Roanoke Valley HOME Fall 2015 by James River Media

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FALL 2015, vol. 8, No. 4

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Volume 8 Issue 4 PUBLISHER

Julie Pierce EDITOR IN CHIEF

Meridith Ingram ROANOKE EDITOR

Rory Rhodes ART DIRECTOR

Trisha Roth CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

HOME DECOR|LIGHTING|PILLOWS |DESIGN SERVICES IN ABINGDON 180 E. MAIN STREET 276.206.8134 TUES - SAT 11 TO 5

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Roanoke Valley HOME is published five times annually by West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. For an annual subscription, please send $20 with your name, address and telephone number to: Roanoke Valley HOME 3831 Old Forest Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 For advertising information please call (434) 386-5667 or sales@rvhomemagazine.com. To discuss coverage of an event relating to home or garden, please contact Roanoke Valley HOME at info@rvhomemagazine.com.

Call Today 540-283-9869 405 Industry Blvd • Rocky Mount, VA 24151 • P: 540-283-9869 • WislerPlumbing.com Financing Available • 6

West Willow Publishing Group, LLC (434) 386-5667 westwillowpublishing.com Copyright 2015 by West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. All pictorial material reproduced in this magazine, whether in a produced ad or by itself, has been accepted on the condition that it is with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer or the artist concerned. As such, West Willow Publishing Group, LLC is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, West Willow Publishing Group, LLC makes no warrant to the accuracy or reliability of this information. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ownership or management.

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

n P U B L I S H E r ’ s note It’s hard to believe this is our eighth year of producing Roanoke Valley HOME magazine—time really does fly when you’re having fun! I’m thrilled with how HOME has grown in response to an enthusiastic community of readers and advertisers. To support our growth and the exciting plans we have in store, I’ve expanded our editorial team to include Rory Rhodes as our Roanoke Valley editor. Rory is a Southern California native who graduated UCLA with a degree in theatre. She spent several years working in various aspects of the theatrical world before moving to the East Coast with her new husband. A year at Quantico, where she worked as a role player for the FBI Academy, was followed by a stint in Baltimore, managing events and PR for a vineyard. In 2002 she moved to Roanoke and discovered the delights of autumn hillsides, sparkling streams, and Duke’s mayonnaise. Rory joined the HOME Magazine team in 2014, and these days she spends her time writing, composting, shooing chickens out of garden beds and shuttling kids to activities. She is active at her children’s school and has volunteered with the drama club and the landscape committee, and occasionally plays guitar for kindergartners, the target audience for her skill level. Rory’s hobbies include traveling, gardening, camping, canoeing, local

theatre, music, reading, eating her husband’s delicious homemade pizza, and wrestling with an overgrown raspberry patch. Rory, along with our long-standing editor, Meridith Ingram, will bring you the best and brightest ideas and information that the Roanoke Valley has to offer to enrich your home and garden. I’m grateful to have both of them on our team. I’m also grateful to all of you who make this publication possible: our readers, local businesses and our advertisers. I appreciate your continued support and feedback. Send me a note—I’d love to hear from you.

— JULIE PIERCE, PUBLISHER julie@westwillowpublishing.com

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R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

contents Ro a n o ke Va ll ey h o m e Fa ll 2 0 15

12 26 32 55

features CON S I G N M E N T S T O R E S A N D M O R E

Shoppers experience the thrill of the hunt By J es s i e T h o m p s o n

THE H O T T E S T I N H O T T U B S

Soak your way to backyard bliss By M e r i d ith I n g r a m

CLAS S I C C H A R M M E E D S U P D AT E D C H I C

Family home remodeled over the years to enhance light and flow By R O RY R HODES

GREAT S TA I R C A S E S

Elevate your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s style with an updated staircase By Lau r e l F e i n m a n Cover photography by Kevin Hurley at the home of Paula and Jay Irons LIKE US ON FACEBOOK HOME Magazine r vhomemaga zine .com

Ro a n o ke Va ll ey h o m e Fa ll 2 0 15

departments 18

DESIGN

IMPROVE

GARDEN

LIVE

22 PA I N T LIKE THE PROS Use paint to create focal points in your home

46 DEEP CLEANIN G THE KITCHEN How to tackle grime in five common hot spots

18 TREE CARE Maintenance tips for large, mature trees

43 H O U S E S TAT I O N E RY Hit the right note with custom-printed stationery

By Patr i c ia C H e ld

By P h o e b e D i n s m o r e

By C harlotte A.F. Farley

By K ath e r i n e F u lg h u m

61 COMPOSTING 101 Get on board with Mother Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recycling program

50 VEGGIE-CENTRIC MEALS Recipes to get more vegetables on your plate

Knopf

68 S I T T I NG PRETTY Tips for buying upholstered chairs By R ac h e l B ean lan d

73 CHEERS! Spruce up your drinkware collection with versatile options

By R o ry R h o d es

By Lu cy C o o k

65 S TAT E O F R E A L E S TAT E Local pros weigh in on market conditions

By Alys sa M e rcadante

78 S M I T H M O U N TA I N LAKE CHARITY HOME TOUR

81 AROUND TOWN Local home and garden events in our area

68 S pecial I nterest 8 2 Index of advertisers 10

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r vhomemaga zine .com

The Thrill of the Hunt

Shopping Second-Hand Stores Brings First-Rate Looks By J es s i e T h o m p s o n

You might be one of those crazy-talented folks who knows exactly how you want your home to look and how to tie it all together. Or you may have only the vaguest idea that something in a room just feels off. Regardless of your design skills, when find yourself in a home-goods resale or consignment shop and you spot a piece that you love—whether it’s a huge piece of furniture to anchor your entire room or a perfectly proportioned accessory—there is probably a physical reaction. Your heart beats a little faster, you might even get a little light-headed. And then you check the price. The elation when the numbers on the tag are actually below what you were hoping to spend sends another spike of adrenaline, and you can’t help it—you are hooked. 12

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

N ew t o M e C o nsi gnm e nt B o u t i q u e

ore and more often, discerning shoppers and designers are scouring local resale, consignment and estate-sale home-goods stores to find those types of deals. Such stores are enjoying a renaissance—as an affordable (and environmentally friendly!) option for homeowners looking for unique pieces that fit their specific needs and their style. With fall on the way and the prospect of more and more time spent indoors (not to mention the upcoming holidays), the nesting urges will kick in. It’s about time to start making a list of things you might like to update your home—whether you’re making it more comfortable, more functional, or simply more of a reflection of your current tastes. You may need to address a problem spot—needing more storage near the kitchen door, for example—or feeling like it’s time to replace the sofa you never thought was as cushy as you’d like it to be. Maybe it’s something as simple as adding a new centerpiece in your dining room, or adding a few seasonal pillows in your family room to zhush things up. If any of these home-dilemmas sound familiar, then get yourself set for an adventure, and plan to visit these locallyowned, ever-changing stores that specialize in reselling quality items for your home.

r vhomemaga zine .com

Both the beauty and the beast of second-hand shops is that their inventory may never be the same twice. Treasure seekers will enjoy the thrill of the hunt for home furnishings, accessories and collectibles in an everchanging stock of items. 13

Going on the Hunt

Both the beauty and the beast of consignment shops is that their inventory may never be the same twice. Because it’s so different than flipping through furniture catalogs or walking the aisles to find something to order, owners of such stores suggest two things: keep an open mind, and be prepared to purchase. Jenny Prickitt, who owns New To Me Consignment Boutique on Grandin Road, says her store, which has been in business for 12 years, is never the same place twice. “Our inventory changes daily and we are always moving things. On any given day a sofa may leave and a new one arrives,” says Prickitt. The styles are as varied as the people who originally bought them. Shoppers, too, are unique, including everyone from those looking to furnish their first apartment to seniors who are opting away from their antique dining room table for 12 to a more practical sixtop. Some have an eye for fixer-upper pieces, while others prefer the “purchase it to place it” method. There is no one way to shop, and these stores have such a vast array of furniture

and accessories that it can be intimidating for the uninitiated. “When shopping consignment, keep an open mind,” suggests Prickitt. “You may be searching for a new dresser and miss out on finding that one-of-akind item.” While different people employ varying techniques when shopping—some come in with a mission, some walk the aisles and make three or four passes, others plant themselves and do quadrant looking—there aren’t really any tricks. For shoppers who are looking for a very specific item or for a specific space, it’s best to have your exact dimensions handy. No matter how much you are drawn to a particular piece, if it won’t fit in the space you have available, it’s better to pass, unless you love it so much you’re willing to change other spaces in your home. Over at Crowning Touch Consignment Shop on Williamson Road, Consignment Manager Dawn Shaw says, “You should always buy what you love at first sight. I have a great shopping method that I use myself: Choose three colors from your home and two neutrals. Carry

paint chips in those colors. If an item works with your colors, you will be able to interchange items in your rooms and you will feel confident when you shop.” Shaw also says store personnel will help any way they can—to measure or offer a second opinion.” Some stores have pieces grouped according to size or style; others set up mini-rooms, complete with rugs, drapes and accessories. Often a mid-century sofa will sit next to a chest of drawers from the 1920s. The many different styles will appeal to different people. Vignettes like this often inspire shoppers to feel more comfortable mixing styles or decorating periods in their own homes; they may notice an older piece that’s been updated and think, “Oh, I could do something like that for my own space.” Realizing the Value

Shaw says that without a doubt the biggest draw to shopping in resale shops is the bang for the buck. “Our customers are educated about what they are buying and have a budget in mind. If you have $500 to spend, it will go further for gently used furnishings in

540-339-9975 14

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

Crow nin g To u c h C o nsi gnm e nt S h o p

a consignment shop. Vintage furnishings are generally better quality than the imported furniture you pay more for from a box store.” Because the price-points are lower, there can also be less intimidation in picking the wrong item. Like the piece but not sure it will work in your current color scheme? No problem: Paint it. Too drab? Get some funky new knobs. Super comfy but the color wouldn’t go well in your family room? Slipcover it or reupholster. These stores report seeing more eclectic decorating, with homeowners being more adventurous in mixing furniture styles, finishes and colors, along with blending accessories—much less matchy-matchy than in previous years. Accessorize

Consignment shops aren’t limited to carrying larger pieces of furniture; they often have great accessories as well. For those who are less inclined to change entire rooms, consignment shopping is a perfect way to add some umph. Think lamps or even just new shades, curio cabinets, or a new-to-you side table. r vhomemaga zine .com

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Designer Items at Consignment Prices!

N ew t o M e C o nsi gnm e nt B o u t i q u e

For those who are adventurous and enjoy a DIY project, designers suggest buying artwork for the value of the frames, then painting the frames all in one color to make a cohesive display. Or use empty, antiqued frames to decorate a mantel. Store owners say they have had customers come in and purchase candlesticks—in different shapes and sizes—and group them together as a bigger focal item. Decorating choices are limited only by imagination. Unique and colorful antique and vintage glass or even a tea set can add character to a room without breaking the bank. Pillows, too, can be an easy seasonal change to add pops of color and or texture. “Finding new homes for our treasures is always fun,” says Prickitt. The Devilish Details

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In these traditional consignment stores, items are brought to the shop by their owners, and there is an agreement between the owners and the shop as to how the pieces will be priced. At some consignment shops, the longer the item stays in the store, the less expensive it will become. When goods are purchased, the money is split according to the contract between the store and the owner. While you might pay less the longer you wait, you may risk losing out to another buyer. If you haven’t ever consigned an item or been a consignment shopper, Prickitt says it might be surprising; while some have a perception that buying “used” is less desirable, she suggests shoppers look at the value. Her shop typically sells items for a fraction of what the original owners paid for it. But, she says, the R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

key to being successful in finding those crazy-amazing deals is to check in often. Shaw also says that stopping by frequently is one key to success. “To be a consignment pro, you should shop often and be decisive,” says Shaw. “New merchandise arrives daily, but often sells quickly. If you go to lunch to think about it, it may not be there when you come back.” Understanding that might not always be easy, both stores have begun to post photos on Facebook several times a week of items that come into the store. Employees also are quick to respond to questions about dimensions and prices. Shaw says the store has even added a wish list, so if searching for a particular piece or manufacturer, the store can notify you. So don’t be afraid to shop without knowing exactly what you might be looking for. These reselling shops are interested in generating happy customers. If you’re up for waiting until you find a piece—a unique, well-made item at a reasonable price—that hits you just the right way, browsing these reselling shops might just be the perfect way to fill up a day or two. Just don’t forget your vision, or your wallet.

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n GARDEN TREE CARE

GIANTS Caring for mature trees By Patr i ci a C H el d

Trees occupy an important place in our gardens—and our culture. Author Ernest H. Wilson aptly sums up America’s love for them in his book, Aristocrats of Trees: “When first we dabble in the healthful pastime of gardening our interests may be in the lesser things; we may enthuse over tiny alpine plants, bulbs or tall herbs….Later we are attracted to shrubs, more permanent things. Finally we take to our heart trees, treasure them while life lasts, and hand them on, objects of lasting usefulness and beauty, an enduring legacy, to the generations that follow us.”

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

Consequently, we are willing to invest time and effort to manage trees on our property. In many cases, tree care should be left strictly to an arborist—an expert certified in the cultivation and care of trees. Look at it this way; you wouldn’t consider diagnosing and treating a very ill pet without professional help. Likewise, a mature and beloved tree needs professional care, especially for significant trees. According to Adam Braaten, who manages the Roanoke office of Bartlett Tree Service, “Significant trees are large trees, those with historical value—often attached to a memory or important event—or a tree with some exceptional qualities that deem it worth extra care.” His office of Bartlett Tree Service serves the Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake and Lynchburg areas. The company has been caring for trees for 100 years. r vhomemaga zine .com

A homeowner can feel comfortable working with a tree up to 15 feet tall, but anything taller is a different story. “Leave big trees alone,” cautions Jonathan Sledge, owner of Above Ground Landscape in Bedford County. Sledge has a degree in landscape contracting and management, and in addition to servicing residential clients’ trees, also cares for the trees at historic sites in Appomattox and Poplar Forest. He explains that do-it-yourselfers can often run in to trouble when trying to work with too-big trees best left to the professionals. “I have removed more trees that have fallen on a house after a homeowner tried to tackle them,” says Sledge. Bill White, who owns Trez R Us, a tree care company that serves the Roanoke and Smith Mountain Lake area, points out the importance of having a professional

evaluate the exceptional trees on your property. “Just like any living organism, they need to be checked annually,” says White. He explains that an arborist will look for broken branches, stress cracks and lightning damage. These are all entry points for disease and organisms. Fungal growth around the trunk of the tree is also cause for concern. Arborists also look for signs to indicate problems with the root system; cracking in the soil and dying limbs are often signs of roots in distress. According to White, when trees get sick and die, it is often from neglect. Maintaining a tree’s proper shape through correct pruning is also important. Since a tree can become top heavy, it needs thinning from time to time as well. If an arborist wants to take a tree down, Braaten recommends that you ask for the full reasoning why. The time is 19

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But, we do provide delivery to a pet cemetery. We also provide private cremation, urns, caskets and memorial products. We will pick up your pet from your home or vet’s office, provide a third party to open and close a grave and we offer pre-arrangements as well as grief support services.

right for removal if the tree is posing a hazard, if it is dead or is a lightning target, if it is unhealthy and dying, and also if it is necessary to thin out an area. An overabundance of trees in one location creates a crowded and unhealthy situation. There is an art to taking down a tree. An arborist must consider how it will fall and where most of the weight is concentrated in the tree. An arborist generally climbs the tree and removes all of its weight first. Unless the tree is coming down, spikes should never be used to climb a tree since these can cause damage to the trunk. Ropes and harnesses are the preferred method. Some problems can be easily circumvented by the homeowner. Do not allow vines, especially ivy, to climb a tree. Just as ivy on a house can do untold damage, it can kill a tree. Avoid driving heavy vehicles around the base of the tree or wherever roots are likely to be. This causes the ground to compact, preventing the roots from accessing air and water. Do not pile mulch directly on the base of a tree. Known as volcano mulching, this technique is not recommended. While wood chips are great at holding moisture in, they can cause rot when piled against the tree’s base. Instead, keep the chips gently tapered away from the tree’s base. Finally, avoid hitting the tree with a weed eater or mower. Hiring a Professional

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To be sure that a tree professional is a certified arborist, confirm credentials with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). This is a worldwide professional organization dedicated to fostering a greater appreciation for trees and promoting research, technology and the professional practice of arboriculture. ISA offers support and continued education for tree industry pros, and also serves as the governing body of tree workers, promoting safety and a code of ethics and standards for tree care and pruning. (Check out their website at www.isa-arbor.com.) R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

Since ISA provides certification for professional arborists, this organization offers a baseline for consumers, and assurance that an arborist certified with them has basic understanding of tree care and the precautions necessary to protect both trees and workers. Consider the following when hiring an arborist: ■ Does the firm have workers’ compensation and liability insurance? ■ Do they use spikes or a bucket truck when they work in trees? Just

as spikes can damage the tree, a bucket truck can damage a yard and/or a healthy tree by causing the soil over the roots to compact. Most arborists prefer to climb the tree using ropes and harnesses. ■ Do they use safety precautions when they work, including helmets and safety glasses? Tree professionals, including arborists and loggers, work in one of the most hazardous professions; safety is paramount. ■ Do not be afraid to ask for references and credentials (ISA certification). ■ Is the company dependable? Do they return your phone calls? Are they on time and do they come when they say they are coming? ■ A sk for a written proposal describing what work they will do and

THERE IS AN ART TO TAKING DOWN A TREE. AN ARBORIST MUST CONSIDER HOW IT WILL FALL AND WHERE MOST OF THE WEIGHT IS CONCENTRATED IN THE TREE.

the cost. When planning any major projects centered on trees, it is important to consider the possible risks to the property. A professional will explain those risks and help you determine the least invasive, safest, most economical and most appropriate methods to complete the job. Trees are the monarchs of the woodlands and welcome guests in our gardens. Treated as such, they will thrive for decades.

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n DESIGN PAINT MAGIC

Look Here!

CREATING A FOCAL POINT WITH PAINT By Ch a rlott e A . F. Fa rl e y

e use color in our clothing and makeup to highlight our strong points and camouflage our flaws. If you think about it, paint for our homes works the same way. By highlighting a room’s strong point, not only do you create a place of visual interest—a focal point—but you also can help hide anything unsightly in the room. It’s all about where you want to draw the eye. If you’ve read enough HOME magazine, watched enough HGTV, or browsed Pinterest a little longer than you intended (Who, me? No, never!), you are familiar with the concept of creating a focal point in a room. It’s that first sight you see upon entering; it’s that place that highlights the area where the lines of a room meet. While many people arrange artwork and furniture groupings to make a point of focus, using paint is another

easy, economical and customizable way to create a focal point in a room. This can be as simple as priming, rolling and edging a new splash of color, or it might involve the tedious but worthwhile process of stenciling. From ceilings to floors to bathtubs (yes, bathtubs!), using paint to form a focal point allows you to bring a unique, personalized design to a room.

Determining the Focal Point

Usually, focal points exist naturally in the home; elements like chimney breasts, fireplaces, staircases, and bay windows help drawn the eye up and in. Review your rooms and identify organic focal points by clearing out clutter and seeing where the room’s lines meet or where your eyes tend to settle. If nothing pops out at you, it’s time to create a new focal point. To that end, consider the largest wall in

the room, the one that mimics a blank canvas. On the other hand, you might like to create a subtle point of interest. In that case, look for a nook, an inset wall, or a bump-out. And keep in mind, a focal point doesn’t have to be a wall—it could be your floor. If refinishing tired wood floors is beyond your budget, painting a pattern on worn pine or oak completely refreshes the look. And while big expanses are obvious choices, they aren’t the only ways to accomplish your goal of bringing flair to a room. If you love your white walls but also want to have a pop of color, paint the molding—this will help echo the colors that already exist in the room. This look is especially effective on the window trim in bedrooms and bathrooms—really any confined space that makes it easy to determine where to stop and start bold color on trim. R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

A focal point doesn’t have to be a wall—it could be your floor. If refinishing tired wood floors is beyond your budget, painting a pattern on worn pine or oak completely refreshes the look. Speaking of the bathroom, you can dress up that space by painting a cast-iron tub for a one-of-a-kind focal piece. Actually, you can use paint to totally change the look of any room that has built-in furniture—shelving, cabinets and cubbies included. Since these built-in pieces often essentially function as part of a wall, painting them establishes an accent wall in an unconventional way. And the most universal, built-in piece of all is often the most overlooked when it comes to color: the doors. Sure, you paint the outside of your front door so your home appears welcoming, but why not paint the interior side of the front door to extend the invitation? Doing so allows you to have two focal points in one, depending on whether the door is open or closed.

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Now that you have decided where you want your focal point, determine what kind of feeling you want to evoke from the space: bold, dramatic or subtle? The easy and obvious answer for making a bold statement is to use a bright color or strong, thick pattern. To add a hint of drama, think eyeliner colors—chocolate-brown, navy, charcoal, amethyst, deep emerald, even black. When it comes to choosing paint colors, keep in mind the colors of adjacent rooms. If you can see the accent wall or focal point from elsewhere in the home, you’ll want to harmonize your color selection. It’s one thing to develop visual interest and it’s another thing entirely to fashion a faux pas. Dressing the Focal Point

Now comes the most fun: determining how you will apply this paint. Color is the dealmaker here, but the design does not have to end there. With paint as your medium, you can create lots of interest with patterns or stencils—classic stripes, latticework, medallions…stencils have come a long way over the years, with designs that can mimic the look of high-end wallpapers. If you do not want to tackle stenciling by yourself (or do not want to hire someone to do it), you may be able to achieve the same effect with a decal, believe it or not. Several high-end retailers carry wall decals that resemble stencils or hand-painted custom art designs. The best thing about using paint? If you decide you don’t want to live with a certain color anymore, you’re just a new coat of primer and topcoat away from changing things to reflect your new style. It’s as easy as changing your outfit. Once you find a focal point, dress it in a way that reflects your personal taste while playing up your home’s assets. R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

Tips for Transforming with Paint ■ Dark hues make a strong

visual impact, but they tend overwhelm a large space. ■ Try to make your focal point

one blank, uninterrupted wall. The exception? If you have unusual windows, French doors, or some other beautiful architectural feature that you want to highlight, focal point paint will help draw even more attention to them. ■ Choosing to accent one wall

with paint and grouping your furniture at that point will unify the space and create a cohesive appearance. ■ Use semi-gloss or high-gloss

paint on moldings or window trim.

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WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE Find your “ahhh” in hot tubs and swim spas By M er i d i t h I n g r a m

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There are many ways to unwind from the stressors of everyday life, but perhaps one of the best is by way of water. Feeling sluggish? Drink a glass of water for an instant pick-me-up. Feeling uptight? Relax into a bath. Feeling the aches and pains of strenuous exercise or simply the good old-fashioned passage of time? Consider hot tubs: More luxurious (and fun!) than running a bath, less commitment than a swimming pool, a hot tub may just be just the thing to create a private, relaxing oasis in your own backyard (or even somewhere inside). And the best part of all? This water feature will be at your disposal to enjoy all year long. The hot tub industry as we know it began in the 1950s when some folks you may have heard of—the Jacuzzi brothers—created a hydrotherapy pump to help alleviate a family member’s arthritis. In 1968, Roy Jacuzzi created the first stand-alone whirlpool tub. The rest, as they say, is history; the Jacuzzi family became a household name and did for hot tubs what Kleenex did for tissues and Xerox did for copy machines. Today, though, there are many manufacturers and many brands of hot tubs, with more features than ever. Even newer on the scene, and taken a step further, is the swim spa—much like a hot tub but with the added utility of providing a workout. In a swim spa, powerful jets provide enough resistance for homeowners to swim (or walk, run, even boogie board) against. Turn off these powerful jets and you also have your own place to kick back and relax. Once relegated to hotel pool decks, the stuff of wild parties, or the trusty sidekick to residential inr vhomemaga zine .com

ground pools, hot tubs are now, like most other home amenities, something that can be tastefully integrated and completely tailored to suit your needs. Terry Donovan of National Pools explains why hot tubs are a feature sought after by many of today’s homeowners. “People are looking for a warm body of water to relax in,” she says. Hot tub customers run the gamut, from younger families who enjoy them for the recreational and social value, to older customers who gravitate toward them for their therapeutic benefits. Choosing the Right Model

Paul Madden of Water By Design says that he sees many hot tub shoppers who know exactly what they want in a hot tub, thanks to their savvy advance homework. In this age of information, customers know a lot about hot tubs and all their features before they even come in to shop with him. “We are seeing a much smarter purchaser these days, both in terms of product 27

knowledge and money spent,” he says. “It’s a lot like buying a car,” he says, “so it’s important to make the right decisions.” For customers who need a little more guidance, experts can help. Donovan asks questions to help determine what exactly these customers are looking for. She says, “I ask them, ‘Have you had a hot tub before? Have you been in one? What features are you looking for? What are the reasons behind this purchase?’” With these answers, she can help homeowners determine what size, shape and model will best suit their needs and desires. For example, if you are considering a hot tub for entertaining, you’ll need ample seating; if you’d rather use it more for a private retreat to relax and ease muscle aches, then jet size and jet placement may be more important. “Features are only a benefit if they benefit you,” Donovan says. An important feature to consider when buying a hot tub is not only the number of jets, but also the type and placement of jets. There is a huge variety in jet functionality, from pinpoints of water to pulsating waves to the feel of fingers running down your back. Even hot tub seating has many options: some 2 8

models feature seats that are more upright while others will include loungers, “captain’s chairs” in each corner, or some combination. Sound and TV systems, special mood lighting, even water features like illuminated arcs of water or mini waterfalls are options to amp up your hot tub experience. The look of hot tub interiors has evolved over time as well. Donovan says, “In the 14 years we’ve been doing this, hot tubs have come a long way in terms of comfort, color and variety. It all started with a marbled look, then speckled, then moved to more of a matte/muted look. We are seeing marble make a comeback, however!” Just like fashion, the trends in hot tub interiors are coming back around. Some homeowners prefer that the interior of their tubs coordinate with the exterior of their homes in some way—even if they are covered when not in use. Interiors are made of fiberglass covered with acrylic and come in a variety of colors and finishes. Madden says that the “white pearl” look remains quite popular, but quips that sometimes the biggest issue is getting spouses to agree, since the choices are so plentiful. Covers, typically made of

foam core covered in vinyl, also come in an array of colors to suit your preferences. The cabinets that hot tubs are housed in have also come a long way in terms of good looks—and ease of maintenance. Once upon a time they were made from wood, which required the regular cleaning, staining and sealing necessary to maintain its good looks. Today’s cabinets are typically made from polymers that mimic the look of wood, complete with wood-grain embossing. Some manufacturers also make cabinets out of polymer to look like stone. Locating Your Hot Tub

So you’ve figured out the look of the hot tub you want; what about integrating this sizeable item into your space? This is one of the most important things to decide. If you put it close to your home, rather than in the far reaches of your yard, you are more likely to use it more often through all seasons. Keep in mind that it can be a long, cold walk back to the house if you’re taking advantage of a hot outdoor soak in the depths of winter. Madden recommends a site visit ahead of time to make sure your plans R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

are feasible. Experts will check not only that your chosen location is suitable, but also the clearance to deliver the tub on to your property, making sure that gates, walls, branches, even protruding meters and air conditioning units are not going to impede delivery. No one wants the unpleasant surprise of installation issues on delivery day. Madden says that while he’s had some challenging installations—a hot tub on a dock at Smith Mountain Lake, and inside a home with a tricky stairwell requiring removal of handrails and other clever wrangling—there’s never been a location that they haven’t been able to overcome and deliver just what the customer envisioned. The key to successful installation is a firm, flat, level surface, like a concrete pad or pavers. If you’re looking to place the hot tub on a deck, you’ll need to be certain that your deck can withstand the enormous weight of a hot tub full of water—as well as the people in it. “They can weigh anywhere from 3,100 to 7,000 pounds when full of water,” notes Donovan, so some decks will require further reinforcement to withstand that kind of weight. While you don’t need a plumber to help install this water-filled fun—hot tubs are self-contained, filled initially and then filtered—you may need the services of an electrician. Donovan explains that most municipal codes require that you have a dedicated, grounded outlet (a GFCI outlet), and in the right location—a certain distance from your hot tub, for safety. Getting your electrical hook-up up to snuff to accommodate a hot tub is not considered a major electrical overhaul, however, and costs should be minimal.

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What if you want to place your hot tub inside—like in a basement or a sunroom? Some of the same rules apply: you’ll need a firm, flat surface with adequate reinforcement, and the added requirement of water-resistant flooring (such as tile or cement). You also need to be sure the room where you want to place your tub or swim spa has adequate ventilation. Once installed, you can certainly enjoy your hot tub without lifting another finger—but if you are looking to boost the aesthetics of your new spa even further, there are certainly some ideas to consider to create a visually pleasing scene. Some hot tub owners build attractive decking around the tub, making sure that the control panel and electrical supply remain easily accessible. Another tip, if you haven’t already placed it near existing landscaping, is to landscape intentionally around it to enhance privacy and a getaway feel—think lush evergreens, perennial grasses and a trellis that will bloom with flowering vines in the warmer months. Under a pergola, an accent to an existing hardscape, or surrounded by large potted trees and container gardens, your hot tub really can be a destination in your own backyard. Maintaining a hot tub has never been easier, and there are many options to consider here as well. “There are a dozen or more alternatives for sanitizers,” explains Donovan, from traditional bromine or chlorine, to saltwater systems (a system that turns salt into chlorine), to ozonators (a mechanized solution to eliminating chemical sanitizers) to mineral sticks. One benefit to all these options is that they give customers long-term flexibility. “It can all be retrofitted down the road,” explains Madden. Generally speaking, chemical options are less expensive than ozonator technology. He says that some customers choose to wait it out until that technology becomes more affordable. Currently, many of his customers favor the saltwater sanitizing option. Donovan says that some models are “self-cleaning”—meaning a powerful drain in the bottom of the tub eliminates any debris that lands there, as well as a skimmer (like on a traditional inground pool) to filter any surface debris or oils. With this selfcleaning feature, you can also drain the tub completely without using a secondary means (like a pump or shop vac, or sponging out those last few inches of water). Technology advances have also improved hot tubs’ energy efficiency—many meet strict efficiency standards, made with multiple layers of the high-tech foam used to insulate freezers, which in turn means less energy is required to keep them nice and hot. Like any home luxury item, prices for hot tubs run the gamut, from base models to fully loaded. You can expect to pay somewhere between $4,000 and $5,000 for an entry-level tub, on up to $15,000 or more for a model with all the bells and whistles you could imagine.

If you’d like to be able to use your water oasis as a workout tool, you might be in the market for a swim spa. Much like a hot tub, this vessel is also above ground and self-contained, but it is longer and wider, and runs a powerful jet to swim against for a full workout. Swimming can be easier on troublesome joints than higher impact activities like running, or even walking and biking, while still providing a great workout. “You can swim against this current as long as your heart’s content,” Madden R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

H ydro p o o l sw im sp a ava il a b l e at N at i o na l Po o ls

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says. He likens the technology to an underwater treadmill or bike. Madden helps put these swim spas in context to which we can all relate. Ever wonder how major athletes make such relatively quick comebacks from their injuries? Well wonder no more; he explains that much of their recovery can be attributed to hydrotherapy and the use of swim spa technology. To borrow a favorite phrase from physical therapists everywhere: “All roads lead to the pool.” National Pools and Water by Design both carry swim spas known as dual-zone spas, in which the water on the swim spa side is cooler for recreation than on the hot tub side. Donovan says that she has seen families choose this model so that the parents can relax on the hotter side while the children swim and play on the other. She says some models provide everything from 3 ½ miles per hour resistance—perfect for walking, swimming, even boogie boarding—to 7 miles per hour, in which you can even practice your kayak skills. A swim spa will cost “more than an above-ground pool, but less than an in-ground pool,” she says. Basic models can start around $16,000. A top-of-the-line swim spa loaded with features, for example, can cost around $30,000 or more. Whether for pure relaxing or a joint-gentle workout, these at-home water retreats can provide a little bit of luxury to your life—at your disposal, all the time. “People love hot tubs because they are something you can enjoy year-round—not just Memorial Day through Labor Day,” says Madden. Maybe this is just the right season to consider adding this feature to your home and your life.

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ucked in a tree-shaded street of South Roanoke is the home of Paula and Jay Irons. A cream-colored brick and clapboard Colonial home, it was built in 1936 and has been home to the Irons family since 1993. During their 20-plus years here, Jay and Paula have renovated several times, always with an eye toward increasing light and flow from room to room, while carefully blending the old with the new. Today it is a home built both for family time and for entertaining. A covered porch with white millwork and brick steps welcomes visitors into the foyer, which features wood floors and an elegant vine wallpaper by Nina Campbell for Osborne & Little, in shades of muted gold. The wallpaper was chosen by interior designer Elaine Stephenson, a friend of Paula’s since their days at Hollins University. In recent years, Paula has worked part time at Elaine Stephenson Interiors in Piccadilly Square, and she is quick to give credit to her friend for many of her home’s lovely fabrics and colors. “Everything that is pretty in my house is thanks to Elaine. She has a great eye!” says Paula. In front of the staircase leading to the upper level, a chest of drawers features a tableau of fresh flowers, books, playful fish figurines, and a small china lamp. To the left is the home’s original living room, which is situated on the corner of the house. Three windows, plus a French door that leads to a covered portico by the driveway, help to bring light into the space, which has traditional 8'2" ceilings. The Irons made the most of the available natural light by removing the original heavy drapes and installing woven wood shades, and opened the space by replacing window units and radiators R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

During their time in this home, the Irons have renovated several times, always with an eye toward increasing light and flow from room to room, while carefully blending the old with the new. with central heating and air. They also pulled up carpet and restored the home’s original oak floors. The walls are painted an airy robin’s egg blue and the room’s color palette of aqua, coral and green, grounded with soft golds and neutrals, is repeated throughout the house to enhance the flow from one room to the next. A gold-framed childhood portrait of the Irons’ daughter, now 24, hangs above the white brick fireplace. The portrait is a pastel by Lynchburg artist Ethel Ferrell—who also did many of the portraits at Virginia Baptist Hospital—and since Jay is a Lynchburg native, it seemed fitting to have a work from her. Next to the fireplace, a patterned club chair rests upon a pale green Jaipur rug. Paula explains that the chair’s pillow has been slightly squashed by “Carley, the Red-Hot Smokin Pug,” their family pet who was named after a character in the movie “Talladega Nights,” and who likes to look out the window from this perch. Across from the fireplace, a sofa accentuated with coral pillows sits beneath an oil painting by Charlottesville artist James Brewer.

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A Hickory Chair cane bench sits beneath one window, near a watercolor by Roanoke artist Eric Fitzpatrick. The bench is upholstered in a green fabric with a sea coral pattern, and matches a wing chair across the room. Next to the wing chair is a walnut secretary from Jay’s family farm outside of Lynchburg. The piece is from the late 1800s and still has the original glass in its doors. The adjacent dining room features paneled wainscoting topped with shimmery champagnecolored walls, done by local artistic painter Nene Roe. “She’s my neighbor and she can paint anything,” Paula says. Roe had painted a faux finish on the walls 10 to 15 years ago, “when they were all the rage,” says Paula—and she loved it. But when the adjoining great room was added on, the dining room became darker, so recently Roe updated the original buff paint with a gold wash. The room features art from antique stores and local artists, including a piece by Gari Stephenson, and an abstract mixed media by Mary Boxley Bullington. The furniture is mostly antique, with a mahogany farm table from Jay’s family farm, and a corner cupboard from an antique store in Brownsburg. The traditional furniture is complemented by several contemporary pieces. The dining room chair frames are from Roanoke-based furniture maker Frank Chervan, Inc. A Masland rug in shades of green and gold sits beneath the dining set, while overhead is

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a fun chandelier, which Jay bought for Paula as a gift. “Jay has a good eye,” Paula says with a smile. The dining room leads into the heart of the home, a great room built in 2013, where the Irons spend much of their time with family and friends. Originally a covered patio, the Irons first enclosed the space and added skylights to create a sunroom. The sunroom got a lot of use, especially in the morning while drinking coffee and watching the morning news. She says, “We really enjoyed having that little extra space—it created a little more flow.” For this recent renovation, they doubled the size of the room and vaulted the ceiling, taking it from sunroom to great room. Paula’s design inspiration came from a picture of a room with a coffered ceiling that she found online and gave to Matt Prescott of Prescott Construction Company, who handled the renovation. The Irons worked with Prescott to bring light into the space, using high, coffered ceilings, plenty of windows and patio doors, and repurposing the skylights. The wall color is Benjamin Moore’s Manchester Tan, painted in half-strength r vhomemaga zine .com

on the walls, and one-quarter strength on the ceiling—a trick design professionals use to adjust the saturation of color in a room. Again, Paula gives credit to Stephenson and Roe, “the color gurus,” who helped select and test paint with her. The effect is crisp and clean, and subtly highlights the details of the coffered ceiling. The fresh color palette of the furnishings from the other rooms is repeated here, with a pair of coral club chairs, a funky turquoise Asian wine cabinet, two upholstered X- stools that frame the TV, and a scattering of aqua pillows and ceramics. A soft, woven rug in a neutral shade grounds the furniture, with metallic pops from a pair of mirrored tabletops by Brian Lawrence at Artistic Metals, and a cleverly designed TV cabinet. Designed by John Davis, the cabinet conceals a large flatscreen TV and looks as if it’s made from an antique mirror, but is actually an anodized aluminum with a finish applied by Roe. The result is not only creative, but practical as well. Paula says, “If we’d gotten real mirror and then antiqued it, it would’ve been really heavy.”

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Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan Walls 1/2 strength Ceiling 1/4 strength

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Across the room, a granite-topped cabinet runs along a row of windows which face the patio. Above the counter hang a trio of green glass pendant lights from Williams Lighting Gallery, while below there is a mini fridge, icemaker, and various drawers and cupboards. The room features art from local and regional artists such as Sherri Morris Barrett, Tom Lawson, Susan McAllister, Vera Dickerson and Mark Watts. The focal point of the great room is a large wood-burning fireplace made of Tennessee Crab Orchard stone, with a heart pine mantel. The fireplace is part of a two-sided chimney, with a separate hearth outside on the patio. The stone continues onto the patio, which is also part of Matt Prescott’s 2013 renovation. Here, a grouping of bronze patio furniture faces the outdoor fireplace. The outside mantel is mahogany finished in a marine varnish to protect it from the elements. Behind the furniture is a six-foot brick retaining wall, softened by lush potted plants, which frames the space and provides privacy from the road. The upper lawn is planted with a variety of evergreens and deciduous ornamentals to provide year-round interest. The fireplace allows the Irons to use the patio for much of the year for entertaining, which they love to do. Adding to the enjoyment is the patio’s other big attraction, an impressive pizza oven that was inspired by a similar model Jay saw during a trip to Montana. The wood-burning Chicago Brick oven weighs about 1,000 pounds and took six men to install. It’s set into a brick al fresco cooking center that extends from the retaining wall, atop a soapstone counter that’s also home to a built-in Lion gas grill and a recessed drink cooler. Below the pizza oven is a large cubby for storing firewood. A stainless steel kitchen prep cart provides extra counter and work space, and outdoor speakers complete the open-air entertaining space. Work on the great room and patio was combined with a much-needed kitchen update. When the Irons moved in 1993, they did what Paula describes as a “quick fix” in the kitchen, doing a few basic spruce-ups that included replacing an avocado green electric oven. “It was probably all the rage in 1970,” says Paula. A few years later, they did a small renovation to the galley kitchen. Then in 2007, the Irons had architect Jennifer Smith draw up plans to double the kitchen’s footprint. Remodeling the sunroom and patio provided the perfect opportunity to simultaneously reconfigure the kitchen and put Smith’s plan into action, resulting in improved light and layout throughout the rear of the home. The new floorplan works well for the Irons’ active social life, allowing them to host events for the various supper, wine, book, and garden clubs they enjoy. r vhomemaga zine .com

The updated kitchen features cabinets from Custom Wood Products, which are painted a soft white and finished with a faint mocha glaze to accentuate the details. Countertops are gray granite, except for the island, which is capped with walnut. The island is surrounded by four linen-covered barstools accented with nailhead trim. The avocado electric stove is long gone, replaced by a Dynamic Cooking Systems gas stove, along with a built-in microwave, convection oven, and warming drawer. The appliances and range hood are all stainless steel, which breaks up the white cabinetry and nicely complements the aqua and white geometric wallpaper from Clarke & Clarke. The Irons made sure that the new space had plenty of light by installing lots of recessed lighting and under-cabinet task lighting, as well as another skylight above the range. 4 0

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The Irons’ home first floor strikes the perfect balance between large, open spaces for entertaining inside and out, and quiet spaces that also serve as occasional guest quarters. Across from the main kitchen workspace, the doorway to the dining room is flanked by built-in cabinets. They were already in place when the kitchen was remodeled, and were refinished with the same paint and glaze as the new kitchen cabinetry. Several solid doors were also retrofitted with glass panels to break up the expanse of wood. The kitchen is the central hub of the home, opening to not only the dining and great rooms, but also toward the foyer of the house. Here, a small pass-through, outfitted with white bookshelves and an upholstered bench beneath the window, leads to a den addition built in 1987. Apart from the 1970s kitchen update, Paula says that when they arrived in 1993, “The house really hadn’t been touched other than that addition.” The den was originally built as a mother-in-law suite, and for a while the Irons tried using it as their master bedroom, but they had small children at the time and found it to be too far away from the upstairs bedrooms. They converted it into a den, and today it is used as guest quarters for Paula’s father when he visits. The room features cathedral ceilings, a fireplace, and a wall of built-in bookshelves with two window seats.

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The walls are painted yellow, and while gold and green from the other rooms are present here, the red of the brick fireplace is picked up by an Oriental rug and an armchair upholstered in a funky red leopard print. The room is hung with an eclectic mix of artwork, including another Mary Boxley Bullington piece above the mantel. The den’s red accents connect it to the adjacent bathroom, a striking space wallpapered in a moody red Oriental print from Nina Campbell. This full bathroom features a built-in tub, separate shower, and a custom vanity made from a high-legged cabinet topped with a vessel sink. An old-fashioned mirror and a pair of candelabra wall sconces complete the exotic ambiance. While the den’s location makes it a perfect guest room or quiet retreat from the main living areas, the home’s wide doorways, interconnected layout, and recurring color palette keep it from feeling detached. Over 20 years of renovations by Jay and Paula have preserved the home’s classic Colonial charm and character while adding brightness, space and modern comforts. The result is a chic yet welcoming atmosphere that is equally suited to festive occasions and relaxed family time. With the latest transformation of the home’s key living spaces, the era of dark, outmoded interiors is light years away. 42

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

n LIVE CUSTOM STATIONERY

House Stationery

Folded notes are typically used to write thank you notes, extend informal invitations and send short messages to friends and acquaintances—and the front page of a folded note was practically made for showcasing such a special image. Imagine the delight of your letter’s recipient as she opens the envelope to see a rendering of your home—that beacon of hospitality! How might you obtain a sketch or drawing of your home that’s worthy of being printed on a notecard? There are many options. Commission a Local Artist

Hits the right note

BY P h o eb e D i ns m o r e

In our technology-driven daily lives, an “old-fashioned” handwritten note, in many ways, has become even more of an extra-special treat to receive. Your time and effort in writing a hand-penned letter warms the heart of your recipient— especially if it’s clear the note has been personalized. Personalize not only what you have to say, but your stationery too! Of course, you can order stationery from fine stationery retailers imprinted with your name or monogram. Or, with just a little bit more effort, you can create something truly one-of-a-kind to become your “house” stationery—complete with a custom sketch of your home printed upon it! r vhomemaga zine .com

Perhaps the loveliest way to customize your house stationery is to work with an artist from your community. Commissioning an artist is not just for the rich and famous; you might be pleasantly surprised at how affordable it can be. The best way to get to know artists is to become active in your local art scene. Read your community calendar to find out when local art events are taking place, and attend them. Autumn in Virginia is ripe with opportunities to meet artists at “open studio” events, galleries, fairs and festivals. Stroll around, admire their work and get a feel for various artists’ styles until you find the one whose style matches your own. The artists are typically available to speak with you and share their contact information; many even have their own websites, where you can see more examples of their work. You might also contact your local art supply store, tell them about your project, and ask them for recommendations. Or, if you like the idea of supporting young artists in training, you could even reach out to the art departments at local high schools or colleges. Please be certain to inform the artist of what you intend to do with the sketch they create for you, in case you need to obtain their permission to have it printed/replicated onto your new stationery. It’s not uncommon for printers to seek verification that an artist/photographer has given their permission for you to use their artistry in that way. Once you have your custom artwork in hand, the next step is to take it to a local printer to have the image printed on notecard paper of your choosing. By using a printer, you will have access to the highestpossible quality image, printing and paper selection for your special notecards. You can also choose matching envelopes and have your return address printed on them. When you hire an artist to complete your project, remember that not only will you have your notecards, you’ll get to keep the original artwork too—perhaps to frame and display in your home as a keepsake. 43

Fine Art & Artisan Décor • Art Consultation • Residential & Commercial

Fall 2015 Fine Art Events

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19 Anne Coolick 26 Robert Shepperd OCTOBER

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Artists Who Work From Photographs Rebecca Humphrey Robert Shepperd

Visit our website for exciting upcoming Paint Night events Bridgewater Plaza, Lower Level 16430 Booker T. Washington Hwy., Moneta, VA 24121 OPEN 7 DAYS | ASID Industry Partner 540.721.1596 • www.thelittlegallerysml.com • littlegallerysml@aol.com

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Did you know it’s possible to search for an artist-for-hire on the internet—one who can work from a photograph to create a custom work of art? As with any online shopping experience, if you select a reputable website, the process should be a cutand-dried agreement. You’ll provide a photo (or several) of your home from which the artist will work. Most are happy to provide a proof of the work before it’s finalized, to ensure you’re fully satisfied with their work. Many websites even offer a turnkey service of having the image transposed onto stationery for you, saving you the legwork of that step in the design process. Depending on the look you want, you will be able to find artists who can work from photographs to create styles ranging from animated, cartoon-like drawings, classic pen-and-ink or charcoal/pencil sketches, or even colorful watercolor, acrylic or oil paintings. Graphic Designers, Computer Software and Online Tools

Tech-savvy do-it-yourselfers can use computer software or online tools of choice to alter a digital photograph into an image that looks just like a hand-drawn architectural sketch, which can then be uploaded to a printer or online stationery website. Or you can hire a graphic designer to do the work for you, if you’d rather rely on their expertise in manipulating digital photographs and computer software. Graphic designers and printers often have working relationships that go hand-in-hand, and they can handle the print shop step for you, usually for an additional small fee. There are many ways to add the image of your home onto special notecards that you’ll be proud to send to your friends and family. If you’ve recently completed a big renovation project, send your holiday greetings on your new house stationery to share the news. (You could even add spots of holiday color by inking on little wreaths and festive red bows onto the windows and front door by hand, with green and red felt markers!) These notes make great change-of-address notifications too. You could also announce other special news from your household, like the arrival of a new baby or the celebration of a graduation. Personalized “house” stationery makes a terrific housewarming gift for new homeowners, or a lovely present for anybody who loves their home—including you. R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

WRITING A NOTEEASY AS 1-2-3 Three Days

It’s best to write a note within three days of an event or receiving a gift—though, it’s never too late to express your feelings, so don’t be embarrassed if more time than that has lapsed. Send a note (you’ll be glad you did). Three Lines Long

Not including the note’s salutation or closing, a well-constructed note can be as short as three lines long. The first line is for expressing gratitude and specific acknowledgement of the person, event or gift. The second line can state a specific memory about the person or the event you attended—or, in the case of a gift, a specific acknowledgement about how you’ll use it or why you appreciate it. The third line is for stating your hopeful anticipation for the next time you and your friend will get to see each other again. Source: The Emily Post Institute

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n IMPROVE CLEANING TIPS

Kitchen Duty hot spots for deep cleaning By K at h er i n e F u lg h u m K n o p f

The frenzy of fall spurs us all back into action with renewed vigor for school, work, sports and activities galore. The kitchen is where we fuel our bodies, minds, and souls during such busy times, so a clean kitchen simply inspires. Nowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the time to spruce it upâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;before the holidays are upon us, and the kitchen is called into overtime service. Tackle one heavy-duty chore each week, or just focus on those that scream for attention in your kitchen.

4 6

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

Before you get started, assemble your tools: þ Rags þ Sponges þ An old toothbrush or small soft-bristled brush þ White vinegar þD ishwashing liquid (Dawn is a favorite for degreasing)

þ Hydrogen peroxide þ Baking soda þ Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol þ Furniture polish/spray wax Optional: Oven cleaner, paper towels and a store-bought degreaser product

Grimy Grout Be Gone!

Every kitchen has “hot spots” that get really grimy because they are not part of a weekly cleaning routine—at least not in our house. Which one to tackle first? Looking around the kitchen, my eyes land on dirty, stained grout. Most of us have tile somewhere; whether it’s on the backsplash or the floor, the tile’s beauty is diminished by dirty grout. While there are several solutions for cleaning grout, the product I have found to work the best is hydrogen peroxide. It really works for me! I buy it in large bottles in the first aid section of the grocery or drugstore. Pour a liberal amount of hydrogen peroxide on a clean rag and apply it to the grout. Wait two to three minutes and rub the grout lines with an old toothbrush that you have dipped in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. You want it to be a thick, soupy mixture so it covers the grout, and stays there, while you scrub it clean. Wipe clean with a damp, fresh rag. A once-over with a mop will help eliminate any residue from the baking soda mixture you’ve applied on a floor. Once your grout is clean, you may want apply a grout sealer, available from a home improvement store or tile supply distributor. These products seal grout for six months or longer, depending upon the product. Once sealed, grout stays cleaner and you can relinquish that cleaning chore for a while. r vhomemaga zine .com

Tackle the Fridge

Heat Up the Range Hood

How long has it been since you pulled that monster out and cleaned behind it? Grab it on both sides, and walk the refrigerator out so you have a couple of feet open behind it. If you have an icemaker line, be careful not to overstretch it. Once the fridge is clear from the wall, take a clean dust rag and wipe the whole thing down from the top to the bottom. When you reach that nasty grill on the front, wipe away what you can. If you have a strong vacuum, use the brush attachment to suck as much dusty scum off of the grill in the front, and then vacuum the floor behind the fridge and from the top to the bottom of the back of the fridge. Take a rag dipped in hydrogen peroxide and wipe down the grill. If it is still grimy and needs more cleaning, use some Dawn dishwashing liquid and warm water to degrease it. (There are also degreasing products for sale in the cleaning aisle of your grocery store.) Now carefully push the refrigerator back in place and wipe down the front. For stainless steel, a clean rag dipped in alcohol works well. The smudges and fingerprints will disappear! There are also ready-made stainless steel wipes and spray bottle formulas in the cleaning section of most stores. For colored appliances, use warm water with dish soap and a rag to get it clean and streak-free.

Ah, the range hood…now that is one dirty appliance, if you have one. The range hood, or any type of kitchen vent, catches it all; the grease and splatters from cooking a good meal build up over time. If you have a stainless steel vent hood, grab your alcohol and a clean white rag. Pour the alcohol on the rag until it is lightly soaked and lay it across the top of the hood. Let it sit a minute or two to dissolve grease, then start rubbing away the grease for a hood that sparkles. If your hood is painted, use dishwashing soap (again, Dawn is great for that greasy build up) and warm water on a rag and use the same method. Next up is the filter or screen under the hood. These should be gently removed and soaked in a soapy bath of dishwashing liquid and hot water. Let them sit for 20 minutes in this hot bath, then scrub the dirty spots with your bristled brush. Rinse with clean, hot water and let them air dry before you return them to the underside of your range hood.

Banish Cabinet Grime

Cabinet faces get greasy and dirty over time from cooking oils and spills and need their own occasional thorough cleaning. One good solution is an easy homemade product: Put 12 ounces of Dawn dishwashing detergent and 16 ounces of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Mix well then let it settle until the bubbles reduce. Find a small, inconspicuous spot and test the cabinets to make sure the finish on your cabinets isn’t disturbed. (If your cabinets are old and the finish is soft, you should stick to wiping them down with a mild dish detergent and warm water.) Spray and wipe down one door at a time as you move around the kitchen. This method quickly removes grease and makes this chore a breeze. Once your cabinets are clean, they will benefit from a good polishing. Use your favorite spray wax and a clean white rag to buff them until they shine. Now, don’t they look so much better? 4 8

What’s Lurking in the Oven?

Last up is the oven. Now’s the time to remove the oven racks and turn on the self-clean cycle. While it is self-cleaning, put the racks in the sink and give them a scrub with Dawn and hot water or your favorite degreaser. Once the cleaning cycle finishes and the oven cools, wipe it out with a rag that is dipped in warm water and a mild dishwashing soap. If your oven doesn’t have a self-clean feature, then open the door, remove the racks and spray it with an oven cleaner. A sweeter smelling option is to clean it with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda mixed into a paste. This takes more elbow grease, but you get a free arm workout and the oven smells great! A good tip for keeping oven spills to a minimum is to pour salt on a spill in the oven right after it happens. This stops the smoke fumes and burning smell of a run-over in your oven. It also makes clean up faster and easier. Whew! What a series of dirty chores, but now your kitchen sparkles! You should feel accomplished, knowing those hot spots are fresh and ready for action. Kitchens are for living, and that is why we enjoy them so much. All good things, just like all good parties, start and end in the kitchen. Happy cleaning! R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

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n LIVE CULINARY CORNER

Move Over, Meat Veggies star in main-dish meals BY Lu cy Co o k

5 0

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Shakshuka with Smoked Tomatoes r vhomemaga zine .com

nyone who knows me knows I’m no saint, especially when it comes to food. I have read enough about healthy eating to know that I need to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. For most of us, it’s not part of the plan to give up meat altogether, but it’s a good idea to try to eat more vegetable-focused meals (not necessarily vegetarian) to reduce saturated fats in our diets. I’m happy that the definition of “healthy eating” has shifted from using meat substitutes like tempeh and tofu to using meat as a flavoring, rather than the main event. And did you know the commercial meat industry is responsible for 20 percent of manmade greenhouse gases? Buying local meats can reduce your carbon footprint as well as the use of fossil fuels to transport it to market. Locally raised meat may cost a little more, but it’s worth it for what is usually better flavor. Get maximum taste from the meat by using flavorful cuts and cooking them in a way that best brings out their flavor. If you’re looking to make healthy changes, one way is to visualize moving meat from the center of the plate, at least some nights. Instead of serving one steak per person, slice a cooked steak and serve one for several people while serving a filling grain as the main dish. Or, instead of cooking burgers made from beef, use ground turkey or chicken, stretched with an equal volume of roasted mushrooms. (They are so easy to make! Toss 2 pounds of quartered mushrooms with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, then cool and chop in the food processor.) These ground mushrooms are also delicious substituted for half the ground meat in your favorite meatloaf or meatball recipe. To add interest to your vegetable-based dishes, make sure that you have lots of different flavors and textures. Consider the way that the vegetables are cooked; use different techniques like smoking, roasting, grilling and pickling to make it feel more like a meal, and less like a plate of steamed vegetables. Add texture by including nuts and beans in your recipes. And don’t forget that sustainable seafood is more readily available and good for you—but that’s another article for another time! Sometimes it’s hard to change old habits, but do a little research and you may be convinced that moving meat from the center of your plate a few nights a week may be a worthwhile effort for your health and the environment. Happy cooking! 51

Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash (Serves 6-8) I love the sweet spicy dressing and the different flavors in this centerof-the-plate salad. It contains enough flavors and textures so that I’m satisfied without meat, but if you’d like something meaty, top with prosciutto that has been baked in a 350 oven until crisp. It can be made a day or two in advance—just wait to add the cheese until you’re ready to serve. 1 butternut squash Olive oil 6 cups of baby kale, chopped Sweet and Spicy Vinaigrette (recipe follows)

Put the kale in a bowl, and crush with your hands to soften slightly. Toss with ½ cup Sweet and Spicy Vinaigrette. Let sit. Cook the black-eyed peas in boiling water for about 20 minutes until just tender. Drain and spread on a sheet pan to cool. Combine squash, kale, peas, chopped pepper, jalapeno and parsley. Add more vinaigrette as needed to coat all the vegetables. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Top with crumbled goat cheese before serving.

Sweet and Spicy Vinaigrette (makes about a cup)

1 bag frozen black-eyed peas

½ cup apple cider vinegar

1 red pepper, seeded and chopped

3 tablespoons honey

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

Juice of one lemon

½ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

½ cup crumbled local goat cheese

2/3 cup vegetable oil

Preheat the oven to 375. Peel the butternut squash, and cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper and spread on a baking sheet. Roast in oven until tender and beginning to brown, about 40 minutes. Let cool.

Add all ingredients to a small jar and shake until combined.

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

Smoked Tomatoes (makes 1 ½ pounds) After taking the main event off the grill, we like to use the dying embers to smoke tomatoes (and other veggies) for dishes later in the week. These smoked tomatoes can be used instead of regular tomatoes in pizza, chili, soups, or any recipe that may benefit. And you can try them as the star of the shakshuka recipe that follows.

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1 cup hickory or other wood chips, soaked for 30 minutes and then drained 2 pounds ripe tomatoes Salt and pepper Olive oil Fresh thyme sprigs On a gas or charcoal grill: Wrap the wet wood chips in a piece of foil, and make three inch-long slits in the foil. Place the foil pack on the coils and heat until smoking. Cut tomatoes in half, and squeeze gently to remove most of the seeds. Drizzle a disposable pan with olive oil. Place tomatoes in a single layer, cut side up. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme sprigs. Smoke on low heat (about 250 if you have a thermometer) for about 30 minutes. Remove from heat, cool and refrigerate or freeze until needed.

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Shakshuka with Smoked Tomatoes (serves 4-6) This North African egg dish is an incredible brunch or dinner dish. Be sure to serve lots of crusty bread alongside to sop up the spicy tomato sauce.

JEANNINE HANSON, GRI, CRS, ASP REALTOR® 540-798-8640 • www.buyroanokehomes.com

3 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, sliced 1 large red pepper, cored, seeded and sliced into thin strips 2 cloves garlic, sliced 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Cayenne pepper to taste 14-ounce can of chopped tomatoes 8 smoked tomato halves, chopped 6 eggs ½ cup crumbled feta cheese Chopped fresh parsley Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large ovenproof skillet, saute the onions and pepper until soft and beginning to brown, about 15 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, paprika and cayenne and cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Add the canned and smoked tomatoes, and ½ cup water. Let cook until it thickens a bit, about 3 to 5 minutes. Crack the eggs, spacing them evenly apart, into the tomato sauce. Top with feta cheese. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 7 minutes until the eggs are just set. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread. r vhomemaga zine .com

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www.BPRoyConstruction.com R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

Stairways That

RISE

to the Occasion

A stairway remodel elevates your home’s style

BY L au r el F ei n m a n

The stairway can be much more than a pedestrian’s path to the next floor; it can be a memorable focal point in your home that welcomes guests and sets the tone for your interior decor. There are many unique elements you can incorporate into your stairway’s design to elevate its appearance and transform it into your home’s most spectacular architectural feature—whether you’re building a house and designing a new stairway, or considering a remodel on an existing one. r vhomemaga zine .com

Your stairway can contribute an elegant, modern or traditional vibe to your home, so it’s important that your staircase fit both the architecture of your home and your personal aesthetic. You can remodel the entire stairway or just a portion of it (or, you can tear the whole thing out and start over!). After all, in most multistoried homes, the stairway is the main architectural element viewed when you walk in the door—maybe yours simply needs a new look. (Can you relate?) It’s still got great bones, but over the years has developed a few squeaky treads and wobbly balusters here and there (and it’s been sporting the same runner since you bought the house back in ’91!). A design makeover can put the spring back in its steps! Depending on the scope of your project, your stairway remodel could take days or weeks to complete, disrupting your family’s day-to-day living. Hiring a contractor who is specifically skilled in stairway construction ensures your job will progress safely and efficiently.

Though the ways they are adorned and expressed are limitless, there are basically two types of stairways—straightrun stairways and curved stairways. A straight-run stairway might also feature a turn or change of direction at some point along its flight, marked by a small landing. A curved stairway will glamorously follow a constant arc as it vertically rises between levels. A curved stairway contributes a distinctive open flow of energy between the spaces it connects, while a straight-run stairway gives that firmly grounded feeling of a strongly built stalwart. Most commonly, stairways hug a wall, as it is easier for builders to anchor a stairway into a wall than it is to suspend one (though some homeowners are lucky to have a grand statementmaking suspended staircase reminiscent of Scarlett O’Hara’s in “Gone With the Wind”). If your stairway is rather ordinary, don’t despair—there are many things you can do to keep it from looking like a lonely wallflower. 55

Take it One Step at a Time

Paramount to appearance when it comes to stairways is safety— so, don’t tread lightly when it comes to the idea of building or remodeling a stairway. Stairway construction requires the help of a licensed professional who can keep the appropriate stairway scale and measurements safely consistent and within code. We get in a rhythm when climbing stairs, and even an inch of a difference can be enough to trip us up. The most significant safety feature for stairways is that the steps be of uniform height, though stairway safety guidelines also recommend a minimum tread depth (the horizontal board you walk on) of 9 to 11 inches. Consistency is key to avoid stumbles and falls. Some contemporary stairways completely omit the riser—the vertical board that marks the height between the stair steps— leaving an empty space between the treads. Most building codes require that the space between open risers be fewer than 4 inches to prevent a child from being able to crawl through. If you like that modern look, but have a traditional staircase, you can fudge the illusion of a floating stairway by painting the risers the same color as the wall and painting or staining the treads in a contrasting color, causing the risers to virtually disappear and the treads to command all the attention. Another design opportunity involves accentuating the risers instead. Mediterranean homes often feature colorful ceramic tiles applied to the stairway risers. Collectors of antique Spanish or Danish tiles could enlist a tile installer to help display their collections on their stairway. Or, a talented artist could mimic a similar look by stenciling on designs. You can purchase decorative wood overlays called “riser covers” to add texture, character and pattern to stair steps. Most riser covers come prefinished to match common wood flooring colors (like oak, cherry, maple and hickory) and many have cutout designs that can be further accented by painting the riser a bright color before the overlay is attached. Should you soften your steps with carpet or a runner? It’s a matter of personal taste, and many homeowners prefer that “best-of-both-worlds” combo of having hardwood treads partially covered by a runner—exposing a few inches of wood on each side. The width of your stairway runner can be tailored to fit your stairs, but standard runner widths are 27 to 33 inches. Brass stair runner rods are a handsome adornment that can be added to the base of each riser, appearing to secure the runner to the steps. Today, stair rods are ornamental, as carpeting is safely secured to the stairs with nails and staples. But before the days of staple guns and carpet installation pros, the rods had a useful function, too. A stairway covered with a runner is quieter and more comfortable to walk on than plain hardwood treads—less slippery, too! Carpet can add interest to your stairway and today, there are more colors, patterns and materials than ever to choose from—ranging from fine wool carpets, natural materials like jute and sisal, to family friendly indoor/outdoor runners made of recycled plastic—all of which can stand up to high traffic areas like stairways. On the other hand, many people want the polished look of unadorned hardwood stair treads, enjoying the character of the wood as well as the ability to recognize their family members just by the sound of their footfalls. Traditionally, homeowners match their stair treads to their wood flooring, but if you’re going for a more eclectic look, why not stain or paint them in a contrasting color instead? 56

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

Mixing and matching—for example, pairing a wood banister with rods made of forged iron—can be an eye-catching effect.

If you have carpet on your stairs and want to remove it in favor of wood stair treads, you have a few options. First, there’s a chance that hardwood treads in good condition exist underneath all that carpet that can be refinished—a time- and labor-intensive task, but worth the effort if it is original wood in a historic home or you are a hands-on do-it-yourselfer. If removing the carpet reveals stained or subpar wood that’s not worth saving, you can completely replace the stair treads—but doing so will require demolition of your stairway’s treads and risers, which means your stairway could be inaccessible for several days (if not weeks). Your family will likely need to relocate during this project. A third and less invasive option is having hardwood overlays designed to fit over the existing, unsightly treads. Overlays can usually be installed within one to two days. Your contractor or local builder’s supply can help have your stairway measured and fitted for a tread overlay system. Get a Handle on it

In order to prevent an accidental tumble down the stairs, stairways are required by local building codes to have a handrail (also called a “banister”) to provide support while ascending or descending the stairs. Customizing the handrail can be the best way to add distinction to your home’s stairway—after all, it’s usually the first part of the staircase that visitors see and touch! Updating yours could transform the look of your entire entryway. A handrail over white balusters (vertical support posts under the handrail, also sometimes called “spindles”, and a grouping of them called “balustrade”) with wood steps and a plush runner may create the most timeless of stairway fashions, but many homeowners want to express a more eclectic look by mixing contemporary

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elements with classic architectural details. Some even like to make a personal statement through their decor—beach lovers adding nautical motifs and outdoorsmen integrating rustic, natural elements throughout their indoor spaces. Your stairway’s handrail and balustrade can boast intricate carvings and embellishments as long as they remain strong and sturdy. They can be made of stone, reclaimed or exotic woods, iron, steel or other metals. Some are even made of rope, tempered glass or acrylic. But before you get too caught up in sourcing a new handrail and balustrade, contact your local building official, a contractor or even a local builder supply to get the straight scoop on what your local safety code requires of a stairway handrail system. Know that depending on what your local code requires, some of the creative ideas you’ve seen on the internet might not be something you can actually do in your home. A simple update like painting your handrail in glossy black oil-based paint or staining it in a tone to contrast your wood flooring might be a big enough change for you. Or, you might want to exchange it for one made of a completely different type of material. Mixing and matching—for example, pairing a wood banister with rods made of forged iron—can be an eye-catching effect. In fact, you can mix and match the styles and designs of your spindles, too. Alternating two or more styles adds contrast, interest and texture. Architectural salvage shops are great places to look for house parts like banisters and balustrade. You can often find entire stairway sets in styles to complement a home from almost any architectural period.

Almost as important as the stairway itself is its newel post—both for engineering the stairway and for helping it make a design statement.

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Topping it Off

Everybody knows the best part is “the icing on the cake.” Almost as important as the stairway itself is its newel post— both for engineering the stairway and for helping it make a design statement. The newel post is the post to which the handrail/banister is attached and the anchor for the stairway’s handrail. In historic times, the newel post often reflected the architecture of the home, the social class of the homeowners, and sometimes even their interests and occupations, revealed through elaborate carvings and adornments. If you ever see an old newel post with an inlaid ivory or mother-of-pearl button in the center, know that these are called “amity” buttons—an indication that the debt to the bank or builder had been settled. A hole would be drilled into the newel post and the financial papers inserted into it. Some homeowners rolled up their house plans and inserted them in the hollow newel post, too. Secret compartments and hidden documents are certainly the stuff of legends and folklore, but your newel post doesn’t have to be old to tell a great story. If you can’t find a solid newel post you like or if you want something truly oneof-a-kind, you can have one custom-made out of virtually any material and in any style that you can imagine! Perhaps all your newel post needs is a new topper. A newel post finial— that decorative architectural element marking the top of the newel post—is the exclamation point at the end of your stairway’s design statement. Newel posts can be finished with a simple lowprofile cap, or they can topped by a more elaborate ornament like a hand-carved pineapple to symbolize hospitality, a classic ball, acorn or some other geometric shape—even an elegant crystal orb. Adding decorative wood finishing details to an unadorned, plain stairway can be a great project for do-it-yourselfers. Though they look like they’re helping hold up the stairway, they are actually just decorative ornamentation. Tread brackets are decorative carved moldings applied below each tread on the open face of the staircase. They are usually painted white (or the same color as the other wood trimwork in the room) and can be found in an array of traditional architectural motifs ranging r vhomemaga zine .com

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from elaborately carved leaf patterns, classic scrolls, Greek keys and others. These are another architectural element that is easy to find in architectural salvage shops, though it’s just as easy to find modern versions made from lightweight polymer-based materials, too. They usually only require a small amount of glue or a few small nails to install them. Once they’re up and painted in your color of choice, it’s one little add-on that will make a big difference in the appearance of your stairway. Adding wainscoting (decorative wood paneling) to the walls is another nice way to visually enhance the line of the stairway and add a layer of protection to the walls, too. Generally, wainscoting is applied at the same height and angle as the handrail. Wainscoting gives a bland stairwell a timeless air of formality. Let Your Landing Take Off

The “landing” of the stairway refers to the floor space at the top or bottom of the staircase, as well as any platform along the way. The landing itself is a focal point—a place where the eye is naturally attracted—and it’s the perfect place to display a significant piece of artwork or an entire gallery wall. Having accent lighting installed to focus on those special items will further enhance their effect and attract onlookers. Anything that piques your curiosity and makes you want to ascend the stairs to have a closer look is the right thing to do to decorate your landing—whether it’s installing a statement chandelier, hanging an oversized mirror or adding a pop of color on the wall through paint or wallpaper. A stairway is a prominent architectural feature in any multistoried home, whether it is small and narrow or boasts shapely, generous curves. There are so many things you can do to customize the appearance of your stairway, making it uniquely yours.

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R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

n GARDEN COMPOSTING

COMPOST Mother Nature’s Recycling Program By R o ry R h o d es

With its abundance of falling leaves and fading perennials, autumn is a natural time of year to start composting. A process in which various organic materials decay to produce a natural soil enhancer, composting is most frequently used to amend poor soil and reduce a garden’s need for fertilizer. If you’ve ever raked leaves in the fall, then ordered scoops of mulch in the spring and spread it on the garden (cough cough, guilty!) you’ve essentially discarded prime soil amenders and bought new ones that aren’t as good. Perhaps you’ve heard about the wonders of composting, but aren’t sure what’s involved or how complicated it is. Don’t worry; it’s actually a simple process. This year, instead of bagging or burning that brown stuff, why not give composting a try? Here’s all you need to know. The Benefits

The rich, dark brown matter produced from composting can work wonders in garden beds and containers. It’s especially helpful in Virginia, which has a lot of heavy clay soil. Many plants struggle in clay because its dense structure is hard for roots to penetrate, while moisture retention and slow drainage can cause root rot. If you’ve carefully planted some pretty nursery specimens in your yard, only to watch them waste away like consumptive heroines in a 19th century novel, you may have a clay problem. Amending clay soil with compost will add vital nutrients as well as improve drainage by binding to the clay, producing larger particles that filter water more effectively. Whether you have clay or not, compost will improve the soil quality and water retention in your garden. Homemade organic material saves money on bagged soil and fertilizer, and also decreases household waste sent to the landfill. Using compost instead of high-nitrogen fertilizer prevents runoff from polluting local waterways. And, if you have opened your windows on a glorious fall day, only to slam them shut after inhaling a lungful of burning leaf smoke, you can imagine that composting those leaves is a healthier alternative for your immediate air quality. In other words, composting beautifies the garden while taking care of Mother Nature. Win-win! r vhomemaga zine .com

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The chemical process of composting works best with a mixture of carbon and nitrogen ingredients. Dry matter, such as leaves, pine needles, shredded cardboard and newspaper, eggshells, bark, and shredded twigs are all high-carbon “brown” materials. Fresh grass clippings, garden trimmings, fruit and vegetable scraps, and coffee grounds and tea leaves are nitrogen-rich “green ingredients.” Mixed together, these two components will help microorganisms break down the material. Heat is a by-product of this process, and is necessary for effective composting. Starting your compost in the fall with a bottom layer of dry, brown material will allow aeration throughout the pile. Chopping and shredding larger items will hasten decomposition, while sunny days and mild temperatures will provide a bit of heat to accelerate the process. Add kitchen scraps as you have them, and in spring begin incorporating green material, such as grass clippings. Just make sure you don’t add any meat or dairy products, as the compost won’t get hot enough to break them down, and they’ll also attract animals. Getting Started

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There is a lot of specialized composting equipment available which, if you’re new to composting, might seem intimidating. Remember that it doesn’t have to be complicated. Fundamentally, composting is free. Make a pile of unwanted kitchen and yard material, let it rest for several months, and you have your very own garden superfood. However, a few basic items will make the process more convenient. In the Kitchen

For starters, you’ll want a vessel in your kitchen to hold those fruit and vegetables scraps, eggshells, and coffee grounds. You could use something as simple as a small aluminum pail with a lid. You can also buy special compost crocks with replaceable charcoal filters to absorb any odors. If you’re concerned about fruit flies, there are various decorative and unobtrusive fruit-fly traps on the market. R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

In the Backyard

The first option is just to make a pile in your yard. This is the best choice if you have a lot of leaves and garden material to compost, if you have a lot of soil you want amended, or if you just want to keep it simple. Select an out-of-theway location that gets some sun, since the sun’s heat will accelerate the process, and begin with a layer of brown material. Don’t heap it right up against a wooden structure, as over time it can rot the wood. You may want to contain the pile by installing a simple fence around it. A wire or mesh fence is a simple but tidy option. Hardware cloth is sturdy and will hold its shape while containing the compost. You can secure the wire with metal stakes, or construct a basic wood frame with treated lumber. Leave the fence open on one side for easy access, or install a gate. A compost pile will quickly become home to various microorganisms, along with earthworms, sow bugs, nematodes, and other tiny creatures who will get the compost party started. Keep your compost aerated and active by turning it every couple of weeks with a pitchfork or shovel (you can also buy a compost aerator, which looks like a metal pole with wings at the bottom) and add moisture now and then to aid decomposition. A good guideline is to add a bit of water when you add brown material; green material has its own moisture.

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If you are looking to compost a smaller amount and want something more concealed, you can purchase special tumblers and bins. There are a variety of sizes and options available to suit different needs and budgets. A tumbler is a drum with a hinged door, usually mounted on a frame. It has a turning crank either attached to a gear on the frame, or connected to a center axle that runs through the center of the drum. Some popular features are drums with interior fins to help mix the compost, insulated drums to help “cook” the material, and drums that are divided into two compartments so that one side can hold fresh material while the other side decomposes. An advantage with tumblers is that they will stay warmer than an open-air pile, which increases the rate of decomposition. You can’t put earthworms in a tumbler because it gets too hot inside, but you can buy compost “activator” which contains things like microorganisms, enzymes, and meal such as bonemeal and alfalfa meal. A third option is a compost bin, essentially a large ventilated container that is often made of sturdy polyethylene, like a Rubbermaid tub. As with tumblers, options include insulated bins, and bins divided into several trays for different stages of compost. A bin will hold more than a tumbler, making it a good middleground choice. Be aware that it can be tough to turn the material inside a compost bin, and less aeration means the composting process will take a bit longer. The Result

Depending upon the conditions of your compost pile, you should have rich soil and a gourmet meal for your plants in several months. It may take longer if conditions are less than ideal, or if you “BROWN” MATERIAL leaves pine needles shredded cardboard and newspaper bark and shredded twigs egg shells

started with a lot of coarse material. When the compost is dark and crumbly, with no trace of the initial ingredients, it is ready for use. With a compost pile or bin, dig into the bottom to find the richest material. You can add composted soil to your garden at any time of year. Put it in the holes you dig for new plantings. Spread it as mulch and slow-release fertilizer in established garden beds to help control weeds while adding beneficial nutrients to the soil. Use it for container plantings instead of pricey potting soil. You can even brew a “compost tea” (not for drinking!) by placing a shovelful of compost in an old pillowcase, tying the case, and submerging it in a lidded fivegallon bucket of water, stirring whenever possible to keep it oxygenated. (Healthy tea will have an earthy smell. If it smells spoiled, pour it back onto your compost pile and try again.) Use compost tea as soon as it’s ready, usually in a day or two when it’s the color of strong coffee. To use this “tea,” dilute the brew with water until it is the color of iced tea (approximately 3 parts water to 1 part tea.) This liquid gold makes an excellent natural fertilizer, which can be sprinkled directly onto foliage as well as into surrounding soil. Using compost tea on foliage can also help control plant blights and molds, as well as reduce insect damage. Recycling organic material turns nature’s trash into your treasure. Composting can invigorate scruffy shrubs and pallid plants while conserving natural resources. If you find yourself with some leftover leaves and yard trimmings this season, perhaps it’s time to adhere to the old saying, “Waste not, want not,” and start a compost pile. Your garden, and Mother Nature, will thank you. “GREEN” MATERIAL fresh grass clippings garden trimmings fruit and vegetable waste coffee grounds and tea leaves

Keep kitchen scraps in a pail or crock Select an outdoor location with some sun Start with a layer of brown material Add kitchen scraps as they occur, and green material in the spring Keep the compost moist Turn compost every week or two When compost is evenly brown and crumbly, add to garden beds 64

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

n LIVE REAL ESTATE

THE STATE OF REAL ESTATE

Local pros weigh in on current conditions As homeowners—whether we plan to stay put, renovate, move neighborhoods or relocate to another city—the real estate market in our area is of interest to us all. It can be one indicator of the economic vitality and health of a region—something to which we are all attuned. HOME asked local Realtors and other experts to weigh in on what they’ve been experiencing in our area so far in 2015. Here, see what they have to say. This year has been good but harder than the last two or three years. The market has been good and bad depending on the price range and area of Roanoke that you work in. I have had a lot of success in the higher-end market but it has certainly been hit or miss. There certainly are not enough high-end buyers in Roanoke to cover the supply, but the one thing that has really hit home this year is that homeowners can help their market as much as anything. Owners need to keep their homes renovated and their yard maintained; it has come close to impossible to get fair market value for an unkempt, outdated home. Buyers have become very aware of what materials and upgrades are out there and have become extremely picky. If you want to sell, you need to be better than the competition in quality and price. Scott Avis MKB, REALTORS r vhomemaga zine .com

In my experience, I continue to see growth and popularity in the neighboring communities within close proximity of Downtown Roanoke. Buyers are trending in urban, established, and gentrifying city neighborhoods. Active inventory has increased by 14 percent in the past year, and sales volume has increased by 25 percent within Roanoke City. In my opinion, we can still consider our current market condition a “buyer’s market,” with home prices remaining stable. The movement to live in an urban environment surrounded by culture, nightlife and art is attracting interest by all demographics. Joe Patrick Kraft Park Place Realtors

We have found this year’s Roanoke real estate market activity to be following the same upward climb we have seen over the previous two years. Buyers and sellers continue to feel comfortable with the economy and are moving on with life’s plans, moving up as families expand, or downsizing as they become empty nesters. As a result, we have seen an increase in activity in sales of higher-priced homes this year. There was a bit of a hiccup with the Norfolk Southern move, but things have settled down as folks realized there would not be an additional 500 houses on the market this spring. (The actual number is in the 140 range.) We anticipate strong activity for the rest of the year as sellers who held off on putting their homes on the market this spring due to the Norfolk Southern move decide to move on with their lives. Whether or not there is a buyer’s or seller’s market really depends on the neighborhood these days, and sellers have learned that they can create their own seller’s market by making sure their home is nicely appointed, in great condition, and priced competitively.

We have seen a significant upswing in contracts generated this year over the past 12 months. The higher-cost homes do not seem to be selling quite as well as the middle and lower end. Homes that are well priced based on comparables within the market, as well as properties that are “move-in ready,” seem to be the fastest movers. We see the prices going up about 2 to 3 percent over a year ago and very little change with regard to number of days on the market. We are very optimistic about continued improvement throughout the rest of this year and a consistent improvement moving forward due in part to the upcoming election cycle. As most Roanokers realize, due to the loss of many employers, we are in a buyer’s market. Nationally, the census bureau data showed that housing starts increased over 9 percent. This is the best news since July 2007. The prices may not be increasing as rapidly as they declined, but the number of home sales speaks volumes.

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The Roanoke real estate market has remained robust in the first half of 2015. Total volume of homes sold is up a little more than 16 percent over the same period last year. Units sold are up about 12.5 percent over 2014, and average home sale prices are enjoying a 3.2 percent appreciation. The market still is fairly heavy in terms of inventory and remains somewhat of a buyer’s market. Absorption rate, which is a measure of supply and demand, shows 9.42 months of inventory against 9.34 months of inventory this time last year. Absorption rate assumes a snapshot of current home inventory and measures the rate at which homes are going under contract. The result is reflected in the number of months to deplete the entire inventory. Distressed properties (foreclosures and homes that are “under water”) are contributing to the current inventory. In addition, the relocation of certain companies and businesses are adding to an elevated inventory. By comparison, during the real estate boom, the absorption rate was just over 4 months of supply. And, during the peak of the downturn, the Roanoke market had about 18 months of inventory. Interest rates remain at record lows and are forecasted to be favorable for the foreseeable future. It is a great time to buy a home, especially for first-time homebuyers. Kit Hale Principal Broker/Managing Partner MKB, REALTORS

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The overall real estate market is as strong as it has been both in the Roanoke Valley and nationally since 2006. Price appreciation was up in 2014 over 2013 in Roanoke and is increasing again year-to-date in 2015. Interest rates continue to be historically low. If anyone has even the slightest interest in purchasing a house anytime soon, now is the time to buy! Interest rates certainly are going to increase over the next year. Even a 1 percent increase in the overall rate can make a HUGE difference in affordability! The Norfolk Southern move has certainly increased the volume of homes on the market, but the market has responded well to it. The nicer and reasonably priced existing homes have sold. Though there are still a number of homes on the market, the market has absorbed a lot of them to date and will continue to do so. We anticipate a stronger fall in the new-home market as the inventory of existing homes dwindles. We are in a buyer’s market now because of the increased number of homes for sale, so that’s just another reason to buy now. As an owner of three home-building firms building in the Roanoke Valley, I have seen an increase in buyers looking at our homes this year. While the market is competitive because of the number of homes on the market, new homes compare well with their newer features and better floor plans. We are seeing significant interest from baby boomers for patio homes and one-floor living choices. These homes have been our best sellers this year, and we are working now to offer more choices in nomaintenance living to buyers in the Roanoke Valley. Alexander Boone Boone Homes, Inc, r vhomemaga zine .com

n DESIGN CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY

In ofPursuit the Chair

Perfect

what to know before shopping for upholstered furniture

By R ach el B e a n l a n d

My husband and I once bought an upholstered chair on impulse. It was a floor model so the price was reduced, and the fabric—a bold print— initially appealed to me. Within six months, I knew we’d made a mistake. The chair wasn’t comfortable, and it was too small for the space. Worse, the fabric was so loud, I couldn’t decorate around it. We moved the chair from room to room, hoping to find a place where it would work better. Ultimately, it came to rest in a dark corner of our unfinished basement. Buying upholstered furniture is a big deal. You’re spending a lot of money on something you’ll live with for many years. No one wants to get it wrong, and yet there are so many factors to consider, it’s easy to make a mistake. When it comes to upholstered chairs—or sofas for that matter—it’s wise to do your homework before you start shopping. Flip through design magazines, peruse Pinterest, and pay attention to the living rooms of the friends whose taste you admire most. We all say we want a chair that’s sturdy, comfortable and attractive, but what does that mean to you? 6 8

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

Framing and Joinery

Finding a chair with a solid, hardwood frame is the best place to start. Hardwood comes from deciduous trees (think oak, walnut or beech) and is stronger than the wood of coniferous trees like pines and spruce. It’s also more scratch resistant. Some furniture makers rely on nine-layer plywood in places, and that can be okay, but you want to steer clear of thinner plywood, particleboard, pressed wood and fiberboard. Excessive knots in the wood can weaken the frame, as can cracks. Look for wood that has been kiln-dried, a process that removes moisture and thereby reduces the likelihood that the frame will warp in high temperatures or humidity. In addition to learning your trees, it’s a good idea to learn a thing or two about joinery. Dovetail joints, in which two notched pieces of wood, cut at an angle, interlock, make for the strongest joints. Mortise-and-tenon joints are a close second. Both techniques are more labor-intensive for furniture makers, so you’ll see that reflected in the price of the chair. It’s not necessarily a nogo if you find a chair you love that’s joined using dowels, screws or reinforced corner blocks, but beware of anything stapled, nailed or glued. Give the chair a good shake. A well-constructed chair shouldn’t wobble. Suspension

When it comes to a chair’s suspension, “eight-way hand-tied” spring coils have long been considered the furniture industry’s gold standard. Each of the seat’s springs are tied together with twine in eight places and then tied to the frame. The technique is labor intensive and thus more costly, so it’s become the mark of the finest furniture makers. Many retailers argue that, with the improvement in manufacturing technology, other steel coil suspension frames are every bit as comfortable—and can last longer. A sinuous or serpentine seat system uses S-shaped springs, tied together with steel wire, to create a comfortable and sturdy seat. The key is to be sure the springs—regardless of type—are close together and evenly spaced. Ask your retailer whether the manufacturer has done anything to reduce the noise springs can make. Spring coils can be stuffed with cotton to reduce squeaking, and wires can be coated with paper to absorb sound. Less costly than a coil suspension is one made of webbing. Thick strips of durable fabric, often made from jute or nylon, are woven together and stretched across the chair’s frame. Webbing works well for chairs with a slim profile but is generally considered to be inferior to a spring coil suspension. When fine furniture manufacturers use webbing, it’s often in tandem with coils or with a tensioner that fastens the webbing to the frame. Cushions

Today, most upholstered cushions are made from polyurethane foam. The denser the foam, the more durable the cushion. Furniture manufacturers are required to provide their foam’s density rating to consumers, so you should be able to find this information easily. Ideally, you want a density rating between 1.8 and 2.5 pounds per cubic foot. To protect the foam’s integrity and make foam cushions as comfortable and durable as possible, manufacturers either wrap the foam in cotton, wool or polyester batting or encase it in a loose fiberfill. A liner, often made of muslin, keeps everything in place. r vhomemaga zine .com

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Fiberfill is most commonly made of polyester or down, though it’s likely that, no matter what you choose, you’ll end up with a blend. Each material has pluses and minuses. Polyester fiberfill is soft, affordable and mildew-resistant, but it has a tendency to separate over time, creating lumps that even the most ardent cushion fluffer can’t fix. Down, which is the layer of fine feathers underneath a bird’s exterior feathers, is lightweight, soft and a great insulator. Disadvantages are that it needs constant fluffing to maintain its loft, breaks down over time, and can trap mold and dust. Fabric

It’s important to keep in mind that the best fabric for upholstery has a high thread count and a tight weave. Be especially wary of a loose weave if you have pets or small children, as it’s much easier to snag the fabric. When it comes to natural fibers, cotton and wool blends hold up well to day-in and day-out use. Twill and damask are both tightly woven fabrics that can survive life in a busy household. Chenille and velvet tend not to pill. Linen and silk are attractive but work best in formal living rooms and other spots where upholstered furniture won’t be heavily used. Synthetic fabrics such as micro-suede and micro-velvet are designed to mimic the properties of natural materials that might otherwise be considered too impractical for upholstery. Today, these engineered materials are some of the most durable on the market. Pay attention to the labels on the back of the fabric swatches furniture retailers and interior designers provide. They can help you make a more informed decision about your upholstery. If you’re shopping at a retailer that sells fabric by the yard, you can find much of the same information on stickers at the end of each bolt. The double rub count will help you gauge the fabric’s durability. Before fabric goes to market, it’s run through a machine that rubs back and forth against the weave until it disintegrates. Fabric is considered delicate duty if it survives less than 3,000 double rubs (approximately one year of use), light duty if it can take between 3,000 and 9,000 double rubs, medium duty if it can withstand 9,000 to 15,000 double rubs and heavy duty if it can sustain more than 15,000 double rubs. For residential upholstery, and particularly if the chair will be in a high-traffic area, it’s a good idea to select a fabric that’s survived at least 15,000 double rubs. R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

N IN

,VA

It’s important to keep in mind that the best fabric for upholstery has a high thread count and a tight weave. The label will also rate the fabric according to its fade resistance. Fade resistance is measured on a scale of 1 to 5; a fabric that earns a 1 will experience severe fading while a fabric that earns a 5 shouldn’t fade much at all. As a rule, natural fibers in dark colors will fade fastest. You’ll also find information about the fabric’s repeat on the swatch label. If the fabric you’re considering has a pattern, the label should tell you how many inches the pattern runs before it repeats. It may also indicate that the pattern is railroaded, which means that the pattern runs horizontally across the fabric bolt. Railroaded fabric is especially useful if you’re upholstering a sofa because it means fewer seams or breaks in the pattern.

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Look for cleaning codes on the swatch label as well. Textile manufacturers will indicate whether the fabric can be cleaned with a water-based or solvent-based cleaner. Some fabrics can only be vacuumed, so it’s important to know that up front. The Upholstered Furniture Action Council is an industry group that sets voluntary fire safety standards and advocates for making upholstered furniture more flame resistant. Look for the gold UFAC tag on upholstery fabric, as it means the fabric meets their fire safety standards, but be cautious about committing to a fabric that’s been treated with flame-retardant chemicals, as they may be toxic. Expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $250 a yard for upholstery fabric. The more labor-intensive the weave, the more costly the fabric. Some retailers will permit you to supply your own material; others will require you choose a fabric from their inventory. If you’re supplying your own fabric, you’ll need to know how much to buy. The average upholstered chair takes about 7 yards of material, but it’s important to check with your upholsterer before making a purchase. The width of the fabric (54 inches is standard), the size of the pattern’s repeat and extras like tufting, welting and skirting can affect the total yardage. If you buy too little fabric, a good upholsterer can sometimes make it stretch— but don’t count on it. Your best bet is to consult with your upholsterer before you go shopping. Choose the right chair with the right fabric and you’ll be sitting pretty for years to come. With careful research and a little bit of luck, your chair will outlast the fabric it’s upholstered in, and years from now, you’ll find yourself reupholstering it.

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n IMPROVE DRINKWARE

RaiseYour Glass! Spruce up your drinkware wardrobe By Alys s a M erc a da n t e

Take a quick peek inside your drinkware cabinet. What do you see? Orderly rows of chic glasses organized by type? Or an assortment of plastic stadium cups sporting logos that you probably received at various events? Tervis tumblers bearing a variety of logos? Mismatched coffee mugs from all the places you’ve visited? Cups are so easy to accumulate—it’s a mystery as to what is even nestled back in that cabinet (besides dust). If cups are stacked five-high and falling off the shelves every time you open the door, it is time to make a change—particularly before the holidays roll around and you’ll be filling those glasses for friends and family on more than one special occasion. Be party-ready while creating a little cabinet Zen with a fall tidy-up and restocking with the addition of a few simple glasses. r vhomemaga zine .com

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Purge and Organize

The first thing to do is to start with a clean slate. Remove each and every cup, mug, tumbler and glass from your cabinet. Once they are out, you will realize just how many you had jammed in there. Take advantage of the now-empty shelves and give them a good wipe down. Now, it’s time to say goodbye to the ones you don’t need. Grab an empty box and start ruthlessly tossing for donation or recycling. You don’t need 15 Tervis tumblers, you don’t need a coffee mug from every state, and you definitely don’t need an abundance of those flimsy plastic cups. Discard anything you haven’t used in a long time, and ditch anything that doesn’t make sense for your current living situation. Do you really still need to keep those sippy cups if your youngest child is 13? Once you have decided which ones to keep, place them back where it makes the most sense. Everyday drinkware should go on the bottom shelves for easiest access, with specialty glasses up top. If you have a glass-front cabinet or hutch in your kitchen, think about displaying some of the pretty, special ones here. Perhaps you now have some extra room to update your drinkware wardrobe and add some fun, stylish and versatile options to your collection. Find the Most Versatile Drinkware

Nowadays, it seems more and more people are embracing cocktail culture at home. Going out can be expensive and crowded, and it’s much more intimate to host a small get-together at home. The trick to doing so, though, is to provide a variety of options for your guests. Some people prefer wine or champagne, some liquor, others non-alcoholic beverages. Getting your hands on these liquid goods is the easy part. But what do you serve everything in? Do you really need all those fancy, different-sized crystal glasses for whites, reds and champagne? Can you only drink margaritas out of margarita glasses? The answer is no. There are many versatile sets of all-purpose wine glasses available that accommodate both white and red wine. Stemless wine glasses are popular because they are easy to handle and can fit on that top shelf of the dishwasher without breaking. They can also be used for drinks other than wine, such as margaritas or freshly squeezed lemonade, as they almost mimic a highball or old-fashioned glass in your hand without the stem. Many people are moving away from the fine, crystal stemware that our grandparents have locked up in their china cabinets; it is considered extravagant and frankly, too much fuss in this time-

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R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

starved world. When it comes to champagne, many argue whether it’s best to use coupes or flutes. Coupes are wide-mouthed and swanky, and can be fun to bring out at a small party—but that wide mouth can lead to easy spillage and offers little space for the bubbles to rise. Tall, slender flutes accentuate the rising bubbles, but don’t allow the champagne to fully express its wonderful aroma. To get the most enjoyment out of your champagne, consider serving it in a simple wine glass. After all, isn’t champagne just wine with bubbles? Old-fashioned glasses (rocks, whiskey glasses) are always “in” and are considered classic, timeless, casual and versatile. These short tumblers, or lowballs, can be used for serving almost any spirit or cocktail. The same goes for highball glasses, which are taller and feature a sleek, cylindrical shape. They can even be used as a dramatic way to serve juice or soda. Another popular drinking vessel that can be used for a wide variety of beverages is the Mason jar. Perfect for enjoying your favorite cold drinks, smoothies or sweet tea, these adorable jars are easy to hold and even easier to care for. These days, there are Mason jars that come with handles, lids, straws, and even Mason jars with stems, just for fun. If one day you decide to no longer use these jars as drinking glasses, there are a million other uses for them.

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The options for drinkware are endless, and you should mold your collection to fit your own needs. Add in Some Fun Pieces

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While it’s important to have glasses that can accommodate a wide variety of beverages, also think about adding some unique pieces to your collection. Moscow Mule mugs are a standout in their coppery beauty and are sure to act as a conversation starter. Chilled drinks in copper cups offer some extra coolness because the metal acts as an insulator. While these copper mugs are usually reserved for Moscow Mule cocktails (lime juice, simple syrup, ginger beer and vodka), that’s not to say they can’t be used for other drinks. Other vodka or gin-based drinks, or simply some refreshing, iced water garnished with lemon, can be served in these as well. Hot beverages such as coffee and hot chocolate can also be served in copper mugs, and the handle makes for easy sipping. For craft beer lovers, you may not want to use the same type of glass for every variation. There are reasons why certain kinds go in certain shapes here, and when you have the right glass for unlocking the flavors of each style of beer, hosting a small craft beer or microbrew tasting can be tasty and fun. There are many sets that you can buy at your local home goods store that include glasses for a classic English pub, Belgian ale, pilsner, stout/porter, and wheat beer. If you don’t drink a lot of different styles of beer, just stock up on a set of pint glasses that are sure to do the trick. R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

The options for drinkware are endless, and you should mold your collection to fit your own needs. Give this some dedicated thought while cleaning, purging and restocking. If your family loves a glass of wine with dinner every night, make sure you have enough wine glasses to accommodate that. If you like a smoothie every morning with breakfast, stock up on large, basic glasses such as Mason jars. Simple pint glasses, which are great for water, soda and beer, also serve as great general-purpose glasses. If you have some of each in your drinkware collection, then youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a glass for practically every type of drink. Choose clear glasses to keep it simple while also being able to appreciate the color of your drink, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to branch out and gather a few with designs or colors that express your personality and accent your home. Whether your drinkware cabinet is in need of a full-fledged cleaning out, or you just need to do a bit of reorganizing and restocking, the main goal is to be able to open your cabinet to a state of calm. Having just the right assortment of drinkware will allow you to have one more part of your home organized, party-ready and blissfully updated.

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n LIVE SML CHARITY HOME TOUR

Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour

Celebrating 25 years supporting area charities P h ot o g r a p hy by C a r l a L a set e r

Founded in 1991 by Jeanne Wagoner and her husband Joe, the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour has raised $3.8 million for nearly 40 area charities. These organizations provide critical services such as food, crisis financial aid and clothing, counseling, medical care, and advocates for abused or neglected children. In its 25th year, the Charity Home Tour continues to make a positive impact on the lives of people in the Smith Mountain Lake region. This year, the home tour will be held October 9, 10 and 11. Each year’s event is truly a partnership between volunteers, charities, businesses, homeowners and individuals in the community. In 2015, more than 1,200 volunteers and 200 business and individual sponsors will help plan, staff and fund the home tour. “Without question, the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour is the number one community-building activity in our area,” says Denise Tuttle, the tour’s executive chair. “For one weekend in October, we all come together with a single purpose: To help those who need help.” The 2015 tour, presented by VC Design & Build, showcases eight beautiful waterfront homes that offer visitors ideas and inspiration for decorating, remodeling and landscaping. The mix of this year’s new and remodeled homes features unique kitchens, outdoor living spaces and spectacular lake views, as well as artifacts and collectibles that reflect owners’ travels and personal tastes. Take a friend and go by car or boat! It’s a great way to spend a fall day at the lake, while helping those in need. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit www.smlcharityhometour.com. Here, enjoy a sneak peek at the homes on this year’s tour: 7 8

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

ADAMS HOME

16179 SML Parkway, Huddleston Sitting on a flat, grassy point with 800 feet of shoreline, the Adams home is a mix of Colonial style with Craftsman pillars. Its lovely blue color is accented with bright white trim. A two-story stone fireplace dominates the great room, which flows to the kitchen and dining area, all of which have attractive hickory flooring. The main floor master suite has a clever closet-to-laundry room pass-through designed by the homeowner. Three guest rooms are upstairs with two baths and a sitting area.

BERDINE HOME

105 Arbor Lane, Huddleston The Berdine home on Craddock Creek was remodeled to make wonderful use of space. Only the roof and studs remain of the original home. Within the same footprint, everything is newâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the room arrangement, gourmet kitchen, sunroom, three bedrooms, larger windows and doors, hand-scraped flooring and a new deck with glass railing to emphasize the spectacular view. Beyond a delightful waterfall, a series of ponds extends over 50 feet along the lakeside of the house.

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CHADASON HOME

1122 Crows Nest Drive, Huddleston The Chadason home, a blend of rustic farmhouse charm and modern lines with Arts and Crafts details, exudes both comfort and cordiality. The style is clean and uncluttered with impact from architectural aspectsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;soaring ceilings, chunky wood beams, stone fireplaces, an additional stone wall and distressed wood flooring. Scattered throughout are rugs and artifacts acquired during 27 years of living overseas. Notice the unusual bathroom sinks and vanities, and one bath with a Finnish sauna.

WETTER/SAYRE HOME

221 Hardwood Court, Hardy The Wetter/Sayre home exemplifies how a weekend lake house can be transformed to a modern open-concept home perfect for entertaining and full-time living. With the help of an architect, part of the house and the former garage were redesigned into dining, living and kitchen space, and a new garage was added. Other interior features include a tree root cocktail table, a unique sliding TV cover, and three fireplaces, one with a rough-hewn mantel.

PETRINE HOME

106 Harbour Island Lane, Moneta The Petrine home sits majestically on a large lot on the Blackwater. The exterior has multiple turrets, yet the home looks contemporary with large windows and gigantic wooden pillars. The interior reflects British Colonial style of the Virgin Islands with dark wood trim and simple, clean lines. Everything is eye-popping—an indoor great room garden, 11½-foot sliding glass doors, and a pool and patio with a stream and waterfall.

GRANT HOME

48 Watch Hill Circle, Moneta In The Boardwalk, the Grant Home, completed in 2013, sits on an almost-flat lot with 325 feet of shoreline. Inside, East meets West in decorating styles. The main level has art, furniture and artifacts from the couple's time spent living in Taipei, Taiwan, and traveling in Asia. On the lake level, the West predominates with art from Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Aspen log bar stools and coffee table are exceptional.

8 0

SNYDER HOME

980 Parkway Avenue, Moneta Located in Park Place near the “S-Curve,” the Snyder home was designed, placed and constructed to maximize expansive lake views using many very large windows. The main level has an open layout with an ultra-modern kitchen, fireplaces, furniture and accessories. Curves and circle designs are used throughout the house in rugs and doors, even garage doors. See unusual domed ceilings in the entryway and breakfast room. An octagonal observatory captures an almost-360degree view of the lake.

LASETER HOME

91 Harbour Court, Moneta The Laseter home, located in Waverly, has a gently sloping path to the house from the dock on the Blackwater. Inside, the décor is a mix of contemporary pieces and family antiques. The kitchen features a unique round island that is perfect for food prep and chatting. The master bedroom looks out on an expansive view of the lake. Downstairs there are two guest bedrooms and a family room with a fabulous built-in bar. Landscape additions include a beautiful Japanese maple in the front.

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

n LIVE AROUND TOWN Garden Club Presents James Farmer and His Newest Book, A Time To Celebrate

The Roanoke Valley Garden Club will host best-selling author James Farmer on Tuesday, October 6 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Taubman Museum of Art, 110 Salem Avenue in Roanoke. Farmer will be speaking and demonstrating flower arrangements from his newest book, A Time to Celebrate. His latest work features cooking, recipes, entertaining, and stories about celebrations done in Southern style—with graciousness and hospitality. Whether it’s planning a menu for a summer picnic, using everyday items for an extra special tabletop display, or making a skillet peach pie, Farmer masterfully guides his audience through the art of elegant garden living with true Southern flair. A professional garden, floral, and interior designer, cook, author and lifestyle expert, Farmer is an entertaining speaker who emphasizes garden-to-table living. He has been featured on “HGTV Gardens,” “Paula’s Best Dishes,” “NBC Today,” and in numerous magazines. Tickets are $50 each and are available for purchase online, along with more information about the event, at www.JamesFarmerInRoanoke.com. Proceeds will benefit community projects in the Roanoke Valley.

Browse Home Design Trends, Local Art at Fall Home Show

The Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association will be hosting its 20th annual Fall Home Show on September 26th and 27th. This event, put on by the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association, features an array of local home improvement businesses. Discover the latest design trends, talk to experts, see demonstrations, take advantage of “show only” discounts, and comparison shop, as well as buy from local artists at the Art Gallery. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults, free for those 18 and younger. For more information, visit www.rrhba.com. r vhomemaga zine .com

S unset in G e o rgi a . 2 0 15 3 0 -4 0". O il o n c a nva s . A r t is t B ill W hi t e

Visit Artist Workspaces at Open Studio Botetourt

The fourth annual Open Studios Botetourt: Art in the Country tour of artists’ studios will be held on the weekend of October 24th and 25th. This self-guided driving tour is a free event that offers a rare opportunity to visit artists in their working studios and homes, and to see both works-in-progress and finished pieces. This fall, eight Botetourt artists and four guest artists have joined with the Botetourt County Office S culpt ure by of Tourism to create the special D re a m a K at t e nb r a ke r event. Original artwork will be available for purchase, and “passport cards” will be available at each location. Pick up one at your first stop and have it stamped at each studio you visit to be entered to win a $150 gift certificate toward an art purchase. This year’s artists are: Ed Bordett, Lois Bisese, Nancy Dahlstrom, David Eakin, Vera Dickerson, Dreama Kattenbreaker, Brett LaGue, Sharon Mirtaheri, Willie Simmons, Gina Louthian-Stanley, Bill White, and Mark Woodie. Tour hours are Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.openstudiosbotetourt.com for map and directions.

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n INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

HOME R O A N O K E

DESIGN

■

IMPROVE

■

F&S Building Innovations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Opera Roanoke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Ferguson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Pat Joiner, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

VA L L E Y

GARDEN

■

LIVE

Garland’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Goldsmith Appraisal Service, LLC . . . . . . . . 16

Abingdon Virginia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Accents on Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Aquarius Pools, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Astonish Antique Restoration. . . . . . . . . 54, 74 Ayers Financial Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Pella Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Perry Pools and Spas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Groundscapes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Potentially Chic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Grand Home Furnishings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Prescott Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Halifax Fine Furnishings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Protect Painters of the Roanoke Valley . . . . . . 4 HomeTown Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Reid’s Fine Furnishings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Baron Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 B P Roy Construction LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Bartlett Tree Experts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Better Sofas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Black Horse Manor Antiques. . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Bob Riddick Roofing, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Boxley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Interiors by Kris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Jeannine Hanson, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 JMS Builders/Developers, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Roanoke Symphony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Ronnie Mitchell and Son Landscaping . . . . . . 8

Joe Patrick Kraft, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Seven Oaks Landscape Hardscape . . . . . . . . 63

Kevin Hurley Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Southern Lamp and Shade Showroom . . . . . 24

Liberty Christian Academy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Smith Mountain Building Supply . . . . . . . . . . 5

LinDor Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Bush-Flora Shoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Lynchburg Design House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Cabinetry With TLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Magnolia Décor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Callie Dalton, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Meridian Wealth Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Taubman Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 The Cabinet Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 The Columns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 The Little Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Capps Home Building. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Mill Mountain Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 The Olde White House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Chanticleer Catering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

MKB Realtors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Closet Storage Organizers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

N-Hance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Consolidated Construction Services. . . . . . . 30

National Pools of Roanoke, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 29

Decorating Den Interiors -Roanoke. . . . . . . . 15

New To Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Elaine Stephenson Interiors, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . 59

Oakey’s Funeral Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Wisler Plumbing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Embrace Home Loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Open Studios Botetourt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Yarid’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Vivendi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

8 2

Whitt Carpet One Floor & Home. . . . . . . . . 15 Window and Door Design Gallery . . . . . . . . . 5

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e F a l l 2 0 1 5

Make the VISION and DREAMS you have for your home a reality! Are you looking to improve your home? Whether you have been in your home for years or you are purchasing a fixer-upper â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Embrace Home Loans can help! Our Full 203k Renovation Loan offers structural alteration and reconstruction, changes for aesthetic appeal, improved function and modernization, flooring, tiling, carpeting and much, much more! Call us for more details.

Call or stop by your trusted local Roanoke office today! www.embracehomeloans.com

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5044 Keagy Road, Ste. H100 Roanoke, VA 24018 Embrace Home Loans, Inc. NMLS ID#2184 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.com) is licensed in VA.