Home—More Than Just a Place
We've all heard the saying, "Home is where the heart is." But what does that really mean? To me, home isn’t just an address or a structure—it’s a feeling. It’s where you exhale at the end of a long day, where you’re surrounded by love, comfort, and a sense of belonging that no other place can replicate. Whether it’s in an RV (where I spend most of my time these days), a sprawling estate, or something in between, home is defined by how it makes you feel. It’s your sanctuary.
In this issue of North Peoria Lifestyle, we celebrate all things home. We explore ways to make your space more inviting, secure, and uniquely yours. We also spotlight more than a dozen sponsors of this year’s North Peoria Home Show dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to help you shape a home that truly reflects your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to refresh your current space or searching for a new place to call home, these experts are here to help.
One of my personal favorites in this issue? The reveal of the PANTONE Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse. The moment I saw it, I was transported to a Christmas market in Vienna, Austria, where last December I held a steaming cup of rich, velvety mocha chocolate in my hands as I watched the festivities. That deep, warm hue—so silky and inviting—feels like the perfect embrace for a home. I love seeing earth tones making a comeback. In a world of gray and white, I’ve always embraced richer hues. When we built our last home, I steered away from the trendy neutrals and instead chose dark, luxurious cherry cabinetry with accents of gold and red. Seeing these warm, grounding tones return to the spotlight makes my design-loving heart happy.
I also loved my conversation with Travy Williams, owner of Nest & Co., in our feature on creating the perfect living room. She reminded me that art should be personal—something that speaks to you. I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been known to design entire rooms around a single beloved piece of art, and I believe a home should reflect the unique stories of the people who live there.
So, what does home mean to you? I hope this issue inspires you to create a space that feels like your own personal retreat—a place where your heart truly belongs. Enjoy!
SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM, MANAGING EDITOR
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Julie LaCroix | julie.lacroix@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Susan Lanier-Graham
susan.lanier-graham@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Nichole Eckman | nichole.eckman@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Nichole Eckman | nichole.eckman@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jen David | jen.david@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Mimi Slawoff | mslawoff@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Susan Lanier-Graham, Michelle W. Parnell, Allison Swan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Nichole Eckman, Nate Sheets
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 Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
MOCHA Mousse
PANTONE's Color of the Year Brings Subtle Elegance and Earthy Refinement
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PANTONE
Each year, PANTONE selects a color that reflects our moods, aesthetics, and lifestyles. The 2025 PANTONE Color of the Year (Pantone.com/color-of-the-year/2025) is PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. Mocha Mousse is an evocative, soft brown that makes us reflect on life’s pleasures and deliciousness. Think delectable chocolate, a steaming mug of mocha latte, or a bowl of rich chocolate mousse.
Leatrive Eiseman, Executive Director of PANTONE Color Institute, describes this year’s color as "Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic. PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from humble and grounded to aspirational and luxe.”
Stephanie Park, owner of Urbane Interiors LLC (UrbaneInteriors.studio), loves this warm neutral. “It’s a good sign we will be shying away from cooler tones in the home. That’s right…the days of gray on gray on gray are over! Adding warm beiges and chocolate browns
[to gray interiors] will give it an updated feel without making major changes,” she explains. She encourages homeowners to accomplish this through vases, accent pillows, and throw blankets.
PANTONE partnered with several companies to help you better integrate this luscious classic color into your home. The Joybird collaboration ( Joybird.com/ collaborations/pantone) features PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse in its top-selling Royale fabric, available in everything from sofas to pillows. The partnership with Spoonflower (Spoonflower.com) features print-ondemand wallpaper and fabric. Society6 (Society6.com) offers wall art, home decor, and accessories featuring Mocha Mousse.
Eiseman explains that, while Mocha Mousse has the sophistication and earthy refinement to stand alone, its versatility creates a strong chromatic foundation, complementing diverse palettes and various applications, from minimalist to richly decorated.
LEARN MORE: PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse blends our desire for comfort and opulence in a tasteful touch of glamour. It evokes a feeling of comfort, whether on flooring or a painted wall, within home décor or in more natural materials, including wood and stone, leather and linen.
Photo courtesy Spoonflower
Subtle Contrasts 2
Combines sophisticated brown hues, nuanced with contrasts of blue and gray, for a classic statement.
Uniquely Balanced
A multi-colored, vibrant grouping that combines warm and cool tones, offset by Mocha Mousse.
A core range of beiges, creams, taupes, browns, and Mocha Mousse for elegant simplicity.
Photo courtesy Joybird
The Heart of Your Home
Styling Tips for Designing a Living Room That Feels Like Home
Living rooms are a central feature of most homes. They are often the first thing people see when they enter your front door and the place where everyone hangs out. We recently sat down with Travy Williams, co-owner with her husband Tyler, of Nest Home & Co. (NestHomeCo.com), to discuss styling essentials for your living room.
Q: SO WHY LIVING ROOMS?
A: The living room is the heart and center of a home. It's where we gather. It's where we create memories. It is the anchor of our living spaces.
Q: IS THERE A FORMULA FOR WHAT MAKES A BEAUTIFUL LIVING ROOM?
A: Of course, the go-to answer for this question is that it should be comfortable, inviting, spacious, and relaxing. But, may I dare say that what makes a living room truly beautiful is when someone enters and says, "This is so YOU!" There is no other way to describe a beautiful living room because it should be a reflection of who you are.
Q: ARE THERE ESSENTIAL ITEMS THAT EVERY LIVING ROOM SHOULD INCLUDE?
A: Comfortable seating, statement lighting, an eye-catching yet functional coffee table, and the cozy stuff—throws and accent pillows.
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICHOLE ECKMAN
Q: HOW IMPORTANT IS POSITIONING ITEMS IN YOUR LIVING ROOM?
A: Positioning furniture is often overlooked since we focus so much on the furniture's looks and comfort. But, it is essential to position the furnishings to maximize the living spaces and enhance the home's flow.
Q: ASIDE FROM BIG PIECES IN THE LIVING ROOM, WHAT DESIGN ELEMENTS HELP MAKE IT INVITING FOR EVERYONE?
A: Adding plants and greenery makes the living room lively and fresh. Cozy soft goods are not to be missed—they make yu want to melt in the living room. A comfy ottoman doesn't hurt, either.
Q: WHAT ARE THE HOT COLORS IN LIVING ROOM DESIGN TODAY?
A: A deep, moody pop of olive, rust, or brown. While earthy, neutral tones are still in favor, we're seeing a lot of deeper, richer earth tones. It's a more sophisticated and bolder version than in past years.
Q: WHAT DO WE WANT TO CONSIDER WHEN WE CHOOSE LIVING ROOM LIGHTING?
A: Proper lighting is essential in your living room. A lack of lighting dulls a room and makes it dreary. When it comes to lighting, a dimmer is always the answer. That way, you can make it bright and energizing when hosting a party or dim and relaxing when winding down with a book or binging Netflix.
Q: HOW ABOUT CHOOSING ARTWORK? IS IT MORE IMPORTANT TO USE TRENDY PIECES OR TO FILL YOUR HOME WITH ARTWORK YOU LOVE?
A: Artwork is one of the most emotional, individualistic home decor pieces. While it is important to stay
current, artwork needs to be a piece that speaks to you emotionally. You know how sometimes you love something so much and can't describe why? That is the feeling everyone should have when it comes to choosing artwork for their home. When you find the right piece, you'll know it.
Q: ARE YOU SEEING ANY TRENDS IN TEXTURES PEOPLE LOOK FOR IN LIVING ROOMS?
A: Tactile texture is still "it." Whether it be nubby boucle fabric, crackled ceramic decor, or speckled wallpaper, it is still in favor— even more so in 2025.
Q: WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT TO FIND WHEN THEY COME INTO NEST?
A: Nest carries a variety of furniture, home decor and accessories, faux plants and greeneries, wallpaper, wall art and wall decor, lighting, kitchen essentials, gift items, and so much more!
Home Show
Local Businesses Showcase Everything For Your Home
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICHOLE ECKMAN
More than 1200 people turned out in mid-January for the 2nd Annual North Peoria Home Show, created by co-founders Julie LaCroix, publisher of North Peoria Lifestyle, and Tyler Croft, owner of Croft & Co. Lending (CroftLending.com). This year, the founders were joined by the Peoria Chamber of Commerce (PeoriaChamber.com) as a strategic partner to create an exciting day at the Peoria Sports Complex!
Desert Financial Armored Roofing
Community Builder Sponsor
Owners Anthony Younan and Alonso Popejoy use premium building materials and pride themselves on the highest-quality craftsmanship at Armored Roofing. The company offers both residential and commercial services and never cuts corners. It can install new roofs, repair and replace existing ones, and handle insurance claims.
Community Builder Sponsor
Desert Financial is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union started by Arizona teachers in 1939. Today, it has over 400,000 members and $8.2 billion in assets. With over 50 branches across the Valley and easy-to-use digital banking tools, Desert Financial helps you bank on your schedule.
The events featured 150 vendors offering products for inside and outside the home, from furniture, windows, and flooring to landscape, pools, solar panels, and construction services. Others offered kitchen essentials, catering, health and wellness options, law services, cosmetics, clothing, and home accessories. Attendees could chat with local lenders and realtors.
The fun event featured five food trucks, four bands, and bounce houses. Vitalant was on site with the bloodmobile while Dr. Wil gave free Vitamin B12 shots to all blood
donors. Kids of all ages loved the bubble machine. Arizona Broadway Theatre showcased its great Broadway shows and award-winning actors. Some lucky winners received free Arizona Rattler tickets.
Read on for services by the event sponsors—all local businesses that can help you make the best choices for your home—and mark your calendars for next January’s 3rd Annual North Peoria Home Show. Keep up with the 2026 dates online at NorthPeoriaHomeShow.com
Power Home Remodeling
Community Builder Sponsor
The nation’s largest exterior home remodeler built its business by keeping its values at its core—integrity, care, optimism, commitment, and innovation. Power Home Remodeling specializes in roofing, siding, doors, insulation, and accessories that let you put the perfect finishing touches on any remodeling project.
All American Pool Servicing
Community Builder Sponsor
After a decade in the U.S. Army, Todd Kessler and his wife, Bethany, opened All American Pool Servicing based on the core values of dedication, integrity, and precision. The company offers numerous services to keep your pool clean, clear, comfortable, and swim-ready. It provides pool and tile cleaning and repair, but specializes in weekly maintenance.
ALLAMERICANPOOLSAZ.COM
Photo by Ashley Hathaway Photography
Renewal By Andersen
Community Supporter Sponsor
Renewal by Andersen is a subsidiary of Andersen Corporation, one of the country’s leaders in windows and doors. The company focuses on window and door replacement. Every job starts with an in-home design consultation and measurement. After manufacturing, experts install your new windows and doors with the utmost care.
The Super Clean Bros
Community Supporter Sponsor
The Super Clean Bros is professional and fully insured, ready to tackle any outdoor cleaning job. It offers solar panel cleaning, birdproofing and roof cleaning, window cleaning, pressure washing, gutter cleaning, and more. Services are available throughout the Valley on your schedule, even on weekends and evenings.
Pioneer Title Agency
Community Supporter Sponsor
Pioneer Title Agency, founded in Arizona in 1985, offers title services and insurance, land acquisition title research and insurance, development and construction loan title and escrow services, and filings with the Arizona Department of Real Estate. The company also established its Commitment to Community Fund with the Arizona Community Foundation to help give back to the community.
PIONEERTITLEAGENCY.COM
Photo courtesy Senad Keserovic
Sledge Concrete Coatings
Community Supporter Sponsor
Sledge Concrete Coatings, LLC, specializes in epoxy, acid stains, pool decks, faux flagstone, concrete pavers, metallic finishes, and specialty flooring. It offers free estimates for coating driveways, garages, patios, walkways, warehouse flooring, commercial kitchens, and more. The company also provides a 10% discount to police and first responders.
Semper Fi Heating & Cooling
Community Supporter Sponsor
Semper Fi Heating & Cooling, owned by a former Marine, offers local customers exceptional deals on the best products with some of the industry’s best warranties. Semper Fi provides same-day service and extends a 20% discount to anyone with family who has served in the military. It also offers a $49.95 29-point Tune-Up with a Chemical Outdoor Coil Wash.
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel
Community Supporter Sponsor
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can help transform your bathroom and ensure it meets your functional needs while looking great. Jacuzzi bathtubs and showers can be installed on the same day, creating a transformation with minimal downtime. It offers bathtub and shower replacements, new walk-in showers, and tub-to-shower conversions.
JACUZZIBATHREMODEL.COM
Alvarado’s Heating & Cooling
Community Supporter Sponsor
Alvarado’s Heating & Cooling is a West Valley family-owned business with over 20 years of experience. Its HVAC services include AC and heating repair, installation, and maintenance. The company also offers heat pump services, duct work installation, ventilation installation, and home buyer inspections. It prides itself on staying current with the latest technology.
Community Supporter Sponsor Brad Siok Insurance Agency
A second-generation State Farm agent, Brad Siok opened his own State Farm agency in Peoria in 1999. Today, the agency includes 21 licensed team members and has ranked in the top 10 State Farm agencies nationwide for six years. Brad Siok Insurance Agency focuses on Auto, Home, Renters, Life, and Business Insurance. The office is dog-friendly!
TEAMSIOK.COM
AZ Floor Solutions
Community Supporter Sponsor
AZ Floor Solutions is a local company that offers a low-price guarantee, unparalleled product quality, and exceptional customer service. The company collaborates with clients to ensure that every home improvement project goes smoothly. It offers quality materials, competitive pricing, excellent customer service, and extensive expertise and experience.
Photo courtesy Brad Siok
Photo courtesy Alvarado’s Heating and Cooling
Photo courtesy Stephanie Cimpean
Silver Dragon Games
Community Supporter Sponsor
Silver Dragon Games is a family-owned Friendly Local Gaming Store (FLGS) in Peoria. Silver Dragon provides a fun, inclusive gaming destination for all ages. Whether you’re a Magic the Gathering enthusiast, Pokemon master, Warhammer strategist, or part of the Disney Lorcana League, you'll be part of a community that embraces positive play.
SILVERDRAGONGAMESAZ.COM
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty
Community Supporter Sponsor
When looking for your dream home in the Northwest Valley, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is waiting to help you. The company of professionals offers elevated service like you’ll find nowhere else. Established in 1947, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has 12 offices across the state and is there to help you purchase or sell your luxury real estate.
SOTHEBYSREALTY.COM/RUSSLYONSIR/ENG
Wholesale BBQ Islands
Community Supporter Sponsor
Wholesale BBQ Islands helps you create your dream outdoor space. The showroom is open to the public seven days a week, allowing you to look for everything you need for your outdoor living. It offers premium grills, access doors, drawers, refrigerators, ice bins, fire-pit pans, fire glass, and more. The family-owned business will bring the best products to your custom-built space.
WHOLESALEBBQISLANDS.COM
Photo courtesy Wholesale BBQ Islands
Bell Bank
Community Supporter Sponsor
Bell Bank, the largest family- and employee-owned bank in the Midwest, also has offices in the Phoenix Metro area. Growing from a single Fargo location in 1966 to one of the latest family-owned banks in the U.S., it now has more than $13 billion in assets. Bell Bank makes loan decisions based on longterm goals rather than short-term gains. Turn to Bell Bank for banking, loans, and investing.
Prestige Moving
Community Supporter Sponsor
When it’s time to relocate to that dream home, Prestige Moving is there to help. The 5-star rated professional moving service ensures a seamless and stress-free moving experience. Prestige handles all aspects of your relocation, from packing and loading to relocation, unloading, and unpacking at your new home. They also do apartment buildings and office relocations.
Verlo Mattress
Community Supporter Sponsor
Verlo Mattress of Glendale is the only Glendale mattress store that offers a Lifetime Comfort Guarantee. The mattresses, made to order in Glendale, can be customized to your preferences. The showroom offers an extensive selection of floor models. Owners Jon Scholz, Michelle Sachau, and their team can help you find your perfect mattress.
VERLO.COM
Photo courtesy Prestige Moving
Photo courtesy Bell Bank
Photo courtesy Verlo
INNOVATION MEETS
ARTISTRY
Kitchen design has entered a transformative era, where innovation meets artistry to create spaces that are not only functional but also personal and sustainable. With advancements in technology, materials and craftsmanship, today’s kitchens are tailored to meet the evolving needs and tastes of homeowners.
According to interior designer Laura McCroskey, kitchens today are about more than just cooking—they’re an expression of personal lifestyle.
“Kitchen design has entered an exciting time where the possibilities feel limitless,” says McCroskey. “For me, the design process starts before lines are ever drawn on a construction document. I believe in creating spaces that enhance life, both functionally and aesthetically. The design process begins with a discussion about what a space needs to do, and what aesthetic will bring a spark to the homeowner. I also firmly believe that when
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATE SHEETS
THE HEART OF THE HOME
designing a kitchen, one should walk out a recipe to make sure everything is in the right place to suit one’s lifestyle. Cooking zones are imperative to a well-designed kitchen.”
Modern kitchens emphasize zoning, or the creation of dedicated areas for preparation, cooking and storage, to enhance workflow and functionality. These zones not only improve efficiency but also contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic.
Cutting-edge rendering software, utilizing technology similar to that used in gaming, allows homeowners to visualize their dream kitchens in hyper-realistic detail. While these tools inspire creativity, McCroskey advises balancing ambitious ideas with practical implementation to achieve the best results.
Technology, sustainability and customization are driving the revolution in kitchen design. Advanced appliances are at the forefront, enhancing convenience while aligning with a growing emphasis on eco-friendliness.
“From vacuum-sealing drawers that preserve food and reduce waste to smart appliances controlled by your phone, the emphasis is on efficiency and sustainability. Functional storage built seamlessly into marble countertops and oversized workstation sinks are making daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. Thoughtful features like composting
compartments and advanced food preservation methods reflect a broader effort to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.”
Custom cabinetry that maximizes every inch of space minimizes waste while optimizing functionality.
“Forget the limits of traditional cabinetry. Blind corners, tiny nooks and hidden areas are now designed to maximize storage. Automated drawers and pop-up outlets are becoming increasingly common, marrying convenience with sleek aesthetics.”
Design trends have also evolved, becoming more flexible to reflect individual tastes.
“While white kitchens remain timeless and black adds drama, bleached woods continue to be popular. Style trends are no longer as rigid—whether you prefer modern, transitional, or traditional designs, you can create a kitchen tailored to your unique vision. There’s no limit to what you can achieve with today’s tools and technologies. The goal is to create spaces that resonate deeply with the people who live in them.”
The kitchen is the heart of every home and represents a space of endless possibility. Whether your aesthetic leans modern, farmhouse or somewhere in between, the tools and technologies available today make it easier than ever to bring your vision to life.
KEY SECRETS FOR A SPARKLING HOME
A SPRING KIND OF CLEAN
TIP #1 Freshen up the Kitchen
A fresh, clean kitchen impacts the entire home. To freshen up the sink, Kim says, “Run hot water while pouring in equal parts of baking soda and white vinegar through the disposal. Follow with a few drops of blue Dawn Dishwashing soap to cut away any grease buildup. Sharpen the disposal blades by running cooler water and ice through it. For a fresh smell, grind a few slices of lemon, lime or orange, removing any seeds first.”
To clean everything else in the kitchen, including counters and stainless-steel appliances, use a microfiber cloth and a solution of 2-3 drops of Dawn mixed with water.
TIP #2 Spruce up the Living Room
The living room also deserves special attention. Kim says, “Start by pulling furniture away from the walls, vacuuming and dusting behind it. Make sure you dust air vents as well. Then, pull all of the furniture cushions off to vacuum underneath and in crevices. It’s always good to rotate and fluff cushions too.”
To banish dust from your furniture, Kim suggests using a good microfiber cloth that is slightly damp instead of furniture polish, which can leave a build-up on furniture that actually attracts dust.
TIP #3 Brighten up Windows
Brighten up your whole home by intentionally focusing on the windows. “Homeowners often forget about the inside of the window,” says Kim. “They dust the blinds or the shutters, but when the blinds are pulled up, the windows often have dust or a film on them.” Kim suggests cleaning the inside of the windows on a cloudy day to reduce streaks. “A good glass cleaner with a microfiber cloth works really well. If you still have streaks, try using a little bit of rubbing alcohol.”
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL
Chicken Yakisoba
events
MARCH 1ST - 24TH
Spring Training
Peoria Sports Complex | 1:10 PM
Spring Training is in full swing this March at the Peoria Sports Complex! Don’t miss the action as your favorite teams gear up for the season. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a fun outing, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the spring weather. Check out the full game schedule at PeoriaSportsComplex.com.
MARCH 7TH - APRIL 10TH
Phantom
Arizona Broadway Theatre | 7:30 PM
Discover “Yeston and Kopit’s Phantom,” a fresh take on the classic tale. Dive into the heartfelt story of Eric, hidden beneath the Paris Opera House, and his love for Christine Daaé. Featuring a stunning score blending classical and modern styles, this musical is a must-see. Get your tickets now at AZBroadway.org.
MARCH 7TH - 8TH
Nest Home & Co Open House
Lake Pleasant Pavilion | 10:00 AM
Welcome spring in style at Nest Home & Co (NestHomeCo.com)! Explore brand-new florals, lush greenery, and stunning spring décor collections. Enjoy giveaways, free samples, and refreshing drinks during store hours, 10 AM to 6 PM. Don’t miss this chance to refresh your space and celebrate the season!
MARCH 8TH
The Arizona Supershow
State Farm Stadium | 11:00 AM
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Arizona SuperShow! Explore an impressive vehicle showcase featuring cars, trucks, bikes, and hoppers from across the nation. Enjoy a thrilling concert lineup, shop unique lowrider merchandise, and witness jaw-dropping hydraulic exhibitions. Don’t miss Arizona’s largest lowrider event—get your tickets now at TheArizonaSuperShow.com!
MARCH 22ND
Educational Seminar—Gold & Silver
The Links Neighborhood Grill | 10:00 AM
You are cordially Invited to an Exclusive Educational Seminar on precious metals presented by Gold Wealth Management. Learn more about protecting savings and retirement accounts with physical gold and silver. The event is held at The Links Neighborhood Grill, 18823 N Country Club Parkway, Peoria. Lunch is provided. Limited seats are available, so call 623.640.5911 for reservations.
MARCH 28TH - APRIL 13TH
The Old Man and The Old Moon
TheaterWorks | 7:30 PM
Set sail on a whimsical journey with “The Old Man and The Old Moon”! When duty collides with love, an old man embarks on an epic adventure across the seas to find his missing wife. Filled with heart, humor, and breathtaking storytelling, this fable is a must-see. Get your tickets now at TheaterWorks.org
