Cincinnati June 2021

GREATER CINCINNATI 

Outdoor Living 

CURB APPEAL CHECKLIST | FRESH AIR RETREATS | BACKYARD BARBECUE 

JUNE 2021 | HOUSETRENDS.COM

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Learn more at TheApplianceLoft.com 

 

Visit the Appliance Loft showroom in Oakley and allow our product 

specialists to help you create a perfect outdoor kitchen space. 

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3209 Madison Road • Cincinnati, OH 45209 

Phone 513-533-0440 

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HTCI0521.019

CONTENTS 

JUNE 2021 


 

44 

LABOR OF LOVE 

Gardeners create a home for native plants and animals 

ON THE COVER 

This lower-level patio is a well-loved space in one Anderson Township home. See more patios, decks 

and outdoor rooms—built for quiet moments or festive evenings—starting on page 57. 

8 housetrends.com

Lillian August Outdoors… 

When you desire the ultimate in modern and classic design, 

sophistication, amazing quality and comfort. Expect the finest 

from Lillian August and Hoffman & Albers Interiors. 

Hoffman & Albers Interiors 

For the furniture and design of your dreams 

9405 Kenwood Road + Cincinnati + 513-793-9100 

Visit us at www.HoffmanandAlbersInteriors.com 

Like us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Houzz, Pinterest and Instagram 

Heidi Thorn, Sally Waxman, Ann Hoffman, 

Diane Pelzer, and Cynthia Elaine Stewart 

HTCI0521.016

14 

18 

CONTENTS 

JUNE 2021 


66 54 

28 

57 

OUTDOOR LIVING 

18 NATURAL EXTENSION 

Sunporch opens up wide to a landscape 

accented with stones and sounds 

57 INVITING OUTDOOR SPACES 

We have plenty of reasons to take the 

entertaining outside 

DESIGN IDEAS 

28 CURB APPEAL CHECKLIST 

A dozen ideas to help create an inviting first impression 

IT’S TIME TO TALK 

40 FOUNTAINS 

Water features are pleasing to the eyes and ears 

54 OUTDOOR LIGHTING 

Give the moon an assist in lighting up your night 

FOOD AND DRINK 

66 BACKYARD BARBECUE 

Tastes and tips for a BBQ with a bourbon twist 

DEPARTMENTS 

14 FRESH FINDS 

Great discoveries we just had to share 

72 AD INDEX 

10 housetrends.com

Great Design. Quality. Value. 

Serving the greater Cincinnati area for over 35 years. 

Stop in and visit our beautiful showroom! 

Visit us online at bovafurniture.com 

CINCINNATI 

12130 Royal Point Drive 

(Across from Kings Auto Mall) 

Cincinnati, OH 45249 

T: 513.247.9100 

HOURS: 

Mon-Fri: 10a-7p 

Saturday: 10a- 5p 

Sunday: Closed 

Take a virtual tour 

of the store. 

HTCI0521.004

EDITOR’S 

NOTE 


Publishers 

Linda Bacher, Florence Murphy 

Sales Associate Evelyn Yaus 

Editor Karen Bradner 

Creative Director Gina Miller 

Quality Control Specialist Heather Fox 

Social Media Coordinator 

Megan Maschari 

Contributing Writer Lee Rhodes 

Contributing Photographers 

Herb Bresler, Brett Bulthuis, Daniel 

Feldkamp, Greg Grupenhof, Connie Kimsey, 

Tiffany Schulz, Cheryl Vaia, Ross Van Pelt 

If given the option at a restaurant to eat indoors or out, I will always choose 

the outside seating, even if it means an additional wait. To me the sights and 

sounds are more interesting, conversation is livelier and somehow the food 

tastes better. 

So, this year, while my meals in restaurants took a bit of a hiatus, I still tried 

to get outside with small groupings of my family and friends as often as I could. 

As a bit of an extrovert, I needed to have conversations, see faces and just generally 

be with people. 

On spring and summer days, it would be a couple of friends sitting on opposite 

corners of our patio. During the fall and winter, you might find us at our 

friends’ home around the fire pit, each of us bundled up in a blanket, or decked 

out with hats, mittens and scarves. 

For most of us, that need to get outside doesn’t end when the temperature 

dips below 60 degrees. For that reason, homeowners want to create outdoor 

spaces that are versatile enough to handle all but the coldest of evenings. 

With roofs that provide shelter, firepits and fireplaces that add a magnetic 

focal point, along with heat, retractable screens and ceiling fans to keep bugs at 

bay, and often complete kitchens, today’s outdoor spaces are ready to take on 

the action regardless of how the thermometer reads. 

This issue of Housetrends celebrates getting outdoors, in our gardens, on our 

decks and patios, and in our back yards. If you’re like the majority of Americans, 

you are most likely thinking about a way to improve your own outdoor space. 

Take a look inside these pages. I have no doubt you’ll find a photo or two that 

will inspire your own backyard makeover. 

Thanks for reading. 

Karen Bradner 

EDITOR 

CORPORATE 

Corporate Managing Partners 

Robert J. Slattery, Kevin Slattery 

Print Services Dawn Deems 

Production Manager Connie Kimsey 

Website Development Bryan Fleckenstein 

Founder Sam Wilder 

Advertising Information 

513-703-6103 

linda.bacher@housetrends.com 

Editorial Inquiries 

publishers@housetrends.com 

Housetrends magazine is published by 

Buzz Publications, LLC 

4601 Malsbary Road 


Robert J. Slattery, 

President and CEO, 

Buzz Publications, LLC. 

© 2021 Buzz Publications, 

LLC. Housetrends magazine 

is published and produced 

by Buzz Publications. 

All rights reserved. All 

logos and trademarks are 

the properties of their respective owners. We 

assume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, 

omissions or any inconsistency herein. 

Housetrends makes no warranties, representations 

or endorsements regarding any of the services 

and/or the advertisers, builders, designers 

or any third parties appearing in the magazine. 

No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted 

in any form or by any means electronic 

or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, 

or by any information storage or retrieval 

system, without the written permission of Buzz 

Publications, LLC except where prohibited by 

law. Buzz Publications, LLC reserves the right to 

edit, alter, or omit any advertiser. 

12 housetrends.com

Your Outdoor 

Oasis Inspiration 

Nestled among six acres of 

lush green land is the 

Midwest’s largest selection of 

outdoor products. When you 

visit our open-air showroom, 

you’ll be greeted with a 

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Monday-Friday 10-6 • Saturday 10-5 • Sunday 10-4 

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fresh finds 

Great discoveries we just had to share 

3 

1 

2 

6 

5 

4 

7 

8 9 

1 Cantilever Umbrella by Treasure Garden 2 Glass Blown Bee by artist Jennifer Nauck 3 Carson Small Pendant by Hinkley 

4 Abstract Painting on Metal by Dennis Carney 5 Montauk Lounge By Summer Classics 6 Outdoor Pillow by Surya 

7 Gordon Outdoor Dining Table by Cattelan Italia 8 Barclay Cushion Sofa by Gensun 9 Woodland Bench by Currey and Co. 

Merchant Reference: Watson’s (1, 5, 6), O.G. Gallery and Studio (2), Premiere Lighting and A&S Lighting Center (3), Gallery Veronique (4), 

Best Furniture Gallery (6, 8), Bova Furniture (7), ID Cincinnati Furniture & Interior Design (6, 9) Hoffman & Albers Interiors (9) 

14 housetrends.com

YOU DESERVE the best 

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MONDAY 10AM-8PM | TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY 10AM-6PM | WEDNESDAY by appointment only | SATURDAY 10AM-5PM 

SUNDAY closed to be with family 

Some items shown in ad are for example only and may not be available for purchase 

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Fastest Growing Home Builder 

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Coldwell Banker Agent 

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Rear elevation before addition 

Two glass garage doors lift up to invite the outdoors in. 

18 housetrends.com

Natural Extension 

Sunroom opens up wide to a landscape 

accented with stones and sounds 

BY LEE RHODES | PHOTOS BY DANIEL FELDKAMP 

housetrends magazine 2021 19

Picture this. You’re enjoying hot coffee and 

donuts in the cozy dimness of an eclectic little 

café in Seattle. The rain is thrumming outside, 

but the shop’s rolling garage door keeps it 

pleasant inside. Suddenly the rain stops and 

sunlight drenches the outdoors. The proprietors 

throw open the garage door, illuminating 

the interior and inviting the outdoors in. 

This happened to Dr. David Key while he 

was on a trip a few years ago, and it served as 

his vision for his home addition and his new, 

forward-thinking outdoor space. He explains: 

“I thought, ‘I’m going to put an addition on my 

house and I want to make it feel like I’m part 

of the outdoors.’” 

The fountain was created from an old grinding millstone. 

20 housetrends.com

A conversation area was placed off to the side of the 

home so as to not block the view from the sunroom. 

Staying in character 

Key teamed up with Grunder Landscaping Company on the outdoor project, creating a stunning example of the 

American Craftsman style, honoring natural materials and craftsmanship. The stone pillars that flank the driveway and 

stone columns in his sunroom echo the natural stone of the back yard’s new retaining walls and patio pavers. Take a seat 

in one of the Adirondack chairs, and you’ll have the ideal vantage point for viewing three acres of tranquility, outlined 

by Great Northern Spruces. 

Fittingly, the project won a prestigious award from the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association in the category of 

Residential Installation over $50,000. Seth Pflum, chief operating officer of Grunder, was the main designer, and he 

explains the scope of the project not only the included hardscape construction of the back patio and retaining walls, but 

also the installation of landscaping, lighting, a water feature and irrigation system. Achieving cohesion among the many 

facets of the project presented challenges, and the Grunder designers collaborated with the architect for the addition, to 

make sure the landscaping elements blended seamlessly. Another challenge? The grades in the outdoor retaining walls. 

“There were elevation changes, so we had to consider how to aesthetically make the walls look nice and natural,” explains 

Pflum. ➻ 


Ornamental grasses add to the prairie style of the landscape. 

Native selections 

Ultimately the hardscape elements blended seamlessly with the residence and landscape, as 

much as the lush canvas of plants and grasses blend into the natural environment. Key wanted 

to integrate native Ohio plants and to create a naturalistic feel that complemented the 

craftsman style of the home. A combination of perennials and grasses achieved a beautiful 

backdrop. “I wanted it to have a prairie feel,” Key says. “The grasses are just spectacular. We 

also have wind chimes throughout the property, so we have this natural Zen thing going on.” 

The wind chimes must compete with the soothing sound of the water feature, which provides 

a gentle, calming sound to enhance the environment. Pflum explains how an old grinding 

millstone, a true antique, was repurposed into the water feature, engaging both the visual 

and auditory senses. For additional auditory interest, Key opted for copper rain chains versus 

gutters, so when it rains, it creates the pinging sound of water against metal. Both the water 

features and lighting create additional interest but also don’t overwhelm any one feature. 

22 housetrends.com

Careful lighting 

Finally, light was a crucial ingredient in this 

landscaping project. An FX Luminaire lighting 

system was integrated as part of the landscaping 

and hardscape installation. It highlights 

prominent features of the addition, as well as 

the back yard. Key wanted to keep the lighting 

at a low level so as to not overshadow the sky 

and stars each night, and the FX Luminaire system 

allows him to adjust the lighting remotely—it’s 

a complex system that makes it easy 

for the homeowner—and to tailor it to the 

different seasons. 

As we look ahead to future seasons, Pflum 

has some suggestions for homeowners considering 

investing in outdoor spaces. (It’s an 

excellent time to do this, by the way. The trend 

toward investing in outdoor living is here to 

stay.) Pflum’s advice? “Take your time,” he 

says. “Research the company and interview 

designers. Also, really have the expectation 

of the length of time it will take to design it. 

A good design will take time.” He specifically 

recommends not to rush through the product 

selections; rather, enjoy the process and focus 

on it as a long-term project that you’ll enjoy for 

years to come. 

Key agrees. “The first thing you have to do 

is do your research and figure out what you 

really love and what you have to have,” he 

says. “Figure out the central theme, and then 

everything else falls into place.” In his case, the 

stonework and water feature—and of course, 

the home’s garage doors that capture views of 

the back yard, created the foundation for a unified 

aesthetic and the beauty to come. ➻ 

Lighting can be customized depending upon the 

mood the homeowner wishes to create. 


It’s just a very restful 

place, and that’s what it 

was created to be. 

—Dr. David Key 

An artful blend of stone and pavers adds to the craftsman-style charm of the home. 

24 housetrends.com

Cincinnati • 10800 Montgomery Road • 513-563-0444 | Dayton • 3140 Far Hills Avenue • 937-293-6200 

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Front porch with TimberTech ® decking. 

Photo by Brett Bulthuis 

28 housetrends.com

a curb 

appeal 

Checklist 

A dozen ideas to help create 

an inviting first impression 

BY KAREN BRADNER 

We’ve all walked or driven past those homes that just call to us like 

sirens. Sometimes the call is strong enough that we actually dream 

of living there. At the very least we want to be invited inside and 

meet the people who surely must be as charming or elegant as 

their home. 

Maybe it’s the perfect splash of robin’s egg blue paint on the front 

door. Or it might be the overflowing planters that hang like jewelry 

from the windows. If you are passing by at night, it could be the 

inviting landscape lighting that turns each tree into a work of art. 

Chances are, it’s multiple layers such as this that give a particular 

home a more welcoming vibe than its neighbors. We invite you 

to take a step out to your own curb, turn around and face your 

home and see which of these ideas might work to make it more 

inviting—or if you are considering selling anytime soon—more 

marketable. ➻ 


30 housetrends.com 

Daybed swing by Edgework Creative. Photo by Daniel Feldkamp

1 

Seating on the front porch, perhaps 

in the form of two rockers 

or a swing is a great way to add 

to the inviting feel of your home. 

Plus it encourages you to engage with 

neighbors and the activity on your 

street. If you don’t have a porch— 

or even if you do—a bench placed 

farther out in the yard or along the 

driveway is another great option. 

2 

Whether it’s a cluster of 

ceramic pots at your front 

door, or copper window boxes 

framing your windows, containers 

full of your favorite flowers and 

greenery offer a serious amount of 

charm and color. Mix and match 

your selections to suit your lighting 

conditions and color scheme. 

Window box by Oakland Nursery 

3 

Start right at the curb with 

your mailbox. If your mailbox 

door won’t stay closed or the 

post is tilting like the Tower of Pisa, 

it might be time to replace it with 

a new version. A bed of droughttolerant 

flowers around the base or 

a climbing clematis begin the charm 

streetside. 

4 

Clean is simple. No need to 

hammer this home. Clean 

windows, and power-washed 

siding, driveways and walkways are 

hard to beat when it comes to that 

well-cared-for look. ➻ 


5 

If your door needs a bit more than a paint 

refresher, you might consider replacing it. 

New doors, typically constructed from steel 

or fiberglass, will most likely be better insulated, 

more durable, more secure and require less maintenance. 

Streamed door from ODL 

House numbers from Rookwood Pottery 

6 

If your doorknobs, knocker, or street numbers 

are dingy or outdated, think about 

replacing them with something fresh and 

modern. If you don’t have street numbers, think 

about adding them either at the mailbox or near 

your front door. Oiled-bronze finishes work well 

for a traditional style, while brushed nickel adds a 

more contemporary vibe. 

7 

Lighting, in layers, adds to the nighttime 

charm of your home. Create a clear path to 

your front door by placing fixtures in trees 

so that they shine down on the walkway. Uplight 

a specimen tree for a dramatic effect. Incorporate 

a variety of lighting fixtures to create a feeling of 

warmth and provide a sense of security. If you 

aren’t able to use lights that require wiring, think 

about solar fixtures. 

8 

Stairs, walkways and driveways all will 

benefit from a fresh coat of paint or sealer. 

You might want to cover your front steps 

with an exterior grade tile. Or, if the budget permits, 

consider reshaping your front walkway from 

a straight concrete line to a curved paver approach. 

This adds visual interest and often serves as a freeform 

type of edge for your planting beds. ➻ 

Exterior lighting by Landscape Lighting Resources 

32 housetrends.com

Photo by Ross Van Pelt. 


9 

Add splashes of color in planting 

beds placed strategically 

around your home—the front 

of your yard near the street, along 

driveways or walkways, and immediately 

in front of the house. Choose 

plants to frame, rather than hide, your 

façade. Include a mix of sizes, colors, 

and textures with a blend of annuals, 

perennials and evergreens for yearround 

color. Prune, weed and mulch 

for that well-cared-for look. 

In homes with frontfacing 

garages, garage 

doors make up a significant 

portion of what passersby see 

from the street. Similar to your front 

door, these can be painted and 

hardware can be replaced. A color that 

matches your siding will make garage 

doors blend in, while a contrasting 

color–perhaps the same as your front 

door—will make them stand out. And 

again, should it be time to replace, 

newer garage doors are often more 

durable and better insulated. They’re 

available in a bevy of styles ranging 

from traditional and classic to minimalistic 

and contemporary. 

Creech’s Garden Center and 

Landscaping, and Justin Doyle Homes 

Photo by Daniel Feldkamp 

Add your own punch of 

personality with yard art. 

Birdbaths, fountains, metal 

sculptures, arbors and garden gates 

create wonderful focal points. Combine 

them with a bit of greenery and 

flowers and it’s a hard act to beat. 

34 housetrends.com

Canyon Ridge Carriage House garage doors, courtesy of Clopy Garage Doors 

If your door is in good 

shape, an easy way to 

boost its appeal is to add 

color. Red says “welcome,” while 

something like chartreuse will give 

your home a contemporary bend. 

(See next page) Black or charcoal 

might add an understated elegance. 

Consider a swag, flag, or wreath to 

reflect your style. ➻ 

Juliet Birdbath by Campania International 


Spotlight glass panel front door from ODL 

Doing even one of these steps will make a 

noticeable change to your home’s exterior. 

Add a few more and you will get the neighbors 

talking. Send us before and afters to 

publishers@houstrends.com if you are particularly 

proud of your work! 

RESOURCES 

Clopay Doors available locally at AE Door & Window Co 

Campania International available locally at Aquatic & 

Garden Décor, Renaissance Garden Accents 

and Siebenthaler’s 

creechsgarden.com 

dalerogersstudio.com 

edgeworkcreative.co 

justindoylehomes.com 

landscapelightingresources.com 

ODL Doors available locally at Cincinnati Entry Point 

rookwood.com 

Spring Awakening sculpture from Dale Rogers Studio 

timbertech.com 

36 housetrends.com

Cincinnati Showroom 

1260 W. Sharon Rd. 


Eastgate Design Center 

760 Eastgate South 

Union Township, OH 45245 

Kentucky Showroom 

8430 U.S. 42 

Florence, KY 41042 

513.742.1984 

513.943.1984 

859.283.1984 

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San Pietro Fountain from 

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40 housetrends.com

It’s time to talk 

Fountains 

Water features are pleasant to the eyes and the ears 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

1 Recife Fountain from Campania International 2 Passaros Fountain from Campania International 3 Triad Fountain from 

Campania International 4 Classic Lion Pillar Fountain from Henri Studio 5 Arcadian Single Fountain from Haddonstone 

6 Eton College Fountain from Haddonstone 7 Soane Mouth of Truth Fountain from Haddonstone 

8 Large Regal Tier Fountain from Henri Studio 9 X3 Fountain from Campania International 

Campania International available at Aquatic & Garden Decor, Renaissance Garden Accents 

and Siebenthaler’s. Haddonstone available at Renaissance Garden Accents. 

Henri Studio available at Aquatic & Garden Decor and Siebenthaler’s. 


WE MAKE PAVERS LOOK BEAUTIFUL AGAIN 

Scan the QR code 

to watch a 

video on how 

we restore pavers 

BEFORE 

AFTER 

Jim Beatty 

⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ 

Positive: Professionalism 

We just finished the fi rst phase of repairs on our front steps and patio, 

built from pavers. Joey and Mikey were very skilled at dealing with the 

existing steps and did a very thorough repair. The areas they worked 

on are good as new. They identifi ed a few additional areas that needed 

repair at a modest additional cost beyond the original quote, which was 

a good thing as this uncovered an abandoned rodent burrow under the 

patio that was causing a lot of settling. The crew was professional and 

polite, and cleaned the worksite throughly. We are looking forward to 

the cleaning/sanding/sealing crew coming soon to fi nish the project 

once the adhesives have cured. 

BEFORE 

AFTER 

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE 

513-270-2413 

www.perfectpaverco.com 

HTCI0521.009

HTRG0521.007 

Imagine 

The View 

You Can 

Create 

www.franklinartglass.com 

(614) 221-2972 

222 East Sycamore St. 

German Village 

HTRG0521.004

44 housetrends.com

love 

LABOR OF 

Bexley gardeners create a home 

for native plants and animals 

BY KAREN BRADNER | Photos by Herb Bresler and Cheryl Vaia 

When passing by one particular home on Broad Street in Bexley, 

you won’t see a perfectly manicured lawn out front. But don’t 

be mistaken—this is a carefully designed and well-loved parcel of 

land. Tufts of clover and a scattering of violets are intentionally left 

in the front yard to keep this home’s guests happy. ➻ 


Cheryl Vaia and Herb Bresler realize 

that their front lawn “isn’t all that 

great. It’s a habitat yard,” Herb says. 

“The wildflowers that find their way 

there, we leave alone. When they 

are in bloom, we try to mow around 

them.” 

The couple avoids chemically treating 

their half-acre parcel because as 

Herb says, “Birds and creatures won’t 

come to a treated lawn.” 

“The families of bunnies who live 

here will attest to that,” says Cheryl. 

Planting the seeds 

The couple has lived in Bexley since 

relocating here from Maryland over 

25 years ago. Their son and daughter 

were eight and four years old at the 

time. 

“I’ve always gardened,” says Herb 

who has a degree in biology and spent 

his career as a research scientist. “We 

had a vegetable garden growing up 

and my mother said I would plant any 

seed I could get my hands on. I have 

always been fascinated by plants and 

animals.” 

Cheryl, who grew up in the country, 

was raised with a similar love of 

gardening. Both she and her husband 

wanted their kids to have that same 

experience. 

“I wanted them to know what it’s 

like to pick things from the trees and 

bushes and just eat them,” Cheryl 

says. 

In addition to an abundance of 

flowering perennials and herbs, the 

site is also home to black and red 

raspberry bushes, apple trees, cherry 

trees, a pear tree, a vegetable bed, 

an herb garden and four varieties of 

hops that are used for Herb’s home 

brewing hobby. 

“We don’t spray anything,” Herb 

says. “Last year the birds beat us to 

the cherries. We didn’t get out there 

in time.” 

1 

2 

3 

46 housetrends.com

Low maintenance mindset 

In line with the man vs. nature conflict, 

this is a couple who, most of 

the time, knows to let nature win. 

“We try to pick native plants that do 

well in this environment. Our water 

lilies, ground covers, perennials and 

trees are native for the most part,” 

says Cheryl. 

“We take a natural, organic 

approach,” she adds. “Natives don’t 

need a lot of care.” 

But without doubt, her definition 

of “a lot of care” may be different for 

the rest of us. 

The couple keeps busy in their 

yard from late April to mid-June. 

On weekends when the weather is 

good, they are out from morning to 

night for at least one of the days, if 

not both. Most weekdays, they spend 

two to three hours working in their 

gardens. ➻ 

5 

4 

1“Blue Boy” phlox grows next to a “Casa 

Blanca” lily. 2 Lupine, peonies, a hardy 

geranium and yellow iris are some of the 

plants that should be in bloom during 

the tour. 3 Molly watches for fish while 

standing on rocks in the shallow water, 

bog side of the pond. 4 Hosta, coral bells, 

and woodland phlox thrive in a somewhat 

shady section of the property. 5 Joe 

Pye weed is a late-blooming wildflower 

that’s native to eastern and central North 

America. 


It’s a 

habitat yard. 

–Herb Bresler 

1 2 

3 4 

1 A praying mantis enjoys a rest on a coral bell leaf. 2 A monarch butterfly rests on a milkweed pod. 3 A black swallowtail caterpillar 

enjoys milkweed. 4 A toad rests on one of the pond’s border rocks. Each spring, Herb says, the pond is filled with eggs, then tadpoles, 

then a whole bunch of little toads. 

48 housetrends.com

Two varieties of water lilies—including 

“Pink Sensation” shown here—are 

native to the area and overwinter in 

the pond. 

A water refresher 

In the corner of the property, there’s an inviting pond, complete with a 

pleasant-sounding waterfall. The eight by 20-foot pond is home to fancy 

goldfish and a source of entertainment for the family’s cats. Herb hand 

dug the pond so that the roots of the nearly 100-year-old trees near the 

pond site would not be disturbed. 

“I very deliberately designed the pond so that it would largely take care 

of itself,” he says. “The plants in the bog on one end catch a lot of silt and 

filter the water to keep it clear. Plus, they help the fish hide. It’s a matter 

of wetland vs. waterways. You to have create a little wetland to sustain a 

healthy body of water.” 

➻ 


Ready for company 

“Our goal every year is to get the garden ready before the summer solstice. We host a midsummer 

party on the Saturday closest to the solstice. We’ve been doing it for years. We’ve had 

upwards of 200 people here,” Herb says. 

“Those years were too many,” Cheryl adds. “Now we try to limit it to about 100 friends.” 

The party is a wonderful incentive for the two to get their gardens in shape. Beds are edged 

and mulched, furniture is cleaned, and lights are strung from the trees. Then right before the 

party all they need to do is mow the grass and sweep off the sidewalks. 

This year, the couple has the added deadline of June 6 when they will open their home for 

the first time to tour goers on the Bexley House & Garden Tour. Cheryl has served on the tour 

committee for over ten years, and she knows what she wants to convey with her gardens. 

“You can have great success with using native plants that are known to do well in this part 

of the country,” Cheryl says. “We use very few annuals and keep it as organic as possible. This 

is a labor of love. I’m hoping this is what people get from the tour. Animals, insects and birds 

are happy here.” 

There are multiple seating areas where guests can gather and enjoy the gardens. 

50 housetrends.com

Container Gardening Tips 

Following an earlier career in consulting, Cheryl decided to reinvent 

herself and dove into the field of horticulture. She started 

a new business, Green Thumb Gardens, and worked as a garden 

designer with a special fondness for container gardening. She 

recently retired from that business but shares a few tips on creating 

beautiful planters: 

Follow the “thrilling, filling and spilling” ideal: 

Thrill. You want something tall—that is often the thrilling layer. 

Spill. Then you find a spilling plant, that hangs down the sides 

of the container. 

Fill. You fill in between those two with your filling plant. 

She recommends not limiting your selections to annuals, saying 

that it is interesting to use tropical plants and perennials in the 

mix. And it’s important to have foliage that provides interest 

when the plants aren’t blooming. 

➻ 

A hanging planter on the back porch 

follows the thrill, spill and fill ideology. 

Orange begonias add the vibrant 

“thrill” aspect to this planter. 


Mark your calendar 

June 6, 2021 

“This is definitely the year to celebrate our 

gardens, yards, patios, and decks and all the 

different ways that outdoor spaces enhance 

our daily lives,” says Jane Baldwin, co-chairperson 

of the 2021 Bexley House & Garden 

Tour. 

With Covid precautions in mind, the 

Bexley Women’s Club has decided to focus 

their annual tour on open-air venues. 

This year’s tour will feature some of the 

best outdoor living spaces in Bexley including 

nine residential spaces, the two Bexley 

Community Gardens, and the winner of 

Bexley’s “Love Your Alley” contest. 

With north and south locations, the 

Community Gardens provide Bexley residents, 

as well as neighboring communities, 

a place to garden. The gardens are managed 

by volunteer community gardeners, currently 

led by Jeff and Maggie Harriman. 

The Bexley House & Garden Tour is the 

primary fundraising event for Bexley 

Women’s Club, which has awarded 

more than 900 scholarships totaling over 

$550,000 to students in the Bexley area. 

Both the community’s north and south gardens 

will be open during the tour. 

New master gardeners set posts for a trellis 

in one of the two Victory Gardens. 

Visit bexleywomen.org for tour and ticket information, 

along with Covid precaution details. 

The Bexley Community Gardens have contributed 

produce to area non-profit organizations, starting 

with 75 pounds in 2011 increasing to 1,250 

pounds in 2020. 

52 housetrends.com

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54 housetrends.com

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INVITING 

Outdoor Living Spaces 

BY KAREN BRADNER 

Zicka Homes photo by Ross Van Pelt 

These days we all have plenty of reasons to take ourselves outside to enjoy some fresh air and wideopen 

spaces. So, it’s no surprise that requests are pouring in to remodeling firms and landscape 

designers from folks wishing to improve their outdoor living options. While this past year or so has 

definitely seen a huge uptick in these types of projects, this has been a sharply rising trend for well 

over a decade. If your preferred landscaper or remodeler can’t work you in to their schedule right 

away, have no fear—the love of outdoor living is not going away anytime soon. In the meantime, here 

are inviting spaces to get your dreaming underway. ➻ 


URBAN 

OASIS 

Sitting high above neighboring 

rooftops, this upper-level patio 

features contemporary furnishings 

and artificial turf suitable for outdoor 

games. 

BUILDER 

JNB Custom Homes 

INTERIOR DESIGN 

RM Interiors 

Photo by Greg Grupenhof 

FIRST CLASS 

& PRIVATE 

This covered patio is given another 

layer of privacy with carefully 

placed trees and an expansive 

stone rear wall which houses the 

TV and fireplace. 

BUILDER 

Classic Living Homes, LLC 

DESIGNER 

David A. Millett Inc. 


58 housetrends.com

DUAL BY THE POOL 

Two covered areas, one for cooking and dining, and one for relaxing 

or watching the game, flank the back of this home and are within a 

few steps of the pool. 

CONTRACTOR Neal’s Design Remodel DESIGNER Bob Voigt 

LANDSCAPE Hafner Landscape & Supply POOL Mid-American 

Gunite Pools Photo by Tiffany Schulz 

SIGHTS & 

SOUNDS 

Curved lines and rustic furnishings add 

to the inviting ambience of this backyard 

patio which includes a stone fireplace 

and nearby water feature. 

BUILDER Fischer Homes 

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Ward + 

Thornton Landscapes 

Photo by Connie Kimsey ➻ 


UPSTAIRS, 

DOWNSTAIRS 

An open-air upper patio sits 

outside a covered space off this 

home’s kitchen, while the lowerlevel 

patio (seen on page 57) is a 

favorite during fall football games. 

BUILDER Zicka Homes 

DESIGNERS Homeowner and 

Katie Zicka 

Photo by Ross Van Pelt 

60 housetrends.com

A NATURAL 

EXTENSION 

Sliding glass doors create a wide opening that allows 

guests to easily flow between the dining area and the 

comfortable covered deck. 

BUILDER Wieland Builders, LLC 

INTERIOR DESIGN Designs on Madison 


CUED UP BY THE POOL 

Relaxing poolside could take the form of an intimate grouping of 

comfy chairs or a covered patio that provides shade and a bit of 

warmth on chilly days. 

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Werbrich’s Landscaping POOL Eastgate 

Pools and Spas (in circle) POOL Klimat Master Pools (above) 

Photos by Ross Van Pelt ➻ 


our products 

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2931 E. Kemper Road 

Sharonville, Ohio 45241 

513.276.4840 

hamiltonparker.com 

HTCI0521.013 

PLANNING YOUR 

DREAM HOME 

IMPROVEMENT? 

Find top professionals in 

building, remodeling, design, 

furnishings, appliances and 

more at housetrends.com 

FIND YOUR PRO 

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PARKSIDE ESTATES 

Coming September 18 through October 3 

The 58th HOMEARAMA ® comes to Anderson Township this fall. Developed by 

Coldstream Area Development LLC/Zicka Homes, Parkside Estates at Coldstream will 

host all the fun, inspiration and events Cincinnati home enthusiasts look forward to. 

Tour fully decorated and landscaped luxury homes in a variety of architectural styles. 

The HOMEARAMA ® 2021 show at Parkside Estates will feature: 

• Luxury, upscale show homes starting at $1.3 Million 

• Food trucks on-site 

• Special events 

• Vendors and suppliers in our HomeZone exhibitor tent 

• Free parking 

September 18 - October 3, 2021 

Visit cincyhomearama.com for ticket and show information 

PRODUCED BY 

PARTICIPATING 

2021 BUILDERS: 

HTCI0521.022

Are Outdoor Improvements Important? 

While the recent pandemic has definitely caused homeowners to focus 

on many projects inside their homes, outdoor spaces and outdoor 

home activities have also gotten lots of attention. We get questions 

from homeowners all the time about improvements they’d like to 

make to their homes for their own enjoyment and whether or not 

they would be investments that future buyers would appreciate as 

well. Those inquiries have become more and more outdoor-related in 

recent years. 

Q: What are some unique outdoor elements that home 

buyers are looking for with increasing frequency? 

A: Outdoor spaces that provide soothing environments have always 

been popular, but are being sought out now more than ever. Everyone 

working from home is seeking a quiet respite and break from endless 

conference calls without having to leave home. Personal backyard 

putting greens and multi-purpose sport courts provide such an escape 

while still allowing for social distancing. 

The health and safety benefits of private pools and spas have led to 

their high demand over the past year. As many have experienced the 

long waiting list for new pool installations at their current homes, 

others have chosen to make a move and try to find that elusive resale 

with a pool already in the yard instead. 

Q: What outdoor features will likely remain popular even 

post-pandemic? 

A: Outdoor kitchens were already gaining popularity, and that is likely 

to continue. Many homeowners have grown weary of the need to 

prepare more meals at home amidst the pandemic and enjoy a change 

of scenery with an opportunity to cook in the outdoor air. 

Home improvements such as larger decks and screened porches 

afforded additional living space and safer places to gather in the midst 

of the pandemic. This outdoor living space will continue to have wide 

appeal as many families probably started to feel their homes were too 

small with everyone at home together for longer periods of time over 

the past year. 

Backyard gardening also increased in popularity as many decided to 

start growing their own fruits and vegetables during the pandemic. 

This enabled homeowners to enjoy the tasty results of their efforts 

and also capture some treasured family time together. Continued 

gardening activities will be easier this year now that the garden spaces 

have already been created. 

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR 

Ellie Kowalchik, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Pinnacle Group, leads the top-ranked Move2Team. A multimillion 

dollar producer and company sales leader, she holds the advanced designations of Seller Representative 

Specialist, Certified Residential Specialist, as well as e-Pro with a focus on technology. She was also named one of 

America’s Best Real Estate Agents by RealTrends in 2018, 2019 and 2020. 

Have real estate questions you’d like to see answered in a future edition of Ask the Expert? 

Give Ellie a call at (513) 536-6831 or email her at EllieKowalchik@gmail.com. 

HTCI0521.007

TASTES 

AND TIPS FOR A 

Backyard 

Barbecue 

WITH A BOURBON TWIST 

66 housetrends.com

Create a signature drink 

Booze and barbecues go hand 

in hand. Create a cocktail just 

for the occasion. Give it your 

own stamp and a clever name. 

Find a shady corner to situate 

a space dedicated to beverages. 

Be sure to include non-alcoholic 

options like iced tea, lemonade, 

and flavored waters for nondrinkers 

and designated drivers. 

Bourbon slush recipe on page 71 

Photo by Connie Kimsey 

It’s going to be a great summer for outdoor get-togethers. We’re all ready to 

set up our tables, fire up the grill and string some lights to create an inviting 

atmosphere for family and friends to gather and celebrate. 

With that in mind, we bring you a few ideas to plan your backyard barbecue, 

with bourbon—an adult beverage that’s all the buzz right now—playing 

a starring role. ➻ 


Feed with unexpected food 

There’s no doubt that food tastes better when it’s eaten outside. But it also 

tastes better when you feed your friends something out of the ordinary. 

While brats, metts, burgers and steaks are perennial favorites, consider a 

different take—perhaps an elegant beef tenderloin or an option that is easily 

adaptable for vegetarians—such as kabobs. Try a new take on traditional 

condiments, adding a kick to the ketchup, providing a tasting of mustards, or 

creating your own chutney. 

DID YOU KNOW? 

Kentucky produces 95 percent 

of the world’s bourbon supply. 

There are now 9.1 million barrels 

of bourbon aging in Kentucky, 

which is 2 barrels for every person 

living in the state. 

—The Kentucky 

Distillers’ Association 

Bourbon Tomato Jam from Chateau 

Bourbon, see recipe on page 71 

BOURBON CHARRED 

TENDERLOIN 

courtesy of Chateau Bourbon 

in Louisville, Kentucky 

This bourbon marinade is fantastic for 

beef as it helps penetrate the tissue, 

leaving the meat tender and full of flavor. 

It is also great for pork. Whip out this 

recipe on a summer grilling day – while 

sipping your favorite pour, of course! 

Bourbon contributes flavor and 

complexity to both sweet and savory 

dishes, with notes of warm caramel 

and vanilla to earthy, smoky oak. 

-Missy Hillock, Owner/Innkeeper, 

Chateau Bourbon in Louisville 

INGREDIENTS 

1 beef tenderloin or 

(4-6) large beef steaks 

¾ cup bourbon 

¼ cup maple syrup 

¼ cup soy sauce 

¼ cup Worcestershire sauce 

1 Tbsp red wine vinegar 

1 tsp hot sauce 

½ cup brown sugar 

2 Tbsp Dijon mustard 

1 Tbsp onion powder 

1 Tbsp garlic powder 

¼ cup flour 

For directions: 

go to housetrends.com and search: 

Bourbon Charred Tenderloin 

68 housetrends.com

Outdoor kitchen with 42-inch built-in grill, two side burners, dual-tap beer 

dispenser and refrigerator, trash drawer and storage areas, all from Hestan. 

Add a bit of magic 

String a few sets of lights overhead 

or in nearby trees to set a romantic 

tone in your yard. Citronella candles 

or torches ward off mosquitoes while 

contributing to the ambience. And 

a fire pit provides the perfect focal 

point for gathering on an evening 

where there is even the slightest bit 

of chill in the air. ➻ 

Tommy Bahama Cypress Point Ocean Terrace seating and gas fire pit 


DID YOU KNOW? 

In order for whiskey to be bourbon, it 

must be made with a minimum 

of 51 percent corn, aged in new, 

charred oak containers, stored at 

no more than 125 proof and bottled 

at no less than 80 proof. 

—The Kentucky 

Distillers’ Association 

Entertain the masses 

Yard games are a great way for guests to mingle. If children 

are present, provide sidewalk chalk and ask them to draw 

portraits of party guests. Or go for the win with a projector, 

a bedsheet, and individual bags of popcorn to set up a movie 

area, a bit away from the main hub of activity. 

Anticipate special requests 

So that you don’t need to leave your own party to rummage 

through your medicine chest or closets, fill a fun 

container with bandages, sunscreen, bug repellent, 

sunglasses, visors, handheld fans, soft blankets and 

throws. 

We have more recipes! 

Famed Kentucky bourbon chef Ouita Michel 

shares a couple of her favorite summertime recipes. 

See recipes for Tomato Bourbon Bombs and 

Grilled Chicken McCracken Style at housetrends. 

com. Search: Ouita Recipes. 

Plus! We share a Bourbon Mule drink recipe 

courtesy of Custom Distributors and Spicy Olive 

at housetrends.com/bourbon mule. 

RESOURCES 

chateaubourbon.com 

Hestan available at Custom Distributors, Inc. and 

The Appliance Loft 

Jungle Jim’s International Market 

kybourbontrail.com 

Tommy Bahama available at Watson’s, Studio J and 

Best Furniture Gallery 

70 housetrends.com

BOURBON SLUSH 

FOR A CROWD 

This recipe is a favorite summer drink for 

Housetrends’ creative director Gina Miller. Her 

friend, Ken Krusling, shares his recipe here. 

INGREDIENTS 

• 3 to 4 cups bourbon 

(depending on taste) 

• 12 oz frozen lemonade 

• 6 oz frozen orange juice 

(1/2 of a 12 oz can) 

• ¾ cup of sugar 

(add more for a sweeter slush) 

• 3 regular sized tea bags 

• 7 cups water 

Add tea bags to two cups of water 

and bring to a boil to make a strong 

tea. Add sugar and let it dissolve. In a 

large freezer safe container, add tea 

and 7 cups of water. Mix in remaining 

ingredients. Freeze overnight. If slush 

is not frozen enough, add another cup 

or two of water and refreeze. Scoop 

into a Mason jar or Solo cup. Top with 

a maraschino cherry and a spoonful of 

cherry juice. 

Gina notes: Some of her friends prefer to add 

a splash of Sprite. This adds a bit of fizz to 

the drink and expands the number of servings. 

Main recipe makes about twelve 8 oz drinks. 

Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center 

Bourbon boom 

Sales have been soaring in the U.S. bourbon market for the past 

decade. Production has grown by over 150% and the number of craft 

distilleries over the period has more than quintupled. Upscale cocktail 

bars are serving premium alcohols and social media is working to promote 

small-batch businesses. 

“In this region, the age of bourbon drinkers goes across six or seven 

decades,” says Paul Miguez, liquor store manager for Jungle Jim’s 

Fairfield location. “So many people are into it. We are seeing new 

customers, who have grown up seeing their parents drink or sip bourbon, 

coming in ready to start a tradition of their own.” 

BOURBON TOMATO JAM 

courtesy of Chateau Bourbon 

in Louisville, Kentucky 

This jam is both spicy and sweet and 

goes great with salty meats. (Makes 1 

cup of jam) 

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 lb roma tomatoes, diced (or a 28oz 

can diced tomatoes) 

• ½ cup sugar 

• 5 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 

• ½ Tbsp red pepper flakes (more or 

less to taste) 

• 1 large clove of garlic, minced 

• ¼ cup diced sweet onion 

• a pinch of cumin 

• ½ tsp kosher salt 

• 3 Tbsp bourbon 

For directions: 

go to housetrends.com and search: 

Bourbon Tomato Jam 

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a road trip for bourbon lovers. For information 

visit: kybourbontrail.com. Please note some of the distilleries have 

limited access due to Covid restrictions. Check with them regarding their 

policy. 

Barrels aging in rickhouse 


advertiser index 

Pollinator garden photo from Wimberg Landscaping 

A&S Lighting Center................................................. 63 

AE Door & Window Co. ......................................... 37 

Aquatic & Garden Decor ......................................... 13 

Ashford Homes ....................................................... 16 

Basco Shower Enclosures ........................................ 38 

Best Furniture Gallery .............................................. 15 

Bexley Women’s Club .............................................. 56 

Bova Contemporary Furniture ................................. 11 

Cincinnati Stoneworks.............................................. 73 

Custom Distributors, Inc .......................................... 26 

Find A Pro ................................................................ 62 

Franklin Art Glass Studios, Inc. .................................. 43 

Hamilton Parker ....................................................... 62 

Hanson Audio and Video ......................................... 25 

Hoffman & Albers Interiors ........................................ 9 

HOMEARAMA ® Parkside Estates .............................. 64 

ID Cincinnati Furniture & Interior Design .................. 17 

Landscape Lighting Resources .................................. 43 

Move2Team.com ..................................................... 65 

Neal’s Design Remodel .............................................. 4 

Peoples Bank ........................................................... 56 

Perfect Paver Co. ..................................................... 42 

Renaissance Garden Accents .................................... 39 

Ryan’s All-Glass .......................................................... 7 

Slats Blind & Shutter Experts .................................... 76 

Snyder Brick & Block ................................................ 72 

The Appliance Loft ..................................................... 6 

The Elevation Pedestal ............................................. 56 

The Spicy Olive ....................................................... 53 

Watson’s .................................................................... 2 

Worly Plumbing Supply, Inc. ..................................... 53 

Zicka Homes ........................................................... 74 

Snyder 

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photo submitted by Hanover Architectural Products 

HTCI0521.014 

72 housetrends.com

For your safety, 

we are now open by 

appointment only. 

Monday – Friday 8am to 5pm. 

Call to schedule 

your appointment. 

PERSONAL ATTENTION | SUPERIOR EXPERTISE | EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY 

Photos courtesy of Auer Kitchens 

HTCI0521.020

Elevated Elegance. 

Surround yourself in luxurious living with the elegance of a custom Zicka home. Zicka Homes collaborates 

with you to design and build a home that’s aesthetically pleasing and functionally comfortable at every turn. 

We take your vision and build it into reality with an unrivaled attention to detail. It’s more than just a home, 

it’s a work of lifestyle art. 

HTCI0521.015 

Zicka Homes can build to your specifications on your current lot or within any of our developments in 

Mason, Loveland and Anderson. We’d love to hear what you envision for your home environment and help 

you attain it. With over five decades of experience and numerous awards in our background, we’re confident 

we can get you there. Please give us a call at 513.247.3500 or visit our website at www.ZickaHomes.com 

Listing agent Michelle Hudepohl with Coldwell Banker Realty. Bond Furniture and Design staged the home.

HTCI0521.015

Published in conjunction with Buzz Publications, LLC 

4601 Malsbary Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242 

PRSRT STD 

U.S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

Buzz Publications, 

LLC 

TRANSITIONAL SHADES 

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513-616-9835 « www.SlatsBlinds.com « Visit our showroom 11928 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati 45249 

HTCI0521.008

Cincinnati June 2021

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