Nichols Hills & NW OKC Community Magazine - April 2018

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Nichols Hills & NW OKC Community

Contents

From our advertisers: • A trip to Swanson’s Fireplace and Patio in downtown Edmond is ‘well worth your time.” Page 6 • California Closets has solutions for the whole house. Page 7 • Clients choose Urban Kitchens, photo above, for the company’s attention to design and integrity.

Page 8 • Johnston Builders’ The Fountains is one of the most appealing neighborhoods in Northwest Oklahoma City. Page 9 • Habitat for Humanity volunteers make a difference for families in need of homes. Page 12 • At Norwalk, it is a tradition of community. Page 15

ON THE COVER: Clayton Sliger and Larry Bourne were looking for a business that was unique to Oklahoma and had history when they purchased Bachle’s in 2016. For their story, see Page 5.

— Photo right, courtesy of Classic Silks, 10407 N. May Ave.

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Pull a chair up by the f ire Bachle's Fireplace Furnishings and Bachle's Design Studio can help make you comfortable 4 Nichols Hills & NW OKC Community Magazine

When looking for a business that was unique to Oklahoma and had history, Clayton Sliger and Larry Bourne found exactly what they were looking for in Bachle’s Fireplace.

Now Bachle's Fireplace Furnishings and Bachle's Design Studio, the two purchased the business April 2016 from Kandi Zimmerman who bought it from the Bachle family approximately 15 years before.

“What better than a business that started in 1907 right here in downtown OKC,” Larry said. “It was a way for us to escape the corporate world and be a part of the community on a more personal level.”

Clayton is originally from Enid and Larry from Idabel. Clayton attended Phillips University and Larry Oklahoma Christian University. Clayton has worked as a chief financial officer for major corpoBachle’s is in the process to expanding its line to rations here in Oklahoma City for include unique ideas for the kithcen and bath. over 25 years now. Larry had been in the hospitality industry and sales.

“Both of our families have been successful business owners so we had an idea of what we were trading becoming our own bosses,” Clayton said.

Bachle's started in 1906-1907 as a custom metal works business basically providing fencing for settlers. The business evolved over the years to become a major player in the hearth industry. e h t “Many companies both here in Oklahoma and elsein r a leade early n e e b where has some kind of relationship or help getting s ha the Bachle’s dustr y since started from Leonard Bachle,” Larry said. “We now in hear th offer furnishings and installation for fireplaces, in 1900s. addition to logs, fire glass, Doors, custom metal works, tools and other accessories.”

“We are in the process of expanding our line to include more outdoor features and unique ideas for the kitchen and bath. For example; metal cabinet doors, industrial barn doors, metal backsplashes and a whole area devoted to just electric fireplaces that could go anywhere. We also carry home decor items.”

Clayton said the company strives to keep up with trend. Right now, he said, transitional style is very big.

Outdoor features, including Pairing the traditional or rustic look with a contemporary touch is also very popular. interesting fireplaces, are part Incorporating traditional logs with fire glass is one example of this trend. of Bachle’s new inventory.

“However, many people have found new ideas when visiting the store,” Clayton said, “From cannon balls to custom iron art for inside the fireplace, we let your imagination lead you.”

“You tell us what you want and we can generally find a way to make it reality.”

Larry said they are finding that customers are wanting style and comfort (heat) from their fireplaces. “It is becoming more than a hole in the wall that you feed wood into on special occasions,” he said. “Homeowners are wanting to forego the mess and smell, but still want the ambiance but with heat. They want to use it everyday and benefit from it by actually being able to feel the heat.”

And, homeowners are wanting the ability to add a fireplace with real looking flames to other parts of their home.

“We can show them a number of ways to do just that,” Larry said. “Electrics have become the fastest growing segment in the hearth industry in just the last couple of years. Using LED lighting and ceramic heaters along with other technology, they are not what customers remember them being.”

The hearth industry has dealt with tough regulations, different laws and costs of fuel and has adapted to give the consumer better looking, more cost effective products than what was offered in the past, Clayton said.

“The industry is continuously coming up with new and exciting products for every homeowner,” he said. “For us it is hard to keep up with the newest thing out there. But we are striving to offer our community with the newest and ever evolving fireplace and interior design products offered.”

Clayton said Bachle’s will be working with other local businesses so customers can see the many possibilities for their spaces. “Our shopping center, Charter at May, is a one-stop shopping experience for your home.”

Bachle's new Design Studio will include a complimentary beverage bar, outdoor ideas and a kitchen with an array of new design ideas.

“Want to renovate or are you building a new home,” Larry said. “We will have tile samples and other unique items to help you personalize your space.”

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‘A Short Trip Well Worth Your time’ Swanson’s offers the finest in casual outdoor furniture

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Family owned and operated, Swanson’s Fireplace & Patio in downtown Edmond has been serving the Oklahoma City metro and surrounding areas for over 20 years now. With a visit to Swanson’s, you will receive personal and experienced customer service while enjoying a fun, family atmosphere.

Offering the beauty of cast aluminum, the warmth of wicker and the durability of wrought iron, Swanson’s is home to only the very best in outdoor furniture from the casual

furniture, industry leaders. Three of the manufacturers Swanson’s offer have 100 years in the business and one of the youngest is just turning 40. The manufacturers so proudly represented are trusted brands awarded over time with multiple leadership and design excellence awards.

For the finest in outdoor furniture, you are invited to visit Swanson’s where, as their slogan says, it will be “A Short Trip Well Worth Your Time.”

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MORE THAN JUST CLOSETS California Closets has solutions for whole house

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California Closets builds more than just bedroom closets. We are experts at creating custom storage systems for every room in the home. Our exceptional designs, exclusive finishes, and stunning accessories will make your home more beautiful and functional.

The design consultants at California Closets are regional experts who know and understand local nuances and trends, allowing them to reach a solution that makes the most sense for a client’s home. Our designers also utilize the latest technologies to illustrate and bring 3D designs to life, capturing your vision.

We provide tailored expertise and deliver personalized results, always suited to your style, passions and the way you live.

You already know how the perfect lighting and the right accessories can make every room in your home more beautiful. Now, during our Lighting & Accessories Sales Event, you can transform your closet into a chic

California Closets’ designers utilize the latest technologies to illustrate and bring 3D designs to life, capturing your vision. boutique, turn your home office into a stylish retreat, or convert your pantry into a space that is every home chef’s dream. Plus, you’ll save up to $1,000 in the process. Start today by visiting our showroom or online at CaliforniaClosets.com to book a complimentary inhome appointment with one of our experienced design consultants.

• Valid 03.01.18 through 04.30.18 at participating locations only. Cannot be combined with other offers.

Offer valid on new purchases only. Savings not to exceed 15% of total install value.

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Urban Kitchens: Providing worry free renovations

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Located on Western Avenue, Urban Kitchens has been designing and building kitchens and baths in the Oklahoma City area since 1999.

With an emphasis on a personal approach and a well-developed building process, clients choose Urban Kitchens for their attention to design, their ability to incorporate unique architectural details, integrity, and personal attention to every client relationship.

Urban Kitchens is a design/build company focused on creating stylistically individual, one of a kind, highly detailed kitchens and bathrooms for Oklahoma City homeowners. In working with new residences or home renovations, Jo Meacham, the owner, has a passion for architecture, structure, space, proportion, and design – whether the project is a renovation or a new build.

The Urban Kitchens approach is to build and design kitchens and baths that enjoy the highest level of quality,

Urban Kitchens is a design/build company focused on creating stylistically individual, one of a kind, highly detailed kitchens and bathrooms. while respecting schedule, budget, and effective communication. All homeowners prefer different design elements and all have different needs specific to their way of life.

Urban Kitchens listens to the customer and incorporates all aspects of design, site and space layout, structure, furnishings, and esthetics into

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the desires and expectations of each homeowner’s completed kitchen or bath. By gaining a true understanding of the clients' priorities and desires for their projects, the construction phase goes faster and easier, and a wellplanned project is softer on the budget.

Urban Kitchens is the best in the city for planning, engineering and construction your renovation or new home.

If you are looking for someone with integrity to manage one of your most valued assets, someone with an eye for design, and someone with a team of highly-experienced workers and crews to work on your new project, call Urban Kitchens.

Services provided include design/build kitchen, bathrooms, additions and whole house renovations, custom cabinets, cabinet design and cabinet design for new construction.

For more informaiton, visit urbankitchensok.com or call 405-7027747.

Come home to Johnston Builders’ The Fountains

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Johnston Builders bought the nestled in the north end of the naturally beautiful 100-acre development. The gated Hidden Creek property 18 years entrance is separated by two ago. This property north of ponds, with fountains and 122nd and east of MacArthur waterfalls on each. This quiet has turned out to be one of NW and serene area has walking Oklahoma City’s most appealing paths and a park setting just neighborhoods. before reaching the entrance.

The boulevard entrance with We have only six homes The Fountains is the gem of the mature landscaping meanders remaining. They are built, move Hidden Creek addition nestled in the north to a beautiful wooded in ready and beautifully deconorth end of the development. creek. The creek stretches from rated. They range from 1,800 one corner of the property to the square feet to 2,900 square feet other and provides a beautiful back drop throughout the com- and the prices ranges from $243,000 to $422,000. There are 2 munity. Being neighbors with the Martin Nature Park to the bedroom homes ranging up to three bedrooms with two massouth, it is common to see herds of deer throughout our comter suites and a three car garage. The community is gated, mon areas in the late evenings and early mornings. maintenance free and the construction is completed.

The location of Hidden Creek has always been a selling There are few gated and maintenance free communities point. We are very close to the Kilpatrick Turnpike and the left with this type of location in the heart of NW Oklahoma Hefner Parkway, so getting to other parts of the city is easy.

City. When you drive in to Hidden Creek north of NW 122nd, Many people like the comforting feeling of being close to take Hidden Creek Blvd. north to Deepwood Creek Dr. and Mercy Hospital and the Heart Hospital. There is also the continue until you reach the fountains in the northwest part entertainment district along the turnpike which includes of the development. The gates are open during the day, so many new restaurants, Quail Springs Mall and the new, popcome see our open houses from 1-4 p.m. on Saturdays and ular Chisholm Creek area.

Sundays. You can also schedule an appointment anytime by The Fountains is the gem of the Hidden Creek addition calling Doug Johnston at 405-820-8890.

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Gardens CAN survive during drought During the early and oftentimes rain-drenched days of spring, it can seem like there may never be a time when plants will struggle to get their share of water. But drought can affect any area, and arid climates in particular. Ensuring gardens can survive drought takes patience and forethought.

Drought can be particularly troubling for avid gardeners because it can wreak havoc on lawns and gardens. In addition to causing changes in the physical appearance, including wilted, dried out leaves and stalks, drought can weaken the integrity of plants. This makes plants more susceptible to disease and attacks from plant-preying insects, according to Better Homes & Gardens. In addition, it can take years for plants to recover from drought.

So what can gardeners do? While they may not be able to prevent damage to plants from drought, gardeners are not helpless.

Water well infrequently. Get plants used to a thorough watering every week or every other week.

This will help develop strong, deep roots rather ts to include in ght-tolerant plan ou dr od than shallow ones that will need frequent watering to go e ar Succulents thrive. s. gn si de landscape Choose drought-tolerant plants. Homeowners can work with garden centers and landscape professionals to create gardens that are full of water-wise plants and flowers. Some examples of plants that can survive with minimal water include the blanket flower, Spanish lavender, euphorbia rigida, and kangaroo paw.

Apply a layer of mulch. Mulch can protect delicate plants and the rest of the landscape by reducing the evaporation of soil moisture. Mulch will keep soil cool and moist.

Skip the fertilizer. Since fertilizers encourage plant growth, it's best to skip them during drought, as growing plants require extra water.

Invest in rain barrels. When it rains, maximize the amount of water that can be collected by connecting rain barrels to downspouts on the house.

This water can be used to water gardens when dry weather returns.

Use organic materials. Amend the soil with organic materials, like compost. The Grow Network advises that light, fluffy soils with air pockets in between the soil particles route water efficiently during floods and retain moisture for plants. Therefore, such soils can perform very well during drought.

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Gardens can survive drought with simple actions and smart planting.

Go bold, use vibrant colors in home decor

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Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform the look of a space. Paint colors can dramatically change the mood and the design of a home. And depending on a homeowner's goals, paint can make a statement or blend into the background.

Many people are now looking to bold colors to make spaces stand out. But choosing a paint color can be challenging. Homeowners looking to update walls and complement decor may want to look at some of the more impactful colors. Primrose Yellow, Lapis Blue, Flame, Pink Yarrow and Greenery are some of the more eye-catching selections. Once colors are selected, consider these guidelines for using bolder colors in room designs.

• Decide how big an impact you want to make. Are you looking for color overload or just a small focal point of vivid color? Remember, using bold color doesn't mean every wall must be lathered in that hue. Instead, select one wall to serve as an accent point and use that spot as your bold color display.

Otherwise, rely on bold colors to dress up otherwise mundane areas, such as the back wall of a cupboard or moldings and trim.

• Try bold in a small space. Many people are surprised at how well bold colors work in small spaces. Powder rooms can be an ideal spot to experiment with paint colors. Try deep colors that can make the area seem intimate and even exotic. Dark, bold hues can be toned down by different accents, such as neutral colored fixtures and towels.

• Go bold in the kitchen.

Incorporate a splash of color in the kitchen without going overboard. Try an appliance or design fixture in a bright shade. Or paint the inside of the cabinets in your favorite color and install glass inserts in the cabinet doors so that everyone gets a peek of the color beyond. A neutral kitchen also can be brightened up with the use of silverware, dishes, pots and pans, and other kitchen items featured in bold hues.

• Stick to boldness on

interchangeable items. Those who like to experiment with color may find that they like to switch out the colors now and again. Instead of having to repaint every few months, use decorative items in bright shades to make swapping out color that much easier.

For example, replace area rugs, throw pillows and draperies. Paint over terra cotta flower pots when the mood strikes.

• Establish balance. Rely on neutral furniture, rugs, moldings and baseboards if you decide to take bold colors up a notch. This will help create a sense of balance in the room.

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Habitat volunteers make a difference Individual volunteers like you can make the difference for Oklahoma families in need of decent, affordable homes.

Experience for yourself the sense of community and pride when working side-by-side with the homeowner, helping them accomplish a lifelong dream of homeownership. The only skill you need to bring to the worksite is the desire to make a difference.

We need more than muscle at Central Oklahoma Habitat.

Volunteers can help build homes, work in the office, help at the Renovation Station or serve on a committee – whatever time allows.

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There are also volunteer opportunities for: Corporate Groups to demonstrate your company’s commitment to its community with our great team building opportunities.

Faith Groups: People from all religious backgrounds can put their faith and love into action by volunteering with Central Oklahoma Habitat.

University and High School Groups can voluteer. Students with giving hearts and a call to community service are always welcome at Central Oklahoma Habitat.

To signup contact Rick.Lorg@cohfh.org.

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For sale: Spring best season for selling a home

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According to Realtor.com, spring is the busiest and best season to sell a home. While a good home can find a buyer any time of year, homeowners might find the buyers' pool is strongest in spring and into summer.

The reasons for that are many, ranging from parents wanting to move when their children are not in school to buyers wanting to move when the weather is most accommodating.

Because spring is such a popular time to sell a home, homeowners who want to put their homes on the market should use winter as an opportunity to prepare their homes for the prying eyes of prospective buyers. The following tips can help homeowners during the pre-selling preparation process.

1. Address the exterior of the home.

Winter can be harsh on a home's exterior, so as winter winds down, homeowners who want to sell their homes should make an effort to address anything that might negatively affect their homes' curb appeal.

A study of homes in Greenville, S.C., from researchers at Clemson University found that the value of

homes with landscapes that were upgraded from "good" to "excellent" increased by 6 to 7 percent. If it's in the budget, hire professional landscapers to fix any problematic landscaping or address any issues that arose during the winter. Homeowners with green thumbs can tackle such projects on their own, but hiring professionals is akin to staging inside the home.

2. Conquer interior clutter.

Clutter has a way of accumulating over the winter, when people tend to spend more time indoors than they do throughout the rest of the year.

Homeowners who want to put their homes on the market in spring won't have the luxury of waiting until spring to do their "spring" cleaning, so start clearing any clutter out in winter, even resolving to make an effort to prevent its accumulation throughout winter. Just like buyers are impressed by curb appeal, they are turned off by clutter. The Appraisal Institute suggests homeowners clear clutter out of their homes before appraisers visit, and the same approach can be applied to open houses. Buyers, like appraisers, see cluttered homes as less valuable. In

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addition, a home full of clutter might give buyers the impression, true or not, that the home was not well maintained.

3. Eliminate odors.

A home's inhabitants grow accustomed to odors that might be circulating throughout the house. Pet odor, for instance, might not be as strong to a home's residents as it is to guests and prospective buyers. Because windows tend to stay closed throughout the winter, interior odors can be even stronger come late-winter than they are during the rest of the year. A thorough cleaning of the house, including vacuuming and removal of any pet hair that accumulated over the winter, can help to remove odor. In the weeks leading up to the open house, bathe pets more frequently, using a shampoo that promotes healthy skin so pet dander is not as prevalent.

Open windows when the weather allows so more fresh air comes into the home.

Spring is a popular and potentially lucrative time to sell a home, and homeowners who spend winter preparing their homes for the market may reap even greater rewards.

It’s all about community at Norwalk

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In 2005 Ryan Johnson and Cindy Curley purchased Norwalk together and within 3 months they could already see real results. Immediately Ryan and Cindy added new inventory to a store that had seen no new product for over a year. “We refreshed the store, added more and more new inventory and started advertising in local newspapers and it made a huge difference,” said Ryan.

For Ryan the personal service, the unique pieces and being able to customize your home for your family and your lifestyle is what sets Norwalk Furniture and Design apart from other furniture stores. “We really listen to our clients and know how to make it a room of their dreams,” said Cindy, then added, “They depend on us.”

Cindy shared how for some families she has actually decorated from nursery to teen years then downsizing. Ryan and Cindy have traveled too, sometimes for inspirations but usually to help clients that have moved to other states. In other words, over the years they have had many clients that have loved and respected their work enough to only hire Cindy and Ryan. They not only know their clients styles and tastes, but they have bonded and became friends.

Ryan and Cindy agree that in part their success has been in part a continued partnership with their community and giving back. In 2017, Ryan and Cindy picked over 15 type galas, foundations, PTAs, fund raisers and more to donate, decorate and participate with and for.

Cindy and Ryan have been proud “local” owners, operators and designers together for over 12 years.

They have been friends for over 16 years and have a very special friendship. “We love what we do and every day is a new adventure,” said Cindy.

It is about furniture made in the USA, the quality of their product, a company with a 100 year old history, unique and custom designs, one of a kind styles, quick deliveries and bringing a client’s vision to life, but for Ryan and Cindy, it’s all about the lasting relationships.

Above: Norwalk owners Cindy Curley invite customers to “Come, sit and stay.”

At left: As seen at the Symphony Show House — The round dining table features a gilded base and glass top surrounded by classic navy velvet Klismos chairs.

— Photos by Anne Schmidt

— Anne Schmidt Nichols Hills & NW OKC Community Magazine 15