Charlottesville HOME Sept/Oct 2015

HOME C H A R L O T T E S V I L L E

DESIGN

■

IMPROVE

■

GARDEN

■

LIVE

Inviting

INTERIORS

STYLE UPDATES

CREATIVE SHOPPING ACCENT WALLS

RENOVATION

FOR THE AGES

IN THE YARD

TREE CARE COMPOSTING HOT TUBS September/OCTOBER 2015, vol. 2, No. 4

503 Faulconer Drive, Ste. 5 Charlottesville, Virginia 22903

434.295.1131 office | homes@mcleanfaulconer.com

WALK ABOUT FARM $1,975,000 180+ gently rolling acres in the heart of Batesville with quality-built 5 bedroom, 4,900 sq.ft. residence. Bucolic setting, gorgeous mountain views, creeks and frontage on Mechums River.

CAAR MLS# 526238

FARMINGTON $2,850,000 Elegant 4BR brick home, over 6,400 square feet on two levels, completely renovated & enlarged with superb quality construction, materials & finish details. Spacious living room & family room, superb kitchen, wonderful porch overlooking beautifully landscaped grounds, pool & golf course.

CAAR MLS# 532683

FARMINGTON $3,800,000 Elegant residence, c. 1931. Unique 4 bedroom, 5 bath, 6,800 finished square foot home, meticulously maintained in “turnkey” condition. Situated on 2.6 acres adjacent to the 16th fairway.

CAAR MLS# 533998

NEXT TO MONTICELLO $689,000 Lovely 3.28 acre park-like property 5 minutes to Charlottesville, almost 7,000 sq.ft. brick home, c. 1942, up to 5-6 bedrooms. Many unique architectural features, cottage, basement apartment.

CAAR MLS# 533105

ACOURT

$2,595,000

Custom stone residence, old world inspired interior & exterior. Fully appointed home & carriage home, stable and kennel, 20 fenced acres, mt. views, close to Charlottesville in Keswick Hunt Country.

CAAR MLS# 530692

CLOUDS HILL FARM $3,900,000 Spectacular c.1870 barn w/magnificent wooden beams has been transformed into a stunning updated 6 BR residence on 35 acres in Ivy. Pool house & horse barn.

Close proximity to Charlottesville & UVA. CAAR MLS# 533616

RUGBY ROAD $2,750,000 Designed by Eugene Bradbury, this meticulously updated 6 bedroom 5.5 bath home, built c. 1913, occupies two lots of just under 2.5 acres within walking distance to UVA and Barracks Road.

CAAR MLS# 530390

IVY FARMS $1,195,000 Beautiful park-like setting, large pond, 5 acres, less than 5 miles west. Well-built 2 story traditional brick residence, great interior and exterior spaces including several covered porches for relaxing and entertaining; huge kitchen/dining/ family room; detached guest house with garage below.

CAAR MLS# 529174

IVY CONTEMPORARY $1,145,000 Spectacular, world-class Blue Ridge views 10 minutes to town from this extraordinary Jim Tuley designed contemporary.

Totally unique, beautifully built and dramatic in every way, this distinct 3BR/2.5BA home is extremely livable and attractive. 11.73 acres, mostly wooded with complete privacy.

CAAR MLS# 533291

FREE UNION $1,395,000 Panoramic Blue Ridge view & water view from this meticulously maintained 5 BR luxury home. Private 21 acre hilltop sanctuary, heart of Farmington Hunt Country, 10 miles NW of Charlottesville.

CAAR MLS# 529868

CEDAR SPRINGS $2,479,000 35 Acre NW Albemarle estate, Blue Ridge views, stunning residence built w/highest quality materials & craftsmanship. Property includes creek, river, pool, spa, pastures, woods, trails, 1840’s log cabin.

CAAR MLS# 529384

WWW.MCLEANFAULCONER.COM

Enjoy your

view all day

In the top photo you are looking at the Blue Ridge Mountains through 3M™ Prestige 40 window tinting. By softening the glare just a little bit, adding our 3M™ window tinting to your current windows will give you more crisp high definition views.

Without Blinds

Sunlight emits harmful UV & Infrared rays into your home that destroys your hardwood floors, furniture, & artwork. In addition, these rays also cause serious harm to your skin and eyes. The sun also brings in excessive heat & glare, making your home inefficient & uncomfortable.

Our 3M™ window tinting is a sun filter. We all use air & water filters in our homes for our health & quality of life. They keep allergens & chemicals out of the air we breathe & water we drink. If this is so important to us, then why aren’t we filtering the sun coming through our windows?

Blinds, curtains, or lowE windows are not sun filters. They work well for night-time privacy, insulating, & interior design.

3M™ has invented a new line of window tinting that is the proper sun filter.

They filter 99.9% of UV & 97% of infrared while allowing an ABUNDANT AMOUNT OF PURIFIED SUNLIGHT into your home. This new tinting is not dark, won’t bubble or fade, and will literally improve the quality of your views.

Reduce Fading

Installed locally by Clear View Window Tinting, they come with a lifetime warranty. Please call or visit our website to set up your free in home consultation.

BETTER DAYLIGHT • BETTER VIEWS • BETTER HEALTH • A BETTER WAY TO LIVE PRESENT THIS AD FOR 10% OFF 200 SQUARE FEET OR MORE

FREE CONSULTATIONS Please call to schedule an appointment

(434) 996-8468

Authorized Window Film Dealer Prestige Dealer Network

www.clearviewtint.com

Providing all the services you need to create and maintain a beautiful landscape...

Native and Ornamental Plants & Trees Hardscaping & Landscaping Landscape Maintenance Large Tree Spade Services

HOME C H A R L O T T E S V I L L E

DESIGN

■

IMPROVE

■

GARDEN

■

LIVE

Volume 2 I ssue 4 PUBLISHER

Julie Pierce EDITOR IN CHIEF

15111 Yager Road, Somerset, VA www.GRELENNURSERY.com

Nursery 540-672-5462; Tree Care 540-672-6655

Meridith Ingram CHARLOTTESVILLE EDITOR

Heather E. Towe ART DIRECTOR

Trisha Roth CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rachel Beanland Lucy Cook Charlotte A.F. Farley Patricia C Held Meridith Ingram Katherine Fulghum Knopf Alyssa Mercadante Rory Rhodes Jessie Thompson Heather E. Towe

Providing Excellent Service Since 1991!

GRAPHIC ARTIST

Amanda Adams PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Beth Moore PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brenda Tatum Portraits & Fine Art drawing & oil commissions

distinguished art for the discerning collector

Jennifer Finazzo Allegra Helms BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Pam Whorley ADVERTISING SALES

Susan Creasy Liz Houhoulis Janet Lampman Anne Marie Poore Pam Whorley SUBSCRIPTIONS

Charlottesville HOME is published bimonthly

by West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. For an annual subscription, please send $20 and your name, address and telephone number to: Charlottesville HOME 3831 Old Forest Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 For advertising information please call (434) 386-5667 or sales@charlottesvillehomemagazine.com.

To discuss coverage of an event relating to home or garden, please contact Charlottesville HOME at info@charlottesvillehomemagazine.com.

www.tatumart.com free consultations 1533 Eton Road, SW Roanoke, VA (540) 761-8278 4

West Willow Publishing Group, LLC (434) 386-5667 westwillowpublishing.com Copyright 2015 by West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. All pictorial material reproduced in this magazine, whether in a produced ad or by itself, has been accepted on the condition that it is with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer or the artist concerned.

As such, West Willow Publishing Group, LLC is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, West Willow Publishing Group, LLC makes no warrant to the accuracy or reliability of this information. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ownership or management.

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

n editor ’ s note Homeownership and all it entails— the sweeping of floors, the making of beds, annual maintenance and repairs—can have a tendency to skew toward mundane…but only if we let it! For me, conscious gratitude helps (“I’m so thankful to have all this laundry,” even if I say it through gritted teeth). But another way separate routine from humdrum is to occasionally seek ways to inject a little “thrill” into it all. In this issue, we share “The Thrill of the Hunt”—a feature about shopping in consignment and other types of furniture resale stores. You’re certain to feel a thrill of excitement when finding a one-of-a-kind treasure at a fraction of the cost of buying it new. Or if your idea of a good time is simply relaxing, this may be the season to add a hot tub or swim spa to your home. The luxury of a private water-filled retreat may be just the thrill you need.

I count myself among those who get a serious thrill out of intense organizing or cleaning sessions. In this issue, we’ll motivate you to tackle your drinkware cabinet (all those mismatches!) as well as conquer grimy hotspots in the kitchen that aren’t part of the weekly routine. Add a focal point to a room simply by painting, invest in an upholstered chair, learn a new veggie-centric recipe…all suggest departures from routine, and

are here to inject a little wow. We also plant seeds for thrills to come; start composting now using the information from the article here, and you could yield a nice compost pile in the spring—nutrients to transform summer’s garden into thrills galore. Sure, there’s work to be done, but we’d all do well to seek ways to add an element of thrill to our days. Thanks for reading!

—MERIDITH INGRAM, EDITOR meridith@westwillowpublishing.com

Out Of BOunds Decorated Model Now Open!

Villas from the upper $600’s Elevator Townes from the upper $400’s

Model Homes Open Daily 12-5

Belvedere One Level Living from the $500’s

Foothill Crossing from the upper $400’s

Hill Brook One Level Living off Rio Rd

Hyland Ridge from the low $500’s

Kenridge Only 1 Remaining

Lochlyn Hill Rooftop Terrace Townhomes

Old Trail Creekside from the low $500’s

Old Trail Golf Villas from the low $500’s

Old Trail Village Homes from the low $400’s

Old Trail Courtyard Homes

CRAIGBUILDERS.NET | 434 .973-3362 c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

from the mid $400’s

5

The Art Of OrganizationAt Its Finest

Closets | Garages | Home Offices | Entertainment Centers | Pantries Wall Beds | Wall Units | Craft Rooms | Laundry Rooms | Mud Rooms | Wine Rooms

Closet Factory Richmond is pleased to have been selected to design and build the custom master closet in the

2015 Southern Living Idea House.

“Everyone comments on the height of the ceiling in the master closet” says Closet Factory Charlottesville designer Peggy Woodall. “But it’s the small details that really make the closet special.” Lucite door and drawer inserts showcase wardrobe accessories in a special way.

This is the second Southern Living house that Peggy and Closet Factory have completed with Summit Custom Homes. “Everyone deserves a custom closet that is designed for their wardrobes and their lifestyle; that’s what Closet Factory provides.”

Celebrating 15 years of serving Charlottesville & Richmond

$300 Off

Minimum purchase required. Call for details.

New design contracts only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer expires 10/31/15.

434.218.1658

Call for free design consultation or visit us online at closetfactory.com

Showroom: 8162-C Elm Drive, Mechanicsville, VA 23111

contents

Ch a r l ot t e s v ill e h o m e S e pt e m b e r/O c t o b e r 2 0 15

30

10

20

10 20 30 36

36

features CONS I G N M E N T S T O R E S A N D M O R E

Shoppers experience the thrill of the hunt

By J e ss i e T h o m ps o n

MULTI G E N E R AT I O N A L L I V I N G

Multiple generations of one family call this stunning renovation “home”

By H eath e r E. Tow e

THE H O T T E S T I N H O T T U B S

Soak your way to backyard bliss

By M e r i d it h I n g r a m

MODE R N C O M F O R T S , M A G N I F I C E N T V I E W S

How one couple's new home evokes historical feel and embraces countryside views

By H eath e r E. Tow e Cover photography by Allegra Helms at the home of Betsy and Sandy Stuart.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK Charlottesville HOME Magazine

c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

7

Ch a r l ot t e s v ill e h o m e S e pt e m b e r/O c t o b e r 2 0 15

departments 54

26

62

50

DESIGN

IMPROVE

GARDEN

LIVE

26 PA I N T LIKE T H E PROS Use paint to create focal points in your home

62 DEEP CLEANIN G THE KITCHEN How to tackle grime in five common hot spots

16 TREE CARE Maintenance tips for large, mature trees

50 VEGGIE-CENTRIC MEALS Recipes to get more vegetables on your plate

By C har lotte A.F. Far ley

By K ath e r i n e F u lg h u m Knopf

58 S I T T I NG PRETTY Tips for buying upholstered chairs

By R ac h e l B ean lan d

46 CHEERS! Spruce up your drinkware collection with versatile options

By Patr i c ia C H e ld

By Lu cy C o o k

54 COMPOSTING 101 Get on board with Mother Nature’s recycling program

By R o ry R h o d es

65 S TAT E O F R E A L E S TAT E Local pros weigh in on market conditions

By Alyssa M e r cadante

46

16

58 S pecial I nterest 6 6 Index of advertisers 8

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

The Thrill of the Hunt

Shopping Second-Hand Stores Brings First-Rate Looks

By J ess i e T h o m p s o n

You might be one of those crazy-talented folks who knows exactly how you want your home to look and how to tie it all together. Or you may have only the vaguest idea that something in a room just feels off.

Regardless of your design skills, when find yourself in a home-goods resale or consignment shop and you spot a piece that you love—whether it’s a huge piece of furniture to anchor your entire room or a perfectly proportioned accessory—there is probably a physical reaction. Your heart beats a little faster, you might even get a little light-headed. And then you check the price. The elation when the numbers on the tag are actually below what you were hoping to spend sends another spike of adrenaline, and you can’t help it—you are hooked.

10

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

G a ll e r y B

G a ll e r y B

M

ore and more often, discerning shoppers and designers are scouring local resale, consignment and estate-sale home-goods stores to find those types of deals. Such stores are enjoying a renaissance—as an affordable (and environmentally friendly!) option for homeowners looking for unique pieces that fit their specific needs and their style.

With fall on the way and the prospect of more and more time spent indoors (not to mention the upcoming holidays), the nesting urges will kick in. It’s about time to start making a list of things you might like to update your home—whether you’re making it more comfortable, more functional, or simply more of a reflection of your current tastes. You may need to address a problem spot—needing more storage near the kitchen door, for example—or feeling like it’s time to replace the sofa you never thought was as cushy as you’d like it to be. Maybe it’s something as simple as adding a new centerpiece in your dining room, or adding a few seasonal pillows in your family room to zhush things up. If any of these home dilemmas sound familiar, then get yourself set for an adventure, and plan to visit these locallyowned, ever-changing stores that specialize in reselling quality items for your home.

c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

Both the beauty and the beast of second-hand shops is that their inventory may never be the same twice. Treasure seekers will enjoy the thrill of the hunt for home furnishings, accessories and collectibles in an everchanging stock of items.

11

Circ a

Going on the Hunt

Vo te d C vi ll e’s B es t A n ti q u e St o re

More than just a great furniture store 434-295-5760 1700 Allied Street near the McIntire Road interchange HOURS

Monday–Saturday 10–5:30 Sunday 1–5

www.circainc.com

MILK JU GS BRA ID ED RU GS S H A V I N G M U G S D E P R E S S I O N G L A S S ART GLASS DEPRESSING ART TRIBAL ART CAKE PLATES SILVERPLATE CHANDELIERS L A M P S S T A M P S W H A L E HARPOONS BRASS SPITTOONS C R A Z Y Q U I LT S C R A Z Y H AT S H AT R A C K S P A C K R AT S T O Y TRAINS WINDOWPANES TEA SETS F O N D U E S E T S C R O Q U E T S E T S STICKY WICKET S IRON PICKET S LAMPS IN PAIRS GIFTS FOR HEIRS MARTINI SHAKERS DRINKMAKERS R U G S O F R A G S B E A D E D B A G S B R E A D B A K E R S B A K E R S R A C K S GUNNY SACKS GUN RACKS RACKS OF ANTLERS COW HORNS HORNS O F P L E N T Y P L E N T Y O F B R A S S BRASS BELLS DOOR BELLS DOOR KNOCKERS FOOT LOCKERS DOLL R O C K E R S D O L L C L O T H E S O L D C L O T H E S O L D W I N D O W S H O U S E S H U T T E R S H O U S E WA R M E R S B E D WA R M E R S H E A D WA R M E R S O L D H A T S M E N S S P A T S

AFFORDABLE ANTIQUES • QUALITY USED FURNITURE 12

Both the beauty and the beast of these shops is that their inventory may never be the same twice. Because it’s so different than flipping through furniture catalogs or walking the aisles to find something to order, owners of such stores suggest two things: keep an open mind, and be prepared to purchase.

Jackie Binder, who is the owner of Circa on Allied Street, says the store, which is almost 10,000 square feet housed in multiple buildings, changes inventory every single day.

“There is so much to see, and if you’re looking for just one specific piece, you’ll miss so many others. Stop by often; we are getting new things every day. Our most regular customers are the ones finding the treasures,” says Binder.

Shoppers are unique, and on any given day can include everyone from those looking to furnish their first apartment to seniors who are opting away from their antique dining room table for 12 to a more practical six-top. Some have an eye for fixer-upper pieces, while others prefer the “purchase it to place it” method.

There is no one way to shop, and these stores have such a vast array of furniture and accessories that it can be intimidating for the uninitiated.

While different people employ varying techniques when shopping—some come in with a mission, some walk the aisles and make three or four passes, others plant themselves and do quadrant looking—there aren’t really any tricks.

Wendi Smith of Leftover Luxuries at Pantops Center has some shopping tips. “My building is close to 4,000 square feet and I have everything from rugs, chandeliers, furniture, artwork, mirrors, lamps and every household accessory you can imagine,” she says. “I tell new shoppers to walk around the store one way and then turn around and walk it again the opposite way.”

For shoppers who are looking for a very specific item or for a specific space, it’s best to have your exact dimensions handy.

No matter how much you are drawn to a particular piece, if it won’t fit in the space you have available, it’s better to pass, unless you love it so much you’re willing to change other spaces in your home.

And if you have your heart set on something specific—a pair of lamps, a blue runner, a desk with matching chair—don’t be afraid to ask up front if there are any in the store.

Some stores have pieces grouped according to size or style; others set up mini-rooms, complete with rugs, drapes and accessories. Vignettes like this often inspire shoppers to feel more comfortable mixing styles or decorating periods in their own homes; they may notice an older piece that’s been updated and think, “Oh, I could do something like that for my own space.”

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

Realizing the Value

Circ a

Circ a

Search. Buy. Sell. Close. Save.

HomeAdvantage.

Your one-stop resource for buying or selling a home.

Save time. Save money. Take Advantage of HomeAdvantage—It’s Free.

Visit our Real Estate Center at uvacreditunion.org and select HomeAdvantage to register or call 434-964-2001, option 6.

Smith, who is an interior designer by trade, says that without a doubt the biggest draw to secondhand shopping is the bang for the buck.

“I think good resale shops look just as good as mainstream retailers, except there is a big difference: We sell quality goods at a fraction of the price,” Smith says. “I think the resale market is growing and popular thanks to value-conscious consumers. We went from a disposable society to a recycling society— more and more are aware of the importance of reducing pointless waste.”

Because the price points are lower, there can also be less intimidation in picking the wrong item. Like the piece but not sure it will work in your current color scheme? No problem: Paint it. Too drab? Get some funky new knobs. Super comfy but the color wouldn’t go well in your family room? Slipcover it or reupholster.

“We want to fill the void between junk stores and pricey antique ‘shoppes.’ It is our goal to make quality furniture and antiques affordable to everyone, while still catering to the tastes of shoppers of all ages, interests, and eccentricities,” says Binder. “Decorating styles come and go, so what’s hot right now you could have bought dirt cheap 10 years ago. And what’s sitting around gathering dust now might be the next big thing.”

you could save thousands at closing when you use a HomeAdvantage realtor to sell or purchase your home.

• Find a Realtor from our approved list • Search MLS listings • Receive e-mail alerts for properties that match your search criteria • Receive 24/7 support

How much could you save with HomeAdvantage? home transaction activity

member rebate/savings

Sell your Home for $300,000

$1,800 rebate*

Buy your New Home for $450,000

$2,700 rebate*

Example of Savings

$4,500

*The HomeAdvantage program is made available through a partnership with CU Realty Services. Program rebates are awarded to buyers and sellers who select and use a real estate agent in CU Realty Services’ approved agent network. Home buyers or sellers are not eligible for the rebate if they use an agent outside the CU Realty network. Using the credit union for a mortgage is not a requirement to earn a rebate. Rebate amounts are dependent on the commissions paid to the agent. Your Rebates will be applied towards your closing costs, any remaining rebate can be taken as cash. Rebates/incentives are available in most states; however, are void where prohibited by law or by the lender. Please consult with your credit union representative to get details that may affect you. Rebate examples shown are based on a 3% agent commission rate. Since agent commissions vary, your actual rebate may vary.

this credit union is federally insured by the national credit union administration. c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

13

T h e H a b i t at St o re

Accessorize

Smith and other area designers say they are seeing more eclectic decorating, with homeowners being more adventurous in mixing furniture styles, finishes and colors, along with blending accessories—much less matchy-matchy than in previous years.

“Some people get stuck buying for just a particular style, but it’s so much more fun to fill your life with things you love. Who cares if the carved Asian piece doesn’t match your mid-century style? If you love it and it makes you happy … then get it. It will fit into your home and you’ll start to develop your own style,” says Binder. And she offers an additional, critical piece of advice: “If you see something you love, jump on it!”

These area shops don’t limit themselves to just larger pieces of furniture. For those who are less inclined to change entire rooms, resale shopping is a perfect way to add some umph. Think lamps or even just new shades, curios, even an end or side table.

For those who are adventurous, designers suggest buying artwork for the frames then painting them all in one color to be a cohesive display for artwork. Or use empty, antiqued frames to decorate a mantel. Unique and colorful antique and vintage glass, grouped together, or a tea set, can also add character to a room without breaking the bank. Pillows and area rugs, too, can be an easy, seasonal change to add pops of color or texture. Store owners also say they have had customers come in and purchase candlesticks—in different shapes and sizes—and group them together to function as one larger design element, one with impact for not a lot of money. Decorating choices are limited only by imagination.

The Devilish Details

Gallerybantiques.com • 434.245.1100

GalleryBAntiques@yahoo.com 1931 Commonwealth Dr. Charlottesville, VA 22901

14

In a traditional consignment store, like Leftover Luxuries, items are brought to the shop by their owners, and there is an agreement between the owners and the shop as to how the piece or pieces will be priced. At some consignment shops, the longer the item stays in the store, the less expensive it will become.

When goods are purchased, the money is split according to the contract between the store and the item owner. As a shopper, you might pay less the longer you wait to purchase an item, but you also risk losing out to another buyer.

Smith says her store often has a waiting list for those wanting to consign.

“I try to get the best of the best, and cover every type of item to keep a nice balance. I need to have the $5 candy dishes and make them look just as good as the $3,000 dining table.”

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

T h e H a b i t at St o re

T h e H a b i t at St o re

c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

If you haven’t ever consigned an item or been a consignment shopper, she says it might be surprising; while some have a perception that buying “used” is less desirable, she suggests shoppers look at the value. Her shop, which has been open since 2009, often offers pieces at a fraction of what the original owners paid for them.

But, she says, the key to being successful in finding those crazy-amazing deals is to check in often. Understanding that might not always be easy, Leftover Luxuries posts photos on Facebook several times a week of items that come into the store.

While Circa maintains a Facebook page with basic store information, it also works hard at customer satisfaction. Unlike many stores, customers can return pieces (with receipts) for a full refund for up to seven days after purchase. “This is especially helpful if you’re not sure if a particular piece will look right in your home,” says Binder. It also offers its customers delivery in and around Charlottesville for a small fee.

“Shopping for vintage treasures allows you to fill your home with better quality pieces for less money,” says Binder. “Hip people are shopping for well-made pieces that have history … their style is eclectic and their homes are amazing!”

So don’t be afraid to shop without knowing exactly what you might be looking for. These reselling shops are interested in generating happy customers. If you’re up for waiting until you find a piece—unique, well-made items at a reasonable price—that hits you just the right way, browsing these reselling shops might be the perfect way to fill up a day or two. Just don’t forget your vision, or your wallet.

15

n GARDEN TREE CARE

G

E

N

T

L

E

GIANTS Caring for mature trees

By Pat r i ci a C H el d

Trees occupy an important place in our gardens—and our culture. Author Ernest H. Wilson aptly sums up America’s love for them in his book, Aristocrats of Trees: “When first we dabble in the healthful pastime of gardening our interests may be in the lesser things; we may enthuse over tiny alpine plants, bulbs or tall herbs….Later we are attracted to shrubs, more permanent things. Finally we take to our heart trees, treasure them while life lasts, and hand them on, objects of lasting usefulness and beauty, an enduring legacy, to the generations that follow us.”

16

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

Consequently, we are willing to invest time and effort to manage trees on our property. In many cases, tree care should be left strictly to an arborist—an expert certified in the cultivation and care of trees. Look at it this way; you wouldn’t consider diagnosing and treating a very ill pet without professional help.

Likewise, a mature and beloved tree needs professional care, especially for significant trees, those with historical value—often attached to a memory or important event—or a tree with some exceptional qualities that deem it worth extra care.

Trees are a living organism and need to be checked regularly.

Homeowners can check themselves for broken branches, stress cracks and lightning damage. These are all entry points for disease and organisms. Watch for dying limbs, which is usually a sign of a root problem. Fungal growth around the trunk of the tree may be cause for concern. Is the root system loose? Cracking in the soil is an indication of distress. Distorted leaves are another sign of problems.

Once a homeowner becomes a regular client with a tree service company, most businesses are happy to perform a check of a client’s trees. An arborist will look for signs of distress and determine what the next step should be.

Mike Van Yahres is a third-generation arborist and also brings a background in landscape architecture to his firm, Van Yahres Tree Company. The Charlottesville-based business has been serving estates and gardens around the state since 1919.

Van Yahres stresses the importance of the soil. “Look at the soil first!” he advises. The soil should be similar to the soil in a natural forest. He explains that in many cases, gardens are enhanced with chemicals and pesticides, but he believes that these results are not sustainable. He believes that healthy soil around trees should thrive on its own without a lot of amending.

c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

Gracing Your Life, Home & Garden

Uniquely Creative Home and Garden to Inspire the Designer in you Pottery • Statuary • Boutique • Furniture • Home Décor

www.southerngraceva.com

5309 South Seminole Trail | Madison, Virginia | 540.948.2239

17

According to Van Yahres, skillful pruning is important to control a tree’s destiny. “Half of the trees that are planted and not pruned correctly give us most of our work,” he says.

“Chances are, every tree will have disease and insects, and nine out of ten times we do nothing,” he explains, noting that most insects can be left alone. He says that a healthy tree will manage them. If his company decides it must be treated, they often inject bio-stimulants into the soil or use natural horticulture oils to fight insect outbreaks.

According to Van Yahres, it is time to take down a tree if it is posing a hazard, if it is dead, or is a lightning target, if it is unhealthy and dying, and finally—“and this needs a cold heart”—to thin out an area. “Not every tree can live 100 years but they do have that ability,” he says. However, if an arborist wants to perform any task or take a tree down be sure to ask for their full reasoning.

There is an art to taking down a tree. An arborist must consider how it will fall and where most of the weight is concentrated in the tree. An arborist generally climbs the tree and removes all of its weight first. Unless the tree is coming down, spikes should never be used to climb a tree since these can cause damage to the trunk. Ropes and harnesses are the preferred method.

Some problems can be easily circumvented by the homeowner. Do not allow vines, especially ivy, to climb a tree. Just as ivy on a house can do untold damage, it can kill a tree. Avoid driving heavy vehicles around the base of the tree or wherever roots are likely to be. This causes the ground to compact, preventing the roots from accessing air and water.

Never pile mulch around the base of a tree and avoid hitting the tree with a weed eater or mower.

Hiring a Professional

S

C

O

T

T

WEISS

To be sure that a tree professional is a certified arborist, confirm credentials with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). This is a worldwide professional organization dedicated to fostering a greater appreciation for trees and promoting research, technology and the professional practice of arboriculture. ISA offers support and continued education for tree industry pros, and also serves as the governing body of tree workers, promoting safety and a code of ethics and standards for tree care and pruning. (Check out their website at www.isa-arbor.com.)

A R C H I T E C T TELEPHONE OR TEXT: 434.242.9288 EMAIL: SCOTT@WEISS-ARCH.COM WEBSITE: WWW.WEISS-ARCH.COM

18

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

Since ISA provides certification for professional arborists, this organization offers a baseline for consumers, and assurance that an arborist certified with them has basic understanding of tree care and the precautions necessary to protect both trees and workers. Consider the following when hiring an arborist: ■ Does the firm have workers’ compensation and liability insurance?

■ Do they use spikes or a bucket truck when they work in trees? Just

THERE IS AN ART TO TAKING DOWN A TREE. AN ARBORIST MUST CONSIDER HOW IT WILL FALL AND WHERE MOST OF THE WEIGHT IS CONCENTRATED IN THE TREE.

as spikes can damage the tree, a bucket truck can damage a yard and/or a healthy tree by causing the soil over the roots to compact.

Most arborists prefer to climb the tree using ropes and harnesses.

■ Do they use safety precautions when they work, including helmets and safety glasses? Tree professionals, including arborists and loggers, work in one of the most hazardous professions; safety is paramount.

■ Do not be afraid to ask for references and credentials (ISA certification).

■ Is the company dependable? Do they return your phone calls? Are they on time and do they come when they say they are coming?

■ A sk for a written proposal describing what work they will do and the cost.

When planning any major projects centered on trees, it is important to consider the possible risks to the property. A professional will explain those risks and help you determine the least invasive, safest, most economical and most appropriate methods to complete the job.

Trees are the monarchs of the woodlands and welcome guests in our gardens. Treated as such, they will thrive for decades.

So many plants... so little time

CENTRAL VIRGINIA’S PREMIER GARDEN CENTER Full Service Nursery | Gift Shop | Landscape Care Complete Design/Build Landscape Services

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

Call today for a FREE landscaping consultation

434.295.2159 | 1875 Avon Street Ext. Charlottesville | snowknows.com c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

19

A HOME for the Ages

By H e at h er E . Tow e P h ot o g r a p hy by J e nni fe r F in a z zo

Laurene and Bob Nelson in West Leigh have completely transformed their house at 1400 Wendover Drive. With the design and build services of Artisan Construction, Inc., they have taken the idea of the single-family home to the next level by emphasizing family and adding aging-in-place features. The home, which comfortably held their immediate family for years, now accommodates multiple generations of their family.

2 0

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

T

he Nelsons moved into the house, which Bob describes as “standard, with a two-car garage and closed-in sun porch, which was not very functional,” in 1998. When his father moved in with them in 2010 to spend the last 16 months of his life in their care, they realized that their house was poorly suited for the elderly. After seeing the effects of limited access on the first floor and no access to the other stories of the house, they learned what it would take to improve the accessibility and functionality of the entire house.

Artisan Construction, which modified a whopping 80 percent of the house, completed the renovation in two phases. Phase One, which began in June 2013, added a detached three-car insulated garage with a living space above it. The insulated garage doors are steel-clad with cedar, which are sturdy and beautiful at the same time. The living area upstairs has a bedroom that is closed off for privacy, and an open kitchen and living space that is perfect for entertaining. The kitchen has solid maple cabinetry and contains a stovetop, convection oven, microwave and dishwasher.

c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

Whereas Phase One of the renovation added a separate structure to the house, Phase Two redesigned the main house to add functional living space and aging-in-place features that are designed to keep the Nelsons comfortable in their home for many years to come. The second phase, which began in December 2013 and ended in September 2014, removed the original garage that was attached to the house and expanded the interior living space where the garage had been. Inside the house, with the extra space they created, they relocated the kitchen, added a twostory library, expanded the sewing and craft room, modified the bathrooms, added a downstairs theater and installed an elevator to give access to all floors. Outside, they added landscaping and hardscaping, expanding the driveway and building two brick circular retaining walls that house beautiful foliage, provide bench seating and are lined with LED lights.

With the completion of Phase Two, all areas of the house, including the new kitchen, hallways, bathrooms and elevator, are designed for wheelchair accessibility. The doors are wide, there are ample turn-around areas at corners and in hallways, 21

and the elevator, which can bear up to 950 pounds, is designed to hold a wheelchair with two additional people. Upstairs, wheelchair-accessible showers were installed in the bathrooms. In the showers, portable and comfortable teak seats were added, as well as dual showerheads, so both the wall-mount and hand-held heads can be used as necessary. The closets also allow wheelchair access and are large enough to ensure maneuverability within. In the lower level of the house, the new media room and entertainment area, as well as the bathroom and closets, are also easily accessible.

While functionality was the main reason for the renovations, aesthetics played a large role in the design. The library addition is stunning, with 13-foot shelves of solid cherry. Jeff Barratt of Jeff Barratt Woodworking in Charlottesville designed the shelves as well as the custom rolling ladder that extends to the top. Andrès Martinez, another Artisan team member at the time who worked closely with Bob and Laurene while creating the final plans for the house, designed the spiral staircase and outsourced the custom hand railing. Bob and Laurene describe the kitchen, with cabinets installed

by Better Living Custom Cabinets in Charlottesville, as their “dream kitchen.” Downstairs, Crutchfield installed the sound system in the home theater and entertainment area.

Bob raves about Artisan Construction, Inc., describing the care and attention they placed on every detail of the renovation. For example, Artisan created areas where handrails could be installed in the future, and also provided Bob with a photographic archive of every wall within house, so that the Nelsons have the ability to know where everything is located when they want to access or modify anything.

Artisan’s Jon Norton, who oversaw the project as superintendent, explains some of the challenges with a project of this scope. “The most challenging part was actually when we started. We had to shore up the existing second floor of the house, because we removed close to half of the exterior walls in the first floor to expand… We had to fix a lot of deficiencies that existed in the original house framing,” he says. Because the Nelsons were still living in the house for the first two months of the project, Artisan took special care to ensure the house remained watertight during that phase while working as efficiently as possible.

Norton says that even though there are always hurdles with large projects, collaboration on the work site led to a smooth renovation. “Everything fell into place as we were going through the process,” he says. Norton’s favorite part of this renovation was “finishing the job and seeing the homeowner as grateful and as thankful as he was. He was a very nice gentleman to work for…one of the best clients we have ever had. Basically, it was like we were family in the end.”

22

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

T i l e R e S o u R C e & D e S i g n S H o w Ro o M

new 7,000 Sq FT SHowRooM NOW OPEN!

434.964.4680 n 1226 Harris Street, Charlottesville VA Showroom Hours: 8-4:30 M-F (appointments encouraged) Sari Sandtile.com

A Place for Everyone

Currently, three generations of the Nelson family call Wendover Drive “home”: Laurene and Bob, who have lived in the house since 1998, Sadie, Laurene’s mother, and Chad, one of their two grown sons. The house has a space for everyone.

Sadie inhabits the “mother-in-law suite,” which consists of a bedroom and a parlor on the second floor. According to Bob, most of the furniture in her rooms moved to the house with her, so she has a familiar place to stay. Bob and Laurene, whose bedroom is on the second floor, have their own unique areas on the main level of the house. As part of the renovation, they built Bob’s library, which accesses the kitchen via a large opening.

On the other side of the kitchen, another large opening leads to Laurene’s expanded craft room, which has two zones—one for sewing, with a state-of-the-art sewing machine and spools of thread along the wall, and another for crafts. Chad, one of their two adult sons, inhabits the living area above the garage. The space characterizes youth, with lava lamps and comfortable, casual seating. c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

23

The family loves to spend time together, so the main house has several common areas where all generations can visit. In the morning, they convene in the kitchen to drink coffee, read, knit and chat. The living room has an abundance of seating.

Downstairs, the media room is large enough for the family and guests, and Laurene says that everyone gathers in the entertainment area at night.

Every element of the house is geared toward functionality and making life easier, so that the family can spend less time worrying or working at the house, and more time enjoying their lives and each other. They decided to place the washing machine and dryer on the same level as their bedrooms, which Bob describes as “the best decision we made.” In the kitchen, the quartz countertop is impervious and requires little maintenance other than cleaning. The surround sound in the living room and library is controlled easily by simply turning a knob. The house is outfitted with LED lights which do not need to be changed often. Additionally, the water is heated by a gas-fired instant water heater, so no time is wasted waiting for water to heat up.

The entire house is a reflection of their family and its history.

On the walls and placed proudly throughout the house are various collections of art and furniture that represent those living in the house and the legacy of previous generations. Downstairs, there is a lovely back-lit shelf with glass doors that displays crystal and china pieces that once belonged to Bob’s grandfather, Bob’s mother and Laurene’s mother, Sadie. Laurene’s needlework and Bob’s sketches adorn the walls, while the furniture in each room is both eclectic and historic.

In much the same way they repurposed their old house and transformed it into a new, more functional space, they often take 2 4

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

family heirlooms and turn them into art. Just off the kitchen hangs a piece of art that, at one time, was jewelry belonging to various relatives. In the entertainment area downstairs, a piece of art hanging on the wall had a past life as a coffee table top. Even the ramps that were used for Bob’s father’s wheelchair have been repurposed, as the family now uses them to help their blind dog, Scooter, access the front porch of the house. Throughout the home, what was old has new life, and the evolution of the elements in the house echo the changing house itself.

The love that holds the family together is palpable. Bob beams as he describes his wife, Laurene. “We are each other’s best friends,” he says, noting that the couple has been married 50 years. Of his mother-in-law, he confides, “it was so nice to have Laurene’s mother move here. The day we found out, I was so overjoyed I was in tears. She’s as sweet as they come. She’s 100 years old and in good health. We are richly blessed to have her here. Everyone should be as lucky as I am. If people had motherin-laws like that, there would be no mother-in-law jokes.” And of their sons, Chad and Kurt, who Bob and Laurene adopted from the Dominican Republic 25 years ago when they were 5 months and 19 months old respectively, Bob states, “We are richly blessed. I can’t tell you how much.”

What makes the Nelsons’ house multigenerational is not only the space and its functionality, but also the personality that is evident within. The family celebrates their blessings by keeping their loved ones close to them. Bob jokes, “These days everyone downsizes; we upsized. Chad said he will take care of us. We hope.” The house is designed so that several generations of their family will feel comfortable and right at home, now and for many years to come.

$75 OFF

Natural Wood & CompositWood® Windows

• Natural Wood Interiors • Maintenance Free Exteriors

The Look You Want, The Quality You Deserve! charlottesvillereplacementwindows.com

CompositWood® blends the elegant appearance of a true wood window with the maintenance freedom of vinyl, the strength of metal, and cutting edge energy saving features into a beautiful and durable window system. Available with the highest-performance glass system for maximum energy efficiency.

Call Today for FREE IN-HOME Consultation

(434) 465-6558 Class A Contractor # 2705145469

c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

25

n DESIGN PAINT MAGIC

Look Here!

CREATING A FOCAL POINT WITH PAINT

By Ch a r lott e A . F. Fa r l e y

W

e use color in our clothing and makeup to highlight our strong points and camouflage our flaws. If you think about it, paint for our homes works the same way. By highlighting a room’s strong point, not only do you create a place of visual interest—a focal point—but you also can help hide anything unsightly in the room. It’s all about where you want to draw the eye.

If you’ve read enough HOME magazine, watched enough HGTV, or browsed Pinterest a little longer than you intended (Who, me? No, never!), you are familiar with the concept of creating a focal point in a room. It’s that first sight you see upon entering; it’s that place that highlights the area where the lines of a room meet. While many people arrange artwork and furniture groupings to make a point of focus, using paint is another

2 6

easy, economical and customizable way to create a focal point in a room.

This can be as simple as priming, rolling and edging a new splash of color, or it might involve the tedious but worthwhile process of stenciling.

From ceilings to floors to bathtubs (yes, bathtubs!), using paint to form a focal point allows you to bring a unique, personalized design to a room.

Determining the Focal Point

Usually, focal points exist naturally in the home; elements like chimney breasts, fireplaces, staircases, and bay windows help drawn the eye up and in. Review your rooms and identify organic focal points by clearing out clutter and seeing where the room’s lines meet or where your eyes tend to settle. If nothing pops out at you, it’s time to create a new focal point.

To that end, consider the largest wall in

the room, the one that mimics a blank canvas. On the other hand, you might like to create a subtle point of interest. In that case, look for a nook, an inset wall, or a bump-out.

And keep in mind, a focal point doesn’t have to be a wall—it could be your floor. If refinishing tired wood floors is beyond your budget, painting a pattern on worn pine or oak completely refreshes the look. And while big expanses are obvious choices, they aren’t the only ways to accomplish your goal of bringing flair to a room. If you love your white walls but also want to have a pop of color, paint the molding—this will help echo the colors that already exist in the room. This look is especially effective on the window trim in bedrooms and bathrooms—really any confined space that makes it easy to determine where to stop and start bold color on trim.

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

A focal point doesn’t have to be a wall—it could be your floor.

If refinishing tired wood floors is beyond your budget, painting a pattern on worn pine or oak completely refreshes the look.

Speaking of the bathroom, you can dress up that space by painting a cast-iron tub for a one-of-a-kind focal piece. Actually, you can use paint to totally change the look of any room that has built-in furniture—shelving, cabinets and cubbies included. Since these built-in pieces often essentially function as part of a wall, painting them establishes an accent wall in an unconventional way. And the most universal, built-in piece of all is often the most overlooked when it comes to color: the doors. Sure, you paint the outside of your front door so your home appears welcoming, but why not paint the interior side of the front door to extend the invitation? Doing so allows you to have two focal points in one, depending on whether the door is open or closed.

Make Your Home, A

Home

0233167/K5856

Come in and see our Grand selection of Living Room Groups. From MicroFiber to Leather and everything in between, we have a large variety of colors, fabrics and styles! Let Grand’s experienced sales staff help you make your home a Grand home!

CHARLOTTESVILLE 1801 Seminole Trail (Rt. 29) www.grandhomefurnishings.com c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

434.974.6480 | Open Every Day 27

FABRICS UNLIMITED

Your Locally Owned Decorating Source Since 1971 BETTER DECORATIVE FABRIC

THE AREA’S

largest IN-STOCK SELECTION

• 1st Quality only at Discounted Prices • Knowledgeable Staff • Unique Sample Service (Try at home before you buy) • Decorative Trims • Drapery & Upholstery Supplies • Upholstery Foam • Custom Window Treatments • Custom Furniture • Custom Bedding & Pillows

Bring in this Ad for 15% Off

our regular discount prices on all in-stock decorative fabrics.

Excludes lining, vinyl, notions, pillows, foam & sale priced items.

Expires October 31, 2015 Rt. 29 North • 1 mile past Airport Road 434-973-5641 • Monday-Saturday 9:30-5:30 www.fabricsunlimitedva.com

Fine Art & Artisan Décor • Art Consultation • Residential & Commercial

Fall 2015 Fine Art Events

Demo on the Deck 1-3pm SEPTEMBER

19 Anne Coolick 26 Robert Shepperd OCTOBER

3 Bridgewater Fall Festival 9-11 Proud Sponsor SML Charity Home Tour 10 Rebecca Humphrey Anne Coolick

Daring or Demure?

Now that you have decided where you want your focal point, determine what kind of feeling you want to evoke from the space: bold, dramatic or subtle? The easy and obvious answer for making a bold statement is to use a bright color or strong, thick pattern.

To add a hint of drama, think eyeliner colors—chocolate-brown, navy, charcoal, amethyst, deep emerald, even black.

When it comes to choosing paint colors, keep in mind the colors of adjacent rooms. If you can see the accent wall or focal point from elsewhere in the home, you’ll want to harmonize your color selection. It’s one thing to develop visual interest and it’s another thing entirely to fashion a faux pas.

Dressing the Focal Point

Rebecca Humphrey Robert Shepperd

Visit our website for exciting upcoming Paint Night events Bridgewater Plaza, Lower Level 16430 Booker T. Washington Hwy., Moneta, VA 24121 OPEN 7 DAYS | ASID Industry Partner 540.721.1596 • www.thelittlegallerysml.com • littlegallerysml@aol.com 2 8

Now comes the most fun: determining how you will apply this paint. Color is the dealmaker here, but the design does not have to end there. With paint as your medium, you can create lots of interest with patterns or stencils—classic stripes, latticework, medallions…stencils have come a long way over the years, with designs that can mimic the look of high-end wallpapers. If you do not want to tackle stenciling by yourself (or do not want to hire someone to do it), you may be able to achieve the same effect with a decal, believe it or not. Several high-end retailers carry wall decals that resemble stencils or hand-painted custom art designs.

The best thing about using paint? If you decide you don’t want to live with a certain color anymore, you’re just a new coat of primer and topcoat away from changing things to reflect your new style. It’s as easy as changing your outfit. Once you find a focal point, dress it in a way that reflects your personal taste while playing up your home’s assets.

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

Tips for Transforming with Paint ■ Dark hues make a strong

visual impact, but they tend overwhelm a large space.

■ Try to make your focal point

one blank, uninterrupted wall.

The exception? If you have unusual windows, French doors, or some other beautiful architectural feature that you want to highlight, focal point paint will help draw even more attention to them.

■ Choosing to accent one wall

with paint and grouping your furniture at that point will unify the space and create a cohesive appearance.

■ Use semi-gloss or high-gloss

paint on moldings or window trim.

Precision installed Quality stonework

(434) 971-1602 c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

1117-A East Market Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902 • albemarlecountertops.com 29

Bliss

Backyard

Woes Float Away in At-Home Hot Tubs

By M er i d i t h I n g r a m

3 0

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

Retirement as

Unique

as You

There are many ways to unwind from the stressors of everyday life, but perhaps one of the best is by way of water. Feeling sluggish?

Drink a glass of water for an instant pick-meup. Feeling uptight? Relax into a bath. Feeling the aches and pains of strenuous exercise or simply the good old-fashioned passage of time?

Consider hot tubs: More luxurious (and fun!) than running a bath, less commitment than a swimming pool, a hot tub may just be just the thing to create a private, relaxing oasis in your own backyard (or even somewhere inside). And the best part of all? This water feature will be at your disposal to enjoy all year long.

The hot tub industry as we know it began in the 1950s when some folks you may have heard of—the Jacuzzi brothers— created a hydrotherapy pump to help alleviate a family member’s arthritis. In 1968, Roy Jacuzzi created the first stand-alone whirlpool tub. The rest, as they say, is history; the Jacuzzi family became a household name and did for hot tubs what Kleenex did for tissues and Xerox did for copy machines. Today, though, there are many manufacturers and many brands of hot tubs, with more features than ever.

Once relegated to hotel pool decks, the stuff of wild parties, or the trusty sidekick to residential in-ground pools, hot tubs are now, like most other home amenities, something that can be tastefully integrated and completely tailored to suit your needs. Christine von Lewinski of Charlottesville Aquatics, which designs, builds and services custom pools as well as sells standalone hot tubs, says, “Having a hot tub is a lifestyle amenity that can help you create a retreat right at the convenience of your home.” She says homeowners appreciate having an option that they do not need a vacation to access. And hot tub shoppers run the gamut: there are empty nesters who have worked hard for many years and have successfully gotten the kids off to college, and now are ready for their time to reconnect. There are customers of all ages who seek the major therapeutic benefits to a hot tub as well; spending time in a hot tub can relieve arthritis, back pain or other health issues. Hot tubs are also great for families—particularly those with teenagers. “Soaking in a hot tub is a great way for teenagers to open up and talk to their parents, and it’s a great time for the family to reconnect while they are stargazing,” says von Lewinski. c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

Our Lady of Peace offers the freedom of Independent Living, the support of Assisted Living, specialized Memory Care in our unique Christopher Center, as well as comforting, individualized care in our Nursing Center.

Call today to schedule a personal tour.

434-973-1155 751 Hillsdale Drive • Charlottesville, VA www.our-lady-of-peace.com Coordinated Services Management, Inc. Professional Management of Retirement Communities Since 1981

CREATE SOMETHING TIMELESS

custom stone design & installation

SUN MOUNTAIN STONEWORKS sunmountainstoneworks.com - 607.743.4196 -proudly serving Charlottesville and surrounding areas-

31

Choosing the Right Model

WELLSFORD™ COLLECTION

YOUR HOME SAYS A LOT ABOUT YOU. WE’RE HERE TO LISTEN. Your home is a reflection of you. Ferguson’s product experts are here to listen to every detail of your vision, and we’ll work alongside you and your designer, builder or remodeler to bring it to life.

Schedule a one-on-one consultation with us today.

FERGUSON.COM/SHOWROOMS

Charlottesville 2325 Seminole Lane (434) 817-1775 Harrisonburg: Forbes Crossing 1820 Evelyn Byrd Avenue (540) 438-6400

©2015 Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.

3 2

Choosing the right hot tub model to fit your needs can be done with a little self-examination. Perhaps the first decision to make is how many people you would like to accommodate and where you want to place it—these are two major factors that play in to what size your tub can be. If you are considering a hot tub for entertaining, you’ll need ample seating; if you’d rather use it more for a private retreat to relax and ease muscle aches, then jet size and jet placement may be more important. Features can be highly personal and you should give this some thought before you buy.

An important feature to consider when buying a hot tub is not only the number of jets, but also the type and placement of jets. There is a huge variety in jet functionality, from pinpoints of water to pulsating waves to the feel of fingers running down your back. Even hot tub seating has many options: some models feature seats that are more upright while others will include loungers, “captain’s chairs” in each corner, or some combination.

Sound and TV systems, special mood lighting, even water features like illuminated arcs of water or mini waterfalls are options to amp up your hot tub experience.

One new feature that really makes hot tubs a year-round delight is the ability to cool the water. “In one day, the water in a hot tub can be cooled so the kids can enjoy it during a hot summer day, then it can be heated up so the family can enjoy it at night,” says von Lewinski. This is also a particularly inviting scenario in our fall climate, where the weather can go from one extreme to the other on a dime.

Besides functionality, you’ll have choices to make about looks, too. Interiors of hot tubs are typically made from fiberglass covered with acrylic that comes in a variety of colors and finishes. Covers, typically made of foam core covered in vinyl, also come in an array of colors to suit your preferences. The cabinets in which hot tubs are housed have come a long way in terms of good looks—and ease of maintenance. Once upon a time they were made from wood, which required the regular cleaning, staining and sealing necessary to maintain its good looks. Today’s cabinets are typically made from polymers that mimic the look of wood, complete with wood-grain embossing.

Some manufacturers also make cabinets out of polymer to look like stone. This material requires very little upkeep compared to wood.

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

Locating your Hot Tub

So you’ve figured out what model hot tub you want; what about integrating this sizeable item into your space? This is one of the most important things to decide. If you put it close to your home, rather than in the far reaches of your yard, you are more likely to use it more often through all seasons. Keep in mind that it can be a long, cold walk back to the house if you’re taking advantage of a hot outdoor soak in the depths of winter.

It is recommended that the company from which you are purchasing your hot tub visit your potential site ahead of time to make sure your plans are feasible. “Having a site visit can help in so many ways,” says von Lewinski.

“Most customers have an idea of where they would like it to go, but we can look at logistics like delivery, access for future service, and ways to customize the hot tub setting with things like handrails, umbrellas and music so it’s more tailored to accommodate the customers’ lifestyle and projected use.” This type of visit takes the guesswork and worry out of your new purchase; no one wants the unpleasant surprise of installation issues on delivery day.

One key to successful installation is a firm, flat, level surface, like a concrete pad or pavers. If you’re looking to place the hot tub on a deck, you’ll need to be certain that your deck can withstand the enormous weight of a hot tub full of water—as well as the people in it. (A full hot tub can weigh between 3,000 to 7,000 pounds.) If it’s questionable, reinforcements can be added to your deck— this will just add to your budget and your timeline.

$

31,300. Even the price is brilliantly engineered.

The 2015 CLA.

*Plus tax, tag, title, and applicable taxes

AUTOSMERCEDESBENZ.COM c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

33

Servicing the Central Virginia Region for over 65 years! alliedconcrete.com Visit one of our showrooms today:

SPECTRUM STONE DESIGNS 434.993.0888 | www.spectrumstonedesigns.com 34

While you don’t need a plumber to help install this water-filled fun—hot tubs are self-contained, filled initially and then filtered—you may need the services of an electrician.

Most municipal codes require that you have a dedicated, grounded outlet (a GFCI outlet), and in the right location—a certain distance from your hot tub, for safety. Getting your electrical hook-up up to snuff to accommodate a hot tub is not considered a major electrical overhaul, however, and costs should be minimal.

What if you want to place your hot tub inside—like in a basement or a sunroom? Some of the same rules apply: you’ll need a firm, flat surface with adequate reinforcement, and the added requirement of water-resistant flooring (such as tile or cement). You also need to be sure the room where you want to place your hot tub has adequate ventilation.

Once installed, you can certainly enjoy your hot tub without lifting another finger—but if you are looking to boost the aesthetics of your new spa even further, there are certainly some ideas to consider to create a visually pleasing scene. Some hot tub owners build attractive decking around the tub, making sure that the control panel and electrical supply remain easily accessible. Another tip, if you haven’t already placed it near existing landscaping, is to landscape intentionally around it to enhance privacy and a getaway feel—think lush evergreens, perennial grasses and a trellis that will bloom with flowering vines in the warmer months. Under a pergola, an accent to an existing hardscape, or surrounded by large potted trees and container gardens, your hot tub really can be a destination in your own backyard.

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

Tech Support

Like a swimming pool, the water in a hot tub needs to be sanitized, whether with traditional chlorine, a saltwater system (in which salt is turned into chlorine) or by using ozonator technology (a mechanized solution to eliminating chemical sanitizers). While there are many options to consider for this task, and at different price points, experts say that maintaining a hot tub has never been easier. Von Lewinski says that maintenance is often front and center in the minds of her hot tub customers. “Nobody wants to add something else to their already-busy schedule—they just want to use the hot tub,” she says. She says that most hot tubs are equipped with some type of automated water sanitation system that takes that concern out of the quotient. In fact, there is now technology that allows dealerships to monitor the chemistry of the water and the functionality of the hot tub without being on site; it alerts the dealership if there is a need for a service visit. “This is very helpful for customers who love to travel. It gives them peace of mind,” she says.

One task you’ll need to put on your to-do list—for no tub is maintenancefree—is the occasional drain and refill. “Expect to drain your hot tub quarterly with average use—I like to tell my customers to do it with the change of seasons,” says von Lewinski. If you use the hot tub frequently or have a lot of people who use it, you may want to drain and refill it more often.

Like any home luxury item, prices for hot tubs run the gamut, from base models to fully loaded. You can expect to pay close to $3,000 for an entry-level tub, on up to $18,000 for a fully-loaded model with all the bells and whistles you could imagine.

Whether for relaxing alone, resting your aching joints, or connecting with family and friends, these at-home water retreats can provide a little bit of luxury to your life—at your disposal, all the time. “Everyone is stressed these days, and the world would be a better place if more people owned a hot tub and used it regularly,” says von Lewinski. Maybe this is just the right season to consider adding this feature to your home and your life.

We have the power to make things better.

®

Your Expectation

• Immediate Response • Install, Service & Repair • Exact Price Upon Arrival • Scheduled Appointment Times • Clean, Courteous Service Professionals

Residential & Commercial 24 Hour Emergency Service

Our Expertise

• High Tech Troubleshooting • Lighting - Fixtures - Fans - Ballasts • New Outlets - Circuits - Data Lines • Panel Upgrades - Code Corrections • Security - Landscape Lighting

$

20OFF

434-973-3196

Charlottesville.MrElectric.com

Any Service Call

Limited time offer. Offer valid at participating locations only. Not valid with any other offer(s).

c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

Independently Owned & Operated © 2014 Mr. Electric LLC • Licensed & Insured

35

Oh, The Views!

NEW FARMHOUSE EVOKES HISTORIC FEEL

By H e at h er E . Tow e P h ot o g r a p hy by A ll e g r a H e lms

As you drive down a charming lane to the home of Betsy and Sandy Stuart, you know immediately that you have arrived somewhere special. Instead of approaching the home from the front, you meander along the lane, drawing closer to it at an angle. Greeted by astounding views in all directions, you finally pull up to what appears to be an old farmhouse nestled in a beautiful pastoral setting. c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

37

Finding the Right Fit

Doing Their Homework

Betsy and Sandy, who grew up in Virginia, returned to Charlottesville five years ago to retire after raising their children in Chicago. Betsy, who had her own interior design firm in Chicago, is now working at Stedman House Interiors in Charlottesville, and Sandy has retired from the financial world and is now a real estate agent and broker with the farms and estates division of Roy Wheeler. Back in Chicago, the couple had remodeled two historic houses, and they wanted to find an old historic house in Albemarle County to renovate. After searching the area, their hunt led them to southern Albemarle County, where they decided to build a new house that would feel like an old house. Betsy explains, “This community has strict building ordinances to ensure that farmland will continue to be farmed, the views will remain pristine, and growth and development will be limited.” They found the perfect spot, a charming lane that was the remnant of an old state road that once led to an old house site.

Before contracting an architect to design the house, Betsy created a “vision book” filled with ideas and images. The book, which she started two years before they built the house, contained photos and clippings of just about everything, including kitchens, windows, faucets, floors, paneling, mantels, doors, screen doors, porches and railings. The vision book provided a clear picture of what she and Sandy wanted in the house and was an excellent communication tool. As Betsy says, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

Betsy and Sandy, on the recommendation from friends, pulled architect Andy Andrews out of retirement to help them with the plans for their house. According to Betsy, “At first he was reluctant, but after he saw the site, he smiled and said he was on board.” Betsy says, “Andy was a joy to work with. He really understood that this house was all about the views from inside the house. We wanted to build a house that looked like it had been an old farmhouse which had been added on to, but

38

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

with the amenities of a new house.” Such amenities include adequate closet space, a working pantry, a great mudroom, plenty of storage… and a lot of electrical outlets!

Additionally, it was important to the Stuarts for the interior of the home to be carefully designed to accommodate furniture from their Chicago home.

To ensure that their furniture would fit, they had measured all pieces as well as the rooms themselves and stored those measurements in a book—a “genius idea” that Betsy attributes to Sandy. As a result, Andrews knew the scale of both furniture and room sizes as a reference that would be helpful getting the spaces right in the new house. Betsy says that it was great to be able to fit the house around their furniture.

“With remodeling an old house, you don’t have that luxury,” she says.

After she had the preliminary plans, Betsy “lived mentally through the house” as if they lived there. She spent time studying the floor plans, the flow of the house, and how they would function day to day.

She envisioned the rooms finished and decorated. Betsy says, “Changes are much easier to make on paper rather than during the building process.” She also says that she was fortunate to have an architect who was c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

The mudroom area is part of a wing that was designed to appear as if it were an addition to an old house. Wormy chestnut runs high up the wall—a great neutralizer so dogs can shake and boots can splash without the need to worry about washing down walls all the time.

39

open to working with a decorator. She refers to a quote from one of her favorite design books, The Great American House: “Houses work best—they feel most like homes—when architecture is layered with everything a decorator brings to the table; furniture and fabrics, antiques and artwork, family photos, bibelots, books—all the wonderful elements that combine to create an indelible and highly personal sense of place. And this happens most successfully when the architect and decorator can jointly develop a sensibility about the lifestyle that will be lived in the house they are creating together.”

Andrews, who immediately understood Betsy’s vision, had an established working relationship with Brad DeTuncq of DeTuncq Builders and recommended him to the Stuarts, telling them how much they would like him. “He listens, he’s particular, he’s honest and he has a great crew,” says Andrews of DeTuncq. Betsy points out the importance of trusting your team. “It is a big thing when you take on a project like this. You’re putting your world, and your financial life, in these people’s hands… You want to make sure that whom you choose is qualified and you can trust them. Brad and his whole crew were wonderful to work with and went over and above to make sure we all stayed on the same page,” she says. Betsy and Sandy attribute the success of this project to the team that worked so closely together.

Views From the Inside

Intended to look like an old farmhouse with later additions, the design of the house incorporates the views of the mountains and farmlands as a primary feature. The position of the house is strategic; every window gives a different, breathtaking view. The front door opens to a hall that extends the full length of the house, revealing the rolling farmland on the other side of the property. Called a “shotgun house,” this design is great for warmer climates, as opening the doors on either end of the hall allows a breeze to flow through the whole house. There are two cozy chairs in a seating area at the back of the hall which make excellent use of the space and the view. Betsy worked closely with Andrews, whose ideas about various windows she describes as “brilliant.”

Betsy describes the house as a “one over one,” meaning that the portion of the 4 0

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

house that extends from the center hall is one-room deep.

The design was intentional; this would have been the structure of the original house, had this actually been an older house that had been renovated with additions. This style allows light from different directions at different times of the day to penetrate the entire house, creating beauty of different shades all day, in all seasons.

The interior space is just as much about what is outside as what is inside the house. Downstairs, on either side of the center hall, are two formal rooms, the living room on the left and the dining room on the right. In both rooms, the floor-to-ceiling windows allow them to make excellent use of the scenery as they let in an abundance of natural light. At the back of the house are the den and the kitchen on either side of the center hall. The roofline here was designed to make it seem like an old porch had been closed in to add interior space. Bay windows along the back wall of the house bring the view into these rooms. The bay in the den holds a window seat, while the kitchen bay serves as the breakfast nook. Along another wall in the den, floor-to-ceiling built-ins frame smaller windows that let in light and perfectly punctuate the functional storage.

The master bedroom, which is in a part of the house that would appear to be a later addition, has standard-size windows dressed with interior window shutters, a south-facing box window designed to maximize the view to the back, and a cupola, a unique and creative feature, which graces the v-groove board ceiling and gives a charming detail to the exterior as well.

In the cozy cottage guest rooms upstairs, Andrews designed windows that suit the various spaces. Sloping ceilings give way to shallow dormers to the north that bring the walls into the room using the eave space for closets on either side. At the back of these two rooms are three window dormers that maximize the back view and give the rooms each two more closets. To introduce light from the east in one bedroom and from the west in the other, Andrews added small cottage-like windows that swing in. They are perfect for listening to rain or letting in a little breeze on a nice day. c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

41

42

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

43

Attention to Detail

As an interior designer, Betsy pays keen attention to details, and this is evident everywhere in the house. Every space has been given thoughtful consideration for how it will be used and what the Stuarts want it to convey. She emphasizes, “We use every room in the house.” As a decorator, she believes that a successful interior is not only beautiful but is comfortable and inviting. Downstairs, the front room is both a living room and a comfortable place to “curl up and watch a movie by the fire.” Grasscloth covers the walls and lush, inviting furniture rests on a unique hooked rug.

One of the most impressive features of the house is the integrated storage, accomplished by drawers, shelves, cabinets and even rooms placed strategically throughout. There are builtins and shelves in walls in almost every room of the house, including the family room, where bench seating rests over drawers and adorable cubbies on either side of a cased opening provide pets with cozy places to nap. Clever storage can even be found in the mudroom area as well as the reading nook at the top of the stairs on the second floor. Also at the top of the stairs are built-in floor-to-ceiling cabinets that function both as linen closet and medicine cabinet.

4 4

Betsy enlisted the help of a professional friend, Laura O’Brian at O’Brian Harris Cabinetry in Chicago, to help with the kitchen design and cabinetry through out the house. In the kitchen, O’Brian incorporated an amazing amount of detail into her designs, which include the mantel work above the stove, cubbies for seasonings, and a hanging utensil rack.

The counters in the kitchen are local soapstone, into which a drain board was cut just to the left of the sink. The old pine floors came from Christian Millwork out of Augusta, Georgia. The tile in the kitchen and bathrooms is cream subway tile. Betsy notes that using neutral tones leaves room to change color schemes down the road. While the cabinets in the kitchen are painted cream, the island is limed oak, which they limed to create contrast. The cabinet door hardware, a polished nickel, is designed to resemble an old-time refrigerator pull. Betsy says, “Cabinet hardware is its jewelry.”

The kitchen is uncluttered and houses everyday china, glasses, cooking pots, pans, silverware and other day-to-day necessities. There is a wonderful butler’s pantry positioned between the kitchen and the dining room that provides space for good china, linens, and large service pieces. The counter in this room is old pine acquired from the Ivy Church during C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

their roof renovation—repurposed and varnished so it cleans up with ease and gives an old character to the pantry.

The mudroom area is part of a wing that was designed to appear as if it were an addition to an old house. The wormy chestnut that runs high up the wall is a great neutralizer; dogs can shake and boots can splash without the need to wash down the walls all the time. Also part of this wing are a powder room, another storage area, and a dog-andlaundry room, which incorporates the soapstone from the kitchen.

Finishing touches, like the handrail for the staircase in the front hall as well as the doorknobs throughout the house, reveal the same careful attention to detail. Betsy says that she found a sample of the handrail in Richmond and had the handrail custom made. The design yields a perfect fit for the hand and is reminiscent of the old Craftsman style. Antique Bennington doorknobs, with their classic brown-mineral swirled look, appear on all the house’s interior doors with the exception of the bathrooms, which feature antique cream porcelain knobs.

The Road Home

A small tile in the kitchen backsplash reads “2012” to commemorate the completion of the project. Betsy and Sandy began building in 2010, but plans for the project began well before that. Betsy says, “We set out to build a new house that had the wonderful aspects and feelings of an old house. To accomplish that it was all about the details and working with a team that was committed to a high level of craftsmanship. We had fun doing it and are still friends with all those involved today—and that is success!”

It’s Not Business.

It’s Personal.

Creating Opportunity and

Finding Insurance Solutions for

Businesses and Families

INSURANCE SE 434.529.6000 - www.specializedins.com 2250 Old Ivy Road, Suite 5, Charlottesville c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

45

n IMPROVE DRINKWARE

RaiseYour Glass!

Spruce up your drinkware wardrobe

By A lyss a M er c a da n t e

Take a quick peek inside your drinkware cabinet. What do you see? Orderly rows of chic glasses organized by type? Or an assortment of plastic stadium cups sporting logos that you probably received at various events? Tervis tumblers bearing a variety of logos? Mismatched coffee mugs from all the places you’ve visited?

Cups are so easy to accumulate—it’s a mystery as to what is even nestled back in that cabinet (besides dust). If cups are stacked five-high and falling off the shelves every time you open the door, it is time to make a change—particularly before the holidays roll around and you’ll be filling those glasses for friends and family on more than one special occasion. Be party-ready while creating a little cabinet Zen with a fall tidy-up and restocking with the addition of a few simple glasses.

4 6

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

Purge and Organize

The first thing to do is to start with a clean slate. Remove each and every cup, mug, tumbler and glass from your cabinet. Once they are out, you will realize just how many you had jammed in there. Take advantage of the now-empty shelves and give them a good wipe down. Now, it’s time to say goodbye to the ones you don’t need. Grab an empty box and start ruthlessly tossing for donation or recycling. You don’t need 15 Tervis tumblers, you don’t need a coffee mug from every state, and you definitely don’t need an abundance of those flimsy plastic cups. Discard anything you haven’t used in a long time, and ditch anything that doesn’t make sense for your current living situation. Do you really still need to keep those sippy cups if your youngest child is 13? Once you have decided which ones to keep, place them back where it makes the most sense. Everyday drinkware should go on the bottom shelves for easiest access, with specialty glasses up top. If you have a glass-front cabinet or hutch in your kitchen, think about displaying some of the pretty, special ones here. Perhaps you now have some extra room to update your drinkware wardrobe and add some fun, stylish and versatile options to your collection.

Find the Most Versatile Drinkware

Nowadays, it seems more and more people are embracing cocktail culture at home. Going out can be expensive and crowded, and it’s much more intimate to host a small get-together at home. The trick to doing so, though, is to provide a variety of options for your guests. Some people prefer wine or champagne, some liquor, others non-alcoholic beverages. Getting your hands on these liquid goods is the easy part. But what do you serve everything in? Do you really need all those fancy, different-sized crystal glasses for whites, reds and champagne? Can you only drink margaritas out of margarita glasses? The answer is no. c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

There are many versatile sets of all-purpose wine glasses available that accommodate both white and red wine. Stemless wine glasses are popular because they are easy to handle and can fit on that top shelf of the dishwasher without breaking.

They can also be used for drinks other than wine, such as margaritas or freshly squeezed lemonade, as they almost mimic a highball or old-fashioned glass in your hand without the stem.

Many people are moving away from the fine, crystal stemware that our grandparents have locked up in their china cabinets; it is considered extravagant and frankly, too much fuss in this time-starved world. When it comes to champagne, many argue whether it’s best to use coupes or flutes. Coupes are widemouthed and swanky, and can be fun to bring out at a small party—but that wide mouth can lead to easy spillage and offers little space for the bubbles to rise. Tall, slender flutes accentuate the rising bubbles, but don’t allow the champagne to fully express its wonderful aroma. To get the most enjoyment out of your champagne, consider serving it in a simple wine glass. After all, isn’t champagne just wine with bubbles?

Old-fashioned glasses (rocks, whiskey glasses) are always “in” and are considered classic, timeless, casual and versatile. These short tumblers, or lowballs, can be used for serving almost any spirit or cocktail. The same goes for highball glasses, which are taller and feature a sleek, cylindrical shape. They can even be used as a dramatic way to serve juice or soda.

Another popular drinking vessel that can be used for a wide variety of beverages is the Mason jar. Perfect for enjoying your favorite cold drinks, smoothies or sweet tea, these adorable jars are easy to hold and even easier to care for. These days, there are Mason jars that come with handles, lids, straws, and even Mason jars with stems, just for fun. If one day you decide to no longer use these jars as drinking glasses, there are a million other uses for them.

47

711 Preston Avenue, Charlottesville,VA 434.245.5216 | www.wainwrighttile.com |

Handmade pasta.

Made daily.

Catering Available.

The options for drinkware are endless, and you should mold your collection to fit your own needs.

Add in Some Fun Pieces

Sauces, soups, entrées, pizza & pasta made daily!

921 Preston Avenue 4 8

Charlottesville, VA 22903

monalisapasta.com

While it’s important to have glasses that can accommodate a wide variety of beverages, also think about adding some unique pieces to your collection. Moscow Mule mugs are a standout in their coppery beauty and are sure to act as a conversation starter.

Chilled drinks in copper cups offer some extra coolness because the metal acts as an insulator. While these copper mugs are usually reserved for Moscow Mule cocktails (lime juice, simple syrup, ginger beer and vodka), that’s not to say they can’t be used for other drinks. Other vodka or gin-based drinks, or simply some refreshing, iced water garnished with lemon, can be served in these as well. Hot beverages such as coffee and hot chocolate can also be served in copper mugs, and the handle makes for easy sipping.

For craft beer lovers, you may not want to use the same type of glass for every variation. There are reasons why certain kinds go in certain shapes here, and when you have the right glass for unlocking the flavors of each style of beer, hosting a small C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

craft beer or microbrew tasting can be tasty and fun.

There are many sets that you can buy at your local home goods store that include glasses for a classic English pub, Belgian ale, pilsner, stout/porter, and wheat beer. If you don’t drink a lot of different styles of beer, just stock up on a set of pint glasses that are sure to do the trick.

The options for drinkware are endless, and you should mold your collection to fit your own needs. Give this some dedicated thought while cleaning, purging and restocking. If your family loves a glass of wine with dinner every night, make sure you have enough wine glasses to accommodate that. If you like a smoothie every morning with breakfast, stock up on large, basic glasses such as Mason jars. Simple pint glasses, which are great for water, soda and beer, also serve as great general-purpose glasses. If you have some of each in your drinkware collection, then you’ll have a glass for practically every type of drink. Choose clear glasses to keep it simple while also being able to appreciate the color of your drink, but don’t be afraid to branch out and gather a few with designs or colors that express your personality and accent your home.

Whether your drinkware cabinet is in need of a full-fledged cleaning out, or you just need to do a bit of reorganizing and restocking, the main goal is to be able to open your cabinet to a state of calm. Having just the right assortment of drinkware will allow you to have one more part of your home organized, party-ready and blissfully updated.

Persian Rugs & More

Country Living in Virginia

COURTENAY GLEN WAY Charming farm house located in one of Albemarle County’s most pristine country living neighborhoods.

The Farms at Turkey Run offers a private community of 40 country estates and equestrian farms on 800 acres, surrounded by 5000 protected acres. Custom built and never lived in. Countless features and upgrades. $695,000.

NEW Cleaning and Restoration Facility

Ann Hay Hardy 202.297.0228

Pick Up and Delivery Boonsboro Shopping Center, Lynchburg • (434) 384-3123 • (800) 485-9960 persianruglady@yahoo.com • PersianRugsandMore.com SERVING CENTRAL VIRGINIA SINCE 1998 c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

www.frankhardy.com

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

49

n LIVE CULINARY CORNER

Move Over, Meat Veggies star in main-dish meals

BY Lu cy Co o k

5 0

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

A

Shakshuka with Smoked Tomatoes c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

nyone who knows me knows I’m no saint, especially when it comes to food. I have read enough about healthy eating to know that I need to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. For most of us, it’s not part of the plan to give up meat altogether, but it’s a good idea to try to eat more vegetable-focused meals (not necessarily vegetarian) to reduce saturated fats in our diets. I’m happy that the definition of “healthy eating” has shifted from using meat substitutes like tempeh and tofu to using meat as a flavoring, rather than the main event.

And did you know the commercial meat industry is responsible for 20 percent of manmade greenhouse gases? Buying local meats can reduce your carbon footprint as well as the use of fossil fuels to transport it to market.

Locally raised meat may cost a little more, but it’s worth it for what is usually better flavor.

Get maximum taste from the meat by using flavorful cuts and cooking them in a way that best brings out their flavor.

If you’re looking to make healthy changes, one way is to visualize moving meat from the center of the plate, at least some nights.

Instead of serving one steak per person, slice a cooked steak and serve one for several people while serving a filling grain as the main dish.

Or, instead of cooking burgers made from beef, use ground turkey or chicken, stretched with an equal volume of roasted mushrooms.

(They are so easy to make! Toss 2 pounds of quartered mushrooms with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, then cool and chop in the food processor.)

These ground mushrooms are also delicious substituted for half the ground meat in your favorite meatloaf or meatball recipe.

To add interest to your vegetable-based dishes, make sure that you have lots of different flavors and textures. Consider the way that the vegetables are cooked; use different techniques like smoking, roasting, grilling and pickling to make it feel more like a meal, and less like a plate of steamed vegetables. Add texture by including nuts and beans in your recipes. And don’t forget that sustainable seafood is more readily available and good for you—but that’s another article for another time!

Sometimes it’s hard to change old habits, but do a little research and you may be convinced that moving meat from the center of your plate a few nights a week may be a worthwhile effort for your health and the environment. Happy cooking!

51

Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash (Serves 6-8) I love the sweet spicy dressing and the different flavors in this centerof-the-plate salad. It contains enough flavors and textures so that I’m satisfied without meat, but if you’d like something meaty, top with prosciutto that has been baked in a 350 oven until crisp. It can be made a day or two in advance—just wait to add the cheese until you’re ready to serve.

1 butternut squash Olive oil 6 cups of baby kale, chopped Sweet and Spicy Vinaigrette (recipe follows)

Put the kale in a bowl, and crush with your hands to soften slightly.

Toss with ½ cup Sweet and Spicy Vinaigrette. Let sit.

Cook the black-eyed peas in boiling water for about 20 minutes until just tender. Drain and spread on a sheet pan to cool.

Combine squash, kale, peas, chopped pepper, jalapeno and parsley. Add more vinaigrette as needed to coat all the vegetables.

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Top with crumbled goat cheese before serving.

Sweet and Spicy Vinaigrette (makes about a cup)

1 bag frozen black-eyed peas

½ cup apple cider vinegar

1 red pepper, seeded and chopped

3 tablespoons honey

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

Juice of one lemon

½ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

½ cup crumbled local goat cheese

2/3 cup vegetable oil

Preheat the oven to 375. Peel the butternut squash, and cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper and spread on a baking sheet. Roast in oven until tender and beginning to brown, about 40 minutes. Let cool.

Add all ingredients to a small jar and shake until combined.

52

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

Smoked Tomatoes (makes 1 ½ pounds) After taking the main event off the grill, we like to use the dying embers to smoke tomatoes (and other veggies) for dishes later in the week. These smoked tomatoes can be used instead of regular tomatoes in pizza, chili, soups, or any recipe that may benefit. And you can try them as the star of the shakshuka recipe that follows.

1 cup hickory or other wood chips, soaked for 30 minutes and then drained 2 pounds ripe tomatoes Salt and pepper Olive oil Fresh thyme sprigs On a gas or charcoal grill: Wrap the wet wood chips in a piece of foil, and make three inch-long slits in the foil. Place the foil pack on the coils and heat until smoking. Cut tomatoes in half, and squeeze gently to remove most of the seeds. Drizzle a disposable pan with olive oil. Place tomatoes in a single layer, cut side up. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme sprigs. Smoke on low heat (about 250 if you have a thermometer) for about 30 minutes. Remove from heat, cool and refrigerate or freeze until needed.

Shakshuka with Smoked Tomatoes (serves 4-6) This North African egg dish is an incredible brunch or dinner dish.

Be sure to serve lots of crusty bread alongside to sop up the spicy tomato sauce.

3 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, sliced

FOR ALL YOUR PROPANE NEEDS,

1 large red pepper, cored, seeded and sliced into thin strips 2 cloves garlic, sliced 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Cayenne pepper to taste 14-ounce can of chopped tomatoes 8 smoked tomato halves, chopped 6 eggs ½ cup crumbled feta cheese Chopped fresh parsley Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large ovenproof skillet, saute the onions and pepper until soft and beginning to brown, about 15 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, paprika and cayenne and cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Add the canned and smoked tomatoes, and ½ cup water. Let cook until it thickens a bit, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Crack the eggs, spacing them evenly apart, into the tomato sauce. Top with feta cheese.

Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 7 minutes until the eggs are just set. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread. c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

YOU SELECT

WE INSTALL

WE DELIVER

YOU ENJOY

BROOKNEAL • LYNCHBURG • DANVILLE • CHARLOTTESVILLE

LET US TAKE CARE OF YOU. 434-263-4500 WWW.FOSTERFUELS.COM 53

n GARDEN COMPOSTING

COMPOST Mother Nature’s Recycling Program

By R o ry R h o d es

With its abundance of falling leaves and fading perennials, autumn is a natural time of year to start composting. A process in which various organic materials decay to produce a natural soil enhancer, composting is most frequently used to amend poor soil and reduce a garden’s need for fertilizer. If you’ve ever raked leaves in the fall, then ordered scoops of mulch in the spring and spread it on the garden (cough cough, guilty!) you’ve essentially discarded prime soil amenders and bought new ones that aren’t as good. Perhaps you’ve heard about the wonders of composting, but aren’t sure what’s involved or how complicated it is. Don’t worry; it’s actually a simple process. This year, instead of bagging or burning that brown stuff, why not give composting a try? Here’s all you need to know.

The Benefits

The rich, dark brown matter produced from composting can work wonders in garden beds and containers.

It’s especially helpful in Virginia, which has a lot of heavy clay soil. Many plants struggle in clay because its dense structure is hard for roots to penetrate, while moisture retention and slow drainage can cause root rot. If you’ve carefully planted some pretty nursery specimens in your yard, only to watch them waste away like consumptive heroines in a 19th century novel, you may have a clay problem. Amending clay soil with compost will add vital nutrients as well as improve drainage by binding to the clay, producing larger particles that filter water more effectively.

Whether you have clay or not, compost will improve the soil quality and water retention in your garden.

Homemade organic material saves money on bagged soil and fertilizer, and also decreases household waste sent to the landfill. Using compost instead of high-nitrogen fertilizer prevents runoff from polluting local waterways. And, if you have opened your windows on a glorious fall day, only to slam them shut after inhaling a lungful of burning leaf smoke, you can imagine that composting those leaves is a healthier alternative for your immediate air quality. In other words, composting beautifies the garden while taking care of Mother Nature. Win-win!

5 4

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

How It Works

The chemical process of composting works best with a mixture of carbon and nitrogen ingredients. Dry matter, such as leaves, pine needles, shredded cardboard and newspaper, eggshells, bark, and shredded twigs are all high-carbon “brown” materials.

Fresh grass clippings, garden trimmings, fruit and vegetable scraps, and coffee grounds and tea leaves are nitrogen-rich “green ingredients.” Mixed together, these two components will help microorganisms break down the material. Heat is a by-product of this process, and is necessary for effective composting. Starting your compost in the fall with a bottom layer of dry, brown material will allow aeration throughout the pile. Chopping and shredding larger items will hasten decomposition, while sunny days and mild temperatures will provide a bit of heat to accelerate the process. Add kitchen scraps as you have them, and in spring begin incorporating green material, such as grass clippings. Just make sure you don’t add any meat or dairy products, as the compost won’t get hot enough to break them down, and they’ll also attract animals.

Getting Started

There is a lot of specialized composting equipment available which, if you’re new to composting, might seem intimidating.

Remember that it doesn’t have to be complicated. Fundamentally, composting is free. Make a pile of unwanted kitchen and yard material, let it rest for several months, and you have your very own garden superfood. However, a few basic items will make the process more convenient.

In the Kitchen

For starters, you’ll want a vessel in your kitchen to hold those fruit and vegetables scraps, eggshells, and coffee grounds. You could use something as simple as a small aluminum pail with a lid. You can also buy special compost crocks with replaceable charcoal filters to absorb any odors. If you’re concerned about fruit flies, there are various decorative and unobtrusive fruit-fly traps on the market. c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

55

In the Backyard

The first option is just to make a pile in your yard. This is the best choice if you have a lot of leaves and garden material to compost, if you have a lot of soil you want amended, or if you just want to keep it simple. Select an out-of-the-way location that gets some sun, since the sun’s heat will accelerate the process, and begin with a layer of brown material. Don’t heap it right up against a wooden structure, as over time it can rot the wood. You may want to contain the pile by installing a simple fence around it. A wire or mesh fence is a simple but tidy option. Hardware cloth is sturdy and will hold its shape while containing the compost. You can secure the wire with metal stakes, or construct a basic wood frame with treated lumber. Leave the fence open on one side for easy access, or install a gate. A compost pile will quickly become home to various microorganisms, along with earthworms, sow bugs, nematodes, and other tiny creatures who will get the compost party started. Keep your compost aerated and active by turning it every couple of weeks with a pitchfork or shovel (you can also buy a compost aerator, which looks like a metal pole with wings at the bottom) and add moisture now and then to aid decomposition. A good guideline is to add a bit of water when you add brown material; green material has its own moisture.

If you are looking to compost a smaller amount and want something more concealed, you can purchase special tumblers and bins. There are a variety of sizes and options available to suit different needs and budgets. A tumbler is a drum with a hinged door, usually mounted on a frame. It has a turning crank either attached to a gear on the frame, or connected to a center axle that runs through the center of the drum. Some popular features are drums with interior fins to help mix the compost, insulated 56

drums to help “cook” the material, and drums that are divided into two compartments so that one side can hold fresh material while the other side decomposes. An advantage with tumblers is that they will stay warmer than an open-air pile, which increases the rate of decomposition. You can’t put earthworms in a tumbler because it gets too hot inside, but you can buy compost “activator” which contains things like microorganisms, enzymes, and meal such as bonemeal and alfalfa meal.

A third option is a compost bin, essentially a large ventilated container that is often made of sturdy polyethylene, like a Rubbermaid tub. As with tumblers, options include insulated bins, and bins divided into several trays for different stages of compost. A bin will hold more than a tumbler, making it a good middle-ground choice. Be aware that it can be tough to turn the material inside a compost bin, and less aeration means the composting process will take a bit longer.

The Result

Depending upon the conditions of your compost pile, you should have rich soil and a gourmet meal for your plants in several months. It may take longer if conditions are less than ideal, or if you started with a lot of coarse material. When the compost is dark and crumbly, with no trace of the initial ingredients, it is ready for use. With a compost pile or bin, dig into the bottom to find the richest material.

You can add composted soil to your garden at any time of year. Put it in the holes you dig for new plantings. Spread it as mulch and slow-release fertilizer in established garden beds to help control weeds while adding beneficial nutrients to the soil.

Use it for container plantings instead of pricey potting soil. You can even brew a “compost tea” (not for drinking!) by placing a C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

shovelful of compost in an old pillowcase, tying the case, and submerging it in a lidded five-gallon bucket of water, stirring whenever possible to keep it oxygenated.

(Healthy tea will have an earthy smell. If it smells spoiled, pour it back onto your compost pile and try again.) Use compost tea as soon as it’s ready, usually in a day or two when it’s the color of strong coffee.

To use this “tea,” dilute the brew with water until it is the color of iced tea (approximately 3 parts water to 1 part tea.) This liquid gold makes an excellent natural fertilizer, which can be sprinkled directly onto foliage as well as into surrounding soil. Using compost tea on foliage can also help control plant blights and molds, as well as reduce insect damage.

Recycling organic material turns nature’s trash into your treasure.

Composting can invigorate scruffy shrubs and pallid plants while conserving natural resources. If you find yourself with some leftover leaves and yard trimmings this season, perhaps it’s time to adhere to the old saying, “Waste not, want not,” and start a compost pile. Your garden, and Mother Nature, will thank you.

c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

“BROWN” MATERIAL leaves pine needles shredded cardboard and newspaper bark and shredded twigs egg shells

“GREEN” MATERIAL fresh grass clippings garden trimmings fruit and vegetable waste coffee grounds and tea leaves

Keep kitchen scraps in a pail or crock Select an outdoor location with some sun Start with a layer of brown material Add kitchen scraps as they occur, and green material in the spring Keep the compost moist Turn compost every week or two When compost is evenly brown and crumbly, add to garden beds

57

n DESIGN CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY

In Pursuit of the Chair

Perfect

what to know before shopping for upholstered furniture

By R ach el B e a n l a n d

My husband and I once bought an upholstered chair on impulse. It was a floor model so the price was reduced, and the fabric—a bold print—initially appealed to me.

Within six months, I knew we’d made a mistake. The chair wasn’t comfortable, and it was too small for the space. Worse, the fabric was so loud, I couldn’t decorate around it. We moved the chair from room to room, hoping to find a place where it would work better. Ultimately, it came to rest in a dark corner of our unfinished basement.

Buying upholstered furniture is a big deal. You’re spending a lot of money on something you’ll live with for many years. No one wants to get it wrong, and yet there are so many factors to consider, it’s easy to make a mistake.

When it comes to upholstered chairs—or sofas for that matter—it’s wise to do your homework before you start shopping. Flip through design magazines, peruse Pinterest, and pay attention to the living rooms of the friends whose taste you admire most. We all say we want a chair that’s sturdy, comfortable and attractive, but what does that mean to you?

5 8

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

Framing and Joinery

Finding a chair with a solid, hardwood frame is the best place to start. Hardwood comes from deciduous trees (think oak, walnut or beech) and is stronger than the wood of coniferous trees like pines and spruce. It’s also more scratch resistant.

Some furniture makers rely on nine-layer plywood in places, and that can be okay, but you want to steer clear of thinner plywood, particleboard, pressed wood and fiberboard. Excessive knots in the wood can weaken the frame, as can cracks. Look for wood that has been kiln-dried, a process that removes moisture and thereby reduces the likelihood that the frame will warp in high temperatures or humidity.

In addition to learning your trees, it’s a good idea to learn a thing or two about joinery. Dovetail joints, in which two notched pieces of wood, cut at an angle, interlock, make for the strongest joints. Mortise-and-tenon joints are a close second.

Both techniques are more labor-intensive for furniture makers, so you’ll see that reflected in the price of the chair. It’s not necessarily a no-go if you find a chair you love that’s joined using dowels, screws or reinforced corner blocks, but beware of anything stapled, nailed or glued. Give the chair a good shake. A well-constructed chair shouldn’t wobble.

Suspension

When it comes to a chair’s suspension, “eight-way hand-tied” spring coils have long been considered the furniture industry’s gold standard. Each of the seat’s springs are tied together with twine in eight places and then tied to the frame. The technique is labor intensive and thus more costly, so it’s become the mark of the finest furniture makers.

Many retailers argue that, with the improvement in manufacturing technology, other steel coil suspension frames are every bit as comfortable—and can last longer. A sinuous or serpentine seat system uses S-shaped springs, tied together with steel wire, to create a comfortable and sturdy seat.

The key is to be sure the springs—regardless of type—are close together and evenly spaced. Ask your retailer whether the manufacturer has done anything to reduce the noise springs can make. Spring coils can be stuffed with cotton to reduce squeaking, and wires can be coated with paper to absorb sound.

Less costly than a coil suspension is one made of webbing.

Thick strips of durable fabric, often made from jute or nylon, are woven together and stretched across the chair’s frame.

Webbing works well for chairs with a slim profile but is generally considered to be inferior to a spring coil suspension. When fine furniture manufacturers use webbing, it’s often in tandem with coils or with a tensioner that fastens the webbing to the frame.

Cushions

Today, most upholstered cushions are made from polyurethane foam. The denser the foam, the more durable the cushion.

Furniture manufacturers are required to provide their foam’s density rating to consumers, so you should be able to find this information easily. Ideally, you want a density rating between 1.8 and 2.5 pounds per cubic foot.

To protect the foam’s integrity and make foam cushions as comfortable and durable as possible, manufacturers either wrap the foam in cotton, wool or polyester batting or encase it in a loose fiberfill. A liner, often made of muslin, keeps everything in place. c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

59

Fiberfill is most commonly made of polyester or down, though it’s likely that, no matter what you choose, you’ll end up with a blend. Each material has pluses and minuses. Polyester fiberfill is soft, affordable and mildew-resistant, but it has a tendency to separate over time, creating lumps that even the most ardent cushion fluffer can’t fix. Down, which is the layer of fine feathers underneath a bird’s exterior feathers, is lightweight, soft and a great insulator. Disadvantages are that it needs constant fluffing to maintain its loft, breaks down over time, and can trap mold and dust.

Fabric

It’s important to keep in mind that the best fabric for upholstery has a high thread count and a tight weave. Be especially wary of a loose weave if you have pets or small children, as it’s much easier to snag the fabric.

When it comes to natural fibers, cotton and wool blends hold up well to day-in and day-out use. Twill and damask are both tightly woven fabrics that can survive life in a busy household.

Chenille and velvet tend not to pill. Linen and silk are attractive but work best in formal living rooms and other spots where upholstered furniture won’t be heavily used.

Synthetic fabrics such as micro-suede and micro-velvet are designed to mimic the properties of natural materials that might otherwise be considered too impractical for upholstery.

Today, these engineered materials are some of the most durable on the market.

Pay attention to the labels on the back of the fabric swatches furniture retailers and interior designers provide.

They can help you make a more informed decision about your upholstery. If you’re shopping at a retailer that sells fabric by the yard, you can find much of the same information on stickers at the end of each bolt.

The double rub count will help you gauge the fabric’s durability. Before fabric goes to market, it’s run through a machine that rubs back and forth against the weave until it 6 0

disintegrates. Fabric is considered delicate duty if it survives less than 3,000 double rubs (approximately one year of use), light duty if it can take between 3,000 and 9,000 double rubs, medium duty if it can withstand 9,000 to 15,000 double rubs and heavy duty if it can sustain more than 15,000 double rubs.

For residential upholstery, and particularly if the chair will be in a high-traffic area, it’s a good idea to select a fabric that’s survived at least 15,000 double rubs.

The label will also rate the fabric according to its fade resistance. Fade resistance is measured on a scale of 1 to 5; a fabric that earns a 1 will experience severe fading while a fabric that earns a 5 shouldn’t fade much at all. As a rule, natural fibers in dark colors will fade fastest.

You’ll also find information about the fabric’s repeat on the swatch label. If the fabric you’re considering has a pattern, the label should tell you how many inches the pattern runs before it repeats. It may also indicate that the pattern is railroaded, which means that the pattern runs horizontally across the fabric bolt.

Railroaded fabric is especially useful if you’re upholstering a sofa because it means fewer seams or breaks in the pattern.

Look for cleaning codes on the swatch label as well. Textile manufacturers will indicate whether the fabric can be cleaned with a water-based or solvent-based cleaner. Some fabrics can only be vacuumed, so it’s important to know that up front.

The Upholstered Furniture Action Council is an industry group that sets voluntary fire safety standards and advocates for making upholstered furniture more flame resistant. Look for the gold UFAC tag on upholstery fabric, as it means the fabric meets their fire safety standards, but be cautious about committing to a fabric that’s been treated with flame-retardant chemicals, as they may be toxic.

Expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $250 a yard for upholstery fabric. The more labor-intensive the weave, the more costly the fabric. Some retailers will permit you to supply your own material; others will require you choose a fabric from their inventory.

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

It’s important to keep in mind that the best fabric for upholstery has a high thread count and a tight weave.

If you’re supplying your own fabric, you’ll need to know how much to buy. The average upholstered chair takes about 7 yards of material, but it’s important to check with your upholsterer before making a purchase. The width of the fabric (54 inches is standard), the size of the pattern’s repeat and extras like tufting, welting and skirting can affect the total yardage. If you buy too little fabric, a good upholsterer can sometimes make it stretch— but don’t count on it. Your best bet is to consult with your upholsterer before you go shopping.

Choose the right chair with the right fabric and you’ll be sitting pretty for years to come.

With careful research and a little bit of luck, your chair will outlast the fabric it’s upholstered in, and years from now, you’ll find yourself reupholstering it.

c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

61

n IMPROVE CLEANING TIPS

5

Kitchen Duty hot spots for deep cleaning

By K at h er i n e F u lg h u m K n o p f

The frenzy of fall spurs us all back into action with renewed vigor for school, work, sports and activities galore. The kitchen is where we fuel our bodies, minds, and souls during such busy times, so a clean kitchen simply inspires.

Now’s the time to spruce it up—before the holidays are upon us, and the kitchen is called into overtime service. Tackle one heavy-duty chore each week, or just focus on those that scream for attention in your kitchen.

6 2

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

Before you get started, assemble your tools: þ Rags þ Sponges þ An old toothbrush or small soft-bristled brush þ White vinegar þD ishwashing liquid (Dawn is a favorite for degreasing)

þ Hydrogen peroxide þ Baking soda þ Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol þ Furniture polish/spray wax Optional: O ven cleaner, paper towels and a store-bought degreaser product

Grimy Grout Be Gone!

Every kitchen has “hot spots” that get really grimy because they are not part of a weekly cleaning routine—at least not in our house. Which one to tackle first?

Looking around the kitchen, my eyes land on dirty, stained grout. Most of us have tile somewhere; whether it’s on the backsplash or the floor, the tile’s beauty is diminished by dirty grout. While there are several solutions for cleaning grout, the product I have found to work the best is hydrogen peroxide. It really works for me! I buy it in large bottles in the first aid section of the grocery or drugstore. Pour a liberal amount of hydrogen peroxide on a clean rag and apply it to the grout.

Wait two to three minutes and rub the grout lines with an old toothbrush that you have dipped in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. You want it to be a thick, soupy mixture so it covers the grout, and stays there, while you scrub it clean. Wipe clean with a damp, fresh rag. A once-over with a mop will help eliminate any residue from the baking soda mixture you’ve applied on a floor.

Once your grout is clean, you may want apply a grout sealer, available from a home improvement store or tile supply distributor. These products seal grout for six months or longer, depending upon the product. Once sealed, grout stays cleaner and you can relinquish that cleaning chore for a while. c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

63

Tackle the Fridge

Heat Up the Range Hood

How long has it been since you pulled that monster out and cleaned behind it? Grab it on both sides, and walk the refrigerator out so you have a couple of feet open behind it. If you have an icemaker line, be careful not to overstretch it. Once the fridge is clear from the wall, take a clean dust rag and wipe the whole thing down from the top to the bottom. When you reach that nasty grill on the front, wipe away what you can. If you have a strong vacuum, use the brush attachment to suck as much dusty scum off of the grill in the front, and then vacuum the floor behind the fridge and from the top to the bottom of the back of the fridge. Take a rag dipped in hydrogen peroxide and wipe down the grill. If it is still grimy and needs more cleaning, use some Dawn dishwashing liquid and warm water to degrease it. (There are also degreasing products for sale in the cleaning aisle of your grocery store.) Now carefully push the refrigerator back in place and wipe down the front. For stainless steel, a clean rag dipped in alcohol works well. The smudges and fingerprints will disappear! There are also ready-made stainless steel wipes and spray bottle formulas in the cleaning section of most stores. For colored appliances, use warm water with dish soap and a rag to get it clean and streak-free.

Ah, the range hood…now that is one dirty appliance, if you have one. The range hood, or any type of kitchen vent, catches it all; the grease and splatters from cooking a good meal build up over time. If you have a stainless steel vent hood, grab your alcohol and a clean white rag. Pour the alcohol on the rag until it is lightly soaked and lay it across the top of the hood. Let it sit a minute or two to dissolve grease, then start rubbing away the grease for a hood that sparkles. If your hood is painted, use dishwashing soap (again, Dawn is great for that greasy build up) and warm water on a rag and use the same method. Next up is the filter or screen under the hood. These should be gently removed and soaked in a soapy bath of dishwashing liquid and hot water. Let them sit for 20 minutes in this hot bath, then scrub the dirty spots with your bristled brush. Rinse with clean, hot water and let them air dry before you return them to the underside of your range hood.

Banish Cabinet Grime

Cabinet faces get greasy and dirty over time from cooking oils and spills and need their own occasional thorough cleaning.

One good solution is an easy homemade product: Put 12 ounces of Dawn dishwashing detergent and 16 ounces of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Mix well then let it settle until the bubbles reduce. Find a small, inconspicuous spot and test the cabinets to make sure the finish on your cabinets isn’t disturbed. (If your cabinets are old and the finish is soft, you should stick to wiping them down with a mild dish detergent and warm water.) Spray and wipe down one door at a time as you move around the kitchen. This method quickly removes grease and makes this chore a breeze. Once your cabinets are clean, they will benefit from a good polishing. Use your favorite spray wax and a clean white rag to buff them until they shine. Now, don’t they look so much better?

64

What’s Lurking in the Oven?

Last up is the oven. Now’s the time to remove the oven racks and turn on the self-clean cycle. While it is self-cleaning, put the racks in the sink and give them a scrub with Dawn and hot water or your favorite degreaser. Once the cleaning cycle finishes and the oven cools, wipe it out with a rag that is dipped in warm water and a mild dishwashing soap. If your oven doesn’t have a self-clean feature, then open the door, remove the racks and spray it with an oven cleaner. A sweeter smelling option is to clean it with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda mixed into a paste. This takes more elbow grease, but you get a free arm workout and the oven smells great! A good tip for keeping oven spills to a minimum is to pour salt on a spill in the oven right after it happens. This stops the smoke fumes and burning smell of a run-over in your oven. It also makes clean up faster and easier.

Whew! What a series of dirty chores, but now your kitchen sparkles! You should feel accomplished, knowing those hot spots are fresh and ready for action. Kitchens are for living, and that is why we enjoy them so much. All good things, just like all good parties, start and end in the kitchen. Happy cleaning!

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

n LIVE REAL ESTATE

THE STATE OF REAL ESTATE The Pros Weigh In

As homeowners—whether we plan to stay put, renovate, move neighborhoods or relocate to another city—the real estate market in our area is of interest to us all. It can be one indicator of the economic vitality and health of a region—something to which we are all attuned. HOME asked local Realtors and other experts to weigh in on what they’ve been experiencing in our area so far in 2015. Here, see what they have to say.

We are seeing solid trends in the local market. In the past few months I’ve represented first-time homebuyers, sunset buyers, and everything in between.

The market has 10 percent less listings than we had one year ago. It’s still important for a home to be priced fairly and I can’t stress enough how important it is for it to show well. A large percentage of sales were new buyers or first-time homebuyers, and this is a great time to purchase a solid home with great rates that we anticipate will remain on the rise.

One-level homes remain difficult to find in the area. This is one segment that lends itself to being a seller’s market. Also, on the other end of the spectrum, properties at $950,000 and above are starting to pick up as well. It feels like sellers are getting very realistic in their pricing on this end of the spectrum.

Simone Alley, Realtor Roy Wheeler Realty

We finished a busy spring market that was filled with quick sales in price ranges under $300,000, which is a main target of first-time homebuyers. There was a shortage of inventory in many areas and price ranges that has left some buyers still looking. Those buyers remaining in the market should ripple into an active fall market. The great news for people considering selling is that it’s not too late to put your house on the market. For the buyers it means there may be more than normal competition later in the year, so buyers need to be ready to move when they find the right home.

Paul D. McArtor Montague Miller & Company REALTORS

After an unusually busy winter season [in 2014] that continued into a good spring market, the slow summer started earlier than expected. While city properties remain hot due to interest and a depleted inventory, both country properties and those at upper-end price points are slower to move. Many purchasers are moving away from large, cookie-cutter-style homes and are in search of properties that may be smaller but more unique. With fall upon us, things will begin to pick up again.

Whether it is a seller’s or buyer’s market truly depends on the niche you are in. We are still seeing multiple offers in some instances, but it is not across the board.

Ann Hay Hardy Associate Broker Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty

We are cautiously optimistic about where the market is headed and anticipate 2015 being marginally better than 2014.

If market momentum continues and supply of buildable homesites in desirable areas continues to slowly increase, we should also see marginal improvement in 2016. The majority of buyers we’ve seen in 2015 have been move-up buyers and downsizers; however, we have been encouraged with the activity from millennials and first-time homebuyers.

So far this year, I have seen trends in most of Central Virginia toward lower inventory levels bringing the market back into a balance. Value increases of homes are in the very sustainable low single digits. The spring market was very strong and that “feeding frenzy” subsided somewhat into early summer. Interest rates remain “artificially” low for the foreseeable future. The moderate rise in prices makes it a very good time to buy, while selling is becoming a reality for homeowners who had been previously under water. Some of those homes entering the market has kept the inventory levels stable for the most part. Homes in “move-in” condition are moving well in most areas near and in the city, so condition is a factor.

Other outside factors affecting the market still exist. There are still some distressed homes (foreclosures and short sales) entering the market and global economic worries do affect our local market. Over the past 7 to 8 years, the market has been a “roller coaster” with very busy periods of market activity followed by slower periods. It appears (by my account) to still be a bit of a roller coaster with some overall market improvement. I am looking forward to moderate, sustainable increases in home values and a more stable market in our area for the rest of this year and into next year.

Ben Davis, VP Sales Craig Builders

Trey Durham, GRI Savage & Company Realtors at Keller Williams of Charlottesville

c h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m

65

n INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

HOME C H A R L O T T E S V I L L E

DESIGN

■

IMPROVE

■

GARDEN

■

LIVE

Airflow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Albemarle Countertop Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Alberene Soapstone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Allied Concrete Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Ann Hay Hardy, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Artisan Construction, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Bank of the James. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Blue Ridge Builders Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Brenda Tatum Portraits & Fine Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Craig Builders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 BRHBA Parade of Homes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Brown Automotive Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Carpet Plus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Charlottesville Sanitary Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Circa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Clearview Window Tinting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Closet Factory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Custom Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Fabrics Unlimited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Ferguson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Foster Fuels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Gallery B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Grand Home Furnishings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Grelen Nursery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 La Linea Bella!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 McLean Faulconer, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Mona Lisa Pasta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Mr. Electric. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Our Lady of Peace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Persian Rugs and More. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 SariSand Tile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Savvy Rest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Scott Weiss Architect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Snow’s Garden Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Southern Air. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Southern Grace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Specialized Insurance Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Spectrum Stone Designs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Summit Custom Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Sun Mountain Stoneworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 The Habitat Store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 The Little Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 u-fab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 University of Virginia Community Credit Union. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Van Yahres Tree Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Wainwright Tile and Stone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Waynesboro Nurseries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Window Depot USA of Richmond and Charlottesville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 6 6

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

renovated so you can renovate!

We’ve

Explore our newly expanded store. Meet Dianna Campagna, our in-house design consultant. Get answers to your toughest DIY questions. Wall to wall, basement to roof, garage to kitchen, our job is to make your next project easier.

paint & decorating

brbs.net

Charlottesville 434.964.1701 Mon–Fri: 7am–6pm Sat: 8am–4pm

6 8

Real People, Real Service!

C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e h o m e S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5