortable to stand on; quick installation; bendable material works well for floors that may experience movement or cracks

Not known for beauty or durability; should not be installed in areas where constant moisture is expected, such as a shower or tub surround or exterior applications

Laminate

Flooring for laundry rooms and mudrooms

$2.50 per sq. ft.

Inexpensive; low-maintenance; easy to install

Less water resistant than other tile options

Ceramic

Floors, interior feature walls, backsplashes, decorative accents, shower surround

$3 per sq. ft.

Common, affordable material; easy to cut for DIYer

Hard, cold surface when compared to vinyl and laminate options; unlike natural stone where edges can be left raw, ceramic-tile edges require finished bullnose pieces

Porcelain

Floors, interior feature walls, backsplashes, decorative accents, shower surround

$4 per sq. ft.

Water absorption is less than 0.5 percent, making this tile nonporous and ideal for wet conditions; offered in wood-look designs; fire resistant; can be used over radiant heat; some manufacturers, such as Crossville, incorporate recycled material into their porcelain tiles

Dense and brittle when cutting (not for an average DIYer)

Slate

Floors, walls, backsplashes, design accents, interior and exterior applications

$5 per sq. ft.

Timeless aesthetic; water resistant; textured (not slippery); durable; easy to clean and maintain; dark color of slate tiles camouflages dirt and pet hair; antibacterial; can be used over radiant heat

High maintenance (can stain, requires special cleaners, requires annual sealing)

Travertine

Floors, walls, backsplashes, design accents, interior and exterior applications

$5 per sq. ft.

Classic, versatile and multipurpose stone with texture and neutral tones; a lightweight alternative to marble; stands the test of time (it was used to build Rome’s Colosseum!)

Polished tiles are too slippery for flooring (use porous, honed or tumbled travertine instead); can be damaged by acidic liquids—clean up spills and pet accidents quickly to avoid issues

Glass

Feature walls, backsplashes, decorative accents, shower and tub surrounds

$10 per sq. ft.

Reflects light, making small spaces look larger; mildew resistant; stain resistant; offered in recycled materials for the eco-conscious homeowner

Expensive; requires installation by a skilled contractor; not many floorrated options available

Concrete

Floors (bathroom, kitchen, mudroom, laundry room)

$10 per sq. ft.

Durable; pattern is built through entire tile so it can be sanded and resealed as needed

Thick material—area may need to be adjusted to accommodate

Carrara marble

Bathroom counters, floors and shower surrounds

$20 per sq. ft.

Similar in appearance to Calacatta, only with softer veining; easier to find than Calacatta

Though not as costly as Calacatta, it is still more expensive than many other types of tile, and requires regular maintenance

Calacatta marble

Bathroom counters, floors and shower surrounds

$30 per sq. ft.

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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(materials only)

Pros

Cons

Makes a strong impression with its crisp white color and strong gray, golden or pink veins; offers a simple and classic look

Expensive; requires regular maintenance

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Ceramic: Daltile Modern Dimensions Semi Gloss, Artisan

Brown

Glass: Interceramic Pietra Cristal,, Crema Serpentine Interceramic, Crema Imperial Cigar Border Photo courtesy of Enhance Floors

“Grout joints that are less than one-eighth inch or thinner

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are more manageable and less noticeable,” notes Audrica Banks with Capital Floors. “There’s less worry for staining, regrouting or deep cleaning.”

Installation advice Finally, when you’re ready to install the tiles you’ve chosen, extra care should be taken. “Never underestimate the installation process for tile,” Stubbs says. “Tile is the most permanent type of flooring—the only way to fix it is with a sledgehammer.”

To begin, first check that your subfloor is ready for tile. If it’s not completely level, the tile installation will fail, resulting in cracked flooring.

Then, if you’re installing natural-stone tile (where no two pieces are exactly alike), blend pieces from multiple boxes to avoid having areas that are noticeably different than each other.

After the tile is installed, make sure you educate yourself on its proper maintenance, and keep up with regular cleaning and sealing. Finally, Ozbarlas says, “Don’t cut costs when it comes to selecting tile. High-end material will likely last longer and provide a more timeless look that can be enjoyed for years.”

RESOURCES: AJW Designs Inc | AjwDesignsinc.com Arketype | Arketype.us Capital Floors | CapitalFloors.net Crossville Tile & Stone | CrossvilleTileAndStone.com Enhance Floors and More | EnhanceFloors.com Floor & Decor | FloorandDecor.com Johnny Rhino Residential Remodelers | JohnnyRhino.com Levantina | Levantina.com Lunada Bay Tile | LunadaBaytile.com Moda Floors and Interiors | ModaFloorsAndInteriors.com Pineapple House Interior Design | PineappleHouse.com Snappy Kitchens | SnappyKitchens.com Traditions in Tile and Stone | TraditionsInTile.com The Tile Shop | TileShop.com AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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3/24/15 12:33 PM 3/20/15 3:11 PM

Choosing your ideal grass or groundcover

By Karon Warren

T

hanks to Atlanta’s (mostly) hospitable climate, residents can enjoy the great outdoors for most of the year. As such, they usually choose landscaping that

can be enjoyed year-round. This means more weeks and months of traffic. More wear, more tear. So it’s even more crucial that Atlantans educate themselves on which grasses or groundcovers are ornamental and attractive, yet still hardy.

Photo courtesy of King Landscape

The Popular Kids

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By far, the most prevalent choices for grass in the metro Atlanta area are fescue and zoysia with some bermudagrass thrown in. “Their popularity comes from their suitability for our climate and providing durable lawn options,” says Meredith Jedlicka of Plants Creative Landscapes.

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Clockwise from top left: Mondo grass, Creeping thyme, Creeping Jenny, Blue star creeper, Creeping phlox, Liriope, Wintercreeper, Asiatic jasmine, Vinca vine and Pachysandra

“Zoysia and bermudagrass are the most recommended

well in the Atlanta area. Others include Vinca vine, Asiatic

because of their lower water requirements.”

jasmine, Wintercreeper and Liriope. These are popular

A growing selection of zoysia varieties means more options

because they spread quickly and help choke out weeds.

for homeowners to personalize their yards. “Emerald zoysia is a fine-textured form that’s been around for a long time,” says Hillary Thompson of Super-Sod. “Newer types of zoysia include Zenith—a medium-textured type—and the brand new Leisure Time zoysia, which is medium-fine in texture.”

Zeon, St. Augustine, Raleigh and Floratam are other types of zoysia.

For those looking at groundcovers, Mondo grass, Creeping thyme, Creeping Jenny, Blue star creeper, Creeping phlox and Pachysandra are just some of the many options that hold up

Money Matters Of course, for many homeowners the choice of grass and/or groundcover comes down to budget. Because every yard is different—square footage varies, landscape is not universal, prep work differs—there is no exact price for purchasing and installing grass and/or groundcovers. Add in different costs for different breeds, and the expense can change dramatically yet again.

Todd Guilmette of Unique Environmental Landscapes says Zeon zoysia is usually the most expensive type of grass, based on availability. Bermudagrass and fescue are second most expensive options. On average, homeowners should expect to pay between $1.50 and $2.25 per square foot for the most popular grass choices.

Price ranges also differ for groundcovers based on type, quantity and size of plant when installed. Asiatic jasmine is fairly inexpensive compared to other groundcovers, with Mondo grass also a pretty affordable choice. Jedlicka says a broad range would be $1.25 for a smaller plant and up to $8 for a larger plant.

Photo courtesy of Belgard

Traffic Report Another consideration for homeowners when choosing grass and groundcovers is how well the plants will hold up to daily wear and tear. This includes foot traffic, shade, drought, winter temps and so on. “Zoysia is very durable for kid and pet traffic,” says Mark Erbesfield, of PaverStone Construction and Greenmark Landscaping. Zoysia, a 58

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Photos courtesy of (left to right) Legacy Landscapes Inc., photography by Mark Schisler; Super-Sod, photography by Hillary Thompson

“warm season” turf, will go dormant and turn brown during

with zoysia, bermuda or fescue is fairly routine. “I suggest

the winter season.

cutting most grasses about one inch, two inches for fescue,”

Zoysia also has the ability to repair itself because the

says Mark Schisler of Legacy Landscapes Inc. “I also suggest

species spreads moderately via aboveground stolons and belowground rhizomes. Bermuda shares this trait, as well as going into dormancy for the winter. However, bermudagrass has the tendency to spread more than zoysia, so it could stray beyond the borders the homeowner prefers.

Fescue, on the other hand, contradicts zoysia and bermuda.

Unlike zoysia and bermuda, fescue handles the shade well and stays green year-round. However, its love of cooler temps can lead to problems during Atlanta’s hot summers. “During the hottest months, fescue lawns tend to die back in sunny areas and develop bare spots in heavily traveled spots,” Jedlicka says.

“Due to its clump-like nature, it does not aptly fill back in on its

a good slow-release fertilize twice a year with iron.” In addition, he said bermuda requires only .5 inches of water per week, with zoysia needing about one inch of water per week. ”Most homeowners overwater,” he says. “Definitely install a rain sensor on your irrigation system so it won’t come on after a rain.”

Fescue, though, does require more maintenance than the others. This is because it needs more frequent watering during the summer months as well as chemical treatments and fertilization to keep it healthy. Jedlicka says, “Fescue is prone to fungal problems, so it is recommended that preventative treatments are made to prevent infection

own, requiring yearly core aeration and overseeding in the fall

because, once infected, it declines quickly.”

to fill back in patches lost to the summer heat.”

The maintenance of groundcovers generally consists

Among groundcovers, Blue star creeper handles foot traffic

of regular weeding to preserve a clean appearance and

well, plus holds up in full sun with some shade. Guilmette

pruning to stop the spread into other plants or outside the

also suggests Creeping phlox if homeowners have full sun

desired area.

with light foot traffic. If the landscape receives partial sun

Having a landscape that you not only love but also enjoy

and shade, he recommends Mondo grass or Creeping Jenny.

depends on choosing the most appropriate grass and/or

In fact, as a spreading groundcover, Dwarf Mondo grass

groundcover. With some research, you are sure to find one

makes a great steppable groundcover ideal for pathways

that best suits both your needs and your budget.

and in between stepping-stones, Jedlicka says. “Dwarf

Need some planning Inspiration? Turn to the next page!

Mondo grass is also used as a lawn substitute, providing an evergreen lawn that does not require mowing or ongoing fertilization,” she says.

Maintaining Appearances Like all landscape elements, grass and groundcovers require a certain amount of maintenance to keep them healthy and looking good. Once established, maintaining a lawn AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

0415_056-061_Grass-groundcover.indd 59

RESOURCES: King Landscaping | EricKingLandscaping.com Legacy Landscapes Inc. | LegacyLandscapes.com PaverStone Construction & Greenmark Landscaping | Paverstone.com Plants Creative Landscapes | Plants-Creative-Landscapes.com Super-Sod | SuperSod.com Unique Environmental Landscapes | Unique-Environmental.com ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT APRIL 2015

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Planning is key! Before you pick up even one seed packet, consider major factors like So put your planning cap on and use this handy illus

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Many thanks to Eric King of King Landscaping for contributing this piece.

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Eric has appeared on HGTV’s Groundbreakers, on 11 Alive and Atlanta and Company. He also is a regular contributor to Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine, the Atlanta Journal and Constitution and on many radio shows.

A member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, King earned a Master’s of landscape architecture from the University of Georgia and a Master’s of business management from Georgia State University.

In 2010 he founded Emory University’s Landscape Design certification program, where he continues to teach.

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tors like sun vs. shade, level vs. slope, what kind of traffic this area gets and more. ndy illustration from Eric King to start strategizing!

❹

✓GROUNDCOVER ✓PERENNIALS Groundcover and perennials add a splash of color to steep slope and create separation between back and side yard.

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✓GROUNDCOVER Groundcover keeps hammock out of lawn mower path and its low size keeps views open.

❻ ✓LAWN Lawn produces soft play space for pets and people.

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CC Design Atlanta ....................... 28 Crossville Tile & Stone................ 52

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• Quiz: How Modern Are You? p. 44

Switch Your Swatches:

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Editor’s Picks: Neat, New Products for Your Home (The Georgia Edition) p. 13 Notes from Experts Bob & Rodman: Time to Downsize? p. 50 Need Help Now? Check Out Our Directory of Hundreds of Pros p. 55

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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resourcefinder

Artisan Custom Closets ............. 45

➚ Enhance Floors & More .................39

ShoreWall Systems ..................... 38

Inspiration Paints and Home Design .............................. 4 Jose's Painting and Remodeling ....64 Howard Payne Company..............23 Miracle Method ........................... 54 RFS Cabinets ................................ 30 Sewell Appliance & Service, Inc...14

➚ TopSouth, Inc............................... 48 ➚ Totally Dependable Contracting Services ................................... 25

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Landscape Supplies Belgard Hardscapes .................... 56

➚ NightVision Outdoor

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Mattresses Cornerstone Furniture ............... 17 North Carolina Prices Without The Drive!

NARI Contractors Apex Kitchen and Bath .............. 31 Aquaguard Foundation Solutions .....................................38 Artisans of Atlanta ...........................5

➚ Atlanta Design and Build..... 41, 50 ➚ CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio ......... 67 Quality & Service Are Our Priorities.

Sewell Appliance & Service, Inc...14

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Sunrooms/Screened Porches ➚ Atlanta Design and Build..... 41, 50 ➚ Decks & More ..................................19 Inspiration Paints and Home Design ............................. 4

➚ Enhance Floors & More .................39 Frame It Mirror Designs ............. 29 Inspiration Paints and Home Design ............................. 4 Jose's Painting and Remodeling ... 64

Jose's Painting and Remodeling ... 64 Magnolia Outdoor Living ............... 10

Tile/Ceramic Crossville Tile & Stone................ 52 Designer World Tile & Flooring ....13

Miracle Method ........................... 54 Outside Construction ..................... 42

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Retaining Walls Belgard Hardscapes .................... 56

Shower Enclosures Chattahoochee Shower Doors..... 8

➚ Enhance Floors & More .................39 Glover’s Flooring ......................... 64 MODA Floors & Interiors ............ 30

➚ Myers Carpet ............................... 32

Underdeck Systems Magnolia Outdoor Living ........... 10

Utilities

Drexler Shower Door. ................. 55

Georgia Power .......................... 7, 35

Custom glass shower and tub enclosures, mirrors, restoration glass, and much more

➚ Glass Doctors ............................... 36

Jackson EMC ................................ 44

Water Garden

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Showrooms

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Pools/Spas

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➚ DCD Kitchen & Bath Design

Studio ............................................. 3 Designer World Tile & Flooring ................................... 13

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Windows/Doors ➚ Glass Doctor ....................................36 ➚ Jennifer’s Glassworks ................. 48 Vision Stairways & Millwork ..... 54

Window Tinting/ Treatments Artéé Fabrics & Home................. 40 Fabric & Fringe Warehouse ........ 28

Inspiration Paints and Home Design ............................. 4

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I M P R O V E M E N T

S T A R T S

H E R E

3 Budgets, 9 Landscapes Get inspiration for your own yard p. 75

Be My Guest

Creating a warm welcome for your houseguests p. 43

NEW! DIY Blogger Beat

Oct. 18

A Whole New Light

Create a custom Quatrefoil art piece p. 90

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What’s Your Outdoor Personality?

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To see more turn to pages 38 - 39

NEW! The Payoff: Home Improvement ROI p. 22

5th Annual NARI Atlanta Tour of Remodeled Homes

This month’s cover project is presented by: Outside Landscape Group

March 20-22 (770) 754-1188

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H O M E

I M P R O V E M E N T

S T A R T S

Teardown or Remodel?

NEW! DIY Blogger Beat

Transform a vintage radio into a bar cabinet p. 70

NEW! Our Expert Panel Q&A

Award-winning pool architect,

Shane LeBlanc

0 • www.selectivedesigns.com

I M P R O V E M E N T

S T A R T S

H E R E

Deep storage tips and tricks for your attic, shed and more p. 59

New! DIY Blogger Pick of the Month

YOUR OPTIONS

H O M E

Store It!

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Decking • Maintenance • Installation p. 24

To see more turn to page 33

S M A R T

Annual

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Outdoor experts tell you what you should be prepping right now p. 22

For details see p. 18

This month’s cover project is presented by: Selective Designs

atlanta home ATLANTAHOMEIMPROVEMENT.COM

H E R E

Atlanta experts answer this big question… and many more! p. 38

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Firepits, fireplaces and cool weather entertaining p. 31

We are eager to discuss your growth strategies with you and provide helpful solutions to help you reach your goals.

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Baby It’s Warm Outside

This month’s cover project is presented by: CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio

To reach more potential customers

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Company ....................................... 21

Aquaguard Foundation Solutions .....................................38

JANUARY 2015

Organization

OCTOBER 2014

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➚ Elkay Faucets + Sinks/Noland

➚ go to www.atlantahomeimprovement.com

FEBRUARY 2015

To find out more about these advertisers

Designers talking trends p. 20

Local bloggers, great projects p. 78

35 3 5 Ways to Refresh your Home

A

t l a n ta

c h a p t er NARI Greater Atlanta Remodeling Directory p. 25 Connect with local experts

For under $1000! p.66 PLUS: Editor’s Picks - Vinings/Smyrna Shopping

Home Front - Advice and Events

Resource Finder

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT APRIL 2015

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diybloggersbeat Repurposing Old Lockers for Toy Storage We don’t know what we love more about Decatur blogger Karen Cooper. The fact that she calls herself a “recovering lawyer” or that she named her blog “Dogs Don’t Eat Pizza.” All we know is that we were struck by the ingenuity of this neat project and wanted to share it with our readers. We want to try this now…don’t you?

Simple Steps 6

1

Find old school lockers. This is actually the

hardest step!

I found them at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, but you can also find them online or at salvage yards.

2 3

Clean the lockers using mild dish soap and water or

disinfecting wipes. Let dry.

If you want to paint the lockers different colors like I did,

then tape off the first section you’re going to paint. For me, that was the top row. I covered the remaining rows with a plastic drop cloth secured by the painters tape.

4 5

Paint the lockers using spray paint designed for metal.

Let dry completely.

Once you’ve put the lockers in place in your home, attach them to the wall so that they don’t topple over.

I did this by attaching a cleat to the wall (a

Karen is the owner, writer, photographer and chief DIYer at Dogs Don’t Eat Pizza, a DIY/home blog. Before becoming a full-time blogger, Karen was an attorney for more than five years and a legal writing professor for 12 years. Now Karen calls herself a “recovering lawyer,” and focuses on her blog and being a mom to two amazing kids and two adorable dogs. You can read all about her DIY adventures (and why her blog is called “Dogs Don’t Eat Pizza”) at www. dogsdonteatpizza.com.

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scrap 2x4 piece of wood) and then screwing the lockers to the cleat.

6

Label the doors—I used chalkboard labels—and fill with toys! Lockers also make great storage for craft

supplies, linens, plates and more.

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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