My home improvement 0518 0618

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I M P R O V E M E N T ATLANTA

MAY/JUNE 2018 | ATLANTAHOMEIMPROVEMENT.COM

The Art of Decluttering

Conquer clutter for good.

Piece of mind awaits with a tidy home p. 54

Build a Bathroom You’ll Love Stylish elements for every space p. 44

Energy Saving

Made Easy p.25

A HEALTHY HOME

IS AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOME

SPECIAL SECTION

Best For Your Nest

Professional tips for selling, improving, and enjoying your home p. 31

THIS COVER IS PRESENTED BY

FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE P. 28

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PRESIDENT/FOUNDER

Sherri Adair PUBLISHER

Patti Stephens ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

David Leonard

MANAGING EDITOR

Laura J. Downey

From Patio to Paradise!

The Enclosure Specialist!

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Alex McCray

EDITORIAL/SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANTS

Wyndi Kappes Annie Paschal

MEDIA CONSULTANTS - PRINT/DIGITAL

Dawn DeSantis AnneMarie Edwards Amy Smith

SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT/ NORTH ATLANTA REGION

Witt Beckman

SALES/MARKETING ASSISTANT

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ART DIRECTOR

Dona Halliday GRAPHIC DESIGN/PRODUCTION

Miguel Velรกzquez OFFICE MANAGER

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CONTRIBUTOR

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contents

Take control of the mess in your home and live a healthier and happier life.



Energy Saving Made Easy



Build a Bathroom You'll Love

Top tips for saving money when you go green at home.

No matter size, space or budget, find the perfect pieces for your home. Everything from a backsplash to a freestanding bathtub can make a world of difference.

Photos courtesy of (top) WAKE + LOOM Design, photography by Jaki Hawthorne; (bottom left) Beth Kooby Design, photography by Jeff Herr Photography; (bottom middle) Oneida Builders, Inc., photography by Willett Photography; (bottom right) Druid Hills Tour of Homes & Gardens, photography by Deana Kingsbury.

 The Art of Decluttering

6 May/June 2018 My Home Improvement AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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First we saved.

THEN, WE SAVORED. Feed your culinary ambition and save up to $8,546. Buy an eligible Thermador cooking package and select your complimentary dishwasher. Add refrigeration and choose another gift, including newly added under counter refrigeration.

Embrace your opportunity to cook without limits.

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contents 17

22

58

Clean Out the Clutter

13 find it local

Places to go for products you'll love

Home-related facts and figures

19 designer details Christy Tarver shares top tips for mixing and matching affordable home accessories

Pamper your pooch with a plush bed

22 make it yours

17 sum it up

68 in my kitchen

21 ahhh…

Playful design elements and pops of color bring life to this sophisticated kids hangout

58 unique spaces

HGTV's Chip Wade is at it again.

He turns an outdated kitchen into a modern masterpiece

67 inside/out A back porch perfect for

Chef Todd Richards can't get enough of his mom's catfish.

He gives us the recipe and shares what he loves most about his Grant Park kitchen

SPECIAL SECTION

31 Best For Your Nest

Professional tips for selling, improving, and enjoying your home

TURF TRENDS

61

TifTuf Bermudagrass stands the test of time

entertaining

on the cover: All Phase Home Services provides options for an energy-efficient home.

Photos courtesy of (clockwise from top left) Cambria featuring Ironsbridge™ from the Marble Collection; Terracotta Design Build Co., photography by Jeff Herr Photography; Wade Works Creative, LLC, photography by Chip Wade.

10 editor’s letter

8 May/June 2018 My Home Improvement AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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FROM THE EDITOR

Clean Out the Clutter Everyone who knows me, knows that I have a bit of OCD. When you come into my home, every item is in place. From the perfectly folded pink blanket that rests at the end of my sky blue couch to the neatly organized mahogany bookcase with greeting cards, photos and knickknacks all in their respective places, I love a neat space.

But I realize that most people don’t have the time to work a full day, take care of the messy kids, pay attention to the laundry pileup, and carve out a few minutes for themselves. This is where our feature on The Art of Decluttering can help.

Turn to page 54 to find out what you can do to get organized around the house.

These valuable tips could also help you as you prepare to put your house on the market. Our Best For Your Nest section (p. 31) provides insight from Atlanta realtors with our checklist of 21 Things To Do Before Putting Your Home on the Market. Plus, meet the professionals that can help you create the home of your dreams.

Other highlights? Chef Todd Richards of Richards' Southern Fried in Krog Street Market tells us all about cooking at home in the kitchen his wife Melissa designed (p.68). Plus, he shares a tasty catfish recipe and gives us the secret to making juicy chicken! Find out more about what he loves to prepare and serve in his new cookbook, “SOUL: A Chef’s Culinary Evolution in 150 Recipes.”

Write in and share via social media what you’re up to around the house. We’d love to hear from you, find out what you’re doing to declutter, and so much more.

AtlantaHomeImprovement.com, follow us on To learn more about us, go to: AtlantaHomeImprovement.com (@MyHomeImprovement) and (@ATLHomeImprove).

(@MyHomeImprovementATL),

Laura Janelle Downey, Managing Editor

coming soon Interior Design Meets Technology Issue Dream Closets For Every Size Down Under Spaces: Amazing basements, home theaters, and wine rooms

Photography by CatMax Photography. Makeup by The Green Room Agency, TheGreenRoomAgency.com. Hair by K. Logan Hair, KLoganHair.com.

Solar Necklace, Misayo House's Spring/Summer Limited Edition Collection, MisayoHouse.com.

And while you're enhancing your residence, explore eco-friendly options from appliances to outdoor lighting. In our Energy Saving Made Easy piece, we provide some simple ways to help you save big (p. 25). You’re also going to want to check out our feature on bathrooms for all budgets. We showcase elements that can elevate this space—no matter how big or small.

10 May/June 2018 My Home Improvement AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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We are an award winning design-build firm led by a dynamic mother/daughter duo who take pride in the quality and client experience we offer.

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CREATING UNIQUE, TIMELESS KITCHENS AND BATHS THAT ARE BOTH ELEGANT AND FUNCTIONAL DESIGNED AROUND OUR CLIENTS’ DREAMS, REQUIREMENTS AND BUDGETS.

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EVENTS +

find it local Places To Go and Stuff You'll Love Brainchild of Atlanta entrepreneur Teri Xerogeanes, Wax Candle Bar lets you choose from over 15 phthalate-free fragrances, 20 container designs, and soy, coconut, or beeswax to create a one-of-a-kind luminary. Once you’ve filled your home with aromas like Beach Linen and used up your candle, stop by a retail partner to pick up your refill pack to bring it back to life. WaxCandleBar.com Say cheers with the UncommonGreen Atlanta 2 Piece Rocks Glass Set ($32), which features an etched map

Photos courtesy of (top middle) Images Publishing; (bottom middle) AFWF/Raftermen Photography; (bottom left) RH; (left middle) Southern Kitchen.

highlighting city hot spots such as Inman Park, Midtown and more. The 11-ounce glasses can be purchased from Atlanta-based online retailer, Southern Kitchen, and makes for a playful bar cart addition or housewarming gift.

SouthernKitchen.com

Events MAY 8-11 The ADAC 35th Annual Sample Sale returns! Shop discounted designer brand home furnishings and accessories throughout various showrooms.

351 Peachtree Hills Ave. NE., Atlanta.

ADACAtlanta.com/Events

MAY 12-13 “Great American Homes: Volume Three” takes you on a tour of 14 projects by renowned residential designer William T. Baker. A go-to for celebrities and beyond, Baker and his local firm William T. Baker & Associates seamlessly blend the needs of today’s families with classic design elements. Flip through 252 pages to see breathtaking homes such as the Atlanta Rock Point residence (page 35) with its creamcolored stone exterior and dramatic timber-clad ceilings. BarnesAndNoble.com

As part of the RH Outdoor 2018 Collection, Dallas designer David Sutherland drew inspiration for his Olema collection from 1930s French design. Offering what Sutherland calls “the perfect angle of repose,” the Olema Lounge Chair combines the rustic feel of weathered teak wood with the look of crisp modern lines.

3030 Peachtree Rd. NW., Atlanta.

RestorationHardware.com

Grab the kiddos and head to the 10th Annual Chastain Park Spring Arts & Crafts Festival to peruse paintings, metalwork, jewelry, and art. 4469 Stella Dr. NW., Atlanta.

ChastainParkArtsFestival.com

MAY 19 Make your way to the Kirkwood Spring Fling & Tour of Homes and start off with a walk through the artist market, then tour an eclectic mix of homes and enjoy live music.

2051 Delano Dr. NE., Atlanta.

KirkwoodFling.com

MAY 26 Savor lots of beer and wine while visiting furry, feathery and scaly friends from around the world during Brew At The Zoo. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE., Atlanta.

ZooAtlanta.org

MAY 31-JUNE 3 Stop by the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival for education and entertainment from some of the best chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, and authors the city has to offer.

1065 Peachtree St. NW., Atlanta.

AtlFoodAndWineFestival.com

13 May/June 2018 My Home Improvement AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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Lenox Square Register today: komenatlanta.org/walk

Photos courtesy of (top left) Jessica Winski; (middle) Tangible Thoughts

YES, I WALK. Sat. May 5

Because I am More Than Pink. I am action.

Together we walk, together we move forward.

The More Than Pink Walk is your first step in supporting Komen’s mission to rid the world of breast cancer.

research + care + community + action LOCAL PRESENTING SPONSOR

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Formerly known as

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©2018 Susan G. Komen. The Running Ribbon is a registered trademark of Susan G. Komen.

4/24/18 5:25 PM

find it local Places To Go and Stuff You'll Love Did you know that leaning pool cues against walls or tables during a game can deteriorate the accuracy of your shot?

Enter the Cue Mate. Made to move across any type of flooring and available in 12 finishes, the Cue Mate uses a special silicone rubber insert to hold a single pool cue upright during play. Sold in sets of two, pick yours up at The Man Cave Store. 6438 Dawson Blvd., Norcross. TheCueMate.com

Photos courtesy of (top left) Jessica Winski; (middle) Tangible Thoughts Media, photography by Boyzie Mathis; (bottom left) Primo Grill.

When Kyle Morris and Jessica Winski couldn’t agree on a coffee table, they decided to build their own. Thus began Southern SawDogs. From beautiful barn doors to shelves, the

JUNE 1-2 The Candler Park Music & Food Festival returns for a 10th year with a progressive music lineup including the jam band Gov’t Mule.

Expect food and works by local artisans. Candler Park.

CandlerParkMusicFestival.com

JUNE 2-3 Explore some of Atlanta’s most noteworthy modern residential, commercial, and contract design from architects and design studios during the MA! Architecture Tour (part of the Atlanta Design Festival) organized by MA! AtlantaDesignFestival.net

JUNE 9-10 Explore a juried artist market with works by more than 250 makers, visit multiple music stages, and devour tasty treats at Virginia-Highland Summerfest.

Virginia Avenue.

VaHi.org/Summerfest

Atlanta-based furniture and woodworking company

JUNE 16

specializes in handmade pieces.

Using local wood and wood from former barns, the duo can add a farmhouse touch to any home.

Facebook.com/SouthernSawDogs

Learn how to make your own vino at this Country Wine Making Class at Beer & Wine Craft. Reds, anyone?

220 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs.

BeerAndWineCraft.biz

INSIDE THE INDUSTRY This summer, sizzle hamburgers on an all-American grill. Made in Tucker, Georgia, Primo Ceramic Grills are oval-shaped for cooking versatility. With the mighty Primo Oval LG 300 All-In-One ($1,423) you can grill, bake, roast or smoke any food your heart desires and cook 10 to 20 steaks at a time. Take one home from AuthenTEAK. 1094 Huff Rd. NW., Atlanta.

PrimoGrill.com AuthenTEAK.com

MAY 8-11 Tech-enabled moving company Bellhops is helping Atlanta residents relocate even faster with a new virtual walk-through pilot program.

Using technology similar to iPhone’s FaceTime, the virtual walk-throughs help the team better determine how many movers are needed, what they will be moving and how long it should take. GetBellhops.com

Network with industry professionals and learn more about the latest tile and stone products from 35 countries at Coverings 2018.

Georgia World Congress Center.

Coverings.com

JUNE 20 Join Design Collective for its monthly educational meeting and learn about trends in kitchen design at the German Kitchen Center showroom.

351 Peachtree Hills Ave. NE., Atlanta.

DesignCollectiveAtl.com

15 May/June 2018 My Home Improvement AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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HOME STATS

sum it up Facts and Figures

MA! Architecture Tour

The returns to Atlanta for its 12th year on

June 2-3 with 10 homes (think stunning interior design, the use of

sustainable materials and more).

SOURCE: MA! ARCHITECTURE TOUR

In October 2017, Cambria, the only family-owned, American-made quartz producer, launched 5 designs

in its Marble Collection™ (including Ironsbridge™above).

In February 2018, there were

11,066

active listings on the Atlanta market—down

25.3% from 2017.

Expect patterns with bold gray veins and warm undertones. Check out 3 new additions (released April 2018) to this collection on CambriaUSA.com.

Source: Cambria/CR Home Gallery Buckhead

SOURCE: ATLANTA REALTORS ASSOCIATION Photo (top right) courtesy of Cambria featuring Ironsbridge™ from the Marble Collection; (bottom middle) Crossville, Inc.

®

The Blue Heron Nature Preserve is home to

32 organic

Tile manufacturer, Crossville,

recycled 23,447,883 pounds of fired porcelain in 2017. The

and pesticide-free community garden plots.

Tour them for inspirational ideas for your own garden.

company has been practicing sustainability for 32 years.

CrossvilleInc.com

SOURCE: BLUE HERON NATURE PRESERVE

SOURCE: CROSSVILLE

17 May/June 2018 My Home Improvement AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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MIX IT UP

designer details Of the moment tips and trends You’ve been watching all of those shows on HGTV and they’ve inspired you to take your home’s look to the next level. The problem is, you’re not the homeowner on the screen receiving the complimentary upgrade. You actually have to stick to a budget and don’t have much to allot for a total transformation.

Here’s where Christy Tarver comes in. As owner of Homes by Christy ATL, Tarver attributes her keen eye to her years of experience in remodeling, staging, and building renovation.

Tarver says it’s all about mixing the elements. “This technique is fun and adds personality to a room. Use items you already own and add new pieces to create a fresh look.”

➊ LET THERE BE LIGHT

“We used this chandelier over a white farmhouse table in our dining room. Your light fixtures will change the whole look of a room,” Tarver says. “In this case, we created a look of elegance from the lighting. To bring the two elements together, you can add a country-style vase with eye-catching flowers in the center of the table resting on a crystal silver tray. $350 SHANDY 28.75-IN 9-LIGHT PEWTER CANDLE CHANDELIER Lowe’s 5925 Roswell Rd. NE., Sandy Springs Lowes.com

1

Photos courtesy of (chandelier) Lowe's; (lamp) Pier 1 Imports; (bench) Target.

Photography by (headshot) Sawyer Photography, hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency.

➋ GLAM IT UP

2

“I love this lamp! It has lots of glamour and glitz. We used it in the master bedroom with a distressed wood bed base and fabric headboard,” Tarver says. “We also had matching side tables with mirrored fronts and we changed the hardware on the tables from rubbed bronze to round crystal knobs.” In an effort to bring the two elements together, “we chose a soft gray bedding set and added more glamour with sequined-covered accent pillows and a matching throw blanket.” $150 BOHEMIAN CRYSTAL TABLE LAMP Pier 1 Imports 1401 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta Pier1.com

➌ AMAZE WITH ANIMAL PRINT

“Never be afraid to toss in animal print,” Tarver says. “In the right space [think living room] accompanied with modern pieces, it will create a stunning sight to see.” $631 MILLIE LOFT BENCH - SAFAVIEH® Target Atlantic Station, Atlanta Target.com

19

Christy Tarver • Owner of Homes by Christy ATL • Tarver has 12 years experience in building renovation.

• With a penchant for all things interior design, Tarver helps her clients with everything from staging and remodeling to organizing and more.

• HomesByChristyAtl.com

“ ” You don’t have to have a certain look in a room to mix the elements, it’s all in the accessories and hardware. It does not take tons of money—a small investment can transform a room and give it new life.

3

May/June 2018 My Home Improvement AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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Pet Bed

Ahhh...

Pamper Your Pooch At Home

own it!

Photos courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond.

Enchanted Home Pet Ultra Plush Snuggle Basketweave Pet Bed in Black • Size: 16 inches (long) by 27 inches (wide) by 16 inches (high) • Pricing and Colors Available: $67 in Brown, $85 in Black

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Pamper your pup with plush bedding perfect for a Saturday snooze. This loft cushion, which comes complete

with the SNOOzZzOne Pet Comfort System, is a doggy’s daydream. Catering to your canine’s needs year round, three interchangeable cushion inserts (supportive memory foam, cooling gel, and warming thermal layers) provide your pet with undeniable tranquility. An added bonus—the stylish lounger with basketweave detailing comes with a pocket ideal for storing Fido’s favorite toys post-playtime.

21 May/June 2018 My Home Improvement AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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DESIGN

make it yours Your Space | Your Style | Your Choice

➏

➊

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if YOU ...

• Want a fun hangout for kids that’s sophisticated enough to grow with them • Love playful design elements

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• Want lots of out-of-sight storage

22 May/June 2018 My Home Improvement AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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DETAILS ➊ Sofa: To add plenty of hidden storage, Rountree had a custom wood base created for the Tillary® Tufted Modular Seating sofa from West Elm. WestElm.com

➋ Ottoman: The Alanya Ottoman by

➐

Anthropologie adds a surprise pop of color in the room. Anthropologie.com

➌ Rug: This soft, fluffy rug invites kids to lounge on the floor. Find something similar, like the Grand Ivory Shag Rug at Pier 1 Imports. Pier1.com

➍ Metal chair: This vintage Bertoia metal chair

lightens the mood in the room. Find a new Bertoia-designed Diamond Lounge Chair at Design Within Reach. Westside Provisions District or DWR.com

➎

➏

➎ Wall color: The homeowners' daughters’

favorite color is purple, but the designer wanted a more sophisticated statement, so she chose “Mystical Shade 6276” by Sherwin-Williams®.

Sherwin-Williams.com

➏ Lamps: The designer picked an adjustable

wall lamp from AllModern.com and a floor lamp with a contemporary feel from West Elm. WestElm.com

➐ Wall hangings: The room’s focal point is

undeniably the fun wall hangings. “They’re called Juju Hats, and I found them at a Scott Antique Markets show,” Rountree explains.

Atlanta Expo Centers, 3650 Jonesboro Rd. SE., Atlanta or ScottAntiqueMarket.com

Photos courtesy of Terracotta Design Build Co., photography by Jeff Herr Photography.

Katelyn Rountree • Interior designer with Terracotta Design Build Co. in Atlanta, Ga. • Rountree’s love of architecture began at an early age as she grew up playing on her family’s construction sites in South Georgia.

She specializes in creating design concepts to reflect a homeowner’s personality and highlight the beauty of their home’s architecture.

• TerracottaDesignBuild.com

23 May/June 2018 My Home Improvement AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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4/24/18 3:58 PM

Drought Tolerance Just Got a New Name

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Energy Saving Made Easy Going green can save you some green (money, that is) when you focus on energy use in your home.

By Stacy Moser side from honoring the noble call to save the planet, it’s possible to save some serious cash by examining how you use energy in your home. Most homeowners are shocked when they stop to analyze how much energy is wasted around the house every day. Rocco Sinisgalli, president of Oneida Builders and an EarthCraft-certified remodeler, says the ideal first step to control hidden costs is to find an assessor to complete an energy audit of your home. He compares the audit to an MRI of your body. “The audit gives you a list of major and minor things that can be improved and it prioritizes them so you can decide what’s most important to you.” Here, we’ve collected some easy ways to help you save big when it comes to energy use in your home.

APPLIANCES REFRIGERATOR Door-in-door options save energy because you don’t open the entire door to search for items. For your current fridge, check the seal on the door by closing it on a piece of paper. If the paper can be pulled out easily, it’s time to replace the rubber gaskets to stop cold air leaks.

WATER HEATER TEMPS Turn your water heater down from the typical 140 F to 120 F—there’ll be plenty of hot water for laundry, showers and dishwashing, but you’ll save money on heating costs.

ON-DEMAND WATER HEATER

WASHING MACHINE

A Metlund® Hot Water D’MAND® System conserves water and energy by delivering H2O to the faucet far faster than a traditional model, so less water flows down the drain.

Heating water accounts for 90 percent of the energy needed to run a washer, so using cooler water saves energy. Today’s high-efficiency washer models and cold-water-friendly soaps get the job done.

NATURAL GAS VS. ELECTRIC Appliances that use natural gas rather than electricity are cheaper to use. They’re usually more costly to buy, but the energy savings can be worth the initial expense.

DISHWASHER Don’t rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.

The 5 gallons of water used by rinsing for 2 minutes is what most dishwashers use in an entire cycle.

SOLAR WATER HEATER Solar water heaters can slash your water heating bills by 50 to 80 percent.

A rooftop cell absorbs the sun’s radiation and transfers the heat to water in a storage tank.

AIR CONDITIONER A new, high-efficiency central A/C unit will cut your summer electric bills by about one-third if your current unit is 10 years old or more.

ENERGY STAR Look for the Energy Star logo, a designation by the Environmental Protection Agency, meaning an appliance exceeds minimum federal energy-use standards, usually by a significant amount.

25 May/June 2018 My Home Improvement AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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4/24/18 8:00 PM

EXTERIOR

➌ ROOF COLOR

➊ DOORS

Steel and fiberglass doors insulate your home better than wood ones.

If your door doesn’t fit tightly within its frame, consider buying an Energy Star-certified door that puts a stop to drafts.

A roof painted with a white, solar-reflective coating reflects up to 90 percent of the sunlight that hits it, reducing the need for air conditioning indoors by 10 to 40 percent.

Stone veneers added to outside walls (where day and night temps vary greatly) can control those fluctuations—helping to keep interior temps consistent and saving on heating and cooling energy.

➐ ➍ ➋

➌

➎

Installing energy-saving solar panels is more affordable now with a federal tax credit that covers about 30 percent of the installation cost (around $5,000 for most homeowners).

Changing up the siding on your home? DuPont’s™ Tyvek® HomeWrap® reduces energy bills by controlling air flow and water intrusion inside your walls, helping insulation to work better.

Heating and cooling account for about 56 percent of energy use in a typical home. Insulation, like EnviroFoam’s Icynene® spray foam, surrounds your pipes, ducts and walls with an airtight barrier that keeps cooled or heated air from escaping.

➎ WINDOWS

➐ TREES

Windows made with low-emissivity glass (Low-E) and triple panes block about 97 percent of the sun’s UV rays, so there’s less need for air-conditioning.

“Smart windows” use a thermochromic material to control light and heat levels in the house.

The windows transition from clear to tinted as they heat up, so you can use less A/C.

Plant trees on the west and south side of your house to provide muchneeded shade during the dog days of summer.

➍ SOLAR PANELS ON ROOF

➋ STONE VENEER

➏ INSULATION

➏

➊

➑ GARAGE DOOR

Keep your garage door closed when possible. Its interior walls transfer heat or cold to your home’s “ecosystem”—making your air conditioner or heater work overtime to stabilize indoor temps.

➒ OUTSIDE LIGHTS Convert existing low-voltage incandescent or halogen landscape light bulbs to LED bulbs.

They are about 90 percent more energy-efficient and manage extreme temps better.

➒ ➑

AUDIT YOUR ENERGY USE Analyze where your home is losing energy.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s website, EnergySavers.gov, has details on performing an energy audit yourself.

26 May/June 2018 My Home Improvement AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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4/24/18 8:00 PM

GADGETS UNPLUG

SHOWERHEAD

“Gadget drain” refers to electricity that is used by electronics, even when they’re off. Stop their energy use by unplugging them or turning off the power strip they’re plugged into.

An Evolve Showerhead conserves water as it heats up in anticipation of your shower. When the water reaches 95 F, flip a switch to proceed with regular water flow.

LIGHT BULBS

Photos courtesy of (clockwise from top left) iDevices; Evolve Technologies, LLC.; Used with permission of Cree, Inc. CREE and the CREE logo are registered trademarks of Cree, Inc.; MySmartBlinds; P3 International Corp.

A “SmartPlug,” like iDevices Switch, remotely turns off appliances or gizmos from your smartphone—or you can set a schedule to have them turn off automatically.

ENERGYMONITORING GADGET

Switch to LED light bulbs, which use 85 percent less energy than incandescents and last 25 times longer. Look for Cree’s 60W Equivalent Soft White A19—it’s Energy Starcertified and backed by a 10-year warranty.

Not all LED bulbs are created equally. Cree bulbs are fully dimmable (dimming saves energy), allowing you to customize the light in your home and save energy, too.

e n E

Saving

Action Plan

WINDOW BLINDS

Kill A Watt® is a meter that will tell you how much energy your other gadgets are consuming.

MySmartBlinds are app-controlled window coverings that you can set to “Energy-Saving Mode” so they’ll automatically close when they sense your windows heating up under the blazing sun.

THERMOSTAT

SPRINKLER CONTROLLER

The Nest Learning Thermostat creates a schedule for the temps you prefer in your home. It saves users an average of 10 to 12 percent on heating bills and 15 percent on cooling bills, easily paying for itself.

My rgy

Program a “smart sprinkler controller” with information on your yard’s plants, soil and sun conditions. It downloads weather forecasts and customizes an irrigation schedule that will save water.

CARBON FOOTPRINT CALCULATOR Yet another use for your smartphone— download a calculator, like one at Oroeco.com, to give you tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint based on your lifestyle and activities.

27 May/June 2018 My Home Improvement AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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THE ALL PHASE COMPANY STORY Mark Davis and Melanie Dalton, owners of All Phase Home Services, began the company in 1997. The Davis family is focused on turning existing homes into energy efficient and healthy living areas with our specialized products.

All Phase is recognized in the home improvement industry as the Energy Savers of Atlanta. Our committed team of professionals genuinely care about our customers.

We consistently deliver the best in energy efficient windows, different types of siding and insulation.

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Best

FOR YOUR NEST

Professional tips for selling, improving, and enjoying your home Appliances | Countertops | Cabinets Remodeling | Kitchen Organizing Decks & Patios | Garage Doors | Turf 21 Tips To Know Before Listing Your Home PRESENTED BY

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4/24/18 4:44 PM

NEW WEB VIDEO SERIES Watch TV host and Home Expert, Ty Pennington, as he talks about Energy Efficient Remodeling, Home Automation, Home Energy Audits and much more on our very own “Ty Talks� video series.

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4/24/18 4:44 PM

2018 THE BEST FOR YOUR NEST

R

eady to update your bathroom? The first step is the hardest— the design! Begin by visiting websites like Pinterest and Houzz, where you can see, literally, thousands of pictures of bathrooms. You can create “boards” and “ideabooks” with photos of and information on the bathrooms you like. Vendor websites, new subdivision model homes, and manufacturer showrooms are also great sources for inspiration.

|

BATHROOM REMODEL

How much does a bathroom remodel cost?

Each year, Remodeling magazine does an extensive survey of recent bathroom remodels in Atlanta. In 2017, the average cost of a midrange bathroom remodel was $19,240. This includes all new fixtures, vanity cabinets, frameless glass shower doors, faucets, countertops, tile, and labor (plumbing, electrical, etc.) An upscale bathroom remodel cost $61,814.

How long will the job take?

Bathroom remodels can take as little as one week or as long as three to four weeks. The complexity of the tear out, installation details and size of the bathroom are all things that affect the range of time you can expect your bathroom makeover to take.

Trends to consider include vanities that look more like furniture, quartz countertops with undermount sinks, and large tiles (with minimal grout lines) that look like stone or wood planks. For color, white and gray are the top choices, followed by blue. Spa-themed bathrooms with large walk-in showers, freestanding tubs, and brushed nickel, chrome, and satin nickel fixtures are popular.

Come in today and meet with an Enhance Floors & More Design Consultant and get started on your dream bathroom!

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Elisabeth Stubbs, Owner

770-565-3808 WWW.ENHANCEFLOORS.COM

4/24/18 4:44 PM

p o T

21

Things To Do Before Putting Your Home On The Market Local realtors weigh in on what you should know.

1

Depersonalize your home

Limit the number of photos and personal trinkets you have around the house so that buyers can imagine themselves in the space.

—Justine Story, Dorsey Alston Realty

2

Elevate your outdoor space

3

Photograph your home’s exterior every season

A few well-placed essentials like colorful plant containers or new patio chairs with complementary cushions can take an outdoor area from stale to stylish.

—Collette McDonald, Collette McDonald & Associates

Show off your landscape at its best. If a buyer is viewing your home in the winter, whip out a photo to help visualize how beautiful it looks in the spring, summer and fall.

—Scott McGillivray, host of the DIY Network’s “Buyers Bootcamp with Scott McGillivray”

4

Protect your valuables

Put your precious wares in a safe or take them with you when it comes time to show your home. Small items like jewelry and heirlooms are especially easy to grab and remove from the residence.—Bart Lewis, Ansley Atlanta Real Estate

5

6

Stage your home

First impressions are everything! Hire a home stager to showcase your residence’s special features and décor.—Laura Dew, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

7

Make a list and check it twice

Each time your home is shown, be sure to go over your pre-showing checklist before you leave the house. Include tasks such as making up the beds, cleaning the kitchen and bathroom, taking the trash out, and putting away all toys.

—Meredith Mansfield Durrett, Harry Norman Realtors

8

Plant, plant, plant!

Planting shrubs, trees, and blossoming flowers adds as much for resale value as it does for the senses.—Wendy Bunch, RE/MAX PURE

9

Get a pre-inspection

Taking this step shows buyers how serious you are about selling. It also prevents nasty surprises and allows you to make repairs ahead of time, which can up your home’s value.

—Cheryl Bonno, Transitions Real Estate

Keep your renovations within your home’s style

For example, if your home is a 1920s bungalow, try to stick to classic, neutral choices, and period moldings.

—Linda Lehsten, Keller Knapp Realty

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4/24/18 5:33 PM

10

Take a hint from your neighbors

Follow the success of the top-dollar sale down the street. Find out what piqued buyer interest. The investment in curb appeal, new appliances, staging or something else could change the game.

—Lee Taylor, Keller Williams Realty

11

Clear out the closets

When you have clothes and clutter packed to the ceiling and covering the floors, you give the illusion that your home doesn’t have enough storage space. And since closet space is significant to buyers, you’ll want to showcase a clean one.—Caroline DeSantis, Keller Williams First Atlanta

12

Set the scene with scent

Smell is strongly linked with memory so make sure your place leaves the right impression. Have neutral-smelling candles, essential oils, or freshly baked chocolate chip cookies to wow guests when they walk in.

—Cristina Devallescar Stallworth, Casas Buy Cristina with Keller Williams

13

Lighten up

14

Get the word out

Buyers love bright open spaces. At a minimal cost, you can add in a few up-to-date light fixtures and bring out the best in your home.

—Andrea Cueny, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

Potential homebuyers can find out that your place is for sale through a variety of methods—digital outreach, yard signage, and by having several open houses.—Jeremy Norman, Norman & Associates Real Estate Solutions

Fix potential hazards

15

Uneven sidewalks, loose carpeting, and creaky stairs are all potentially dangerous to those touring your home. Protect yourself

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from lawsuits by fixing these issues before your first open house.—Joshua Jarvis, Jarvis Team Realty

16

The devil’s in the details

17

Relocate pets and their belongings

18

Give a purpose to each room

19

Make it pop

20

Go high-tech

21

Hire a professional realtor

Don’t overlook small paint touch-ups, leaky faucets, busted window screens, or cluttered gutters. Taking care of these particulars can add up to a pristine overall look.

—Becky Morris, Beacham & Company Realtors

Many people have pet allergies and their smell isn’t what you want associated with your space. Remove all traces of your furry friends and consider boarding them during open houses.

—Martin Archacki, The Atlanta Homes Team

Even if you have an empty bonus room, give it an identity (home office, playroom, etc.) so buyers see it as an addition, not just a vacant room.—Lee Ann Wynns, Dorsey Alston

A painted front door is especially trendy right now and a great way to draw buyers in. Stick with interesting but subdued colors like plum, light green, or crimson.

—Connor McCormick, Keller Williams, North Atlanta

According to “Consumer Reports,” most potential homebuyers want smart-home tech such as thermostats, smoke detectors and home security cameras preinstalled.

Since getting your home ready to sell can be a time-intensive process, let a licensed Georgia realtor like one of the above, help you do what is best for you. Happy moving!

4/24/18 5:33 PM

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4/24/18 4:44 PM

2018 THE BEST FOR YOUR NEST

W

ith more than 20 years of experience, Decks & More has become Atlanta’s premier patio and deck contractor. Since a deck and patio need to be safe and sturdy, we use quality material. To create a space that is both inviting and stylish, we offer custom flooring, recessed lighting with dimmer controls, mini beams on the ceiling, and more so you can make the space all your own. To keep the build on track, a project manager is on site every day.

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5 Ways We Enhanced This Space • Slate tile • Recessed lights controlled by dimmers • Two-tone paint colors • Beadboard ceiling • Four-piece crown molding When you enlist our services as patio and deck builders, you can count on us to design the perfect customized living space for your home. From porch construction to kitchen remodeling, our team can do it all.

Our business knows how to offer great customer service. Our first priority is to take care of our clients and their construction concerns. We will do everything we can to go above and beyond in work ethic, design quality, and attention to detail.

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“We work hard to make our clients happy, listening closely to their specific preferences and serving them well.”

—Frank Pologruto of Decks & More.

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At Decks & More, we want to earn you and your family’s business and trust to create a relaxing and unique retreat. Worried about the quality of our work? All of our work on new structures is backed by our three-year warranty. So if a problem occurs, we’ll take care of it.

Whether you are looking for a professional deck builder or porch construction team, we have the skills to help.

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2018 THE BEST FOR YOUR NEST

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eslie Moore’s life is busy. “Time is a precious commodity,” says Leslie. “That’s why an organized & efficiently functioning kitchen is so important to me. It’s key—especially when I’m trying to get everybody ready in the morning.” Leslie has ShelfGenie custom pullout shelves designed for her needs in the kitchen. Everything in her kitchen is now within reach and well organized. “I can access what I need with a finger tip. Before getting them, things would get buried in the back of a cabinet or in my pantry.” says Leslie. She utilizes all areas of her kitchen, from the coffee station to the baking area. She especially loves the pullout trash and recycling station and that her son can reach his own shelf. "Now, he can access his snacks, sippy cups, and more."

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id you know that an upscale garage door is the most affordable home project with the highest return on investment?

Image Doors’ carriage house doors are handcrafted with exceptional workmanship for long-lasting beauty, reliable performance, and low maintenance. Each door offers the timeless appeal and authenticity of a carriage door constructed a century ago, yet functions using the latest modern technology. Our customers have told us repeatedly that the elegance and grace of their home has been improved significantly with the addition of these distinguished doors.

The result? A beautiful custom door that provides a dramatic finishing touch for your home. Carriage House Doors welcome you home!

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2018 THE BEST FOR YOUR NEST tlanta Stone Works, Inc. has been a staple in the community for 18 years. With more than 80 years of combined experience, we offer state-of-the-art equipment and quality customer service no matter the size of the project. New kitchen or bathroom countertops are an investment and add great value to your home. Take the time to visualize what you’d like your space to look like and add your personal touch to it. If you’re not sure which countertops are right for your residence and vision, we will help you select them. Thanks to the different

|

COUNTERTOPS

Q

Should I buy granite or marble?

A

Marble is beautiful, but for most homeowners, granite is the better choice. Marble is more porous and generally more expensive.

Q

How much maintenance does granite require?

A

Granite is very easy to care for. Be sure to seal your granite, clean it with mild soap and water, and then it should last as long as the house does.

Q

What do I need to know about quartz countertops?

A

Quartz is an extremely durable material.

However, unlike granite, quartz can be affected by extreme heat. Avoid damage by using cutting boards and trivets between hot kitchen tools and quartz countertops.

colors and patterns of granite, marble, or quartz, countertops can easily change the look of a home from traditional to contemporary. Trust us to get the job done and help you choose the right material for your budget and lifestyle.

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4/24/18 4:44 PM

TifTuf™ Bermuda Looks Great and Saves Up To 38% on Irrigation Costs There are few things that are as welcoming or attractive as a lovely green lawn. But maintaining that healthy, green grass during our hot Southern summers can empty a lot of “green” from your wallet!

• If you get your water from a city, you’re probably averaging about $7.50 per 1,000 gallons— depending on how much your municipality bills for water and sewage

Luckily, you can slash your irrigation costs by an estimated 38% by installing TifTuf™ bermudagrass sod from NG Turf.

• Those 107,476.5 gallons will cost you $806 every summer

TifTuf™ is the newest variety of bermudagrass developed by the world-renowned turfgrass laboratories at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus. Based on over 2 decades of testing, TifTuf™ has proven itself to be the most sustainable and drought-hardy turfgrass available today.

Aaron McWhorter, president of NG Turf, explains, “Initially, researchers thought TifTuf’s excellent performance under drought conditions was due to a deeper root system, but further studies showed that it actually uses less water to thrive—an impressive 38% less than the current industry-standard bermudagrass. What an incredible benefit to us here in the South with our hot, dry summers.”

Let’s take a closer look at what that means for irrigation costs:

• But, if you have TifTuf™ bermuda instead: • The same square footage of lawn will only need 3,177.3 gallons per watering • That reduces your summer irrigation needs down to 73,078 gallons • And your annual summer irrigation cost down to $548.10 In other words, over the course of 10 years, TifTuf™ will save you about $2,580 just in watering costs alone!

But that’s not all. TifTuf™ not only uses less water, it also survives drought better and has excellent natural resistance to disease and insects. So, you’ll have lower costs associated with annual maintenance and repair, too.

• If your lawn is a modest 100 feet x 75 feet, that’s 4672.5 gallons per 1-inch watering

“Replacing your existing lawn with TifTuf™ is worth the investment just for the positive environmental impact it has on water consumption,” Mr. McWhorter adds. “The very attractive cost savings on its annual care and maintenance is like icing on the cake.”

• If you water just once a week over the warmest months (May through September), that’s 23 waterings, totaling a whopping 107,467.5 gallons of water

TifTuf™ is available year round at NG Turf and delivered farm-fresh right to your door!

Call (770) 832-8608 or visit ngturf.com to request a quote.

• It takes 0.623 gallons of water to provide 1 inch of water to 1 square foot of turf

For a custom quote, call 770-431-1344 or visit ngturf.com.

Give us a call today!!

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4/23/18 9:19 PM

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May/June 2018 My Home Improvement AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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4/23/18 9:19 PM

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Countertop Basics All About Granite & Quartz

Are new countertops something your home needs? The popular choices currently are granite and quartz. What are the differences between the two?

• Granite is a natural material. It is mined, and like any natural rock, there are variations in the appearance of the slabs. It can stain or crack if care is not taken, and it must be sealed periodically.

• Quartz is a manufactured product, and therefore has a more consistent appearance than granite. Quartz is made from quartz dust and resin, so it is nonporous and requires no sealing.

We are seeing a migration away from granite, as many clients tell us, “I want something different.”

While the starting price point on granite is lower than on quartz, there is a much wider price range on granite.

Granite pricing is generally based upon availability/scarcity of the stone. Where the stone is quarried also affects the

pricing, as granite that comes from deeper beneath the earth’s surface makes it more rare and more costly.

You may be wondering about marble.

Marble is much more porous than most granite, and therefore requires more vigilant maintenance and sealing.

Today’s quartz offers an extremely realistic marble visual and is much easier to take care of in a heavyuse area like a kitchen, so many homeowners choose quartz.

Design Tip When choosing countertop colors, consider your kitchen’s lighting. If your kitchen has little or no natural light, select a color that has a significant amount of white, gold or light-colored specks. Dark colors like deep blue, mahogany and black look best in areas that receive substantial light.

Come by today and let the Enhance Design Consultants help you select the perfect new countertops for your home!

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e v o L

Build a Bathroom You'll

No matter your budget, these beautiful elements offer ideas to elevate any space

By Stacy Moser

No other room in your house offers opportunities to indulge yourself like a bathroom does. This is the place to be pampered—whether you’re prepping to face the day or unwinding after a long one. Consider adding a few stylish elements to your bathroom to not only upgrade how the room looks, but also enhance how it functions as your retreat away from the world.

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All in the Details

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The chic design elements in this Sandy Springs bathroom, like the sparkling chandelier, elegant ottoman and Neolith “Calacatta” countertops lend a sense of glamour to this space. In contrast, the Castlestone “Musk Muretto” textured porcelain wall tiles, futuristic tub faucet and dark cabinetry add drama. Muted beige floor tiles, with a colorful tile “medallion” in the center, complete the sophisticated look.

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Beautiful bathrooms need a focal point.

Today’s creative bathtub designs can be ultramodern or can give a nod to yesteryear. Consider locating a tub in an unexpected place for extra impact.

The designers of this Duluth home’s bathroom chose a creamy white “Savoy” tub by MTI Baths for the room’s alcove— creating a lovely contrast with the dark wainscoting.

Photos courtesy of (left) CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio, photography by Kurtis Miller Photography.

47 May/June 2018 My Home Improvement AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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Embrace Your Space

You don’t have to skimp on style in small bathrooms. The designer of this Smyrna home remodel used a clever trick to make this room look bigger—she used ample light fixtures and a full-wall mirror to reflect light and brighten the space. The shower curtain is hung at almost ceiling height, drawing the eye upward.

And the vanity was raised to counter height to add storage underneath.

Jill Barnes, interior designer, Cortland Partners CortlandPartners.com Photos courtesy of (left) Cortland Partners, photography by Alex Arnett.

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Sophisticated Sanctuary

Photo courtesy of (left) Druid Hills Tour of Homes & Gardens, photography by Deana Kingsbury.

This bathroom, featured on the 2018 Druid Hills Tour of Homes & Gardens, includes cabinetry created by Couture Cabinets and “Invierno” granite countertops found at Marmi Natural Stone. The unique chandelier and sconces are made from Italian Murano glass and the room was designed with them as the centerpiece.

The gender-neutral colors and spa-like décor make this bathroom a perfect retreat for him and her.

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A Room with a View

Chances are, your bathroom’s windows aren’t making the statement that they could. Here, privacy wasn’t a concern, so designer Beth Kooby used simple, gauzy curtains “to keep the light coming in and the Peeping Toms frustrated!" Then she used Circa Lighting’s Reed Single Sconces to light the Pottery Barn “Classic Double” vanity and “Segovia Whitewashed” mirrors she found at World Market.

Beth Kooby, interior designer, Beth Kooby Design BethKoobyDesign.com

Photos courtesy of (left) Beth Kooby Design, photography by Jeff Herr Photography.

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Just Say “Zen"

droom Transform your be ity by ren se into a place of ulous fab few a focusing on s nt me ele n desig that really matter most.

e clut er t D

Photo courtesy of WAKE + LOOM Design, photography by Jaki Hawthorne.

ing

A Journey from Buried to Bliss

by Stacy Moser

M

any of us occasionally struggle with a messy home. Dishes pile up, paperwork covers the table, dirty clothes litter the floor—side effects of a stress-filled lifestyle and priorities that don’t involve housework. But when does a disorganized, messy household go

from a minor annoyance to a cry for help? Believe it or not, a clutter-filled house can negatively affect your body. Research shows that living with an abundance of clutter can be a major factor that can affect your mental and physical health.

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Calm Cooks

stress Reduce meal-prep in an uncluttered go of vir en onment. Let at are th countertop items lgia sta no just there for t. en im or sent

Photo courtesy of Beth Kooby Design, photography by Jeff Herr Photography.

When a Mess Is More Than a Mess Sandra Tunajek, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, writes about the impact of a disorganized house. “Living in a cluttered home can create subtle, constant, low-grade stress.

Anxiety over clutter messes with your brain’s alpha waves and interferes with your sleep, making you more fatigued, impacting your hormone levels, and increasing production of cortisol.” Research suggests living in a chaotic environment over long periods of time can ultimately lead to weight gain, depression and even disease.

For some, the mess at home is so daunting that gaining control of it seems impossible. “Anyone can relate to this,” says Peter Walsh, former host of TLC’s “Clean Sweep” and author of “Let It Go: Downsizing Your Way to a Richer, Happier Life.” “Your home’s cluttered, your kitchen’s overwhelmed with stuff, and that feeling is, ‘I’m zapped, I don’t know where to begin, I’m exhausted before I even start.'”

This situation has become such a common occurrence that an industry has sprung up around it—professional home organizers liberate their clients of clutter, freeing them to pursue the Zen of

healthier, happier lives. Hundreds of books have been written about the subject, and even apps can assist in the quest of a simpler life.

Link It to the Love One mega-successful home organizer, Marie Kondo, has sold over eight million copies of her books, including “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” Her KonMari Method™instructs clients to visualize the life they desire once they achieve a clutter-free space. Her philosophy is that we should keep items that “spark joy,” surrounding ourselves with a few objects we truly love—and get rid of anything we don’t. As with the concept of minimalism, you figure out what really matters to you and then discard the rest. She advocates linking the decluttering process with a life-changing goal that’s attainable once your living space is rid of unnecessary disorder.

While Kondo advises decluttering in one epic “clean sweep” of your home, others say it’s OK to set smaller goals. Walsh, for instance, offers this advice: “It’s taken years for a home to become cluttered, so it’s not realistic to try to declutter or downsize everything in a weekend. … Start

55 May/June 2018 My Home Improvement AtlantaHomeImprovement.com

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small. …Working systematically through a home will help make the task more manageable.”

Get Started “An organized life is a happy life,” says Linda Lanier, owner of In Focus Organizing in Atlanta. “The average person loses one hour a day due to disorganization.” Even if you can’t afford a professional organizer to do it all for you, she offers a DIY program so you can consult a pro as you get started.

Get family or friends involved—They’ll encourage you to stay motivated.

Create rules—Clothing that hasn’t been worn in a year heads straight to charity. For collections of keepsakes, photograph them all, then pick one item to keep.

Give ’em a hand—Physically hold items in your hands to be mindful of their value in your life. If it brings on a bad memory or doesn’t make you smile, get rid of it.

Make some cash—Use Craigslist or eBay to unload items and make a few bucks.

ing

Clutter can affect not only the inside of the house, but the outside as well.

Imagine your outdoor spaces as opportunities to unwind from the stress of everyday life. Be mindful of every object (even plants or trees) in your yard to help you let go of clutter—keeping only what brings on your “Zen” state of mind.

My weekly Declutter Plan 1 2 3 4 5 6

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REMODEL

unique spaces Making the most of a garden view

By Stacy Moser

Dated Kitchen Goes Modern.

Hello Outdoor Oasis!

As young parents Jessica and John Graham began to settle into their newly acquired Northlake, Georgia, home, they realized that its outdated style impacted their lifestyle more than they wanted. And they had kitchen envy. As Jessica tells it, whenever they visited the industrial-modern kitchen layouts of their friends’ homes, “We’d say, ‘Ohhh—wouldn’t that be nice!’” They struggled to come up with a design to remodel the kitchen that would be creative and budget-friendly, but were at a loss for what to do.

That’s when they consulted designer Chip Wade, host of HGTV’s “Elbow Room.” Chip’s game plan included tearing out an exterior wall in order to expose a garden view and create an outdoor space adjacent to the kitchen.

Next, Chip focused on storage. He asked the Grahams to remove everything they kept in their kitchen cabinets and donate to charity anything they hadn’t used in the past three years. “It’s likely you’ll have at least 20 percent less stuff to store now,” he told them. Then he chose budgetfriendly IKEA cabinetry based on the space they actually needed for storage. “Don’t waste your money on empty cabinets!” he advised.

we love smart solutions!

The new glass-paned, 16-feet-wide garage door opens up and out from the kitchen—acting as a patio cover for the new outdoor entertaining space.

The highlight of the kitchen is the island (and matching outdoor dining table). Chip designed a sleek concrete countertop, supported by cherry-red legs sturdy enough to conceal the plumbing beneath. Of the reveal, John says, “It almost feels like we moved to another house—we love it!”

Chip Wade • • • •

Atlanta native, resides in Johns Creek Owner of Wade Works Creative, LLC Emmy award-winning host for HGTV network Expertise: Interior and exterior home renovation. Works with homeowners to create stylish, functional living spaces.

• WadeWorksCreative.com

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Photos courtesy of Wade Works Creative, LLC, photography by Chip Wade.

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L

awns in the midst of a bustling city are a rarity, even in the tree-covered Southern city of Atlanta. For Keith and Deborah Cureton, their distinctive lawn serves as a haven that takes them away from the constantly humming streets around the corner.

Keith finds mowing the lawn relaxing, while Deb enjoys learning to plant flowers and vegetables.

I guess the best way to describe our new grass is that it is easy! Great color, heat tolerant with limited need for watering and direct sunlight.

However, before transitioning to TifTuf Bermudagrass, the Cureton family found their backyard added stress to their lives rather than solace.

The Renovation Almost a year to the day after installing their Fescue, the Curetons renovated their lawn yet again by planting TifTuf Bermuda.

Tales of Backyard Struggles Moving into their Brookhaven home in 2015, the Curetons updated the charming house to suit their style and then began to tackle the lawn. When the family first arrived, both the front and back lawns were planted in Meyer Zoysiagrass.

However, the Meyer did not tolerate the shade of the back lawn. It had to go.

Ready for a Close-Up

October 25, 2016

“I was literally watering night and day to keep the Fescue alive, and in the end it still died,” Deb said. “I think we spent more money on the water than the grass.”

Within a year, most of the Fescue had died out, and the Curetons were in search of a solution. They found the answer in TifTuf Bermudagrass.

“It’s a unique house in Atlanta to have a yard,” Keith said. “It gives you a feeling that, even though you’re in the city, you have a home like somebody else who lives out in a rural area.”

Eliminating the Meyer Zoysia and a variety of other failing plants in the backyard meant an opportunity to begin anew.

The first item on the agenda: new grass. With shade from the house and garage, a fence surrounding the yard and an oak tree towering above, shade tolerance was of the

utmost importance. The Curetons chose Fescue grass for this reason and installed their sod the end of April 2015.

However, the heat of the Georgia sun wore the Fescue down quickly and took quite a toll on Keith and Deb as well.

TifTuf was bred by the University of Georgia-Tifton in 1992 and stood out among other Bermudagrass varieties because of its ability to stay green under drought conditions rather than going dormant. Over the past two decades, TifTuf has undergone research around the country to determine and test other favorable characteristics — one of which is the ability to withstand some shade.

“The maintenance of TifTuf is far easier than what we’ve experienced with the Meyer Zoysia that was originally back there to the Fescue that we put in, which was impossible to keep going,” Keith said.

The Curetons’ TifTuf Bermuda lawn remained green while the cool months set in during its first year of establishment.

November 7, 2016

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The ease of maintenance on TifTuf allowed for the addition of new landscape elements in the back lawn.

Without constantly worrying about the livelihood of their grass, the family had the ability to plant and care for nine new trees, an extensive number of new and transplanted hedges, several ground cover plants and even raised bed vegetable gardens.

turfSavings report See the

Saving Money, Water and Time – Economic and Environmental Benefits The 2016 overhaul involved a high volume of other landscape plantings in addition to the establishment of TifTuf sod. However, the Curetons used much less water than in 2015 when they only planted Fescue. In fact, they used almost half the water in 2016 compared to 2015.

Water usage and billing cycles are calculated every two months. The Curetons compared their water bills for July and August — typically the hottest months of the year — for 2015 and 2016. Even with the addition of their 2016 landscape plantings, Deb and Keith saw a 48 percent decrease in their water bill from 2015 to 2016.

44%

The Curetons saw a 44% decrease in their water usage after converting their lawn from Fescue to TifTuf Bermudagrass. In addition to TifTuf, they planted ornamental shrubs and trees during 2016. Still, the water use remained lower in 2016.

Saving money is on the top of most homeowners’ lists, but environmental friendliness is ever important, especially considering Georgia’s drought conditions during 2016. In July and August of 2016 the family used 24,500 fewer gallons of water. This meant they used 44 percent less water than in the prior year.

(See infographic to the right.)

As if saving money and conserving water weren’t enough, TifTuf cut down significantly on the amount of time Deb spent watering the back lawn.

“It took two hours to water everything,” Deb said of when they installed Fescue.

“You’re spot watering. This needs a little, and this needs a little.”

Thanks to their TifTuf installation, two hours’ worth of watering decreased to 40 minutes. The Curetons switched from a wall-to-wall watering strategy to simply identifying areas of stress on their TifTuf lawn.

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48%

As water use decreased, it’s no wonder the money savings did as well. The switch to TifTuf saved the Curetons 48% in water bills from 2015 to 2016.

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Lucy, a treasured member of the family, loves her new TifTuf lawn as a place to play and relax.

Deb Cureton paid less attention to lawn maintenance and watering and switched her focus to vegetables and flower gardening once TifTuf Bermuda replaced the old Fescue.

Real Curb Appeal – Staying Green Longer The idea that a grass could stay green year-round appealed to the Curetons, and that’s one reason they initially chose Fescue grass. The demise of their Fescue in the summer, however, wasn’t so appealing. Though Bermuda is a warm season grass, Deb and Keith found their TifTuf lawn stayed green longer than other warm season varieties, including the Meyer Zoysia currently in their front lawn.

“After Thanksgiving the front yard was dormant, but the back yard was still bright green,” Keith said. “It wasn’t until close to Christmas when we came home to see it had gone totally dormant.”

National Turfgrass Evaluation Program trials across the U.S. have found TifTuf goes dormant later in the fall, while research has also shown that TifTuf greens up earlier in the spring than competing varieties of Bermudagrass. Thus, TifTuf provides more green earlier and later for enhanced curb appeal and enjoyment.

By the beginning of March, the back lawn began to return to its shade of bright green after only a few months of dormancy.

TifTuf handles the partially shaded areas of the lawn where there are at least 4 hours of sun each day.

around. They wear Fescue out pretty quickly,” Keith said.

“The durability of TifTuf is almost like a mat.”

The self-healing nature of TifTuf Bermuda will allow the family to entertain in their backyard — a new and exciting possibility. The Curetons plan to host barbecues and cornhole tournaments during the summer now that their grass doesn’t require such a gentle touch.

“I guess the best way to describe our new grass is that it is easy!” Deb said. “Great color, heat tolerant with limited need for watering and direct sunlight.”

Now that the TifTuf has been established for a couple of years and their landscape plantings are no longer new, the Curetons say they are excited to see the amount of water they will conserve, but they are more enthusiastic about what the backyard means for their family.

Moreover, it is an area for Deb to learn about planting and Keith to enjoy caring for the grass. The lawn is a place to play for Dexter and Lucy, the beloved family pets. It’s a space for three granddaughters to run around safely.

Most importantly, it’s finally the backyard they imagined.

“Once the warmth hit it, it seems like it just came out of dormancy,” Keith said.

Big Plans for the Back Yard – The Upside of a Tough Grass One final benefit resulting from the Fescue transition is the durability of the Curetons’ new lawn.

“You think about Fescue, you think about a bunch of people out there, and they’re playing and running

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Fireplace: Custom gas fire with black rocks Duomo Lanterns: Weathered Zinc pictured in grande (46 inches tall).

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Light up a traditional back porch design with a modern look that seamlessly connects

indoor entertaining with outdoor living. Designed and built by Loudermilk Homes, this 560-square-foot alfresco area allows any family to host friends in an inviting atmosphere complete with a custom fireplace (by Loudermilk Homes too!) and large lanterns. The oversized comfy couch serves as a go-to spot for chatting over wine or catching up on homework.

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At Home With Chef Todd Richards Celebrating Adventurous Culinary Traditions

By Stacy Moser

C

hef Todd Richards has racked up an impressive list of awards and accolades (including two James Beard Award nominations) for his cuisine, an impressive accomplishment considering that he’s a self-taught cook. His food has contributed to the success of many Atlanta restaurants, including Villa Christina and White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails. In 2016, he opened Richards’ Southern Fried in Krog Street Market. And now, Richards adds the title of author to his repertoire. His debut cookbook, “SOUL: A Chef’s Culinary Evolution in 150 Recipes," will be released on May 22.

Photography by (chef Todd Richards) Eric Vitale; Photo courtesy of (book cover) Time Inc. Books, photography by

As is common with many chefs, Richards credits his love of food to his grandma’s and mom’s home cooking. He grew up on the South Side of Chicago, where he was raised in a large, loving family who regularly gathered for meals steeped in America’s soul food tradition. “My dad’s family is from New Orleans and mom’s is from the Carolinas,” he explains. “So we ate Creole-based food that was blended with soul-based food. We were adventurous eaters— my mom was the most adventurous of all,” he says. He recalls times when his mother would stop for Chinese takeout and bring home ramen broth. “She’d have a pot of collard greens on the stove and would add that to the ramen. Some call it fusion cuisine, but as a kid I just thought it was a mash-up of all different delicious things.” And he has built on that adventurous tradition, creating his own out-of-the-box version of soul cuisine.

He remembers Saturday mornings, when he and his cousins visited his grandma’s house and watched chefs on cooking shows, like Jacques Pépin or Martin Yan on “Yan Can Cook” on PBS as they waited for her to make breakfast. “There’s been a food culture in my family for a long time. But I look back and see a progression in my grandma’s cooking. It changed from rich, heavy food to lighter food with more nuanced flavors, influenced by those cooking shows.”

Now, in his own home in Grant Park, Richards enjoys sharing the kitchen with his wife, Melissa, whom he married in 2016. “It’s a great balance of cooking at home with her.

All our meals showcase the ingredients and how fresh they are.

We go to the farmers market or grow vegetables in our own garden. But if you ask me what I cook most, it’s on the smoker or the grill.”

“Melissa designed our kitchen,” he says proudly. “It’s one of the easiest kitchens to work in ever! Everything has its place. It’s important to plan how you’re going to clean up. We cook with cast-iron pans a lot. So there’s an island in front of the stove that has a deep double sink. We take the pan directly to the sink when we’re done. Cast iron isn’t the lightest thing in the world to carry around the kitchen, so that makes it simple.”

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TODD’S KITCHEN 101 Breville Toaster I really enjoy my Breville toaster to make just one nice piece of toast. In commercial kitchens, I use the big broiler, but an actual toaster is a nice treat to have at home.

Mom’s Fried Catfish with Hot Sauce “My mom would make this on Fridays for my dad. When my grandpa came over for dinner, he would get the catfish tail—crispy like a potato chip. To me, that was the prized possession of this delicious catfish recipe. It takes me back home.”

Photography by (chef Todd Richards) Eric Vitale; Photo courtesy of (book cover) Time Inc. Books, photography by Victor Protasio; (recipe) Excerpted from Soul by Todd Richard s. Copyright © 2018 Oxmoor House. Reprinted with permission from Time Inc. Books, a division of Meredith Corporation. New York, NY. All rights reserved; (toaster) Breville USA; (coffeemaker) Nespresso.

Nespresso VertuoPlus Of course, you have to have a good coffeemaker! Coffee in the kitchen is essential—it’s even part of my spice rub.

Brine Brine is the secret to juicy, delicious chicken. You should always brine any bird—duck, quail, chicken, turkey. Even a simple brine of salt water will make the meat absolutely delicious.

Rubber Spatula It might seem small, but a rubber spatula is key. Food is wasted if you don’t use a spatula to get every drop.

Ingredients for Catfish

Ingredients for Hot Sauce

2 cups whole buttermilk 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon hot sauce (recipe right, plus more for serving) ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic ¼ teaspoon granulated onion 4 teaspoons kosher salt 1 ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 ½ pound catfish fillets, cut into 2-inch pieces 2 cups yellow cornmeal ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 4 cups vegetable oil

2 teaspoons blended olive oil 3 stemmed, coarsely chopped red Fresno chiles 1 stemmed, coarsely chopped jalapeño chile ½ small yellow onion, diced 3 garlic cloves ½ cup apple cider vinegar ¼ cup red wine vinegar ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Directions for Catfish

Directions for Hot Sauce

• Combine the first 5 ingredients with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper in a Ziploc bag. Add catfish pieces, seal and refrigerate for 2 to 8 hours.

• Whisk cornmeal, cayenne, 3 teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a pie pan.

• Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.

• Remove catfish from buttermilk mixture, dredge in the cornmeal. Let stand 5 minutes.

• Fry catfish (large pieces first) in batches until golden brown— 5 to 7 minutes per side. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

• Serve with hot sauce.

• Heat oil over medium heat.

Add chiles, onion and garlic, stirring often until tender, 6 to 8 minutes.

• Add vinegars and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes.

• Add salt, remove from heat and let stand 20 minutes.

• Remove the center cap from the blender lid to prevent overflowing (be wary of inhaling vapors), process the mixture until smooth.

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S I N C E

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