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FIERY SEASONAL FLAIR

From new, creative options for the fireplace to elegant lanterns, fire as a design element has become a popular concept year-round.

Yet there’s nothing like the promise of cooler weather to make us think about changing up the look of a fireplace or investing in a new gas lantern to add depth and intrigue, while beckoning to guests: “Welcome to our home.”

Exploring the latest trends in fireplace design—including gas logs so realistic no one will know the difference, or alternatives like fire glass and ceramic “fireballs”—along with lanterns that go beyond basic bronze and come with new conveniences to make them as easy to work as an electric light, we found new ways for homeowners to feel warm and cozy as the season starts to change.

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Get Cozy

When you feel the cold weather coming—or at least want to set the stage while you wait for the real thing to arrive— there are a lot of new home-design options to update the look of a room or home exterior in ways that make us look with anticipation toward longer nights and cooler days. And what could be warmer, literally and figuratively, than fire?

We spoke to Linda Barnett, who owns Alabama Gaslight & Grill with her husband, Mike Barnett, about the latest trends in design elements that include fire as the main attraction.

WHAT’S HOT IN FIREPLACES

Once designers and homeowners realized they were no longer tethered to natural wood for the fireplaces that often serve as centerpieces for a room, a whole world of newer, easier and more creative options emerged. While the earliest ventures away from natural firewood—in the form of faux gas logs—were dismissed as unconvincing, cheap-looking alternatives to the real thing, today’s gas logs are vastly improved in design and authenticity.

There are plenty of reasons homeowners are increasingly willing to invest in wood alternatives, says Barnett.

A big one is pure convenience.

“We have a lot of people coming in and saying, ‘I am so tired of hauling in wood, I want it to be cleaner, and I don’t want the smoke smell in my house,’”

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Barnett says. “They love being able just to flip a switch or even put it on a remote control. And there are so many prettier styles in logs now. The look has gotten so much better that people are happy to give up the real fire for the look of the logs.” She adds that options include a main burner sending flames up through the logs while a second burner in front burns embers, for an even fuller, more authentic look.

Yet while the look of wood is timeless, another popular trend is to throw out the mold of the log altogether in favor of ceramic or tempered-glass wood alternatives that come in a variety of artful shapes and colors.

It’s a modern look that’s caught fire, so to speak. “As décor has started getting more contemporary over the past

couple of years,” Barnett says, “things like the fireballs have come on the scene, and they’re really popular. People just want that more contemporary look in their fireplaces.

“They work the same as gas logs do,” she continues. “You hook it up to natural gas or propane, and instead of logs sitting over the burner, they’re fireballs or other shapes. They come in black all the way up to a natural color which kind of looks like concrete, and they can be all one color, or you can mix the shapes and rocks in different colors.

We have a set that has white and gray, and that’s been a big seller because white and gray are really in right now.

So with so many people asking about new options, we’ve really expanded our ‘log’ selection in that direction.”

THE THE SMITH SMITH DOUGLAS DOUGLAS HOMES HOMES STORY STORY Building Building homes homes for for more more than than 40 40 years, years, the the team team at at Smith Smith Douglas Douglas Homes Homes is is widely widely recognized recognized for constructing quality homes with choices you can afford in the places you want to for constructing quality homes with choices you can afford in the places you want to live. live.

With Smith Douglas, you can be assured that your new home is crafted with quality, built With Smith Douglas, you can be assured that your new home is crafted with quality, built with with integrity and will provide enduring value. integrity and will provide enduring value.

How do we deliver on that promise?

How do we deliver on that promise?

It starts with who we are. We exist to enhance It starts with who we are. We exist to enhance people’s quality of life — our employees, trade people’s quality of life — our employees, trade partners, homeowners, and the communities partners, homeowners, and the communities surrounding where we build. We strive to exceed surrounding where we build. We strive to exceed your expectations from your first visit to years your expectations from your first visit to years beyond move-in. beyond move-in.

Through our proven, schedule-driven process, Through our proven, schedule-driven process, we are able to reduce wasted time and materials. we are able to reduce wasted time and materials.

It results in a well-constructed home, with the It results in a well-constructed home, with the features that make it your own, for less than you features that make it your own, for less than you might expect. might expect.

Moving should be a time of excitement and joy.

Moving should be a time of excitement and joy.

When you choose Smith Douglas, you’ll get a When you choose Smith Douglas, you’ll get a beautiful, quality-built new home — delivered beautiful, quality-built new home — delivered on time and on budget — and an exceptional on time and on budget — and an exceptional experience from the start. Welcome to Smith experience from the start. Welcome to Smith Douglas Homes.

Douglas Homes.

QUALITY QUALITY | | INTEGRITY INTEGRITY | | VALUE VALUE

smithdouglas.com smithdouglas.com

THE CLASSIC LANTERN, UPDATED

While there has been an explosion in new looks for electric lighting created for any spot in the home—from oversized sconces to a resurgence of chandeliers for just about any room— gas lanterns have always been an elegant outdoor mainstay that transcends architectural styles.

Linda Barnett of Alabama Gaslight and Grill says over the more than 50 years they’ve been in business, the options for gas lighting have evolved considerably.

The finishes available, for one, have expanded to create a variety of different looks. “That’s a big thing we’ve been noticing,” Barnett says. “It used to be that we just had natural copper, which is pretty, because it ages well and brings out all the natural patinas. That’s a look that will always remain popular.

But the trend lately has been toward copper dipped by the manufacturer to create darker finishes, including more brown and black tones. We’ve even been doing some green patina finishes, and those are really big right now.”

Another favorite trend has been the option of adding electric ignitions to gas lanterns. It sounds like a small thing, but while some people prefer to keep lanterns lit at all times, others worry about the additional cost to their gas bill or just don’t want them on in the middle of the day when the flame is hardly noticeable. In those cases, Barnett says, people love the option of being able to flip them on and off like a light switch—no match or lighter required.

“If you love your gas lantern but are concerned about running the gas 24 hours a day, or you’re concerned about the environment, you can turn them on just at night or when you’re having company, and you can turn them off whenever you want to,” she says. “It’s a neat feature that we’re seeing a lot of people order.”

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A FRESH NEW WAY TO LIVE.

FOURTEEN REFRESHING PRIVATE RESIDENCES

THEFRANKLINONFIRST.COM

Development is conceptual in nature and need not be built.

PARADE OF HOMES More than 50 homes will be on display at the fall Parade of Homes, scheduled for November 2-4 and November 9-11. Come out and see the finest in home design and construction from the area’s top builders.

Participating Builders Eddleman Residential, LLC www.eddlemanresidential.com Eddleman Residential, LLC focuses on timeless architectural design, which provides our homeowners with homes that survive the test of time.

Harris Doyle Homes www.harrisdoyle.com Harris Doyle Homes is a leading residential developer and new home builder in the greater Birmingham area.

Hastings Construction, Inc. www.hooverpreserve.com Bob Hastings, of Hastings Construction, has been in the building business for over 35 years. His success and reputation is built on the referrals of satisfied customers. His commitment to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail are the hallmarks of a Hastings’ home.

Kurtts Construction, Inc. www.cottagesonfifth.com For nearly four decades, Kurtts Construction, Inc. has been one of the premier Birmingham area home builders specializing in custom-‐built homes and remodeling.

Murphy Home Builders, LLC. www.murphyhomebuilders.net Murphy Home Builders is a premier custom home builder in the Birmingham area. They are driven by the desire to create custom homes that stand apart from the ordinary. With 66

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over 35 years combined experience, Murphy Home Builders has a substantial history of creating luxury custom homes Newcastle Homes www.newcastle-homes.com At Newcastle Homes we strive to make a difference in the lives of our clients by developing personal relationships with our homebuyers and building carefully crafted homes in thoughtfully planned communities.

RidgeCrest Homes www.ridgecresthomes.net With 20 years of experience in the home building industry, RidgeCrest Homes has built hundreds of homes in multiple communities throughout Birmingham, Auburn, and Montgomery. They build custom traditional and craftsman style homes with family-friendly floor plans that range from 1,400 – 4,000 square feet.

Scotch Homes www.scotchhomes.com Scotch Homes & Land Dev Group, Inc. specializes in building houses and developing property throughout the entire state of Alabama. Principal builder and owner, Wayne J. Scotch Jr., has been building in the greater Birmingham area for 20+ years.

Taylor Burton Company www.taylorburton.com Taylor Burton is known as one of the most trusted builders of quality

custom new homes and creative renovations and additions. Their reputation for builder excellence is a clear reflection of our pursuit to consistently improve their clients’ lives through personalized design and unwavering customer service.

Thoroughbred Homes www.thoroughbredhomes.net At Thoroughbred Homes, they believe that the smallest details should be given extra special attention. This results in beautiful, livable homes that are not only stunning but also extremely well built and very affordable.

Town Builders www.mtlaurel.com Since its founding in 1998, Town Builders, Inc. has been Mt Laurel’s inhouse construction company. Known for quality construction and attention to detail, Town Builders, Inc. specializes in craftsman style homes with designer finishes that reflect each homeowner’s style and needs.

Valor Communities www.valorcommunities.com Each and every home crafted through Valor Communities comes with experience, care and professionalism.

More than 4,000 home owners have come to experience Valor Communities’ system that provides customers the highest level of buying and owning experiences possible.

PARADE OF HOMES Participating Communities Brook Highland www.eddlemanresidential.com Brook Highland is a wonderful residential community that contains over 1,000 homes and lies on about 700 acres off the 280 Corridor.

Carrington Lakes www.valorcommunites.com As a gated community in a secluded area, each new home in Trussville’s Carrrington Lakes faces onto welcoming, calm streets.

Eddleman Residential, LLC www.eddlemanresidential.com Chelsea Park is one of the fastest growing communities on the 280 Corridor, in the heart of Chelsea, just past Dunnavant Valley.

Griffin Park at Eagle Point www.harrisdoyle.com www.newcastle-homes.com Griffin Park at Eagle Point is a new home community at the site of the former Eagle Point Golf Course just off Hwy 280 in Birmingham next to Lee 68

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Branch Shopping Center.

Highland Lakes www.eddlemanresidential.com Highland Lakes is a truly unique community of homes with quiet treelined sidewalks, streets and parks.

The community’s over 1,700 acres spreads out and down from the Appalachian ridges of Oak Mountain.

Mt Laurel www.mtlaurel.com With its tree-lined streets, broad sidewalks, and plentiful green spaces, Mt Laurel is a sustainable, walkable neighborhood that offers residents a relaxed pace of life.

Sterling Place www.eddlemanresidential.com Sterling Place provides quality construction and comfortable living at affordable prices in St. Clair County, Alabama. This charming residential community combines all the tranquility of a natural setting with city conveniences.

The Village www.eddlemanresidential.com The Village is a unique community of up-scale custom-built homes with an entrance directly across from the main street of Mt Laurel.

Willow Branch www.scotchhomes.com Willow Branch is one of the newest, Chelsea school zoned, master planned 200+/- lot communities featuring large private wooded lots, a future pool clubhouse, new sectors opening in 2018, nature areas, sidewalks, and street lights.

Windsor Parc Estates www.valorcommunities.com Welcome home to the newly-reimagined Windsor Parc by Valor Communities. A quiet conservation area community located just minutes from Hoover, The Galleria and downtown Birmingham.

PARADE OF HOMES Participating Builders 1. SAGEWOOD 300 Griffin Park Trace, Birmingham Harris Doyle Homes Community: Griffin Park at Eagle Point 2. THE KNOLLWOOD Lot 123 Griffin Park Trace, Birmingham Newcastle Homes Community: Griffin Park at Eagle Point 3. THE PEMBROOK 6001 Club Place, Birmingham Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Club Place at Brook Highland

Community: Highland Lakes

Community: Willow Branch

15. THE PRIMROSE 1025 Fairfield Lane, Birmingham Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Highland Lakes

29. THE LOBLOLLY II 186 Willow Branch Lane, Chelsea Scotch Homes Community: Willow Branch

16. THE STONE HOLLOW 343 Signal Valley Trail, Chelsea Ridgecrest Homes

30. THE BRANTLEY 520 White Tail Run, Pelham Scotch Homes

17. THE BERKLEY

31. THE BEEKMAN 2168 County Road 336, Chelsea Thoroughbred Homes

3020 Springfield Circle, Chelsea Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Chelsea Park

4. THE MAGNOLIA II 38 Nolen Street, Birmingham Town Builders Community: Mt Laurel

18. THE BERKLEY 2019 Springfield Drive, Chelsea Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Chelsea Park

5. THE WILLOW 6050 English Village Ln., Birmingham Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: The Village

19. THE ALDEN 588 Grayson Place, Chelsea Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Chelsea Park

6. THE WALDEN 6084 English Village Ln., Birmingham Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: The Village

20. THE BAXTER 396 Crossbridge Rd.,Chelsea Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Chelsea Park

7. THE WINTHROP 6100 English Village Ln., Birmingham Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: The Village

21. THE ALDEN 571 Grayson Place, Chelsea Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Chelsea Park

8. THE REDMONT 6062 English Village Ln., Birmingham Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: The Village

22. THE JAMESON 296 Crossbridge Rd, Chelsea Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Chelsea Park

9. THE SALEM 1030 Highland Village Tr., Birmingham Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: The Village

23. THE WALTON 1203 Chelsea Park Trail, Chelsea Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Chelsea Park

10. THE MILLHOUSE 1105 Highland Village Tr., Birmingham Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: The Village

24. THE AZALEA 2030 Preston Lane, Chelsea Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Chelsea Park

11. THE GRANTHAM 2004 Regency Way, Birmingham Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Highland Lakes

25. THE AZALEA 1041 Crawford Court, Chelsea Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Chelsea Park

12. THE CELEBRATION 105 Linden Lane, Birmingham Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Highland Lakes

26. THE CAMBRIDGE 305 Weeping Willow Lane, Chelsea Scotch Homes Community: Willow Branch

13. THE AMBERLY 208 Ashland Drive, Birmingham Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Highland Lakes

27. THE GILMORE 313 Weeping WIllow Lane, Chelsea Scotch Homes Community: Willow Branch

14. THE IVEYDALE 1052 Regency Way, Birmingham Eddleman Residential, LLC

28. THE BRANTLEY 301 Weeping Willow Lane, Chelsea Scotch Homes

32. THE MOORE 139 Birkdale Lane, Pelham Thoroughbred Homes 33. WESTIN 6445 Carroll Cove Parkway, McCalla Valor Communities 34. WALLACE 3507 Misty Hollow Dr., Bessemer Valor Communities Community: Windsor Parc Colonnade 35. EVEREST 5115 Windsor Parc Dr., Bessemer Valor Communites Community: Windsor Parc Estates 36. SERENITY 4475 Village Green Way, Hoover Hastings Construction, Inc. 37. STONEHENGE 862 Southbend Lane, Vestavia Hills Taylor Burton Company 38. THE CARDINAL 3340 Southbend Circle, Vestavia Murphy Home Builders, LLC. 39. COTTAGE “A” 3729 5th Ave S., Birmingham Kurtts Construction, Inc. 40. CARRINGTON II 6051 Enclave Place, Trussville Valor Communities Community: Carrington Lakes

44. THE CASTLE CREEK 100 Sterling Place, Odenville Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Sterling Place 45. THE BRENTWOOD 105 Sterling Place, Odenville Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Sterling Place 46. THE NEWBERRY 110 Sterling Place, Odenville Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Sterling Place 47. THE HARGROVE 125 Sterling Place, Odenville Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Sterling Place 48. THE HARGROVE 220 Sterling Place, Odenville Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Sterling Place 49. THE BRENTWOOD 240 Sterling Place, Odenville Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Sterling Place 50. THE SUTTON 250 Sterling Place, Odenville Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Sterling Place 51. THE HARGROVE 265 Sterling Place, Odenville Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Sterling Place 52. THE BRENTWOOD 35 Sterling Place, Odenville Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Sterling Place 53. THE SUTTON 95 Sterling Place, Odenville Eddleman Residential, LLC Community: Sterling Place

41. GLENHAVEN II 6047 Enclave Drive, Trussville Valor Communities Community: Carrington Lakes 42. COVENTRY III 6042 Enclave Drive, Trussville Valor Communities Community: Carrington Lakes 43. WALLACE 575 Briar Ridge Circle, Odenville Valor Communities

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REAL ESTATE

The old adage in real estate is location, location, location. It might be better to think in terms of people, people, people. The real key to success in finding the perfect home for you is to first find the perfect REALTOR. Someone who listens and understands the needs of you and your family, and then hustles like crazy to find you a place to call home. On the pages that follow are profiles of Birmingham's Real Estate Stars. Get to know them and then get to know the house of your dreams.

B-Metro’s Real Estate Stars

*The Fred Smith Group • www.soldbyfred.com *Misty Joseph • www.mistyjoseph.com *Jana Woodruff • www.janawoodruff.com *Manda Luccasen • www.mandaluccasen.com *Sherri Williams • www.soldbysherri.com *Lee Marlow • www.leemarlowhomes.com

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sta rs

REAL ESTATE

When Fred Smith put together a team of Alabama Real Estate agents, he made sure that he only associated himself with the best in the business. With over 81 years of combined experience, the team has expertise in every area of greater Birmingham and its outlying communities.

The lineup for RealtySouth’s #1 team includes Fred Smith, Ashley Lewis, Stephanie Knight, Langston Hereford, Jen Stinson, Brandi Gann, Amanda Dabbs, Dana Garvin, Andrea May, Danza Paulovich & Donna Savage are all based out of the Crestline branch of RealtySouth.

Fred’s team has been representing buyers and sellers

since 1995 and have closed on over 1700 transactions. The Fred Smith Group employs an aggressive marketing plan unlike any other Realtor in the area, we believe in marketing beyond the sign. We go the extra mile to help you achieve your selling goals by constantly researching the market and property values, so your home is priced effectively from day one. After one meeting, we will have highlighted for you exactly what steps will be taken to sell your home or property for the most amount of money in the least amount of time.

Just read our wonderful reviews on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Facebook & RealtySouth’s Testimonial Tree.

WHETHER YOU’RE CONSIDERING BUYING OR SELLING

VISIT US AT SOLDBYFRED.COM OR CALL 205-368-2280

Powered TJC Mortgage Inc. Powered bybyTJC Mortgage Inc.

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7 Reasons to Work With a REALTOR® REALTORS® aren’t just agents. They’re professional members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict code of ethics.

This is the REALTOR® difference for home buyers: An expert guide. Selling a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved, so you want to work with a professional who can speak the language.

Objective information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They also have objective information about each property. REALTORs® can use that data to help you determine if the property has what you need.

Property marketing power. Property doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. A large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts with previous clients, friends, and family. When a property is marketed by a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

Negotiation knowledge. There are many factors up

for discussion in a deal. A REALTOR® will look at every angle from your perspective, including crafting a purchase agreement that allows you the flexibility you need to take that next step.

Up-to-date experience. Most people sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each sale. Even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS® handle hundreds of transactions over the course of their career.

Your rock during emotional moments. A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most people, property represents the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you.

Ethical treatment. Every REALTOR® must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a REALTOR®’s client, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters.

sta r

REAL ESTATE

Lee Marlow, full time REALTOR of 14 years has spent the majority of her career helping others buy and sell homes in beautiful Trussville. A 21 year resident of Trussville, she has watched and helped her community thrive. As a consistent top producer in the area, Lee can show you just what all the buzz is about Trussville! Lee is married to a teacher and coach at Hewitt Trussville High School and they have 3 daughters.

(205) 913-9559 78

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