SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017
KENTUCKY HOMES
&
GARDENS
Your wardrobe fits, shouldn’t your closet?
“LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THE CLOSET!” You should have a fabulous closet—a smartly planned personal space that makes every day easier. Closet Factory is the only Kentucky closet company to offer natural wood closets with custom paint or stain finishes, as well as state-of-the-art textured, metallic or laminate solutions. Plus, we put our lifetime warranty in writing.
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Y O U R H O M E S AY S A L O T A B O U T Y O U . W E’ R E H E R E TO LI S TE N . Your home is a reflection of you. Ferguson’s product experts are here to listen to every detail of your vision, and we’ll work alongside you and your designer, builder or remodeler to bring it to life. Our product experts will help you find the perfect products from the finest bath, kitchen and lighting brands in the world. Request an appointment with your own personal Ferguson product expert and let us discover the possibilities for your next project. Visit FergusonShowrooms.com to get started.
LEXINGTON 249 WALTON AVE. (859) 254–4457
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In affiliation with Keeneland and Cross Gate Gallery
Fea t u r i n g Fi n e Sp o r t i ng Ar t , Am e r i c a n Pa i nt i ng s a nd S c u l p t u re K E E N E L A ND R AC E C O U R S E | L E X I N G TO N , K E N T U C K Y
Sir Alfred James Munnings (British, 1878-1959) A MORNING’S WORK, NEWMARKET HEATH, Oil on canvas, 15¼” x 28¼”
Paul Sawyier (American, 1865-1917) YESTERDAY’S SUMMER, Watercolor, 11½” x 18½”
Henry Faulkner (American, 1924-1981) RASTUS, Oil on masonite, 20”x 16”
SUNDAY | NOVEMBER 19, 2017 2:00pm
The Sporting Art Auction 4201 Versailles Road, Lexington, Kentucky 40510 Phone: 859 233-3856 | info@thesportingartauction.com
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UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY OPERA THEATRE
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
OPERA THEATRE presents
October 6-8, 2017
La Traviata, Verdi’s opera of The Fallen Woman, a tragic story of love, passion, and tragedy. Sung in Italian with English supertitles
SPECIAL EVENT
November 10-12, 2017
C A LVA RY
BAPTIST CHURCH 150 EAST HIGH STREET, LEXINGTON
BOUNCE the Basketball Opera combines operatic singing, hip-hop, electronic dance, and basketball percussion to tell the story of an ambitious basketball star.
SingletaryCenter.com • 859.257.4929
Kentucky Homes & Gardens September/October 2017 Volume 14 Issue 5
42 On the Cover:
When Rustic Meets Glam Turn to page 42 to see more. Photography by Walt Roycraft
Contents
12 Cooking in Kentucky
Enjoying Classic Kentucky Cuisine at Beaumont Inn
14 Homescapes
30 12
Equine Sporting Art
16 Landscapes
Therapeutic Landscapes
18 Gardens
60
Discovering Bloomfield Park
22 Special Feature
24
Raising the Bar
30 Artist
14
More Than Child’s Play
34 Rustic Dreams 42 Where Rustic Meets Glam 50 The Upside of Downsizing 60 Discovering Kentucky
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Mammoth Cave National Park
Jim Barna Log &Timber Homes of Northern Kentucky Log & Timber Frame Homes & Log Siding 513-256-4363 • nkylog@gmail.com • www.nkylog.com 10196_CLAY_KYH&G_Belden_Fall7_9889_CLAY_KYH&G_Ad 8/21/17 11:58 AM Page 1
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Design Center • Mon-Fri 7a-4p ClayIngels.com • 859.252.0836
KENTUCKY HOMES
&GARDENS
Published by RHP Publishing, LLC PO Box 22754 Lexington, KY 40522 859.268.0217 Publisher: Rick Phillips 1rickphillips@windstream.net Associate Publisher: Carolyn Rasnick carolyn@rhppublishingllc.com Circulation and Distribution: 1rickphillips@windstream.net Account Executives: Lexington/ Central Kentucky Rick Phillips 859-268-0217 • 1rickphillips@windstream.net Mimi Leet 859-797-6305 • mimileet@windstream.net Louisville Zach Lorenzen 317-441-3643 • zachary.lorenzen.khg@gmail.com Editors: Rick Phillips, Carolyn Rasnick Senior Associate Editor: Kirsten E. Silven Photography: Walt Roycraft
Restore, Replenish, Relief Life can be tough; create a restorative, therapeutic, meditative space in your home landscape. It’s easy, not too expensive and offers wonderful benefits such as stress reduction, more focus, clearer thinking, refreshed hope, and overall improved health. Henkel Denmark has earned its reputation for excellence. You know can trust our highly skilled Landscape Architects to help you turn your garden into a stress relieving oasis.
Contributing Writers: Bill Henkel Christina Noll
Heather Russell-Simmons Kirsten E. Silven
Art Direction & Design: Meghann Burnett meghann@papermeteor.com Printing: Freeport Press 121 Main St. Freeport, Ohio 43973 Kentucky Homes and Gardens is published six times a year by RHP Publishing, LLC. 859.268.0217 www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Subscription price: $24.95 for one year (six issues). Single copies: $8. Kentucky residents add 6% sales tax. Subscriptions and change-of-address should be sent to Kentucky Homes and Gardens, Subscriber Service Center, PO Box 22754, Lexington, KY 40522
LEADING LANDSCAPE
1116 Manchester Street | Lexington, KY 40508 | 859.455.9577 | www.henkeldenmark.com
Every occasion should be celebrated! Weddings Corporate Events Special Occasions Call 859.977.2602 or visit bluegrasshospitality.com
Lansdowne Shoppes 3373 Tates Creek Road, Lexington
WHAT’S COOKING IN KENTUCKY 1
ENJOY CLASSIC KENTUCKY CUISINE AT
Beaumont Inn
By Kirsten E. Silven Photography Courtesy of Beaumont Inn
B
uilt in 1845, the Beaumont Inn has been hosting guests in Harrodsburg since 1919 and today still operates as a full-service bed and breakfast with 31 rooms, a pool and a spa, as well as a legendary dining room, a lively tavern and a cozy pub. Featuring classic Kentucky fare and the best of true Southern hospitality, the dining room also received the distinctive James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classic Award in 2015. “I would describe the menu at Beaumont Inn as upscale yet rooted in traditional southern and Kentucky cuisine,” shared Dixon Dedman, who serves as owner and operator of the Inn and is also a Master Blender and Brand Ambassador for his family’s bourbon brand, Kentucky Owl. “We make everything from scratch, and some of our recipes date back generations in my family.”
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Dixon is a 10th generation Mercer County Kentuckian and his family has owned and operated the Beaumont Inn for five genera-
tions. Today, it is the oldest family-owned and operated restaurant in the Commonwealth, with 4th generation owners Chuck and Helen Dedman working alongside Dixon and his wife Elizabeth to continue serving the time-honored staples that have been on the menu for nearly 100 years. “Our menu is very traditional, not overly complicated, and it doesn’t require a chef ’s thesaurus, but it is well-thought-out, balanced and very fresh,” Dixon added. Popular menu items include Beaumont Inn’s famed “Yellow Legged” fried chicken with two-year-old Kentucky cured country ham done exclusively for the Inn by Meacham Hams in Sturgis, Kentucky, as well as corn pudding, yeast rolls, cornbread, slow-cooked green beans with onion and jowl bacon, General Robert E. Lee orange-lemon cake and homemade bread pudding with bourbon sauce. At breakfast, the cornmeal batter cakes served with house-made brown sugar syrup have also become a Beaumont staple.
The Inn is historic with many antiques and reproductions, but it also has found a way to blend the old with the new and marry new amenities with the quaint historic touch of days gone by. Executive Chef Brian Curry came to Beaumont Inn from Louisville, where he attended Sullivan University and completed an internship at Corbett’s under the watchful eye of some of the Derby City’s best chefs. Asked what makes the atmosphere at the Inn unique, Dixon said it best: “It feels like home to me,” he offered. “One of the greatest compliments we receive quite often from both dinner guests and overnight guests is the same; that they continue to come back because it feels like home to them, too.” And the rest, as they say, is history! For more information, call 800-352-3992 or visit www.beaumontinn.com.
Pimento Cheese AMOUNT INGREDIENTS 2 each Roasted Pimento Peppers 8 oz Cream Cheese 1 cup Mayo 1 Tbsp House Hot Sauce 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper 1/4 tsp White Pepper 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika 1/4 cup House Pickles (minced) 2 lb Grated Kenny’s Cheddar 1. Soften cream cheese. 2. Mix mayo and cream cheese in mixer with paddle attachment. 3. Add all ingredients in a bowl and mix together. 4. Store, label, and regrigerate.
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Creole Mustard Vinaigrette AMOUNT INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup Creole Mustard 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar 1 1/2 cup Olive Oil Blend 1. Combine mustard and vinegar in blender. 2. Pulse until smooth. 3. Drizzle olive oil while pulsing until emulsified. 4. Season with kosher salt. 5. Store, label and refrigerate.
3 1 Located in the heart of bourbon and horse country, Harrodsburg Kentucky’s historic Beaumont Inn has welcomed guests since 1919. A stunning example of Greek Revival architecture, the Inn offers comfortable rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, a spa and a legendary restaurant, as well as a lively tavern and cozy pub. 2 The classic Beaumont dinner of famous “Yellow-Legged” fried chicken and two-Year-Old Kentucky-cured country ham, Beaumont Inn corn pudding and house-seasoned green beans. 3 Beaumont Inn Executive Chef Brian Curry. 4 Beaumont Inn fried green tomatoes.
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Fried Green Tomatoes AMOUNT INGREDIENTS 1 cup White Lily Flour 1 cup Cornmeal 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese 1 each Green Tomato 3 each Large Farm Fresh Eggs 1/4 cup Water 1 cup Canola Oil
1. Combine flour, cornmeal, and parmesan cheese in a bowl until fully incorporated. 2. Slice green tomato into even slices about a 1/4 inch thick. Try to get at least 4 slices out of a tomato. 3. Whisk eggs and water to form an egg wash. 4. Add oil into a pan on your stovetop and turn up heat to about medium high. The temperature of the oil should get to and stay at 325˚ for frying. 5. The Beaumont Inn does a double breading on the tomatoes. Start by dredging the tomatoes in your breading mix and then completely submerge them in the egg wash. Remove the tomatoes from the egg wash and dredge them through the breading again. 6. Place the breaded tomatoes into the frying pan and allow them to fry for about 3 minutes, or until you can see the breading turn golden brown. Once this happens, flip them over in the pan using a spatula. Repeat the frying process. Remove the tomatoes from the pan using a slotted spoon once they are done cooking. Place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. 7. Season with a pinch of sea salt and enjoy!
www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com
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HOMESCAPES
EQUINE SPORTING
Art
By Christina Noll Photography Courtesy of Cross Gate Gallery
W
hat ‘old Kentucky home’ is complete without a painting of one of the great thoroughbreds of our time? Whether you live in Kentucky, or just enjoy visiting the Bluegrass, equine sporting art offers a beautiful way to showcase what you love about the King of sports. Kentucky Homes & Gardens wanted to find out how to go about finding nice equine art, so we asked Gregg Ladd of Cross Gate Gallery how he chooses artists for his gallery. “We’re a sporting art gallery, which encompasses horse racing, naturally, but also hunting, shooting, fishing and all the different gentleman sports,” explained Gregg Ladd, owner of Cross Gate Gallery. “But we are primarily focused on racing.” Ladd opened the gallery in November 1974, and said he chose to focus on equine art mainly because it was a natural fit. “We live in Lexington, the horse capital of the world,” he said. At the time, one of the top contemporary sporting painters in the world was Peter Curling, an Irish artist. “I had seen some of his prints and I liked the work, so I tracked him down and went to Ireland to see him and got some paintings,” Ladd explained. “So that was the first contemporary sporting artist that I worked with.”
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Over the last 40 years, Ladd has built a reputation for providing one of the finest collections of equine sporting art in the world. When it comes to investing in contemporary art—of any topic—Ladd said, “Number one you have to have a quality product and quality artists, so I look for good painters and get them in front of the people. That’s really what it’s all about—relationships with your artists and painters.” There are a limited number of good professional sporting painters in America, so many of the artists come from England and Ireland, where horses and horse racing are much more prevalent in the art world. Currently Cross Gate Gallery has 12-14 top sporting artists working with them to provide art. Aside from the location on Main Street in Lexington, Gross Gate Gallery offers several exhibitions, including one during the month of August in Saratoga Springs. They also have a show every year in Wellington, Florida, the Palm Beach area, during their annual Winter Equestrian festival as well as in Aiken, South Carolina, where all forms of equine sporting events take place. In addition, this will be the fifth year that the gallery has presented a sporting art auction at Keeneland during the November sales.
1. To the Winner’s Circle by Quang Ho, Oil on Canvas, 36x36 2. Heading Home by Andre Pater, Oil on Canvas 30x40 3 The Cool Out by T. Allen Lawson, Oil on Panel, 24x22
The business of finding the best possible art is a family affair—Ladd works together with his son, Field Ladd and daughter, Catherine Ladd Kenneally. Over the last few years, they have focused on finding talented non-equine artists and bringing them to Kentucky for a week or two to try their hand at equine sporting art. “A good painter can paint anything, it doesn’t make any difference what their subject is, they can depict it,” explained Ladd. They found several talented artists from England as well as through American Artist publication. “Once the artists come to Lexington and realize the potential clientele, they want to work toward it,” said Ladd. “It’s gone really well. People see the quality and the demand rises, so the price rises. And that all goes back to us having the very best painters we can find producing today.”
www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com
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LANDSCAPES
1
THERAPEUTIC
Landscapes
T
By Bill Henkel
he hustle and bustle of today’s personal and professional schedules can make it difficult to find a relaxing moment to get “away from it all.” Even so, maintaining a balance between work and personal time is critical for leading a healthy and happy life. Research has shown that interacting with nature has tremendous benefit for our wellbeing. It can be tough, however, to find time to get away in nature, so incorporating a restorative, meditative space into a home landscape is an excellent option for many. How often do you find yourself, surrounded by nature, feeling calm and totally relaxed? Whether totally aware of how or why this happened—it is real. Nature has the ability to reduce stress and restore our bodies to a healthier state. So why not create that therapeutic space in your own home landscape...treat yourself to the healing touch of nature.
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Here are some elements you might consider including in your garden: • • • • • • •
Select a place that is quiet and away from noise Consider water as an audio element Lush planting with interesting combinations of color, size, texture and fragrances Your space will need some degree of safety and protection from the elements A comfortable place to sit A soft smooth path into and out of Soft indirect lighting if the space is available at night
2 1 Public parks are nice, but creating a park-like atmosphere in your backyard is even better! The peaceful, natural environment can be enjoyed without the bustle of strangers. 2 A pathway of flowers enhances a backyard grove of trees and creates a magical wonderland that all ages can enjoy. 3 Clean, comfortable seating in a shaded area makes a lovely little haven of contemplation and meditation. A weathered brick wall offers privacy and solitude.
The benefits of immersion into such spaces are numerous: • • • • • •
Stress reduction Improved focus Clearer thinking Better physical health Renewed connection to some greater presence in the world Restoration of hope
These benefits are real and can be measured.
3 Your restorative garden does not need a label or a name to function for your needs. It doesn’t have to be big in size, just big enough to welcome you and anyone else who wishes to share the experience. If you have garden pieces—perhaps items given to you by a friend or from your travels—consider including them in your garden. With some creativity and planning, you’ll soon have a soothing, restorative garden to enjoy on those days when you just need a break from it all. If you need help finding, designing and building your restorative garden, consider hiring a Landscape Architect with a solid reputation for delivering client’s needs. Bill Henkel, Partner @Henkel Denmark Leading Landscape American Society of Landscape Architects Healing and Therapy Garden Certified
www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com
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GARDENS
1
DISCOVERING
Bloomfield Park By Kirsten E. Silven Photography by Walt Roycraft
1 This view of the upper terrace shows one of the garden’s many different outdoor “rooms,” with a teak wood Lutyens bench perched under a sprawling maple tree and severalplanters overflowing with impatiens, hostas and surrounded by daylilies. The “Bloomfield Park” sign was found by Alan Bloomfield in a charming antique store in Dublin, Ireland. 2 Brightly-hued geraniums and white hydrangeas work with boxwoods, daylilies and dogwoods in this inviting patio space, which was created by Henkel Denmark at the top of stairs that lead from the upper terrace to lower garden area. 3 A delicate, milky-white magnolia blossom is soaking up the day’s last few rays of sunshine in the Bloomfield garden in Lexington’s Lakewood neighborhood.
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hen Alan and Nancy Bloomfield first viewed this beautiful home and garden in 2013 they were smitten at once by the shady, quarter-acre lot, which featured plenty of space for creative expression and gave the couple a new space to call home. Situated in central Lexington’s Lakewood neighborhood, the property is a haven for a menagerie of birds, squirrels, foxes and chipmunks, offering a sense of peaceful quiet that belies its location close to downtown. “This is the first home Alan and I purchased together,” shared Nancy. “I really love to work in the garden and fell in love with the property’s layout.” The Bloomfield garden is comprised of an inviting series of different outdoor “rooms,” as well as an upper and lower terrace, which provides plenty of opportunities for structure and a place for the couple’s beloved bronze sculptures by the late artist Victor Salmones. Henkel Denmark came in to help develop plans that extended the upper terrace, and also created a special pillar especially for one of Salmones’ sculptures, which overlooks a patio where there is also ample outdoor seating. “We wanted the gardens to have a comfortable look and feel that takes advantage of the late afternoon shade provided by our mature trees,” Nancy added.
The garden also features a wide variety of planters brimming with geraniums, impatiens, astilbe and hostas, as well as a winding side yard that creates a welcoming view from the street side of the property. Here, dogwood trees and oak leaf hydrangeas work with colorful yellow daylilies, hostas and carefully-trimmed boxwoods to dazzling effect, employing organic lines that complement the pleasing colors and textures. “I even enjoy watering the planters,” shared Nancy, who has spent countless hours working the soil, creating the special areas that make up the outdoor spaces of the couple’s beloved home. Another special area is found under the ancient maple tree that provides deep afternoon shade on the garden’s upper terrace. Here, a sleek Lutyens teak wood bench creates an idyllic spot to while away an afternoon while enjoying some light summer reading, while the imaginative “Bloomfield Park” sign was found by Alan on a trip to Dublin, Ireland. “Considering there is no fence around the perimeter, this property is very private,” Nancy said. “Many of the shrubs and trees are well-established and help to create a natural barrier.” As the seasons march on, this classic, cheerful garden space continues to provide year-long enjoyment for Alan and Nancy, offering a vital connection to the outdoors as the spaces continue to evolve and endless opportunities for delightful discovery.
www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com
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GARDEN CREDIT Henkel Denmark
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4 A whimsical bronze statue by Victor Salmones can be seen here peeking through the geraniums over a pillar that was made by Henkel Denmark just for the artwork, much as a child would eavesdrop on a conversation among adults who might be seated around the patio table on the garden’s upper terrace.
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5 Two fanciful statues by the late artist Victor Salmones are peering over the retaining wall onto the upper terrace, which offers a nice amount of shade in the late afternoon and features a spacious brick patio as well as several seating areas. Beautifully-sculpted boxwoods create a classic, almost courtly feel, while bright pops of red geraniums and blue ageratum in the foreground provide vivid pops of color. 6 A retaining wall with a playful statue by Victor Salmones can be seen across the green lawn from beneath the shade of the mature hardwoods that grace this quarter-acre lot. Plantings include a variety of nicely pruned boxwoods, blue ageratum, red geraniums and daylilies. 7 Delicate lobelia is suspended in a globe hanging from one of the property’s many dogwood trees in the foreground of this enchanting scene, which also shows boxwoods and azaleas in the background. 8 A variety of different hydrangeas combine with boxwoods, astilbe and azaleas along this quiet pathway, which showcases the garden’s park-like setting and creates a beguiling backdrop for the home’s breakfast nook, which is just barely visible to the right in this view. 9 Gently meandering beds brimming with daylilies, boxwoods, dogwood trees, hostas and oak leaf hydrangea wind organically through this expanse of garden space, which flanks one side of the home. www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com
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SPECIAL FEATURE
RAISING the
By Kirsten E. Silven
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Bar
natural wood bar works with the water feature and adjacent fire pit in 1 Athestunning courtyard to give this bar a distinct indoor-outdoor feel, while plenty of seating, games and flat-screen TVs ensure everyone stays entertained. Photo courtesy of CAVU Vegas and RUHM Luxury Marketing.
www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com
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B
ars are going big in today’s luxury homes and are more common than ever, often taking up one whole side of a room and offering enough space to entertain guests in style. Modern home bars are designed to encourage relaxation and socializing with friends and family, creating a custom-built addition that can transform any home into a favorite gathering place.
entertaining takes on a whole new dimension as elements of the bar’s design evolve into conversation pieces.
Home Bar Design Trends Home bars are appealing for a variety of reasons; of course they’re great for entertaining, and you’ll never again be forced to venture out for a late-night cocktail, but even when it’s not in use a beautifully-designed home bar lends a unique feel to any room and enhances a home’s interior spaces.
When it comes to countertops, granite and solid-surface quartz are very popular because they are less likely to stain and more durable overall. Marbles and laminates are also used but less commonly, since marble tends to stain and etch, especially when it comes in contact with red wine and acidic drinks or food.
“The best thing a homeowner can do is consult with an interior designer before beginning a project like a home bar,” stated Donna Outlaw, co-owner of Dwellings in Louisville. “An experienced designer can help with everything from size and placement of furniture and other accessories like chandeliers, to finding the perfect paint color and granite.” Outlaw also recommends placing your home bar close to the kitchen and any outdoor living spaces, especially if you don’t want to incorporate a full set of appliances. This also makes it easy to access while entertaining and offers a practical location for day-to-day needs. Reclaimed wood can lend added character and charm to any home bar, whether it is incorporated in an accent wall, backsplash or on the countertops. Sourced from around the world,
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“Everything becomes a story,” shared Garret Ebel of Old World Timber. “Also, it’s important to note that reclaimed wood doesn’t have to be rustic and can be incorporated in a variety of design styles.”
“Under-counter refrigeration is a popular appliance option for a home bar, as it’s an energy-efficient way to store drinks and snacks in one easy-to-access area,” shared Stansell Dye, Area Showroom Manager—Mid-South for Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. “Wine coolers are another popular appliance for a home bar.” Dye says there are a wide variety of wine coolers available to store, preserve and protect the wine from humidity, vibration and light. Some wine coolers also have a locking device, or the ability to be attached to an alarm system, which is helpful in the case of a power outage.” “The biggest trend that we have seen over the years is clients wanting more rustic or themed basement bars,” shared Kirby Barber-Riley of Barber Cabinet Company.
3 Rustic would include using a knotty or high grain species of wood or including open shelves with or without lead pipes used as supports. Themed bars would include making the space more personal to the homeowner’s passions, such as sports, college logos or their favorite adult beverage. Wine bins and risers are also excellent for displaying colorful and collectible bottles. “I always recommend including areas for appliances that prevent a homeowner from having to go back and forth to the kitchen, especially if they entertain often,” shared Barber-Riley. This could include a refrigerator and beverage center, as well as an ice maker, kegerator, microwave or a dishwasher. Having these appliances within easy reach increases usability of the space and allows for prolonged enjoyment of the bar area without interruption. “We are also seeing that many customers, especially Millennials, want the artwork they invest in to function,” stated John Barber, also of Barber Cabinet Company. “So, you’re seeing a lot of money spent on pottery or craft bourbon, for instance, that are used for both display and dining/consumption purposes. Barber says they try to highlight these items in their designs by using open shelving and glass doors so that these items are both accessible for use and prominently displayed. “We also have unique manufacturing capabilities with our inhouse CNC machine,” Barber added. We can rout endless fun and creative custom designs from school logos to bourbon
bottles, both of which we have done in the past.” Home Bar Lighting Considerations When it comes to illuminating a home bar, tape lighting is a popular option to accent colorful liquor and wine bottles, while Edison bulbs create a more warm, masculine look and feel. “The restoration look is very hot right now,” shared Lighting Specialist and Interior Designer Kirsten Hollis of Kentucky Lighting Supply. “We are also seeing more linear and natural brass fixtures, as well as darker finishes like bronze.” 2 Charcoal-hued cabinets and swirling, silvery-grey natural Blue Carrara marble countertops create a distinctive elegance, while clear pendant lights lend a nostalgic feel to this home bar, which also offers plenty of under-counter storage and hidden appliances, as well as Luna Bella lighting and millwork by Heritage Luxury Home Builders. Photo by Eric Hausman courtesy of Buckingham Interiors & Design. 3 Crafted using entirely eco-friendly materials in the construction, woodwork and millwork, this home bar appears fit for royalty and boasts gold leaf accents, antique mirrors and sumptuous white cabinetry, with delicate decorative pendant lights and Blum hardware. Custom built by Da Vinci Designs Cabinetry, Fort Lauderdale, FL. www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com
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5 4 Conveniently situated next to the open kitchen and dining room, this streamlined bar space offers plenty of under-counter refrigeration and open shelving to display prized bottles of liquor, as well as ample room for glassware and an icemaker. Photo courtesy of TruLines Architects.
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5 Boasting a sleek contemporary look and feel, this ultra-modern home bar is conveniently positioned directly off the kitchen for easy access, which is especially convenient while entertaining. The bar features several modular under counter units from U-Line, including an ice maker, wine cooler and beverage center. Image courtesy of Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery.
6 Located adjacent to the living room, this contemporary home bar opens to an expansive outdoor living area when weather permits. The gently curving composite quartz countertop lends a modern feel to the space, which also features comfy, oversized beige seating and beautifully-lit areas above the bar for displaying prized bottles and artwork. Photo courtesy of Alexander Lau.
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Layered lighting is another way to ensure the bar has proper illumination, so it’s essential to consider all aspects, from task and accent lighting to decorative and ambient options.
consultant at Brecher’s Lighting. “Those are important factors when selecting the correct size and shape of pendants and will also help determine quantity for adequate illumination.”
“We have seen growing interest in bourbon-inspired finishes, as well as clear glass and decorative glass to create a vintage look and nostalgic feel,” shared certified lighting consultant John Rueff of Brecher’s Lighting. “There has also been a move toward more transitional fixtures that can complement either modern or traditional decor.”
Carrico says it’s also important to evaluate other light sources in the area around a home bar, including recessed lighting, windows and overhead ceiling fixtures. When it comes to style, there has been a decline in mini pendants and a lean toward oversized fixtures, while open lanterns and geometric shapes are also in high demand, along with mixed materials such as wood and iron; seeded, hammered and smoked glass; copper and painted finishes.
Home bars should be comfortable and offer a relaxing place to unwind and enjoy good conversation, so work to illuminate the room with a combination of ambient and accent lighting, which can also create a dramatic effect through the use of down-lights to emphasize decorative glassware, bottles and artwork. “I always start with asking for the island dimensions and ceiling height,” shared Ellie Carrico, who also serves as a lighting
Regardless of size or location, a home bar will add a major focal point in any room and requires careful planning to get it right. Working with a professional to determine how it will occupy space and affect the flow of your home’s interior will ensure that you continue to enjoy the end result for years to come and wind up with the ideal home bar for your unique situation. www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com
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7 Natural light floods this eclectic home bar, which boasts an oversized round rattan mirror and delicate red pendant lighting above the sophisticated stainless-topped bar, and opens to the living room and great room beyond. A reclaimed wood ceiling, soft pink-andmauve wingback chairs and a whimsical chandelier complete the space. Photo by Jim Bartsch courtesy of Randy Franks Studio. 8 The circular shape of this granite-topped, limestone-faced bar complements the architectural details in the room, while the corner booth lends the space a cozy feel. Photo, design and installation by Barber Cabinet Company.
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Barber Cabinet Company obtained permission from the University of Louisville to use one of their official logos in the design of this red and black U of L branded wet bar and routed it into the door panel above the refrigerator. Open shelving and modern lighting combines with sleek black cabinets and woodlook tile flooring to complete the look. Photo, design and installation by Barber Cabinet Company.
10 This transitional bar design features a large-screen Seura television that also functions as a mirror when turned off, as well as a mission charcoal glaze on cherry cabinetry by Dura Supreme and a front radius finished with a piece of Chemetal laminate in Dark Antiquated Aluminum. This bar also includes an ice maker, wine cooler, martini freezer, two kegerators, dishwasher and two sets of Perlick refrigerated drawers. The countertops are Green Iron Satin Soapstone, while the zodiac pendant lights in white glass and antique burnished brass are by Visual Comfort. Photo courtesy of Mingle Team. 11 Featuring a rustic, old-world feel, this stunning home bar offers easy access to outdoor living areas and is flooded with natural light through the oversized arched windows. Travertine flooring and thick granite countertops complete the look. Photo courtesy of Neolithic Design.
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ARTIST
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RECONSTRUCTING WORLD A
Visual
By Heather N. Russell-Simmons Photography courtesy of John Michael Carter
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ased out of his Louisville, Ky. studio, John Michael Carter is a highly accomplished and award-winning painter who may be best known for portraits—his work has been commissioned by the likes of Governor John Y. Brown and U.S. Senator Wendell Ford. However, Carter prides himself as being, in his words, “An anything and everything painter. If you specialize in a particular subject matter, you can get redundant.” Born in Chicago, Ill., Carter’s family moved to Louisville in the mid1950s when his father, a commercial artist and illustrator, accepted a job with a local advertising agency. Although his father was a successful draftsman, Carter said his mother had the talent for fine arts. With “genes on both sides of the family,” as Carter described, he was in early teens when his parents encouraged him to take his art seriously. “My father essentially said, ‘Let’s see if you can really do this,’” recalled Carter. “He gave me portrait projects and the art material to create photo realistic, full value, black and white drawings.” Carter also received support from his mother. “One of the really nice things she did for me was to drive me around and introduce me to artists like Richard Schmid, one of the most influential American realist artists,” Carter explained. What Carter most admired
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about Schmid was, “He was a great colorist who brought poetry to common subjects. He could turn something banal into something exquisite to look at.” Influenced by that ability to create something exquisite to look at, Carter emphasized that his art is not about storytelling. For him, it is a way to reconstruct his visual world. Carter said context is essential for a realist painter like himself. “When I paint, I reinterpret what’s in front of me. There is no literary connotation to it. I paint the effect and temperature of light in a way that makes sense to viewers.” As a guest instructor for workshops across the country, Carter teaches young artists how to make sense of what they see. “Once you see something interesting, how do you identify what information is essential to relay that visual experience?” he asked. “I tell students, ‘You see 100% of the information that comprises a visual sensation; of that subject’s information, 10-15% is what captures your interest—what motivates you to sit for hours and recreate what you’re experiencing.’” Carter’s formal studies began at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. He then studied the major classical schools of drawing
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3 4 and painting at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. He has worked in acrylic, watercolor, pastel and sculpture, but prefers oil painting. Not only is it the most versatile medium, “I have a full range of chroma with oil, and the slower drying time allows me to adjust my work.” After 40 years of oil painting, Carter admits the familiarity is also a factor in his preferred medium. “When I’ve got the brush and colors, I don’t have to think about how to produce the value and color temperature.” Carter’s art is exhibited in galleries across the United States. Close to home, he is represented by Eckert & Ross Fine Art in Indianapolis, Ind.; Eisele Gallery of Fine Art in Cincinnati, Ohio; and Walls Fine Art Gallery at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. Readers can learn more about his work by visiting www.johnmichaelcarter.com.
1 Paper and Silk 30”X40” Oil on Canvas An exhibition piece for an Oil Painters of America national show, “Paper and Silk” is a studio fantasy set up by Carter with props and costumes that reflect the model’s Vietnamese heritage. “Mary, the model, worked at my bank,” said Carter. “Once we got to know each other through the bank, she agreed to pose for this and other portraits.” 2 St. James Winter 24”X18” Oil on Canvas This romantic winter landscape, set in Old Louisville’s historic St. James Court, is one of Carter’s most popular paintings. “I could have sold that 30 times,” he said. “People ask if I still have one like this.” 3 Painter John Michael Carter at home in his Louisville, Ky. studio. 4 Caroline 40”X30” Oil on Canvas “My subject was a Southern belle, and I liked her expression,” said Carter. “So I painted this for myself and did another for her family with a slightly bigger smile.” After winning a prize at the Portrait Society of America, this painting became part of a traveling portfolio. “This portrait travels the country and is exhibited for individuals and organizations interested in having a portrait made,” he explained.
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5 Hillside House 36”X36” Oil on Canvas “To paint a landscape,” said Carter, “First you have to find it.” Such was the case when he set out to photograph snow-covered subjects like this home in Taylor County, Ky. Although Carter now tends to rely on photographs for harsh weather conditions, there was a time when he preferred to paint on site- even in freezing temperatures. “I was about 24 years old and in an open field near the railroad,” he said. “I heard something behind me in the snow and it was a camera man from the local news—he couldn’t believe someone was outside painting in those conditions!” 6 Claire 48”X48” Oil on Canvas Color arrangement, color temperature, composition and form are the center of this studio fantasy painting. “I remember her mother came along when she sat for me, just to make sure this was on the up and up!” laughed Carter. “Claire ended up posing for several paintings.” This painting received a merit award at a Portrait Society of America show. 7 Theater District 16”X12” Oil on Canvas While in London, England, Carter was struck by the combination of a dramatic sky and wet reflections of twinkling lights. Despite the rain, “I just set up for plein air painting,” said Carter, noting the simplified application of paint indicative of the technique that became a form by French Impressionists. Painting from afternoon into the early evening, Carter captured the ritual of theatregoers, with umbrellas in hand, moving from restaurants to the performance.
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9 8 Village Italy 20”X30” Oil on Canvas The combination of organic and geometric shapes has always interested Carter. Traveling along the eastern coast of Italy, where Carter recalled that, “Architecture is built into irregular land formations,” the artist took photographs of this village outside of Venice. Once home, he gave himself a time limit to force the simplified shapes and application of plein air painting.
9 Chardonnay 30”X40” Oil on Canvas Carter’s back porch in his Louisville home has a pergola where he and his wife intended to grow grape vines. “The grapes never developed,” he said. “But the leaves did, and they create dapple sunlight for the kind of composition and color schemes seen in this painting.”
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Whitener’s log home is hand hewn with Perma-Chink Ultra Seven Oak stain. The 1800 1The square foot wrap around porch is a highlight of the home. “We spend a lot of time sitting out on the porch,” says Mike. Situated in the middle of 46 acres just outside of Cincinnati in Bracken County, Kentucky, the home has the feeling of being much farther away from a big city. “We don’t have a single window covering anywhere in this house—we don’t need it because of the privacy of where we’re located,” Mike says.
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RUSTIC Dreams Seventeen years after the Whiteners toured their first log home, they made their own a reality.
By Christina Noll Photography by Walt Roycraft
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2 The front door of the home was special ordered and custom built to be extra wide and extra thick by The Great River Door Company out of Minnesota. In the original plans for the house, the stairs were enclosed, however the Whiteners changed the plan after visiting during construction. “We saw the stairs being built and we saw the fireplace through there, and we thought we just couldn’t cover that up,” says Mike. “The result is a more open look that allows everyone who enters the home to appreciate the stone fireplace through the heavy timber stairs. So, we opted to leave that open and we’re so happy we did that. It makes it look airier and you can really appreciate the stone fireplace through the heavy timber stairs.” The builder also added a custom railing and large timber treads to the steps.
or Mike and Leah Whitener, building a log home had been a dream since they were first married, but they never imagined it would turn into more than just a home—it would become their livelihood. “We were married in Gatlinburg 19 years ago, and while there on our honeymoon we happened to visit this log home model and absolutely fell in love with it,” explains Mike. “That began a very long dream. It was something that we made a goal and a priority in our life.” Of course, to build their dream home, the couple first needed some land. They finally settled on 46 acres just outside of Cincinnati in Bracken County, Kentucky, and they were ready to build. “When we reached out to the distributors, who we had been working with for over a decade, they thought we were nuts because we kept saying we were going to build this house for so long,” says Mike. It turns out, the distributors Mike and Leah had been talking with off and on for ten years were with Jim Barna Log and Timber homes, and they had actually retired. “They came out of retirement to work with us on our home and we’ve been friends every since,” says Mike. In fact, the Whiteners enjoyed the experience of building their log home so much and felt so strongly about the company, that they are now distributors themselves. “We now own Jim Barna Log and Timber Homes of Northern Kentucky,” explains Mike. “It’s become
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a passion for us. We’re not sales people. But if you feel passionate about something, and you’ve experienced it and can bring someone through the ins and outs and make it a good experience for them, it comes naturally.” When it comes to their own home, the Whiteners liked the layout of the particular model they chose, but they did make some modifications to suit their specific needs. “We of course wanted certain aesthetics and certain functionality,” explains Mike. The home they built currently has finished space including 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, as well as an unfinished basement. When the basement is finished later, the home will include an additional 2 bedrooms, another bathroom and a kitchenette. Although the home is a little over 2600 square feet, excluding the garage and breezeway, it looks larger because of the full wrap around porch. The porch itself includes 1800 square feet of space. Inside the home, the open floorplan makes it a nice space for entertaining. “Mike and I like to entertain, and I find myself in the kitchen for long periods of time when we’re entertaining and that was one thing I really didn’t like about our old house,” says Leah. “I wanted to make sure I designed something that was open, so you can kind of be in the kitchen or the dining room or the living room and everybody is still able to visit and be part of what you’re doing.”
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3 In the foyer of the home a little bear and raccoon greet visitors, but it wasn’t always the Whiteners intention to have them there. “When we moved in, I just happened to set them there and I was going to see how long it would take before she (Leah) told me to move them,” he jokes. “She didn’t and they’ve become quite the conversation piece when people come in.” Below, a chalkboard outlines the Family Rules.
Drawing on those wonderful memories of family gatherings, Leah chose Cambria countertops in Oxwitch Green. “Both my aunt and my mom have green countertops in their kitchen and I always spent a lot of time in those kitchens because that’s where mom and my aunt would be preparing for the holidays,” she explains. “So, I had to have green countertops.” The baskets located on the tops of the cabinets are also her aunts. In general, Leah and Mike tried to stay true to a classic but country look when decorating their log home. “I looked at magazines and other pictures until I was blue in the face—probably ten years,” laughs Leah. When it came to choosing the floors, they went with pine throughout, to match the walls. “We could not find any hardwood flooring we liked because it clashed with the logs,” explains Mike. The couple finally found Art Copeland with Vintage Pine Flooring in Buford, Georgia. Copeland had been a log home distributor himself and kept running into the same problem with matching the floors, so he created his flooring company specifically to address the issue. “They are distressed oil based floors, which is nice because if you drop something and it puts a gouge in it, you can’t tell,” says Mike. Upstairs are two bedrooms, one is a guest room and one is for the couple’s two boys, Case and Colt. The two bedrooms are connected by one large open room that overlooks the main living room. “Most log homes have a loft or a cat walk,” says Leah. “I call it a loft.”
While it is made of logs, the home offers all the modern amenities you can find in any new, innovative house. Wireless access points, in-ceiling sound and audio zones, as well as surveillance security are all part of the conveniences built into the home. “It’s a misnomer that living in a log home is primitive,” says Mike. “It couldn’t be further from the truth.” The same modernization is true from an efficiency standpoint—the couple is actually saving more money on energy in the 2600 square foot log home than in their previous 1800 square foot home. Part of this has to do with the land where they built the home, which overlooks a ridge near the Ohio River. “Living on a ridge you get the constant breeze so you can really get a lot of use out of having your windows open,” says Mike. Leah adds that the wraparound porch reflects the sun coming in the home and shades the first-floor windows. Aside from the energy savings, the view is yet another part of this dream to love. “It’s beautiful in the mornings. You see the fog come up, almost like you’d see in the mountains,” says Mike. “It’s just an expansive view. We’re sitting in the middle of 46 acres, we can’t see any of our neighbors, so the view is worth the price of admission in itself.”
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4 Leah knew she wanted a U-shaped kitchen so she began with that design in mind. “I worked with Kelly Brothers (kitchen designer) in Covington,” says Leah. “The designer listened to me and what I wanted and she sketched something out and I said, ‘that’s exactly what I want.’” Leah inventoried her previous kitchen to determine exactly how much cabinet space she needed in the new space. The cabinets are Schrock in Rustic Alder with a finish called Whiskey Black. She chose the black wrought iron fixture above the island because she loves the way the iron looks with the wood. “I also tried to follow the recommendations from kitchen designers to put your sink, refrigerator and stove in a triangle shape—and it really does work well,” she said. 5 The table in the large open dining area was hand made for this particular space by the Amish in Millersburg, Ohio. At ten feet long, the reclaimed barn wood table seats ten people comfortably. The chairs are also hand made with barn wood. One notable feature of the table is its thick legs. “We specifically asked for them to put beefy legs on the table,” says Leah. “It’s very heavy.”
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6 In the family room a floor to ceiling stone fireplace takes center stage and puts out so much heat that it could double the family’s capacity to heat the home. The fireplace is called Montecito Estate by Astria with Chardonnay stone. Cathedral ceilings and a beautiful view out to the back of the family’s property complete the vacation-like feel of the space. Playing into the rustic theme is a mounted Alaskan timber wolf, given to the Whiteners by a friend “I liked the wild look of it but I didn’t want it to be aggressive,” says Mike.
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7 7 A large chandelier not only defines the space in the loft, but is also an eye catcher as you pull up to the home outside. The chandelier came from Ogle Furniture in Sevierville, Tennessee, where Mike saw it and knew it was perfect for this space. “It’s every bit of 65 pounds and it fills that space beautifully,” he says. 8 The guest bedroom suite is complete with its own full bath in Americana décor. The queen sized bed is nestled into a cozy dormer with its own awe-inspiring valley views. Guests are greeted by the sunrise each morning in this easterly facing room.
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9 9 The focal point of the master bedroom came about when Leah decided she wanted to paint one wall red. Without any drywall in the home, the couple asked the builder to put up tongue and groove. “Our stainer said, ‘I have a gorgeous garnet that will go on that and allow the wood to show through’ and it looked great,” explains Mike. A splurge on some Tiffany lighting on the ceiling and the red wall completed the look. The carpet is Mohawk Berber. The room leads right out to the wrap around deck, offering natural light, gorgeous views and the sunrise through the large bay window. 10 The master bath was designed with the idea of bringing the outdoors to the indoors. Many natural elements were used including the slate stone in the shower. “When you juxtapose stone and wood it just makes things pop,” says Mike.
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Rustic
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and Ralph “Bud” Robke’s one and a half story stone and brick home 1 Debbie is located just south of Cincinnati, Ohio in Lakeside Park, an area considered
to be one of Northern Kentucky’s garden spots. “We were inspired by the French Country style,” said Robke. Frank Weird Specialty Stone hand cut and laid the exterior stone while renowned mason, Glen Browning, complemented with the exterior brick from L Thorn.
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MEETS
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By Heather N. Russell-Simmons Photography by Walt Roycraft
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3 2 Dramatic was the word Robke had in mind when this barrel-ceiling foyer was designed. “The faux paint has a sparkle to it that is beautiful at night with the back light,” Robke said. Entering the home, visitors are greeted by a solid marble bust of Saint Beatrice of Silva. 3 The custom cabinets and bookshelves were measured and built on-site. “It was a big project during the build,” said Robke. “Bud never had a library for books he collected over the years, so we wanted to get this room right.” Warm, earthy tones were faux painted by Peggy Fleisch, of Lettuce Paint, to resemble a leather application that suits the room’s literary purpose. Fleisch’s various faux painted ceilings and walls are also found in the home’s foyer, dining and powder room. 4 “This formal sitting area is perfect for greeting guests with a glass of wine,” said Robke. The 13-foot coffered ceiling adds dimension and texture to the space. The sofa and leopard print chairs of this quiet room were furnished by Crate& Barrel. The coffee table is a Robke family antique. Throughout the home, spectacular lighting was provided by Brechers Lighting and installed by Quinn Electric.
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s a Realtor for the Scarlett Realty Group in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area, Debbie Robke had been though the custom-build process. “It does not always go smoothly,” she said, speaking from both professional and personal experience. However, working with Wolford Built Homes exceeded her expectations during the design and construction of the approximately 4,700 square foot home in Lakeside Park, Ky. that she shares with her husband, Ralph “Bud” Robke, and their two dogs, Leonardo and Schmidt. “Working with Ron and Martha Wolford was the best experience,” Robke said. “With Martha’s background in design, she was able to interpret my vision and make it a reality.” Robke’s vision, and now her reality, included an extraordinary mix of cowhide upholstery and crystal light fixtures throughout a spacious, comfortable home. “My husband and I have a farm where we raise cattle and I love the bling of glam,” said Robke. “I call this combination, ‘Rustic Glam’,” she said of her home’s style. Robke admits her seemingly contradictory tastes may have caused initial apprehension from the design team. Not so, said builder and designer Martha Brown Wolford. “My thoughts were, ‘Awesome! Debbie knows what she wants!’” From concept to design, Robke valued Wolford’s opinion. “Martha would point me in the right direction to make the things I liked looked amazing in our home.” Overall, Robke chose designs that reminded her of a rustic European farm with, as she described, “The addition of glam and sparkles to satisfy the city-girl in me.” Granite proved to be the starting inspiration and foundation for the home’s flair. “We purchased granite slabs before we finalized our design,” Robke said. “Because the kitchen island is so large and the granite had so much movement to it, we wanted it to be the centerpiece. Everything seemed to flow from that- the cabinets, the tile, and the furniture.” The home’s flow extends from the kitchen into the dining room where Dale Wurchtel custom built a corner cabinet that shares the same granite found in the kitchen. Fleur-de-lis, of sentimental value as a symbol of Robke’s hometown and alma mater (University of Louisville) as well as her husband’s alma mater (St. Louis University), are hand-crafted throughout the home and found in the iron fireplace door handles, the library cabinets door knobs and decorative tiles installed by PC Tile artisans.
An open floor plan with tall ceilings also creates an inviting sense of movement. The main level ceilings are a minimum of 10 feet high while the formal living room and library ceilings reach 13 feet and the vaulted hearth room ceiling reaches over 20 feet. “Those heights give the home an airy feel,” Robke said. Adding to the overall openness are the stunning lake views made possible by custom Hurd windows as well as a grand loggia that spans the back of the home from the hearth room to the master bath and can be accessed from multiple locations. The hearth room provides a simple, casual setting. “I wanted a lot of relaxing seating but not a lot of furniture,” Robke said of the solid brown leather sectional and oversized side chairs with faux cowhide upholstery. That nod to the rustic Robke cattle farm is also evident in the room’s rug, another faux cowhide fabric that grounds the open space. As for the glam, the master suite includes several dazzling features such as a plush rug at the foot of the bed, a custom island in the center of the large walk-in closet, heated floors in the adjoining spa-inspired bathroom and elegant light fixtures throughout. Robke chose a softer interpretation of the vintage black and white tile bathrooms that influenced her bathroom design, starting with the oversized, stand-alone tub. The ebony-glazed cabinets and carrara marble provide the classic contrast, “But the colors aren’t quite as harsh,” she said. Hidden behind one of the sinks are double walk-in showers with his-and-hers entries. “We love that shower,” she said. “It is a game-changer!” “This is truly a custom home,” said Robke. “We sat down with a piece of paper and drew our original design- it wasn’t even to scale.” The Robke’s learned from their first building experience that they needed to dedicate time and effort to focus on attention to detail. “We knew that true happiness with this home would depend upon getting the floor plan right.” For 18 months, the Robke’s lived with and modified their design. “We kept the plan on the dining room table in our previous home, and each time we walked by, we would take a look at it,” she said. Their dedication paid off. The house was built in just over a year and with only one change order. “That single change was to an upstairs bedroom closet,” Robke said. www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com
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7 5 “I love to cook,” explained Robke. “So I wanted to go with commercial-grade appliances and a large prep space.” Appliances include a Wolf range, Sub-Zero refrigerator and Avantium oven from Custom Distributors. The prep space includes a granite island that seats six bar stools. Hand-stamped fleur-de-lis, a nod to Robke’s alma mater, the University of Louisville, and her husband’s alma mater, the University of St. Louis, run along the back splash and bar area and bring together colors of the home. 6 The Robke’s worked with Ron and Martha Wolford of Wolford Built Homes in Louisville, Ky. on every element of the home, from conception to finishing touches. “I’m from Louisville,” explained Robke, “And Ron gave us this original brick from the Churchill Downs paddock during a renovation to the track.” The first brick in the house is both a conversation piece and sentimental addition to the home. “We finished the staging with a toy truck that belonged to my husband because his family was in the car business for over 100 years.” 7 Hand-crafted rosewood chairs from a trip to China rest against the back wall of the dining room. “The chairs are crafted to fit together without a single nail,” said Robke. Between the chairs hangs an original pastural painting by American Impressionist Edward Charles Volkert that has been in the Robke family for generations. Hanging from the trey ceiling, another textured paint feature by Lettuce Paint, is a light fixture that serves as the dining room’s statement piece. “I fell in love with it.” said Robke. “So I said to our designer, ‘We’re getting this, let’s make it work!”
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8 To take advantage of the lake view, Robke added custom Hurd windows to the hearth room. Ebony beams in the high vaulted-ceiling stretch into the kitchen to connect the openness of the two rooms. The hand cut and laid stone in the fireplace matches the home’s exterior. The custom-made iron door handles on the fireplace continue the home’s fleur-de-lis designs. 9 Simple design was the key to this calming room. “This is a very Zen place to relax,” said Robke. In-set lights along the trey ceiling add a soft light to the room that overlooks the lake. The chaise lounge at the foot of the bed serves a practical function. “Our little dogs use that to get onto the bed,” Robke said. 10 The large, stand-alone bathtub proved to be the centerpiece of the master bathroom. To the right are double walk-in showers with his-andhers entries. Inspired by homes in Georgetown, Ky. with vintage black and white tiles, Robke chose a softer look with ebony glaze cabinets and carrara marble by Mees Tile. “The chandelier adds the glam!” she said.
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BUILDERS Wolford Built Homes LIGHTING Brecher’s Lighting TILE Mees Tile & Marble BATH FIXTURES Winnelson ELECTRIC Quinn Electric FAUX PAINTING Peggy Fleisch/Lettuce Paint
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on an ultra-private corner lot in central Lexington’s Lakewood neighborhood, this 1 Situated charming L-shaped home was built by Padgett Construction in 2000 and boasts a two-car garage and loads of curb appeal, with mature hardwoods and well-established plantings, including daylilies, boxwoods, sweet bay magnolias, vinca groundcover and dogwoods.
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Upside OF Downsizing By Kirsten E. Silven Photography by Walt Roycraft
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2 The grand entryway features soaring ceilings and a massive painting over the stairwell, while dormer windows permit plenty of natural light to flood the space, which also features an elegant crystal chandelier and a beloved antique clock on the credenza, which fits into the nook below the stairs as though it was custom made for the spot. 3 Soaring ceilings combine with decorative built-ins to add another element of architectural interest in the living room, which opens to the entryway and a rear patio through three sets of French doors. The antique mirror was refinished and the sofa and chair were also recovered to complement this space.
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hen Alan and Nancy Bloomfield decided to downsize in 2013, this charming Cape Cod-style home in central Lexington’s Lakewood neighborhood was the perfect answer, offering 6,700-square-feet of living space and a two-car garage, as well as a ¼-acre lot with mature plantings and hardwoods to provide plenty of shade from the afternoon sun. The home’s design was inspired by a plan from Southern Living and offers an easy, open floor plan with just the right amount of space for the retired couple. “We fell in love with the lot and the floor plan, which offers a first-floor master,” shared Nancy. “I also wanted a garden and Alan wanted to live in central Lexington where he was born and raised.” Built in 2000 by Padgett Construction, the house also featured custom woodworking throughout, including custom kitchen cabinets, built-in shelving and decorative crown molding. Other special touches include a library in the space over the two-car garage, a breakfast nook and spacious great room that is ideal for entertaining and opens to a rear patio that overlooks the home’s beautifully-manicured gardens.
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Nancy incorporated many of the couple’s furniture, accessories and artwork from their previous home, creating a lively, transitional feel that works with many design styles to create a space that is truly their own. “The house has good bones,” Alan said. “It also has a younger, fresher feel than our previous home.” Plenty of windows create an “indoor-outdoor feel” and allow natural light to flood the interior spaces, which also feature gorgeous hardwood flooring that was refinished when the couple moved in. Other luxury touches include heated marble flooring, a modern walk-in shower and marble countertops in the master bath, soaring ceilings in the entryway and great room. “We just love it,” Nancy added. “This is our little piece of heaven!” Nancy selected inviting neutral tones for the home’s interior, which has a timeless and traditional yet lived-in feel that is both welcoming and dignified at once. The property is ideal for the retired couple’s needs, offering a comfortable place to enjoy what each new day might bring.
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5 4 Situated just off the entryway, the formal dining room has a posh, upscale feel with decorative dentil molding, silver trophy lamps on the antique sideboard and a chic putty tone on the walls. The mirror was refinished, while the chairs repurposed from the couple’s previous home and reupholstered to complement the space. 5 Although the custom kitchen cabinets are original to the home, Alan and Nancy Bloomfield had them refinished to create this light, airy kitchen space, which also boasts granite countertops, a warming oven and refrigerated drawers.
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8 6 A study in elegance, the master suite is an oasis of tranquility in taupe and white, with expansive views of the gardens and decorative dentil molding. 7 The sophisticated feel of the master suite continues in the sumptuous master bath, which boasts a walk-in shower, heated marble flooring, marble countertops and an oversized soaking tub. 8 The stately library is tucked into the space over the home’s two-car garage and offers a quiet place to handle business affairs. This space boasts a classic, transitional look with a charming “partner’s desk,” a marble-topped sideboard and antique leather-bound books to create a warm, welcoming feel.
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9 9 Soft neutral tones in the upstairs reading nook work to complement an elegant antique rug from Nancy Bloomfield’s mother, making it easy to imagine curling up with a good book in one of the comfy oversized chairs, while the angled placement of the furniture makes the most out of the available space. 10 This second-floor guest room features an exquisite antique carved bed with cherubs on either side of the headboard and a cool, aquamarine hue to create a relaxing environment for visitors.
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HOUSE CREDITS BUILDER Padgett Construction
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DISCOVERING KENTUCKY
Mammoth Cave NATIONAL PARK
By Christina Noll Photography courtesy of Mammoth Cave National Park
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escend deep below the surface of the bluegrass state and into the miraculous world of Mammoth Cave—the longest cave in the world. A World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, Mammoth Cave is 405 miles long so far and more is discovered every year. But Mammoth Cave National Park offers more than cave exploring. At 53 thousand acres, there is plenty to explore. “So many people come for the cave, but when they come for a second visit they may canoe or kayak on the river, or they may hike the back country or we have biking trails and horse trails,” said Vicky Carson, public information officer at Mammoth Cave National Park. “There are a lot of different things to do.” If it’s been awhile since your last visit—or if you haven’t had a chance to visit Mammoth Cave—there are plenty of options available for exploring the cave itself. The cave tours offered vary from season to season, with the greatest number available in the summer months. Cave tours are offered several times a day and include something for all ages and activity levels. “The shortest is a half mile long and lasts just over an hour and the longest tour we offer is the Wild Cave tour and that’s about 5 and a half miles long and lasts 6 hours,” explained Carson. There is also the Frozen Niagara tour, which features mostly level walking and the self-guided Discovery tour, which is offered on the busiest days to make it possible for more people to see the cave when the guided tours are sold out.
For those visitors who use a wheelchair or assistive device, the Mammoth Cave assessable tour makes use of an elevator to access the cave. The most popular tour is the Historic Tour, which makes use of the historic entrance of the cave and leads visitors to some of the best-known areas of Mammoth Cave, including Bottomless Pit, Fat Man’s Misery and Mammoth Dome. “it’s the area that’s been toured for more than 200 years and it’s still the favorite,” said Carson. Visitation to the park has steadily increased over the past 10-15 years and in 2016, visitation to Mammoth Cave jumped ten percent. Carson noted that It’s so important that if you have a specific tour you want to take, be sure to make a reservation, because they fill up quickly. With so many people touring, it’s important to keep in mind the historic significance of the cave. “Overall, our mission is to preserve and protect but also provide opportunities for people to enjoy,” said Carson. She stresses the importance of leaving the cave and the park just the way you find it when you visit—just as visitors have been doing for over 200 years. “We like to say everything is protected in the park,” she explained.” So that the next generation can come and see it just the way you saw it.” Carson also recommends multiple visits to fully enjoy all that Mammoth Cave has to offer. “Many people come to visit the park when they have company come or parents will bring the kids, or grandparents will bring the grandkids,” she said. “Once you come, it’s important to come back again. We see that as a generational thing—people remember it from their childhood and they want to pass that on to the next generation.”
UPCOMING EVENTS
IF YOU GO:
The “Mammoth-on”: October 1, 2017 The only triathlon that features a brisk walk in a cave, a trail hike and a bicycle ride.
Mammoth Cave National Park is located at 1 Mammoth Cave Parkway, near Cave City on Interstate 65. The park is open year-round.
“Cave Sing”: December 3, 2017 Annual event featuring choir and/or instrumental groups singing inside the cave.
Entry to Mammoth Cave National Park and its surface features is free of charge. Cave tour prices vary.
Visit https://www.nps.gov/maca to make reservations or learn more.
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6 1 A family rides bikes on one of the park’s many trails.
4 Visitors photograph a picturesque cascade over the cave’s historic entrance, seen on the River Styx Tour.
2 Rafinesque Hall can be viewed on the 1/2 mile Discovery Tour. The annual “Cave Sing” is hosted in this spacious room.
5 The park offers many family-friendly activities outside of cave tours, including camping, horseback riding and hiking.
3 There is something for everyone at Mammoth Cave National Park. Call and speak to someone about accomodations for those with disabilities.
6 A group views gypsum in various crystalline shapes and sizes on the Cleaveland Avenue Tour.
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