Atlanta home improvement 1115

®

M MPROVEMENT S M A R T

LIVE

H O M E

J

“The etsons” Lifestyle New home automation gadgets and products p. 21

PLU

I M P R O V E M E N T

S T A R T S

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H E R E

A Castle In Canton Check out this real homeowner’s story p. 30

PLUS! Hundreds of resources to help you with your home improvement projects p. 63

ED

What Atlanta home improvement insiders want you to know p. 53

Home Improvement Holiday Gifts?

Our reader focus group says yes! p. 36 1115_cover-001.indd 1

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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

PUBLISHER

Patti Stephens

DC Enclosures, Inc. Has built thousands of enclosures in Metro Atlanta since 1988

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Jennifer Prins

EDITOR AND SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Jayne Hallock editor@homeimprovementmag.com COPY EDITOR

Amy Meadows DIRECTOR OF CONTENT MARKETING

David Leonard

ART DIRECTOR

Dona Halliday

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

atlanta home

SOCIAL MEDIA/EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

“Best of 2015” Winner

®

Sandi Edelson

MPROVEMENT S M A R T H O M E I M P R O V E M E N T S TA R T S H E R E

Chela Counts

OFFICE MANAGER

Clarice Diavua

BEST DECK/PORCH/PATIO BUILDER

CONTRIBUTORS

Kathy Kantorski Amy Meadows

For print, web, email and social media advertising information contact us at: 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

We specialize in: 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.

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www.dcenclosures.com ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

5

10/19/15 10:30 AM

Photos courtesy of (Holden Wing Chair) Cornerstone Furniture; (Williams-Sonoma cookware) Williams-Sonoma, Ponce City Market

contents

Home Improvement Holiday Gifts?

36

Our Reader Focus Group Says Yes!

Photos courtesy of (top to bottom) Kevo; photography by PhotosByHeatherFritz.com

21

6

21 Live “The Jetsons” lifestyle

New home automation products make life simpler

30 A Castle in Canton

A Real Homeowner’s Story

30

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

1115_006-009_TOC.indd 6

features

53

PLU

ED

Our special Plugged In section features holiday recipes, greetings, family traditions and more from home industry enthusiasts and experts

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

10/20/15 3:22 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 program participating contractor, to find out where your home is losing energy. Complete a home energy assessment and you’ll get up to a $225 rebate. And if you make the home energy improvements, you could get up to $2,350 in rebates. Learn more at georgiapower.com/wholehouse or call 1-800-310-5607.

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.

1115_006-009_TOC.indd 7

10/16/15 3:34 PM

contents A Better Way to Enjoy Outdoor Living

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• 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

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www.magnoliaoutdoorliving.com sales@magnoliaoutdoorliving.com 8

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

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O A

W M E L F O

Complete Under Deck Ceiling Installed

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16 Photo courtesy of DIOHomeImprovements.com

DIY Kits Available

W

A H M S I H Z S D D W

12 66

in every issue 10 Editor’s Letter 12 Editor’s Picks

Home Décor Shopping In Stone Mountain Village

14 Home Front

Quick Tips, Expert Advice, Fun Events and More!

16 Our Expert Panel Q&A Safe and Sound for the Holidays

18 The Payoff: Home Improvement ROI 5 Curb Appeal Tips – Part Two of Two

63 Resource Finder

Find Help with your Home Improvement Projects

66 DIY Blogger Beat Holiday Craft Project

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editor’sletter We install the highest quality and most durable screen enclosures available!

A Reluctant Goodbye How do I do this? How do I leave a team, a family like this one?

Screening contractors and Do-It-Yourself Homeowners are welcome to order individual components or kits from our large inventory.

But leave it I must. I’m off to a new, impossible-to-pass-up gig. So this is my last letter as the editor of Atlanta Home Improvement.

A lot has changed since I first signed on. The publication was sold (back to the original founder and all around Superwoman Sherri Adair.) It has stretched; improved, evolved into something I’m so very proud to be a part of. It’s a magazine for real people with real homes

So strong you can stand on it!

and budgets. It’s for all of us. It’s for your family, your neighborhood. It’s truly for you.

And you, dear reader, I’ll miss! In my almost two years

Why does it need to be so strong and durable?

1. The Magnolia Screen System is more economical to install.

2. It will maintain its attractive appearance for years 3. It will resist damage from impact and weight. The screen material will not sag, relax or run.

4. It is far more resistant to deterioration from exposure to the elements

here I’ve met hundreds of you face to face and I’m always humbled by your loyalty to our publication. I’ll miss basking in that happy glow almost as much I already miss the hard-working, funny, talented, driven team who makes this magic happen, month-in and month-out.

But enough about me. Let’s talk about this issue. Page 36 kicks off the kind of article evolution I mentioned earlier.

It’s our first-ever holiday focus group roundup where we polled dozens of readers to find out what would make a good home improvement related gift. Their suggestions are fun and fascinating. Want even more inspiration? Check out a real homeowner’s story on page 30. It’s a castle! In Canton!

Our gadget-y, cool feature on page 21 showcases new home automation products that can help you live “The Jetsons” lifestyle. Futuristic, baby.

Speaking of the future, I’ll say one more thing. Y’all have not seen nothin’ yet. I’ve peeked at the 2016 editorial calendar and it’s simply awesome. After this issue I myself will

The Screen Comes With a Ten Year Warranty.

You may never have to rescreen again!

become a ‘dear reader’ and I am excited to watch what 2016 brings!

Thank you, thank you, thank you,

770.309.3999

www.magnoliaoutdoorliving.com sales@magnoliaoutdoorliving.com 10

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

1115_010-011_ED LETT.indd 10

Jayne Hallock Editor & Social Media Director AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

10/20/15 12:29 PM

In this Issue 4 Things You’ll Learn This Month

1 2 3 4

How to safety check your home for the holidays. P. 16 Charles G. Crisp, President and Bella Lizasuain, General Manager

What is a Kevo? P. 21 What do readers think is a great luxury gift? P. 36 A fun holiday DIY craft! P. 66

Coming in December: Which rooms sell a home?

The Kitchen and Bath! Which rooms get the most use every single day? Your Kitchen and Bath! What is our December planner all about? The Kitchen and Bath! Our annual Kitchen and Bath Planner will help inspire, organize and budget your next remodel.

We’ll also feature real homeowner kitchen and bath

Splendor

CREATE YOUR VERY OWN PLACE OF

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®

MPROVEMENT S M A R T H O M E I M P R O V E M E N T S TA R T S H E R E

“Best of 2015” Winner

makeovers. Real before and afters, real people, real tips and real “lessons learned!”

Don’t miss this issue!

atlanta home WWW.ATLANTA

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MENT.C OM

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

Kitchen & Bath Workbook

H E R E .

Budget Planner ✧ Countertop Materials - Pros How Extensive a Renovation Can & Cons ✧ Kitch en Layouts You Really Affor d – Refresh, Mino r or Major?

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10/19/15 3:05 PM

Stone Mountain

editor’s

picks

New and notable home improvement products

This month, we thought we’d feature one of our favorite parts of town: Stone Mountain! Woodsy, cozy, pretty Stone Mountain Village (located right outside the West Gate of Stone Mountain Park on Main Street) offers great home décor shopping. Here are a few of the places we stopped by…

4

2

1 5

3 1. Baron’s Restoration

2. Wells Cargo Antiques

3. A Village Flea Market

4. Sassy’s Named after an 18-pound

5. Stone Mountain OPO Emporium

Known for restoring

Trinkets, mantelpieces

Who says you can’t add

yorkie, Sassy’s is full of

Conveniently located in

pieces for the likes of

and furniture galore! If

a “new” look to your

charm and unique finds!

Stone Mountain Village’s

Jimmy Carter, Ted Turner

you’re shopping for some

home by adding just a

The array of antiques

old post office (hence the

and Elton John, this

lovely little touches for

few pieces from the past?

found within this spunky

OPO), this emporium is

family-owned business

your home or great gifts,

Not this market! If you’re

corner store ranges from

an antique gold mine.

does it all! Even if you

you’re sure to find it here.

looking to add distinctive

jewelry to artwork. We

Rows and rooms of war

don’t need anything

Affordably and adorably!

one-of-a-kind antiques to

fell in love with this

and sports memorabilia

restored, you’ll fall in

We completely fell for

your home, be sure to add

sunflower oil painting

and collected furniture

love with their pristine

this ceramic piggy bank

this store to your route.

that can brighten any

create an atmosphere

collectibles from Disney

(only $5), which is perfect

This five-drawer table

room for only $100.

of southern history! We

and Lladro and even

for any little prince in

($198) can spruce up any

Visit Sassy’s at 5346 E

especially loved this

elegant vases like this

your life. Stop by 953

room. Visit their 791 Main

Mountain Street or call

$100 trunk! Visit 5379 E

one that we found for

Main Street or call

Street location or call

(678) 736-0384.

Mountain Street or call

$125. Stop by 931 Main

(770) 469-0400.

(770) 413-6436.

(770) 469-1425.

Street or call (770) 469-8476.

12

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

1115_012-013_editors pick.indd 12

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

10/19/15 3:06 PM

$100 for new door customer referrals!

Dear Image Doors, The real testimony for your company is that you always responded to me, which I respect. You have proven to be different from the pack with superior attitude and customer service. You actually followed up on your company’s work. I had other new garage doors installed for my house renovation at about the same time that the Carriage House Door replaced my old garage door. Your door looks much better, so much more substantial quality and actually costs a little less. You should definitely use me for a satisfied customer reference. Elizabeth M.

1115_012-013_editors pick.indd 13

10/16/15 3:34 PM

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

Expert Q&A

Handmade Holidays

Q:

A:

Sedaris once said: “My favorite things often have a story

Snow and freezing temperatures will not

harm the furniture. However,

behind them

we do recommend treating

and are usually

your teak prior to winter

handmade or

storage.

discovered at a flea

Do not use “teak oil” on

market.” So true!

outdoor teak furniture! Teak

Look around your

oil only works on indoor teak

home.

to condition or polish the

What means

wood. Outdoor teak does not

more to you: the

accept teak oil at all; instead

expensive silver

it sits on the surface of the

platter you bought

wood giving it an oily surface.

at a department

(We recommend Golden Care

store… or the hand you” framed picture

outdoor furniture

for winter?

Comedian Amy

scrawled “I love

How do I prepare teak

products, including the Teak Cleaner, Teak Protector and

Photo courtesy of Spruill Arts Center for the Arts, photography by Kristin Wilder

Teak Shield.)

from your child?

Start by hosing down each

Handmade gifts are ideal for holiday giving and memory making.

piece of furniture with fresh

Unfortunately, very few of us are talented enough to make gorgeous gifts

water—but avoid spraying

without a little instruction. Luckily, The Spruill Arts Center has a great series

the teak with a high-pressure

going on this holiday season called “Handmade for the Holidays.” Sign up to

hose. High pressure can erode

make holiday wind chimes, stained glass pieces, jewelry and much more! See

the surface of the teak.

Spruillarts.org for more information.

Next, scrub the wet furniture using a soft bristle brush and a solution of 2/3 cup laundry

The Gift of Tools!

detergent and 1/4 cup bleach in one gallon of warm water.

The Atlanta

When finished, rinse the entire

Community

piece with more fresh water

throwing a huge “Tool Rush” sale on November 7th.

This is a great chance to buy a gift for your

ing,

favorite DIY’er.

Photo courtesy of Atlanta Community Toolbank, photographyby Mickey Desai

Thousands of new tools will

be priced below standard retail and proceeds benefit the Atlanta Community Toolbank. Visit AtlantaToolBank.org.

14

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

1115_014-015_home-fronts.indd 14

Photography by AuthenTEAK Outdoor LIving, photogrpahy by Ash-Marie Evans

Toolbank is

to remove any remaining cleaning solution.

—Richie Morgan, Senior Design Expert at AuthenTEAK, AuthenTeak.com

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

10/19/15 3:13 PM

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH November 2 Intro to Sewing Machine Class 6 - 8 p.m.

Discover Sewing - Duluth DiscoverSewing.com November 4 Thanksgiving 101 Cooking Class 7 - 9 p.m.

Cook’s Warehouse Classes.CooksWarehouse. com November 6 Handmade for the Holidays: Jewelry Class 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Registration.SpruillArts.org

November 17 Miele Appliances Private Demo & Tasting RSVP required: Rick@daatl.com

November 7 Tool Rush 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

AtlantaToolBank.com November 11 Free Park Day Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Hours vary NPS.gov/chat

November 21 – 22 Indie Craft Experience 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Ice-Atlanta.com November 26 Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon and 5k 7:30 a.m.

AtlantaTrackClub.org

November 14 – 15 Paideia School’s 33rd Annual Fine Art & Craft Sale Hours vary The Paideia School PaideiaSchool.org November 13 – 14 Cumming Steam, Antique Tractor, and Gas Engine Expo Cumming Fairgrounds Capa-Ga.com

November 8 Afternoon in the Country 1 - 4 p.m.

Inn at Serenbe Serenbe.com

November 30 – December 15 Christmas at Callanwolde Hours vary Callanwolde.org

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

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ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

15

10/20/15 3:23 PM

expertpanel

Holiday Home Safety Keep Your Family Safe and Sound for the Holidays!

JOHN POPLIN Pat Murphy Electric PatMurphyElectric.com

RYAN SCHECTER Safe Nest Baby Proofing SafeNestBaby.com

During the holiday

Before you start

The safety of your pet

season, the risk of

installing your holiday

home fires rises

lights, there are a few

dramatically. It is

things that you

estimated that

should check for

someone may have

safety.

The holidays can be a stressful time for parents. The Christmas tree can be a particular source of concern with its twinkling lights and colorful decorations.

So be sure to only use non-breakable ornaments and place them out of reach of babies and young children.

Make sure the tree is well-anchored in an appropriate stand to reduce the risk of it tipping over if a child was to pull on its branches. The presents under the tree can also be a hazard. Be sure to only allow children to play with ageappropriate toys and always check for loose or broken pieces or uncovered batteries.

looking for these

fewer than two minutes to get out after a fire starts in their home.

Dedicated circuits.

You might think that it is only a few (hundred) lights.

There are two simple

Those little lights do

steps that can save

add up. Each mini

lives: check existing

light is 5 to 7 watts.

smoke detectors

(100 lights x 5 watts =

and practice fire

500 watts. That equals

escape drills at

4.16 amps.)

home. Every family should develop a fire escape plan and practice it. The most

Please keep in mind your 15-amp breaker safely holds 12 amps.

important part of

Plug into GFI outlets

that plan is to have

only. The cords for

an agreed upon

your lights need to be

meeting place that

protected so everyone

all members of the

has a safe holiday.

family go to

Inside and out!

immediately upon escaping from the home.

16

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

1115_016_017_expert-panel.indd 16

TIM CLARK Invisible Fence Peachtree.InvisibleFence.com

is key to your holiday happiness and theirs.

We all know “the streets” can pose a lot of dangers, but beware of those inside the home as well.

Open trash cans, pesticides, unsafe electrical wires and disinfectants can all cause harm to your pets. Start actively dangers around the house this holiday season. Don’t forget those seeminglyharmless holiday decorations! Make sure there are no tempting dangling ribbons or string that could entice them to pull heavy items off tables and onto your unsuspecting pet.

TERRY ARONSON Ackerman Security AckermanSecurity.com Increased awareness can decrease your chances of becoming a victim of a home burglary. For instance, by realizing that there is a greater chance of a break-in during the day, you can try to create the illusion that people are actually home during daytime hours. Editor’s note: Set lamps on timers.

Did you know that 40 percent of annual household burglaries are not forced entries? This means someone was easily able to walk, climb or crawl into the house!

So make it a habit to check all door and window locks regularly…especially after kids or guests have been in the house.

Photos courtesy of (left to right) Ackerman Security Systems, Cardinal, Ryan Schechter, Tim Clark, Ackerman Security Systems

JIM CALLAHAN Ackerman Security AckermanSecurity.com

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10/19/15 3:40 PM

ThePayoff – Real Estate ROI 5 Curb Appeal Tips – The Second in A Two-Part Series Here’s what “curb appeal” really means to today’s savvy residential real estate consumer.

(For the first five tips, please see the first part of this series on our website: AtlantaHomeImprovement.com.)

Here are the final five tips in this two-part series about creating outstanding curb appeal:

1

Lightness and brightness, always!

Dark rooms, weak lighting and dated

finishes (like worn out door hardware) can crush a buyer’s enthusiasm for a property.

Brighten things up! Even from the outside, a house should lift a person’s spirits and inspire good feelings. models. Success leaves clues! The top-dollar sale down

the street or the remarkable story of a house transformation portrayed on television are just two examples of successful “curb appeal” today.

Follow the success of others. Ask for help—and invest in great help. At closing, you will not regret prioritizing your curb appeal!

3 4

Want top dollar? Hide evidence of pets! Not every buyer is going to be an animal lover. If your yard is patchy from Fido’s markings, consult a lawn or

5

Outdoor “housekeeping” is a daily chore. Get with the program and stay with it until you reach the goal of a top-dollar sale! When your property is for sale, do not slack on keeping the yard mowed, the hedges trimmed, the leaves raked, the gutters clean,

the flowers watered, etc. Make a point of viewing your home from the street every single morning to ensure it’s making a beautiful drive-by impression every single day!

landscape professional to fix the problem. If you

have a lot of “I love my cats!” porch décor, remove that before showings as well. The fewer reminders that animals live in the home, the better.

A prettier porch or patio. No matter how small or simple your front area is, make it the best it can be.

Clear off clutter, fix any tears in the screen, give your concrete porch floor a fresh coat of paint. If it’s in your budget, installing a swing with a few colorful

Lee Taylor is a 16-year veteran Georgia Realtor and a Charter Member of Keller Williams Realty in Georgia.

He’s a graduate of Furman University and a former U.S. Army officer, and he currently serves on the PTA for Oak Grove Elementary School. Visit Intownatlantahouses.com for more details.

throw pillows can really amp up your curb appeal!

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Photo courtesy of Tracy Cox Photography

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When your property is for sale, do not slack on keeping the yard mowed, the hedges trimmed, the leaves raked, the flowers watered, etc.

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Jetsons” Lifestyle

LIVE “THE

with new home automation products

By Amy Meadows

Remember Rosey, The Jetsons’ robot maid?

She did everything— from cooking to cleaning—at the push of a button or a simple voice command. In fact, that futuristic family had an array of enviable technology at home. The bad news is that Rosey doesn’t really exist.

The good news? Loads of innovative home gadgets and gizmos do!

The future is now!

Safe and Secure Some of the most popular home automation products are related to home security.

Gone are the days of simply having window sensors and motion detectors to protect against unwanted entry. Now, homeowners have access to more comprehensive systems that can be used in tandem AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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with other popular technology for personalized, round-theclock monitoring.

“The technology available today provides homeowners with an affordable means to be protected and connected,” says Jim Callahan of Ackerman Security Systems. “The ability to use technology we are all familiar with—such as smartphones, tablets and computers—provides a new gateway of accessibility for homeowners.”

From providing live video and allowing you to manage your home’s locks and lights remotely, today’s security systems can be paired with almost any device to give you a new level of control from anywhere in the world (provided you have Wi-Fi, of course). “The security portion of these systems is about life safety,” Callahan notes. “The automation portion is about lifestyle. These devices and services not only protect your home, but they also give you the opportunity to know what is going on in your home as often as possible.”

In addition to whole-house security systems, there are innovative individual products that up the security factor for your home. Kevo by Kwikset ($199) is the first door lock to turn your smartphone into your key, giving you hands-free access to your home. The battery-operated deadbolt lock, which requires no hard wiring and boasts a simple DIY installation, pairs with your smartphone and comes with an additional key fob.

“Once you have the Kevo installed, you enroll your fob and your phone via an app. It’s quite simple, and it offers great convenience and security for

Kevo turns your smartphone into your door key. $199

homeowners,” says Marty Hoffmann of Kwikset. What’s more, you can send eKeys to other people’s phones, giving them different levels of access to your home, from between certain hours of the day to unlimited access.

Amazing Outlets Home automation has even brought standard outlets to a whole new level. Leeo Smart AlertTM ($99) is a small device that plugs into the wall and connects to all of your currently installed smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; if any of them go off, the Leeo will call

Leeo calls your smartphone if your detectors go off, and doubles as a nightlight. $199

your smartphone with a recorded clip of the alarm. If you don’t pick up, you can program the Leeo to call backup phones on an emergency contact list. It can even call 911 for you. It works with iOS and Android, and it doubles as a nightlight, letting you choose any color to illuminate a hallway or bedroom.

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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Dollars and Sense Another benefit of home automation is potential energy savings for your

Nest teaches itself the temperature you like and can turn itself off when it senses no one is at home. $249

home. And saving energy equals saving money!

With many of today’s products, you can save on electricity bills by having much more control over the devices and appliances in your home. A popular place to start is with the Nest Learning Thermostat ($249), which uses a combination of sensors and algorithms to teach itself the temperatures you like, when

Rachio Iro sets your watering schedule by assessing your yard’s sun exposure and weather conditions. $249

to turn off if nobody is home and more.

It can be installed as a DIY project and takes about a week for it to program itself. In the meantime, the thermostat also allows you to control the temperature of your house from your smartphone. According to Nest, “The Nest Learning Thermostat has been proven by third-party researchers to save people, on average, about 10 to 12 percent on their heating bills and about 15 percent on their cooling bills.”

The savings don’t only apply to your home’s interior, of course. You can save on your water bills with the Rachio Iro smart irrigation system. In addition to giving you control over your sprinklers through your iOS phone, Android device or laptop, the Rachio Iro tunes itself to your particular yard, assessing sun exposure and using national and local weather data. This will help you adjust your watering schedule so your plants and lawn never receive too much or too little water. And it’s affordable! An eight-zone Rachio Iro costs $249, while a 10-zone device costs $299.

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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Safe At Home

Home Automation Products for Home Security

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Sometimes things are so high tech they are “scary.”

Technology that tracks our heartbeats! Speakers you, um, actually speak to? Makes you wonder what’s next. An app that breaks up with your boyfriend for you?

Then again, sometimes we come across high-tech gadgets that make the world feel a bit less scary.

Here are a few great products designed to provide you and your family with some real peace of mind.

Ring Doorbell The concept is simple. And simply awesome.

When someone rings your doorbell, your smartphone instantly shows you who is standing at your door. Even if you are on a different floor, around the corner or even around the world! Better still, you can hear Photo courtesy of Home ReBuilders

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motion detector records activity by your front door, even if the bell isn’t rung. Starts at $199. See more at Ring.com.

Protect America Smart Connect App This is just one of many home security systems that allows you to control everything—right from your smart phone or wireless device. You can turn on or dim lights, arm or disarm your security system, lock and unlock doors or simply check camera feeds if something goes bump in the night. All from the comfort of your own bed! See more at

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Open and Close Have you ever wanted to open and close your window coverings by remote control? Thanks to Hunter Douglas, now you can. Its Platinum App, which works with nearly all of the company’s product lines, allows you to use your smartphone to control how and when you open and close your shades.

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According to Robin Vance of Enhance Floors & More, Hunter Douglas window coverings can be installed with a satellite pack in the headrail that then connects to the Platinum App. The one-time investment will cost around $500 per

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LiftMaster’s entrance into the home automation market has given homeowners control over something they often forget about: the garage door. The company’s MyQ®enabled garage door opener allows you to operate your garage door or property gate remotely from your iPhone or Android device. It also provides a new level of monitoring, as you can check the status of your garage door on your smartphone. It will even alert you when your garage door opens or closes. All you need is a module ($59) that connects to your currently installed LiftMaster garage door opener, and you’re on your way. “One module can control multiple garage doors,” reveals Tim Yeager Service. “It has become a very popular technology because it is so helpful and useful.” And for those homeowners who don’t have a LiftMaster garage door opener, a universal module is available for $159.

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Hip and Hands-Free And now it’s time to put your feet up and enjoy some really cool hands-free devices that have taken the home Alexa – You can request your favorite tunes, news update or the best work route. $179.99

iRobot Vacuum Cleaner – Enjoy hands-free vacuuming. $509

automation industry by storm. For years, the iRobot Roomba Vacuum Cleaning Robot has been slowly cleaning its way through homes across the country.

The company recently released the

Want to hear your favorite tune? Ask Alexa to play it for you.

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“Alexa!” You’ll be calling that name out often thanks to the Amazon Echo ($179.99), a hands-free device that lets you ask for information, music, news, weather and more from across the room. It uses voice recognition technology and answers instantly.

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REAL HOMEOWNER’S STORY

A Castle In Canton “Hm. I guess I would call it Old World style,” says Jodi Nikolai, when I ask her how she would characterize her Canton home.

Old World. Other accurate descriptions include: sprawling, ornate, gorgeous and completely, utterly unique. We first heard JODI NIKOLAI, Homeowner

about this castle-like home from Alyson

Smith of Interior Evolutions, who was hired by Jodi to elevate the design in many of this home’s rooms.

And Alyson did just that, applying her faux finishing talent and making absolute magic on many of the home’s walls and ceilings. (Most of the photos in this spread feature Alyson’s beautiful handiwork.)

We recently sat down with Jodi Nikolai to find out more about the home’s history, its design and lessons learned from the process.

1. SOARING TURRETS: Building their dream home was a labor of love for homeowners Jodi and Kurt Nikolai.

2. OUTDOOR AREA: “There used to be absolutely nothing out here. Just trees overlooking the golf course. Now our kids love it out here. We installed a diving rock, and a photo I took from a magazine inspired the fireplace.”

➊

The homeowners moved to Atlanta in 2000 from St. specific builder because he had built another nearby home which they loved. “We fell in love with the look of that home. It’s on a street that’s literally called the ‘Street of Dreams,’” Nikolai says. The new home took almost a year to build, and, though they worked with the same builder, they changed a lot of details, like adding in Juliet balconies and transforming bedrooms into offices.

A few months after the house was complete, the homeowners encountered a small financial bump in the road. So they shifted some money around and ended up having to divert the funds they’d initially set aside for furniture. For months.

“It was like an echo chamber in here for so long! I didn’t like it because it felt very cold with no furniture, and it didn’t help that there were no color variations on any of the walls,” Nikolai says. Even when their finances later righted themselves, the Nikolais decided to upgrade their backyard first and install a gorgeous pool, waterfall and elaborate new landscaping.

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ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

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3. VANITY UPGRADE: “This vanity was originally a plain, boring, white vanity. We had Alyson repaint it, and I put new knobs on there.”

4. WALL STENCIL: “This wall treatment looks like custom wallpaper, but it’s actually a stencil! It took her about a week to finish.”

Photography by PhotosByHeatherFritz.com

Louis and built this home in 2003. They chose this

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REAL HOMEOWNER’S STORY

(Interesting note: HGTV heard about the backyard overhaul and decided to film the Nikolais’ ‘journey’ for its 5. TOP TO BOTTOM TREATMENT: “Originally, this room was all bright blue and mermaids. When my daughter turned 13, we brought Alyson in to redo everything. I love this crocodile detail. The only thing we bought new was the bedding.

home improvement show,

We recovered a chair, which was originally orange.”

picked what I thought was an

Groundbreakers.)

Finally, they were able to turn their attention to two final touches in their home— furniture and wall treatments.

Which brings us to Nikolai’s most strident piece of advice.

“Don’t ever try to pick your colors without advice from a designer,” she says. “Even if you have great taste, you need professional help to make sure it flows with the rest of the house. For instance, I ‘Old World’ paint color for the kitchen wall. But once it was up, it looked like mustard! For

➎

6. FAUX FINISH DOORS: The homeowners asked Alyson to add a wood tone finish to the less expensive builder grade door (on the left) to match the real, heavy wood doors (on the right). Even with the faux treatment, it still cost much less then a real wood door would!

my living room, I chose this forest green color…and it was horrific!

Instead, she advises homeowners to always check to see if their furniture store offers free design services. She found out later that one of her favorite furniture stores, Home Fashion Center, did.

They sent designer Sandi Fogarty out to the home, and Nikolai now calls her a “great personal friend” and “incredibly talented.” She credits Fogarty with pulling the home’s décor together so beautifully.

Faux Finish Artist: Alyson Smith, Interior Evolutions, InteriorEvo.com Designer: Sandi Fogarty, Home Fashion Center, HomeFashionCenter.com

➏

Pool Installer: Todd Rogers, Atlanta Classic Pools, (678) 880-3240 ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

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Give A

Gift

of

Home Improvement?

Our Reader Focus Group Says Yes!

howroom

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AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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T

he holidays! Malls! Trinkets and traffic! Complete… department store…overload.

It’s the same old, same old. Maybe it’s time to think outside the box. Or rather, in it.

Inside the beautiful big box we call our home. It’s where we lay our heads, raise our families and—ideally—find fun, peace and relaxation.

But that’s not always the case! Unfortunately your favorite person’s home is often a source of frustration and work. So…wouldn’t you love to help them enjoy their most valuable investment a little bit more?

Put that gift money that would otherwise go into another cashmere sweater or piece of expensive jewelry towards a gift for the home.

I know what you’re thinking. You’re worried that your gift will be as warmly welcomed as giving them an iron. Or a new vacuum cleaner. Merry Christmas, honey…now get to work!

Sure, if you don’t choose your gift wisely, it can be interpreted that way.

(We can help you avoid making those awkward mistakes. Just read the “Ho-Ho-NO” sidebar on P. 47) But if you plan your gift wisely, you may just give them the best gift they have ever received.

We pulled together a few dozen of our most discerning, opinionated and funny readers and invited them to a focus group! Here’s a roundup of some of their most unique home gift ideas.

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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Giftideas

“Matching Hangers! It will make Lindsay:

Our focus group says “give a gift of home improvement”

“A Sub-Zero and Wolf ‘toaster’ oven! That would be

them feel like they have a custom closet. Surprise them by rearranging their closet with new, matching hangers and then having the present be you opening the door and showing them their newly organized closet. I think that would be a great gift!”

Julie:

a great investment in somebody’s kitchen. I need to warm up these quesadillas and I didn’t want to heat up my whole oven to do it. It’s more energy efficient, more green, more simple!”

tools

Jesse: “I’m more of a guy.

I’d rather the kids pool their funds and buy me a great new tool—much more than a new sweater.”

wine cooler

Jennifer: “I think a is a great gift. Add in a high-end wine bottle opener.”

Lindsay: “Yes! Call it a

countertop oven!

Photo courtesy of True Residential

Photo courtesy of Sub-Zero Group

It modernizes it and really makes it sound more fun.

It’s so far beyond just toast!”

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

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ITP, 4084 Presidential Parkway, Atlanta | (770) 458-2111 40

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

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10/20/15 8:28 AM

Giftideas

They’re very affordable and can go anywhere in the house.

It’s a luxury item, and most people wouldn’t have it. And it’s romantic!”

Photo courtesy of PotteryBarn.com

Our focus group says “give a gift of home improvement”

Heather:

“A wallmounted fireplace.

Photo courtesy of Walmart

Connie: “I come from a designer perspective,

picture frames is a great gift, especially if someone but I think a set of nice, high-end

were to frame some of my favorite family photos in them. A lot of people wouldn’t spend that money for frames for themselves.

If you don’t know what size, a safe bet is 4” x 6”.

Kristin: “I think a rainfall or

massage showerhead

throws

Photo courtesy of PotteryBarn.com

Photo courtesy of Apex Kitchen & Bath

. I have a Jennifer: “I would love nice matching nice afghan my grandmother made and another blanket we use for the dog, but nothing matches. It would be great to have nice, high-quality throws for each member of the family. When you buy them all together as a set like that, you help upgrade the design of the room, too!”

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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would be a great gift.

It’s affordable for a gift but not something most people would buy for themselves.

It would make any shower feel that much more luxurious!”

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

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FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

FOR OVER 30 YEARS Specializing in Kitchens & Baths Basement Build-Outs • Room Additions Covered Porches • Sunrooms

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A D E S I G N / B U I L D C O M PA N Y 1115_036-051_Gift-Guide-Focus-Group.indd 42

10/20/15 8:28 AM

Giftideas

Our focus group says “give a gift of home improvement”

Connie: “This is definitely a luxury gift, but I would love an all-terrain

golf cart. Not only can you get

around the neighborhood in it, but you can also carry heavy items and do yard work with it!”

Jo Ann: “This is dreaming big and definitely in the ‘luxury’ category, but I would love to have my

patio or deck covered so I could use it year round. “

“Solar light sculptures. Metal

Michelle:

sculptures with solar lights that light up every evening.

Some local artists make gorgeous ones!”

Deborah: “I would

small refrigerator

love a

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

Photo courtesy of Decks & More, photography by Gregg Willett Photography

for my craft studio!

I can have friends over and have wine and cheese and crackers. Turn it into an actual entertaining area!”

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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THE TRUSTED TOOLBOX Finally, A handyman service you can trust

A Pro’s Take: HGTV Designer Chip Wade Weighs In

We provide professional and reliable service.

My advice for “gifting” home improvement-related items is a lot like the advice I give for any home improvement project. Always start with a master plan!

It’s as easy as 1-2-3 1. Create your to-do list 2. Call us to schedule 3.We will arrive on time and ready to work.

Take the time to draw out a scaled plan or hire an architect to provide you with as-build documents.

Brainstorm how the proposed gift interacts with other parts of the home. Better still, invest in a consultation with your favorite designer who can help you create a true vision for the gift.

a Purchase ox lb o Trusted To r $50 gift card fo ill and we w

Overall, I recommend combining a gift item with an experience. Arrange cooking classes to go with the new oven or schedule an appointment with a personal shopper for their new customized closet.

Buy them a woodworking class for their new set of tools! An experience like that will become a treasured memory every time that item is used.

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Want to really swing for the fences when it comes to a personalized gift?

Go for high sentiment and emotion.

Consider hiring an artist or fabricator to repurpose a family heirloom that currently serves no purpose in your home into something your loved one can actually use.

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Photography by Gregg Willett Photography

Make your ordinary bathroom extraordinary in no time!

I’ve seen pianos used for art installations and an old chandelier made into a necklace.

I’ve even seen doors turned into vintage coffee tables. These pieces provide function while, at the same time, serve as great—and meaningful— conversation starters.

Chip is host, designer and executive producer for several shows on HGTV. To learn more, visit ChipWade.com or follow him on social media @chipwade.

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

10/20/15 12:55 PM

Giftideas

Our focus group says “give a gift of home improvement”

Frankie: “I would

coffee maker. You pour

love a Seiko

the whole beans in the top; it grinds them and then can make just one cup of coffee. It’s a little more green and better for the environment since they don’t use individual disposable cups.”

Alicia: “My husband wants to use the garage as a workshop, but we don’t have a lot of outlets out there. So it would be

electrician

nice to have an install more wiring to make it more useful.”

Editor’s note: Have the wiring installed right before Christmas Day and “hide” new outlets with boxes, hanging items etc. On Christmas morning, surprise them by bringing them out to the garage, flicking on the light switch and having new lamps turn on all around the garage!

Photo courtesy of Miele

Deanna: “I’d love any

Photo courtesy of Rev-a-Shelf LLC, photography by Phototech Inc

lower cabinets.” {Editor’s note: No more crouching and digging, and they are surprisingly affordable.}

Judy: “I would love one

of those slide-out appliance shelves. It’s

getting harder and harder to haul appliances out of the cabinet, and it makes me want to use them less. If I knew I could just slide it out and use it and slide it back in, I’d definitely get more use out of my big mixers, etc. “

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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Photo courtesy of BetterBoxMailBoxes.com

kind of rollout shelves for my

Julie: “I would love

mailbox

a new .

Not only would it make me happy coming and going each day, but it also would make the whole street even prettier. If someone gave me a catalog and let me choose which one I wanted myself, that would be great. Maybe pair it with a gift card to a local nursery so I could plant around it myself too!“

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10/21/15 4:21 PM

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AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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Photo court esy o fA

Scott Csaszar, CEO / Founder Flawless Painting, LLC

Photo courtesy of BestBuy.com

Giftideas

Our focus group says “give a gift of home improvement”

Jill: “I stop and get ice from a convenience store almost every day because I like the way they make

solar-powered umbrellas for the patio. They can be charging

icemaker

during the day and light up the patio at night! It would greatly increase the amount of enjoyment I’d get out of my outdoor space.”

Photo court esy o fA

ma zo n .co m

Bob: “I would love

it. If I could get an that made that kind of ice at home… oh my gosh, that would change my life!”

fire pit

Jesse: “A or a grill.”

Editor’s note: Create an outdoor man cave!

Here’s what our group said they would not appreciate seeing under the tree…

Anything that requires the recipient to assemble it A bathroom scale Cooking accessories for someone who hates to cook Cleaning supplies Pest control products

Photo courtesy of Belgard Hardscapes

Ho-Ho No!

Diet cookbooks An iron Anything obviously bought in a drugstore or grocery store (it looks last minute!)

Pre-scheduled classes that might not work with their calendar

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

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10/20/15 8:29 AM

FRAMELESS SHOWER DOORS

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10/20/15 8:29 AM

Giftideas

Our focus group says “give a gift of home improvement”

Frankie: “I’d love a

programmable thermostat so

when we are on our way to our lake house, I can get the temperature where we want it by the time we arrive.”

Photo courtesy

of kbispressroom

.com

Jennifer: “I have a big family with a whole bunch of devices that always need to be charged up. So instead of having a bunch of chargers and wires all over, I want this product

Techtop

called a . You can get them through LG. If I could have a kitchen where I could set my phone down and it automatically charges for me? I would LOVE that. It also adds to the value of the house!”

Other Popular Choices: Gift certificate for handyman, housekeeping or organizing service Massage recliner Outdoor wireless speakers Billiard table New couch/chair New high-end mattress Home theater Personal chef for a special occasion Professional landscaping plan Under-floor heating

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

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10/20/15 8:29 AM

SHOWER POWER AT THE TOUCH OF A FINGER

A Kohler Next Generation Showroom

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ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

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AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

10/20/15 8:29 AM

Giftideas

Jill: “For my older parents, I would love to get them a

Our focus group says “give a gift of home improvement”

Overall, what did we learn from our focus group? Three things: Listen! Great gift ideas are everywhere. Think about what your loved one complains about the most in their home and buy something that fixes it!

Customize! Gift giving should never be a blanket solution.

Choose a gift that shows you have really thought about them and what they want.

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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Brian: “I recently bought as a gift to myself a surround sound system. With all the new innovations, you don’t even have to install wires everywhere. You can connect them all wirelessly.”

Photo courtesy of Atlanta Design and Build, photography by Gregg Willett Photography

It’s simple—it really is the thought that counts. If you buy a gift that shows you really have listened to their needs and that you want to make their life easier, you can’t go wrong!

really bad knees, and this would allow them to take a bath more comfortably.”

t Photo courtesy of Home Depo

Best Gift Takeaways

Presentation Really Is Everything!

Do the work for them. There’s a way to make any home improvement gift effortless and fun. If you are buying new hardwoods, present the recipient with a nice gift certificate that tells them you have arranged for childcare and a lunch at their favorite restaurant so they can have a fun afternoon touring showrooms. If you’re buying an organizational tool, surprise them by actually organizing the mud room, closet, etc. If you buy them something unassembled… assemble it for them!

step-in tub. They have

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

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10/20/15 12:56 PM

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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10/20/15 11:38 AM

H O L I D AY

Holidays start in the kitchen.

EDITION FEATURING Kitchens start with us.

HOLIDAY RECIPES, GREETINGS, things happen in the kitchen over the holidays. With our seasoned design consultants, fine cabinetry, and skilled, FAMILY Great TRADITIONS AND MORE custom installation, we make sure where you gather is beautiful.

FROM HOME INDUSTRY EXPERTS

Wishing you the best this holiday season,

TOPICS 55

Design Consultation Holiday Recipe: Fine Cabinetry Premium Countertops Pop Pop Pologruto’s Bruschetta Superior Installation

by Decks & More

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Holiday Recipe: Lemon White Chocolate Chip Pecan Sandies by Howard Payne

57

Family Gatherings: Where Will You Gather Your Family this Holiday Season?

59

Holiday Greeting: Wishing You the Best this Holiday Season

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Window Magic: Window Coverings Go High Tech by Enhance Floors & More

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Pop Pop Pologruto’s.....

Bruschetta Recipe Coming from a big Italian family, Italian food is always the star of our holiday traditions.

This is a favorite recipe that my dad loves to make for our family when we gather together. It is very fresh, simple and delicious. Happy Holidays—owner Frank Pologruto.

Ingredients • 2 –Ripe Plum tomatoes • 1- clove Garlic Diced • 2- tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil • A Dash of Salt and pepper • 2 Dashes of Oregano Directions Chop up all the ingredients.

Mix well in a bowl.

Final step to serve on a Italian bread.

ABOUT DECKS & MORE With more than two decades of experience in the construction industry, Decks & More is a fullservice, design/build firm.

Each project is customized to the home owners unique preferences. The team at Decks & More prides itself on its close attention to detail and commitment to quality work, backing all work with a 3-year warranty. An award-winning company, Decks & More has won regional and national Contractor of the Year awards from NARI, national awards from NADRA, just to mention a few.

Decks & More specializes in: • Outdoor Kitchens • Screened-in Porches • Custom Decks • Additions and Sunrooms • Basements and Bathrooms • Kitchens

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10/23/15 7:55 AM

Call

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©2015 Clockwork IP, LLC

10/20/15 11:38 AM

Lemon White Chocolate Chip Pecan Sandies (Yield 24 cookies) Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • •

ABOUT HOWARD PAYNE

8 oz. unsalted butter, room temperature 18 oz.brown sugar 2 eggs 1Tbsp.vanilla extract 1Tbsp. lemon extract Zest of 1 lemon 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp salt 13 oz. flour 16 oz. chopped pecans Variations: 2 cups chopped pecans; 2 cups white chocolate chips

Pre-heat Wolf Countertop Oven to 325 degrees F. in the Convection Bake Mode.

Howard Payne Company has been family owned and operated since it was founded in 1976 by Howard Payne, Jr. At Howard Payne the satisfaction of our customers has always been the key to our way of business.

In the work bowl of a mixer, cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. One at a time, add the eggs, scraping down the bowl between the two. Add the vanilla and lemon extract and continue to mix on medium high speed until well incorporated. Sift together the flour, baking soda and baking powder, salt and add to the bowl with the mixer stopped. Add the pecans and mix on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula and mix again until just combined.

All of our family at Howard Payne, wish your family a warm Christmas season.

Method

Scoop out 8 doughs onto a small baking sheet and line it with parchment paper and bake 1 sheet at a time. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned.

This recipe is brought to you by Howard Payne Company 770-451-0136 | www.HowardPayne.com 3600 American Drive, Atlanta GA 30341

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• Showroom open by appointment or during open house sales

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ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

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The measure of a great remodeler.

559-9440 (770) 516-2091 Visit www.nariatlanta.org or call (770) for a trustworthy contractor in your area.

©2014 NARI © 2015 NARI

Expires 11/30/15

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ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

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AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

10/20/15 2:12 PM

Holidays start in the kitchen.

Kitchens start with us.

Great things happen in the kitchen over the holidays. With our seasoned design consultants, fine cabinetry, and skilled, custom installation, we make sure where you gather is beautiful.

Wishing you the best this holiday season, Design Consultation Fine Cabinetry Premium Countertops Superior Installation

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10/20/15 11:38 AM

Window Magic

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST

Window Coverings Go High Tech Home automation has come much further than many of us could have ever imagined.

Even window treatments can be automated these days.

Once you install the PowerView™ Motorization system from Hunter Douglas, your window treatments will transform the beauty and comfort of your home – effortlessly!

Your windows will now be able to anticipate your needs and adjust themselves automatically.

They can even enhance your home security by allowing you to program your coverings to raise and lower at certain times. This gives the appearance of someone being home.

Enhance Floors & More Design Consultants offer years of real world experience and knowledge not often found in the large national chain stores. Because we are locally-owned, we want to help you make the right decisions for your home and ensure your satisfaction for years to come. We know that your home is 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 a company that you have never heard of and cannot research. Our strong reputation for quality and customer service gives you peace of mind.

We are your total home design center!

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

With PowerView™, you can even program your window treatments to open or close based on temperature readings and amount of sunlight. Talk about energy efficient!

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The best part? You can do all this scheduling, programming and controlling from your smartphone or tablet, from anywhere in the world. The future of window treatments is now.

But if you prefer the more traditional remote control option, The PowerView™ system offers a “Pebble Remote Control.” This sleekly designed remote allows you to pre-set and easily operate up to six different groupings of window treatments—either individually or together—with just a press of a button.

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Elisabeth Stubbs Co-owner ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

61

10/21/15 4:40 PM

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Inspiration Paints and Home Design ......................................... 4 Jose's Painting .............................. 4

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ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

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Carpet • Ceramic Tile • Hardwood • Vinyl • Laminates Area Rugs • Expert Installations 5 255 •

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Client: AD #: Title: Media: Pubs:

Ace ACEHDW 74 "Toolbox" 4/C pg Various

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Peg Oberste AtlantaHomeImprovement.com Kris Wixom Alisa Sengel XYZ Graphics

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Providing you, our readers, with expert information from leaders in the home industry and keeping you inspired is our way of helping you create the home of your dreams.

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Smart home improvement starts here.

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diybloggersbeat DIY Owl Wreath We admit it. When we first saw this adorable, harvest-y, soft autumnal owl wreath, we actually gasped. It’s that awesome, isn’t it? Blogger Dria of DIOHomeImprovements.com was inspired by an owl wreath she saw at Anthropologie and challenged herself to create a project that is just as cute. (We think it’s even cuter!) Here’s how to create one for your own home décor:

Steps 5

1

Cut a leaf shape

STEP 1

from your

cardboard, to use as a tracing template.

2

Using your cardboard leaf

template, trace leaves onto your ivory felt. You can

use as many as you like. I used 60 for

STEP 2

the wreath shown.

3

Cut the leaves out and draw

details on with MATERIALS:

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

AFTER

Styrofoam wreath (18") Ivory felt Brown Marker Hot Glue Owl Cardboard for the template

your brown marker.

4

Attach the leaves to the Styrofoam

wreath with a hot glue gun.

STEP 3

I glued my leaves in three overlapping rows:

A self-described “DIY addict,” Dria has been DIY’ing for more years than she can remember. She considers herself lucky to learn a lot of carpentry, some plumbing and some electrical from her father, who was a master carpenter! She loves figuring out how to get the look she wants with spending the least amount of money she can. Her other passion that keeps her busy is her dog, a German Shepherd. See more projects at DIOHomeImprovements.com.

Photo courtesy of DIOHomeImprovements.com

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ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT NOVEMBER 2015

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the front, inside the ring and on the outside of the wreath.

5

Hot glue the owl on and you’re done!

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

10/19/15 6:13 PM

CSI is a full service and licensed whole house remodeling contractor.

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www.csikitchenandbath.com www.leichtstudiobycsi.com www.ruttstudiobycsi.com

10/16/15 3:55 PM

Illuminate the beauty of your home. *10 Lights for $1,695 plus 1 free path light.

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10/16/15 3:55 PM