Roanoke Valley HOME Magazine 2023 Feb/Mar

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Roanoke Valley HOME Early Spring 2023

BY ALYSSA MERCADANTE

SLOANE LUCAS

BY PAULA PETERS CHAMBERS

Early spring is the perfect time to revisit the “Planning List.” Every homeowner has a running list, whether it’s in your head or jotted down on paper. The Planning List includes future projects, both improvements and repairs. Some items on this list are necessity, some dreams. This issue of HOME reveals the trending paint colors for 2023. New paint with fresh color is an easy transformation inside as well as outside the home. Our article on affordable artwork offers alternative, unique items and found things to decorate your walls. Feeling in a rut with design? Art Deco is gaining traction and we revisit this iconic style — so popular in the 1920s — with tips and ideas to include in your décor.

In the garden, it’s still pretty quiet in February, but believe it or not, right now is prime time for seed shopping. Planning and designing your garden now, will have you ready to sow your seeds in March. We are showcasing poppies for early spring planting and summer show stoppers. Learn about the many varieties of poppies and growing tips.

New year, new travel aspirations! We are on the move once more, traveling domestically and internationally. Whatever your plans, make sure your luggage is in good working order, has the right bells and whistles and the BEST wheels for speedy departures. And thinking in terms of travel, HOME highlights some spring getaways that are not so far afield. Travel with us while we visit inns and resorts near the Roanoke Valley that can make you feel you are miles from home and offer much needed R & R.

As always, I am looking forward to the weeks ahead when the daylight stretches longer and the temperatures begin to warm. I’ll settle in with this issue of HOME to help with some of the guidance necessary to ensure the months ahead are full of design, improvements, gardening and Joie de Vivre. I trust you will too.

Thank you for reading, Anne Marie Poore annemarie@jamesrivermedia.com

VOLUME 1 6 ISSUE 1

PUBLISHER

Trish Roth

EDITOR

Donna Dunn

ART DIRECTOR

Chris Byrd

LOCAL EDITOR

Anne Marie Poore

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mitzi Bible

Paula Peters Chambers

Martha Coffey

Ferne Hale

Jerry Hale

Katherine Fulghum Knopf

Margie Lippard

Kendall Atkins Livick

Sloane Lucas

Alyssa Mercadante

Sarah Nicholas Jane Rennyson Ginny Smith

PHOTOGRAPHER

Kathryn Feldmann

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Donna Collins

ADVERTISING SALES

Kirsten Morey Becker

Julia Belvin

Lisa Bowers

Joe Katany

Anne Marie Poore Kenny Shelton

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Roanoke Valley HOME is published five times annually by James River Media, LLC. For an annual subscription, please send $20 and your name, address and telephone number to: Roanoke Valley HOME 109B Tradewynd Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502

For advertising information please call (434) 845-5463 or email HOME@jamesrivermedia.com

To discuss coverage of an event relating to home or garden, please contact Roanoke Valley HOME at HOME@jamesrivermedia.com

JAMES RIVER MEDIA, LLC

(434) 845-5463

Copyright 2023 by James River Media, 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 James River Media 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, James River Media, 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, James River Media, 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.

READERS’ FAVORITES AWARDS 2022

CLASSIC FAVORITES AND NOVEL NEWBIES

What’s Trending in Paint Colors for 2023

BY KENDALL ATKINS LIVICK

What was your favorite color as a kid? Is it the same now? Children typically choose a new favorite color every week, based on their current whims and fancies. Adulthood is really no different. We look to color to inspire our moods, relax our minds and revitalize our souls. Case in point, where we collectively looked last year for rest, we may now look for joy.

If 2022 encouraged us to embrace serenity and surrender to lessons learned, 2023 urges us to take those lessons and boldly express ourselves with vibrance, authenticity and audacity.

Paint brand forecasts predict a year of blushes and lavenders, earthy reds and soulful jewel tones, along with classic blacks and whites. Neutrals are a staple, as usual, but we now move away from coolness and subtlety, toward more warmth and saturation.

But what about green?

If you jumped on the green train last year, should you now paint over it? We know Kermit the Frog said, “It isn’t easy being green,” but does this mean that green is — gasp — out?!

Hardly. Top paint brands still feature plenty of green options in their 2023 palettes. Although green cycles up and down depending on what’s trending, designers seem in agreement, that green has so sufficiently been integrated into home décor, that it can now be considered a mainstay neutral.

However, in terms of what’s hotter than hot, the tides have turned to another nature color that shows up unapologetically and demands our attention, if not admiration. That pigment preference ranges the spectrum of berry red.

Pantone’s Color of the Year Epitomizing this trend is Pantone’s color of the year, Viva Magenta.

Each year, the Pantone Color Institute rolls out a color of the year, taking into account trends from industries as far and wide as art, music, social media, fashion, interior design, literature and more. Taking a look back, last year’s Very Peri featured red undertones that hinted at the boldness to come. Now Pantone is heating it up even more with a shade intended to introduce a new level of vigor to the world of color.

Viva Magenta, a color found in nature, challenges the status quo, showing up with vibrant confidence, rebelling and daringly creating a new statement. This color vibes with picks from other major paint colors across the board. The cottage core décor style was at the forefront of this red undertone trend a couple of years ago, with berry inspired shades and rosy wildflower hues. At the infancy of this trend, it was featured more as an accent color or supportive role here and there. Fast forward to now, and dusty pink, rich lavender and deep rose hues are featured front and center with a red carpet rollout.

Viva Magenta

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Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore jumped on the berry hue bandwagon with their color of the year, Raspberry Blush. With this selection, the idea is to “enliven the senses with an electric optimism.” Quite the contrast from neutrals of the past, the color is celebrated through a partnership with Canadian electro-funk duo Chomeo, who came out with a spirited song by the same name. Raspberry Blush — both the song and the color — “celebrates the positivity and enjoyment of life.”

Other colors in the palette include Conch Shell, Cinnamon, Wenge, Savannah Green, New Age, Starry Night Blue and North Sea Green. While some similar shades like Raspberry Blush, Conch Shell, and Cinnamon could be splashed around together in a monochromatic room, the trending colors are primarily meant to be paired with Benjamin Moore’s complementary neutral picks: Etiquette, White Heron, Gray Owl and Onyx. All in all, Benjamin Moore’s palette this year pushes us to dare to be bright with self-expression, inspiration, creativity and individuality.

Raspberry Blush

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Sherwin-Williams

Along similar lines, Sherwin-Williams has selected Redend Point as its color of the year. Reminiscent of clay, this earthy tone can be described as a dusty rose, and this color too, falls into the berry category. Compared to Viva Magenta and Raspberry Blush, however, Redend Point is a more neutral tone with nods to tan and beige. Cabinetry, art and accent knickknacks look stunning in this color, as do walls. It’s neither too bold, nor too soft, so if you want to double up on a trend and neutral combination that doesn’t scream at the senses, this might be a great choice.

Other colors in the palette have a similar feel. Reds, greens and whites are foundational with neutrals like browns and grays mixed in. Sherwin-Williams encourages us to “embrace a spirit of connection with the world around us.” Complementary “warm” and “earthy” hues from the palette include Foothills, Cool Beige, Carnelian, Hushed Auburn, Malted Milk, Pure White, Urbane Bronze and Toile Red.

But not every color of the year is brimming with berry.

PPG Paints

Still riding the green train, PPG Paints named Vining Ivy (a dark teal) as color of the year. Vining Ivy is a bit more saturated and bold than the more muted greens of trends past. PPG’s overall theme is “reflection” with an emphasis on three palettes categorized as “serenity, origin and duality.”

PPG describes the “serenity” palette as consisting of “milky pastels, watery tones and warm neutrals.” The “origin” palette captures “the beauty of the natural world,” with the inclusion of colors of the earth such as Blackberry, Pine Forest, Oceania, Champagne Wishes and Dark Granite. And the “duality” palette features “powerful contrasts between brights, clean pastels and strong neutrals. Colors include Crumb Cookie, Visionary, Oyster Shell, Cloudy State and Starless Sky.

Vining Ivy

BEHR

Seemingly playing it the safest, BEHR’s color of the year, is the white shade of Blank Canvas. However, this color is a bit of a paradox. After all, that metaphor of a blank canvas conjures up inspirational thoughts of limitless possibilities. If you have a penchant for Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace, BEHR’s similarly mid-range Blank Canvas is likely to please your eye as well. This fickle shade, smackdab in the middle of cool and warm, is the poster child of paint versatility. This color — if you can call it that — offers a foundational hue that can be paired with virtually any other shade on the color wheel and complement it with sophistication.

BEHR encourages us to “find our center” with subtle colors in the palette that include Half Sea Fog, Perfect Taupe, Spanish Sand, Smokey Pink, Pure Earth, Hybrid, Spiced Mustard, Vermilion, Aubergine, Conifer Green and Sophisticated Teal.

A guide to bolder colors

If you’re boldly moving away from neutrals, but not ready to paint the whole house, try the bright hues first in a bathroom, powder room, mud room or laundry room. Otherwise, these darker and bolder colors can be incorporated as accessories, art and textiles to support an overall style like Boho, Coastal Grandmother, Farmhouse, Maximalism or others. In terms of finishes, designers are depicting more matte textures than anything else.

Any and all colors can be featured as a cohesive backdrop to any room of the house. You’re only limited to the confines of your own imagination, and you make the rules.

Favorite colors come and go in rhythms and seasons. All in all, the 2023 color trends forecast something for everyone, and a coat of paint is one of the easiest changes to make in your home. Will you play it safe, dip your toe in the waters of color, or venture somewhere you’ve never been?

bright blooms

Poppies on Display Impressive

Prepare Your Garden for Eye-Catching Color

BY JANE RENNYSON

As we finish out the short, dark days of winter, we may take comfort in the memory of our summer gardens. Now is the time to plan for those blooms that will carry us through the mild months of spring and into the long, hot summer months that many of us long for.

This year, think about planting poppies. This new addition will not only add brilliant color, but will attract pollinators and add to the overall well-being of our environment. The red poppy has long been a symbol of remembrance, peace and hope. They bloomed on desolate and depleted battlefields, and thus became a symbol of a soldier’s ultimate sacrifice. While the red poppy may be the most widely known, there are many other varieties to add depth and dimension to your garden.

Pick your poppy

It may seem daunting to add a new, unknown flower to your garden but don’t worry, the poppy is a perfect choice for novice gardeners as well as those with years of experience. The key to successful growing lies in choosing the right variety for your soil type and climate, and also following a few specific planting guidelines.

n ICELAND POPPIES: This variety is not from Iceland, but from areas in Europe, Asia and North America. They do best in cooler climates, generally USDA zones 3-7, and will not thrive if nighttime temperatures reach above 70 degrees before the month of July. Iceland poppies prefer mildly acidic soil and will bloom from March to May. They will grow 18 inches wide on 3-foottall stalks, and they come in a multitude of colors from white to orange. Popular varieties include the Champagne Bubble series, Sherbet Mix and Colibri.

n RED POPPIES: Red poppies, also known as Flanders, Corn, Field and Shirley poppies, hail originally from Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq). Although the classic red is associated with these poppies, newer colors include mauve, merlot, lavender and blush. Red poppies grow best in USDA zones 4-7 and prefer a neutral soil. They will grow 18 inches wide on 2-4 foot stalks and will bloom from April to June, or later if temperatures stay cooler. Popular varieties include American Legion, Mother of Pearl, Angel’s Choir, Amazing Grey and Pandora.

n CALIFORNIA POPPIES: This delicate variety is known for its golden color and its ability to survive in temperatures up to 90 degrees. Although they like the heat, they prefer dry heat to a humid climate. The California poppy is native to North America, found in places such as Mexico, California and the Desert Southwest. They are a low-profile flower, spreading only 12 inches wide on 2-18 inch stalks. California poppies grow well in USDA zones 3-10, aren’t particular about their soil, and will bloom in late spring. Popular varieties include California Golden, Thai Silk and Strawberry Fields.

n ORIENTAL POPPIES: Originally from Persia (modern day Iran and Turkey), these poppies display brilliant colors of orange, red, plum, salmon and white, with a telltale black pattern on their innermost petals. These poppies prefer cooler temperatures and will grow best in USDA zones 3-8. Neutral soil is best for oriental poppies, which will bloom in late spring to early summer. They will grow up to 2 feet in width on 12-18 inch stalks. Popular varieties include Helen Elizabeth, Royal Wedding, Harlem and Brilliant.

n WOODLAND POPPIES: The Woodland poppy, or Celandine poppy, displays a vibrant orange/yellow color and is native to Eastern North America. These poppies are ideal for partial shade and a close proximity to streams and ponds. They prefer a moist, slightly acidic soil and will even grow well in clay. They will grow 18 inches wide on 12-18 inch stalks. It is a hardy plant that adapts well to most gardens.

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Pointers for planting

n Plant in spring, a few weeks before the last frost. Don’t plant poppies indoors and transfer them outside since their roots are extremely sensitive. Poppies grow best from seed and need plenty of sunlight to germinate. Gently sprinkle your poppy seeds on top of the soil in your garden and water lightly. Mix your seeds with a bit of sand so you can see if they are evenly spaced when you plant them.

n Cover the seeds with a sheet, burlap or netting, as birds will enjoy them as a snack.

n Add compost or leaf mold — the addition of phosphorous to your soil will produce more abundant blooms.

n Choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.

n Poppies do not like overcrowding. After they have grown about 2 inches tall, thin them back so there are roughly 8 inches between plants, to avoid competition. They will tolerate drought, but plan on watering at least once a week.

n Make sure the beds are free from weeds, and since poppies can be fragile and damaged from heavy rain and spring storms, plant them near other shrubs or even a wall for added protection.

The best part about poppies besides their dazzling colors? The flowers will die back and produce seed pods that will mature and pepper your garden in the summer and allow for another beautiful array of flowers the following spring. ✦

WOODLAND POPPY ORIENTAL POPPY

CALIFORNIA POPPY

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ART DECO

The ’20s Roar Again

BY ALYSSA MERCADANTE

What goes around comes around. Art Deco, short for Arts Décoratifs or Decorative Art, was an extremely popular interior design style during the 1920s and 1930s. A century later, the trend is making its way back into homes for a dazzling encore. Vibrant colors, luxurious textures, symmetrical motifs, and strong geometric designs are some of the main themes that define art deco. Here are some ways you can incorporate Gatsby-era glamour into your home.

Bold and beautiful colors

Favorite colors of the art deco period focus on moody, saturated deep yellows, greens, blues, reds and pinks. Think vibrant, jewel tones such as cobalt blue, emerald green or mustard yellow. These striking colors are often paired with or accented by bright, metallic pieces, such as silver, gold or chrome, as well as neutrals to help balance out the space. Paint or wallpaper adds the most richness to a room. You can elevate the drama and create dimension with gold detailing on light fixtures. Just remember to use unique, saturated shades and stay away from the true primary and secondary colors. Pops of color can also be brought in with furniture or smaller décor items such as pillows, drapes and ottomans.

Symmetrical motifs and patterns

The geometric, linear and angular patterns that characterize art deco design were meant to symbolize technological progress in the 1920s. For example, jagged, pointed edges were inspired

by skyscrapers such as the iconic Chrysler building. An easy way to incorporate this into your décor is with a zigzag- or triangular-patterned wallpaper. You can also add fun, patterned throw pillows to a neutral-colored sofa or lay down an abstract statement rug. Tie in the trend with geometric tiles in the kitchen, bathroom or entryway. Don’t be afraid to try out unique shapes such as fish scales, arabesques and elongated hexagons.

Dramatic artwork and sculptures

Art deco is all about making a statement. Investing in sculptures, ornate furniture, mirrors and paintings can instantly bring that lavish feel into your home. Look for items with geometric shapes, smooth lines and linear patterns. Animal sculptures, statue replicas and large vases work well here. Abstract paintings and wall hangings or even an abstract area rug can create bold focal points. Don’t be afraid to go big! Even large furniture can double as a form of artwork: think oversized sideboards with grooved paneling or a massive, scalloped mirror.

Luxurious and unexpected materials

Incorporating rich or exotic materials is a sure way to add some art deco flair into your life. Velvet, marble, fringe, concrete, and leather all represent luxury and glamour. You can even get playful by adding in animal print such as a striking, zebra-print rug. A golden, crushed velvet tufted headboard would look stunning against a moody, plum bedroom wall. For hard surfaces such as tables, bed frames, and lamps, opt for sleek materials such as stainless steel, chrome and glass. Learn more about velvet on page 62.

High-contrast palette

Quite the opposite of minimalist design, art deco shamelessly draws attention to itself. The bigger and bolder, the better. One of the main aspects of the trend is its high-contrast palette. A wall painted black or navy paired with gold accents is one of the most iconic ways to achieve this. Mustard throw pillows, blankets and tapestries complement a jade-colored sofa. Black-and-white checkered flooring is instantly dramatic, as well. Color isn’t the only way to add contrast; the same can be done with shapes. Uniform, geometric lines combined with streamlined curves are trademarks of art deco. Lines create movement and can bring a space to life, but balance is essential. Both curves and sharp angles should be showcased together. For example, if your wallpaper has more straight lines, try pairing it with a curved headboard or sofa. Consequently, if you have a room full of archways, stick with sharp-edged furniture. Please see our story on colors of the year on page 18.

Decadent details

No detail is too small when it comes to art deco. Light fixtures offer an easy way to bring the trend into your home. Even against a basic, white wall, chrome fixtures in elongated or fannedout shapes can be eye-catching. On an entryway table pair stark-white exotic sculptures with gold accessories and an assortment of art. Symmetry is key here. Bring in mirrors with intricate, geometric frames to reflect light and add embellishment and luxury. Be dramatic: Stars, globes and other interesting shapes add instant glitz.

Art deco can be easily mixed in with other design styles — just a few pieces can be the stars of the show. Start small with gold, decorative accents such as cabinet hardware, sink faucets and curtain rods. Add playful, unique mirrors and a gold accent table or bar cart to

DIY PLUMBING CARE

Small Fixes to Stop Big Problems

BY JERRY HALE

When you think of fun DIY projects around the house, minor plumbing repairs may not top your list. Nevertheless, stuff happens to the water lifeline upon which our comfortable lives depend. And some of that is addressable by the homeowner, saving a professional plumbing visit for more serious issues.

Toilet tips

Toilets, for example, will usually function as we need them to with only a regular, thorough cleaning. Keep a bottle of bowl cleaner in each bathroom vanity, along with a stiff toilet brush isolated in a plastic bag or holder. Every fourth or fifth cleaning, turn off the water (the valve is close to the wall where the water line enters), flush the toilet and scrub the empty bowl before turning on the water to refill the bowl. Be sure to angle the brush up under the rim where stains that aren’t visible from eye level typically accumulate. If there’s a water-line ring, scrubbing with a pumice stone will make it disappear. A pair of disposable rubber gloves makes this task easier to face.

If your toilet “runs”— that is, doesn’t stop filling after a flush — it is wasting water and, if you have a septic system, soaking your drain field. Open the tank and pull up on the float. If the sound of running water stops, you probably need a new tank fill valve mechanism, available online or in most plumbing aisles. Removing the old one — you’ll need to shut off the water, flush the tank empty, and extract it — and taking the old one to the store will help ensure that you get the correct replacement. Note that in older toilets where the float is on a steel rod, simply bending the float down a half inch or so may correct the problem. Newer floats slide straight up as the tank fills and

can’t be so easily adjusted. Installation instructions are usually on the box, and there are myriad videos on YouTube to guide DIY viewers.

Modern water-saving toilets are more likely to clog when someone over-uses toilet paper, so it’s wise to keep a good toilet plunger and plumbing snake tucked away in a closet, workshop or garage. Here again, wear rubber gloves while addressing this emergency.

Faucet fixes

Dripping faucets can be a disturbing nuisance and also waste water. Typically a crushed or cracked turn-off washer in a faucet handle is the culprit. Close the water valve under the sink (if there isn’t one there, you’ll need to close the main water inlet valve, often located on the line bringing cold water into your water treatment system or the top of your water heater. NOTE: It is important to know where this shut-off valve is so it can be closed should a pipe break ... or when you are vacating the house for more than a day or so (a wise precaution).

Once the water is shut off, loosen the screw or set-screw to remove the faucet handle and then the screw inside that holds the washer in place. Keeping a packet of various-sized washers on hand will enable this repair. If you have to shop, take the crushed washer along for reference.

Hot water hints

Hot water heaters need regular care, especially if it is heating chemical-laden “hard” well water. An annual drain-and-refill will help keep it healthy longer. Turn off the fill line at the top; attach a garden hose to the faucet-like drain valve at the bottom (unless you have a drain under your water heater) and snake it out a basement door. Much of the scale buildup at the bottom of the water heater will drain out as the water empties. Close that valve, open the water inlet, and the tank will refill. It’ll take a few hours for water to reach shower-ready temperature.

Washer wisdom

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Septic solutions

Homes with septic systems also need special attention. Take care with what gets flushed and sent down the disposal or kitchen drain. Use your garbage for most of your kitchen trash to avoid “challenging” the septic system. Make sure only human waste and septic-friendly TP get flushed — no tissues or feminine hygiene products.

Septic care also calls for making sure bacteria-killing chemicals — like bleach, turpentine or anything “oily” — rarely enter the system. Authoritative sources online recommend NOT using Rid-X or other bacteria-inducing treatments because they break-down solids beyond where they will settle into septic tank sludge as intended. Solids should be pumped from tanks every 2-5 years, depending on the “stress” your system experiences, which is directly impacted by how many residents and guests are flushing, creating dishes to be washed and producing laundry.

Cut off connections

Save yourself a plumber trip by making sure outside faucets are properly prepared for cold weather. Normally that means disconnecting any connections, such as hoses or timers for drip irrigation, in the late fall. If you have shut-off valves to outside faucets, close them and then open the faucets to allow drainage.

Restoring flow

Back inside, pay attention to how water is flowing from kitchen, bathroom sinks and shower faucets. If the stream is “scrambled” or irregular, a screen in the faucet head is likely clogged with hard-water deposits and sediment. Unscrew the faucet head and clean the screen with a toothbrush and Soft Scrub or similar product. That should restore a uniform flow.

As you can see, you can handle some easy plumbing fixes. But for those that involve “sweating” connections or re-routing piping, call for a pro. Best advice: establish a relationship with a plumber you trust...and keep him or her on speed-dial! ✦

BY MITZI BIBLE

Since ancient times, people have been using heat, water and massage to soothe aching bodies. Hot tubs combine these therapies and provide comfort and community to help us both entertain and heal.

From the wooden barrel-like spas of the ’50s and ’60s to the fiberglass revolution of the 1980s, the hot tub industry has seen massive growth since tubs first started as a luxury product for California homeowners to entertain guests. By the ’90s, these backyard additions began to feature “zoned” massage jets and better sanitation and filtration. Even so, visit a hot tub showroom today and you’ll find that the tubs don’t even compare to the ones 15 years ago. Technological advancements have brought many added features and styles that can be customized to the individual homeowner.

Splashy features

“A deep square tub with a jet at your back” no longer describes today’s hot tubs. Size, shape, and jet variations have risen to a new level.

SIZE: A big factor in choosing a hot tub is often size and, more specifically, how many seats. Today, we have more options than the traditional four seats in each corner — you can find tubs to seat as many as 10 and as few as two. No matter how many seats you choose, you’ll find seats designed more ergonomically than ever before, contoured to better fit your body and featuring soft padding to support your head and neck.

Hot tub retailers say the best way to choose a hot tub is to visit their showroom and step inside. “There are so many packages [to choose from], with different jets and contour seats, a wide variety for anything the customer is going for,” said Jason Vaughan, vice president for sales, new construction, with National Pools of Roanoke. “Depending on what your body makeup is, it is best to come try it out and find out what is the right fit for you.” National Pools is a retailer for Hydropool Self-Cleaning Hot Tubs and Serenity Hot Tubs.

LOCATION: Vaughan said it’s helpful to first plan out the space for your hot tub. “Put it where you have a nice view, can use it under a shelter so you can use in rain and snow even, and where you can give it more of a custom look, being creative and building a space around it.”

PHOTO: NATIONAL POOLS OF ROANOKE

If you intend to use your hot tub well after the warmer months, it should be closer to the house. You will also need adequate, level space and may need to consider pouring a concrete slab or building a deck. Homeowners should also check to make sure there is clear access for delivery. It’s also helpful to check on your power capacity. Many people will need to call on an electrician to boost the amps required to run the pumps.

JETS: The days when one jet behind your back pulsed at a single speed are long gone. Now most models come with a series of jets and multiple controls to adjust speed and intensity. You can target almost every part of the body: feet, calf, legs, upper and lower back, neck and shoulders. Some models are so advanced that you can purchase multiple “jetpacks” with many different levels of intensity, from deep penetrating massage to a smooth cascading waterfall.

LIGHTING: Other bells and whistles include more “mood lighting” options, illuminating not only the water but also the exterior to make it safer to get in and out of the tub. Hot tub lights can come in different colors and levels of brightness. In addition to lights, many designs have built-in grab bars for a safer climb in and out.

FOR THE SENSES: A fan of aromatherapy? Some highend models come with an aroma infusion system that allows you to pick your choice of calming fragrances. Other fancy features include molded cup holders and ice trays to keep drinks cold.

SMART FEATURES: It seems like everything has become “smart” nowadays, and hot tubs are no exception. Many highend models can be turned on and off, as well as temperature controlled, through a phone app.

The pandemic, Vaughan said, spurred more people to build an outdoor oasis, and that trend hasn’t left. Hot tubs have become a central hub, with many people choosing to create their outdoor living rooms around them. That includes adding TVs — yes, you can find waterproof LCD TVs marketed especially for hot tub areas (check out SunBrite TV online for one example).

Budget friendly

One option we certainly didn’t see 15 years ago is today’s inflatable, plug-and-play tubs. Portability and affordability are their biggest selling points. Not only can you move them around your yard, you can take them camping or on vacation, and they collapse for easy storage. Temperatures get as high as a typical hot tub, up to 104 degrees (the CDC’s recommended healthy maximum), and they have multiple jets for massaging mainly your lower back. While not as long-lasting as their fiberglass counterpart, they are one of the most affordable and easy set-up options. Popular Science listed Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub as the best overall inflatable hot tub for 2022.

Just swimmingly

Does a hot tub seem too small and confining? Do you want to exercise and relax? Then a swim spa may be your solution. These new half-pool / half-hot tub products have recently taken off with homeowners. At the luxury end, the pools are double the size of a hot tub but more slender than a pool, so you can have the best of both worlds.

you can get your exercise before sitting down to relax on hot tubstyle seats in the corners. High-end models even have built-in TV and stereo systems.

Cool by the pool

If you’re already contemplating building an in-ground pool, an adjoining spa is an option. Pool construction companies, such as National Pools, can design aesthetically pleasing spas that blend in with the hardscape of the pool. Some people prefer in-ground hot tubs for the ease of getting in and out.

Vaughan said they have also seen interest in building smaller in-ground pools that can be used as hot tubs. Customers have called them a “plunge pool” or “cocktail pool” and at typically 10 x 12 feet, they can feature a waterfall, a bench seat, and can be heated close to 90 degrees.

“It can be used at least nine months out of the year, so it extends the season,” he said, adding it can be covered with an automatic cover.

and model you choose. Some will require completely draining your hot tub three to four times a year and cleaning filters on a monthly basis. Some, like the Hydropool Self-Cleaning Hot Tub (and swim spa), use a high-tech “pure water” system that involves treating the water with ozone (reducing chemical usage by half) then exposing it to a high volume of UVC light for optimal sanitation. The Hydropool has a floor vacuum and advanced filtration system that purports to clean 100 percent of the water in just 15 minutes.

Regardless of how “self-cleaning” your tub is, there is still some level of weekly attention required. “Continual maintenance is key,” Vaughan said. “If you skip it and neglect, it will come back to bite you.”

PHOTO: NATIONAL POOLS OF ROANOKE

A healthy choice

Though not the end-all treatment for any condition, using a hot tub regularly can supplement both your physical and mental health care.

Many studies have shown the age-old health benefits of hydrotherapy, from bringing down swelling, loosening tight muscles and soothing joints, to reducing stress, promoting better sleep, and an overall energizing of your body and mind.

A sustained hike in body temperature and circulation can also aid in digestion and help boost your metabolism.

Many people find taking a dip just before bed beneficial. When you get out, the rapid drop in body temperature can help you fall asleep quicker and have a deeper sleep.

That’s perhaps the bottom line for why you might get a hot tub: rest and relaxation. Here’s to all the benefits of a hot tub in 2023! ✦

PHOTO: NATIONAL POOLS OF ROANOKE

One-Pot Wonders Delicious Dinners with Less Cleanup

BY SARAH NICHOLAS

You may be thinking that “one-pot wonders” are your basic recipes with the standard chicken, cheese and rice combination. Don’t get me wrong, I love a reliable, like-your-Grandma-made recipe, but these dishes will elevate your reliable to unbelievable with new levels of flavor and minimal clean up!

Did you ever imagine Coq Au Vin that wasn’t overly complicated and took a fraction of the time? Better yet, a Frittata to please young and old — made with potato chips?! Yes, you heard me correctly. Lastly, let’s throw in your not-so “run-of-the-mill” sheet pan chicken with amped up ingredients.

Try these recipes on any weekday and WOW your family with new favorites all season long.

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon fresh thyme, coarsely chopped 6 ounces thick cut bacon, diced into ¼-inch “lardons” 8 shallots, peeled & quartered

2 large carrots, peeled & diced

8 ounce baby portabella mushrooms

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons brandy

3 tablespoons butter, cold and cubed ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped and more for serving

Season your chicken with salt and pepper. Combine the chicken with wine, bay leaf and thyme in a large casserole dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to overnight to allow the meat to marinate. In a large Dutch oven, cook bacon until the fat is rendered. Set aside, allowing the excess fat to drain on a paper towel. Leave 2 tablespoons-ish rendered fat in Dutch oven. Pat marinaded chicken until dry with paper towels and set the marinade aside for later use. Heat the Dutch oven with fat and add the chicken in a single layer. Cook until the chicken skin is browned, about 4 minutes per side. You may have to work in batches. Place chicken on a plate. Add the shallots, carrots and mushrooms to the Dutch oven and season with salt and pepper. Sear the vegetables until browned, but not burned, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute. Slowly stir in flour and cook for 30 seconds or so. Add the brandy and gently scrape the “bits” off the bottom of the Dutch oven. Cook for a few more minutes and then stir in marinade that you saved earlier. Add the chicken and bacon back in. “Nestle” in with the vegetables. Cover and gently simmer over low heat for 1 hour. Uncover and simmer for 30 minutes to thicken. Season to taste. Add butter and 1/3 cup of parsley. Stir in until butter is melted. Top with additional parsley for serving. ENJOY!

PatternPlay

Potato Chip Frittata

2 ½ cups salted potato chips Note: I used Lays! (Sour Cream & Onion are amazing, too!)

2 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced ½ cup green onions, thinly sliced ¼ cup Gruyère cheese, shredded 1 tablespoon parsley, coarsely chopped 8 eggs, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil extra chips for garnish

Heat the broiler to high. Combine the potato chips, prosciutto, green onions, Gruyère, parsley, eggs, salt and black pepper in a bowl. Let sit to allow the chips to soften in the eggs, about 3 minutes.

Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch, oven safe, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the egg mixture and cook, no stirring, until the bottom turns golden. Transfer to the broiler and broil until the top is set, slight jiggle, about 3 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve at room temperature. Garnish with crumbled chips!

Katie Peters katie@sheltersewingstudio.com

India Atkinson india@sheltersewingstudio.com

Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken & Brussels Sprouts

2 pounds Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed, halved or quartered (depending on size)

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs & thighs

3 tablespoons olive oil kosher salt and pepper to taste

½ cup balsamic vinegar*

Preheat oven to 425ºF. Place the Brussels sprouts and chicken on a greased, rimmed sheet pan. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season the chicken and sprouts all over generously with salt and pepper. Drizzle with the olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Spread everything out into an even layer, placing the chicken skin side up. Roast for 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway. Meanwhile, place the balsamic vinegar in a small sauce pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Adjust heat if needed; balsamic vinegar should be gently bubbling. Once reduced, remove from heat and remove chicken and sprouts. Preheat the broiler on oven now. Transfer the sprouts to a bowl and return the chicken to the oven. Broil until the chicken skin is golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove chicken and place on platter. Pour the reduced balsamic vinegar on the sheet pan and scrape up any bits (the yummy stuff!) from the pan. Pour the balsamic vinegar over the sprouts and toss. Add to the chicken.

* Take ½ cup balsamic vinegar & reduce by half (at least) in sauce pan. ✦

CConstruction Marketing LLC—what’s with the name? We get that question often. We started our company in 2010 in the midst of the housing crisis. While it was a tough market, we believed we had something different to bring to the industry. We always knew we would be a construction company, but we saw many smaller, well qualified subcontractors struggling. We wanted to help them boost their business with marketing services, but due to the lean times, we got very little interest. The end result: we are now a 100% construction company. But the name stuck, and it is a great conversation starter. We mentioned we wanted to bring something different to the industry when we started. So how are we different? Our unique approach to construction. From the start, we realized the greatest challenge to the relationship between contractor and customer was communication. We, as contractors, seem to speak a foreign language: jamb width, PT, stringers, field measure, purlin —you get the picture.

Hardy, VA 24101

So we decided to make our meetings with customers, along with our proposals and contracts, as detailed as possible, with the encouragement to ask questions. If something doesn’t make sense, ask us to clarify. Many times we believed we had clear directions from the customer, but as we progressed it was obvious we were not on the same page. We want to prevent that as much as possible. Do we always succeed? No, but we make every effort to communicate clearly. If there is a misunderstanding, we do our best to correct the issue. We specialize in Home Renovations and Outdoor Living Spaces, which usually means we are working in an existing home—where you are trying to live, cook, raise kids and relax. This is hard to do when construction disrupts your home. This is where our unique approach to construction comes into play. If we plan together, the disruption is still there, but your home is still functional. We want you to get what you want with the best possible experience. Give us a call today for your next project.

BY KATHERINE FULGHUM KNOPF Photography by Kathryn Feldmann

Built in 1955, a storybook stone home with picturesque front window boxes sits nestled into a Roanoke hillside. Its iconic style gives a nod to Hollywood glamour with plenty of mid-century modern details — clean lines, organic forms, and an invitation to bring the outdoors in. A spacious open floorplan and numerous windows fill the home with light, while the front porch and decks offer views of the surrounding mountains. With abundant room for spreading out, this home provides ideal places for the Lynch family of four to live and entertain.

When Jennifer and Sean Lynch toured this house, it checked all the important items on their list. After two and a half years of looking, they knew exactly what features they wanted in a home, and this one appealed to their love of clean, modern design. The previous owners renovated the baths, updated the kitchen, and refinished the gorgeous oak floors so it was move-in ready. The neighborhood is quiet and private, which was an important component. A few projects outside needed their attention, but Sean says, they “like doing the things that need doing.”

First up, a new roof. Sean always thought the house needed a metal standing seam roof. Replacing the old terracotta shingle roof that looked like cedar with dark metal panels gave the home’s Tennessee Crab Orchard Stone exterior a fresh modern vibe. Commonwealth Roofing installed the roof in a brown hue that the Lynches selected. They were rewarded with instant curb appeal.

The stone walls surround a flat backyard with a long grassy area where children can run and play. There is a nook for their son’s garden; he grows tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and jalapeños. The kitchen doors open to a new patio made of Pennsylvania Bluestone. Jennifer and Sean designed this large terrace to accommodate a dining table and chairs as well as a seating area. A wood pergola with retractable awning shades the expansive u-shaped ratan sofa and chairs.

Nichols Welding installed metal railings with horizontal steel cables for a modern look on the steps and decks that surround the home. These cable railings replace 1950s square iron railings that looked dated and blocked the views. The deck flooring is concrete, which the Lynches adore for its low maintenance and sleek gray look. The new railings don’t obscure the mountain views when the family sits around the fire pit in the evenings. Now, the side deck is perfect for watching the sun go down over the valley.

Sean and Jennifer hired Hall’s Garage Doors to remove the old wooden garage doors and replace them with modern ones made entirely of square glass panels framed in powdered aluminum. The smoked glass panels allow light in the garage while maintaining privacy.

A Touch of blue

Inside the home, a bit of blue is woven into each room’s decor. Used as a statement color, blue adds a splash of brightness to the soft taupes, whites and grays used throughout the home. One of their favorite art works is in the front hall. It is a contemporary painting of a blue eye entitled, “Iris Storm” by Patricia Capral.

Jennifer and Sean knew they wanted furniture and accessories with a modern vibe to accentuate this contemporary home. Jennifer found Abby Hostetler of Enhance Abby Hostetler Design to assist them with some of their design decisions.

The living room exudes mid-century modern vibes from its sunburst mirror over the fireplace to the sleek, low furnishings in tones of blue and gray with pops of yellow. The rug displays a mix of blues that offsets the Scandinavian-style wood and glass coffee table. A bold, colorful piece of art by Kelly Smith-Price adds a touch of whimsey.

The dining room is painted dark blue above the white chair rail. The wall above the pristine wood buffet hosts a large Italian painting that infuses bold greens, blues and yellows with a splash of red. These powerful colors contrast beautifully with the wood furnishings. The brass chandelier — a one-of-a-kind sculpture — hangs elegantly above the table.

White shaker cabinets line the kitchen walls. A large, vibrant blue island with carved legs makes a statement in the room’s center. The floral tile patterned backsplash behind the stove adds an artistic element to stone countertops and serene décor.

The kitchen opens to a family room with a sleek, dark gray sofa and two comfortable chairs with soft gray ottomans; a spot to prop up one’s feet and watch television. There is plenty of room on the pristine white and gray rug for a family game night.

Warm wood features

Gleaming wood floors run throughout the living and dining rooms then down the long hallway that leads to the bedrooms. The exterior hall wall features an array of large windows over a staircase to the lower level. A half wall topped with custom mid-century geometric trim partially encloses the staircase.

Tucked behind the dining room, the office is paneled in wood with builtin bookcases and a matching wood desk. A gas fireplace with green marble surround and hearth is encased in a simple wood mantle that complements the paneling. In front of the fireplace, a cow skin rug in shades of browns with splashes of white centers the room. Behind the desk, a giclée print of a photograph taken in Paris, features a gray Porsche in a cityscape. Glass doors open to the rear courtyard.

For the children

Each of the children’s rooms has its own private bath tiled in white with accent tiles that create diminutive pieces of art in the shower stalls or flooring. The white fixtures and vanities fabricate a clean, fresh feeling while the light fixtures add a bit of bling, especially the jeweled one in their daughter’s bath.

Both their son and their daughter keep geckos for pets. In each of their bedrooms, a small terrarium sits in the center of the dresser. Geckos are clean, unassuming pets that mind themselves most of the time. They tend to be shy and quiet, only requiring a little food and water periodically.

Artful spaces

The main bedroom and bath sit at the end of the hall and include a large walkin closet and full bath. The big, white ceramic soaker tub is as inviting as the spacious glass and tile shower. Over the soaker tub hangs a framed watercolor of a Venice canal, a special remembrance of their trip to Italy. Two sinks with pewter hardware sit atop a powder blue vanity that offers plenty of drawers and cabinet space for storage. Two matching powder blue mirrors with pewter light fixtures hang above the large vanity. Pewter drawer and door handles complement the faucets for a uniform design.

Above the bed, an abstract painting from Croatia in bold oranges and reds counterplays the flaxen bedding. Matching bedside tables are topped with a pair of gold symmetrical lamps with oval shades. In the corner, a leather and metal sling chair and ottoman made in Argentina offer the perfect spot for a quiet read. A white sheepskin throw adds warmth to the cool brown leather.

Family fun

Downstairs, the English basement offers family friendly activities: a pool table, foosball table and big TV. Sean’s favorite feature of their home is “having room for the pool table.” With a mini kitchen and game tables, there is plenty of space to hang out with friends.

The Lynches are active: “We love to ski, mountain bike and hike, so the lower level’s ample storage rooms for our equipment fits our lifestyle,” says Sean.” It also provides a private bedroom and bath that is ideal for guests.

Jennifer and Sean Lynch have an eye for detail. They’ve chosen art and furniture that reflects the clean lines of this mid-century modern home adding touches of glamour and blue to personalize it. The exterior updates they made were meticulously researched and fabricated to enhance the home’s serene, modern style. This stylish family home blends the best of color, architecture and fun! ✦

Affordable Art

BY SLOANE LUCAS

Home décor shows abound with designers who are not only able to swing a hammer, but who can also whip up a painting, mural or macrame wall installation on command. For those of us less tactically talented, there are many fun and easy ways to create artwork that won’t break the bank.

Mapping out your décor

One wonderful source for artwork is modern day maps of places that are special to you and your family. Some inexpensive places to source free maps include local visitors’ centers, national and state parks and your own home archives. We’re talking about all those subway, bus, and train maps you got on vacations to cities or hiking trail maps from national parks you visited – all of which you couldn’t quite part with but which you have never really been able to enjoy as mementos because they’re buried in a box.

You can unearth those maps and give them new life in your home. If you like the maps as-is, simply frame and hang. But you can also imbue newer maps with a faux sense of age by brewing a strong pot of black tea with a few tea bags and then soaking the maps using a large cookie sheet or large sink. Let them darken with the tea, then lay flat or hang to dry. The maps will have a crinkled, aged look to give them some character — and it helps multiple different maps look similar so they can be displayed together.

Personal photo gallery

One way to repurpose existing artwork — and create a more serene space — is to move smaller wooden photo frames off your shelves and mount them on the wall. But don’t just drill 20 holes and hang them all independently. Group them together for greater impact.

You can buy small, thin metal plates and shallow screws from a hardware store and use them to connect multiple frames together to create a large wall installation. You could group completely different frames for an eclectic look, group identical frames for more uniform appeal, or try something in the middle, taking different frames and painting them a uniform or in similar colors so the texture is different but with an intentional color scheme.

To fill your frames, you can use what you have, or rotate new photos in and refresh the look. You can also have fun creating faux vintage photos. Leverage online photo sites by uploading favorite recent photos and getting them printed with cool tinting options. A series of photos can be made to look more uniform by printing them all in black and white, or adding a brown sepia tone like old-timey photos.

Truly DIY Look to your own family — and yourself — for inspiration and art. You can enjoy a fun night out with friends doing one of the many “paint and sip” evenings and come home with your own artwork. Or take a crafting class and create your own macrame art. Raid your children’s stash of school art for a few gems you want to display. You can even “commission” a special work from your kids.

Get thrifty Local charity thrift stores are gold mines of artwork, especially if you go in with an open mind. People are always redecorating and happily donate their pre-framed and matted artwork – which can be prints of famous works from art galleries or even generic stock artwork that catches your eye. You may even find a truly vintage map, already framed. Give all these objects new life by popping them out of the frame, cleaning, and painting frames to match each other.

And that isn’t the only source for potential décor items. You can purchase multiple mirrors in different sizes to create a beautiful accent wall – again, painting to match if needed. Old

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quilts can be washed and hung like tapestries or cut down and framed. Vintage plates can be mounted on walls for a charming cottage look. Old vinyl records or album covers can also be mounted on walls in a media room for some musicinspired ambience. You can even buy some vintage magazines and create your own cover collage with just a glue stick and some foam core. Ideas abound, so you can be super creative and experimental for only a few bucks while also helping a local charity.

Framing it up

For many of these ideas, you may need to invest in new frames. Professional framers charge quite a lot for custom framing, and while they often do an amazing job, if you are on a budget, consider saving that for truly heirloom items like original artwork that has been handed down or rare vintage family photos. You can buy standard frame sizes and standard matting to give your maps, photos, kids’ artwork, and more a polished and professional look.

Don’t be limited by your budget when it comes to artwork and décor for your home. There are so many creative ways to refresh your look, whether it’s mining local places for free or inexpensive art, repurposing what you have or creating and enjoying your own original works. It can all come together to create a unique and original look that you, your family and your guests will all enjoy. ✦

soft as

Velvet

HOW VELVET CAN ADD GLAMOUR TO YOUR HOME

BY MARGIE LIPPARD

Velvet décor is trending in home design, but luxurious velvet has never truly gone out of style. For centuries, velvet has captured the zeitgeist of the time, whether in Victorian England, the Antebellum South, or beyond. Who can forget Scarlett O’Hara’s sumptuous green velvet dress wrought from beleaguered Tara’s curtains in Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind? Originally made with fine silk, velvet epitomized opulence and wealth, but today’s velvet, composed of natural and synthetic fibers, is more affordable and accessible. You can infuse glamour into your home by incorporating silky-smooth velvet with rich hues into your furniture, window treatments and accent pieces.

PHOTO: PRESENT THYME

Velvet 101

Velvet refers to the plushy textile’s structure, not its fabric. Velvet is characterized by a dense pile of evenly cut and tufted yarn, the soft surface upon which your hand glides when you touch it. It’s woven on a hand or power-operated loom that interweaves warp and weft yarns and simultaneously produces two layers of connected fabric. Warp yarns stretch lengthwise on a loom while weft yarns thread crosswise. Velvet fabric displays at least two sets of warp yarn and one set of weft yarn, a fitting feature for the metaphorical “warp and weft” or mainstay of the textile industry.

Yarn fibers determine the velvet’s luster and softness. Though pure silk velvet is still revered for its exquisite beauty, velvet is now typically made from a blend of silk, cotton, linen, wool, mohair, and synthetics. According to Dorian Clowers, with Present Thyme in Roanoke, polyester fibers add performance, durability, and affordability to velvet’s elegance and glam. She says “The new fabrics make velvet accessible to a whole new generation. They have come out with a performance velvet whose fibers are inherently stain resistant, repel dirt and make the fabric more family friendly.”

Velvet history

Silk velvet likely originated in the Middle and Far East, but the silk textile industry reached its apogee in 16th century Italy, according to art historian Melinda Watt of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. In an MMA article entitled “Renaissance Velvet Textiles,” she notes that silk velvet was an expression of power, wealth and taste among the nobility: “During the Renaissance, luxurious fabrics made of silk and precious metal threads counted among the most valuable items owned by both individuals and the Church.”

Velvet’s appeal to the nobility extended across Europe to Britain, from King Henry VIII’s regal garb to Queen Victoria’s royal palace. Across the Atlantic, velvet reigned in Victorian and Antebellum plantation-style drawing rooms and parlors. These well-appointed settings often boasted silk velvet upholstery on settees, sofas, chairs and foot stools. Their heavy velvet window treatments were both luxurious and practical because they prevented cold air from sweeping room to room. By the 1970s, Elvis Presley reinvented velvet into an energizing pop culture kitsch, reflected in his bejeweled, velvety outfits and Graceland’s storied red velvet living room sofa and blue velvet dining room curtains.

A modern twist

It’s not surprising that velvet with a vintage vibe is trending in home design. Designer Clowers says she uses velvet frequently, especially since the COVID pandemic: “We’re working with velvet all the time. Velvet is a classic look. It used to be that you think of velvet in a royal home or grand library. It’s not so formal now. Part of it is COVID and everyone being at home and craving the warmth that you don’t get in neutral linens and cottons. People are incorporating fabrics rich in color and textures.”

Elaine Stephenson, owner of Elaine Stephenson Interiors in Roanoke, thinks velvet is resurging in popularity because of its luxurious texture and versatile fabrics. She says, “Velvet can be very versatile. You can use it in a lot of different scenarios and situations in the home. It makes great headboards, ottomans, and pillows, and you can even upholster walls with it.” According to Stephenson, velvet’s soft and inviting texture makes it ideal upholstery in more formal settings, while a fun velvet throw pillow

perfect for a casual ambiance.

PHOTO: PRESENT THYME

Velvet glam

Deep velvet hues — saturated blue, green, plum, gold, and rose for example — on furniture, curtains and accent pieces give instant glamour to a room. Stephenson says, “A lot of velvets will come in fun colors and give you the special pop you need.” She likes to use velvet accent pillows with solid, patterned and vintage textures to brighten and tie a room together. With velvet throw pillows, she adds, you do not need to buy as much fabric, but you get “a big bang.”

Clowers thinks that velvet carries color better than other upholstery fabrics such as cotton or linen, hearkening back to the famed dyes used in silk weaving during the Italian Renaissance. She says, “You can use brighter colors in velvet and achieve a bolder look. You can use colors you wouldn’t use otherwise to freshen things up. We have a soft purple velvet sectional sofa whose color might look too young if it were in a solid cotton. The depth of color you get from the velvet makes it more sophisticated.”

Venerable velvet

Velvet has provided the backdrop in parlors and drawing rooms where America’s historic moments took place, and it still serves as a cultural touchstone. Snow White and Santa Claus enchant us with their cheerful velvet attire while Elvis Velvet wall hangings keep the King’s legacy alive. It’s no wonder that the venerable velvet is making a comeback in home design because we all need inspiration, enchantment, and a little glam in our lives. ✦

PHOTO: AGATHA INTERIORS

PHOTO: ELAINE STEPHENSON INTERIORS

Pack with Purpose

BY FERNE HALE

We’re on the move again! We’re traveling domestically and internationally, so we need to be sure our luggage is in good working order. Toting the right type of bag to fit current airline luggage rules will help you avoid extra fees and comply with carryon restrictions and check-in weight limits. Is it time to replace or upgrade? Here are some tips to get started.

Pack with purpose

If you mostly take car trips, soft, pliable bags that conform to trunk spaces are best. If you cruise, rigid luggage is the right choice. If your priority is airline travel, pay attention to the luggage guidelines of the airlines you plan to use.

A major consumers’ interest group gathered information from owners of 12,626 carry-ons and 25,551 suitcases that were checked at airports. The respondents said their top suitcase feature was wheel-ability and the second feature was durability, including how well zippers, handles and fabric held up. The quality of luggage often depends on the quality of the zipper. A chain zipper, made of metal, is stronger than a coil zipper made of polyester, which can be pulled apart with a ballpoint pen! A YKK zipper is regarded as the industry’s most reliable.

Soft or hard shell?

n Hard shell is best for protecting breakable contents, and those with integrated locks offer better security. Despite new materials making them lighter, they are heavier than soft-sided bags but ideal for cruises where all luggage is stacked in the belly of the ship before departure. Note that those with a center

closing, the vast majority, require two times the space to open them for convenient access to items inside.

n Soft-sided luggage, which continues to dominate the market, is made of fabric such as Cordura® or ballistic nylon. Lighter in weight than hard-shell, they can also compress and conform to tight spaces like a plane’s overhead bin or a car’s trunk. Being fabric, these are susceptible to ripping and crushing so are not as protective as hard-shell suitcases.

What about wheels?

Wheeled suitcases comprise two-thirds of all luggage sales today. If you want wheels on your luggage, decide whether to buy a two- or a four-wheeler.

n Two-wheel suitcases use the same type of wheels as inline skates, rolling only forward and backward. The suitcase rolls behind as you pull it from the extending handle. Wheels are recessed, which protects them from snapping off during rough handling but takes up space in your bag. For city trips, two-wheelers are best for clearing curbs and rolling on uneven surfaces, such as sidewalks.

n Four-wheel luggage has swivel wheels, so the bag can be spun 360 degrees. It is easily moved through tight spaces. A large suitcase with four wheels may be easier to manage because you don’t have to drag it, and it does not put stress on your shoulder. Unfortunately, unlike the recessed wheels, these wheels are externally mounted, making them vulnerable to damage. Look for wheels attached with screws, which are more secure than rivets.

n No-wheel luggage maximizes interior space in your luggage. If you are going on a luxury tour and will never have to move your own bag, wheel-less may be perfect.

Other

features to consider

n Suitcase handles are retractable on wheeled luggage and usually take up space inside. A handle that retracts completely inside the bag is less likely to get damaged. Look for a soft-grip handle with an adjustable length. Two-wheeled bags have one- or two-post handles; two is preferred by many who use the posts to support a laptop, briefcase or smaller tote while walking.

n Most of the weight you pull around in an airport should come from the contents of your bag, not the bag itself. A nonwheeled bag should be 2-4 pounds and a wheeled one no more than 7.5 pounds. Check with your airline about weight limits to avoid a fee.

n For domestic travel, a luggage lock must be TSA compliant, which means an agent can open it with a master key.

What’s new?

“Smart features” have come to luggage with location tracking, digital locks, builtin digital scales and more! It is best to check out luggage tracking devices to see the wide range of options and prices on these items.

If you carry spare lithium ion and lithium metal batteries or power banks and chargers for your electronic devices, federal airline safety rules require that you keep them in your carry-on. Be sure to place them in their original packaging or cover their contacts with nonmetallic tape to prevent short circuits. Check the Federal Aviation Administration’s rules for more detail.

Ignore labels that proclaim, “Official Carry-on Luggage.” There’s no regulation that dictates carry-on size; airlines impose their own restrictions and limits can vary. Know the rules of the airlines you plan to fly. Measure the dimensions yourself and make sure the measurements account for all parts, including outer pouches, wheels and handles. Bon Voyage! ✦

PLANNING YOUR GARDEN

SEEDS OFhope

BY MARTHA COFFEY

What better way to banish the wintertime blues than to begin planning your vegetable garden when those first seed catalogs begin arriving? After all, nothing embodies more hope than a tiny seed, and with a modicum of effort and a few specialized materials even novice gardeners can successfully grow healthy foods in backyard gardens.

All it takes is a bit of research into the best varieties of plants for the Roanoke Valley conditions and the ability to follow some tried-and-true guidelines for placing seeds in containers, providing a light source, food, water, and warmth, and then allowing the seeds to germinate and grow before transplanting outdoors.

Why start seeds indoors?

Sowing vegetable seeds indoors is much less expensive than buying established plants and gives you a head start on the growing season. In addition to these cost- and time-saving measures, ordering seeds from catalogs and starting them indoors gives you access to varieties of vegetable plants unavailable at local greenhouses or garden centers.

Poll your family members to learn their favorite vegetables before deciding which ones to experiment with, and then research the growing zone you live in. Fast fact: Central Virginia and most of the Roanoke area are in Zone 7 (some higher elevations are 6). This information will allow you to devise your own timetable for starting your seeds indoors. Find the Urban Farmer’s Virginia Vegetable Planting Calendar online to find sample planting guides.

Dustin Formon, local grower and owner of SoulShine Farms in Bedford, Va. recommends that gardeners purchase their seeds from reliable companies such as Johnny’s Selected Seeds, High Mowing Organic Seed Co., Seed Savers Exchange or Southern Exposure Seed to increase their chances for success.

Factors impacting germination

Home gardeners must be mindful of the four factors affecting seed germination: water, light, oxygen and heat. A continuous supply of moisture is critical, and, although light requirements may vary somewhat for different types of plants, seeds generally require light for 18 hours per day. In the absence of enough natural light, fluorescent lights suspended 6-12 inches above the seeds are effective supplemental light sources. Although heat requirements may vary slightly from variety to variety, most seeds do best at temperatures between 65° and 75°. This often means that germination flats must be placed on radiators or heat mats to maintain ideal temperatures.

Media and containers

A good medium for seed germination should be finely textured, loose, and free of insects, disease organisms and weed seeds. Manmade soil-less mixtures can either be purchased already combined, or the ingredients may be purchased individually and combined by the gardener using the recipe below:

• 4 quarts shredded sphagnum peat moss

• 4 quarts of fine-grade vermiculite

• 1 tablespoon of superphosphate

• 2 tablespoons of ground limestone

These mixes have low fertility so seedlings must be watered with a diluted fertilizer as soon as germination occurs.

Garden centers sell many types of containers for starting seeds. Some of the easiest to use are plastic ones divided into cells with pre-drilled holes for proper drainage. These are sized to rest inside plastic trays to catch run-off and are often accompanied by domed lids that create a greenhouse effect.

Seeding and watering

The best times for sowing seeds depend on when plants can safely be transplanted outdoors. This is when the online timetables that take your growing zone and date of last frost into account are useful. A common mistake of novice gardeners is to sow their seeds too early and then attempt to hold the seedlings inside for too long because the outdoor air and soil aren’t warm enough for the seedlings to go in the ground. The result is leggy, weak seedlings that won’t be able to withstand transplantation.

Transplanting and hardening

Once seedlings have formed their first “true leaves,” they will require more growing space and need to be transplanted to larger cells or small pots. Weekly applications of soluble fertilizer will produce healthy, dark green seedlings with strong root systems ready to be “hardened” through a process designed to acclimate tender plants to environments ever closer to those of the outdoors. By the end of the one- to two-week stretch of time in the seedlings’ hardening process, they should be able to withstand 45° to 50° temperatures in the shade protected from strong wind. After gradually exposing the seedlings to longer periods of indirect sunlight while reducing the frequency of watering to slow their growth, the young plants should finally be ready to transition to their spots in your garden where they will grow to maturity with careful tending.

Benefits of growing from seeds

Although the process of starting seeds indoors may seem laborious, it is well within the grasp of the novice gardener. With the abundance of internet resources at our fingertips, anyone can learn to grow plants from seeds. How better to recapture the childlike delight of playing in the dirt than by planting one’s own vegetable garden? The expenditure of time and effort (plus money!) will be well worth the satisfaction of knowing where your food came from and getting reconnected to Mother Earth. ✦

Seed-shopping tips

1. Be sure to buy quality, disease-resistant seeds for the right growing zone (most of the Roanoke

Enjoy Peace of Mind

We specialize in the professional installation of windows, doors, gutters, siding and roofing to fit every need and style.

We feature Pella and Andersen replacement windows. Our window installations go the extra mile to preserve your home’s authentic details. A great window is only as good as its installation, so why trust your installation to an uncertified contractor or worse yet, an uncertified, unlicensed and uninsured installer. Elegant Exteriors installs its windows and doors with its own employees, not subcontractors or piece workers.

Elegant Exteriors by TBS, LLC is a Trex Pro as well an Andersen and Pella certified contractor which means that all of our installations come with a 2-year labor warranty.

Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

from privacy to curb appeal, fences define your space

BY GINNY SMITH

Long used for privacy and protection, fences can also create a visual impact that enhances the value of your home. Far beyond a simple way to mark your property line, a fence can add a decorative element to your yard while also serving an important safety or landscaping function. A variety of materials, colors and styles are available to help you creatively achieve your vision.

Fenced In: Why are fences beneficial?

Many people build fences for protection — to keep children or pets in a safe area — but fences are also useful for privacy, as accents for landscaping, and as borders around pools and patios. Fences can even create a new room in your yard. For instance, you can create a private area outdoors where you can read and drink your coffee. Or, you may want to enclose a garden and add outdoor furniture to create a den in the open air.

Depending on your purpose, the height of the fence can vary. You may install a low, 4-foot fence if you’re just creating your own space and not trying to keep your neighbors away. On the other hand, if your goal is to hide an unsightly area, a 6-foot fence may be the answer.

Mending Fences: What types of materials are used for fences?

The style and materials of the fence depend on your reason for installing the fence in the first place. Many homeowners use vinyl, wood, or aluminum. A vinyl fence will last for decades with no maintenance. Vinyl won’t warp, peel, chip, rot, crack or fade.

Wood will last for 20 years or more, but you’ll have to stain, paint or treat it in some way. A wooden fence gives that classic, traditional look that can immediately upgrade the curb appeal of the home, yet maintenance is always an issue. A good chain link fence can last for 100 years.

Mixing materials can be a viable solution for cost containment and for aesthetics. By choosing a mixture of pre-fab and custom pieces, your vision can be attractive, but still very affordable.

For the initial installation, a vinyl fence will cost more than one made of wood, but in the long run, will be far less expensive to maintain. Aluminum is a good option for a fence as well, but will initially cost more than wood, though as with vinyl, the maintenance is less.

Wrought-iron is another material that is popular for porch railings and gates due to the possibility of more ornate designs; however, wrought-iron is often cost-prohibitive for fencing.

According to Kenny Chattin, owner of Larry Chattin & Sons Fences, agricultural fencing is another important category of fencing. “Most of the time, we work for farmers and landowners,” notes Chattin. “We develop a friendship with customers, and they trust us.”

Kenny, the youngest of three Chattin sons, recommends considering the purpose for the fence when selecting materials. “We install a lot of barbed wire fences on farms,” he says. “In residential areas, we install board fences, and we also do some vinyl.”

Fence Forward: What’s trending in 2023?

Depending on the type of fence, once it is installed, many homeowners add twinkling lights and hanging planters to complete the visual appeal. Solar cap lights are fairly inexpensive additions to vinyl fences that add interest and an element of safety.

Color is also trending in fencing materials. Unlike the iconic Mark Twain character of Tom Sawyer who convinced his friends to help him whitewash a fence, folks today can enjoy color on the fence without the dreaded upkeep. Vinyl fencing comes in a variety of colors, including some that even look like wood and stone.

A single-panel privacy screen for patios and firepit areas is a less expensive option that seems to be growing in popularity. In an instant, a decorative screen that can be pre-fab or customdesigned provides the much-desired privacy while adding to the ambience of the area.

Jump the Fence: What are some other considerations before installing fences? Fences can be installed at any time during the year. If you live in a neighborhood with a Homeowner Association, make sure you follow those guidelines and receive approval before designing your fence. Also, it’s important to contact the utilities services prior to installation to avoid issues, something many fencing companies will do for the homeowner. Additionally, ask questions before choosing a fencing company. Some considerations include how the companies install the fence posts, if the company is licensed, bonded and insured, and how long a job will take.

For function or style, fences add visual appeal to your property and value to your home. So, if you’re ready to upgrade your yard, it’s time to install a fence!

PROS AND CONS OF AN ELECTRIC FENCE

One important reason people want a fence is containment for dogs. Invisible or electric fences normally deliver a warning sound and then an electric shock whenever the pet crosses a boundary. With training, the dog learns to stay within the confines of the invisible fence. This type of fencing can be an affordable option that doesn’t interfere with the landscape and can be installed quickly.

On the other hand, the shock has to be fairly strong in order to deter the pet. Also, depending on the personality of the animal, the shock may not always be enough of a deterrent to keep the dog within the fence barrier. Obviously, an electric fence can’t keep other dogs or animals away from your pet. Trending in electric fences for dogs is a GPS-based collar. Owners often have the option to create as many as 20 different fences to keep the dogs safe. For instance, the same collar that creates a fence in your back yard creates a fence where you’re vacationing. Such a “fence” is convenient if the pet acclimates well to the collar and responds by staying within the designated boundaries. ✦

A OF FRESH AIR

BY PAULA PETERS CHAMBERS

If you’re like me, by the time the calendar rolls around to March, you’re ready for an excursion. Our great Commonwealth of Virginia can have relatively mild weather, but snow and ice can persist into early spring – and disrupt flights nationwide – which makes planning travel feel dicey. No one wants to pull the plug on an anticipated weekend jaunt because of a scary weather forecast.

There’s a real benefit, then, in booking an excursion to a nearby locale. The time spent in transit is minimal, which makes it easier to dodge a storm (or wait it out). Plus, even if your destination is no more than an hour away, you’ll be in a completely different place. Fresh views and unexpected opportunities to explore are spring tonics as much as seeing the first crocus pop up from the ground.

Consider these Virginia options, listed in alphabetical order:

PHOTO COURTESY OF WINTERGREEN RESORT

Berry Hill Resort, South Boston berryhillresort.com

If your idea of relaxation includes a step back in time, this former antebellum plantation is for you. Located three miles outside South Boston, the resort literally takes guests to another era via a tree-lined half-mile drive leading to a Greek Revival mansion. Inside, guests can unwind in gathering spaces decorated in old Southern style and in bedrooms with handcrafted Italian beds. For more active relaxation, try a lawn game, basketball on the regulation-sized half court, tennis or poolside yoga.

Keswick Hall, Keswick keswick.com

A full-scale renovation, concluded in fall 2021, has transformed the 1912 property with refreshed spaces and new buildings designed to connect guests with nature. Golfers will be challenged by the Pete Dye-crafted Full Cry golf course, which opened in 2015. If you like to hit a larger ball, the enhanced tennis facility has European red clay surfaces and state-of-the-art lighting for year-round play, day or night. For a quiet retreat, settle in under a weighted blanket in the new spa’s Serenity Room.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BERRY HILL RESORT

themartha.com

Located in the heart of Abingdon, The Martha is steps away from the historic Barter Theatre, the longest-running professional Equity theater in the country. Take in a show or settle into the inn’s Round-Table Library for an American classic. The hotel also has a slew of family-friendly activities, including free bikes for rides in town, an 18-hole putt-putt course, trampoline, tennis and pickleball. Or relax in the main parlor, original to the 1832 house, and then withdraw to one of the hotel’s signature suites for a private retreat.

Massanutten Resort, Massanutten massresort.com

Sure, you can ski at Massanutten, but if it’s a change of season you’re looking for, break out the swimsuits and head straight to the resort’s award-winning indoor water park. A range of water adventures await, all in a toasty 84-degree enclosure. Once you dry off, try the resort’s new Perfect Break facility, with simulated golf suites and e-sports gaming options. And bring your pandemic puppy along! The resort now welcomes dogs up to 70 pounds in designated rooms and locations.

Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke mtnlakelodge.com

Known to some as one of the locations where the film Dirty Dancing was made, Mountain Lake Lodge specializes in outdoor adventures. Enjoy craft beer and snacks at the new Salt Pond Pub, which overlooks a fire pit and outdoor lawn games. Bundle up for the hike to Bald Knob and panoramic views, or try your hand at clay shooting, with expert guidance from a certified instructor. Work up an appetite for fine dining at Harvest, where the seasonal menu features locally sourced produce and meats.

The Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia

The Homestead has been welcoming guests since 1766, learning from indigenous people the benefits of relaxing in the area’s mineral springs. Today, you can enjoy some of that water in a special pool, open year-round. Before you take the plunge, try a round of golf on the Old Course, open 365 days a year, weather permitting, or explore the property. If marked woods trails seem slippery, just stick to the paved roads. And book early: The resort is undergoing a renovation, so capacity is limited.

Martha Washington Inn & Spa, Abingdon

PHOTO COURTESY OF MASSANUTTEN RESORT

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OMNI HOMESTEAD RESORT

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARTHA WASHINGTON INN & SPA

Primland Resort, Meadows of Dan aubergeresorts.com/primland

Rated the best resort in the Southeast by Conde Nast Traveler, Primland sits on 12,000 acres full of options. Trails for mountain biking and hiking yield show-stopping sights. For another kind of view, visit the on-property observatory, where the elevation and absence of ambient light take star-gazing to new heights. Take your stay to another level — literally — by booking one of Primland’s three tree houses, balanced high above the Dan River Gorge.

Wintergreen Resort, Nellysford wintergreenresort.com

Wintergreen might have “winter” in its name, but it’s also a great place in the springtime. With over 30 miles of hiking trails to choose from, you’ll have plenty of options to explore the stunning natural beauty of the area. Be sure to bring your camera, as the spring wildflowers and mountain vistas are breathtaking. The Rees Jones 27-hole Stoney Creek golf course, in the valley, is playable early, or wait a few weeks to try Devils Knob, the highest course east of the Mississippi.

Spring is in the air. Head out and explore Virginia! ✦

PHOTO COURTESY OF WINTERGREEN RESORT

PHOTO COURTESY OF PRIMLAND RESORT

ADVERTISER index

American Moving and Storage 68

AR Workshop 58

Aspire 13

Bank of the James 20

Bass Sod Farm 72

Better Sofas 68

Bower Heating & Air Conditioning 12

Brandon Oaks 79

British Swim School 38

By Design Interiors 30

Capps Home Building Center 4

Construction Marketing LLC 46-47

CTS&I 6 crafted. 26-27

Curtains, Blinds & Bath 21

Dixie Products 59

Dominion Risk Advisors LLC 71

Elaine Stephenson Interiors 63

Elegant Exteriors by TBS 73

EZ Rampz 69

F&S Building Innovations 11

Fabulous Finds SML 60

First Bank (Virginia) 8

Fortress Foundation Solutions 81

Freedom First Credit Union 15

Geico 34

George’s Flowers 24

Grand Home Furnishings 5

Halifax Fine Furnishings 64

Ideal Cabinets 61

Indoor-Outdoor Living 14

Jamison Design LLC 16

Jeannine Hanson 25

Kitchen Tune-up of Roanoke 45

LinDor Arts 83

Magnolia Decor 14

Member One Federal Credit Union 84

Mountain City Realty & Auction 64

N-Hance 65

National Pools of Roanoke, Inc 39

Our Lady of the Valley 22

Patrick Team Homes 38

Phoenix Hardwoods 24

Picture Frame Warehouse 61

Pitman Construction 33

Potter Construction 43

Punch Boutique 58

Reid’s Fine Furnishings 31

Roanoke Glass 34

Ronnie Mitchell and Son Landscaping 77

Seven Oaks Landscape Hardscape 7

Shelter Sewing Studio 44

Skyline Door & Hardware 44

Susan Bailey / Long & Foster Realty 41

TBS Construction 3

The Columns 22

The French Farmhouse 20

The Little Gallery 17

Trent Currin Photography 60

Troika Gallery 30

ValleyStar Credit Union 2

Virginia Furniture Market 26-27

Virginia Mountain Mortgage 35

Whitt Carpet One Floor & Home 76

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