Where fine materials meet inspired design.
Since 1902, Hyde Park Lumber & Design Center has proudly served Greater Cincinnati.
For more than 120 years, this fifth generation family business has been owned by longtime Anderson Township residents committed to providing quality building materials, expert guidance, and exceptional customer service. We're conveniently located just a couple of minutes off of the Beechmont Levee.
Quality Products, Superior Service
There is something special about community. It’s not just where we live, it’s the people, the businesses, the connections and the shared experiences that shape our everyday lives.
My background is rooted in small-business marketing, working closely with owners to help them grow, tell their stories and connect with the right audience. Through that work, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful local relationships can be. I’ve also realized that what I love most is being out in the community, meeting people, making introductions and helping others succeed. I am a natural connector at heart, and that is what led me here.
Anderson City Lifestyle was created with intention. I hope that it becomes a platform that brings our community together, highlights the businesses and people that make it so special and gives homeowners a trusted source for who to know and where to go.
More than anything, I want this to feel like a reflection of Anderson. Thoughtful, welcoming and full of stories worth sharing.
I’m so glad you’re here.
ERIN KELLY, PUBLISHER
@ANDERSONCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Erin Kelly | Erin.Kelly@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Amanda Stout | amanda.stout@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Amanda Stout, Erin Kelly, Wes Mergard
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ross Van Pelt–RVP Photography, Wes Mergard
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Proverbs 3:5-6
Erin Kelly ANDERSON CITY LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER
Ulmer’s Auto Care ULMERSAUTOCARE.COM/LOCATION/ANDERSON
Forcht Bank FORCHTBANK.COM
Beechmont Racquet & Fitness BEECHMONTFITNESS.COM
TheraPilates Fitness THERAPILATESFITNESS.COM
Streetside Brewery STREETSIDEBREWERY.COM
Queen City Pediatric Dentistry QUEENCITYKIDSDENTIST.COM
Queen City Pelvic Health and Wellness, LLC QUEENCITYPELVICHEALTH.COM
DeckWorks DECKWORKSCINCY.COM
Hyde Park Lumber & Design Center HYDEPARKLUMBER.COM
Joshua One Custom Homes JOSHUAONE.COM
McSwain Carpets & Floors MCSWAINCARPETS.COM
Outdoor Design Build OUTDOORDESIGNBUILD.COM
Pink Zebra Moving PINKZEBRAMOVING.COM/HAMILTON
Welcome Home Garage Doors WELCOMEHOMEGARAGEDOORS.COM
Welcomed By Design WELCOMEDBYDESIGN.COM
Young Entrepreneur Landscaping LLC YELANDSCAPING.COM
Ragan McKinney RAGANMCKINNEY.COM
Flourish and Roam FLOURISHANDROAM.COM
Verbarg’s Furniture & Design VERBARGSFURNITURE.COM
Smile Cincinnati SMILECINCINNATIDENTAL.COM
Amelia Florist and Gifts AMELIAFLORISTANDGIFTS.COM
Beechmont Ford BEECHMONTFORD.COM
1: Anderson and Turpin High Schools celebrated their graduation ceremonies on May 23. 2: The two schools proudly graduated 602 members of the class of 2026. 3: The Anderson High School Theatre captivated audiences with its production of “Guys and Dolls.” 4: The annual Forest Hills 5K fundraiser is hosted by the Forest Hills Foundation for Education. 5: Thousands of students, families, staff and community members came together for a wonderful 2026 race. 6: Tusculum Street Fest welcomed the community to enjoy live music, local vendors, food and drinks. 7: Proceeds benefit beautification initiatives and engaging community events while supporting local businesses and organizations.
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The team at Queen City Pelvic Health (QCPH) is thrilled to welcome Dr. Kelly Arrasmith, PT, DPT, CIDN, and Dr. Maria Felblinger, PT, DPT, OMT-C to their practice. Kelly and Maria, both Anderson Township residents, bring decades of training and experience to QCPH patients. Kelly provides pelvic health and general orthopedic PT and is dry needle certified. Maria offers orthopedic/ sports PT, rehab Pilates and is manual therapy certified. Book today at QueenCityPelvicHealth.com
Local builder Joshua One Custom Homes is proud to announce the relocation of their office to Main Street in Montgomery. Their mission is to deliver an exceptional custom homebuilding experience grounded in integrity, transparency and trust. They specialize in luxury custom homes throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Learn more about their process and view a portfolio of their work at JoshuaOne.com
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The Queen City Pediatric Dentistry team makes every visit something to smile about! Kids can play arcade games, watch their favorite shows on TV’s in the ceiling during treatment, choose a prize after their appointment and even take home a balloon animal. Their fun, kid-friendly Anderson Township office is designed to help children feel comfortable, build confidence and create positive dental experiences that last a lifetime. Call 513.993.3803 to schedule a visit. QueenCityKidsDentist.com
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It’s still road trip season! You don’t have to go far from home for an adventure to remember. Explore these four outdoor destinations, all within four hours of Cincinnati, as mapped out by travel expert Wes Mergard of Travel With Wes. Roll down the windows, turn up the tunes and buckle your seatbelts for summer fun that is well worth the drive.
1½ Hours
Clifty Falls is tucked away along the Ohio River near Madison, Indiana. It makes a great weekend day trip destination. It’s the kind of place where you can chase waterfalls, explore caves, enjoy foliage and cap it all off with an afternoon of exploring Madison’s charming small-town vibes. It’s one of my favorite spots in the area for photography!
There’s one main road that winds through the park, with incredibly easy access to most of the park’s best features. While many great hiking trails wind through the park (over 15 miles of them), you can also see some of the park’s top attractions, like its namesake Clifty Falls or Little Clifty Falls, with short walks from nearby parking lots. Given the easy access to waterfalls and vista views, this is a family-friendly destination, especially for those with small children.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY WES MERGARD
Clifty Falls is a great destination for all seasons, but for the best waterfall viewing experience, try to time your visit after we’ve had some rain, when the water flow will be the most powerful. Consider making a weekend of your visit. Clifty Inn is located within the park and offers beautiful views of the Ohio River. There’s also a campground available if spending the night outdoors is more your speed. CliftyFallsStatePark.com
2 Hours
Red River Gorge is south, just east of Lexington. I like this area because it checks all of the boxes when I’m looking to get lost in nature. It’s an easy drive with tons of great cabin options and lots to do.
My favorite hike on this list is the Auxier Ridge Trail. It’s about four miles round trip, and the vista views of Courthouse Rock are
unmatched. For the best experience at Auxier Ridge, head out for sunset. Be sure to pack a headlamp for the hike back. Don’t miss out on Natural Bridge–a short (but steep) hike will take you to the top, where you can enjoy incredible panoramic views. There’s also a chairlift to the top if that’s more your style.
Discover cave kayaking, rock climbing, late-night bonfires, zip lining and so much more awaiting you at The Gorge! RedRiverGorge.com
HOCKING HILLS STATE PARK
2½ Hours
Hocking Hills is tucked away within the rolling forests of Southeastern Ohio. I love going for a couple of nights at a time to unplug.
What really sets Hocking Hills apart are the super unique cabin experiences. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a luxury stay with all the bells and whistles or an adventurous treehouse, Hocking Hills has a wide range of rentals. During my last visit, we stayed at Raven’s Retreat, a remote cabin on 58 acres, featuring a hot tub, fire pit, sauna, yoga deck in the forest and space for up to 16 guests.
Be sure to spend some time in the Old Man’s Cave area. Another one of my top picks is the Rock House hike. Home to the only true cave in the park, it boasts 25-foot-high ceilings and is 200 feet long! HockingHills.com
3½ Hours
Cuyahoga Valley is Ohio’s only National Park. It resides in the North, between the cities of Akron and Cleveland, and takes about 3½ hours by car from Cincinnati. Although there are a few decent hiking trails here (my favorite is The Ledges Overlook), the experience here is less hiking-oriented than other options on this list.
“I’d suggest using Cleveland as your home base. Consider getting out on Lake Erie, taking the family to Cedar Point or strolling through the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to round out your weekend.”
Instead of booking a cabin, I’d suggest using Cleveland as your home base for a two- or three-night weekend getaway to the area. Not only can you explore the park, but you can also take in all that Cleveland has to offer. Consider getting out on Lake Erie, taking the family to Cedar Point or strolling through the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to round out your weekend.
Inside the National Park itself, you’ll find a lot of history about the Erie Canal system, which once powered Ohio’s economy. There are several well-preserved lock systems scattered throughout the park. You can even take a scenic train ride through the park aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. This is a great way to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time.
My favorite photography spots in the park and surrounding area are the Station Road Bridge, which towers high above the Cuyahoga River, Tinker Falls or Brandywine Falls–both waterfalls are located just outside the official National Park boundaries. If you’re looking for a great place to ride bikes or go bird watching, Beaver Marsh is another one of my favorite spots in the park.
Since Cuyahoga Valley is a bit further away, I’d encourage you to spend a little bit more time there to take in everything the region has to offer. NPS.gov/cuva/index.htm
Looking for better travel experiences or inspiration for your next big bucket list trip? Check out Wes Mergard, a Cincinnati native of 35+ years and the founder of Travel With Wes. When he’s not publishing helpful guides on his travel blog, video guides on YouTube or travel inspiration on Instagram, Mergard is taking travelers to bucket list destinations around the world: Norway’s Northern Lights, Germany’s Oktoberfest, European hot spots Paris and Amsterdam and Canada’s Banff National Park. Keep up with Wes’s latest travels and drone photography online, where he’s amassed over 40,000 followers in the travel niche.
TravelWithWes.com Instagram.com/travel.with.wes TikTok.com/@travelwithwes YouTube.com/@travelwithwes
ARTICLE BY ERIN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIN KELLY + RVP PHOTOGRAPHY
ACTIVE MOM OF 3, SHARES HER ENTHUSIASM FOR THE OUTDOORS + TRAVEL
My favorite roles in life are being a mom to Teddy (5), Grayson (2) and Colt (1), and a wife to Shane. Our days are full, loud and chaotic in the best ways. The little moments mean the most.
Winter means time on the slopes. I snowboard while Teddy and Shane ski, and this year we’re excited to introduce Grayson. It’s quickly become one of our favorite ways to spend time together.
Hilton Head is our go-to, a place that feels easy and familiar with little kids. As the boys grow, we’re excited to explore more and create new traditions together in different places.
I started riding horses when I was 5 years old and eventually went professional. After stepping away when I got married, I recently started riding again and love being around horses and enjoying peaceful time outdoors.
Our golden retrievers, Bodie and Luna are part of everything we do. Whether it’s playing in the yard or swimming in the pool, they bring so much energy and happiness to our home.
Many items in stock and available for immediate delivery. Verbarg’s is a family-owned and operated store offering high quality furniture. Conveniently located in Amelia, Ohio.
1912 Ohio Pike • Amelia, OH 45102 • 513-797-5000 www.verbargsfurniture.com • facebook.com/Verbargs
Escape the indoors and enjoy fresh air, handcrafted cocktails, chef-inspired dishes, and unforgettable moments. Open for Lunch, Dinner & Weekend Brunch, The Pavilion is the perfect place to gather with friends, celebrate special occasions, or simply unwind with great food and drinks.
www.mercersocialhouse.com | 513-514-0069 6623 Main Street, Newtown, OH 45244 Vmercersocialhouse
ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW
The sun has returned, and grilling season is upon us. With the nice weather comes vegetable gardens and fresh produce, along with the overwhelming desire to be outside as much as possible. We’ve compiled some fresh and light dishes that you can shop for at your local farmers market and whether you’re looking for a quick mid-week meal or something to grill for a crowd on the weekend these dishes won’t disappoint. These pair well together or can stand on their own!
1. Place skirt steak into gallon freezer bag.
2. Combine all other ingredients in bowl and mix. Pour over steak and marinate for 3-4 hours or overnight in the fridge.
3. Bring skirt steak to room temperature by letting it sit out for one hour.
4. Get your grill hot on one side and medium on the other.
5. Once the grill is ready, wipe excess marinade off steak. Starting on the hot side, place skirt steak on grill for 2 minutes per side, attaining a nice sear.
6. Transfer steak to the cooler side of grill and cook until the internal temp is 130°. Let rest for 10 minutes (temp will rise while resting).
7. Carve and serve. This dish pairs well with beans and rice or served as tacos. Following is a chimichurri sauce that compliments it nicely.
*Outside skirt steak is a more tender cut than inside skirt steak, for this recipe outside skirt is recommended. Do not use too much lime as the citrus can cook the meat before putting it on the grill, resulting in a tougher texture.
• 2lbs. Outside skirt steak*
• 2 Tablespoons lime*
• 2 Tablespoons finely,
chopped cilantro
• ¼ Cup olive oil or avocado oil
• ¼ White onion, finely chopped
• 1 Tablespoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ Cup parsley, finely chopped
• ½ Cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 Cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Red chili (whole or deseeded depending on desired level of heat)
• ½ Teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 Teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon lime juice (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. You can make this in the late morning and let it sit for around 4-6 hours, or you can make it the day before and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge. Just be sure to take it out and get it to room temp before you serve it, as olive oil hardens in the fridge. Serve over skirt steak or tacos.
• 2 Ears sweet corn
• 10oz. Cherry tomatoes
• ¼ Cup lime juice
• 1 Finely chopped jalapeno or serrano (whole or deseeded depending on desired level of heat)
• ¼ Cup cilantro, finely chopped
• ½ Cup white onion, chopped
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
1. Grill corn, you do not need to soak the corn beforehand.
2. Place corn on the grill (inside their husks) over medium heat turning every few minutes.
3. After 10 to 12 minutes shuck the corn and put the cobs back on the grill for 2-4 minutes rotating frequently to achieve that charred look and flavor.
4. Cut the corn from the cob, place in bowl and add all other ingredients. Let the mixture meld for about an hour and serve with tortilla chips or as a taco garnish.
ARTICLE BY AMANDA STOUT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSS VAN PELT–RVP PHOTOGRAPHY + GARY KESSLER
Ulmer’s Auto Care established their rich heritage of top-quality service in 1936 when Bruce Ulmer Sr. opened a two-bay shop at 6389 Salem Rd in Anderson Township. He had a simple mission–to provide reliable auto repair and honest service.
Still standing today, the beloved family-owned station has grown into a regional chain, now servicing 11 communities throughout Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Ulmer's has also broadened their mission to revolutionize the automotive service experience, centered on their core value: do the right thing.
“Taking care of our customers, our fellow team members and the community has always been about providing the best customer experience possible.”
–Bryan Kauffeld
Rooted in this commitment to a customerfirst approach, their longevity comes from consistently going beyond basic auto repair to establish trusted relationships with customers, employees and the community.
“Taking care of our customers, our fellow team members and the community has always been about providing the best customer experience possible. That's been passed down generation after generation; it’s very important to us,” says Ulmer’s Auto Care CEO Bryan Kauffeld.
Ulmer’s started its current journey in 1976. At the time, Bryan’s father, Greg Kauffeld, was a 16-year-old kid looking for his first job.
“He lived a block away from Ulmer’s, and it was the first place he stopped. Bruce Ulmer Sr. hired him on the spot, and the rest is history,” Kauffeld shares.
Greg bought the business from Bruce Ulmer Jr. in 1981, having been a mechanic there for five years. In 1990, he opened a second Anderson location at 6421 Salem Road. A decade later, Bryan graduated from Purdue University and joined his father at the Anderson shop—a decision both consider the best they ever made.
Their growth began in 2003 when they acquired their Milford shop. To ensure sustainable growth, Ulmer’s implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System
(EOS) with the help of Crystal Faulkner starting in 2022.
Kauffeld explains, “We created a leadership team, processes and implementation plans to grow and grow wisely.” This strategic approach allows them to identify well-established shops where sharing their processes and technology will support mutual growth.
Ulmer’s invests heavily in tools and talent, focusing on continuous training. Kauffeld states, “We've always been at the forefront of new technology, investing in state-of-the-art equipment for dealer-level diagnostics and repair.” Their team also employs ASE Certified Master
“The service is excellent and the price is always fair. The little extras like free transportation and coffee while you wait are also appreciated.” –Kathie Hickey
Mechanics, providing comprehensive care for all makes and models.
Ulmer's enterprising expansions to Milford, Deer Park, Loveland, Montgomery, Blue Ash, Uptown, Florence, Southgate/Ft. Thomas and Norwood are grounded in customer service and culture. They prioritize character in hiring, guided by five core values: service, hustle, passion, excellence and doing the right thing. As Kauffeld notes, "We can teach the technical side over time, but it's harder to teach someone to be a good person.”
This focus on culture has led to exceptionally low turnover, with the company proudly retaining over 85% of employees from acquired businesses and growing from 10 employees in 2002 to over a hundred in 2026.
The goal is simple: “We really focus on making it the best place to work in our industry,” says Kauffeld.
“What I enjoy most is that I get to give a little bit of me back to my community where I grew up,” explains Ulmer’s Anderson Shop Manager, Steve Braun. “It’s about building relationships with a whole family, not just fixing cars.”
The original Ulmer’s Auto Care shop in Anderson Township is a testament to where
they’ve been, where they’re going and the power of earning a community's trust.
It’s more than just a shop for Kauffeld. “It will always hold a special place for my dad and me. It's our flagship store, and it's where it all began. The loyalty within this community and their willingness to take care of you if you take care of them and tell their friends and neighbors is second to none.”
The sentiment is echoed by long-time customers like Kathie Hickey, founder of Streetside Brewery: “We’ve been using Ulmer’s Auto Care for over 30 years for our personal vehicles and over 10 years for our business fleet. The service is excellent and the price is always fair. The little extras like free transportation and coffee while you wait are also appreciated.”
Kauffeld has a deep appreciation for these connections. “I just love that I've been able to build relationships with generation after generation. I fixed the grandpa's cars, the dad's cars and now the son's cars,” he beams. “It just doesn’t happen very often in any business.”
At Ulmer’s Auto Care, it happens every day. UlmersAutoCare.com
www.andersonparks.com/oktoberfest
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
AUGUST 2026
AUGUST 14TH
Free Movie in the Park: “Zootopia 2”
Beech Acres Park Amphitheater | 8:00 PM
Spend an evening under the stars with family and friends, courtesy of Anderson Park District. Bring your own seating to enjoy a free showing of “Zootopia 2” (PG) at Beech Acres Park. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult to attend. Dogs must be leashed and are permitted in the top half of the event area. AndersonParks.com
AUGUST 16TH
Ice Cream & Opera
The Carnegie Center | 4:00 PM
Enjoy a music-filled summer afternoon at Ice Cream & Opera on Aug. 16 at 4:00 p.m. at The Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum. This free outdoor event is for all ages and features a live performance by incredible vocalists from Cincinnati Opera. Bring dinner, snacks or drinks. An ice cream truck will have treats available for purchase. TheCarnegieCenter.org
AUGUST 20TH
Park Summer Music Festival
Ault Park | 6:00 PM
Ault Park’s August Summer Music Festival features music by The Remains with food trucks, Best Thing Smokin’, Sea Cuisine and Beverly Ann’s Cookie Truck, plus adult beverages and water available for purchase. Volunteer organizations will have kids’ crafts and activities from 6-8 p.m., along with inflatables and games. AultParkAC.org
AUGUST 22ND, 29TH
ArtisanFest 513
Washington Park | 9:00 AM
ArtisanFest513 is where Cincinnati’s small businesses come to bloom. More than a market, it is a living incubator, one where artists and makers refine their craft, build confidence, and foster a sense of community. Shop the vintage market 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Aug. 22 and discover unique finds and support small businesses on Aug. 29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Artisanfest513.org
AUGUST 28TH-30TH; SEPTEMBER 3RD-5TH
Merit Theatre Company
Presents: “Fiddler on the Roof”
Anderson Center | 7:30 PM
Merit Theatre Company brings one of the most beloved musicals of all time, “Fiddler on the Roof” to the stage Aug. 28-30 and Sept. 3-5 at Anderson Center. “Fiddler on the Roof” is a lively, humorous and deeply human story about family, faith, love and survival in a world on the brink of change. Tickets are available at MeritTheatre.org.
AUGUST 30TH
Cincy Shakes Presents: “Much Ado About Nothing”
The Carnegie Center | 1:00 PM Cincinnati Shakespeare Company performs their free Shakespeare in the Park production of “Much Ado about Nothing” on Aug. 30 at 1 p.m. You’re invited to enjoy this witty rom-com, filled with rumors, enemies and saucy gossip at The Carnegie Center. RSVP for free at TheCarnegieCenter.org
GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/ ANDERSON
Decks, patios, gable roofs, pergolas & gazebos, firepits and fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and more!
Custom-designed and tailor-built to your vision.
Kitchens, sunrooms, basements, bedrooms, bathrooms, additions— no matter the room, we'll design and create your dream indoor space.
From historic homes to modern renovations, ODB has experience with all kinds of complete transformations. Breathe new life into your entire home!
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Investing in indoor plants can not only spruce up your living space, but also bring numerous health and well-being benefits
Bringing the outdoors in with the use of house plants is a great way to add color and dimension to your space. We sat down with Jesse Nelson at Family Tree Nursery, based in Kansas, and discussed the benefits of incorporating plant life into your home.“There are plenty of studies on the health benefits of plants, and the evidence suggests that being around plants and caring for plant life increases overall wellness,” explains Nelson. “Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of purifying the air.” There are a wide variety of indoor plants that work for any space and light situation that you may have. Regardless if you have a green thumb or a black thumb, there are plant varieties that fit your lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorite indoor plants to incorporate into your home.
This plant goes by many names such as Snake Plant and Mother-in-Law’s Tongue and is one of the most popular indoor plants. The Snake Plant is for anyone from a green thumb to a black thumb because anyone can grow it. These hardy plants can adapt to any environment and can live in both high light and low light. Snake Plants are great for countertops and tabletops because they grow tall, not
wide. They are great bedside plants because they help purify the air as they go through photosynthesis at night. They only need to be watered about once a month. These plants can also be outdoor plants and can acclimate during the summer months. Be sure to spray the plants three to five times before bringing them back indoors to get rid of any bugs that could have made the plant their home.
Anthurium has gorgeous, colorful flowers and is the easiest indoor flowering plant to care for. It comes in a variety of colors including red, white, orange and purple. Anthurium likes to be dry, so let it go bone dry before watering. Fertilize every so often, especially when blooming. These plants do not like direct sunlight and can be repotted every three to five years.
This cascading plant is gaining popularity due to its succulent-like leaves and also because it is fairly easy to care for. The Hope Peperomia likes medium to bright direct sunlight. It does well as a tabletop plant or a hanging plant. Watering is only needed one time a month regardless of plant size.
“Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of purifying the air.”
This is a slow-growing variety that is architectural and compact. This plant is a great statement piece and looks great in an entryway or by a chair. There are a lot of varieties and colors of the Dracaena. They are very resilient in low light and are great for an office space with little or no light. They like to stay on the dry side, so they like to be watered when they are about ½ to ¾ of the way dry. When watering, give it a good soak. Protip: A moisture meter can be purchased and used to determine how dry your plant is to help determine when it is time to water again.
