Atlanta home improvement 0914 by My Home Improvement Magazine

atlanta home

SEPTEMBER 2014

WWW.ATLANTAHOMEIMPROVEMENT.COM

M MPROVEMENT S M A R T

H O M E

I M P R O V E M E N T

S T A R T S

H E R E

First Impressions Stairs, flooring, foyers and railings p. 34

Healthy Trees

31st Annual Fall Atlanta Home Show Official Guide

Do’s and don’ts for your backyard buddies p. 59

Sept. 5-7

p. 43

Cool Cabinets

& Countertops

Selecting the right surface and storage for your space p. 22 www.oldcastlesurfaces.com

Cover project presented by: Turn to pages 56 - 57 for more on this project

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atlanta home

MPROVEMENT S M A R T

H O M E

I M P R O V E M E N T

S T A R T S

H E R E

PRESIDENT/FOUNDER

Sherri Adair

PUBLISHER

Patti Stephens ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Jennifer Prins

EDITOR AND SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Jayne Hallock editor@homeimprovementmag.com

DIRECTOR OF CONTENT MARKETING

David Leonard

ART DIRECTOR

Dona Halliday

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Shannon Hunter Sandi Edelson

SALES ASSISTANT/OFFICE MANAGER

Gregg Holloway

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS

Carrie Culwell • Briana McIntyre

For print, web, email and social media advertising information contact us at: 80 West Wieuca Road, Suite 115 Atlanta, GA 30342 (404) 303-9333 x27 FAX (404) 303-0030 info@homeimprovementmag.com

www.atlantahomeimprovement.com Follow us on

Atlanta Home Improvement magazine uses soy-based ink and is printed on 100 percent recyclable paper. Our print partner, Newpoint Media Group, recycles all excess paper, printing plates and any other recyclable materials used in the printing process.

Inquiries and submissions regarding advertising and editorial should be directed to the address above. Atlanta Home Improvement does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does Publisher assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Readers are encouraged to notify Publisher when they suspect false advertising. Atlanta Home Improvement reserves the right to edit editorial for clarity and space availability. No content i.e. articles, graphics, designs and information (any and all) in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Publisher.

t l a n ta

c h a p t er

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let us PAINT your house 678.995.3007 www.northhighlandpaint.com

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contents Photos courtesy of (left to right) MOSAIC Group [Architects and Remodelers], photography by Gregg Willett and Harbour Towne Construction, Inc.

Special Section: Not Your Momma’s Kitchen 22 New, uber-organized cabinets and crave-worthy countertops

features 34

First Impressions Stylish staircase + Inviting entryway = Warm welcome

Photos courtesy of (top to bottom) Vision Stairways & Millwork and Boyce Design & Contracting

Choosing the right tree for your yard

New! Project Profile: 56

European-Inspired Georgian Kitchen Presented by Oldcastle Surfaces, Inc.

PLUS 43

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT SEPTEMBER 2014

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In The Company of Trees

2014 Fall Atlanta Home Show Guide A guide to the 31st annual event to be held September 5-7, 2014, at Cobb Galleria Centre

ON THE COVER: This stunning kitchen renovation was inspired by the homeowner’s love of Europe. It seamlessly, elegantly blends elements imported from Europe with Atlanta products like countertops by Oldcastle Surfaces Inc. This cover project is presented by Oldcastle Surfaces, Inc. (800) 899-8455, OldcastleSurfaces.com. Photo courtesy of Oldcastle Surfaces, Inc., photography by Gregg Willett. www.atlantahomeimprovement.com

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PUT SAVINGS ON

AUTO-PILOT. RECEIVE UP TO A

100 REBATE

ON A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT.

Take control of your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s temperature and your energy costs. Upgrade to a programmable thermostat and Georgia Power will give you a rebate up to $100. Start saving today. Learn more about qualifying products and rebate details at georgiapower.com/homeimprovements or call 1-877-310-5607. Georgia Power customers may be eligible to receive a rebate of 50% of the installed cost up to $100 for upgrading from a standard to a programmable thermostat. Certain preconditions and requirements must be met in order to qualify for this rebate. Rebate available through December 2014. Application and receipt/invoice must be submitted within 60 days of purchase or installation. ÂŠ2014. Georgia Power Company. All rights reserved.

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contents

Come see this and other fabulous homes on the NARI Tour of Remodeled Homes. See page 15 for details!

Photos courtesy of (left to right) Cruickshank Remodeling and Industrial Lightworks

in every issue 10 Editor’s Letter 15 Home Front

What’s Happening in Home Improvement PLUS Calendar of Local Events

19 Editor’s Picks

Neat, New Lifestyle Products for Your Home

66 Garden Planner

Your Outdoor To-Do List for September

68 Notes from Bob & RodMan

Budget + Research = Home Improvement Success

71 CAHP Talk

Choosing Your Contractor Wisely

73 Resource Finder

Find Help with your Home Improvement Projects

78 Editorial Resources

Contacts for this Issue’s Resources

Smart home improvement starts here. 0914_006-009_TOC.indd 8

➚

Visit our Web site at www.atlantahomeimprovement.com 8/18/14 3:47 PM

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editor’sletter Why Are You Doing This? I was talking to a friend of mine the other day about running. We talked treadmill versus

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track, distances and times. Twenty minutes into it she casually mentioned that she runs not to lose weight or get stronger but to better manage her stress level. (She said the more kids she had, the longer the distances she needed to run.) I’m not sure why that surprised me so much, but it did. I just assumed that she ran for the sake of her fitness – not her sanity. That made me think of my job and you readers. All of you reading this are somehow interested in home improvement. There’s at least one aspect of your home that you are thinking of changing, in either small or substantial ways. But what I’d love to know is the reason why? What’s causing you to think about making these changes? Because you may need to

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remind yourself of that reason as you continue on your home improvement journey. It’s too easy to get hung up on which exact shade of eggshell you particularly like…when really, you’re getting ready to sell it to someone else! Speaking of making home improvement decisions, the best way to do that is to talk to an expert, which you can do this month at the Fall Atlanta Home Show. Check out our guide on page 43 for more information and make sure you look for the “Visit our Booth #” shout outs that are sprinkled in the ads throughout this issue to plan your show route before you get there. I also want to draw your attention to some other fantastic articles we are featuring in this month’s issue. On page 59, we are giving you the lowdown on the trees of Atlanta. We even provide you a list of URLs where you can find out the codes you need to be aware of when you are planting or removing trees in

Protect your glass from mineral deposits and soap scum build-up

your own backyard. Then on page 22, we talk about all the cool, new innovations in countertops and cabinetry. Finally, we cover very important but often-neglected areas of our homes: your

Featuring:

entryway and staircases, on page 34. There are some intriguing new trends and designs that can help your home make a great impact – right from the minute your guests walk through your

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But no matter what area of your home you are focused on lately, take time to reflect on the “reason why.” Maybe you are getting ready for a new baby or are getting ready to sell your home. You might just be tired of your bathroom color or you might be moving your sweet mother-in-law in. When you think about it, what we’re talking about isn’t just home improvement. It’s life

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Jayne Hallock Editor & Social Media Director

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www.atlantahomeimprovement.com

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4 Things You’ll Learn This Month

1 2 3 4

What’s the difference between quartz and quartzite? p. 25

A Better Way to Enjoy Outdoor Living

Should you stain your handrailings a different color…or not? p.37 Statistically speaking, which kitchen style is growing the quickest? p. 25 What the heck is Leafsnap? p. 63

Coming in October How to prepare for holiday guests and make them feel even more welcome, keeping warm with firepits and fireplaces and some unique alternatives to traditional lighting choices

“We are delighted with Magnolia’s product and workmanship as well as your outstanding customer service.” —Peter Allen, Roswell, GA

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770.309.3999 Photos courtesy of (top to bottom) Masterpiece Lighting/Tech Lighting and Belgard Hardscapes www.atlantahomeimprovement.com

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ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT SEPTEMBER 2014

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Letter from the president/founder Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Great to be Home! In 2001, I started Atlanta Home Improvement magazine. When I sold it at the end of 2005, I did not expect to be back. I spent a few years pursuing other business interests, including launching Home Improvement magazines in other markets and, in 2009, launching Best Self Atlanta, a health, beauty and fitness magazine which is going strong! But as we all know, life can be funny sometimes. Now in addition to my Best Self Atlanta family, I am returning to Atlanta Makeup and hair by: Maranda Felner (Shear Salon), Brandy Smith (Shear Salon), Terrell Maurice (Authentic Beauty), Elizabeth Jow (Authentic Beauty). Photography by Sawyer Photography

Home Improvement alongside Patti Stephens, Jennifer Prins, David Leonard, Dona Halliday and the rest of the amazing team. I could not be happier to see old friends and meet new ones as I immerse myself back into the world of home improvement! As we head into the new year, we plan to reignite the home improvement industry with renewed energy, a fresh perspective and new products and platforms. We look forward to sharing our ideas with you and bringing you all the best resources and connections to help turn your home improvement dreams into reality.

Sherri Adair

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT SEPTEMBER 2014

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Top row (l to r): Jayne Hallock, Editor; Dona Halliday, Art Director; Shannon Hunter, Account Executive Middle row (l to r): Sandi Edelson, Account Executive; Patti Stephens, Publisher; Jennifer Prins, Associate Publisher Bottom row (l to r): David Leonard, Director of Content Marketing; Sherri Adair, President/Founder; Gregg Holloway, Sales Assistant/Office Manager www.atlantahomeimprovement.com

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We Install at Visit us 15 4 # th boo ome at the h ! show

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homefront Expert Tips, News and Happenings from Atlanta’s Home Improvement Community Save the Date! The NARI Atlanta Tour of Remodeled Homes is Coming.

Cool Product of the Month: Attic-Ease We love an elegant solution to an ugly problem. And this new product, Attic-Ease, is exactly that. Swap out your tacky, dangling, attic cords with this sleek eyehook and pole combination. Buy the entire kit for less than $25 and upgrade your hallway! (Installation is a

Photo courtesy of CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio

snap, too!) Available at Home Depot.

Consider yourself cordially invited. The NARI (National Association of Renovation Industry) Atlanta Tour of Remodeled Homes will be showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of its members. This is a fun, fabulous tour for anyone interested in home renovations and will occur on Saturday, October 18th from 10 am to 4 pm. Homes are located all over the Atlanta Metro area and attendees can not only tour the homes but also personally ask the contractors about their own remodeling concerns! Check AtlantaRemodelingTour.com for tickets and details.

Genius Cleaning Tip! Don’t knock all that sneezy ceiling fan blade dust down on your head. (Or bed!) Simply wrap a pillowcase over each blade and slide it all into the case.

Photo courtesy of Pirch

PIRCH is coming! PIRCH is coming! It’s a curation of cool. An array of awesome. The much-loved California-based store PIRCH will be coming to Atlanta. Look for the grand opening at the Lenox Marketplace later this fall! PIRCH offers a

carefully vetted array of premium lifestyle

How many eggs can a queen termite lay every day?

A: 2000! Source: Termite.com

www.atlantahomeimprovement.com

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products for the home, from indoor and outdoor kitchens and laundry appliances to personal wellness systems, bath fixtures and decorative plumbing. We are so excited and if you aren’t yet, you will be too! Visit Pirch.com for more information! ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT SEPTEMBER 2014

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homefront 200

Gallons! That’s how much

water per month you can save by turning the tap off while you brush. Source: epa.gov/watersense

Photo courtesy of ReStore Gwinnett, photography by Scott Buhrle

Open the Door to Hope In October 2013, Doors to Homes and Hope launched as a small outdoor art exhibit with 25 artistic doors displayed in the host city of Norcross. This year, Doors to Homes and Hope opens on October 4 and will be on display throughout Gwinnett County through October 30. Door and Homes 2014

Gwinnett Center to Host Home Show

opens in conjunction with World Habitat Day on October 6.

Mark your calendars now! The Fall North Atlanta

This year’s World Habitat Day celebration will be hosted at

Home Show is coming to the Gwinnett Center

Suwanee Town Center. For more information about Doors to

next month! The dates are October 10-12 and

Homes and Hope 2014 or to purchase tickets, visit

more information is available on page 70

www.gwinnetthabitat.org/D2HH

Editorial Resources begin on page 78.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH Abstract Painting: Beyond the Basics Workshop

Saturday - Sunday, September 20-21 Saturday 10 am – 4 pm, Sunday 11 am – 5 pm BindersArt.com Atlanta Art Festival

Saturday, September 13-14 AtlantaArtsFestival.com Beginning & Intermediate Stained Glass Classes

Mondays, September 8 – November 3, 6:30-9:30 pm SpruillArts.org

Beginning Jewelry & Metalsmithing

Mondays, September 15 – November 17, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm SpruillArts.org Cook’s Warehouse Classes

Knife Skills 101, September 4, 8, 9, 25 Cooking Fundamentals 3-day Series, September 19-21 Tailgating Food that is Good for You, September 10, 7:00-9:00 pm Classes.CooksWarehouse.com CubeSmart Storage Auctions

Ongoing – See site for details CubeSmart.com/storage-auctions

Edible Garden Outdoor Kitchen Experience

Tuesdays, September 2, 9, 16, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm AtlantaBotanicalGarden.org/eventsclasses Fall Atlanta Home Show

Friday-Sunday September 5-7 Hours Vary AtlantaHomeShow.com Just Buzzing Around - Kid’s Storytime

Saturday, September 20, 10:30-11:30 am AtlantaBotanicalGarden.org/eventsclasses

For more event listings, visit www.atlantahomeimprovement.com Have a home improvement question or news tip? Send to editor@homeimprovementmag.com. 16

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www.atlantahomeimprovement.com

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10TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY SALE— HUGE INVENTORY REDUCTION! BEST VALUE IN BETTER FURITURE IS NO LONGER HIDDEN NEW LOCATION – CORNER OF ELLSWORTH INDUSTRIAL & OLD CHATTAHOOCHEE AVE.

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experience the experience

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www.atlantahomeimprovement.com

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The Reclaimed Collection

editor’s

picks

New and notable home improvement products COMPILED BY CARRIE CULWELL

3 1

4 2 1. Raw Industrial This reclaimed barn wood and steel pipe piece is from Industrial Lightworks. The wood and the pipe are protected with a moisture-proof finish, making it bathroom-friendly and durable. Order this piece from IndustrialLightworks. com. Starts at $129.00.

2. Teak From Thailand

3. Look Ma, No Legs!

Atlanta Teak Furniture is importing Reclaimed Teak Dining Sets from Thailand as a part of the global effort to recycle natural materials. A great wood for outdoor furniture, any of their pieces will create a rustic look for your patio or backyard. Win win. Visit AtlantaTeak. com. Prices vary.

A minimalist’s dream. This WallMounted Nightstand by Reclaimed PA is neat and compact and is constructed of reclaimed barn wood. A drilled hole in the back right corner fits standard cords, so your iPhone can easily recharge alongside you. Head to ReclaimedPA’s shop on Etsy.com to place an order. Starts at $83.00.

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6 4. Tech Deck

5. Wine About It

6. Cinder-ella

Want great acoustics with even greater aesthetics? Check out this iPhone Speaker/Amplifier from Genuine Woodworking. Made entirely of reclaimed skateboard decks, it doesn’t require batteries. Completely portable, it’s the perfect set of outdoor speakers. Search GenuineWoodworking on Etsy.com to order yours. Starts at $70.00.

…or just stock it with magazines! The Handmade Pallet Wine Rack by Lee Art Designs is made from reclaimed wood and a distressed oil pallet. It holds standard wine bottles and glasses, or books and magazines. This item is a must for any wine-sipping, magazine-flipping homeowner. Search LeeArtDesigns on Etsy.com to purchase. Starts at $80.00.

A rustic bell of the ball. The Reclaimed Cinder Lights Coffee Table by Rong Designs is crafted from reclaimed pine or cedar from old picnic tables and repurposed cinder blocks. Amp up the ambience by placing tea lights inside of the cinder blocks. Search RongDesigns on Etsy.com to find this piece. Starting at $619.00.

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT SEPTEMBER 2014

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Floating Hardwoods

“

An Industry Game Changer

Contractors and homeowners love this product. It is 100% hardwood and highly cost-effective.

”

Flooring has long been one of the most impactful ways to change the look of your home. New flooring can also be an extremely cost-effective way to update and transform your space. For many years, however, hardwoods in basements were not an option for homeowners. Installation of nail-down flooring is impossible on a concrete slab, so homeowners were left with limited options – until now. Timberclick, also known as “floating” hardwoods, quite literally locks together with a patented technology exclusive to Atlanta’s own Floor & Decor. The boards are locked together and float like a raft with only the perimeter molding anchoring the hardwood boards in place. “Contractors and homeowners love this product. The product is 100% solid hardwood and the simple, locking technique makes installation up to three times faster than solid tongue & groove,” says designer Sue Rittenberg. There is no need for glue or nails, so installation is mess-free and can be installed over most existing floors. The product comes in many different styles and colors, so homeowners’ choices are virtually limitless. And don’t assume that the amazing technology of this product would make your project too expensive. Timberclick, because of its ease of use, is highly cost-effective. For more help with your designs, Sue Rittenberg offers FREE design services at the I-85 location – 1690 Northeast Expressway NE, Atlanta, GA 30329.

This article is brought to you by Floor & Decor | flooranddecor.com Atlanta (I-85 / Clairmont | Morrow | Kennesaw | Roswell

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NOT YOUR Momma’s Kitchen

New, uber-organized cabinets and crave-worthy countertops By Kathy Kantorski

singular buzzword permeated the conference, expo and event scene at this year’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. It defines the ideal

American kitchen and bath and can be interpreted in a myriad of ways. The word is: clean. It refers to the clean lines in a contemporary space or simply keeping the room free from clutter and dirt. Clean reigns supreme in today’s kitchens and baths.

Cabinet creations It used to be that closed-off storage spaces, like kitchen cabinets, were used to hide messy-looking piles of pots, lids, pans, dry goods, cleaning supplies, small appliances … you name it, our mothers and grandmothers shoved it behind the cabinet door. But no more! Modern-day cabinetry is almost as aesthetically pleasing on the inside as it is on the outside, thanks to the organizing gadgets and gizmos from manufacturers like RevA-Shelf, Glideware, The Pull-Out Shelf Company and more. And fortunately, you don’t have to remodel your entire kitchen to install most organizers. Your existing cabinets can be retrofitted with these goodies.

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www.atlantahomeimprovement.com

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SPECIAL SECTION: CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS

This unique island, with a prep sink and plenty of storage, is topped with Black Galaxy granite and a round inset breakfast table of Giallo Florence granite. www.atlantahomeimprovement.com

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PhotoIMPROVEMENT courtesy of CSI Kitchen &2014 Bath 2 Studio ATLANTA HOME SEPTEMBER 3

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Offering you the largest selection of high quality countertop materials in the Southeast for the past 25 years. ♦

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Designer: Carl Crespi

DCD

Diversified Cabinet Distributors KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN STUDIO 5250 Brook Hollow Parkway, Norcross GA • 678.325.3600 • www.dcdcabinets.com 24

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT SEPTEMBER 2014

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www.atlantahomeimprovement.com

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SPECIAL SECTION: CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS

Cabinet exteriors are also changing, with more contemporary designs on the rise. In the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) 2014 Kitchen and

Bath Design Trends Survey, 62 percent of respondents said contemporary style is on the upswing, making it the fastest growing kitchen style of the year. Becky Sue Becker, owner and principal designer with Designs by BSB, also notes, “I appreciate seeing more

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unique door profiles outside of

Häfele’s Smart Cab Storage System is gaining popularity. It’s designed to fit in a 15- or 18-inch base cabinet with a drawer above, and homeowners can configure the storage space to match their needs with a variety of shelves and applications including a spice shelf, a baking sheet and wrap holder, utensil and knife storage and more.

panel doors. Door and cabinet manufacturers are embracing new profiles for the rails to give a more custom look.” She adds that cabinet manufacturers are also introducing more custom finishes that aren’t the typical gold, brown and black stains.

➋ On the surface Clean design doesn’t stop with cabinets. Countertop surfaces are actually cleaned more frequently than cabinets are. So sleek counters are often most responsible for a kitchen having a “clean” look. In recent years, quartz and been on the rise. The difference

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MasterBrand Cabinets’ Lazy Susan offers the typical spin-and-find function and also features a center-pullout where you can store your mostused items.

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The Docking Drawer by JTech Solutions can charge personal electronic devices while hidden from sight. “We’ve been putting outlets into drawers for a while now, but with conduit,” says Becky Sue Becker, CMKBD, CAPS, owner and principal designer with Designs by BSB in Lawrenceville. “This system does the same thing but in a much smaller footprint so it’s not as cumbersome.” —Becky Sue Becker, CMKBD, CAPS, Designs by BSB Photos courtesy of (from top) Masterbrand; Häfele America Co.; Rev-A-Shelf LLC, photography by Phototech Inc.; Häfele America Co.; Docking Drawer, photography by James Marshall

between the two? While both materials are more durable than marble or granite, yet offer the appearance of natural stone—quartzite is, in fact, a quarried stone comprised of sandstone. Quartz countertops are actually an engineered material. “Finally we have access to a natural stone material that has the beauty of

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they see quartz countertops increasing in 2014. Once again evoking that “clean” buzzword, quartz is likely the most durable and lowest-maintenance countertop on the market. It is not likely to etch, stain or chip and is able to withstand high temperatures. (It can handle temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit!) Quinn notes that countertop edges are also becoming more clean and simple. “All those double-stack ogee edges have become coves or simple 2¼-inch thick mitered edges,” he says. Now you’ve been informed, so it’s time to get inspired—let’s take a look at some of the coolest countertops in Atlanta! www.atlantahomeimprovement.com

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Some of the Coolest Countertops in Atlanta! Woody Limestone By: Atlanta Kitchen The lines within this woody limestone island surface perfectly mimic actual wood grain. La Parla Venata quartzite covers the perimeter of the space, complementing the wood centerpiece, as does the warm color palette in the Vibe Parker Mosaic backsplash, which was installed by Builders Floor Covering & Tile.

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Floating Concrete By: Pipa Bradbury Design Pipa Bradbury Ginschel’s design concept for Hettich America’s display kitchen in Buford was to have the appearance of “floating” surfaces. “To accentuate the different planes intersecting, I created shadow lines by floating one plane off another,” she explains. “I also floated a piece of sealed reclaimed oak off the concrete to create a table.” The half-inch-thick concrete surface in a “heather” color was made and installed by Bradley Hughes Atlanta. “They came out and made templates of the space so they could pour the concrete tops and finish with a sealer prior to the install,” Bradbury Ginschel explains.

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Flagstone Outdoor By: MOSAIC Group Architects and Remodelers and King Landscaping A woodland theme runs throughout this Atlanta-area outdoor kitchen. It’s in the dark-wood arbor that echoes the nearby tree trunks. It’s also in the tree-ring-like veins running throughout the large flagstone countertop used for the kitchen’s eat-in island. Photos courtesy of (top to bottom) Atlanta Kitchen, photography by Barbara Brown; Pipa Bradbury Design; MOSAIC Group Architects and Remodelers and King Landscaping, photography by Gregg Willett www.atlantahomeimprovement.com

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Countertop FAQs How should I care for my countertops? For granite and marble countertops, clean with a product made specifically for natural stone surfaces. Do not use bleach, ammonia or citrus products and be sure to clean spills in a timely manner to avoid staining. Do not stand or sit on countertops. Use a cutting board for cutting and use trivets for hot items. Apply a water-based sealer every six months. —Melissa Slaton, Top South Inc. / Granite Direct Warehouse

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Quartz is an excellent product and is easy to maintain. Use mild soap and water; soft cleansers work well, too. As with any stone surface, wipe up acidic spills quickly. Most quartz surfaces are highly stain- and scratch-resistant.

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rinsed and dried well. Wipe up and dry spills immediately. The tile itself is non-porous, but the grout is not, so seal grout lines periodically. —CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio Laminate countertops should be cleaned with a soft cloth, mild detergent and water. Rinse well and dry. Always use cutting boards to prevent scratches and a trivet or hot pad for hot pots. —CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio

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in with a piece of felt can fill in small scratches. Tiny chips can be re-glued with an epoxy cement. Large repairs

are best left to a professional. Quartz is another material where small chips can be glued back into place. Tile is more easily chipped or cracked than some other materials, so it’s a good idea to keep some extra tiles on hand in the event that one is damaged. The damaged tile can be pried off, a new one reset on thinset mortar, then regrouted and sealed. For laminate countertops, small chips can be filled in with a laminate paste, and stains can be removed with a little distilled vinegar or rubbing alcohol. To remove stains on concrete surfaces, a thin coat of concrete can be applied on top, or the surface can be lightly ground off and resealed. Butcher block countertops can always be sanded and

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What are the countertop trends you’re seeing in Atlanta kitchens?

Textured granite. Texturing granite will give the stone a matte finish with varying degrees of texture, such as leathered, antiqued, brushed and flamed. Textured stone adds an exciting element to your design. —Melissa Slaton, Top South Inc. / Granite Direct Warehouse White again! We are starting to see the shift to white with lots of movement and veining rather than

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the look of marble without the maintenance hassles that come along with it. —Mell Hill, Oldcastle Surfaces Countertops made of recycled materials, such as those manufactured by IceStone, Vetrazzo or ReVelle, are becoming more popular as people look for environmentally friendly solutions. —CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio Exotic woods are now being used in butcher block islands to add an exciting new look. —Tom Dwyer, Harbour Towne Construction Inc. Multiple surface types are mixed together in many kitchen designs. For example, using a durable quartz product for the perimeter/ main cabinetry area then choosing something different for the island. The

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any older homes seem designed to hustle visitors from the front door straight to the living or family room without ever encouraging them to linger in the entryway. After all, this utilitarian space usually didn’t have much to offer in the way

of hospitality or aesthetics. But modern homeowners are beginning to dress up their entryways, staircases and railings in pause-worthy new ways.

Make An Entrance These days, foyers have taken on a more prominent role in the overall décor of the home. “Homeowners are treating the entryway more as a part of the home instead of just a pass-through space to get into the home,” says Brandie Stoeck, design consultant and owner of Stoeck Designs in Marietta. “Foyers had been used mainly for hanging coats, housing the vacuum in the closet or a place to just drop shoes. Now they are setting the stage for the look and feel of the home, telling a brief story of the people who live there as well as becoming a working, functional space.” To accomplish this in your own home, Stoeck suggests incorporating a pop of color or even some patterns. “Entryways are a good place to introduce pattern. For example… with wallpaper. Yes, I did just say wallpaper. This product has changed so much over the years. For example, it has become easier to remove and now it offers so many options in patterns. Great metal foils, current and modern patterns (i.e. trellis) and bold colors. Sherwin Williams and Candice Olson both have some very nice collections.”

Photos courtesy of (clockwise from top left) Keiffer Phillips - Patricia Brown Builders, Inc; Stoeck Designs, photography by Brandie Stoeck and Vision Stairways & Millwork

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Stoeck also recommends adding a personal touch to the space by displaying family photos or original art. “I think any photo of the family in the entryway also conveys a welcome to visitors,” she says. Another key feature of a welcoming entryway is proper lighting. “The ceiling/chandelier light is usually too weak compared to the size of space it is supposed to illuminate,” Stoeck says. To combat this, she suggests a larger ceiling or chandelier light that will suffuse the space with adequate lighting. Also, wall sconces can be used to supplement the overhead light. “Having all the lights on separate switches with dimmers gives diversity to whatever lighting the homeowner wants for different occasions,” Stoeck says. When deciding how to decorate your entryway, first evaluate how you want to use the space and what style will incorporate that goal, Stoeck says. “Do they want more storage? Do they want more seating? Will this become a mini photo/art display area?” The answers to these questions can help guide your overall design project.

Step Up with Style Just like the entryway, the staircase has primarily served as more of a functional asset of the home and less as a design feature. However, more and more stairways are beginning to fuse form with Photo courtesy of Vision Stairways & Millwork

function to create some truly stunning designs. “The railings and stairs usually are a very visible and central feature in today’s home and can make

removed and replaced with hardwood treads and risers in

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Patricia Brown Builders, Inc.

stairway. “Today’s homeowner has many choices when it

When dressing up your stairway, Stoeck and Brown both

comes to lighting the staircase, and we are seeing them

remind homeowners to keep the overall design in line with the style of the rest of the home. But no need to play it too safe, Stoeck says, “This area should be a design element of the home. However, it should also be a space where the envelope can be pushed slightly from the rest of the décor of the home.” For example, if the stairs include carpet, skip the floor

exercise those options,” Brown says. These options include natural light from skylights or windows placed in the stairway, chandeliers, wall sconces, LED light strips placed under the lip of the stairs, and lights placed low along the wall of the stairway.

covering used in the rest of the house and opt for

On a Rail

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Of course, simply dressing up a stair railing can go a long

or carpet on the stairs, this is a great way to incorporate saturated color or a pattern,” Stoeck says. “The carpet itself can be very different from standard wall-to-wall carpet. It can be made of durable jute, include colored tape borders or even large nail trim.”

way in improving the style of the overall stairway. One of the most popular improvement trends involves painting or staining the railing. “Staining the handrail a darker or different color than the flooring has been very popular as it breaks up the stain color, lending interest in the overall

Some homeowners may even choose to replace

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want to keep them white but you still want to change the

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configuration of the stairs, the underlying treads can be

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Changing out the spindles also can provide an entirely new look to a stairway. For instance, swapping wood spindles to metal spindles can make a major impact, but first make sure it still blends in with the overall style of the home. “If you

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Photos courtesy of (top to bottom) Keiffer Phillips - Patricia Brown Builders, Inc and Vision Stairways & Millwork

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September 5-7, 2014

COBB GALLERIA CENTRE Two Great Shows –

One Fantastic Home Improvement Event The 31st Annual Fall Atlanta Home Show & ALL NEW Outdoor Living Expo is Georgia’s largest home improvement event of the season and it brings together over 350 companies showcasing the best in products and services for outdoor living and home improvement. Attendees come to see the products demonstrated and speak directly with experts in home construction and renovation, landscaping, energy saving, kitchen and bath design and much, much more. Enjoy comparison shopping in our fun, festive atmosphere where everything you might need for your home, inside and out, is gathered together under one roof. You can drop in on a cooking demonstration to check out the latest in stovetops, grills and cookware. Talk to indoor and outdoor kitchen designers about your particular needs, walk through landscaped exhibits to get ideas and solutions for your own yard, pick up product samples and information and schedule appointments for experts to visit your home. Many of the exhibitors offer show specials, which can save you thousands of dollars. For 31 years, the Fall Atlanta Home Show has been the largest Fall Home Show in Georgia and this year will include the Outdoor Living Expo! This event is owned and produced by SEMCO Productions – Atlanta-based and family owned since 1959.

Fall Atlanta Home Show 2014 Details Like us on facebook, follow us on twitter

Admission: General Admission Children 12 and under Adults 65 and over Military & First Responders