Issuu

M A R C H 2 022

Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care

WindsorAtCelebration.com | 407-917-4331 1370 Celebration Boulevard, Celebration, FL 34747

Celebrating Kids with Special Needs – our VIPs.

Nathaniel’s Hope was founded in 2002 after four-year-old Nathaniel Timothy Kuck relocated to Heaven. Through their personal experience with their son Nathaniel, co-founders Tim and Marie Kuck saw firsthand how demanding it can be to raise a child with special needs.

To learn more or give today, visit NathanielsHope.org

(407) 857-8224 | 5210 South Orange · Orlando, FL 32809

LIFESTYLE LETTER

A Home Is More Than Just a House!

March 2022 PUBLISHER

Anthony S Adams | anthony.adams@citylifestyle.com PUBLICATION DIR ECTOR

Carey Adams | wintergarden@citylifestyle.com

Home. It is meant to be a place of retreat, rest, love, and shelter from the outside world—a place where you can let your guard down and just be. Some homes feel like that, and some can be filled with conflict and strife. It is never too late to change the climate of our homes. In a world that can be challenging, let our homes be a place where we build each other up. Make a continual effort to teach with love, correct with love and express love every day. Take time to enjoy all the small moments with family instead of getting caught up in all the daily tasks that can steal our attention away—to be truly present when spending time with our family instead of dividing our attention with our technology or to-do list. Although we usually aren't perfect at accomplishing these things, it is worthwhile to strive for it every day. March is our Home and Design issue. Creating a home that you want to spend all of your time in isn't easy. However, the memories made within the walls of our home are what lasts regardless of whether our home has the latest trends or hasn't been updated in years. While it is fun to look at beautiful homes and dream about renovations, we all know that the love we share in our homes is truly what matters most. In this year's Home issue, we talk with Closer Look Home Inspections and learn from our community realty experts, Paul Fedynich and Valerie Fairchild. Our own Larry Oskin visits Element by Shangri-la to uncover their unique interior design elements. Finally, we hear from The Blake in Hamlin, and we get a visit from a fantastic home chef! We also want to send some love to our Advertising Partners. We support Buying Local! Every one of the businesses and organizations you see advertising in our magazine has been vetted by us and has the same involvement and dedication to our community as we do. We also want to thank Chocky Burns, Matt Tomaszewski, and Steve Healy of Corcoran Premier Realty for the beautiful cover image of the master bathroom in their 5534 Osprey Isle Lane listing. Also, don't forget to follow and like us on Facebook (@ WinterGardenCityLifestyle) and Instagram (@WGLifestyleMag). Thank you for inviting us into your home and sharing your lives with us. Here's to you and your family; live boldly, enjoy our community, be involved, and truly Live Your Best Life!

COPY EDITOR

Candice Hawks | wintergarden@citylifestyle.com STAFF WR ITER

Larry H. Oskin | loskin@mktgsols.com STAFF PHOTOGR APHER

Austin Adams AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kirstan Lanier CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Mike Haffner, The Blake at Hamlin CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Mike Haffner, The Blake At Hamlin, Closer Look Inspections, Corcoran Premier Realty

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

ANTHONY S ADAMS, PUBLISHER @WGLIFEST YLEMAG

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/ WINTERGARDEN |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Winter Garden City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Media Partners LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Winter Garden area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Media Partners’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Media Partners’ does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Winter Garden City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

MARCH 2022

inside the issue The Home Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Exceptional Senior Living, Locally!

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Now Open

Home Update

Chef ’s Selection

Decor Trends

Local’s Choice

The Blake brings Exceptional Senior Living to Horizon West

18 The VIP Home Team Experience Celebrate Your Home Sweet Home!

26 Unique Worldly Interior Design Elements

Element By Shangri-La bring an Eclectic array of International Interior Design Elements

32 Home Inspections For New Construction, A Critical Resource!

It is important to remember “new” does not always translate to perfect construction.

O N T H E C OV E R

The beautiful master bathroom at 5534 Osprey Isle Lane. Listed by Chocky Burks, Matt Tomaszewski, and Steve Healy of Corcoran Premier Realty for $5.9m. Call 407-749-6200 to learn more.

LI FE + C U LT U R E R EA L ESTAT E PR O FES S I O NA L SE RV IC E S

HO ME + DES I GN HO ME S ERV I C ES

IT’S A

HOME STATE OF MIND

BREWERY • TAPROOM • BIERGARTEN

Hamlin Town Center | 16016 New Independence Pkwy., #100, Winter Garden | homestatebrew.com

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen in the city. 1

SMOKING SOUL BBQ

MÖGE TEA

HOME STATE BREWING

1: Smoking Soul BBQ Is Now Catering 2: MÖGE TEE Opens Soon In Hamlin 3: Home State Brewing Is Open!

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @WGLifestyleMag

Complimentary + Comprehensive

Retirement Planning Courses Educational workshops for retirees and those planning for retirement.

Taxes in Retirement

Medicare and Planning for Long-Term Care

Investing for Women

Understanding Your Social Security Benefit Options

Tuesday, March 1st

Thursday, March 3rd

Tuesday, March 8th

Thursday, March 10th

6:30pm-8:00pm

All courses will be held at the Clermont City Center

myafea.org/chapterevent/4571

620 W. Montrose St. · Clermont, FL 34711

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C I T Y SCE N E

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Briana DeFano

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Financial Advisor Certified Financial Planner & Fiduciary Briana@ballardfinancial.com Chris@ballardfinancial.com

BallardFinancial.com | 773 West Montrose St. Clermont, FL 34711

SIMPLE. INNOVATIVE. VERSATILE.

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STRUXURE – D E A L E R –

ORLANDO OUTDOOR LIVING IS CHANGING THE WAY YOU ENJOY THE OUTDOORS. With our products, family gatherings, parties and cookouts can be successful in any weather conditions – whether rain or shine. We place a high value on creating functional and beautiful designs tailored to each home environment. This is only possible through our close collaboration with clients. Orlando Outdoor Living’s attention to detail and regard for our clients’ requirements results in an outdoor experience that not only honors each client’s unique style, but also creates a comfortable space that they can enjoy for years.

BRINGING THE COMFORT OF INDOORS, OUT! (407) 720-4774 | ORLANDOOUTDOORLIVING.COM | INFO@ORLANDOOUTDOORLIVING.COM 1501 ROBIE AVENUE MOUNT DORA, FL 32757

MARCH 2022

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Smoking Soul BBQ Moves From Pop-Ups To Catering With the new arrival of Smoking Soul’s BBQ's new BBQ Trailer, Chef & Owner David Betts has expended from Pop-Ups to full catering. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @TheSmokingSoul, call 407-913-6203 or visit TheSmokingSoul.com for more information.

Scan to read more. Photography @TheSmokingSoul

MÖGE TEE Opening Soon In Hamlin MÖGE TEE is opening soon in Hamlin and is dedicated to creating a unique and innovative new-style tea beverage with the most natural and fresh taste, inspired by thousands of years of Chinese traditional tea culture. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @MogeTeeWinterGarden for more information.

Scan to read more.

Sunset Walk Continues Sunset LIVE! Music The very best live regional artists perform on the Promenade Plaza Stage an eclectic mix of cover and original music including all genres from rock ’n’ roll, country, Latin, reggae, top 40, and more. Wednesday through Sunday evenings and times vary. Visit sunsetwalk.com or follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @PromenadeAtSunsetwalk for more information.

Scan to read more.

If you want to be included, send us a message! Visit CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden to get in touch.

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Dedicated TO YOU

South Lake Gastroenterology is excited to announce our newest Gastroenterologist, Dr. Silvia Fernandez Perez. Along with Dr. Rajab Abukhadrah, she is accepting new patients in our Winter Garden location. Our highly trained physicians and clinical staff are here to support you and we strive to not just meet your needs but to exceed them.

Digestive Conditions & Treatments that we provide • Colon Cancer Screenings

• Hepatitis

• Liver/Gallbladder Disease

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome • Video Capsule Endoscopy

• Gastroesphogeal Reflux Disease

• Crohn’s Disease

• Heliocobacter Pylori Testing

• Peptic Ulcers

• Ulcerative Colitis

• Fibroscan Ultrasound

• Hiatal Hernia

• Pancreatitis

• Anorectal Manometry

• Painless Hemorrhoid Management

Dr. Rajab Abukhadrah

Dr. Silvia Fernandez Perez

Call us today in Winter Garden! Se Habla Espanol (407) 573-7812 | slgdocs.com | 1210 E Plant St. Suite 120A Winter Garden, FL 34787 MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WI N T E R GA R D E N

Exceptional

ARTICLE BY THE BLAKE AT HAMLIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE BLAKE AT HAMLIN

Senior Living THE BLAKE BRINGS EXCEPTIONAL SENIOR LIVING TO HORIZON WEST

Locally

The years after retiring are supposed to be golden for all. But it’s seniors in Horizon West who literally get just that. There’s nothing more golden than the sun rays shining down on the fastest-growing area of Orange County. However, it is not just the view of nightly fireworks at Disney’s Magic Kingdom for many that make this charming borough bright either. The Blake at Hamlin is a newly opened Senior Living community that exemplifies beloved Southern hospitality where a small-town feel and big-city amenities are met in the Town Center Village of Horizon West. Moving somewhere new is often an overwhelming experience. Seniors should be motivated to live hassle-free, settling somewhere that makes moving inviting, if not exciting. Knowing just that, The Blake at Hamlin has become a brand new gem in Winter Garden. Horizon West wholly embodies the old Florida style and charm for what Winter Garden is known. By layering modern urbanism with an

NOW OP E N | L IFE + CU LTURE

extraordinarily cordial community, residents of every age can call no better place home. For those who are ready or looking for more attentive care in Senior Living, hospitality and luxury are met at The Blake. There you will find experts in premier care for assisted living and memory care- where both the weather and the hearts are warm. The Blake knows how relieving it is for loved ones to find a home in senior living that could represent all of the southern sensibilities Winter Garden does. Without a doubt, intentional care is front-of-mind for those who are ready to seek assisted living or memory care. Horizon West’s own Blake community does not stop at the bare minimum. While all assisted living communities require a standard license for care, The Blake at Hamlin holds an Extended Congregate Care (ECC) License. They know whoever is deciding to make a move into Senior Living is not thinking or hoping about their next move. Living in the heart of Horizon West, they will not want to. With an ECC license, residents are able to age in place while avoiding placement in skilled care elsewhere. The compassionate expert care at The Blake at Hamlin allows seniors to come prepared and stay comfortably. It is one thing to move into an unparalleled new neighborhood, but it is another thing knowing needs are met as they come and continue as they arise. Whether it is by simply providing sufficient staff, resident independence and congregate space, or coordination and transportation to local health-related appointments, dietary management and specialization in programming for those with cognitive impairments, no one is left with something to be desired. The Blake at Hamlin, as ardent as the rest of Horizon West, shares the desire for peace of mind for living in the sublimity of a neighborhood that optimizes hospitality as well as quality of life for all. It is hard to imagine the owners of many Senior Living communities knowing not only what these neighborhoods need but what life is really like. For the Blake at Hamlin, residents and their families rest assured the amicable Winter Garden spirit is exuding within. This is made possible by Horizon West’s own, Angie Layfield – The Blake’s Executive Director and this community’s leader. For Layfield, the Blake at Hamlin is not an investment project but a piece of home. Thoughtfulness does not cease at extraordinary care but flows from

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the outside in, from aesthetics to activities. The all-inclusive, luxurious Senior Living community looks, feels and fits like home in the Town Center village. Horizon West knows nothing of seclusion for its residents, and The Blake at Hamlin is no exception. While seniors have their chosen apartment to rest and relax in as they wish, outings, friendships and events are just the beginning for more engaging years than residents might ever have felt were possible. “It is a privilege to serve the residents and families of Horizon West. As a resident of Seidel Village for more than five years, we have seen the tremendous need for a community like The Blake at Hamlin,” said Layfield. “To be given the opportunity to provide the lifestyle and supportive services we have to offer while bringing another generation into the fold of the active and engaged community of Horizon West is a once-ina-lifetime opportunity.” Every program at The Blake is tailored for each person and within the lively community surrounding it. Concierge services, routine housekeeping, maintenance services, and 24/7 nursing care that does not rest so everyone else can is just the start to a beautiful life for seniors in Winter Garden, Florida. With on-site physical therapy, salon, and a movie room, The Blake stops at nothing to pursue an opulent life for seniors. No day should go by without finding its joys, and that should not stop with age. The years beyond retirement should be as golden and rewarding as seniors deserve. They should feel welcome to bring the meaningful attributes of the home they have known to meet the home they are creating. As a brand-new, luxurious senior-exclusive community, The Blake makes this their mission. At every stage of life, residents search for spacious apartments, active living and delicious dining options. Seniors in Winter Garden do not have to search any further than comfort in Horizon West. Intentional about care and pristine living, The Blake at Hamlin continues to prioritize the whole of every individual and is ready to celebrate every next person who walks through their doors.

THE BLAKE 4814 Hamlin Groves Tr, Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-663-0100 | BlakeLiving.com

NOW OP E N | L IFE + CU LTURE

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Home Inspections Pre-Purchase and New-Construction Inspections Roof Certification Inspections

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(407) 500-7467 | pinspiration.com/southorlando | 14416 Shoreside Way, Ste. 100 · Winter Garden MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WI N T E R GA R D E N

Paul Fedynich & Valerie Fairchild

the vip home team experience ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARRY H. OSKIN

Celebrate Your Home Sweet Home!

H OM E U P DAT E | R EA L ESTATE

Paul Fedynich & Valerie Fairchild

Buying and selling homes are memorable, life-changing experiences! Valerie Fairchild & Paul Fedynich of The ViP Home Team at eXp Realty have successfully helped homeowners here in the Winter Garden, Windemere and nearby Orlando area with almost 30 years of combined real estate experience.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE THIS HOME! Fairchild notes, “We love helping families find the home of their dreams during their financial legacy. When you own a home, you are growing equity. Real estate remains one of the top ways to grow your family wealth. Home prices are going up, so now is the perfect time to explore new homes. Many people are now working remotely, so they are also looking for extras like pools, exercise rooms, larger great rooms, guest bedrooms, versatile home office spaces and outdoor space with bigger backyards.”

HOME BUYING TIPS! Buying a house is often a complex process. Valerie Fairchild shares, “These steps will help you manage the process to make the best decisions possible. • Work with an experienced realtor. It costs you nothing as a buyer. In addition, you’ll have a professional advocate looking out for your best interest. • Start early. It takes time to find the right home. You may need more time to learn about the process with all of the options you have as a homeowner. • Speak with a lender to get pre-approved. You won’t want to be disappointed after finding the home of your dreams, to find it is just beyond your reach.

HOME SWEET HOME

• Do a home inspection. Do not waive your inspection contingency even when it is a seller’s market. This is your most considerable protection within the contract.

Fedynich adds, “We believe in the American Dream! As trusted real estate advisors with local market expertise, we promise to offer professional service and dedication to help you, whether you are buying or selling a home. We will always perform at the highest level possible to exceed your expectations with a great experience.”

• Be organized. Know the critical dates and timelines. Time is of the essence. You don’t want to find yourself in breach of contract. We help you with this process and send reminders before deadlines to help keep you and the transaction stay on track.”

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Paul Fedynich & Valerie Fairchild

“Each and every home buyer is unique with distinctive tastes and a style of living that they find comfort in. Therefore, we professionally consult with each of our clients to best fit their tastes and lifestyle needs as perfectly as possible.”

HOME SELLING TIPS!

HEROES HOUSING:

Fedynich adds, “Selling your home is also a complex, time consuming, and stressful process and today’s market is challenging. Hire an experienced realtor. They understand that homes sell not only by price but also by the presentation. They know what to do to get your home ready to sell for top dollar. They will invest in marketing your home properly to achieve top market value and work to your timeline. Suppose you are not interested in listing your home and going through the process of decluttering and making it sparkle. In that case, we work with several investors that can make competing and competitive cash offers instantly. We also participate in “buy before you sell” programs, making your transition easier. Working with agents that have many tools in their arsenal to help you reach your goal is important in today’s challenging market.”

The ViP Home Team regularly gives back to support our community while partnering with the Heroes Housing Assistance Program. “We have partnered with lenders and others to offer substantial discounts and rebates when buying or selling your home. We work hard to support our teachers, police, firefighters, medical professionals, veterans, active military, first responders and their children who are eligible for this program.” Visit: TheViPHome.Team/ Heroes-Housing to learn more.

H OM E U P DAT E | R EA L ESTATE

SHARED TESTIMONIAL: The Garza family noted, “Paul and Valerie were extremely helpful during our home buying process. We started house hunting in a challenging and competitive market. Paul and Valerie were there for us every step of the way. They were extremely patient and always went the extra

mile. We finally found our dream home, which ended up being a new build of a model that they had suggested based on what we were looking for. We couldn’t have done it without them!” Valerie Fairchild & Paul Fedynich of The ViP Home Team are on a mission to help their customers find their dream home. Newly married, they have been working together for the past few years. Valerie shares, “We are dedicated to creating relationships to provide the best possible experience for our buyers and sellers.” She offers ten years’ experience, exemplary personal service, market knowledge, and commitment to enhance your quality of life as you make important decisions for your family. Paul has spent 19 years in the real estate sales industry, most of which has been spent selling primary, secondary, and investment homes and some commercial property. Before real estate, Paul was a contractor for 23 years. They note, “Each and every home buyer is unique with distinctive tastes and a style of living that they find comfort in. Therefore, we professionally consult with each of our clients to best fit their tastes and lifestyle needs as perfectly as possible.” Paul Fedynich shares, “We really do love helping people while charitably giving back to our local community!”

The Garza Family

T H E V I P H O M E T E A M W I T H PAU L F E DY N I C H A N D VA L E R I E FA I R C H I L D 407-744-1681 or 407-913-9181 | @paulfedynich | TheViPHome.Team

MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WI N T E R GA R D E N

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | PR OF E S S I ONAL S E RVI CE S

Making Those Special Dining Occasions Even More Personal,

in your home MEET PERSONAL HOME CHEF BRIAN GREENE

The demand for a personal chef has skyrocketed during the pandemic, and for good reason. These chefs come to you and will cook an elegant, fun and always delicious meal right there in the comfort of your own home. Chef Brian Greene, a local personal chef, has turned his passion for cooking into his own business. He has been cooking for years, and the passion all started when he began cooking for his family in high school; It was something he was good at and just came naturally to him. He worked at some of the world-renowned restaurants at Disney and took some of those learned skills with him into his clients' kitchens. Once you decide on wanting Chef Greene for your elegant dinner party, intimate date night, or even fun brunch, he will coordinate with you through consultation to find what menu will work for you and your guests. He has a preset menu of crowd favorites but is always open to creative new suggestions. On the day of your event, he will show up early to set up in your kitchen, bringing whatever ingredients he needs to create your special meal. As your guests arrive, he already has a game plan in place on how everything will be served and presented. He even interacts with you and your guests to provide that over-the-top service that you just don't usually get at a restaurant. Each course is plated carefully and without a detail out of place. Chef Greene will then serve each course while explaining what delicious food he has just cooked for you. He also offers a custom cocktail menu or other non-alcoholic drinks if you so choose. We had selected the five-course meal and everything we had left us thoroughly impressed and satisfied. The first course was the chicken corn chowder which was packed full of flavor, and I could hardly believe it was all made that same evening because it had the deep flavors of a soup that had been simmering all day. Next, we had the appetizer, and he had

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE HAFFNER, (@JUSTPOTUS)

CONTINUED > MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WI N T E R GA R D E N

chosen a crab cake with parsnip remoulade; the crab was delicious and was not overpowered by needless breading. This was one of the best ones I've had the pleasure of eating in such a long time. The salad was a simple yet tastefully cultivated winter salad that was light and refreshing. The entrée was the star of the show, and for good reason, it was a filet topped with large garlic herb shrimp and potato leek au gratin. The smells that came from the kitchen while these steaks were cooking had all of our mouths watering. The steaks were a great cut and perfect size, and the shrimp was everything a juicy shrimp should be when you order it and was absolutely devoured. While he was making our last course, dessert, we were worried we wouldn't have room after that incredibly satisfying main course. However, Chef pulled through with a light and airy "brulee citrus with toasted meringue" that somehow still left us wanting more of it by the end of the evening. Few things bond a group of people together like good food, and I think that's precisely what happened over the course of the evening. Thanks to Chef Greene, we had a personalized yet delectable experience while having a blast at the same time. If you are attempting to decide on hiring a personal chef, Brian Greene is going to be the right choice, no matter what you are looking to accomplish.

SUBLIME CHEF GREENE 407-785-5959 | SublimeChefGreene@gmail.com | @sublime_chef_greene

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | PR OF E S S I ONAL S E RVI CE S

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U N I Q U E W O R L D LY

INTERIOR DESIGN ELEMENTS ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARRY H. OSKIN

D E C OR T R E N D S | HOM E + DE S I GN

Element By Shangri-La brings an Eclectic array of International Interior Design Elements CONTINUED >

MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WI NT E R GA R D E N

We offer our imported culture collections to host really unique and distinctively different events that are memorable.”

Element by Shangri-la is a truly eclectic collection of imported home décor, architectural elements and furnishings that provide a wonderful array of distinctive essentials for your home or office. Element by Shangri-la is a full-service company that offers decorative furniture, wall hangings, sculptures, plants, gifts, lighting and accent pieces. Smita Patel has traveled the world to import authentic decor for furnishings and special events since 2005. She first owned a retail clothing business in England. A visit to Walt Disney World became a life-changing experience. She decided to relocate their family to Florida. Patel started a resort wear business with hand-painted fashions for the major theme parks and cruise lines. When one of her daughters got married, she realized there was a huge gap and an even more incredible opportunity with creatively designed furnishings and décor for special events that could blend a fusion of the diverse cultures of our world. Daughter Rena Popat still helps the family business with weddings, special events and store merchandising. Patel founded by Element by Shangri-la in Winter Garden as a premier import décor and furnishing business. She remains focused on bringing unique hand-selected fusion décor items that beautifully

D E C OR T R E N D S | HOM E + DE S I GN

blend Western, Indian, Asian and international cultures. Besides traveling to India and Southeast Asia, she also plans to visit Mexico. Patel has built a very loyal clientele from across the world. From traditional to modern and contemporary, she has assembled a fantastic collection.

ELEMENT BY SHANGRI-LA: This retail storefront is one of the best-hidden gems in Winter Garden. Most people walk in and say, “Wow! This is amazing! We heard about it, yet we didn’t know you were here! While some of the tables, benches, doors and Jharokha windows are repurposed relics from old buildings, they become striking accent pieces in homes, businesses and retail stores. They also become large props for special events. You will find everything from Buddha and Ganesh statues to chairs, benches, wall hangings, purses and giftware. Patel notes, “These high-quality finds are transformed into unique modern décor to provide you with exquisite pieces for your home or office.”

OCCASIONS BY SHANGRI-LA: Smita has also established Occasions by Shangri-la with her son Remmal Karamsadkar. As Creative Director for special events, Karamsadkar facilitates

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over 100 special events per year, including corporate themed functions, celebrations and over 40 weddings per year. Karamsadkar works hand-in-hand with businesses, families, couples and wedding planners. Some of their Asian-fusion wedding events have become two to three-day events. They coordinate the ceremonies, staging, furnishings, entertainment, performances, entertainment props, decorations, interactive video productions, custom fabrications and production lighting. Occasions by Shangri-la also have their own large Canvas Event Venue facility in the Doctor Phillips area of Orlando. They successfully host many events with up to 1000 people. Their inspired Floral Designs are known as some of the best in Florida. They can help you creatively celebrate any occasion from concept to completion. Patel adds, “We offer our imported culture collections to host really unique and distinctively different events that are memorable.” Smita still has a very strong passion for exploring different towns and cities while searching for talented artisans and discovering their quality work.

ELEMENT BY SHANGRI-LA 12800 West Colonial Drive Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-614-1593 ElementImports.com or OccasionsByShangrila.com @ElementFurnitureImports

D E C OR T R E N D S | HOM E + DE S I GN

Remmal Karamsadkar & Smita Patel

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IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER “NEW” DOES NOT ALWAYS TRANSLATE TO PERFECT CONSTRUCTION. 32

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A CRITICAL RESOURCE!

Every one of our local builders intend on building the closest to “perfect” as possible. Because of the nature of the new home construction processes, custom and semi-custom design considerations, re-use of vendors and contractors across projects, building delays, and material challenge; it’s possible that errors occur and need to be addressed prior to closing on your new home, and in some cases, prior to continued construction. Hiring your own Home Inspector is the best insurance to verify items of construction and make sure that everything is just the way you wanted it. Additionally, your Home Inspector can serve as your “Building Concierge” ensuring that work is done right when you can’t! We sat down with Keith and Carol Wilson to learn more about why a Home Inspector is the best addition to your home buying team, even for new construction!

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT CAROL, CLOSER LOOK INSPECTIONS, AND YOURSELF:

Carol and Keith Wilson

Carol and I have worked in Real Estate for over 15 years with Carol being a Licensed Realtor and I buying, rehabbing, and flipping homes for investment. In 2014, and leveraging our combined over 30 years of experience, we shifted our focus and started Closer Look Inspections (CLI) to be an asset to others in their home buying experience and our local realtors. In our spare time, we love to travel and spoil our granddaughter!

EVERYONE VALUES HOME INSPECTIONS FOR OLDER HOMES; WHY DO WE NEED ONE FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION? Every builder uses a series of subcontractors for different aspects of the construction. Every subcontractor has multiple crews to do things like stucco, roofing, electrical, plumbing, etc. From lot development to completed home, a home can easily have 200+ people involved in some aspect of the construction. With builder’s deadlines, multiple crews and so many “hands” involved, it is easy for processes to be missed, items to be overlooked, and construction rushed. Even with the best builders, there is always a likelihood of some errors being made in the construction process. In almost 25% of the new construction inspections CLI performs, we identify significant issues that need to be fixed. One of the critical items is when in the build process these issues are identified.

IS ONE INSPECTION GOOD ENOUGH FOR A NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION PROJECT? Homebuyers may not have the expertise to recognize defects at their walk-throughs during the building process. Closer Look Inspections has been inspecting New-Construction homes since 2017 and representing the buyer to provide expert analysis, answers to questions, documentation of errors, and photography for conflict resolution. We work with over 25 builders in the Orlando metro. There are really three critical steps when you should have your home inspector out: 1. Pre-Drywall: This is the last chance to see everything “inside the walls” and is one of the most critical inspections to ensure everything was built to plan and code.

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2. Walk Through before The Walk Through: Walking through your home and reviewing the pre-dry-drywall inspection with your Inspector BEFORE your final walk through with the Builder/Seller is critical to put together your ‘Issue List,’ and ensure the items that we already identified are fixed and fixed correctly.

home inspections available. We recently invested in Leakalyzer™ to detect the smallest leaks in pools, spas, and fountains. We are one of the only Home Inspectors in Central Florida to provide this state-of-the-art pool leak detection equipment!

ANY LAST THOUGHTS? 3. 10-month Check-In: You new home most likely came with a 12-month warranty from the builder. Having a 10-month Check-Up Inspection ensures that you catch those items that need to be repaired before the warranty that came with your home is expired.

DO YOU OFFER ANY SPECIAL SERVICES? Along with being our local communities’ leader in home inspection services, we can also provide aerial drone roof inspections, mold, foundation HVAC, thermal imaging, well water, termite, and wind mitigation Inspections, just to name a few. At CLI, we are always leveraging the latest technology to provide our clients and agents with the best services, most in-depth, and accurate

Closer Look Inspections is a highly experienced home inspection company with certified inspectors, long term relationships with our local builders and agents, and state-of-the-art equipment who look out for YOUR interests first. We provide value-added services that factor in the amount of time and money you are investing for your new home. Our New-Construction inspection services are thorough so that you can have the peace of mind of knowing that your home has been inspected by an independent 3rd party certified inspector.

CLOSER LOOK INSPECTIONS 407-319-4608 | Support@CLIOrlando.com | CLIOrlando.com

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