Westlake, OH March 2024

Home Is Where the Heart Is

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 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!

ABBY MILLER, PUBLISHER @WESTLAKECITYLIFESTYLE

business monthly

Cornerstone Construction

Cornerstone Construction provides clients with unique construction project management, from conception to completion. We believe your project should be finished exactly to your specifications, on time and on budget.

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Sarah Kutz Realtor

Sarah is excited to help you achieve your home-buying and selling goals. With over 20 years of sales, marketing, product development, and director-level project management background, you can trust Sarah to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience.

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Caruso Cabinets

Kitchens, Baths, Laundry, Dens, Entertainment Centers, Bars and more! Caruso Cabinets is dedicated to creating, designing and supplying their customers with all of their needs, wishes and wants. Caruso Cabinets is highly respected within the homebuilding industry.

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The Timberhouse

Modern Design Meets Farmhouse Charm

ARTICLE BY KEARSTEN KOPF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CELESTE MUELLER

“I love your house!” This has been the catchphrase of the year. “At first it was a bit startling to have people always pulling in our driveway, knocking on our door, and leaving notes in our mailbox. But we have gotten used to it and we are very happy the community has embraced our home.”

Says Celeste Mueller.

Westlake City Lifestyle was so excited to catch up with Celeste Mueller, the homeowner/interior designer of this captivating house, named, Timberhouse. If you live in the city you have undoubtedly driven by and commented on its beauty.

Timberhouse’s theme was inspired by our love of the coast and being drawn to a calming environment. If I had to describe it, I would say that it is a Scandinavian farmhouse with a coastal feel and a touch of French influence. “I’ve lived on this property in Westlake for thirteen years. The first time I saw the original farmhouse my heart melted. I was newly single and looking for a place to call home for

me and my two boys. When I saw the for sale sign, I thought “Where the heck did that house come from?” I would later find out that the previous owner took down tons of trees, and shrubs that left the home nearly invisible to the street for years.

We asked Celeste to tell us all about the home-building process.

One of the sweetest things about our new home is that certain windows mimic the windows of our old farmhouse, and look out onto the exact same views, so it seems to preserve those fond memories of being in our old farmhouse. It was also very heartwarming after we came out of transitional housing to move back into Timberhouse that our animals were familiar with the property and you could tell they felt at home.

We balanced the functionality and the aesthetics in the home by adding details, like a convertible, transom

“I encouraged our children to pick their bedroom paint colors by choosing something from their closet that they love to wear. Their retro bath is black with a classic subway shower, diner-inspired flooring and a giant soaking tub. The girls have a warm white and gold bath.”

Summer or winter she’s gorgeous

Inviting entry

window in our walk-in shower that turns it into a steam room. We turned a linen closet on the second floor into a secondary laundry for our children. Laundry is no joke with college kids! We added an exterior barn on the back of the property for my husband’s office/music room. The house also boasts front and back porches as well as a walkout porch off the basement, a sunset porch off our barn and several different entertaining spaces in the barn. This provides space for everyone to spread out, especially if multiple children want to host company on the same night.

Warm finishes reflect our style. There are cozy spaces even though it’s a large home, and the design has a classic, timeless feel.  A delicate balance exists between large spaces like our nine-foot kitchen island with plenty of room for everyone to join in on homemade pasta dough night. There is also a mix of many smaller spaces to find your peace and quiet.

For anyone interested in building their dream home, the advice I  would give is to spend more time planning it out than you do building it. Make albums of what you love and an inspiration book. I did a three-ring binder with many ideas and paint swatches before we ever spoke to a builder. Your vision board is your best tool. And of course, hire a designer, at the end of the day they will be your best investment.  Who knows you might end up with a great friend too!

Challenges during our build were dealing with the pandemic and supplies. I tried my best to prioritize our local

smaller businesses first before resorting to big box stores and online shopping. Instead of being just the client, I became a full-time designer and project manager needing to be on site most days to keep the job moving. I would say hiring a designer, real-estate agent, real estate attorney and/or a project manager is worthwhile. Thankfully design is my passion, so it was manageable for me. My husband handled the logistics with the city, estimates and the business end with our contractor.

I incorporated my and my family’s personal style by bringing in calm, neutral colors and warm, cozy, comfortable finishes with hard surfaces that feel timeless and are easy to keep clean.

Unique features include the fun swings on our front porch. It's impossible to swing and be unhappy! It is one of the favorite spots and anyone who visits exclaims, “But first we have to try the swing!”  We extended our wood-burning fireplace hearth to span the whole family room and had a hand-poured concrete hearth. We installed a built-in state-of-the-art Thermador cappuccino maker that can be programmed through Bluetooth. You can actually order coffee from your bed! My personal favorite.

Timberhouse is undeniably one of  Westlake’s most unique homes. We hope you enjoyed this sneak peek into this gorgeous, one-of-a-kind home. For design services, email CelesteMueller1127@gmail.com.

Celeste and Tim Mueller

Swinging sensation

Holiday house

Gourmet kitchen All dressed up

MISHAK LAW’S INNOVATIVE EDGE

ARTICLE

When it comes to legal matters, having a reliable and trustworthy, legal partner is crucial. Mishak Law Firm has earned a reputation for its exceptional legal services, client-centric approach and commitment to excellence. No stone will be left unturned.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of legal services, Mishak Law stands out as a beacon of innovation and adaptability. At the helm is Managing Attorney Matt Mishak, whose forward-thinking approach to leveraging technology is setting new standards in the realm of client advocacy and legal representation.

In an industry often characterized by its cautious pace towards technological adoption, Mishak Law emerges as a trailblazer, embracing the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation systems. This strategic integration of cutting-edge technology is not merely a nod to modernity but a calculated move to amplify the firm’s capabilities, providing clients with an unparalleled advantage in their legal endeavors.

The cornerstone of Mishak Law’s technological edge lies in its astute application of AI and automation to streamline processes, enhance research capabilities, and optimize case management. By automating routine tasks, the firm’s legal professionals can dedicate more time to complex analytical work, strategy development, and client interaction, thereby enriching the quality of service and the depth of client relationships.

Moreover, Mishak Law’s adept use of AI tools for legal research and data analysis equips the team with a comprehensive understanding of relevant laws, precedents, and case-specific facts. This superior knowledge base is instrumental in crafting highly informed and strategically sound legal

arguments, significantly enhancing client representation in court and negotiations.

However, Mishak Law’s embrace of technology goes beyond mere efficiency gains. The firm is acutely aware of the intricacies involved in the integration of AI and automation within the legal domain. Privacy considerations, reliability concerns, and the ethical use of technology are at the forefront of Mishak Law’s technological endeavors. By navigating these challenges with diligence and integrity, the firm ensures that its technological advancements serve to bolster client trust and safeguard sensitive information.

Matt Mishak articulates the firm’s philosophy succinctly: “All lawyering stems from applying the law to the facts, and with superior knowledge of those two aspects, comes superior client advocacy. We like to win for our clients, and being cutting-edge allows us to get ahead quickly and will be very hard to catch as a case progresses.” This statement underscores the symbiotic relationship between legal expertise and technological innovation at Mishak Law, where the latter serves as a force multiplier, enhancing the firm’s ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for its clients.

In a legal landscape where many firms remain tethered to traditional methods, Mishak Law’s proactive approach to technology adoption sets a new benchmark. It is a testament to the firm’s commitment to excellence, client-centric service, and the pursuit of justice. By harnessing the potential of AI and automation, Mishak Law not only secures a competitive edge but also redefines what it means to provide cutting-edge legal representation in the 21st century.  Reach out today for more information at 440-678-0000 or mishaklaw.com

WESTBAY

SOURCE Floor

YOUR ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR QUALITY FLOORING

ARTICLE BY KEARSTEN KOPF

If you’re looking to transform your home or office by upgrading your flooring, look no further than WestBay Floor Source. With its exceptional range of flooring options, unparalleled customer service, and commitment to quality, WestBay Floor Source is the ultimate destination for all of your flooring needs.

WestBay Floor Source stores opened their doors to Westlake and the surrounding area in 1980, originally located in the West Bay Plaza next to the old Kmart. They began offering paint, wallpaper, carpet and decorating services throughout the 80s and 90s. Bill Pawson and his brother Bob grew the business and eventually moved into a brand new larger location in 1998 behind what is now the Cabin Club Restaurant. 24 years later, WestBay still serves the same community, but with a singular focus on floors and tiles.

Over the last few years, if you have spent time working on home improvement, there are two things that have become all too familiar, back orders and rising cost of goods. WestBay has worked to find solutions to these problems by stocking large amounts of flooring

“Eddy and Tricia Towles,  second-generation owners, offer the latest flooring and tile trends.”

to save on costs. They also do this to ensure plenty of great options for today’s trends and to provide for customers that need quicker installation of the products.

“Many places sell tile in the area like Lowe’s and Home Depot, but most of the businesses that sell tile do not offer installation, leaving the customer searching for someone to complete the job.”

- Eddie Towles

Eddie and Tricia Towles, second-generation owners, continue to offer the latest flooring and tile trends to the Westside community. They are open six days a week and have some of the friendliest staff you’ll find. WestBay’s 6500-square-foot beautiful showroom is close to Crocker Park on Detroit Road and offers design and selection services at a competitive price.

WestBay Floor Source sets itself apart from the many places you can purchase boxes of tile and flooring by always offering a full-service installation on products that are purchased. “Many places sell tile in the area like Lowe’s and Home Depot, but most of the businesses that sell tile do not offer installation, leaving the customer searching for someone to complete the job, “ says Eddie.

From helping you choose the perfect flooring options to guiding you through the design process, the knowledgeable staff will offer expert advice tailored to your unique requirements and preferences. They will take time to understand your vision and recommend flooring solutions that best match your style and budget.

From the moment you step into their showroom to the installation process, their team ensures that attention is paid to every detail. The skilled installers at WestBay Floor Source possess years of experience and use the latest techniques to ensure a flawless and durable installation of your chosen flooring option.

WestBay was named Mannington‘s 2021 dealer of the year. They are also the exclusive dealer for Karastan Carpet, Hardwood and LVT in the Westlake area. New this year is Fabrica Brands of carpet, hardwood and more. Stop in and see the latest home trends and as always, WestBay does not charge a fee for an in-home estimate.

Why settle for anything less? When it comes to flooring, trust WestBay Floor Source to elevate your space with its exceptional range of options, unmatched customer service, and commitment to quality. Visit their showroom today and let their experts help you find a perfect flooring solution to transform your home or office.  Located at 30733 Detroit Rd.Westlake.

ZONE BLUE

What’s the secret to a happy, healthy, and long life? Believe it or not, it’s actually quite simple: There are no secret ingredients, no sizable expenditures, and absolutely zero manufactured elements of any kind. Dive in with us as we share insights from our interview with the internationally renowned Blue Zones Founder, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning journalist who is revolutionizing the way Americans make choices that can lead to living your best life.

For over twenty years, Dan Buettner has been fully committed to studying the health and longevity of Americans as well as influencing the proper and attainable health-centric environments our communities should embody. What started with identifying five “blue zones” around the world where people are both living longer as well as enjoying a higher quality of life in their elder years has now also evolved into proactively creating eco-systems where our communities engage in setting the standard for clean health.

Most of us are well aware of the “American way of life” we reside in, that being one of convenience in all shapes and forms. We excel in offering the most fast food options in any country. We rank at the top of the most cars per household. We embrace a sedentary at-home lifestyle. In short, we categorically live in a country where processed foods and ultra-convenience, unfortunately, translate to life-threatening health diseases and a lack of organic joy.

What is the best news of all? All of these characteristics are wildly easy to overcome with effortless, yet conscious pivots to making better decisions with our time, our food, and our focus. Ask yourself: Are you driving or walking? Are you connecting socially? Set your sights on avoiding the majority of processed foods and start eating a largely whole-food and plant-based diet that will (statistically) give you another 10-12 years on your life.

Buettner’s first cookbook, The Blue Zones Kitchen, is a fantastic resource featuring ingredients and cooking methods that can increase longevity, wellness, and mental health. The recipes also include lifestyle tips such as proper portion sizes and the best times to eat dinner. Plus, check out his additional seven books that dig deep into the exact foods you should eat to how your circle of friends and family can influence your quality of life.

Who do you hang out with? Happiness is contagious. “The Blue Zone approach is to go through your contact base and think of some friends whose recreation is pickleball, biking, or gardening. Who will care about you on a bad day and have a meaningful conversation? Identify one or two friends who are vegan or vegetarian and show you how and where to eat whole foods. Actively invite them out for lunch, and bring them into your social circle: this will have a bigger, long-term impact on your behavior than any new diet or exercise, and it costs you zero. Plus, there is a ton of data that shows it works, and it’s long-term.”

Every time you go out to eat, you will consume an extra 300 calories that are laden with more sodium, sugar, and oil than eating at home. “Get your hands on a plant-based cookbook, pick a dozen recipes, and cook those with your family on Sundays. If you make the effort to cook it with your family, you will gain the skills and learn to make some good and whole food plant-based recipes.”

Tap into Dan’s wisdom that is creating a new category of places that are not merely the legacy of a healthy culture, but more consciously created by enlightened individuals that are intent on supercharging healthier communities!

This is one of my constant “go to” DIY projects. It’s fast, it’s easy and it looks oh so professional. I love displaying photos, but I don’t necessarily love a lot of photo frames. These canvases create a crisp, clean look... All in about 30 minutes! Let’s get started.

DIY Photo To Canvas In A Snap

ARTICLE BY ANGI HOCKETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

STEP 1:

First things first, grab your supplies.

• Photo on photo paper

• 1 ½ inch thick wrapped canvas

• Mod Podge in Matte finish

• Black spray paint in Satin finish

• Clear spray paint in Satin finish

• 4 inch or 6 inch foam paint roller

• Small paint tray

Place your photo on the clean, dry canvas to make sure it fits correctly. Trim if necessary.

STEP 2:

Spray paint the canvas sides and a little of the top with the black spray paint. It is VERY important to let this dry completely.

STEP 3:

Using your foam roller, roll Mod Podge over the entire top of the canvas. Center your photo on top of the wet Mod Podge. Smooth the photo with your hands starting in the middle and pushing out toward the edges

STEP 4:

Roll a thin even layer of Mod Podge over your photo. This is a little scary “painting” over your photo, but I promise it will dry clear. Once it is covered with a thin layer start at one side and roll straight rows from side to side, in the same direction, as to avoid roller lines once it dries. If you see small bubbles in the wet Mod Podge, it is too thick. Thin it out by taking an almost dry roller over the photo to lift some of the Mod Podge. Repeat until the bubbles are gone. Let this dry completely.

STEP 5:

Spray the top and sides of the entire canvas and photo with satin spray paint. Dry…Hang….High Five. Congratulations on your new Photo Canvas!

This same technique can be used on 4x4 tiles of your choice to create custom coasters. You will add a bit of Peel and Stick Cork or felt to the back of the tile so the coaster doesn’t scratch. Cheers!

TONE + TEXTURE

STYLE YOUR HOME IN TONES AND TEXTURES WITH DESIGN HELP FROM HOUZZ INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERTS

ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN

WOVEN + KNOTTED

LIVING BOHO-CHIC WITH WOVEN TEXTURES AND MACRAMÉ

Decorate your space with handmade textures such as the modern, maker revival of 1970s macramé and year-round tropical feel of wicker. MACRAMÉ Made through knotting instead of weaving, macramé can add a unique touch in many various ways. Houzz contributor Laura Gaskill suggests incorporating it as nursery decor, plant hangers, wall hangings and modern fiber arts. WICKER According to Houzz contributor Yanic Simard, “the best way to really embrace the luxury-cottage appeal of wicker and rattan is to combine different forms of the two in one space... Look for other unexpected places to add a natural twist to your home with a new material woven into your palette.”

AGAINST THE GRAIN

TIPS FOR DECORATING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS

Houzz contributor Katie Treggiden offers many ways to incorporate natural materials and natural-state timber into your home, including using wood to cover one wall in a home for a pleasing accent wall; featuring your firewood as a striking, stacked display; and mixing different types of wood and different finishes in the same space. “A simple way to incorporate the wood trend is to expose structural wooden beams already present in your home,” Katie says. “Instead of painting them or boxing them in, leave them raw or give them a coat of wax to enrich the tones.”

MARCH 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 1ST

Ice Wine Festival

Wineries of The Grand River Valley Region | 12:00 PM

Several popular Ohio wineries join together for this unique winter event. Patrons will visit each of the participating wineries and sample their ice wine along with a complimentary appetizer. Many of the wineries will also have featured events, including ice, carving, jewelry, shows, dog sledding, and much more. The cost of the event is six dollars at each winery. Grandrivercellars.com

MARCH 1ST

YogaSix

Westgate Mall ,Fairview Park | 6:00 AM

YogaSix Fairview Park at Westgate is now open. Head over to their website and check out their extensive class schedule for March.

MARCH 1ST

Old School Pizza & Wings by Parkers

19071 Detroit rd. Rocky River | 11:00 AM

New location! Old School has expanded to Rocky River in the old Flipside location. Open seven days a week.

MARCH 2ND

The Mac ‘N’ Cheese Throwdown

The Madison on Payne Avenue | 12:00 PM

W.A.G.S. 4 kids will host their eighth mac & cheese throwdown. A food fest sponsored by First Energy. Cleveland’s top restaurants and food trucks are set to throw down for the chance to win a variety of categories. There will also be live music and kid-friendly activities. macncheesethrowdown.com

MARCH 14TH

Eleanor and Hobbs Second Anniversary Fashion Show

Gordon Green Events Center | 6:00 PM

Mark your calendars for our second-anniversary fashion show. Tickets will be available for purchase and all proceeds will benefit the Providence House in Cleveland.

MARCH 17TH

Hinkley Buzzard Sunday

Hinkley Reservation | 9:00 AM

See buzzards (turkey vultures) come home to roost in the rock cliffs and ledges in Hinckley. This annual celebration dates back to 1957. The event includes an early bird hike, skits, songs, and stories, crafts, photos and contests. Don’t miss this right of Spring. Hinkleyohchamber.com