Decatur, GA March 2024

Welcome Home

Welcome home readers – you might have just walked through your door after a long day of work or are catching up on mailbox runs from the past few days. If you’re finding this at a coffee shop, I hope you feel inspired to take it home with you. Regardless of how and where you are reading, we feel honored to be a part of your day.

This particular edition is a celebration of home, design, and the power of space. One of the most excit ing aspects of this issue is the spotlight on the diverse design landscape of our city. From the Art Deco downtown to outdoor oases, our design community is brimming with creativity and innovation.

In addition to design, this month’s issue is dedicated to the sacred space we gather in — home. Home is our sanctuary, our launchpad, a place of peace and rejuvenation. It’s where we start and end each day. It is more than just a physical space; it's an expression of individuality where our stories unfold, and where we nourish ourselves and our loved ones.

With warmer, sunnier days approaching, there are countless ways to embrace the spirit of spring in our home – incorporate sustainable trends, refresh your favorite gathering space, or embrace the inspiring process of decluttering, revitalizing, recycling, and recreating. But beyond aesthetics, the importance of home transcends appearances…

I hope this publication serves your home. I hope it travels from room to room, coffee table to nightstand, family member to family member. Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. Whether it's a recipe you cook from or a story you reach for before bed in lieu of your phone, we feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community. Thank you for letting us be a part of your home.

Warmly,

CAROLINE FICKEN, PUBLISHER @DECATURCITYLIFESTYLE

March 2024

PUBLISHER

Caroline Ficken | caroline.ficken@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Natalie Fox | natalie.fox@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cortney Wilbanks, Sable Massingill, Natalie Fox

Schowengerdt

Thompson

Robinson

city scene

Road. 3: The Martin Luther King, Jr. High School Marching Band performs during the DeKalb NAACP Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade. 4: Avondale Estates announces the new location of their Sunday Farmer’s Market at the beautiful Town Green. 5: The beloved Hell Yeah Gluten Free Bakery opens its Decatur

@TAKUMI_DECATUR

@HOMEGROWNDECATUR

@EDDIESATTIC

To infinity. And beyond.

From Johns Creek to India, the world wants what Decat r has. The real world for kids.

Susan Hamford | India

I

just love what you are

doing

for homeschoolers and have

been following a

long

for years We need one

here

in Pune, India

Danni Tanyeb | New York

My name

is Danni, I

’m a

former AT -ien turned B

rooklynite and I wa

nt to open a

Moonrise

in B

rooklyn, NY

!

Amber Anderson | North Georgia

We need Moonrise up north

Anthony Hay | Phoenix

Any chance of opening a

loca

tion in Phoenix, A specifically the north Phoenix area

? We

’d love one

down here

Pedro Montoya | Texas

I

have

been grea

tly inspired by the incredible

P

lease come

for our homeschool community. Do you have any plans for the Johns Cree

k, A

lphare

tta, Mi

lton area

?

Olivia Schutt | Switzerland

t homeschool programs, we

found Moonrise and were amazed What does it ta

ke

to bring

Moonrise

rland?

work that Moonrise has been doing

to Pea

rland, Texas

to Switze Find out more at moonrise com

business monthly

The Avondale Arts Alliances Announces New Home

The Avondale Arts Alliance announces the Avondale Arts Center located at 84 N. Avondale Road. The space is currently being transformed into a pop-up art center with gallery, workshop, and event spaces. The first exhibition in the AAC will celebrate friends & family who helped bring this vision to life. This first 2-month-long show will feature all of the incredible artists who showed with us, worked with us, and participated in our art events in 2023 as well as anyone who lives or works in Avondale Estates.

Murrell's Row Spirits Celebrates One Year

Murrell's Row Spirits is raising a glass to toast its first-year milestone. With a year full of flavor, innovation, and community support, Murrell's Row has become a beacon of quality spirits in the heart of Decatur. The distillery has been dedicated to crafting exceptional small-batch gin while blending traditional techniques with modern creativity. Follow them online @murrellsrowspirits

First Sunday Prime Rib Event

Savor the flavors of Parker's on Ponce, your go-to local steakhouse, as they host their monthly smoked prime rib event -- expertly smoked on the renowned Big Green Egg grill every first Sunday of the month. Whether you're a dedicated food enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, join Parker's for an evening of culinary excellence. The event starts at 5:00pm and goes until sold out.

Interiors That Tell a Story

A peek inside interior design firm, The Georgian Goose.

In the heart of Decatur, The Georgian Goose is helping locals design and craft homes that tell stories.

Trish, the brand visionary, combined her love for her late grandmother, Gigi, and her beloved French Bulldog, Goose, who tends to believe he is the king of England. She also drew from the beauty of the state where the company was founded. These influences inspired her to create the name, The Georgian Goose.

With a passion for interior design at a young age, Trish recalls watching her grandmother assist in the styling of family members’ homes. "She really had an eye for antiques and understood how to layer them effortlessly." Trish shares.

The initials "GG" in The Georgian Goose pay homage to this cherished memory.

The Georgian Goose was founded in 2017 when Trish, her husband Steven, and Goose moved to Atlanta from New York City. Over the years, both the business and family have grown: Lori Jones joined as her treasured Design Assistant, and Trish and

Steven have welcomed two darling children, Charlie and Goldie.

Trish worked in publishing and marketing beforehand, giving her a creative edge. Trish focuses on interiors tailored for young families and professionals; encouraging them to invest in pieces that stand the test of time.

Echoing the sentiment that a well-designed home is a curated narrative, she draws parallels between Southern hospitality and New England style. In combining the two, she blends traditional and modern elements into her designs, emphasizing personal details.

She especially loves to focus on often overlooked parts of the home. She emphasizes the importance of the entryway, describing it as “the opening page of a great novel." She believes it serves as a metaphorical introduction to each home's unique story.

For Trish, it's not about design: it's about transforming your home into living, breathing stories waiting to be told.

BY ANGIE WEBB

ARTICLE BY CORTNEY WILBANKS

When we moved to Atlanta, I decided to start my dream.

Photo by: Sarah Vitel Photography

Photo by: Jaclyn Rey

ARTICLE BY SABLE MASSINGILL MARTINEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN WADE

Originally from Alabama, John Wachs now calls Decatur home; that includes his Avondale Estates workshop, where he creates beautiful custom wooden pieces.

Growing up, he was always building and working on DIY projects with his father. As he trickled out of his work in the film industry, he decided to take furniture making seriously and launched Wachs Woodcraft three years ago.

“It was a really large coffee table,” Wachs said of the custom piece he crafted that encouraged him to launch the business. “While it was simple - it felt more high-end than other pieces I’d done. It was huge and very thick, made of solid wood. It weighed 300 pounds.”

“Communal pieces, like dining and coffee tables, are Wachs’ most popular requests, which makes sense as he describes his pieces as made to warm the home, and a buy-once, keep-for-life item.”

Photo by John Wachs

Community is at the heart of Wachs’ work. He sources wood from a local non-profit, the Atlanta Wood Foundation, that mills salvaged urban trees into wood. In addition to custom commissions, he is also working on a

line of his own designs, including a dining table and chairs set at a fixed price, so that everyone can have a piece of his art in their home. Visit wachswoodcraft.com to learn more and follow along @wachswoodcraft on Instagram.

Photo by John Wachs

Streamline MODERNE, WRIT PINK

THE RENOVATION OF THE HISTORIC BLAIR BUILDING IN DOWNTOWN DECATUR IS CONCLUDING.

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY MCCLURE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DREW PERLMUTTER

Photos Courtesy of Gene Kansas | Commercial Real Estate

The whimsical musings of the Art Deco style, and its sleeker denomination of Streamline Moderne, are visible only in limited doses throughout the area.

That’s one reason why the Blair Building, constructed on Church Street in 1939 at the height of the movement, is so noticeable. The other reason is its optimistically bright pink exterior, which provides a beacon of color to the Downtown Decatur experience.

In the past year, the Blair has been undergoing a rejuvenation of sorts, spearheaded by preservationist and cultural developer Gene Kansas and his teams of designers. Gene, whose developments

include Constellations in Sweet Auburn, and Indie Studios near Armour Yards, is no stranger to building communities of smaller businesses and nonprofits.

The renovation for the exterior was completed last year including landscape design by Howard Studio. Now, interior renovations are wrapping up, designed with individual and specific focus by Smith Hanes Studio and Ashley McClure of Studio Wythe. The first-floor plan remains fairly identical to the way the building was built as a multi-tenant office structure. Renovations include plaster repair, code updates, and new finishes and lighting that bring characteristics of the 1930s back into the interior: muted paint colors on the

historic plaster walls and original door and trim add authenticity to the experience. Branding by Family Bros will be executed in old-time design techniques (with a touch of Wes Anderson thrown in) to provide an imaginative and laid-back experience. Upstairs, three pyramidal skylights and a new plan provide a very different experience: sunlight streaming in takes the experience journey away from the muted Film Noir of the first floor.  An enameled wet bar in the Deco Conference Room, a new Lounge filled with light and greenery, and a streamlined Café for the Blair Building community round out the tenant amenities on this floor. For leasing information, visit www.theblair.community

Photos Courtesy of Gene Kansas | Commercial Real Estate

INDOOROUTDOOR LIVING with HAMMERSMITH

ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN WACHS

With spring around the corner, indoor-outdoor living is top of mind for many Decatur residents. Sunshine is calling, and one of the best ways to enjoy the bounty of our backyards is by blurring the lines between the interior and exterior. There are many ways to accomplish this blending holistically: utilizing the same stone flooring in your living room and on your patio is one way, while another is creating symmetry between ceiling designs for a seamless transition.

The purpose of home renovation is to enhance your everyday lifestyle. HammerSmith Residential Design and Renovation promises to accomplish this regardless of budget or need; they believe we all deserve to Live Brilliantly. Every personalized project serves the individual client and their unique long-term vision. The goal is to touch every room once a day. Addressing areas of frustration and thinking through the whole life of the house yields design recommendations that will make your daily life simpler, easier, and more comfortable.

“THE PERFECT HOUSE UNFOLDS IN LAYERS. THERE’S A GLIMPSE THAT excites you WITH EVERY STEP OF THE JOURNEY.”

There’s a way to build a house that’s more interactive with the outdoors, and recent innovations can help. Retractable screens on porches are rising in popularity as they bring you the best of both worlds: you can enjoy the screens when avoiding mosquitos and other insects and retract them for a more open feel. Artificial turf is another feature that is rising in popularity. It requires no chemicals or pesticides, can last up to twenty years, and is a luxurious alternative to concrete around your pool. Speaking of pools, they have become easier to maintain and enjoy than ever before. You can avoid the unsightly covers of the past, add automatic cleaners instead of the dreaded octopus vacuum, enjoy LED lights with a wide range of colors, and include an updated hot tub for all-weather enjoyment. Let your pool become a sight to behold all year round.

With optimal indoor-outdoor living, your home becomes made to entertain. Treat your guests with meals and backyard activities to enhance any party. Outdoor kitchens had a moment of great popularity, but now a pared-down design is trending. As amenities can freeze and cabinets don’t tend to thrive in extreme weather conditions, installing a built-in grill with a nearby sink covers your bases. Trends favor pizza ovens, which provide a wonderful gathering space at parties. Spring houses are another popular feature to keep in mind. They are screened-in houses with swing beds and a loft, providing a glorious getaway for kids and guests alike.

Storage can’t be overlooked to manage your outdoor amenities, especially for pool items. A garage bay is an ideal choice: this covered area, similar to a pergola, leads to a door to the garage. An effective escape from rainy weather, it is also an ideal place for shelving and an additional bathroom. If you want to go the extra mile, install a washer and dryer here, specifically for wet towels from the pool. Maximize the use of your garage by upgrading this space with sleek flooring, shiplap wood along the walls, and cabinets. Voilà! You have transformed the space into yet another entertaining area.

The process of working with HammerSmith entails multiple meetings and long-term planning. In the case of implementing indoor-outdoor living, they will break down what “entertaining” means to each client. HammerSmith doesn’t always recommend additions. There are often other ways to open spaces and fix what your home currently has. It’s all about integrating the house and making it flow better to achieve functionality for daily life. These enhancements make your home much more liveable and offer a safer alternative to going out on the town.

Founder and CEO Warner McConaughey grew up in Decatur and has watched in awe as it has become a destination for Atlanta living. For him, home always encompassed his chores as a kid, which connected directly with hands-on work. This passion for beautiful and functional living presents itself in his design sense. HammerSmith’s Director of Design, Luis Gallardo, views home as his space to create, where he can fully be himself. He strives to make clients feel that same way. After all, our homes are our sanctuaries. Make yours the one everyone wants to visit.

WHAT IT MEANS

THINKING

ABOUT MOVING BUT NOT SURE WHERE TO GO?

In this market, home owners more often than not get to call the shots. For example an extended occupancy after closing while we hunt for your dream home.

THE BIG PICTURE

CITY OF DECATUR ANNUAL HOME APPRECIATION IS OUT PACING NATIONAL AVERAGE 4% HOMES CLOSED AN AVERAGE OF 3% HIGHER THAN LIST PRICE 3% UNDER $1M OVER $1M 117+ 98+

SAVED BUYER SEARCHES FOR A CITY OF DECATUR HOME:

CHECK OUT WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY...

REVIEWS MATTER.

WE MAY BE A TOP PERFORMING TEAM IN THE METRO AREA... BUT THAT DOESN'T GO TO OUR HEAD. WE'D BE HONORED TO HELP YOU.

MARCH 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 9TH

Oakhurst Wine Crawl

Oakhurst Village | 4:00 PM

Out with winter and in with… wine! The annual Oakhurst Wine Crawl in features over 20 businesses in the Oakhurst neighborhood -- you will sip 100+ wines with your OWC souvenir glass. Proceeds from this event directly support the neighborhood and pay for Oakhurst PorchFest y'all! Tickets sold out before the event last year… so don’t wait around and miss out! Get your tickets at freshtix.com/events/oakhurst-wine-crawl-2024

MARCH 16TH

Play!: A Two-Part Art Workshop

Paint Love Studio in Decatur | 11:00 AM

Join us for an exciting art workshop at the Paint Love Studio! Immerse yourself in a world of creativity and self-expression as we explore different art techniques and mediums. With the special people in your village, this workshop is a fun and creative experience to share with others. Learn more at gopaintlove.org

MARCH 16TH

Tour deCatur

Decatur High School | 8:30 AM

The Decatur Education Foundation (DEF) invites you to register for the 22nd annual Tour deCatur. With a diverse array of activities, the Tour deCatur unites over 3,000 residents of all ages in a day of fun and wellness for the entire family. Go to TourdeCatur.com to register for the 5K, the one-mile Fun Run, and the Tot Trot.

MARCH 17TH

Atlanta Summer Camp Fair

Agnes Scott College | 12:00 PM

Looking for a summer camp? Don't miss the Atlanta Camp Fair, a free, live, interactive summer camp expo event. More than 50 summer day camps, overnight camps, specialty camps, and more are exhibiting their programs at this free, informative summer camp expo event. Admission is free and you'll discover an array of amazing day, overnight, and specialty summer camp opportunities all in one place.

MARCH 27TH

Decatur Farmers Market Opens for the 2024 Season

308 Clairemont Ave | 4:00 PM

Keeping it “Indie-Catur,” this market is a cornerstone for the local, independent movement for this ultra-connected community. The Decatur Farmers Market is held on the front lawn of the First Baptist Church at the corner of Clairemont Ave and Commerce Street. With plenty of space to sit and enjoy the outdoor market, it’s a perfect place for families to gather and play. Look for the white tents!

MARCH 30TH

Dusty's All Star Circus

Decatur Recreation Center | 4:30 PM

Dusty’s Circus features a variety of world-renowned artists. Dusty’s Circus promises fun for the entire family; featuring an international all-star cast of circus artists. This show aims to be a modern adaption of the classic American Circus in an intimate atmosphere. You and your children will experience the Circus up-close and personal! We promise wholesome entertainment that will be enjoyed by all ages –fun for the entire family. Get tickets at dustyscircus.com

LOVE YOUR LAZY LAWN

An easy way to help the ecosystem

Give some thought to this. Almost all US fruit and grain crops depend on pollination, yet our insect population has declined by 75% in the last 25 years - and most pollinators are insects.

Fortunately, keeping pollinators (and our local farms) alive couldn’t be easier. Just get lazy about your lawn!

Lawns mowed every two weeks offer more food for pollinators than lawns mowed weekly. So, while you’re lounging on the couch every other Saturday, your longer grass will be supporting American food systems. As a bonus, longer lawns also need less water, so being lazy saves you money, too.

Perfect lawns are literally the empty calories of the ecosystem. By letting go of that green-carpet ideal, you’ll add color to your landscape by allowing dandelions, violets, and white clover to decorate your grass. More important, these “weeds” feed pollinators which, in turn, feed us.

Here’s one more way being lazy can save the world: skip the pesticides. Pesticides kill pollinators, and they’re hardly health food for humans, birds, and pets, either. In fact, research shows that when bees visit plants treated with neonicotinoids (a chemical in most pesticides), even small amounts can build up over time and kill the hive. Neonicotinoids disorient bees and disrupt their fertility. Worse, they can linger in plants and pollen for 2-4 years.

So be a hero. Stay in bed this weekend and stop fussing over your lawn.

For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/ treesearch/pubs/55816

ARTICLE BY ANDREA BUGBEE

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