Roanoke Valley Home Magazine Winter 2018

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

design ✦ improve ✦ garden ✦ live

CELEBRATE ✦

the season

WARM AND COZY create an inviting home blanket your garden beds

HOLIDAY STYLE living christmas trees setting your table

ESTATE SALES

at home with the proctors page 46

treasure hunting tips

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2018

FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION Four Seasons Sunrooms Kitchens & Baths

Pergolas & Awnings TREX Deck Platinum Pros

Additions & Garages Exterior Updates

Call 540-985-9160 for FREE estimates.

Interior Designer on-staff to guide you every step of the way. fsfourseasons.com | Facebook.com/FSFourSeasons | 2944 Orange Avenue NE, Roanoke, VA 24012

Serving Roanoke, Lynchburg, Smith Mountain Lake and the New River Valley since 1976

memberonefcu.com 800-666-8811

our gift to you...

take 40% off of one item with this ad.

Offer good through 12-3-2018. Not valid on formal gowns or with other discounts.

One discount per customer.

HOME ROANOKE VALLEY

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 5 PUBLISHER Julie Pierce EDITOR Rory Rhodes ART DIRECTOR Edwana Coleman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mitzi Bible Becky Calvert Marsha Gale Ferne Hale Jerry Hale Marissa Hermanson Taylor Horvath Sloane Lucas Noelle Milam Alyssa Mercadante Jane Rennyson Rory Rhodes Christy Rippel Sara Sigmon

Clothing, Accessories & Shoes

16940 Forest Road in Forest | 434-525-7503

PHOTOGRAPHER 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 Copyright 2018 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.

6

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

CONTENTS Roanoke Valley HOME Holiday/Winter 2018

10

70

46 features

showcase home

HOLIDAY DECORATING Ideas for creating your favorite look

HOME AND HOST Headmaster’s festive abode does double duty

10

BY ALYSSA MERCADANTE

32

ESTATE SALES Tricks for treasure finding

BY CHRISTY RIPPEL

46

BY NOELLE MILAM

Cover photo by Kevin Hurley at the home of Ellie and Chris Proctor

70

WINTER WELCOME Create inviting seasonal curb appeal

BY SLOANE LUCAS

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

H O L I DAY/ W I N T E R 2018

DESIGN

24 BEDSIDE TABLES

Nightstands with style and purpose

BY MARISSA HERMANSON

61 FLATWARE

Tips for your table setting

BY CHRISTY RIPPEL

65 VELVET

61

Lush looks for your decor 79 2018 DESIGN SERIES

Design, Defined: Craftsman Style

BY MITZI BIBLE

IMPROVE 20 SNUGGLE UP

Ways to warm your home this season

BY NOELLE MILAM

40 BRICK

To paint, or not to paint

BY TAYLOR HORVATH

66 FIREWOOD FACTS

66

28

Best practices for wood burning fires

BY JERRY & FERNE HALE

GARDEN

28 CHRISTMAS TREES

Living trees last long after the festivities

BY JANE RENNYSON

58 MULCH

Blanket your garden beds for winter

BY RORY RHODES

LIVE

37 COCKTAILS & CANAPES

Host a mid-century shindig with these classics

BY MARSHA GALE

42 BREAK A SWEAT

Exercise classes beyond the big gym

BY SARA SIGMON

76 SPICES

Healthy and flavorful seasonings

BY BECKY CALVERT 8

37 R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

EDITOR’S note Home is especially evocative at holiday time. Rockwellian images of perfect families and impeccably set tables may not always be ours, but this time of year, there really is no place like home. “Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe help to make the season bright,” and we want to help make your home shine this holiday season by bringing you expertise and inspiration from around the community, while keeping you in the know on broader trends.

On the holiday front, we’ve got fun ideas for welcoming visitors using inviting touches from the curb to the front door, and creating a holiday decorating theme for the inside of your home—including how to keep it simple! If you’ve ever wondered about buying a living Christmas tree, check out our handy tips on how to choose one and keep it through the winter. Thinking about hosting a little get-together soon? Our advice for throwing a Mad Men-style soirée with classic cocktails and canapés will get you in the swing of things.

Estate sales are a passion for many, and the internet has made it easier than ever to see what’s coming up in the area. Our feature breaks it all down and tells you what you need to know to make the most of your treasure hunt. We’ve also got design advice and inspiration on a range of topics, including flatware, bedside tables, painted brick, Craftsman style design, and the resurgence of luxurious, cozy velvet.

Speaking of cozy, our articles on firewood and ways to warm your home will keep you toasty in the colder months. You can

do the same for your garden by laying down some mulch now (yes, now!) to tuck your plants away for the winter. And, check out our story on the benefits of spices which add both health and flavor to your seasonal dishes.

We hope you enjoy reading our holiday issue, and wish you a merry and joyous season!

— Rory Rhodes, Editor rory@westwillowpublishing.com

Your LOCAL mortgage banker

Ready to work for you!

Meet Melissa Mason

NMLS# 659457

Over 20 years experence helping homeowners 540.278.1731 | mmason@hometownbank.com HomeTown Residential Mortgage dba HomeTown Mortgage NMLS# 1046033

r vhomemaga zine .com 9

What’s Your Holiday Style?

deck the halls to reflect your seasonal spirit B Y A LY S S A M E R C A DA N T E

When the holidays come around, it's hard not to reminisce and think back to past family traditions.

Mama's sizable snow village, a primary part of her living room decor, created excitement every time it was set up and illuminated. Grandma's abundance of snow globes and music boxes—which covered every last inch of her tables—made everyone laugh out loud when the little ones tried to get them to all play music simultaneously. Placing the decades-old nativity under the tree with Dad meant decorating was finally complete, and there was nothing left to do but sit back together and admire the work.

For many, holiday decorations are infused with meaning and nostalgia. On the other hand, this time of year can be a chance to think outside the red and green boxes, be creative with bright and bold colors, and have fun creating new memories and traditions. Whether you're going for a classic or brand new look, when it comes to the holidays, there is no right or wrong way to express your seasonal cheer.

We’ve broken down several distinct themes, with suggestions and tips on how to create each one in your holiday home…

1 0

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

r vhomemaga zine .com 11

Traditional

For those favoring a traditional scene, it’s hard to top the warmth and welcome of red and green decor. Wrap lighted, green garlands around railings, and drape them around a variety of wooden nutcrackers standing tall on the mantel. Hang red, green, or white stockings by the fireplace, and accent furnishings with coordinating blankets and throw pillows. Mistletoe in the entryway offers a truly classic look.

Set up a nativity, perhaps one that has been passed down from previous generations, under a multicolor lit tree topped with a beautiful angel. If space allows, display a Dickens-style Christmas village that will be sure to serve as a conversation piece when visitors come around. Illuminate windows with battery-operated candles to give off a soft glow, and adorn outdoor windowsills with greenery and red or burgundy bows. Add a matching wreath to the front door to pull it all together. Wrapping paper in reds, greens and golds, perhaps with a plaid design and topped with big shiny bows, will complete the scene.

B E S T. D E C I S I O N . E V E R .

When it comes to your dream home – making sure it is perfect means tons of tough decisions. Let our knowledgeable product experts relieve the stress and restore the fun while introducing you and your design team to our extensive collection of products from the most sought after brands.

Levoir™ Bath Collection

ROA NOKE F E RGUSON S H OWROOM S .COM

1 2

©2018 Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. 0918 965732

Request your appointment today at fergusonshowrooms.com

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

American Bungalow

by Vanguard Furniture

Exceptional quality, made in Virginia.

Free Local Delivery /bettersofas 4919 Grandin Road, Roanoke County 540.400.6334 • bettersofasroanoke.com

HUNTING HILLS

Vintage

If you love midcentury style, consider incorporating vintage decor this season. This is especially fun if you have family heirlooms or collections that have been passed on to you over the years, such as antique snow globes, and Norman Rockwell prints or plate collections. Generously dress your tree with antique glass ornaments and lots of shiny tinsel, and top it with a bright star.

Make a wreath out of brightly colored pink, blue, green, yellow and silver ball ornaments. For the mantel, place retro Santas, snowmen, or small bottlebrush trees among a casually draped garland or twinkle lights. Finish the old school vibe with long knitted stockings hung by the fireplace. A holly wreath on your front door or over the mantel will have you singing along to 20th century holiday tunes. Presents wrapped in printed paper— Santas, trees, reindeer, ornaments, or snowflakes—and tied up with yarn will evoke merry memories.

Incredible all Brick, custom Home exudes quality throughout. Conveniently located in sought after Hunting Hills on a serene 3/4 acre private lot. This amazing home affords spectacular Views, soaring 10’ ceilings on Entry, plus 20’ ceilings in Foyer,Library,Living Room and Upper Levels. 9’ ceiling on Lower level, dramatic 2 story Library, and beautiful Hardwoods throughout.

The magnificent flow of the 3 levels provides awesome entertainment as well as relaxation possibilities and all 3 levels are serviced with an Elevator. The lower level offers the versatility of In-Law, Au Pair, Teenager or Guest accommodations. Pristinely maintained, tastefully appointed and updated.

5008 Fox Ridge Rd. $1,049,900 ®

JEANNINE HANSON, GRI, CRS, ASP REALTOR® 540-798-8640 • www.buyroanokehomes.com

r vhomemaga zine .com 13

Winter wonderland

A winter wonderland theme provides plenty of holiday glamor, and also allows you to extend your decorations past the holiday season if you so desire. Use cool-toned LED lights and icy white, blue, and silver colors. Incorporate snowflakes, snowmen, and glass, crystal and other sparkling accents. A flocked tree could be the perfect focal point of your wintry scene—there are artificial trees that can be bought pre-flocked, or you can add some “instant snow” yourself to one you already have, or even to a 14

real tree. Snow flock can be purchased at various craft or home improvement stores and can also be used on garlands, wreaths, or on a bouquet of branches as a centerpiece on a table. Decorate the mantel with small, glittery trees, a frosted garland and a strand of twinkle lights. Add some shiny ornaments to the garland and hang a few faux fur stockings for some extra glitz. Spray paint a bushel of twigs with silver glitter and stand them up in a vase. Pull the icy colors from your decor into your wrapping paper as well, and top boxes with glittery bows and die cut, snowflake gift tags.

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

Natural

For a more low-key look straight from Mother Nature, try a natural theme. From live greenery and vibrant seasonal fruits, to adorable woodland creatures and rustic pinecones, the natural world offers many ways to decorate your home this time of year. For garlands and wreaths, magnolia leaves are a lush alternative to fir, spruce, or pine—or mix them together for textural interest. Accent with pinecones, and real or faux seasonal fruit for a fresh look. Top your mantel with natural-toned deer figurines, small trees or interesting branches, and illuminated lanterns. Incorporate wooden signs with holiday sayings such as “Joy,” “Let it Snow,” or “Merry & Bright.” Fill large glass bowls or vases with pinecones or pears, apples, plums and cranberries. Keep your tree simple with warm white twinkle lights and white or natural-hued ornaments with rustic texture. Surround the base of your tree with burlap. In the entryway, place small trees in buckets or baskets.

Farmhouse-style pillows and cozy quilts on sofas will add extra charm. Use kraft paper as gift wrap, and finish with twine and a sprig of berries or greenery for a splash of color.

Most Energetic and Enthusiastic Agent!

“Callie is the most energetic and enthusiastic agent that I have ever dealt with!

There is no deal she can’t close! She is always ethical and honorable in her dealings regardless of whether she is the listing or the selling agent! Consequently, it is without hesitation I recommend Callie Dalton for all your real estate needs!!”

Highly Recommend!

“I’ve bought and sold 3 houses with Teddy Dalton and always get a great return on my investment. He and Callie really know the local market and do a great job of identifying the right properties to purchase. Highly recommend!”

- reviews from Zillow.com

CallieDalton.com • 540.769.0000

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

r vhomemaga zine .com 15

New styles arriving daily!

New styles arriving daily!

Minimal

Piccadilly Square 3107 Franklin Road, Roanoke www.yarids.com | 540.266.7750

If you are looking to keep it simple this holiday season—maybe you’re traveling a lot, a recent empty-nester, tight on space, or just plain busy—there is most definitely a way to go minimal while still being festive. Instead of putting up a full-sized real or artificial tree, opt for a tabletop model instead. A small pre-lit artificial tree is easy to set up and adds instant cheer. It can stand on its own, or add a few of your favorite ornaments for extra impact. Craft stores sell various festive picks that are fast and simple to insert.

If you’ll be home for the holidays, a live tabletop tree from the garden store is another great option. After the season, keep it in a sheltered spot to enjoy its winter greenery, and in spring it can be planted in your garden or transferred to a larger pot. You can also string up a “wall tree” by zig-zagging a string of lights, garland, or pom-poms on a bare wall in the shape of a tree. Use it as a place to display holiday cards from friends and family.

If you don’t have time for a tree, you can add a touch of holiday cheer with a glass bowl or jar of ornaments surrounded by a bit of greenery and chic candles. A few plug-in or battery window candles will give your home’s exterior a welcoming gleam without the hassle of putting up outdoor decorations. Instead of worrying about decorating throughout your home, center your efforts on one visible zone—perhaps a dining or coffee table, or the mantel—and create a single holiday focal point. When wrapping gifts, choose one pretty, all-purpose wrap and ribbon for a unified look that you won’t have to overthink.

The Rug Mattress & Furniture Store

www.therugmattressandfurniturestore.com 540-387-0946 40 W. Calhoun St. | Salem,VA 24153 16

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

r vhomemaga zine .com 17

Playful & kid-friendly

The holidays are extra magical if you have little ones added to the mix, or if you’re just a kid at heart! To create a playful mood, try experimenting with pastels or bright colors. Use multicolor lights, fun-shaped ornaments, feathers and garlands on the tree, or even set up an all pink, silver, or white tree with colorful ornaments—the more eclectic and whimsical, the better. Have your children make their own ornaments and popcorn garlands and let them join in the decorating fun. Spend an evening making a gingerbread house with your family and then use your delectable creation as a decoration.

Use pom-poms for cheerful wreaths and garlands. Set up a toy train to circle the tree. Hang paper snowflakes from the ceiling, mantel, or in windows. Be sure to incorporate candy canes, North Pole-style decorations, and, of course, for all the brave parents out there, Elf on the Shelf. When wrapping gifts, use a mix of brightly colored solid paper and fun patterns, with a variety of eye-catching ribbons.

From traditional decor to modern style to full-fledged whimsy, each theme offers an appealing way to reflect the holiday season. Don't be afraid to switch it up from year to year if you want to try new things. It's also not out of the question to pull from several different styles to create your own unique look.

Maybe you love the rustic, farmhouse feel that comes with natural decor, but you also love pops of color and splashes of sparkle. Whether you find yourself wanting to deck all the halls, or favor a simple look, your holiday decor should bring merry memories for you to enjoy! ✦

Hardy, VA 24101 SPECIALIZING IN OUTDOOR LIVING AREAS

Open Air Porches • Decks • Screen Porches • Sunrooms • Outdoor Kitchens • Remodeling

Call us at

540-339-5279

to schedule your FREE design consultation.

www.constructionmarketingllc.com

1 8

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

The Valley’s Largest Locally Owned Real Estate Firm For more than 45 years, giving back to our community and profession has been the cornerstone of our success. We believe that in life and in business, you get more than you give. Our expertise includes residential, commercial, land, property management, relocation and mortgage services. Service makes the difference in relocation and MKB, REALTORS® has been offering outstanding full service since 1973.

IMAGE COURTESY OF PHILLIP BARRETT, JR.

Our Associates are ready to serve you. Call us today for all your real estate needs.

Roanoke Office 3801 Electric Rd., Roanoke, VA 24018 (540) 989-4555 | (800) 879-6527 Daleville Office 116 Kingston Dr., Daleville, VA 24083 (540) 966-1277

Local Just Got Larger Visit our two newest offices

Contact Connie Hash, Relocation Director chash@mkbrealtors.com

Oak Grove Office 2350 Electric Rd., Roanoke, VA 24018 (540) 989-3000 Salem Office 132 E. Main St., Salem, VA 24153 (540) 378-4058

Visit us at MKBREALTORS.com

Serving the Greater Roanoke Area, New River Valley and Smith Mtn. Lake

∙ Locally Owned ∙ Locally Operated ∙ Locally Involved ∙

WE'RE LOCAL, WE'RE GLOBAL r vhomemaga zine .com 19

IMPROVE keeping warm

WINTER WARMTH

tips for a cozy home

BY NOELLE MIL AM

2 0

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

W

With another Virginia winter bearing down, many homeowners are looking for ways to take the chill off their homes, enhancing warmth and comfort for the holidays and beyond. If you find yourself shivering through the winter months, it’s time to investigate ways to warm up your indoor environment—besides just turning the thermostat as high as it will go! There are things you could be doing to increase your “coziness quotient” this winter: from large-scale professional home improvements, to small-scale DIY projects and purchases, there are options that will increase your comfort no matter what the weather brings. Grab a mug of hot chocolate and your favorite fuzzy socks and see what’s out there to warm up your home this season.

Large scale

Mid-range

If you have the time, budget, and inclination for a large scale project, consider active or passive solar systems, which promise increased comfort for a fraction of the cost (once installed) of oil, gas, or electric systems. “Active” solar refers to solar panel systems which heat air and often provide some hot water as well, even storing a certain amount of heat energy when the sun isn’t shining.

“Passive” solar systems such as sunrooms or solariums absorb the sun’s heat without external devices, so homes with passive solar heating will only “heat” when the sun is shining, and can’t be used as a home’s only heat source. Though solar technology is improving exponentially from its early years, and we are seeing more and more solar panels around Virginia, the upfront costs are still considerable, so it isn’t for everyone.

Radiant heat flooring is another project that involves running a series of connected heating coils underneath your home’s flooring, which radiate heat up throughout the room. This project has traditionally been done under tile or concrete floors, but new technology allows for radiant heating to be installed under hardwood or even carpet. The good news is that it can be done in one room at a time. For instance, when renovating a bathroom, radiant heat coils can be installed underneath the floor tiles—a tremendous difference when your bare feet touch that tile first thing in the morning!

Insulation can be a tricky subject. You know you want to keep all that lovely heat in your home, but where to start? Windows?

Doors? Walls? Attic? Every home can benefit from at least some additional insulation, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. An energy “audit,” or consultation, can help homeowners identify where a specific home is losing the most heat and therefore, where those insulation dollars can best be spent. In older homes, the biggest heat loss often occurs around windows and doors, and homeowners are advised to look into more efficient replacement windows and doors with double paned glass. Other common heat loss culprits are areas such as attics, crawlspaces, basements, and garages. An energy consultant can help you identify where you are losing the most heat, and make recommendations about the best insulating products for your home.

Sometimes your furnace just isn’t enough. Some homes, or rooms, need a boost of extra heat. This is where supplemental heat sources such as space heaters, fireplaces, and wood or pellet stoves can make an enormous difference. Running the gamut from a simple plug-in space heater to the engineering marvel of cleanburning pellet stoves, there are many options for homeowners to choose from. When selecting a supplemental heat source, keep in mind both purchasing cost and cost to run—there can be a huge discrepancy between the two. Electric space heaters can

r vhomemaga zine .com 21

be inexpensive to purchase, but quite a drain on your electricity, while gas or wood fireplaces and stoves require a high installation cost, but are extremely cost effective to operate.

Remember, too, that winter heat is dry heat. This dryness can take a toll on our skin and hair, our lungs, sinuses, and our general health, but did you know that dry heat can also make you feel less warm? To combat this, consider ways to add humidity back into the air: a simmering pot of mulling spices on your stove, a plug-in room humidifier, maybe even investigate a whole-house humidity system.

Small scale

Looking for some easy to implement ideas? Start with your window coverings.

These should be layered, just like your winter clothing. Blinds or shades will help with insulation, and lined drapes will help with drafts. During the daytime, take advantage of the natural warming ability of the sun by opening all curtains and blinds covering sunny windows. Once the sun goes down, quickly close up again to retain the warmth and to insulate against heat loss.

Augment your furnace’s efficiency by replacing air filters monthly, moving large furniture away from air vents and radiators to ensure proper air flow, and refrain from “thermostat whiplash”— constantly adjusting the temperature manually, which can overwork your heating system and drive up your heating costs. You may also need to upgrade your thermostat. Today’s smart technologies enable you to program thermostats (in some cases, even from your mobile phone) ensuring cozier temperatures at key times of the day—early morning so that you awaken to a warm house, and evenings after work through dinner and bedtime—while scaling back when the house is empty or everyone’s asleep.

There is a Scandinavian saying that goes, “There is no bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” This applies to home goods as well as clothing. Just as we’d hesitate to wear the breezy fabrics and styles of summer clothes in midwinter, our home’s “clothing” should also change with the season: flannel sheets, fleecy throws, and plush area rugs help create a toasty feel on cold winter nights.

In the bathroom, warm up icy floors with space heaters, plush bathmats, and 2 2

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

towel warmers. It may be time to upgrade those old towels as well—the thicker and plusher the towels and rugs, the cozier they will feel. In the bedroom, insulate with thick carpeting, draft-proof window coverings, and bedding that is warm and inviting. You may appreciate the health benefits of sleeping in a cooler bedroom, but very few people enjoy shivering under the covers. Electric blankets and mattress pads will warm a bed with the flick of a switch, and there are the triedand-true methods of flannel, down, wool, and fleece. Try heating a rice bag in the microwave or filling a hot water bottle for your feet before retiring—nothing is quite so comforting as warm feet as you drift off to sleep!

There’s no reason to shiver your way through another Virginia winter.

Take some time to assess your home’s “coziness quotient” so you can get to work on warming up your home. With some intelligent overhauls, or even quick tweaks and tricks, you can start thinking of winter as the snuggle-up and get cozy season. Hot chocolate is optional. ✦

Renew, Repair & Revitalize Your Wood No Sanding - No Dust - No Mess - No Odors

Revolutionary wood renewal with a tough polyurethane no sanding. No mess, no odors, in just 24 hours. The process is quick, easy, and hassle free. N-hance has a full customer service guarantee.

Wood Renewal in Just One Day!

BEFORE

AFTER

“I just want to thank you with regards to the great job you did to our kitchen cabinets. They had 22 years of use and you made them look like they were just installed. ” - The Kuehns

BEFORE

AFTER

Independently Owned and Operated

Call 375-6631 today to schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate.

Serving Roanoke, Botetourt, Vinton and Salem r vhomemaga zine .com 2 3

DESIGN nightstands

bedside manner

HOW TO PAIR BEDSIDE TABLES WITH YOUR BED

BY MARISSA HERMANSON

The days of matchy-matchy bedroom sets with coordinating nightstands are gone. There are more stylish options than the furniture sets from the bigbox store. Mixing furnishings gives your boudoir a more sophisticated and collected feel, along with the impression that it was intentionally decorated.

The simplest way to get a more elevated look to your bedroom is changing up some of the smaller furnishings, like your bedside tables.

When searching for new bedside table pairings for your bed, don’t be afraid to mix and match 2 4

colors, materials and styles. With a natural wooden headboard, choose a nightstand with a different finish—perhaps painted in a contrasting color, like ivory, gray or even a bright hue like red.

For a quick makeover, update your current nightstand with a layer of milk paint. Or strip it down and finish in a high-gloss paint. Feel free to mix woods for a more dynamic look, but proceed with caution—a room with light beech and dark mahogany can look distracting instead of calculated.

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

If you have a brass bed frame, stay away from metal side tables. Too many metals in a bedroom doesn’t make for a soothing retreat, and can give your boudoir the appearance of an indoor jungle gym. Opt for sturdy wood tables with drawers to help anchor the space. And feel free to update the nightstand hardware to brass knobs, as it will add a cohesive element, tying the tables to the bed.

In an elegant bedroom with a velvet upholstered or silk tufted headboard, select bedside tables that match the bed’s elevated style. A mirrored nightstand or side table with curvaceous legs, ornate knobs and gilt accents is fitting.

With more modern bedrooms that are outfitted with contemporary beds, it’s best to look for tables that echo the bed’s straight lines and simple aesthetic. Mixing more ornate styles like French Provincial with clean, contemporary furnishings might be jarring to the eye.

Keep scale in mind when pairing tables with beds. A double bed calls for a narrow nightstand, whereas a sprawling king-size bed should be flanked by wider, substantial tables.

Measure to make sure that the table is an appropriate height as well. Not too high or too low, the nightstand should be about the same height as (or maybe even slightly higher than) the mattress.

Small spaces are cumbersome to furnish in general. Be mindful of your square footage, and don’t over-decorate with chunky and overly stuffed furnishings. In tight spaces, choose a compact table with a small drawer and long narrow legs that allow air to flow freely underneath. Bulky furniture with many drawers overwhelms a small room.

Transparent materials like glass and lucite also are smallspace-friendly, giving the bedside table a minimal appearance.

Wall-mounted shelves with sconces hung above make for a nice nightstand alternative in cozy berths as well.

Tables that aren’t normally intended as bedside tables are fun to add into the mix. Consider a fancy demilune table, a cleanlined, midcentury waterfall console that you can tuck a cushioned ottoman or storage baskets under, or even a narrow shelf where you can display your book collection. Nesting tables are a compact piece that you can easily expand for more surface area.

Or, get creative and eschew tables altogether. Experiment with something else like a tiered footstool, an old chair, a wooden crate, a tall stack of coffee table books, or even a rolling cart.

Finding the appropriate nightstand for your boudoir may take a little time and effort, but with some measurements and a little shopping around, you’ll find the perfect pairing. ✦

}

}

FIND US ON

Interior Design Flooring Cabinetry Lighting Furniture Decor Blinds & Shades

Let Us Help You Plan Your Spring Project Today!

Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm All other times by appointment only (540) 719-1431 | www.bydesigninteriorsofva.com 12925 Booker T Washington Hwy, Suite 102, Hardy,VA r vhomemaga zine .com 25

B ED SI D E TAB LE STYLI NG TI PS n Narrow nightstands call for dainty lighting. With wide, chunkier bedside tables, select a more substantial lamp with bulky base and broad shade. n Don’t feel like you need to choose a classic table lamp when adorning your bedside table. A task lamp, which is traditionally intended for a desk, is great for reading in bed. Sconces are ideal for tight spaces and bedside tables with limited surface area. n Style large nightstands with additional tchotchkes like a vase filled with fresh blooms, a soothing candle or fragrance diffuser, a stack of books or a stylish alarm clock. Don’t overload small bedside tables with clutter. Keep small tables sparsely decorated with only the necessities—a lamp and an alarm clock. n With small bedside tables, you may want to create more storage by tucking storage bins under the table, or by adding a bedside caddy that is stocked with all your nighttime necessities.

Enjoy 10 Days of Deals and an Open House Celebrate this holiday season with daily discounts on some of our most popular services and products! Friends and family will love your gifts of microderms, peel series, Image products, IPL hair reduction packages and more. And be sure to wrap something up for yourself!

Visit our website for offers each weekday starting November 23.

Plus, purchase $100 gift cards for $75 now through December!

Cannot combine with other offers.

PLUS!

e Annual Holiday Open Hous team and

et our Attend our open house to me ial! fac y ida hol enter to win a p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 6, 4:30 – 7 nter Ce c eti sm Co Carilion Clinic e ok an Ro e., 2107 Rosalind Av . s d’oeuvres and holiday spirits Bring a friend to share light hor

540-853-0510 CarilionCosmetic.com 2 6 G240822 Cosmetic Holiday Home HP.indd 1

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a10/9/18 y / W i n t10:27 e r 2 0AM 18

Q & A with CMC Q. Briefly describe the history / background of your business.

A. CMC Supply has been servicing its customers in Central & Southwest VA for 40 years. In 1978, CMC Well & Pump Supply opened its doors on Shenandoah Ave in a 6,000 sq ft warehouse supplying material to the Well & Pump Industry.

Because of the service we provided, our business grew quickly and customers kept asking us to stock some core plumbing items. Little by little, we added product lines and increased inventory to continue servicing our customers. This practice continued and has led us where we are today. In 1996, we moved into our current 50,000 sq ft building. A Christiansburg, VA branch was added in 2004 to better serve our NRV customers, and we acquired Rocky Mount Supply in 2012. This acquisition added branches in Rocky Mount and Bedford. The addition of these branches also introduced us into the electrical and lighting markets. In February of 2018, we were able to add Williams Lighting Galleries to our CMC family. The Williams Lighting Galleries Brand was well recognized and for years was the place to go for Lighting Fixture purchases.

Q. What products/specialties/services do you offer?

A. In addition to our complete line of plumbing fixtures and supplies, we offer well pumps, irrigation systems, water and sewer systems, and underground utility materials. Our parts department carries all the valves, parts and fittings needed to complete the project.

All of CMC’s locations, including Williams Lighting Galleries, have modern up to date showrooms with experienced and qualified consultants to help customers with their plumbing and lighting projects.

or referrals from other customers. These relationships give us great satisfaction. One of the key reasons we’ve been able to build these relationships is our employees. Our average employee has been here over 15 years. Our Inside Sales Staff have approximately 185 years of combined experience in our industry. This definitely sets us apart from our competition!

Q. How does your team work to improve the local community and the lives of your customers?

A. At Christmas every year, CMC donates to a local charity in the name of our customers and employees. Over the years, we have supported the American Red Cross, Southwest Virginia Food Bank, Wounded Warriors, and God’s Pit Crew.

Most recently, we were a sponsor in the 2017 Homeless Veterans House Build. For the last several years, we’ve been a Silver Sponsor for the JDRF/One Walk

CERTIFICATIONS/ AWARDS/ RECOGNITIONS Best of Roanoker 2018 Platinum Kitchen & Bath Showroom Best of Roanoker 2018 Platinum Lighting Showroom Supplier of the Year 2017 National Ground Water Association Certified National Ground Water Association Certified International Ground Source Heat Pump Association Recognized by the Supply House Times as the Top 150 Plumbing Wholesalers in the US.

Q. What is unique/significant about your business that sets you apart?

The culture of our company, “take care of the customer”, whatever it takes has set us apart.

Our employees embrace this culture and want every customer’s experience to be more than expected. This has lead us to not only service our customers, but to build life-long relationships.

Most of our customers are repeat customers

VISIT ONE OF OUR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS AT ANY OF OUR SHOWROOM LOCATIONS. Roanoke 540-982-1095 • Christiansburg 540-381-1100 Rocky Mount 540-483-5208 • Bedford 540-586-1520 Williams Lighting: 1871 Dillard Dr., Salem 540-389-9285

GARDEN living trees

living christmas trees A NEW TRADITION

BY JANE RENNYSON

There are many trends sweeping across the country which allow us to do our part to help preserve and protect the environment. Solar panels on our rooftops, bees in our backyards and rain barrels by our homes are growing in popularity. One trend you may not have heard of is a living Christmas tree. You may be thinking, I’ve had a live tree for years. But there is a difference between a live tree, which is cut down and eventually dies, and a living tree that we can continue to enjoy long after the holidays are over.

2 8

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

Potted trees

Living Christmas trees can be purchased in two different ways. The first is to buy a tree which comes planted in a container.

Garden stores usually carry a range of sizes and prices. A small potted tree is a great option for someone with limited space, as it can be displayed on a tabletop or tucked in a nook. It’s also a great idea if you are looking to simplify your holiday decorating, or if you want to add a second tree in a different part of your home. And, it’s a safe choice if you are traveling for the holidays and don’t want to leave your tree inside while you are gone. The risk of fire is real when it comes to traditional live trees, and a potted tree can easily be moved outside to a sheltered spot before you leave town.

Watering will be important, since a potted tree can dry out quickly, especially in indoor heat. If you plan to keep your tree potted beyond the winter, you may need to replant it into a larger container next spring. And because the roots are above ground, they will need more protection from the cold weather when you eventually move your tree outside.

Classic Made Current Interior Design, Decorative Carpets, Beautifully Selected Furniture & Accessories.

Tuesday-Friday 10-5 Saturday 10-4 (540) 774-3060 | 4525 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke | halifaxfinefurnishings.com ___

Burlapped trees

The second option for a living tree is known as balled and burlapped. The tree is harvested with the soil and roots intact, so when you get it home it can easily be placed in a container, like a galvanized tub or decorative bucket, and put on display for the holidays. The larger the tree, the heavier the root ball, so a smaller tree may be easier to handle for some buyers. A balled and burlapped tree is easy to plant in your garden, and can add a dimension to your holiday that was not there in previous years. Planting a tree allows you to enjoy it year after year, and continue to make memories after the holidays by caring for the tree and watching it grow. If you have children at home or grandchildren visiting, this is a great way to teach them about nature and their environment. You can show them how a new addition to your landscaping will provide a home and food for wildlife.

Some communities will even accept donated trees that can be planted in local parks or green spaces. These trees can be dedicated to a friend, family member or community leader that has a special place in your heart. This is a great way to honor someone who has made a difference in your life and the lives of others.

SCOTT KITTS SALON A Full Service Salon

Art by Courtney Cronin

540.904.3783 | 1102 Brandon Ave. | Roanoke VA 24015 A place where everyone knows your name.

r vhomemaga zine .com 29

Choosing your tree

If you plan to plant your living tree in your garden later, make sure you choose one that will grow well on your property. It’s a good idea to have a spot in mind before purchasing; your local nursery can provide guidance based on your soil type and the sun exposure. Be aware of how large the tree will get when it reaches full maturity when picking your spot—you want to make sure it will thrive when grown.

Even though we may have a picture in our minds of a large beautifully decorated tree in our homes, it may be wise to choose a smaller tree, which will handle the stress of moving from outside to inside better than a larger one. Be sure to choose a tree 3 0

that is healthy—look for good color, needle retention, flexible branches, moist roots, and check that it is free of pests, critters and diseases.

Transitioning your tree

The success of your living tree depends on how you transition it from the cold weather outside to the indoors, and back outside again. A cooler place is better for your living tree, so choose a spot away from a direct source of heat. If the tree gets too warm and stays inside too long, it won’t stay dormant and might start to grow again, which will damage it when it returns to the outdoors.

Try to move the tree back outside after about ten days. If it’s a R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

potted living tree, a sheltered spot is best, and don’t forget to water it during warmer spells.

If you know in advance you’re going to buy and plant a balled and burlapped tree, it’s smart to dig the hole where you want to plant it ahead of time, before the ground freezes.

Save the soil in your basement or garage to keep it warm. It’s also a good idea to transition your burlapped tree gently by placing it in a garage or carport for a couple of days before bringing it inside. Keep the roots damp but not soaked with water. You may want to spray it with an anti-desiccant to prevent it from drying out while it is inside. Use the same process to reacclimate your tree to the outside as when you brought it into your home, keeping it in a covered area for a few days before you plant it. A general rule of thumb for digging is to dig a hole that is twice as wide as your root ball but not any deeper.

A living tree that is cared for and planted properly can be enjoyed for many seasons.

New traditions are a wonderful way to add something special to our holiday. A living Christmas tree has many benefits, but perhaps the most important benefit will be the memories we can make with our friends and families now and for years to come. ✦

THE AREAS LARGEST SELECTION OF OUTDOOR FURNITURE

get away in your backyard!

SEATING GROUPS | DINING SETS | BARSTOOLS FIRE PITS | UMBRELLAS | CHAISE LOUNGES & MORE! 3 1 1 2 M e l r o s e Av e . | R o a n o k e , VA 2 4 0 1 7 540.345.7665 | www.nationalpools.com

Award Winning Custom In Ground Pool Builder

r vhomemaga zine .com 31

Estate Sales 101 NAVIGATE ‘TAG SALES’ LIKE A PRO

BY CHRIST Y RIPPEL

If you’ve never shopped an estate sale, you’re missing out on quality furniture, fun finds and the thrill of a hunt, all at bargain prices. An estate or tag sale, by definition, is a way of liquidating the belongings of a family or estate. Bigger and more extensive than a garage or yard sale, they are often used in major downsizing, divorce, bankruptcy or when the final member of a family is deceased. If you don’t know how to find and navigate the ins and outs of these sales, we’ve got you covered. We’ve talked with four Virginia experts who gave us the inside track on how to walk away from an estate sale pleased as punch, treasure in hand.

3 2

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

How to find and attend sales

Plan ahead, arrive early

First, know that estate sales are different from estate auctions.

In a sale, prices are marked, and there may be negotiation room to lower the price. In an auction, a bidding threshold price is established, and bidding goes up from there. Both estate sales and auctions can be held either online, in-person, or a hybrid sale using both methods. Jerrod Hines is the owner of Farmer’s Auctions in Salem, a family business for five generations. He explains, “Online auctions became prevalent about 10 years ago, when the technology had improved to the point to be user friendly.”

To find online auctions and sales, Hines recommends checking out sites like estatesales.net, estatesales.org and auctionzip.com, along with individual company websites such as his own, farmerauctions.com.

Suzanne Houck, a certified appraiser in Roanoke who has trained at Sotheby’s in London, says the in-person estate sale is becoming outdated. Instead, she will sell finer items for clients by photographing pieces and sending them out to a list of her contacts. Interested buyers can then check them out in person. In this way, she is able to send the list to more contacts than would come through as foot traffic at an in-person sale. Online auctions or sales typically have a window of time that they are open— two weeks is common. A “preview day” is usually held during these two weeks, so that buyers can come see and touch what’s available.

In-person, one-day auctions or sales will be advertised online at the above websites, and often in the newspaper and other local publications. These events are usually held on weekends when the most people are available to attend.

“Go with an idea of what you need,” says Moyanne Harding, who provides interior design services in the Lynchburg area and also offers estate sale finds in her retail storefront, Moyanne.

“Of course you might see things you didn’t know you needed, which is part of the thrill, but having an idea of what you want is helpful.”

If you have a written list of what you’re looking for, you are less likely to get overwhelmed and forget why you came in the first place. If you have an area of your home that you are looking to fill (a sideboard for your dining room, for instance), write down the measurements of the wall, or a range of the size of piece you would like to purchase. Tuck a measuring tape into your pocket, because it can be tough to eyeball scale when furniture is out in the open, or in a room that is much different in size from your own.

In-person sales

For an in-person sale, if you remember one tip, it’s this: arrive early! Every expert, including Troy Deacon, of High Cotton Fine Home Furnishings in Lynchburg, says there is a first come, first served policy, where people are admitted to the sale in the order they arrive. Starting at a specified time, numbers are handed out to people as they show up. “Once you receive a number,” explains Deacon, “you don’t have to wait in line, and can return when the sale opens.” When you’re inside, however, you’re free to roam as you wish.

During the sale, it’s ok to pick up small items that you wish to purchase and take them with you to checkout (unless the host has specified otherwise). For larger items, ask to have them marked

r vhomemaga zine .com 3 3

Come Home for the Holidays to Our Lady of the Valley

Enjoy the holiday season doing what you love at Our Lady of the Valley.

Call 345-5111 to schedule your tour.

540-345-5111 ourladyofthevalley.com 650 N. Jefferson Street • Roanoke, VA A nonprofit community sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Richmond.

ASSISTED LIVING NURSING CARE S K I L L E D R E H A B I L I TAT I O N Coordinated Services Management, Inc. Professional Management of Retirement Communities Since 1981

Finding a house is just the beginning, making it YOUR HOME is the perfect ending.

as sold, or do it yourself. Deacon advises bringing your own pen and stickers with you, so that you can mark an item as sold with your name and information. “It’s possible to bargain or to make a bid if you don’t want to pay the price on the tag,” notes Deacon.

However, in that situation there’s a chance that someone else will outbid you or be willing to pay full price. Your best bet? Call ahead to the estate sale company hosting the sale and find out the finer points of the procedure, so you aren’t confused and trying to find someone to help you while the sale is underway.

In-person auctions

Start to finish, Amy Cullen and MKB. cell (540) 525-2992 | office (540) 989-4555 acullen@mkbrealtors.com

34

An in-person auction is an event, and one not to be missed.

While the internet has cut down dramatically on the number of auctions per year, they still occur. They often include concessions and activities, and can be a gathering event for a community.

You can usually arrive early to preview items and get a bidder number. During the auction the auctioneer describes the item, and then you bid on the item by raising your card with your bidder number on it. When the highest bid has been reached, that R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

bidder wins the item and must pay for it. Unless you have verified that alternate payments will be accepted, it’s best to have cash or a check on hand. There is often a later date when you come pick up your item, or you might be able to leave with it the same day.

“While we used to save some of the better items for the end of an auction, we tend to not do that now, because a lot of people don’t want to stick around until the end,” says Hines. “So, be there early if you don’t want to miss out.” Auctions can vary in length, but Hines says his auctions are approximately four and a half hours or less. “We’ve found that is the max amount of time that people will hang around.”

Spot quality and avoid pitfalls

One benefit of buying furniture and decor items via an estate sale or auction is that you can get a high quality piece for a fraction of the cost of new. This is especially worthwhile given that mass-market new furnishings are often made using lower quality materials, like fiberboard, that won’t hold up long term.

The phrase, “They just don’t build things like they used to,” is repeated for a reason—it’s often true. If you are a furniture buying rookie, there are some sure-fire ways to spot quality in secondhand furniture, and some red flags that should have you passing on a piece.

“Check out the drawers, do they move smoothly?” advises Harding. “Is the piece sturdy, is it solid wood?” Those are the things Harding wants to know when she is assessing a piece for a client or her storefront. But, she says, look past the finish—if the finish isn’t in great shape, or is an undesirable color, it can be changed easily. Painting is always a cost-effective option

New s l Arrivlay!

Dai

Monday - Saturday

10am - 6pm Closed Sunday

540.719.1670 reclaimedsml@gmail.com Reclaimed@Reclaimed@SmithMtnLake

14190 Booker T. Washington Hwy Moneta, VA r vhomemaga zine .com 35

Estate Sales Cheat Sheet

and can transform a tired find, along with new hardware. Chalk paint is user friendly for a novice, and requires little prep work. If you don’t want to tackle the work yourself, ask around for a recommendation. And, of course, refinishing is always an option, but is more expensive.

Some other marks of quality are drawers that are dovetailed. If you pull the drawer out and examine the seam on the side, it should look like a jigsaw puzzle, with the front and the side pieces of wood interlocked together. Wood should be free of water damage (bowing and cracking), and should be stable on flat ground. Look closely at joints for repaired damage (meaning the piece will already be structurally weaker) and if you are thinking of purchasing an upholstered piece, give it the sniff test. Was it owned by a smoker? A cat lover? Unless it is stripped to the frame, these scents can be difficult to get out, even with new fabric on top.

n Call ahead. Find out how the auction or estate sale will be run, so you understand procedures before the sale begins. n Preview pictures. If possible, check out online photos, so you’ll have a better sense of what to expect and look for. n Pack your bag. Bring a tape measure, a list of items you are looking for, a notebook, and your cell phone—if it’s an auction, snap photos of anything you are interested in bidding on as you go through the preview. n Go early. Every expert agrees, the early bird gets the worm—and the best furniture. Don’t be late, or the good stuff will already be gone. If you want it, either bid on it (auction) or buy it on the spot (sale). Chances are, it won’t last. n Be a shrewd furniture detective. Look a piece over closely for water damage, prior repairs, cheap construction (glued instead of dovetailed drawers, for instance) and pet and smoke odors.

If it has any of these, you may want to pass.

All that said, buy what you love. “Sometimes I see folks buy something that I would not call quality, but they love it,” says Deacon. “I believe quality is in the eye of the beholder, but you can never go wrong with solid wood or items that have a furniture name brand, such as Henkel Harris, Drexel and Baker.”

n Have fun! Get a group of friends together and go to the sale. It’s about the thrill of finding something you could not have imagined you’d need, but will look great on your bookshelf or in your home office.

TASTINGS WINE + DINE January 2019

Enjoy an intimate 4-course meal paired with fine wines. This is a guided experience with tasting notes from the head chef and owner of Blue Ridge Catering and a wine sommelier from Blue Ridge Beverage. Check web site for final date.

AT T H E

TAUBMAN

INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL January 27, 2019

Sample over 30 wines from around the globe, plus a few beers for good measure! Enjoy food pairings, live music, games and wine talks from specialists in the field.

Presented by

BOURBON + BACON February 8, 2019

Explore rich whiskey-making traditions with distinctive pork pairings created by local chefs.

Enjoy a private viewing of the galleries, live music, a spotlight talk, and tasting notes from featured distillers.

Tickets + Details: TaubmanMuseum.org/Tastings 110 Salem Avenue SE | Downtown Roanoke

36

Artwork by Stephanie Fallon

Happy hunting! ✦

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

LIVE holiday entertaining

THROW A SWINGIN’ SOIRÉE retro cocktails and canapés

BY M A R S H A G A L E

There is nothing like a good theme to set the tone for a memorable holiday party. Clothing, music, decorations and, of course, food and drink, help tie together the main elements of a party, and actually make planning easier. “Mad Men”—the Emmy Award-winning TV drama set in New York City during the 1960s—lends itself to a fun and stylish theme.

As with any good party, the details matter. Guests can dress to impress in glamorous 60s clothing.

Retro decorations can be found on eBay or at thrift shops to help invoke the sophisticated 60s vibe with minimal cost. Maybe you can find an old (or new) metallic Christmas tree and trim it with multicolor lights. Set out your best crystal glasses and your rarely used linen napkins. Music is always important at parties, so make a playlist of 60s hits from artists such as Sam Cooke, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, and Sammy Davis Jr. For libations, there are numerous classic cocktails to choose from. Pick a few with different types of alcohol to assure there will be something for everyone, including some non-alcoholic choices as well. You will want a few appetizers to go with your swanky cocktails. We’ve pulled together some throwback drinks and easy-to-prepare apps to get the good times rolling at your next soirée… r vhomemaga zine .com 37

VODKA GIMLET serves 1

2 ounces vodka of choice 1 ounce fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon powdered sugar ice lime, sliced Combine the vodka, lime juice, ice, and sugar in a cocktail shaker.

Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with lime slices.

Recipe courtesy of DrinksMixer.com.

OLD FASHIONED serves 1

2 ounces bourbon whiskey 2 dashes Angostura bitters 1 splash water 1 teaspoon sugar 1 maraschino cherry 1 orange wedge Mix sugar, water and Angostura bitters in an old-fashioned glass.

Drop in a cherry and an orange wedge. Muddle into a paste using a muddler or the back end of a spoon. Pour in bourbon, fill with ice cubes, and stir.

Recipe courtesy of DrinksMixer.com.

FRENCH 75 serves 1

1 ounce gin ½ ounce elderflower liqueur 4 ounces Champagne or prosecco 1 long, thin lemon spiral 1 cocktail cherry Fill cocktail shaker with ice, gin and elderflower liqueur. Shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds.

Strain into a champagne flute.

Top with Champagne. Stir gently, garnish with lemon spiral and cocktail cherry.

Recipe adapted from DrinksMixer.com.

AMBER FIZZ MOCKTAIL

serves 1 A non-alcoholic cocktail is a thoughtful touch, along with an assortment of sodas and sparkling water, for those who prefer to abstain.

38

4 ounces orange juice (fresh squeezed is best) ginger ale orange rind Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice, then half fill with orange juice.

Top up with ginger ale. Float a piece of pared orange rind on top to garnish.

Recipe from “Retro Cocktails: Shake It Baby!” by Kate Moseley.

ANGELS ON HORSEBACK

Makes 12 appetizers—multiply recipe as necessary.

These bacon-wrapped oysters were a British appetizer popular in the 60s. For variety, replace the oysters with bitesize shrimp or scallops.

6 strips smoked thick-cut bacon 12 shucked raw oysters, bite-sized ½ cup cocktail sauce (homemade or store-bought) ¾ cup freshly grated horseradish (or use prepared horseradish for a tangier flavor) lemon wedges, for serving 12 toothpicks Cut bacon slices in half. Place a skillet over low heat and add the bacon, cooking on both sides until slightly cooked but still pliable (Do not let bacon get completely crispy or you won't be able to wrap it around the oyster).

Alternatively, boil the strips of bacon until slightly cooked.

Let bacon cool, then place an oyster on the end and wrap so that the bacon completely overlaps it by at least one inch. Use a toothpick to secure in place.

When ready to serve, preheat your broiler and arrange baconwrapped oysters on a baking sheet. Broil about 3-5 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp on top and oysters have shrunken slightly.

Remove from oven and place on serving platter. Top each one with a dollop of cocktail sauce and a generous pile of horseradish.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side (Use the lemon—it makes a big difference!)

Recipe adapted from Chef Hank Shaw.

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

GIN-MARINATED OLIVES

serves 4 to 6 The yummy parts of a martini make the perfect cocktail party snack. Castelvetrano are plump Sicilian olives with glossy green flesh and a buttery texture. You can substitute another olive, but these are really special.

12 ounces drained, rinsed green olives (preferably Castelvetrano) 2 serrano peppers, halved 1 medium clove of garlic, thinly sliced slivered peel of one lemon 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ½ cup gin ½ teaspoon dried oregano a few sprigs of dried thyme, or equivalent ¼ cup of cubed feta cheese Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a baking dish, just large enough to arrange the olives in a single layer, combine them with the peppers, garlic, lemon peel, olive oil, gin, oregano, and thyme. Give a good toss, and bake for about 30

minutes, carefully jostling once or twice along the way. Remove from oven, sprinkle with the feta cubes, and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe from 101 Cookbooks 2018.

PARMESAN FONDUE

serves 14 Who doesn’t love a cheesy fondue? This is the perfect choice for a retro soirée.

1½–2 cups milk 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, cubed 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese ½ teaspoons garlic salt For dipping: apples, french bread, ham rolls, crudité In a large saucepan, cook and stir milk and cream cheese over low heat until cheese is melted. Stir in Parmesan cheese and garlic salt.

Cook and stir until heated through and pour into fondue pot. Serve with dippers.

Adapted from allrecipes.com. ✦

SERVING UP DELICIOUS FOOD AND DRINK FOR ALMOST

49 YEARS

MAKE IT FRESH, MAKE IT LOCAL…

MAKE IT MONTANO’S!

3733 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke • 540.344.8960 • facebook: Montano’s International Restaurant outdoor patio dining • catering • fresh deli • live entertainment • banquets & event hosting • box lunches • imported beers & wines • delivery service r vhomemaga zine .com 39

DESIGN painting brick

PAINTING BRICK

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE BRIGHTENING AND LIGHTENING B Y TAY LO R H O R VAT H L U C A S

W

ith winter upon us, you may find yourself pondering a change around the house. Painting brick has been around for decades, but has become a popular trend in recent years, both inside and out. Typically, the outside of a home is a common place to find brick, not only on exterior walls, but also on outdoor steps and patios. Inside, brick fireplaces, accent walls, or brick columns can be found in many homes. Painted brick is a great way to create a fresh, updated look, but knowing the right way to do it is important—no one enjoys the look of peeling paint! The tricky part of making the decision tends to come down to something very simple— brick is generally not used in homes with the intention of being painted. So, there are a few things to be aware of when considering painting over original brick.

4 0

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

To paint, or not to paint

While some homeowners prefer to leave brick in its original state, there can be valid reasons to paint it. Some brick is much darker than others, and giving it a lighter coat of paint can help make a space look brighter. Perhaps it’s stained and difficult to clean.

Also, some brick may give off red dust, and paint can help to seal it. Of course, if brick has previously been painted, it is fine to paint again, and may need freshening up.

When deciding whether to paint exterior or interior brick, know that the paint may never completely come off after it has been applied, so be prepared to stick with the decision! Before beginning any project, assess the condition of the brick. If there is any chipping, deterioration, or major imperfections, it might be best to either leave it be or have repair work done first. If it appears the brick has mold, moss, or is beginning to crumble, a deeper problem most likely exists, one having to do with moisture, and you’ll want to have it looked at by a professional.

If your brick is in good condition, then it’s time to prep your project.

Prep work

Painting brick is not quite like painting a wall, cabinet, or even ceiling in the house. It will take a little extra preparation to be sure the process goes well, and the product looks as good as possible. The brick should be cleaned and primed before painting. For interior projects, after cleaning the brick with soap and water or a wire brush, it is a good idea to vacuum the area.

Make sure the brick is completely dry before priming. Choose a masonry primer, and be prepared to apply extra coats if needed.

It may be helpful to use a one-inch bristle brush and mini roller to apply the primer. Brick is porous, so make sure you have plenty of primer, and apply carefully according to directions, so that the paint will adhere correctly.

The painting process

The type of paint will vary depending on the area. Acrylic latex paint will be the right choice for interior brick projects.

Elastodynamic or acrylic latex paint are the best options for

painting exterior brick. When painting exterior surfaces, it may be easier to use a paint sprayer when applying. It will go on more easily and evenly, better covering grooves and imperfections. A roller—at least three-quarters of an inch thick will work, but it may require some added brush work in between the bricks, and can be harder to get an even look.

The heat of the fireplace needs to be considered when painting a brick surround. Using high-heat paint is best for this area— check your local hardware store or online retailers. It’s your choice when it comes to paint sheen, but matte is a popular option. A paint sprayer is likely to get messy here, so it’s probably best to use a two-inch brush to apply the paint, and finish with a six-and-a-half inch roller with at least a half inch nap. Once your fireplace is painted, it’s best to stick with fairly small fires or candles to avoid damage.

DIY or hire a pro?

As with anything DIY, the biggest perk is usually the amount of money which can be saved! DIY projects can also be done over a longer period of time, at your own leisure. There is no worry of workmen being around and having to rearrange parts of your daily schedule to accommodate them. However, there are some good reasons to hire a professional. Painting brick can be a detailed job, and mistakes aren’t easily corrected. Professionals know exactly what they are doing and what supplies—including the correct paint—are needed for the project. Pros should be covered by insurance and are able to fix problems which may arise in the process. And unless you have years of practice, the overall quality of a professional job is likely to be better than DIY. Each option has its benefits and considerations, and it’s up to you to decide which of them is most important.

Although painting brick requires a bit of planning and knowhow, the finished result is dramatic and can add new life to your home. If you are in the mood for an update, it may be worth considering. Whether hiring a pro or doing it yourself, painting brick can take a dull fireplace or tired exterior brick from drab to fab! ✦

r vhomemaga zine .com 41

LIVE exercise classes

Fit & Fabulous

Exercise classes around town

BY SAR A SIGMON

For many, the promise of a fit and toned body is enticing, but walking into a big gym with foreign equipment and no knowledge of where to begin can be intimidating. Not to mention, a change in your workout routine can keep you motivated to achieve greater fitness goals.

In the Roanoke area there are various facilities where you can get a fresh take on working out, with activities such as Pure Barre, Pilates, yoga, Orangetheory Fitness, CrossFit, aerial arts, and more.

42

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

Pure Barre

Pure Barre is the largest barre franchise in the nation, with more than 460 studios throughout the U.S. and Canada, including one located in the Keagy Village Shopping Center. Pure Barre is a total body workout using the ballet barre to perform isometric movements to burn fat and sculpt muscles. The technique has quickly become popular because of its ability to transform the shape of your body while providing a fun, high-energy workout routine. Recommended for all fitness levels, Pure Barre offers a free introductory class and various packages, ranging from $23 for a single class, to five-, 10-, and 20-class packages. purebarre.com/va-roanoke/ emPower Pilates & Yoga

Another full-body workout option available on Electric Road is emPower Pilates & Yoga studio. It offers classes such as strong yoga/Pilates core, Pilates mat, roller, orbit class, and prenatal yoga. Pilates and yoga both work to improve posture, balance, and flexibility, relaxing the mind while strengthening muscles.

The orbit class is so-named for Orbit, the Pilates gliding platform which focuses on abdominal and oblique muscles.

Using circular and linear movements along with balance, this workout strengthens muscles by engaging angles that traditional ab workouts don’t utilize. For those who want a less rigorous workout routine that will make you feel revived afterwards, the

roller class uses a roller for floor exercises that work the core, relieve chronic tension, and alleviate muscle tightness. While this is a workout, it is also designed to provide the benefits of roller massage. Drop-in classes are $20, with four- and 8-class packages available, and additional classes at $15 each. empowerpilates.net Orangetheory Fitness

If a workout based on scientific research sounds like your style, Orangetheory Fitness on Keagy Road offers traditional workout equipment with the benefit of trained coaches leading each class, preventing you from over- or under-training. Each session is one hour and is divided into five sections of cardio or weights, such as spin, rowing, running, burpees, and more. While working out, members are equipped with heart rate monitors. Orangetheory uses five-zone heart rate interval training, arranged into training blocks. Members focus on achieving certain zones for 12 or more minutes during each section, which is designed to produce an increased metabolic rate for up to 36 hours post-workout. This level of training enhances strength, energy, and overall fitness levels, and devotees swear by the results. There are three levels of membership: basic (four classes per month), elite (8 classes per month), and premier (unlimited classes). Contracts are month-tomonth, and rates can vary, but each class is typically in the range of $8 to $14. roanoke.orangetheoryfitness.com

r vhomemaga zine .com 4 3

Local Decisions.

Excellent Customer Service.

We think the mortgage process should be as comfortable as the home you’re getting, and at American National we make sure it is with quick loan decisions and processing by people who are local, just like you.

Call to learn more: Angie Apgar

Vice President, Mortgage Loan Manager 540.795.3914 | apgara@amnb.com NMLS #277095

Roanoke Branch 3000 Ogden Rd. Serving Virginia since 1909.

amnb.com

Brickhouse CrossFit

Brickhouse CrossFit, located on Salem Avenue, is a fitness program with a devoted following. It’s composed of a wide array of functional movements derived from gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing and more, performed at high intensity.

The workout routine provides dramatic gains in fitness for individuals of all body types and abilities. In addition to monthly membership ($149) and drop-in ($20) rates, Brickhouse CrossFit offers a seven-week entrance fundamentals program, which includes three weeks of fundamentals, one month of CrossFit, plus access to the masters class, Olympic weightlifting, and open gym, for $199. Nutrition coaching, a monthly service all about learning how to fuel your body to receive maximum training benefits, is $125 a month. An Olympic weightlifting unlimited membership is $89 dollars a month, and the weekly swimming team is $39 a month. brickhousecrossfit.com Cirqulation Aerial Arts & Acrobatics

If staying on the ground isn’t your style, Cirqulation, on Campbell Avenue in downtown, offers a high-flying shakeup to your workout routine with aerial arts and acrobatics. Like the beautiful aerial dances seen in Cirque du Soleil, it is designed to be an adaptive learning process where members are encouraged to play, process, and progress based on individual needs. Movements engage the body in a workout which includes the back, core, shoulder, and leg muscles to suspend and move in a flowing motion. Classes are a six-week series (six classes) for $150, with other options available for private or semi-private lessons, and parties. cirqulation.com Arete Pole Fitness

Another workout that gets you moving in an artistic dance style is pole fitness at Arete Pole Fitness, on Colorado Street in Salem. Arete teaches tasteful moves which build confidence and tone your entire body. This form of exercise includes moves to make even beginner students feel comfortable, or advanced combinations to challenge experienced dancers. Classes begin at $15 each for a five-class series, and discounts are offered for threemonth, six-month, and one-year memberships. Drop-in rates are $20 to $25 and are included in membership plans; private lessons (in-studio or online) are $40. aretepolefitness.com

540-339-9975 4 4

Whether you want to lengthen and tone, stretch and relax, up the intensity, or take to the air, the Roanoke area has a range of classes to challenge your body while breaking you out of the typical gym routine. These fitness classes offer the chance for you to learn something new while connecting with individuals in the community who have the same goals. Visit the websites above for more information on each class, and to take the first step to a healthier you! ✦ R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

LOVE MY HOME

GREATER LYNCHBURG

HOME & GARDEN SHOW 2019

Doug Wilson, TLC’s Trading Spaces

Melanie Bias

DON’T MISS IT!!

COMING TO LYNCHBURG FEBRUARY 14–17, 2019 This exciting three-day event to be held in the former Macy’s space at River Ridge mall will offer visitors an easy, interactive way to learn, compare, and shop from dozens of local and national vendors and experts in remodeling, home improvements, interior design, kitchen and bath, gardening, outdoor spaces, historic preservation, lifestyle and culture, all under one roof. Featuring 100+ exhibitors, Doug Wilson from TLC’s Trading Spaces, Dallas designer John Pfifer Marrs, home stager Melanie Bias, the American College of the Building Arts founder John Paul Huguley, home, garden & lifestyle sessions and speakers, DIY workshops, Appraise It Booth, and more!

BECOME AN EXHIBITOR. REACH THOUSANDS OF POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS.

VISIT LOVEMYLYNCHBURGHOME.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. Produced in partnership with Perry Payne Presents and River Ridge Mall.

HOLIDAYS AT THE HEADMASTER’S restored farmhouse hosts faculty, friends and family

BY N O E L L E M I L A M

T

Photography by Kevin Hurley

he holidays come early at the Proctor home in southern Roanoke County. They have to—there’s a lot of entertaining that happens within the walls of the century-old farmhouse, and most of it needs to occur before school gets out for winter break.

Ellie and Chris Proctor moved here from Charleston, South Carolina, seven years ago, when Chris took the position of headmaster at Roanoke’s North Cross School.

Located across the street, the headmaster’s house sits on a gentle rise above green playing fields, where visitors to the whitewashed brick home are greeted by cheerful signs of the season: wreaths and greenery adorning the gracious front porch.

4 6

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E W i n t e r / H o l i d a y 2 0 1 8

On the hall table is a stunning bone china nativity set made by Chris’s grandmother.

r v h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m 47

The home is so cheerful and welcoming, it’s hard to imagine that the Proctors have only been here for a handful of years.

According to Chris, they are the first headmaster’s family to actually live in the place. He says that North Cross purchased the farm across the road over 40 years ago, mostly in order to acquire the large playing field that lies at the base of the long wooded drive. The circa-1901 farmhouse itself was a bonus. It had housed teachers’ and coaches’ families throughout the years, but when the Proctors arrived and expressed an interest in living there, the school allowed them put their own mark on the place. “We’d lived on campus before, and really liked it,” Ellie explains. Chris nods his agreement. “I love the fact that it is easy for me to get back and forth to the school, and Ellie could see the bones here,” he says. “She could see its potential.”

There was a lot of updating and maintenance that needed to be done before the Proctors moved in. The house had to be “pretty much gutted,” according to Chris. “After a century of use, it needed a new roof, refinished floors, new HVAC, some structural changes, and a new kitchen,” he explains. The school did what was necessary to update the home for the Proctors’ arrival, and the family added their own extras to make it the warm and inviting home it is today—including wallpaper, paint, built-in bookshelves, and antique light fixtures that compliment the age and style of the home.

The property has definitely benefitted from Ellie’s design expertise and eye for detail. Ellie got her start in Baltimore doing commercial design, and branched out to residential design twenty-five years ago in Chapel Hill, NC, with mentor Pam Heavner. She currently owns Ellie Proctor Antiques and Fine Things, a design and antiques business with two locations: one in Charleston, SC, and one here in town at Piccadilly Square.

Ellie was able to oversee much of the renovations herself, making sure that the updates were in keeping with the original feel of the home. With an eye to all the entertaining the couple does, the Proctors also added a large patio out back. This covered space is decorated in shades of blue and effectively gives the Proctors another room for their house for at least three seasons.

Chris gives all the credit to his wife. “Ellie is a master at what she does. She makes all this happen,” he says, gesturing around from the kitchen, where holiday photo cards adorn the walls, to the dining room table with its whimsical decorations.

The home has an open, casually elegant feel. On the main level, the Proctors converted what was originally a bedroom into a small sitting room, with doors on two sides connecting it to both the living room and the kitchen. Featuring a large antique credenza and built-in bookshelves, the room is perfect for reading or a cozy chat. On the coffee table is a holiday arrangement that Ellie made using an antique brass urn.

The sitting room, originally a bedroom, is a cozy spot to read or chat.

4 8

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

r vhomemaga zine .com 4 9

The tree is hung with homemade ornaments and family Christmas cards.

5 0

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

The living room is anchored at the opposite end by a large Christmas tree, hung simply with homemade ornaments and copies of the family’s Christmas cards, going back to the years when their now-grown children were small.

Windows are hung with wreaths to incorporate more of the holiday spirit, but the festive centerpiece every year is Ellie’s arrangement over the mantle, featuring silver flute vases, lots of fresh greens, red tulips, paperwhites and Ellie’s signature theme, birds. In this case, a pair of taxidermy pheasants struts amongst the seasonal greenery. “Every year my mantle is different,” Ellie explains, “I never do the same thing, but there’s always birds.”

Between school functions, garden club, and more informal gatherings of family and friends, the Proctors estimate that they entertain 12 to 15 times per year, and entertaining is clearly something the couple enjoys. “Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between ‘our’ entertaining and the school’s entertaining,” Ellie laughs, “because so many of our friends are North Cross parents as well.” The Proctors host several large annual school events—up to 125 faculty and staff—without flinching.

Their greatest concern when entertaining is that their guests feel comfortable. To accomplish this, Ellie and Chris make sure that there is plenty of hearty food and drink, festive but not fussy decorations, and enough room for guests to mingle.

Silver vases, antiques, and fresh greens are signature looks in the Proctors' holiday home.

r v h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m 51

Ellie changes the mantel decorations yearly, but always includes birds.

Because of the rooms’ smaller sizes, Ellie employs various strategies to improve flow throughout the house. Sometimes this means moving some of the furniture out; other times it means pressing the front porch and back patio into service; sometimes it might call for all three. “It may not be a big house for a gathering,” Ellie admits, “but we do manage to pull off amazing things with our space.”

On the hall table beneath an exquisite ornamental mirror, and flanked by a pair of antique lamps, is a stunning bone china nativity set made by Chris’s grandmother, Florence Proctor, a noted artist who also painted several canvases which hang in the home. The simple wooden staircase is dressed for the holidays in fresh evergreens and magnolia leaves which cascade down the banister and pool gracefully around the curve of the bottom step. Red berries and white mistletoe embellishments add to the lush display.

Though she gravitates towards natural decorations, one small red bow is the only “non-organic” part of this artful stairway arrangement. “I give a lot of credit to Townside Gardens,” says Ellie, indicating the fresh greenery here, in the living room and dining room. “They are really my goto place for greens, garlands, and bulbs, which are a big part of my holiday design.”

When getting her home ready for holiday entertaining, Ellie hesitates to use the word “decorating” at all. “My style of preparing the house for Christmas can 5 2

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

The staircase is dressed for the holidays in fresh evergreens and magnolia leaves.

r vhomemaga zine .com 5 3

Fresh fruit and foliage are nestled among antiques on the side table.

be described as ‘take what you already have and use it,’” she explains. “I don’t want it to look like it came out of a box where it lives in the attic eleven months out of the year.” She loves finding ways to use her extensive collection of antique containers—some fine antiques; others, estate sale finds. Ellie has collected silver urns, candleholders, and flute vases (including one from Chris’s grandmother, engraved with “Philadelphia Great Dane Club 1942”) as well as more pedestrian containers, such as several old, moss-covered clay pots that she found at an estate sale in Texas.

“My friend who was there with me thought I was crazy, but I have used them year after year,” says Ellie, indicating the dining room table arrangement, where each pot is planted with justabout-to-bloom paperwhite narcissus. Nestled in amongst the silver candelabras, trumpet vases, and julep cup votives are more of Ellie’s birds: whimsical silver pheasants. “I do have a bit of an 5 4

obsession with birds,” she confides. More pheasants strut across the sideboard, around the blue and white vases and large silver punchbowl (a family heirloom won by Chris’s grandfather for growing prize chrysanthemums). Throughout the dining room, fine antiques mingle with estate sale finds, fresh greens, flowers and, for a splash of seasonal color, fruit. Ellie fills silver vases with fresh cranberries, bowls hold pomegranates, and the warm reddish blush of mangoes are used in the larger arrangement on the sideboard.

The kitchen opens off the dining room and features ample work surfaces, plus a butler’s pantry and bar area—appreciated by the occasional caterer and bartender as well as family and friends. The space is warmed with brass containers, English antiques, and collections of ornate plates and serving dishes artistically arranged on the walls.

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

The kitchen is warmed with English antiques and collections of plates and serving dishes.

r vhomemaga zine .com 55

Plenty of lights and lush greenery create a magical evening glow.

The kitchen door leads outside to the covered patio and large wooded lot beyond. Chris loves the outdoors and has done a lot of the yard work and clearing himself. He’s especially proud of his birthday present: a huge old sugar cane boiling pot, which has found new life as a fire pit. “We add a little something to the property each year,” explains Chris. “Next year, we plan to terrace the backyard.” His wish list for the future also includes a fence to create a visual and sound barrier for Route 419, which runs right behind the property. In the winter, with leaves sparse, it’s possible to see and hear the busy road in the distance, but in the spring and summer when the trees and shrubs are in full bloom, the property will again feel utterly private.

In the daylight, the headmaster’s house on the hill across from North Cross School looks like a charming farmhouse. At night, 5 6

decked with greenery and candlelight, it is a warm and magical place where friends, family, faculty and staff gather to toast the holiday season. Chris and Ellie Proctor have taken a modest brick farmhouse and made it their own with improvements and embellishments that stay true to the home’s style and age while enhancing time spent with guests.

At this headmaster’s house, the holidays are resplendent with fresh flowers, the smell of evergreens, gracious decor, and hearty food and drink. It’s the kind of home that’s perfect for a yuletide night of good company and good food, where old friends rekindle ties and new friends are made. Chris and Ellie Proctor hope that their home will encourage their guests to do just that. ✦ R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

The front and back porches provide extra entertaining space.

r vhomemaga zine .com 57

GARDEN mulch

mulch matters PROTECT AND PREPARE FOR THE NEXT GROWING SEASON

BY RORY RHODE S

This is the time of year when I’m grateful to have a fresh layer of mulch in my garden beds. Not only will it help keep my plants protected during the winter, it offers a tidy, finished feeling once the showier features of the garden have faded.

With little in the way of vibrant blooms and foliage, a thick layer of mulch is like tucking in a blanket against the cold.

In addition to protecting plants during winter months and deterring next season’s weeds, mulch retains moisture in the soil and enriches it as it breaks down. There are several different ways to go when adding mulch to your garden.

You can buy either natural or artificial mulch, or use materials that are already available in your yard.

Free mulch

If your property has mature trees, there’s little point in mulching before the leaves have fallen. Any mulch you buy will be covered up, and besides, with all of the organic material raining down it’s both practical and environmentally sound to use what you have.

Don’t bag it and your landfill will thank you; don’t burn it and your neighbors will thank you. Leaves are a natural mulch that can both protect your plants and amend your soil—they are full of nutrients such as potassium, carbon, and phosphorous—and if you have heavy clay soil, they will help to lighten it over time.

As we all know, leaves will blow around in dry blustery weather, while in wet weather whole leaves can compact into a 5 8

mat and prevent rain from penetrating, so it’s important to shred them before adding to your garden. One of the easiest ways to do this while also cleaning up your yard is to mow the fallen leaves.

This works best with a limited amount of material, as heavy leaf fall will overwhelm most mowers. For bigger jobs, a leaf vacuum is invaluable. It looks like a push mower, but the blades shred the leaves into a large capacity bag. There are also vacuum attachments for ride-on mowers.

It’s perfectly fine to include grass clippings with shredded leaves, as they will break down quickly and add further nutrients.

Just be sure not to use too much, since a thick layer of grass can get wet and moldy. One further warning: Grass that has weed R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

killers or pesticides could carry that into your garden and potentially cause damage.

Pine needles can also be used as mulch, though again they can blow around if used on their own. They are somewhat acidic but become more neutral as they break down, so unless you’re working them directly into your soil, your plants probably won’t be affected.

And of course, if you have a compost pile, compost makes an excellent mulch.

Whichever mulch you use, remove any dead branches on shrubs and any faded seasonal stuff before spreading it. This will ensure your garden beds look neat and are prepared for the next growing season.

JEWELRY|ART|DESIGN SERVICES|HOME DECOR|LIGHTING|PILLOWS

TAKING CARE OF YOUR HOME LOAN NEEDS

Neighbor hbor to Neig

Natural mulch

If you don’t have your own raw material available, or you prefer to purchase landscaping mulch, there are various options. Shredded hardwood bark is often a byproduct of lumber and paper industries, ergo part of the recycling process. Wood chips, or bark nuggets, are another alternative. They are slow to break down and so will last longer than shredded bark, but they do float and can wash away in heavy rain. Both bark and chips are available in multiple colors, including shades of red, brown, and black.

If you have pets, be aware that dark mulch might stain their paws and potentially track into the house.

Straw is mostly used for vegetable gardens and does a good job of controlling mud. Just be sure there are no seeds in it, or come spring they’ll turn into weeds.

Mulch alternatives

For homeowners wanting a long-lasting mulch, rubber mulch—made from recycled tires—has been suggested.

IN ABINGDON 180 E. MAIN STREET 276.206.8134 TUES - SAT 11 TO 5

IN ROANOKE 3117-3 FRANKLIN ROAD 540.204.4774 MON - SAT 10 TO 6

DONNA BROWN VAUGHT

CYNDI BEACH STULTZ

5403099456

5405915093

VP/Mortgage Loan Officer

VAMTNMORTGAGE.COM AA DIVISION BOTETOURT DIVISION OF BANK OF BOTETOURT NMLS# 476841

VP/Mortgage Loan Officer

DVaught@vamtnmortgage.com NMLS# 659528

cstultz@vamtnmortgage.com NMLS# 659514

vamtnmortgage.com Local Since

1899

r vhomemaga zine .com 59

While it won’t host termites or nuisance pests, it also won’t host beneficial bugs. Nor does it improve your soil; in fact, it’s more likely to leach chemicals into your garden. Add to that the fact that it is flammable, and rubber is generally not recommended by landscapers as a mulch material.

Pea gravel, however, makes a fine alternative to organic mulch.

Not to be confused with regular gravel, pea gravel has a smooth, round shape and comes in various earthy tones. Its attractive appearance makes it a great choice for both garden beds and paths. While it won’t decompose, it will get hotter than organic mulch, so be careful with delicate plants. It also does best with some sort of edging to prevent it from escaping its borders over time.

How much mulch?

If you’re mulching more than a small area, it’s best to skip lugging home bags of mulch from the garden center and order a delivery.

Local nurseries and landscape businesses often sell mulch by the pallet or scoop. One cubic yard of mulch will cover a 10 x 10 area with about three inches of material. A scoop of mulch is generally about 1.25 cubic yards, giving you about 120 square feet of coverage.

No matter which kind you choose, a blanket of mulch will enhance your winter curb appeal and make for happy plants now and into the next growing season. Whether you use what you have from your garden, or buy an attractive finishing touch from your local landscape business, now is a smart time to tackle this important garden project. ✦

CALL NOW TO GET ON SCHEDULE FOR 2019

WE NOW OFFER TOP DRESSING OF EXISTING YARDS Landscaping • Seeding & sodding • Hydroseeding • Lawn Care Paver driveways • Paver walkways • Paver patios • Tree services Retaining walls • Paver & Retaining wall repair • Firepits Outdoor living spaces • Custom stonework • Erosion control

Family Owned Since 1991 540.397.3775 | www.ronniemitchellandson.com 6 0

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

DESIGN cutlery

a guide to flatware What to know before buying your next set of utensils

BY CHRIST Y RIPPEL

It happens in every kitchen—the spoons or forks disappear slowly, lost accidentally to the trash, or to the work or school lunch bag. If you’ve decided that new flatware is in order, there are options to fit any style and budget.

We’ve got tips on what pieces you need, what to look for in stainless steel utensils, and how to properly care for them. r vhomemaga zine .com 61

A history of flatware

flair ADDING

TO HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES SINCE 1981

The humble fork, spoon and knife have been around for centuries, and were some of the earliest human creations.

Primitive utensils were carved from wood, bone, shell and other materials, but even those earliest iterations showcased personal taste, as they were often decorated with feathers, jewels and carved designs. In Europe during the Middle Ages, many meals were served on slices of stale bread known as trenchers, and only the wealthy used utensils, which was more for status than practicality. Knives and spoons were the most widely used, and before the fork came into use in Europe, two knives were used to eat—one to hold the food, and the other to cut. Only the wealthiest households provided utensils for guests; it was more common for travelers to carry their own cutlery, even when staying at an inn. The fork became widespread across Europe in the 18th century, eventually culminating in the knife, fork and spoon as a set.

The modern table setting

In today’s busy world, many families are lucky to sit down together for a meal—forget about fussy and formal place

Since 1981! georgesflowers.com | 540.981.0900

Fabulous Finds

Repurposed, Vintage, Decor & More

361 Scruggs Road | Moneta, VA 24121 Mon — Sat 10 to 6 | Closed on Sunday

540-719-0670 | fabulousfindssml@gmail.com : Fabulous Finds at Smith Mountain Lake 62

settings. But the most basic flatware configurations are four pieces, consisting of a knife, a dinner fork, a salad fork, and a dessert spoon/teaspoon. It’s hard to find a flatware set that doesn’t comprise at least these four staples. When setting the table, utensils are placed in the order of use, from the outside in.

Forks to the left, and knives and spoons to the right (with a few exceptions that only come into play with very formal settings). In a basic setting, set the fork to the left of the plate, and the knife closest to the right of the plate, spoon next to the knife.

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

Dishwasher Tips for Flatware While most modern flatware is

A five piece flatware set is also common, and adds a larger soup spoon.

The soup spoon fits in next to the teaspoon, on the far right. Etiquette says to leave anything off the table that won’t be used—no soup, no soup spoon! If you are pondering the purchase of new flatware, a five piece set provides the most versatility and should be more than sufficient for the modern host.

dishwasher safe, you can extend the life of your utensils by heeding the advice of experts on how to properly wash and dry in your dishwasher. n Don’t mix metals: Don’t cram in your flatware with other utensils and metals in the same load—it will scratch and wear the finish.

Flatware materials

n Knives down, forks and spoons up: Point the knives down in the silverware basket to protect the cutting edge from wear and keep knives sharp.

Forks and spoons should face up for best cleaning.

Stainless steel is by far the most common material, and is loved for its durability. Dishwasher safe, it is a great option for daily use utensils, but its quality varies widely (as does price).

Stainless steel flatware is commonly labeled as 18/0, 18/8, 18/10, or 13/0, referring to the percentages of chromium and nickel in the stainless steel alloy. The “18” or “13” refers to the chromium content, which gives flatware its rust-resistance properties, and the second number (the 0, 8 or 10), refers to the nickel content, which imparts the silver-like shine. These numbers have nothing to do with the weight or hand feel of a utensil.

n Skip the dry cycle: Remove flatware after the wash cycle and dry by hand, as hot air drying increases the chances of discoloration and corrosion. n Say no to citrus: Cleaners containing lemon or orange additives can cause corrosion, so while a citrus scent is pleasant, it can be harmful to your flatware. Also avoid heavily chlorinated powders, liquids or gels—and never put them directly on flatware.

A warm, welcoming community in the heart of Roanoke Close to downtown, restaurants, hospitals and more. Brandon Oaks’ convenient location makes it ideal for those who want to ditch the responsibilities of a house, but still go and do things they love. All while knowing they will be taken care of, for life.

BarBara BaBiak | Moved to Brandon oaks froM sMith Mountain Lake in 2016

3804 Brandon Ave SW | Roanoke, VA |(540) 777-5602 | www.brandonoaks.net r vhomemaga zine .com 63

So, which one is better? It’s not a clear cut answer. If you want flatware with high polish and good rust resistance, pick 18/8 or 18/10—experts say these are essentially the same, so don’t dismiss a pattern because it is 18/8 and not 18/10. If you want to keep costs down and aren’t concerned about polish, but want durability, chose 18/0 or 13/0.

Bright finishes

As gold and brass have come into vogue in home decor, flatware has followed suit. There are now gilded options for daily tableware—often a stainless base with a gold or brass colored coating. Be choosy, though; these options may be hand wash only, or the finish may have a limited warranty.

Before making your final flatware selection, it’s important to hold the utensils and see if they feel right—if the weight distribution of the piece feels comfortable and if it seems durable. Some of the more artistic styles look great but could prove tricky to eat with, so be sure not to sacrifice function for form if this flatware will be in daily use. And finally, it never hurts to buy a few extra place settings so that you don’t find yourself shorthanded when a spoon inevitably goes missing. A little extra money spent now will save you future frustration! ✦

64

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

DESIGN fabric trends

VELVET

posh, plush and a la mode For accessible luxury, it’s hard to beat velvet. Today’s fabric bears little resemblance to the stiff, fussy velvet that graced the formal parlors of previous eras. Thanks to modern technology, this traditional textile has been updated with a soft sleekness and glossy sheen that’s inviting to touch and sink into, while being easier to clean than ever before.

The secret to making velvet feel modern is to play it off simple, streamlined pieces.

Midcentury Eames-style dining chairs covered in velvet elevate a functional space.

A velvet sofa pops against clean white walls and modern art, and adds artistic flair. A plush headboard with crisp bed linens adds a slightly decadent, bohemian flair.

Simple velvet drapes add a warm backdrop to a sleek desk or side table. Use it as an accent rather than an all-over look—a velvet armchair will up the glamor and style of any space, while even a few downfilled throw pillows provide an opulent gleam. Jewel tones such as sapphire and emerald, as well as unexpected shades of pink, aqua and sunshine yellow, all add va-va-voom. ✦

r vhomemaga zine .com 65

IMPROVE firewood

Keep the Fire Burning HOT TIPS FOR WOOD BURNING FIREPLACES

BY J ERRY & FERNE HALE

An old saying about firewood goes, “It warms you more than once.” At the hearth, of course, but also cutting it, splitting it, stacking it, carting it into the house and building fires with it. While gas fires (some ignited with the touch of a remote) get the prize for ease of use and mess-free flames, lovers of natural wood fires—with their unmistakable holiday smell, bed of embers and the need to be poked regularly to keep the flames leaping—swear all the work and mess is worth the atmosphere created. More than once, our kids have remarked that the lure of our real wood fires helps bring them home for the holidays. .

6 6

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

Stack and store

Traveling in Germany’s Black Forest countryside a while back, we noticed that German farmers have a real knack for neatly stacking firewood. Their substantial woodpiles are always level, even on top, and impeccably faced—as if there's an informal competition for the most perfect pile. (A friend with German heritage says, “Yeah, of course there is!”)

For the rest of us, stacking firewood with some intentionally-left air spaces between the split logs encourages a natural, even drying process. Finding room on your covered patio or inside the garage for an inexpensive wood rack means you can retrieve bone-dry firewood wearing bedroom slippers. Plus, the ‘get some wood’ chore is more widely shared among family members when it’s kept out of the elements and easily accessible.

A heavy duty wood satchel is handy for bringing in a few logs at a time, and a big decorative brass tub makes a fine receptacle for logs that will be parceled into the fireplace as the fire burns. Our canvas wood satchel was a Christmas gift from our daughter a few years back—a must for your list if you're a wood burner who doesn't yet own one. They're easy to find online and some can even be monogrammed.

Which wood

Nothing beats white or red oak that has been allowed to air dry for a season and properly stored in a roofed-over shelter. Other hardwoods—maple, ash, hickory, black walnut—also make great fireplace fires.

Dry wood burns best, of course.

Greenwood contains a lot of moisture, which creates smoke, which in turn creates creosote that will stick to your chimney and can be a fire hazard down the road.

Softwoods such as pine and fir ignite quickly and are useful for getting a fire going. However, many of us have heard that burning pine leads to creosote buildup.

Pine is prolific in this area, and wood from recently felled volunteer trees is often readily available. After a year of seasoning, small pieces of pine used for kindling will help make nice flames and can be added in doses to your fire, while denser hardwood will burn longer and give off more heat.

Bear in mind that softwoods decay rapidly if left out in the elements, and are messy and inefficient for burning after more than a year or so in stack. And, everyone should have their flue checked annually for creosote buildup. r vhomemaga zine .com 67

Old Mill Plantation

let us inspire you to dream. build. renovate.

Happy Holidays

If you use your fireplace regularly during winter, you can order a cord of wood from suppliers eager to provide. In our area, a full cord (128 cubic feet, 4' x 4' x 8') of seasoned hardwood should cost $120 to $150 delivered and stacked. Be aware that some suppliers deal in “face cords,” which are only one log (about 16") deep. Make sure you get what you pay for.

Those who just want an occasional fire for holidays and snow days can grab a couple of shrink-wrapped bundles of oak at the supermarket or gas station. You're looking at a $12 to $30 investment in atmosphere, depending on how long you want the fire to last.

Safety first

Premier acreage lots from $79,000.

Luxury estate homes from $549,000.

Community club house and pool.

Directions: Rt 419 to 221 South (Brambleton Ave.) to Old Mill Plantation.

BARBARA MICHELSEN 540.797.5447

540-989-7646 www.georgebaron.com

longandfoster.com

COUNTERTOPS | CABINETRY | CLOSETS

Before lighting that first fire of the season, make sure the flue is open and clear.

Thanksgiving morning or Christmas Eve is not the time to discover that a squirrel or bird has built a nest in your chimney!

To check, make a torch shape out of two or three sheets of newspaper, light the tip and hold it above the logs with a fire-gloved hand. If smoke doubles back into the room, you have a closed damper or a blockage that must be removed.

Take it from those who know: Having to extinguish a fire—or open a damper— once a fire is raging is enough to curb your enthusiasm for wood fires. A few seconds of precaution will avoid lots of smelly mess.

Another important safety tip: Use only a metal bucket to hold ashes scooped from the fireplace floor. Embers can stay live for 24 to 36 hours or more and will ignite a paper bag, cardboard box, or dry outdoor landscaping. Place your ash residue/ container well away from your house— never in the garage or patio.

PHOTO: JERRY HALE

(540) 719-0128 www.CabinetGallerySML.com

Satisfying Every Budget & Style WESTLAKE TOWNE CENTER | 66 Builders Pride Drive | Hardy, Virginia 24101 6 8

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

PHOTO: JERRY HALE

Lighting a fire

Traditional wisdom calls for building a fire on a grate, with air space below.

Wadded-up newspaper underneath will nicely ignite dry-twig kindling jumbled in the grate. Place small logs on top of the kindling in an “X” pattern, rather than parallel, which inhibits air flow. Some wood stoves and fireplace inserts work best when air flow is above the fire, so in this case no grate is required, and the wood can be burned directly on the inside hearth.

Wood fires are a delight if you have a wood burning fireplace and a nice supply of harvested or purchased dry firewood. If you are building or remodeling, there are gas starter units that make getting a wood fire blazing a snap. Or you can install a future-use gas pipe that allows you to convert to a decorative log set when you “age out” of cutting, splitting, hauling and storing wood. You may also wish to consider an outdoor fire pit, fireplace or even pizza oven. Firewood makes all of those glow, creating memories it’s hard to duplicate anyplace but in front of a crackling wood fire. ✦

Risk Management and Insurance for Business and Family

Serving clients in 18 states from headquarters in Roanoke

540-366-7475 • domrisk.com r vhomemaga zine .com 6 9

the inviting home

Welcoming guests in the winter season

BY S LOA N E LU C A S

The winter months can be a wonderful time for entertaining. With holidays bringing cozy weather and good cheer, it’s a great time to reconnect with longtime friends, or to welcome new friends into the fold.

Unfortunately, winter months can also be a challenge when it comes to creating a welcoming arrival for guests. The approach to your front door might lack the easy charm of summer and spring, when flowers and greenery can help create a natural, cheerful flow.

This time of year, the focus is on curb appeal and your home’s exterior to provide that welcoming touch. To create a truly inviting home, there are several key areas to address and enhance.

70

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

Time to clean house

Just as you clean the inside of your home to keep it looking and functioning its best, to create a welcoming exterior you first need to tidy. Plan to tackle some basic seasonal “housekeeping” chores — both for visual appeal and general house maintenance.

Start with having your gutters cleaned, which you can hire someone to do or handle on your own. Just be sure to have someone spot you on the ladder as you manually remove leaves or blow them out with a leaf-blower extension. Make sure gutters are clear by running water through them to ensure the flow isn’t blocked.

Next, rake your leaves. Allowing them to remain on your lawn through winter will smother your grass, although a few left among plant beds won’t hurt and will actually help insulate your perennials and provide natural compost. After raking them, you can compost them over the winter to use in spring, or you can see if your area has a recycling center where they can pick them up for mass-composting.

After the leaves are off the lawn, mow it one last time before winter, trimming it short to help prevent any matting if it continues to grow. It will deter rodents and prevent disease and, it will look better.

Pull out your annuals and cut back all your perennial plants as they die.

Take caution when cutting back trees and shrubs to avoid “dieback,” when too much stress at the same time can damage them. Trees and shrubs can also dry out over winter, however, it’s fine to cut back unattractive dead branches, and certainly to gather any fallen branches and garden debris from the yard.

Remove any dead annuals from empty pots and window boxes so you can use the containers for winter plantings or store them away until next spring. Secure and adjust any loose or crooked shutters, repair any issues with fences or mailboxes, and address anything else you’ve been letting slide.

Color me impressed

Now that you’ve removed anything unsightly, time to add some color. One way to do that is with hardy, cold-tolerant plants.

Some popular choices include ornamental kale and cabbage, chrysanthemums, and pansies. Plant them in window boxes and in containers flanking your porch steps—anywhere r vhomemaga zine .com 71

you want a pop of color. Cabbages and kale offer some lovely purples and dark greens, and mums are great to layer in various harvest hues in your landscape.

Evergreens are also good options, and can last beyond the winter season when planted before the first frost or potted in a sheltered spot. (Any containers you don’t use for winter plants or decoration should be tucked away in a garage or out of sight.) Plant your favorite seasonals or evergreens directly into garden beds to fill the void from annuals that have died off. Or, hang them in big baskets on the porch, or clustered in decorative pots around the front door.

Other ideas for color include wrapping thick ribbons or tying festive bows around columns or railings. To add additional color and interest, use boughs of evergreens to line the railings of stairs, to wind around a mailbox pole, or around columns flanking your front door.

If you don’t want to use bright colors, look for ways to incorporate metallic accents into your outdoor decor. You can spray paint gourds, fruit, or even wine bottles to create a shimmering tableau. Metallic ribbons and bows add sophisticated cheer.

Depending on the exterior of your home, white can also provide the “color” you need, so consider adding plants, decorative items or ribbons in winter white.

You can buy birdhouses in deep, vibrant hues and keep them stocked with seed or suet. You’ll ensure some cheerful wildlife in your yard while adding a charming seasonal touch.

Accent furniture can also bring some practical color to your exterior. Brightly colored garden benches, painted wicker chairs and tables, colorful end tables placed near the door, or repainted metal café table and chair sets all add visual appeal.

Cue the lights

With the sun setting earlier, weaving in temporary lighting adds some whimsy and fun to the exterior of your home.

Wrap white string lights around small, leafless trees to provide a cheerful winter look that can last beyond the holiday season. String lights can also be wrapped around porch railings, or you can hang café lights under your porch to create a sparkling entry—and a place to curl up at night with a cup of tea or a hot toddy.

7 2

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

If you’re crafty, chicken wire can be used in a variety of ways and lit with string lights. Balls of chicken wire wrapped in twinkle lights add a charming glow to porch decor. Large-scale lanterns near the doorway can be lit with either real or batteryoperated candles. Or get creative with lighted letters and spell out a welcome message.

On a more practical note, you can also purchase solarpowered lights to sink into the pathway leading to the house, providing a lighted walkway from sidewalk to front door. If your walkway doesn’t get enough sun during winter to power solar lights, consider having landscape and border lighting installed for year-round safety and ambience.

TODAY IS A PERFECT DAY FOR OPENING A NEW DOOR.

Final touches

Once you’ve got the house in tip-top shape, added some bold color you can see from the road, and found some engaging lighting options, you can also have fun by adding props throughout your exterior—from the start of your entry path up to your front door.

Focus on key areas, such as your mailbox (the first thing people will see when approaching the house), porch steps, windows and doorways. There are many creative ideas for adding final touches.

Wreaths: These aren’t just for Christmas. You can change out fall or harvest themed wreaths in November for green and

Quality materials and top notch service since 1949 Commercial • Residential • DIY

Smith Mountain Lake and Roanoke Valley Franklin, Floyd, Bedford, Pittsylvania & Henry Counties Idealbuildingsupply.com • ideal@jetbroadband.com 1195 North Main Street • Rocky Mount • 540-483-5511 2030 Winston Avenue • Roanoke • 540-343-7239

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME.

When you want to reach the most responsive, most affluent, most desirable audience in the Roanoke Valley.

ANNE MARIE

JULIA

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CONTACT

Anne Marie Poore: 540.520.4309 Julia Belvin: 540.353.8028 r vhomemaga zine .com 73

Pella’ s been a leader in purposeful window and door innovation for over 90 years. From our made-to-order, custom windows and doors to our new family of smart products, Pella can help you enrich the quality of your homes — and the lives of those who live in them.

Visit pella.com for more information on products and how to contact your local Pella representative.

PELLA WINDOW & DOOR SHOWROOM

ROANOKE, VA l 3260 ELECTRIC RD #505 540-466-1918 pella.com

© 2018 Pella Corporation

TE R F I E L D R O P PAINTING COMPANY

“Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint you can at it.”

74

red themed for December. You can also hang wreaths that span multiple occasions and last into January by choosing materials such as burlap, neutral ribbons wrapped around branches, or wreaths of materials that have been spray painted winter white or in metallic shades. You can even make alternative wreaths using sheaves of wheat or branches.

Pine Cones: Like wreathes, these aren’t just for Christmas either. They’re cold-weather decor that can be woven into boughs of evergreens, clustered inside hurricane lamps, piled in baskets, and added wherever you want some natural seasonal charm. You can spray paint these in fanciful or neutral colors as well.

Hurricane Lamps or Large Lanterns: In addition to using them as a light source, they can also be filled with colorful spheres, pine cones, ornaments and other knick-knacks. You can place them on porch steps or flanking a front door. Look for interesting materials like copper, wrought iron, galvanized steel, or colorful metals.

Colorful Textiles: Your front porch furniture doesn’t need to go unused in the winter months. Add some colorful pillows to brighten chairs and sofas. Or cover current cushions with seasonal shams. Plaid blankets or other bold designs can be draped over furniture for visual appeal—and also come in handy to curl up on the porch for cocoa and conversation.

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

At Richfield Living, our full continuum of care is available, for however long you need.

With our renewable rental agreements, you can select one of our affordable living options that most closely matches your needs.

Signs: The trend of messages on signs

remains popular, with some places even offering sign-making parties where people can personalize their own messages.

You can have large, bold signs leaning against your front door, or display signs made from painted pallet wood with designs or messages. Think about ways to highlight your street number with a sign and a small light focused on it, allowing people to see your house number clearly when the sun sets earlier. Or, spell out the family name. Get creative with materials too. Signs can be made of wood, metal or cloth. You can even have a large chalkboard set up and change the message daily.

There are a host of other ideas to think about. You can set up beautiful tiered shelves in iron, copper or galvanized steel featuring live plants or other decor. Fill vintage wagons, wheelbarrows, metal tubs, milk cans, or metal buckets with plants and arrange them at strategic points in your landscape. In addition to real birdhouses stocked with food, you can spray paint decorative bird houses and birdcages and set up a display on your porch. Or lean a vintage sled against the door with a pair of ice skates hanging from them.

Whatever you do to spruce up your exterior in winter—whether by tidying, lighting, using color or adding decor— make sure it reflects your personal style and makes you happy when you arrive home. Because the most inviting house of all is one where the hosts themselves feel at home. ✦

If you’re just in need of a short term stay for Mom or Dad, we can help with that too.

As life evolves, you can be confident that Richfield Living is here for you.

RichfieldLiving.com · 540.302.8983 YOUR NOT-FOR-PROFIT SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY IN THE ROANOKE VALLEY

WE'VE MOVED

Now at the Virginian Railway Station Vera Bradley • Willow Tree • Byers Choice • Nora Fleming • D-56 Old World Christmas • Colonial Candle & Capel Rugs

Roanoke’s Premiere Destination for Holiday Décor, Artificial Christmas Trees, Home Accents & Unique Gifts

1402 S. Jefferson Street, Roanoke Open Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm • Sunday, 12-6 pm

540-774-0004 • stegercreek.com Find us also at the Taubman Museum, 110 Salem Ave. Roanoke Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm • Sunday, 12-5 pm

We carry candles, potpourri & home fragrances, bath & body products, rugs, flags, door mats and offer custom floral design.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE • NOVEMBER 3RD & 4TH

r vhomemaga zine .com 75

LIVE spices

the spice of life Flavor that’s good for you B Y B E C K Y C A LV E R T

With the advent of cooler temperatures, the fresh herbs we’ve grown accustomed to snipping from our garden for dinner every evening become less available. While some herbs like rosemary and sage can handle colder temperatures, most cooks look to their spice cabinets to liven up meals in the cooler months. Thankfully, there are a whole host of spices available throughout the year that are versatile, add zip to a dish and also provide a few health benefits.

7 6

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known to man.

Harvested from the inner bark of cinnamon trees, it is available in a dried stick form or ground into a powder.

There are actually two kinds of cinnamon—“Ceylon” (known as the ‘true’ cinnamon) which hails from Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil and the Caribbean, with a more subtle flavor; and “Cassia” cinnamon, the more commonly found variety that hails from China (where it is known as one of the Five Spices). In addition to adding flavor, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It can also help to lower blood sugar and LDL—aka the ‘bad’—cholesterol, as well as relieve nausea and other stomach ailments.

While one of the most popular uses of cinnamon is to combine it with sugar and sprinkle over buttery toast for cinnamon toast, cinnamon is a great addition to both sweet and savory dishes. Frequently used in Middle Eastern cooking, try it with various meats like chicken, lamb or even pork loin. Cinnamon also pairs wonderfully with orange vegetables, particularly roasted sweet potatoes or in a butternut squash stew. It goes well with all sorts of fruit—from apples and pears to oranges and even peaches and blueberries. Add it to granola, oatmeal, coffee, hot cocoa or sprinkle over rice pudding.

A pinch of cinnamon is known to punch up other flavors in a dish, so experiment with it freely!

Ginger

Cinnamon pairs nicely with ginger, another spice with medicinal properties. Ginger shares some of the same qualities as cinnamon, being loaded with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties while also lowering blood sugar and being a regular anti-nausea remedy. The plant version of ginger is a cousin of the orchid, and the spice comes from the root, which is why it is sometimes known as ginger root. Available in both a fresh version— in the form of that knobby looking root—as well as a dried powdered version, the fresh offers far more flavor.

While powdered ginger will keep in the spice cabinet, the fresh root should be stored in the refrigerator or even freezer. Ginger is popular in many Asian dishes, but its spicy, zesty taste is good in a wide variety of items. Peel fresh ginger with a spoon (really, you can—try it!) before grating it—many recipes calling for fresh ginger will call for ‘an inch’ instead of a teaspoon, making it easy to sort out exactly how much ginger to use.

Combine ginger with citrus like lime, lemon or even orange for marinades, dressings and sauces. Mixed fruit tossed with honey, citrus and ginger makes for a lovely salad. Ginger tea or a ginger spritz is soothing to an upset tummy. Ginger is essential in curries as well as stir fries and pairs beautifully with orange vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash and carrots. A bit of ginger added to chicken soup can liven up a winter staple on a cold night. Ginger is known to help mellow the flavor of stronger fish (particularly salmon), so give that a try, or use it as a substitute for pepper. It is also excellent as the star in desserts like gingerbread and gingersnaps.

cinnamon

ginger

r vhomemaga zine .com 77

tumeric

Turmeric

It is easy to confuse fresh turmeric with fresh ginger at first glance, as they both originate from the root of their related plants. Both also share some of the same medicinal properties—they are anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories believed to be beneficial in fighting heart disease. Turmeric has also been shown to improve brain function and is sometimes taken as a supplement. A rather mild spice, turmeric is naturally yellow and has been used as a dye for thousands of years, while also being a key ingredient in Indian curries and other Middle Eastern dishes. It is the backbone of many spice blends (such as taco seasoning) and an inexpensive substitute for saffron. Chances are, you’ve been eating turmeric all along and you just didn’t know it.

Add turmeric to chicken soup to deepen the golden hue of the broth, or in rice to give it a bit of color. Toss it with root vegetables or cauliflower before roasting or add some to a pot of greens to boost their flavor.

Cayenne

cayenne

Cayenne pepper has been part of culinary and medicinal traditions for thousands of years. A thin red pepper, it is often dried and ground into a powder to use for seasoning. High in capsaicin, which triggers endorphins, cayenne pepper is believed to help relieve pain as well as congestion. It also contains vitamin C, iron, potassium and other essential minerals. It is frequently used in curries, jerk seasonings, and barbecue rubs, and is a key component of the Cajun method of ‘blackening’ food. Cayenne can be used in a wide variety of dishes, both sweet and savory, for it brings a spicy, sweet heat to any dish. A little cayenne goes a long way, so begin with the smallest amount—an eighth to a quarter of a teaspoon in a large pot of stew, or a sprinkle on your scrambled eggs— and go from there. Believe it or not, cayenne is touted as a sore throat remedy—try a pinch in chicken soup.

Other spices

There are numerous other spices deserving of a mention as well—nutmeg (and its relative, mace), cardamom, clove, paprika, saffron and mustard. Sprinkled here and there, each spice tends to bring out a subtle quality in a dish that you might not have noticed without it. Try a little nutmeg on spinach or other greens. Sprinkle a pinch of cardamom in an apple pie. Add a dash of paprika to your next pot of macaroni and cheese.

Storage

Store your spices in airtight containers away from light, moisture and heat. Glass jars are recommended to help them retain more of their essential oil content, preserving flavor longer. Whole spices, such as peppercorns, cloves and whole seeds last longer than their ground counterparts. A good rule of thumb is that spices last about six to 12 months, some longer.

Consider buying spices you might not use a lot of in smaller quantities so that they remain fresher and more flavorful.

Taste the underused spices in your cabinet to get new ideas on how to use them, or spend some time on the internet learning new ways to season your food. Spices are a tasty and healthy way to liven up your favorite dishes this season! ✦ 78

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

DESIGN 2018 style series

design, defined

CRAFTSMAN STYLE Stickley Furniture available at Reid’s Fine Furnishings in Forest and Roanoke

BY MITZI BIBLE

A

study of home design often turns into a history, philosophy, and sociology lesson all in one.

The way we choose to build and decorate our homes is a direct reflection of our outlook on life.

There’s no better demonstration of this than the late 19th-century Arts & Crafts movement, which still influences home design today through its offspring: the Craftsman home.

Arts & Crafts—not to be confused with hobbyists who sell their goods at festivals

or with an activity at summer camp—was actually more of a philosophy. Born in Great Britain, it focused on bucking the flamboyant trends of the Victorian era and averting the increasingly impersonal society created by the Industrial Revolution. A reaction to both the ornate furnishings of the Victorian upper echelons, as well as the new assembly line production available to the masses, it valued unique craftsmanship handed down from generation to generation.

r vhomemaga zine .com 79

Stickley Furniture available at Reid’s Fine Furnishings in Forest and Roanoke

Long before the words “wholesome” and “organic” became popular vernacular, proponents of the Arts & Crafts movement were already championing a return to nature. A return to the beauty that is found in a world virtually untouched by humans, and a return to a simpler way of living, by surrounding ourselves with items that are fashioned for a purpose.

Early influencers

Some historians place Arts & Crafts’ start in 1860 in Great Britain, and its arrival in America around 1890, remaining a major trend until the 1920s. William Morris, an internationally recognized English poet and designer (his wallpaper and textile designs are still popular today at Morris & Co.), is credited with furthering the Arts & Crafts cause. He was a social activist who supported a revolt of sorts against the mass-produced, lavish Victorian decor of his time, and he sought to elevate the reputation of craftsmen through artists’ guilds. This emphasis on utilitarian design left pretentious decorating behind in favor of uncluttered, intimate, cozy spaces.

Around the turn of the century, Gustav Stickley, an American furniture manufacturer, visited Europe and was inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement.

A former stonemason, he appreciated the handiwork of skilled artists constructing and showcasing natural materials, and also wanted to honor the craftsman. His furniture soon took on the elements of Arts & Crafts as he focused on bringing out the natural grains in woodwork, and on hammered metals and patinated copper for hardware. Stickley was the first to coin the term “Craftsman” in home design. In 1901, he published “The Craftsman” magazine, which propagated the Arts & Crafts philosophy for American homeowners. He took this interest beyond furniture, branching out into architecture as he sketched plans for homes that could appeal to a wide range of homeowners, including the working class. Eventually, the magazine included plans for his “Craftsman home.” More travels abroad, including to India, are said to have inspired him to create the popular bungalow style—the quintessential Arts & Crafts home in America—with its familiar columned front porches, low gables, wide and protruding eaves with exposed rafters, and double-pane windows. Inside, function took precedence. Moldings were simplified (only needing to serve a 8 0

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

purpose as the border where a wall ended and a floor or ceiling began). Fireplaces were prominent, complete with cozy inglenooks on either side. The design included many built-in elements, from cabinets, to reading nooks, benches, and sideboards. It all pointed to purposeful design. But while the Craftsman home and its furnishings were simple and sensible, they also left room for individual style, a key component of the early Arts & Crafts movement.

The influences of Morris and Stickley are visible today in building plans and interior design, in the preference for handmade products, and the use of natural motifs such as plants, flowers, clouds, birds, and woodland creatures. Even if you aren’t familiar with these two men’s contributions, it’s very likely that you know the name Frank Lloyd Wright. Where Morris and Stickley left off with Arts & Crafts, Wright picked right up and took it even further, designing homes appearing to have grown out of their natural environment. With his majestic yet rustic designs, Wright has remained one of the most prolific architects to incorporate and praise the Arts & Crafts movement.

Key elements

Whether you call it “Arts & Crafts” or “Craftsman,” the hallmark of this style has always been the woodwork—from ceiling beams to floors, to cabinetry and furniture. You won’t find elaborate carvings or painted wood, only rich stains that bring out the natural grains. Oak is the most widely used wood for this reason, but maple and pine are also utilized. Exposed beams are popular and often have the appearance of being hand-hewn. Hardwood floors, again with visible wood grains, are often mixed with stone

Roanoke | 540.342.1844 Forest | 434.525.2020

ReidsFurnishings.com r vhomemaga zine .com 81

ADVERTISER index American National Bank & Trust......................44 Amy Cullen - MKB Realtors................................. 34 Baron Enterprises..................................................... 68 Better Sofas...................................................................13 Brandon Oaks............................................................. 63

By Design Interiors....................................................25 Callie Dalton & Associates.....................................15 Carilion Clinic.............................................................. 26 CMC Supply..................................................................27 Construction Marketing..........................................18 Dominion Risk Advisors........................................ 69 F&S Building Innovations........................................4 Fabulous Finds SML................................................ 62 Ferguson..........................................................................12 Garland's........................................................................44 George's Flowers...................................................... 62 Grand Home Furnishings......................................84 Halifax Fine Furnishings........................................ 29 HomeTown Bank.......................................................... 9 Ideal Building Supply...............................................73 Jeannine Hanson, Realtor......................................13 Kevin Hurley Photography...................................64 LinDor Arts...................................................................... 3 Magnolia Décor.......................................................... 59 megapixie.com/Evan Berding.............................17 Member One Federal Credit Union................... 5 MKB Realtors................................................................ 19 Montano's...................................................................... 39 N-Hance..........................................................................23 National Pools...............................................................31 Our Lady of the Valley........................................... 34 Pella Windows.............................................................74 Porterfield Painting Company............................74 Present Thyme.............................................................. 6 Reclaimed @ Smith Mountain Lake................ 35

or slate throughout the home. If rugs are used, they are generally naturally woven and never too ornate.

A style influenced by natural surroundings calls for earthy tones: the browns of tree bark and soil, the greens of plants and grasses, and the grays of rocks and stone. For this reason, olive and eggplant are also popular color choices in today’s Arts & Crafts homes.

The Craftsman home is known for comfort. Even though the furniture is characterized by solid and sturdy designs with flat surfaces and straight lines, sofa and chair cushions are usually covered in leather, linen, or cotton, again with solid colors or fabric patterns that incorporate elements of nature.

Because Arts & Crafts is less about accessories and more about function, lighting plays an important role. Not only does it spotlight the beautiful woodwork, Craftsman fixtures are designed to emit a warm glow. Chandeliers, sconces, and lamps with boxy shapes generally are staples of this design. Like the typical hardware found on Craftsman furniture, the metal in lighting fixtures usually has a hammered or distressed look. Oil-rubbed brass and copper also work well. You typically won’t find much chrome or stainless steel in lighting, or even appliances.

Reid's Fine Furnishings............................................81

Standing the test of time

Richfield Retirement................................................75

We didn’t escape the Industrial Revolution, for sure, and today there are more factoryproduced products than ever before. Yet many manufacturers understand the enduring appeal of Arts & Crafts—especially in areas like ours, where the beautiful landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains inspire many homeowners to bring the outdoors in. Both local and national companies have created furniture and interior decorating lines that keep the Arts & Crafts spirit alive. You don’t have to look far to find home products that point back to nature and are made by true craftsmen; many builders and contractors in our region take pride in their custom woodwork. For furniture, rugs, and other home decorating items that celebrate both nature and skilled handiwork, visit artisans groups such as the Artisans Center of Virginia (artisanscenterofvirginia.org) to find one-of-akind items made with the traditional methods of our ancestors.

Ronnie Mitchell and Son Landscaping..........60 Scott Kitts Salon....................................................... 29 Steger Creek.................................................................75 Taubman Museum.................................................... 36 The Cabinet Gallery................................................. 68 The Columns................................................................... 6 The Little Gallery....................................................... 83 The Rug, Mattress & Furniture Store............... 16 ValleyStar Credit Union............................................ 2 Virginia Mountain Mortgage............................... 59 Whitt Carpet One......................................................25 Yarid’s............................................................................... 16 82

If you need more inspiration for incorporating Arts & Crafts into your home, heed Morris’ simple advice to merge the practical with the natural: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” ✦ R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8

Artful Living

Surround Yourself with the Extraordinary Bringing You The Best Original Artwork and Specialty Gifts

301 Market Street | Roanoke, VA | 540-206-2936 16430 Booker T Washington Hwy | Moneta, VA | 540-721-1596

Open 7 Days | littlegallerysml@aol.com | www.thelittlegallerysml.com r vhomemaga zine .com 83

Unwrap comfort this holiday season

TANGLEWOOD 4235 Electric Road | 540-774-7004

8 4

VALLEY VIEW 1945 Valley View Blvd. | 540-563-2070

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 8