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A COASTAL COTTAGE IN KENTUCKY

Written by Lyndi Mauk • Photo by Darrin Phegley

If you are out golfing or driving through the Henderson Country Club, you can’t help but notice John and Jalayne Smith’s beautifully built home by Joe Mattingly Builders. Unlike the look of many homes within the neighborhood, this coastal cottage home, or to some a modern farmhouse look, catches your eye with its beautiful white structure, large double wooden doors and gorgeous landscaping all around, giving off a Florida seaside vibe.

John and Jalayne Smith built their first home in August 2000 in the Henderson Country Club. The neighborhood has also been home to her family for many years, so it wasn’t any surprise when they decided to build their forever home on S. Forest Oak, the same street they have been on for the last 22 years. “From the time I was 14, I lived out here. It is just home to us,” Jalayne said.

The opportunity for the Smiths to build their second home came by quite the surprise, as their previous home within the Country Club was not on the market. There was no talk about selling at the time, but a realtor friend had a couple moving into the area who she thought would love the Smith’s house. She reached out to them, and they knew downsizing would be in their future, so they decided to go for it. The couple came and looked at their house on a Friday, made an offer on Saturday and suddenly John and Jalayne were in the position to figure out what was next.

In June 2019, they bought their lot and were able to stay in their previous home until October 2019. They then moved in with Jalayne’s mother, who still lives in the neighborhood. The building process took about nine months, as they began building late January of 2020 and moved in on Halloween 2020.

Jalayne laughed saying, “I knew what I wanted, but I didn’t know exactly what it was called. It is similar to a farmhouse, but to me it reminds me more of the houses you see in seaside Florida. I really like that. I like the neutrals, crisp white, icy blue colors. I still wanted to put in wood and browns. We wanted the open floor plan. We wanted everything on one floor because we are getting older, so that is something we have to think about.” They do have a bonus room and a large heated storage room upstairs over the garage and the back side of the house, but everything else is on one level as they wanted.

Their home consists of 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a formal dining room, eat-in kitchen, island with a bar, large family room and laundry room with a shower and sink. Jalayne explained how finding the floor plan they wanted was probably the most difficult part about building their house because most house plans don’t have all three eating options in one plan - the formal dining room, island with a bar and a place for a kitchen table. However, her daughter was the one who came across a plan providing all three options. The plans were drawn up by a local architect, and they made the necessary changes to make it exactly what they wanted.

Although John, Jalayne and their two kids talked everything through, Jalayne and her daughter picked out almost everything within their home. From paint colors to cabinets to flooring, John trusted them with the process. Jalayne laughed saying, “I lost on the TV.” She preferred a smaller television above the wood mantle but that’s what John wanted. Other than that, John would give his thoughts and opinions on room sizes and add-ons, and he did help pick out the hardwood floors once they narrowed it down to a couple options, but he knew it would all come together beautifully. “After several houses, you kind of learn what you like and what you don’t like,” Jalayne explained. →

The Design Process

When you walk through the front wood glass doors of the Smith’s home, the large navy island becomes the focus. The pop of color grabs your attention. Jalayne is drawn to navy and blues, which she used throughout her home. Before they began building, she had been inside a new home that had a navy island, so she decided to add that within her own home. “I really like the navy with gold and silver, so everything comes full circle.”

Their previous home had white cabinets. She thought about doing something different, but she would always go back to the beachy, crisp white look she was going for. With the help of Kerry Floyd at Cabinets By Design, she was able to achieve the look she wanted within her kitchen. They had to use two sets of cabinets to get the tall cabinet look she had in mind. “I wanted the glass, but I didn’t want it to be entirely glass.” There is just enough glass at the top for her to put seasonal decor. They also added a small coffee bar and a farmhouse sink with the seaside look.

“We really tried to stay as local as we could,” said the proud Hendersonian. The only area they went outside of Henderson for was their lighting, and that was because it was suggested based on the look of her home. The lady who owns Eliminating Expressions used to work at Lowe’s and was over their lighting department. Jalayne was able to show them her house and the look she was going for, and they were able to find the perfect lighting. The lighting over her island and the chandelier within her dining room were both fixtures she never would have chosen herself, yet once they were hung, Jalayne could not have been happier. It tied the pops of wood she wanted throughout just enough.

It was really important to keep everything light, airy and open. She did not use window treatments, except for adding the plantation shutters to the front of the house, because she did not want to obstruct the view. The goal was to have clean lines and keep the look very simple. The casings around the windows are flat with no grooves. Sherwin Williams paint color, Ice Cube, was used throughout the entire home. It gives off a hint of blue, which adds a little contrast against the trim. It is very subtle, but just enough to pop a little color. Throughout the home, the Smith’s used a lot of neutral colors when it came to decor. Jalayne stayed neutral with the blues and added in different shades throughout, except for the dining room and half bath where she added some wallpaper. Using wallpaper was not the original plan. She has a friend, Ellen Rendle, who she said should have been an interior designer. Ellen is the one who suggested adding the wallpaper to both the half bath and dining room. The wallpaper in her half bath pops the navy, while keeping everything else very simple. “I never would have picked this, and I love it. People comment on this wallpaper all the time, and I never would have done it,” said the 1st grade teacher. However, Jalayne’s favorite wallpaper is in the dining room. “This was out of my comfort zone, but again, my friend Ellen found this wallpaper and said I think you are going to love it. If I had seen it in a wallpaper book, I would have kept going and not even looked at it.” It was only added to one wall, but it ties the navy and gold in from the kitchen perfectly.

Within the laundry room, they decided

to add a shower for their dogs to bathe or her husband to use when he comes in from golfing or mowing. Jalayne said, “It has been really nice not having to worry about him coming through the house since the laundry room is right as you come into the side door.” Another unique feature of their home is the added sliding door connecting their laundry room to the master bedroom closet. John and Jalayne had been to the Parade of Homes in Evansville, and she happened to see this within one of the homes. It is extremely convenient for her to throw laundry right into the washer. Square Yard Carpet did all their hardwood flooring, and their bathrooms have tile. Their previous home needed a bathroom remodel, and both John and Jalayne knew what they would want to change. One being to only have a stand up shower and not include a garden tub in the new build. “Carol Hibbs is wonderful to work with there,” exclaimed Jalayne.

One special surprise given to them was from Joe Mattingly himself. Jalayne wanted a plain block wood mantel to go over their fireplace. Joe surprised them with a mantel he had made out of a walnut tree that was on their lot. “That was a really neat surprise!” In their previous house, they had built-ins around the TV. Jalayne wanted to do away with the built-ins but still wanted the brown shelving to add a little bit of warmth to the living area.

Jalayne said Joe was so great to work with throughout the entire process. He would offer suggestions and his expertise but let Jalayne make the decision. They raised the ceilings, brought the windows further to the floor and even added a window that wasn’t in the original plan because of Joe’s guidance.

When it came to the outside of the home, they used Benton’s Garden Center. The owner has a home in Florida, so he knew the look she was going for with landscaping. “I wanted a lot of greenery that would stay green but not necessarily an evergreen. I also wanted a few pops of color, but simple, and low maintenance.” They were very happy with how their landscaping turned out. It was exactly as they envisioned. Jeff Coomes also built their retaining wall in the back of their house.

The Building Experience

“To be honest, this is not my thing. I do not like to decorate. I don’t have that eye at all,” Jalayne said. She explained she will see things and know what she likes but doesn’t feel she can put it together. However, she feels their home has come together exactly as she dreamed it would.

The experience from building their first home in 2000 to this home was very different. “I was a lot more hands-on here, and I guess some of it comes from being older. Before, there were things they just went ahead and did. I didn’t know to say that’s not what I want. With this house, I asked more questions, but Joe has great ideas. He doesn’t push them on you, but if you ask him, he will give you his honest opinion. It really was a good experience. This is the forever home, and I think we have achieved it!” HF

LYNDI MAUK, editor of Henderson Family Magazine, was born and raised in the Bluegrass State. She is grateful to be going through life alongside her husband and best friend, Brandon, and being a mother to their two kids.

Take Your Inside…. Out!

Content Provided by Integrity Outdoor Living

Around this time of year, we’re all ready to start climbing the walls with cabin fever! Winter weather, gloomy days and safety concerns have had us sheltering inside for what feels like forever. But if you’re worried that socializing and entertaining at home have become things of the past, think again!

Spring is almost here, and that has me thinking “outside” of the box! When I feel a little sunshine on my shoulder, I start dreaming about new outdoor spaces. Spaces where we can relax, where we can play… where we can safely socialize again. And trust me, as soon as you realize that an outdoor space can be an extension of yourself and an extension of your home, that’s where the fun begins!

You can do so much outside, everything from cooking and dining to playing sports and watching movies. And you can enhance that experience with furniture, fireplaces, big-screen TVs, wet bars, water features, and even outdoor kitchens. Spending time outdoors is fun and exciting in a real and usable living space. It can be a place where family memories are made, a place for friends to hang out, or maybe even a place where (dare I wish it?) there are no work distractions!

Here’s how to start taking your inside… out!

First, really think about the vibe inside your home. What do you love about it? What makes your friends and family feel comfortable there? Is it cozy? Or vibrant? Is it “lived-in”? Formal? Fun? Keep these concepts in mind as you move outside, because they… are YOU! And they’re what will make your outdoor space an extension of your home’s unique personality! You want to create a flow, inside to outside. Where your home’s signature charm spills out onto the patio and your personal style shines all the way through! If your friends settle in and say “oh, this is so ‘you’”…. You’ve done it right!

Next, think about how you use the inside of your house. What do your friends and family love to do

there? Because that’s probably what they’re going to enjoy outside, too! Do they like to lounge around and visit while sipping a glass of wine? Then focus your outside attention on a big, comfy outdoor sofa (and I strongly recommend cushions that are stain resistant!). Or do they like to stay active and busy? Maybe skip the furniture and consider a sport court or (my new favorite idea) a putting green! Do your friends love to come around because you’re an awesome cook? Put some real thought into an outdoor kitchen! Seriously! Figure out what’s working for you inside…. And take it outside!

And finally, accept hiccups. And be ok with that. This dreamy outdoor space is supposed to be fun—or relaxing—or whatever vibe you’ve chosen! Don’t let it become a stressor. This year will inevitably be full of delays, shortages and who knows what else. But don’t let that stop you! Just assess what’s really important to you: where you can compromise and what’s worth waiting for.

I know I can’t be the only person who is ready to flip another page on the calendar and to get closer to those bright, sunny spring days! So I highly recommend that you stop by Owensboro’s local Integrity Outdoor Living where we are already gearing up for the upcoming “outside” seasons! Our showroom is full of outdoor furniture, rugs, firepits and all things outdoor! And there’s just as much still coming! This year probably will still be a wild ride! But to stay ahead of shortages and delays, we’ve majorly increased the amount of furniture, fountains and other items that we will carry in-stock. (Hello, on-your-patio-by-tonight!). And our Plant Pros have spent months curating trees and shrubs from across the nation to secure enough stock for the season.

Next door at Integrity Backyard Builds, the Pool Pros are ready with more ideas than you can imagine! Our crews are booking out jobs all over the tristate area for pool installations, decorative concrete, artificial turf, pergolas, kitchens and so much more! By being an all-inclusive company, our backyard projects are able to flow more seamlessly and with fewer logistic delays. HF

Why should a person consider adding professional outdoor lighting to their home?

Content Provided by NiteLiters

Being able to see your house and landscaping in the dark is not the only reason to light up your home. Lighting does so much more for your home than just provide visibility, although that is important too!

There are many reasons to add lighting to your home, starting with curb appeal and property value. A well-lit home and properly designed lighting can increase your home’s beauty and value. An emphasis on design is important. When considering outdoor lighting, avoid a cookie cutter design that does not consider the uniqueness of your home and your lifestyle. A few generic lamps in the ground will never do your home justice. Look for a company who will create a custom design for your home with a variety of high-quality lamps and fixtures and who will take your needs and opinions into consideration.

Another important reason to light your home is safety and security. This includes your own safety as you light your stairs, driveways, pools, and other outdoor areas of your home. It also includes preventative measures against burglary. Studies have shown that most burglars would move on from a well-lit home and choose another house. Design is also essential in safety. A company must be able to see the needs of a homeowner and be able to design a safe, practical lighting system while not sacrificing artistry and beauty.

NiteLiters is a fully-insured outdoor lighting design firm committed to quality and dependability. For more than 20 years we have been designing, installing, and servicing outdoor lighting systems. We enhance your home’s exterior by adding lighting to landscaping, architecture, and outdoor living spaces. In addition, our lighting provides safety and security and increases the value of your property. HF

Find Peace in Your Spring Garden

Your spring garden can be a delightful addition to your meditation practice. It can be very simple to design a special space that will appeal to all your senses without requiring much time-consuming maintenance. These are some ways to create a garden that can improve your peace of mind come rain or shine.

Designing a Spring Meditation Garden

SELECT LUSH PLANTS.

An abundance of green plants helps to create a relaxing atmosphere. Any variety of mint or other herbs will add a pleasing scent. If you live in a warm climate, you can enjoy the rustle of bamboo or look for an ornamental grass that’s suited to your region.

INCORPORATE OBJECTS OF MEDITATION.

Depending on your faith tradition, you may want to include a statue or another meaningful image. A simple arrangement of rocks or weathered wood can add extra appeal. Many people also find it helpful to rake gravel or sand. Many specialty stores sell these readymade “Zen Gardens.”

INSTALL SOLAR BIRDBATHS OR FOUNTAINS.

The sound of running water can stimulate your mind while it masks background noises. With solar devices, you can enjoy the effect and be good to the environment. You’ll also delight in the song and company of the birds you attract.

ARRANGE FOR COMFORTABLE SEATING.

If you prefer to sit on the ground, you may just want to keep a spot clear so you can bring a cushion or mat outdoors with you. If you use a chair, ensure it promotes good posture so you can keep your back straight and your feet on the ground.

BUILD A PATH.

Even in a small garden, a path can enhance your sense of space and exploration. You can contemplate a trail of stones or diversify your practice with some walking meditation.

Spending Sunny Days in Your Spring Meditation Garden

CLEAR AWAY DISTRACTIONS.

Put aside internal and external distractions when it’s time to meditate. Depending on where you live, it may be helpful to meditate early in the morning when there’s less traffic and other background noise.

MAKE DISTRACTIONS PART OF YOUR PRACTICE.

If external distractions persist, welcome them into your practice. Use the sounds of car horns and people talking to train your mind to stay focused on your meditation object instead of pursuing other thoughts. Note the interruption and bring your mind back to your contemplations.

WARD AWAY BUGS. There are many ways to steer clear of insects without killing them. For wasps, keep a look out so you can stay away from their nests. Avoid the things that attract them like perfume, bright colors, and food. For natural ant repellent, try planting some mint or cucumber.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM EXCESSIVE SUN EXPOSURE.

You get just as much sun whether you’re exercising or sitting down. Use a sunscreen with full spectrum protection and wear a hat, especially if you meditate at midday when the sun is strongest.

Enjoying Your Spring Meditation Garden on Rainy Days

DEVELOP SOME SHELTERED SEATING.

Spring showers are a natural part of the season. By building a gazebo, you can stay outdoors and enjoy the sound of the rain without getting wet. If you’re working with more limited space, install a large umbrella over your chair. It will help protect you from the sun as well as the rain.

DESIGN A ROOM WITH A VIEW. When stormy days keep you inside, you can still keep your garden in sight. Meditate by a window where you get a good view of your yard.

Your spring garden can make your meditation practice more pleasant and productive. No matter what the weather brings, use the natural beauty of the outdoors to help calm your mind. HF

HOME RENOVATIONS

Where to Start?

When it comes to potential home renovations, there are all kinds of possibilities available to you. The question is, where do you begin with your remodel, and which renovations take priority?

Two of the most popular home renovations to consider starting with are the kitchen and bathroom. Before you get in touch with professionals who specialize in kitchen and/or bathroom renovation take some time to decide which of these renovation ideas you want to tackle first.

What if I Want to Renovate My Kitchen?

Thinking about starting off your home transformation with a nice kitchen renovation? This can be a cinch. All you need to do is determine what kind of kitchen design you want for your home. That may mean going with a modern layout, or it might be a vintage one that makes more sense for the style of home you have. Of course, trying out new colors can bring beauty and life into your kitchen, too! Once your general plan is figured out, you can get started on the actual changes you would like to see.

Don't forget to consider all the little things that you might want to change in your kitchen. That includes changing out your counter tops and floors, painting your cabinets new colors, or even installing a whole new lighting system for maximum visibility as you cook up some great meals for the family.

What if I Want to Renovate My Bathroom?

If you decide instead to go instead with a simple bathroom renovation, there are plenty of possibilities here, too! Most renovations for bathrooms start by tearing out old countertops, sinks, and flooring. Then you can consider new options such as replacing certain parts of the shower or tub with a whole new setup that can provide an entirely different look.

As you explore what your bathroom is going to look like after the renovations are complete, just keep in mind one important detail - your bathroom will probably be unusable while renovations are underway, so make sure your spare bathroom (if you have one) is stocked with your bathroom essentials so you can use it while your main bathroom is under renovation.

When it is all said and done, all that is left for you to do will you be to move all your toiletries back into your newly renovated bathroom and enjoy the new additions.

It is That Easy!

Armed with only some ideas and a renovation budget, you can easily have local professionals for kitchen or bathroom renovation give you a hand in making your space look and feel brand new. HF

5 TIPS TO KICKSTART

Spring Cleaning

Written by Nicollette Vizuet

In the midst of setting my New Year’s Resolutions, I always note how I have to get on top of my spring cleaning. Instead of reserving this specifically for spring, I try to take a look every other month at a few key spots that tend to accumulate the most clutter. Even so, spring still dominates as my “deep dive” in cleaning and it certainly isn’t for the faint of heart! I’m rounding up a few tips for the spaces I find more challenging to keep organized on a daily basis and how to tackle them in your mission to declutter.

Home

Take this on room by room. Beyond that, break each space down into a smaller entity to make it less overwhelming. For example, don’t aim to complete your entire kitchen in one day. Instead, carve out time to focus specifically on your pantry. Grab (affordable!) bins from Dollar Tree and label snacks, drink mixes, juice pouches and so on. Clean out expired items, box up and donate items you won’t use and don’t move onto another area until you finish that space.

Closet

My goal with closets is keeping like items together. I also use the same color hangers for those items. All dresses go on white hangers, blazers on black hangers and seasonal items on colored hangers. I’m quick to give into clutter, but this method really helps me maintain order. When choosing what makes the cut and what has to go, I have a few questions to ask. First, when’s the last time I wore it? Next, will I wear it again? This should help you in creating those “keep” and “donate” piles. A few sentimental pieces you might never wear again are OK, but don’t fill the closet with them! Declutter and let that prom dress from junior year have a second life!

Kids rooms

If you’re new to this, here’s a major hack: do not attempt to clear out toys when your kiddos are around. My toddlers “need” everything. Somehow each item you’re putting in the donation pile becomes their “favorite toy” after not touching it for a solid six months. Once they’re distracted, grab a few big boxes and start loading up everything you want to donate. Items that you’re keeping can be grouped into totes, bins or boxes with a label for what goes where. If your little ones can’t read,

use clip art photos to label your bins. We have a book shelf with colorful totes that hold like items. One for Hot Wheels, another for dinosaurs, one for superheroes and so on. Our boys actually love keeping toys in the “home bin” because it’s easier to find what they’re wanting. I always tell our boys “if you can’t keep them in order, that means we don’t need them.” It has helped so much in keeping the chaos to a minimum in their toy room!

Digital

Is it just me, or do you get the “your storage is almost full” message on a daily basis? I took a deep dive into my phone last time this popped up to see what the heck was bogging down my storage. It turns out, I’m a digital hoarder. There was so much that I’ve never even used nestled in my camera roll and application folders. How many of those apps are you actually using? If you haven’t touched it in the last six months, you probably don’t need it. Offload and organize your pictures with Google Photos and only keep the “necessities” on hand.

Office

Do you have stacks of papers or drawers full of receipts? No judgment, I’m guilty of being a paper hoarder too. Much like the other areas in your life, start the organization process by cleaning out everything you don’t need. How much of your paper can be scanned into a digital file to make physical room in your office? The little folder icon on your desktop takes up way less space than in a filing cabinet, and it’ll be much easier to find! Rest assured, I’m not telling you to eliminate all paper. If you (like me!) prefer a physical planner and calendar, more power to you. Keep that paper version and stay organized!

Wow, I feel a little less cluttered already! I hope you’ve gotten a sense of how to keep yourself on somewhat of a schedule so life is a little less

overwhelming once springtime arrives. So, what are your favorite tips for decluttering?! HF

ENJOY THIS READ? Follow along with Nicollette Vizuet on her blog and social channels! Instagram: @nicollette.vizuet Blog: TheFrivolousFashionista.com Facebook: The Frivolous Fashionista

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