Roanoke Valley HOME Magazine

Page 1

HOME DESIGN

IMPROVE

GARDEN

LIVE

Winter Wonders

Creative Buffets Designing with Sconces CRAFT SPACES n GARDEN GIFTS n WREATHS WINTER 2012, vol. 5, No. 2


Window & Door

Design Gallery

A Division of Smith Mountain Building Supply

Westlake Towne Center 540-721-3453 | www.SmithMountainBuilding.com

Roanoke | 4204 Cypress Park Drive • 540-772-2906 Lynchburg | 107 Tradewynd Drive, Suite A • 434-582-1223



A Legacy of

Caring

“ When you come here, you can meet new friends and they have lots of activities. I would recommend Our Lady of the Valley to anyone!” Howard Weaver, resident

Assisted Living • Skilled Rehabilitation • Nursing Care

540-345-5111 www.ourladyofthevalley.com Next to St. Andrew’s Church, Downtown Roanoke Coordinated Services Management, Inc. Professional Management of Retirement Communities Since 1981

We can give you 5,000 more reasons to make the move, with $5,000 in savings! Save $750 a month for six months, plus up to $500 in local moving from Crowning Touch Senior Moving Services. Through Dec. 31, 2012.

Residential & Commercial Interior Design Kris Willard, ASID

Interiors By AND CARPET GALLERY At Westlake Towne Center BT Washington Hwy., Hardy, VA 24101

Free Estimates Professional Member ASID

Stop by our furniture & carpet gallery WESLEY HALL • HENREDON • DREXEL HERITAGE • HICKORY CHAIR • MAITLAND SMITH (540) 721-8354 www.interiorsbykris.com

4

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


n editor ’ s note The other day, I did something really out of character, something for which I had to dedicate and protect several hours, clear the dining room table of mail and other debris, and shoo away the other occupants of my home. What I did was...wait for it...work on photo albums! While this session was mostly driven by the need to be organized and record this wonderful life, it was also both relaxing and rejuvenating—qualities of a good old-fashioned hobby. While my efforts don’t feel worthy of the verb “scrapbooking,” I do think that sorting photos into events and themes, choosing shots with the best angles, and discerning which pics really capture the spirit of the moment, constitute creativity for me right now. This winter issue of HOME is all about nurturing creativity in your home. All that holiday prep, opportunities to entertain, not to mention the cold temps and midwinter weekends with little to do...these are the perfect conditions to consider livening things up with a dash of creativity. Even if you don’t have a room dedicated to crafting or creating, our feature on creation stations may inspire you to carve out just a little space and time to nurture your creative spirit. We also share tips and gorgeous photos for inspiration on making your own wreaths using the many seasonal gifts of nature as well as a few items that may surprise you.

Creativity doesn’t have to mean producing something new. It can also mean seeing or doing things in a new way, or sharing a new perspective. And it sure does come in handy in all our endeavors of the season, like entertaining, cooking, and shopping. Articles in this issue are sure to inspire you to try some new things: ideas for make-your-own food station buffets, better ways to browse for online recipes, shopping for just-right gifts for the gardeners in your life....we provide many ideas to ignite your creativity this winter. If we take in to account the many ways we experience creativity in our lives, and how it can renew and enrich us, we can see that every home should make creativity a priority in one way or another. Isn’t making a home quite possibly one of the most creative endeavors we can undertake? Wishing you a happy, healthy and creative holiday season! Thanks for reading!

—MERIDITH INGRAM, EDITOR meridith@westwillowpublishing.com

Cabinetry to fit any budget...

(540) 721-2276 www.shopcapps.com

r vhomemaga zine .com

5


HOME R O A N O K E

DESIGN

IMPROVE

VA L L E Y

GARDEN

LIVE

Volume 5 Issue 2 PUBLISHER

Julie Pierce EDITOR

Meridith Ingram CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Experience the South River Contracting Difference

People • Protection • Piece of Mind

Mitzi Bible Lucy Cook Laurel Feinman Kerry Giles Patricia C Held Kip Rudge Kayla Vinson Carrie Waller PROOFREADER

Eileen Lass/The Lass Word ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER

Trisha Roth

540.366.5552

GRAPHIC ARTISTS

Owners - Fred & Peggy Corbett

Specializing in residential solutions in Heating & Air Conditioning · Electrical · Plumbing · Generator Systems · Water Treatment Systems

www.southriverinc.com

5130 Hildebrand Road · Roanoke, VA 24012

Helga Kaszewski Beth Moore PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lauren Bennion Kevin Hurley, Kevin Hurley Photography KG Thienemann/ImageArtWork.com Carrie Waller ADVERTISING SALES

Lyn Marie Figel Janet Lampman Julie Pierce

NOW IS THE TIME FOR NEW WINDOWS AND PATIO DOORS

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Visit our showroom today! Best selection and best prices in the entire region!!

If you suffered through the last few months with leaky, drafty windows or patio doors, now is the time to replace them. Stop by today and take advantage of our full lineup of Andersen® products. Natural wood interiors, low-maintenance exteriors, High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass and excellent weather stripping help make Andersen the leading name in window and patio doors. Promenade Park 3564 Electric Road Roanoke, VA 24018

(540) 400-8790

Roanoke Valley HOME is published quarterly by West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. For an annual subscription, please send $20, with your name, address and telephone number to: Roanoke Valley HOME P.O. Box 3588 Lynchburg, VA 24503 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.

West Willow Publishing Group, LLC Principal: Julie Pierce (434) 386-5667 www.westwillowpublishing.com Copyright 2012 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.

neathawklumber.com/window-door 6

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


contents Ro a n o ke Va ll ey h o m e W int e r 2 0 12

30

10

10 30 56

56

features I N T E R I O R I L L U M I N AT I O N : S C O N C E S

Learn more about versatile, functional, dramatic lighting By Carr i e Wa l l e r

S H O W C A S E H O M E : The Torre Home

A grand old home renewed By Patr i c i a C H e l d

T H E C R E AT I O N S TAT I O N

Making space for crafts and hobbies By M i t z i B i b l e

Cover photography by Kevin Hurly at the home of Vicki and Glenn Torre

r vhomemaga zine .com

7


Ro a n o ke Va ll ey h o m e W int e r 2 0 12

departments 18

38

25

22

DESIGN

IMPROVE

GARDEN

LIVE

38 W R E ATHS How to design and create your own wreath

22 CLEAN MACH I N E S Maintenance tips for the machines that keep us clean

18 G R E AT G I F T S Shop local for treasures for your favorite gardener

25 F O O D S TAT I O N S Creating fabulous and fun make-your-own buffets

By K e rry G i les with

By Lau r e l F e i n m a n

By Carr i e Wa l l e r

By K i m F ox

K at y M u rr ay

46 HOMEOWNERS A S S O C I AT I O N S Understanding what HOAs mean for you and your home

62 H A B ITAT RESTORE Retail goods for a good cause By K ayla Vi n s o n

By K i p R u d g e

52 C U L I N A RY C O R N E R How to find the best recipes online

62

By Lu cy C o o k

18

S pecial I nterest 6 6 Resource Gallery 6 6 Index of Advertisers 8

65 AROUND TOWN Special events in the Roanoke Valley area

46 R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


’Tis the Season for a custom pool installation

Area’s Largest Selection of Outdoor Furniture.

Award Winning Custom In Ground Pool Builder 3112 Melrose Avenue • Roanoke VA 24017 (540) 345-7665 • www.nationalpools.com Call for a free consultation and estimate

PREMIER STONE FABRICATION, INC. Stone Specialist for all your fabrication needs, whether INDOOR or OUTDOOR! Supplier and Fabricator of Granite, Solid Surface, Soapstone and Quartz. 540-389-4327 150 Hammitt Lane Salem, VA 24153

r vhomemaga zine .com

9


10

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


Shining Sconces add light, mood and drama with this design darling By C a rr i e Wa l l er

The art of lighting is a delicate one. Install the wrong fixture (too big, too small, too bright) and the entire mood and tone of a space can be derailed. But get the lighting just right, and you will be rewarded with a room you’ll be proud to let shine. Designers agree that the key to successful lighting in a room is using a combination of ambient, task and accent lighting. Layering is really at the heart of this concept; embracing it provides dimension and warmth. Incorporating all three types of lighting will help create a functional, beautiful space. When considering wall sconces in terms of this three-part lighting formula, they are perhaps one of the most versatile light fixtures you can buy since they can be used for all three: Ambient in the way they truly encompass a space, task in that they go where you want them to go and shine where you want them to shine, and finally, accent lighting at its finest, since sconces offer such customized style. Sconces can suit just about any taste, and are available in all sorts of shapes, colors, finishes and sizes. They present the light bulb moment you’ve been waiting for!

r vhomemaga zine .com

11


Photo by Hudson Valley Lighting. Available at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

Unobtrusive and out of the way, these lights are the perfect solution for rooms lacking in available surfaces. Need a soft glow next to the reading chair in the den but don’t have room for a floor lamp or table-top fixture? Installing a wall-mounted sconce beside the chair could be the just the thing. Yet beyond its power to space-save, a collection of sconces can add drama and personality to a room lacking that finishing touch. Think of light fixtures as an accessory rather than merely a fixture, the difference being that accessories adorn the room rather than simply illuminate it. Functioning as both task and accent lighting, sconces can bring a little sparkle to areas you’d like to focus attention on. Use them to frame an oversized print or mirror in the dining room, or flank a fireplace with a matching set. When off, decorative sconces add artistic appeal, but turn them on and watch the wash of light create a tangible feeling and mood. Style File

Once used to hold candles before the age of electricity, wall sconces have now blossomed into a massive genre of wired lighting that has a design for everyone. Traditional styles, with intricate iron detailing and cream shades, and modern options, complete with stark lines made from industrial metals, are both available—and that’s only a sample of existing looks. Lighting designers will agree that this is an area of interior décor that has really taken off. 12

Immerse yourself in research and you’ll be amazed at just how limitless the options are. There are pieces that look like pendants, and other more elaborate options that look like 18thcentury chandeliers. Some have pin-straight armatures, while others have delicate curves flanked with beaded crystals to diffuse light in a completely unique way. Sconces have evolved into what can only be described as works of art, with sculptural detail work and shapes that would surprise even the most contemporary of designers. It’s not out of the realm of possibility to come across sconces shaped like pieces of live red coral or even space-age chrome boxes of diffused light. The Perfect Fit

When choosing the right sconce for your home, consider the style of the space in question. Is the furniture traditional with curved lines and turned legs? Are the textiles wrapped in embroidered pattern? Is the room finished with crown molding, honey-colored hardwood floors and an ornate Oriental-style rug? These types of classic spaces may call for wall sconces with an equal amount of elegance. In this case, consider fixtures of brass or black iron. Incorporating lampshades also has the potential to read more classic than modern, and can be customized to any style—from cream and white silk, to geometric patterns and even animal print. If lampshades aren’t your particular taste, another way to achieve a traditional look is to go with sconces meant to look like candles, topped with flame-shaped light R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


Available at Present Thyme

bulbs. Or celebrate authentic tradition and hang a real candle sconce. These classic options are lovely and, with glass surrounds, offer a safe way to add a flickering glow. For more modern spaces scattered with punches of bold colors, geometric art and clean-lined mid-century furniture, sconces tend to be simpler and more understated than their traditional counterparts. Choose fixtures made from unfinished metals with elongated bendable arms. Imagine a wall-mounted equivalent of a 1960s desk lamp and you’ll see one possible look come together. If you find yourself drawn to a more eclectic, transitional style, try combining elements of multiple looks. Love cloth lampshades but not a fan of traditional brass finishes? Pair a modern, squareshaped shade with a curved brushed nickel base. Or if you like the classic sheen of brass, but don’t want it to read overly traditional, you can choose a boxy, all-metal brass sconce with geometric detailing. When taking sconces into a child’s room, you can really play with the details. In a little girl’s room, top sparkling silver

Art For All Seasons.... Open Year Round! Featuring fine art for the home or office, pottery, glass, jewelry and crafts

Bridgewater Plaza, Lower Level Moneta, VA 24121 540-721-1596 • Open 7 Days Handmade In America

r vhomemaga zine .com

thelittlegallerysml.com 13


bases with lampshades in feminine pinks and purples. Add a whimsical monogrammed detail to really make it hers. For the boys, start with a boxy base and perhaps set a camo-print lampshade on top. The beauty of a funky lampshade is that it can easily be replaced as styles and tastes mature. Placement 101

The options in terms of design and style are endless. The art of placement, however, is a bit less open-ended. There’s a reason movie sets have trained, professional lighting experts on hand; proper lighting is truly scientific, taking into account the right height, brightness, spacing, and quantity of fixtures needed. To calculate the number of sconces for a room, judge by its size. For a large living space or kitchen, sconces can be plentiful but should be used to supplement, not complete, the lighting. Be sure to incorporate other lighting options to achieve balance, such as floor lamps, recessed overhead lighting, or tabletop lamps. On the other hand, two wall sconces may be all you need in a small office or bathroom. Think of them in terms of layering and what each individual room needs to feel complete. Take your time brainstorming ways to incorporate wall sconces into your home. Stand at the entrance of the room in question and look around you. What spots seem too dim to feel inviting? Where is the lighting a little too overpowering? Sconces should relate to something and feel integrated with aspects of the room—centered between a pair of wingback chairs, flanking either side of a fireplace mantel or piece of statement artwork, or simply situated to accent an interesting architectural feature like an arch or column. These fixtures are meant to highlight

14

Available at Present Thyme

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


their surroundings, so be cognizant of the zones in a room that can benefit from wall-mounted accent lighting. As another example, consider a bathroom. You may have heard that the right light beside a bathroom mirror can melt years away from your reflection. The eye-level glow from a decorative sconce could easily provide the magic that overhead lighting wants to destroy. Lighting beside the face will give you a true-to-life reflection rather than one distorted by shadows from light cast downward. Install a dimmer switch to fully control the effect. Adequate lighting in a kitchen is an absolute must, but that doesn’t mean you have to relegate all of it to the ceiling. Hard wire a pair of sconces alongside the cooktop or above a banquette in the eat-in dining area. Eye-level light has the ability to soften overhead fixtures and turn a largely utilitarian room into a relaxing place where people want to congregate. Need a few other instances where lowhung lighting sets the tone? Install a line of them down the length of a hallway with family photos hung between, or embed them in a large flush-mounted mirror in the dining room or master suite. For a kid’s room, try placing a pair at their eye-level on either side of the bed for well-lit bedtime stories and play. Sure, sconces are a no-brainer on each side of the bed, but don’t forget the sofa for this type of pairing too.

bettybranch.com

Bella Notte… the best of luxury bedding in a palette of luscious colors and irresistible textures.

Hard-Wiring Standard

When wiring multiple sconces in a space, the general rule of thumb is to install them between 60 and 72 inches from the floor, depending on the height of the home’s occupants, and with about 8 to 10 feet of separation between each light. These standards are in place so that you can avoid the look of a dim movie theater or the fluorescent feel of a doctor’s office. Remember, you want to find the r vhomemaga zine .com

540-342-9706 | presenthyme.com | Towers Shopping Center | Roanoke, VA 15


Photo by Hudson Valley Lighting. Available at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

perfect balance between too dark and too bright. The “rules” also help establish a cohesive and intentional look to your sconce collection. Pairs of lights read as a unit, creating balance, whereas sporadic numbers and spacing will throw off the scale (and mood) of a room. If new to electrical work, this project may be best left to the experts. A trained electrician can charge anywhere between $40 and $100 an hour, so keep this in mind when deciding on placement. Keep your costs down by placing new light fixtures near existing wiring, so that running electricity to the new light won’t be a major hassle. The installation of the light is the easy part; it’s running new wire to an uncharted location that will run your final invoice up. Wall sconces offer homeowners the ability to layer on drama and mood in a space, all without taking up valuable surface area. Beauty meets function in these fixtures, which isn’t an easy combination to find. If wrestling with wires and toppling lamp bases is getting you down, cut through the chaos and wire up some eye-level, in-wall peace 1 10/11/12 ofAd_7.5x4.875_school_kitchen_Layout mind.

8:40 AM Page 1

creating a better kitchen for your family

Whether you’re seeking total or partial bathroom and kitchen remodeling, Better Bathrooms & Kitchens, Inc. is full service from converting tubs to showers, installing tile, cabinets, and lighting. From minor facelifts to a total redesign our design consultants can show you all the possibilities.

500 OFF

$

KITCHEN REMODEL

Plus $500 credit toward new appliances

Present this coupon and save on a FULL remodel of applicable room.

Save Today! Call 540.772.6630 3570 Electric Rd. | Roanoke VA. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 02/28/13

INC.

Call our Design Consultants today!

call us today:

540.772.6630

find out how to get a better bathroom & kitchen www.betterbathroomsandkitchens.com | 3570 Electric Road | Roanoke, VA 16

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


ADVERTORIAL

what’s your absolute favorite color?

Talking Color with HGTV’s David Bromstad Presented By

HGtV® HOMe By sHerwin-williaMs COlOr and PaintinG Made easy. How do you define your design style?

What are your favorite tricks for small spaces?

DAVID: Colorful and quirky. I like rooms that make you smile every time you step inside.

DAVID: You can add height to a room by painting the ceiling a contrasting color. It works! And mirrors are your BFF. Hang them on a wall to create the illusion of depth. Color-wise, think cheerful, not subdued.

My house is totally blah. help!

DAVID: Saturated, bold and bright colors will make your space pop. To spice up your kitchen, try painting the walls and cabinets contrasting colors. Or turn one wall of your living room into a focal wall by painting it a vibrant shade.

r vhomemaga zine .com

The Color Pizzazz collection will make your interior space pop. © 2012 The Sherwin-Williams Company. HGTV HOME is a trademark of Scripps Networks, LLC. used under license to THE SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COMPANY.

SW 6703 Frolic

DAVID: It is hard to choose just one, but I really love acid yellow green, like HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams 6703 Frolic from the Color Pizzazz color collection. I use it in my own home. It is the perfect shade — looks good with everything, and is happy and soothing. what else can i do other than repaint my walls?

DAVID: Wallpaper and decals can be totally chic — in the right patterns. Like the new ones from HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams. or you can paint a huge canvas with a fun, abstract design.

how can I enhance my home’s curb appeal?

DAVID: First impressions are everything. Put a fresh coat of paint on your front door or porch. Painting your trim can give your home that special punch so it stands out.

Where did you develop your passion for color?

DAVID: I was born loving color!

These HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams wallpapers and decals are so fierce they’re like wall art.

For fresh new ways to paint, visit sherwin-williams.com/hgtvhome

Join us on

17


n GARDEN GIFTS

Gifts for the Gardener 18

3

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


Lilly Pulitzer caddy, Provisions Gourmet and RSVP Shop

STO RY AND P HOTO G R A P HY By C a rr i e Wa l l er

Winter has settled over the region once again, replacing outdoor adventures with new ones indoors, hot chocolate and fluffy blanket in hand. For a gardener, the lack of flower- and vegetable-friendly weather doesn’t put a stop to preparation for the spring season to come. And with the holidays comes plenty of gift-giving opportunities to satisfy these creative personalities. To get the scoop on what’s hot for your gardening pals this cool weather season, we trolled through some of the city’s most garden-friendly shops. With prices as low as $7, you’re sure to find the perfect surprise to remind your outdoorsy confidantes of their favorite time of year.

Get Organized

Although gardening starts with an imaginative mind, it also requires a good amount of stuff: gloves, trowels, seeds, pots, soil...Sometimes the hardest part isn’t getting plants to grow, it’s finding a place to store all of the things that help them along. The Picket Fence Bench ($325, Steger Creek) is a gardener’s dream, complete with seating for two and a handy lower shelf perfect for stowing things away. It’s doubtful that you’ll need to tell your thoughtful gardener recipient twice, but like all outdoor accoutrements, you’ll want to be mindful of the elements and the effects they might have on the bench. This gift is best suited for a covered porch area or patio that can shield the painted wood finish from the worst of Mother Nature’s wrath. For on-the-go tool storage, gift your gardening friend a vibrant, multi-pocketed Lilly Pulitzer caddy ($30, Provisions Gourmet and RSVP Shop). There’s a color and pattern for just about anyone, and the extra pockets sewn around the large center section make organizing gardening or flower-arranging tools a cinch. The microfiber fabric also makes it easy to clean and perfect for setting outside during dirty work amongst the plants. r vhomemaga zine .com

Picket Fence Bench, Steger Creek 19


Decorative Seasonal Lanterns, Steger Creek

Mat Mates, Steger Creek

Comfort Meets Style

Looking for a gift that looks good and feels good? Pick out a Mat Mate ($21.95, Steger Creek) for your garden-savvy friend. These interchangeable mats are made with fade-resistant colors and permanent dyes, making them the perfect addition to outdoor thresholds. The environmentally friendly materials of recycled tires also are sure to please your “green”-conscious gift recipient. The patterned mat insert can be given on its own or paired with a decorative tray ($132, Steger Creek) for extra stability and charm. Soothing Senses with Nature

As dusk falls, outdoor enthusiasts tend to gravitate toward their domains. An evening stroll through lovingly tended garden beds can be just what’s needed to cap off the day. For these stolen moments, halogen light bulbs tend to steal the magic right out of the air. Luckily, the same lanterns that have been guiding people to a place of comfort for centuries are still available today, but with an exciting modern twist: batteries. Indoor/outdoor lanterns with battery-operated luminary candles by Bethlehem Lights (18” $104, 15” $92, Townside Gardens) are wonderful for lighting the way without heightening fears of an open flame. Made using high-quality forged metals, these fireless lanterns are perfect for setting the mood. An added bonus is the timer feature, which allows you to fully control the ambiance. Fan of doing things the good, old-fashioned way? Indoor/outdoor seasonal lanterns (39” $135, 21” $52, 15” $46, 2 0

Indoor/Outdoor Lanterns, Townside Gardens

Steger Creek) available in anything from galvanized punched tin to antiqued white-washed metal, are also perfect for creating a warm glow. When birdsong fades in the colder months, a wind chime is just the thing to keep the music alive outdoors. Corinthian Bells wind chimes (from $85 to $180, Townside Gardens), offer a stunningly unique sound based on hand-tuned scales. And they look just as beautiful as they sound, coming in red, brown, black and blue finishes made to withstand the elements. The bonus is that they are handmade right here in the U.S.A., some even in nearby Manassas, Virginia. All the Right Tools

When in doubt, gifting your gardener pal with a piece of topof-the-line equipment is a surefire way to please. We asked around for the most popular pruning shears and came away with Felco brand pruners (try the Felco 5 or the Felco 600, both $55, Townside Gardens). They are top-notch, high performance tools that, with proper care and maintenance, can last years and years. This is a gift to literally last a lifetime. If detail work with flower stems and buds is the focus, consider presenting your friend with a compact Swiss-made Victorinox knife ($19.99, Provisions Gourmet and RSVP Shop). Available with handles in several neon-hued shades, these palm-sized blades are great for trimming stems or shaving away pesky thorns. R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


Victorinox knife, Provisions Gourmet and RSVP Shop

Green Gifts

Felco pruners, Townside Gardens

Live moss, Provisions Gourmet and RSVP Shop

Corinthian Bells wind chimes, Townside Gardens

For the green-thumbed friend who simply can’t wait until the spring, indoor plantings, like seasonal poinsettias and exotic orchids (starting at $9.99 and $29.99, respectively, at Greenbrier Nurseries), could be just the thing. For these year-round gardeners, give the gift of a finishing touch with pre-packaged live moss (from $7 to $25, Provisions Gourmet and RSVP Shop). Available in varieties such as reindeer and Spanish, live sheet moss is a naturally beautiful additive to other potting mediums. There may not be a whole lot to do outside this time of year, but there are plenty of ways to keep next year’s garden in mind. Gardening gifts keep the excitement going year-round, and help to satisfy antsy hands ready to get down and dirty in the soil.

"Nuisance Wildlife Control Specialists" Since 1998 Wildlife & Fisheries Biologists On Staff Blue Ridge Wildlife Management, LLC has been specializing with human wildlife conflicts and providing solutions for fisheries issues since 1998. With over 20 years of experience in wildlife and fisheries management practices and techniques along with fourteen years field experience as one of Virginia’s few wildlife and fisheries specialists, we are able to quickly evaluate the situation and take steps for immediate intervention. Our number one priority is the safety and peace of mind of clients experiencing a wildlife conflict or a fisheries problem. By identifying and focusing on the problem and not the symptoms, Blue Ridge Wildlife Management, LLC has a track record of providing long-term and whenever possible permanent solutions.

1-855-WILDPRO or 540-776-1769 Trapping, Bird Netting, Inspections, Wildlife Damage Prevention Repairs, Exclusion, Habitat Modification Consulting, Dead Animal Removal, Odor Control, Standard and Custom Chimney Caps Bats, Beavers, Birds, Bobcats, Cats (Feral), Chipmunks, Coyotes, Deer, Dogs, Foxes, Geese, Groundhogs, Opossum, Pigeons, Raccoons, Rats, River Otters, Skunks, Snakes, Squirrels, Woodchuck

Commercial - Residential - Industrial - Municipal r vhomemaga zine .com

21


n IMPROVE MACHINE MAINTENANCE

Maintenance Matters

Tips for Cleaning the Machines that Keep Us Clean

22

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


By L au r el F ei n m a n

As contrary as it sounds, the machines that help keep us clean need to take a bath from time to time, too. A simple monthly cleaning routine, using basic ingredients you already have on hand, is all it takes. Don’t let vinegar’s off-putting odor put you off; it’s an inexpensive and terrific household cleaner. Its distinctive scent quickly dissipates, leaving things fresh and squeaky clean, especially when coupled with baking soda. Bleach, a household staple from your laundry room, can be used to sanitize multiple surfaces in your home when diluted to the same ratio that hospitals use: 10 parts water to 1 part bleach. Products like table salt and baking soda can come out of the spice cabinet and play a role as gentle and effective scrub-busters in all the rooms of your house. Dishwashers

Jetted Tubs

Once a month, remove the utensil holders and racks, check for stuck-on food, and wipe down the interior of the dishwasher. Though you should check your owner’s manual before you try any home cleaning remedies, consider this method to clean your dishwasher: Add 3 cups of plain white vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda to the bottom of the empty machine. Turn on the dishwasher; allow it to run for a few minutes. Stop the cycle mid-wash, leaving the vinegar solution to stand for 20 minutes or so, then allow the machine to finish up its cycle. The combination of hot water and the vinegar solution will loosen any goo and allow you to easily wipe it away. Pay special attention to the door and its rubber gasket. Finally, don’t forget to refill the compartment for your machine’s liquid drying agent. Products like “Finish” and “Jet Dry” really do help your dishes and the interior of your machine to dry faster, cutting down on soap residue and ultimately helping your machine run efficiently.

A nice bubble bath, perhaps with some scented essential oils or an exfoliating salt scrub, is such a nice way to relax and tend to your personal well-being. But properly cleaning up after your at-home spa treatment is essential to the health of your Jacuzzi tub, considering that your bath water, bubbles and exfoliated skin have been recirculating through the pipes and creating an icky brew. After your bath, fill the tub with enough hot water to cover the jets by an inch or two, and add a squirt of your favorite grease-busting dish soap plus 1 cup of bleach to cleanse and sanitize the slippery surface. Turn on the jets for about 15 minutes, drain the tub, and wipe the residue away with a microfiber cloth. Then fill the tub again with cool water and turn on the jets to rinse your tub clean. If you are worried about using bleach in your jetted tub, you may prefer to swap the bleach for 3 cups of white distilled vinegar and 1 cup of salt or baking soda instead. Either way, your jetted bathtub will be degreased, degunked, and ready for your next spa day.

r vhomemaga zine .com

23


Washing Machines

Whether you have a front-loading or top-loading washer, an ounce of prevention is worth having to rewash a pound or so of stinky laundry. When not in use, leave the soap dispenser compartment ajar as well as the door or lid on the drum to allow residual water to evaporate. If you have a front-loader, use only “he” (high-efficiency) detergent, and no matter what style of machine you own, use only about half as much detergent as the container suggests you need. More is not better when it comes to laundry soap and liquid fabric softener. Over-sudsing creates a scummy sludge in your clothing and in your machine. Once a month, run an empty cycle on the hottest water setting with 3 cups of distilled white vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda, or use a packet of store-bought washing machine cleaning powder. Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the interior of your machine, including the door/lid and around the rubber seal. If you notice that your machine has a mold or mildew smell, you must focus on sanitizing and killing bacteria. Instead of a vinegar-andbaking soda solution, add one cup of bleach to the drum of your washer and run a complete cycle on the hottest setting. Go ahead and take the opportunity to toss in your household cleaning cloths and sponges so they can be sanitized, too. When the cycle is through, scrub the interior of your machine with a nubby cloth to remove any remaining sludge and leave the door open to permit everything to air-dry. Our grandmothers didn’t have the big modern-day equipment that we have the luxury of using today, but they certainly knew a thing or two about economical and effective cleaning solutions for the home.

Your Carpets Clean & Dry in 1 to 2 Hours! Drier.

Cleaner.

Healthier.

of Roanoke & Blacksburg Our Services Include: • Carpet Cleaning, Protection & Odor Removal • Oriental & Area Rug Cleaning • Tile & Grout Cleaning & Sealing • Stone Polishing

Superior Carpet, Rug, Tile & Stone Care

“Chem-Dry of Roanoke and Blacksburg was an exceptional and conscientious cleaner. They took pride in their work and took time to explain how I should treat future spots.” ~ Ann in Roanoke

Call Us Today for Your Appointment

Independently Owned & Operated • Bonded & Insured

Proudly Serving You for Over 30 Years!

375-6625 www.cdroanoke.com

Ser ving Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, Vinton & Botetour t 2 4

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


n LIVE CREATIVE ENTERTAINING

Mix and Mingle with New Ideas for Buffets By K i m F ox

If hosting a holiday party is in your plans, you are probably planning your menu and addressing invitations already. Even if it’s tempting to pull out the grocery list from last year, why not try something a little different? There are so many new trends in entertaining, and inspiration for planning and executing interesting gatherings is everywhere— magazines (like HOME!), blogs, websites...ideas abound!

r vhomemaga zine .com

25


A

common dilemma for a hostess is finding the right space to set up the food. If the dining room table is used, where are your guests going to sit? If a kitchen island is put to work, accessing the freezer for ice or the pantry to replenish the cracker tray might be tricky. Recently, I attended an anniversary party at a darling little country inn where space was at a premium. As I walked into the dining area, I immediately noticed that food was arranged on several tables scattered around the room. Something different was offered at each table. One held a cocktail bar with several bottles of wine in buckets next to goblets lined up on a silver tray. Cocktail shakers were nestled in tubs of ice next to martini glasses and highballs. Instead of ordering from a bartender, guests were having a great time channeling their “inner mixologist” and serving themselves. In another corner of the room, a table held steaming bowls of mashed potatoes surrounded by every topping imaginable—chives, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, herbed butters and flavored sour cream. Next to the traditional beef and ham carving station, heaping platters of artisan breads and rolls enticed guests to create bitesized sandwiches topped with cheese or horseradish sauce. Instead of a traditional tiered anniversary cake, the honored couple served tiny sweets atop glass cake stands of different heights and shapes. Since the desserts were small, it was a great excuse to try a couple of different miniature tarts and cakes. This fun trend of mini buffets has caught on big time as modern hostesses are looking for something to set their events apart. These food vignettes become a memorable and amusing way to get guests out of their seats and socializing without

Mortgages without obstacles.

We asked for it, YOU got it!

PrimeLending in Southwest VA

POTTER CONSTRUCTION, LLC Complete Custom Remodeling Custom Cabinetry

C time.” “It’s about

Leah Henesy Loan Coordinator

Guaranteed Satisfaction

Guaranteed Guaranteed Price Time Frame PotterConstructionLLC.com 540-427-2284 2 6

Keisha Brown

Carol Potts

Faye Crute

NMLS#246099

NMLS#155017

NMLS#336851

(540) 353-6962 (540) 353-8812 (540) 761-3782 3549 Electric Road, Suite E • Roanoke, Virginia 24018 ©2012 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company (NMLS no: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in VA.

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


Introducing Country Estate and Colette

Possibly the most beautiful tableware in the world

Possibly the most beautiful tableware in the world

Come visit us Monday-Friday 10am-5:30pm Saturdays 10am-5pm

waiting for a sit-down meal to be served. You may not be hosting a wedding reception or anniversary party this winter, but you can tweak the idea of the food station to fit just about any holiday gathering. Here are some ideas to get you started. Snack Time at the Sleepover

Teenagers and little ones alike love sleepovers, but for adults they can seem like long nights with perpetually hungry mouths to feed. If you don’t want to become a short-order cook, and ordering pizza seems too mundane, try setting up a snack bar that allows kids to be part of the preparation. Freshly popped popcorn becomes a gourmet treat when topped with flavored butters, grated cheese or candies. Purchase popcorn bags at the party store and set out several bowls of toppings, letting the guests make individualized concoctions. What a great way to satisfy those late-night munchies! Breakfast is easy too, when you have set out cereal bowls, spoons, a variety of cereals, and juice glasses the night before. In the morning, you can quickly add ice cold milk and a selection of juice to the breakfast bar and retire to the next room with your cup of coffee. Letting the kids serve themselves will be a welcome break for you if you didn’t get much shut-eye the night before! International Night

The holiday dinner party is a great way to celebrate the season with friends. The dilemma for any host is how to get your guests to mingle, especially if they don’t know each other. Little food stations set up around your house help break the ice by getting guests moving about; chances are they will strike up a r vhomemaga zine .com

540-857-5888 4235 Electric Rd., Roanoke, VA 24018

Across from Tanglewood, Grand Pavilion Mall

Southern Lamp and Shade Showroom

Specializing in Shades, Lamps and Lamp Repair 20733 Virgil Goode Highway, Rocky Mount, VA

www.southernlampandshade.com

540-334-5707 27


conversation as they meet at the crostini bar. Consider adding a theme to your dinner party. If you love Italian food, stock your cocktail area with limoncello, iced granites and some hearty red wines. Set up a pasta bar on your kitchen table you have moved into one corner. Fill big pottery bowls with different shapes and flavors of noodles such as spinach fettucini, peppery cappelletti or buttery gnocchi, and offer several sauces and toppings. Homemade pesto or sun-dried tomato sauce served in rustic gravy boats lend that Tuscan feel to your Italian theme. Or try an Asian menu by serving lo mein noodles or rice in hot woks and offering different toppings, such as stirfried vegetables, and diced pork, chicken and shrimp. Mexican food adapts to the food station idea perfectly when you provide homemade tortillas and set out everything your guests will need to make the perfect personalized burrito. These little mini buffets are the perfect way to start your guests talking as they work their way through creating their custom culinary masterpieces.

Renew, Repair & Revitalize Your Wood No Sanding - No Dust - No Mess - No Odors

Revolutionary wood renewal with a tough polyurethane finish. Enjoy your beautiful wood floors and cabinets with no sanding. No mess, no odors, in just 24 hours. The process is quick, easy, and hassle free. N-hance has a full customer service guarantee.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Wood Renewal in Just One Day! Independently Owned and Operated

Call 375-6631 today to schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate. Serving Roanoke, Botetourt, Vinton and Salem 2 8

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


Equipping your kitchen, the place that gathers everyone

Roanoke: 305 Market Street 540.769.8181 Lexington: 13 S Main Street 540.464.3838 LadlesAndLinens.com COOKWARE - CUTLERY - GOURMET FOODS - SERVING PIECES

Make it a

DELICIOUS

HOLIDAY! Game Day

Elevate your tailgate when you provide fixings for individual kebabs made by each of your guests before the big game. Meats cut into cubes, chunks of raw vegetables and even fruits can be threaded onto skewers and grilled by your favorite grill master. Encourage everyone to enjoy a cold beverage during the pregame show, snacking on party mix that they have mixed themselves. Set out a food station with nuts, cereals, pretzels, small crackers and dried fruits or candies in apothecary jars. Provide metal scoops and encourage guests to fill team-colored paper lunch sacks with the concoction of their own making—a great way to satisfy a hungry crowd while you get the grill going! If you are looking for some fresh ideas to inspire you this party season, provide food, fellowship and fun with these casual crowd-pleasing food stations. Your party will be a memorable event for everyone—and may just bring out the Top Chef in your guests! r vhomemaga zine .com

NEW

Turkey Breast Smoked or Roasted

The Honey Baked Ham®

Holiday Meals • Catering • Gift Certificates

Roanoke • 2626 Broadway Avenue • Just off Colonial Avenue (Between Va. Western Comm. College & Tower‘s Shopping Center)

Tel. (540) 857-HAMS(4267)

29


3 0

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


A Grand Old Home Renewed By Pat r i ci a C H el d P h ot o g r a p hy by Kev in H u r l ey

With the growth of major railroad Norfolk Southern, the area formerly known as Big Lick became a major crossroads and eventually was renamed Roanoke. The railroad brought prosperity to the city, and by the turn of the century, the area was bustling with businesses and the construction of grand homes for local businessmen and their families. In 1927, local entrepreneur Charles Lunsford built an elegant English Tudor home in what was then the city’s outskirts. Its location offered dramatic views of the nearby mountains. Perched on its private hillside, just below Roanoke’s famous star, this grand home appears today as it did almost 90 years ago. But for a time, the home did not enjoy such grandeur. Its restoration is partly due to Vicki and Glenn Torre who have owned the property for the past seven years. They are only the fourth owners of the elegant Tudor. Agnes Lunsford, who was Charles Lunsford’s second wife, lived in the home until she was in her 80s. The neighboring hospital bought the house and used it for meetings and gatherings. Eventually the hospital sold it back to private owners. While each set of owners did its share of care and maintenance, the Torres have worked hard to bring the home back to its original elegance. r vhomemaga zine .com

31


In retrospect, Vicki and Glenn Torre said they never expected to own such a striking home. They had moved back to Roanoke after Glenn completed his residency in anesthesiology. Glenn grew up in Roanoke County, but when they returned, they chose a more contemporary neighborhood there. As time went on, Vicki developed a real love affair with the house. As she explained, “My friend lived here [in the house] and I would come to visit. I fell in love with this house!” It was in disrepair and the grounds were overgrown. “I sort of stalked it. I would come up the driveway and look at it, and I saw its potential,” she said. And despite her husband’s misgivings, she asked her friend to let her know if they ever decided to sell it. Eventually the owners decided to sell, and Vicki took Glenn on a tour of the home. She wanted to impress him with how much had already been done to the home under previous owners. The house underwent a great deal of structural renovation when the hospital owned it. They redid the foundation and installed central air conditioning plus all new wiring. Vicki showed Glenn the phone lines—all 27 of them— and proudly took him to the boiler room with the boilers and all the pumps. Glenn was not impressed. His response when he saw it was, “There is no way I am coming into this!” While the house remained on the market, “She hounded me for three years,” said Glenn. He finally agreed, but as he pointed out, “I honestly believe that Vicki had no idea what we were letting ourselves in for.” From this point on, the house seemed to grow on Glenn. They both became involved with the project. “We designed everything,” Glenn explained. “We wanted to do it on our own.” 3 2

So, from the inside to the outside, the Torres cleaned, painted, pulled out and replanted, all in an effort to bring the home back to its original glamour. The house is accessed by a long, winding driveway that travels uphill several hundred feet. While the property includes three acres of thick woods, which affords a good deal of privacy, the grounds along the driveway were overgrown. The Torres called in Dewey Hale of Hale Landscaping to remove bushes and brush. According to Vicki, when Hale first came to work on the grounds, he commented, “I usually put stuff in instead of take stuff out!” He filled at least six big dump trucks full of landscaping debris, then also reworked the entire yard— installing sod, and planting new bushes and landscaping beds. “He helped us tremendously,” said Vicki. For structural work, the Torres relied on Blue Valley Landscaping, Inc. to reinstall the original walkway in front of the house and replace an extensive back patio that the hospital had installed. A stylish portico lit by an iron chandelier leads guests to the front entryway. There are only a handful of rooms on the first floor of the Torre home, but their size makes them ideal for entertaining. The center hall is one such room. It is a perfect entryway for visitors and makes a statement. One can imagine in days gone by, groups of party-goers dressed in their finest clothes mingling here before dinner. The front door is surrounded by windows allowing light to stream through. Floor moldings climb at least twelve inches up the walls. An ornately hand-carved pedestal table of highly polished wood is centered in the room, and a magnificent staircase bedecked with boughs of greens, pine cones and white R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


shimmering lights greet family and guests during the holidays. A bronze sculpture of Mercury is a focal point in this splendid center hall. Glenn and his four siblings are all physicians, and his mother has presented each of her children with a similar bronze, each with the caduceus symbolizing the medical field. An enormous living room includes a small area to the rear of the room that is reached by a single step upward. A beamed ceiling, a fireplace, shelving, multi-pane windows and built-in seating create a private area in this massive room. Hardwood floors adorn most of the rooms, but this section is tiled in a basketweave pattern with a tile border of green and beige. Vicki pointed out that the lovely hues in the tile happen to match perfectly the draperies that she has used in two other homes. When Vicki saw the color and how well it matched, she knew this had to be the house for them. Adjacent to the living room is a study, which Vicki calls her bird room. Soft green walls provide perfect surroundings for both her birds and family. Sunshine and Snuggles live here in giant cages— Sunshine is a Macaw with feathers of

Design your ideal outdoor living space. Visit Boxley’s Block, Brick and Hardscape Center and discover how our wide variety of quality masonry and hardscape materials can turn your outdoor spaces into an attractive, and valuable, part of your home. Stroll through our outdoor showroom and design center complete with patios, walkways, retaining walls and rows of sample materials. Our professional staff is ready to assist you and help create the outdoor living space of your dreams.

Boxley Block, Brick and Hardscape Center 110 Lynchpin Lane, Lynchburg, VA • (434) 846-2766 • boxley.com

1 r v hBoxleyBlockHomesAdLynchburg.indd omemaga zine .com

10/15/10 3:48 PM 33


coral, blue, green, yellow and red, and Snuggles is a creamy white cockatoo. The birds not only provide a great deal of exotic color to the room but are also quite vocal and great companion pets. The dining room is elegant with its picture-frame molding and banquet-sized table. For the holiday centerpiece, Vicki chose heralding angels on a bed of greens. The Torres replaced a small chandelier that hung in the center of the room with a much larger crystal and brass fixture. The room is ideal for holiday parties and the couple entertains frequently. Each Christmas season the Torres display a wooden nativity scene that was hand carved in Germany. A cherished family heirloom, it was originally Glenn’s mother’s until she entrusted it to Vicki and Glenn. The furnishings throughout the home are quite spectacular and fit well in the large rooms. Vicki has done a superb job of decorating. “We like old things and we find treasures at thrift and junk shops and sales,” she said. Many of their pieces, like the nativity scene, have also been handed down through the family. Every room in the Torres’ home is overflowing with charm, and one of the most pleasant is their den. Originally the breakfast room, since it is adjacent to the kitchen and dining room, the den is ideal for entertaining and serving intimate meals. Older homes are infamous for their elaborate details, and this home is no exception. The floors of their den are tiled terracotta squares, the ceiling is wood-paneled and beamed, and the fireplace wall is covered with elaborate stonework in hues of pink, yellow and brown. This room houses one of the family’s several Christmas trees. Vicki decorated this tree with birds, ribbons and pheasant feathers. According to Vicki, they are the third family to use this bird theme in the room.

34

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


LAUGHTER, GOOD FOOD, FAMILY & FRIENDS Whether your gatherings are formal or casual, you will find the perfect dining furniture at Grand. We have counter-height tables and stools, dining sets for the kitchen and dining room furniture in solid wood by brands such as Kincaid, Greenbrier Craftsmen and Conrad Grebel to name a few. Find the perfect fit for your entertaining style at Grand Home Furnishings. Look for us on facebook.

4235 Electric Road SW | 540-774-7004 1945 Valley View Boulevard, NW | 540-563-2070 www.grandhomefurnishings.com

Roanoke Valley Home, Winter Issue Built into the colorful stonework just above the mantel is a small cranny that is perfect for Santa and his reindeer. Flanked on both sides of the hearth, gnome-like andirons stand sentry. Vicki has collected the Christmas decorations over the years, and they all fit perfectly in clever little spots. An exquisite 19thcentury French armoire stands against one wall. They discovered this treasure on a trip to Philadelphia. Unique to this house are unusual sconces, chandeliers and other fixtures. Many are iron and match the Tudor style of the home. When new fixtures were necessary, they searched until they found an appropriate style that followed the traditional lines of the home. “I spend hours on the Internet to find these things,” said Glenn. The den leads into the butler’s pantry. Originally the pantry had beautiful hanging cabinets of butternut wood with sliding doors. Nathan Bowman of Bowman’s Cabinets in Ferrum restored them to their natural beauty and was able to match the same wood for the kitchen cabinets. Marble counters complemented and completed the project. r vhomemaga zine .com

Fine Antiques • Rare Rugs • Objets d’Art 40 Village Springs Lane, Suite 11 · Hardy, VA 24101 · Across from Westlake Shopping Center

(540) 721-0181 35


While most of the downstairs simply needed a touch-up, the kitchen was ready for a major change. Here the Torres focused their efforts. “You can’t hide a new kitchen!” exclaimed Vicki. “But I wanted it to blend in with the den.” They worked hard with their choice of cabinet design and wood to create a new kitchen that appeared old. According to Bowman, “The Torres knew what they wanted and stuck to the authenticity of the design.” The Torres took great pains to keep everything in the home’s tradition. “Our goal has always been not to change things,” explained Vicki. “We wanted to respect the architecture. We feel like that is our job.” Rod Schroeder of RJS Building Services did most of the renovation work here, and the Torres attribute much of the success of the project to him. “We went in and took out a large wall,” said Schroeder. When a back porch was removed and the kitchen extended, the Torres had to duplicate a 16-inch wall, door, windows, and even the hardware. The house features beautiful double windows with multiple panes and deep window sills. None of it could be easily copied, but today the room looks like it never has been touched. Schroeder pointed out that while he did the work, the Torres were responsible for the design of the project. One of the standout features in the kitchen is the stove backsplash, made of white tile and featuring an elaborate relief design. Vicki’s objective was to find something handmade that had an English motif. She found it online and it suits the room perfectly. The highlight of the room and perhaps even the house is a hutch that Vicki designed. This piece is truly indicative of the Torres’ style. It came about because Glenn and the children gave Vicki an Italian soup tureen decorated with the design of a rooster and hen. She wanted a place to display this special piece and envisioned it in an old-fashioned cabinet. So she designed the piece to display her tureen as well as provide extra storage. Nathan Bowman built it to Vicki’s specifications. Her cabinet includes chicken-wire grillwork, lovely lines and a special shelf for her beloved tureen.

H A L I FAX FINE FURNISHINGS

THE NEW

Ikat

COLLECTION his Ikat collection of hand woven rugs fuses the art of traditional Ikat textiles with modern colors. Hand woven of fine lamb’s wool and 100% natural dyes.

(540) 774-3060 Tuesday-Friday 10-5 Saturday 10-4

4525 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke

www.halifaxfinefurnishings.com 36

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


The counters are white and grey Italian marble. “Everyone thought we were crazy to use marble instead of granite,” said Vicki. But she pointed out that this is standard in kitchens in Europe. A double-tiered chandelier of iron keeps in the tradition of the room, and hand-cut terracotta tile covers the floor. A gingerbread house sits on the huge marble-covered island; holiday wreaths hang at every window and the extra-wide window sills provide just enough space for candles and greens. This grand old home has certainly worked out for the Torre family. Glenn and Vicki are quite pleased with the project. Vicki pointed out that now her love affair is actually Glenn’s love affair with their wonderful home. She thinks that the house might be getting too big for just the two of them. “I am the one who could leave. But Glenn has now fallen in love with it!” With simple but large and elegant rooms, and exquisite details all around, what’s not to love?

BECAUSE PAINTING IS PERSONAL™

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR Residential Painting

paint now. pay in 2014!

18 MONTHS NO INTEREST NO PAYMENTS*

Don’t Wait. Call Today!

540-400-8923

http://roanoke.certapro.com/ *Loans provided by EnerBank USA (1245 E. Brickyard Rd., Ste. 640, Salt Lake City, UT 84106) on approved credit for a limited time. Fixed APR 16.87% subject to change. Repayment terms vary from 30 to 138 months. Interest waived if repaid within 18 months. Effective 9/1/2012.

Torre Home on Garden Tour Like what you see here on the pages of HOME? See the Torres’ home and gardens live and in person during the Roanoke Valley House and Garden Tour on Saturday, April 27, 2013. The tour, sponsored by The Roanoke Valley Garden Club and the Mill Mountain Garden Club, is part of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week, an annual event known as “America’s Largest Open House.” For more information, see vagardenweek.org or contact Cyndi Fletcher at cyndi.fletcher1@gmail.com or (540) 589-3084. And stay tuned to the Spring issue of Roanoke Valley HOME to see more of what’s in store! r vhomemaga zine .com

a tradition of excellence

6829 Providence Church Road, Ferrum, VA 24088

540-483-1680 • www.bowmanswoodworking.com 37


n DESIGN WREATHS

38

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


Wreathed in Seasonal Splendor Create Your Own Wreath with Nature’s Treasures By K erry G i l es W i t h K at y M u rr ay P h ot o g r a p hy by L au re n B e nni o n

When decorating for the holidays, the basic wreath is one of the most versatile pieces you can use to express your artistic side and your own personal style. By using different wreath frames, elements from nature, and other accents from your home, you can create a wreath that reads as traditional, casual, whimsical, elegantly natural ... there is no limit to what you can do with a simple wreath. Consider starting with a pre-made wreath of pine, boxwood, fir or other evergreen, adding your own greens for a fuller, more custom look. Or you can start from scratch with a wire, straw or floral-foam wreath frame, attaching bunches of evergreens with floral wire or florist pins. And you probably don’t have to look much further than your own backyard for varieties that work. Be on the lookout for needle-type evergreens, such as pine, spruce, cedar, cypress, yew, hemlock, arborvitae and junipers; consider incorporating broadleaf evergreens as well—boxwood, magnolia, camellia, aucuba, euonymous, osmanthus, photinia and laurel.

r vhomemaga zine .com

39


T

o get started, grab your clippers and cut 12-inch lengths of evergreens in various shapes, textures, and shades. Layer different greens into a small bundle that you find pleasing, or use just one type of green. Wire the bundle about 6 inches below the leaf tops and cut about 4 inches off bottom. Your bundle should be about 8 inches overall. Wire the bundle onto a straw or metal frame, repeating the process in a counterclockwise direction until you’ve completed the circle. The bundle should be full enough to overlap the interior circle as well as the outside. Use individual sprigs, pinned to the frame for filling in or covering all of the exposed straw. Enhancing a purchased wreath with additional greens can be done in the same way with thinner bundles. In this way, greens can be more randomly placed, as desired. Once you have created the wreath frame just the way you want it, you can insert accents of your choosing. While there is

4 0

no magic formula to arranging your accents just right, consider placing the larger elements first then filling in until you feel satisfied with the look. Take into account color scheme and placement, too, making sure colors are represented throughout the wreath in a balanced way. If incorporating a bow, consider where you will place it—top or bottom. If the wreath is hung from the top using a ribbon, the bow should be at the top for a look of continuity. A bow at the bottom of the wreath works best if the wreath is hung by something other than a ribbon (wreath hanger, nail, or some other nondescript hanger). Nature provides some of the most interesting wreath accents around—think pinecones, sweet gum balls, acorns, nuts, moss, milkweed pods, lichen, feathers, lotus pods and more. All of these things can be attached to a wreath using floral wire or hot glue. Herbs and flowers can add interesting color, texture, and even fragrance—think rosemary, yarrow, cockscomb, lavender, hydrangea, globe amaranth and cotton. The produce aisle R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


One for you, two for me...

Great Gifts...

accessories, clothing, furs...

Great Elves... Debra, William, Sandy, Patty, Courtney...

Great Gift Wrap… for free!

Gift certificates available Shades of Grey ties for men!

thecolumnsboutique.com 16940 FOREST ROAD IN FOREST • 434-525-7503

“We would like to thank Oakey’s for taking the

time to help us find the perfect urn for Daisey’s final resting place.”

We’re available by phone 24/7 and we also provide a pet loss support group that meets the second Saturday of every month. If you would like to attend, please call 540-265-7297. provides yet another source of inspiration—apples, oranges, lemons, pineapple, artichokes, pomegranate, gourds, okra and more can be attached using wire or staked on floral picks. And don’t forget the berries: nandina, winterberry, holly, beautyberry, and bittersweet are all easily found and can add that unique touch to your wreath. Vintage ornaments and other found treasures can also be incorporated into your design. For an interesting juxtaposition of season, climate and elements, evoke coastal chic by incorporating seashells and driftwood from your summer vacation to your holiday wreath. Bird nests and twigs can make a wildly natural arrangement too. Remember, if you can affix it with hot glue or floral wire, it might make an interesting addition to your wreath. Inspired? Here, enjoy three handmade wreaths created using elements from nature, resulting in very different but equally beautiful looks. r vhomemaga zine .com

• On-site Cremation starting at $39.00 • Removal & Transportation • Caskets, Urns, Markers & Keepsake Jewelry, DVD Tributes, Memorial Folders

Roanoke’s First Pet Funeral Home.

540-265-7297

5416 Airport Road • Roanoke, VA • www.oakeypetloss.com Hours: 8 am to 5 pm, M - F; Sat. 8 am to 12 pm; Sun. Noon to 5 pm

41


Since 1997

PHILLIP MORGAN www.phillipmorgan.com

Phillip Morgan

Estate and Personal Property Liquidations

We are a full service Estate and Downsizing liquidation organization. Including appraisals partial to full estates, commercial venues and more. Tag Sales, Auctions and custom-tailored sales. Clients include private individuals, estate attorneys, corporate entities and the United States Department of Justice/Bankruptcy Division. REFERENCES AVAILABLE. In addition to the Roanoke Valley; we have conducted sales in: Virginia Beach, Hot Springs, Norfolk, Lynchburg, Danville, VA; Lewisburg and Bluefield WVA, and High Point, NC. We travel.

We perform a turn-key operation and tailor each sale to meet the needs of the client. References available.

www.phillipmorgan.com • 540-353-1800

Custom Fabrication and Installation

Seasonal Splendor Gather a basket full of natural materials to achieve an artful collage of seasonal splendor. This wreath is a magnificent display of the abundance of nature: magnolia, white pine, boxwood, and twigs are bunched, layered, and wire-wrapped on an 18inch straw frame. Dried orange and apple slices, pomegranates, osage oranges, cotton, pinecones, Chinese lanterns, bittersweet, artichokes, and fresh yarrow complement the colors of the season. This wreath exudes a traditional, natural yet elegant look that would play well in November, December, or beyond.

Design by David Phillips

FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATES

540-344-6444

www.roanokegranitetops.com 752 Orange Avenue, NE • Roanoke, Virginia 24016 42

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


Make it Personal Create the ultimate personalized wreath with your family monogram. This wooden script monogram is encircled with English ivy, white pine, and boxwood. The greens are bunched and clamped on a wire frame, and the monogram is attached with wire. Monogram cut-outs are available online at places like figure8monograms.com (made from acrylic), southernpropermonograms.com (wooden), and many vendors at etsy.com.

Lasting Impressions Wreaths made with natural elements look spectacular for a limited time. Weather plays a major role in the life of a wreath displayed outdoors. Cool is best, whether indoors or out. The winter sun will dry a wreath more quickly than if it is displayed out of direct sunlight. Cool, covered porches are ideal for longer-lasting wreaths. Any wreath with fresh greens or components has a shorter lifespan indoors. A few weeks is probably the maximum time you can expect your wreath to last outdoors, although some components actually look good as they dry. r vhomemaga zine .com

43


4 4

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e S u m m e r 2 0 1 2


Citrus Surprise If you want to capture a really unique look, consider this surprisingly beautiful mix of pink, yellow, red and green that captures the full, fresh and fragrant essence of rosemary and citrus. Created on a floral foam base with boxwood and small roses, this wreath features the unexpected: fruit sliced and inserted on florist sticks. A wreath with such perishable components should be used for a special event since it will not last a long time. You can replace the perishables to lengthen the life of the wreath and time for enjoyment.

Special thanks to Kerry Giles, Katy Murray and Lauren Bennion for creating, photographing and writing about these magnificent wreaths to share with readers of HOME magazine. We are most grateful for their extraordinary talent and generosity.

Because your home deserves it

Improve your home with our eco-friendly options: Sustainable, Forestry Hardwoods, Bamboo, Cork & Reclaimed Antique Hardwoods

I Want

PERFORMANCE WITH PURPOSE. DESIGN WITH A CONSCIENCE. INNOVATION WITH A HEART. QUALITY YOU CAN FEEL. TOTO leads the world in innovative products that simply perform better

• Custom designs including borders and inlays • Carpet • Area rugs • Ceramic Tile • Laminate VA Class A Contractor Formerly: Ersan Wood Floors & Appalachian Hardwood Co

SHOWROOMS 606 Roanoke St., Salem: 540-389-3999 1520 N. Main St., Blacksburg: 540-951-4027

r vhomemaga zine .com

ENDURING QUALITY ENLIGHTENED DESIGN REAL HUMAN VALUE WORLD-CLASS PERFORMANCE Roanoke Christiansburg 2510 Johnson Ave. 225 County Dr. 540.982.1095 540.381.1100

supply, inc. www.CMCsupply.com Rocky Mount 1796 Franklin Rd. 540.483.5208

Bedford 1120 Moneta Rd. 540.586.1520 45


n LIVE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS

4 6

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


HOA

Hot Property

Understanding Homeowners Associations By K i p R u d g e

House hunting is—and always will be—the process of weighing seemingly countless options and picking the ones that dovetail with your needs and wants. There’s location, financing and even the moral impasse presented by full basements versus crawl spaces. One of the most important decisions any potential homeowner will face is: “Who are my neighbors and how much input do they get in how I manage my property?” Enter the Homeowners Association (HOA).

r vhomemaga zine .com

47


N

early 18 percent—24.8 million—of U.S. homes are part of the nation’s 300,000 HOAs, be they condominiums or detached dwellings, according to the Community Association Institute (CAI). In 2010, nearly 62 million residents were living as part of HOAs. Despite occasional bouts of bad press, the vast majority of the HOA members are satisfied with their associations, according to the CAI. Polls have indicated that more than 70 percent of those living in HOAs had positive experiences. Tom Soranno, president of Wedgwood Homeowners Association near Roanoke, said the HOA provides homeowners a stake in not only their home, but also the neighborhood. “The HOA maintains the original builder’s intent regarding the neighborhood,” he said. “We focus on enhancing the look, feel and quality of the neighborhood.” Diane Holdren, president of the Wexford Homeowners Association in southwest Roanoke, echoed this sentiment. “We maintain the credibility of the neighborhood—its classiness,” she said of their association. HOAs are self-governed bodies. Even though some urbanized locales in Virginia require HOAs in new developments, none of the Roanoke Valley’s cities, towns or counties plan to demand HOAs as part of new developments, according to Chris Chittum, a planning administrator for the City of Roanoke. Since HOA members still pay local property taxes and partake of few local government services, many locales are loath to tinker with a golden goose. Many HOAs maintain their own roads and common areas, saving the local governments and VDOT millions of dollars annually. As a result, the HOA does not play heavily on the minds of local governments. 4 8

In contrast, the potential homeowner ought to keep HOAs on their radar. By their very nature, HOAs feature restrictive covenants and bylaws that dictate the fabric of their neighborhoods. Some homeowners chafe under these restrictions and others welcome the standards they bring to the community. Jennipher Lucado, president of Brownstone Properties, Inc. is a 23-year veteran of HOA management. As a management agent, Brownstone handles a myriad of administrative chores for client HOA boards including collections, being the point contact for HOA members, and managing contractors. “The board retains all the decision-making powers. We take the day-to-day pressure off the board,” said Lucado, a CAIcertified Association Management Specialist and a Certified Manager of Community Associations. “The board members all have jobs. They’re busy.” Steve Moriarity, a principle with Chadwick, Washington, Moriarity, Elmore & Bunn PC, a Northern Virginia law firm specializing in HOA and Condominium law, says while HOAs are necessarily complex beasts, they deserve respect and understanding. There are two basic types of HOA—those for condominiums and those for detachment homes with land, said Moriarity. The difference is fairly simple. Condo owners, as members of the condo HOA, share ownership of the common areas or amenities the HOA owns. In a development scenario with homes on lots, the common areas are owned by the HOA. The HOA also charges fees to the property owners to maintain the common areas. When buying a home, researching the HOA is as important as looking for evidence of termites and verifying the number of bathrooms. Moriarity explained that it is relatively easy to get R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


A HOLIDAY TREAT FROM

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season with our Holiday Escape package. Enjoy our festive decor, luxurious accommodations, delectable Main Dining Room breakfast buffet and 25% off outdoor activities. Plus, receive a collectible Homestead ornament as our gift to you!

Holiday Escape Package

starting at $195*

or call 800.838.1766 option 3 *Rate is per room per night based on double occupancy and does not include resort charge or tax. Based on availability, November 1, 2012 - January 3, 2013. Some restrictions apply. Not valid for group bookings. Outdoor activities discount not applicable to Segway Tours or Back Country Driving School.

HOT SPRINGS, VIRGINIA

800-838-1766 | THEHOMESTEAD.COM KSL RESORTS COLLECTION | KSLRESORTS.COM

r vhomemaga zine .com

49


information on any HOA connected to property that may become your dream home. If a property is part of an HOA, that will be noted on the deed. The information is readily available in every courthouse or through the counties’ electronic registries. Also when the sale is being consummated, the buyer can request a full disclosure of the HOA involved. The disclosure will provide the Declaration of Covenants, the HOA bylaws and any other rules enacted by the HOA Board of Directors. Lucado and Moriarty stressed the need to request the HOA’s financials as well. By their nature HOAs govern not only the look of a neighborhood, but also significant aspects of the infrastructure —namely roads and streets. Also in some instances HOAs are responsible for individual home repairs. “This may be the single most important item that a new homebuyer will want to check concerning an HOA,” said Lucado. Most HOAs with significant capital requirements will formulate long-term financial plans. Within those plans can be a snapshot of the HOA’s financial health. Lucado suggested having a financial professional examine the HOA’s plan. She said having 5 0

a CPA scrutinize the state-required Reserve Study can provide a good indicator of an HOA’s financial health. “It’s important to look and see what is being held in reserve so you can protect yourself from special assessments in an emergency,” she added. Due diligence on HOAs has become more important over the years due not only to their proliferation, but also to the nature of the developments themselves. One increasingly popular development type in this area of Virginia is the “maintenancefree living” retirement community. In many cases, the HOA assumes the responsibility of upkeep on a much greater proportion of the property. “Look at the documents and be certain what is covered by the HOA and what is not,” said Lucado. “I’ve never seen an HOA cover every maintenance situation.” Wexford’s Holdren said due to the mountainous nature of the development, the HOA contracts for winter snow removal on neighborhood streets. The cost is part of the HOA annual fee. In cases of storm damage, HOAs may increase assessments significantly to repair homes. However, most fee or one-time R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


When buying a home, researching the HOA is as important as looking for evidence of termites and verifying the number of bathrooms. assessments will be covered by the bylaws, and it is not uncommon for a fee/ assessment ceiling to be on the books. In addition, often the HOA membership will have to approve any attempt at raising more money. Lucado emphasized upkeep of the property is another reason to read the HOA disclosure closely. “Make sure you know what maintenance items are covered. Often times the real estate agent doesn’t know,” she said. “So it’s really important that you understand what will be taken care of.” In Virginia, if the purchaser does not agree with the stipulations of the HOA documentation—covenants, bylaws or rules—the sale can be voided within three days with a full refund of any deposits. The good news is that a strong HOA can go a long way toward stabilizing your home’s value and even increasing it.

We’ve redefined retirement.   Schedule your tour today and see the difference.

Independent Living  w  Assisted Living  w  Memory Care  w  Respite Care

540-444-0343  w  1851 Harrogate Drive  w  Salem, VA

salemter race.com

Coordinated Services Management - Professional Management of Retirement Communities since 1981

r vhomemaga zine .com

k ! o g o n l i v A nrewsen ior li fo Salem Terrace resident  Evelyn Matthews

51


n LIVE FOOD

52

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


Discerning Delicious Recipes from Cyberspace By Lu cy Co o k

T

he Internet is a great place; anyone can set up a site or a blog, and write whatever they think—it’s the ultimate example of freedom of speech! There are too many sites about food to count; it seems that a new one pops up every hour. And with reposts on sites like Pinterest, the availability of recipes online is mind-boggling. But have you ever tried a recipe from the Internet that was a complete failure? How do you tell the difference between a recipe that will work and taste good, and one that won’t? With all the availability of recipes and information, I’ve been challenged to define my recipe thought process—how I look at recipes and decide if they’ll work and taste good. The first and best determination is the source. Loads of recipes are available from national magazine sites like Southern Living, Food and Wine and Better Homes and Gardens. Big-time national magazines have the luxury of employing an army of recipe testers—folks who make the recipes and test the instructions to make sure they’re clear before the recipe ever goes to print. You can almost guarantee that this type of recipe will work! (Here at HOME, the combination of my family, friends and a Type-A editor means the recipes I offer you should be in pretty good shape, too.) For magazine websites, I definitely read the comments that follow posted recipes. Readers act as testers and often come up with good ideas, and sometimes that feedback is tested and commented on by other reviewers. For example, someone may say that the dressing recipe for a salad is too skimpy, then suggest doubling the ingredients and using to taste. I usually heed this type of advice, since I can be in control of the dressing, or choose to serve it for guests to add on their own. Unfortunately there are plenty of crackpot comments—those that ignore major components of the recipe or make too many substitutions—but those are easily recognized and ignored.

r vhomemaga zine .com

Food blogging and photography have come a long way, which can add to the confusion. Sometimes, I’m attracted to the recipe because of the pictures, though I’ve found some bloggers may be better photographers than cooks. I suspect that bloggers feel pressure to post often, and therefore probably don’t have much time to test and retest recipes. Sometimes they give it away themselves, writing that they tried this last night for dinner, or made it over the weekend. This information always makes me think that they’ve only made that recipe once, and I know from my own experience that sometimes it’s hard to remember exactly what amount of ingredients or steps were taken. Look for comments in the blog like “this is my favorite” or “every time I make this” for better success. Feedback from the readers of food blogs is usually less informative than larger websites, because such comments are usually made upon reading the recipe (i.e. “sounds yummy!”). Because blogging is so time-sensitive, most readers don’t go back and post how a recipe turned out. Culinary detective work is easier than ever. If you find a recipe that has no helpful feedback, and you’re still determined to make it, use a little research to help you out. Googling to find similar recipes is one of my favorite tactics. I can cross-check ingredient amounts, baking times and temperatures, and add or subtract ingredients based on this additional input. If I’m unsure about a recipe’s pedigree, I can often meld it with one from a proven source and come up with a winner. Research like this also helps fill in blanks when I get recipes from friends or find old recipes from my mom that seem incomplete. An evening on the sofa reading recipes is one of my favorite ways to spend time. Here, I’m sharing a couple that I’ve found online and adapted. If you find a recipe that seems like something you’d like to make, don’t be afraid of the unknown. Check the comments, do a little investigation, and get cooking!

53


Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies I saw this recipe on Pinterest and clicked through to see the most complicated recipe for cookies ever! Since I like the idea of sandwiching Nutella between cookies (I generally like the idea of Nutella anywhere!), I adapted the recipe with a simpler cookie recipe, kept the Nutella, and made sea salt an option. (Makes about 18 cookies) ½ cup butter, softened ¾ cup dark brown sugar ¼ cup sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 10 ounce bag chocolate chips (I use Ghirardelli 60 percent cacao bittersweet chocolate chips) ½ small (13 ounce) jar of Nutella, chilled Optional - Flaky sea salt, like Maldon Beat butter in a stand mixer. Add sugars and mix well. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add the eggs, one at a time, scraping the bowl after each, then add vanilla. Add flour, baking soda and salt, and mix well. Add chips and blend to combine. Take a scoop of dough and flatten into a cookie. Take a teaspoonful of the chilled Nutella and place in the center. Take about another half a cookie equivalent of dough and cover the Nutella, pressing to seal. Place on a buttered cookie sheet and repeat until you’ve used all the dough. Sprinkle with sea salt, if desired. Chill the cookies on the sheet for about a half hour, then bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.

5 4

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


Broccoli, Shiitake Mushrooms and Soba Noodle Salad I made this salad, and immediately realized that the dressing amount was skimpy (as pasta salads sit, they tend to absorb the dressing). I doubled the dressing and added a little more soy to zip it up. The inclusion of tofu makes this more of an entrée, you can omit it if you prefer. Serves 6. 2 cups sliced shiitake mushrooms 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 9.5 ounce package soba noodles 4 cups broccoli florets, blanched and chilled 1 pound firm tofu (*see notes below) Mustard-Wasabi Dressing: 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard 4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon wasabi powder or paste Juice of a large lime ½ cup vegetable oil 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

In a sauté pan, cook the mushrooms in the oil for about 10 minutes, until golden. Cook the soba noodles in boiling water for 4 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cold water. Drain well. In a large bowl, combine mushrooms, soba noodles, broccoli, and tofu (if using). In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Pour over noodles and toss to combine. Arrange on serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds. *To prepare tofu: Dry tofu with paper towels. Cut into ¾-inch cubes. Sprinkle with soy sauce. Spread out on lightly oiled baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. Let cool.

Who insures your castle?

JOHN ALDERSON AGENCY, INC. Insurance for Wherever Life Takes You.

Home † Auto † Life † Annuities † Commercial Insurance www.AldersonInsurance.com r vhomemaga zine .com

(540) 992-4800 55


56

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


CREATION STATION Making Space for Crafts and Hobbies

By M i t z i B i b l e P h ot o g r a p hy by KG T hi e n e m a nn in t h e c r af t ro o m of L au r a D awso n

Everyone has one — that “catch-all” drawer, typically in the kitchen or office, that holds everything from scissors, tape and glue, to pipe cleaners, bottlecaps, a needle and thread and other scraps for half-finished craft projects. Sometimes that drawer spills over into another drawer, or to a whole cupboard, corner or even a whole room. As the holiday season comes and goes, HOME offers you some tips to finally complete those projects by creating a clutter-free area in your home where your creativity can truly shine.

r vhomemaga zine .com

57


Repurposing a Space

In the weeks leading up to Christmas and for other celebrations throughout the year, many people tackle homemade gifts—that photo album for Mom, the knitted scarf for Aunt Sue, those cute sock pets for the kids. But if you’re like many busy people with a household to run, you may have only gotten as far as collecting the materials—and they’re probably piling up in a disorderly fashion. Finding the right space to work is the challenge. And a recent study for the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) shows the typical crafter/hobbyist spends an average of 7.5 hours per week engaged in a craft or hobby. If you’re going to spend close to a full day’s time at something you love each week, you ought to love the space where you’re doing it. Local Laura Dawson loves her crafting space, a designated area in her family home’s basement. An avid crafter, she enjoys sewing, painting and crafting all kinds of items, especially for children—like wall art, bibs, burpcloths, backpacks and more. Carefully organized and beautifully displayed, her craft supplies fill several wall-mounted shelves, while less visually pleasing supplies and tools are housed in fabric bins on shelves below. High windows and French doors to the outside let in plenty of natural light during the day. “My space started out as a closet,” Laura said. “My husband knew I had a passion for it, and once I really started getting in to it, he said, ‘You really do need a space of your own.’” She didn’t need four walls and a door, instead maximizing available wall space for storage and working at a generous drafting table made by her husband’s grandfather, where she can stand comfortably to paint, or pull up a stool to sew. Her children (ages 5, 7 and 9) 5 8

know that while they are occasionally invited to collect items from her extensive collection of crafting goodies to make their own creations, this space is “just for Mommy,” she explained. Being able to see her array of organized supplies is her favorite aspect of this area, because it allows her to see everything she has, which keeps the creative juices flowing. She also displays photos of her children and special pieces of handcrafted artwork in her space for inspiration. Kathy Harris said she spends several hours each day in her large craft room. The room is the result of a last-minute decision she made when building her new home several years ago. “It’s the area over the three-car garage that was really going to be nothing,” she explained. “I said, ‘Ah, ha! That will be my studio.’” As a painter, seamstress and craftsperson, she makes use of every inch of the spacious room, which also doubles as a guestroom. A large table left over from her husband’s time in the printing business allows her to work on bigger projects and has many drawers and cubbies to hold supplies. She also has file cabinets, a sewing machine and stand, two beds, a love seat, a television, a cabinet where she can display her finished work, a draftsman’s table for her artwork, and a shelf for her own library of art books. There is also an adjoining full bathroom, which makes for easy cleanup. Harris’ specialty is angel figurines, which she makes as a ministry. She has given away close to 400 through her church’s bereavement committee, to nursing homes and to those who are sick. The ongoing project means she has to stay organized. She never knows when she will get an order. “All my gold trim for the angels is in one cabinet here; right next to it is the desk where I R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


make the angels; next to that is a basket where all the kits that I make up for the angels are,” she said. She has it down to a process for sure, but it comes easy to the self-proclaimed “born-organized person.” To an avid crafter like Harris, organization is indeed the key. Getting Organized

Even if you don’t have a special room, a large area, or even a closet with leftover real estate, you can still fashion your own creation station. Consider procuring and organizing for yourself a self-contained portable unit that contains all the things you need to work on a particular project. A large plastic tub with a lid could do the trick; a lidded basket is another great choice, particularly because the basket could stay out of hiding as part of your home décor—making you more likely to work on your craft without having to haul anything out from the back of a closet. The key is organization, which has become an art all in itself. Picking the right type of containers for your different craft supplies — in the right sizes — is quite a skill. The first thing to do is take

Jim Barna Log & Timber Homes are in Virginia!

Mike & Linda Okuley Jim Barna Log & Timber Homes of VA • Bedford, VA • (540) 586-7272 • mike@pineycreekfarm.com • www.pineycreekfarm.com r vhomemaga zine .com

59


stock of what you have, and make note of what you need. If you enjoy multiple crafts in different disciplines, try to keep the accoutrements separate in designated containers or areas. Also, group items typically used in every craft project, such as scissors, glue guns and tape, and keep these items easily accessible, such as in a drawer, small plastic bin, or on a shelf above your workspace. Gone are the days when you had to save shoeboxes and pill bottles for all your do-dads; today’s sturdy containers are built to last. Many retailers offer decorative storage boxes, crates, baskets, trunks, stacking bins and more. They come in all sizes and colors, with the popular translucent option so you can quickly locate supplies. And container manufacturers are getting smarter. They know that finding a central spot in your home to both store supplies and work on your crafts is often hard, so they’ve created off-the-shelf workstations. These freestanding units often consist of drawers of various sizes, a countertop for working and a basket attached to the side for holding taller items, such as gift wrap. If your crafting is limited to gift wrap, consider a workstation made just for that purpose—a fold-up table of sorts, doubling as storage for supplies and a surface for wrapping gifts. When the lid is shut, a clip on top secures a roll of wrap, and grid lines guide your cutting. And when the holiday season is over, the workstation folds down to store under a bed or on a shelf. It can be done! Creating a Family Center

Although a craft nook may sound like a hobbyist’s dream, the reality is that many of us are already maxed out when it comes to space in our homes. Matalie Howard, a Family and Consumer Sciences professor at Liberty University, said a craft room may not be all that practical in a busy household, but there are ways to make a multipurpose room—a “family center,” if you will—where everyone in the household can enjoy their own personal activities, including crafts and hobbies. “Crafters have been told for years that we should have a special room in our homes dedicated to our craft. A place—behind closed doors—where we can create, where we can relax, without interruption and without bothering others. I choose to differ,” she said. “Not everyone wants to be closed away from the rest of the family.” For that reason, she suggests doing the best you can with what you have, making your workspace blend in with a room everyone can use. “I sincerely believe that many individual activities can be enjoyed in the same room,” she said. To create a comfortable family center — a dining room, kitchen, family or living room — first make sure the room meets the needs of each person, Howard said. Choose furnishings that are easily cleaned, not easily damaged nor likely to cause injury. Use cabinetry with doors to secure supplies such as scissors, tape, and paper for scrapbooking or pins, scissors, and patterns for sewing. The general lighting can be varied in intensity, she said, with dimmer switch controls and task lighting provided for specific activities. With these tips, she said, your work area can also become a place where you enjoy one another’s company. “Individual family members are typically very busy throughout the day with schedules for work, school, play, extracurricular activities, etc. Family centers are places you go home to.” So whether you want a place for everyone to dream and design together, or a refuge to relax into your own creative endeavors, making your own creation station is easier than ever with these ideas and inspiration. Get organized, get those creative juices flowing, and get crafting just in time for the holidays and those long winter afternoons that follow. 6 0

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME.

Inspired to make your own creation station without breaking the bank? Consider the following tips from the Craft & Hobby Association: Make your own craft table by purchasing a plain, smooth 6-foot secondhand or damaged interior door (found inexpensively at most lumber companies) or a piece of half-inch plywood cut to the desired size. Cover it with fabric or plastic. Take two two-drawer metal file cabinets and place one cabinet under each end of the door or plywood. Use the cabinets for your crafting supplies and projects. Use coffee mugs to hold paint brushes, craft knives, pliers and other supplies. For storage and organization, use clear plastic shoeboxes, baby food jars and resealable plastic bags. A fishing tackle box has lots of little compartments, making it especially useful for smaller crafting supplies like beads and sparkles. Plus, it’s portable. r vhomemaga zine .com

When you want to reach the most responsive, most affluent, most desirable audience in the Roanoke Valley.

For advertising information contact

Janet Lampman, 540.353.7172

HOME ROANOKE VALLEY

your complete home resource and idea magazine

61


n DESIGN GOOD DEALS FOR A GOOD CAUSE

6 2

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


in the Roanoke Valley

Good Deals for a Good Cause

By K ay l a V i ns o n P h ot o g r a p hy by KG T hi e n e m a nn

Remodeling and renovating your home is no small task. Whether it’s time for the flooring to be replaced, the cabinets to be updated, or that old family furniture from the 1960s to finally make its exit, home renovations take time and money. And let’s face it, time and money are something many of us just don’t have in abundance these days. Why spend hours pacing up and down the aisles of the big box stores trying to compare prices and materials? Why spend money on overpriced goods when a better deal is out there to be had?

r vhomemaga zine .com

63


Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore in Roanoke is a bargain hunter’s one-stop wonder in home renovation supplies. It carries everything from hammers and nails, to cabinets and counters, to furniture and books—all at discounted prices. Betsy Whitney, deputy director for Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, agrees that there are many benefits to shopping at the ReStore for all your home furnishing and renovation needs. “The ReStore probably has the biggest selection of gently used and new home goods and supplies at the lowest prices,” Whitney said. “Everything in the store is 30 to 70 percent off normal retail pricing, and when you shop here, you are not just saving money, you are helping an important cause.” According to Whitney, all proceeds from the ReStore go to Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps provide homes for low-income families by getting the community and the families in need involved in building the homes. Since 1986, 173 homes have been built in the Roanoke area alone. “When the store first opened in 2002, it was pretty small, and was only available to the public one or two days a week,” Whitney said. “Now it has grown into 20,000 square feet of retail space, and is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.” While the ReStore once specialized in home furnishings and housewear items, it has now expanded to include plumbing, flooring and hardware, according to Whitney. “The majority of our merchandise it donated,” Whitney said. “However, when our donations are down, we do buy some items, such as flooring tiles, brand-new from liquidators, then sell them at discounted prices. You can’t beat that.” Purchasing home materials from the ReStore not only helps support a cause which provides people with homes, but it also helps minimize environmental impact. “When people donate their used goods to the ReStore, it’s like they are recycling,” Whitney said. “They are helping keep things out of the landfill by repurposing them.” According to Whitney, ReStore’s merchandise changes daily, and is worth checking out multiple times a week. “I think shopping at our store is kind of like treasure hunting,” she said. “You have to come often because the great things don’t last long. So, when you finally decide to rip up that outdated yellow linoleum that is tainting your kitchen floor, or when you get the whim to redecorate the living room with all new furniture as a Christmas gift to yourself, try buying your materials from the ReStore. Not only will you save money and precious time, you will be helping to provide families in need in the Roanoke Valley with homes of their own.

64

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


n LIVE EVENTS AROUND TOWN Home and Garden Show Offers Something For Everyone

Holiday Lights Help Make a Home By C a rr i e Wa l l e r

“Home for the holidays.” It’s an age-old phrase that marks the season with thoughts of warmth and comfort. Perhaps no other time during the year are those yearnings for home quite so strong. Yet there are times when “home for the holidays” can mean something different, unexpected, or even scary. For the families finding refuge in Roanoke’s Ronald McDonald House this Christmas, the word “home” might be accompanied by bittersweet longing. Yet, despite the unexpected struggles and uncertainty, hope and comfort are within reach. ”Ronald McDonald House has always been referred to as ‘the House that Love Built,’” said Laney Mofield, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia. When the life of a child is disrupted by illness or injury, the livelihood of those supporting them is inevitably shaken. The Ronald McDonald House was created to provide those in need with a home away from home, to settle into a healthy routine as close to “normal” as possible while dealing with a child’s illness or medical situation. This holiday season, the house is hosting its annual “Lights of Love” event, which accepts donations to illuminate lights on their holiday tree to glow throughout December. Lights are $5 each, and can be lit in honor and acknowledgement of a certain individual. “Lights of Love is a wonderful opportunity to remember or honor a loved one, and assist families who find a home at Ronald McDonald House,” said Mofield. Although Mofield emphasized that no one is turned away for the inability to pay, she explained that the actual cost for a family to stay is close to $90 each night. “The proceeds from Lights of Love help defray those expenses,” Mofield said. Yet beyond the financial assistance the event provides, Lights of Love remains, at its core, an event meant to spotlight the important, caring individuals in life who deserve a little recognition this time of year. This year’s Lights of Love event will be held Sunday, December 2 at 6 p.m., and the community is invited and welcome to enjoy this ceremonial kick-off to the Christmas season. To purchase lights for the event, and to learn more about this wonderful cause, visit their website at www.rmhc-swva.org. r vhomemaga zine .com

Join Roanoke Valley HOME for all the best in home and garden improvement, design and more at the Greater Roanoke Home & Garden Show, to be held January 11-13 at the Roanoke Civic Center. This fun-filled, information-packed event offers something for everyone! Enjoy one-stop shopping: Check out incredible gardens, landscapes and water features, the latest trends in kitchens and baths, and a complete home improvement alley featuring building and remodeling experts...all in one place! It’s everything for your home and garden—even a huge plant sale. Save money: Take advantage of “show only” discounts and pricing, compare prices, talk with experts and attend free DIY seminars. This is your chance to eliminate the middleman and buy directly from the source. Have fun: Shop ‘til you drop for the latest in home accessories in the Art, Gift and Gourmet Center. Enjoy complimentary wine tastings. Bring home your next pet with live pet adoptions. Bring the kids for interactive activities in the Kid Zone. So much to see and do—you can’t do it all in one day! Pay once and come back all weekend. Free parking! Visit www.ShowTechnology.com for more information, or to exhibit call (877) 663-6186.

65


n INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 3-Day Kitchen & Bath. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

resource g aller y

Accents on Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Better Bathrooms & Kitchens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Betty Branch Sculpture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

ccents on Windows

Breathe New

Life Into

Your Home

Black Horse Manor Antiques. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Blue Ridge Wildlife Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Bowman’s Woodworking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Boxley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Capps Home Building Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 CertaPro Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Certified Carpet Cleaners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Chem-Dry of Roanoke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Classic Floors of Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

540-387-1770 • 37 E. Main St., Salem, VA Call for In Home or www.accentsonwindows.blogspot.com Studio Consultation

CMC Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Fink’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Grand Home Furnishings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Habitat ReStore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

C

Halifax Fine Furnishings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

ARPET LEANERS

Drop-off or Pick-up & Delivery

HoneyBaked Ham. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Interiors by kris. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

ALSO Wood floor cleaning Wall to wall carpets Air Duct cleaning Upholstery

www.roanokecarpetcleaning.com

Jim Barna Log & Timber Homes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 John Alderson Agency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Ladles & Linens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 N-Hance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 National Pools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Neathawk Window & Door Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Oakey’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Our Lady of the Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Snazzy Screen Solutions     

Phantom Retractable Door Screens Screen Enclosures Solar Shades/Screens Aluminum Railings Awnings/Canopies

540-871-0373 www.SnazzyScreenSolutions.com

Phillip Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Piney Creek Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Premier Stone Fabrication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Present Thyme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Prime Lending. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Provisions/rsvp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Roanoke Granite Tops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Roanoke Home and Garden Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Salem Terrace at Harrogate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Sherwin-Williams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Smith Mountain Building Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Snazzy Screen Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 South River Contracting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Southern Lamp and Shade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Superior Bath Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 The Columns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 The Homestead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 The Little Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Whitt Carpet One. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Window & Door Design Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 WSLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

3170 W. Main St., Salem, VA • 540-380-4697 • WhittCarpetOneSalem.com 6 6

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e W i n t e r 2 0 1 2


I Storm Team r vhomemaga zine .com

67



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.