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KITCHENS • BATHS • OUTDOOR LIVING • LOWER LEVELS • WHOLE HOUSE • ADDITIONS 

HTCI0921.023

WORKING WITH A REMODELER 

Remodeling Considerations in 2021 

NEAL’S DESIGN REMODEL | NEALS.COM 

When it comes time to select a remodeling partner for your 

project, there are many questions and considerations. Especially 

now, where the market is still being affected by manufacturing 

and material conditions due to the pandemic, it’s important that 

homeowners go into the process with some key things in mind. 

1. BE PREPARED FOR LONGER TIMETABLES 

Patience and flexibility will be crucial for anyone embarking on 

a remodel in the next year. Ask remodelers about their current 

project timelines and be ready to have to wait. With materials, 

cabinets, and other elements being delayed, timelines that 

worked in the past may no longer be attainable. 

2. UNDERSTAND YOUR REMODELER’S PROCESS 

It’s good to have an understanding of what exactly your 

remodeler is doing to prepare for your project during these longer 

wait times. Does the company offer a comprehensive planning 

process that will work no matter how long it takes? You need a 

full-service company focused on ordering the correct materials 

and helping you navigate the supply chain issues that can make 

planning very difficult. 

3. MAKE SOME DECISIONS WHILE YOU’RE WAITING 

With the time you’ll have before your project can begin, read up 

on any educational materials or blog articles your remodeler 

offers to help understand the decisions you’ll need to make when 

the time comes. If you’re prepared and ready to provide critical 

answers when the gates open for your project, you can help 

ensure that your remodel moves smoothly and on schedule. 

ALAN HENDY 

CEO/Owner 

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HTCI0921.009

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HTCI0921.002

CONTENTS 

OCTOBER 2021 

GREATER CINCINNATI 

30 

SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING BLUE 

Cool kitchen build focuses on elevated functionality 

ON THE COVER 

This cozy parlor was drastically redefined during the complete renovation of a 170-year-old riverfront 

home in Covington. See the rest of the transformation beginning on page 18. Photo by Greg Grupenhof. 

8 housetrends.com

There is No Place For 

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HTCI0921.017

44 14 

CONTENTS 

OCTOBER 2021 


55 

40 

REMODEL 

18 SWEPT AWAY BY THE VIEW 

Riverfront home undergoes a dramatic restoration 

IT’S TIME TO TALK 

40 SIDE TABLES 

Give your sofa or chair a sassy sidekick 

KITCHEN 

44 GRAND OPENING 

Kitchen’s window and wall reworked 

to take in the views 

INTERIOR DESIGN 

55 LAYING THE GROUNDWORK 

Tips on where to start when choosing an area rug 

FURNISHINGS 

67 TOUCHLESS TECHNOLOGY 

Hands-free options with healthy home benefits 

DEPARTMENTS 

14 FRESH FINDS 

It’s time to set the table again 

72 AD INDEX 

18 

10 housetrends.com

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HTCI0921.001

EDITOR’S 

NOTE 

The extra 

dishwasher… 

makes our lives 

so much easier. 

Some things are worth the splurge. 

For some of us that might mean a pair of designer shoes for an evening out, a 

pint of gourmet ice cream for an evening in, or perhaps a shiny car or dream 

vacation. But for the three homeowners we feature in this issue of Housetrends, 

that splurge became clear to them as they were remodeling or building their 

home. 

With an artist’s eye, Pattie Byron carefully chose distinctive light fixtures 

to add a modern touch—while honoring the history—in every room of her 

170-year-old home. 

Linda Blevins says she fell in love with the Crystalize quartzite the moment 

she saw it and quickly decided it was worth going over budget to get the countertop 

she wanted. 

When asked about her favorite feature in her glamorous new kitchen, Faye 

Eidi says it’s the two dishwashers. She entertains frequently and says being able 

to rotate between clean and dirty dishes is a major plus. 

We invite you to take a look at these three homes featured inside, along with 

tips on how to select an area rug, and information on hands-free technology. 

We try to bring you ideas and items that are worth the splurge in every issue 

of Housetrends. But we’d like to hear from you on that subject. 

What item in your house would you say was worth the splurge? We invite you 

to share it with us at: publishers@housetrends.com. 

Thanks for reading. 

Karen Bradner 

EDITOR 

I blew that 

budget out of 

the water. 

I wanted the lighting 

to be fantastic so that it 

drew your eyes up. 


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 Writers Sarah J. Dills, 

Jamie Gold, Lee Rhodes, Sydne Santo 

Contributing Photographers 

Greg Grupenhof, Jennifer Schaaf, 

Dawn M. Smith 

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 

4866 Cooper Rd., Suite 202 


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, 

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edit, alter, or omit any advertiser. 

12 housetrends.com

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

HTCI0921.004

fresh finds 

It’s time to set the table again 

Marquesa Host Chair 

by Bernhardt 

available at Hoffman & 

Albers Interiors, 

ID Cincinnati Furniture 

& Interior Design, and 

Watson’s 

Hand Thrown 

Tabletop Dish 

available at 

Rookwood Pottery 

Fall Natural Centerpiece 

available at Sacksteder’s Interiors 

White Charcuterie 

Board & Marble 

Spoon Rest 

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available at Pathway Tables 

Harvest Bloom Table Runner 

available at Williams-Sonoma 

Pampa Bay Deviled Egg Tray 

available at The Spicy Olive 

With cooler weather and holidays fast approaching, we’re moving into the season of hosting meals in our 

dining room again. Here are some ideas for tablescapes, and other festive touches that your guests will just eat up. 

14 housetrends.com

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HTCI0921.024

Making the Most of a Continued Seller’s Market 

Q: I know the market is great for sellers right now and would love to 

take advantage of the equity I have in my home. Is it still worth it to 

sell if I’ll then have to be a buyer facing the current competition? 

A: We have numerous clients struggling with the temptation to cash in 

on the equity they have in their current home, thanks to unprecedented 

home values. Yet many have concerns about whether any upside they 

have will be diminished by having to turn around and buy in a potentially 

overpriced market. If you’re considering a downsize, a sale is likely still 

advantageous, especially if you are selling a more expensive home that 

may be harder to sell in different market conditions. If opportunities 

offered by the current seller’s market are simply too good to pass up, you 

could also choose to sell now and rent while waiting for the market to 

quiet down before jumping in as a buyer. 

Q: It seems like in the current market, homes are selling just as 

easily without professional representation as they are with it. 

Should I consider selling my home as a “For Sale By Owner” instead 

of enlisting the help of a real estate agent? 

A: When the inventory of homes for sale is as low as it is today, buyers are 

eager to snatch up virtually any house that comes to market. As a result, 

some homeowners think selling their house will be a breeze and see today’s 

market as an opportunity to do a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) and avoid 

paying commission fees. Research shows, however, that selling on your own 

likely means you’ll net a lower profit, even in a seller’s market. Without the 

expert marketing and visibility that licensed agents can provide, FSBOs do 

not attract the same level of attention as homes listed by a professional. 

Creating a competitive environment amongst buyers is necessary in order 

to ultimately get top dollar. It is also crucial to have the support of an 

expert to guide you through what can be a very daunting process. Real 

estate professionals are trained negotiators with extensive housing market 

insights that the average homeowner may never have. An agent’s expertise 

can alleviate much of the stress of selling your house and help you close the 

best possible deal when you do. 

Q: My kids and pets have done a number on my carpet and wood 

floors. Should I be planning to replace and/or refinish the flooring 

before putting my house on the market? 

A: While we always recommend putting your “best foot forward” and 

making the necessary preparations for your home to look and show its 

best prior to putting it on the market, it is worth keeping in mind that 

time may be of the essence. The market is in favor of sellers right now, 

and has been for awhile, but we can never say for certain how long the 

favorable selling conditions will last. Oftentimes, it is best to get quotes 

for things like flooring that won’t show up in photos before listing and 

offer that amount in the form of a credit to the buyer at closing instead 

of actually having the work done prior to listing the house. There’s also 

the fact that many times, buyers would prefer to select materials and 

contractors themselves, so it is more appealing to them to have a credit 

to use at their disposal and on their schedule once they take ownership of 

the home. 

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR 

Ellie Kowalchik, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Pinnacle Group, leads Cincinnati’s top-ranked Move2Team. 

A multi-million 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 has 

also been named one of America’s Best Real Estate Agents by RealTrends for the past 4 years. 

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. 

HTCI0921.022

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 

HTCI0921.021

The front door opens to a striking view. Opposite page: Pattie, Frisco, Bronco and Mark are ready to greet guests. 

18 housetrends.com

Swept Away 

BY THE VIEW 

Riverfront home undergoes a dramatic restoration 

BY KAREN BRADNER | PHOTOS BY GREG GRUPENHOF 

Downsizing is not the first word that is called to mind when one steps inside 

a totally reimagined home in Covington’s Licking Riverside Historic District. 

The Italianate treasure, originally dubbed the “Skiff House” when it was built 

in 1850, oozes glamour from every room. Twelve-foot ceilings set a dramatic 

stage throughout most of the first floor, and even taller, 14-foot ceilings grace the 

second floor. Between the main house and a newly constructed carriage house, 

there are four bedrooms, two studies, four full baths and plenty of indoor and 

outdoor entertaining space. 

But few of those details came in to play when Mark and Pattie Byron decided to downsize a 

bit earlier than expected. 

“It was the view,” Pattie says. “Mark and I were driving around on a Sunday and saw the 

for sale sign. We weren’t planning on moving right away, but we knew another house on this 

street might not come available for another 30 years.” 

The “street” was Riverside Drive, a coveted location in Covington, which boasts sweeping 

views of the river and the Cincinnati skyline. 

Having raised seven children between them, the couple was ready to move from their large 

suburban home in Liberty Township to a slightly smaller home closer to downtown. They fell in 

love with the Covington neighborhood that is lush and green yet steps away from the city. The 

walkability factor played a huge role in their decision making as well. ➻ 

housetrends magazine 2021 19

Leap of faith 

Until recently, the structure was subdivided 

as a four-family rental and 

was owned by architect John Becker 

and his family. When the decision 

was made to restore the home to a 

single-family residence, Becker called 

upon the talents of James and Rob 

Kennedy at Legacy Custom Builders. 

The plan was to preserve as much 

of the character of the home as possible, 

while adding 21st century conveniences. 

“We’ve been adding on to and 

remodeling older homes for 20 years,” 

James says. “This without a doubt 

was the biggest complete start-tofinish 

job we’ve done. It was a complete 

gut—taking it from what it was 

to what it is. It was logistically crazy.” 

Kennedy goes on to explain that 

all the non-loadbearing walls which 

divided the four separate apartments—with 

four separate kitchens—were 

removed. Several structural 

issues, including crumbling 

stone walls, were addressed as well. 

During the process, some gems were 

discovered. 

“Every time you opened up a wall 

it was something new,” James says. 

“Sometimes that meant going back 

and starting from scratch with the 

framing…taking a little detour.” 

One example is the 10-foot-tall 

pocket doors that stand between the 

great room and parlor. While opening 

up a solid wall that separated the two 

rooms, the Legacy team discovered 

massive pine doors hidden within the 

wall. There was even a water mark 

on the doors about 30 inches off 

the floor, from the Ohio River flood 

of 1937. The doors were completely 

restored and painted to match the 

refreshed interior woodwork. 

1 

3 

20 housetrends.com

2 

4 

5 

1 Pocket doors were discovered hidden within a solid wall leading 

to what is now the parlor. 2 The original pocket doors, now 

with fresh paint and new trim, tuck out of the way for an easy 

flow between the parlor and living room. The botanical artwork 

over the sofa is by Josie Gearhart 3 The home’s six fireplaces 

originally burned coal, then wood, and later were inoperable. 

Two of them are now functional, and a third is slated to be 

restored in the near future. 4 This is the original structure, 

before a carriage house, with a garage space on each end and 

an upstairs apartment with an open-air deck was added. 5 This 

support beneath the first floor was one of the many structural 

issues remodelers found while renovating the home. 


1 

2 

3 

4 

22 housetrends.com

5 

Dream team 

Once the old walls were removed and new walls were placed per Becker’s vision, the 

architect and remodelers decided it was time to put the home on the market. “We 

thought this property deserved to have someone who would be living here make the 

finish decisions,” James says. 

So, when the Byrons first toured the home, it was mid-demolition. “They were starting 

to put up walls, but there were no floors,” Pattie says. “Legacy was already on board 

as the contractor. That was great luck. I can’t say enough about them. Their craftsmanship 

is what made this house.” 

The architect and remodeler got lucky as well. Pattie, who is an artist specializing in 

metal sculpture, has a keen eye for interior design and was well-equipped to take hold 

of the design reins. 

“Once they realized that I was going to take this project and run with it—and that 

this was going to be fun—they let me do my thing,” Pattie says. "We really played off 

each other well.” 

Pattie’s touch is seen in the striking lighting fixtures found throughout the home. 

While each fixture is distinctly different, the artist points out that they “speak” with 

each other. For example, starburst lights inside the island pendants give a nod to the 

starburst design of the light over the dining table. Other fixtures complement each 

other via color and material. But each one sets the stage beautifully for the room it 

is in. “I wanted the lighting to be fantastic so that it drew your eyes up,” she says. “I 

wanted to honor the history of the house while adding a modern touch.” 

Several brick walls, fireplaces and ceiling beams were uncovered during the demolition 

as well. While there was some consideration for covering them up to give the 

place a more modern aesthetic, but Pattie pushed to keep them exposed, wanting the 

“bones” of the home to talk. 

“I love that we have the best of both worlds,” she says. “We have all this historic character 

with a new roof, heating, air conditioning, windows, plumbing and electricity. It’s 

like living in a new house.” 

1 Pattie’s dubbed this sitting 

room off the master bedroom 

as her “snug,” which is a type 

of room often found in Irish 

pubs. 2 The walls in the parlor 

are painted a deep, but 

warm gray. 3 A corner tub 

in the master bath provides 

privacy for the bather, along 

with a picturesque view of Mt. 

Adams. 4 The landscape painting 

over the bed in the master 

suite is by Josie Gearhart. 5 

Landscapers installed a paver 

front seating area and sidewalk 

directing guests to their preferred 

front door. The door on 

the right opens to the parlor. 


Food for the soul 

One of Mark’s favorite places to hang out is the kitchen. He doesn’t particularly like to cook, but he 

loves that this is the space where everyone gathers. The island was designed to accommodate a crowd. 

“This house is very social,” he says. 

And yes, both Mark and Pattie admit that they love to entertain. “We have big parties,” Pattie says. 

“We are known for them.” 

But when it’s just the two of them, the couple can be found relaxing with their two Shiloh Shepherds 

in their private courtyard that is located between the main house and the carriage house. The only 

sizeable television in the residence is in the lower level of the carriage house. Mark often hangs out 

here with his dogs, occasionally traipsing across the courtyard in through the French doors off the 

kitchen for a snack. 

When it comes to picking her favorite room, Pattie says, “I can’t answer that. I bounce around all of 

the time. It depends on my mood and the weather.” But she admits that the parlor “is delicious when 

it’s raining and the doors are closed. It’s incredibly cozy.” 

1 

24 housetrends.com

2 

1 The kitchen is designed for entertaining, with an oversized island and an open floor plan 

that flows from the dining area through to the courtyard. 2 The original staircase was too 

narrow and not up to code. 3 A new staircase was added, keeping within the historical 

integrity of the home. 4 Much of the art in the home is by artists who, like Pattie, work 

from studio space in the Pendleton Art Center in downtown Cincinnati. Botanical on left 

by Josie Gearhart. Abstract on right by Paula Wiggins. 

3 

4 

Deliberate design 

Not much furniture made it from the 

Byrons’ suburban home to this new 

enclave. Pattie has carefully chosen 

each new item with a purpose in mind. 

“Every piece is arranged to access conversation 

or the view,” she says. 

The view is equally important on 

the second floor where the couple’s 

master suite and studies are located. 

A sumptuous master bedroom leads 

to a dazzling master bath with those 

14-foot ceilings. An eye-catching 

chandelier and a soaking tub angled 

in the corner provide for a perfect 

glimpse of the spire of the Church of 

the Immaculata in Mt. Adams, which 

is a strong focal point after dusk. 

“At night this place is just off the 

hook,” Pattie says. 

After all, it really is all about the 

view. Each window facing north 

frames a prized slice of the Cincinnati 

skyline, whether it be the Reds’ stadium 

or the Great American Tower. 

Barges and pleasure boats pass by 

at regular intervals and couples, and 

families stroll along the street or in 

the park next door. The Byrons say 

there can be as many as five wedding 

parties a day gathering for photographs 

along the river in front of 

their home. 


1 

2 

To allow the couple to enjoy the 

activity going on out their front 

door, the Byrons enlisted the help of 

Lichtenberg Landscaping, the firm 

responsible for creating the inner 

courtyard. Lichtenberg leveled the 

sloped front yard and built a paver 

walkway and patio to allow for riverside 

seating. The hardscape and plant 

materials were designed to draw visitors 

to the main front door, rather 

than the secondary door on the parlor 

side of the home. The home’s one 

small patch of grass is found here, and 

the owners cut it with a weedwacker. 

Family friend and gardener Rebecca 

Sheets helps with maintenance and 

adds splashes of seasonal color. 

Work was completed and the 

couple moved into their new home 

in October of 2020. While cooler 

months and Covid restrictions kept 

them inside for a few months, once 

late spring arrived the couple took to 

the streets. Mark walks across the 

suspension bridge to Reds’ games and 

Pattie, an avid runner, has a favorite 

route that crosses one bridge into 

Cincinnati and another back through 

Newport. Both of them look forward 

to evening strolls to local restaurants 

and walking the cobblestone streets 

learning more about the history and 

flavor of this neighborhood they now 

call home. 

1 The walls from the house and carriage 

house, along with heavy shrubbery 

and trees, surround the courtyard 

and keep it feeling secluded and 

private. 2 The main dining area is 

open to the kitchen space and offers a 

view of the park next door. 

RESOURCES 

Architect: John Becker, Becker Architecture; Builder: Legacy Custom Builders; 

Landscape designer: Lichtenberg Landscaping; Kitchen design and cabinetry: 

Auer Kitchens; Appliances in main house: Keidel Supply; Appliances in carriage 

house: Custom Distributors, Inc.; Bath vanities: Restoration Hardware; Parlor 

chairs: Bova; Parlor rug: The Rug Gallery; Gardener: Rebecca Sheets; Window 

treatments: Shades of Distinction; Windows and doors: Pella Windows & Doors; 

Fireplace restoration: Bromwell’s; Ironwork: Stewart Iron Works 

26 housetrends.com

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30 housetrends.com 

There’s plenty of space to sit and eat, thanks to the islands and a nearby table that accommodates eight.

SOMETHING NEW 

Something 

Blue 

Cool kitchen build focuses 

on elevated functionality 

BY SYDNE SANTO | PHOTOS BY JENNIFER SCHAAF 

All new homes offer a certain amount of 

excitement and allure, but this Ohio home 

and its kitchen are second to none. With 

two islands, two dishwashers, and two 

ovens, it is clear that bigger is better for 

this family of five. ➻ 


Fancy functionality 

Homeowner Faye Eidi and her family designed their home with a single idea in 

mind: to bring people together. And, with three children, a family dog, and an 

open-door policy for family and friends, the Eidi family wanted their kitchen to 

be the focal point of their home. “Like most families, the kitchen is the center 

of the home where everybody gathers,” Faye says. “We wanted to design our 

home around that.” 

Luckily for the Eidi family, Jim Deen, of Kitchen Kraft, was ready to utilize 

his creative mind on another Eidi family kitchen. The Columbus-based kitchen 

remodeler had worked with the family on their past homes and was looking 

forward to creating a layout and design that would fit the family’s busy lifestyle. 

“I’m always excited to work with Faye and her family,” says Deen. “We’ve built 

a really strong working relationship over the years, so the family trusts me to 

assist with the layout and design of the kitchen to build something they love.” 

And build they would. Because this was a construction for a new home, 

the opportunities for increased functionality were endless. The first step was 

revisiting the existing blueprints to maximize the space available in the kitchen. 

With an emphasis on tasteful architecture, Deen and the family were able to 

establish a layout that touched on all their kitchen needs. 

When asked about the best part of the kitchen, the answer for Faye was 

easy. “The two dishwashers. There’s something so nice about having the extra 

dishwasher and having room to rotate through our clean and dirty dishes,” Faye 

says with a laugh. “It makes our lives so much easier." 

Deen is in full agreement. He believes that a full kitchen is a happy one, 

especially when it comes to utilizing appliances. “I always recommend two 

dishwashers if the kitchen has enough room,” Deen explains. “Functionally, it 

is such an improvement in the kitchen, especially when you plan on hosting or 

entertaining.” 

1 

2 

32 housetrends.com

Twice the islands = twice the fun 

Having two islands was an exciting perk of the layout reconfiguration. Faye 

explained that even before her family built this home, the kitchen was always 

the most popular room of the house. Given the everyday visitors she entertains, 

Faye and her family needed a little more space than usual. 

One island is reserved for cooking and serving, while the other is dedicated 

to guests. Faye opted for quartzite countertops throughout her kitchen because 

its durability supports her love of cooking and her family’s never-ending kitchen 

buffets. “When we have people over, we usually serve food buffet-style,” Faye 

says. “People can come and help themselves whenever they’re hungry.” ➻ 

1 While the kitchen’s color scheme is 

classic and timeless, eight bar stools— 

four on each island—add a welcome 

burst of color. 2 Two islands, two 

sinks, two ovens, and two dishwashers 

make this kitchen an excellent space 

for entertaining. 


Bigger is better 

With a kitchen of this grandeur, an equally exciting set of appliances was 

needed. The solution? Unique spacing and extra-large appliances. 

Unlike most homes, the fridge and freezer live on opposite sides of the 

kitchen. “We designed it to have a 36-inch refrigerator and a 36-inch freezer 

that aren’t side by side,” explains Deen. “They were paneled to match the cabinetry 

and put at different ends of the kitchen to look like armoires.” 

An additional plus: the range that separates the fridge and freezer. At 60 

inches, the range is a centerpiece in the kitchen (as opposed to the traditional 

48 inches homeowners have come to expect). It has become a necessity for 

the numerous meals she curates weekly, from fettuccini alfredo to Mexican 

lasagna. 

One word to describe this kitchen? “Epic,” states Deen. “This kitchen is one 

of the best I’ve seen. Between the islands and the appliances, the opportunities 

for use are endless. It’s absolutely epic.” 

Beautiful hues of blue 

The kitchen itself is dressed in trendy whites and neutrals, but the eye-catching 

blue stands out. Faye says the missing piece from the kitchen was “bright 

watercolors. We needed something that caught the eye no matter where you 

were.” This blue accent was carried throughout the kitchen configuration, from 

the seating to the cabinetry in the laundry room. “[The blue] is so beautiful 

when the sun comes in through the windows,” adds Faye. ➻ 

This spacious laundry room picks up the shades of blue found nearby in the kitchen. 

34 housetrends.com

The kitchen was designed to take advantage 

of the home's architectural elements. 


Building a home to grow in 

It takes a village to build a home from its conception, 

and the Eidi family proved to be no different. 

Between Faye’s initial vision and Deen’s 

expertise, the final kitchen offers every amenity 

and comfort the family could have dreamed of. 

It is a kitchen that the Eidi family can continue 

to grow in, and experience many more years of 

gathering and enjoyment. 

“We love entertaining and having friends and 

family over. Over the years, we’ve turned into 

the hang-out house,” says Faye. “People come 

in and can spread out. They sit, they eat, they 

laugh—they feel welcome in our home.” 

1 

2 

1 A backsplash made of rectangular 

marble tile, in earthy tones, adds to 

the depth of the kitchen. 2 Elegant 

light fixtures add a bit of bling over 

each of the islands. 

RESOURCES 

Designer: Jim Deen, Kitchen Kraft; Cabinetry: Grabill Custom Cabinetry; Flooring: 

24 x 48 porcelain tiles; Countertops: quartzite; Backsplash: marble; Appliances: 

Dishwasher, 60” range, 36” refrigerator, 36” freezer, and ice maker, all from Thermador; 

Miele coffee station 

36 housetrends.com

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40 housetrends.com

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Grand Opening 

Kitchen’s window and wall 

reworked to take in the views 

BY SARAH J. DILLS | PHOTOS BY DAWN M. SMITH 

44 housetrends.com

The new, open floor plan allows the cooks in the kitchen to be included in the activity going on in the living room. 


Just because the person in charge of 

tackling the project is your brother, 

that doesn’t give you special treatment 

while you’re living through a 

kitchen renovation. You still have to 

rework your living arrangements and 

toast your bagels in the makeshift 

garage kitchen like everyone else. But 

Linda Blevins would do it all over 

again—even live through a tornado 

during construction—to finally have 

her dream kitchen in the Beavercreek 

home she’s shared with her husband, 

Tim, for 35 years. 

Linda’s brother, Greg Thompson, 

is the owner of Greater Dayton 

Construction Group. Since the 

Blevins family, which included their 

two grown children, moved into their 

home, Thompson and crew have 

done several projects to renovate and 

expand the house including custom 

shelving and a master bath remodel. 

“We did a three-room addition in 

1997,” Linda explains. “But that renovation 

wasn’t that bad because most 

of the construction was accomplished 

outside of the house…much different 

than this remodel.” 

Deep impact 

To achieve the open concept kitchen 

the Blevins wanted, the living room, 

the entryway and the dining room 

were all impacted. 

“I moved everything into two bedrooms, 

and I set up our kitchen in the 

garage with a microwave and refrigerator 

to do what little cooking we 

could. It was an inconvenience, but 

we really stayed on track despite the 

odds,” Linda says. 

In the middle of construction, the 

Blevins’ home was affected by the tornadoes 

that tore through Beavercreek. 

They lost their favorite shade tree 

and pergola in the back yard, and 

1 

2 

1 By removing a non-load-bearing wall, the renovation team created space for a much 

larger island. 2 Elongated hexagonal tile, in an earthy tone, adds to the organic feel of the 

room. 

46 housetrends.com

3 

they were without power for a 

4 

week. “And we’re on a well, so 

when we don’t have power we 

don’t have water,” Linda adds. 

“One of the contractors loaned 

us his personal generator for the 

week. It helped with construction, 

but also kept our refrigerator 

plugged in. We were very 

grateful for that.” 

Linda admits that the only 

thing that threatened to slow 

down construction was her indecisiveness 

when it came to selecting 

finishes and fixtures. Luckily, 

she had her daughter, Jaclyn, to 

help her make decisions. “She 

was a really big help to me on 

deciding what would look good 

3 An expansive, six-foot window above the sink invites the light and scenes of the back 

yard into the home. 4 The existing window opening did not allow for suitable infiltration 

together in the space.” ➻ of natural light, contributing to the “cramped” feeling of the space. 


48 housetrends.com

Neutral nuance 

Linda worked with architectural designer James Kent to bring her vision to life. 

“Linda has an artistic background and a very organic nature,” Kent says. “Those were 

things that were important to me to showcase in this space. I think as designers we try to 

bring that personal touch of our client’s personality to every project we design.” 

The word organic perfectly describes Linda’s vision for the kitchen. “I knew I wanted 

something natural looking,” she says. “I wanted the look of the natural stone of our fireplace 

to be carried through to the kitchen. I love neutral tones.” ➻ 

Storage space that was lost by removing the wall, was gained back in the added cabinetry introduced in the much larger island. 


After selecting the Kraftmaid cabinetry, 

Linda focused on the countertops, and 

she admits, “I blew that budget out of the 

water. I fell in love with the quartzite the 

moment I saw it.” 

“Linda introduced me to the Crystalize 

quartzite,” Kent explains. “And it’s unbelievably 

dynamic, especially on that massive 

center island. There is something 

magical about an island that pulls everyone 

to it. I don’t know what it is—the 

face-to-face interaction maybe.” 

Five-inch, hand-scraped hickory plank 

flooring was used throughout the space 

to connect the kitchen and living area as 

one, large room. The induction cooktop 

was moved from the island to the perimeter 

countertop to open the island up for 

entertaining. The hexagonal tile backsplash 

is one of Linda’s favorite features 

of the space. 

The original kitchen window was small 

and limited the views into the back yard, 

so it was expanded and replaced with a 

six-foot, sliding Pella window above the 

kitchen sink. “I’m currently watching the 

hummingbirds fight over the flowers out 

back,” Linda says of the back patio they 

also renovated. 

Party central 

“We’ve kind of become party central,” 

Linda explains of their home. “Before we 

did this project, everyone would be in the 

kitchen and it would be tight around our 

small island. I wanted a big island everyone 

could gather around, and I wanted 

people in the living room to still feel like 

they were a part of the party.” 

RESOURCES 

Contractor: Greater Dayton Construction 

Group; Designer: James Kent; Cabinetry: 

Kraftmaid; painted canvas perimeter and 

stained cherry island; Countertops: 

Crystalize quartzite; Flooring: Hand-scraped 

hickory planks; Appliances: GE Profile, 

Custom Distributors, Inc.; Tile: Nabi Hexagon 

Sea Wind Ceramic Tile from Tilebar; Light: 

Anabella Rectangle Chandelier from Arhaus 

Doggie Den 

The dog-feeding station wasn’t in the original kitchen 

design, but Linda wanted to extend and round 

an edge of the countertop to protect her precious 

Chihuahua, Lola. 

“Because she was so little, I worried about the 

possibility that she would be easy to step on while 

she was eating,” she explains. “This kept people 

from tripping over her. My brother Greg was the 

one who said she needed a chandelier.” 

Tim and Linda unfortunately lost their beloved 

Lola in early August. Although they said they would 

never have another pet, the couple has already 

started discussing the possibility. “It’s just too quiet 

around here,” she says. 

50 housetrends.com

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Laying the Groundwork 

Tips on where to start when choosing an area rug 

BY LEE RHODES 

Rugs might seem like a small design decision, but they actually can make a 

big impact in a room. They set the tone for a room and serve as the canvas 

upon which the rest of the room can be ‘painted’ around and upon. ➻ 


1 

Therefore, a good rug is a good 

investment, but not necessarily in 

the way that high-end antique rugs 

used to be considered good (monetary) 

investments. Rather, explains 

Sam Presnell from The Rug Gallery 

in Cincinnati, “Rugs are investments 

in terms of good room design and 

pulling a room together. If you buy 

a quality rug, it can keep its original 

beauty and last a lifetime.” 

Knowing the importance of quality 

rugs is a good starting point, but 

choosing a rug can be overwhelming. 

After all, who among us knows the weft 

from the warp? Style, color, pattern, 

size, pile, lifestyle, and maintenance 

are all factors to consider. Here’s a 

primer on what to expect from the 

buying process, some background on 

classic rug styles, and input on what’s 

trending. ➻ 

2 

1 Caldwell in blue hand woven in wool and viscose blend from Feizy 2 Jackson Firewood handmade in bamboo silk from Tufenkian 

56 housetrends.com

Temple Taupe stair runner 

in wool from Dash & Albert 


Questions to ask 

Chad Martin of K.A. Menendian Rug Gallery in Columbus 

explains that the rug purchasing process should be enjoyable 

and relaxing. When you visit your local rug dealer, 

they will know the questions that need to be addressed. 

While you should definitely take advantage of the expertise 

that your local rug dealer offers, there are some questions 

consumers should be prepared to think through 

ahead of time. Martin details some of them here: 

• What is the size of the space the rug will be in? 

• Is this a heavily used room/space and how is it used? 

• Do you have pets or children in the home? 

• Will there be the potential for spills or accidents? 

• What pieces of furniture are in the room? Are there vents 

or outlets in the floor? 

• What style do you prefer (modern, traditional, transitional 

or casual)? 

• Would you prefer that the furniture partially or completely 

sits on the rug? 

• What color palette is the room? 

• Would you like the rug to make a statement or be more 

subdued? 

• What budget do you feel comfortable with? 

• What useful lifespan would you like to have for this rug? 

The answers to these questions will help your rug dealer 

provide you with useful guidance and suggestions. They 

can also better assist you, according to Presnell, if you 

bring along photos of accompanying fabrics and artwork, 

as well as of rug designs that you like. Bringing a copy of 

your floor plan is an asset as well. 

➻ 

58 housetrends.com

2 

3 

1 

1 Oushak design hand knotted 

in wool and silkette 

blend in parchment/spice 

from Kalaty 2 Indoor/outdoor 

flatweave rugs machine 

made of polypropylene from 

Dash & Albert 3 Heriz design 

hand-knotted in ebony and 

brick wool from Kalaty 


Great starting point 

“Most designers start with the rug 

first and pull in all the fabrics and 

paint choices based on the rug,” 

Presnell advises. “That way you can 

treat the rug as the foundation of 

the design process and buy the rug 

you love, as opposed to buying what 

works best with the other items.” 

As you begin to shop, you may 

see and hear about certain rug styles 

that have their roots in ancient 

times. For instance, Heriz rugs 

(including Serapi rugs, the grandest 

of the Heriz style) are a noteworthy 

type of Persian rug known for longlasting 

durability and a unique style 

of stunning geometric designs. Also 

known for its geometric composition 

are Kazak rugs, magnificent, oneof-a-kind 

pieces that were once 

seen as status symbols, and Oushak 

rugs, created in Western Turkey. 

1 

2 

60 housetrends.com

4 

3 

5 

Today’s new generation of weavers 

continue to exhibit their painstaking 

craftsmanship to create all these true 

pieces of art for the floor. Another 

historical tidbit: Many people equate 

Oriental rugs with those that come 

from the Orient, but in truth, any 

country can produce an Oriental 

rug. While the geographic origin of 

the rug will certainly influence its 

overall design, it is how a rug is made 

that renders it Oriental; authentic 

Oriental rugs are hand-knotted via a 

time-honored technique of the past. 

Both Presnell and Martin offer 

input on what’s hot right now. 

“Classic styles are still very popular, 

but we have also seen great additions 

using those styles with updated 

current colors that work extremely 

well with today’s design trends,” says 

Martin. 

Rugs that boast bright colors and 

have tribal influences are also quite 

popular, as are animal print rugs. Not 

surprisingly, as the indoor-outdoor 

living trend grows in popularity, so 

do indoor-outdoor casual rugs. And 

the popularity of stair runners is 

off the charts these days, comments 

Presnell. 

As you consider trends and begin 

your journey to finding a fabulous 

new rug, keep in mind that many 

stores offer—and even encourage— 

a complimentary, several-day trial 

period. This allows you to live with 

the rug in your home for a few days to 

ensure it is the best choice, one that 

is an investment in both quality and 

longevity. 

➻ 

RESOURCES 

K.A. Menendian, The Rug Gallery 

annieselke.com, feizy.com, kalaty.com, 

loloirugs.com, tufenkian.com 

1 Jute handwoven from Loloi’s Bodhi Collection 2 Oushak 

design hand-knotted in orange and blue wool from Feizy’s 

Carrington Collection 3 Hooked wool pile from Loloi’s 

Wild Bloom Collection 4 The Bleecker Collection machine 

made of polypropylene from Feizy 5 Kazak design handknotted 

in wool from Kalaty 


Rug construction 

Hand-knotted 

Individual knots are hand tied one by one. Quality varies 

depending on fibers used and knots per square inch. The 

smaller the knot, the higher quality the rug. Knots forming 

the pile are tied on the warp threads which stretch 

vertically on a hand-knotted area rug. Weft threads are 

the sections of yarn that pass across the width of the rug 

keeping the knots in place. 

Machine made 

Rugs made by power looms that are automated by computers. 

These allow for consistent color and offer unlimited 

designs and patterns. Usually a more affordable option. 

HOW TO TAKE CARE 

OF YOUR AREA RUG 

Rotate your rug. Turn it 180 degrees once a 

year to prevent uneven wear. 

Tufted 

Tufted rugs are constructed by hand-punching yarn 

through a stretched canvas. These take less labor and 

expense to produce than hand-knotted. 

Flatweave 

Created without any knots, often made with natural fibers 

woven in vertical and horizontal directions. Usually these 

are lightweight, casual rugs. 

Vacuum with care. Use attachments for a 

gentler cleaning, especially with today’s 

powerful vacuums. 

Fibers and Materials 

Wool 

One of the most durable fibers in the rug industry. Can 

withstand high traffic and resists stains and wrinkles. 

Viscose 

Often used as a substitute for silk due to its soft touch. 

Provides the luster of silk at a more affordable price. Not 

suitable for high-traffic areas. 

Professional cleaning. Most rugs benefit 

from a professional cleaning once every one 

to two years. 

Jute 

A natural fiber that can be spun and woven to achieve rugs 

of substantial body at an affordable price. 

Polyester 

One of the oldest and most widely used fibers in machinemade 

rug weaving. Naturally stain repellent, soft and easy 

to clean. Shorter lifespan than natural fibers. 

Polypropylene 

Created by a process originating with crude oil. The most 

colorfast fiber used in rug production. Perfect for hightraffic, 

indoor or outdoor applications. 

Use a rug pad. Provide extra padding and 

prevent slips. Reduce friction with the floor 

and extend the life of your rug. 

62 housetrends.com

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The U by Moen Smart Faucet offers touchless and 

voice-activation technology. Photo courtesy of Moen 

touchless technology 

Hands-free options with healthy home benefits 

BY JAMIE GOLD, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC 

It’s back to school time again (at last)! Unfortunately, that often means back to cold and flu 

season too. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Common colds 

are the main reason that children miss school (and adults miss work). Adults have an average 

of two to three colds per year, and children have even more.” Having experienced the 

toughest year ever for most of us, most parents want to avoid those pesky bugs and not 

have their littles out of class again. Your home can help! ➻ 


Hands-free benefits 

You’re probably already familiar with 

the benefits of hands-free technology, 

even if you don’t have it in your 

home. Also called hands-free, sensor, 

touchless or touch-free, it’s what makes 

the faucets turn on and off when you 

put your hands under them in public 

restrooms. It opens the doors to your 

favorite home center as you approach. 

It senses your presence and turns the 

lights on when you enter a room. 

While many of these systems were 

created to save water or energy, they 

also reduce your contact with other 

people’s germs on shared surfaces, and 

that can reduce the number of cold 

and flu viruses you bring home to your 

loved ones. 

Hands-free at home 

You can add hands-free functionality 

to your faucets and lights too—along 

with other home features—either on 

your own with some DIY know-how or 

by hiring a skilled professional. Voice 

control is the latest way to add handsfree 

functionality and can be part of 

a larger smart home system. It is fast 

becoming the most popular way to 

improve a home’s wellness potential. 

Faucets 

Kitchen faucets are among the most 

popular hands-free offerings, for good 

reason. They’re among the surfaces 

your entire household repeatedly 

touches throughout the day. Reducing 

germs there, (including foodborne 

varieties while preparing meat for dinner), 

can cut down on a lot of shared 

illness in a household. 

Since most hands-free faucets 

don’t include temperature control or 

adjustment, voice-controlled models 

with that capability are the best bet 

for cold reduction. (There’s even one 

on the market that will time the CDC’s 

recommended 20-second handwash 

cycle.) 

1 

68 housetrends.com

2 

Voice control also adds the convenience of remote measuring and easy operation when your 

hands are full; you can tell the faucet to pour two cups of water, or another quantity needed for 

your recipe without having to grab your reading glasses. 

There are hands-free faucets for bathrooms too, but voice-controlled models have been slow to 

reach that space. (It’s likely that they will once manufacturers get past the backlog on fulfilling 

existing orders.) 

Lighting 

This isn’t about clapping your table lamp on and off, but it has the same potential to light up a 

room or walk path without touching a switch. That too has germ-reducing benefits. It also adds 

safety when you can turn on a light without fumbling for a switch in the dark. This capacity will 

be helpful at the entrance to all of your home’s shared spaces. 

Those can include kitchen, living, dining or great room, and bedrooms and bathrooms used by 

more than one household member. You can opt for voice control or install a hands-free “wave” 

activated switch at key points individually. They work similarly to the hand sensors in public 

restrooms, but with more style. 

3 

1 The Thermador Column Refrigerator 

features Open Door Assist allowing you 

to open the refrigerator door with a 

gentle push. Photo courtesy of Thermador. 

2 Miele’s Knock2open technology allows 

the dishwasher to open by knocking 

twice on the front panel. Photo courtesy of 

Miele. 3 Turn lights on or off with a simple 

wave with the Adorne Wave Switch from 

Legrand. 


Toilets 

No one likes to think about the germs living on their toilets, but their handles 

are one mechanism that can be swapped out for hands-free operation to remove 

germ-spreading potential. This is a worthwhile fixture choice for powder rooms 

in homes that see frequent social gatherings, and in shared hall baths. 

Cabinetry 

There’s cabinetry hardware that can open doors and drawers without touching 

them as well. Touch-latch openers are the easiest to add and are widely available. 

There are more elaborate electronic and mechanical systems available for those 

who are building or remodeling. 

1 

70 housetrends.com

Appliances 

If you’re replacing any of your kitchen 

appliances, you can look for models 

with hands-free opening. Dishwashers 

and refrigerators are among the easiest 

to change—shortages notwithstanding—and 

both are available this 

way. There are some wall ovens too. 

As this trend increases, there will 

likely be a broader selection. 

Easy Swap 

One of the easiest items to replace 

with a hands-free substitute is a soap 

dispenser. You can add one to each 

shared bathroom, utility room and 

kitchen sink. No installation required! 

Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC is a 

Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach and 

the author of three books on design and 

remodeling, including Wellness by Design: A 

Room-by-Room Guide to Optimizing Your 

Home for Health, Fitness and Happiness 

(Tiller Press, 2020). 

2 

1 In addition to many other handy attributes, the TOTO 

Washlet offers an automatic open and close lid. Photo 

courtesy of TOTO. 2 Omega Cabinetry's Touchless Trash 

Can Unit can be opened and closed with the tap of a 

foot. 3 A hands-free soap dispenser can be added during 

a remodel, or a countertop version can be added with 

no installation necessary. 

RESOURCES: 

Custom Distributors, Inc. 

legrand.us, mieleusa.com, 

moen.com, omegacabinetry.com, 

thermador.com, totousa.com 

3 


Spring Grove Cemetery 

advertiser index 

A&S Lighting Center............................................66 

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

Basco Shower Enclosures....................................39 

Best Furniture Gallery..........................................13 

Bova Contemporary Furniture.............................27 

Carpetland Carpet One.......................................65 

Cincinnati Stoneworks.........................................17 

Clough Chase.....................................................37 

Custom Distributors, Inc......................................28 

Designed2Sell, exp Realty....................................64 

Elevation Pedestal, The........................................51 

Fazel Rug Gallery.................................................73 

Franklin Art Glass Studios, Inc..............................52 

Hamilton Parker..................................................38 

Hanson Audio and Video.....................................54 

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

Homearama Dayton Lifestyle Edition ..................53 

Housetrends Cincinnati.......................................64 

ID Cincinnati Furniture & Interior Design.............63 

Landscape Lighting Resources..............................52 

Legacy Custom Homes.......................................15 

Move2Team.com................................................16 

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

Pathway Tables....................................................43 

Peoples Bank.......................................................51 

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

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

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

Snyder Brick & Block...........................................64 

Spicy Olive, The..................................................38 

Union Village........................................................11 

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

Worly Plumbing Supply, Inc..................................43 

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

72 housetrends.com

FAZEL RUG GALLERY 

Large Selection of Antique Rugs • Genuine Handmade Rugs • Professional Cleaning and Restoration 

Come visit to see our new selection of Fall Rugs or 

our beautiful collections of Antique Rugs 

Please Visit Our Showroom: 

Hyde Park Square: 2716 Erie Ave., Suite A1, Cincinnati, Ohio 45208 

Art For Your Floor 

(513) 241-4004 

fazelruggallery@gmail.com 

fazelruggallery.com 

HTCI0921.012

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. 

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. 

HTCI0921.016

Where we build. 

MASON 

Crooked Tree Preserve 

ANDERSON 

Chestnut Ridge 

Parkside Estates 

Riverview Estates 

Coming soon: Villa Homes 

& Condominiums 

LOVELAND 

Miami Trails 

Willows Bend 

A lifestyle decision you’ll never regret. 

Residing in the majestic Parkside Estates at Coldstream in 

Anderson, this custom gem is surrounded by 100 acres of 

conservation area and close to Coldstream Country Club. 

The highly desirable Forest Hills School district is where young 

scholars are educated. Treat your family to the tranquility and 

natural wonders within the majestic Parkside Estates. 

PARKSIDE ESTATES 

at Coldstream 

LOTS 

Your own lot or choose 

Zicka offsite lots 

Parkside Estates 

HTCI0921.016

Published in conjunction with Buzz Publications, LLC 

4866 Cooper Rd., Suite 202, Cincinnati, OH 45242 

PRSRT STD 

U.S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

Buzz Publications, 

LLC 

TRANSITIONAL SHADES 

SLATS 

Blind & Shutter Experts 

See why Cincinnati’s finest homeowners choose 

The 

Story – Celebrating Over 26 Years in Business. 

After 13 years in the industry as installers, business partners Tom Huber 

and Rudy Forte founded on a “no frills” approach to business. 

There are no pressure sales: just quality products at competitive prices 

and a commitment to trustworthy and reliable service. It is a basic 

philosophy based on genuine customer service that has served the 

company well. 

Buy from and if you ever have a blind that doesn’t work properly, 

we’ll fix it for free —for as long as you live in your home! That is the 

warranty! 

Rudy Sr. will always be a BIG Bengals Fan! 

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

HTCI0921.008

Cincinnati October 2021

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