





I have had my hickory bentwood rocking chair longer than I have had my husband.
My brother Tim and his late wife Beth gifted me the chair made in northern Michigan when I was just out of college. For 13 years, it sat in my friend’s basement along with our fragile wedding gifts when we moved abroad just after we got married.
When we moved back to the States, I had a happy reunion with my rocking chair and rocked my babies to sleep in it, my weary head resting on its smooth wood. It was my mom’s favorite seat in our family room and I can picture my kids scrambling up onto her lap for a story or hug. It’s lived in three states, nine homes, and rocked four babies I’ve nannied, plus my two grandchildren and countless houseguests. It’s been a porch rocker, living room seating, and a nursery staple.
She has been my sidekick for 40 years and I love her.
We furnish our homes with beautiful and practical pieces, sentimental curios, nostalgic knickknacks, and prized possessions. In this home issue, we bring you stories of lovely homes, designers with vision, and rooms that share a story and welcome guests.
I've always wanted a wall bed, very Jetsons and stealth. They're back! And, aside sleek built-ins. Both from Closets By Design. Who knew? (page 16)
Enjoy your home. It's where the heart is.
And the favorite rocking chair.
All my best,
Art by Suzy Parker @ParkerPrints_
EDITOR
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Summer J. Robinson | summerjrobinson2@gmail.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ken Johnson, Aleks Kappett
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Sean O'Keefe
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Catrina Maxwell | CatMax Photography, Jolie Loren Photography
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Your home deserves window treatments as unique as your style. Our expert design consultants offer personalized guidance to craft solutions that complement your vision. Schedule your consultation today and discover the art of luxurious living.
1: Dr. Dellaria and staff at Holistic Health Center, PC show off their magazine feature. 2: Publisher Jim Newman welcomes writers and photographers to the annual editorial luncheon. 3: Save room for dessert at The Americano, at the InterContinental Buckhead. 4: Jolie Loren, Corinne Artis, Sue Collins and Alise Haigazian at The Americano Atlanta by Scott Conant. 5: Valerie Shepherd and Katie Steedly Curling are served, ready to toast. 6: The presidential suite at The InterContinental Buckhead. 7: Clockwise: Corinne Artis, Alise Haigazian, Aleks Kapett, Ken Jackson, Katie Steedly Curline, Sue Collins.
Congratulations to Milton High School’s Football team as it finished 2024 as the number one public school in the country. The Eagles clinched the title after winning the school’s second straight Georgia high school football championship.
Abigail Li has earned the honor of 2024-25 Gatorade Georgia Volleyball Player of the Year. Li is the first Gatorade Georgia Volleyball Player of the Year to be chosen from Alpharetta High School. The 6-foot-1 senior setter led the undefeated Raiders (36-0) to the Class 6A state championship and a No. 6 national ranking in the MaxPreps Top 100 this past season.
Infrastructure Automotive Technology Laboratory, headquartered in Alpharetta, celebrated its fifth anniversary. iATL is the first technology lab to bring together automakers, cellular network operators, traffic technology companies, semiconductor manufacturers, and Departments of Transportation to develop connected vehicle applications. The 4,400-square-foot facility includes dozens of different types of electronic devices that control everything from traffic signals to school zone safety beacons to electronic crosswalks.
There’s a new dentist in town. Dr. Stephanie Fransoso is proud to be taking the torch from longtime Johns Creek Dentist, Dr. Rob Sable. S|F Dental has been dedicated to providing outstanding care for over four decades. Their comprehensive, personalized treatments prioritize your overall health and well-being. 3005 Old Alabama Rd Suite #320. 770.475.7551
BY
Students of Webb Bridge Middle School including seventh graders Eliana Kim and Jayden Lee as well as eight graders Samantha Kim and Hera Lee, won a monthly spot in the Fulton County Water Art Calendar.
Save the date for the 33rd annual Taste of Al pharetta on Thursday, May 8th, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and indulge in a night full of flavors, fun, and good company. With over 60 local restaurants showcasing mouthwatering dishes, live music, and play zones for kids, this culinary celebration serves up delights for residents and visitors alike. Come for the food, stay for the community! To purchase TasteBucks, visit tasteofalpharettaga.com for more information.
Our long awaited expansion is opening this month, bringing new restaurant concepts, open amenity spaces, and unique floorplans to Village Park Milton! Couple that with the comforts of modern apartments and the convenience of our bespoke services, and you have a community in a class of its own. Call today for availability on Milton’s most coveted senior residences.
NEAT ORGANIZATION SOLUTIONS BEYOND THE BEDROOM CLOSET.
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
Organizing is necessary and unavoidable and for some, impossible.
I spend hours tidying and reorganizing my bedroom closet each spring and the laundry room gets a makeover once a year before the kids come home from college (and again when they leave). I long for shelving in the garage dedicated to my outdoor gear, for cubbies in my office to hide my knitting and crafts, and a guest room that isn’t all bed and pillows.
Turning to the experts in custom organization and innovative designs for the home, Closets By Design, I found the options enticing and the one-on-one design services essential. The company, family owned and operated, provides help every step of the way with solutions for every room of the house, not just closets.
“At Closets by Design, we understand that every home is unique, which is why our design process is tailored specifically to your individual needs and preferences. From the moment you schedule your no-obligation consultation, our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way,” says owner and operator, Stephanie Parmer.
Set an appointment online or by phone and a professional designer will come directly to your home bringing the showroom experience to your doorstep. “Together, you’ll collaborate to create a personalized design that maximizes your space and fits your budget. Once the perfect layout is established, your designer will coordinate the installation date, ensuring a seamless transition from vision to reality,” Stephanie explains.
On installation day, a highly trained installer will arrive with all the necessary materials to complete your project—typically in just one day. Dreamy!
Since its inception in 1982, Closets By Design has carved a niche as a trailblazer in home organization, and today one of their latest focuses has been on transforming garages into efficient spaces that reflect the needs and lifestyle of the homeowner. Think sleek cabinetry, versatile shelving systems, tools neatly organized on wall-mounted racks, sports gear tucked away in custom cabinets, and dedicated spaces for hobby supplies. The company offers garage flooring options too, durable and easy to maintain, giving your space a polished look.
Indoors, a standout trend is in home office design with the rise of custom furniture. These versatile pieces can be configured to fit any space, allowing you to create a customized workstation that adapts to your needs. Think vertical storage options like shelves and pegboards that utilize wall space effectively, as well as drawers that help you find what you need quickly along
with storage cubes and baskets for keeping supplies neatly tucked away while adding a decorative touch.
When we think of home design, laundry rooms often take a backseat. Yet, this hardworking area deserves just as much attention with custom cabinets in on-trend colors or finishes with ample workspace for sorting, folding, and ironing clothes. Countertops— made from durable materials like quartz or granite— that are both functional and appealing are paired with stylish backsplashes for a cohesive look that transforms your laundry area into a mini oasis of organization. Include pull-out hampers, dedicated areas for sorting clothes by color or fabric type, and a foldable ironing board that tucks away neatly when not in use,
My guest room is also my office and I am pining for a Murphy bed from Closets By Design. Their wallbeds are designed to fold up against the wall when not in use, with a user-friendly mechanism, engineered to be lightweight yet sturdy; while they support a standard mattress.
“We’re passionate about transforming overlooked spaces into beautiful, functional areas that you’ll enjoy using,” says Stephanie. “We offer a wide spectrum of finishing options, whether you prefer the warm, natural look of wood or the sleek, contemporary feel of laminate finishes. Each material is crafted for durability while providing an elegant aesthetic that can elevate any room.”
Her team understands every home has unique needs and styles, and they are passionate about providing tailored solutions that enhance both functionality and aesthetics, transforming your spaces into beautifully organized havens.
3165 Corners N Ct, Peachtree Corners 770.418.2112
Atlanta.ClosetsByDesign.com
Please note that our Membership pricing cannot be combined with any other
a minimum
If after 12 months you wish to cancel, a 30-day written cancellation notice is required. Following the cancellation, you will have 90 days to use any remaining funds in your account.
After a long, cold winter filled with heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, your home’s exterior has taken a beating. Even the most durable roofing systems can suffer from the harsh effects of winter weather, leading to leaks, weakened shingles, and hidden damage that could cause problems down the road. Now that spring is here, it’s the perfect time to ensure your home is in top shape for the warmer months ahead.
www.CR3America.com
At CR3 American Exteriors, we offer free roof inspections to give homeowners peace of mind. Our experienced team will assess any potential damage and provide solutions to keep your home safe and dry as we move into spring and summer. Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a major problem let us help you take prev entative action now
In addition to expert roofing services, CR3 American Exteriors specializes in gutters, windows, doors, siding, deck replacements, and more Whether you need repairs, upgrades, or a complete exterior remodel, we are your trusted local experts, committed to quality and customer satisfaction. Spring into action today! Schedule your free inspection and make sure your home is ready for th e seasons ahead. Contact CR3 American Exteriors to protect your biggest investment your home Call and schedule with us today!
Partners Mimi Mulugeta and Michael Barrows of Atlanta Flooring Studio provide expert assistance to customers in North Georgia looking to update their homes. According to Mulugeta, “We both love working with our customers to create something special in their home.” Since their grand opening in 2024, they’ve collaborated with clients to create environments that Mulugeta says have ranged from glitzy, country, or
“I TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN COLLABORATING WITH CLIENTS TO EXPLORE VARIOUS POSSIBILITIES—ALL WHILE STAYING TRUE TO THEIR UNIQUE PERSONALITIES.”
warm and inviting. Barrow and Mulugeta partnered to open Atlanta Flooring Studio with a shared vision: they aspire to become the trusted, knowledgeable resource for the area where clients feel comfortable asking questions and receive tailored services that meet their specific needs. “Our collaborative journey to open this store together has been incredibly rewarding,” Mulugeta says.
Whether you’re interested in the latest trends or trying to update the interior design of your home, flooring is a high-impact choice to add style and character to your home. The studio offers free in-home estimates and even has next-day
appointments available. “From carpet to hardwood, luxury vinyl to tile, we’ve got all your flooring needs covered,” says Barrow. It’s not just a clever pun, either. The Alpharetta showroom provides customers with a wide selection of flooring options, personalized design consultations, and professional installation. Their aim is to provide a hands-on experience and for customers to achieve the desired look and feel for their residential or commercial flooring needs. They also provide services for kitchen and bathroom remodeling, hardwood refinishing and carpet binding, or custom area rugs. “We opened Flooring Studio together to create a welcoming
space for our community and to apply our combined knowledge and experience,” says Mulugeta. “We look forward to helping our customers find the perfect flooring solutions for their home or business.”
Recent projects that have been designed by the studio range from a rustic cabin in Blue Ridge to ultra-modern homes featuring Carrera and Calcutta designs. “Our portfolio includes sleek, bright aesthetics complemented by various elements, as well as transitional styles that blend traditional charm with contemporary elegance,” says Mulugeta. Additionally, they have also worked on industrial loft designs that incorporated raw minimalist designs, coastal-inspired spaces with airy palettes and natural textures, and bohemian styles rich in patterns and vibrant colors. “Each design aims to reflect the personality and lifestyle of the homeowner,” Mulugeta says.
“I take great pride in collaborating with clients to explore various possibilities— all while staying true to their unique personalities,” Mimi says. “Creating a comfortable and welcoming space is our top priority. It brings Michael and I immense joy to witness our clients truly appreciating and loving the environments we help them create.”
Atlanta Flooring Studio 11380 State Bridge Rd. Suite 100, Alpharetta AtlantaFlooringStudio.com
Comprehensive
Dental
Teeth
Veneers
Invisalign
Dermal
Customized
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TRIFECTA
The design world is embracing a bold new era, where moody hues , rich textures , and classic lines take center stage. This is just in from the designers at Trifecta Home Furniture, where they believe these elements aren’t just trends—they’re the foundation of enduring style.
“At TRIFECTA, every piece we offer embodies at least one of these defining qualities, ensuring our collections feel both current and timeless. This year, expect interiors that exude depth, sophistication, and a refined sense of luxury,” says Trifecta Home Furniture co-owner Kristy Ortega.
Along with her husband and business partner JJ Ortega, she uses a keen eye for detail and a passion for high-end aesthetics to build their brand. Since 2013, the power couple has emerged as an industry leader in the staging and decorating of elite properties.
Their goal is to create an effortless process for clients who are looking to furnish their homes with luxury pieces that fit their budget, lifestyle, and dreams. It can be a daunting project. Let the designers take over. They will meticulously measure each room, curating every piece of furniture, and crafting a cohesive vision tailored to their lifestyle.
“Once the design is finalized, our team of professional movers and installers work in perfect sync, ensuring that most homes are completed within just 12 hours,” says JJ. “The home is fully transformed—beds made, artwork hung, and every detail in place.”
Find renowned brands you know and love, alongside TRIFECTA’S own exclusive collection, meticulously curated over the past six years. While staying on trend is essential, the team believes true luxury goes beyond the expected, and seek out those rare, statement-making pieces that set a home apart—designs you won’t find in every retail store or boutique. “The result is a curated collection that blends sophistication, exclusivity, and timeless appeal, ensuring every space we design is as unique as the individuals who call it home,” says Kristy.
Because of their unique business structure of being open just two days each month, TRIFECTA is able to offer high-quality furnishings for 20-30% below higher-end retailers and boutiques. For this reason, their design services are typically a fraction of what other design firms charge. Every home is unique and each will have a specific proposal depending on the client’s needs.
Georgia Showroom 935 N Point Drive, Alpharetta 404-369-7699
TrifectaHomeFurniture.com
Since 2013, the power couple has emerged as an industry leader in the staging and decorating of elite properties.
The kitchen. It’s where we strive to delight the people we love with the freshest food, exquisitely prepared and beautifully presented.
Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances are meticulously crafted to achieve a higher standard of performance, dependability, and style—so you can raise the bar on every meal you make.
Your future kitchen starts with Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove, featured at
Amish furniture offers something for every taste—and it’s built to last for generations
When most people think of Amish furniture the first thing that usually comes to mind is Mission-style furniture. This simple style consists of straight lines, exposed joints, and flat panels. While this is the most well-known design, it only scratches the surface of what Amish furniture has to offer.
Amish woodworkers keep up with modern designs, and one can find a range of other styles when browsing for Amish furniture. These include contemporary, Shaker, mid-century modern, rustic, colonial, formal, and even industrial styles, which combine wood and metal with unique designs.
In fact, this past year, a collection of creative designs was featured in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. The pieces showcased the art of Amish craftsmanship and demonstrated how designs can transcend the realm of traditional furniture many people assume it to be.
What truly defines Amish furniture isn’t a particular style but rather the quality. Key features include solid wood construction, exceptional craftsmanship, and age-old construction methods behind each piece. It reflects skill, heritage, and innovation.
The most notable method of construction is the use of mortise and tenon joints. The joints are crafted to fit tightly, providing strength, durability, and a signature appearance. Dove-tailed drawers are another trademark feature. Pieces of wood are cut so they interlock and create furniture resistant to force and daily use. The finishing touches are meticulously done by hand as artisans carefully sand and apply stains to ensure a smooth, mistake-free finish. This attention to detail ensures that every piece of furniture looks perfect.
The Amish pride themselves on providing solid wood furniture typically made by hand and built to order, allowing a person to customize furniture in a variety of ways. Customers can select the wood type, stain, hardware type and more to make the pieces of their dreams. Amish furniture has much more to offer than just a single style. While Mission style is a trademark of Amish craftsmanship, it is not limited to traditional designs. Amish woodworkers continually incorporate designs to match modern furniture trends.
Whether you’re seeking a rustic farmhouse look, a minimalist modern aesthetic, or something in between, the design aesthetic at DutchCrafters is timeless.
160 N. Main Street, Alpharetta 678.436.5308
Dutchcrafters.com
Following real estate market trends often means holding on tight for a speeding rollercoaster ride.
Home offices, first-floor primary suites and curb appeal have often been at the top of a buyer’s list. For what’s hot now, we turned to Tammie Carter of Engel & Völkers Atlanta North Fulton.
Buyers are increasingly seeking homes with a flat, walkout backyard that includes a daylight basement for added functionality. Outdoor living spaces have become a top priority with strong demand for features like a pool with a built-in hot tub or an outdoor kitchen and firepit. Additionally, buyers value homes that provide views of these outdoor amenities from multiple rooms, enhancing the overall lifestyle and connection to the outdoor space, says Tammie.
Finally, Tammie sees two different ways to retire. Yes, onelevel living is a must. Some retirees look for a ranch with modest upgrades and others want the level of luxury that they’ve been accustomed to with room for all the children and grandchildren.
Good living!
Tammie Carter, CBDA, CNHP
Broker Associate & Real Estate Advisor
ENGEL&VÖLKERS
Engel & Völkers Atlanta North Fulton 2610 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 110 Alpharetta 404.845.7724
TammieCarter.com
What homebuyers are hot for NOW
ARTICLE BY ALPHARETTA CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATRINA MAXWELL | CATMAX PHOTOGRAPHY
For interior designer Cristi Holcombe, this was a dream project. Along with the homeowner, she and her team created the looks from the ground up. The new construction for a fantastic young family of four provided a dreamy blank palette.
“The wife, who’s in real estate, brought so much vision to the project,” says Cristi. “We focused on making it elegant yet totally livable, perfect for the gatherings she loves to host - she’s a natural at planning the perfect party!”
The design is anchored in a neutral palette with rich textures and warm white oak accents that flow through the house for a seamless feel.
One of the designer’s favorite features is the kitchen’s hidden walk-in pantry, blending right into the cabinetry for a sleek, functional look.
Balsam Mountain Preserve, western North Carolina's luxury golf community.
When we met Elsie, an ambassador at Balsam Mountain Trust nature center, she had just returned from a meet and greet at a local elementary school. Her friend Tilia was getting a dose of medicine and Apollo was eyeing us with shy curiosity.
They are among 18 well-loved wild animal ambassadors who reside at the nature center near Sylva, North Carolina in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains. The Nature Center offers classes and guided hikes across 40 miles of conservation trails. Inside, displays include a collection of Indigenous People’s artifacts found on the Preserve, from BCE 9,000 - 6,000 and reports on the water and land conservation efforts across the hilly 4,400 acres.
These efforts and attitudes that put nature first are the cornerstones at Balsam Mountain Preserve, a new mountain home community with an Arnold Palmer Signature Course, active tennis and fitness center, growing equestrian program, and two celebrated restaurants and bars.
The beautifully manicured golf course winds through the hills and valleys of western North Carolina. Playing to 6,824 yards with a par of 70, the course is one of the amenities that entice homeowners to buy or build at Balsam Mountain Preserve.
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
A sprawling fitness center with an outdoor pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and day spa, plus a growing equestrian program housed in a charming barn dot the grounds of the mountain community, a unique new destination between Sylva and Waynesville.
Of Balsam Mountain Preserve’s 4,400 acres, 3,200 are protected. Plans call for 354 homes with all of the luxury estates, village homes, homesteads, and cabin and cottages fractional adhering to the International Dark Sky Association guidelines for outdoor lighting, which fosters privacy and stargazing.
There are also 40 miles of Class A trout streams where you’ll stumble upon waterfalls, relics from the property’s long ago garnet mining, and logging operations, but rarely another angler or hiker.
When we visited Balsam Mountain Preserve, we expected just another prestigious golf community with stunning mountain estates, what we found was a community with a heart.
On the sprawling stone patio outside the signature restaurants, The Summit House and adjacent Mine Tavern, we met homeowners around a giant wood fireplace. Some were just off the golf course, others were gathering with neighbors for a happy hour or two before going into dinner, a casual but elevated affair with Executive Chef Edwin Bloodworth at the helm. Flavors are innovative and memorable, with fresh local ingredients featured, served by friendly and capable professionals. Sometimes club dining rooms can be stuffy. All the spaces at Balsam Mountain Preserve are airy and open, with amenities and design that seem right at home.
One of the true treasures is an 18-foot, hand crafted dining table adjacent to the glass-walled wine
cellar — cut from an old growth red oak tree. This piece is one of many inspired by or sourced from the property.
This is part of what draws people to the Preserve. There are 100 completed homes, with more under construction. With homesteads still available, Director of Sales, Sean McLaughlin explains, “Our full-time residents (about 30 percent) are very close-knit. And, it’s not uncommon for a family to dip their toes in with shared ownership, with the next step - a custom residence or homestead property.” Most properties border on a portion of the 3,400-acre conservation easement.
BalsamMountainPreserve.com
Yaissuri Saligan, originally from Colombia, moved to the United States at 16 years old. “I was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in March 2018,” says Yaissuri, “I fought through it with strength and resilience.”
Yaissuri is the proud owner of Piso Floors and Remodeling, “I’m passionate about design and entrepreneurship.” Yaissuri is committed to spreading positivity, helping others, and showing that no challenge is too big to overcome. With a mindset focused on hope, Yaissuri aims to inspire those around her, demonstrating that even the toughest obstacles can be faced head-on. Through their actions and words, Yassuri, a mother of three, encourages others to stay optimistic and keep pushing forward, no
matter the circumstances. Yaissuri aims to be a source of light and support for those in need.
The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance (GOCA) organizes impactful events to raise awareness, support survivors, and fund educational initiatives in the fight against ovarian cancer.
GOCA’s flagship fundraiser, the Shaken, Not Stirred Gala, now in its 13th year, is March 8 at the Georgia Aquarium. This elegant fundraising evening features The Celebrity All Star Band, DJ Angelo Ferraro, incredible silent and live auctions, and most importantly, moving survivor stories offering insight into their personal ovarian cancer journies. Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) – Atlanta Chapter, in celebration of its tenth anniversary of partnership with GOCA, will curate an exceptional menu.
GaOvarianCancer.org
SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MARCH 4TH
Mardi Gras at Avalon
400 Avalon Blvd | 5:00 PM
Let your Mardi Gras colors fly during Avalon’s New Orleans-themed celebration featuring authentic drinks, food, and live music.
MARCH 14TH
A Little Princess - on stage Act1 Theater | 7:00 PM
A Little Princess by June Walker Rogers comes to you from “Sara Crewe” by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Young Sara Crewe would rather stay with her father in India than leave for Miss Minchin’s boarding school in bustling London. Using her books and imagination, she quickly wins friends, but when her fate takes a turn, will that be enough?
MARCH 15TH
Shamrockin’ for a Cure
Union Hill Park- 1590 Little Pine Trail | 6:30 PM
ShamRockin’ for a Cure is an award-winning Party for a Purpose that has raised more than $2.9 million dollars for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. It’s back with live music, food & drinks from 30+ vendors, live and silent auctions, and more! For more information visit ShamrockinForaCure.com