The Mill Magazine Edition 14 No. 3 Interiors

DYNAMIC, MODERN + FULLY ELECTRIC

Dr. Jessica Harden

ElleChristensen

Aubrey Ducane

BriceJacobson

SimonJohns

CandaceMattingly

Nick Karvounis

MartinStephenson

JoshVasko

MiaPerkins

JenniferWagener

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Designer

features a classic enameled cast iron Farmstead sink with integrated accessories and a Tournant semi-professional faucet while in her bath (right), a console table sink and brushed bronze finishes exude vintage charm. kohler.com

Jean Stoffer’s laundry room (above)

Dr. Teresa T. Mercado, DDS, FICOI with Eric Mercado and their French Bulldog, Boomer

Redesigning The Great Room

Transforming A Plain Space Into An Eclectic Family Haven

Text by Jennifer Wagener

In the world of interior design, the challenge of breathing life into a lackluster space is an opportunity to unleash creativity and craft a unique haven. Such was the case for my clients, who sought to revamp their great room—a vital space that served as the gateway to their home and doubled as a functional family room. With a vision to seamlessly blend their personal aesthetic with the warmth of cherished memorabilia, I embarked on a mission to infuse character, functionality, and an eclectic ambiance into this cavernous room. Join me, as I unveil the captivating transformation that has turned this onceplain space into an inviting family and guest retreat.

The redesigned space highlights the client’s world travels and cherished family heirlooms while accommodating their practical needs as a family. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Wagener, DDI.

After

When the homeowners initially had their custom home built, they found themselves at a creative crossroads when it came to designing the great room. While blessed with ample space and abundant natural lighting, the room lacked personality and failed to make a lasting impression.

The great room is encountered upon entering the home, it needed to embody the essence of this family and set the tone for the entire residence. It also had to serve as a welcoming family sanctuary where the couple and their children could unwind, enjoy leisure time, and entertain guests. My client wanted to showcase their vast collection of accents and family mementos that were gathered from around the world. To adorn their collections on various family global trips, they sought a space that effortlessly reflected their unique tastes and experiences.

Inspired by the family’s world travels and treasured possessions, I transformed the great room into an eclectic haven that emanated warmth, sophistication, and a sense

of curated effortlessness. With a focus on incorporating natural tones, rich textures, and captivating patterns, every design element was meticulously chosen to accentuate the room’s proportions while creating an inviting ambiance.

To enhance functionality and to create balance in the room, I introduced two custom leather, diamond-tufted backed swivel chairs, strategically positioned to catch the eye upon entering the space. Flanking the TV console, two accent chairs with caned backs added symmetry and visual appeal. Floating shelves were artfully installed above the accent chairs, creating a distinct backdrop for displaying the homeowners’ cherished memorabilia. Additionally, to bring all the seating elements together and define the central gathering area, a large wool area rug in various tones was carefully placed, grounding the space while infusing it with warmth.

My favorite part of this project was having two large dark wood beams installed to draw attention to the room’s

lofty ceilings, adding a touch of grandeur and architectural interest. A magnificent iron chandelier became both a source of additional lighting and a captivating focal point, commanding attention and imbuing the room with a sense of elegance.

Creating a harmonious interplay of light and color, I adorned the windows with four panels of gold ikat print window treatments, suspended from a single black steel rod. I like to tell my clients to think of drapery as the jewelry of their homes. It adds such a gorgeous, custom-finished touch to any space.

The framing technique highlighted the natural light streaming into the room, while the ikat pattern added a touch of global influence. I decided to introduce three large, framed abstract canvas art pieces, injecting vibrant colors and patterns that breathed life into the space and perfectly echoed the homeowners’ eclectic vision.

Through careful curation, an artful fusion of design elements, and an unwavering dedication to meeting the client’s desires, I successfully transformed the plain great room into a sophisticated yet relaxed space. It now stands as a testament to the client’s world travels and cherished family heirlooms while accommodating their practical needs as a family.

Jennifer Wagener is an interior designer and Carolina native. She lived overseas and in other parts of the country before finally deciding to come back home to the South. Prior to becoming a full-time interior designer, she worked in the financial industry for 25 years in vendor management. She attended the New York Institute of Art & Design to make her passion for interior design a reality while working as a part-time interior decorator. When completing a total reformation of a home in the Wilmington area, her realtor, and family encouraged her to work and devote her talents to interior design full-time. She didn’t hesitate to pursue the opportunity and leave corporate life behind. Now a franchise owner of Decorating Den Interiors, Jennifer lives on a farm with her husband, and they have a blended family of 6 adult children. Her current hobbies are raising chickens, gardening, horseback riding, and hosting dinner parties for family and friends. She is a member of the Greenway Ladies Guild and believes in giving back to her community through volunteerism in her spare time.

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• Masterful Moments® lifestyle programming and holistic wellness philosophy

• Modern, inviting spaces including a fitness center, rooftop bar and lounge, resort-style pool, dog park and more

• Assisted living and memory care on-site, if ever needed

From placement to scale, we took the guesswork out of styling your walls.

A SINGLE PIECE

Hang at eye level, keeping the midpoint approximately 60" above the floor. When hanging above a piece of furniture, keep 4–6" of space below the bottom of the frame.

MULTIPLE PIECES

Treat multiple pieces as one collective unit. Arrange at eye level, roughly 60" from the center of the grouping to the floor, leaving 2–5" of space between each piece.

LEDGES AND SHELVES

Keep the display at eye level, roughly 60" from the center of the grouping to the floor. Start with one piece as the focal point and position it slightly off-center, then layer additional pieces of various sizes and spacing between them.

GUIDE TO Hanging Artwork

GALLERY WALL

Arrange the center of the grouping at eye level, roughly 60" from the floor. Hang additional frames with 2–5" of space between each piece.

DESIGN TIPS

[Start at eye level]

Hang artwork at the same height as your eyes when standing, or roughly 60” from the center of the frame to the floor.

[Space planning]

When hanging multiple pieces, avoid arranging frames too closely by spacing pieces a couple of inches apart.

[Scale is key]

Artwork should span 2/3 the width of the furniture that sits below it. Consider multiple pieces as one collective unit.

Text by Elle Christensen

inspiring small town communities

Backyard

LIGHTING GUIDE

Text by Candace Mattingly

No space is complete without the perfect lighting, and with a plethora of local lighting options, you’ll find exactly the right fixture for any space and any style. Our guide to lighting options includes all the basics: sconces, chandeliers, pendants, and table lamps, as well as the more specialized, and harderto-find, linear lights, plug-in sconces, task lamps, and outdoor lighting. We researched the most in-demand designers in the industry to compile this guide and provide this information to you.

KNOW YOUR LIGHTS Chandeliers

Suspended from the ceiling, chandeliers direct their light upward. They refract light, and a chandelier’s branches of glistening crystals, baubles, or beadwork elevate a space wherever they’re hung.

Flush Mounts

This type of fixture is mounted directly to the ceiling and has a glass or plastic shade concealing the light bulb.

Pendants

Pendant mounts are fixtures that hang from the ceiling and are suspended. These types of lighting fixtures allow light to be directed straight down from the light source.

Table Lamps

Table lamps are versatile and portable sources of light in a room. Most lamps direct light downward. The shape of the shade can also make your lighting more dramatic.

Floor Lamps

Floor lamps have a freestanding design that allows them to be placed anywhere within reach of an electrical outlet. They don’t require complicated installation, mounting, or wiring.

Sconces

Surface-mounted to the wall, sconces can direct light upwards or downwards, and their covers or shades can add a stylistic touch to a room. Sconces are available as corded plug-in sconces or hardwired.

Lanterns

Lanterns add outdoor ambiance and additional lighting settings for your porch or patio. The assortment of candle lanterns, decorative metal lanterns, and votives make great path lighting for outside areas.

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting installations can make sure your outer home is always well-lit. They can light up your patio space without sacrificing style.

Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans combine lighting and are helpful for regulating a room’s temperature in both warm and cool seasons.

LIGHTING FOR EVERY ROOM

Lighting can be the jewelry of your home, bold and sculptural, delicate and refined, or something that gleams and sparkles. There are plenty of options to perfectly illuminate your style. Browse a local retailer to discover how many ways you can give your space a whole new look with the right lighting.

Living Room

Lighting the living room is all about options. It is often the most used space in the house, this room’s lighting should reflect its architectural elements, your furniture setup, and your personal taste. Lighting in the living room can set the mood for your room and having multiple light sources allow you to change the lighting as it suits your mood. Designers recommend having 3 types of lighting if possible, overhead, wall lights, and table or floor lamps. Being able to dim all of your lighting sources allows the most flexibility.

Consider placement before making your purchase by being mindful of sight lines and your seating area. For floor and table lamps, consider access to outlets and the placement of the switches (on the cord or on the lamps).

Dining Room

There are certain rules to follow when it comes to the placement of your dining room overhead lighting. Hang pendants and chandeliers about 30 - 36 inches above the center of your dining table. A cluster of pendants should be placed between 24 - 28 inches apart at varying heights.

Over a round table, lighting experts recommend a fixture that measures between 1/2 and 3/4 the diameter of the round table.

The right dining room lighting is all about scale and proportion. The best rule of thumb is that your light fixture should be about half the width of your dining table, but a slightly oversized pendant or chandelier can work beautifully as the dining room is the perfect place for a bold move.

For long narrow tables, consider linear lighting, which is normally found above kitchen islands, bars, or pool tables, but can create a stunning and dramatic moment over a long, rectangular dining table. The key is proportion. Selecting a linear light measuring no more than 2/3 the length of the table or island. Consider hanging a pair of linear fixtures to light extra-long surfaces.

Bedroom

A bedside sconce is a good solution for your bedroom. Depending on the height of your bed, a good rule of thumb for sconce placement is to measure 50 - 60 inches from the floor to the top of the fixture. Plug-in sconces are an easy way to get a designer look without hiring an electrician. Many designer favorites are pivoting and/or articulating and come with a cord cover in the same finish as the backplate.

If you prefer a bedside lamp, keep the proportion and

height of your nightstand in mind. Allot no more than a third of the stand’s surface area to the lamp’s base.

Kitchen

Good lighting in the kitchen is essential. The kitchen functions as the command center of most homes and functional lighting is a must, but making it pretty is even better. There are three main components to lighting a kitchen: ambient, task, and accent lighting. A combination of recessed or track lighting, flush mounts (ambient), under cabinet or directional sconces (task), and pendants, linear lights or decorative sconces (accent), all on their own switches, allow you to turn it all on when preparing food or cleaning, but also allow the ability to create a warm glow and lower lights for family meals or that afterdinner glass of wine when the day is done.

Kitchen islands tend to be both workspaces and gathering places. A pretty pendant above a squarish island, or a bold linear light over a long kitchen island create design magic.

For Kitchen Islands, we recommend selecting a light measuring no more than 2/3 the length of the table or island. Or, you may consider hanging a pair of linear fixtures to light extra-long surfaces.

Bathroom

There’s a critical difference between good bathroom lighting and great bathroom lighting. Great bathroom lighting has some sort of overhead brilliance above or near the mirror. It’s acceptable to have somewhat harsher, higher-wattage bulbs. A sconce (or two) near your vanity, hung 5 - 6 feet above the floor, is a useful fixture. For vanity lights above the mirror, the ideal light will measure at least 3/4 the width of the mirror but not extend over its edges. For larger mirrors, consider mounting a pair of evenly-spaced linear sconces.

Lighted Mirrors are also excellent choices when space is tight. Be sure the fixture you select is approved for damp or wet environments, depending on where you will be installing it.

RULES FOR EVERY ROOM

The best-lit rooms have two to three different sources of light shining at different heights. While the perfect wattage for every room and fixture depends on your space and your taste, dimmers and lighting on multiple levels (ceiling lights, wall lights, and floor or table lamps) allow you to set the mood. To ensure your lighting retains its aesthetic, opt for a decorative bulb anytime one is visible – designers recommend a halogen lamp in a traditional, clear glass bulb if your fixture is meant to throw light and shadow, and mirrored or oversized bulbs can make an

Photo of Dolcetti Chandelier by Corbett Lighting $14,774.00.

Photos (clockwise left to right) Bank Pendant by Audo Copenhagen $635.00, Nottaway Wall Sconce by Currey & Company $589.60, Admiral Pendant by Currey & Company $1,056.00, and Willow Table Lamp by Currey & Company $1,064.80.

exposed bulb feel like a design choice. Most fixtures come with specific recommendations and limits for lamping, so be sure to follow them to make sure you don’t damage your shades or wiring.

Several Common Mistakes Include:

✴Using an incandescent bulb where a LED is specified. This can cause both paper and fabric shades to burn and stain, as will delicate natural stone shades like alabaster.

✴Using a nondimmable bulb with either a wall or cord dimmer.

✴Using a wattage that is too high for the fixture.

Tip: Halogen lamps with a clear glass bulb are excellent at mimicking the light of an incandescent and also throw dramatic lights and shadow. There are also LED options that mimic the artful filaments and unusual tints of vintage Edison bulbs.

Entryway Lighting Fixture

Designers recommend at least 4 feet minimum away from each wall and 7 feet minimum from the bottom of the lighting fixture to the floor.

Above A Kitchen Island

Designers recommend installing ceiling fixtures 30 - 36 inches from the surface of your kitchen island. When installing multiple fixtures, the widest part of the fixtures should be spaced a minimum of 30 inches apart for optimal airflow, light spread, and visibility.

Above A Dining Table

When hanging pendant lights or chandeliers over a dining table, it’s common to position them so that the bottom of the pendant is approximately 30 to 36 inches above the surface of the table. This height allows for sufficient task lighting while preventing the pendant from obstructing the view or interfering with activities. The width of your fixture should be at least 6 inches narrower than the width of your table.

Above A Round Table

Choose a fixture with a width measuring between ½ and ¾ the diameter of the round table. As with other surfaces, designers recommend leaving approximately 30 - 36 inches between the bottom of your fixture and the top of your table.

Candace Mattingly studied English literature and interpersonal communications at UNC. She is a freelance writer and lives with her husband, twin boys, and their dog in Charlotte.

DRAYTON HALL

Conde Nast Traveler’s “Best Place to See in South Carolina”. America’s oldest unrestored plantation circa 1738 open daily for house tours, plantation tours, and museum exhibits. Drayton Hall is the nation’s earliest example of fully executed Palladian architecture and a must-see plantation house visit when traveling to Charleston.

charlestoncvb.com | draytonhall.org

Before Mackey Realty opened its doors to Charlotte in 2021, Heather Mackey, founder and owner, dreamed of launching additional services that would better serve her firm and her agent’s clientele. Heather says, “The idea of being a full-service brokerage with concierge services ranging from home staging to relocation was, and continues to be, our primary goal in real estate. When you sign on as a client, we not only want to meet your needs from a contractual standpoint but also supply you with all the extra benefits that go into selling a home.”

The Mackey Method is the considerable pre-production work that Mackey Realty agents execute on the client’s behalf to ensure their needs are covered from listing to closing. Utilizing effective staging techniques encourages potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space. Having one too many personal items or unnecessary clutter can be distracting, whereas, an empty room can come off as cold and impersonal. “The staging allows the prospective buyer to see themselves

living there without all of the personal belongings of the previous owner. It also helps the potential buyer understand how certain rooms can be used as if they are looking for alternative ways of living. That in and of itself is a huge selling point and benefit,” explains Mary Soria, Mackey Realty Agent.

During a home consultation, the Mackey Realty team gets a sense of the size of the space, interior flow, and maximum value of the home. Oftentimes the home is nearly ready and the suggestions for improvements are neutralizing the space with paint color or decluttering, but sometimes the home needs more hands-on help. Experience suggests, there is no home that doesn’t look amazing with even the simplest staging modifications.

The agent consults with the seller and walks through each room to determine if the home needs staging, scaling back on personal accessories, or extra furnishings. If the house is already vacant and furniture is necessary, then they will bring in additional

inventory. Once a plan of action is agreed upon between the listing agent and client, then the support team will facilitate the installation, marketing materials, and removal of the staging once the home has closed.

“The Mackey Method revitalizes homes. By taking into account a home’s target buyers, we custom-stage a house to strengthen its features. The goal is to enhance the aesthetic of a listing to generate big interest amongst the widest variety of buyers. This complimentary service sets us apart,” states Jennifer Lee, Mackey Realty Agent.

It’s important to acknowledge that staging doesn’t always guarantee a quick turnaround, but according to the National Association of REALTORS, a professionally staged home does spend 73% less time on the market compared to those without staging. With the listing photos, videos, and marketing materials ready, the team ensures that each room is showcasing well to

It’s ThanMoreJust Staging

It’s A Method For Success

Text by Brice Jacobson

buyers. If there’s a messy bed or too many items, then it could limit the turnout of buyers for open houses or showings. What appears tidy to the seller might not be tidy to a potential buyer, so it’s the responsibility of the listing agent to advocate for the seller’s best interest and give their home an unbiased assessment to ensure they walk away excited and with a strong offer.

“The Mackey Method was the biggest help when it came to selling. The movers, the logistics, the timeliness of it...it really was just top-notch. This additional service was just the cherry on top after an already amazing experience,” concludes Client, Mackey Realty.

a MTM

Brice Jacobson, a Charlotte native, is a freelance writer with an affinity for technology, food, and beer. He is often spotted in SouthEnd on a scooter.

Photos courtesy of Mackey Realty.

WOMAN FOUNDED. FAMILY OWNED. LOCALLY OPERATED. SINCE 1975.

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We have grown a lot since we opened our office in Fort Mill in 2018. Now, we’ve set deeper roots with a brand new office building right down the road in Springfield Town Center. Stop by or give me a call any time!

PETER MCCRANIE 704. 650. 2540

HOLLY ACHENBERG 980. 253. 5504

MELISSA BROWN 704. 654. 9700

MARIE DEMARTINO 704. 502. 7426

ILY MUNOZ 704. 900. 4773

G ERI MULLINIX - BROKER-IN-CHARGE - 704. 491. 1635

MARIE SCHYBERG 704. 763. 1426

LYNAE CROCKER 704. 641. 8411

AMY MERRIGAN 518. 810. 5428

ALICIA MCALLISTER 803. 448. 5966

Wallpaper Guide

Text by Mia Perkins

CHOOSING WALLPAPER

From the living room to the nursery, wallpaper is a great way to introduce color and texture to your home. You’ll find over 10,000 patterns of modern wallpaper by the best designers and brands with a quick internet search…plenty for you to make an eye-catching statement in your space. Find what you are looking for by searching wallpaper collections organized by pattern, style, color, and designer. Our guide will help you get started with wallpaper collections that feature everything from bold colors to graphic prints and organic patterns.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIAL

Vinyl

Vinyl wallpaper consists of a plastic coating on the top, and it’s backed with a paper

layer and is incredibly durable. It's perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, anywhere you need a little extra durability and protection from moisture.

3D

3D wallpapers give the illusion of added depth and feature pattern and texture designs such as wood piles, bookshelves, and bricks.

Peel & Stick

A fun and fresh way to decorate, Peel & Stick wallpaper is printed on high-quality vinyl that is repositionable and removable, making it a go-to, budget-friendly choice for both temporary and permanent projects. Perfect for accent walls, furniture, backsplashes, DIY decor, and more.

Textured

Textured walls have the ability to make any room feel extra special. Many of these wallpapers can be painted, so you can add texture, and then customize with your own perfect color.

Flocked

This wallpaper has a fuzzy velvet-like texture and is printed on a paper backing. The flock design creates a three-dimensional effect.

Photos (left to right) Cabarita Art Deco Flocked Leaves Wallpaper in Grey from the Pacifica Collection $200.00 and Chinoiserie Lilly Peel & Stick Wall Mural in Metallic Silver $379.99.

Photos (left to right) Gold Metallic Wall Mural in Engraved Landscapes Green by Kek Amsterdam $355.00, Fontette Wallpaper in Red by Osborne Little $404.00, and Painted Japanese Scene Tropical Wall Mural in Pink $208.00.

Natural Fiber

A natural handcrafted wallpaper made by applying grasses or vines onto a paper backing with glue. Natural fiber wallpapers are delicate to work with but are a classic and elegant addition to any room. Visible seams are a hallmark of this time-tested wallcovering.

Cork

Cork is usually thought of as a flooring material, but you can now cover your walls in this beautiful natural texture. It is sustainable and is available printed and textured or in its natural state.

Wall Murals

If you want to create a visual focal point in your space without the need to put holes in the wall for art, a wall mural is a fantastic way to achieve tons of style in a quick onestep installation.

Metallic

Add a chic, updated twist to your wall covering with a range of metallic wallpapers. Give a minimalist style the perfect backdrop with a simple, textured monochrome, or create a rock ‘n roll palace with dark metallic paper.

HOW MUCH WALLPAPER DO I NEED?

Determine your square footage. To do this, measure the height of the walls and add them together. Then measure the width of your walls and add them together.

Multiply the total height in feet and the total width in feet of your room. This will give you the total square footage.

For each standard door subtract 17 from the square footage. (For any other size door subtract the square footage of the door from the total square feet).

Find the pattern repeat. This can easily be found on the product page of any wallpaper website.

If the repeat is small (meaning the repeat is 12” or less including no repeat), divide the square footage by 25.

If the repeat is large (meaning the repeat is 13” or more), divide the square footage by 21. Your total will tell you the amount of single rolls you will need.

Remember, wallpaper is sold as a double roll bolt. When ordering 6 single rolls, you will receive 3 double roll bolts of wallpaper.

We always recommend working with a professional wallpaper installer. Because there can be slight variations in dye lots, we always recommend ordering 10-15% more than required to ensure a perfect match in unforeseen circumstances.

WALLPAPER FACTS

What is a pattern match? The match means the place where the design matches at the seams. Check the back of your wallpaper for the match information.

What are single rolls, double rolls, and bolts? Wallpaper is commonly priced by the single roll, but is usually sold only in double roll or bolt increments (double rolls and bolts are

interchangeable). This is because wallpapers are packaged in bolts (double rolls), and therefore they need to be sold in those increments. So if you order 10 single rolls of wallpaper, you can expect to receive 5 bolts when your order arrives.

What is the difference between paste-thewall, pre-pasted, and un-pasted, and which one is best for my decorating project? PasteThe-Wall is an unpasted wallpaper that you “paste the wall” to hang. In general, we find that paste-the-wall wallpaper is the easiest to apply.

Unpasted wallpapers have no paste applied to the backing, so you will need to purchase paste. Unless otherwise noted, we recommend hanging these by the paste-thewall method. Otherwise, you will need to paste and book the paper.

Prepasted wallpapers have a cured adhesive applied to the backing, which is activated with water when "booked".

What is "booking"? "Booking" wallpaper is an industry term that refers to the position the wallpaper should rest in while the glue is activated.

Mia Perkins is a freelance writer with relentless curiosity about people and places which keeps her wandering near and far and writing stories about them.

Photos (left to right) Portia Wallpaper in Delft from the Edit Vol. 1 Collection by Designers Guild $435.00 and Handpainted Songbird Peel & Stick Wallpaper in Green and Blue $65.00.

Thomas W. Epps, D.M.D., P.A.

In early 2022, Helen Adams Realty launched a new program to address two main client concerns: helping sellers receive the highest price for their homes and assisting buyers in purchasing updated, move-in-ready homes. Since then, their program called Market Ready has continued to receive positive feedback from clients and agents alike.

Knowing that homes in “parade ready” condition result in faster sales at higher prices, the firm’s Market Ready program provides up to $30,000 per seller client to make hassle-free home upgrades before listing. The funding comes with zero interest or fees and can be applied towards any number of upfront improvements, repairs, and renovations.

“The [Market Ready] program Helen Adams offered really clinched the deal,” said a recent client. “We were able to get new flooring, refinish the hardwoods and banisters, new paint, a kitchen update, etc. ALL without having to tap

into our cash reserves or use credit cards. It is an amazing program.”

In addition to assisting the seller net more for their sale, the Market Ready program is a client-friendly solution where their agent will manage the entire process. This includes sourcing vendors, handling appointments, processing and delivering payments, and more. Once the home sells, the seller simply pays Helen Adams Realty back from their proceeds at closing.

“Our agent managed it all! She scheduled the vendors and we had all updates done and went to market in under 30 days,” the client continued. “She also gave us excellent advice and we trusted her expertise, which ended up saving us over $20k when negotiating inspection findings with our buyers! We had multiple offers within several days.”

Purchasing a Market Ready home also benefits the buyer by allowing them to avoid the hassle of making repairs and fixes after closing. Most buyers prefer not to buy if repairs and fixes will be necessary when they move in, and with Market Ready, they can avoid the hassle and enjoy their home from the start.

“I’m proud to work at a firm that offers this program,” said a Helen Adams Realty agent. “It’s a ‘win’ for everyone involved. The seller nets more, the buyer gets an updated home, and I get to support local vendors for the work, and represent a beautiful home on the market.”

Since the program’s launch in April 2022, Helen Adams Realty has worked with more than 80 homeowners and deployed more than $800,000 in capital. Projects have included bathroom and kitchen remodels, painting, floor refinishing and replacement, wood rot repair, crawlspace

Is Your Home Market Ready?

A Local Firm Offers The Modern Solution For You

work, HVAC replacement, roof repair, and landscaping.

“Our goal is to be the best possible business partner for our agents and offer the highest level in everything we do,” says Rebecca Adams Starrs, Chief Marketing Officer. “In addition to a suite of cutting-edge technology and marketing, we are very proud to be able to offer this modern solution to our agents and clients.”

Whether you are in the market to buy or sell a home, the process just got exponentially easier with the innovative thinking of the Helen Adams Realty team.

Text by Elle Christensen

Photos by Martin Stephenson @MSImagerydotcom.

Provisions

inspiring small town flavors + shopping

Guide to Rugs

Text . by . Simon . Johns

The right rug can work wonders. When sized correctly and chosen carefully, it lays the groundwork for a thoughtful space, acting as the room’s gracious host.

A STRONG FOUNDATION

So how do you choose a magic carpet? There’s no one-sizefits-all approach. The ideal rug depends on a number of factors, including the type of room and your lifestyle.

There’s quite a bit to keep in mind, so we asked the rug experts to walk us through the selection process. From materials to construction to size, here’s what to consider.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIAL [Wool]

Delightfully textured and incredibly durable, wool is a classic choice for any space. Wool is a protein-based fiber from sheep’s fleece that is spun into yarn. Wool yarn is sustainable, biodegradable, highly durable, and highly resilient with natural oils that provide softness. Dyed and undyed wool products will vary in shade from piece to piece and will fade with exposure to sunlight. It’s great for hightraffic areas.

It is common for wool rugs to shed, as they are created from natural fibers that form long strands of material that are then hand-knotted to create delightfully soft and durable area rugs. Due to the sheared pile, loose fibers will eventually work their way to the surface. If your wool area rug starts shedding, this is normal.

Care

✴Regular vacuuming and the occasional gentle shake will keep these rugs looking their best. Use a vacuum with gentle suction, avoid heavy-duty vacuums or those with beater bars, as these can damage the construction. When vacuuming, work with the pile, not against it.

✴For bigger messes, we recommend professional cleaning only.

✴Ensure to use a high-quality rug pad to help protect the rug’s fibers from excessive wear as well as from dirt and moisture.

✴Trim any tufts of wool that appear with a sharp pair of scissors; do not pull the fibers.

✴Wipe your hand over the surface to collect any loose

fibers.

✴Rotate your carpet every few months to ensure even wear.

[Viscose]

Expect a lush shine and an oh-so-plush feel. While viscose is a bit more delicate, it's a great choice for many rooms in the home. Viscose is a hybrid of natural cellulose pulp and synthetic fibers that are regenerated through chemical processing and spun into yarn. This material imitates the look and texture of silk at a lower price. It is biodegradable with a soft appearance and has a silky feel with a lustrous sheen.

Ideal for low-traffic areas, viscose is not recommended for high-traffic areas due to high shedding since non-resilient fibers can mat and make stains difficult to clean.

It’s commonly found in tufted or hand-knotted rugs. Colors in viscose will appear soft and saturated and may vary depending on the viewpoint.

Care

✴Vacuum regularly on the low/gentle setting, or shake gently to remove dirt.

✴Do not expose to moisture of any kind; water can create permanent staining.

✴For bigger messes, we recommend professional cleaning only.

[Grass

Fiber]

Strong and durable, grass fiber rugs (think jute, sisal, or coir) lend a touch of natural texture and effortless style. Best suited for high-traffic areas, grass fiber rugs are commonly found in flatwoven or hand-knotted rugs.

If you love to layer your rugs, grass fiber rugs are an ideal choice.

Care

✴Regular vacuuming, rotation, and the occasional gentle shake will keep these rugs looking their best.

✴When vacuuming, always use the standard head; never use the rotating brush.

✴Remove dry spots by scraping carefully from the outer

edges toward the middle of the spot.

✴Do not rub wet spots; simply blot with paper towels, and clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

✴For bigger messes, we recommend professional cleaning only.

✴Flammable; do not place near a source of ignition.

[Recycled PET]

A UV-resistant option suitable for indoors or out, PET is crafted from recycled plastic and lends a welcoming layer to your sunroom or outdoor oasis. With durable construction and UV-treated for fade resistance, PET has a soft, woollike texture; lightweight; often reversible; washable, and scrubbable.

How It's Made

Recycled polyester (PET) yarns make up the warp and weft of these hand-woven rugs, with the weft skipping specific warps to create the pattern and are great for high-traffic areas.

Care

✴Regular vacuuming and the occasional gentle shake will keep these rugs looking their best.

✴Vacuum, brush lightly with fresh or soapy water, or spray with a hose.

✴Scrub lightly as excess scrubbing can cause fuzzing/ pilling.

✴PET rugs can hold in moisture if not dried after complete saturation. If your PET rug is outdoors and becomes fully saturated after rain, please hang it to help it dry.

✴Do not machine wash or dry.

[Silk + Art Silk]

The silk rug has been coveted for hundreds of years. Incredibly soft and lustrous, silk rugs are perfect for low-traffic areas that deserve a little extra glamour, like bedrooms. closets and dressing rooms.

The silvery, shimmery delicate look of fine silk can elevate a formal living room but requires great care. Although it can rival the strength of steel yarn, silk is still delicate when it comes to stains and dirt, so it's great for low-traffic areas and is commonly found in tufted, hand-knotted, and shag rugs.

Shedding is a normal process that occurs with silk and will subside over time.

Care

✴Vacuum regularly on a low/gentle setting, or shake gently to remove dirt.

✴Do not expose to moisture of any kind.

✴For bigger messes, we recommend professional cleaning only.

[Cotton]

Cotton rugs have a durable construction; they are soft underfoot and lightweight. High- and low-traffic spaces;

well-used family areas like hallways, bedrooms, and stairs. Cotton is commonly found in flat woven, jacquard, and hooked rugs, as well as blended with wool and viscose.

Care

✴Regular vacuuming and the occasional gentle shake will keep these rugs looking their best.

✴As woven rugs settle, a stray piece of yarn may pop up. This is perfectly normal. Do not cut the yarn; simply tuck and pull it back through the underside of the rug.

✴Small rugs may be hand washed gently in cold water; professional cleaning is recommended for larger area rugs.

✴Do not machine wash, bleach, or tumble dry.

[Hemp]

Hemp is strong, durable, and naturally anti-bacterial so this fiber can be used outdoors in a covered area as well. It’s best suited for high-traffic areas and is commonly found in flatwoven or hand-knotted rugs.

If you love to layer your rugs, hemp rugs are a great option that tends to shed less than similar jute rugs.

Care

✴Regular vacuuming, rotation, and the occasional gentle shake will keep these rugs looking their best.

✴When vacuuming, always use the standard head; never use the rotating brush.

✴Remove dry spots by scraping carefully from the outer edges toward the middle of the spot.

✴Do not rub wet spots; simply blot with paper towels, and clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

✴We recommend professional cleaning only.

✴Flammable; do not place near a source of ignition.

[Leather + Hides]

Animal hides are cleaned and finished by hand. The size, shape, and coloration will vary from piece to piece since every natural animal hide is completely unique.

Care

✴Clean spills immediately by blotting with a clean sponge or cloth.

✴Professional cleaning is recommended.

✴An appropriate rug pad is highly recommended on all surfaces to prevent slipping, add cushion, and improve durability.

✴For vacuuming, use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar or one where you can set the bar to the highest pile setting. If your vacuum has variable power settings, set it on low. Vacuum the full length of the rug, turn and repeat to the next area, rather than back and forth motion.

[Outdoor]

Naturally, outdoor rugs are made differently than traditional interior area rugs or carpets. Outdoor rugs can withstand years of wind, rain, dirt, mud, and even exposure to the sun. Though most can also easily stand up to ice or snow, you

Photo (left) Jamie Hand Loomed Jute Rug by Loloi $2,249.00.

may want to take them up and shelter them during such harsh conditions. Most are going to be made of synthetics that dry quickly or even repel water (think nylon, polyester, or acrylic strands). This also makes most of the rugs very light in weight and sure to retain their colors. There are, however, many natural fiber rugs that are perfect as seasonal, outdoor rugs. It is this latter group you may want to roll up and take indoors when freezing conditions arrive.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZE

stretched fabric backing onto a drawn pattern. A relatively modern technique, tufting uses loops instead of knots and was developed to create a plush, textural pile.

Carved

Hand carving is the technique of trimming and shaping tufted wool rugs as a final step to create dimension and interest. It is typically done by hand with scissors in India and electric shears in China.

Living Room

Measure your living room’s seating area, and select a rug that’s slightly larger than your space. Ideally, all the furniture in the seating area should fit on the rug with at least six inches to spare on every side. If that’s not possible, take a “two legs on, two legs off” approach and stay consistent will all furniture pieces.

Dining Room

Your rug should be large enough to accommodate your table and all the chairs when they’re pushed out – anything smaller will create a tripping hazard. We suggest choosing a rug made from stain-resistant materials such as wool for dining rooms.

Bedroom

Ideally, the bed and nightstands should fit on the rug with at least a foot to spare on all sides. If that’s not possible, start the rug at your nightstand so it extends beyond the foot of the bed.

Another idea? Consider using two runners to frame your bed instead. For the coziest feel, we recommend a high-pile rug.

Kitchen and Hallway

Place a small 2’ x 3’ rug by the kitchen sink for a colorful, cozy accent. We suggest choosing a rug that will resist hightraffic wear for these busy spaces.

A runner rug is perfect for long, narrow kitchens and entryways. For hallways, leave about six inches of floor between the walls and the rug.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONSTRUCTION

Hand-Knotted

The weft yarn is wrapped and knotted by hand around each warp thread. Then, each yarn is hand-cut and hand-tamped for tightly constructed knots that stand the test of time. The quality of hand-knotted rugs is unsurpassed.

Tufted

Using a tufting tool, yarn is passed through a framestretched fabric backing onto a drawn pattern. A relatively modern technique, tufting uses loops instead of knots and was developed to create a plush, textural pile.

Hand Loomed

Using a tufting tool, yarn is passed through a frame-

Printed

Printed with digital and screen-printing techniques, these rugs deliver cheerful, detailed pattern work.

Power-Loomed

Entirely flat-woven with a lower pile, power-loomed rugs are machine-woven using cutting-edge technology.

Shag

Woven by hand on a pit loom or punja loom, shag rugs are highly textural. The size, design, and color may vary slightly, but typically they are very thick and plush.

Washable

Machine-washable rugs are easy to wash and can be washed at home in a conventional washing machine. Washable rugs are handmade, carefully and individually by artisans. Eco-friendly, 100% natural cotton and non-toxic dyes, and perfect for those areas that tend to need extra clean up but also need to be cozy, like kids' rooms, tv rooms, playrooms, and nurseries.

Outdoor

Made from PET or polyester and sometimes natural materials like hemp or grass, these rugs are sturdy enough to live outside. Be sure to note, however, what type of outdoor environment is suggested, while some rugs will be fine on a deck, some may only hold up well on a covered porch or patio.

CARING FOR YOUR RUG

We highly recommend using a rug pad to prevent slippage and to protect your floor. Consider rotating your rug every six months for even wear. Shedding is a normal process that occurs with natural fiber rugs and should subside after 6-8 weeks with regular vacuuming. To avoid damaging your rug, vacuum with the beater bar off, using a high-pile setting. Blot spills immediately with a clean, absorbent, light-colored cloth. Professional cleaning is recommended for best results.

Simon Johns was glued to the television watching old black and white movies as a kid. He’d run around the house pretending to be a reporter with a piece of paper tucked into his hat. Simon’s mom bought him a Remington 5 when he was 12. If you hear a typewriter at your local coffee shop, Simon asks that you refrain from breaking his concentration. Creative types, right?!

(clockwise from top right)

Alvea Hand Tufted Medallion Blush and Beige Rug by Jaipur Living $1,025.00

Hygge Hand Woven Wool Bohemian Rug by Surya $1,155.00

Parisa Beige Rug by Nourison $1,629.00.

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modern provincial with garden whimsy

Mixing Styles

Mixing design styles can create an interesting and visually appealing space that is uniquely yours. But first, you must identify the design styles you want to mix. Start with the decor you are drawn to, whether it's modern, traditional, rustic, contemporary, or eclectic. Consider the mood and atmosphere you want to create in your space.

CHOOSE A DOMINANT STYLE

Select one design style as your dominant style and use it as a foundation. This will help create cohesion and prevent the

space from feeling too chaotic.

DEFINE A COLOR PALETTE

Choose a cohesive color palette that works well with both design styles. This will help unify the different elements and create a harmonious look.

START WITH THE BIG STUFF

With the larger furniture pieces and architectural elements in the space, such as sofas, tables, and built-in features,

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Black and Walnut Bellwood 3-Tier Shelf by Umbra $179.99

Clear and Gold Tissue Box $69.99

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Text by Aubrey Ducane

make sure these elements have a cohesive look that reflects your chosen design styles.

LAYER IN SMALLER ELEMENTS

Add smaller décor elements, such as rugs, lighting fixtures, and accessories that incorporate both design styles. Look for pieces that have elements from each style or mix styles within individual pieces.

CREATE BALANCE

Balance is key when mixing design styles. Aim for a harmonious mix of elements from each style, rather than overwhelming the space with one design. Consider each piece's scale, placement, and proportion to achieve a visually balanced look.

EXPERIMENT AND EDIT

Don't be afraid to experiment and make adjustments as you go. Play around with different combinations of styles and

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elegant maison with a touch of tribal

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elements until you achieve the desired look.

Edit and remove any pieces that feel out of place or disrupt the overall harmony of the space. Remember, this is an exercise in contrast.

By utilizing contrast in various forms, such as combining light and dark colors, mixing different furniture styles, or juxtaposing different textures, the contrast of the two styles creates visual tension and adds excitement to your space.

Go forth and create a cohesive yet visually interesting space that reflects your personal style. Have fun and trust your instincts as you mix styles.

a MTM

Aubrey Ducane is the Community Editor here at The Mill Magazine and she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising and Branding from Savannah College of Art and Design. She prefers to shop at local boutiques and dine at small family-owned restaurants as often as possible.

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