Outdoor Home Magazine - Winter 2014

Complimentary

OUTDO O R LIVING IN TH E H UDSO N VA LLE Y

the

Holiday issue

Winter 2014

D e c o r a te L i k e th e P ro s

!

Tips and tr icks bringing in for th Holiday sea e son with st yle

PLAN YOUR 2015 OUTDOOR LIVING PROJECT NOW HEATED PAVER DRIVEWAY CUSTOM FIRE FEATURES THANKSGIVING TURKEY ON THE GRILL

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contents WINTE R 2014

FEATURES

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24 Turn up the Heat We all know that when the temperatures start to drop, the hard work of shoveling and plowing the snow is just around the corner. For one Hudson Valley family, enough was enough.

Outdoor Home travels to New Windsor, NY to bring you a state of the art driveway, walkway, and entryway with radiant heating.

28 Bright Lights, Hudson Valley Holiday decorating takes off in the greater Hudson Valley! We take the guesswork out of hiring a professional decorator. Enjoy all the beauty of holiday decorations without the danger and hassle of doing the work yourself.

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Winter 2014

PHOTOS. LEFT: HALSTEAD MEDIA GROUP LLC TOP/BOTTOM RIGHT: CHRISTMAS DECOR

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THINK OUTSIDE THE BLOCK. Think this look is not possible from manufactured stone?

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For more outdoor inspiration contact us for a free Design Idea Catalog at Unilock.com or

Untitled-16 1

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10/1/2014 8:30:41 AM

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WINTER 2014

20

contents 13

16 10 FROM THE PUBLISHER 13 OUTDOOR CHEF Thanksgiving turkey hits the grill!

Free up your oven this holiday season and move the bird outside.

Plus, learn the secrets to successful year-round grilling.

16 DETAILS Join us as we dive into the world of award-winning fire feature designer, Elena Colombo, of Brooklyn, NY. Elevate your outdoor living project by leaving behind that overused round fire pit.

20 GROW Planters deserve a bit of love, even during the winter months. Be inspired by locally designed planters while learning to bring texture and color to your winter landscape.

32 FIND A PROFESSIONAL Outdoor Home’s new outdoor living resource guide will help you find the professionals you need to get the job done right.

ON THE COVER Professional exterior holiday decorating evokes the spirit of the season like nothing else. See “Bright Lights, Hudson Valley” on page 28 for more. Photo courtesy of

Christmas Decor.

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Winter 2014

PHOTOS. TOP LEFT: TREVOR DART/SUMMERSET PROFESSIONAL GRILLS BOTTOM LEFT: ELENA COLOMBO RIGHT: AMY WILBUR

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Don’t Be Left PowerLess in the Dark again!

Come Enjoy a Country Christmas on the Farm!

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M A G A Z I N E

home

Founding Publisher COREY J HALSTEAD

Editor

ANNA HALSTEAD

Contributors

JACKSON FINDS DAISY BROWN JASON KLEIN BRANDON STEPHENS

Subscriptions

OUTDOORHOMEMAGAZINE.COM PUBLISHED BY HALSTEAD MEDIA GROUP LLC PRINTED IN THE USA

CaLL us foR a quiCk REsponsE 914-747-7777 203-674-8038 201-343-9266 mark@designLightingbymarks.com

designLightingbymarks.com 8

Winter 2014

(845) 475-8162 • INFO@HALSTEADMEDIA.COM OUTDOORHOMEMAGAZINE.COM • HALSTEADMEDIA.COM Outdoor Home Magazine (OHM) has not tested any services or products advertised herein and has not verified any claims by its advertisers. OHM makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for claims regarding such services/products. No reproductions of printed materials is permitted without the written consent of the Publisher. Copyright © 2014 by Halstead Media Group LLC, all rights reserved.

Photos: Courtesy of Unilock®

QUALITY INSTALLATION

that will stand the test of time Unilock® Authorized Contractors are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail and in-depth experience with a wide range of paving and outdoor living projects. You’ll rest easy knowing you’ve hired the best!

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Trademarks used herein belong to their respective owners and are used by permission.

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

OK

,

you got me.

I am certainly not thrilled about breaking out the snow shovel. Nor am I looking forward to battling the crowds at the only store within 100 miles who actually has a few bags of ice-melter left on the shelves (check out our Warm Thoughts feature to avoid shoveling and plowing all together).

But with all the headaches that the winter season in the Northeast can bring, there’s always that first snowfall to look forward to. You know—warm and cozy in your home, looking out at the crisp, somehow perfectly sculpted new land. The flakes seem to dance around, falling down slowly to join their friends already on the ground. I would argue that a hot espresso just tastes a little bit better in that moment than it does the rest of the year.

With winter comes holidays and they are just around the corner here in the Hudson Valley. Our first ever Holiday Issue is an awesome way to get in the spirit and we’re excited to show it off.

Did we say to grill the precious Thanksgiving turkey? Yes, we sure did. Grilling does not have to stop when the summer sun sets for the year, and we prove it in this issue’s OutdoorChef. We share a few holiday inspired recipes that will leave you with more room in your oven than ever before. I guess you’ll just have to bake a few more pies to fill the empty space.

In Bright Lights, Hudson Valley, we invite and inspire you to join the many folks across the Hudson Valley that decorate their homes each year beautifully for the holidays. And with all the tips and tricks that we uncover from the outdoor lighting pros,

There’s only a moment or two when a guest is first introduced to your home—the sacred space that tells the stories of our lives—and it always begins on the outside...regardless of the season.

COREY J. HALSTEAD, Founding Publisher

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Winter 2014

PHOTO: BY CYNTHIA DELCONTE PHOTOGRAPHY

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12

Winter 2014

OUTDOOR CHEF: GOBBLER ON THE GRILL

ONE HOT BIRD Summerset™ Professional Grills offer a complete line of commercial grade, stainless steel gas grills, freestanding grills, BBQ islands, fire pits, and a complete line of island components.

Gobbler on the grill KEEP THE GRILL FIRED UP THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS WITH THIS AMAZING GRILLED THANKSGIVING TURKEY. THE BEST PART? THE OVEN IS FREE FOR ALL OF THE OTHER GOODIES! WORDS JASON KLEIN

PHOTOGRAPHY TREVOR DART + SUMMERSET PROFESSIONAL GRILLS

With autumn here, and winter around the corner, many believe grilling season to be drawing to a close. However, cold weather grilling is becoming increasingly popular, especially during the holidays. In fact, one survey reveals more than half of American grill owners grill all yearround, and a whopping 37 percent keep on grilling when the temperature dips below freezing.

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THE HARVEST TABLE The bounty of the Hudson Valley area farms makes for an amazing tablescape.

With advances in grills, features, and equipment, winter grilling is no longer only the passion of extreme grillers. Any grill enthusiast can enjoy fresh chargrilled food year-round. To help you join the winter grilling revolution, we have some helpful tips and along with two Thanksgiving-inspired recipes to get you started.

Keep the grill closed This is the most important key to successful

grilling in cold weather, extreme or mild. Modern grills will definitely heat up and maintain their temperature, but every time the grill is opened and closed, the cold air that is trapped inside has to be warmed again, causing longer cooking times. Stainless Steel gas grills with maximum BTUs, like those offered by Summerset Grills, tend to be preferred for the ease of lighting and maintaining temperatures. However, regardless of the grill, keeping it closed and letting the grill do the work is your key to success.

Allow more time Since the air around the grill is colder, it will take longer to preheat your grill and cooking times will be longer, so plan accordingly. You will need to extend the cooking times for most recipes, 14

Winter 2014

usually an extra 15-30 minutes depending on the dish. Again, this is directly linked to keeping the grill closed. The less you open the grill, the shorter the cooking times will be.

Stay warm and be safe Even though you will be by the fire, stay

bundled up with adequate winter clothing and gloves. Items with elastic bands are better for warmth and safety, but don’t wear scarfs, tassels, or items with dangling or loose threads that could get too close to the flame. Also, keep your working environment around your grill free of debris, snow, ice, or flammable materials. Never grill in your garage or an enclosed space.

Grill location is important Wind can be your worst enemy when grilling, even more than snow. High winds can make lighting your grill difficult, blow out burners causing a build up of gas or propane, and cause longer cooking times since the air around the grill is always moving and not warming. Try to position your grill so that your home, or another structure, can act as a windbreak, while still maintaining a safe distance.

OUTDOOR CHEF: GOBBLER ON THE GRILL

Thanksgiving Turkey Never Tasted So Good! overcooking the breasts.)

3. Prep the sweet potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes, slice them in half lengthwise, then cut into 1/2 inch thick slices. Put the slices in a microwave safe bowl and toss with the salt, pepper, and vegetable oil until evenly coated.

Cover the bowl and microwave on high for 5 minutes.

ROTISSERIE COOKING Sweet potatoes soak up the love from the nicely turning turkey above.

Whether in cold, wind, rain, or snow – enjoying terrific BBQ is not only possible, but also very doable with these tips and practices. In fact, these colder conditions are ideal for outdoor grilling – standing around the warm fire, brisk air that is invigorating, beautiful scenery we don’t enjoy enough, and hot grilled food actually tastes better in colder temperatures.

We have provided recipes for Rotisserie Turkey and Rotisserie Pan Sweet Potatoes to try out. Rotisserie is perfectly suited for cold weather since you mount it and let it run for a couple of hours while the grill does the work. The sweet potatoes get roasted in the drip pan below the rotisserie, coming out browned and caramelized. It’s a relatively easy way to get acquainted with winter grilling, and it works great for Thanksgiving and holiday menus. So fire up the grill, winter grilling season is just beginning…

ROTISSERIE TURKEY & ROTISSERIE PAN SWEET POTATOES 1

12-14 lb. Turkey

For dry brine: ¼ C. kosher salt

Zest of 1 orange, save the

orange for stuffing the turkey 1 tsp. brown sugar 1 tsp. grated fresh ginger (about a 1/2 inch piece)

1 ½ ¼

tsp. teaspoon grated fresh garlic (2 cloves) tsp. fresh ground black pepper tsp. ground cloves

For sweet potatoes: 2 large sweet potatoes 1 tsp. kosher salt ½ tsp. fresh ground black pepper 1 tsp. vegetable oil 1. Dry brine the turkey 1 to 3 days before it is time to cook. Mix the dry brine ingredients in a small bowl, then sprinkle and rub evenly over the turkey. Make sure to rub some inside the cavity of the turkey as well. Put the turkey on a rack over a roasting pan or baking sheet, and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate.

Remove the plastic wrap the night before cooking to allow the skin to dry. (If you are only dry brining for 24 hours, skip the plastic wrap.)

2. Prep the turkey one hour before cooking.

Remove the turkey from the refrigerator. Stuff the turkey with the halves of the orange, then truss and skewer with the rotisserie spit. Put the zip lock bag full of ice on the breast, not touching the legs or drumsticks, to chill the breast meat until cooking. (This will allow the legs and thighs to cook thoroughly without

4. Prepare the grill: Set your grill up for rotisserie cooking at medium heat. You want an internal grill temperature of 350°F for turkey. Set up the heat on the leg side of the turkey, to cook the legs faster than the breast.

Turn burners to medium, leaving middle burners off. Put the drip pan in the middle, over the unlit burners.

5. Cook the Turkey: Put the spit on the grill, and turn on the rotisserie motor. Cook with the lid closed. It should take 2-2.5 hours, depending on the size of the bird. A 14lb bird should be done in about 2 hours 15 minutes.

It’s better to go by temperature though - you want the breast at the thickest part to read 160°F to 165°F; start checking about 15 minutes before you think the bird will be done.

6. Pan roast the sweet potatoes: On a grill set up for rotisserie cooking at medium to high heat, carefully pour the sweet potatoes into the drip pan, and spread into an even layer. Cook for 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are browned and crispy on the top.

Stir the sweet potatoes halfway through the cooking time if some sections are browning quicker than others.

7. Remove the sweet potatoes from the drip pan with a slotted spoon, leaving as much of the cooking fat behind as possible.

8. Serve: Remove skewer from grill, remove turkey from skewer, let rest at least 15 minutes, carve and serve with pan roasted sweet potatoes.

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DETAILS: THE ART OF FIRE

AN ARTIST’S INSPIRATION CAN SOMETIMES COME FROM THE MOST ELEMENTAL PLACES. FOR AWARD-WINNING DESIGNER, ELENA COLOMBO, SHE LOOKED BACK TO HER CHILDHOOD TO FIND IT. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY: FIREFEATURES.COM WORDS JACKSON FINDS

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Winter 2014

PHOTO: GREG YALE

The Art of Fire

”I SUPPOSE IT ALL BEGAN WHEN I WAS A KID,” explains Elena Colombo, owner of Colombo Construction Corp in Brooklyn, NY. “I remember my father always saying—it’s not a bonfire unless they can see it from space.”

Perhaps while watching those bonfires burn for days as a young kid hanging out with her dad, Elena learned more than the average person about just how a fire should burn. A classically trained sculptor and architectural designer, Colombo spent most of her career in print and television advertising, producing commercials and ad campaigns for such brands as Proctor and Gamble, IBM, Kellogg’s, and Chevy.

LEFT: A linear fire trough made from corten steel seems to sit magical on top the calm water. RIGHT: Colombo’s flagship product, the 54LL corten steel firebowl, creates an incredible centerpiece in this simplistic gravel patio.

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DETAILS: THE ART OF FIRE

Following the tragedy of 9/11, however, Elena found the advertising world in NYC in the midst of what seemed like a yearlong pause. The available work dried up. She needed to regroup and to recharge. And just as when she was a young kid, she found the inspiration she needed within the open flame.

“I am ever inspired by the elemental nature of fire, and the primal need we have for it” explains Elena. “Fire serves both our need for beauty and our instinct to gather around a warm lighted place; it is a destination wherever it burns.” Elena and her team have been creating just such destinations all around the country, transforming fire into incredible works of art.

Perhaps we can all learn something from Elena—think twice about that uninspired, circular fire pit that makes it’s way into so many outdoor living spaces today.

“If you think about fire features in the way we view swimming pools, it’s actually very similar,” says Elena. “We are using your home’s utilities and extending them to the outside space, effectively increasing the livable square footage of the home.” Just like a pool, fire can bring family and friends together to create memories that will last forever.

Elena’s designs connect landscape and architecture on an intimate, somehow seamless level. Some play tricks on the eye. Some are so stunning you just have to stop and stare. Either way, you are somehow left feeling a bit more connected to family and friends, history, nature, and of course, your inspirations.

RESOURCES Elena Colombo Colombo Construction Corp.

342 Park Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11205 718.399.2233, www.firefeatures.com PHOTOS. LEFT: WENDY WILSON, RIGHT: ERHARD PHEIFFER

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Winter 2014

LEFT: Elena Colombo takes off the winter chill. She’s pictured here with her corten steel firebowl with branch insert.

RIGHT: Outdoor fireplace with branch insert and electronic ignition system.

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GROW: COLOR MY WINTER

A

BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED PLANTERS ARE CRITICAL DESIGN ELEMENTS FOR BRINGING AN OUTDOOR SPACE TOGETHER. BUT WHY DOES ALL THE FUN STOP COME WINTER? WORDS DAISY BROWN

“A planter that sits empty all winter is a missed opportunity.

A planter filled with a dead mum all winter is a travesty.” So says Amy Wilbur, owner of the Bedford, NY based container garden company, Sweet Dirt Designs. “Our winter landscape is so colorless. We need something lovely to look at while we wait for our gardens to come back to life.”

While most of us don’t bother with planters after the fall, there are many creative ways to give them another season. “In the summer, green tends to be the backdrop for all the other color in our landscapes. But in the winter, green is the focal point,” says Wil-

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Winter 2014

bur. Even the simplest shrub can be a stunning accent in a winter landscape. Garden centers and nurseries stock evergreens in small containers (one or two gallon) during the fall that are perfect for planters. The lovely blue-green Blue Star juniper and varieties of chamaecyparis, such as limey Gold Mop cypress, are bright and showy against the pale colors of winter.

Planters stuffed with evergreen boughs are a classic option. Wilbur finds most boughs will stay green through February. Broadleaf evergreens (holly or boxwood) are more apt to brown. Using an anti-desiccant like Wilt-Pruf can help. Garden centers stock an

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SWEET DIRT DESIGNS

Color My Winter

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Winter 2014

Don’t want your pots to look Christmassy? Try curly willow, natural birch branches or magnolia. Red berries are eye-catching in winter pots, but real berry branches are expensive, with too many berries falling off before they ever make it to the planter. “Dare I mention that I’ve used some great fake berry branches from Michael’s?” says Wilbur. And don’t be afraid of a little glitz. “White branches, pine cones dusted with fake snow, twigs with a little glitter – if used carefully and in the right combination these elements can be stunning.” Add some lights - Wilbur prefers warm over the bluish, and loves tiny lights on slim wires. With some Internet sleuthing it’s possible to find outdoor light strings, powered by batteries, with timers. Weave them through boughs, up branches or obelisks, and around wreathes.

The twinkling is magical.

RESOURCES Sweet Dirt Designs 914.588.8818, www.sweetdirtdesigns.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SWEET DIRT DESIGNS

assortment of cut boughs but don’t ignore the riches of your own yard: Spruce and pine boughs, red twig dogwood branches or even long slender cuttings from River Birch work in planters.

Before you start dreaming about your winter pots, make sure they are able to sustain freezing temperatures. If your planter is ceramic or terra-cotta it shouldn’t be exposed to winter elements.

Some resin and fiberglass planters crack in the cold too, so a call to the manufacturer may help determine if your containers can stay outside. Most others should be fine as long as they have sufficient drainage. Ensure this by checking that drainage holes are not plugged with dirt or roots. Raising the planter off the ground is also helpful. Inconspicuous rectangular rubber Pot Risers are an ingenious solution.

Some learned-the-hard-way advice from Wilbur: If you don’t get to your winter pots until late in the season, be sure that whatever was in them previously is removed, roots and all, before the temperatures drop. Hacking out frozen roots is no fun and often impossible.

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Winter 2014

Turn Up The Heat A New Windsor home receives a driveway facelift that is far more than skin deep. words by Jackson Finds

“We started with a blank slate as far as the landscape and hardscape goes,” explain homeowners Pete and Nora Meceli. Pete and his family built their house back in 2001 and have undertaken regular outdoor projects every year since. Over the years, the property has served as an amazing backdrop for their lives. Pete confesses, “watching our son and daughter grow up playing on the property—all those memories—that’s really what makes the property a home.”

And a beautiful home it is indeed. The landscape has a great sense of belonging—one that is often elusive with a home built less than 20 years ago. Having spent much of their early focus on developing the backyard swimming pool area, the Meceli’s looked to the driveway for 2014’s endeavor. “I originally wanted to use old bluestone that I salvaged from a jobsite in downtown Brooklyn,” explains Pete, “but Nora wasn’t a big fan of it.”

Choosing materials can sometimes be the most challenging aspect of any home project. Anyone who has ever completed major renovations, either inside or out, can certainly attest to these decisions being a bit overwhelming—ok, very overwhelming. But just like other industries have done for years— think kitchen, bath and flooring showrooms—the landscape industry has also begun to evolve the concept of “outdoor living showrooms.” Pete and Nora decided to go pay a visit to their friend Chris Fitch at Devitt’s Nursery located in New Windsor, NY. There the couple looked at many different pavers choices from many different manufacturers. “I liked the build quality and strength of the Unilock Pavers—they make a great product—and Nora liked the look,” recalls Pete.

PHOTO: HALSTEAD MEDIA GROUP LLC

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PHOTOS. TOP LEFT/BOTTOM RIGHT: TOTAL HOME EXPERIENCE TOP CENTER/BOTTOM LEFT/FACING TOP: HALSTEAD MEDIA GROUP

TOP LEFT: Radiant heating being installed under the pavers. TOP CENTER: A shot of the finished driveway viewed from the roadside. BOTTOM LEFT: The new entrance and front walkway complements the existing house colors perfectly. BOTTOM RIGHT: The radiant heating system and the stonework for the front entrance during construction.

FACING: Unilock pavers Courtstone and Richcliff working together beautifully.

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Winter 2014

The final decision was a product called Richcliff for the main area of the driveway and walkway, with a running border using Courtstone—both pavers from Unilock’s Select line. The color and texture combination is somehow contemporary and classic all at once.

With materials decided, the Meceli’s needed to break ground in a hurry to be ready for a quickly approaching graduation party for their daughter. This timeline would certainly be tight, even if this were an average driveway project.

But this was no average driveway. The pavers for this driveway—along with the front walkway and entrance stoop—were to be laid with radiant heating beneath the finished surface. Electrically powered, the heating system keeps the pavers just above freezing, allowing snow and ice to melt on contact. Equipped with moisture and temperature sensors, the system turns on automatically when the weather conditions are right for winter precipitation. These systems, particularly when combined with pavers, have been gaining popularity

over the last few years, allowing folks to enjoy the snowfall and cold without the hassle of expensive and time-consuming snow maintenance.

The Meceli’s hired their friend Ray Czumak of RCP Electric to handle the installation of the radiant heating system, while Total Home Experience of New Windsor, NY handled the installation of the driveway pavers, front walkway, and front entrance landing. The two companies worked closely together to complete a state-of-the-art project that is as beautiful on the outside as it is underneath.

RESOURCES RCP Electric (845) 534-9296 Total Home Experience LLC (845) 629-5931, www.totalhomeexperience.net Unilock 1-800-UNILOCK, www.unilock.com

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Bright Lights, Hudson Valley Leave the holiday decorating to the pros this season. Here are some tips and tricks for bringing your holiday spirit to life. words by Jackson Finds photography courtesy of Christmas Decor

Tangled lights, missing bulbs, and extension cords that fall just short of where they need to reach. Add in the increasingly dark evenings and colder weather and you have all the fun of exterior holiday decorating.

Let’s face it—most of us want our homes to look beautiful for the holiday season, but simply don’t have the time, patience, or necessary skills to make it happen. Enter professional holiday decorating services.

“Clients come to us because they are frustrated with the hassle of doing it themselves and dissatisfied with the results they get after going through the hassle,” explains Brandon Stephens, President of Christmas Décor. “We’ve found that customers want to know up front what they are paying for and what they are getting. They pay one price—it includes design, installation, maintenance, and removal. We include all necessary products in the package and because the customer doesn’t own the lights, when they need to be replaced, we simply replace them.”

Customers also have the added benefit of changing colors and designs from time to time as Christmas Décor franchises will do periodic reviews and offer changes. “We offer a real concierge-type of service,” says Stephens.

That type of service might just be what many homeowners in the Hudson Valley and Westchester have been looking for—all the beauty

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Winter 2014

The exterior of the home can be transformed into a winter wonderland with proper use of light. Here, depth is added by lighting front trees in addition to outlining the home’s structure.

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and nostalgia of Christmas lights, without the hassle. The quality is sure to be better as well. “A professional has the benefit of practice where as a home or business owner normally has only one opportunity a year to decorate,” says Stephens. Christmas Decor designers, like those at Neave Décor in Wappingers Falls, NY—a division of Neave Group Outdoor Solutions—have extensive training and experience, allowing them to know what techniques, products, and lighting effects will be best suited for the customer’s property. Better organization, a cleaner, more professional look, and proper care of your property are all benefits you can expect from hiring a top-notch decorating service.

But with so many holiday lighting companies popping up across the area today, how do you know how to which one to hire? “You don’t necessarily want someone who is the cheapest,” explains Stephens. “You are paying for convenience, results, and customer service. When a maintenance issue arises, you want a company who charged enough to justify visiting the property again.” Neave Décor—a division of Neave Group Outdoor

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Solutions—has been a Christmas Décor licensed franchise since 2000 and currently decorates more than 125 homes and businesses across New York and Connecticut. “We use high quality products that are tested and purchased strictly for Christmas Décor franchises on our behalf,” says Kathleen Neave, division manager for Neave Decor. “The products are not only beautiful, they are safe and energy efficient. Our new LED products use less energy and now come in “Sun Warm” white, which is not the old bluish led color that was so offensive when they first came on the market.” While they cost a bit more upfront, the energy savings you will see is well worth the investment.

So how much money should you set aside for your beautifully lit home? Stephens says the national average for a residential installation is around $1500. As with most things, however, the sky’s the limit. Many installations around the country reach high into the tens of thousands of dollars each season. “It really all depends on the individual property and the desires of the client,” explains Stephens.

Perhaps just as important as budget is timing. As we all know, the holiday season waits for no one. Before you know it, Christmas will be here and we will be fighting the madness, hoping to accomplish all our shopping before it’s too late. Holiday decorating is no exception. If you plan to hire out your exterior decorating this year, act quickly. Christmas Décor operations nationwide tend to book-up in mid to late November, with many companies beginning installations as early as September.

No matter how you decide to tackle the task of decorating, one thing is for sure. Nothing quite beats driving up to your home, beautifully lit with Christmas lights. Well, maybe one thing does…not having to trek out into the cold and risk life and limb to do the work yourself!

RESOURCES Christmas Decor www.christmasdecor.net Neave Group Outdoor Solutions (845) 463-0592, www.neavegroup.com

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FIND A PROFESSIONAL THE OUTDOOR LIVING RESOURCE GUIDE FOR THE HUDSON VALLEY & WESTCHESTER AWNINGS & SHADE

AWNING FX Awning Fx is a complete awning & shade company serving happy customers 20+ years who offer custom shade & awning systems for home & business.

2435 ROUTE 32 New Windsor, NY 12518 (845) 297-2899 | www.awningFX.com

DESIGN & BUILD - LANDSCAPES

TLM LANDSCAPING Servicing Orange County and the Hudson Valley since 2000, TLM Landscaping is committed to 100% customer satisfaction.

Our goal is to create beautiful landscapes one home at a time.

50 County Route 17 · PO Box 18 Thompson Ridge, NY 10985 845.361.3388 | www.tlmlandscaping.com

HARMONY HILL LANDSCAPING, INC The Hudson Valley’s premier landscape construction company. Specializing in the design and installation of superior outdoor living areas. Call today!

PO Box 266, Fishkill, NY 12524 (845) 546-6471 | www.harmonyhilllandscaping.com

SPERANZA LANDSCAPING Full service design, installation, grounds maintenance, & plant care for the Hudson Valley. Let our experienced, professionally trained staff enhance the natural beauty of your property.

630 Little Britain Road New Windsor, NY 12550 (845) 534-0560 | www.speranzalandscaping.com

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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

FIND A PROFESSIONAL: OUTDOOR LIVING RESOURCE GUIDE

DESIGN & BUILD - LANDSCAPES continued

TOTAL HOME EXPERIENCE For 15 years, our crew has worked together, specializing in the custom installation of pavers, retaining walls, natural stone, & drainage systems. Servicing Orange, Dutchess, northern Westchester, & neighboring counties.

New Windsor, NY | (845) 629-5931 | www.totalhomeexperience.net

MANUFACTURERS

UNILOCK Think this look is not possible from manufactured stone?

Think again. Unilock速, the leader in outdoor living, can create the distinct, hand-crafted look you always dreamed of.

For more outdoor inspiration contact us for a free Design Idea Catalog at Unilock.com or 1-800-UNILOCK.

GARDEN CENTERS, BUILDING SUPPLIES, HARDSCAPE DISTRIBUTORS

AUGUSTINE NURSERY Creating Landscapes of Distinction for 40 Years. Full-Service Nursery, Custom Landscape Design and Installation, Stone Yard and Hardscaping, Water Features, Irrigation, Lighting and more.

9W and Van Kleecks Lane Kingston, NY 12401 (914) 121-1111 | www.augustinenursery.com

BEDFORD STONE & MASONRY SUPPLY CORP. Bedford Stone is a fifth generation stone, masonry, and landscape supply yard with an eye for quality, an ear for listening to what our customers want, and a feel for outstanding service.

284 Adams Street Bedford Hills, NY 10507 914-666-6404 | www.bedfordstone.com

E.P. JANSEN NURSERY LLC Nursery & landscape distribution yard with over 20 acres of product in stock including plants, pavers, retaining walls, natural stone, landscape lighting, grills, & more.

161 Glenmere Ave. Florida, NY 10921 845-651-4106 | www.jansennursery.com

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

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FIND A PROFESSIONAL: OUTDOOR LIVING RESOURCE GUIDE GARDEN CENTERS, BUILDING SUPPLIES, HARDSCAPE DISTRIBUTORS

HERZOG’S HOME CENTER Family owned since 1909, we have the most experienced staff in hardscape sales/design. We also offer landscape services. Proudly serving Ulster, Dutchess, Putnam, Orange, and Westchester counties.

Jim Niles, Herzog’s Manager

151 Plaza Rd. Kingston, NY 12401 (845) 338-6300 | www.herzogs.com Mon-Fri. 7am–7pm Sat. 7am-5pm Sun. 9am–5pm

H.G. PAGE & SONS Building the Hudson Valley Since 1924. We are the go-to source for home improvement products and services. Our expertise ensures your home improvement project is done right.

Poughkeepsie • LaGrangeville • Amenia • Pawling 360 Manchester Road Poughkeepsie, NY 845-452-7130 | www.hgpage.com

POOL COMPANIES

NEJAME POOL SPECIALISTS, INC For over 50 years & through 3 generations of owners, Nejame Pools has been designing, building, & maintaining award-winning pools in the Hudson Valley. From concept to completion.

P.O. Box 172 Verbank, NY 12585 845-677-7665 | www.nejamepools.com

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Light Up The Night

DESIGN LIGHTING BY MARKS Lighting design that create a warm, inviting ambience. Our talented, knowledgeable team offers a full range of services including lighting design, landscape lighting & maintenance, and generator installation.

Design Lighting by Marks 914-747-7777 203-674-8038 201-343-9266 See the night in a whole new light.

Enhance the beauty of your home—from the inside out.

Dramatic  Secure  Serene Call our professionals today. Enjoy moonlit effects forever.

To call other companies competition might be giving them too much credit.

Email us at Mark@DesignLightingByMarks.com

www.DesignLightingByMarks.com

246 Selleck St. Stamford, CT 06902 (203) 674-8038 | www.designlightingbymarks.com

HARMONY HILL LANDSCAPING, INC The Hudson Valley’s premier outdoor lighting specialists.

Certified in low-voltage lighting design and installation.

Call today!

PO Box 266, Fishkill, NY 12524 (845) 546-6471 | www.harmonyhilllandscaping.com

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OO R ED PA LI V I N V ER D G PRO R IVEW J EC T TH A N AYS NOW KSGIV F IRE FE ING T ATUR URKE ES E V Y ON OLVE TH E G RILL

THE HUDSON VALLEY’S OUTDOOR LIVING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Outdoor Home Magazine brings our readers the best in outdoor living. Stunning local project features, tips and tricks for achieving better outdoor spaces, outdoor cooking and entertaining features, and more! Connecting the area’s best products and industry professionals with savvy Hudson Valley homeowners with every issue.

WWW.OUTDOORHOMEMAGAZINE.COM (845) 475-8162 INFO@HALSTEADMEDIA.COM

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