Exclusively for Verandah Residents, a Market Update Hello Neighbors and Friends! Wow! On March 25 there were 39 homes for sale and 19 condos - now, as I write this on May 24, there are just 34 and 17 condos. The market remains incredibly active - below you will find the stats for the homes closed since 3/25/13; the ones that have come on the market since then and the ones that have sales pending. In life, change is inevitable, and there has been a change in my business model. Pat is no longer selling Real Estate with me, or in Verandah. My business model hasn’t changed - I will still offer you the best possible marketing and exposure for your home, and will be happy to show any friends prospective homes in Verandah or any other area Golf communities. My administrator, Rose Cardona has reactivated her Real Estate license and she will be helping more actively to host Open Houses, show prospective buyers around, and help me to provide you with great service! So far, it’s been a great 2013 - the market continues to strengthen and all is looking Up, Up, Up!!!
Susan Sweeney 239-220-5107
I’d appreciate a chance to show you what I can do to win your trust and your business. Just call me anytime! Thank you - Your Neighborhood Realtor - Susan Keenan Sweeney Information below was taken from Ft Myers MLS and BEAR MLS and from the Public Records. Bogey Golfer Scratch Realtor cannot be responsible for the accuracy of this information. Please verify this information independently if you rely on it.
Date Active Address Unit 5/19/13 4121 Otter Bend 5/19/13 4111 Otter Bend 5/18/13 3760 Lakeview Isle 5/10/13 3021 Meandering 101 5/6/13 3621 Cedar Hammock View 4/30/13 3210 Orangetree 4/30/13 3962 Otter Bend 4/30/13 12636 Fairway Cove 4/24/13 3451 Shady
Price $359,155 $389,100 $245,900 $147,900 $659,000 $336,000 $334,571 $351,255 $284,900
New On Market Since 03/26/2013 SqFt 2260 2583 1637 1421 3053 1835 1983 1932 1994
$/SqFt $158.92 $150.64 $150.21 $104.08 $215.85 $183.11 $168.72 $181.81 $142.88
Date Active Address Unit 4/24/13 12040 Bramble Cove 4/23/13 3670 Mossy Oak 4/19/13 13506 Citrus Creek 4/9/13 3141 Meandering 102 4/6/13 3061 Meandering 202 4/5/13 3191 Orangetree 4/3/13 3111 Cottonwood 1704 3/29/13 3070 Meandering 101 3/26/13 3060 Meandering 201
Price $219,000 $899,000 $379,000 $148,500 $183,900 $389,000 $119,500 $130,900 $175,900
Under Contract Since 02/12/2013 - Still Pending as of 05/21/2013
Date Pending List Price 5/13/13 $259,000 3871 5/7/13 $246,000 3481 5/4/13 $95,000 3151 4/29/13 $399,500 3260 4/26/13 $255,000 3791 4/26/13 $324,900 3111 4/24/13 $499,900 3790 4/23/13 $475,000 13000 4/21/13 $179,999 3710 4/20/13 $379,900 3221 4/17/13 $229,900 11760
Address Unit Lakeview Isle Lakeview Isle Cottonwood 1303 Shady Bend Lakeview Isle Orangetree Bend River Point River Bluff Pebblebrook Ridge 102 Shady Bend Bramble Cove
SqFt 1849 2070 1868 2221 2251 1835 2270 2868 1532 2269 2335
Sale Date 5/23/13 5/23/13 5/22/13 5/20/13 5/17/13 5/17/13 5/17/13 5/11/13 5/10/13 5/10/13 5/10/13 5/10/13 5/9/13 5/8/13 5/3/13 4/29/13 4/24/13 4/23/13 4/23/13 4/19/13 4/19/13
Address Unit Lakeview Isle Ct. Pebblebrook Ridge 102 Shady Bend Way Cottonwood Bnd. 1901 Citrus Creek Court Bramble Cove Shady Bend Way Otter Bend Meandering 102 Lakeview Isle Bramble Cove Sabal Point Meandering 101 Bramble Cove Lakeview Isle Ct. Mossy Bend Oak Bend Sabal Point Citrus Creek Verandah Bramble Cove
SqFt 1968 1532 2396 1821 2057 1835 2269 2583 1488 1805 1844 2104 1488 1994 2002 3068 3131 2539 2159 2438 1994
$/SqFt $140.08 $118.84 $50.86 $179.87 $113.28 $177.06 $220.22 $165.62 $117.49 $167.43 $98.46
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Date Pending List Price 4/14/13 $799,950 12591 4/11/13 $165,000 3100 4/9/13 $329,900 3560 4/8/13 $154,900 3070 3/27/13 $89,900 3100 3/23/13 $346,000 13456 3/18/13 $625,000 3321 3/16/13 $389,000 3420 3/12/13 $619,000 3370 2/12/13 $269,800 3501
SqFt 1835 3320 2016 1488 1759 2025 1833 1421 1759
$/SqFt $119.35 $270.78 $188.00 $99.80 $104.55 $192.10 $65.19 $92.12 $100.00
Address Unit Oak Bend Orangetree Lakeview Isle Meandering 102 Cottonwood 1901 Citrus Creek Brantley Oaks 12 Shady Bend Cypress Marsh Lakeview Isle
SqFt 3877 1874 1968 1421 1821 2057 3838 2396 3507 1841
$/SqFt $206.33 $88.05 $167.63 $109.01 $49.37 $168.21 $162.85 $162.35 $176.50 $146.55
Address Unit Brantley Oaks Citrus Creek Brantley Oaks Brantley Oaks Otter Bend Palmetto Grove Sanctuary Pointe Cypress Marsh Pebblebrook Ridge 102 Cypress Marsh Sanctuary Shady Bend Way Cedar Hammock View Otter Bend Citrus Creek Oak Bend Lakeview Isle Citrus Creek Brantley Oaks Orangetree Bend Brantley Oaks
SqFt 3202 2015 2849 3193 2159 2541 2727 2951 1532 3130 3553 2490 3143 1983 2260 3174 1849 2159 3193 1835 3276
$/SqFt $146.78 $156.33 $186.03 $140.93 $152.56 $157.38 $198.94 $172.82 $117.17 $194.89 $189.98 $167.87 $206.81 $153.50 $147.35 $100.82 $128.18 $159.21 $142.10 $173.02 $198.41
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Closed SaleS Since 03/20/12013 Sale Price $320,000 3560 $175,450 3710 $376,000 3420 $85,000 3100 $336,000 13456 $223,000 12050 $358,000 3221 $377,590 3941 $137,500 3040 $265,000 3761 $232,500 11901 $310,000 13531 $125,000 3111 $245,000 12011 $285,000 3610 $652,500 12790 $619,000 12560 $340,000 13480 $343,737 13406 $400,000 12461 $240,000 12020
$/SqFt $162.60 $114.52 $156.93 $46.68 $163.34 $121.53 $157.78 $146.18 $92.41 $146.81 $126.08 $147.34 $84.01 $122.87 $142.36 $212.68 $197.70 $133.91 $159.21 $164.07 $120.36
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Sale Date 4/17/13 4/16/13 4/15/13 4/12/13 4/11/13 4/11/13 4/10/13 4/9/13 4/8/13 4/5/13 4/4/13 4/1/13 3/29/13 3/29/13 3/29/13 3/29/13 3/28/13 3/28/13 3/27/13 3/20/13 3/20/13
Sale Price $469,990 3251 $315,000 13576 $530,000 3471 $450,000 3240 $329,371 3901 $399,900 13480 $542,500 3210 $510,000 3210 $179,500 3720 $610,000 3251 $675,000 3310 $418,000 3421 $650,000 3572 $304,385 3940 $333,000 13525 $320,000 12561 $237,000 3731 $343,737 13406 $453,740 3241 $317,500 3161 $650,000 3441
Bogey Golfer. Scratch Realtor.
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Your Verandah Real Estate Expert
Offered by Bogey Golfer. Scratch Realtor. $619,000 - 3290 Brantley Oaks Drive
Gorgeous BRAND NEW Decorator Furnished Model! 3 BD, 4 BA (2 full/2 half) & 3 car garage on an estate lot. This home features beautiful faux painting & chair rail accenting the interior, along with tray ceilings & crown molding. Kitchen boasts granite counters, gas cooktop, electric wall oven & huge pantry! The spacious Master Suite provides a perfect retreat with large his & hers walk-in closets, great shower with glass listellos tile & soaking tub. Each guest bedroom is accented with art niches; the laundry room is self-contained & the oversized 3 car garage with epoxy floor has plenty of room for extra storage. Open the sliders in the Great Room to the huge covered lanai with gas heated pool & spa and outdoor kitchen. Words cannot describe the elegance & beauty of this home!
$379,000 - 13506 Citrus Creek Drive
This is a MUST SEE! Gorgeous 3 BD, 3 BA plus Den in a Prime location with desirable Southern exposure on pool & spa with long lake views. Perfect for entertaining with a Great Room that opens to an expansive lanai with living area & fireplace making this home perfect for outdoor Florida living. This home features all the quality touches that you’d expect - tray ceilings, crown molding, granite counters and tile. The chef’s kitchen boasts new Thermador gas range plus wall oven/micro combo; new stainless refrigerator, beautiful granite & pantry. The Master Suite has two walk-in-closets, tray ceiling & direct access to the lanai!
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$399,000 - 13421 Sabal Point Drive
Simply Gorgeous, Rutenberg custom built home, located in the prestigious neighborhood of Sabal Point. Absolutely stunning, this home features a large Master Bedroom with 2 walk-in closets & direct access to the lanai, Den, Formal Dining Room, 3 Guest Bedrooms for friends & family and 3 car garage. Large Master Bath boasts top of the line cabinetry, dual sinks, large shower with beautiful tiles & Jacuzzi soaking tub! Gorgeous diagonal tile, crown molding, tray ceiling, quality window coverings & surround sound wired are just a few of the many features this home offers. Open the sliders in the Family Room to the pavered lanai with huge undercover living area where you can enjoy the outdoor kitchen with beautiful cabinetry or relax by the pool & spa! You will love the kitchen with top of the line cabinetry, pantry, tile backsplash, granite, gas range & breakfast bar. There is a great Breakfast Room with plenty of natural light & great view!
$349,000 - 13541 Sabal Point Drive
This beautiful home is located on a cul-de-sac. Open the sliders in the Great Room to the lanai with undercover living area where you can enjoy the pool & spa and long lake views! No homes on one side for total privacy. This home features a Master Bedroom with a large walk-in closet & direct access to the lanai, Den, Formal Dining Room, 2 spacious Guest Bedrooms for friends & family and 2 car garage. Large Master Bath boasts top of the line cabinetry, granite, dual sinks, large shower w/beautiful tiles & soaking tub! Gorgeous tile, crown molding, tray ceiling, quality window coverings and fixtures, wet bar & beautiful landscaping are just a few of the many features this home offers. You will love the kitchen with top of the line cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, pantry, tile backsplash, granite, gas range & breakfast bar. There is a great Breakfast Room w/plenty of natural light & great view with 3 large panel mitered windows!
Susan Sweeney 239-220-5107
www.ScratchRealtor.com
CONTENTS Condo Remodeling | 4 Do’s and don’ts to watch for when remodeling a condominium
Kitchen Trade-Ins | 8 Save money, even make money, trading in kitchen cabinets
American Appliances | 12
A look at the world’s finest appliances made in America Cover photo courtesy of Corbett Lighting TM
YOUR HOME Magazine
Luxurious Wool | 16 Nothing beats the feel, wear, and look of wool carpeting
Volume 2 Issue 4 Contributing Writers David Bush Mollie Page Mary Lou Smart Kitt Walsh Marci Wise Director of Sales Channing Spano Account Representatives Robert Barsimantov Kennedy Carroll Mark Somers
Designer Q&A | 20
Production Manager Roxanne Hutson
Nationally syndicated writer Rosie Sadez Friedmann answers decorating questions
Production Coordinator Jenny Vigliotti
Holly Hunt | 22
Accounting Mariellen King Production StaceyScottDesign.com
What’s new from the ‘Arbiter of Refined Taste’
Lilly Pulitzer Fabrics | 26 Fabrics that pay tribute to Palm Beach fashionista’s signature palette
President Tony Spano
Brighter Ideas | 28
To publish your own edition of YOUR HOMETM Magazine go to www.TheBestListingTool.com
Savory Recipes | 30
Your Home Magazine is published by Your Home Publishing, Inc. © Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. All prices, specs and financing rates & terms are subject to change without notice. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. If your home is currently listed, nothing in this magazine should be construed as a solicitation.
A look at the advantages of LED lighting
Two BBQ recipes that are sure to make your mouth water
Real Estate | 32
Save thousands and sell faster by properly preparing your home
Marketplace | 33
Great products and designer accessories for your home
Your Home Magazine | 3
Courtesy of Mike Vitte Construction
Condo Remodeling Dos and Don’ts
T
hinking about remodeling your condo? You may be wondering what upgrades you can make and which will hold their value. The options available to you will depend on your homeowners association’s rules and regulations. Also, some improvements will increase the resale value of your condo more than others. Following these tips will help you minimize HOA hassles and maximize your investment.
look are common elements jointly owned by all owners. Most homeowners’ associations have policies in place to preserve a consistent “look and feel” throughout the development. These policies are detailed in the association’s covenants, conditions and restrictions, also known as CC&Rs. The rules can vary so much from one association to the other that a problem project in one building may be smooth sailing in another.
Generally, when you own a condo, you only own what’s within the structural walls of your unit. The rest, including the plumbing and wiring, the exterior, the structure and the
HOA rules are strictest for anything that affects the exterior appearance of the building, structure, plumbing or electrical systems. Most associations’ bylaws permit painting, replacing
4 | Your Home Magazine
Courtesy of Wendy Berry Design
Courtesy of Wendy Berry Design
floors, installing new appliances, cabinets, lighting and water fixtures. Even these interior upgrades can be subject to HOA regulation though. Many associations have material, color and design standards that must be met.
detail past your HOA representative to make certain that all of your plans are in compliance. Submit all plans in writing - For some renovations, like moving of interior walls, plumbing or wiring, you’ll need to submit architectural plans, city permits and contractor agreements for written approval. When in doubt, play it safe and communicate everything in detail.
Read through your association’s rules and bylaws - A thorough reading of your CC&Rs is a good place to start before planning your remodel. Knowing at the outset what changes are and are not allowed will save time and frustration during the approval process.
Don’t be too different - Even if regulations allow for a far-out remodel, it could work against you when it comes time to sell. It’s important to stay in tune with the neighborhood. Unusual styles and features will appeal to a smaller percentage of buyers.
Don’t begin anything without HOA approval - Disputes between owners and the association are more likely to arise if the owner starts making improvements before getting approval.
Don’t buy the most expensive options - Some upgrades add luxury without increasing resale value. Even with extravagant
Check everything with the association - Run each and every
Courtesy of Mike Vitte Construction
Courtesy of Mike Vitte Construction
Your Home Magazine | 5
Courtesy of Mike Vitte Construction
upgrades, you’ll find it difficult to ask a price much higher than other condos in the complex are selling for. Paint - New paint is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to make your home look more attractive and fresh. If you’re planning to stay in your condo for a while, feel free to choose bold or unique colors that reflect your individual taste. You can always repaint with neutral colors when selling. Check the Cost vs. Value Report - This can be an excellent reference for deciding which upgrades will pay off. The report compares construction cost with resale value for many popular remodeling projects. The report is published annually by Remodeling Magazine and the results are available online at www. costvsvalue.com. Invest in your kitchen - The kitchen has always been the heart of the home. When it comes to remodeling, kitchen upgrades often 6 | Your Home Magazine
have the highest return on investment. Granite countertops, new cabinets, sparkling sinks and new appliances are all huge selling points for a condo. New cooktops, stoves and refrigerators can recoup nearly every penny spent. High-quality ‘faux-pro’ appliances can achieve a pro look at a fraction of the cost. Consider granite countertops - Granite, marble, solid-surface and stainless steel counters are all popular with homebuyers. If your budget is tight, there are other versatile and economical options available such as engineered stone, ceramic tile and laminate. Upgrade your bathrooms - Bathroom remodels also recoup a high percentage of their cost. Stylish bathroom upgrades can make your condo outshine others in your complex. To make a bathroom seem larger, opt for a frameless shower enclosure, a clear and open style with glass panels attached directly to the wall. New vanities, sinks, faucets, flooring and lighting fixtures can also impress.
Courtesy of Collins & Dupont Interior Design
Other recommended remodeling options are hardwood floors, cabinets and “going green.” Wood floors are an attractive feature to buyers, and gaining in popularity. New cabinets, or even just new doors and drawer fronts can freshen things up. Green is in. Upgrades that improve energy efficiency, such as window shutters, which reduce heating and cooling costs, make your condo more attractive to buyers. Hire a contractor with condo experience - Construction crews working in condos have limited working space and a unique set of regulations to follow, designed to accommodate neighbors who share walls and common areas. Work hours, parking, crew breaks, material deliveries and waste removal are all affected. A crew with the appropriate experience gets the job done with minimal disturbance. Be a good neighbor - Construction is generally noisy and disruptive. Giving your neighbors a heads up about what you’re
doing can lessen the impact. It can also prevent complaints to the condo association, opening up direct channels of communication and making things a lot smoother. When the remodeling is done, be sure to thank them for their patience.
For more information visit www.MikeVitte.com for his book Renovating Condominiums Written by David Bush Your Home Magazine | 7
Courtesy of www.kitchentrader.com
Luxury Pre-owned Kitchens
I
t’s said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Not only does an updated kitchen maximize your own enjoyment - but it also increases the value and desirability of your home if you ever decide to sell. When considering remodeling your kitchen, it pays to work with an eye towards recapturing your investment, and KitchenTrader.com is the best kept secret to a high-end kitchen for less. 8 | Your Home Magazine
Initially the brain-child of Steve Feldman, the President and Founder of Green Demolitions, the Luxury Pre-owned Kitchen Program not only gives buyers a chance to own an up-scale kitchen at a fraction of the retail price – but it also offers an ecologically friendly alternative to the typical renovation project. “Our mission is to recycle, create jobs, and supply affordable building materials,” said Feldman. In just eight years, Green Demolitions
Courtesy of www.kitchentrader.com
has become America’s most experienced seller of luxury preowned kitchens and showroom displays, recycling over 2,200 kitchens.
A Boon for Buyers The typical Kitchen Trader clients are luxury bargain buyers and do-it-yourselfers with budgets of $20,000 or more. While that may sound steep, a quick review of the website reveals several complete kitchens, valued at over $120,000, selling for a mere $47,000. By giving clients the opportunity to buy existing kitchens from homes that are about to be renovated - or access to store display units that are being updated, the plan provides homeowners with a way to upgrade their kitchens for a whopping 70 percent off list prices.
Granite countertops, high-end appliances and intricately carved wood cabinetry are the order of the day at Kitchen Trader. Well known, desirable brands such as La Cornue, Clive Christian, and Crown Point are often available. However, you can also find more affordable options on their sister site, GreenDemolitons.com. While prices are listed, buyers are encouraged to make an offer. The concept is based on the forward-thinking idea that changes in trends and style choices shouldn’t have to create the unnecessary waste of perfectly good resources when they could be re-used in an environmentally safe – and buyer friendly way. “The Wall Street Journal said that people wanted to be green but they didn’t want to pay more for it,” said Feldman. “Our program gives you an incentive to be green.” Your Home Magazine | 9
Courtesy of www.kitchentrader.com
Due to the deep discounts, all products are sold “as is” and without warrantees – however the organization does take care to accept only the best into their Luxury Pre-owned Kitchen Program. Since many of the kitchens served only as store display units, it’s not impossible to find a kitchen that has never been used. Also, the company does not design or install the kitchens, so as with all major purchases, it pays to do your due diligence.
A Solution for Sellers For those about to embark on a kitchen remodeling project, participating in the Kitchen Trader program not only saves you from needlessly cluttering a landfill – but also helps you recover some renovation costs in the process. If your kitchen is accepted into the program, Kitchen Trader will either buy your existing kitchen outright, or sell it on consignment via their successful website. Many are sold in less than 30 days to buyers nationwide before the kitchen has even been removed from your home. 10 | Your Home Magazine
In addition, sellers will automatically save $5,000 in demolition costs since Kitchen Trader’s white glove service includes free removal, packing and transport of the old kitchen. It’s a process that makes remodeling much easier for the seller. Plus, the company prides itself on having the tear-down completed in just one day. Condition, style and construction all play a role in whether a kitchen will be accepted into the Luxury Pre-owned Kitchen Program. To be eligible, the kitchen must be valued at more than $20,000 and submitted with at least 30 days lead-time from renovation.
The Inside Track While Kitchen Trader markets through consumer and trade publications such as Forbes, Kitchen Bath Design News, and Kitchen Bath Business, their services are still widely unknown by the general public. Contractors, designers and house-flippers have been eagerly utilizing the service, but the savvy shopper
Courtesy of www.kitchentrader.com
It’s an environmentally friendly approach whose time has come. This useful resource not only preserves the earth’s precious resources but it provides a price break to eager buyers, as well. With an office in Naples and three other addresses across the nation, Kitchen Trader is poised to become the next big thing in home renovation.
Courtesy of www.kitchentrader.com
can also reap the rewards. Kitchen Trader’s Insider Program offers incentives for those looking for a deal. The program gives buyers access to special discounts and coupons, a first look at new kitchen listings before they hit the website, and specialized help to find their “dream kitchen” from the Kitchen Trader team. The service is free of charge and simply involves registering on the website.
For more information visit, www.kitchentrader.com Written by Marci Wise Your Home Magazine | 11
America-made Appliances On the Front Burner
Courtesy of Viking Range
A
s many of the quintessential American names in kitchen appliances such as GE and Whirlpool move some or all of their manufacturing operations abroad or south of the border to cut costs, a few choose to keep jobs in the U.S.A. Wisconsin-based Sub-Zero Freezer Corporation manufactures high-end appliances such as built-in refrigerators, under-counter refrigerators, cooling drawers, freezers and wine storage units. Sub-Zero has always been ahead of the curve with dual refrigeration and other unique technologies ensuring food preservation. Long known for its red control knobs and commercial appeal, Wolf manufactures dual fuel ranges, gas and electric cooktops, 12 | Your Home Magazine
microwaves, warming drawers, outdoor grills and built-in ovens. For much of its 70-year history, Wolf has been synonymous with professional cooking equipment for restaurants and hotels. In the 1990s, desiring to capitalize on the mega-trend for home beautification, Wolf entered the residential market. When Sub-Zero bought Wolf in 2001, industry experts called it a marriage made in heaven. Combined, the two are a powerful force in the realm of luxury kitchens with compatible products designed to fit every imaginable look and need. Mississippi-based Viking Range Corporation was the first company to adapt a high-temperature commercial range for home use. The company manufacturers ranges, cooktops, ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, outdoor gas grills and countertop appliances.
Courtesy of Hudson Valley Lighting
All three American companies are known for superior performance and leading edge design. All three report that a large factor in keeping operations stateside is a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality control.
Kitchen Trends For years, the trends in kitchen design have paralleled the demand for two types of interiors. The appetite for contemporary and traditional interiors remains strong, according to industry experts. While the three top-tier manufacturers — Sub-Zero, Wolf and Viking — market oodles of appliances that complement these styles, it does appear that a softening of tastes is on the horizon. “What I would say about trends in kitchens in general is that there is a movement away from the ultra-sleek contemporary and the ultra-traditional towards more transitional,” said Michele Bedard, vice president of marketing for Sub-Zero and Wolf. “Transitional has a very broad scope, allowing kitchens to be more eclectic. You can have a very ornate chandelier with very sleek cabinetry, for instance. When before you might have gone with just one look, there is a definite blending of styles.”
Despite the growing desire for transitional, the lure of the past remains a powerful trend in southwest Florida and throughout the country. The past comes in many flavors, from retro, with the gigantic Viking or Wolf ranges that look like grandma’s stove but are designed for performance, to ultra-traditional with fine European cabinetry embellished with furniture feet and beautiful carved molding. Transitional is a comfortable blend of everything. The National Kitchen and Bath Association confirms that for the second year, transitional-style kitchens and baths have surpassed the longstanding favorite, traditional design. Appliances that can be integrated into cabinetry for a seamless presentation fit well with contemporary, traditional and transitional designs. Can’t find the fridge? You’re not the only one. Appliances have been going low profile for quite some time. Sub-Zero’s high-efficiency products are much loved because they can be faced with custom cabinet panels. Also trending in the high-end culinary world are refrigerated wine storage, which is becoming a kitchen standard, and state-of-theart convection ovens. Your Home Magazine | 13
Courtesy of Viking Range
“Convection is a feature that has been popular on the commercial side for a long time,” said Bedard. “Wolf offers two fans for an
Courtesy of Sub-Zero
Courtesy of Mike Vitte Construction
Courtesy of Mike Vitte Construction
14 | Your Home Magazine
even better balance and distribution of heat than ever before. As consumers learn about convection, they gravitate towards it.”
Courtesy of Big Chill
Color is for the brave, and colorful appliances are eye catching. One Colorado company has made quite a name for itself by putting an American face on appliance parts that are made in and out of the country. Bold, colorful and retro, Big Chill appliances are retrofitted in the U.S.A. All refrigerators and microwaves are assembled in Boulder, Colorado; stoves, ovens and dishwashers are assembled in Reading, Pennsylvania. In an interesting twist on the made-in-America movement, in response to strong overseas’ appeal for his company’s noticeably American look, the owner of Big Chill just opened a French division to satisfy a European craving for American vintage appliances. Stateside, celebrities love the emotional appeal of Big Chill’s colors. Rachael Ray’s kitchen came to life with beach blue and Scarlett Johansson chose lemon yellow. To give consumers, architects and designers more options, Viking Range has a color palette of 24 finishes including cinnamon, Dijon, wasabi green, sage, mint julep, sea glass, iridescent blue, plum, chocolate and lemonade.
While Sub-Zero will put any colorful panel on its refrigerators, the company does not see a great appetite for color in the foreseeable future. “If someone loves a specific color, or is decorating a cottage and they want that certain look, then they go with color, but in general it is still stainless steel or natural wood panels,” said Bedard. Contemporary design, which has been gaining ground for years, is desirable to those who love a streamlined approach. The sleek lines of stainless are ideal for fans of both contemporary and transitional interior design styles. “Stainless steel continues to be a classic,” said Bedard. “Pretty much everyone agrees with that. I do not see anything replacing the popularity of stainless steel appliances.” For more information on American made appliances visit, www.subzero-wolf.com www.vikingrange.com www.nkba.org www.bigchill.com Written by Mary Lou Smart Your Home Magazine | 15
Luxurious Wool Old Favorite is the New Choice
Shimmer Chamois Courtesy of Bloomsburg
W
hen it comes to buying carpeting, today’s savvy shoppers are turning to an old favorite—wool. Wool is durable, comfortable and safe, besides being an earth-friendly renewable resource. It is resistant to dirt, flame retardant, holds dye better, won’t deteriorate like materials with temporary additives and now, more than ever before, wool carpet is proudly woven in the USA. According to Carpet Research Institute, 98% of all the carpet in use in the U.S. is now manufactured in the U.S.—a trend encouraging for the employment picture. ABC reports that if Americans spent just $64 more a year on U.S.made goods, domestic employment would increase by 200,000 jobs. That’s music to the ears of American manufacturers like Bloomsburg Carpet.
16 | Your Home Magazine
Their products are made in the Susquehanna Valley of Pennsylvania, where the art of weaving dates back to the 1800s. It is the only mill where Axminster, Velvet and Wilton carpets are still woven under one roof. But for all the traditional influence, Bloomsburg is all about keeping things modern. Bloomsburg newest carpet lines show off contemporary pattern, exciting textures, high-tech fibers and soothing colors, offering elegance with an exciting modern edge. The Bling Collection packs a punch of glamour with the use of high luster yarns that add a hint of sparkle. This is one of the newest trends in wool carpet design, combining different yarn systems to create luxurious textures. The Stout Collection experiments with the use of thicker wool yarns to evoke the nostalgic feeling of being cuddled by your favorite sweater.
Bloomsburg Tessio Courtesy of Michael Robert Construction
Beamish Blue Courtesy of Bloomsburg
The Tesio pattern features an overwire pattern (the white yarn looks raised, with a longer “loop”,) which creates a raised texture.) Bloomsburg designer Nicole DuMond, who has a degree in interior design and a background in fashion, keeps abreast of the latest trends in textile and fashion design and teams with talented California designers, who add their West Coast flair. Together they designed the unique Stout Collection with its combination of thick luxurious yarns with standard woolen yarns, woven on the most advanced Van De Wiele looms. Clean modern designs,
created with nubby yarn, are the ultimate in luxurious broadloom carpet–-tying in with the current residential trend of luxurious knits in fabrics. The collection offers a light palette well suited for today’s designs with just a touch of classical elegance. J Mish, an American carpet manufacturer based in Cartersville, Georgia, also specializes in high-quality floor coverings. Don Karlin, director of sales & marketing, explains why buyers are once again turning their eyes (and dollars) toward American– made woolen carpeting
Kaching Topaz Courtesy of Bloomsburg
Your Home Magazine | 17
Intuition Courtesy of J Mish
Woolston Plaid Courtesy of Karastan
Leighland Courtesy of Karastan
18 | Your Home Magazine
“We can manufacture and ship a piece of carpet in 2-4 weeks. An importer needs to wait for a production date from a foreign country, then wait for the container ship to arrive. So a back ordered import can often take 3 to 6 months months to replenish U.S. inventory,” says Karlin. “We U.S. manufacturers also have accountability. We use high quality wool and our Americanmade tufting equipment turns out a high quality product. As many carpet dealers found when dealing with Chinese or Indian production, overseas production can be a nightmare.” Allure Courtesy of J Mish
J Mish follows styling trends seen in American markets, not the colors and styles European or Asian customers prefer, and once the trend is spotted, the product can be produced quickly. Patterned luxury carpet is now a very fashionable part of the business and J. Mish has invested heavily in “contrast levels in luster” of yarn. Starting with silk tufted into wool (silk being shiny and wool with its soft luster), J Mish has developed their “Silk Impressions” Collection (including Williston, Allure and Intuition) where they use a Sateen Nylon to create the contrast with New Zealand Wool. This results in a more durable and cleanable carpet than others using faux silk fibers. Karlin concludes, “Our carpets are truly fabric for your floors.” Karastan, a part of Mohawk Industries, a leading American flooring manufacturer, takes the fabric illusion one step further, tracing the inspiration for some of their newest carpets right to the fashion runways. In the case of two of their trendiest carpets, Woolston Plaid and Leighland, that influence comes from menswear on the fashion scene. From tailored stripes, checks and tweeds to houndstooth and plaids, these design elements are overflowing into home décor. The masculine
design appeal that inspires this trend creates a color palette of browns, grays, black and white. The color and design elements that have evolved from this trend have influenced Karastan’s fashion-empowered duo. Woolston Plaid is a modern take on the traditional plaid. It has timeless appeal that embraces all design styles. Leighland sparks an interest with a Greek key-type design. These new wool products are changing the perception of carpet from only a background to showcase other furnishings to the realization that the carpet itself can become a design focus. For more information on quality wool carpets, visit, www.bloomsburgcarpet.com www.jmishinc.com www.karastan.com Written by Kitt Walsh Your Home Magazine | 19
A Q
Designer
&
with Rosie Sadez Friedmann Designer and Syndicated Columnist Answers Your Design Questions QUESTION: The question often comes up about what to buy. Should it be American made or are imports better? Here is what I’ve found over the years. ANSWER: First let’s define “Made in America”. The U.S. government defines American-made products as, 1) The product must be manufactured in the United States. 2) The cost of domestic components must exceed 50% of the cost of all the components. Here’s a few reasons to buy American: American made furniture standards are very stringent when it comes to regulating the use of toxic chemicals and dangerous products that cause injury and/or health hazards. Lead and formaldehyde are known to be harmful and many foreign product safety standards do not regulate those and other toxic chemicals and dangerous products. I searched for product recalls and found many foreign products to have been recalled for toxic content. When you buy American, you know the product is free of health hazards. And our laws insist on humane working conditions. No children on the assembly line in America. American made furniture is mostly hand-constructed. Handconstructed furniture comes with the pride of the maker and quality that is long lasting and durable. 20 | Your Home Magazine
About twenty or thirty years ago it seemed European home products had a bit of an edge on design and style but that isn’t the case anymore. American furnishing designers have brought great cutting edge style to all home furnishings including appliances, faucets and accessories. And of course, buying domestic products saves and creates jobs. All great reasons to buy American whenever possible.! QUESTION: We just moved into a new home and are in the process of accessorizing. I don’t want to overdo it but then again I don’t want the rooms to look bare. Any suggestions? ANSWER: Well, you have the right idea in that you want to find a happy medium between overdoing and having a bare room. If you feel completely lost, hire a designer to give you help and suggestions but let me give you a few ideas. Not seeing the rooms you have to accessorize, I can’t give specifics but how about some general rule of thumb suggestions? After the room is fully furnished, take in the feeling of the space. Where are there empty spaces? Which walls beg for something on them? Large, empty walls surely need pictures or some sort, either one large and very impressive one or a collection of related ones. Perhaps that is all that should be hung on the walls of that room. Every wall does not require a hanging. Lamps should be
both attractive and utilitarian and not every end table needs a lamp. In the living room, where not a lot of activity goes on, some up lights will work magic. Place them on the floor behind furniture or behind a plant. The glow those up lights emit will create a beautiful atmosphere at night. And if you put those up lights on timers, you will have no worries about getting down on your hands and knees each night to turn them on. Even up lights, though, should be placed sporadically and not too many in any room. Remember, it is atmosphere you are looking for, not Broadway stage lighting.
Courtesy of Stickley Furniture
Next on the list would be nicknacks. Too many will make the room look messy so keep it simple. It is also wise to have a constant theme in the nicknacks so there is a continuity and flow to the look. QUESTION: What if I’ve already started my interior project but find I’m stuck on something? Can I still get help from a professional? ANSWER: Sure, but sometimes it might cost in repairs, changes or alternatives. A good designer can work with what you’ve already done unless some major errors have been made. After all, that is probably why you are thinking of hiring one at this stage of the game. If you are not sure, you can hire a professional by the hour just to see what your options are, then decide if you want to continue with that designer or adjust your interiors on your own. The designer at this stage of the game might be able to point you in the right direction then you might be able continue on your own from there.
Rosemary Sadez Friedmann is a licensed interior designer and a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) who has been published in Barron’s Who’s Who in Interior Design, and has been featured as a weekly columnist in the Naples Daily News since 1998. Her column appears in more than 200 newspapers across the country. Your Home Magazine | 21
Courtesy of Holly Hunt
Holly Hunt Positive Energy on the Luxury Home Front
H
omeowners seeking success in creating fabulous interiors often request the services of architects and interior designers. In addition to delivering to-die-for residences, the enlightened are trained to meet deadlines and work within budgets. These professionals, in turn, rely on design resources such as Holly Hunt. Known as an arbiter of refined taste, Holly Hunt is all about upscale interiors. With a signature that leans more in the 22 | Your Home Magazine
direction of contemporary and transitional than traditional, her showrooms and collections are design central. Holly Hunt showrooms are found in six cities – Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, and Washington D.C. — across the United States, as well as in London and Sao Paulo, Brazil. In addition, Holly Hunt collections of furniture, textiles, lighting and accessories are an important component of many upper-tier design showrooms of other
Starting out, Hunt represented designer’s collections. Over time, she built her own collections. Today Holly Hunt is a showroom network of collections that are synonymous with luxury home
Great Plains Textiles & Leather 2012. Courtesy of Holly Hunt
The Texas-born design maven’s initial foray into luxury furnishings came with her purchase of a showroom in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart in 1983. The major designer in that first showroom was Karl Springer, a designer and manufacturer of luxury furnishings who was partial to Art Deco and classical Chinese styles. She changed the name of that storefront from R. J. Randolph to Holly Hunt and was off to the races.
Great Plains Textiles & Leather 2012. Courtesy of Holly Hunt
Great Outdoor Textiles Spring 2013. Courtesy of Holly Hunt
well regarded interior design professionals throughout the country.
furnishings. While each location might have its own vernacular with a variety of designers, each location also features Holly Hunt’s wide ranging designs and finds. The Holly Hunt brand includes Great Plains textiles, Hunt Leather, Holly Hunt Lighting, and Studio H and Great Outdoors furniture collections. Holly Hunt’s collections are complemented by works of designers known for their own stellar creations who venture into home furnishings. Alison Berger Glassworks, for instance, was introduced within Holly Hunt Lighting in 1999. Also from Texas, Alison Berger is an artist and glass blower trained as an architect who studied with Dale Chihuly. Her blown glass light fixtures are beautiful. One year ago Berger transitioned into furniture with a unique line of tables that reflect her respect for
Alison Berger Jeweler’s Table. Courtesy of Holly Hunt
Alison Berger Carpenter’s Bench. Courtesy of Holly Hunt
Your Home Magazine | 23
To provide even greater breadth, designers outside of Holly Hunt signature collections have long-standing relationships within its showrooms. Early on, for example, Hunt met Rose Tarlow, a woman with an antiques shop in Melrose Place in Los Angeles. Rose Tarlow’s more traditional collection is a mainstay in many of the showrooms. While Holly Hunt collections can be viewed online and the highstyle showrooms are a big hit among homeowners drawn to top tier home furnishings, the company’s selling arrangements are
to-the-trade. In other words, while everyone is welcome to shop, interior designers and architects make the purchases. Design is ever-evolving and so is Holly Hunt. In 2011 alone, the Studio H Collection introduced an additional 80 modern furniture pieces. In April, renowned American fashion designer Ralph Rucci brought his first line of furniture exclusively into the fold. “Holly has been known to partner with prominent architects or artists that might not be known for furniture but that she is certainly influenced or inspired by,” said Kimberly Perazzo, Miami showroom manager. “With Rucci, it’s a capsule collection for us, sort of a limited edition offering. He’s very much inspired by his experiences with fashion. It’s a beautiful collection.”
Ralph Rucci Rib Chair. Courtesy of Holly Hunt
Ralph Rucci Bronze Tea Table. Courtesy of Holly Hunt
Ralph Rucci Bronze Tea Table. Courtesy of Holly Hunt
24 | Your Home Magazine
Holly Hunt
Holly Hunt’s Miami Showroom. Courtesy of Holly Hunt
metalsmithing, carpentry and jewelry making trades. In her latest collection, Tables of the Trade, she pays homage to art and craft with attractive pieces designed for upscale interiors.
Holly Hunt’s Miami Showroom. Courtesy of Holly Hunt
Since 2000 when Holly Hunt opened its award-winning, freestanding, two-story showroom in the Miami Design District, homeowners from southwest Florida have been fans. The design savvy from Tampa to Naples enjoy visiting the 22,000 square foot showplace. Centrally located north of downtown Miami and 10 minutes from South Beach, the Miami Design District is a masterplanned environment designed to incorporate the best shopping, culinary and cultural experiences in a vibrant urban, tropical and creative setting. The district combines luxury retail experiences in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. After Holly Hunt established her showroom, art galleries and exhibition spaces followed. Renowned architects and photographers opened studios. Restaurants opened, and before long luxe retailers such as Louis Vuitton, Prada and Cartier followed suit with high-style storefronts.
“Holly Hunt was one of the pioneers in Miami’s Design District,” said Perazzo. “She saw that it would be a chic destination, and she was one of the first to arrive.” Holly Hunt is a legend in her own time. Excelling in the business of showrooms filled with high-quality creations of exceptional designers, she is at the forefront of the luxury home furnishings field.
For more information visit, www.hollyhunt.com www.mathewsandparker.com www.alisonvglassworks.com Written by Mary Lou Smart Your Home Magazine | 25
Courtesy of Collins & Dupont Interior Design
Go Silly for Lilly this Summer
P
ut away the traditional red, white and blue accessories that accompany your backyard Americana BBQ parties, this summer’s big color trend is Lilly – as in Pulitzer.
“The Lilly look is going viral,” said Oberlin, who is the current president of the ASID South Florida Chapter. “Her trademark look appeared on fabrics covering Chippendale chairs, padded 26 | Your Home Magazine
headboards, and table linens. And those bright juicy colors were on walls and floors. It was quite remarkable.” The passing of Lilly Pulitzer earlier this year might be cause for the tribute, but no one at High Point was complaining. Beyond Lilly inspired colors and patterns, Oberlin says the market was brimming with décor that reflected home decorating themes
Courtesy of Lilly Pulitzer
Courtesy of Lilly Pulitzer
Courtesy of Lilly Pulitzer
from 1960s Florida vacations like seashell art, hemp rope lamps, seagrass wallpaper, and sea creature sculptures.
“She developed a look and style that people can build on,” says Oberlin of Pulitzer. “And for interior designers like myself who work in Florida, it’s a type of nostalgic trend that’s both fashionable and historical.”
Homeowners that want to add a little flair of Lilly or go Florida retro can start small by incorporating a few new accent items like throw rugs and pillows in Lilly’s favorite colors.
If you want authentic Lilly Pulitzer fabrics in your home, tell your interior designer to contact Lee Jofa, who is licensed to resell such memorable Lilly prints as “Tail Lights” and “Color me Coral.”
“Purchase items that evoke sophisticated touches of tropical,” says Oberlin. “Use a neutral background color like a beige or burlap, then pull in your pops of color so that only about 10 percent of the room reflects the new color trend.”
For more information on Lilly Pulitzer fabrics visit, www.leejofa.com
Preppy floral and beach motifs bring a little whimsical fun to a room, which is what Lilly’s fashions have provided for over 50 years.
Written by Mollie Page
Courtesy of Peggy Oberlin Interiors
Courtesy of Peggy Oberlin Interiors
Your Home Magazine | 27
Courtesy of Corbett Lighting
Brighter Ideas LED Lighting Goes Mainstream
N
ext time you visit Thomas Edison’s winter home in Fort Myers, take a good look at the incandescent bulbs he began marketing in 1879. Incandescent bulbs have had a role in all of our lives, but they are an energy drain. Introduced in 1937, florescent is more efficient, but contains toxic mercury and many complain about its harsh light. The glow from a light emitting diode (LED) was first discovered by a radio technician in Russia in 1927. Since that time, the LED’s journey to market acceptance has been comparatively slow. All of that is changing.
28 | Your Home Magazine
Because LED lighting is energy efficient and cost efficient and LED bulbs are available in tiny and compact shapes, design companies have long found uses for LED. Upscale residences are often lit with decorative and functional fixtures incorporating LED. Hudson Valley Lighting’s Lansing pendant, for instance, uses twelve 1.2 watt LED diodes, making it an optimal choice for a primary light source for residential or commercial settings. Other popular options the company offers
Courtesy of Corbett Lighting
Courtesy of Hudson Valley Lighting
include Sheridan and Nichols, elongated cylindrical bathroom fixtures featuring powerful LED lamps that deliver illumination at a fraction of the energy required by traditional bulbs. Corbett Lighting has had similar success with its design-centric, innovative pendant lights — Tango (front cover), Sublime (above right) and Quasar (opposite) — that incorporate LED.
series of LED bulbs that look and operate much like traditional incandescent bulbs at an attractive retail price point. The longlasting Cree LED bulbs are sold exclusively by Home Depot and backed by a 10-year limited warranty. They shine as brightly as comparable incandescents while saving a whopping 84 percent of the energy compared to traditional bulbs. Good news! The bulbs fit into traditional lighting fixtures! The next time your bulb dies, substitute a Cree bulb and see for yourself.
North Carolina-based Cree, Inc. is one company committed to giving consumers an opportunity they cannot pass up with a
“The upfront cost of LED lighting has been a barrier up to this point, which is why we released the Cree LED bulbs at a price point that we know consumers will try,” said Mike Watson, vice president, corporate marketing. “Our early sales data shows that that has actually been true. We’ve seen quite a few customers that buy one or two, try it and then come back and buy 10 or 20 depending on how many fixtures they have in their homes.” Courtesy of Cree
Courtesy of Cree
For more information on LED lighting visit, www.cree.com Written by Mary Lou Smart Your Home Magazine | 29
HICKORY-SMOKED BEER CAN CHICKEN
SERVES: 4 PREP TIME: 15 minutes DRY-BRINING TIME: 2 hours GRILLING TIME: 1¼–1½ hours SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: 4 large handfuls hickory or oak wood chips, church key–style can opener, instant-read thermometeR 1 whole chicken, 4–5 pounds, neck, giblets, and any excess fat removed 2 tablespoons kosher salt 30 | Your Home Magazine
Rub 2 teaspoons granulated onion 2 teaspoons paprika 1 teaspoon packed golden brown sugar ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 can (12 ounces) beer, at room temperature 1. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the meaty parts of the chicken and inside the cavity (but not on the back). The chicken will be coated with a visible layer of salt. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours. 2. Combine the rub ingredients. 3. Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes. 4. Prepare the grill for indirect cooking over medium heat (350° to 450°F). Keep the temperature as close to 400°F as possible throughout the cooking time. 5. Rinse the chicken with cold water, inside and outside, to remove the salt, and then pat dry with paper towels. Brush the chicken with the oil and season all over, including inside the cavity, with the rub. Fold the wing tips behind the chicken’s back. 6. Open the can of beer and pour out about two-thirds. Using a church key–style can opener, make two more holes in the top of the can. Place the can on a solid surface and then lower the chicken cavity over the can. 7. Drain and add two handfuls of wood chips to the charcoal or to the smoker box of a gas grill, following manufacturer’s instructions, and close the lid. When the wood begins to smoke, transfer the chicken-ona-can to the grill, balancing it on its two legs and the can like a tripod. Cook the chicken over indirect medium heat, with the lid closed, until the juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (not touching the bone), registers 160° to 165°F, 1¼ to 1½ hours. After the first 15 minutes of cooking time, drain and add the remaining wood chips to the charcoal or to the smoker box. If using a charcoal grill, replenish the charcoal as needed to maintain a steady temperature, adding 6 to 10 unlit briquettes after 45 minutes. Leave the lid off the grill for about 5 minutes to help the new briquettes light. 8. Carefully remove the chicken-on-a-can from the grill (do not spill the contents of the beer can, which will be very hot). Let the chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes (the internal temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees during this time) before lifting it from the beer can and carving it into serving pieces. Serve warm.
Recipe & Photo ©2013 Weber-Stephen Products LLC. Recipe from Weber’s New Real Grilling™ by Jamie Purviance. Used with permission.
HONEY AND LIME-GLAZED BABY BACK RIBS SERVES: 4 PREP TIME: 15 minutes MARINATING TIME: 4–6 hours GRILLING TIME: 2¼–2½ hours SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: 18-inch-wide heavy-duty aluminum foil 1 whole chicken, 4–5 pounds, neck, giblets, and any excess fat removed 2 tablespoons kosher salt MARINADE 2/3 cup peanut or vegetable oil 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest 2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 tablespoons Vietnamese or Thai fish sauce 2 tablespoons honey 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper 2 racks baby back ribs, each 1½–2 pounds, membrane removed 2 limes, cut into wedges 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves 1. Whisk the marinade ingredients. Place the racks on a rimmed sheet pan and pour the marinade over the racks. Turn to coat both sides. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, turning occasionally. Allow the racks to stand at room temperature for 45 minutes before grilling. 2. Prepare the grill for indirect cooking over low heat (250° to 350°F). 3. Remove the racks from the sheet pan and pour the marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat. 4. Wrap each rack in a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil, crimping the seams well. Grill the foil-wrapped racks, bone side down, over indirect low heat, with the lid closed, for 1¼ hours. Remove from the grill and let rest for about 10 minutes. When the packets are cool enough to
handle, open them and pour any accumulated juices into the reduced marinade. Skim off the excess fat from the marinade. Return the ribs to the grill, meaty side down, and baste with the marinade. Cook over indirect low heat, with the lid closed, for 15 minutes. Turn the ribs over and cook until the meat has shrunk back from the ends of most of the bones by ¼ inch or more, 45 minutes to 1 hour, basting occasionally. The ribs are done when you lift a rack at one end with tongs, bone side up, and the rack bends so much in the middle that the meat tears easily. Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve with lime wedges and top with the basil.
Recipe & Photo ©2013 Weber-Stephen Products LLC. Recipe from Weber’s New Real Grilling™ by Jamie Purviance. Used with permission. Your Home Magazine | 31
Low-cost improvements
W
that can save you thousands
hen selling your home, the last thing you want is buyers asking for thousands of dollars in price reductions for minor repairs or perceived deficiencies. Here are a few simple, low-cost ways to make your home more appealing to potential buyers. Make improvements before your home goes on the market – you want to make the best impression from the first buyer that walks in the door. The first buyer to see your home may be the perfect buyer. You don’t want them to buy elsewhere because they got the wrong impression of your home. Whether you are handy and can do-it-yourself, or if you need the assistance of professionals, start now. Buyers appreciate bright homes Make sure all your light bulbs are working. Adding high intensity florescent or LED bulbs make your home brighter and actually save on energy. Consider painting in a light off-white or cream color, especially if your walls have marks that can’t be removed by cleaning, or if you have deep colored walls. Although you love the bright colors, a prospective buyer might hate the color and really damage your chances of a sale. Light, neutrals are safe and as an added benefit actually make your rooms look bigger. Clean, clean, clean - A clean home has as much a positive effect on buyers as a dirty home has a negative effect. Give special attention to floors, light fixtures, fans, windows, curtains and shades, screens, mirrors, appliances (yes clean the oven), countertops, sinks, toilets, and especially the tub and showers. Space out - De-clutter your home to make it look more spacious. Remove all but the essentials for daily living. Box up all those personal keepsakes and nicknacks you cherish first. This will give your rooms a more organized and spacious feel, and gives you a head start on the dreaded packing. Consider removing some of 32 | Your Home Magazine
the furniture. Simply removing one chair or an oversized coffee table can make a room look much bigger. Pre-pack as much as possible from your closets. By neatly displaying only the essentials for your day to day living, you will create an impression of bigger closets which is very important to prospective buyers. In the opposite, tightly packed closets appear tiny to prospective buyers. Fix and Repair - Ok, it’s time to get off the couch and finally work on the ‘to-do’ list. Fix all the little things you’ve grown used to. Tighten all doorknobs - that’s the first impression a buyer gets entering your home. Straighten everything from pictures to towel racks - when slightly crooked these things send a subliminal message that something is off kilter with your home. Replace if beyond repair - You’re probably wondering why you should spend good money replacing things that you won’t be able to use. Because it makes you money. The amount of money a buyer will want in discounts will far out weigh actual replacement costs, especially if you can do it yourself. If a faucet is leaking and can’t be repaired, replace it. If the caulking around the tub and shower won’t come clean, recaulk it. If the carpet is worn and stained, replace it. Not only will you be dollars ahead, having the nicest, cleanest, and most spacious looking home on the market will give you a definite competitive advantage. Consult with the Realtor® that sent you this magazine to get an expert opinion on all the areas that will make your home more saleable. They can also recommend reliable home services companies that can help with repairs beyond your time and talents. Netting you more at closing is one of the main reasons to work with your neighborhood specialist.
Marketplace
Great Products and Designer Accessories for Your Home
Photo courtesy of j-me Design
The Pan Gets Hot, Your Cooktop Doesn’t!
Handsome Mid-Century Lounge Chair Mid-Century Modern, meet the islands. This stunning mahogany lounger features graceful lines, deft hand-carved detailing on the arms and intricately woven rattan on the back and sides. It’s a tropical take on a classic shape in a rich tangerine hue and a one of a kind find, available for $1,000 only at www.chairish.com
Inspired by modern design and functionality, Weerol was created to further the fun, excitement, education, and passion to play for children 18 months – 6 years. Weerol is a creative, sustainable, and organizational toy that transforms to grow and adapt to your child’s development. It responds to each milestone-style of play all while enhancing your home. Constructed from renewable sources and non-toxic water based adhesives and paints, Weerol has a low impact on the environment and promotes a healthy, safe environment for your child as well. Available at www.weefab.com
Cappuccino Machine The Jura ENA Micro 9 One Touch is a onetouch automatic cappuccino machine that creates cappuccino, latte macchiato, crema coffee or espresso at the touch of one button, without moving the cup. Features include a new micro brewing unit, Jura’s fine foam technology, a height adjustable dual spout, and a new aroma preservation cover for the bean container. $1,399 at www.us.jura.com
The Horizontal Shoe Rack from j-me design creates a stylish and functional way to store shoes. A brushed metal finish provides a clean, sophisticated look that makes it suitable for the closet or the entry way. You can store all types of shoes from boots to children’s shoes. Creates a nice organized, clean look and feel. Available in two sizes, imported from the UK. Available at Convenient Gadgets & Gifts for $75.95 www.cgets.com
Photo courtesy of Hellman-Chang
Weerol
The Portable Induction Cooktop by Nesco is the perfect energy saving cooking solution for your kitchen, office, cottage, vacation home or RV. Since there are no open flames, it’s safer than a traditional stovetop too! It has 5 different modes (melt/warm, simmer, boil, fry & sear) and instant temperature adjustments that make cooking virtually fail-safe. Heat is generated in the pan, not the element, so less energy is wasted than with gas or electric stoves. Durable ceramic glass top simply wipes clean. Includes test magnet for ferrous metal cookware. 1500 watts, 14” x 11½” x 2¼” inches. 5½ lbs. Available for $99.99 from www.qcidirect.com.
Horizontal Shoe Rack
Anora Lamp As Hellman-Chang’s first exploration into lighting, the Anora Lamp makes its sophisticated debut. With its roots in the company’s celebrated Z line, the Anora lamp is an exercise in balance and poise. Understated, elegant design and simple yet solid craftsmanship come together to create a graceful presence. $4,650 at www.hellman-chang.com
Your Home Magazine | 33
Photo courtesy of A. Gendell
30” X 40” Oil Painting On Canvas Designed by Amit Yaari this is a hand painted oil interpretation of famous Van Gogh painting Branches of an Almond Tree in Blossom. The original masterpiece was created in 1890. Today it has been carefully recreated detail by detail, color by color to near perfection. Vincent Van Gogh’s restless spirit and depressive mental state fired his artistic work with great joy and, sadly, equally great despair. This work of art has the same emotions and beauty as the original. 100% hand painted oil painting on artist grade canvas. Painting comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. Remarkable selection of museum-quality frames to complement this painting. When ordering a frame with your painting it will arrive ready to hang on your wall with hanging hardware included. www. overstockart.com
Folditure Folditure’s goal is to conceive and manufacture extraordinary new space-saving designs, that are both artful and highly functional. To master the fold. From the creators of the world’s thinnest folding chair-- the Leaf, now introducing the Cricket: the world’s thinnest folding table. Folditure is revolutionizing folding furniture by combining completely new folding concepts and mechanisms with state of the art materials and craftsmanship. A perfect blend of pure function and high-end design for modern lifestyles. Both the Cricket table and the Leaf chair fold to 3/4” with one simple movement. A dining set for six people, takes less than 6 inches of hanging space. Designed for Indoor or outdoor use. Precision hand-crafted in the USA. www.folditure.com/shop Leaf folding chair: $940 to $980 Cricket folding table: $1,680
Architec Stackable Appetizer Maker The Architec Stackable Appetizer Maker is the one-of-a-kind kitchen gadget that makes exquisite, gourmet, multi-layered, perfectly proportioned bitesize appetizers in just 5 minutes! Imagine being able to use ordinary ingredients, straight from the cupboard, to make delicious recipes like the Texi Mexi Half Stacks featuring corn muffins, black beans, cheese, tomato and onions or the colorful Berry Cheesecake Stacks including pound cake, whipped cream cheese, strawberries and blueberries. The process begins by placing the “Cut & Carry Base” in the main body. Next, is the layering of ingredients, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Layers are placed to a desired thickness or until the main body is full. Once in place, it’s easy to cut into bite size pieces through the guide posts embedded into the main body. It’s even easy to lift creations up and out perfectly by the handles attached to the “Cut & Carry Base.” The Stackable Appetizer Maker comes with the main body, “Cut and Carry Base,” a tamper to press dry layers, spreader/serrated knife, and a cookbook with 40+ recipe suggestions for use along with the appetizer maker. All four pieces snap together for convenient storage. $19.99 at www.broadwaypanhandler.com
Magimix Toaster
Wall Bumpi Bed Rail Bumpers Keep your child safe, keep their room looking stylish. Winner of The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval (2011) & the Huggies Mom Inspired Grant (2012). Works as a side bed rail, end of the bed rail, bumper against walls & as a padded head board. Light weight, portable and machine washable. Made with 100% cotton canvas upholstery in multiple colors to match your child’s bedding! Safe, Soft and Stylish! Available for toddler, twin and full size mattresses. Made in the USA Retail price range from $65.90- $78 Available at www.twohipposstore.com
34 | Your Home Magazine
After decade in development, the Magimix by RobotCoupe Vision Toaster made its debut as the world’s first see-through toaster. Available in classic chrome as well as three new shades of ivory, red, and jet black, it’s the ultimate kitchen gadget for those who love technology and design. With double borosilicate insulating glass windows, you can watch the inner workings of its four quartz heating elements as they create browned toast - certain to ensure no more charred toast is in your future. For those early mornings, there are four preprogrammed heat settings that are happy to do the thinking (and the cooking) for you. Plus the Vision Toaster’s extra wide slots ensure you can comfortably toast everything from your favorite New York bagel to Texas toast or a slice of San Francisco artisanal sourdough. Vision Toaster in Red $199.95. Available exclusive at williams-sonoma.com
Primula Blue Floral Cast Iron Teapot The Primula Blue Floral Cast Iron Teapot features a graceful pattern of round blossoms that create a textured surface with both visual and tactile appeal. It has a 1.25 quart (40 ounce) capacity to steep multiple cups of tea. Completely lead free, this cast iron pot has a quality feel and creates an ideal environment for steeping. It comes with a removable stainless steel loose tea infuser basket and can work with either loose tea or teabags. The Blue Floral Cast Iron Tea Pot comes with a 25-gram sample of Primula’s Premium Loose Leaf Green Tea, making this an ideal gift for the tea lovers. $44.99 at www.primulaproducts.com
Verandah Tradesmen Recommendations • Save this list for the next time you need reliable service! Air Conditioning Service Custom Closets Faux Painting Gas Appliances Handyman Home Cleaning Homewatch Homewatch Insurance Insurance Insurance Interior Design Irrigation Landscape Lighting Landscape/Lawn Maintenance Major Appliance Repair Painting Plumbing Pool Care Security Tile Flooring Window Washing Wood Flooring
Sensible Air Create-A-Closet Faux Painting by Joan and Gary Dave Yorkey Pro Gas Paradise City Property Maintenance Buckingham Palace II Secure Homewatch Services Native Homewatch Lutgert Insurance The Martel Agency Allstate Insurance Bruce Mair Interior Design Quality Water Systems, Inc. Dan Allen Landscape Lighting Florida Evergreen Murrell, Inc. James Sharp Painting Plumbing Solutions VIP Pools Ron & Sons EZ Flooring Mr. Shiny Bailey Floors
239-574-2921 239-841-4126 239-543-2474 239-340-0493 239-910-7478 239-599-4112 239-691-2661 239-671-1078 239-418-2104 239-939-9991 239-693-2255 239-476-9404 239-368-1289 239-514-0803 239-561-9184 239-433-0770 239-229-2730 239-694-0304 239-218-2052 239-481-2949 239-634-7449 941-822-9474 239-437-3837
jeffreon@aol.com Todd Baily joanheggy@aol.com lpgman1075@gmail.com paradisecitypm@gmail.com buckinghamprofessional@hotmail.com www.securehomewatchservices.com nativehomewatch@gmail.com www.lutgertinsurance.com jeremy@themartelagency.com josephtodd@allstate.com brucemairid@aol.com digdog6@yahoo.com Dan Allen www.floridaevergreen.com murrellincserv@aol.com j_d_sharp@yahoo.com Jeff Underwood Jose Sanchez www.ronandsons.com ezFlooring@live.com andrey_kazimirov@hotmail.com www.baileyfloors.com
Susan Sweeney 239-220-5107
www.ScratchRealtor.com
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$215,000 - 13120 Pebblebrook Point Circle, #202
Gorgeous second floor Coach Home on a cul-de-sac with serene Sunset Lake views from your private corner lanai with diagonal tile. Plenty of space with 3 BD, 2 BA, Formal Dining Room with tray ceiling, Great Room and a large Master Suite with direct access to the lanai! The Master Bath boasts diagonal tile, cultured marble tops, dual sinks, vanity, soaking tub & shower! The kitchen layout with beautiful 42’’ upgraded cabinetry, corian, tile backsplash, breakfast bar and breakfast room is perfect for entertaining. Great open floor plan is perfect for entertaining friends and family with easy access to the kitchen and lanai. There are plenty of windows in this home, which makes this home bright and airy. This home has numerous upgrades and improvements with art & plant niches, water softener, quality custom window coverings, upgraded cabinets in both master and guest baths and HE washer & dryer. The guest bedrooms are spacious, wonderful and perfectly private for your guests!
$217,000 - 13000 Pebblebrook Point Circle, #201
270 degree view! Second floor Coach home in Verandah on a cul-de-sac with serene Lake view from your private corner lanai. Plenty of space with 3 bedrooms, dining room, great room and a large master suite with large walk in closet. The Master Bath boasts granite, dual sinks, soaking tub and shower! The kitchen layout with beautiful cabinetry, granite and breakfast bar is perfect for entertaining. This home has numerous upgrades with diagonal tile, art & plant niches and quality light fixtures. Great open floor plan is perfect for entertaining friends and family with easy access to the kitchen and lanai. Come and enjoy the wonderful lifestyle in the Pebblebrook neighborhood of Verandah today. There is a large community pool/spa and fitness center for the exclusive use of Pebblebrook residents within walking distance!
$179,900 - 13081 Pebblebrook Point Circle, #102
TURNKEY!!! Immaculate first floor Coach Home with a great location in the desirable Enclave of Pebblebrook at Verandah. You’ll LOVE the open floor plan with tile throughout! 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath plus 2 car garage. Kitchen has Corian countertops, quality cabinets, breakfast bar, tile backsplash & pantry. Master Suite is spacious and private with large walk-in closet and direct access to the lanai! Master bath boasts dual sinks, soaking tub & shower. This home has a great lanai with an expansive landscape and preserve view - no view of any homes - privacy! Included are beautiful custom window treatments, washer & dryer and security alarm system.
$204,900 - 13090 Pebblebrook Point Circle, #102
Whether you are looking for a permanent residence or vacation home this spacious 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath plus Den Coach home is a great choice! Beautiful western exposure on the lake - incredible view! Large master bedroom with walk-in closet and access to your lanai! Master bath has a soaking tub, shower and cultured marble counter tops! Beautiful kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Diagonal tile in the kitchen, dining and living area and beautiful French doors in the den. Included are beautiful custom window treatments, washer and dryer, security alarm system and keypad garage door opener. This coach home community is complete with a state of art fitness center, pool/spa and recreation center that is within close proximity!
$175,900 - 3060 Meandering Way, #201
VIEWS! Remarkable Eastern Exposure! This second floor coach home is surrounded by tropical landscaping and has both golf and lake views. This beautiful 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath with Formal Dining area and diagonal tile is worry free Florida Living. The Master Suite is spacious with a large walk in closet and great view. The Master Bath features dual sinks, shower and large soaking tub. The guest bedrooms and bath are perfectly situated to give your guests privacy. Kitchen boasts beautiful cabinetry, pantry and breakfast area. A short walk out the front door to the pool/spa/fitness/BBQ and rec center facility that is exclusively for the residents of this subdivision.
Susan Sweeney
239-220-5107
www.ScratchRealtor.com
PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Jacksonville, FL Permit No. 1363
Susan Sweeney
REMAX Realty Group 7910 Summerlin Lakes Dr. Ft. Myers, FL 33907
239-220-5107
susan@ScratchRealtor.com
Bogey Golfer. Scratch Realtor.
Listed in both Fort Myers and Sunshine (Bonita Springs/Naples) MLS’s? Videos in YouTube and on Face Book for maximum exposure? Showings coordinated by a staffed appointment desk 7 days a week Showcase listings on realtor.com and 30 other web-sites? E-Mail Flyers to over 1500 Agents? Postcards and Flyers to Referral and Prospect list? Open Houses Advertised and Promoted? Certified Negotiation Experts? Listing Status Report every 60 days with comparable analysis, showing data and advertising schedules? Custom color brochures detailing your home’s features? Negotiated commissions Bi-Monthly quality magazine featuring your home
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