Roanoke Valley Home Magazine Early Spring 2019

HOME R OA N O K E VA L L E Y

THE

kitchen & bath issue

design ✦ improve ✦ garden ✦ live

makeovers MASTER

SPRING AWAKENING daffodils sound off

KITCHEN SOLUTIONS

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2019 DESIGN SERIES local creative spaces

EARLY SPRING 2019

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CONTENTS Roanoke Valley HOME Early Spring 2019

29

38

50 features

showcase home

BATHING BEAUTIES Master bath remodels

HOME AT LAST Native Roanokers return to the valley to build their dream home.

12

BY NOELLE MILAM

29

DYNAMIC TILE SOLUTIONS Popular, playful and innovative

38

BY NOELLE MILAM

Cover photo by Jared Hall, Sharptop Studios

BY KATE ERICSSON

50

KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL Cabinets for every budget and style

BY ELIZABETH MARKS

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK HOME Magazine r vhomemaga zine .com 7

E A R LY S PR I NG 2019

DESIGN

19 HARDWARE TRENDS Details transform a room

19

BY ANNE MARIE POORE

58 2019 DESIGN SERIES: CREATIVE SPACES Her space fills her soul

BY ANNE MARIE POORE WITH JANE STOGNER

64 DIVINE ECLECTIC Entertaining alchemy

BY PERRY PAYNE MILLNER

IMPROVE

56

26 PANTRY PERFECT Putting small spaces to work

BY SARA SIGMON

56 KITCHEN ESSENTIALS Trendy, budget-friendly and splurge-worthy

BY TAYLOR HORVATH

GARDEN

22

22 THE COMELY DAFFODIL Sound off to spring

BY MITZI BIBLE

48 KITCHEN GARDENS Digging in: A primer

BY ASHLEY BLAIR SMITH

60 THE MASTERS’ TOUCH Teaching others the art of gardening

BY KATHERINE KNOPF

LIVE

34 EDIBLE BLOOMS Flower power for the palate

BY BECKY CALVERT

36 SPRINGTIME BUFFET Go-to menu for easy entertaining

BY MARSHA GALE

62 SPRING CLEANING Things are looking up

BY ALYSSA MERCADENTE

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34 R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E E a r l y S p r i n g 2 0 1 9

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VOLUME 12 ISSUE 1 PUBLISHER Julie Pierce EDITOR Anne Marie Poore ART DIRECTOR Edwana Coleman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mitzi Bible Becky Calvert Kate Ericsson Marsha Gale Taylor Horvath Katherine Knopf Elizabeth Marks Alyssa Mercadante Noelle Milam Perry Payne Millner Sara Sigmon Ashley Blair Smith

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TAKING CARE OF YOUR HOME LOAN NEEDS

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PHOTOGRAPHERS Jared Hall Kevin Hurley GRAPHIC DESIGNER Donna Collins OPERATIONS MANAGER Colleen Miller ADVERTISING SALES Julia Belvin Anne Marie Poore SUBSCRIPTIONS

Roanoke Valley HOME is published five times annually

by West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. For an annual subscription, please send $20 and your name, address and telephone number to: Roanoke Valley HOME 2003 Graves Mill Road, Suite B, Forest, VA 24551 For advertising information please call (434) 386-5667 or sales@rvhomemagazine.com.

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

WEST WILLOW PUBLISHING GROUP, LLC (434) 386-5667 westwillowpublishing.com

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Copyright 2019 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.

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E E a r l y S p r i n g 2 0 1 9

EDITOR’S note I am a planner. Once I’ve put an idea out there I have to follow through. When we purchased our home almost twenty years ago, I started planning. The kitchen-to-be, the bathrooms-to-be, the wallpaper for this room and that hall, the list was endless.

Once shared, the plan was written in stone as far as I was concerned. The project had to come to fruition. My husband, unbelievably talented and handy, a truly winning combination, would warn me “it’s going to take many years to get this house the way we want it.” Many years to me meant five to ten. Many years to him meant 15 or more. Have I mentioned he is a patient man?

Decades have flown by and we are still not finished, but three substantial renovation projects have taken care of many items on my “Planning List.” My husband would surmise that one is never done with a house, there is always a new project or repair that is on deck. I have to agree and if we were ever “done” it would be time to re-do some of the things we tackled in the early years of ownership when the budget was slim or non-existent and our free time even less so. Home renovation is always a work in progress.

Early spring is the perfect time to revisit the “Planning List.”

This issue, HOME’s Kitchen and Bath issue, will offer inspiration toward renovating and upgrading the two rooms in the house that allow the more significant return on investment. Potential buyers look for improvements in the kitchen and bath and as homeowners, you will relish the updates as well.

Enjoy the article, “Bathing Beauties”, where three different homeowners made the most of an outdated bath by rearranging

and repurposing aspects of the existing space. “Dynamic Tile Design” will have you dreaming about all manner of porcelain upgrades for your bath or kitchen. If you haven’t the time for a big reno, perhaps you’d benefit from “It’s All in the Details: Transform a Room with New Hardware.” “Creative Kitchen Storage” offers smart ways to enhance storage in the most unlikely places within the kitchen.

In the garden, it’s still pretty quiet in February, but “Master Gardener 2.0” should encourage you to learn about gardening and to volunteer in your community. Add “Planting a Kitchen Garden” to your planning list for spring. It’s time to get started on the groundwork. Learn everything you need to know about the lovely springtime perennial, the daffodil! Streamline entertaining with “Planning a Springtime Buffet,” the perfect light meal for the many occasions of the season.

Early spring is a time for trying something new and Roanoke Valley HOME is no exception. In 2019, we are adding a new design series called “Creative Spaces—Spaces that Inspire.” This feature will spotlight local artists and artisans and the spaces that most inspire their craft, fostering an appreciation for these talented individuals in our community.

As always, I am planning—for the months ahead when the day stretches longer, the temperatures begin to warm. I’ll settle in with this issue of HOME to help with some of the guidance necessary to ensure the months ahead are full of design, improvements, gardening and joie de vivre, I trust you will too.

Anne Marie Poore annemarie@westwillowpublishing.com

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bathing beauties A 21st CENTURY REVIVAL FOR THREE MASTER BATHS

BY NOELLE MIL AM Photography by Jared Hall

T

he master bath is usually a full bath located in or near the master bedroom and generally designed exclusively for the use of one or two people. It is a functional space that many homeowners have come to think of as de rigueur in new construction and necessary addition to renovations of older homes.

The renovation of a master bathroom is the most popular project on most homeowners’ wish lists.

A master bath incorporates the usual components of bathrooms everywhere but has enjoyed special attention in recent years, as one area of the home where luxury can be integrated on a smaller, more wallet-friendly scale and enjoyed on a daily basis.

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It’s true that renovated master baths can increase the value of a home, but they also improve the function of a room that receives daily use. Perhaps because of this, a thoughtfully updated master bath can deliver a circadian sense of contentment, even relaxation, that is the hallmark of well-designed spaces. A well-designed renovation was the goal in fact, for three builders in the Roanoke Valley recently, as they worked with area homeowners to design and remodel dated master baths in older homes creating new spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional.

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A facelift for an 80s bathroom

Moving to a sprawling mid-century ranchstyle home with stunning views of the Roanoke Valley was a logical next step for the Carters, now empty-nesters. The home was solidly built but hadn’t been remodeled in decades, so Meg immediately called builder Rob Schroeder of RJS Builders.

Meg and Rob had collaborated on several successful projects in the past, so Meg was confident that together they could design and plan a renovation that would both update and transform master bath space.

Thankfully the sizeable existing master bath had a footprint that worked for the Carters, but its last renovation had been in the 1980s. “The master bath really needed a facelift,” explains Meg, “It was a great layout, but the circa 1980s décor and fixtures felt a bit dated. We wanted to update the colors and finishes. We’d worked with Rob on other projects and knew he understood what we were hoping to accomplish,” says Meg. Because the footprint of the bathroom was still functional, it meant that all sinks, shower, tub and toilet could be replaced without having to redo the plumbing. “We pretty much gutted the room;” says Rob, “removing the old tile and the platform tub and choosing a porcelain tile with the look of Carrara marble for the floors and shower and a free- standing soaker tub.” Meg, who loves the clean look of Carrara, opted for the porcelain tile look-alike because of the myriad of warnings she’d heard about the upkeep of marble and other porous surfaces, especially in a bathroom. The one exception was the vanity top. “I saw this piece of marble with very subtle pale green and blue veining and just fell in love,” laughs Meg, “It married perfectly with the wallpaper I’d chosen for the master bath and the colors in my master bedroom. I just had to have it!” The vanity surface has a “leathered” finish, which compliments Meg’s hardware selections in a unique bronze-gold finish.

According to Meg and Rob, the process moved seamlessly from the demo, through construction and finishing and was completed in about three and a half weeks.

They both cite good communication and careful planning as key to their success.

“This project went so smoothly at least in part because we had all the details and material selections ironed out before starting,” Rob reflects, “I’ve learned that this makes a project run so much better—it also helps clients to know the actual cost prior to starting.” r vhomemaga zine .com 13

From average to awesome in eight weeks

Walt Derey, President of Pitman Construction, has done his share of bath remodels, but when doing work for friends, it can sometimes be stressful. Fortunately for Walt, the clients who called him seeking a bath remodel in their early 20th century home, about a year ago, were not only friends, they’d also been clients before. “We’d already done their kitchen and another bathroom for them, so we were pleased to be going in to help them with the master bath,” says Walt.

It was, as he describes, a pretty average master bath that had been remodeled in the late 1990s, but it felt a little tired and had a built-in closet that took up a lot of space and made the room feel broken up and cramped. “The clients wanted to remodel the bathroom to ‘live big,’” he explains, “Meaning they wanted their master bath to feel larger even if we weren’t adding any square footage. They loved a sleek, transitional look and wanted that contemporary feel in their master bath.” So Walt began to work on a design that would open up the room and give the couple the space they’d dreamed of.

Even still, no project is without its challenges. For instance, Meg found that the door to the water closet banged into the bathroom door when it was opened and after discussing with Rob, they opted to replace the solid door with a bifold door. This turned out to be an ingenious solution. “The bifold door works so much better,” says Meg, “and we got extra space out of that change which we used for a cabinet that now houses linens and a hamper for dry cleaning.”

Rob is proud that the Carters are so pleased with the finished product. “Even with almost twenty years in construction, helping people bring their vision to reality, its always a great feeling when our customers are so satisfied,” he says. The homeowners were grateful for the wellenforced start and end date, the attention to detail and the care with which RJS Builders demonstrated during bath remodel. When asked about her favorite feature of the new bath, Meg replies with no hesitation whatsoever, “Oh definitely the heated floors! Its the most heavenly feeling to walk into the bathroom on a chilly morning and feel that lovely radiant heat.” Rob Schroeder credits sound design and meticulous attention to detail in planning and execution to the success of a project like this. “We’re proud to have another happy customer,” he says, “oh and the heated seat in the shower isn’t bad either.”

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} “These clients are athletic and the husband had his heart set on a spacious walk-in shower with a steam unit,” Walt recalls, “She loved the idea of a soaking tub. So our challenge was how to give them the things they wanted but prevent the space feeling jammed-in.” Another challenge was working in an old house.“We do a lot of work on these old homes,” Walt chuckles, “They’re like a hundred years old, or close and the walls aren’t plumb and the floors aren’t perfectly level. Yeah, they’re definitely a challenge when you’re trying to lay tile or install cabinetry.”

About two months after work began, Walt’s clients had a master bath that they loved. The flooring and walls are rectangular ceramic wood-look tiles, which give the room a sleek, linear look while the wood-tones of the tile give the room a more rustic, warm feel. The shower itself is a “no-step” walk-in shower and the custom glass surround goes all the way to the ceiling to keep the steam in when it’s operating in steam bath mode. The flooring is an intricate herringbone pattern and there are two separate shower heads and a sleek wooden flip-down bench.

The soaker tub was positioned as the focal point beneath the window and the clients purchased a stunning metallic hanging light above. “I give them a lot of credit for the lighting,” says Walt, “They have great taste and it turned out great.” To accomplish the goal of “living big” in the new bathroom, Walt and his team removed the old framed in closet, replacing it with a space-saving floor to ceiling custom cabinet armoire that matched the quartztopped dark wood vanity. “I couldn’t leave them with no storage,” says Walt, “so the armoire gave them a place to put linens and such. It was also a handy place for us to locate the steam unit since it needed to be close to the shower.”

The finished product is a design triumph. A sleek and contemporary space that indeed feels much bigger than it is. Walt is especially pleased with the way the shower came out. With the steam feature, the dual shower heads, the bench and the no step entry, the job required all the expertise of the four-decade-old business and it came out beautifully. “It’s a great looking master bath,” says Walt, “It’s one of my favorites we’ve done.”

} Celebrating 60 Years

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Transformation: small to spacious

Jennifer and Luke Carignan, young professionals who relocated to Roanoke a couple of years ago, purchased a home in the Edge Hill neighborhood. Jennifer and Luke loved the spacious home after years of cramped living in Chicago and Washington, D.C., reveling in their large master bedroom and space for their Staffordshire terriers to run. The one thing they felt the home needed, was updated bathrooms—the master bath in particular. They called Jack Hamlin, owner of Hamlin Builders for help renovating the small “vintage” master bath attached to their master bedroom. Complete with baby-blue tiled walls, shower and floors, a single pedestal sink and a bathtub awkwardly tucked in next to the shower, the master bath was like stepping back in time to the mid 20th century.

The Carignans felt the master bath was ready for some updating.

When Jack Hamlin first laid eyes on Jennifer and Luke Carignan’s master bedroom, he thought it was the largest master he’d ever seen. The attached master bath? Not so much. “So I floated an idea,” recalls Jack, “What if we take some square footage from the master bedroom to enlarge the master bath?” He began to design a bath that would annex approximately 200 square feet from the master bedroom and enlarge the bathroom by almost two-thirds.

The Carignans loved the idea of a bigger master bath but were concerned about losing the natural light that flooded the bedroom through several large windows along the back of the house—just the area that Jack proposed annexing.

“I was concerned about making our bedroom feel dark,” explains Jennifer, “and I wanted to preserve the beautiful natural light, so it was really fortunate that we came upon a solution: a wide doorway and glass french doors.” The french doors meant that all the natural light flooded straight through the master bath and illuminated the bedroom as well.

There were challenges of course, such as the functional radiant heating system in the ceiling which had to be drained and disconnected in order to

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install cup lighting. Both the Carignans and Jack worried that given the size of the bath and the simple palette of grey and subway tile for the walls, the large expanses of taupe rectangular tile, would feel cavernous. Jack designed a 30 square foot tiled shower with custom glass surround and Carrara marble tile floor and nook laid in a herringbone pattern, which took up a lot of space and set the flooring tiles on a 45-degree angle to help to break up some of the lines visually. The vanity is custom made and also covered in Carrara with his and hers drop-in sinks.

Even though many homeowners are forgoing the traditional bathtub in favor of larger showers, Jennifer was unwilling to part with the idea of a tub. “I’m generally a bath person,” she explains, “I prefer a bath to a shower.” Since space was no longer an issue, Hamlin ordered her a large soaking tub, which he placed underneath the bank of windows. When viewed from the master bedroom through the french doors this creates a stunning focal point for this beautiful master bath.

“That view from the master bedroom of the dramatic soaker tub framed by a bank of windows, is exceptional,” says Jack, “We worked hard to get that design just right and I am very proud of it.” Jennifer and Luke are too. “A project like this takes great communication and flexibility and it’s important to have a builder who listens,” cautions Jennifer, “Its important to remember that you can see all kinds of things on TV, but its worth it to take the time to find a builder who is creative but also realistic about your project, who can give you sound advice on where to try to save and where not to and most importantly who you feel has your best interest in mind. We were fortunate to have found that.”

A master bathroom can be a bland, utilitarian room used in a purely functional way, or it can be envisioned as a personal oasis of calm and even luxury amidst the bustle of a busy household.

Through careful collaboration, patience and compromise these fortunate Roanoke homeowners now have a space that can best be described as the latter. They’ve created a personal space that meets their needs, showcases their tastes and gives them the gift of beauty and functionality on a daily basis and will continue to do so for years to come. ✦ R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E E a r l y S p r i n g 2 0 1 9

IMPROVE kitchen hardware

it’s all in the details

TRANSFORM A ROOM WITH NEW HARDWARE

W

BY ANNE MARIE POORE

alk into any kitchen and one immediately notices the bling.

It's always in the details and kitchen hardware is no exception.

Perhaps it's been decades since the hardware in your kitchen has had a reboot, your door and drawer baubles are tired and there is no time like the present to take action. When it comes to any renovation, immediate gratification can be achieved with a quick switch of knobs and pulls—the transformation can be swift and budget-friendly Decide first which design suits your kitchen’s style. The possibilities are endless: whether rustic, modern, simple, or ornate, hardware styles are available in every size and sheen. Keeping in mind other finishes in your room, choosing new hardware for doors, drawers and cabinets can reinvent the space and update its design. r vhomemaga zine .com 19

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Black is back and in hardware exudes elegance and refinement; it’s the little black dress for your cabinetry. To quote Karl Lagerfeld, “black is the color that goes with everything. If you’re wearing black, you’re on sure ground.” The same can be said for your cabinetry accoutrements. Black is the picture-perfect accent for painted and stained cabinetry: the effect of a gleaming white door with a polished black pull is dazzling; a matte black knob on a darkly stained sideboard is handsome as well.

Another popular material making a comeback is brass; this time around the metal is finished subtly, with low sheen and subdued warmth, rather than the polished-to-a-shine gold tone of designs gone by. Warm and subtle, matte brass hardware, paired with matte black or dark wood tones, completes the look of cabinets as elegant, rather than flashy; moreover, after so many seasons featuring chrome and brushed nickel, it’s refreshing to see softer brass finishes emerge in hardware, fixtures and fittings, offering new ways to tie together finishes in the kitchen.

Mixing hardware is another way to achieve visual interest.

Choose a single finish or color and use one pull style on upper cabinets and a different shape or style below. This option works best in larger kitchens with lots of cabinetry; multiple drawers and cabinets allow mixing two or more types of hardware to work beautifully together. Keep in mind the various functions of doors and drawers and pick your hardware according to ease and use of purpose. Also, remember to make selections from the same manufacturer to ensure the finishes match, even when choosing multiple styles.

Most hardware comes in classic knob or bar shapes, but there are many options outside the traditional boxed set. Online retailers offer a wide variety of finishes and unique shapes, often including additional materials such as Lucite, stone, glass and even mother-of-pearl. Local cabinetmakers may be able to special order a style and finish not found in the local hardware store basic offerings.

Knob and drawer pull placement is as essential as the finish.

Form and function are important, but personal preference should trump all else. For accessibility and convenience, knobs are installed with the center of the knob in the corner of the face frame. By this application, the knob is centered in vertically and horizontally. Placing knobs in the corner closest to standing position makes working in the kitchen more comfortable and efficient. Drawer pulls follow the same logic.

For a more modern look, though, try installing the knobs and door pulls slightly higher on the upper cabinets or lower on the bottom cabinets, so that hardware rests just past the corner of the horizontal frame of the door. For taller cabinetry and pantry doors, the pulls can be placed midway vertically on the door. This option gives the piece a more custom and built-in look. Keep in mind, however, that this placement may be more difficult to reach.

It’s important to consider cabinet style when changing the hardware, but one need not be married to tradition. With a minimal investment, cabinets can morph from staid and conventional, to traditional with a contemporary flair. By adding tubular hardware in a brushed nickel or brass finish, classic shaker style cabinets suddenly become au courant. Painted cabinet doors take a turn toward vintage with the addition of faceted glass knobs Scale is key and finding the right sized pull for your drawer or cabinet door can be tricky. The rule of thumb for cabinet doors is R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E E a r l y S p r i n g 2 0 1 9

this: for doors, pull length should measure no more than one-third of the height, for drawers no more than one-half the total width.

Once the new hardware is chosen, preparation can begin for removing old pulls and knobs. Simply loosen the screws on the back of the door that hold the old hardware in place and remove old knobs and handles. If needed, set placement for new hardware by making a paper or cardstock template to use as a guide for lining up holes. Mark and then pre-drill the holes for the new hardware carefully. Before installing the new handle or knob, fill any holes left by the old hardware with wood putty. Touch up with stain or paint. Once dry and ready, attach the new handles.

Changing the hardware in your kitchen may seem trivial, but the smallest details can often make the most visible changes to a room. Updating your kitchen to fit your unique style doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little research and careful thought toward scale and design, you will be on your way to transforming the vanity that’s been aching for new frippery. After transforming the powder room with new hardware, you’ll certainly be ready to revamp the kitchen on a Saturday afternoon. In no time a room can be newly bedecked in fashion-forward hardware; by Saturday evening you will be ready for an evening out, with the only installations left to do are your own adornments of baubles before you head out the door. ✦

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GARDEN daffodils

sound off to spring THE COMELY DAFFODIL IS THE SEASON’S TRUMPETER

BY MITZI BIBLE

Every year, even before the calendar signals the spring equinox, I look out into my backyard and see a spot of yellow, just sprung to life from beneath the brown, winter-battered ground.

One of my children is usually the first to come running and tell me the news: “Look, mom!

It’s finally spring! Get a vase... I’m bringing you a daffodil!”

As the A.A. Milne poem goes, “the daffodil, in her yellow sun bonnet, whispered to its neighbors: ‘winter is dead.’” Just like that, the season’s proud, perennial patron rallies nature’s troops for the march into this season of rebirth.

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THE WORLD IS YOUR RUNWAY.

Leading the parade

The daffodil has certainly earned its distinction as spring’s quintessential flower. Not only are daffodils among the earliest to bloom, they are also among the easiest to grow—and some of the hardiest, too. Because of its ability to fend off chilly weather that most years, lingers longer than we like, the mighty daffodil leads the charge among the first flowers of spring. Even a surprise, early-spring snow doesn’t ruffle the daffodil’s sturdy petals; cold weather stimulates budding.

Daffodils are members of the genus Narcissus, whose shared design features a trumpet cup (the corona) surrounded by a ring of, typically, six petals (the perianth). Generally insect-, deer- and rodent-proof, daffodils are low maintenance. According to the American Daffodil Society, the steadfast bulbs can deliver delight well beyond our lifetimes.

An estimated 30,000 varieties of daffodils exist around the world. Enthusiasts are so taken with the classic flower that they have worked tirelessly to develop hybrids with new and spectacular variations of color, petal and cup. Though not native to the U.S., the daffodil, thought to have originated in countries around the Mediterranean Sea, grows well in most parts of the country and worldwide, making its appeal near-universal. Serious daffodil growers across the globe form lasting bonds as they gather at daffodil shows, conferences and festivals large and small.

Janet Hickman is a local gardener who has taken her love for the flower to daffodil shows in several states; she serves as a competition judge and member of the American Daffodil Society’s board. The Lynchburg resident certainly knows a thing or two —actually, 1,800—about the daffodil; that’s how many varieties she is growing currently in her yard. For some varieties, she has planted several bulbs; others stem from a single bulb. All of them are meticulously labeled. Her daffodil beds are aptly described as showcase and laboratory; hers is no mere garden.

What fuels her obsession for the beloved bloom? “Daffodils are cheerful and they make you happy,” she said, adding that they can be grown by anyone. “It doesn’t take a big investment of money, time, or expertise to have a nice display.”

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Keeping in step: Daffodil care

Growing daffodils offers great rewards for gardeners regardless of expertise, from the novice grower who spiffs up a mailbox with a few simple blooms, to the advanced gardener with time and energy to lavish on abundant and intricate beds and borders.

Daffodils do best in areas that receive at least six hours of sun.

When choosing the perfect garden spot to show off their prettiest sides, keep in mind that as they grow, daffodils turn their trumpets toward the sun.

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Bulbs are relatively inexpensive and readily available in stores and in bulk, through catalogs and online sites. Hickman recommends buying from businesses that specialize in daffodils.

When shopping for bulbs, the same wisdom applies to daffodils as to other flowers: the bigger the bulb, the better the chance for bountiful blooms. Varieties range from classic yellows and whites, to those more modern and whimsical. Daffodils are classified in 13 divisions based on their varied characteristics: daffodils in Division One, for example, have long trumpets; in Division Six, the flowers’ petals bend backward. Many varieties have amusing and creative names; choose those that suit your fancy, or encourage your children or grandchildren to do the choosing, then help them plant and care for their very own daffodils.

To explore the many varieties of daffodils and discover your favorites, attending a daffodil show can be great fun. Two large shows are planned at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, Va., in March: The Garden Club of Virginia will host Daffodil Day on March 26; Virginia Daffodil Society’s show is scheduled for March 30–31.

Not all daffodil varieties bloom first thing in spring; they can vary in their blooming times, in early-, mid-, or late-season. Some outliers can even grow in late fall. Daffodils thrive in porous soil with proper drainage. Here in Virginia, bulbs do best in looser, more nutrient-rich soil. They won’t thrive in the compacted clay soil that can bedevil local gardeners; further, soil may need to be enriched with peat moss, sand, or even dirt brought in from a nearby wooded area.

Daffodils should be planted in the fall, two to four weeks before the ground freezes, when the soil temperature is about 50 degrees. Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends spacing the bulbs 3 to 6 inches apart and covering with at least 6 inches of dirt. The flowers can be watered in the spring and during a dry winter, but they should not require any water in the summer when they are dormant, since too much water—if they’re placed near a lawn sprinkler, for example—can cause the bulbs to rot. There is also no need to fertilize them.

After daffodils bloom in the spring, they should be left alone until they die off, since they need time after blooming to store energy in the bulbs for next year. Successful gardeners resist the temptation to cut back foliage until it turns yellow, never cut them down to the ground entirely and disguise faded foliage with laterblooming perennials planted nearby.

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We’ve all driven past an old farm on a pretty spring day and noted a dilapidated house or falling-down barn. A closer look into the overgrown, dead brush, however, might reveal clusters of bright yellow and white—staunch and steadfast daffodils standing tall amid the rubble.

“Survivors” is what Hickman calls them.

“These daffodils are likely the older, classic varieties, as hybrids really took off after 1940,” she explained. Daffodils are so longlasting because of their natural ability to reproduce bulbs underground; a single bulb can propagate into clusters from the stem— called “bulbets—each of which develop into bulbs in just a few years. A careful gardener can help this process along by digging up and separating the clusters, giving them more space. (This is also why daffodils thrive in looser soil, as it gives them breathing room to do some of the separating on their own.)

When the bulbs are dug up, divided and replanted, the smaller bulbs reach a viable size more quickly and produce more blooms.

In this process, some bulbs might “hook together.” Growers should resist pulling them apart; doing so can leave a vulnerable bare space in the bulb, hospitable to pests and disease.

As attractive as they are, daffodils do come with a downside: the Narcissus family can be poisonous to pets, which should be kept clear of the tempting flower.

In tune indoors

If, like my children, you can’t resist bringing nature’s beauty inside, you’re in good company.

The best time to cut daffodils is in the early morning or evening, as nectar is moving most actively through the stalks at those times. Stems should be cut to the ground, but foliage should be left in peace; remember, foliage feeds the bulb for next year’s blooms. Stem ends should be cut on the diagonal so they don’t curl up in the vase; water should be room-temperature and changed often.

Like tulips and many other bulbs, daffodils can be “forced” to bloom indoors during the off-season. Particularly easy to force is the paperwhite variety, popular at holiday time and without need of a period of cold to “shock” or set a bloom.

Spring is upon us and if you haven’t yet encountered the daffodil’s warm welcome to the season, odds are you will before long. When you do, be sure to spread some daffodil cheer, but grab a vase and bring that first bloom inside—you’ll want to keep that one for you. ✦

daffodil or jonquil?

These flower names might be synonymous to many people, but technically, jonquil refers to a certain division of daffodils that usually have more than one flower per stem and carry a lovely, sweet scent.

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IMPROVE kitchen storage

Putting small spaces to use creative kitchen storage

BY SAR A SIGMON

A kitchen is one of the most valuable aspects of a home, bringing family and friends together over a warm meal and instilling valuable lessons of cooking and cleaning in our young ones. Without enough space to store all the needed cooking tools, however, this part of the home can quickly become a cluttered, frustrating mess. To avoid the clutter, you don’t need to do an expensive renovation.

Here are a few tips and tricks to utilize uninhabited space, looking up, down and straight ahead in the kitchen to turn it into an organized sanctuary for the everyday cooks and connoisseurs.

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Look up

The space above cabinets is often unused, but can easily handle functional wire baskets filled with items which aren’t used daily. Fancy silverware that only comes out for guests and small appliances which gather dust in your cabinets can be stored high, out of sight. Labeling baskets makes it easy to find items stored there quickly.

There is often a large gap above the fridge which goes unutilized. Consider using freestanding shelves or wall-mounted cubbies on the fridge top, or floating shelves mounted on the wall. Larger appliances which don’t get used daily—think crockpots and mixers—can find a home in this customized space.

Look down

Do you have a breakfast nook? If so, the area under the outcropped table is a perfect space for small, mounted cubbies, just the right size for cookbooks, magazines and linens, but small enough so as not to knock the knees of diners.

Looking down lower, if kitchen cabinets stop shy of the floor, toe-kick drawers are helpful. These small drawers are designed to utilize the snug space under your drawers, at toe level. Short and stocky, they allow complete utilization of small recesses while creating a snug home for small pantry items or stacks of flat pans and cookware.

For a nontraditional take on kitchen storage, consider ditching the typical dining table and chairs for a built-in corner booth.

Also known as a banquette, this piece adds seating while utilizing an otherwise unused corner of space. The most significant advantage to a handcrafted banquette is the massive storage space freed up under the banquette’s cushions. By creating a simple wooden-box booth with a hinged top, the kitchen gains hidden storage for bulky items cluttering cabinets and pantry. Add freestanding shelves for even more storage space!

Look ahead

Drawers at waist level are often the easiest to reach; therefore, they tend to become the most disorganized. Drawers can quickly be cluttered by large utensils, bulky potato mashers and pesky cheese graters just waiting to slice and shred searching hands.

Eliminate jumbled serveware by hanging them on S-hooks along a tension rod inside a window, or even over the stove if there is no range. If the look of a tension rod is not appealing, install wall hooks to any area of free space under, inside, or alongside cabinets.

If disheveled drawers are the bane of your existence, don’t forget the Lazy Susan; these turntables make items easily accessible in the most awkward of spaces. That recessed cabinet corner is no match for a Lazy Susan, which can organize a variety of items, then spin them to the front so they don’t get lost in the

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corners. Make your own DIY Lazy Susan by sandwiching a layer of marbles between two cake pans!

Oh, the dreaded mountains of pots and pans, those towers of precisely stacked metal which beg to crash in a clanging avalanche at every cabinet opening: to avoid that ear-shattering mess, use shelf risers or a freestanding pot rack. Nest smaller pots under the shelf risers and stack larger pots on top. The same method can be used to neatly store large and small plates, as well as large and small bowls. Using these versatile tools allows you to gain twice as much space from each cabinet.

What about that awkward space between the fridge and wall? Consider using that space for a slender shelving system—a stroke of genius that turns that small, dusty space into a perfect home for cans, spices and more.

If you are pining for a pantry and are a DIY enthusiast, build shelves recessed into the wall between studs. These retracted shelves add convenient storage without taking up valuable floor space.

Finally, don’t forget more straightforward storage tips— narrow freestanding shelves nestled against the wall of your countertops, or mounted magnetic strips under cabinets to create hanging storage systems. Having a well-organized kitchen doesn’t require large spaces; it merely requires that each space be functional—up, down and straight ahead and carefully contemplated for its best specific purpose. ✦

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dynamic tile solutions UNIQUE, DURABLE AND STYLISH

BY K AT E E R I C S S O N

February is generally associated with Valentine’s Day, but last year the Registrar at National Day Calendar declared February 23rd as National Tile Day. Perhaps tile as a gift may not be at the top of your list of romantic gestures, but designers and architects who work with tile know that it can be modest and sublime, as well as practical and seductive. r vhomemaga zine .com 29

History

The use of tile in architecture and design originated in ancient Mesopotamia. The artistry in the manufacture of tile was famously demonstrated by the Assyrians and Babylonians. Throughout the next few millennia, the Romans and Greeks led the way for China, Persia, India, Syria, Turkey and Tunisia to become leading developers of the art. With industrialization, tile began to be produced by machine, thus making tile more accessible to consumers.

The first decorative tile trend in the United States was in the early 1800s with encaustic tile, ceramic tiles in which the pattern or figure on the surface is created with different colors of clay. Usually with two colors, but in some designs as many as six, encaustic tiles can be found throughout Europe; its entry to America began with a company called Minton’s Ltd., a pottery factory in Staffordshire, England.

The production of decorative tiles in America began about 1870, thus ending the need to import expensive tiles from England.

Encaustic tile began to lose its popularity after the turn of the century and was replaced by ornate glazed ceramic and mosaic tile. The Great Depression put the brakes on the tile industry altogether, as production became simplified with lower-cost linoleum, cork, rubber and hardwood floors. In the past two decades, however, tile has reached a new aesthetic height and is found not only in bathrooms, but in foyers, hallways, fireplaces, kitchens and exterior spaces. Consumers today have a plethora of choices when considering tile for their decorating needs.

Types of tile Ceramic tile: The most common tile used

in the US, ceramic tile is composed of thin slabs of clay and other materials hardened by kiln firing, then coated with glaze. Ceramic tiles offer an infinite number of color combinations and its glazed finish resists stains, odors and dirt, cleaned up easily with standard household cleaners.

Porcelain tile: A type of ceramic tile made from finer-grained clay, porcelain tile is fired at a higher temperature, making it dense, less porous and more resistant to stain and moisture, a perfect material for bathrooms.

Terrazzo tile: A composite material made by setting chips of marble, quartz, granite or glass in concrete, terrazzo is then crushed, ground and polished until smooth, giving it a shiny appearance. The use of this tile derives from 18th-century Venetian pavement. With 3 0

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the invention of divider strips and the electric grinding machine in 1924, terrazzo became more durable, reliable and versatile allowing further design work within a floor. Popularized in the 1920’s Art Deco architecture era, a well-known example of terrazzo is the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Encaustic tile: Made of two or more colors of clay inlaid together to create a pattern, encaustic tiles are then fired. This particular tile reached its apex in the mid -1800s when renowned maker, Minton’s Ltd., became the supplier of durable decorative finishes for walls and floors in churches, public buildings and grand palaces.

Natural stone tiles Granite: Formed from igneous rock and, as such, has a distinctive appearance and surface which is impervious to scratching.

Polished granite slabs and tiles are used in countertops, flooring and tile.

Marble: The stone tiles have been used for centuries in homes to create a luxurious look with a distinctive and ageless, veiny appearance. Marble is porous, however, and sealing the stone tiles is crucial.

Travertine: A type of limestone with a crystallized appearance that comes in a variety of earthy tones. Travertine is soft and porous and costs less than other natural stone, a favorite surface for bathroom vanity tops, tub surrounds and flooring.

Slate: A metamorphic rock which is extremely heavy and durable; it comes in dark and earthy colors and is growing in popularity due to its versatility. Slate has been a popular choice for flooring for hundreds of years.

Quartzite: An extremely hard, metamorphic rock, quartzite is mined in large chunks and sawn into sleek slabs.

The surface is polished and sealed for greater durability. Quartz, in comparison, is an engineered rock composed of 90 percent natural quartz granules and 10 percent polymer resins and color pigments.

Both work well as countertops in kitchens and bathrooms.

Trends in tile BATHROOMS

Trends in bathroom tile range from splashy to serene. Bold geometric tiles and graphic patterns add panache to any

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and exudes elegance. Quartz is another elegant choice for countertops, and, as a composite, does not require sealing.

For those who prefer more neutral tones or natural elements, Zellige tiles offer a beautiful and unique look; no two tiles are alike. Zellige tiles are glazed, colored terra-cotta tiles that originate in Morocco. Their shimmery nature makes them a popular choice for tone-on-tone showers, as the clay in the tile peeks through its rich glazes, adding depth and texture to a bathroom. Much smaller, colored, penny-sized round tiles can give small bathrooms more of a whimsical feel than of the standard, larger white tile alternative. Rounds work well for shower walls and floors and have been showing up in stylish bathrooms in recent years. Bathroom tiles need to withstand moisture and floor tile should not be slippery. Ideally, bathroom tiles are made of ceramic, porcelain or natural stone.

KITCHENS

bathroom. Two emerging patterns in tile design are the hexagon and Moroccan fish scale designs. The hexagon tile (or honeycomb pattern) is enjoying a revival in larger sizes and colors and the fish scale pattern is trending in bathrooms with color schemes of green, blue and turquoise.

Specialized tile design such as mosaics can be installed in just one feature wall (behind the sink or on the back wall of the shower tub). Tile mosaics come netted in roughly 12- by 12inch sheets for easy application. Choosing one wall as a focal point gives a shot of style to a bath otherwise tiled with more basic and affordable tile. Since bathrooms have less square footage on floors than walls, it might be possible to splurge a bit on the floor design. A graphic, black-and-white basketweave design, for example, can take a bathroom from basic to beautiful and a marble tile floor, counter or full floor-to-ceiling wall creates a classic, timeless look. The nature of marble, porous and soft, requires maintenance to avoid stains, scratches and moisture damage. Recent “deep ink” technology, however, gives a realistic, marble veining effect to man-made porcelain tile—an affordable alternative to natural stone that offers easy maintenance 3 2

Many modern kitchen designs are trending away from wall cabinetry, in favor of open shelving, with tiling installed all the way to the ceiling, creating a modern look. Neutral palettes remain popular, with grey, beige and cream as front-runners. In the kitchen, tile can be used on the floor, walls and backsplash.

Floor tiles are designed to be durable due to the room’s heavy traffic. Backsplash and counter tiles function decoratively and can be laid of glass, porcelain and natural stone, standing up to kitchen grease and requiring little maintenance.

With countertop as backdrop, the backsplash becomes an interesting focal point. With a neutral countertop, a patterned backsplash is an excellent option; chevron, herringbone, Moroccan fish scale and laser cut tile in geometric designs are a few creative options; Nonetheless, the kitchen backsplash is an integral part of any kitchen design.

Over years, subway tile has remained a popular favorite, but may seem somewhat pedestrian in designs of late. Newer generations of subway tile depart from the traditional 3- by 6-inch standard, offering more colors, varying sizes and finishes that are beveled and domed. Subway tile has been a clear favorite throughout the years. However, it may seem somewhat pedestrian of late. Paired with a contrasting grout color subway tile is suddenly elevated to an eye-catching reversal of the typical all-white standard.

Other kitchen trends include Moorish tile which, like herringbone, makes for a beautiful backsplash. Large slab backsplashes are making their way into modern kitchens; instead of using many individual small tiles, one large slab of marble (or marble-looking tile), creates the backsplash in one stretch, with no grout to clean.

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Flooring

Bigger seems to be better these days in flooring tile for the kitchen. It is not unusual to find tile in sizes upward of 24- by 48-inches; according to some designers, large format tiles and slabs are preferred options when it comes to developing open space. Large tiles make a room feel more substantial and less cramped. Fewer grout lines effect a smoother and sleeker finish. Sadly, large-scale don’t work in small spaces. They are considerably more substantial than smaller tiles, can lead to implications with installation and should only be installed by professionals.

Though marble, limestone and travertine remain classic floor tile choices, encaustic decorative tiles are now available in porcelain and are gaining popularity. They offer a durable and less expensive alternative than the costly cement tiles created in the South of France in the late 1800s. The pattern or figure on an encaustic tile is not the result of glazing, but rather is created with use of varying colors of clay. Encaustic tile can make a big statement, configurable in many different ways; for example, encaustic tiles can be arranged to create a “carpet effect,” a welcoming and unique addition to an entryway.

Floor tiling that replicates natural wood and stone has been tops in flooring trends for two years running. These porcelain tiles mimic the natural variations of salvaged wood planks and lend a rustic style. As with traditional hardwood floors, wood grain tile allows for creativity in pattern layout, from herringbone to chevron or parquet.

Tile is a genuinely transformative and dynamic medium when it comes to décor. This February one may want to think outside the usual box of chocolates and instead, present a palette of sample tiles. Never underestimate where a lovely and potentially romantic overture of beautifully fired clay may lead. ✦

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incredible edible blooms FLOWER POWER for the PALATE

f

B Y B E C K Y C A LV E R T

Flowers don’t just add color, interest and complexity to your garden; they can do the same for your plate! Many types of flowers are edible, including some you might not have considered. Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and artichokes are all considered flowers, even if we don’t think of them as resembling a rose or peony.

Squash blossoms are a great example of an unexpected edible, delicious in season and often served stuffed with a filling, then battered and fried.

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F

lowers have long been used in herbal remedies and are often high in minerals, as well as vitamins like A and C. Not all flowers are edible—when foraging, it’s best to consult a reputable guide, such as Peterson’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants. Stick to flowers that have been grown organically, away from the side of the road, as flowers absorb toxins. If you have allergies, use caution in eating flowers, adding them to your diet a little at a time. Always wash them thoroughly before eating, taking care to ‘debug’ them.

Dandelions, the bane of existence for greenskeepers everywhere, are in fact a prized salad green. Young dandelion blooms have a sweet, honey-like flavor, while the greens pack a delightful, fresh bitterness, reminiscent of arugula.

Dandelion blooms can be made into any number of delicious items, including wine: start by making a tea from the blossoms by pouring boiling water over the flowers. Add sugar and citrus (lemon and orange) and let it ferment for a few weeks.

Dandelions are not the only flower that make lovely wine—lilac, lavender, elderflowers, tulips, roses, pansies, violets and daylilies are other blooms that can be made into wine.

Daylily buds, picked before blooming, can be tossed with olive oil, salt and pepper and roasted in the oven as an asparagus substitute. They can also be prepared like squash blossoms, by stuffing them with cheese, then breading and frying the buds.

Herb flowers, including lavender, rosemary, sage and chive blossoms, bring a delicate flavor when added to foods.

Shortbread becomes savory with their addition, while vinegars infused with them elevate vinaigrettes.

Hibiscus and hollyhocks, both members of the mallow family, can be made into teas or used to flavor creams for fillings.

Hibiscus’ flavor is reminiscent of the cranberry, while hollyhocks are faintly sweet. Violets, pansies and roses are excellent candidates for preserving in candied form, by painting the petals with a beaten egg white, coating them in superfine sugar and drying overnight. They’ll store in an airtight container for up to a year. Use candied flowers as garnishes—they are most lovely on baked goods like cakes and cupcakes.

Calendula, often referred to as a ‘poor man’s saffron’, has been an inexpensive substitute for the prized flavoring since Roman times. Calendula, also known as ‘pot marigold’ has a daisy-like appearance and curved seed, not to be confused with what garden centers often refer to as marigolds—the pom-pom looking flower with short, thick petals and long dark seeds (tagetes).

Calendula is a bit peppery to taste and can be used for tinting various dishes with its bright yellow hue. Try it in beef stew for a delightful twist.

Nasturtiums, with their distinctive round leaves, are entirely edible—leaves, stems, blooms, even seeds! Pickled nasturtium seeds have long been used as a substitute for capers, while the rest of the plant can be thrown into salads, where they add another, faintly peppery bite. Orchid and tulip petals taste a bit like cucumber and add color to salads.

The methods of preserving and incorporating flowers into your menus are many. Flower sugars, syrups, vinegars and wines are lovely; infusing spirits like vodka and gin can delight.

Use flower syrups as a base for sorbets, drink mixes, to flavor whipped cream and pastry creams or even jams: they can be used as finishing syrups for pancakes, waffles and ice cream. Flowers can be blended with butter and cheeses to add subtle flavors to the breakfast table or cheese plate and flowers frozen in ice cubes make for a pretty beverage garnish.

To dry flowers for teas or syrups, arrange them in a single layer on a brown paper bag opened out on a cookie sheet. Leave them in the open in a warm, dry spot for 2 days or until the blooms are properly dry. Stored in an air-tight container in a cool, dark place, the dried flowers should keep for up to a year.

The list of edible flowers is long, with entire cookbooks devoted to incorporating flowers into just about anything you can imagine, from cocktails to pizza to desserts. Whether used as a simple garnish or incorporated in more fanciful ways, adding floral flavor to your table is as easy as taking a walk through your garden. ✦

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LIVE culinary corner SPRING TRIFLE SALAD WITH CITRUS VINAIGRETTE serves 4–6

This salad is quick and easy to assemble! Vinaigrette can be made and pecans toasted the day ahead. Swap out the ingredients however you like, feta for goat cheese, strawberries for raspberries, almonds or walnuts for pecans.

Butter lettuce and romaine hold up well to the weight of the fruit; more delicate greens wilt fast on a buffet table. This salad is a feast, first for the eye and then for the palate.

1 or 2 heads butter lettuce, trimmed and torn 6 ounces fresh raspberries 6 ounces fresh blueberries 6 ounces soft goat cheese 2⁄3 cup pecan halves, toasted CITRUS VINAIGRETTE Juice of one navel orange Juice of one lime 1⁄3 cup olive oil 1⁄4 teaspoon ground white or black pepper Salt to taste Place half of the lettuce in the bottom of the trifle bowl (or any glass bowl) and top with half of the raspberries, blueberries, goat cheese and toasted pecans. Top with the rest of the lettuce and another layer with the remaining salad ingredients.

PLANNING A

Springtime Buffett a no-fail menu for springtime entertaining

BY M A R S H A G A L E Springtime bursts with opportunities to gather friends and family in celebration of spring holidays! Do not fear: a delicious and light buffet can be your answer to stress-free springtime entertaining. Easy, make-ahead recipes allow the host to enjoy the celebration too and all of these can be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.

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For the vinaigrette, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, pepper and salt until it is emulsified. Serve in a bowl on the side.

Adapted from Angela at Seasonal and Savory

FRENCH POTATO SALAD serves 4–6

Mayonnaise-based potato salads are not the best idea if a buffet will be sitting out for awhile. I love this recipe because the vinaigrette is light and the fresh herbs sing with spring flavors!

The variety of potato used makes a difference—waxy is better than starchy; stay away from russets as they will not hold their shape.

2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided 3⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided 10 tablespoons olive oil 1⁄4 cup minced scallions (white and green parts) 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill 2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley 2 tablespoons julienned fresh basil leaves Cover potatoes in cold water and bring to a simmer on high to medium-high heat.

Cook until a sharp knife slips easily into potato. Drain in a colander and place in a medium-size bowl.

Toss the potatoes gently with the wine and chicken stock. Allow the liquids to soak into the warm potatoes before proceeding.

Combine the vinegar, mustard, 1⁄2 teaspoon salt and 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper and slowly whisk in the olive oil to make an emulsion. Add the vinaigrette to the potatoes. Add the scallions, dill, parsley, basil, 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt and 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper and toss. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Adapted from Ina Garten

ASPARAGUS WRAPPED IN PROSCIUTTO serves 8 Easy and elegant and tastes just as good at room temperature as it is piping hot.

16 spears asparagus, trimmed 16 slices prosciutto 1 tablespoon olive oil Preheat the oven to 450 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil. Wrap a slice of prosciutto around each asparagus spear in a spiral fashion, starting at the bottom of the stalk.

Lay the wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Roll the spears around to coat all sides. Spread them out in a single layer and bake for five minutes. Remove them from the oven and roll them over; return to the oven and cook until asparagus is tender and prosciutto is crisp—about five minutes.

2 pounds peeled and cubed Yukon gold potatoes or tiny red potatoes 2 tablespoons dry white wine 2 tablespoons chicken stock 3 tablespoons Champagne vinegar (or white wine vinegar) 1⁄2 teaspoon Dijon mustard R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E E a r l y S p r i n g 2 0 1 9

SLOW COOKER BRISKET AND CARAMELIZED ONIONS serves 6

Brisket is a traditional Passover dish which tastes even better if made a few days in advance. This dish is perfect for entertaining, especially with the ease of a slow cooker.

1 tablespoon olive oil 2 large yellow or red onions, sliced into half moons 3 1⁄2 pounds beef brisket Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 6 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups low-sodium beef broth 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce Heat the oil in a large, deep saute pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat, frequently stirring, until the onions have caramelized lightly, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the brisket.

Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. Season generously all over with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet or saute pan over medium-high heat.

Add the brisket and sear, flipping once, until the crust forms a golden brown. Transfer to a 6 quart or larger slow cooker fat side up. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the brisket.

When the onions are ready, pile them on top and around the meat. Mix the broth, Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce together and pour into the slow cooker.

Cover and cook until the brisket is very tender, 6 to 8 hours on the Low setting. Switch to the Warm setting and let rest for 20 minutes.

Fit for life

The brisket can be sliced or shredded immediately and served with the onions and juices, Or, let the meat cool, then refrigerate overnight.

Before reheating, scrape away and discard the layer of fat that has formed around the meat. Brisket is easier to slice when it is cold.

To reheat: Heat the oven to 300 degrees. Transfer the brisket, juices and onions to a baking dish and cover tightly with a lid or two layers of foil. Warm in the oven for 1 hour or until warmed through. Arrange on a platter with the onions piled on top. You can serve alongside sliderstyle buns or rolls, with store-bought coleslaw and pickles, as well as barbecue sauce.

If you don’t have a slow cooker, cook the brisket in the oven in a baking dish covered tightly with foil, at 325 until very tender, 3 to 4 hours.

Adapted from Faith Durand from thekitchn

INDIVIDUAL HUMMUS AND VEGGIE CUPS

Hummus and vegetable cups don’t really require a recipe. Add a heaping spoonful of your favorite store-bought hummus to a small plastic cup and finish with a little drizzle of olive oil. Cut sturdy, raw veggies such as carrots, English cucumbers, zucchini and sweet bell peppers into thin sticks a bit longer than the length of your cup. Arrange one or two of each vegetable in the cups and garnish with one radish and leaf of parsley. Place them together on a platter for a colorful display.

Store-bought items can fill out your buffet table nicely. A charcuterie board with assorted meats, cheeses, olives, fruits and crackers is always a hit. Purchase some good quality bread or rolls and make a lovely flavored butter by stirring strawberry jam (or maple syrup, or honey and cinnamon) into softened, salted butter. It’s quick and easy but looks and tastes special. Purchase some bakery items that don’t require utensils, such as mini brownies and lemon squares. ✦

Call us and schedule a private visit to see if Brandon Oaks is the right fit for you: (540) 777-5602.

3804 Brandon Ave, SW • Roanoke, VA 24018• (540) 777-5602 • www.brandonoaks.net r vhomemaga zine .com 37

HOME AT LAST native roanokers return to the valley to build their Dream HOME

BY N O E L L E M I L A M Photography by Kevin Hurley

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For Brenda and Dewey George, the path to their hillside home in southern Roanoke County was a winding one. Born and raised in the area and high school sweethearts, their lives took an adventurous turn, after Dewey graduated from Virginia Military Institute and began his career as an officer in the U.S. Army. For twenty-seven years the Georges went where the Army sent them, first to Vietnam, all over the US and Europe and ending at the Pentagon in Northern Virginia. After retiring from 27 years in the Army, Dewey started his own accounting and management consulting company 38

which he still runs today, although he admits, he’s finally “thinking about” retiring.

Approaching retirement, Brenda and Dewey George decided to follow their hearts back home to the Roanoke Valley. “We decided on Roanoke because that’s where family and friends were,” explains Dewey, “and after years of raising our family in houses we didn’t get to pick out—most of which were too small—we were really eager to build.” Brenda nods, “We felt like we only had one move left in us and so it was really important that it be the right house."

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The barrel ceiling detail above the foyer is painted Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue and offers a serene skyward feel to the multi storied entrance.

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The search for a level lot brought them to a newer section of the Hunting Hills neighborhood, an area, ironically, where Dewey had a past connection: “When we were in high school, my brother and I helped clear the land for the golf course,” he recalls, “back in the mid-1960s. Little did I know, I’d be back.” Having found a lot they liked, the couple asked around for builder recommendations and George Baron’s name kept coming up. They were impressed with the quality of the homes Baron Enterprises had built over the years, the high reviews other homeowners gave of his materials, craftsmanship and professionalism, not to mention the more than 20 years of experience George brought to the table.

“We talked with George and began what ended up being about an 18-month long-distance project,” says Dewey. Both Brenda and Dewey wanted a house that would be easy for them to maintain.

Dewey prioritized a brick exterior and a lot level enough that he could mow without risking his safety on steep hills. “I’m an old dog,” Dewey laughs, “and I’ve done enough to know that a brick house on a flat lot is easy maintenance.”

“And I felt the same way about the interior,” Brenda shares, “I didn’t want to be spending all day cleaning.” Finally, having watched their older family members struggle to remain in their homes as they aged, Dewey and Brenda knew they wanted to build a home that would accommodate them in the future as they age-in-place. With George Baron’s help, they finalized plans that would keep all their living areas on one level and utilized such universal precautions as wider doorways and accessible cabinetry and bathrooms.

Sometimes the process requires compromise, for example when the question of fireplaces came up, both Brenda and Dewey loved the look of dry stacked stone and wanted to incorporate it into their home. Dewey pragmatically favored wood burning fireplaces.

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A stunning chandelier featuring glass cylinders hanging at varying lengths illuminates the spiral staircase to the lower level.

“I like chopping wood,” he explains, “and other than the flue not being open, there’s nothing that could break in a wood fireplace.”

Brenda was concerned about the dust and smell of an indoor fireplace and set her heart on gas logs. Thankfully George Baron was able to negotiate a compromise to which everyone could agree: two gas log fireplaces in the common areas, one upstairs and one on the lower level and a wood-burning fireplace out on the covered porch.

Construction took about fifteen months, with Brenda and Dewey commuting down from Northern Virginia as often as they could to monitor the progress and make occasional changes. The process was challenging from long-distance, but slowly the home began to take shape and finally, on May 5th, Dewey and Brenda moved into their new home.

The home was definitely worth the wait. Visitors enter through a wide finished wood door into a light-filled entry. The eye is drawn immediately to the soaring “barrel ceiling” painted a sky blue and illuminated by the second set of windows set at ceiling level. To the immediate right is a sweeping spiral staircase that leads to the lower level of the house, which Brenda explains, is actually not living space she and Dewey use; its primary focus is to accommodate friends and family when they come to visit. The staircase is illuminated by an oversized picture window to the left of the front door and a stunning chandelier, featuring glass cylinders hung at varying lengths.

Amidst the architectural details in the entry lie other gems the Georges have collected, such as paintings of St Andrew’s Catholic Church in downtown Roanoke, wood carvings and an ornate brass clock that plays different melodies on the hour. Brenda fell in love with the clock and brought back from a trip to Las Vegas.

Directly off the entry is Dewey’s home office. It’s a stately room

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Heavy moldings and intricate detail are a George Baron trademark and can be found throughout the George’s home.

that Dewey uses when he is working from home. He chose a large executive desk with dark wood stain and built-in shelves line two walls holding books and important mementos and awards from his days in the army.

The main floor of the home is built around a “great room” concept: living room, dining room and kitchen blending seamlessly together, rather than broken up by walls. It’s a casually elegant feel, which is accentuated by the high ceilings—the tray /coffered ceiling in the living room is over 12 feet high—and there are heavy moldings throughout. “The moldings are sort of a George Baron trademark,” explains Brenda. Indeed, the house has generous moldings at the floor level and the ceilings and around each window. They are so beautifully crafted that Brenda chose to install simple plantation shutters in all rooms in lieu of curtains or other window treatments, so as not to detract from the elegance of the trim.

The living room is decorated with soft neutral-hued couches and chairs arranged conversationally around a large ottoman which doubles as a coffee table. Brenda selected the furnishings specifically to be relaxed and comfortable. “The days of stuffy formal living rooms and dining rooms are over for me,” she says with a laugh, “for this room I just wanted softness and comfort.”

The arrangement faces the large dry stacked stone fireplace and the large television mounted above. On either side of the fireplace are custom built shelves displaying family photos. The cabinetry is the same light, distressed finish as the kitchen cabinets, which serve to unite the design in the two rooms and, as Brenda says, “I loved the distressed finish on the cabinets, because when they do get a ding here or there—and they definitely will with me around—they’ll blend right in!”

The room itself blends seamlessly with the dining and kitchen areas. The colors are light greys and blues, which compliment the

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area rug and the enlarged photo of rolling waves off the coast of Ireland that Brenda and Dewey brought back from a recent trip.

Brenda has taken care to select colors that are restful and neutral. “You can always throw in accent colors later,” she explains.

The kitchen is U-shaped, but of such generous proportions, that there is an island in the center more substantial than the dining room table. The island functions as a large prep space, as a buffet and as casual dining for quick weekday night dinners. The granite was chosen by Brenda and George Baron’s mother, Mary Baron, who helped advise on several design elements of the home. A self-confessed “snacker,” Brenda says she and Dewey love the extra-wide refrigerator/freezer set and the cleverly disguised pantry with fold out doors. But the real treasure in this kitchen is a memento from her childhood: next, to the range top, is an earthenware container that Brenda recalls being put to use on her father’s dairy farm. “They used to fill these containers with fresh milk and put them in the creek to keep cold,” she explains, “and today it keeps my utensils.” Brenda

An earthenware crock, a memento from Brenda George’s family dairy farm, holds kitchen utensils next to the range.

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A trap door reveals a fireplace dumb-waiter, an ingenious way to get firewood up to the enclosed porch fireplace.

and Dewey have many such remembrances scattered throughout their home, down the mudroom hallway that leads to the garage, laundry room and an additional guest bedroom, they display several photos and paintings of Roanoke sights. “We’ve taken these pictures all over the world with us for years,” Brenda says, gesturing to her Roanoke gallery, “They’ve always been a reminder of where we came from…of home.”

From the kitchen window over the sink, one can glimpse the expansive back screened-in porch. With a soaring wooden ceiling (complete with sunlight and fans), an outdoor cooking and prep area, an al fresco dining area and a sitting area, stone wood-burning fireplace and a flat screen TV, it seems like an understatement to call this area the “back porch.” It’s really like an outdoor extension of the house itself, providing a transition from inside to outside, from the tranquil indoor décor to the surrounding hills. “We love it out here.

I feel as if we are the only people around when the trees are in leaf,” Brenda shares, “But you can’t come out here without seeing what Dewey and George came up with for the wood burning fireplace.” She r vhomemaga zine .com 4 3

The master bedroom is a large sunlit room where Brenda has continued to showcase her palette of soothing neutrals.

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indicates a brick box to the right of the fireplace with a small hatch door above it.

“Dewey wanted a wood-burning fireplace, right?” she inquires, “But there are no stairs to this porch, so how’s he supposed to get the wood to the fireplace, haul it through the house? Voila!” Brenda leans over and opens the trap door, revealing an ingenious pulley system that can haul firewood up to the fireplace dumb-waiter style to be stored in the brick box for evenings when a fire is planned.

In the hall to the master bedroom hangs a treasured piece of art that Brenda’s sister painted for her right before she died almost two years ago. It’s an intricate painting of the downtown market building in Roanoke, utterly unique and one of a kind and the perfect piece to hang next to the master bedroom of these two Roanoke natives. The master bedroom is a large sunlit room where Brenda has continued to showcase her palette of soothing neutrals.

The king-sized bed and long upholstered bench are in soft greys and the window seat allows similar hues with a few turquoise pillows thrown in.

Through glamorous double doors lies the hallway to the master bath. Off the

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A wet bar surround of stack stone mimics the stack stone fireplace at the opposite end of the basement great room.

hall, pocket doors conceal generous his and hers walk-in closets and the master bathroom beyond. A large platform tub is the focal point of this beautiful room, centered on large windows overlooking the backyard. His and hers separate vanities and enclosed water closet and a large custom tiled walk-in shower completes the room.

Even though they admit that they don’t really use it, the house does have a full basement, complete with two guest rooms with en-suite baths, an exercise room and an additional great room, built directly below the footprint of the living room and dining room areas above. Just like upstairs, there is a full stone fireplace, casual seating and access to the outdoor patio.

At the far end of the room, however, there is a stunning bar area, with a dry stacked stone backdrop and built-in custom cabinetry and shelves for glassware and more family photos and mementos.

They say you can’t go home again, but for Brenda and Dewey, who tenderly carried small reminders of hometown Roanoke with them for decades, it is not only possible but the crowning touch in a lifetime of service and adventure. Inside their photos, mementos and their hearts, there was always a part of them that never left the Roanoke Valley. Even overseas, they longed for the much-loved faces of family and friends and the beauty of the mountains and took every opportunity they could to return for visits. Now as they look towards retirement, Brenda and Dewey have their very own piece of Roanoke, in the home they built for themselves.

“There’s just something about going home,” Dewey says, with emotion in his voice, “We finally made it.” ✦

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GARDEN kitchen gardens The basics

The wide selection of gardening tools and supplies available at local gardening and home centers can be overwhelming; it is helpful and wise to take the time to imagine the perfect kitchen garden for your home.

Whether your vision calls for a full-scale backyard garden or a small variety of plants in a few containers, there are plenty of vegetables and herbs that grow nicely in the yard, on the patio and even inside, on a sunny windowsill.

Whatever the size of the garden you create, the non-negotiables for garden success are sunlight, good soil and adequate water to bring forth a fruitful bounty come late spring and summer. Here are some gardening supplies to pick up before digging in: n Good gardening gloves n Watering can n Hand fork n Trowel n Pruners n Rake n Hoe Raised beds or container gardens?

digging in

A KITCHEN GARDEN PRIMER

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BY A S H L E Y B L A I R S M I T H

ardening provides a fun and creative outlet and a great reason to get outside for fresh air and exercise. While some enjoy gardening as a hobby, others are motivated to save money and integrate a healthier diet and lifestyle. It may be cold outside now, but spring is just around the corner. This is the time for gathering seeds and supplies and planning for a fabulous and functional kitchen garden you will enjoy in months to come.

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If limited real estate for your plot is not an issue, building raised garden beds is a great idea. Raised beds are essentially large garden planters—often simply-built frame boxes of wood or composite—constructed above ground at whatever height works best and filled with rich soil. Gardening in raised beds offers many benefits, including fewer weeds, greater control over soil quality and easier dominance over unruly plants growing wildly. Raised beds are typically four feet wide by eight feet long; while the depth of the bed depends on what and how much is planned for the box, it is safe to start with at least 12 inches of soil.

If space is tight, the container garden route might work better. This approach can be fairly straightforward and doesn’t need fancy tools and garden gadgets. A collection of containers that vary in size, shape and materials add interest to the garden.

Plastic pots are the most budget friendly and, in many ways, least complicated to deal with. Plastic is light, easy to move around and retains more moisture than containers made of organic materials.

Also relatively inexpensive, clay pots offer more visual charm, drain well and allow enhanced air flow, encouraging young roots’ breathing room. Finally, if you have R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E E a r l y S p r i n g 2 0 1 9

space on your patio, small and mid-sized wooden boxes are also nice and offer a lovely, rustic feel to enhance outdoor living.

Varieties of potting and gardening soils are plentiful at home improvement stores and garden centers; do take care to read ingredients labels carefully, to make sure that the soil you purchase is right for the plantings you envision.

In addition to standard gardening soil, added compost is helpful in beds, as is peat moss in containers. For beds, the ratio of soil to compost depends somewhat on the size of the bed, but for most, a blend of 60 percent topsoil, 30 percent compost and 10 percent potting soil will do well. Container gardens need well-aerated soil that drains efficiently. For starters, a mixture of one part garden soil and one part peat moss to your potted herbs and veggies should do the trick.

Welcome Home!

PHOTO: KEVIN HURLEY

Baron is proud to have been a part of the George’s new build.

What to grow

Here’s where the garden project comes to life! It’s fun to choose herbs and vegetables that are appealing to the eye and delicious to the palate. Most staple vegetables and herbs can thrive in a raised garden bed, especially root vegetables—carrots, beets, radishes and parsnips. These do particularly well in raised beds, which offer greater control over soil conditions and pesky critters.

Greens grow well in the controlled environment of a raised bed, as do onions, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and cucumbers. Most herbs will also grow well in a raised bed; some are even helpful for companion planting with vegetables. Popular kitchen herbs include basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, peppermint, parsley, chives and dill.

While options are a bit more limited with container gardens, there are plenty of herbs and vegetables that can thrive in pots on your patio or in your windowsill: tomatoes, peppers, salad greens, arugula, even cucumbers. For container-grown cucumbers, tomatoes and the like, a trellis can be helpful to make the most of available space and grow plants vertically. Herbs that thrive in planters inside or out include basil, various types of mint, rosemary, thyme and dill.

Whether you love your herbs and veggies raw in salads, or like to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with new and interesting flavors and textures, adding a kitchen garden can be an economical, pleasant and healthy addition to your home and lifestyle. It’s also fun to take pride in food that you’ve grown with your own hands. ✦

540-989-7646

punch_roanoke_q.pdf 1 10/11/17 www.georgebaron.com

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kitchen confidential CABINETS FOR EVERY BUDGET AND STYLE

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BY ELIZ ABE TH MARKS

At the heart of the home, the kitchen is where food is abundant and memories are made, where friends and family are welcomed to gather, nourish and linger. To complete a new kitchen project with hospitality, efficiency and economy in mind, the design and construction decisions that must be made can be daunting.

Whether contemplating a partial or complete kitchen remodel, or a new build altogether, cabinet materials and customization choices are among the most crucial to the project’s success. Cabinetry design is central to the aura of the finished room and choices made around their design and construction will likely have the greatest impact on the budget.

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“I think a kitchen should reflect the style of the people who live there [in the home],” says Theresa Dorlini, an interior designer with Circle Design Studio in Roanoke. Dorlini says her firm does an extensive interview with the client before a new build or remodel, to guide clients away from passing fads they’ll tire of in a few years. “If the pictures someone shows me are wildly different from the design and style of the current home, I try to figure out if we’re going in the right direction.”

While HGTV and Pinterest flood our feeds with great kitchen ideas, it can be easy to fall into the trap of buying into the latest trends.

Sure, the Joanna Gaines-inspired farmhouse kitchen looks fabulous on Houzz, but how will that shiplap backsplash look in the kitchen ten years from now? Whether your ultimate aim is to enjoy this kitchen forever, or to build one with appeal to potential buyers should it be time to move on, a better plan is to opt for a design that will hold its style, keeping it classy for the long haul.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the dizzying array of cabinet materials and products on the market; if terms like “laminate”, “stock” and “semi-custom” are outside your daily vocabulary, we’ll deliver the straight talk.

Regardless of budget constraints, we’ll show you how to create a kitchen with staying power—one you’ll love for a good, long time, regardless of trends and fads.

Stock options

Stock cabinets are ones that come in “stocked” sizes—so there is little to no customization available. This was more of an issue when reigning kitchen style dictated that every nook and cranny must be fitted with cabinetry, but today’s open floorplans allow stock cabinets to function more intentionally. In an open kitchen design, if a stock cabinet doesn’t feel quite right for the space, many homeowners and design partners opt instead for open shelving—a stylish and practical option that delivers real cost savings. Most kitchen designers and cabinetry showrooms offer a la carte upgrades for their lower-end cabinet lines; some companies offer the option of adding a few pieces from a semi-custom line which can give a stock kitchen a bit more pizzazz.

Don’t lose heart if your budget is at rock bottom! Head for local big-box home centers like Lowes and Home Depot and find out when their big cabinetry sales are. Substantial cost savings during those events can be well worth a schedule plan-around. Homeowners across the board are opting for the bright white kitchen design currently on-trend; there are smart options to be found that won’t r vhomemaga zine .com 51

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break the bank. Rather than ordering painted wood cabinets, for instance, look at more economical materials like Thermofoil, melamine and other laminate finishes that deliver a clean, white look at a fraction of the cost. If wood is a non-negotiable, don’t lose heart: painted oak is an option, is less expensive than other woods and shows the grain through paint.

If budgetary constraints are front and center, there are online sources that offer affordable cabinetry options along with, in some cases, proprietary design software available for download. You will likely lose the personalized attention and counsel of local sources, but the investment of time and travel may drastically affect the bottom line. Don’t discount, however, the value of working with local cabinet showrooms and architecture/design firms. Local professionals are often more able to direct time and attention to your project than designers at big box stores. Further, with the benefit of a local professional’s creativity and expertise, you may well end up surprised and delighted with a plan you couldn’t possibly dream up yourself, that addresses concerns around design, desire and cost.

Semi-custom and custom cabinets

“Semi-custom is the most popular with our customers, because it costs about 25 to 50 percent less than custom, but still gives lots of options,” says Tom Ayres, manager of The Cabinet Gallery in Hardy. With semi-custom, says Ayers, a customer can still decide to splurge in an area or two, without full customization costs which can quickly swallow the budget.

Across the board, semi-custom cabinetry is the most common choice of renovators and designers; it costs 25 to 50 percent less than custom and offers leeway for creative options—upgrades and splurges in an area or two—without full customization costs that can sink a project fast. Both semi-custom and custom cabinetry offer numerous opportunities for creative functionality.

If this is the chosen route, taking time to shop around will prove worthwhile, as will asking design and product professionals outright how you can save money.

“Drawer use is more common and we recommend them because they are easier to get into than digging around in cabinets,” says Ayers. When cabinets are used instead of drawers, R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E E a r l y S p r i n g 2 0 1 9

they often have rolling shelves that pull out for easy access, says Ayers, who notes that customers are generally cost-conscious and expect more than in previous generations. In response, cabinet companies have expanded product lines and many offer product levels of “good”, “better” and “best” within the same company. Again, it pays to shop prices to achieve that great-looking kitchen at the best possible price.

Trend forecast

Kitchen designers across central and southwest Virginia agree that white kitchens are in demand and on trend. While a white kitchen is always classic, the shade of white in demand now has very little pigment—just enough to cover‚ and looks cleaner and brighter white than higher-pigmented, creamier shades. While 10 to 15 years ago those creamy whites, or white with a layered glaze, were in high demand, those shades now look dated.

Distressed and antiqued cabinets are also on the way out, by the way, unless the look is particularly suited to the style or history of the house—say, a log cabin in the woods.

Shaker and flat front cabinets are more current than raised-panel and ornate designs; even very traditional homes are settling on more transitionalstyle kitchens, with cleaner lines and less flair. The good news? “Many of our customers cite choosing

Swing Collection

Shaker because it is easier to clean and care for,” notes Ayers. Dorlini also likes the Shaker and flat front styles and says homeowners looking to stay trend-neutral can’t go wrong with either of these choices.

A popular look for many years has featured white perimeter cabinets with a contrasting island.

When the trend first appeared, dark wood stains were popular for kitchen islands, but color is taking center stage on in kitchen island design trends, from navy to gray to green. Don’t look for the kitchen island to get lost any time soon, say our experts; as open floor plans’ popularity soared, the island became the kitchen’s anchor, workhorse and gathering spot. So don’t worry that your island might quickly become dated. A more current island choice is single-level island, rather than the multilevel models of recent years. As a bonus, single level islands tend to be more economical, requiring less customization of cabinetry.

As kitchen islands deliver splashier color, look for appliances and wall coverings to follow, as homeowners become bolder with color throughout the kitchen. Many cabinet makers will match any shade from Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore, so color choices are limitless.

Popular in Europe is the flat front cabinet with a high shine, melamine finish, available in many colors and even patterns—wood grain, for

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example—offering durability and a sleek, utilitarian look. Along that vein, look for tophinge hardware on upper cabinets to grow in popularity, especially in modern-leaning communities.

Taking its cue from professional and restaurant kitchens, open shelving, whether bracketed or floating, has come into demand and offers versatility, storing everyday dishes in busy family kitchens or displaying pretty cookware, artwork, cookbooks and decor. In home kitchens both traditional and modern, open shelving can work within almost any decor scheme.

If a new kitchen is on the horizon for you, set your budget first. For inspiration, look to your childhood kitchen, your favorite restaurants, magazines and web sites; better yet, use them all. Think about your style and lifestyle: do you need workhorse cabinets for a large and busy family, or are you an empty nester who can choose style over durability? Talk to several kitchen design professionals, then choose the one who makes you feel comfortable and understands your vision. Above all, buy what you love, not what you think will please others. Take time to work through the process and let your vision guide you. ✦

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TURNING TRENDS: Put a Twist on Current Styles TREND: White perimeter cabinets with a contrasting island Try this: Opt for color throughout the kitchen. Does a blue kitchen suit you? Go for it! Try an all-white kitchen with contrasting countertop on the island, or a tuxedo kitchen with darker lower cabinets and lighter uppers. The contrast doesn’t have to be stark; varying just a few shades will do the trick.

TREND: Farmhouse style Try this: Avoid distressed or beadboard cabinets that scream farmhouse. Instead, opt for the clean lines of white Shaker cabinets. Layer accessories—antique signs on the wall or a vintage scale on the island. These things can be traded out later for a for a more modern look.

TREND: Open shelving Try this: If you’re not committed to open shelving everywhere, give it a try it in one area, maybe near the breakfast nook, in a butler’s pantry, or along one wall. You’ll still have closed shelving to hide what isn’t display-worthy.

Trend: Glass-front cabinet doors Try this: Light up glass-front cabinets from inside, with new LED strip lighting that doesn’t get hot, so streamlined that it can fit almost anywhere. Since you’re already showing off what’s behind glass, light it up for extra oomph.

Trend: Gray cabinets (or blue, or green) Try this: There’s no doubt that gray rules the day, but give it your own spin by warming it up with burnished brass or gold hardware. Also consider green or blue cabinets, which are making their way into fashion-forward kitchens.

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LOVE MY HOME

GREATER LYNCHBURG

HOME & GARDEN SHOW

FEB. 15, 16 & 17

FORMER MACY’S RIVER RIDGE MALL Presented by MADDOX AIR & ELECTRICAL

“Kiss and Tell”

PREVIEW EVENT 5:30-8:00 ON VALENTINE’S DAY TO BENEFIT THE GREATER LYNCHBURG COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.

tickets on sale now!

EXHIBITORS as of January 10

A-Plus Lawn Care Bath Fitter Bath Planet of Lynchburg Beacon Credit Union Better Bathrooms & Kitchens Budget Blinds he Love My Home: Greater Lynchburg Home & Garden Castle Garage Doors CLC Incorporated Show comes to Lynchburg February 15-17, 2019 in the Closet Storage Organizers former Macy’s space at River Ridge Mall. The show offers Collins Siding & Windows visitors an easy, interactive way to learn, compare and shop Construction Marketing from dozens of local and national vendors and experts. This Curtains, Blinds & Bath event is produced in partnership with HOME magazine, Perry Payne Cutco Presents and River Ridge Mall. A portion of proceeds will benefit the David James Homes Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation. For exhibitor information, Decorating Den Interiors F&S Building Innovations visit lovemylynchburghome.com.

First Bank & Trust Company Spanning 60,000 square feet in the former Macy’s space, the show Fortress Foundation Solutions features over 100 exhibitors and three days of programming, with Foster Fuels Houston Brothers Spray Foam speakers, workshops and panel discussions on the Love My Lynchburg Insulation Home Stage, underwritten by Budget Blinds of Lynchburg. A portion of Interiors by Moyanne proceeds benefits Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation.

Invisible Fence Brand of Virginia Home Depot In addition to Doug Wilson from TLC’s “Trading Spaces,” sponsored JES Foundation Repair

by Interiors by Moyanne, guest artists include Dallas interior designer K-Guard - One Stop Home John Phifer Marrs, sponsored by High Cotton Fine Furnishings and Improvement Shop Gifts, real estate stager Melanie Bias of Southern Charm Staging in LeafFilter North Maddox Air and Electrical Atlanta, sponsored by Nadine Blakely, Realtor and John Paul Hugeley, Monster Tree Service of Lynchburg principal of Building Art and founder of the American College of the Nadine Blakely, Realtor Building Arts in Charleston. Programming will be rounded out with Perry Pools & Spas workshops, speakers and panel discussions by local experts, vendors Pick-N-Save and creatives, who will offer great ideas and resources for making the Re-Bath most of area homes, gardens and lifestyles.

Sleep Number Southern Air Day passes and all-access weekend passes are available on the Southern TimberCraft & Log Homes

By Jack website at lovemylynchburghome.com Southern Trust Home Services Southwest Sunroom & Window Co. The Vinyl Porch Rail Company Union Church Millworks Water By Design WSET 13 r vhomemaga zine .com 55

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IMPROVE the well-stocked kitchen

in high demand

KITCHEN ESSENTIALS B Y TAY LO R H O R VAT H Are you that person in your circles, the early adapter of all things new when it comes to the well-stocked, on-trend kitchen? If not, I’m sure you know that person—the one who has every gadget and kitchen tool imaginable. You likely also have a friend who can barely boil an egg—or maybe that person is you!

Regardless, the barrage of kitchen tools, gadgets, utensils and essentials zooming through our news and social media feeds seems endless. It’s fun to go down the rabbit hole every now and then to browse those wish lists, but if you’re short on time, we’ve distilled our own HOME Essentials list of the best of the best in kitchen musthaves, whether trendy, budget-friendly, or splurge-worthy.

Trendy picks Instant pot: Don’t let ‘This Is Us’ season

finale from last fall scare you away! Instant pot is one appliance with eight different functions. This electric pressure cooker functions as everything from a slow cooker to a rice cooker; it can even make yogurt!

The hotshot appliance has seventeen smart programs for cooking meats and stews, steaming vegetables and even baking.

Providing options for longer and shorter cook times, Instant Pot is the one-man band of kitchen essentials.

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Espresso machine: If you’ve had it

with spending six dollars on coffee bar cappuccinos, an espresso machine is a must. The initial purchase might be daunting, but at the cost of a daily latte, it will pay for itself in a matter of weeks. Opt for a model with an automatic milk frother and in no time you’ll master your own best barista practices!

Clip-on colander: The design of the clipon colander is genius. Making it much easier to maneuver solo straining and draining with only two hands, its unique clips fit most round pots, pans and bowls.

The heavy-duty colander’s compact profile makes for easy storage and does the trick on straining jobs big and small.

Meal prep bento boxes: Just say no to mismatched containers! Send them off to recycling and prep away with these adorable bento boxes. The containers are microwave-safe, durable and a slam dunk tool for portion control. Say goodbye to soggy sandwiches: with multiple compartments for separating foods, packing lunch is a delight!

winner at under $20. More than just the sum of its parts, the spinner’s basket doubles as a colander; the bowl functions for serving and storage. It goes without saying that leftovers last longer if they’re not waterlogged and wilted.

Spiralizer: Given the variety of functions this gadget makes easy, Spiralizer goes to the head of the “budget-friendly” class.

The new design has seven interchangeable blades and is no slouch for foodies with better health in mind. The spiralizer adds great style to salads and generates a variety of veggie noodles, not to mention fabulous homemade potato chips.

Stainless steel mixing bowls: Kitchen connoisseurs agree overall that stainless steel mixing bowls are the way to go. With a nesting set of six bowls at the ready, daily kitchen tasks are a breeze. Stainless steel prevents staining and odors and the variety of sizes makes meal prep fun. Affordable, easy to clean and efficient to store, the nesting set is a kitchen must-have.

Splurge-worthy KitchenAid Mixer: This classic stand

Budget-friendly Salad spinner: If you’re no fan of soggy

spinach, a good salad spinner is a kitchen

mixer has changed little in design since its introduction in the 1930s, but KitchenAid’s countertop workhorse, made famous by

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television chefs including Julia Child and Martha Stewart, is available in more than 50, fun colors! The mixer features 10 speeds and comes with a coated flat beater, dough hook and six-wire whip; the stainless steel mixing bowl holds up to five quarts and can mix enough dough to make nine dozen cookies! For cooks who want their KitchenAid to spiralize vegetables, roll and cut pasta, strain, shred, dice, juice, grind, or mill, the company offers dozens of attachments for additional purchase.

Copper cookware: Copper cookware

is undeniably beautiful; it is also efficient and utilitarian. Most is made of copper with an internal stainless steel layer.

Weight-watching foodies love cooking with copper, as it requires no butter or oil—hence, fewer calories at dinner.

Copper pots and pans are oven-safe (but not induction-compatible) and are best used with wood, plastic, or heat-resistant nylon tools to avoid scratching. Keep your cookware away from knives, sharp kitchen tools or hand mixers and avoid using steel wool or harsh detergents for clean-up. Copper develops a beautiful and rich patina over time; if you prefer your cookware shiny and new, a mixture of lemon and salt brightens it right up.

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Keurig coffee maker: A Keurig is a

great asset for households, even for noncoffee-drinkers. Lovely, hot beverages can be prepared in an instant, one cup at a time. As expected, options for coffee are limitless, but with a variety of newer products, the Keurig can whip out black, green and herbal teas, cocoa, chai and other warm and flavorful delights. For a super splurge, go for one of the higherend models, offering 12-ounce brew size, programmable features and latte and cappuccino options.

Essentially…

As “Barefoot Contessa” Ina Garten said, “One of the great gifts that you can give to people is to cook for them.” Your own kitchen essentials are likely an assortment of items that are trendy, budget-friendly and splurge-worthy; the reason they’re essential to you is that they make your time in the kitchen easier, more efficient and enjoyable. Whatever the items on your “must-have” list of kitchen essentials, make sure to use them well and often. ✦

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DESIGN creative spaces

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ave you ever wished for an art studio, a creative space you could call your own?

Blue Ridge artist, Jane Duncan Stogner, has such a space, filled with abundant natural light, great storage and views that go on forever.

jane stogner

The Space That Fills Her Soul B Y A N N E M A R I E P O O R E W I T H J A N E S TO G N E R 5 8

“From my large windows and glass French doors I have a fantastic panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Cahas mountain range. I often use my studio as a private place to meditate and center myself. Watching the constant changing sky not only brings me piece of mind, it fills my soul. There is something magical about the colors and light of a sunrise or sunset that always makes me want to take a photograph and then paint it later. I have a large collection of sketchbooks and notebooks full with enough reference material to last three lifetimes! I am never bored; I just keep thinking my next painting will be the best and that helps keep me inspired, excited and moving forward. “ An art studio can both inspire and give you a retreat space you can enjoy. It is important to create a space with good creative energy that is relaxed and comfortable, enhancing your quality of life. This dedicated area need not be large or expensive; it can be a spare bedroom or attic space. Perhaps you can transform a garage or basement, provided natural light is present, into your studio. “My studio is almost 800 square feet. I designed certain aspects of my studio with my craft in mind, such as custom cabinets that can hold large paintings as well as extra wide, heavyduty drawers to store supplies and tubes of paint. Most of my equipment is on wheels so I am able to move things around easily. I also have a full bath and small kitchenette - I can warm up my coffee without having to leave my studio!”

Jane Duncan Stogner has been painting professionally for over forty years and knows a thing or two about an efficient, as well as inspiring, art studio. “Fresh out of college and teaching art at Ferrum College, I didn’t have my own studio, so I painted at the kitchen table or wherever I could set up a temporary workspace.” Later, Jane moved her studio to the basement for almost a decade.

Twenty-six years ago, she designed her dream art studio: “I can tell you, it really made a positive difference in my work and enriched my life.” Describing her studio, Jane mentions the natural light that floods the space from the three skylights set in the vaulted ceiling.

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Two Palladian windows illuminate the room with North light throughout the day. Jane often paints into the night so she found it necessary to install a special combination of warm and cool lighting that perfectly simulates daylight, thus the colors on the canvas do not change from day to night. “All this attention to light has a great bonus,” Jane reveals, “In the past I often suffered during the long dark winter months with a condition called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), but not anymore. With all the light my Art Studio offers it feels like a tropical vacation to my senses!”

Jane’s paintings are her legacy and they document her life.

“When I see an old painting, it takes me back to a time and place; I can remember the details about why I painted it and what I was trying to say.” Each new painting is a challenge and she focuses her full attention to the details and is constantly making decisions.

Working in her studio is pleasant and comfortable. Paintings surround her for inspiration, as well as the mountain views beyond the windows, but she also has mementos here and there that bring comfort and a touch of whimsy. There are women’s shoes, sturdy, pre-WWII oxfords—some have Ration stickers on them! These take Jane back to her childhood, her growing up years, in Eastern North Carolina. Copper teakettles on display remind her of her father. Mason jars full of paintbrushes in every size and bristle length stand at the ready for Jane’s next canvas.

As Jane has designed and now worked in her studio for more that a quarter century, she is able to offer a few suggestions when planning and creating a personal Art Studio. You may want to consider the following: n A sturdy worktable. n An easel on wheels so you can move it around easily.

n Plentiful natural light and/or a full spectrum of lighting. It’s fairly easy to find the light bulbs you will need. n Adequate storage for supplies (paper, paint, canvases and brushes). Keep in mind vertical storage options. n A sink if possible. n An area to set aside your project should you need to leave it for a few days. n Display space so you can allow the piece to dry and you can evaluate your work. n Plenty of electrical outlets. n Drop cloths or old rugs to protect the floor. n A comfortable chair—an adjustable office chair is great!

Jane also suggests adding vintage furniture to add charm and warmth. “Personal touches such as special photos or collected items that bring happy memories will enhance your studio as well as your time spent in the studio. I enjoy music to create a relaxed mindset.” Jane adds. Jane mentions the creative energy she feels when she enters her studio. She immediately feels inspired and ready to do what she loves.

Whether you are new to painting, or seasoned in your fine art endeavor, having a dedicated area to fully embrace your passion is essential. Jane truly believes time spent in her studio is an investment in her wellbeing. “I would encourage others to pursue their creative passion with a home studio by using a little imagination, ingenuity and smart design. Just go do it!”

Jane’s work can be seen at LinDor Gallery, 3014 First Street SW in downtown Roanoke. 540.400.8442. ✦

®

ELEVATE YOUR STYLE WITH SOFT TEXTURES AND REFINED DETAILS. ReidsFurnishings.com r vhomemaga zine .com 59

GARDEN master gardeners

MASTER GARDENERS 2.0 what does your garden grow?

B Y K AT H E R I N E F U LG H U M K N O P F

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aster Gardener—the title sounds exclusive, but speaking with one is actually like talking to a good friend. Master Gardeners are educated to help you. “We solve puzzles,” says Master Gardener Ellen Urbanski. These horticulturists are trained to help you find answers to the problems you have in your backyard and garden. By calling into the Help Desk, which local Master Gardeners man at the Virginia Cooperative Extension, you can get advice on everything from plant disease to planning a garden. For people who just want to learn more about horticulture, they offer monthly lectures on topics such as overcoming landscaping challenges to practical knowledge of perennials.

Master Gardener Programs can be found all over the United States; Roanoke has had an active group since 1987. Roanoke’s program maintains a healthy 88 active volunteers who donate over 7,000 hours every year.

Sometimes called Extension Master Gardener Programs in other areas of the country, they are all locally run courses that train interested people in gardening skills. Once trained, Master Gardeners then share their knowledge with the community.

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Although the training is extensive, eight weeks in the classroom followed by a 50 hour internship the first year, the material is not difficult. Classes run one day each week for two hours and each course covers a different topic. Subjects include a tremendous breadth of interesting matters—botany, propagation, pruning, plant diseases and pest management are some of the topics they explore. Each person who enrolls is given a large binder that serves as their study material and reference guide. There is an open book test at the conclusion of the class work.

These trained volunteers then give back to the community teaching others the art of gardening and the science behind it.

They volunteer their time by working at local extension agent help desks and giving talks to educate school children and community groups on gardening knowledge and skills. Master Gardeners use various methods to research an issue: they have their big book of reference material that each one is given at the start of their class; research gained through the required eight hours of continuing education each year and they can turn to the experts at Virginia Tech and Virginia State University to assist with an unusual or new conundrum. Although many garden dilemmas can be simple for these experts, some can be difficult to diagnosis, so they are grateful for these resources.

Master Gardeners volunteer and assist with manning the Master Gardener Help Desk, working with local Horticultural Therapy programs, giving demonstrations and workshops at our Community Gardens. They educate visitors at the Community Arboretum at Western Virginia Community College, mentor our youth, specifically in 4-H programs and speak to local civic groups on many horticultural topics.

“I really do enjoy working the help desk,” says Ellen Urbanski.

“It is an incredible source of information. It is very satisfying helping people find an answer to their question and solve their problem.” People can call into the Help Desk with a question, or they can stop by and chat with the Master Gardener on duty.

This is an excellent way to get information if you have a plant with a disease or a twig from a tree that has an unusual fungus.

Bring a sample of your problem and show the expert.

To stay up to date with the latest scientific information, Master Gardeners must complete their own continuing education requirements each year. These can be done in a variety of formats. Attending Master Gardener meetings which host a program every month is most popular. These talks are open to the public and are a great way to gain more general garden knowledge.

The next time you encounter a pest or problem in your yard, a Master Gardener is there to help you. The Master Gardener Help Desk at Virginia Cooperative Extension phone number is 540-776-7178. For those who want to stop by, Virginia Cooperative Extension is located at the Brambleton Center at Cave Spring Corners: 3738 Brambleton Avenue, SW, Roanoke.

Check out their website at Roanoke.ext.vt.edu. ✦ For information on classes or the Virginia Cooperative Extension Program, email Kathleen Reed, Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Agent at reedka@vt.edu or call their main number at 540-772-7524. Virginia Cooperative Extension Roanoke County/Roanoke and Salem Office is open Monday–Friday from 8:00am –5:00pm.

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LIVE spring cleaning

things are looking up

BY A LYS SA M E R C A DA N T E

It’s that time of year again when the frigid weather seems to drag on and on and we begin to look forward to warmer days, vibrantly-colored trees and flowers and of course, spring cleaning. Okay, maybe not all of us are looking forward to the cleaning part, but it really is true what they say—a clean home is a happy home! There’s the usual purging of closets and cabinets, deep cleaning floors and disinfecting kitchens and bathrooms. These are areas in our homes we see, feel and smell on a regular, daily basis. When making your to-do list before spring rolls around this year, however, don’t forget to look up, for the tons of nooks and crannies that usually stay out of sight and therefore out of mind and get overlooked much of the year. Now is the perfect time to tackle those hard-to-reach areas begging to be cleaned, to ensure your home is in exceptional condition from top to bottom.

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When cleaning any room, it’s ideal to work from top to bottom thanks to our friend, gravity. For example, you will want to wipe down crown molding and dust ceiling fans and light fixtures first and foremost, before the dust and dirt that have been built up all winter long will fall naturally to the furniture and floor below.

Here are some ideas for tackling the most neglected areas in your home and getting it ready for spring.

Start with the highest and most likely ignored area in the house—the ceiling. Now is the time to touch up any areas that may have chipped paint, scratches, or marks. Check corners for cobwebs and get rid of them with a high-reaching feather duster or vacuum attachment. Wipe down any crown molding using your favorite cleaning solution and a soft, clean cloth. If you want to try making your own all-purpose cleaner, mix together in a spray bottle two cups water plus ½ cup white vinegar plus one teaspoon dish soap plus one teaspoon baking soda. Spray the surface lightly and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Ceiling fans and hanging light fixtures also attract dust and dirt. Wipe the blades clean with a duster, cloth, or an old pillowcase, so you can dust both sides of each blade at once while catching the dust inside the pillowcase. While you’re up there, wipe down any light fixtures and replace burnt-out light bulbs.

Though air filters should be replaced regularly throughout the year, it is a good idea to clean air vents in the ceiling, wipe down smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace those batteries as well. If applicable, consider scheduling a chimney sweep, particularly if your fireplace was in frequent use during the cold, winter months. Chimney sweeps should be done every two years or so. Dust around any hanging mirrors, picture frames and wall

décor and wipe down the top of your refrigerator, microwave, shelves, high-up cabinets and tall furniture—bookcases, for example. When doing this, be sure to remove any decorative items rather than just dusting around them.

Windows are probably some of the most tedious areas to clean, but well worth it when the job is done. Start by taking down and washing any curtains or valances. If you need to save time, or they are not that dirty, try vacuuming the window treatments instead.

Dust or wipe down window blinds, shutters and the trim, once the areas near the glass are free of dust and dirt. One homemade glass cleaning solution that really seems to do the trick and leave windows streak-free is two cups warm water plus ¼ cup white vinegar plus one tablespoon cornstarch. Mix it all together in a spray bottle, spray directly onto the window and wipe with a clean, lint-free cloth. Use a separate, dry microfiber cloth to dry the windows. Wash windows on a cloudy day to ensure the sun will not dry the cleanser before you are finished wiping.

When it comes to spring cleaning, we tend to focus on the inside of our homes; don’t forget the outside as well. Now is the perfect time to pressure-wash siding and wash the outside of the windows. Remember to work from top to bottom to avoid having dirt run onto clean areas. Inspect your gutters to make sure they are clean and free of debris before April showers roll in. Check for cobwebs in high-up corners and replace any outdoor light bulbs as needed.

Now that you are aware of all the potentially dirty things above, look up! Grab your favorite cleaning supplies and get to work. Once you’ve got your deep-clean routine down, the upkeep will become easier and your home will be happier. ✦

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DESIGN entertaining alchemy

Divine Eclectic CULTIVATING A UNIQUE DESIGN AESTHETIC

B Y P E R R Y PAY N E M I L L N E R

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he adroit hostess knows that decor sets the mood of the party. Her table settings feel more curated than designed: her dining room is an explosion of color, texture and style. She breaks design rules we thought non-negotiable; nonetheless, every element of her gathering casts a spell. Perched by the fireside for cocktails before dinner, her guests feel the stirring of long-dormant, creative juices: one suddenly has a flash of the novel he forgot to write years ago; another makes a note to sign up tomorrow for that mixed-media masterclass she’s been meaning to take. This magical hostess has the heart of an artist and the dinner party is her medium.

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To enter her sphere is to join a party we only wish we could throw. The good news for eclectic design aspirants is that mixing it up in the dining room requires no magic at all, just a hearty helping of improvisation, worked into the longstanding framework of accepted rules of design.

Core eclectic: Back to basics

In eclectic design, the possibilities are endless for improvising spaces that are well-designed, even as they reflect the creativity and innovation of the host. Here’s a guide of sorts, a checklist for design in general, with suggestions for adding that elusive, eclectic vibe: n Central focus: give the eye an obvious landing pad and work other elements around that focal point. n Textural interest: change up surfaces with materials and finishes that are cool and warm, rough and refined, nubby and smooth to the touch. n Statement accessories: feature sentimental and collected pieces across design styles, but unite them through color, texture or scale. n Neutral base: keep the palette neutral on walls, ceilings and floor. Choose whites, grays and browns as backdrops for vibrant, eclectic vignettes. n Balance of scale: mix styles, but don’t let any one element overpower another. n Layered lighting: incorporate multiple sources of light from varied heights. n Function first: keep in mind the room’s utility, whether seating, dining, study, or food preparation and don’t clutter spaces with “design” that gets in the way. n Design symmetry: eclectic design doesn’t like mirrored balance, but all design requires symmetry across space. n Great pieces: invest in great, forever pieces over time. Dallas Designer John Pfifer Marrs, who will speak on Eclectic Design and Buying for Collectors at the Greater Lynchburg Home & Garden Show in February, says, “If you buy one great piece every year, in five years you’ll have five great pieces.” (For information, visit lovemylynchburghome.com). n Color theory: get to know the color wheel and use it to balance your room with both cool and warm tones.

Read up on complementary colors.

Understand the difference between dominant, secondary and accent colors.

Graphic artist Tom Lowe has recently traded a large and stylish, classic prewar R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E E a r l y S p r i n g 2 0 1 9

apartment, with a formal dining room, for a mid-century modern, open-concept house with no dining room at all. “It’s a challenge to get it right,” he chuckles. “Don’t be afraid to stick with antique or family pieces that make you comfortable.” Lowe suggests, “Pick a few high-end, jaw-droppingly gorgeous items that you truly love and pair them with affordable, workhorse pieces. You may be surprised at just how well they all get along. If your furniture feels ill at ease in your home, so will your guests.”

An eclectic look is about balancing old and new, high and low end. Lowe adds, “Finding a common element is key—perhaps uniformity of color, wood grain, a common curve among pieces.”

Lowe emphasizes that the connection between furniture and accessories, even across styles, ties a space together.

Everything old is eventually new again and classic pieces can be dressed up in new togs. “When it’s time to redo walls or reupholster legacy pieces,” he suggests, “choose fabrics and papers that are modern—think geometric, ikat or large-scale prints.”

Most importantly, he advises, “Don’t throw out quality pieces just because you think they’re out of style.” Eclectic design is all about timeless comfort, energy and creativity.

Dining eclectic, old and new

The dining room is a great place to start an eclectic reboot. If new wall coverings are in order, don’t overlook wallpaper, murals and wall fabrics. Wall coverings on trend for 2019 include products in a variety of traditional and newly engineered materials that are removable, washable and beautiful. To add an instant pop of energy to dreary, dated walls, consider: n Classic Indian and Asian design, incorporating geometrics, mountains and florals n Rustic patterns with playful woodland and forest motifs n Mid-century and retro geometrics with palettes of teal, orange and mustard n Rough, organic, even photographic patterns of metal, wood and stone n Traditional floral, modern urban and graphic patterns, blown into large and giant scale

mashups to create energy and sparkle. If there’s only the one cloth that fits the giant heirloom dining table and it’s gorgeous and linen and old, then by all means use it! But consider adding a modern, colorful topper. Mix family pieces with those picked up at thrift shops and farmers markets; the table will feel at once eclectic and exciting.

Lowe adds, “Add something new and geometric in the dining room, as a centerpiece, on the sideboard, or hanging from the chandelier. Particularly on trend now are himmeli.” These lovely, geometric ornaments can be hung singly or as a multi-faceted mobile. There has been a recent turn to geometric pieces in the last couple of years and, Lowe adds, “The himmeli is a great addition of something fun and modern to a room, particularly in warmer tones of copper and brass.”

What about the box of 1940s cranberry flash glass goblets in the basement? Tonight, deem them wine glasses; your mother’s pretty, etched stems will do fine for water. Put out the best silver or plate that you have, mismatched or not; the same goes for napkins. So long as they are cloth and marry the palette, your table will be elegant and festive. Pull out that pair of extra-tall glass cylinders from the shed and fill them with late winter branches from the yard—camellias, magnolia and berries. The glass columns will reflect shimmer from the overhead lighting (on a dimmer, please). Add candles in a variety of holders to complete the evening’s sparkle.

Set the table early. Check the lighting. Close off rooms not yet ready for their close-ups. Set the temperature down a degree or two. Light the candles, a must and a fire if you can. Set the music volume just under tête-à-tête level; remember to raise it as conversation heats up. Time your preparations so that you have a few minutes before guests arrive to enjoy a glass of something lovely and take in your own “divine eclectic.”

Your magical hostess friend, of course, was at the top of your guest list; thank her warmly for her inspiration as she enters the party you no longer only wish you could throw. Embrace the evening, enjoy every moment, celebrate friends old and new and delight in hopeful excitement for new beginnings come spring, just around the corner. ✦

True blue Virginians know that to be blessed with a generationsold, family dining table is a commitment for life; to paint over that age-old patina would likely result in summary family banishment.

If, however, there is a hodge-podge of dining chairs stashed in a corner of the attic, don’t be afraid to pull them down and dress them up with a shot of bright color, modern fabric and contrasting trim. Even if they don’t match, odd chairs painted and upholstered to coordinate can give a healthy shot of whimsy to a previously stuffy space. Replace the rug with something bright, young and graphic to complete the upgrade from stodgy to stellar.

What if the dining area needs to do double duty as an office or library? For families whose dining room sits empty ten months of the year, it makes sense to use the room for work, study and reading. Store away extra leaves and the dining table becomes a spacious desk; invest in an attractive office cart that can be rolled away during party season. Sideboards and hutches can store files and work supplies as well as tableware and linens. Install attractive shelving across one wall and a cozy chair in the corner and the dining room takes on year-round functionality.

Entertaining eclectic

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