Home + Design Fall 2020

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Kitchen Renos on the Rise Dayton Nursery Celebrates 150 Years

Unique Design with Luken Interiors

Great room design by Ashley Powell, Allied ASID, DSID of Luken Interiors.

Photo: Jeanne Mam-Luft

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A Reason FOR JOY WILDFIRE IN HAMILTON SPECIALIZES IN HOME GOODS DESIGNED TO BRING PEOPLE HAPPINESS The Hamilton-based store changes its products with the season.

By Corinne Minard PHOTOS: Trey Connally & Becky Konz

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ildfire in Hamilton is a dream store for owner Sarah Dankhoff. She started the business in August 2019 after spending years thinking about it.

“Wildfire is the collection of items I love and bring joy to my life—and hope make you feel the same. The shop is ever changing, but never loses its neutral palette or bohemian vibe. I love gifts and decor with inspirational

messages—the pieces in your home and that make you stop and remember why life is so good and reignite the passions and purpose inside of you,” she says.

The products are a mix of local and U.S.-made goods, and the look of the shop changes with the season. Dankhoff says fall is “Saffron Spice”—deep rust tones that can be seen in colored pampas, terracotta pots and home accents.

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Stop in to your nearest Menards® location to start shopping today! or visit 46

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“We do have products we keep restocked, however more than half of our shop changes seasonally. Many items come into the shop only once,” she says. “My goal is that the shop feels new and fresh every time my customers visit.”

Wildfire, 226 High St., Hamilton. Tu-Sa 11 a.m.-4 p.m. wildfirehamilton.com. n

Find your new favorite restaurant on cincymagazine.com

Leather Journal, $46. More styles available Shag Bag, $15. Three designs available.

Faux Rooted Ferns, $12 each.

Dolly XO Mug $18. Also available with quotes from Bob Marley, Prince, Elvis, Stevie Nicks, Frank Sinatra, Alice In Wonderland, and Glinda the Good Witch.

YOUR UNIQUE VISION, BROUGHT TO LIFE. LUKENINTERIORS.COM

937.299.7556 HOME + DESIGN

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Q&A

7 Questions with Danielle Harris CO-OWNER OF JLH CUSTOMS

By Corinne Minard

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usband-and-wife duo Josh and Danielle Harris started their home renovation and remodeling company JLH Customs in 2010 and have been working with homeowners in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky ever since. The company was recently named Best Home Remodeler in the 2020 Best of NKY, so we sat down with Danielle, the company’s designer, to learn more about the company and get some advice for those considering a remodel of their own. You can learn more about them and their services by visiting facebook.com/ Jlhcustoms/ or calling 513-225-1811.

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LH Customs owners Josh and Danielle Harris

Q A

How did JLH Customs come about?

Ten years ago, Josh was working in logistics and I had a project I was working on for a client. I was having a hard time finding a carpenter to build just what I needed. He asked to see the picture and casually said, “I can do that.” Both relieved and worried since I was unaware of this “hidden talent” he possessed, I let him build the piece and it was flawless! Over the next few months I kept coming to him with other projects and he knocked them all out of the park. Finally, I told him you

need to start your own business. We can do this together; you build it and I will design it! He thought I was slightly crazy, but he jumped on board and here we are today.

Q A

What kind of projects do you work on?

We are a full-service home remodeling company that specializes in both large and small projects. We remodel lots of kitchens, master baths and lower-level builds. We also specialize in custom carpentry work such as trim detail, built-in cabinetry, accent walls and flooring.

Q A

What kind of styles do you like to work with?

We enjoy working with all styles and designs! We really thrive on getting to know our clients personally and love to make their home dreams come true through each individual’s unique styles.

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What are some common mistakes you see homeowners make when they start a project?

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Probably the largest mistake we see is homeowners not doing the homework prior to hiring a contractor. We witness horror stories almost daily and unfortunately it can cost an individual thousands of dollars to have things fixed correctly. These things can be avoided by doing your research, get referrals or references, and ask lots of questions! Nothing is worse than when someone spends their hard-earned money and it turns into a nightmare project.

Q A

Are there any trends you’re seeing right now?

We h a v e b e e n s e e i n g a lot of trends going more towards t he natural elements. Clients want a fresh look incorporating elements such as brick, wood, concrete and fresh greens to add those organic pops of color. Pattern floors and feature walls with texture are also a huge trend coming into our area.

Q A

What spaces add the most value to your home?

Kitchens and masters sell houses so you can never go wrong revamping those spaces. Finishing your lower level is always a good idea to add value and extra square footage!

Q A

When do you know it’s time to remodel?

Before and after kitchen remodel by JLH Customs. Danielle Harris says that a kitchen remodel is one of the best ways to add value to your home.

Every eight to 10 years is when you really need to update. Resale value is very important and in order to keep up with trends and styles it’s best to give the home a facelift every eight to 10. n

It’s time to take back control KATHY DRUFFNER Professional Organizer

(937) 271-4154 đ DPOrganizing@gmail.com DPOrganizing.com đ 2312 Far Hills Ave, #214, Dayton, OH 45419 HOME + DESIGN

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Still Smokin’ KITCHEN RENOVATIONS EVEN MORE POPULAR DURING THE PANDEMIC

By Terry Troy

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funny thing happened when Governor Mike DeWine gave the stay at home order last spring.

People not only stayed home, they also started to look around to see how they might improve their surroundings.

As one of the focal points of any home, people looked at how they might improve their kitchens, which has kept the home renovation market very robust, not only in the area, but across the nation.

In mid-August the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and John Burns Real Estate Consulting (JBREC) released their Q2 2020 Kitchen & Bath Market Index, a survey of NKBA members involved with manufacturing, building/construction, design and retail, that rated the industry at 5.9 on a scale of 1 through 10. That put the industry a little stronger than 5.0 (or normal) for the second quarter, up sig52

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nificantly from the 4.1 rating of the first quarter. Better still, future conditions are rated at 61.9 out of 100, which means the industry should remain strong through the end of the year.

“Overall, with the pandemic and people staying at home more, there has been some increase in what people are doing,” says Andrew Glasgow, president of H. Glasgow Construction, a recipient of the 2020 National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Contractor of the Year Award. “However, what they have been doing has been modified. They may not be putting on a new sun room, but instead focusing on some other area of the home.”

Redoing a kitchen or creating a more comfortable work-at-home space have become top of mind for people dealing with the pandemic, says Glasgow. Not only are they working at home, they are also doing a lot more cooking.

“In the ‘50s the kitchen was a clean but basically boring space,” says Glasgow.

“Then the kitchen started to grow into a hub for family gatherings. When houses moved to an open floor plan design, the

Experts say that adding accent colors like black is becoming an increasingly popular design choice.

Rebekah Calhoun

Andrew Glasgow kitchen continued to be the hub, but it also had access to wide open spaces where you could see everything that is happening from the kitchen.”

Kitchens being a focal point for home design is a lifestyle trend that will likely continue well into the years ahead.

“People are still enamored with their kitchens, and now even more so because they are staying at home and cooking more,” says Rebekah Calhoun, a designer with Meyer Brothers & Sons, and the current president of NARI’s Greater Cincinnati Chapter. “Today, our clients want a fresh look for the kitchen, but it has what we call a snowball effect on the rest of the home. The kitchen becomes the first step in revamping the entire home.”

That could mean changing out trims, casings and baseboards, upgrading door hardware or even painting the interior, says Calhoun, who is seeing an increasing popularity of interior colors such as navy, gold and matte black.

“We’re even seeing an increase of greens.

Not the traditional avocado of the ‘70s, but more modern versions,” she says. “When

you redo your kitchen you want to tie design elements of the kitchen to everything else in the home, and make the entire home more modern.”

Emerging kitchen design trends include quartz counter surfaces, “which look like marble but hold up as well as granite,” adds Calhoun. “A lot of people are also extending their hardwood floors into the kitchen.”

Calhoun’s clients are finding it much easier to remodel thanks to online resources, which have not only helped consumers define choices, but also made it easier and safer to do business during COVID-19.

“Technolog y makes it possible for everything to be done online, which is great, especially during the pandemic,” says Calhoun. “We’re still able to work as a team but we can also work from our own homes.”

“It used to be that years ago, you would go out to a client’s home with a book of photos of the projects that you had done and they would pick out the designs they liked,” says Glasgow. “But now, their choices are not necessarily completed but are better defined because the client may have spent

some time in a peer’s home (which we call the Jones effect), or they have done a lot of research online.

“Today, you have a lot of people sitting at home and when they have free time, they look at different designs,” Glasgow adds.

“So when they contact us for an appointment, they often know what they want.

Then, we just have to use our expertise to bring it all together.”

One of the trends, especially with more upscale budgets, involves creating a complete entertaining and working kitchen, greatly expanding its functionality. And, of course, there is the whole concept of creating an outdoor kitchen and food service area for expanded patio and deck entertaining, especially in summer and fall months.

Expanding the kitchen’s functionality, “could mean creating a butler’s kitchen or a caterer’s kitchen where the client hosts events, uses the kitchen to set up and bring in food for presentation, and then has enough room for clearing away items for easier cleaning,” says Glasgow.

There are some new technological developments on the horizon, which will directly impact kitchen upgrades in the future, notes Glasgow. Through the internet of things (IoT Technology), smart appliances are now able to program functions— like ovens set remotely to pre-heat while you are on the commute home, or smart refrigerators detecting which items you’re running low on or even creating an online shopping list for you to pick up something at the store on the way home.

“Those new developments are not only going to make the entire kitchen more efficient, they will also impact kitchen design,” Glasgow says. “You’ll even soon see things like digital backsplashes.”

Which will take kitchen design to a whole new level. Want something traditional in a backsplash? Try going with a traditional black and white tile design.

Like that picture of the waterfall you took while on vacation? It can be displayed on your backsplash or some other wall.

“I’ve already seen some prototypes, and you’ll soon start seeing some articles on it,” Glasgow says.

It all means that you’ll basically be able to change the entire look of your kitchen, simply by clicking on something you like.

It’s a brave new world, where you’ll be able to increase the functionality of your kitchen, or change its entire design, in the blink of an eye. n HOME + DESIGN

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Siebenthaler’s has used its landscaping expertise to create one-of-a-kind gardens for generations.

The Family Business That Keeps Growing THE SIEBENTHALER COMPANY HAS SERVED THE COMMUNITY WITH ITS GARDENING EXPERTISE FOR 150 YEARS

By Karla Hollencamp

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or any small business to last 150 years, it must be doing something right. The Siebenthaler’s Company, a landscaping and nursery company with garden centers in Beavercreek and 54

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Centerville, has used its continuing expertise and good management to survive.

Over the years the company has had many prestigious projects, including Orville Wrights’ Hawthorn Hill and the Dayton Art Institute.

“And now we’re finishing the [institute’s] historic hillside preservation project,” says sixth-generation President Robert Siebenthaler of his family’s business.

But the true test of sustainability is how the company handles the not-so-good times.

“I think I counted 80 different worldwide events we’ve been through as a community

over that time,” Robert says. Siebenthaler’s has survived world wars, pandemics, economic crises, tornadoes and floods.

“As Dayton was recovering from the 1913 flood, we supplied produce to the downtown residents and stores. We are helping to reforest the areas of the city destroyed by the tornadoes a year ago,” Robert says.

“The current coronavirus situation has people looking at their yards and gardens in a different way. It’s not quite a back-to-nature movement but they want to live outdoors more. Anybody with a square inch of space wants to

TOP: Siebenthaler’s did the original landscaping for the Dayton Art Institute.

BELOW: Siebenthaler’s has two garden centers—one in Centerville and one in Bevercreek. plant something. [There’s] a renewed interest in growing vegetables, planting trees, creating flower gardens, [and] also making the most of outdoor living—patios to enjoy, more elaborate grilling and cooking space.”

Each generation of the Siebenthaler family has added something and found new ways to serve the community.

First-generation Georg immigrated from Germany in 1866 and purchased an 8-acre plot along what is now Siebenthaler Avenue and Catalpa Drive. That’s where he and his son John started the business in 1870. The

nursery grew to offer fruit trees and over 60 varieties of grapes.

The family grew, too. Second-generation John had seven children, including Wilber, who succeeded his father as head of the company. Wilber traveled throughout the world, establishing a broad base for the business. By 1920, ornamental trees and shrubs were the chief offerings. A wide variety of evergreens, including Norway Spruce, were grown.

This third generation also included Clarence, who developed the company’s landscape planning services. Clarence

was part of the nationwide movement to establish home and industry beautification as a profession.

Brothers John and George took over growing the plant stock and the retail side of the business, respectively. In fact, John developed many new varieties of lilacs and two new shade trees (Moraine Ash and Moraine Locust) while George used his Cornell University degree to pioneer the development of the modern garden center, one that was located within easy reach of city and suburban customers.

Merchandising was his specialty and he was internationally recognized for his innovative designs.

In 1947, the company purchased the land that became the Siebenthaler Farm.

Fourth-generation Robert “Bob” Siebenthaler graduated from Michigan State with a degree in landscape architecture, served in the Korean War and then came home to Dayton to head the business. He was a National Landscape Association Hall of Fame member and received the Distinguished Outstanding Horticulturist Award. He gave much to his hometown and has been recognized by the Dayton Rotary and Beavercreek Wetlands Association for his service.

Fifth-generation Robert “Jeff” Siebenthaler was president from 1990 until 2015.

He continues with company as CEO and chairman of the board. He is a past president of the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association and the National Landscape Association. He has served the community as a board member of organizations like Dayton History, the Better Business Bureau and Dayton Children’s Medical Center.

The family tradition is to work in the nursery and garden centers after school and during the summer. Afterwards, they go to college and study horticulture or landscape architecture as well as business.

Sixth-generation Robert, the company’s current president, is a certified arborist as well as a graduate of the Miami University Farmer School of Business.

Family members learn a lot of the business at the dinner table and at family gatherings on the holidays.

“We like to have fun,” Robert says. “In honor of my grandfather’s birthday we’re having a plant growing contest. There are four different entries in the contest. My secret weapon is my 8-year-old son Jackson.”

Robert smiles. “He’s got an 8-foot-tall avocado tree he’s raised from the seed.”

Looks like the seventh generation is in place. n HOME + DESIGN

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With a large focus on maintaining a contemporary vibe in this formal great room, notes of classic elements also found their way in to create a collected, well-curated feast for the eyes. Every element that entered the palette was thoughtfully studied and positioned to create an intentionally mixed interior. Lead Designer: Ashley Powell, Allied ASID, DSID Photography: Jeanne Mam-Luft

Customization is Key INTERIOR DESIGN COMPANY LUKEN INTERIORS WORKS WITH HOMEOWNERS TO CREATE TIMELESS, COMFORTABLE SPACES

By Corinne Minard

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uken Interiors knows a thing or two about interior design. The Dayton-based team, comprised of five interior designers along with a support staff, has a combined experience of more than 100 years helping its clients create interiors that enhance their lives.

“We all share the same values that design is vital to the health and well-being of all people in interior environments. Our No. 1 goal is to help our clients create spaces that improve their lives both functionally and emotionally,” says Jon Blunt, interior designer at Luken Interiors.

The company assists homeowners with a range of projects, from color consultation to new kitchens to total home construction.

“We start all projects with space planning and learning how the client will use the space.

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Luken Interior Designers, from left: Jon Blunt, Brigid Ashworth, Ashley Powell, Lori Wilke and Randy Luken From there we can provide any variety of services including new furnishings, kitchen and bath remodels, flooring, lighting, window treatments and all their design needs from the ground up,” adds Blunt.

And while hiring an interior designer sounds like it can be an expensive endeavor, Blunt says that the company works with many budgets, and that working with a designer can actually help a homeowner save money.

“We want everyone to know that customization is the key to good design that

fits the client and the project. And good design is available to everyone!” he says.

“Designers have excellent resources that don’t always show up in a Google search and many times are not available to purchase online. Finding the right sofa, lamp, cabinet, countertop, f loor, etc. takes the knowledge and resources of an expert. Don’t settle for the first thing you see.”

We spoke with the Luken Interiors team about several of their projects to learn more about how they were created. n

Creating a guest room that feels special was the goal of this project that started with a blank box. The wall of wallpaper was the starting point for the color scheme and the project developed through to the details that give the guest the warm feeling of welcome. Lead Designer: Jon Blunt, FASID Photography: Guy Kelly First, Luken Interiors reworked the envelope of this cozy den, which involved floor-to-ceiling warmed, knotty pine paneling, built-in bookcases and a flat-boarded coffered ceiling. According to the team, nothing says, “warm up in front of the fire with a good book and a cup of coffee� better than this space. Lead Designer: Ashley Powell, Allied ASID, DSID Photography: Jeanne Mam-Luft

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BE T TER BUS INES S BURE AU THE FOLLOWING PAGES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUS (BBB) OF CINCINNATI AND DAYTON FOR READERS OF HOME + DESIGN.

When DIY Goes Wrong, Do You Know What to Do? “Install hardwood flooring in your home for $15 in a weekend!”

“The surprising $25 hack homeowners are using to completely renovate their bathrooms!”

“This cheap, easy DIY kitchen remodel tutorial is saving people thousands!”

Have you ever clicked on a headline like that? If you’re like any of the millions of American consumers who have been inspired to DIY a major home project, you probably have.

The can-do, creative spirit of DIY is what makes our society unique. We are so here for it.

But few DIY projects go off without a hitch. Not enough preparation or research, surprise construction flaws and unrealistic expectations sneak up on even the most enterprising of do-it-yourselfers.

So, do you know what to do when your DIY project goes wrong? Check the list below: □ Take five. Stop and reevaluate your project. Be realistic about your options and limitations. Whatever the obstacle, it will probably require an adjustment of your timetable, budget or supplies. □ Don’t take shortcuts. When you hit a snag, you may be tempted to skip steps or cut corners. Short-term solutions lead to long-term problems. □ Consider consultation. When you’re stuck, a local contractor may be willing to consult with you about how best to proceed. □ Get backup. It may be time to bring in a professional to finish your project.

If things are critical, it’s essential that you find someone trustworthy and credible. □ Go to bbb.org. Our database has everything you need to know about businesses in your area, so you can find highly rated, well-reviewed professionals to help you finish your project. With BBB, better backup is just a click away. n 58

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BE T TER BUS INES S BURE AU THE FOLLOWING PAGES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUS (BBB) OF CINCINNATI AND DAYTON FOR READERS OF HOME + DESIGN.

Looking for a Trustworthy Business?

Check Its BBB Accreditation.

At one point or another, you’ll need help choosing the right business.

Whether hiring a home improvement contractor, finding the right lawyer or getting a new dentist, you need a way to find a company you can trust to meet your needs. But you’re busy and time is precious—sometimes there isn’t enough time to research a business properly or not enough information out there to set your mind at ease.

That’s where we come in.

BBB evaluates businesses that apply for accreditation using a set of standards. Those that meet our standards commit to a comprehensive set of policies, procedures and best practices.

In a nutshell, these businesses have promised to treat you right.

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BBB Accredited Businesses do the following: □ Build trust. They establish and maintain a positive track record. □ Advertise honestly. They adhere to high standards of advertising and selling. □ Tell the truth. They honestly represent products and services, and clearly disclose all terms. □ Are transparent. They’re open about the nature, location and ownership of their business. They disclose all policies, guarantees and procedures that have bearing on a customer’s decision to buy. □ Honor promises. They abide by all written agreements and verbal representations. □ Are responsive. They address disputes quickly, professionally and in good faith. □ Safeguard your privacy. They protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud. They collect personal information only as needed and respect your preferences about how they use it. □ Embody integrity. They approach all dealings, transactions and commitments with integrity.

The bottom line is that when you need a business you can trust, lean on BBB accreditation. It’s a seal that gives you confidence about your choice. Check bbb.org to find a company’s status and reviews and look for the BBB logo on its website and advertisements. n

BE T TER BUS INES S BURE AU THE FOLLOWING PAGES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUS (BBB) OF CINCINNATI AND DAYTON FOR READERS OF HOME + DESIGN.

Contracts 101 DO YOU KNOW ALL THERE IS TO KNOW ABOUT CONTRACTS? Did you know that a contract, once it is signed, can’t be changed or broken unless both parties agree? But, the Federal Trade Commission’s Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel purchases of $25 or more for any reason.

Before you hire a business to perform a service or repair, obtain a loan or make a large purchase, you may need to sign a contract. Here’s what it should include: □ Company’s name and address □ Person’s name and contact information □ Product price, type and model number □ Quality and condition of materials used □ Service obligations and delivery/completion time □ Project cost and payment schedule □ Cancellation and return policies □ Warranty and guarantee information Always, always, always read and clearly understand a contract before you sign it. Make revisions, additions or deletions as needed. Contracts are designed to protect you and the business, so put them to work for you!

Before you sign a contract: □ Be wary of vaguely worded provisions, exclusions or limitations. □ Request confusing statements be removed or clarified. □ Make sure oral promises are included. □ Consider having your contract reviewed by an attorney. □ Resist any pressure to sign before you feel comfortable. □ Never sign a blank contract. □ Keep a copy of the signed contract.

Protecting yourself is more than just doing business with a trustworthy company—it means making sure you’ve reached a solid contractual agreement. With BBB’s help, you can feel confident when you sign your name to any dotted line. n HOME + DESIGN

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HISTO RI C H O ME

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hen I first stepped into the vacant English Tudor that is now our beloved home, I knew it was a diamond in the rough, just waiting for someone with vision and a great “old house” contractor to bring it back to life. The house almost had it all: quiet no-outlet street, a first-floor master and bath, original parquet and marble floors, a screened-in porch and a carved stone fireplace. What it didn’t have was a workable kitchen, family room area, access to the wooded back yard or workable staircase to the second floor. All of the walls in the house were painted beige, there was ancient linoleum on the floors, but oh, the charm!

It had been in the same family for a couple of generations and had clearly been cherished. We decided to do our best to restore it while maintaining the original character and making it work for our lifestyle. This home has now turned 100 and has never been more livable.

With help from architect Tim Jeckering and Gus Thierry and his crew at ICS Building Restoration, we were able to reconfigure the tiny kitchen and web of pantries into a beautiful, usable space and move the existing back stairs to create a stunning staircase off the front hall. We were also able to create a first-floor laundry room, which allows us the luxury of complete “first-floor living” in a two-story home. The addition of a modest deck and bluestone patio now allows us to enjoy the “rural” life right here in the middle of the city.

- Barbara McManus of Clifton

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