Pontotoc Homes April 2019

APRIL 2019

Real Estate Guide to Pontotoc County & the surrounding area

FEATURING (Page 8)

Distinctive Design Bring beauty and elegance into your home

PONTOTOC HOMES |3

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 5 5 5 6 6 6 8 14 16 18 20 21 22 25 26 28 32

Patty Turk Properties, LLC First Choice Insurance Pickens Pest Control Distinctive Design Matthews Real Estate Washington Holcomb Tractor Company Peeples Plumbing & Electrical One Stop Shop For Your Distinctive Design Small Kitchen Improvements Crye-Leike Realtors, Beth Walker Stock Up On Gardening Essentials Hamilton Mortgage Southern Hills Realty & Appraisal, Inc. Bring More Natural Light Into A Home Dennis Cox, Tommy Morgan, Inc. Create A Teen-Friendly Space At Home Mossy Oak Properties First Choice Bank

8 22

14

Advertising Consultant: Angie Quarles • Designer: Chelsea Williams Pontotoc Progress • 13 Jefferson Street • P.O. Box 210 • Pontotoc, MS 38863 • 662-489-3511

4| PONTOTOC HOMES

PONTOTOC HOMES |5

6| PONTOTOC HOMES

PONTOTOC HOMES |7

ONE STOP SHOP FOR YOUR

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN

8| PONTOTOC HOMES

A

kitchen is the beating heart of any home and Todd Nowlin takes great satisfaction in making that gathering space as comfortable and beautiful as it can be.

“I really enjoy remodeling whether its floors or countertops, just dealing with customers and understanding their vision, listening to what they want then helping them make that a reality,” said Nowlin, owner of Distinctive Design in Ecru.

Nowlin opened his shop in the old Browning Hardware building three years ago, part of the commercial renaissance his uncle and businessman Ken Nowlin is spearheading. Nowlin’s showroom is modish and sleek, replete with flooring samples ranging from contemporary trends like distressed, ceramic tile made to look like woodgrain, to real hardwood flooring and more traditional materials and styles.

Nowlin carries ceramic brands like Interceramic, StonePeak, and Florida, as well as wood flooring by Armada, Bella Cera, and Prestige, among others.

“Many customers today are choosing luxury, vinyl plank flooring,” said Nowlin’s office manager, Lana Wise. “It’s waterproof and offers several advantages.” Nexxacore, High Plains, and Everlife are among the brands of luxury, vinyl plank available at Distinctive Design.

Born and raised in Ecru, Nowlin coached high school basketball for six years and during that time worked in carpentry and flooring as a secondary career.

“I pretty much learned hands-on working with knowledgeable people and when I saw the growing demand for these products and services, I decided to make it a fulltime career,” said Nowlin.

Displayed alongside the flooring are blocks of countertop samples. Granite and quartz are in fashion right now, Nowlin said, but there is a difference.

Story by

GALEN HOLLEY PONTOTOC PROGRESS Photos by Chelsea Williams Todd Nowlin, owner of Distinctive Design

PONTOTOC HOMES |9

10| PONTOTOC HOMES

“Both granite and quartz look great, but granite is a true stone, exported mostly from Brazil and India, and is softer and more susceptible to chipping and staining,” Nowlin said.

“Quartz, on the other hand, is manmade, created by adding a polymer and its more durable. In other words, quartz gives the ‘granite look’ with added durability.”

Customers often bring in pictures of cabinets and countertops from Pinterest or something they have seen on HGTV, Nowlin said. The proliferation of social media, along with home remodeling television shows, has created a swell in business.

Nowlin looks at the images customers bring him and listens to their expectations. He then hand-sketches a design, draws-up some preliminary measurements, and feeds the information into a computer program called 2020. The program renders a three-dimensional image of what the product will look like.

PONTOTOC HOMES |11

“I really enjoy remodeling whether its floors or countertops, just dealing with customers and understanding their vision, listening to what they want then helping them make that a reality�

Todd Nowlin Owner of Distinctive Design

12| PONTOTOC HOMES

A decade ago, ornate cabinetry was the fashion, Nowlin said. Today, customers often choose to accentuate the beauty of the stone by pairing his handmade countertops with the more minimalist, pre-fabricated cabinet designs he offers.

Nowlin keeps a supply yard about a mile from his shop and he employs expert craftsmen who can cut and shape stone onsite, in many cases. If he does not have the material or design in-stock, he orders it, from places like Southaven.

Offering the convenience of one-stop-shopping for cabinetry, counters, and flooring has been a benefit for this business, Nowlin said, adding that he is happy to sell to do-it-yourselfers as well.

“It’s great to be a part of this revitalized, downtown Ecru commercial environment, and it’s an honor to serve the people of this area,” Nowlin said. “We have the privilege of helping people beautify their homes, and that means a lot to us.”

Distinctive Design is located at 402 Main Street in Ecru.

Contact Todd and Lana at (662) 200-2093, by email at distinctivedesignsecru@gmail.com, or like them on Facebook.

PONTOTOC HOMES |13

Small Kitchen Improvements that maximize functionality 14| PONTOTOC HOMES

M

any homeowners wish for expansive kitchens. Modernized kitchens that include sought after features and showcase the latest trends go a long way to improving the overall value of a home.

As desirable as such kitchens may be, some homes simply don’t have enough space for a centerfold-worthy kitchen featuring an island, wine refrigerator and walk-in pantry. However, homeowners with small kitchens can still improve the form and function of their existing spaces.

Small kitchens can be culinary havens with the right improvements to maximize the space.

Tips to improve a small kitchen RECONFIGURE AND REVAMP CABINETRY

versions won’t take up as much space as larger alternatives. Homeowners should consider the ultimate function of the kitchen and then think about which appliances will serve them well.

Homeowners with small kitchens may not need a large stand mixer or an oversized commercial stove.

Homeowners whose kitchens are small often lament their lack of storage. Redesigning the layout of cabinets, and possibly adding some more cabinetry, may take care of certain storage issues. The experts at Merit Kitchens suggest utilizing corner space with LeMans units, lazy ADD SOME GLASS susans and other gadgets to make access to The DIY Network recommends incorporating these areas easier. Going vertical with wall cabiglass to improve the perception of space in small nets that extend to the ceiling also can add more kitchens. Glass lets you see through the objects, storage, as can roll-in work carts. thereby enhancing the feeling of spaciousness or what designers call “negative space.” Glass WORK WITH THE WALLS Small kitchens require clever usage of vertical also can be reflective, visually expanding the space. Vertical storage units, hooks, shelving, space. and more can move items out of drawers and EMBRACE HIGH-END MATERIALS off of counters. Consider an under-the-cabinet It costs less to renovate small spaces than bigtoaster oven and microwave to create more ger areas, so homeowners may be able to afford counter space. high-end materials that really add personality to a kitchen. Flooring, counter materials and qualUSE SCALED-DOWN APPLIANCES Shop with size in mind when looking at new ity fixtures can really set small kitchens apart. appliances if you have a small kitchen. Compact

PONTOTOC HOMES |15

16| PONTOTOC HOMES

PONTOTOC HOMES |17

Stock up on

Gardening Essentials 18| PONTOTOC HOMES

G

ardening attracts new devotees year after year. While Baby Boomers may spend more on gardening than any other demographic, even millennials are getting on the gardening bandwagon.

A National Gardening Survey from the National Gardening Market Research Company found the average amount spent on backyard or balcony gardening projects exceeded $400 per household. More than $36 billion was spent in 2015, and the vast majority of the six million “new� gardening households belonged to millennials.

When it comes to outfitting a gardening shed, gardeners will not want to be without certain tools and gear.

DIGGING SHOVE

A rounded-blade digging shovel is needed to plant shrubs and trees as well as to excavate areas in a landscape.

RAKE

A rake can be used to clear the ground, remove thatch and leaves from a lawn and level soil in a garden bed.

HAND TOOLS

Hand tools, such as a hand fork and trowel, are essential for small digging jobs, especially when working with flower pots or containers.

EDGING SPADE

This flat-blade shovel is handy to have around because of its versatility. Edging spades can slice turf, edge gardens and cut through roots.

PRUNERS

Sharpened pruners can cut through stems and branches effortlessly.

HOSE

Choose a high-quality hose that is lightweight and durable, as hoses will always be necessary.

PONTOTOC HOMES |19

20| PONTOTOC HOMES

PONTOTOC HOMES |21

Bring More Natural Light Into A Home

M

aximizing natural light in a home is a smart and sometimes low-cost renovation.

Homes that are dark and drab can drain energy levels and reduce productivity. In addition, dark rooms may not be inviting places to gather as a family or when entertaining.

Certain factors contribute to a dark home. Houses that face north

22| PONTOTOC HOMES

or east may not get the same level of sunlight as those that primarily face south and west. Geographic location also plays a role in the amount of natural sunlight. Mountains, buildings and even latitude can affect the amount of natural light that enters a home.

The style of a home and its attributes also may create dark conditions. Deep house eaves as well as

small windows or too few windows also can contribute to a deficit of light indoors. A major remodel certainly can remedy the situation. However, there also are other less-extensive strategies to improve natural light.

Natural light is an important commodity in a home. Sunlight can improve mood and go a long way toward keeping home occupants healthy and happy.

How to improve natural light ASSESS THE SITUATION BEFORE RENOVATING

Walk around the house and determine which rooms get the most light and which conditions may be contributing to the problem in other areas. Dark floors and walls may be absorbing natural light and compounding the situation. You may find that only one or two rooms need attention, saving you the cost and effort associated with a major home overhaul.

LIGHTEN UP WINDOW TREATMENTS

Heavy drapes or thick blinds can be replaced with translucent alternatives. Translucent shades will allow light into the room without compromising privacy, say the experts at HGTV.

USE MIRRORS STRATEGICALLY

A mirror placed opposite a window will reflect light all around the room. This can make a small room seem larger and a dark space instantly brighter.

INSTALL NEW WINDOWS AND DOORS

If the budget allows, installing larger windows in a home will allow more natural light in. French doors or sliding doors also may make a home’s interior more bright. Think about adding windows to a side of the house that has none, or increase the size of the windows on the side of the house that gets the most light.

MAXIMIZE SUNLIGHT FROM ABOVE

Skylights will bring light into a home as the sun passes overhead. Tubular skylights can bring natural sunlight into spaces where you may not expect skylights to be practical. According to Houzz, a design and architectural resource, tubular daylighting devices, or TDDs, can make a big difference. TDDs are reflective pipes installed between the roof and ceiling, with a clear plastic dome.

USE REFLECTIVE DECOR

Reflective surfaces, including glass and metal, can brighten up a room and diffuse light around a room.

Glossy backsplashes, pendant lighting and shiny metal that reflect light can increase the natural light, balancing out dark spaces.

PRUNE TREES REGULARLY

Cut back branches and keep trees tidy to maximize sunlight. Avoid planting tall shrubbery in front of windows.

ROUTINELY CLEAN WINDOWS AND GLASS DOORS

Dirt and other grime can prevent light from getting through. Regularly give windows a thorough washing.

PONTOTOC HOMES |23

24| PONTOTOC HOMES

PONTOTOC HOMES |25

TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN

Involve teens in the process of renovating a home to create a spot in which they would like to congregate. Talk about elements they would like to see in the space, whether it be a particular design style, technology or activity.

ESTABLISH A SHARED BUDGET

Paint is inexpensive and can transform just about any room in a single afternoon. If the room being renovated is the teen’s own bedroom, allow him or her to choose the color palette and other accents.

Even if it isn’t to your taste, he or she will be proud of the results and may want to share it with friends.

HAVE A SNACK STATION

Some teenagers always seem to be hungry, and hanging out with friends while enjoying food is a popular pastime. When renovating a room into a teen cave, find a way to make food a focus. Install a mini-refrigerator and non-alcoholic bar where kids can serve snacks to friends. Think about a space you would like as an adult and modify it to be more accommodating to teenagers.

26| PONTOTOC HOMES

Create A

TEEN-FRIENDLY SPACE

T

At Home

eenagers are busier than ever before. But even the busiest teens need places to unwind and relax with friends. Many parents aspire to create that type of environment in their homes but don’t know where to begin.

Having teens close by and interacting with them on a regular basis can benefit families. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics notes that parental involvement correlates to higher grade point averages.

Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says certain parenting styles, including those that set rules and monitor teens in supportive ways, develop kids who are more likely to wear seat

belts while driving, while such support also lowers crash risk. Involved parents also may reduce the chances of teen drug use and promiscuous behavior.

Parents who want to keep teens nearby can create hangout spaces at home that make it easy for teens to feel comfortable with their friends. These “teen caves” can be private but permit supervision when necessary.

With a few modifications, it’s possible to transform a room in a home into a teen-friendly hangout space.

Adolescents are always looking for spaces to gather without overbearing adult interference. Homeowners can create such spaces for their children in their own homes.

ADD MORE SEATING

Having friends over means having enough seating to handle a small crowd. Beanbags, cushioned benches, a daybed, modular seating, and more can ensure everyone has a place to sit.

MAKE A PRIVATE OUTDOOR SPOT

Teen spaces do not need to be restricted to the indoors. Design advice site Houzz says an outdoor escape zone that includes comfortable seating in a private area — particularly a spot that can also be enjoyed into the evening — will be a coveted spot.

INVEST IN “INDESTRUCTIBLE” MATERIALS

Teenagers are bound to make messes, and having other people over means contending with a certain measure of damage. Design the space with indoor-outdoor carpeting, water-resistant fabrics, distressed wood, and other durable materials.

PONTOTOC HOMES |27

28| PONTOTOC HOMES

PONTOTOC HOMES |29

30| PONTOTOC HOMES