Front Porch the
summer 2016
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The Art of Cultivating Simple Pleasures and Living Well
Finishing Touches T
hey come from boutiques on the other side of the world, or estate sales in your neighborhood. It’s the framed watercolor that hangs in the sitting room. The bronze statue you bought at the Porte de Vanves flea market in Paris. The exotic plant you purchased at the garden show. It may be an Oriental rug, or even the kitchen backsplash. These are the finishing touches—the accessories and accents that complete a look. What they do for a room is often inexplicable and boggles the mind. However they accomplish the task, finishing touches can single-handedly change the appearance of your home. Designers will tell you that achieving the perfect look doesn’t require an overhaul. There are tricks of the trade you can use instead. Fortunately, designers have been more than happy to share them with the rest of us. If your Continued on page 10.
Clockwise from upper left: 1] If you want to add some real Southwest flare to your Midwest landscape, this is how you do it. Don’t worry—these succulents are not on fire. They are actually torches manufactured from galvanized steel. Especially when lighted, they offer a striking scene that people aren’t likely to forget. The patina finish gives lifelike color to the replica cacti, which are handcrafted locally by Desert Steel, 312 N. Mosley St., 282.2244, DesertSteel.net. 2] Contrasting dishware is a fun way to spice up a table setting. When purchased in the right combinations, mix-and-match plates and bowls can look like they were made for each other. These porcelain bowls feature intricate stamped patterns with hand-painted rims serving as the finishing touch. See more exquisite dishware at Frou Frou, located in The Shops At Tallgrass, 8340 E. 21st St N., Ste. 600, 651.0771. 3] You may not have guessed it, but this table’s ornate centerpiece is a hand-carved wooden corbel that has been repurposed as a planter. It is one of the finishing touches in this seating area, which features green metal bar stools and an industrial table with a lift so you can lower or raise it. The lattice screen in the background originated in India. You can find architectural salvage elements, antiques, repurposed goods, and more treasures from around the world at Uniquities, 141 N. Rock Island, 831.1818. This new addition to Old Town shopping is open just once a month. To make an appointment, call 214.2301. A delicious supper is quick and easy to prepare, and bursting with summer’s fresh flavors.. For recipes, see page 14.
number 28 2 Peaceable Kingdom: local nature center teaches value of the plains 2 Shades of Green: lawn alternatives offer beauty and savings 5 Noteworthy: Kansas nonprofit designs American flag for the blind 6 Quiet Spaces: a photo essay on the Zen-like ambience of a serene garden
The Front Porch Wichita To Suppo be feature d rt Sym phony in the “Tou rD Gigs” event esigner Dig Sept. 10–1 s to 1th
A Peaceable Kingdom
Beauty in Plain Sight The Great Plains Nature Center appeals to the senses.
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Design Studio, Ltd.
Helping our clients create visually stunning and naturally soothing surroundings—both inside and out—for over 30 years! ◊
Offering a complete range of interior design services including new home construction consultations, space planning, fabric, furniture, and rug selections, and whole home or individual room makeovers. I look forward to helping you make your home warm, beautiful, comfortable, and inviting.
Lizanne Guthrie | Residential and Business Interiors Call or e-mail for an appointment 682.6612 | lizanne@designstudioltd.com
ou can’t put a price on education, but one of the best educational resources in Kansas happens to be free of charge. The Great Plains Nature Center, located in Chisholm Creek Park on North Woodlawn, takes a multisensory approach to fostering appreciation for the natural world. Both the center and the park help conserve a piece of the Great Plains, a swath of grassland that extends down the middle of North America and is home to unique plant and animal species. Nearly two hundred thousand visitors pass through the center every year, and it is fully equipped to handle them. The Koch Habitat Hall is 3,500 square feet. Learning opportunities exist everywhere you look. The walls are like illustrated pages taken right out of biology textbooks. There are interactive learning stations, and large glasscase displays let you get up close to taxidermy specimens of bison and pronghorn. Group tours are available by prearrangement and may include time in the classroom, where visitors may touch antlers, pelts, and Great Egrets and other wading complete specimens of birds may be seen in the wetlands native wildlife. There are at the Great Plains Nature Center. live birds and reptiles, too, Photography by Bob Grsss. along with a 2,200-gallon aquarium containing local fish. Even more educational materials are available in the Owl’s Nest Gift Shop, which sells plenty of books for all ages. And with seating for two hundred, the Coleman Auditorium is equipped to deliver highquality visuals and sound—an ideal venue for films, meetings, presentations, and seminars. Continued on page 4.
Edwards Pool creations range from the Shades of Green Green simple to the sublime Less Grass, More From starter pools to spectacular backyard masterpieces, this local company Green boasts the imagination to build the pool of your dreams.
Sustainable landscaping offers big benefits for homeowners and the environment.
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teve Edwards, owner of Edwards Pool Construction, has some thirty years of experience in the pool business, so he knows about water and water environments. And that know-how has given rise to the debut of this company’s exciting state-of-the-art design center in Andover, Kansas. Devoted to pool design and construction, pool repairs, pool covers, pool liners, pool renovations, and custom pools, this facility is a virtual poollover’s paradise. “Our new design center is unique in the Wichita area,” declares Edwards. “This new building showcases the entire scope of work that goes into swimming pool construction, including videos that show the wide range of swimming pools we can create through an amazing spectrum of tile displays.” Even the floors of Edwards Pool Construction are comprised of the panoply of tiles that their workers can incorporate into your pool project. And while this company can build any kind of pool you’d like, they specialize in custom-designed gunite pool construction and surrounds. Gunite is a mixture of cement, rock, and sand that is sprayed onto contoured and supported surfaces to build a pool, and gunite’s forte is its unparalleled versatility to assume an unlimited variety of shapes.
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Edwards Pool Construction enjoys an unmatched reputation for creating custom pools for legions of thrilled customers. Top to bottom: This fabulous pool features a spectacular, jaw-dropping water slide. A mist-filled morning on an adjacent pond complements the ambiance of a simple stone spa. This rectangular pool’s stately architectural facets, elegant planters, and delightful waterspouts showcase a pleasing contrast of elements.
Constructed in an endless variety of dazzling finishes, gunite pools are far superior to traditional poured concrete pools. You can also choose among a range of unique water features, including waterfalls and custom steps. Best of all, a gunite pool can be customized to your specific tastes and budget. From simple tile and coping repair to full-scale remodeling and renovation, there’s nothing this company’s pool professionals can’t handle. Edwards Pool Construction also is a full-service pool provider whose workers are also renovation and repair specialists. “Many of the pools we’ve built are acclaimed as award-winning works of art. We welcome challenges, and we truly enjoy what we do,” says Edwards, with an engaging smile. V isit E dwards P ool C onstruction at their incredible new design center, 118 E 13th St. N, A ndover— at the corner of 13th St and A ndover R d— visit them online at E dwardsP oolC onstruction.com, or call for a free quot e, 316.260.0757.
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ack in the days of English estates sitting on rolling green acres, a good-looking lawn implied that you possessed the means to maintain it. This powerful status symbol caught on in America, even though lawns were always better suited for Europe’s moist climate. Today they are a prerequisite for every suburban template. If only maintaining lawns were an exercise in sustainability, then we could call them truly green. In fact, your lawn is generally the biggest water-guzzler on your property. The good news? Lawn space offers the greatest potential for water savings. With all the landscaping alternatives to grass, you have a golden opportunity to add curb appeal, save money, and make a positive impact on the environment—all without sacrificing beauty. Hardscaping allows homeowners to get truly inventive about reducing lawn space. Hard surfaces, of course, require no watering at all. And they create contrast against the soft textures of flowers and greenery. Concrete patios can replace a significant portion of your backyard. You can Cathy and Nick Clausen, owners of Backthen transform this yard Nature Center, are continuing to enjoy maintenance-free an ever-changing colorful display of native zone into an out- wildflowers from a small bag of seeds they door living space simply broadcast around their yard last year. with furniture and Continued on page 13. Summer 2016
The Front Porch Wichita
Built In Detroit. Now Arriving In Wichita. Burnell’s Fine Jewelry and Design introduces Shinola “Built In Detroit” fashionable luxury watches to Wichita.
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ashionable timepiece wearers can now find Shinola watches at Burnell’s Fine Jewelry and Design, the first authorized retailer in Wichita to feature this extremely popular brand of watches. Shinola watches offer both a taste of luxury and the satisfaction of supporting an American-made product. In fact, they are the first watches to be built at scale in the U.S. in decades. Shinola offers an unmatched warranty among luxury watchmakers, every Shinola watch comes with a limited lifetime guarantee under the terms and conditions of the warranty. Shinola is able to offer this guarantee because they source watch components of exceptionally high quality and utilize a handmade production process in a state-of-the-art Detroit factory. As such, you’ll feel a great sense of satisfaction in knowing your Shinola timepiece can be passed down to the next generation. All Shinola watches are powered by a Shinola Detroit-built Argonite movement, made with imported parts from Switzerland. The watch faces are easily distinguishable by the Shinola wording on the front, and the back of the cases feature a Shinola inscription as well as a serial number and the phrase “built in Detroit.” Shinola watches are available with a number of variations such as a date window or a moon dial capable of tracking lunar phases. A wide range of band options is also available, including leather, nylon strap, and metal bracelet. The collection includes several different lines of analog watches that include an assortment of bands, faces, colors, and lengths. One popular line, The Runwell, features a sapphire crystal, Super-LumiNova printed dial details, a solid stainless steel case, a screw-down crown, two hands, a remote second hand, and a laser-etched case.
The Runwell Moon Phase 47mm
The Brakeman
The Runwell Chrono 47mm
The Gomelsky 36mm
Shinola operates retail stores in Detroit, New York, Washington DC and a newly opened store in London. The brand is also sold through a limited number of luxury stores such as Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus. (And yes...the name Shinola is taken from the defunct shoe polish company that began in 1907 and gained fame during WWII for the colloquialism, “You don’t know sh*t from Shinola.”) Splendid custom pieces and spectacular lines of fine jewelry are the very essence of Burnell’s Fine Jewelry and Design. Stop in to discover the most imaginative, and flat-out gorgeous jewelry, diamonds and watches in Wichita at Burnell’s Fine Jewelry and Design, Mill Creek Shopping Center; 550 N Rock Road, 634.2822, or visit Burnells.com
Kitchen & Bath Gallery brings new life, space, and warmth to this home’s favorite room.
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hese homeowners needed more room and wanted to update their kitchen, but they also wanted to maintain the appeal of the original kitchen they had grown to love over the years. Mark Combs, designer and co-owner of Kitchen & Bath Gallery, created a space with the perfect combination of design and finishes. In order to accommodate the new design, structural changes included extending the main kitchen wall by four feet, removing a wall that once divided the breakfast area and kitchen, raising the ceiling height by one foot, and adding hand hewn pine beams. The result is an open, expansive kitchen large enough to accommodate what the homeowner describes as a huge extended family. The perimeter cabinetry is select alder wood in a natural sepia stain with an heirloom finish that exhibits a soft, aged patina. And disguised by the beautiful cabinets along the wall to the left of the double ovens are a wine cooler with a smaller refrigerator drawer below, a combination freezer/refrigerator, and a full-sized pantry. The perimeter countertops are suede brown granite, and the island countertop features complementary Apollo granite with a 6 cm stacked edge. The backsplash is bamboo-colored hand-molded tile, and the tile liners and accent tile above the range are hammered bronze. To maintain the feel of the original kitchen, the cabinetry chosen for the island features slightly distressed hand-planed alder wood painted with the color brick, similar to one of the homeowner’s favorite original kitchen colors. “I especially liked the customized spaces that Mark designed to store entertaining dishware,” the homeowner says. The white cabinetry in the butler’s pantry built just off the kitchen, leading to the formal dining room, is also a much-appreciated finishing touch. “This was my first major kitchen remodel, and it was a real pleasure working with Mark. He’s true to his word, very particular, and we always felt comfortable that he would take care of everything. We just love everything about it,” she adds with a smile.
Summer 2016
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A Peaceable Kingdom Beauty in Plain Sight, from page 2.
No environment is better suited for the Great Plains Nature Center than Chisholm Creek Park. In addition to the learning opportunities inside this beautiful facility, the surrounding 232 acres of land are home to native plant and animal species. Photography by Thane Rogers.
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Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the natural wetlands of Chisholm Creek Park. The park offers an immersive experience with over two hundred acres of prairie and woodland. People can wander paved trails that twist and turn for two miles through Great Plains habitat. The K-96 bicycle path traverses the park, and a new extension from that path connects to the GPNC. Visitors may even catch a glimpse of a resident fox or deer. With special events offered every quarter, there is no shortage of learning opportunities for adults and children alike. Just a few of them include beekeeping workshops, bird-watching walks every second Saturday, archery classes, family fishing nights, and the annual Walk with Wildlife, which is always held on the second Saturday of June. In 2014, the center received national recognition by winning a Partners in Conservation Award from the U.S. Department of the Interior. This year marks its twentieth anniversary serving the public, so be sure to stop by anytime Monday–Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Chisholm Creek Park is open daily from dawn till dusk. Families and friends can take advantage of picnic tables and charcoal grills at the park’s west entrance. A visit to the center is a worthwhile way to spend a summer afternoon. Visit GPNC.org to learn more about programs and events taking place this summer at the Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 East 29th St. N., 683.5499. Summer 2016
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Noteworthy
A Touch of Patriotism The American Braille Flag brings stars and stripes to the blind.
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hat started as a teaching tool for blind children quickly became a nationally-acclaimed symbol of literacy and patriotism. A new version of the American Flag features the Pledge of Allegiance transcribed in Braille on its surface. Those without sight can read the words with their finger-
The Braille American Flag measures 7.5 x 9.5 inches. In addition to the Pledge of Allegiance transcribed in Braille, there is a color key informing the blind that embossed stripes are white, smooth stripes are red, and raised stars appear white against a blue background.
tips while also interpreting the embossed stars and stripes. For the first time ever, the star-spangled banner’s iconic beauty is accessible to the blind through touch. The Kansas Braille Transcription Institute, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to improving Braille literacy, started producing the flags in 2005. Today, bronze versions Summer 2016
are on display at Arlington National Cemetery and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. The flag’s creator, KBTI founder Randolph Cabral, said that he wanted to honor his father, a World War II veteran who lost his sight. As it turns out, Braille has military roots. A French army captain named Charles Barbier de la Serre invented it in the early nineteenth century. “Night writing” was designed for soldiers to exchange top-secret information without light and without speaking. But the code was difficult to master, and it never took off. Later, a young blind student named Louis Braille realized the potential of Barbier’s invention. He simplified the code to make it easier to interpret. Braille consists of tiny raised dots on a tactile surface. Different dot configurations represent different letters of the alphabet or, occasionally, groupings of letters. By learning which configurations represent which letters, visually impaired people can put together words. This relatively new system of communication is already sliding into disuse. The Continued on page 6. 5
The Front Porch Wichita
Noteworthy
A Touch of Patriotism, from page 5
National Federation of the Blind has reported that fewer than 10 percent of 1.3 million blind Americans read Braille. By contrast, in the 1950s more than half of all blind people were learning to read Braille. Since then, the world has been introduced to things such as audiobooks and voice-recognition software. Advocates for Braille literacy believe that it’s still relevant, if not vital, to the blind. They point to studies showing that Braille literacy leads to higher education, better jobs, and stronger independence. Despite KBTI’s well-deserved acclaim for creating the first Braille flag, the institute remains focused on increasing Braille literacy through its transcription services. From bank statements to textbooks to church hymnals, KBTI interprets everyday things that much of the sighted world takes for granted. The Braille American Flag costs only five dollars, a small price for such a unique work of art. If you decide to purchase one, consider adding a donation to support literacy for the blind. To order a Braille American Flag or learn more about transcription services for visually impaired people, visit KBTI.org or call 265.9692.
Quiet Spaces
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Located on the 6th floor of The Garvey Building Across the street from Century II • Wichita KS Call Richard at 316.712.5822
Front Porch the
summer 2016
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The Art of Cultivating Simple Pleasures and Living Well Welcome to The Front Porch Wichita! We invite you to join us as we share ideas for homes and gardens, swap some recipes, meet some interesting people, and chat a little about this and that. And if you happen to have a front porch that you’d like us to see, please write or call us. We’ll be more than happy to stop by, and maybe even sit a spell. To view on-line, please visit: TheFrontPorchWichita.com Support your local businesses whenever possible. Please let participants know you saw them in The Front Porch Wichita!
Editor: Kathy D. Heaton Contributing Writers: Matt Nelson and Kat Schneider Copy Editor: Jo Bowman Contributing Graphic Designer: Hai Tran Web Development: Frantz Augustin Publisher: Patrick D. Wherritt
Contents copyright ©2016 by Daniels Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted or reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. The Front Porch WichitaTM is a registered trademark of Daniels Publishing, Inc. The Front Porch Wichita is designed to showcase area businesses and professionals. Space is paid for by the advertisers and is an opportunity for them to let you know more about them and their businesses. The Front Porch Wichita makes no claims regarding, and does not endorse, the services, and/or products featured. Subscriptions: If you would like to receive each quarterly issue of The Front Porch Wichita please send a check or money order for $3.00 to Daniels Publishing, Inc.
Daniels Publishing, Inc. | 2250 N. Rock Road, Ste. 118-J | Wichita, KS 67226 | 316.687.1968
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Kitchen Tune-Up® creates modern chic style for a stunning remodel This locally-owned franchise continues to live up to its high standards of integrity, and reputation for satisfying an ever-growing number of Wichita area homeowners seeking just the right custom touches.
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hen it comes to creating the right look for customers, Adam and Rachel Phillips, owners of the award-winning local franchise of Kitchen Tune-Up, have it down to an art. In fact, it’s the artistic touches and finishing details that this team brings to every project that continues to make their company so popular. It’s hard to believe this kitchen was once a traditional tired oak kitchen of the 1980s. But Adam and Rachel had a vision that more than met the homeowner’s expectations. One such example in this complete remodel is that beyond the kitchen the homeowners also relied upon Rachel’s considerable design talents to choose new colors throughout their home, and to update their dining room. That task included taking out a wall that was once behind where the new island is, selecting paints in warm grays and browns, and adding a chandelier made with silver tree branches and crystal accents. Then, a twisted metal twig design, imprinted with a finish to give the look of real wood, was used for the island legs, and for a new stair railing. The cabinets are a newer Shaker style with a beaded inlay that gives them a softer edge. The Royal White Exotic granite, with an ogee edge, has flecks of silver, copper, and dark chocoSummer 2016
late that plays off the dark espresso cabinets. The backsplash throughout is a modern, oversized embossed glass subway tile in a warm gray. New stainless steel appliances and sinks give another natural appeal to the kitchen. Choosing patterns, colors, and materials, is just one of the areas in which Kitchen Tune-Up excels. They also know how to create functional spaces. Two of the standouts in this kitchen are the coffee bar that features a unique trough sink, and an impressive baking center. As Rachel, Kitchen TuneUp’s designer, says, “This remodeled kitchen is a great example of how going modern doesn’t need to be cold or sterile. There are layers of textures and soft finishes that give it a more feminine feel of what I’d call modern chic.” To schedule a free consultation in the design studio at 4057 N. Woodlawn, Ste 1, call 316.558.8888 or e-mail rphillips@kitchentuneup.com. Learn more by visiting online at kitchentuneup.com, or follow them on Facebook at Kitchen Tune-Up, Wichita, Kansas. 7
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Oh Yeah! China Bistro
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For more than twenty years Shu Tai and Robert Liao have been serving the finest Asian foods to grateful Wichitans. It’s no surprise that their loyal following has grown dramatically with the opening of OH YEAH! CHINA BISTRO. This fine-dining Chinese restaurant reaches far beyond the ordinary with authentic gourmet Chinese cuisine. At OH YEAH! CHINA BISTRO, every meal is prepared to order, and their delicious sauces are all made from scratch. The menu features all the traditional Asian favorites, plantbased or meat proteins, and steamed or stir-fried dishes—and they are more than happy to accommodate special requests.
and Sushi Bar
Unique Asian Fare Drawing upon a background of more than thirty years’ experience in running successful sushi bars in New York and Boston, Jay and Eunice Kim serve a unique blend of Japanese and Korean cuisine in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Since opening in 1996, HANA CAFE has steadily gained favor with those who appreciate ultrafresh sushi and other artfully prepared-from-scratch Asian food.
Lunch: Mon–Sat 11-4 Dinner: Mon–Thur 4–10, Fri–Sat 4–11, Sun 12–10
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Chinese Cuisine with an Artful Flair
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OH YEAH! CHINA BISTRO chefs skillfully transform traditional Chinese dishes into masterpieces so artfully, so delectably, and so subtly that diners will wonder if they’re still in Kansas. There’s more: OH YEAH! CHINA BISTRO’S reasonable prices, sleek décor, soft lighting, rich hardwood floors, upholstered booths, and linen tablecloths and napkins— even for lunch—create a dining experience that will have you saying, “Oh Yeah! China Bistro.” 3101 N. Rock Rd 425.7700 OhYeahChinaBistro.com
Summer 2016
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The Front Porch Wichita
Finishing Touches, from cover living room feels a bit small, for example, don’t start knocking down walls just yet. Mount an oversized mirror, and watch as your room seems to magically double in size. Clear glass shower doors produce the same effect for bathrooms. Another strategy is one that people don’t usually think of—probably because it’s a bit counterintuitive. Lizanne Guthrie of Design Studio Ltd. takes a “less is more” approach to interior decorating. “Sometimes it’s more about what you take away,” she says. “Then you discover that one special piece that can make quite a statement.” To art lovers who fill their walls with paintings, many designers would suggest thinning out the gallery. Let the wall breathe, and let wall space center the focus on just a few favorite pieces. We all have had plenty of time to collect lots of things over the years, and many of them are forgotten away in boxes or stored in basements. If your home needs some finishing touches, take a peek inside those boxes first. You might be surprised at what you find. A metal tray makes a perfect base for candle arrangements, picture frames, or books. Old trunks serve as stylish tables at bedside or between two chairs. Large, decorative frames make old paintings and prints look like museum-quality works. If you find stamped china, hang a few plates as wall art. Even better, wash them and use them for dinner parties. Mix-and-match dishware adds a personal touch to your table setting. Possessions like these often get thrown away. But as the old axiom teaches us, you might perceive them as treasured design elements for your own home. Exquisite pieces are always waiting to be rescued from oblivion. Whether you’re searching in thrift shops or fine antique stores, look for pieces with potential. Don’t pass up a cracked vase or a Continued on page 12.
Top of page: Artifacts have tremendous design potential as finishing touches. Be sure not to let them fall by the wayside. That could have happened to this antique prow of an Indonesian ship. Instead of ending up lost and forgotten somewhere, the artifact enjoys prominence in a lighted niche above a doorway—an intriguing conversation piece for guests in the home. The restored prow rests on a stand fashioned from inverted baskets. Above left: Long ago, the stone wheel in the background was used to grind grain in a mill. Now it plays a different kind of role in this master suite bathroom. Notice how the curved edge stands out among the rectangular tiles, window frames, columns, and cabinetry. Above, right: Spiritual elements speak in serene tones. An antique Bible box supports a perfect arrangement of three objects that project an aura of peace: a hand-carved Buddha, an anointing brush, and a simple plant rising from a modest container. The Buddha has been adorned with beaded necklaces—a finishing touch meant to honor the figure. All the pieces in these photos were astutely chosen and positioned by Lizanne Guthrie of Design Studio Ltd., 682.6612.
Above: The powder room in this award-winning Ritchie Development home, in The Residences at Waterfront, features a mosaic floor of Old English hexagon tiles, handglazed and rich in color. The back wall is an eco-friendly Friendlywall. The smoky hardwood paneling is from the San Francisco Hecolo collection, and introduces a brandnew material and pattern into the room. It takes expert design sense to pull off the seamless combination of such distinct looks and styles. This example was accomplished by Designers Expo, 1409 E. Douglas, 267.1982.
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Above: A photo best serves to explain how animal print, classic statuary, and a traditional sofa can come together like good friends. Designed by Charles Faudree for Vervain, this leopard-print ottoman is trimmed with beaded bullion fringe. The sofa features solid Robert Allen fabric with skirt trim by Charlotte Moss. The pillows add even more textures and colors. Bordered by appliqued tassel fringe, the center pillow’s Stroheim cut velvet displays an elegant pattern of diamond-shaped leaves. The other two pillows are covered with Manuel Canovas embroidered linen with brush fringe. The sky’s the limit when it comes to fabric selection at A&M Superior Upholstery, 106 N. Hillside, 262.2076.
Summer 2016
The Front Porch Wichita
Gas Can Kitchens makes it easy to visualize your outdoor kitchen This locally owned business brings a new dimension to outdoor living spaces with its new design software capabilities.
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as Can Kitchens takes the guess work out of how your new outdoor space will look. That’s because owners Ryan Dirks and Aaron Young are uniquely qualified to offer customers an amazing look at how their new space will actually look—before we start their project. “With our new 3-dimensional renderings,” Dirks says, “the client can accurately see which type of material (stone, granite, This inviting outdoor entertaining area boasts a wood burnwood, metals, colors) will best ing fire pit, Ashler Slate concrete patio, cast aluminum patio coordinate with their surround- chairs, a full outdoor kitchen with grill, refrigeration, stainings and existing features. It less steel sink, and is finished with rustic cedar timbers. also provides us with the ability to quickly select and try different materials on each project so they can actually see how each material will look. Using GPS, we can pinpoint the exact area for the new patio or project and determine how the natural surroundings affect the layout as well as the amount of daylight available. This helps us to maximize the client’s budget,” Dirks says. While Gas Can Kitchens excels at creating complete outdoor living spaces, they also have a lot of experience in creating simple grilling islands to fit smaller patios. More than anything else, however, they’ve found that stone and brick pizza ovens have become the must-have accessory for Designed with 3-D modeling software for an outdoor kitchens. They are a natural when accurate interpretation of the homeowners vi- it comes to outdoor cooking and a great sion, Gas Can Kitchens transformed this empty addition to any entertaining space. earn more a out the enefits of walkout basement area into a perfect entertainseeing your dream outdoor living ing space. They installed LED downlighting for as Can ambience, refrigeration, natural gas and side- space efore it’s uilt, call burner, and electrical receptacles for crock pots, itchens at 3 6.530. 2 5 for a free cell phones, and TVs. The granite countertops, consultation. iew their custom fire limestone storage cabinet, and stainless steel ta les, grill islands, and five-star outdoor appliances make it beautiful and durable. kitchens at asCan itchens.com.
Concrete Innovations brings durable beauty to concrete
Providing a wide range of concrete restoration services, this locally owned company continues to earn phenomenal praise from pleased customers.
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ick Gamboa, co-owner of Concrete Innovations of Kansas, says, “We use an entirely new technology for concrete.” It’s perfect for driveways, walkways, patios, pool surrounds, garage floors, interior flooring, and retaining walls, if it’s made of concrete, their company can repair, restore, or resurface your home’s existing concrete surfaces—and make them more These before-and-after beautiful than before. photos show the extent to “Unfortunately, concrete which concrete restoration naturally and inevitably can update an older pool. deteriorates,” says Gamboa. They resurfaced the entire The top layer of the concrete pool deck with multiple may start pitting, delaminating, and coats of polymer cement and added color to create the cracking for a variety of reasons. look of natural stone. Now the pool deck looks newer, “Instead of tearing out the old and brighter, and cleaner. The stained-concrete border and re-pouring new concrete—and you’ll half-moon at the top of the deck provide elegant constill end up with everyday ol’ gray trast. Two coats of clear sealer were applied to protect concrete—Concrete Innovations can this beautiful work. repair, restore and resurface your old disintegrating concrete, easily, quickly, and beautifully, at a fraction of the cost,” Gamboa promises. Concrete Innovations offers an array of appealing applications to your concrete surfaces, such as a simple garage floor redo, which instantly adds beauty and value to your home for years to come. Concrete Innovations introduces the science of concrete restoration, repair and design; the possibilities are virtually endless with a variety of colors and styles, inside and outside your home. If you can imagine it, this cadre of expertly trained professionals can likely produce it. This durable concrete system is as tough as nails, resists mildew, stains, and mold, and easy to clean and maintain. Concrete Innovations durable B asic concrete work has evolved systems are perfect for into the art of concrete technoldriveways, walkways, patios, ogy. D iscover how C oncrete I nnovapool decks, basement floors, tions of Kansas can transform your and garage floors. Our systems can give you concrete surfaces into works of art. C all the natural look of tile, flagstone, brick, slate, 316.300.509 7 or visiting www.cik-wichita. granite, marble, and terrazzo. com. B B B A ccredited B usiness.
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Dynatek is Wichita’s first choice in home security systems Providing a variety of home security needs, Richard and Stephanie Cooksey have seen Dynatek—their locally owned and operated company—thrive.
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ince 1990, this duo has demonstrated that a local business can successfully compete with the national big-box stores. And while Dynatek offers a variety of custom electronics solutions, this Wichitaarea company excels in customized home security systems and solutions.
The Dynatek Security Solution can provide you with the most protection at a fair and honest value customized for your budget and lifestyle.
Nelson Designs offers assistance in the full design of your home or office. Everything from selecting your color story, fine furniture, draperies and accessories to the installation of artwork and mirrors. Visit our showroom, bring pictures, or call for a consultation today. Our desire is to make you happy with your choices and enjoy the process of transforming your house into your home!
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8340 E 21st St • The Shops at Tallgrass • 613.3450 NelsonDesignsLLC.net
Richard and Stephanie Cooksey enjoy building long-term relationships with their customers.
The Cookseys can provide anything from the simplest home-security needs to the most comprehensive security specializations, including state-of-the-art digital integration. Having been in business locally for 25 years, their roots are deeply planted in this community, and they are firm believers in “giving back.” Dynatek is most recently involved in the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway in Derby, Kansas. They are providing the security and technology for the home. Dynatek can effectively compete with national chain stores because its service and custom installations are unrivaled. The superstores lure customers with free equipment—and a five-year contract; Dynatek, however, offers competitive monthly rates. And a closer look reveals that big-boxers typically offer only entry-level home security systems, whereas Dynatek is
capable of providing a system, customized and locally installed by our professional company, that meets your specific needs. The Cookseys understand that often people don’t need every unique feature available, so they’re able to customize a security system for your budget and your lifestyle. Dynatek offers a variety of security options with local customer support and service, including high-end technology with remote viewing and mobile phone control capabilities. Hardwired security systems have long been considered the most reliable type of security system; however, there are seamless ways to integrate more-reliable wireless devices into your Dynatek system. When seconds count, you can count on local Dynatek security to promptly answer your call 24/7. There are literally hundreds of ways that a Dynatek home-security system can be customized to fit your family’s unique security needs. D iscover why so many people depend on D ynatek for their home security. C all or visit D ynatek at 652.0160, 11124 E ast 28t h St. North, Ste. 102, or visit D ynatekC ompany.com
Finishing Touches, from page 10 chipped sculpture. Naturally distressed antiques are prized for their imperfections. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to honor old pieces with restoration if needed. Refinishing a sunbleached rocking chair gives it new life. And be sure to ask about the origin of old items. Many have a story to tell, which you can impart to friends and guests who view them in your home. Above all, choose finishing touches that resonate with you. Not only should they complete a look, but they ought to reflect who you are—your style, your values, and your beliefs. Finishing touches differentiate your house from your neighbors’. It may take a while to find the right pieces. Home decorating is usually a work in progress as your home changes with time and with interests. Think of it as a journey—just like life itself. When you find the perfect spot for that meaningful item, you will know it by the audible click in your mind. And from your lips, one word: “Yes.” —By Matt Nelson Above: A scene carved from textured granite depicts a fish swimming upstream. The boulder has been drilled through the center, allowing water to cascade over the furrowed surface and around the polished fish. The water feature includes a basin and a pump, which are buried flush with the ground. The whole piece lies on a bed of polished pebbles that look like river rocks. From Stone Age Creations, this work of art belongs in the garden. See more like it at Backyard Nature Center, in The Shops at Tallgrass, 8336 E. 21st St., #500, 683.2121. Below: Roughly hewn from thousand-year-old granite, this bird bath possess a raw kind of beauty. It’s quite versatile as a design piece, too. Stone Age Creations like this one complement the natural look of native gardens. They also look quite nice as contrast pieces against smooth surfaces or neatly trimmed hedges. Created by nature, crafted by artisans, and available at Backyard Nature Center.
Above: Finishing touches are the details that complete the look of a room, and this room contains plenty of them. The faux wood tray’s undulating edge mimics the tufting found on the ottoman and sofa. The green cut-glass bowl, which holds botanical succulents, catches the light in the room. Meanwhile, throw pillows bring color contrast to a sofa with neutral tones. The grass-colored pillow pairs nicely with the green bowl; so does the cream pillow with leafy shapes etched into its fabric. An oversized mirror uses the trick of reflection to enlarge the room, bring in more light, and repeat colors and textures. “For this room, it’s all in the accessories,” says Sharon Nelson, co-owner and designer at Nelson Designs LLC., in The Shops at Tallgrass, 8340 E. 21st St., 613.3450.
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CertaPro Painters of Wichita delivers the highest quality in every detail This thriving local, family-owned business has become the go-to place for residential and commercial painting needs.
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ith e v e ry p a in tin g p ro je c t, in te rio r o r e x te rio r, b ig o r s m a l l , J a m i e a nd J o r ge I ba r r a , t he ow ne r s of C e r t a P r o P a in te rs o f W ic h ita , a re c o m m itte d to p ro v id in g th e h ig h e s t q u a lity p ro fe s s io n a l s e rv ic e in th e a re a . F ro m a p p e a ra n c e to d u ra b ility , th e y m a k e c e rta in th a t e v e ry p a in tin g pro ect is finished to the customer’s satisfaction. It’s what Certa ro c a lls th e “ C e rta in ty ” p ro m is e th a t a c c o m p a n ie s e v e ry jo b . “ W e k n o w y o u h a v e a c h o ic e w h e n it c o m e s to a llo w in g a c o n tra c to r in to y o u r h o m e , a n d c o n s id e r it a p riv ile g e to p ro v id e o u r s e r v ic e s to y o u , a n d w ill a lw a y s s tr iv e to e x c e e d y o u r e x p e c ta tio n s ,” s a y s J a m ie . That’s exactly what these Wichita homeowners discovered when they recently had Certa P ro p a in t th e e x te rio r o f th e ir h o m e . T o J a m ie a n d J o rg e , p a in tin g is m o re th a n a e s th e tic s . T h e y u n d e rs ta n d th e im p o rta n c e o f a p ro p e r p a in t jo b , g e ttin g th e p re p a ra tio n rig h t a n d m a k in g s u re a ll th e d e ta ils th a t a re im p o rta n t to y o u a re k e p t in mind. The homeowners couldn’t have been happier. They found Certa ro’s free professional color consultant especially he l pf ul . W i t h a hom e f a c e d pr i m a r i l y w i t h s t one a nd br i c k, t he y unde r s t a nd t he im por t a nc e c ol or c a n pl a y t o e nha nc e i t s f e a t ur e s . “ T h e y t ok t he s t r e s s of c hos i ng t he r i ght c ol or s out
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j ob, a nd c r e a t e d a pe r f e c t c om bi n a t i on. F r om ga r a ge , t o t he s i di ng on t he ba c k a nd s i de s of t he Before hous e , t o t he t r i m , t o t he f r ont por c h, w he r e t he y c r e a t e d a m uc h c oz i e r s pa c e w i t h a r i c h br ow n c e i l i ng. A nd, I e s pe c i a l l y l ove m y ne w bl ue dor ,” t he hom e ow ne r a ds w itha s m ile . T he r e m a y be pl e nt y of pe opl e w ho s a y t he y c a n pa i nt , but J a m i e a nd J or ge I ba r r a , t he ow ne r s of C e r t a P r o P a i n t e r s of W i c hi t a , know t ha t w he n i t c om e s t o pa i nt i ng your hom e or bus i ne s s you w a nt a j ob t ha t e nha nc e s t he va l ue of your pr ope r t y . A j ob w e l l done . A nd, a c c or di ng t o t he s e ha py hom e ow ne r s , t hi s j ob w a s a l l t ha t , a nd m or e . “ T he pa i nt e r s w e r e r out i ne l y f r i e ndl y , w e gi ve t he m gr e a t c r e di t f or c a r e f ul l y a voi di ng stepping in ower beds, and overall for the terrific ob they did,” says the homeowner. “ W e hi ghl y r e c om m e nd C e r t a P r o t o a nyoe w a nt i ng a qua l i t y pa i nt i ng j ob done r i ght .” C ontact C ertaP ro P ainters of Wichita today and discover the difference for yourself. Schedule a free q uote online at wichita-east.certapro.com, call 316.440.0161, stop by their office at 25 S. West St., Ste 03, or send an e-mail to ja aker certapro.com t he
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Green Shades of Green Less Grass, More Green, from page 2 accessories. Flagstone, pavers and brick make stylish paths that define planting areas and provide access to the garden. Conserving water doesn’t necessarily mean installing rock gardens and cacti. There is no shortage of attractive plants in Kansas. Hundreds of flowers and grasses are indigenous to the area, which means they’ve adapted to our climate and require less attention—including water. The spires of lavender lupines, the watercolor blossoms of meadow roses, the pompons of milkweed, and the striking petals of cardinal flowers all supply your garden canvas with brushstrokes of color. They also give back to the environment,
It’s unusual to see cacti in Midwest gardens, and that is precisely why they make great accents. As is turns out, these succulents are steel replicas of popular cactus plant species. The sculpture in the foreground represents the fishhook barrel cactus, which is distinguished by the wedges that extend up and down its surface. In the background, the prickly pear displays its leaves at random. Metal art this fine can only be found at Desert Steel.
Botanica’s Xeriscape Demonstration Garden offers a visual and learning experience about native landscaping.
whereas lawns rarely do. Building a native garden supports pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Even modest changes to your watering habits can dramatically reduce dependency on public water. Harvesting rainwater with rain barrels seems almost shockingly efficient when you consider this fact: just one inch of rainfall on the average roof can yield hundreds of gallons of fresh water, which you can use to nourish your lawn and garden. The green benefits of less lawn include more than saving water and its related expenses. Cutting down on grass also cuts down on the pollutants found in lawn chemicals and in lawn mower exhaust.
Eco-friendly landscaping contributes to cleaner earth, cleaner air, and more money in homeowners’ pockets that would otherwise go toward lawn care. To learn more about lawn alternatives, visit Botanica’s Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, which features native plants and mulches that conserve water. Botanica is located at 701 Amidon St., 264.0448. Visit WichitaRainBarrels.com to learn more about harvesting rainwater.
Holistic Nursing Consultants Barbara Denison MSN, APRN, AHN–BC
Your Healthcare Partner . . . with time to listen . . . to learn . . . to care. Whether you have: • Chronic or acute pain • Chronic inflammation • High cholesterol
• Insulin resistance • Stress, anxiety, fatigue, or • Grief brought on by life changes
Holistic Nursing Consultants has the resources to navigate you toward the path of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Holistic Health Consultations, with nutritional assessment and recommendations. APOE Gene DietTM Program & Therapeutic Touch to facilitate healthy lifestyle changes. Mindfulness practices such as learning the relaxation response and meditation. Education classes and workshops in Meditation, Nutrition, and Therapeutic Touch. To learn more or schedule a consultation with Barbara Denison, call 316.992.0077. Visit BarbaraDenison.com for upcoming events, workshops, and classes.
Barbara Denison relies on her more than 37-year nursing career, considerable advanced education, and intuition to guide her in becoming a therapeutic partner with her clients. Her integrative approach helps many people regain their health.
Executive Park Eas t / L akeside Plaza, 250 N Rock Road, Ste 30 0 P
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A QUICK AND EASY SUMMER SUPPER
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hen temperatures soar the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time in the kitchen. This delightfully simple supper is quick and easy to prepare. But don’t let its uncomplicated nature fool you. It’s also quite filling, and delivers all the fresh flavors of summer’s bounty. The eggplant, potatoes, and mushrooms for the kabobs are very substantial, but feel free to add, or substitute, your favorites. They can be cut and put on the skewers several hours before you intend to place them on the grill, or if you don’t want to grill outside, they will cook in a few minutes under a broiler. Couscous, which takes a mere five minutes to prepare, is hands down the quickest whole grain you can possibly make. The cucumber avocado salad is as easy as one, two, three, and the avocado makes it so incredibly creamy, that it will likely become one of your go-to recipes long past summer. What makes these dishes even better is that they contain a full spectrum of colors and nutrients, which means they are also good for you! When summer comes around, it’s especially nice to serve something a little lighter for dessert. Fruits are a favorite, and this incredibly moist orange cake takes advantage of the sweet-tart goodness of freshly squeezed orange juice, and fresh, juicy berries. Plus, it can be made the day before, making it an even sweeter finale for your summer supper.
Cool Cucumber Avocado Salad Cool Cucumber Avocado Salad Fresh cucumber, green pepper, and ripe avocado are the base for this refreshing salad. The addition of piquant pickled pimentos gives it just the right amount of kick.
By Kathy Heaton, Photography by Patrick Wherritt 1 avocado 1 English cucumber 1 green pepper 8–10 pickled pimentos juice of 1 lemon 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped fine salt to taste
Cut the cucumber, green pepper, and avocado into bite-size pieces. Slice the pickled pimentos into thin strips. Put the lemon juice and approximately ¼ of the avocado into a bowl and stir well. This will break down the avocado a little making a creamy dressing for the salad, but do not mash the avocado. Add the other vegetables and stir. Add the chopped parsley and stir again. Cover and refrigerate. Can be made several hours before serving.
Grilled Eggplant, Potato, and Mushroom Kabobs with Pistou, and Whole Wheat Couscous Pilaf Orange Cake with Berries This cake is moist, delicious, and unbelievably easy to prepare. It’s sweet enough to enjoy on its own, or with a light dusting of powdered sugar, but topping it with juicy strawberries and fresh blueberries makes it heavenly. Recipe on page 15.
Grilled Eggplant, Potato, and Mushroom Kabobs with Pistou, and Whole Wheat Couscous Pilaf Eggplant, potatoes, and mushrooms are delicious when grilled. Served over a bed of whole wheat couscous, flavored with broth, cinnamon, and raisins, they make an exceptionally satisfying meal. The freshly made pistou has an intense, sharp flavor that enhances all the other ingredients. Eggplant, Potato, and Mushroom Kabobs 1 pound baby potatoes, mixed varieties 3 small Japanese eggplants, cut across horizontally into 1/3” thick pieces 1 red pepper, cut into 2” square pieces 8 ounces mushrooms, stems removed, left whole 1/4 red onion, cut into 1/2” pieces 1/2 cup basil flavored, or plain, olive oil salt and pepper to taste
Steam the potatoes over boiling water for about 6–8 minutes, or until they are just al dente. If they are about 1” in size you can leave them whole, otherwise after steaming cut into 1” pieces. Cut the eggplants and red pepper to size. Place all of the vegetables in a shallow bowl and pour the basil olive oil over them, and gently toss the pieces to thoroughly coat. Add salt and pepper. Alternate the vegetables on a skewer. Be sure to keep the eggplant slices flat, piercing the skewer through the skins, so they will stay in place when grilled. The vegetables can be prepared and kept covered at room temperature until you are ready to place them on a hot grill, or on a grill pan placed under a broiler. Meanwhile, prepare the pistou and whole wheat couscous. Pistou 2 cups, lightly packed, basil leaves 1 large clove garlic 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup olive oil
Put everything into a blender and pulse until smooth. If you prefer, prepare it manually using a mortar and pestle. It’s best made within an hour or two before serving. To keep it from discoloring, simply pour a little olive oil over the top and refrigerate until ready to use. 14
Whole Wheat Couscous Pilaf 1 cup whole wheat couscous 1 cinnamon stick, or up to 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth, with 1/4 teaspoon salt added (optional) 1/4 cup raisins
Place the couscous and cinnamon in a pan that has a lid. Heat the salted broth to a boil; pour over the couscous, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Add the raisins and fluff with a fork. Keep covered until ready to serve. To assemble
Grill the kabobs, turning frequently, 5–6 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender, and slightly browned. Place the kabobs over a bed of whole wheat couscous and top with fresh pistou. Serve additional pistou on the side for those who desire more. Summer 2016
The Front Porch Wichita Recipe from page 14.
Orange Cake with Berries 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 3–4 oranges 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 tablespoons orange zest, from about 2 oranges
316.409.1820 ChoiceExteriorsllc.com
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt together. Before juicing the oranges, zest approximately 2 of them, or enough for two tablespoons. Measure the orange juice, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla into a small bowl and mix well. Stir in the zest and quickly pour the mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir quickly until the batter is smooth, but try not to create too much air in the mixture. Pour into a greased and floured 8 ½ to 9 inch spring form pan. If you want, line the bottom with parchment paper to make it even easier to unmold the cake. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes, then gently remove the cake from the pan and continue cooling on a rack.
Choice Exteriors is always the right choice in quality roofing and siding However, Choice Exteriors also provides all types of home remodeling services. “We love doing custom jobs, from porches to cabinets to basement makeovers. You name it,” says owner Barry Reece. They are also available for painting, to install Leaf ArmourTM gutters, and new window replacements. Other custom projects and room additions include cabinets, wet bars, entertainment centers, sun rooms, screened rooms, front and back porches, basement remodels, and decks. “Custom applications like these give your home an amazing facelift,” says Barry Reece. “Your imagination is our only limit!”
Sweet Berry Topping 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1/2 pint fresh strawberries 1/2 pint fresh blueberries
Dust the top of the cake with the powdered sugar. Wash the berries, keeping separate. Slice the strawberries lengthwise and stack 2 slices high in a circle just inside the edge of the cake. Mound the blueberries inside the strawberry circle. Note: This recipe will also work well as four individualsized cakes. The cooking time may be reduced, so be sure to keep a close eye on them after 25 minutes. Make a difference when you cook by using organic, or locally grown produce. Everything will taste better, and you can feel good about being kinder to the planet.
This lovely home features HardiePlank Lap Siding in Boothbay Blue and HardieTrim Boards in Arctic White. HardiePlank, a beautiful and durable lap siding, is the first choice in cement fiber siding by James Hardie®. James Hardie products grace the sides of more than 5.5 million homes across America.
Add value and beauty to your home, plus never clean your gutters again with state-of-the-art Leaf ArmourTM gutters.
These homeowners yearned for a larger porch and extended roof. They also wanted to include a pair of much-loved wrought-iron panels; Barry Reece integrated it into the Before balusters of the completely new cedar porch. A stacked-stone skirt provides the perfect finishing touch.
Monumental steel sculptures by Desert Steel forge unique landscape drama In homage to some of nature’s most spectacular icons, Eric Carroll and Richard Turner fabricate original works of art that add spice to any outdoor space.
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erendipity ust happens. The paths of this father- and son-in-law duo first crossed when Carroll met and married Turner’s daughter. ric Carroll had attended Wichita State University’s School of Art, nurtured a passion for sculpture, and spent his first several years doing custom work for businesses across the country, but then the Carrolls attended a friend’s wedding in Arizona. “I was ust blown away by the ma esty, the beauty, of the saguaros,” Carroll says. e had found his life’s work. Meanwhile, business-owner Richard Turner had been looking for a stress-relieving outlet. e taught himself to weld, and then sculpt, and, when the Carrolls married, he found in ric a kindred spirit. Through countless hours in the studio, the pair figured out how to make metal do things that it wasn’t supposed to do. “It took us almost a year to figure out how to put everything together to replicate the splendor of the saguaro in nature,” recalls Turner. In late 00 , they traveled to their first show, which was a resounding success. Closing his business, Turner began working full-time with his son-in-law. Desert Steel has since thrived these steel art stars’ collaborative works are in high demand both nationwide and abroad. From imposing light-spangled saguaros to stunningly artful agaves, and from stately palm and Joshua trees to whimsical garden torches, their epic pieces of art make dazzling, fantastical design statements. Ranging in height from two- to twenty-seven feet, these one-of-a-kind steel sculptures are made from galvanized or powder-coated steel that resist rust, weather, and fading. Timeless in design, durability, and artistry, Desert Steel’s bold sculptures will last for years. “On a practical level, we want people to buy into the concept of xeriscaping, which is a way of life in the Southwest,” says Turner. “On another level, our sculptures are ust at-out fun.” Desert Steel’s art installations are more than mere accent pieces. “Our goal is to add dimension, conversation, interest, and value to any backyard or outdoor space. Around the pool, in the garden, along the drive, curb appeal, whatever your space,” says Carroll. “Adding interest and value is challenging and gratifying ” V isit their new store in O ld Town, 312 N. M osley, for a variety of landscape sculptures, bird feeders, torches, luminaries and more; call 2 82 .2 2 44; or visit D esertSteel.net Above: An imposing, internally lit saguaro—one of the original pieces Carroll and Turner designed—remains one of their most perennially popular. Left and counter-clockwise: A winsome Magnolia Bird Feeder, inspired by one of nature’s most beloved flowering trees, can hold a variety of seed types. Red Ginger Garden torches exhibit a spectacular presence, even when unlit. A palm tree and Blue Agave Garden torches blend naturally into any outdoor setting.
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As Wichita’s Apple Specialist and Audio Expert, LivingSound delivers full-bodied sound for your outdoor entertaining pleasure True sound—whenever and wherever you need it.
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he n L i v i ngS ound w a s a s ke d t o de s i gn a n i m m e r s i ve a udi o/ vi de o s ys t e m f or a n ope -n a i r c onc e pt pol hous e i n W i l s o n E s t a t e s , t he y w e r e m or e t ha n up t o t he t a s k . T he ho m e ow ne r s a l r e a dy ha d a L i vi ngS ound A pl e A i r P l a y w hol e hous e a udi o s ys t e m a nd w e r e us i ng t he i r i P hone s t o s e l e c t a nd c ont r ol t he i r m us i c t hr ought t he hous e . B e i ng f a m i l i a r w i t h A i r P l a y , a n a di t i ona l z one f or m us i c or T V a udi o w a s a de d t o e xt e nd t he e nt e r t a i nm e nt opt i ons pol s i de . T he pol hous e w a s de s i gne d w i t h a n ope n- a i r f e e l , i n a s t yl e s i m i l a r t o a m ount a in c ot t a ge . S pe a ke r s w e r e i ns t a l l e d i n t he va ul t e d c e i l i ng a bove t he s i t t i ng a r e a by t he w od burning fireplace, while other speakers were installed above the seating at the bar. Controlled by a waterproof Universal Remote Control, the system can be fully controlled using one remote. The high definition television was mounted behind the bar in a custom built e nc l os ur e w i t h l oc ki ng dor s t o ke e p t he T V s a f e a nd s e c ur e . A n a r t i c ul a t i ng m ou nt a l l ow s t he T V t o be e xt e nde d out f r om t he w a l l a nd pi vot e d t o t he pe r f e c t vi e w i ng a ngl e . E i t he r t he T V a udi o or m us i c c a n be pl a ye d t hr ough a l l t he s pe a ke r s , m a ki ng s por t s c o m e t o l i f e w hi l e s i pi ng a c ol d o ne a t t he ba r . I n a di t i on t o t he p ol hous e z one , a no t he r A i r P l a y z one of L i vi ngS ound L a nds c a pe s pe a ke r s w a s i n s t a l l e d a r ound t he pe r i m e t e r f or f ul l c ove r a ge w hi l e s w i m m i ng or r e l a xi ng by t he pol . I n a di t i on t o t he a udi o/ vi de o ne e ds , L i vi ngS ound a l s o i ns t a l l e d w a t e r pr of s ur ve i l l a nc e c a m e r a s w i t h ni ght vi s i on t ha t not i f y t he hom e ow ne r s w he n m ot i on i s de t e c t e d i n or a r ound t he pol ho us e . Robert Brown Homes designed and built this fabulous outdoor living area. The brick and stone features were chosen to blend with the construction features of the house. The pool house includes a bathroom and a storage area for the audio gear and lawn and pool supplies. For comfortable gatherings with family and friends the circular seating at the fireplace and the chairs at the bar are from the folks at All Things Barbecue in Delano. Landscaping, outdoor lighting and irrigation was expertly done by Adam Harp at Prairie Lawn and Landscape. This talented group of contractors worked in unison with LivingSound start to finish to make an exquisite outdoor entertainment area come to life.
D iscover how LivingSound can design and install an entertainment solution in total harmony with your outdoor lifestyle. C all 425.6340 or visit their newly remodeled showroom at the Waterfront, 10096 E . 13th St N., #138 to schedule a no-charge at home site survey to discuss your indoor or outdoor entertainment dreams and desires.
Above: LivingSound Landscape Series delivers exemplary quality and ideal coverage for a larger soundstage blending into the landscape throughout the outdoor entertainment spaces.
A sophisticated look that complements every decor.
Come in today and let Philip and Noelle show you the latest in crisp clean lines, silken textures, and pure luxury under foot.
8336 E. 21st St., Ste 600, Just East of 21st & Rock Road | The Shops at Tallgrass | 682.0033 | WichitaRugs.com 16
Summer 2016