Destin, FL March 2024

Home & Design Issue

ARTS + CULTURE

MEET LOCAL REALTOR & ARTIST VELIA LALA

HOME + DESIGN

ZHUZH UP YOUR WINDOWS WITH MADE IN THE SHADE

New Chef. New Menu. New Ovide.

Voted the Most Romantic / Best Special Occasion restaurant, Ovide has found a new way to elevate your dining experience once again. Ovide's new menu and weekly specials are fueled by our passion for sustainability and seasonality.

Indulge in culinary refinement, where every moment beckons to be adorned with celebration. Call us today at (866) 875-5856 or visit us at hoteleffie.com.

Open to the public. Private parties accepted. Complimentary valet parking. Reservations are recommended, but not required.

W a l t o n C o u n t y ’ s N e w e s t G y m

to see more

March - Home & Design Issue

Home. So much contained in that little four letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable.

Author Wendy Wunder said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” As we thought about home - we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. That of course includes the food and drinks, the aesthetic and design, but most importantly - the people.

We hope you enjoy our collection of home-focused locals, from Velia Lala, and her artistic flair to zhuzhing up your windows and flooring selections with local experts. We even take a look at updating your air system while energy saving!

We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise this city and hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people in this community together.

As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you - in your city, neighborhood and most all of - your home.

Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.

Happy March!

CARMEN IONASCU, PUBLISHER @DESTINCITYLIFESTYLE

March 2024

PUBLISHER

Carmen Ionascu | Carmen.Ionascu@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Josh Foster | josh.foster@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Savannah Vasquez

savannah.vasquez@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Robert Young, Forever Young Images

Shanna Magnuson with Davista Photography

Corporate Team

ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA MAGNUSON WITH DAVISTA PHOTOGRAPHY

LALA LIFE

Who said success comes from sticking to one career? Certainly not local Realtor, Artist and Philanthropist Velia Lala. Life would be boring if there wasn’t a little flair, and where Velia is concerned, that means more color, more travel, more design, more living and more surrounding herself with good people.

“I want to go anywhere I’ve never gone and do everything I’ve never done,” Velia said. “I like to say, I’m a young 60. My passion is art and I love to travel.”

Art and travel go hand in hand, so why not art and realty? Velia likes to incorporate her artwork into every property she sells, as a trademark of her appreciation.

“When I sell a property, each of my clients gets one of my art pieces, that’s my gift to them,” Velia said. “The idea is that when they have guests over, or someone stays on the property, they will see my art and want one of their own. Some of my investors that have vacation rental properties have my artwork staged throughout the whole place.”

CONTINUED >

Speaking of staging, Velia’s most recent homes have been sold fully furnished. She explained that when it comes to someone purchasing a vacation home or a vacation rental property, having a turn-key home, fully furnished and decorated takes the stress off the buyer.

“So many people are in the market for a second home in this area,” Velia said. “There are people that don’t want to furnish

another house if they don’t have to. If they like the way it is set up, then I just say, ‘Move on in!’”

With her dual careers in realty and art, Velia said she is fortunate to have found success in both and therefore looks for every opportunity to give back. She has donated art pieces to countless charity auctions and safe homes, taught team building workshops

“Realty is my job, artwork is my passion, and I love giving back and working with any organization that has to do with kids.”

for military members and non-profit organizations, and led fundraising events for local charities such as Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center and Sinfonia Gulf Coast. But, Velia said the charity that is closest to her heart is Aletha’s Legacy, which supports orphans in Liberia via child sponsorship and funding improvement projects for the orphanage facility.

“We sponsor an orphanage in Liberia with 56 kids,” Velia said. “When we took it over several years ago, they had no running water or bathrooms or kitchen. Several kids were sharing beds,

“When I sell a property, my clients get one of my art pieces, that’s my gift to them. The idea is that when they have guests over, or someone stays on the property, they will see my art and want one of their own.”

and some were severely malnourished. Over the years we have raised money from the Destin area and have been able to go back and build bathrooms, showers, a kitchen and dorm area, install running water and electricity, as well as provide clothing and sufficient food for the kids.”

Children are a soft spot for Velia, as she said they are the most vulnerable population. As an empty nester, save her canine daughter Lexie, Velia said she enjoys serving and giving children a brighter future.

“I went through a lot as a kid, so this is my way of not making excuses for my upbringing but giving back despite it,” Velia said. “I’m very fortunate that I've done well for myself. Realty is my job, artwork is my passion, and I love giving back and working with any organization that has to do with kids.”

ZHUZH YOUR WINDOWS

ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ

BY ROBERT YOUNG, FOREVER YOUNG IMAGES

Donna Godwin didn’t know her house was missing something, not until she and her husband installed custom window coverings to their house in St. Andrews. That’s when everything changed for Donna. Just the slight act of optimizing the light and privacy by using trendy shutters, shades and blinds made her house feel like home.

“I just loved it so much, they changed the whole feel of my home,” Donna said. “My husband and I have done a lot of renovations over the years, and nothing we did made that big of a difference in our house. I immediately began thinking, ‘How can I get into this business?’”

After launching the Destin franchise of Made in the Shade Blinds & More in 2019, Donna set out to ensure that every customer not only knew the value of window coverings, but also knew their personal style and what options would work best in their homes.

“This is the reason we bring our showroom to you,” Donna said. “It’s easy to pick something you like in the showroom, but once you get it into your home it doesn’t always fit your style. I can visit your home and tell what window coverings are going to fit the room, reduce glare on your T.V., optimize light and just make your home a lot nicer to be in.”

Customer satisfaction is the top priority for Donna, as she said window coverings are an investment in her client’s privacy and enjoyment of their home. With that in mind, Donna said she spends ample time talking to each customer and walking them through options for every room and takes pride in following up with her customers after installation.

“We have 5-star reviews because that’s what we work for,” Donna said. “Customer experience is important to us. We want to make sure that our clients are getting the best service and product that the industry has to offer. That’s what they deserve and that’s what we would want for ourselves, so we work hard for that.”

What started as a small business run out of her home, has slowly grown to a multi-location window covering business serving the Emerald Coast from Panama City to Fort Walton Beach.

“Made in the Shade really has helped us to get to know the people in our community and learn how we can better serve them," Donna said. "With this business, I really feel that I have found a job I can love; it’s not always easy but it’s worth it.”

Questions with a window professional:

DCL: WHAT IS TRENDING IN THE WORLD OF SHADES, SHUTTERS AND BLINDS?

Donna: Around here we always have requests for large plantation shutters. The four-and-a-half inch size really optimizes a larger view on the shutters. Also, roller shades have really gotten popular due to their easy motorization with smart homes.

DCL: WHY CHOOSE CUSTOM BLINDS OVER OTHER TRADITIONAL WINDOW COVERS?

Donna: We always educate our customers as to why you would or wouldn’t want this investment for your home. We really listen to our customers and truly take the time to discuss every option and whether or not it will work for their unique desires for light, view, shade and privacy.

JEFF BOWEN OF JEFCO SHARES HIS HUMBLE BEGINNING AND HVAC TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS

Hometown HVAC

ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT YOUNG, FOREVER YOUNG IMAGES

Behind every reputable company are hardworking founders, and Jeff Bowen, and his wife Connie of JefCo Air Conditioning and Refrigeration fit the bill. An Air Force veteran, Jeff branched into the civilian world in 1988, and along with his wife Connie founded JefCo in 1995 right in the heart of Destin.

“I went into the Air Force in 1982 right out of high school and trained as a C-130 Crew Chief, but I later re-trained as an HVAC mechanic,” Jeff said. “My grandfather was an engineer with Lockheed Martin, and he advised me to select HVAC training because there would always be a need for HVAC mechanics. I took his advice and trained with serious intentions of becoming an expert in the trade."

Jeff launched his HVAC business just before hurricanes Erin and Opal devastated the Destin area, but he said those disasters really brought the community together and helped him build several industry relationships that he still values today.

CONTINUED >

“In the months following Opal we helped rebuild so many restaurants in Destin such as Harry T's, McGuires, AJ's, Hog’s Breath, Gilligan's, Boathouse, Harbor Docks and many more. We always want to be there for anyone who needs help and proudly serve the community.”

In 2001, JefCo AC relocated his office to Santa Rosa Beach. Jeff said his company has grown from just himself to employing 10 technicians and serving the Emerald Coast from Inlet Beach to Fort Walton Beach. As a trusted HVAC business in this area for almost 30 years, Jeff said his focus is to offer the highest quality service and the highest quality brands the industry has to offer.

“Generally, homeowners do not take an interest in air conditioning systems until it is necessary to purchase or replace one," Jeff said. "Then they begin their due diligence and discover there are many variables between different brands of equipment features and cost. With air conditioning systems, you can get your entry level, mid level and high end equipment with different levels of construction quality, comfort and efficiency features, depending on your budget, comfort plans and priorities.”

Jeff explained that in his opinion, only two brands stand the test of time in the salt-air and humidity of the Florida panhandle.

“We recommend Trane and Mitsubishi for residential AC systems,” he said. “In our experience they are the best built and manufactured and have the best factory support. The way they hold up in this salt air environment is bar none and we have tried all the others."

When it comes to replacing your AC system, Jeff and his team are always available to help select the best equipment options for your unique situation. Currently, Jeff is trying to spread the news about an IRS incentive for homeowners with the new Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit 25C. This annual credit, available through 2032, allows for $3,200 credit for qualified energy efficient improvement expenses including air conditioners and furnaces. Of course, Jeff adds, consult your CPA for filing details, guidelines and questions.

In addition to the tax credit, Jeff said another motivator for replacing your air-conditioning systems sooner, rather than later, is an industry mandate going into effect next year. In 2025, a mandated change in refrigerant chemical composition will replace the old refrigerant with one that will be less harmful to the atmosphere. Consequently, Jeff explained, the technological advancements will lead to increases in cost across the industry. The existing equipment available now is more affordable and will have a 10-year warranty.

“When you buy a system from JefCo AC, it is a 10-year relationship with service and support," Jeff said, referencing the warranty. "When spending money at this level, customers need to work with someone who understands the best design features for Northwest Florida. JefCo AC has the reputation, the reviews, and the factory support after the installation. We understand that earning our customer's confidence and trust by providing consistent professional services at a fair and reasonable price is the most important aspect of our business."

BRONWYN LANDIS Cabinet Specialist

2024 Home Renovation Trends

Meet the Experts of Renovation Flooring & Elite Cabinet Designs

ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT YOUNG, FOREVER YOUNG IMAGES

DCL: WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE DESTIN AREA?

Bronwyn: I am from here! My family and I moved here when I was 8 after my dad was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base. My husband and I moved to Santa Rosa Beach in 2012.

DCL: WHAT GOT YOU INTO THE HOME DESIGN/ FLOORING INDUSTRY?

Bronwyn: I started doing storage and closet designs in 2016 after a career change from the nursing field. I have loved every aspect of the design process and getting to work closely with people to provide them with an upgrade to their home or space.

DCL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE RENOVATION TREND AND WHY IT IS POPULAR IN THE INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW.

Bronwyn: My favorite trend is the natural rift sawn oak cabinets that have a natural tone paired with a pop of color or a classic white to make it stand out. Glass upper cabinets are always a favorite of mine because they put off a type of elegance and class with a modern look. Hidden appliances and accessories are also becoming more popular.

“Coming from that industry, I’ve come to appreciate the transformative impact of purposeful design within a home to allow people to remain in place.”

LACEY SMITH Flooring Specialist

DCL: WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE DESTIN AREA?

Lacey: I’m originally from a little town called Crowley in Louisiana. The rice capital of the world! It’s a small rural area near Lafayette. That is in the heart of Cajun country in the area known as Acadiana. My wonderful husband convinced me to move here to Miramar Beach. Which I’m so grateful that he did. My son and I got here in December of 2020.

DCL: WHAT GOT YOU INTO THE HOME DESIGN/ FLOORING INDUSTRY?

Lacey: My previous career was in hospice sales and marketing. Coming from that industry, I’ve come to appreciate the transformative impact of purposeful design within a home to allow people to remain in place. For instance, curbless shower systems and no barrier bathrooms. By removing barriers like shower curbs and steps, curbless showers offer a seamless transition, making your space accessible and safe.

DCL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE RENOVATION TREND AND WHY IT IS POPULAR IN THE INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW.

Lacey: Jewel tones. The emerald greens with accents of gold, and sapphire blues with marble just make a space look glamorous. Daltile has all the bold colors and marble for any bathroom project.

STEPHEN WRIGHT Flooring Specialist

“There are many reasons why people need flooring. I enjoy educating the customer and figuring out their needs and being a solutions expert for them.”

DCL: WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE DESTIN AREA?

Stephen: I’m originally from Chesapeake, VA. I’ve always had huge passion for the water and being on the coast. The Emerald Coast drew me in after visiting.

DCL: WHAT GOT YOU INTO THE HOME DESIGN/ FLOORING INDUSTRY?

Stephen: Honestly, I was in a skilled construction trade for 12 years and felt like I reached the pinnacle of my career in that field. I was an expert at giving people solutions. There are many reasons why people need flooring. I enjoy educating the customer and figuring out their needs and being a solutions expert for them.

DCL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE RENOVATION TREND AND WHY IT IS POPULAR IN THE INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW.

Stephen: Low maintenance flooring such as Laminate and LVP (luxury vinyl plank) has benefits such as the cost, durability, water resistance, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning. As far as products I sell a lot of Mohawk Revwood Premier Laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is taking the low maintenance flooring products by storm. It is the closest product to mimic the look and feel of a real hardwood product.

DCL: WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE DESTIN AREA?

Jeff: I’m originally from the New England area. I relocated to the panhandle area in 2006 after separating from the United States Marine Corps to go to college.

DCL: WHAT GOT YOU INTO THE HOME DESIGN/ FLOORING INDUSTRY?

Jeff: While going to college, I worked at a few home improvement warehouses. This is where I picked up my knowledge in the home improvement industry. I thoroughly enjoy helping people manage the stressful process of a renovation. I was looking for a family-owned business where I could use my unique skillset. Renovation Flooring is the perfect blend of design and project management.

DCL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE RENOVATION TREND AND WHY IT IS POPULAR IN THE INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW.

Jeff: I absolutely love helping customers with natural products and authenticity. Explaining where this stone came from or where this wood flooring originated, and then seeing the emotional connection people have over the origin stories of different materials makes me feel satisfied. I feel stone is popular because people enjoy knowing the background story on what is in their home.

JEFF ROY Flooring Specialist

“I absolutely love helping customers with natural products and authenticity. Explaining where this stone came from or where this wood flooring originated, and then seeing the emotional connection people have over the origin stories of different materials makes me feel satisfied.”

TAMMY BROOKENS Flooring Specialist

“The Mohawk Group has introduced their Color Pulse line of commercial carpet fibers that deliver dynamic color with low environmental impact.”

DCL: WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE DESTIN AREA?

Tammy: I am originally from Pennsylvania and also resided in Atlanta for 20 years. After the housing market collapse in 2008, I decided to trade the city life in Atlanta for an outdoor life offering beautiful beaches with aquatic activities and relocated to the Florida Panhandle.

DCL: WHAT GOT YOU INTO THE HOME DESIGN/ FLOORING INDUSTRY?

Tammy: I obtained a degree in Architectural Design and enjoyed 20 years as a Custom Residential Builder in Atlanta. I moved to the Panhandle in 2010 and switched gears in the industry to construction product sales, focusing on new commercial and residential construction.

DCL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE RENOVATION TREND AND WHY IT IS POPULAR IN THE INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW.

Tammy: Biophilic design, which is the incorporation of nature into commercial and residential products combined with environmentally sustainable manufacturing. The result is a warm invitation to buyers, as manufacturers lower their environmental impact with the use of plastic bottles, recycled flooring and less water to create new and highly sustainable products. The Mohawk Group has introduced their Color Pulse line of commercial carpet fibers that deliver dynamic color with low environmental impact.