43 minute read
Embrace Your Space
APRIL IS HERE and it’s time to throw open the windows, get out in the yard, and celebrate springtime. Whether you’re making (or looking for) a new nest or relaxing retreat for your family, re-energizing your living areas with a renovation or a seasonal makeover, or planning yard projects and gardening, in our annual Home & Garden feature, we encourage you to embrace your space. From the inside out, your home should be a reflection of you and should fit your lifestyle too. We’ve gathered information and tips from local professionals to help inspire, educate, and guide you. Find your favorite cozy nook or spot in the sun and let us help you feel at home.
PHOTOGRAPH BY NICK TOTH, THE DARKROOM
Thank you to the owners of this lovely house for sharing their beautiful property with us. The home is listed for sale with Signature Properties at signaturepropertiesgroup.com. ACE Garden Center supplied the florals, while chairs, glasses and home accessories were provided by Dutchmans Casual Living. Thanks to Rebecca Robinson Davis and her brother, Rob Robinson, our models, for jumping in at the last minute and braving the wind and the cold. Rebecca’s hair and make-up were styled by Kristen Davis and Rebecca Wynn of B. Lush Salon and Ronne’s on Market Street supplied her attire. Rob’s shirt is from Gentlemen’s Outfitters.
Splurgeor Save
Are you remodeling your kitchen or starting fresh in a new house? Determining where to spend can be a difficult task. The first thing a designer will do is make sure the budget is reasonable to accomplish the client’s goals and scope of work. Once there is a layout in place, plans can be made with the contractor or any subs involved and work can commence with the budget in mind. At this stage, decisions can be made whether to save in any areas to be able to splurge in others to achieve the desired final results.
Jennie Moseley, owner of Simmer & Soak, shares her tips on which items are okay to go simple and save some cash and where splurging would be best.
SPLURGE
SAVE
WATERSTONE FAUCETS
PLUMBING FIXTURES
Your faucet is a big statement in your kitchen. It’s one of the first things people see, plus you use it every day. Get one that you love to look at, and that you love using. I believe in making washing dishes as pleasant as possible. Be careful to check quality, solid brass construction is the way to go.
CALIFORNIA FAUCETS
CABINETS
Maybe you love a limewaxed French oak for your kitchen but can’t afford to do it. Instead, install a simple white manufactured cabinet for the perimeter and spend your money on a custom island in oak so you can still have the finish you love as a centerpiece.
SPLURGE
This is my favorite. You can get a lot of bang for your buck with a backsplash. Don’t just opt for the standard 4” piece they want you to do with the countertop; that’s just so they don’t have to worry about any gaps with your wall. Even if you can’t do it right now, leave it off and come back and do it right when you can afford it.
SAVE
COUNTERTOPS
Countertop pricing is all over the place. Sure an exotic marble would be gorgeous, but if you have an amazing backsplash, a simple white quartz countertop can be the best complement for it.
SPLURGE
ATLAS HARDWARE
BUSTER & PUNCH HARDWARE
CABINET HARDWARE
This is an area people often skimp on. Usually it’s the last thing you order and you’re already broke and over budget. But hardware can make or break a grand kitchen remodel. Spend a few extra dollars per piece and get something that is going to last and that you love. Remember mixing finishes is A-OK, and brass is back, baby.
SAVE
APPLIANCES
This is a huge area where you can cut costs. Everyone wants the look of commercial appliances, even in kitchens where they don’t cook. If you don’t cook, don’t spend all your money on a fabulous range. You can blow your whole budget on a single appliance.
If you’re looking for help with your project, the team at Simmer & Soak can help you order hardware and light fixtures, consult with you on custom cabinetry and countertops, select tile from their exclusive brands, or coordinate with builders to interpret and implement your bespoke kitchen design into a new construction or remodel project. They will expertly manage your project and construction from start to finish.
Unlocking Your Dreams
Spring means new growth in the real estate market. The agents and staff of Duckworth Properties work together like family. President and Broker LeAnn Duckworth and Associate Broker Hannah Melton ARE family. This mother-daughter duo is committed to upholding a standard of excellence for the benefit of their clients and their community, and they have assembled a team of agents who ALL share that philosophy. Driven and dedicated, these ladies know their stuff! As
local residents who are familiar with what the Golden Isles has to offer, LeAnn and Hannah are undoubtedly experts in the real estate industry.While they can sell ANYTHING from farm land to luxury homes, designing a new construction home is also a part of their expertise. The reputation of this family owned business has been built on a portfolio of transactions that result in long term relationships and referrals. In 2017, Duckworth Properties Sales Professionals had another astronomical year, having sold over $96 million in sales with a combined 533 transactions.
Through her commitment to excellence and personal service, LeAnn is known as a highly regarded Realtor in the Golden Isles. Voted Best Agent of 2014 and 2017 by Elegant Island Living, she has also held Circle of Excellence status since 2001. Over the past 18 years, LeAnn has gained an extensive amount of knowledge through her successful sales, developments, and investments. In 2017, LeAnn personally sold over $29 million and had more than 190 transactions. With her knowledge, you are sure to have all the resources and expertise to market your home effectively and gain the most exposure. LeAnn doesn’t work in the name of listings, showings, contracts, or closings; She works in the name of SERVICE for those she employs and for those that employ her. LeAnn believes the true success of an agent isn’t measured in numbers, it is measured in time and service of others. LeAnn started her own company over 12 years ago and has established her practice to be one of the most prestigious, female-owned companies in Glynn County. But don’t think that LeAnn sits in a chariot while her employees pull her around, she is the lead horse showing them the way, both ethically and dutifully. A good leader isn’t defined by what they say; they are defined by what they do. As for her leadership, LeAnn will ask you to run 5 miles only if she has just finished running 10. In her spare time, LeAnn enjoys taking in refugee animals and strays at her farm. She currently has injured deer that she has nurtured back to health and they have remained her “deer” fur-babies.
Hannah was born, raised, and has lived here in the Golden Isles for over 30 years. At the age of 18, Hannah acquired her Georgia real estate license, and she obtained her Georgia Broker’s license at the young age of 21. Upon graduating from Georgia Southern University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s in Business Management & Finance, she began her career in real estate with Duckworth Properties. Hannah’s background in finance along with her superior knowledge of the local market makes
her a single point of contact for all your home buying needs. Hannah is a top producing agent within the firm maintaining a ranking within the industry and surpassing quotas. While securing her own buyers and sellers, Hannah also acts as the firm’s Rental Property Manager, Bookkeeper, and Advertising Executive. In 2017, she reached over $9.6 million in sales! When Hannah is not working with buyers and sellers to find their next dream home, you can find her with family and friends enjoying the outdoors.
Although they are a small company, the Duckworth Properties professionals carry their weight. With 17 Sales Associates, LeAnn and her staff are dedicated to listening to your needs and to serving you with honesty, integrity, and professionalism. LeAnn reminds her sales team daily that “Success is a mixture of having a flair and passion for hard work and a sense of purpose.”
Reliability is a cornerstone of the firm’s foundation. Built on the principles of trust and honesty, Duckworth Properties emphasizes the importance of having the integrity to do the right thing, always considering the client’s needs to be paramount. LeAnn firmly believes that Duckworth Properties’ success is ultimately determined by the legacy they leave with each client they serve. She says, “We pledge to always give clients our best effort. Our goal is to make every real estate transaction a rewarding experience for our clients.” The Longs can attest that LeAnn herself meets that goal, saying, “Without question, LeAnn is the most capable and professional realtor we’ve ever worked with. No wonder her sales records are off the charts! She will get back to you immediately, handles your sale or purchase as if it were her own, and covers all the bases. Working with LeAnn, you’ll get a realistic appraisal of your property, and you’ll receive timely communications on the activity associated with the property. In addition, she’s extremely pleasant, a delight to be with, and makes you feel like a friend as well as a client. LOVED this opportunity to work with her and Duckworth Properties.”
And Hannah’s rave review from the Jordans is no less impressive:
“We just recently moved to St. Simons Island from Columbia, SC and had the pleasure (and I sincerely mean pleasure) of working with Hannah Melton as our agent. I honestly believe we couldn’t have been luckier to have stumbled upon her (well, we didn’t actually just STUMBLE upon her – we chose her based on her outstanding track record and experience). Coming from someone who is maybe just a little OCD and type A, my saying that Hannah was so ridiculously impressive is an understatement. She seriously made me feel like I was her only client, and paid such acute attention to my every question and concern throughout the entire process (which face it, can be daunting when purchasing a new property) that she took so much of the anxiety out of the process as a whole. I’ve never had texts returned to me so quickly in my life (and at all hours)! She has such a vast knowledge of the area (she grew up here!), home layouts, potential pitfalls, and even “do’s and don’ts” during the inspection process, not to mention she had a recommendation for EVERY kind of professional required during the buying process (and each one of them was excellent too – which even further reflects positively on her!). Hannah seriously is a master of her craft, and to say I would HIGHLY recommend her without reservation to any and every person looking to purchase a new home in her network is, again, an incredible understatement.”
Whether your move is across the street, the state, or the country, Duckworth Properties Sales Agents are ready and willing to help you unlock your dreams and the doors to your new home.
Mainland Office: 3441 Cypress Mill Road, Suite 203 912.262.0366
St. Simons Island Office: 1607 Frederica Road, Suite 103 912.342.4002
LeAnn Duckworth 912.266.7675 leann@duckworthproperties.com
Hannah Melton 912.269.7512 hannah@duckworthproperties.com
While visiting St. Simons Island, a couple from Athens, GA walked into the Dutchmans store and fell in love with the furniture they had in stock. They loved it so much and were so thrilled to find out that in-home consulting and design services were offered that they asked Owner/
Your Lifestyle, Your Design
Creative Director Stephanie Nieuwendijk-Bramble to help them with their home in Athens. Just take a look at the finished project! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have that same kind of result in your home?
Look at your lifestyle. Does your home reflect it? Do you need something more kid-friendly? Or have the kids all left the nest, and now you’d like to upgrade to a more sophisticated look? This is where Stephanie and the other designers at Dutchmans can help. Get inspired by looking around the Dutchmans store. Each space is set up like a living room, a kitchen, or a bedroom, and is arranged to look comfy, cozy and inviting. Those rooms are filled with products from home accessories and furniture to upholstery that Stephanie has chosen at market solely to reflect Dutchmans’ style and quality. Her years of experience and personal taste in style create the looks in the stores and everything is set up to give you as a customer the context of how it will look in a home.
Dutchmans offers three different in-home consulting design services to cover every type of job: one or two rooms; 3 rooms plus; and “from the ground up.” As Stephanie says,
“No job is too big or too small!” Dutchmans’ designers can consult with you and work to simply pull a room together and organize it, or, on the other end of the spectrum, they can
be with you all the way from start to finish of the design process with builders. They will not only help choose and customize furniture and accessories to suit your style from their inventory, but can also help with paint colors, window treatments, floor coverings, etc. Their passion and goal is to really make your house a home, with a touch of Dutchmans style. And although there are standard in-home packages, this process is not cookie-cutter by any means, it’s unique to each individual from the design process to the pieces that are purchased. Everything is tailored specifically to the customer as the Dutchman designers find the best way to help you and match your style.
Say it’s time to change the nursery and playroom into a home office and reading room, choose the 1 or 2 Rooms In-Home Package. You’ll get a 2 hour initial consultation at your home with a Dutchmans designer who assesses your style and needs, reviews the budget for the project, takes measurements, and suggests rearrangement of furniture or accessories that might be helpful in the present situation. The designer will then communicate with you from the store and present you with a Pinterest-like design board for you to review and narrow in on your design style. The designer will provide suggestions and guidance via email and text on
paint color, finish options, flooring, and tile.
Once furniture is agreed upon, the designer will order. Installation and delivery is optional. If you choose, and for an additional charge, the designer and delivery team can come to your home for installation of the furniture and placement of accessories.
If you’re starting from scratch with a new build, completely renovating, or need assistance with more than two rooms, you’d want to choose the 3 Rooms Plus In-Home Package. For example, transform that dated nautical-themed beach cottage you just purchased into the lush tropical paradise you envision. Replace wicker with woods, navy and white with bright color, and find flooring and décor to match your style. In this package, you’ll receive 2-4 hours of consultation with the designer, but the rest of the process is similar to the 1-2 Room In-Home Package. If you’re a builder or realtor, consider using Dutchmans’ in-home design services to stage homes for sale. They recently worked with a local builder on the sale of his home in Wildlife Preserve and the photo below is a terrific example of what they can do for you to create an attractive space that’s inviting to buyers.
Design services and scope of work in the “From the Ground Up” In-Home Package will determine the cost. Once the designer and client have met and gone over blueprints, pricing will be established. Their designers work on projects out of four locations: in Georgia, St. Simons Island and Chamblee; in North Carolina, Cornelius and Highlands.
Working with Dutchmans’ designers also means you receive discounts in store. So when you add finishing touches like wall
décor, lamps, and cute embellishments for the guest bathroom or the patio bar, you’ll save on those too.
Let Dutchmans help you create a design that fits and reflects your lifestyle. Call or visit the Dutchmans store at 505 Beachview Drive on St. Simons Island, 912.634.2764, to get started or visit their website at dutchmansdesigns.com.
Invest in Your Outdoor Living Space
We’ve all heard the term “curb appeal.” Your home’s landscape can affect its value either positively or negatively. The team at Bell Outdoor wants you to understand the importance of horticultural sound design, installation, proper maintenance, and the impact all elements have on curb appeal when selling or renting real estate. Think of it as marketing your home from the outside.
The purpose of your landscape and outdoor space is to create an environment for your personal enjoyment as well as to enhance the curb appeal which increases the value of your home. According to statistics, good landscape design can increase the market value of a home as much as 10-12%.
Lawn and Landscape Magazine estimates that appraisal value can increase 5-25% with quality landscaping. An appraiser takes a “holistic approach,” so it’s more than just itemized features of landscape that add value. The entire property needs to be cohesive for a buyer to see value. Bell Outdoor President & Founder Faulkner Bell agrees, “Not only as a horticulturist, but as a homeowner with interest in real estate, the first impression I receive from a property’s appearance makes all the difference in the world when buying. It truly is the first thing a buyer sees when they drive up to look at a home or commercial space to purchase or rent, and it immediately provides a vast amount of information.” He explains, “As a buyer, if a home’s outdoor space is attractive and has been well maintained, chances are the remainder of the home has been equally cared for. As a tenant, certainly anyone would prefer to rent a space (residential or commercial) that is attractive and provides an enjoyable environment to live or work. If a property has no well-planned landscape and has been neglected, that will lead to an additional expense the buyer will incur to create functional, enjoyable living space for their family.”
Where do you start if you want to increase your home’s curb appeal? First and foremost, hire a professional. Assess the property and its current condition. What corrective measures need to be taken to bring the property to a “maintainable” level? What improvements or enhancements need to be made to provide functionality, enjoyment, curb appeal, and a return on your investment? When assessing the landscape and outdoor living space of your property, you should focus on design sophistication, plant selection and location, and the diversity of plant material.
Once the existing landscape is assessed, create a plan. An implemented professional plan for landscape design provides a more polished look
than a bunch of hodgepodge plantings. Aside from plants, consider what your primary use of the outdoor space will be, room by room so to speak. Are you looking to simply improve its overall aesthetics or to make better use of the space for outdoor living and entertaining? Outdoor patios, water features, private gardens, and fire features are popular because of our mild winters and gorgeous natural surroundings. Even simply adding a clear sense of direction, focal points, and color can create a more pleasant first impression. Designing your outdoor spaces to take advantage of attractive natural features of this area can vastly improve a home’s value.
Once the design and improvements have been made, one of the most important factors in preserving your investment is proper maintenance. Maintenance is key to protecting your investment, so be honest with yourself about your capacity to maintain the property. Do you know all the proper horticultural techniques? If not, you need to seek professional services to maintain your investment on a routine basis.
According to Turf Magazine, “Maintenance is a no-brainer. If you don’t do it properly or pay a professional to do it, you’re going to be paying a lot more when it comes time to sell in order to turn things around. It’s more cost effective and less stressful to maintain all along – plus you get to enjoy it.” They add, “A home that looks like it has been well-maintained over the years also sells better. If buyers see a messy landscape, they may also lose confidence in the quality of the rest of the home.”
When seeking maintenance services, it is vital that you hire knowledgeable horticulture professionals. “Mow, blow, and go” services may cost you money in the long run to correct damage caused by improper maintenance practices. A cheap and easy short-term solution is not the While monetary value is an important consideration, the value of personal enjoyment is paramount. Your home should be a beautiful place for you to enjoy and create memories, and this includes your outdoor space for entertaining. Your yard should be an extension of the living space of your home, a place to play, create, and enjoy. It should reflect the pride you have in your home.
Bell Outdoor is a privately-owned firm located on St. Simons Island, specializing in landscape design/ build installation services, along with a highly selective portfolio of full-service residential landscape maintenance customers. They are passionate about creating and enhancing outdoor spaces that are comfortable, functional, and of the highest quality. Faulkner Bell, an Auburn University alumnus, horticulturist, and agronomist, is also a certified concrete paver installer through Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute. The Bell Outdoor team is dedicated to providing a seamless experience for their clients from beginning to end. Their mission is to transform every client’s dream into reality. With more than 100 years of combined team experience, you can trust them to complete your outdoor jobs and exceed expectations. By providing unrivaled quality and customer service, their team of highly skilled horticultural professionals will provide superior value to your home. They seek to establish and maintain long-term relationships through their attention to detail, direct communication, and their desire to exceed expectations.
Margaret Hunt raves about her great experience working with Bell Outdoor. “When I first arrive on Sea Island, I am always in awe of how beautiful it is to approach my cottage. The yard, flowers and trees always look fabulous and well maintained. Since Bell Outdoor took over our yard, it has taken on a new beauty. Whether a tree needs trimming, flower beds need weeding, gutters need cleaning, windows need washing, or a pool needs a new surface, they notice. They are very detail oriented and quick to take on any home-related task that needs attention. I cannot tell you how many items have been brought to
my attention that other companies before had overlooked. They have handled so many things for us, way beyond just a landscape firm! I would highly recommend them as the most talented landscape firm in the Golden Isles.”
Bell Outdoor’s enhancement services include, but are not limited to, landscape and hardscape design build installation, stormwater management solutions, full service residential landscape maintenance, landscape lighting, irrigation design and implementation, tree care, landscape enhancement, full service residential property management, and horticultural consultation. They work with only the highest quality products to provide exceptional service to their customers.
For more information, you can stop by their showroom at 411 Arnold Road on St. Simons Island, visit their website at belloutdoorllc.com, call their office at 912.689.8527 or find them on Facebook or Instagram. The Bell Outdoors team exemplifies Quality from Passion.
Update Your Outdoor Décor
Since it’s outdoor entertaining season, EIL checked in with Pierce & Parker Interiors because they have the largest outdoor furniture showroom on the island and, no matter what your style, you can find something there to create your perfect al fresco dining or patio space.
They told us of a recent job they had assisting a client in updating her current look:
Their client, Louise, was stumped. She knew that she didn’t like her current outdoor seating area, but she didn’t quite know why. The Pierce & Parker staff was able to identify some problems. For one, everything was super “matchymatchy.” Her old teak furniture had teak end tables and a teak coffee table. Her cushions looked boring, dated and faded. And, perhaps more importantly, it wasn’t functional! When her whole family came to visit, there wasn’t room for everyone to sit around together, especially with the grandkids. It just didn’t work.
At Pierce & Parker Interiors, they hear stories like Louise’s all the time. People are thinking about their outdoor areas in totally different ways than they did 5-10 years ago, and are using their porches, decks, and patios as true extensions of their living space. They’re spending more time outside, so they want to be just as comfortable and stylish outdoors as they are indoors.
Outdoor furniture has evolved to meet those needs. Outdoor sofas and chairs are offered in a broad array of trendy Sunbrella fabrics that dry quickly and hold up beautifully in outdoor settings. Cushions and frames have improved dramatically as well, to the point that outdoor sofas and chairs can be every bit as comfortable as indoor furniture. And it’s built to last too. Lee Industries uses marine-grade wood frames and antimicrobial cushions for all their outdoor upholstery.
Another trend they see at Pierce & Parker Interiors is that customers and designers are beginning to mix in a broader range of different finishes and fabrics into a single space, just like they do indoors. Instead of matching teak furniture with teak end tables and a teak coffee table, they’re bringing together upholstery, teak, aluminum, wicker, concrete, and stone finishes to create some stunning spaces. Interior Design has truly moved outdoors!
Pierce & Parker designer Jessica Moore worked with Louise to update her space. Her first goal was creating a larger seating area. She set the stage with a fun Dash & Albert rug in a neutral color, then combined a wicker sofa and swivel rockers from Lloyd Flanders with some adorable upholstered chairs from Lee to provide seating for 10-12 people. Her main color was a soft blue, but she used four different coordinating fabrics to create a cohesive but visually interesting space. She mixed in some fun aluminum and stone-topped occasional tables from Summer Classics to finish out the space.
Jessica also worked with Louise to create a chat area around a fire pit with high-quality composite Adirondack chairs from Seaside Casual. Finally, she put some Brown Jordan chaises with coordinating lumbar cushions around the pool.
If you are looking to update your outdoor space, stop in Pierce & Parker Interiors at 3413 Frederica Road to check out the offerings from the largest outdoor furniture showroom on St. Simons Island. They would love to help you re-envision your space! You can also visit their website at pierceandparkerinteriors.com.
A SCIENTIFIC SOLUTION
“If your lawn’s not terrific… call Scientific!”
Scientific Turf, Inc. offers much more than just a cute catch-phrase. This wellestablished business has more than 30 years of experience in the industry and can assist you with all aspects of your residential or commercial landscape, from designs and installations to lawn and shrub spraying packages and mosquito control programs.
If you weren’t aware, lawn, shrub, and tree maintenance can be a year-round undertaking, with weed and disease control, aeration, and even ongoing landscape design. Scientific’s trained and licensed techs deliver for you spring, summer, fall, and winter. You can look to Scientific to protect your landscape. They can provide lawn spraying services that are customized for your unique landscape and then keep your grass healthy with irrigation. If you’re looking to enhance your property, you can work with Scientific’s expert landscape designers to create a customized landscape that perfectly meets your needs for both residential and commercial property. To accent your landscape, Scientific offers LED lighting and hardscapes that add both value and functionality to your property. Scientific believes that there is nothing more calming than looking out over a lush green yard. Clark Hendley, President of Scientific Turf, Inc., B.A. Agronomy Turf Management, UGA 1985, says, “Your lawn is more than just dirt and grass…it’s an extension of your home. Your connection to nature, your escape. When your lawn or grass is healthy and green, it invites you to kick off your shoes, lie back and lose yourself in its simple perfection. He offers up his company’s vast experience in lawn care to take you there with free estimates and no contracts for service.
For lawn spraying services, Scientific uses a wide array of chemicals, such as fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides in customized programs designed for the unique needs of your landscape to ensure that all grass and other plant material on your property is healthy and lush. With their affordable spraying program, and reliable lawn treatments, you
can rest assured that your property will be properly taken care of throughout the year. Spraying will allow you to say goodbye to unsightly weeds, lawn diseases, and insects that contribute to the deterioration of your lawn.
Maintaining a lush lawn through irrigation is also part of the service that Scientific can provide. Whether you’re looking to update your current sprinkler system or you need to start with a brand new irrigation system, Scientific has the knowledge and equipment required to carry out large or small irrigation projects. From personal gardens to commercial properties, they ensure that your irrigation job will be handled with the utmost care. Sprinkler installations, repairs, and drainage solutions are all part of the services Scientific has available.
They can also provide contractfree services beyond your typical lawn care with integrated pest management. Professional services by Scientific Turf allow you to protect your property and keep it healthy and mosquito free. Their trained technicians can customize a program using the latest and most effective insecticides available that caters to the unique needs of your property. They even guarantee the results!
Mosquitos are a natural part of life in Southeast Coastal Georgia, but you can say goodbye to mosquito problems today by calling Scientific. Using a deep knowledge of common mosquito species, Scientific can effectively control mosquitoes throughout your property. Before treatment, they address all areas of your yard and residence or building, such as any areas that may contain water (gutters, containers, flower pots, garden décor) that can contribute to mosquito proliferation.
Once they determine which mosquito species they need to combat, Scientific uses the most effective mosquito control treatment available. Their lawn care associates are licensed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and are trained to know the right product to apply at the right time to effectively rid your property of mosquitos. They will design a customized treatment plan to control these blood-thirsty pests while promoting the overall health of your property.
The best mosquito treatments vary for every property Scientific treats, since the state, location, and landscaping of each property is different. They’ll first do a walk-through of the property to assess its condition and will then mix a customized blend of the right treatment products that will address all the specific needs of your property. They can also provide one-time treatment for special events (birthday parties, holiday gatherings, weddings, etc.). There is no contract required, and you can cancel at any time. Scientific is also currently offering mosquito control programs for $49 for your first treatment (some restrictions apply). lawn spraying, or mosquito control, don’t hesitate to call Scientific Turf, Inc. today to address your needs. Don’t take our word for it though, testimonials from their customers speak volumes. Ken and Nancy K. sing Scientific’s praises, saying, “If you told me six months ago our lawn would look anything like this, I simply wouldn’t believe it. Each time a treatment is done, within days the lawn looks spectacular. Thank you!”
Chuck M. in Savannah raves about their service, “I cannot tell you how pleased I am with the results. When I have a fungus or bug breakout, I shoot Eric a text and he gets his team out there within a day or two at most. And, I never feel like I’m bothering him. It is always a joy talking with him. Issue solved. And, they don’t use a one-size-fits-all solution program i.e. whatever is on the truck goes on your lawn. They stop by, take a look, diagnose the problem, then mix up what they need to get MY job done right. Cannot ask for any more than that. If this sounds like a glowing endorsement for Scientific Turf, you read this right.”
Check out the Scientific Turf website at scientificturf.com for more information about their services, special offers and coupons, and more reviews of Scientific and its techs, or call 912.262.9828 to get your free estimate today.
512 Ocean Boulevard St. Simons Island, GA 31522 912.634.9977 www.mulletbayrestaurant.com Live Music on the Deck
Live Your Dream
With American Dream SSI, Inc. you don’t have to dream of paradise – you can live there! Whether you are looking to permanently move to St. Simons Island or you want to establish a personal vacation home, American Dream SSI, Inc. has the local expertise and industry experience to help you.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is the American Dream, and the local real estate firm using that as its name truly believes in making the most of those things. It is their goal to help people live their best life, escape from the confines of their usual routine, and enjoy their stay on Georgia’s breathtaking coast. For more than 10 years, American Dream SSI, Inc. has worked with clients from throughout the nation, helping them find beautiful properties to vacation in and establish new homes.
The firm has grown successfully during the many years they have been in business due to their extensive experience, eye for detail, and commitment to getting the job right. In addition to real estate sales and vacation rentals, they also manage Ocean Walk (oceanwalkssi.com), the largest residential complex on the island. In order to better serve you, their team members are closely connected with the community and the company is a member of the BrunswickGolden Isles Chamber of Commerce. Whether you are looking for a seasonal ocean-view cottage or to purchase a condo or multi-story home on St. Simons Island, American Dream SSI, Inc. can help you find exactly what you need.
If you’re searching for an affordable new home or a vacation rental, gain access to listings throughout the easy to navigate American Dreams SSI, Inc. website. Just set your search parameters according to the features you desire to find your ideal vacation homes. If you need any assistance with your search, American Dream SSI, Inc. staff members will be happy to help you. Their team is highly knowledgeable about the area and what it has to offer, and always looks forward to helping visitors enjoy their stay and plan return visits as well.
Join the beautiful St. Simons Island community and make your home – or your home away from home – on the serene Atlantic coast. Reach out to broker Theresa Taylor at 912.223.6109 or Bruce Taylor at 912.506.6539 if you’re looking to find your dream home.
Call reservation specialist Brittany Hayes at 912.638.6092 to discuss your future vacation arrangements or if you are interested in finding a local property management team for your second home. Brittany and Valerie Jones work hard to make sure your vacation home is picture perfect for arriving guests, so contact them to see if the customized level of service they provide can fill your needs. American Dream SSI, Inc. specializes in south end vacation rental homes and condominiums. Their reservation system is connected with VRBO, Find Rentals, and Trip Advisor for online bookings through these advertisers, thus avoiding the problem of keeping up with multiple calendars. Owners can easily view their upcoming reservations or block time out for their family and friends.
Theresa Taylor and Brittany Hayes of American Dream, SSI will find your perfect vacation home.
1331 Ocean Blvd, Suite 1 St. Simons Island americandreamssi.com
BENNIE’S RED BARN
Restaurant, Music Club & Special Events Venue An Island Tradition Since 1954
OPEN NIGHTLY FOR DINNER
Reservations Suggested (but not always necessary)
LIVE MUSIC IN THE TREEBAR
Wednesday-Saturday Nights (Free Fish Fry on Thursday)
SOUTHERN SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET
BUYING OR SELLING, I WILL HELP MAKE SURE YOU LAND WHERE YOU WANT.
GERRY PECK
Associate Broker
912-223-5508 - Direct/Cell/Text 912-638-0406 ext. 234 - Office gerry.peck@sothebysrealty.com deloachsir.com
DeLoach Sotheby’s International Realty. DeLoachSIR.com | mobile app text SIR to 87778 | 912-638-0406 | 2901 Frederica Road St. Simons Island, GA. MCMVII Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.
ONE OF KIND CUSTOM PIECES & INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES
4016 CORAL PARK DRIVE / BRUNSWICK, GA 912.265.9696 / floorsandmorestore.com
LF Cook Interiors, LLC
206 Redfern Village St. Simons Island 912.638.6100
A SENSE OF PLACE
Harrison Design Creates Homes in Harmony with Nature
Many elements combine in making a house a home. Architecturally, the residence needs to fit into its neighborhood and optimize the location’s natural beauty. A sensitive architectural design extols its setting to bring continual joy and enchantment to the owners.
“In this area, almost all residential sites offer a beautiful view, whether ocean or lake, and most properties feature our much-loved Live Oaks,” said Chad Goehring, principal of the local architecture firm Harrison Design.
For Goehring, who is currently an associate member of the American Institute of Architects, one of the most exciting steps in designing a new home is seeing the property for the first time. He prefers visiting the site with the new owners to learn what attracted them to the location and how it embodies their dreams and desires.
While strolling the lot, he observes the clients’ engagement with the environment and also evaluates the contextual considerations for the future residence. Goehring likes to hear the owners’ priorities in terms of the setting. From this information, he devises the house’s program, which ultimately becomes its design.
A successful residential design suits the location as well as the clients’ personalities and budget. Within the architecture, Harrison Design creates “wow” moments that will continually reward and inspire those who reside in the home.
“The ideal situation is when we can be involved even before the clients buy the lot,” explained Goehring. “That allows us to evaluate whether the property is best suited for their desired plans, and we can help them visualize how their final home might look.” Harrison Design’s site analysis might identify potential shortcomings of the property, leading to finding a more ideal location.
Harrison Design is a full-service architecture, interior design and landscape architecture firm. Founded in Atlanta in 1991, the company has seven offices across the U.S. and a studio in Shanghai. Its residential expertise encompasses a range of architectural styles, from traditional to modern. The firm’s commercial work includes condominium developments, churches, hospitality and assisted-living communities. Even after 12 years on St. Simons Island, the professionals at Harrison Design find every project to be unique, and exciting.
Harrison Design is located at 60 Cinema Lane #130 on St. Simons Island. They can be reached by phone at 912.634.9603 or visit their website at harrisondesign.com.
TOP: An idyllic view from the back porch of a Harrison Design home on Sea Island. (Photo: Richard Leo Johnson) ABOVE (from left): Two front oaks dictated the location of this Hampton Point residence. (Photo: Richard Leo Johnson); Live Oaks dramatically frame this cottage-style home in Frederica. (Photo: Mali Azima); The curve of the water’s edge echoes the natural Sea Island landscape. (Photo: Gil Stose).
FEELING ULTRA
According to Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute: “The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today.” And Pantone has decided what the world needs now is Ultra Violet. The Institute’s Executive Director, Leatrice Eiseman explains, “We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination. From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.” The blue-based purple shade has been described as “complex and contemplative,” “dramatically provocative and thoughtful,” and was chosen to communicate “originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.”
Calling to mind icons like Prince, Jimi Hendrix, and David Bowie, the color evokes emotion and symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity. Enigmatic purples like Ultra Violet have also historically been imbued with a mystical or spiritual quality. Recognizing a need for refuge from today’s high energy, overstimulated world, the use of Ultra Violet is recommended to foster connection and mindfulness in meditation and gathering places.
Whether you decide to paint the walls with this regal shade or add the color with violet chairs or accent pieces, it can be paired with neutrals and grays beautifully or add more depth to a room of blues. Enhance its richness with warm woods and soft fabrics or boldly embrace the future with a more contemporary look accented by metals and sleek stone surfaces. Don’t be afraid to play! And don’t stop at home décor, incorporate this vibrant violet in your makeup palette and add it to your closet at well. Accessorize with sophisticated style while keeping a whimsical edge.
103 Brunswick Ave. Suite 100 St. Simons Island, Georgia 912.638.8880 kbdssi.com
Mortgages Need Check-Ups Too
Just like an annual checkup with your doctor can help you ensure that you’re in the best health you can be, a mortgage check-up can help you determine whether your current loan is the best loan for you. There are always new products and programs coming out in the market which you may be able to use to your advantage to improve your finances. Silverton Mortgage Specialists offer this service and Branch Manager Gretchen Johnson offers some advice about why you might want to consider it and how to proceed.
All you need for a mortgage check-up is your current mortgage statement and the process usually only takes about 30 days. The documentation needed for underwriting depends on the type of loan you are trying to obtain, and you might not even need a new property appraisal. If you’re looking strictly to lower your interest rate, there are several streamlined mortgage programs that don’t require an appraisal. However, a new appraisal will be required if you are looking for a cash-out refinance to pull equity out of your home.
If you’re wondering “Why bother? I’m sure I got the best deal when I got my mortgage 10 years ago.” Gretchen advises, “Even if you have an interest rate lower than the current rate, there are several benefits to refinancing. You might be able to pull out equity or add a home equity open line of credit for the future. You never know when you might want to remodel your home or if you have an emergency and need some extra cash.” She also explains, “Usually mortgage money is the cheapest money, meaning low rate and payment. If you have a car loan at 2% on a 6-year loan, the same money financed on a mortgage will be a significantly lower payment on a 30-year mortgage. You can also use the equity and cash out to pay off other debt.” Even if you have a mortgage that is 10 years old, you might want to refinance that to a shorter term to pay it off faster if you can afford slightly higher payments. Or you could refinance it to another 30-year loan and lower your payments each month.
Why choose Silverton? Althedia Gordon said, “Simply put: outstanding people and magnificent team. Gretchen Johnson and Kathy Bulfer worked diligently to find a mortgage company for my husband and me. They kept us informed daily and were available to us any time we needed them. We walked into this company as strangers, but by our closing date, we felt we had made friends.”
J.R. Manning calls Gretchen “extremely knowledgeable, professional, and steadfast,” adding, “I felt as if my needs took precedence over anybody else from the second I walked in. I couldn’t be happier. Thank you for your respect, your time, and making me priority number one.”
At Silverton Mortgage Specialists, a mortgage check-up is FREE, so call or email Gretchen at 912.270.2727/gretchenjohnson@ silvertonmorgage.com to make your appointment today! For more, visit silvertonmortgage.com.
Pest-Away Plants Did you know
that there are plants you can add to your landscape to help reduce pesky backyard pests? Planting certain herbs and ornamental flowers that are known insect-repellants in your garden or around your patio can help minimize the mosquito madness that comes with living in South Coastal Georgia. The essential oils in many of these plants are often used to make natural bug repellant because insects tend to avoid them. While it won’t completely eliminate pests from your yard, we know that around here every little bit helps, so add what you can to your garden and around the house. Pots of rosemary, mint, and basil on the window sill or on the sun porch will give you the benefit of having fresh herbs to use in the kitchen too!
Alliums
Onions, garlic, chives, leeks, scallions, and shallots are all alliums.
Surprisingly pretty, the plants grow tall with purple, white or pink flowers. They are great garden protectors because they keep away slugs, flies, and worms, although they can attract moths. Be careful around your beloved pets, however, because allium plants, and garlic and onions, can be extremely toxic to dogs and cats.
Lavender
Lavender bouquets are not only beautiful and sweet-smelling ways to decorate rooms, they repel flies, moths, and mosquitoes. Plant these purple beauties in a sunny garden or in pots around the house to ward off pests.
The smell also helps with insomnia so place in your bedroom or the bathroom to add some relaxing fragrance to the air.
“I am thrilled to be joining the DeLoach Sotheby’s team.
Their international network will enable me to provide comprehensive service to my clients. The collaboration with Sotheby’s International Realty is what sold me on this opportunity.”
• Over 20 years of successfully helping people find their dream homes • Active volunteer in the community. Past President of The Symphony Society, active in
Christ Church, St. Simons Rotary, Golden Isles Live and the Coastal Georgia Historical
Society. Is Foundation Trustee for the College of Coastal Georgia
Susan Imhoff
912.222.5686 susan.imhoff@sothebysrealty.com
Basil There’s an oil in basil that kills mosquito eggs. Ward off flies and mosquitos by planting it in pots and placing them in and around gathering areas. Added bonus: use the leaves in salads, and on your margherita pizza!
Rosemary When planted in the garden, potent rosemary will not only repel mosquitoes, it will protect vegetable plants from infestation.
Petunias Gardeners often plant these bright-colored beauties to repel squash bugs, tomato hornworms, beetles and aphids. They’re almost foolproof to grow, requiring minimal maintenance, and can be planted in gardens or containers in a sunny spot. They made beautiful window boxes and are perfect garden liners too.
Chrysanthemums Pyrethrins, a compound found in chrysanthemums is known to keep away mosquitoes, roaches, beetles, ticks, silverfish, Japanese beetles, lice, bedbugs, and ants. Because pyrethrums kills flying and jumping insects they are used in most commercially available home and garden insecticides and are commonly found in indoor sprays and pet shampoos.
Lemongrass Citronella is the oil found in lemongrass and a well-known and commercially used bug repellant. Lucky for us here in the south, lots of sun is required to grow lemongrass so we may be able to enjoy it in our yards and gardens longer than just the summer months.
Mint (also catnip)
While most people love the smell of mint, biting insects don’t have the same attraction. This natural insect repellent spreads like crazy when planted, so it’s best to use in pots. The nepetalactone that is found to be what draws cats to catnip is the same thing that repels bugs, so let the cats play!
Marigolds
Colorful and sun-loving marigolds are often used by farmers and avid gardners to keep pests at bay.
Their scent is known to keep mosquitoes, aphids, and even rabbits, out of your yard. They can also spur growth of certain plants in gardens, especially roses.
Common Lantanas
Found just about everywhere here and known to spread like wildfire, pretty lantana has the dual benefit of attracting butterflies and bees and repelling mosquitoes. Let it grow!
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