OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS GROUP
INDY CUSTOM POOLS
DESIGN • BUILD • NURTURE • SWIM
Our furniture pairs Sunday afternoon comfort with showstopping style. The superb quality is functional and most importantly — comfortable. Since 1985, HOUSEWORKS has been Indy’s staple for the best in modern furniture, lighting and accessories.
CHEERS TO COMFORT.
THE ABSOLUTE AGENDA
As the weather walks that fine line between summer and fall, round up the family, take in some great outdoor events, and keep making summertime memories!
CULINARY COUTURE
Be witness to a glamorous kitchen upgrade by Chateau Kitchens & Home Remodeling.
INTERIOR MOTIVES
Kara Grider of Kara Grider Design
31 40 46
To
TOUCHDOWN TASTES
Our Absolute guide to the best flavors you can pack into this fall's tailgating experiences.
AUTUMN REVIVAL
Discover new trends at the Indiana Design Center this fall.
'ROUND THE TOWN
It's always the right season to get hopped up! Here's your guide to our favorite local breweries.
September 15-17
Carmel on Canvas Plein Air Paint Out Carmel Arts & Design District carmelartsanddesign.com
Once again, the Carmel Arts & Design District will welcome more than 50 acclaimed artists from across the Midwest for the annual open-air painting exhibition, featuring a variety of pleinair competitions. This event is about more than artistry—it’s a chance for the community to engage with the artists and experience their creative process firsthand.
September 15-17
IMSA Battle on the Bricks Indianapolis Motor Speedway imsa.com
The exciting world of sports car racing returns to the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway for this IMSA sports car classic. Witness racing at its finest, as top drivers compete in the Porsche Carrera Cup, the Lamborghini Trofeo, and the thrilling 2-hour-and-40-minute endurance race on the 14-turn road course.
September 16
Race Across the Reservoir - Geist Half Marathon & 5K Geist Reservoir geisthalf.com
Lace up your running shoes and take on the stunning half marathon or 5K courses along the scenic Geist Reservoir in Fishers. The flat and fast course is perfect for a personal record, circling through quiet neighborhoods and wooded trails along the serene water of Indiana’s second-largest manmade lake.
September 23
Makerfest
Mercantile 37
Mercantile37.com
Celebrate arts, crafts, and DIY culture at Mercantile 37 in Noblesville for their seasonal fall kickoff, with live demos by more than 25 local makers and limited edition custom goods. This community showcase will feature hands-on activities, food and drinks, live music, and fun and games for the entire family.
September 23-24
Carmel International Arts Festival
Carmel Arts & Design District carmelartsfestival.org
Bring your family and wander through the Carmel Arts & Design District to experience one-of-a-kind art, cultural exhibits and culinary offerings. Booths will be lining the streets, featuring artwork by local, regional and international artists, and on Saturday night, the district will be grooving to live music at ART ROCKS, one rocking street party!
October 6
Oktoberfest
Carmel City Center
carmelcitycenter.com
Get ready to tap your feet and twirl around the dance floor to the lively rhythms of traditional and contemporary polka tunes at the annual Oktoberfest celebration at Carmel City Center. Visitors can shop, dine and dance the night away as they welcome the autumn season with friends, family and neighbors.
September 23
Farm Aid
Ruoff Music Center
farmaid.org
Squeeze in one last night of summer at this annual charity concert organized by Willie Nelson, raising awareness and supporting family farming issues across the US since 1985. This year Farm Aid comes to Ruoff Music Center and features performances by Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews, Neil Young and Indiana’s own John Mellencamp.
September 29
Swing Charity Event Victory Field swingvf.org
Get into the swing of things as you travel back in time, all dressed up in your best 1930s vintage attire, to spend the evening dining and dancing at Victory Field for this charity gala. With a virtual reality home run derby and live music, this inaugural event is sure to be a big hit.
October 7
Brewfari
Indianapolis Zoo
indianapoliszoo.com
It’s an adult night out at the Indianapolis Zoo, where you can visit the animals after hours while sampling from some of the best breweries, cideries and distilleries in Central Indiana. This wild event features Halloween-themed activities and entertainment, including animal chats, psychic readings and roller coaster rides. Costumes are encouraged!
By SuSaN Salaz
On a private wooded preserve near Geist Reservoir, a traditional home gets a glamorous kitchen upgrade by Chateau Kitchens & Home Remodeling.
A home kitchen is decidedly utilitarian, serving as a gathering place, a workstation and a creative space—and it often doubles as the household command center and waste management hub. But at its core, a kitchen is a nurturing haven where meals are prepared, hearts are warmed and souls are replenished. The kitchen’s
role in our daily routine is undeniable, and in an unprecedented upgrade in The Preserve at Fall Creek, the team at Chateau Kitchens sought to elevate the everyday, creating an extraordinary culinary experience.
Collaborating with West Design and Build and Jennifer O’Connor of Dare 2 Design, Lead Designer Holly Blevins infused the kitchen with a captivating blend of old Hollywood glamour and modern functionality. She explains that they had to take out several walls to create this open-concept kitchen, making it perfect for entertaining and offering plenty of counter space. Utilizing a palette of bold tones, luxury appliances and enduring materials, the final design dazzles with panache and class.
The stunning custom black cabinetry (by Chateau Kitchens) finished with stately gold hardware (by Schaub) grounds the space, offering a refined backdrop for the room’s showstopping elements. The moody hue juxtaposes perfectly with the exquisite Cristallo Quartzite countertops (from Plutus Marble and fabricated by Classic Stone)— each slab a canvas of opulent white and intricate gold veining on the twin waterfall edge islands.
A pair of strategically placed mirrors on the ceiling was a bold move, acknowledges Holly, but one that paid off, adding allure and depth. From the mirrors, a quartet of dripping pendant chandeliers (by Shades of Light) harmoniously balances the space with a glow that dances across the polished surfaces underneath and above. The intricacies of the design, the play of light and shadow, and the opulence of the space are irresistible, and the dramatic transformation quickly captured the attention of Instagram users, amassing over 5.5 million views and creating lasting impressions.
“This was a special project because we were able to think outside the box and create a stunning design that not every homeowner can embrace,” says Holly, adding that while it invites glam and awe, it does not follow any trends. “My ultimate goal in design is not to continue a trend, but to start the next trend and create something beautifully different.”
With the kitchen complete, the team is now integrating a discreet butler’s pantry in a secluded alcove, as well as a basement bar. Proving that every nuance matters, these additional service spaces aim to streamline functionality while preserving the pristine ambience of the main space.
Chateau Kitchens & Home Remodeling is the premier provider of residential cabinetry and home remodeling services in the Indianapolis area. Founded in 2005 by Bob and Brynn Moore, today, second-generation owner Stephen Moore operates the family business with integrity, emphasizing his philosophy that the client always comes first.
Learn more about Chateau Kitchens & Home Remodeling online at chateaukitchens.com and by following @ chateaukitchens on Instagram. Visit their beautiful showroom at 301 E. Carmel Drive in Carmel, Indiana, to start your remodeling project today.
After quietly building her interior design business over the past five years, Kara Grider's new studio in the Village of West Clay is a welcome next step.
(promotional content)
Her path to interior design has been an indirect one. But isn’t it true that most good career stories have that in common? There is no one-way track, especially for a business owner following their passion. Kara Grider, who grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, says she doesn't have that familiar childhood story you often hear from designers—the one where they remember rearranging their room every week or building houses for their dolls out of cardboard boxes. She describes herself as a jock growing up, surrounded by family in the medical field. She loved sports and instinctively went into Physical Therapy, earning a doctorate from Midwestern University and working as a physical therapist for several years.
But creativity can be stubborn. And Kara eventually realized that physical therapy wasn't the only route to assuage her inclination to make people comfortable. “PT was great, but I enjoy every aspect of interior design, and I wake up looking forward to work each day,” she says. The warm and caring approach that made Kara a compassionate physical therapist now shines through in her designs, where she aims to create not just beautiful, but livable spaces suited to her clients' lifestyles. Her holistic approach and layered style effortlessly blend modern and vintage to craft enduring, wholesome designs with an inviting feel.
The evolution of Kara Grider Design didn't happen overnight, though. It has grown up alongside the Grider family.
After having her first set of twins and moving to Charleston, South Carolina, for her husband Blake’s medical residency, Kara decided to stay home with her kids. Another set of twins came, along with another move—this time to central Indiana. But rather than being overwhelmed by the activity, Kara thrived on, keeping multiple plates spinning.
Amidst the energy of four small children and Blake’s offbeat hours as an ER physician, Kara took on designing and decorating their new home in Westfield, earning rave reviews from friends. From this buzz, a few styling jobs emerged. She cut her teeth on a custom home in Chatham Hills and has steadily built her design business on new construction projects, whole home renovations and commercial spaces. She now operates a full-service, turn-key design firm specializing in personalized design.
Kara artfully blends style with comfort and function, designing aesthetically pleasing yet highly practical spaces for the way real families live, with highquality furnishings meant to withstand daily life. She loves creating layered looks using a mix of fabrics, tile, custom millwork, and statement lighting. Wallpaper is also one of her favorite design tools, and she encourages risktaking, stating that taking people out of their comfort zone is often the most rewarding part of the job.
"My design is not all one note," Kara emphasizes, noting her eclectic style brings in elements of modern, minimal,
Kara Grider is no stranger to the joys and challenges of a bustling family life, embracing the happy chaos of family life with husband Blake and their two sets of twins – Penn and Porter, 8, and, Brooks and Bailey, 12, who fuel her drive to create family-friendly spaces.
The talented team of Kara Grider Design includes Kara Grider, principal designer; Keatha Courchaine, customer communications and associate interior designer; and Tiffany Bork, project manager. With Kara's eye for design, Keatha's execution skills and Tiffany's keen organizational abilities, Kara Grider Design takes a personalized, detail-oriented approach to creating livable luxury for each client.
and traditional design. "It's all about the details," she says, adding that her goal is always to create a livable space that tells each client's story, infusing rooms with special details and personalized touches, such as family heirlooms or artwork. Kara encourages client involvement and works closely with them to preserve their personal style through her well-planned and intentionally layered designs. “If clients can walk into their completed space and feel ownership and pride, then I did my job well,” she says.
Kara doesn't work alone to bring her visions to life. She has built a talented team, including client liaison and associate interior designer Keatha Cochran and project manager Tiffany Bork. Together, they make up a well-oiled machine that takes each project from
concept to completion. Kara leads with creative direction, Cochran executes the computer-aided drawings and renderings, and Bork keeps everything
Kara Grider Design is a delightful new presence in the charming Village of West Clay. With her freshly styled studio space, Kara brings an infusion of style and personalized service to the area. Her family-centered approach and passion for creating livable luxury spaces make her a perfect fit for West Clay's neighborhood feel and focus on community.
on schedule. The three work closely together, embracing their partnerships with each other and their clients. "I like having us all together, bouncing ideas off each other and giving constant
feedback," Kara says. Every team member contributes individualized skills, while Kara oversees the details, resulting in cohesive, customized designs.
Over the years, she has assembled a group of skilled subcontractors and tradespeople she partners with to execute her work, seeing designs through to completion. Nick Roudebush, a local craftsman and founder of Mercantile 37, works with a collective of local makers in Noblesville and is one of Kara’s trusted colleagues, creating furnishings and cabinetry for many of her designs. “Our work is completely custom-driven by the designer,” Nick says.
"I love being in that finished space and seeing the ideas that were in my head all along come to fruition," says Kara. "It's a really positive, fun environment," she says of the relationship between this extended team, noting how that spirit carries out into each project.
The new studio, with a view of University Green in West Clay, reflects the handson, tailored approach Kara and her team bring to every project. "I wanted a welcoming place for clients to see designs and samples and to collaborate with my design team," she says. With a large handcrafted conference table
made of reclaimed wood by Mercantile 37, a sample wall spanning the length of the space featuring curated vignettes, and her favorite textures and tones highlighted throughout, the intimate studio draws clients into Kara's imaginative world and brings their dream homes to life.
Kara Grider Design is located at 12851 Broad Street, Suite 150, in Carmel. Visit www.karagriderdesign.com to book a consultation. And if you want to see more of Kara's style, follow @karagriderdesign on Instagram for the latest news, a peek into her design process and her beautifully curated spaces.
Football season is here, and for many fans, tailgating before kickoff is more of a tradition than watching the game itself. This pre-game ritual is about community, camaraderie and fun. As the cheers fill the air and the excitement of gameday escalates, there is no better way to fuel the festivities than with a lineup of mouthwatering dishes that are sure to be the MVPs of your party.
Joe Lazzara, owner of Joe’s Butcher Shop on Main Street in Carmel, understands that tailgating is about cooking quick (because no one wants to miss kickoff). “But it impresses guests when it looks like you spent all day working and it's delicious,” he says. Here, we have a playbook that scores big on flavor, with the best “fan fare” from the area’s top eateries—so you won’t even need to fire up the grill.
Loaded Tater Tots are the ultimate touchdown, and 101 Beer Kitchen has a gourmet version that will elevate any pre-game meal. “Our Loaded Housemade Tater Tots have been on our menu since the day we opened and continue to be a crowd favorite,” says owner Jess Kittrell, who founded the restaurant a decade ago with her husband (and chef) Thad. “Our Tots are homemade and topped with pork croutons, cheddar cheese, green onions and sriracha cream.”
The upscale comfort dish is offered on the catering menu, but you might want to make time for a bite inside 101 Beer Kitchen first, borrowing from the Kittrell’s playbook and finding the perfect beer pairing to go with your party snacks. They believe beer makes everything better, bringing out the true nuances of their rustic, flavor-forward menu, and suggest following the 3 Cs to find your perfect match: complement, cleanse and contrast. But don’t worry, the knowledgeable staff is always happy to help with suggestions and education.
joesbutchershop.com
At Joe’s Butcher Shop, the storemade Pulled Pork is a true tailgating winner. “We use exceptionally high-quality ingredients, like hormone- and antibiotic-free pork. It’s done ‘Indiana style,’ featuring Carmel legend—Woody’s IN BBQ Sauce,” says owner Joe Lazzara. It’s freshly made in-house and ready to reheat, so all you need to do is add the buns—but Joe suggests taking things to the next level and topping it with the LemonPepper Slaw. Since no game day celebration is complete without dip, Joe recommends the
Buffalo Chicken Dip (with new and improved creaminess) on the side, made with Indiana chicken and perfect with tortilla chips or celery sticks.
Offering farm-fresh meats and high-quality seafood, as well as artisanal groceries, an exceptional deli, store-made selections and fine wines, Joe’s Butcher Shop is a great place to stock up before the game. You can dine in, carry out or even have them cater your soiree so you don’t have to miss a second of the action.
meetyouatarnis.com
@arnisrestaurant on Instagram
Arni’s has been satisfying loyal customers since 1965, when Arnold “Arni” Cohen opened the doors of his first pizza shop in Lafayette. Now with locations around the state, they are still known for their thin crust, party-sliced pizzas, but if you’re in the mood for wings, Arni’s can’t be beat. Here the Jumbo Chicken Wings are a game changer, tossed with traditional BBQ or Buffalo sauce. Or add some excitement
with Jamaican Jerk, Korean BBQ, Garlic Citrus, Serrano Chili or a Spicy Dry Rub.
Known for its excellent service and family-friendly atmosphere, brothers Brad and Kurt Cohen, (sons of the original Arni) say the family is proud Arni’s continues to be regarded as a true community restaurant. So huddle up with your crew and grab some wings to-go for your next football festivities, or dine in and watch the game with full service.
grindstoneonthemonon.com
No tailgate is complete without the sizzle of burgers grilling on the sidelines, but on a field where variety reigns, sliders scream victory. Sliders give you the opportunity to craft a roster of flavors that caters to every fan’s unique palate. At Grindstone on the Monon, sliders are the most popular item on the menu, says owner Blake Fogelsong. “I think our customers love our sliders due to the amazing brioche buns we source fresh from Turano Baking in Chicago,” he adds. Offering the classic Double Cheeseburger,
Pickle-Brined Chicken, Fried Green Tomato and Filet, Blake says, “The wide variety and a choice to mix and match with a side gives you plenty of different combinations to get something different every time you come in.”
Blake’s favorite is the Filet Slider, but visit Grindstone on the Monon and find what scores best in your book. You can dine in, carry-out or take home a pan of sliders from their catering menu for your next tailgating feast.
Interior designers nationwide are preparing for High Point Market in North Carolina this October, where thousands will flock to view the latest home furnishings and styles. This much-anticipated event sets the tone for emerging trends in the industry. However, those on the lookout for what’s new in design don't have to travel far. The Indiana Design Center (IDC) in Carmel is an essential stop for designers, design enthusiasts and
anyone looking to upgrade their space, featuring the work of local talents and top national brand brands in retail showrooms open to the public.
Symbiotic design takes last year's biophilic trends incorporating nature to even lusher levels, with natural textures and curved lines organically woven throughout designed spaces. With living moss walls from Naturspire (Suite 120-B) and the use of raw and rustic materials in furniture from Holder Mattress (Suite 119), symbiotic elements can be found around every corner. Many showrooms are also moving away from light and airy pallets, long a mainstay, and instead opting for dark color combinations or embracing statement-making hues. Stephanie Wiott Designs (Suite 123) has a prominent display showcasing this moody and sophisticated vibe, and Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery (Suite 101) labels the bold and indulgent, yet luxurious style Gothic Glam, and has several plumbing and lighting options showcasing darker tones and rich textures.
At Everything Home (Suite 107), gorgeous and colorful merchandise, from furniture to accessories and artwork, are perfectly balancing rich, earthy tones in vignettes that are anything but neutral. And Drapery Street (Suite 109) proves that vibrant colors can beautifully dress your windows, offering an array of possibilities for designers and homeowners looking to make an impact with
color, from fabrics to trims and hardware. Collaboration among designers is always in vogue, and the newest addition to IDC captures this synergistic spirit. Open Gate Collective (Suite 225) is a to-the-trade showroom representing over 150 vendor partners.
Serving as a resource for designers and trade professionals, Open Gate Collective assists by connecting them to a curated selection of brands and products all under one roof, with an array of furnishings, lighting, décor, fabrics and more, making it easy to discover new lines and complete projects with reliable wholesale service.
"Our Collective is not just about sharing the resources and benefits we've amassed over the years. It's also about fostering a sense of community," says partner and creative director Michael Hansen, adding that it represents teamwork and diverse talents working together.
The IDC is an ideal place to shop and see what's new, what's now, and what's next in the world of interior design any time of year, offering interior designers, homeowners and design enthusiasts ideas for refreshing home décor with creativity and purpose.
The Indiana Design Center at 200 S. Rangeline Road in Carmel is open to the public for shopping, inspiration and guidance on design. Mark your calendar for the Fall Open House on September 28. Learn more about showrooms, events and the upcoming designer-led workshop series online at indianadesigncenter. com and by following @indianadesigncenter on Instagram.
By SuSaN Salaz
Indianapolis has become a major player in America’s craft beer boom, with breweries of all sizes and styles scattered across the capital city and surrounding towns. Here is an insider’s look at ten can’t-miss stops with something for every beer lover.
13720 N. Meridian Street
Carmel, IN 46032
bierbrewery.com
Specializing in German-influenced beers and food, Bier Brewery has locations in Broad Ripple and Carmel, and they’ll soon be bringing a large Biergarten to Noblesville. Both the Special Kölsch and the Weizengoot, a Hefeweizen, will pair excellently with the giant pretzels, kielbasa and burgers. Or try a local favorite—the Roundabout, a German-style Helles lager. Prost!
351 Monon Boulevard
Carmel, IN 46032
sunkingbrewing.com
With the opening of its original downtown Indy brewery in 2009, Sun King became the first fullscale production brewery the city had seen in 60 years. Since then, the beloved brewery has grown to include six locations, attracting beer lovers from around the country. In Carmel, handmade spirits are a part of the program, along with food from La Margarita, Queenie’s Pizza and The Den.
719 Virginia Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46203
chillywaterbrewing.com
This brewpub along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail near Fountain Square mixes beer and art for a funky, eclectic vibe. With a love of music that rings through the beer names (and regular live performances), Chilly Water’s year-round and seasonal offerings are a testament to their integrity and high-quality craft brewing techniques.
8587 Zionsville Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
tradersbrewingcompany.com
With all-you-can-eat-popcorn, a dogfriendly taproom, and euchre Thursdays, Traders Brewing understands that life is better when you keep it simple. With a range of beers to please every pallet—from ambers to IPAs to Belgian blondes, you can’t go wrong with a tasting flight or your favorite pint to go.
1701 Gent Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46202
guggmanhausbrewing.com
This small microbrewery on the northwest side of downtown Indianapolis is a welcoming retreat, serving bold versions of modern and experimental beers in a taproom evoking the warmth of a German ski lodge. (There’s also a spacious and dog-friendly beer garden.) With owners rooted in a love for adventure and community, and with a great respect for Indy’s auto racing history, each of the 15 beers on tap is brewed onsite at their historic Boyle Racing Headquarters location.
820 E. 116th Street
Carmel, IN 46032
uplandbeer.com
With multiple locations in Indianapolis, Bloomington, Columbus and on the banks of the Ohio River in Jeffersonville, Upland Brewing is a regional craft beer powerhouse and an Indiana institution. Their familyfriendly Carmel Tap House has all the distinct Upland vibes, with an expansive patio, a full menu, and all the Upland flagships and favorites.
11069 Allisonville Road
Fishers, IN 46038
mashcraft.com
Something great is always brewing at MashCraft, with an ever-changing variety of craft beers and locations in Greenwood, Downtown and Fishers. Brewed onsite in Fishers, the Callisto is a refreshing favorite for late summer, or try the Buckfast Commando—a smooth Scottish Ale. The brewmasters are always creating new mashups.
12702 Meeting House Road
Carmel, IN 46032
dannyboybeerworks.com
With food, brews and spirits all made in-house, what started as a true nanobrewery has grown up to become a favorite neighborhood brewery and pub in the heart of the Village of West Clay. Filling the gap for session beers within the craft beer market, Danny Boy focuses on iconic styles and traditional techniques.
960 Logan Street
Noblesville, IN 46060
primevalbrewing.com
Inspired by classic European styles and encouraged by years in the homebrew community, Primeval Brewing is a welcome addition to the diverse craft brewing scene in Central Indiana. Located in historic downtown Noblesville, here you can sample Primeval’s core lineup all year long, along with an ever-changing rotation of creative seasonal and specialty beers.
brewsline.com
Explore the area’s brewery boom without worrying about finding a designated driver. The Brews Line provides private shuttle tours, sampling from several craft breweries on each tour. Knowledgeable guides add commentary en route between brewpubs and taprooms, educating riders on the beers and brewers that make up the Indiana brewing scene.
If you’ve been staring at your walls and wondering how changing the color would make a difference, perhaps we can help. Have your local painting team at CertaPro Painters ® of Indianapolis refresh the home you love and show you the power of fresh color.
We’ll provide a worry-free painting experience that fits your needs – complete with safety and cleaning guidelines to keep you and our painting teams safe. Schedule your on-site or remote estimate today to get started on your spring project!
*Offer applies to your residential painting project of $4,000 or more. Must be presented at time of estimate. Not valid with other offers. Not valid on current estimates or proposals. Available at CertaPro Painters ® of Indianapolis. Expires 12/31/23.
317-662-3584
indianapolis.certapro.com
