Home & Design Issue
Rooftop infinity pool
Breathtaking Gulf Views
Private beach access
Living space 3,300 sq. f
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Home & Design Issue
This issue is near to our hearts because it's about our homes. Our homes are usually where we spend the most time, where we raise our kids, where we create memories, where we live the mundane and beautiful moments of our lives.
We love highlighting those in the community that help make our homes more livable. This issue we caught up with our good friend and designer Laura Bommarito as she shared her expertise on creating beautiful, sustainable outdoor spaces. We also chatted with Lindsay Fretina of Movement Mortgage as she shared the benefits of investing in a home in 2025. We turned to Feather Nolan at Elite Cabinet Designs to see what is up and coming in kitchen and home design. And finally, since we live in the sunshine state, we turned to Prime Services HVAC to see what homeowners need to do to prepare for Florida's upcoming summer heat.
We believe our homes should be a place of relaxation and enjoyment, a place where we recharge and spend time with those we love most. Let's celebrate the places we call home, and the people that make them worth coming back to.
CARMEN IONASCU, PUBLISHER @DESTINCITYLIFESTYLE
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Carmen Ionascu | Carmen.Ionascu@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Josh Foster | josh.foster@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Savannah Vasquez savannah.vasquez@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Melanie Gray | melanie.gray@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shanna Perret with Davista Photography, Galina Wells, Robert Young of Forever Young Images
Corporate Team
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 Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Over 100
Restaurants across the Panhandle trust us for their Point-of-Sale needs!
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Scot and Donna Andrews, owners of Prime I.V. in Destin at the January cover celebration. 2: Clients lounge in massage chairs during I.V treatments at Prime I.V. in Destin. 3: Nadine Yathali, and Publisher Carmen Foster. 4: Mike and Tory Kratz owners of Complete Holistic Coaching & Wellness with Publisher Carmen Foster. 5: Publisher Carmen Foster with her mother, Lacramioara Ionascu. 6: Donna and Scot Andrews, owners of Prime I.V. in Destin. 7: Donna Andrews, owner of Prime I.V. in Destin.
SHANNA PERRET
SHANNA PERRET
1: Prime I.V. in Destin celebrated their one year anniversary and cover celebration in January. 2: Scot Andrews, owner of Prime I.V. in Destin playing his mini custom made guitar. 3: From the front desk welcome to the attentive nurses, Prime I.V. offers a welcoming experience.
Photography by Shanna Perret
IN S I DE OUT
EXPAND YOUR LIVING SPACE WITH HOME DESIGNER LAURA BOMMARITO
ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GALINA WELLS
Well-versed in the nuances of design technique and local building and landscape requirements, Laura Bommarito of Home at Ease Interiors has an eye for maximizing outdoor spaces and creating customized oases. CONTINUED >
“When I look at a location, I’m focused on how to enhance the beauty of the property, as well as the potential for outdoor living based on the direction of the client,” Laura said.
Homeowners in Florida are looking to expand their living spaces and the outdoor areas, Laura explained. Her most requested additions are covered lounge areas, outdoor kitchens, and beautifying yards with green space, native plants and raised beds.
“With unique lots near the beach, I focus on hearty plants that can handle the wind, but also create a soft canvas that enhances their perimeter fence,” Laura said.
“The goal in this climate, is to create an outdoor space with covered seating, creating an extension of the indoors out.”
CONTINUED >
Laura takes a customized approach and uses her knowledge of local regulations and her relationships with expert landscaping specialists to make each customer’s vision come to life.
Laura Shanley Bommarito OWNER & LEAD DESIGNER
WHY YOU SHOULD JUMP ON A MORTGAGE IN EARLY 2025
Your Future Awaits!
Thinking about buying a home? The first quarter of 2025 is the perfect time to apply for a mortgage. Lindsay Fretina of Movement Mortgage shares why the time is right to seize this golden opportunity and turn your homeownership dreams into reality.
INTEREST RATES ON THE DOWNSLIDE
Experts are buzzing with excitement as they predict that mortgage rates may finally cool down and even drop. Locking in a mortgage now could mean snagging a lower interest rate, which translates to serious savings over the life of your loan.
A TREASURE TROVE OF CHOICES
The beginning of the year often brings a flurry of new listings to the real estate market. More homes for sale means more options for you. Whether you’re hunting for a cozy cottage or a sprawling family home, this is your chance to explore a variety of properties and negotiate like a pro.
BUILD YOUR WEALTH
Buying a home isn’t just about having a roof over your head; it’s an investment in your future. With each mortgage payment, you’re building equity—a financial asset that can pay off big time later.
TAX PERKS GALORE
Did you know that homeowners can enjoy some sweet tax deductions? From mortgage interest to property taxes, these deductions can significantly lighten your tax burden.
STABILITY IS KEY
Tired of unpredictable rent hikes? A fixed-rate mortgage offers the stability of consistent monthly payments, making budgeting a breeze.
With favorable market conditions and the promise of savings, now is the time to dive into homeownership. Your dream home is waiting—are you ready to make it yours?
“Home ownership isn’t just a roof over your head; it’s an investment in your future.”
Keeping Cool
JefCo, Your Partner in a Greener, Cooler Future
Air conditioning is a necessity in Florida. Although the cool spring breeze may have you fooled right now, the summer months in Florida are unbearable without cool, refreshing air. JefCo Air Conditioning and Refrigeration is the place to go where air conditioning issues are concerned, whether looking for a new unit, or outfitting a commercial restaurant, JefCo has the knowledge and local track record to back them up.
JefCo has been serving the Emerald Coast since 1995 offering superb customer service, high quality units and expert installation.
This year, the company wants to focus on educating clients to a new national mandate which will transition environmentally damaging refrigerants to new systems that are environmentally friendly. JefCo is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for its customers in the upcoming years to new, more sustainable systems. “Switching to newer refrigerants doesn’t just meet regulations,” said Tim Morris, JefCo’s General Manager, “it improves efficiency, reduces energy costs, and supports a greener future.”
In addition, JefCo wants to highlight the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit 25C, an annual credit available through 2032, which allows for a $3,200 credit for qualified energy efficient improvement expenses including air conditioners.
As a trusted HVAC business from Fort Walton Beach to Inlet Beach for almost 30 years, the company's focus is to offer the highest quality service and the highest quality brands the industry has to offer. JefCo stands behind Trane and Mitsubishi systems, two of the most trusted brands in the industry. These systems are especially suited to withstand the region’s salty air and humidity, ensuring durability and long-term reliability.
With spring's mild temperatures giving way to Florida's stifling summer heat. It's essential to make sure your AC system is up to the task of keeping your home and business cool. Whether you're looking for a new system or need to upgrade your current one JefCo Air Conditioning and Refrigeration is here to help.
Our priority is to deliver high-quality solutions to fit our community’s needs. “
Design
CABINET & KITCHEN DESIGN WITH FEATHER NOLAN
ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA PERRET
Ready to finally tackle that outdated kitchen, bathroom or patio? If you are seeking a sleek, timeless or custom design, look no further than Elite Cabinet Designs and Renovation Flooring in Miramar Beach. This month, Destin City Lifestyle caught up with Design Consultant Feather Nolan to learn what is up and coming in home design this year.
WHAT ARE YOU SEEING IN HIGH DEMAND THIS YEAR AS FAR AS CABINET AND TILE DESIGN?
We are seeing a lot of intricately designed pantries with well hidden storage. Integrating storage into the kitchen and adjacent rooms has become very popular. With everything behind cabinet doors and very well organized.
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR COLORS AND MATERIALS FOR HOME UPGRADES RIGHT NOW?
I’m seeing warmer and richer tones, earthy elements that reflect on nature and antique features such as our showroom shower heads. The elegance of accented antique features is coming back.
WHAT OTHER TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN THE HOME RENOVATION OR NEW BUILD INDUSTRY?
Everyone is looking at larger format everything, tiles with more textures, big bold lines and waves of color. A key point is book-matched images for installation. The trend is that materials are getting larger and more cohesive in design.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EXCITING TREND THAT HAS BEGUN IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS?
For me it’s going back to richer and deeper colors with a twist of an historical tone. For a while we had light and beachy but I think we are going to see a lot more natural elements with deeper, bolder tones.
WHERE DO YOU SUGGEST CLIENTS BEGIN THEIR RENOVATIONS WHEN THEY COME FOR INSPIRATION?
Absolutely come to Elite Cabinet Designs and I'll help direct them and pull out the essence of what their personalities are and explore avenues that they might not be aware of.
WHAT IS NEW WITH ELITE CABINETS AND RENOVATION FLOORING THIS YEAR?
We are planning a Wine & Design event every other month, our next one is March 13th. We usually feature a local artist and one or two vendors with the newest elements of what they are offering to showcase at the events.
