The h ttest trend in fireplaces?

Using them to warm up a kitchen or bathroom

In the past few years homes have become vital sanctuaries - places where you and your family want to feel comfortable, cozy and serene. Recent shifts in home design are responding to this need, while also reflecting a desire for beauty and luxury. As a result, fireplaces are seriously trending - not just for living rooms or bedrooms, but even kitchens and bathrooms.

Thanks to recent innovations such as beautifully designed, easyto-install electric fireplaces from SimpliFire, you can add the warmth and charm a fireplace brings to almost any room without undergoing major renovations or having to worry about things like chimneys, piles of wood, screens or gas lines.

The sleek, contemporary features seen in these electric fireplaces add a warm glow and ambient light to any room. You can select features like driftwood log sets and a variety of finishes, plus whatever flame color options and fire bed materials and colors suit your mood and style.

Time-honored luxury with a modern aesthetic

While adding fireplaces to various rooms may be an emerging trend in contemporary home design - and a boon for home valuesthe idea has a long history, as homes once relied solely on fireplaces for heating every room. Today’s designs, however, offer the drama and visual interest of clean lines and modern style - while also being much more convenient and energy-efficient than traditional wood-burning fireplaces. Another great advantage? You can run your electric fireplace anytime you’d like to enjoy the beauty and ambience it provides, with or without heat, all year round.

The heart of the home

The kitchen is possibly the most crucial room in every home. Because kitchens needed fireplaces for cooking functions in olden days, it seems like a natural fit to add a fireplace here. Today’s kitchens are the heart of the home in more ways than one, especially with open plan home designs allowing plenty of space for the entire family - and guests - to gather around and cook meals together.

What better space to create a warm, cozy and decorative focal point with an electric fireplace? You could even use a 3-sided style such as SimpliFire’s Scion Trinity Fireplace by Heat & Glo to connect a kitchen to dining or living areas, or use two units back-to-back to create a two-sided fireplace between any two rooms.

A personal spa

The bathroom has become a sought-after oasis in contemporary homes, inspiring spa-like features from heated floors or towel racks to deluxe standalone tubs that create an aura of comfort and luxury. Adding a bathroom fireplace is one more way to design the ultimate personal retreat. What could be more calming than relaxing in a hot bath by the light of a glowing fireplace?

Fortunately, today’s electric fireplaces make this renovation easier than ever. While a few special safety precautions need to be taken for bathroom applications, following your product instructions and local code restrictions will ensure that your fireplace will be as safe as it is enchanting.

How electric fireplaces work

Electric fireplaces can supply light as well as being able to offer some heat, but the glow and warmth are created without an actual flame. With the press of a button, you can use a remote control to adjust both the “flame” and other effects, including the heat level, thermostat, timer, brightness, ember bed lights and accent lighting. Turn up the heat to take the chill off during wintry days, or turn the heat down and enjoy the fireplace just for its calming ambiance when the weather’s warm.

Installation is easy

Whether you choose to hire a professional or completely DIY it, electrical fireplace installation is remarkably easy. With just a few tools, a well-placed grounded electrical outlet and a revolutionary wall-mount SimpliFire Format electric fireplace, you can bring the comfort of a fireplace to any room in your home in a day.

Interested in making a statement with a new fireplace in your home? Visit heatnglo.com to see all of the beautiful possibilities to warm up the atmosphere in any room.

f you’re looking to settle in an area where you can enjoy small-town values with big-city benefits nearby, Wilson County is a wise choice. Whether you choose the county seat of Lebanon with its quaint city square, Mt. Juliet with its easy access to Nashville or Watertown and its rural charm, Wilson County offers a place where education is valued and the county fair is the event of the year. Business is booming here, which is a testament to the friendly business climate. No doubt that business-friendly attitude played a part in the growth of the Providence community in Mt. Juliet, which is adding Providence Central, a mixed-use community of housing, retail and office space.

Wilson County has also been making strides in expanding and upgrading the county’s schools. The county commission approved a $63-million school building plan that paid for a new high school in Watertown (which opened in 2014) and brought expansions at West

Wilson

Green Hill | Lebanon | Mount Juliet | Rural Hill | Watertown

Wilson Middle School and West and Rutland elementary schools. In recent years the county has added Winfree Bryant Middle School in Lebanon (2011), Lebanon High School (2012) and a high school in Mt. Juliet (2008).

Other signs of growth include the Highway 109 bridge joining Wilson and Sumner counties. Completed in 2014, the $29.5 million four-lane structure, replaced an old two-lane bridge from the 1950s. Leaders in both counties say the bridge will provide an economic boost for their communities.

Rail transportation is set to expand in Lebanon with a new stop on the Music City Star line. The award of a $1.6-million grant will help fund the proposed rail station at Hamilton Springs, making it Middle Tennessee’s first mixed-use development designed around a train station. The Lebanon Planning Commission approved the site plan for the train stop last year. Hamilton Springs will be the seventh station on the Music City Star line.

But it’s not all growth and business in Wilson County. People here also know how to have fun. Take their pride in producing a top-notch county fair. According to Carnival Warehouse, based on attendance and other attributes, the Wilson County Fair ranks among the top 50 fairs in North America. From pride in a county fair to savvy business and civic leaders who promote a healthy business climate, there are many reasons to love and live in Wilson County.

Wilson County River Oaks

From the low $400’s

Now Selling New Phase!

Enjoy living in the rich history of Wilson County. River Oaks of Lebanon is a new home community of 171 home sites, nestled on the south side of U.S. Highway 70 on the Western edge of the city. This gorgeous neighborhood is buffered by two streams and a canopy of mature trees. Spectacular views, wooded backdrops, and charming details like a wooden bridge are just some of the reasons you’ll want to call River Oaks home. Community amenities include a pool, pavilion, and playground.

Directions

From Nashville, I-40 East – Exit 232B – Follow Hwy 109N for 4 miles. Right on Lebanon Road (Hwy. 70E). Go 2.3 miles – turn RIGHT into entrance at River Oaks

3800 Lebanon Rd, Lebanon, TN 37087 615-583-5039

LiveJonesLebanon.com

Wilson County

Spence Creek

Mid $400s

Spence Creek is an unmatched, master-planned community in Lebanon with walking trails, a Jr Olympic sized pool, splash zone and playground. Zoned for Wilson County Schools and minutes from conveniences such as grocery stores and the interstate. Floor plans include up to 5 spacious bedrooms, open kitchens and oversized multi-functional loft areas. Hurry, only 10 private homesites remain.

Directions

From Nashville I-40E to Exit 232B Hwy 109N/Lebanon Rd. Travel North 5 miles and Spence Creek will be on your left. Turn left on Spence Creek Dr, Right on Radnor Rd and left on Red Clay Dr.

Wilson County

Waltons Grove

From the $600’s

New Homes offering side entry garages, 4 & 5 bedrooms, 3 car garages, and large front porches. Community amenities include Olympic pool, clubhouse, and playground. Convenient location just 2 miles from I-40 and the city of Nashville. Highly-rated Wilson County schools in the heart of Mt. Juliet, TN.

Directions

I-40 to Beckwith Road Exit South. Enter community 2.5 miles south on right or you can come up Central Pike off South Mt. Juliet Road to McCalmont Way GPS - 10790 Central Pike to Entrance of Walton’s Grove.

Wilson County Glade Estates

From the $500’s

Close to I-840 and the community of Gladeville in Wilson County. 15 minutes from Providence Mall, Wilson County High School.

Directions: I-40 East to South I-840, Exit on Stewarts Ferry Pike, Right to McCrary Rd, Left to Lone Oak Rd, Right to community on left.

1101 Vicar Lane, Mt Juliet, TN Tim Wilgers • 615-818-8779 615-771-9949 www.CelebrationHomes.com

Wilson County Carriage Trail

Mid $500s

Need a new home sooner than building from the ground up? This boutique community has a handful of homes under construction that are almost ready for your family to move in. These bright and airy homes are built from our most popular floor plans and offer desirable layouts and finishes. They range in size from 2,331 to 2,911 Sq. Ft., 4-5 bedrooms and all boast private tree-lined back yards. Mt. Juliet schools in a very convenient, yet scenic location.

Directions

From Nashville take I-40 East to exit 226BN on Mt. Juliet Road. Turn Left on Lebanon Rd and Right on Nonaville Rd. Turn right on Carriage Trail and Right on Bar Dr. There is no model home. Call for an appt.

1004 Woodbridge Blvd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37090 Kelly Carter • 615-945-9557 615-771-9949 www.CelebrationHomes.com

Wilson County Woodbridge Glen

From the $500’s

Model Home And Move In Ready Homes Available

Woodbridge Glen is an ideal area for growing families and retiring empty nesters in search of a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by trees and green open space, yet with direct access to all the amenities of a big city. The community is located 3 miles north of Wilson Central High School, 8 miles southwest of downtown Lebanon and just 6 miles east of Providence Parkway, a retail destination with over 1.5 million sq. ft. of shopping, dining and entertainment.

Directions: From Nashville take 140 East to Hwy 109, Right to Callis Rd, Right to Woodall Rd, Left to community on the right side.

1701 Red Clay Dr., Lebanon, TN 37087 615-237-7709

Centex.com/SpenceCreek

4003 Jameson Ct., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 615-810-0706

Pulte.com/CarriageTrail

1004 Woodbridge Blvd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37090 Kelly Carter • 615-945-9557 615-771-9949 www.CelebrationHomes.com he pace of life may move a bit slower in Robertson County, but that hasn’t slowed the wheels of economic growth in this rural outpost located just north of Nashville.

But don’t let that growth concern you. County leaders here are working on a carefully thoughtout plan for development. The plan’s goal: preserve the county’s agricultural economy and quality of

Tlife while attracting businesses and jobs to designated growth areas, mostly within the county’s existing city centers.

The county’s proposed 2040 Comprehensive Growth Plan calls for school improvements, road improvements and more diverse housing options. Other goals include retaining and creating jobs, adding more higher-paying jobs and attracting a diverse population and workforce.

Johnson Electric and Martinrea Fabco also call this area home. In addition to the growing economic picture in Robertson County, there’s also the way of life that residents are determined to maintain. From local treasures like Burdett’s Tea Shop & Trading Company to the Shade Tree Farm (where you pick your own apples), don’t expect the pace of life here to change anytime soon.

If you’re looking for peaceful country living just a stone’s throw from the city, look at Cheatham County. With wooded hillsides, open farmland, and scenic rivers and lakes, the area offers an attractive setting.

The communities of Kingston Springs, Pegram, Pleasant View and Ashland City offer a neighborly feel despite the county’s rapid expansion. Whether in a suburban or rural setting, residents here have the best of both worlds: a serene environment with easy access to city life and jobs.

Ashland City | Kingston Springs | Pegram

Pegram is a great place to raise a family. The town has its own special treasures. Popular places include Finch’s Country Store and Mud Puddle Pottery Studio (which offers pottery workshops and classes).

The county seat of Ashland City sits on the bank of the Cumberland River. The city’s award-winning parks and recreation program earned the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for its conservation efforts involved with the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail. Under the guidance of Renaissance Ashland City, planners are working to carefully preserve the city’s heritage while embracing the benefits of progress.

Parks & Rec

American Legion Field

Dick Strong Memorial Field

Garner Street Park

Humphrey Park

J. Travis Price Park

Kilgore Park

Martin Luther King Jr. Park

Pioneer Park

Port Royal State Park

Richland Park

Springfi eld Greenway

White House

Municipal Park

Neighborhood Livability - 75

Amenities - F

Cost of Living - C+

Crime - A

Employment - F

Housing - A-

Schools - A-

Weather - C+

More to love

Historic Thomas Drugs

Bell Witch Cave

The Depot

Burdett’s Tea Shop

Schools & Ratings

Greenbrier Elementary School - 7/10

Coopertown Middle School - 6/10

White House Heritage Elementary School - 6/10

Greenbrier High School - 6/10

Restaurants (This list is for both counties)

Riverview Restaurant & Marina

Sidelines Grill

Swezey’s Pub

Country Junction

Restaurant

Parks & Rec

Adventureworks

Ashland City City Park

Canoe Music City

Cumberland River

Bicentennial Trail

Foggy Bottom

Canoe Rental

Golf Club of Tennessee

Harpeth River State Park

Highland Rim Golf Course

Kingston Springs City Park

L.L. Burns Park

Pegram City Park

Tip-a-Canoe

Neighborhood Livability - 63

Amenities - C+

Cost of Living - B-

Crime - F

Employment - D-

Housing - D-

Schools - F

Weather - C+

More to love

Fiddle & Pick Musical

Heritage Center

Mud Puddle Pottery

Studio/Harpeth Art Center Gallery

Schools & Ratings

Kingston Springs Elementary School - 8/10

Pleasant View Elementary School - 6/10

Sycamore Middle School - 6/10