Evansville Living 2021 Idea Home

2021 EVANSVILLE LIVING

IDEA

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CALIFORNIA DESIGN MEETS INDIANA INNOVATION

From Left: James Metzger, Lead Trim Carpenter; Caleb Hirsch, Lead Carpenter; Carol Huffman, Lead Designer; Corey Hirsch, Homebuilder; Cameron Hirsch,Trim Carpenter; Izzy Shappard, Associate Designer; Danny Vanhooser, Site Supervisor; Tyler Scarbrough; and Kylen Cooper

Looking for more than a custom home builder? How about a dedicated team of five that leads you through the custom home building process?

Builder of the

That’s what you can expect from custom homebuilder, Corey Hirsch, and the experts he employs. You always will have a direct link to the team, and as the homeowner, you will be a collaborator for your vision of creating ideal interior living spaces and outdoor retreats your family and friends will enjoy.

While every home Hirsch crafts is as unique as its owner, some things come standard with all Hirsch Custom Homes: superior quality, professional project management, attentive client service, and adherence to strict budgets and timelines. The Hirsch team makes your priorities their top priority.

(812) 453-3482

corey@hirschcustomhomes.com hirschcustomhomes.com

EVANSVILLE LIVING

IDEA HOME 2021

MAKING A HOUSE A HOME

BY DALLAS CARTER

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EDITOR & PUBLISHER Kristen K. Tucker PRESIDENT, TUCKER PUBLISHING GROUP Todd A. Tucker CREATIVE DIRECTOR Laura Mathis SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Casey Scarbrough MANAGING EDITOR Jodi Keen STAFF WRITERS Dallas Carter, Riley Guerzini SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jessica Hoffman, Jennifer Rhoades SALES AND MARKETING COORDINATOR Misti Wagemann

ince 2003, Evansville Living has worked with a local builder and contractor to create a new home using the year’s most innovative techniques, technologies, and designs. The 2021 Idea Home fits this theme to a tee, but the story of its construction stands out from its predecessors.

While the Idea Homes built in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009, and the Downtown home renovated in 2010, were all for sale or utilized by their builders, the three-story 2021 Idea Home was a more personable build, constructed to the homeowners’ liking.

The Reyes family came together with Evansville Living, Corey Hirsch of Hirsch Custom Homes, architect Rick Guina, and many subcontractors to create the 12,000-plussquare-foot contemporary home at the

popular Victoria Estates neighborhood in Newburgh, Indiana’s Paradise township.

The Idea Home’s debut has historically been accompanied by public tours of the home and its sponsors, but the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused delays on construction in 2020, led to the cancellation of in-person tours.

The California-style home’s modern architecture and sponsor’s contributions still have the opportunity to be seen by the public on WNIN during a 30-minute television special at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 27.

In the past, proceeds from public tours and the preview party have benefited local charities. For the 2021 Idea Home we placed a donation envelope on page 33 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ohio Valley for your consideration. IH

Be sure to tune in to WNIN television to see a 30-minute guided tour of the home at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 27.

DISTRIBUTION AND CIRCULATION MANAGER Gregg Martin FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS Zach Straw, Audra Straw (All photos taken by Zach Straw unless otherwise note)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIVING IN STYLE

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Get to know Idea Home owners Maricel and Hubert Reyes

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MEET THE ARCHITECT Rick Guina puts a personal touch on this project

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GROUP EFFORT Meet three major sponsors of the 2021 Idea Home

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HOME AWAY FROM HOME Ronald McDonald House Charity accommodates families

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PRESENTING THE 2021 IDEA HOME Japandi design comes to Southern Indiana

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MAIN LEVEL

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DINING ROOM AND FOYER Captivating qualities with space for 14

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HOME OFFICE Fit for an executive

20 MASTER SUITE Connected layout retains privacy

24 LAUNDRY ROOM

AND PET AREA Sleek facilities for cleaning up

26 UPPER LEVEL All the rooms on the upper level, including the common area, bedrooms, and in-law suite.

All the rooms on the main level, including the great room, kitchen and breakfast nook, catering kitchen, dining room, foyer, home office, master suite, laundry, and pet area.

26 LOUNGE AND PATIO

GREAT ROOM

30 LOWER LEVEL

An open concept with breathtaking views

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CATERING KITCHEN High end and perfect for party prepping

KITCHEN AND BREAKFAST NOOK A modern family hub

Luxe living in outdoor relaxation

28 UPSTAIRS BEDROOMS Private suites and patios for all

All the rooms on the lower level, including the bar, sewing room, theater, and fitness center.

30 KITCHEN AND BAR A hub for casual entertainment

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SEWING AND CRAFT ROOM The destination of a crafting connoisseur’s dreams

34 THEATER An immersive experience

35 FITNESS ROOM A professional private gym

36 EXTERIOR VIEW All exterior areas, including the pool area, roofing, brick exterior, luxury and recreation vehicles, and an evening view.

38 POOL AREA The ultimate outdoor entertainment area

42 ROOFING AND BRICK Sturdy, regional materials ground this house

44 START YOUR ENGINES Get going with customized golf carts and all-new SUVs

46 BEHIND THE SCENES Meet the businesses providing vital services

48 RESOURCE DIRECTORY An alphabetical listing of all 2021 Idea Home sponsors

ON THE COVER: PHOTO BY ZACH STRAW 2 Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

PHOTO BY ZACH STRAW

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MEET THE HOMEOWNERS AND ARCHITECT 2021 Evansville Living Idea Home is ‘worth the wait’

BY RILEY GUERZINI

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aricel and Hubert Reyes didn’t plan on having their dream house be an Idea Home, but after showing the designs from her architect cousin Rick Guina to the Hirsch Custom Homes team, it was clear it was going to be “Idea Home material.”

“We all had a different idea about what we wanted with this home, Hubert and my two kids,” says Maricel. “I asked everybody what they wanted in their dream house, and I wrote it down and sent it to my cousin Rick and told him it was his problem now to put it all together.”

Modeled mostly after the west coast Japandi style, which combines Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics, Guina wanted to take advantage of the space of the home and avoid compartmentalizing it.

“We integrated some of the warm tones with the finishes, so we worked with Hirsch and Carol [Huffman] to bring in some warm tones to really make it feel cozy even though the space is very large and open,” says Guina.

Guina says he also wanted to integrate several outdoor spaces, which can be seen throughout the house in the lanai outside the great room, decks outside the master and upstairs bedrooms, and another corner deck adjacent to the upstairs common area.

Originally from California, Maricel, who manages Glow Aesthetic Medicine and Wellness, and Hubert, co-owner and co-medical director at Medisphere Medical Research Center and a physician at St. Vincent Ascension Medical Group West Franklin Primary Care, moved to Indiana in 2004 as part of Hubert’s residency program. They liked the design of West Coast homes from their time in California and wanted to bring those ideas to their home in the Tri-State.

The Idea Home will house five people: Maricel, Hubert, their daughter, Caitleen, and Maricel’s parents. Their son, Nathan, who recently graduated from Indiana University with a degree in social work, will join them this summer and live there for a year.

“I work very hard during the day, so the best vacation for me is being home and having all these luxuries,” says Hubert.

“It’s nice to have a house that you can enjoy. I think the house is worth the wait after three years.”

The Reyeses enjoy the openness and entertaining spaces incorporated into the home — a staple of their Filipino culture, where gathering to have fun and relish good food is important.

“When you have a bigger house, you tend not to communicate with each other. This is a big house, but I can call to my daughter upstairs from down on the main floor,” says Hubert.

“It just makes it easier to communicate with everybody, but at the same time we all still have our own privacy.” IH PHOTOS BY AUDRA STRAW

HUBERT AND MARICEL REYES

RICK GUINA

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IDEA HOME PREMIER SPONSORS Working together to complete the vision

JANICE MILLER/ ERA First Advantage Realty

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anice Miller, owner of ERA First Advantage Realty, has known the Idea Home owners Hubert and Maricel Reyes for many years and helped them both purchase the lot that the Idea Home sits on and sell their previous home, also in the Victoria Estates neighborhood.

“This is so unique. The space, the size inside, the living areas, the straight walls — it’s all got that California feel to it,” she says.

At more than 12,000 square feet, Miller never thought the Reyeses would build this large a home, which includes aspects that she hasn’t seen in a home, such as the pet room in the laundry room. Her favorite parts of the home include the quartz kitchen counter tops and the outdoor deck spaces.

Though it’s not a typical sale in Southern Indiana, Miller says her team has sold similar-size homes in the area, adding that with the housing market as strong as it is, this home would sell quite easily if it were put on the market.

“It’s everything and more than we thought it was going to be,” she says.

“ERA is very excited to be part of the Idea Home.” IH

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BY RILEY GUERZINI AND DALLAS CARTER

COREY HIRSCH/ Hirsch Custom Homes

ANDY MILES/Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union

hen Corey Hirsch was first contacted by the Reyeses about three years ago to build their dream home, he was excited about the project’s unique design and style.

“It hasn’t been done a whole lot around here. It’s not something we are used to doing.

We usually do a lot of conventional construction,” says Hirsch, president of Hirsch Custom Homes.

Though the California-style home came with its own set of challenges, Hirsch says it was a fun project to work on and had the Hirsch team build parts of a home it never had before, such as the glass railing running along the stairwell.

“I love the glass railing,” he says. “I think it turned out really well and, honestly, we should do it more.”

Hirsch’s favorite part of the home is the spectacular setting and views encompassing the landscape at the Victoria Estates — the Hirsch team’s first home built in the neighborhood, though the company is working on two more.

“You don’t understand the magnitude of the views in every direction until you get the house up here and you’re standing up here,” he says. “The views everywhere are just spectacular.” IH

s well as sponsoring the 2021 Idea Home, Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union helped the Reyes family finance the home.

Regional vice president of mortgage sales Andy Miles works with home buyers, builders, and contractors every day, making the 2021 Idea Home a perfect fit for the credit union.

The project was also an opportunity for ETFCU to celebrate the work of its community partners.

“This home is amazing, and to see how it’s all come together, and the quality, is really neat,” says Miles.

While this is ETFCU’s first time participating in the Evansville Living Idea Home, Miles says it was great to be a part of something special.

“It’s nice to showcase the hard work that has been put into the home by all the local companies — from the concrete, to the framing, to everything else,” he says. “It’s amazing to see an entire community of craftsmen and craftswomen put such a high-quality home together.” IH

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HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Ronald McDonald House Charity provides for families in need

BY RILEY GUERZINI istorically, tours and a preview party of the Idea Home go to support a local charity, but with the COVID-19 pandemic preventing people from gathering in large groups, tours were cancelled.

This year, we have placed an envelope in the magazine asking you to consider donating to the 2021 Evansville Living Idea Home charity Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ohio Valley, whose mission is to create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and wellbeing of children and their families.

The charity, which covers the Tri-State, provides a home environment for families while their children are receiving medical care at area facilities. It also serves families across the country with its feeding program.

Ronald McDonald House Executive Director Teresa Floyd-Maas says when they were contacted by Evansville Living to be the recipient of the Idea Home proceeds, they though it was “a perfect fit.”

“Because as much as this is going to be a home to someone, that’s what Ronald McDonald House does,” she says. “It provides a home for many families whose children are receiving medical care. Everyone can understand the importance of what a home does for you while you’re recuperating, recovering, while you’re going through any treatments.”

Though the organization briefly paused at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic for sanitizing, temperature checks, and other safety protocols, Floyd-Maas says the group is fortunate to have been able to sustain itself through the pandemic as many other nonprofits have struggled to stay afloat.

“Our mission doesn’t stop because of the pandemic,” she says. “Those babies were still being born prematurely, and they still needed us to be there for them 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

The Ronald McDonald House Charities have two facilities — one on the west side of Ascension St. Vincent’s hospital campus on Washington Avenue, and one on the Deaconess Gateway hospital campus. There are

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Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ohio Valley provides a home environment for families while their children are receiving medical care at two area facilities — one on the west side of Ascension St. Vincent’s hospital campus on Washington Avenue and one on the Deaconess Gateway hospital campus.

There are 26 bedrooms that families, whose children or loved ones are making overnight stays at the hospitals, can utilize.

26 bedrooms that families, whose children or loved ones are making overnight stays at the hospitals, can utilize.

Floyd-Maas says the charity’s largest current need is keeping the families in residence fed. Though a pantry is kept stocked, if the nonprofit doesn’t have food for a family, it will occasionally reach out to local restaurants to see if they can provide a meal.

“It’s slowly ramping back up with our meal groups that come in,” she says. “Proceeds will be primarily diverted to our meal fund and keeping that pantry stocked.”

Ultimately, Floyd-Maas says she hopes the Idea Home will bring more awareness to citizens in the region about what the Ronald McDonald House is all about.

“Bringing this Idea Home and introducing our mission through Dr. Reyes’ family and Evansville Living has just really been a fortunate benefit,” she says. IH Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

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CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Evansville Living Idea Home highlights west coast architecture BY RILEY GUERZINI EVANSVILLE LIVING

IDEA HOME 2021 he 2021 Evansville Living Idea Home is unlike any home in this area. Designed by architect Rick Guina, who is also the cousin to homeowner Maricel Reyes, the home fuses Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics in the popular West Coast Japandi design style.

“For us, probably the most dynamic feature is the architecture,” says Carol Huffman, an interior designer with Hirsch Custom Homes. “The architecture is not new, cutting edge, but

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it’s not common in our area. You see it on the coast, especially California and Oregon, all the time. But we have just not had that exposure here in the Midwest, and I was excited that we were doing something that had a different flavor to it than what we typically build around here.”

The architectural lines of the home are clean yet combine finishes that evoke a warm and friendly attitude.

As a nod to the homeowners’ Filipino heritage, the exterior

side paneling is a product called “aMbooo,” highland bamboo that has been specially heat treated and compressed. It’s a renewable resource, so the treatment will endure through whatever elements strike Southern Indiana.

The home also highlights an Indiana aesthetic, featuring limestone quarried in Indiana as well as complimentary brick manufactured in Terre Haute, Indiana. IH

“For us, probably the most dynamic feature is the

architecture. The architecture is not new, cutting edge, but it’s not common in our area. You see it on the coast, especially California and Oregon, all the time.”

— Carol Huffman , Hirsch Custom Homes interior designer

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THE GREAT ROOM The heart of the home

BY DALLAS CARTER

“The staircase is my favorite detail. When you’re in the

basement, you can stand at the base of the stairs and look all the way up, almost 50 feet, to the sky lights and — Carol Huffman, interior designer see the sky.”

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sprawling living area that seamlessly transitions into the kitchen and breakfast nook, the great room is the heart of the 2021 Evansville Living Idea Home. The space has connections to every indoor and outdoor area on the main level, as well as access to the upper and lower levels via the show-stopping glass staircase.

“The staircase is my favorite detail,” says interior designer Carol Huffman. “When you’re in the basement, you can stand at the base of the stairs and look all the way up, almost 50 feet, to the sky lights and see the sky.”

The great room’s contemporary aura is rooted in its lighting. Besides the two sky lights above each section of the staircase, the area is surrounded by a two-story wall of windows, two sets of glass doubleEvansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

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IDEA HOME 2021 When the blinds go down, the great room doesn’t fall into darkness. In addition to the warm glow provided by the linear fireplace with a hand-embellished travertine trim, two lighting fixtures with electric lift systems for easy cleaning and access were provided by Illuminating Expressions.

Placed above the center of the room, the Nexus by Corbett Lighting is a modernized chandelier with LED diodes perched on the top tier of the 16 glass spokes. The diodes’ placement creates a unique ambience by lighting up the space.

Illuminating Expressions owner Rochelle Fichter also flexed her custom-design muscles with the Santana from EuroPhase Lighting. This wind chime-like fixture floats on custom cables between the sections of the winding staircase.

“We had to request that the cables all be extended to the 20-foot maximum so that it could be custom adjusted by the electrician and designer onsite,” she says.

Back on the floor of the great room, the furniture and decor add a pop of color and depth to the space, while showcasing that contemporary can still mean comfortable.

As you enter from the foyer, an abstract painting with bright orange and deep blue sets the tone for the rest of the room. Coowner of Lea Matthews Furniture and Interiors and Business Environments Jill Mitchell, alongside her husband Kirk, incorporated the accent colors in the pillows and throw placed on the extra-large sectional.

Floating the sectional in the middle of the room compliments the Reyeses’ baby grand piano, which matches the fountain’s black trim. The Mitchells also added a block coffee table, swivel armchair, and two side tables that can change positions in the space.

Lea Matthews’ furniture is encompassed by a transitional grey and blue-based Ikat rug from The Rug Merchant, creating a clear lounge space within the otherwise boundary-less room. While the rug is visually appealing, it also has functional benefits, such as muting the sound of the large room.

“The rug matches the paint color and furniture perfectly,” says Lynne Lewis, co-owner of The Rug Merchant. “It’s the right size for this space, which is something very important when you’re working with a big room. You want it to make the room feel cozy but not overwhelming.” IH

The expansive great room furnished by Lea Matthews Furniture and Interiors is full of not-so-subtle details. From the almost 50-foot views from the bottom of the glass staircase and linear travertine fireplace to the trickling fountain and Nexus chandelier provided by Illuminating Expressions, the design and architecture are responsible for the space’s grandeur.

doors to the lanai and backyard, and a clear view into the foyer through a fountain installed inside the wall.

The natural light illuminates the room’s open concept and clean, light-colored walls, floors, and ceiling, but the room isn’t without privacy at night. Budget Blinds provided motorized solar shades (see-through roller shades most commonly used in commercial settings) for all windows in the stairwell to provide shade without sacrificing their view.

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5611 E. Morgan Ave., Evansville Between Burkhardt & Green River Rds. (812) 474-4266 Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m-6 p.m., Mondays by appointment LEAMATTHEWS.COM

businessenvironmentsevv.com 812-474-4260 5611 E. Morgan Ave., Evansville

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KITCHEN AND BREAKFAST NOOK The main course of the main level

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n extension of the great room, the kitchen and breakfast nook each serve two different purposes: one optimal for entertainment, and one for quality family time.

Interior designer Carol Huffman says the kitchen’s statement piece — the oversized island with quartz counter tops and ample under-counter storage — was made as large as possible to accommodate serving and entertaining. Despite its grandeur, the island isn’t the kitchen’s foundational element.

“The appliances in the kitchen were chosen first because the appliances drove the layout of the kitchen,” says Huffman.

The WIFI-enabled appliances — including a 48-inch range, steam oven, convection oven, and double-column freezer and refrigeration unit that can store leftovers or ingredients for the next big gathering — by

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BY DALLAS CARTER

Signature Kitchen Suite can accommodate cooking for a crowd.

The kitchen’s design elements compliment the great room. The light sandy oak luxury plank vinyl flooring by Benny’s Flooring, which is high-tech and easy to clean, flows naturally between the two spaces, and a textured white and grey backsplash provided by Louisville Tile matches the coloring of the home’s interior and stainless-steel appliances.

Illuminating Expressions carried its artful lighting into the kitchen with a Kichler LED tape installation in the undercabinet and glass door areas (the same lighting used throughout other kitchen and butler pantries in the home).

The breakfast nook — featuring the same plank vinyl flooring as the rest of the main level — counters the kitchen’s entertainment style as a family hub. Perfect for

intimate meals or even family game night, the nook is another room flooded with natural light from two large windows and back doors that access the lanai and pool area.

“I wanted to make this a space where the family could still come together, but also give it this modern feel,” says Amy Woodcock, head of social media and interior design at Timberlake Furniture.

Timberlake provided the breakfast nook’s furniture and décor, including a wooden side table with front-facing storage and eye-catching canvas artwork. Placed atop a wool and silk hand-knotted rug from The Rug Merchant, Timberlake’s live-edge wooden dining table and chairs command the room’s contemporary, but homey, feel.

“I really think the iron on the chairs — even though it’s just a small detail — adds a lot of character to the table,” says Timberlake co-owner Morgan Meador. IH

“I wanted to make this a space where the family could still come together, but also give it this modern feel.”

— Amy Woodcock, head of social media and interior design at Timberlake Furniture.

The stainless-steel appliances by Signature Kitchen Suite combine with eyecatching elements such as quartz countertops to make the kitchen functional and stylish. Effortlessly flowing from the kitchen and great room, the breakfast nook is focused on intimate family gatherings from floor to ceiling.

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CATERING KITCHEN

Cooking behind the scenes BY RILEY GUERZINI

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f you’re entertaining large groups (as Idea Home owners Hubert and Maricel Reyes commonly do in non-pandemic times), the catering kitchen around the corner from the kitchen and butler’s pantry is the perfect spot for food preparation to be performed while keeping the messiness of cooking for a crowd out of the entertaining space.

Featuring high-end Signature Kitchen Suite luxury built-in appliances such as a dishwasher, wall oven and microwave, and five-burner stove, the catering kitchen also contains 12 feet of dish or food storage and pantry cabinets facing the other kitchen and great room that are 96 inches tall, made by Custom Cabinets and Furniture.

The row of Amish-built cabinets have custom capabilities that maximize storage by using shallow depth cabinet walls for dish

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storage. Each cabinet is a full overlay with frameless slab doors, contributing to the modern aesthetic. Illuminating Expressions assisted with the Kichler LED tape lighting underneath the cabinet areas.

The luxury vinyl plank flooring from Benny’s Flooring is moisture resistant, impervious to most stains, and easy to clean, while also maintaining the fashionable, upscale look. The light sandy oak flooring on the main level is also resistant to scratches and meant to handle heavy traffic.

The space for the catering kitchen was carved out of the offset from the column supports for the house and laid out mainly for entertaining purposes.

Swinging saloon doors were installed in the back of the kitchen and lead directly into the garage, so caterers can come and go without being seen. IH

Greenery and décor in the catering kitchen gives the Idea Home warmth and intimacy that makes the space more homey, including these colorful Vietri pieces — hand painted items imported from Italy — provided

by R4 Design.

Contact Tyler Steckler at 812-490-4457 for your free in-home consultation.

Find us online at www.budgetblinds.com to see more of our work.

Rug Sponsor

Owners, Terry and Lynne Lewis

812-423-2338 • 1019 Lincoln Ave. Evansville, IN therugmerchantevansville.com Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

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DINING ROOM

A space for the host with the most BY DALLAS CARTER

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xtending the main level’s entertaining capabilities is the captivating dining room — with enough space to host up to 14 guests around the dining table.

Like the breakfast nook, the dining room’s decor is grounded by a live-edge dining table.

Jill Mitchell, co-owner of Lea Matthews Furniture and Interiors and Business Environments alongside her husband, Kirk, gave this version of the popular design a more formal feel with patterned-fabric host and hostess chairs and upholstered side chairs for guests. “[Live-edge tables] started off a long time ago and are a fun thing to work with,” says Jill. “It just kind of stands out; it can go into any type of atmosphere.”

Maintaining the space’s formal function and aura, the artwork, light fixture, and rug include sleek lines and textures, while also incorporating a deep blue — one of the great room’s accent colors — with the home’s signature grey and white.

“In the dining room, it’s a very neutral room, very calm,” says The Rug Merchant co-owner Lynne Lewis. “So, we decided on a hand-knotted grey rug that went very well with the furniture the designers chose.”

Just off the dining room, which is to the right of the foyer, is a hallway that opens to the kitchen and great room.

Inside this walkway, guests have all the amenities a dinner party requires with a state-of-the-art butler’s pantry.

The butler’s pantry has overhead and under-counter storage and serves as a drink station and bar service with an ice maker, standard under-counter refrigeration, and wine cooler.

“It serves as a little buffer and passthrough so that the dining room can be a little more offset and quiet and controlled away from the hustle and bustle of the kitchen,” says interior designer Carol Huffman. IH

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“In the dining room, it’s a very neutral

room, very calm. So, we decided on a hand-knotted grey rug that went very well with the furniture the designers chose.”

— Lynne Lewis, co-owner of The Rug Merchant

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FRONT ENTRY

Foyer showcases home’s volume and openness BY RILEY GUERZINI

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Wanting to display the grandeur and openness of the home immediately for those who walk in, Idea Home architect Rick Guina came up with the idea of installing a large, window-sized waterfall fountain that allows guests to see all the way to the back of the home from the entrance.

reeting guests to the front of the Idea Home is one of the structure’s more unique, yet subtle aspects — a large mahogany front door with an unusual pivot hinge mounted about 10 inches from the outside edge of the door.

“By bringing in some wood accents, I think we created a little bit more of a friendly and warm atmosphere,” says Carol Huffman, interior designer with Hirsch Custom Homes.

With a sleek and contemporary design, the door also complements the foyer’s white marble flooring made by Atlas Concord in Italy and installed

by Louisville Tile.

There is a clear visual of the openness to the structure walking into the foyer with the dining room to the right and the home office to the left. A large, window-sized waterfall fountain lets guests see all the way to the back of the home from the entrance.

“There was a little bit of feng shui, where you don’t see the house right when you get in, so we put a wall right when you walk in, but it really opens up into a two-story volume,” says Idea Home architect Rick Guina. IH Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

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HOME OFFICE

Work from home in comfort BY DALLAS CARTER

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n the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to have an adequate home office. The 2021 Evansville Living Idea Home pushes past the bare minimum to bring the homeowners an office space comparable to that of any high-ranking executive.

The mid-sized room sits to the left of the foyer, with a large front-facing window for light and outdoor views. Opposite the window, the office is equipped with a builtin, floor-to-ceiling storage/shelving space for decor and filing.

Artistic highlights of the room include two modern abstract paintings with orange and blue highlights that tie in with the clean blue and grey lines from The Rug Merchant’s hand-knotted, wool rug.

The innovation of the Idea Home’s office comes from the furniture provided by Business Environments. Part of the Niles series by Kimball International, the desk

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chair is a smooth modern design. The gloss-finished desk from the Tessera series

by National Office Furniture is automated and height adjustable, allowing the user to either sit or stand with the flip of a switch.

Both Kimball and National Office are regional manufacturers.

The home office also features a highly unique piece: a Stressless Aurora (L) 3s High sofa. All Stressless seating is ergonomically correct and backed by the American Chiropractic Association.

“We are the only Stressless dealer in about a 150-mile radius,” says Jill Mitchell, co-owner of Lea Matthews Furniture and Interiors and Business Environments alongside her husband Kirk. “A lot of people use them — even sleeping in them.

They’re just really comfortable.” IH

“We are the only Stressless dealer in about a 150-mile radius. A lot of people use them — even sleeping in them. They’re just really comfortable.”

— Jill Mitchell, co-owner of Lea Matthews Furniture and Interiors and Business Environments

Quality Custom Cabinetry, Made Just for You 4578 N 875 E, MONTGOMERY, IN 47558 // 812-486-2503

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1035 South Green River Rd., Evansville 812-479-3300

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MASTER SUITE

A private but connected oasis awaits on the main level

W

hile the entire 2021 Evansville Living Idea Home is a standout piece of architecture and design, the master suite remains a highlight. From its generous living spaces to extended outdoor access, the master bedroom and bathroom are one of the main level’s hidden gems.

The beauty of the master suite is based in its position. Tucked into the left side of the home, the bedroom is private and can be reached through a hallway on the left side of the great room, which creates a path through the room and out doublesided glass doors to a private veranda. This outdoor space wraps around to the back of the home to an additional patio space, furnished by Colonial Classics Garden Center and Nursery, overlooking the backyard and pool area.

20 Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

Back inside, the master bedroom transitions to the master bathroom and then the extensive walk-in closet. The closet is also accessible from the laundry and pet room, which exits into one of the home’s three-car garages.

“The bedroom, bath, and closet adjoin the laundry where you can quickly access the steam dryer for an instant wardrobe refresh,” says interior designer Carol Huffman.

“Whether it’s a quick shower, a relaxing soak in the tub, or a quiet moment on the deck, the master suite is designed to provide it.”

Following the home’s blue theme, the storage cabinet provided by Timberlake Furniture is a deep royal blue. Timberlake

BY DALLAS CARTER

also added two grey accent chairs with strict lines and light-stained wooden legs, and two three-drawer nightstands and a dresser to match the existing bedframe. “[The master suite] went so well with the rugs The Rug Merchant brought; it really just tied everything in together,” says Timberlake owner Morgan Meador. “It was really fun to do this room.”

In the master suite, The Rug Merchant provided two 17th century, Asian-influenced rugs with a traditional style that is modernized by splashes of color.

“I like the master bedroom combination because it is so different than what you’re used to seeing in Southern Indiana,”

Besides its modern design elements, such as furniture provided by Timberlake Furniture, the master suite is made unique by its connective layout, including access to a secluded patio/wrap-around porch and a private hallway from the bedroom to the bathroom, walk-in closets, laundry room, garage, and back again.

Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

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IDEA HOME 2021 says Rug Merchant co-owner Terry Lewis. “A very modern color palette and a very ancient design pull the room together pretty well. What’s old is now new, and that’s a classic example.”

The bedroom pushes design boundaries by subtly blurring the lines between styles, but the master bathroom can only be described as a contemporary oasis. Complete with a soaking tub and bidet seat by Kohler and a walk-in shower, the key to the bathroom’s glamour isn’t in advanced technology or gimmicky add-ons, it’s in the design details.

The matching vanities and attached cabinets were custom designed using high-gloss laminate panels by Brillante provided by Custom Cabinets and Furniture for an extra shine. A hand-cut glass mosaic with a metallic finish made by Oceanside Glass and provided by Louisville Tile was used for an artistic element in the sleek modern backsplash of the bathtub area.

A porcelain tile made by Crossville in Tennessee, also provided by Louisville Tile, was used throughout the bathroom, keeping the consistency of the home’s linear movements that are required of contemporary architecture. IH The bathroom of the master suite is nothing if not contemporary. Its many custom features —high-gloss laminate panels from Custom Cabinets Furniture make up matching vanities — and bold artistic choices, such as a hand-cut glass mosaic from Louisville Tile, make this space a personal getaway.

22 Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

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LAUNDRY ROOM AND PET CARE AREA Cleaning up with style BY JODI KEEN n efficient, accessible laundry room is a crucial element to any contemporary home.

But with pets playing a larger role in families’ daily lives, homeowners have upped the ante and made their laundry facilities pro-pet.

In the 2021 Evansville Living Idea Home, the laundry room’s showpiece is a step-in pet bathing station, which can accommodate even large breeds. The bathing station is stocked with high-quality Epsana-brand grooming products and a long-lasting micro-fiber drying cloth. Nearby, natural pet food is stored in a versatile tin canister that preserves the food’s quality and blends well with any color scheme.

The pet area is completed by the inclusion of an orthopedic pet bed by Bowser. With built-in support and a cooling memory foam insert, pets can rest in total comfort.

A

24 Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

“More people consider their pets and their pets’ needs in the design and decor decisions in their home.”

— Quincy Zikmund, owner of Give a Dog a Bone

“Ortho is great for older dogs, or dogs with joint problems, who don’t need or want a really soft, squishy bed that they sink through,” says Quincy Zikmund, owner of Give a Dog a Bone, which supplied the pet food, grooming products, and accessories.

Overall, the pet area demonstrates a shift in how homeowners view their furry companions. With more emphasis on inhome animals’ comfort and health, pets are afforded a more inclusive lifestyle.

“Our pets are not relegated to one part of the home anymore,” Quincy says. “More people consider their pets and their pets’ needs in the design and decor decisions in their home.” IH

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UPPER LEVEL Indoor comfort, outdoor atmosphere

BY DALLAS CARTER

“A

little party never hurt nobody,” but the upper level of the 2021 Evansville Living Idea Home is a stark contrast to the entertainment spaces of the main floor.

With three bedrooms — one for each of the Reyes children and their maternal grandparents — a TV lounge, and ample outdoor spaces, the upper level focuses on privacy and relaxation.

At the center of the upper level, directly off the main walkways overlooking the great room, is the TV lounge. The lounge is all about kicking your feet up. Unlike its main level counterpart, the butler pantry attached to this space is equipped with a microwave, mini fridge, and small sink to focus on snacks instead of formal drinks.

A low-profile leather sofa from Lamar Architecture and Design, along with two Barcelona-style chairs, chrome accents, and artistic photographs of Lamar’s previous projects, create a warmth in the space while maintaining the home’s signature contemporary style.

“We had a low-lying sofa that was black and brown leather that carried the color of the exterior of the house inside since that space is very connected to the outdoor spaces of the home in between the two patios,” says Lamar interior designer Jenn Duckworth.

Its upper level positioning doesn’t equate to a lack of natural light for the lounge. The back wall of the space has a section of glass windows overlooking the in-law suite’s private patio — furnished and decorated by Colonial Classics Garden

“My favorite part of the home is all

the outdoor decks, especially the one in the corner upstairs. We’re from the Philippines where it is very tropical, and we enjoy sitting out in the sun and being outside.”

— Maricel Reyes, homeowner

26 Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

Overlooking the great room as well as two of the home’s front facing patios, the TV Lounge is the epitome of relaxation. Lamar Architecture and Design provided the space with a lowprofile leather sofa, accent chairs, and chrome decor. Interior designer Jenn Duckworth says the furniture connects the atmosphere of the exterior into the interior spaces on the upper level.

Center and Nursery — while the other wall includes a glass door leading to a covered patio on the front of the home.

“My favorite part of the home is all the outdoor decks, especially the one in the corner upstairs,” says homeowner Maricel Reyes. “We’re from the Philippines where it is very tropical, and we enjoy sitting out in the sun and being outside.”

Complete with a caddycorner built-in wooden bench, storage closet, electric fans, overhead lights, and two TV inputs, the main patio is the optimal outdoor space. It overlooks the Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

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“[The patio] has a feng shui, contemporary, outdoor/ indoor look about it. We’ve incorporated unique Japanese Red Maples, heavenly bamboo. There are birds of paradise and other epiphytes.”

— JT McCarty, president and co-owner of Colonial Classics

front of the home, visible through the glass-paneled railing, and the extensive Victoria Estates neighborhood.

For the patio, Colonial Classics provided a sectional, ottoman, and teak side table from Outdoor Interiors. It also adorned the space with small details such as a matching rug, pillows for the built-in wooden benches, and a host of plants and natural elements. “[The patio] has a feng shui, contemporary, outdoor/ indoor look about it,” says JT McCarty, president and co-owner of Colonial Classics alongside his wife, Julie.

“We’ve incorporated unique Japanese Red Maples, heavenly bamboo. There are birds of paradise and other epiphytes.”

“To me, it’s just not complete unless you have the appropriate plant material that brings that pop of green and pop of life in,” adds Julie. IH Each of the three bedrooms have access to their own private patios. The largest front-facing, covered patio also enters into the TV lounge on the upper level.

Complete with a built-in wooden bench and furnishings from Colonial Classics Garden Center and Nursery, the architecture of this space blends indoor luxury with an outdoor escape.

28 Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

EVANSVILLE LIVING

IDEA HOME 2021

UPSTAIRS BEDROOMS Everything but the kitchen sink

F

or most children, their bedroom is just that — a room with a bed and maybe some of their favorite toys and treasures. In the 2021 Evansville Living Idea Home, each bedroom is a personal oasis centered around privacy and easy living.

The first bedroom on the upper level opens from a short, inset hallway, directly across from the second bedroom. Belonging to Caitleen Reyes, the room was furnished

by Timberlake Furniture, who incorporated a white, honeycomb-patterned bedframe and headboard with a matching dresser and nightstand.

“I love the detail of the bed and everything that went

BY DALLAS CARTER

along with it just really flowed together,” says Amy Woodcock, Timberlake’s head of social media and interior design.

Combined with a colorful, whimsical rug from The Rug Merchant and a small fabric stool, the room’s design provides space for lounging, entertaining friends, and getting ready in the morning. The space’s extensive window and glass patio doors are adorned with the same solar shades from Budget Blinds featured in the rest of the home.

Each bedroom on the upper level includes carpet installed

by Benny’s Flooring, as well as its own full bathroom and outdoor space. While Caitleen’s patio overlooking the backyard is the smallest in size, sturdy red

furniture, red plants, and an accent rug from Colonial Classics keep the space fun and functional.

“Each bedroom has their own private patio,” says interior designer Carol Huffman. “So, if you want to get up in the morning, have a cup of coffee, and relax, you’ve got your space to sit and enjoy the sun coming up and setting in the evening.” IH

Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

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LOWER LEVEL KITCHEN Bright and beautiful BY RILEY GUERZINI

T

he luxurious kitchen on the lower level of the 2021 Evansville Living Idea Home features built-in appliances similar to the main level kitchen that blends innovation, precision cooking, and purposeful design.

Custom Amish-built cabinetry from Custom Cabinets and Furniture also carries into this space, as well as luxury vinyl plank flooring with a complimentary gray finish from Benny’s Flooring.

Illuminating Expressions assisted with the track lighting in the kitchen and other areas of the lower level, highlighting the decor, paintings, and greenery.

The decor of the downstairs kitchen and bar area as well as the catering kitchen on the main floor was styled

30 Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

by R4 Design Home Décor & More.

Trappings include several accent pieces that complement the modern style of the home, including the bowls, mugs, wine rack, olive jar, greenery, and Vietri ceramics that are handpainted and imported from Italy.

“In this space, we really wanted to accentuate the bar area and show off some of the neat things we have for our wine lovers,” says Rita Meeks, owner of R4 Design.

Meeks says fusing together West Coast and Midwest styles was the most enjoyable part of the project.

“When I first walked into the home, I just felt like it was very white, which is really the style these days, but I wanted to bring in a lot of color,” she says. “It was a challenge that we wanted to take on and a great opportunity to showcase our items.” IH

“In this space, we really wanted to accentuate the bar area and show off some of the neat things we have for our wine lovers.”

— Rita Meeks, owner of R4 Design

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FITNESS ROOM

Healthy living in your own home

BY DALLAS CARTER

K

eeping up with a regular gym schedule can be time consuming and inconvenient. With the 2021 Evansville Living Idea Home’s fitness room, the homeowners can avoid the hassle of hitting the gym while retaining the benefits of working out.

The fitness room makes an immediate appearance when descending the staircase thanks to its floor-to-ceiling glass wall. Despite its comfortable location, the space feels like a professional gym.

“In the exercise room, you’re going to be dropping weights and stuff, so you’re going to have a different product there other than the luxury vinyl.”

— Benny DeTalente, owner Benny’s Flooring

Even the flooring, a carpet tile from Benny’s Flooring, was specifically selected for the room’s athletic purpose.

“In the exercise room, you’re going to be dropping weights and stuff, so you’re going to have a different product there other than the luxury vinyl,” says owner Benny DeTalente.

Ultimate Fit provided four diverse machines to visualize how the large room could be utilized, including a staple of exercise equipment — a treadmill. The Spirit XT385 Treadmill is Ultimate Fit’s most popular model due to its price, quality, and warranty.

Owner Curt Jones also installed the Spirit XE195 Elliptical, Spirit XIC600 Spin Bike, and a Spirit XBR25 recumbent bike. IH

HOME THEATER An immersive experience

BY RILEY GUERZINI

W

ith the pandemic shutting down theaters across the country, home theaters have made their way back into the market. The 2021 Evansville Living Idea Home is no exception.

Tucked into the back corner of the lower level of the home behind the fitness room is a narrow hallway filled with retro movie posters that leads right into the theater room.

This state-of-the-art home theater comes with a 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos surround sound system with three speakers on the front wall behind the screen, a pair of speakers on the side walls, a pair of speakers on the rear wall, and two sets of height speakers on the front and back walls, plus two subwoofers on the front wall underneath the screen for the ultimate watching and listening experience.

“With this type of surround system, it gives you the complete, immersive experience,” says Ryan Cain, president of Paragon Sight, Sound, and Security, who installed the technology in the theater room as well as the rest of the home. “It’s designed to put you in the middle of the movie and the front row at any sporting event. You are now experiencing the movie as opposed to just watching it.”

The acoustically transparent screen is 133 inches, making for a comfortable visual delight at any distance. The 4k projector comes with the latest and greatest in resolution and was manufactured by an Italian company called Sim2. IH

32 Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

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SEWING AND CRAFT ROOM Threading the idea together BY RILEY GUERZINI

W

hen the homeowners were mapping out what they wanted to include in their dream home, a sewing and craft space was near the top of their list.

Knowing the dimensions of the room beforehand and where certain products had to go, Evansville fabric store Let’s Sew filled the 2021 Evansville Living Idea Home’s unique sewing and craft room with many of its products.

“Everything really kind of came together, bringing in the aspects that we love in sewing and filling up the room completely,” says Tiffany Hulsey, retail manager at Let’s Sew. The business provided two sewing machines — the Solaris Two and the Triumph Serger — as well as a cutting table, design wall, helpful sewing books, storage shelves, and inspiration for fabrics and accessories. The other storage drawers were custom made by Custom Cabinets and Furniture.

All needlework products in the craft room are available at Let’s Sew, including the threads, machines, quilts, and needles.

“Because the room is neutral, the colors that we provided make the room pop,” says Jim Schum, operations manager at Let’s Sew. “It’s also an example of the classes that we have on making the quilts and some of the supplies we provide.”

Let’s Sew also offers classes on the machines at every level at their store at 4406 E. Morgan Ave. as well as servicing broken machines for customers. IH

“Everything really kind of came

together, bringing in the aspects that we love in sewing and filling up the room completely.”

— Tiffany Hulsey, retail manager at Let’s Sew

34 Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

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BACKYARD AND POOL AREA A pocket full of sunshine BY RILEY GUERZINI

H

omeowners Hubert and Maricel Reyes were adamant about the inclusion of several entertainment spaces when they drafted their original wish list, and that wish was granted with several amenities in the backyard including a pool, porch, lanai, and fire pit.

Sticking with the square and modern design, the pool, built by Fox Pools, includes several special features, such as a 7 foot-by-7 foot tanning ledge in the shallow end and a bench in the deep end that can

36 Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

be used to sit on or climb out.

“He’s going to have a hard cover over the top of it so we couldn’t do any railing, so we had to do a bench,” says Scott Martin, a salesman with Fox Pools.

Most pools have a ladder with handrails in the deep end for swimmers to climb out, but similar to other aspects of the 2021 Evansville Living Idea Home, this pool is anything but ordinary.

In a first-of-its-kind detail in this area, the automatic pool top acts as both a cover and standalone deck that can turn the pool

into an outdoor entertaining space.

“When it’s closed, you will go out there and won’t even know there’s a pool there,” says homebuilder Corey Hirsch.

The deck, designed by West Paradise, also mixes into the travertine tile — an idea that was pitched to the Reyeses by their son, Nathan, an Indiana University graduate who was on the swimming and diving team at Castle High School.

Imported from Florida, the travertine The backyard of the 2021 Evansville Living Idea Home combines the modern aesthetic showcased throughout the indoor areas with the large entertainment space the Reyeses dreamed of when they were conceptualizing their dream house.

Innovative features include a rolling pool deck that also serves as a pool cover, a sunken area with a fire pit, a lanai with an outdoor grilling station, and back porch overlooking the entire yard.

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PHOTO BY TIM TINCHER

PHOTO BY AUDRA STRAW

EVANSVILLE LIVING

IDEA HOME 2021

PHOTO BY TIM TINCHER

tile is ideal for the deck and area around the pool because it reflects the heat from sunrays while absorbing the cool of the ground underneath it, meaning it stays cool even on the hottest summer day.

To the left of the pool is a sunken space with turf, a fire pit, and ledge seating attached to a concrete wall that encloses the area.

“The turf brings in a green space that brightens things up and again is perfect for this type of project as well,” says Glen Miller, executive director of Uniqu-E-scapes Outdoor Living and Landscapes, who laid the landscaping for the home. “The L

firepit can be used year-round as well. At night, this lights up beautiful. We call it accent lighting from the lights in the tree s to the light all on the steps. It is a beautiful facade at night as well.”

Across from the sunken area is a long porch that wraps around to the master bedroom and connects to the great room. Colonial Classics Garden Center and Nursery provided conversation lounge pieces that carry around the corner as well as plush swivel rockers to enhance the look of the backyard and bring comfort.

Adjacent to the wraparound porch is a lanai overlooking the pool and the rest of the backyard. On the left side of the lanai is a grilling area with a mini-fridge, smoker, full burner grill, and a drink rail.

“We love all of the details,” says Julie McCarty, co-owner of Colonial Classics Garden Center and Nursery. “I think my favorite area is on the back of the home; the long, lanai area that overlooks the pool and fire pit. To me that space is so inviting — as I think all the spaces are inviting — but there’s just something special about that particular space.”

Adjacent to the porch that wraps around to the master bedroom is a lanai that overlooks the pool that can be accessed from the great room. On the left side of the lanai is a grilling area with a mini-fridge, smoker, full burner grill, and drink rail. A waterfall feature also drips down from the edge of the lanai entering the pool area.

38 Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

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IDEA HOME 2021

“This is a very modern project, something different to the area.

We loved being part of something that’s unique.”

— Glen Miller, executive director of Uniqu-E-scapes Outdoor Living and Landscapes

Dripping over the roofing of the area is a waterfall that lands in a small rock pit at the edge of the lanai. The waterfall was another collaborative effort between Hirsch Custom Homes and Uniqu-E-scapes.

“This is a very modern project, something different to the area,” says Miller. “We loved being part of something that’s unique.”

The backyard and side of the home also include built in planters with signature cherry trees that add just the right amount of green to the landscaping.

Across from the wraparound porch is a sunken area with turf and an L-shaped fire pit, along with bench seating that connects with the wall that encloses the area. It serves as the perfect spot for late night bonfires that Caitleen Reyes (left) and her friends can enjoy.

All this breathtaking scenery can be seen from the home’s many large windows, with intricate and detailed trim installed by the Inspire Design Center, who also installed the sleek baseboard, crown molding, casings, and panel routed doors that were custom milled by Niehaus Lumber.

The exterior of the home was designed with a style that also traces back to the homeowner’s Pacific roots, giving off the feel of an Asian resort.

Out front, the travertine tile was carried over into the front doorsteps that greet guests entering this one-of-a-kind home. The planter boxes by the front door were made using the highland bamboo called “aMbooo” that was also used for the exterior side paneling. IH

TO ENJOY ALL YEAR LONG! LANDSCAPERS OF THE 2021 EVANSVILLE LIVING IDEA HOME

(812) 423-8883 | 1804 N. BURKHARDT RD. | UNIQU-E-SCAPES.COM Uniqu-E-Scapes truly appreciates the opportunity we’ve had to work with Hubert and Maricel Reyes on creating their new home’s outdoor living spaces. We sincerely want to thank them for allowing us to help create and bring their dreams to reality.

40 Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

The design of the 2021 Evansville Living Idea Home stems from the homeowners’ Asian roots with a touch of Indiana workmanship. The exterior brick is Alpine Select Queen — manufactured in Indiana and laid by Killebrew Brick. The side paneling of the home was made using a highland bamboo called “aMbooo” that was also used for the planter boxes at the entrance.

Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

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BUILDING BLOCKS Idea Home exterior uses cutting-edge materials

BY RILEY GUERZINI he contemporary style of the 2021 Evansville Living Idea Home was constructed through innovations both in the products used and their installation.

The interior and exterior brick is Alpine Select Queen manufactured by Meridian Brick in Terre Haute, Indiana, using its green plant, which cuts down on emissions on brick firing.

The material as well as all the exterior stone was laid by Killebrew Brick.

Tom McDaniel, a sales representative at Killebrew Brick, says the company had to do some considerably different flashing on the second floor where the material meets the many outdoor decks to make sure rainwater drained correctly. The brick had to be cut into thin slices for application because of the load bearing of the home.

“I don’t think the customers could have done any better job than they did with their selection colors, interior and exterior,” says McDaniel. “It was a nice project to work on.”

The standing seam steel roof and a flat roof on the Idea Home were built by Honest Abe Roofing, with Chapman Construction installing the shingles. Both roofs were constructed with IB PVC product and comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Before installing the roof, the companies had to wait for the brick to be completed on the entire home, as there were many different levels of roofing.

“With the flat roofing material that we use, it’s a little different from what most contractors use,” says Don Lanier, owner of Honest Abe Roofing. “We used a PVCcoated drip edge so the PVC membrane heat welds to that, so from the street, you see a nice, clean, thick drip edge instead of a termination bar.” IH

T

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RIDE IN SAFETY AND STYLE

Three top-selling SUVs

BY DALLAS CARTER he 2021 Evansville Living Idea Home wouldn’t look the same without its two garages extending from the front of the home.

Accompanied by the long loop of the rectangular driveway, this house was built to host the Tri-State’s most innovative automobiles.

Whether cruising the neighborhood or gearing up for a road trip, Carts Gone Wild and Evansville Kia and Hyundai provided vehicles for the homeowners’ adventures.

The white 2021 Sorento from Evansville Kia, and white 2021 Hyundai Genesis GV80 and red 2021 Hyundai Sante Fe Calligraphy from Evansville Hyundai, are three SUVs leading their competitors in amenities, safety, and price point.

T

“These are the three hottest-selling SUVs that we own,” says Amish Patel, vice president of Evansville Kia and Hyundai. “They are all SUVs because that’s where the market is right now.” IH

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Personal transportation, custom style

44 Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

BY DALLAS CARTER he Sirius Star 2+2 white diamond pearl from Carts Gone Wild is one of the most advanced electric carts on the market, with 5.4 horsepower, eight 6-volt batteries, and a 12-volt outlet. LEDs brighten the head and taillights, both of which boast self-canceling turn signals and LEDs on each side mirror. Comforts include ergonomic controls, dashboard display, and back-up camera.

The metallic pearl blue lifted Club Car Onward 2+2 is a custom cart that showcases Carts Gone Wild’s customizable offerings. The homeowners’ cart includes a Monsoon Canopy Top, custom seat cushions with neck support, 10-inch Mercury wheels, a brush guard, side mirrors, lifted suspension with step up, and fender flakes in the same metallic pearl blue as the body.

“The Club Car Onward and Sirius Star are more than a golf cart,” says general manager Matt Scheessele. “These create a truly incredible personal transportation experience.” IH

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Our nationally recognized custom publishing and design team can assist you with a variety of projects including logo creation, branding, collateral material, annual reports, and inserts for the magazine.

CALL TODAY TO LET US SHOW YOU HOW WE CAN MAKE YOUR MARKETING EFFORTS A SUCCESS. evansvilleliving.com 812-426-2115

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE 2021 EVANSVILLE LIVING IDEA HOME

WOULDN’T YOU RATHER DEAL WITH THE DUELLS?

evansvillekia.com

hyundaiofevansville.com genesisofevansville.com

Anne & Doug Duell

Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

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BEHIND THE SCENES

BY DALLAS CARTER The work of more than 30 sponsors and local businesses went into the planning, creation, and completion of the 2021 Evansville Living Idea Home in Victoria Estates.

While many, like décor, windows, and hardware are in plain sight, some essential, and even critical, contributions were made subtly behind the scenes.

One of the largest sponsors in the project, CenterPoint Energy helped save on the high costs of running electricity through the Idea Home with programs and rebates on energy-efficient home appliances, thermostats, pool equipment, lighting, insulation, heating and air systems, and water heaters. CenterPoint Energy’s rebates are available to nearly all residential homeowners as well.

Several rooms in the home feature motion sensor on/off switches to conserve energy, while Illuminating Expressions utilized energy-efficient LED lights for all of its installations.

A+Derr Heating and Air provided a high-efficiency heating and air system throughout the home, including a 96 percent energy efficient AFUE furnace as well as a 16 Seer air conditioner. While these systems are felt, they are not seen or heard and can be managed using the six thermostats throughout the home with Bluetooth capabilities.

Plumbing needs in the home’s five bathrooms and other spaces were met by Altstadt Hoffman Plumbing.

A tankless water heater, hot water recirculation, and water softener also impact the energy-consumption of the home and fall under CenterPoint’s energy efficiency programs.

L&W Supply provided insulation, while McMahon Exterminating and Dirt Finder Maid Service signed onto the project for pest control and cleaning services, respectively. IH

T

46 Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

Feeling inspired by the Idea Home to revamp your living space with energy-efficient updates for your smart energy future? CenterPoint Energy can help offset the cost of making your ideas come to life.

Explore great programs and rebates on: • Home appliances

• Pool equipment

• Insulation

• Thermostats

• Lighting

• Water heaters

COMING SOON: A new CenterPoint Energy online store will be available this summer for instant rebates on smart thermostats!

CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartSavings | 866-240-8476

Programs and services are operated under the brand CenterPoint Energy by Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company d/b/a CenterPoint Energy Indiana South. ©2021 CenterPoint Energy 210329-01 INs

Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

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RESOURCE GUIDE 2021 Idea Home Sponsors A+ Derr Heating & Air heating and air 7545 Peachwood Drive Newburgh, IN 833.232.4328 aplusderr.com

Altstadt Hoffman Plumbing plumbing 1401 Buchanan Road Evansville, IN 812.425.9389 altstadtplumbing.com

Benny’s Flooring flooring 1035 S. Green River Road Evansville, IN 812.479.3300 7510 Peachwood Drive Newburgh, IN 812.858.7024 bennysflooringin.com

Budget Blinds blinds 4388 Brandywine Drive Newburgh, IN 812.490.4457 budgetblinds.com/ evansville

Business Environments office furniture 5611 E. Morgan Ave. Evansville, IN 812.474.4260 businessenvironmentsevv.com

Carts Gone Wild luxury golf carts 1141 E. Warrenton Road Haubstadt, IN 812.615.5050 cartsgonewild.com

CenterPoint Energy energy efficiencies 211 NW Riverside Drive Evansville, IN 812.491.4000 centerpointenergy.com

Colonial Classics Landscaping & Nursery furnishings for outdoor spaces and patios 3633 Epworth Road Newburgh, IN 812.853.6622 colonialclassics.net

Custom Cabinets & Furniture cabinetry 8766 E. 450 N. Montgomery, IN 812.486.2503 customcabinetsllc.com

Dirt Finders Maid Service cleaning service 708 Stanley Ave. Evansville, IN 812.402.3060 dirtfinders.net

ERA First Advantage Realty real estate 8711 W. Highway 66 Newburgh, IN 812.858.2400 erafirst.com

Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union mortgage lending 4401 Theater Drive Evansville, IN 812.477.9271 etfcu.org

Fox Pools Of Evansville in-ground swimming pool

Killebrew Brick brick 1325 St. George Road Evansville, IN 812.425.3664 killebrewbrick.com

L&W Supply insulation

R4 Design Home Décor and More accent pieces in butler’s pantry, kitchen, and downstairs living area

Give a Dog a Bone pet room supplies

Lamar Architecture and Design upstairs lounge area

707 State St., Unit E Newburgh, IN 812.490.0455 R4Shoppes.com

5626 E. Virginia St. Evansville, IN 812.402.2663 dogbonemarket.com

10400 State Route 662 W. Newburgh, IN 812.890.2237 lamar-arch.com

The Rug Merchant rugs

Hirsch Custom Homes custom home builder

Lea Matthews Furniture and Interiors dining room and great room

1808 W. Franklin St. Evansville, IN 812.423.7532 foxpools.com

7560 Peachwood Drive Newburgh, IN 812.453.3482 hirschcustomhomes.com

Honest Abe Roofing roofing 2510 N. Cullen Ave., Suite C Evansville, IN 812.641.7279 honestaberoofing.com/ evansville

Timberlake Furniture master bedroom, breakfast nook, upstairs bedroom furnishings

Let’s Sew sewing room

6664 N. 900 Blvd.

Keensburg, IL 618.298.2474 timberlake-furniture. com

4406 E. Morgan Ave. Evansville, IN 812.471.7945 letssew.com

5810 Vogel Road Evansville, IN 812.437.5483 illuminatingexpressions.com

1417 N. Cullen Ave. Evansville, IN 812.618.9964 louisville-tile.com

Evansville Kia vehicles

Inspire Design Center lumber, window trim, doors, door trim, and interior hardware

McMahon Exterminating pest control

4000 E. Division St. Evansville, IN 812.473.0215 evansvillekia.com

1520 N. Green River Road Evansville, IN 812.432.2822 inspiredesigncenter.com

1605 Theatre Drive Evansville, IN 812.475.1100 mcmahoncan.com

48 Evansville Living IDEA HOME 2021

1019 Lincoln Ave. Evansville, IN 812.423.2338 therugmerchantevansville.com

5611 E. Morgan Ave. Evansville, IN 812.474.4266 leamatthews.com

Louisville Tile decorative tile

4400 E. Division St. Evansville, IN 812.473.4400 hyundaiof evansville.com

133 W. Lincoln Ave. Chandler, IN 812.306.5544 evansvillehome theater.com

5425 Oak Grove Road Evansville, IN 812.476.2757 lwsupply.com/locations /lw-supply-evansville

Illuminating Expressions lighting fixtures

Evansville Hyundai vehicles

Paragon Sight, Sound & Security theater room

Ultimate Fit exercise equipment 1412 S. Green River Road Evansville, IN 812.431.0201 ultimatefit.biz

Uniqu-E-Scapes landscaping 1804 N. Burkhardt Road Evansville, IN 812.423.8883 uniqu-e-scapes.com

Vanderburgh & Warrick County Combined market share by volume of top local companies

OUR MARKET SHARE BY VOLUME IN 2021

32.56%

27.32% 32.56%

VANDERBURGH & WARRICK COUNTY COMBINED

OUR TOTAL NUMBERS IN 2020

3,071

FAMILIES MOVED

11.69%

$607 MILLION SOLD

7.78%

*Information accurate as of 04/22/21

The market is hot! Now more than ever, you need an experienced real estate professional to help navigate a competitive housing market.

Call us today and let ERA move you!

8711 W. Hwy 66 • Newburgh, IN | 812.858.2400

www.erafirst.com