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HTCI0522.008

CONTENTS 

JUNE 2022 • GREATER CINCINNATI 

FEATURES 

DEPARTMENTS 

OUTDOOR 

BRINGING UP THE REAR 

New patio and landscaping perk 

up a tired back yard 

18 

INSPIRED 

IDEAS 

Celebrate summer with 

reds, whites and blues 

14 

KITCHEN 

ALL ABOUT THE ANGLES 

Awkward kitchen reimagined to 

embrace the edges 

27 

DESIGN 

FRESH OUTLOOK 

Artwork, atrium and plenty of 

windows contribute to a condo’s 

ever-changing view 

36 

POOLS 

REDEFINING THE 

STAYCATION 

New trends in backyard pools are 

making a cannonball-sized splash 

49 

NEW HOME 

GLASS ACT 

Walls of windows invite the outside in 

61 

FURNISHINGS 

HOME SWEET OFFICE 

Tips on making remote work a more 

pleasant experience 

65 

EXCEPTIONAL HOMES & GARDENS IN GREATER CINCINNATI, COLUMBUS & DAYTON 

Stunning Staycations 

KITCHEN REIMAGINED | COLORFUL BACKYARD OASIS | ART-FILLED CONDO 

GREATER CINCINNATI | JUNE 2022 | HOUSETRENDS.COM 

AD 

INDEX 

Local home & garden pros 

72 

EVENTS 

Regional home and garden 

happenings 

72 

ON THE 

COVER 

This Cincinnati pool is 

one of a dozen photos 

of backyard getaways 

featured in this issue. 

See them along with 

another view of this pool 

beginning on page 49. 

Photo by Ross Van Pelt 

10 housetrends.com

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HTCI0522.015

WELCOME LETTER 

I will do water– 

beautiful blue water. 

—Claude Monet 

When my husband and I worked with architects to build our house, we 

made provisions for the possibility of a pool that would be placed in a 

perfect section of our yard...a flat, wide-open expanse surrounded by 

trees. I imagined looking out my kitchen window at an alluring amount 

of aqua, and hosting lazy afternoons with friends and family. We even 

went so far as to include a tile-floored bathroom a few steps away so 

guests wouldn’t track water through the house. 

Flash forward a mere 27 years, and the view out my kitchen is lovely, 

but very green. When I am craving a dip in a pool, I make subtle hints 

to my friends hoping they invite me over to their community pool. At 

this point, deep down, I know a pool is not going to happen, but I still 

daydream occasionally about the what ifs. 

If you’re a dreamer like me, this issue of Housetrends has plenty of 

water to fuel that fire. Beginning on page 49, we have a dozen photos 

of spectacular pools—one more intriguing than the next. All of them 

include handsome hardscaping—walls, decking, firepits and waterfalls—and 

lush landscaping that make that blue centerpiece even more 

captivating. 

Or, if it’s a new kitchen, an updated office, or pots full of flowers 

that’s got you dreaming these days, we’ve got you covered there too. In 

fact, this is one of the most color-packed issues of Housetrends we’ve 

ever produced. 

Take a look inside and let us know what you think. 

Karen Bradner 

EDITOR 

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 

Hilary Daninhirsch, Sarah J. Dills, 

Lee Rhodes, Sydne Santo 

Contributing Photographers 

Ben Bayer, CT Photo Memories, 

Daniel Feldkamp, Robin Victor Goetz, 

Greg Grupenhof, Paul Miller, 

Ross Van Pelt, Susan Wilson, Wow Videos 

CORPORATE 

Corporate Managing Partners 

Robert J. Slattery, Kevin Slattery 

Print Services Dawn Deems 

Production Manager Connie Kimsey 

Website Development 

Bryan Fleckenstein 

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 

Cincinnati, OH 45242 

Robert J. Slattery, 

President and CEO, Buzz Publications, LLC. 

© 2022 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

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INSPIRED IDEAS 

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4 Antic Feelings Red Moon Ceramic Tile 

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7 Ceramic Goose, designed by 

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6 Statue of Liberty Oil Painting - by Craig Alan 

8 Gallant - Montreal Area Rug by Jaipur Living 

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14 housetrends.com

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HTCI0522.011

Sitting at the confluence of the Ohio and Licking Rivers, Ovation offers 

panoramic views of the riverfront and the Cincinnati skyline. 

Take me to the River 

Ovation offers a powerful draw to life on the banks of the Ohio 

BY KAREN BRADNER 

Throughout centuries of civilization, humans have been lured 

by the power and the beauty of rivers. Singers sing about them. 

Poets write about them. Rivers connect us. 

Those of us who live in Greater Cincinnati, know all about the 

lure of a river. So does Covington-based Corporex, the development 

team behind Newport’s Ovation, a massive mixed-use 

community, that takes full advantage of its prime location on the 

banks of the Ohio River. 

Ten years ago, Corporex purchased the sprawling 25 acres that 

sit in the space between the Taylor-Southgate Bridge and the 

Licking River. Since then, roads have been built and structural 

foundations have been poured. Today, Ovation is busy getting 

ready to open its doors to homeowners, renters, and businesses 

who want to take advantage of the community’s superb location. 

Ovation will grow over three phases to include the already completed 

PromoWest Pavilion concert venue, plus 500,000 square 

feet of office space, 1,000 luxury residential units, 524 hotel rooms 

and 250,000 square feet of retail and entertainment spaces. 

Despite a serious number of bells and whistles, when asked 

what he felt was the number one draw to this new development, 

Tom Banta, Chief Real Estate Officer for Corporex answer was, 

“Its connectivity to the river. Ovation engages the river in a 

much more direct manner than you typically see.” 

This engagement comes in the form of rolling green hills that 

lead from the complex to the riverbank, and panoramic views 

of the riverfront and the Cincinnati skyline. Ovation also gets 

serious props for walkability. It sits near what will eventually be 

a paved 11-mile walking trail that traverses from Ludlow to Fort 

Thomas and is just steps—or maybe a bridge—away from worldclass 

dining, the Bengals’ and Reds’ stadiums, the Newport 

Aquarium, incredible concert and theater venues, as well as 

restaurants and bars. 

A 35-foot-wide wooden boardwalk will run the length of three, 

four-story buildings which house a total of 88 residences. Most 

range from 1,800 to 1,900 square feet and include two bedrooms, 

two baths and two balconies. Some floor plans offer an additional 

study and powder room. All come with high-end appliances, 

24-hour concierge service, and daily trash and recycling pick-up. 

The first residents should move in during mid-to-late 2023. 

With a contemporary flair, the residences were designed to 

appeal to a wide age range—from baby boomers to millennials, 

says Mark Bischoff who serves as the director of design for 

Corporex. 

“Every eight units have their own elevator,” says Bischoff. “You 

enter the elevator just a few feet away from your assigned parking 

space, then take it directly to your residence. There is not a 

single stair to climb and there are no long corridors. It feels like 

a high-end private residence.” 

Each unit features magnificent views thanks to the precise 

positioning of the structure. “We turned the axis of the building 

to maximize the view of both rivers, the Cincinnati skyline and 

the Roebling bridge,” Bischoff says. 

Pricing ranges from $965,000 to $2.2 million, depending on 

the floor and particular floor plan. Two buyers have already purchased 

double units on the penthouse level and there is similar 

interest from additional buyers. 

Heather Harris, senior vice president, sales and marketing 

for Corporex sums up the appeal saying, “Ovation’s Boardwalk 

Residences offer maintenance-free living, allowing residents and 

tenants to have more free time to get back to what they love.” 

Learn more at ovationontheriver.com 

HTCI0522.016

projectSPOTLIGHT 

Within minimalistic styling, kitchens offer high-end finishes and luxury appliances 

including Asko dishwashers, Wolf ranges and Sub-Zero refrigerators. 

Eight distinct floor plans are offered. Floor 

plan 3 has the primary bedroom facing the 

river and includes an office. 

A state-of-the-art health-and-wellness club, nestled around a heated elevated pool, 

will include event space, a member’s lounge, and an indoor/outdoor bar. 

There will be a wide variety of restaurants at street level, perfect 

for that casual cup of coffee or special night out. 

In floor plan 4, both bedrooms are toward 

the back of the unit, giving the living area 

an expansive view of the river. 

HTCI0522.016

Bringing 

up the Rear 

New patio and landscaping 

perk up a tired back yard 

BY LEE RHODES | PHOTOS BY DANIEL FELDKAMP 

On a picturesque hill nestled in the Dayton neighborhood 

of Oakwood sits an elegant, historic home that retains all its 

1920s architectural interest and charm. The rear terrace, 

however, didn’t age quite as gracefully. ➻ 

18 housetrends.com

Wide, natural smooth limestone steps make a graceful 

transition between the patio and the yard. 

housetrends magazine 2022 19

1 

2 

A rickety wooden deck with outdated railings closed off the outdoor space and 

obstructed the view of the otherwise aesthetically pleasing back yard. Not only 

that, the home’s circular drive meanders around to the garage and back door, meaning 

the deck set the tone for most people who visited. So the homeowners, Michael 

and Elizabeth, decided to give the entire space new life. 

They partnered with The Site Group, a landscape design and architecture firm 

that was able to create a stunning outdoor sanctuary that mirrors the aesthetics of 

the home and brings nature back in focus. 

“The homeowners have a woodsy arboretum at the lower part of their lawn,” 

explains Ben Bayer, sales manager for the project. “We wanted to create a nice, 

functional space that would give them an open view into the back yard and provide 

a retreat right out their patio door. We added containers for good color and cover 

for the summertime.” 

20 housetrends.com

3 

Sitting in style 

Now, an elevated patio and a series 

of limestone steps overlooks the 

lawn and makes it easily accessible. 

Boulders along the perimeter add 

visual interest without blocking the 

view. Multiple seating areas punctuate 

the space, creating cozy gathering 

places for dining and conversation. 

“It’s an open space but also has multiple 

nooks so you can be with a few 

guests and feel connected,” explains 

Michael. The furnishings are substantial 

in size to match the expansiveness 

of the new terrace but they are modular, 

allowing the family to create different 

arrangements as they please. 

Other amenities include the firepit 

and a hot tub that beckons from the 

corner of the terrace. Everything is 

illuminated by mood lighting in the 

trees and soft moon lighting around 

the perimeter and down the driveway. 

The homeowners use an app 

on their phones to adjust how bright 

they want their nighttime landscape 

to be. ➻ 

4 5 

1 The patio floor is covered in a mix of square and rectangular Techo Aberdeen 

pavers. 2 A worn, wooden deck took away from the charm of the home. 3 All the 

containers and annual borders are watered via an irrigation drip system. 4 When 

needed, umbrellas provide shade for diners and loungers. 5 New, wide stairs lead 

from the patio to the garages. 


In blooming color 

By far, the backyard’s container gardens 

steal the show. Eye-catching 

blooms and trailing greenery spill 

over from multiple series of pots 

that were part of the overall design 

concept. 

“We wanted large overflowing pots 

with vegetation that had a soft feel,” 

explains Elizabeth, “and we wanted 

their height to be the centerpiece and 

give us some soft screening, since we 

sit up on a hill and look down into 

our back yard.” 

The Site Group rotates the plantings 

every year, but they typically 

include a colorful canvas of petunias, 

sunpatiens, vinca and some kind of 

center focal piece such as a mini palm 

or hibiscus. “The thriller is the centerpiece, 

the filler is around the centerpiece, 

and then the spiller is a sweet 

potato vine or creeping jenny vine 

to come over top of the container,” 

adds Ben. 

The scatterings of vivid pinks, reds, 

yellows and oranges create a gardener’s 

paradise that is on trend with 

what the latest (outdoor) looks are 

for 2022. There’s a trend now toward 

flowing evergreen shrubs in the yard 

with color pulled in through containers 

on patios and annuals in beds. 

People are moving away from perennials, 

which can wither as the season 

goes on. 

“We are planting more ground 

cover such as liriope and groundcover 

sedum,” says Ben. “We put it up against 

boxwood or juniper and layer in flowering 

shrubs such as Hydrangeas, 

Viburnums or Itea. We do a lot of 

Hydrangeas as a backdrop.” ➻ 

1 

2 

1 Potted containers and plantings full of warm annuals add eye-catching appeal. 

2 Placement of the hot tub was a careful consideration during planning. 

22 housetrends.com

Yellow hibiscus and cordyline stand 

tall with white and pink vinca periwinkle 

and blue daze evolvulus. 


1 

Cool additions 

Other trends? Incorporating slender, 

upright trees, such as Silhouette 

Sweetgums, which don’t get branchy 

or overpower a space. Ben also says 

water elements are always on trend 

for outdoor spaces—if not a traditional 

pool then a plunge pool or 

water alternative—as are pavilion 

structures and other types of shaded 

spaces. 

For Michael and Elizabeth, their 

favorite part of their new backyard 

oasis is the openness of it all. “It’s 

clean and you can just sit out there 

and enjoy the large canopy of trees,” 

says Michael. “You can hear the city 

sounds but you don’t see them at all 

because of all the screening that we 

have.” 

The couple also adds that, with 

projects such as these, planning is 

everything. (Case in point: It took 

three iterations to get the hot tub 

to fit into the overall landscape in a 

way that’s aesthetically pleasing and 

correct.) Find someone who is willing 

to listen, willing to work with you 

and also willing to be patient, advises 

Michael. “It took us a few months to 

really finalize what we wanted and 

The Site Group was very patient and 

very accommodating,” he concludes. 

“It was a great experience overall!” 

2 

RESOURCES 

Landscape and hardscape design 

and installation The Site Group; 

Pavers JB Pavers; Stone steps Gregory 

Stone 

1 A cluster of potted plants grace the 

steps to the patio doors. 2 The designer’s 

rendering helped the couple visualize 

the outcome. 

24 housetrends.com

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All About the Angles 

Awkward space reimagined to embrace the edges 

BY SARAH J. DILLS | PHOTOS BY PAUL MILLER (unless otherwise noted) 

Just like Two Peas in a Blog, the fashion blog Katey Haines started seven years ago with her 

twin sister Betsy, Katey’s kitchen recently received a redesign. While the blog has taken a 

backseat to more current platforms, Katey’s kitchen has finally taken center stage. 

“We don’t typically feature food photos on our blog, although we will share what we’re 

cooking for dinner on our Instagram story,” Katey explains. “But I wouldn’t even take a 

photo of my outfits in the old space. It was dated and dark. Since the remodel, I have 

taken lots of photos in the new kitchen. It is so bright and beautiful now.” ➻ 


Stepping out of the shadow 

“As soon as we bought this house, my husband Kirk and I both said we wanted 

the kitchen to be our first renovation project,” Katey remembers. “Here we are 

17 years later.” 

It’s not an uncommon storyline. Children are born, mechanical and structural 

projects take priority, and then one morning you wake up and realize you’ve 

just lived with it for the last night. 

1 

2 

3 

Photo by CT Photo Memories 

1 A mirror reflects how the floor plan is now open through to the dining area. 2 Removing a wall between the original kitchen and 

dining area, opened up the space and introduces an abundance of light. 3 The high-arch faucet can reach over tall pots being filled in the 

farmhouse sink. 4 The custom metal hood is painted a powder matte black with brass accents, a design idea contributed by Kirk. 

28 housetrends.com

4 

The Haines family, which has grown to include daughters Dylan, 17, and Drew, 9, 

and son Davis, 15, reached out to the team at Dave Fox Design-Build Remodelers to 

help them tackle this decade-in-the-making project. Katey partnered with designers 

Steve Dempsey and Michelle Mixter. Together they helped bring the Haines’ 

kitchen out of the shadows of the late 80s and into the aesthetic of 2022. 

“Katey and Kirk wanted a space that was warm and welcoming for their family,” 

Mixter says. “While the old kitchen was relatively functional, it was dated. 

There was so much more potential to expand the space and take advantage of the 

gorgeous views of their back yard. “Katey was amazing to work with because she 

trusted our expertise. She relied on us to guide her on the design elements.” ➻ 


Details make the difference 

One of Katey’s biggest concerns with 

taking on this renovation was making 

sure the new kitchen looked like it 

belonged in her home. “Our house is 

an older build,” Katey says. “The hard 

part was making sure this kitchen 

didn’t look too new.” 

To blend the old with the new, 

the designer placed two open shelves 

above the bar area. “There are so 

many cabinets and appliances in the 

space, we felt it was important to create 

an area of negative space,” Mixter 

explains. “It brings an element of 

personality to the kitchen and does a 

nice job of tying in with the existing 

design of the home.” 

The new oak flooring in the kitchen 

was stained to match the existing 

flooring on the main level of 

the home. This small design decision 

made huge strides to connect the 

kitchen to the rest of the house where 

the oak trim, doors and floor were 

untouched. The kitchen floors were 

stained to match them precisely. 

The bourbon bar area, located next 

to the Sub-Zero refrigerator, is Kirk’s 

favorite part of the kitchen. 

“The beverage fridge and icemaker 

under the bar were last-minute decisions, 

and we use them all the time,” 

Katey explains of the appliances that 

rounded out the bar nook. ➻ 

1 

2 

1 Glass tile, in a muted color, introduces another pattern into the space. 

2 Behind the bar, wallpaper with a subtle metallic pattern adds a touch of glamour. 

30 housetrends.com

Oak touches in the trim, doors, floors and shelving, 

blend the original space with the new kitchen. 


Katey moves easily between the three distinct 

working zones in her new kitchen. 

32 housetrends.com

Working in the zones 

The original kitchen had one, big, 

angled island that, “you kind of got 

trapped behind,” Katey describes. “I 

knew we wanted to keep some sort of 

island, and when we knocked down 

that wall (between the refrigerator 

and range) we knew there would be a 

big area where we could put a second 

island. I always wanted an island that 

could double as a bar area with stools, 

so I think that is my favorite element 

of the new space.” 

The kids enjoy sitting at the island 

to do homework after school or hanging 

out while Katey cooks dinner 

using her second, functional island 

where the farmhouse sink is located 

conveniently between the range and 

oven. It also comes in handy when 

the family entertains. 

The layout is Mixter’s favorite element 

of the space. “It is a really 

unique play on a two-island kitchen,” 

she explains. “We couldn’t focus 

on the traditional working triangle 

design in this space. Instead, we created 

working zones. The range wall 

is the cooking zone, the first island 

with the sink and dishwasher is the 

prep zone, and the second island with 

seating is the living zone.” 

Dealing with delays 

Just like everyone else in the world, 

Katey and Kirk experienced delays 

due to COVID-19. The biggest holdup 

was with appliances, but the team 

at Dave Fox Design-Build Remodelers 

came to the rescue. 

“The kitchen was almost done, 

but our range was on extreme back 

order,” Katey remembers. “The Dave 

Fox team gave us a loaner range to 

use for a few months so we could get 

into our kitchen and use the space 

100 percent. That is the customer 

service you get when you work with 

them.” ➻ 


Double vision 

Betsy, who lives in North Carolina, 

got to see the kitchen before the 

range was installed but hasn’t seen 

the space since completion. Katey 

is excited to show the space to her 

identical twin. Maybe Katey’s kitchen 

will serve as a backdrop for the duo’s 

next photo shoot where their kids 

will most likely be serving as their 

photographers. 

Katey in her original kitchen… 

In previous issues of Housetrends, we 

shared the “before” and “during” phases 

of this kitchen remodel. Learn more of 

the design process and see several photos 

of the original space at housetrends.com 

or on Instagram @davefoxdesignbuild 

and @twopeasinablog. 

RESOURCES 

Contractor Dave Fox Design-Build 

Remodelers, Interior design manager: 

Michelle Mixter, CKBD, Allied ASID; 

Design consultant: Steve Dempsey; 

Countertops Cambria from Midwest 

Quartz: Colton on islands and range wall: 

Charlestown in matte on bar; Cabinets 

Blair from Omega Cabinetry: Pearl on 

range wall; Mitten on islands; Meteor on 

pantry wall; Appliances range, speed 

oven/microwave: Wolf; refrigerator, 

ice maker, beverage fridge: Sub-Zero; 

Backsplash tile Sonoma Tilemakers 

Astoria from Hamilton Parker; Pendant 

light Crystorama Fulton; Farmhouse 

sink Signature Hardware Grigham from 

Ferguson; Faucet Kohler Bellera from 

Ferguson; Bar wallpaper Arthouse 

Reflections; Hardware Top Knobs Exeter 

in honey bronze for perimeter, ash gray 

for island 

…during the renovation 

…in the new, updated space 

Photos by CT Photo Memories 

34 housetrends.com

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HTCI0522.014

Fresh 

Outlook 

Artwork, atrium and plenty of 

windows contribute to a condo’s 

ever-changing view 

BY KAREN BRADNER | PHOTOS BY GREG GRUPENHOF 

When empty nesters, Steve and Carolyn Bloomfield, were 

ready to make the move from the traditional Mt. Lookout 

home where they raised their two sons, to a new style of 

living, they had a checklist. 

“We wanted all the things you want when you are our 

age,” Carolyn says. “You want to simplify your life. You want 

a walkable community. You want one-floor living.” 

Steve adds, “You want to be able to close the door and 

travel.” ➻ 

36 housetrends.com

The condo’s southwestern view includes Hyde Park Elementary, 

where Carolyn occasionally walks her grandkids for some playground time. 

A sculpture by artist Stuart Fink sits on the end of the fireplace shelf. 


SERENDIPITOUS SITUATION 

Fortunately, at that time, the couple was on 

the inside track on a new condominium development 

that checked all their boxes. Steve is a 

principal of Bloomfield/Schon + Partners, an 

architecture and development firm that has 

revitalized a number of historic commercial 

buildings in Greater Cincinnati. 

In 2008, right around when the Bloomfields 

were ready to make their move, Steve and his 

partner, Kenneth Schon, were about to venture 

in to their first new construction residential 

project: a 13-unit building that sits on the 

corner of Erie and Shaw, just a block away from 

Hyde Park Square. 

Once development talks were underway, 

and as renowned contemporary designer Jose 

Garcia got involved, it became apparent that 

this was the right location for the couple’s new 

home. They tagged one half of the top floor in 

the four-story building for their own. 

“Jose has got to be one of the best residential 

designers in town,” says Steve. “He has an 

extraordinary understanding of materials and 

space.” 

For example, when it came to selecting material 

for the floors, Garcia invited Steve to travel 

with him to a quarry near the Pennsylvania/ 

New York border to check out some blue stone. 

As a result, that stone covers every inch of the 

couple’s 3,000 square feet of flooring. 

1 

2 

1 A painting by Woody Shepherd, a classmate of 

of their son Daniel’s at the Rhode Island School of 

Design, hangs on the dining room wall. 2 The covered 

terrace is a favorite spot for Steve to enjoy 

his morning coffee. 3 Plants are prominent inside 

the home, as well as outdoors in the atrium, on 

the bedroom’s balcony, and the covered terrace. 

38 housetrends.com

LET THERE BE LIGHT 

The centerpiece of the unit is an 

open-air atrium that floods the 

space with light and life. A 12-foottall 

crabapple tree is the anchor, 

surrounded by several plantings, 

sculptures and a fountain. Touching 

the four sides of this atrium are: the 

entry, the kitchen, living and dining 

areas, and a hallway that serves as 

a gallery for just a few of the many 

pieces of artwork in the couple’s 

collection. 

While this condo’s sweeping view 

overlooking Hyde Park Square and 

surrounding churches, schools and 

homes, certainly draws your attention 

outside, a striking collection of 

original artwork—mostly contemporary—provides 

plenty of visual 

stimulation inside as well. 

“Before, our paintings were more 

traditional. Many of them were 

inherited,” Steve says. “We started 

collecting more once we moved 

here.” ➻ 


SETTLING IN 

The couple made the move in 2009, on the date of their 40th wedding anniversary. They 

brought with them a few pieces of furniture, including a Stickley bench that has been passed 

down through generations on Carolyn’s side, and a Chinese chest that Steve says was his “great, 

great—maybe even another great—aunt’s.” A few chairs and some bedroom furniture made the 

trip as well, but much of the furnishings are new, and in keeping with the contemporary flair 

of the home. 

Another piece of furniture of note is the 8-foot-long table that serves as a desk in Steve’s 

work area. The table was made from a pin oak tree that stood on the site where the building 

now stands. 

And while there are no walls separating the two rooms, Carolyn often claims her space in the 

adjacent den/library where she frequently knits—or where they both gather for the occasional 

night of television. 

Beyond those spaces, in more private wings of the home, are the primary suite with a spacious 

bathroom, closet and laundry area, and a two-bedroom guest suite. 

Plenty of storage and an 8-foot-long table give Steve the space he needs to work. 

MADE FOR WALKING 

Taking full advantage of their location, Carolyn, who is a retired nurse, walks on a regular basis 

to the bank, the library and stores on the square. When her grandchildren: Ellie, 4, and Rafe, 

6, stop by for a visit, Carolyn works off some of their energy by walking them to the playground 

at Hyde Park Elementary. 

However, there’s some walking that the homeowner doesn’t miss a bit. “In our old house, our 

laundry room was in the basement,” Carolyn says. “After years of carrying laundry down two 

floors and back up again, having a laundry room off our bedroom is a dream come true.” ➻ 

40 housetrends.com

Lighted, translucent cabinets are suspended in front of a bank of windows in the kitchen. 


1 

2 

READY FOR COMPANY 

The couple’s son, Adam, works at Bloomfield/Schon, and lives in Mt. 

Lookout with Ellie, Rafe, and his wife Tali. Their other son, Daniel, lives 

in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Katy Horan, and their daughter, 7-year-old 

Hazel. Katy is an artist, and her work graces the walls in Steve’s work area. 

The couple entertains frequently, and when cooking is involved, it’s Carolyn 

who takes the lead with Steve acting as her sous chef. Carolyn loves the 

layout of her kitchen. “All the kitchens I had before this were much smaller. 

“This is like a super kitchen,” she says. “But thanks to its design, I need to 

take fewer steps.” 

SOME WALKING IS OPTIONAL 

When the Bloomfields want to take in the activity near the square, from the 

comfort of their home, they grab a cup of coffee and head to the covered 

terrace. “We like going out and looking around at the community to see 

what’s happening,” Carolyn says. “It’s never dull.” 

And when wanderlust lures them to catch some sun by the ocean, or travel 

to an art show in Europe, it’s turn off the lights, lock the door and off they go. 

Clearly this is a couple who is happy with the decision they made in selecting 

a home to match the checklist they made over a decade ago. Steve confirms 

that point saying, “It’s just really easy to live here.” 

3 

RESOURCES 

Developer Bloomfield/Schon + Partners; Contractor Turnbull-Wahlert 

Designer Jose Garcia; Furniture Several pieces from Voltage 

Appliances GE Monogram 

1 The kitchen offers casual seating 

at the island or near the atrium. 

2 The front entry serves as a gallery 

of sorts. 3 The bluestone floor 

is heated in the couple’s bath. 

42 housetrends.com

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Redefining the Staycation 

Backyard pools are making a cannonball-sized splash 

BY SYDNE SANTO 

Landscape/hardscape design 

and installation The Site Group 

Pool builder Buckeye Pools 

Photo by Daniel Feldkamp 

Pools offer a special place for homeowners to relax and entertain, which 

increased ten-fold as travel halted during the pandemic. Suddenly, people 

were faced with endless time at home and eventually found refuge in 

various home improvement projects, especially in their back yards, as a 

way to turn their homes into the ultimate personal oasis. ➻ 


The most popular backyard addition? You guessed it: pools. 

Loved by most and coveted by many, pools offer all the benefits of a resort 

or waterpark in the convenience of your very own back yard. And, with 

today’s customizable pool options, it really is possible to have it all. 

We sat down with some of the top pool designers and landscape designers 

in the area and dove into some of today’s top pool trends. (We’re not 

judges, but we’d give them 10s across the board.) 

Landscape/hardscape design and installation TowneScapes 

Pool builder Mid American Pools 


50 housetrends.com

Landscape/hardscape design and installation The Site Group 


Photo by Ben Bayer 

RESORT-STYLE BACK YARDS 

For many families, the fun of having a backyard pool is included in the experience 

around it. “Ninety-five percent of the requests that come are for the 

entire back yard, not just pools,” says Tim Wilson of The Clearwater Group in 

Columbus. “People are looking for pools, outdoor kitchens, bars—the whole 

set.” Pool-side fireplaces are another increasingly popular option that allows for 

a seamless transition from day to night with only a matter of steps across the 

grass. ➻ 


Project design and site management Werbrich’s Landscaping 

Pool builder Klimat Master Pools 


52 housetrends.com


1 

2 

54 housetrends.com

FIBERGLASS POOLS 

Fiberglass pools are made of the same material often found in sinks, bathtubs, 

and other high-performance areas of the home. “Fiberglass swimming pools are 

the top request,” says Kevin Werbrich of Werbrich’s Landscaping in Cincinnati. 

“We’ve had these types of pools significantly more requested than concrete or 

liner pools.” It’s no wonder, seeing as fiberglass pools are delivered and installed 

as one final shell, rather than being first set with support bars and then covered 

with concrete or vinyl. 

SHALLOW LEDGE POOLS 

A shallow ledge, or a tanning ledge, is a small shelf of space located at a pool’s 

entrance that works double time for sunbathers and children alike. “Not only is 

it a nice place to have a couple of lounge chairs and hang out,” says John Remke 

of Klimat Master Pools in Cincinnati, “but it’s also a nice place for younger kids 

who can’t swim to still be included.” 

INFINITY EDGE POOLS 

Infinity edge pools are a modern-day optical illusion. These sleek, modern 

pools give the illusion that the water line is nonexistent and instead merges 

with the surrounding landscape or sky. The best infinity pools are those where 

the top of the water is at the same level as the edges surrounding the pool and 

leads out to beautiful scenery. ➻ 

3 

1 Pool Watermark Pools Landscape 

Mario Navarro; Photo by Wow Videos 

2 Contracting and patio structures: 

Neal’s Design Remodel; Pool 

installer Aquamarine Pool Company; 

Hardscaping and landscaping 

Werbrich’s Landscaping; Photo by Robin 

Victor Goetz 

3 Landscape/hardscape design and 

installation The Site Group; Pool 

builder Buckeye Pools; Photo by Daniel 

Feldkamp 


WATER FEATURES 

Today, water features might mean 

more than just the relaxing jets you 

lean against in a hot tub. 

Waterfall: A forever classic, waterfalls 

add a focal point to the pool that 

is both beautiful to look at and relaxing 

to hear. They are typically made 

with rock formations to achieve a 

more natural effect. 

Fountain: Grouped together in sets 

or alone, fountains are often used as 

decoration. Paired with LED lights 

or set at a pool entrance, these small 

additions take a pool from simple to 

serene in seconds. 

Rain Curtain: A rain curtain acts as a 

narrow, wide sheet of water that falls 

directly into the pool. These can easily 

be mounted on a raised pool wall 

or a nearby pergola roof. 

Cascades: Smaller than a rain curtain, 

a cascade forms a small arc 

of water in the pool which often 

descends from rock features or from 

the pool walls themselves. 

Spillover Spa: A spillover spa can 

offer the best of both worlds, as it can 

serve as an eye-catching water feature 

while still doubling as a spa. There is 

a lot of flexibility in the spills, with 

options available to have one large 

spillway or a series of smaller ones. 

SWIMMING ISN’T GOING 

OUT OF STYLE 

While the pandemic certainly surged 

demand for pool installations, the 

number of new pools is not likely to 

level off any time soon. People are 

rejoining society and reuniting with 

friends and family against the perfect 

backdrop of their new pools. 

1 

2 

3 

1 & 2 Landscape/hardscape design and installation The Site Group 


Hardscape supplier JB Pavers 

Photos by Daniel Feldkamp 

3 Contracting and patio structures Neal’s Design Remodel 

Pool installer Aquamarine Pool Company 

Hardscaping and landscaping Werbrich’s Landscaping 

Photo by Robin Victor Goetz 

56 housetrends.com

Pool Watermark Pools 

Landscape Mario Navarro 

Photo by Wow Videos 

“A lot of people want pools for their kids, but a lot of 

people also just want pools for themselves,” says Chris 

Durbin of Buckeye Pools in Dayton. “The pandemic 

helped people figure out what made them happy, and a 

lot of them took the opportunity to capitalize on putting 

in pools and completing their back yards.” ➻ 


58 housetrends.com 

Landscape/hardscape design and installation 

Clearwater Group 

Pool builder Envision Pools 

Photo by Susan Wilson

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HTCI0522.004

ASK THE EXPERT 

rea estate 

HOW MUCH 

IS MY HOME 

WORTH? 

Thinking of selling? Want to refinance your 

home? If so, the first thing you’re probably 

asking yourself is, how much is my house worth? 

The quick answer is: whatever someone will pay 

for it. 

A more comprehensive answer will depend on 

several variables, including what’s happening 

in the housing market. For example, we are 

currently in a “seller’s market”, where the demand 

for houses is high but supply is low. When 

supply and demand are not balanced, values 

become more of a challenge to determine. 

So, how do you find out what the value of your 

house is? If you search “how much is my house 

worth?” online, you will get dozens of hits, 

showcasing the top home value estimators. The 

technical term for these tools is “automated 

valuation model.” These tools leverage the 

data available from public records, such as 

tax assessments and property transfers. Using 

mathematical modeling, these tools aim to 

predict the value of your home based on the 

most recent listing prices and sales in your area. 

The issue here is that the algorithms used by 

these models do not represent our local market. 

Web-based home valuations only consider 

certain factors because they do not often have 

access to the same information that a local real 

estate database has. This lack of information 

creates skewed results. This means you will only 

get a partial estimate, resulting in a figure that 

isn’t accurate. These tools are also not ideal when 

faced with a fast-moving market, especially when 

homes are selling in a matter of days. That is why 

an estimate on one site may significantly differ 

from the one you got on another. 

There’s no denying that online tools are easy-touse 

and convenient. But the price you pay for 

that is low accuracy. These websites warn users 

that the estimates provided should be used 

only as a starting point. The figures provided 

are not appraisals — they are simply algorithmbased 

computer approximations. They should 

certainly not be used as part of a bargaining 

strategy when selling or buying a home. They 

can, however, serve a purpose as a baseline 

for discussion with a local industry expert to 

determine if you can ask less or more depending 

on a more comprehensive analysis specific to 

your home. 

A local, licensed real estate expert will dive 

deeper than online estimating tools can, 

providing you with a comparative market 

analysis. They will also be able to give you a 

more accurate value based on updates you 

have made to your home, the condition of the 

property, the type of yard you have, the amount 

of natural light inside, and many more factors. 

These are the type of key variables that online 

estimate tools and the algorithms responsible 

for estimated values miss. 

Put simply, online home value tools can provide 

a starting point, allowing you to get a ballpark 

estimate of your home’s value. However, there 

isn’t any substitute for a local industry expert. 

Unlike most third-party real estate sites, local 

real estate agents have access to the information 

you need to ensure greater accuracy. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

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) 616-2323 or email her at Ellie@Move2Team.com. 

HTCI0522.012


Glass Act 

Large windows and natural materials invite the outside in 

BY SARAH J. DILLS | Photos by Kelly Ann Photography 

With a plot of family land on her heart and a single photograph in her hands, Sarah was frustrated. 

She and her husband Glen met with two architects who did not understand the vision the couple 

had for the home they wanted to build, so Sarah expressed her skepticism when they met with 

a third architect, Sheri Scott, founder of Springhouse Architects. 

“Sarah told me, ‘I know people think I’m crazy because I love this airport,’” says Scott, remembering 

the photograph of a mid-century airport Sarah brought to their first meeting. “But I told her 

it was perfect for me. Inspiration doesn’t have to be a home…it has to be something that speaks 

to you. And this airport spoke to Sarah.” 

The other thing that spoke to Glen and Sarah was the farm that had been in her family for 

generations but had gone fallow. 

“Glen worked very hard to reclaim this land and turn it back into a working farm,” Scott describes 

of the location for the couple’s dream home. “They had a specific location where they wanted the 

home to sit, and they wanted it to look like it belonged there but sat lightly upon the land.” ➻ 


PANORAMIC VIEWS 

Because of Sarah and Glen’s desire for 

their home to sit effortlessly on the 

farm, they wanted to use as many 

natural elements as possible. They also 

wanted to take advantage of the vast 

views and privacy out the rear of the 

home. 

“Sarah and Glen are both retired, so 

they are living in the house throughout 

the day and wanted to see the movement 

of the sun all day long,” Scott 

says of their inspiration for banking 

the entire back of the home in glass. 

“From the great room you can’t see any 

roads. Sarah and Glen had no privacy 

concerns. The airport in their inspiration 

picture had a glass wall too.” 

CUSTOM SOLUTION 

Scott received multiple quotes for the 

custom window construction required 

for this project, and ultimately contracted 

with Pella. “You don’t automatically 

think of Pella as a custom window 

manufacturer, but they worked handin-hand 

with us to get the windows 

exact,” Scott says. “The glass wall is not 

structural, but you need some rigidity 

to resist wind forces and Pella helped us 

keep that all very minimal.” Plus, Scott 

says, “The homeowners are thrilled 

with how energy efficient this home 

is, and the technology of Pella windows 

lends to that.” 

Jason Sayers, business development 

manager at Pella Windows, says they 

are seeing more window walls in homes 

as homeowners lean more toward a 

streamlined, contemporary architecture 

and interior design. Because of the 

detailing of this home, Greg Mullins, 

who does more commercial work with 

Pella, was heavily involved with this 

project. 

“The window wall took a lot of structural 

engineering,” Sayers says echoing 

Scott. “We have the capability to work 

with Pella corporate when we need 

to design a custom structure, and we 

worked hand-in-hand with the architects.” 

1 

2 

3 

62 housetrends.com


4 

TRANSCENDING TRENDS 

Sayers says the trend of window walls is often used in 

urban settings where homes are tall and narrow. The 

window walls make the spaces feel larger while optimizing 

city views. Sarah and Glen’s home was the opposite, sitting 

low to the ground and sprawling out, but the window wall 

achieved the same results. 

1 A glass bridge separates the main living area from the bedroom 

wings. 2 Stone covers the center of the front exterior, 

as well as several interior accent walls. 3 Every one of the back 

wall of windows was custom made. 4 Floor-to-ceiling windows 

make the home’s common areas feel open and airy. 5 Even the 

couple’s bathtub is bathed in natural light. 

5 


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HOME 

sweet 

OFFICE 

Tips on making remote work a more pleasant experience 

BY HILARY DANINHIRSCH 

Custom desks can be 

combined with wall 

shelving and cabinets 

to create the ultimate 

home workspace. 

Photo courtesy of Closets by Design 

The pandemic had a side effect that caught some people off guard: it ushered in the 

era of remote work. Sure, some people worked from home on occasion, but there 

is a whole new generation of remote workers now, even as the pandemic begins to 

recede. For many, working from home will be permanent. 

“The last two years have been a whirlwind! At first, consumers scrambled for any 

solution they could find as the home became the center of work, school and entertainment, 

so it wasn’t rare to see people working on the coffee table, the kitchen 

table, the floor,” says Dave Adams, VP of marketing for BDI furniture. 

It wasn’t long before people began to look for longer-term solutions, creating a huge 

demand for home office furniture of all varieties. The real estate market reports buyers 

are looking for homes with dedicated office spaces, signaling a continued growth in this 

sector for the foreseeable future. ➻ 


1 

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS 

There has been a growth of multipurpose work solutions, such as the side table 

that doubles as a laptop desk, the console that is your workstation by day and 

a buffet at night, the coffee table with a top that lifts to turn into a workspace. 

These types of inventive solutions are creating workspaces where there was 

no space. This is even more important today when in many cases, households 

may have more than one person working from home—making finding places 

to work more challenging. 

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS 

For those who are working from home permanently, designing the perfect 

home office is top priority. Basic office essentials certainly include a good chair 

and desk, though having good lighting, shelving and décor are key elements in 

a home office as well. 

“When designing for our office category, we have one main goal in mind: to 

create innovative solutions that make the lives of our customers easier. And 

if there is one place where this mission is so important it is in the workplace, 

where comfort leads to increased productivity and efficiency,” says Matthew 

Weatherly, associate design director with BDI. 

1 The Cloud Lift Top coffee table 

from BDI, has a porcelain top that 

raises to a comfortable height 

for workday use, and storage for 

essentials such as laptops and 

reading material. 2 The Stressless 

Wing was launched in 1994 and is 

one of the company’s most popular 

designs. 3 The versatile Voca 

office chair from BDI, delivers a 

wide range of user-friendly and 

adjustable comfort features. 

4 X-Chair’s DVL (dynamic variable 

lumbar) support adjusts to your 

body every time you move. 

66 housetrends.com

3 

2 

4 

CHAIRS 

For office desk chairs, both ergonomics 

and comfort are two characteristics 

to keep in mind, especially when 

considering the average time spent 

seated at work is more than 5 ½ hours 

per day. 

For many, this can lead to body 

aches, long-term muscle and nerve 

pain and fatigue. With that in mind, 

the BDI designers explored the ideal 

sitting position when designing their 

new Voca office chair, which features 

adjustable seat heights and depths, 

adjustable height armrests, adjustable 

backrests, comfort headrest, 

lumbar support and tilt tension control. 

Weatherly points out that an individual’s 

legs ideally should sit at a 

90-degree angle, with feet flat on the 

floor. “This posture supports blood 

circulation, which can help a worker 

remain comfortable and in turn, productive.” 

June Sedlak Mooney, owner of 

Studio J in the Columbus area, 

says many customers are drawn to 

Stressless brand chairs, like their 

Wing chair for comfort and lower 

back support. A lever under the seat 

adjusts the Wing’s seat height, and 

the sitting position is adjusted simply 

by using body weight. 

Another favorite is the X-Chair 

thanks to its features. “You can adjust 

the seat depth, the seat height, the 

back is adjustable up and down, you 

can get it with and without a headrest, 

and the arms can go in and out. 

You can adjust the tension of how 

easily it leans back, and you can lock 

it into place when you do lean back,” 

she explains. 

➻ 


DESKS 

Our smart watches remind us to stand up when we’ve been sitting too long. Now, there are 

adjustable, stand-up desks that give us the option. It’s no secret these days that standing 

for periods of time throughout the workday is a healthy habit, so having a desk that can 

adjust to the ideal position—whether on your feet or while seated—is critical. Adding a 

padded mat while standing is another good idea. 

“Similar to the way your legs should flex while seated, the number to keep in mind is 90. 

In both seated and standing positions, your arms and wrists should form 90-degree angles, 

allowing your wrists to land comfortably on the surface of your desk,” says Weatherly. For 

seated desks, 29-inches is the industry standard for surface height. However, the BDI team 

found that 27-inches is actually the ideal height for most workers. 

Standing desks, such as the Stance from BDI, offer home-based workers 

a chance to set up healthier habits throughout the workday. 

PLANTS 

An office plant not only contributes to the aesthetic, 

but it can give you a psychological boost and increase 

productivity. 

If you have no source of sunlight in your office, 

choose low maintenance plants that can thrive 

without it, such as a pretty calathea, a peace lily, 

bamboo, English Ivy, or Chinese Evergreen. The latter 

has the advantage of being an effective air-filtering 

plant. 

Chinese evergreen is an easy-to-grow low-light indoor plant. It’s 

considered one of the best foliage plants for filtering toxins in the air. 

68 housetrends.com

LIGHTING 

Natural light is ideal for offices, but even if your home office has windows or diffused 

ambient lighting, supplementing with desk lamps is essential. A desk light is preferable to 

the glare of an overhead lamp. For example, task lighting for the desk is important, particularly 

one that is adjustable and that can be focused where you want it. Lamps with smart 

features—such as dimmers and brightness sensors—can greatly add to its functionality. 

SHELVING AND CABINETS 

Home office cabinets do not have to resemble the industrial 

steel gray cabinets of old. Mooney said that there is a selection 

of nice-looking file cabinets in wood, and people can choose 

cabinets to blend in with other office furniture. In fact, sometimes, 

cabinets and desks are sold as a matching set. She adds 

open bookcases will be trending. 

The Task Portable lamp from 

George Kovacs and The Minka 

Group provides diffused LED 

light and is dimmable. 

RESOURCES 

Bova Contemporary Furniture • Closets by Design • Studio J • A&S Electric 

bdiusa.com | minkagroup.net | stressless.com | xchair.com 

wild about 

wallpaper 

Ready to make a splash on your walls? 

Or even your ceiling? 

Wallpaper is a great way to go. 

In an upcoming Housetrends newsletter, 

we’ll feature some valuable wallpapering 

tips shared by Alisa Culyer from 

Honor & Grace. 

To get the Housetrends newsletter, 

it’s easy to sign up at 

housetrends.com/subscribe 

Experience en 

e 

the 

ART 

of 

Real Estate 

te 

Full l 

service. e. 

Full l 

time. 

For more design inspiration follow 

Honor & Grace on Instagram 

honorandgracedesigns 

HTCI0522.021 

GINA DUBELL-SMITH'S 

Designed2Sell Team 

477-1219 | @DESIGNED2SELL 

HTCI0522.007 


Find More to Love in Loveland! 

Wow-worthy style • Hot design trends • Six luxury-packed homes to tour 

JUSTIN DOYLE HOMES - THE OAKMONT 

FRY HOMES - ELEVEN4 

WP LAND COMPANY - THE CHARLOTTE 

WP LAND COMPANY - THE CUMBERLAND 

DREES HOMES - THE BEDFORD 

HOMEARAMA ® 2022 Comes to ChimneyRidge in Loveland 

10377 Butterworth Road, Loveland, OH 45140 

August 6 - 21, 2022 

AR HOMES - THE ASTERWOOD 

Monday - Thursday: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Friday - Sunday: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. 

DON’T MISS OUT! BUY YOUR TICKETS AT CINCYHOMEARAMA.COM 

Presenting Sponsors: 

2022 Show Builders 

Produced By: 

HTCI0522.006

The Appliance FIRING Loft UP GRILLS 513.533.0440 AND 

3209 Madison Road - Voltage Lofts www.TheApplianceLoft.com 

PREPPING 


OUTDOOR KITCHENS 

WHEN YOU SHOP HERE, IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU 

Locally owned and operated since 2003, The Appliance Loft is a regional leader in many of the industry's best 

known and unique brands of appliances. From classic to luxury, our unmatched selection lets you pick out the 

perfect appliance for your home. Our sales staff will work with you to find a product that fits your needs, budget 

and lifestyle. Not to mention, you’ll be supporting the local community! Shop with us today to receive friendly and 

experienced help along the way. 

SHOP THESE BRANDS… AND MANY MORE! 

Photo by Connie Kimsey 

The Appliance Loft 

3209 Madison Road - Voltage Lofts 


513.533.0440 

www.TheApplianceLoft.com 

HTCI0522.001

ADVERTISER INDEX 

A&S Lighting Center & Electric Supply, Inc. ................64 

Basco Shower Enclosures .........................................13 

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

Bexley Women’s Club ...............................................48 

Bova Contemporary Furniture ..................................43 

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

Closets by Design Cincinnati .......................................6 

Custom Distributors, Inc ...........................................44 

Designed2Sell, eXp Realty ........................................69 

Franklin Art Glass Studios, Inc. ...................................26 

Hanson Audio and Video ..........................................26 

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

HOMEARAMA ® 2022 ..............................................70 

ID Cincinnati Furniture & Interior Design ...................11 

Move2Team.com ......................................................60 

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

Ovation ....................................................................16 

Pella Windows & Doors ............................................61 

Perfect Paver Co .......................................................46 

Renaissance Garden Accents .....................................59 

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

Signature Hardware ..................................................25 

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

Springhouse Architecture ..........................................35 

The Appliance Loft ....................................................71 

The Spicy Olive ........................................................48 

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

Werbrich’s Landscaping ...............................................8 

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

Mark your calendar for these home and garden events near you 

Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5 

Newport Garden Walk 

Several selected private gardens 

East Row Historic District, Newport, Kentucky 

Sunday, June 5 

Bexley House & Garden Tour 

Six beautiful homes and gardens 

Bexley, Ohio 

Saturday, June 11 

St. Anne’s Hill Historic Home & Garden Tour 

Private residences and urban gardens 

Dayton, Ohio 


Garden Gems Tour 

The Garden Club of Dayton presents 6 gardens 

Dayton, Ohio 


Cincinnati Nature Center: Noteworthy Natives 

Featuring more than 12 gardens 

Cincinnati, Ohio 


Lebanon Garden Tour & Scavenger Hunt 

Five private gardens plus the gardens of 

Glendower and Beedle Log Cabin 

Lebanon, Ohio 


German Village Haus Und Garten Tour 

Dinner and private tour on Saturday, 

public tours on Sunday 

Columbus, Ohio 

Sunday, July 10 

Summer Tour of Historic 

Homes of Olde Towne East 

Homes and gardens and a church in 

Franklin Park 

Columbus, Ohio 

To learn more about these tours visit 

housetrends.com and search: Take a Tour 

Events may be subject to change, please check 

tour websites for further information. 

Do you have a home and garden tour we should know about? Send the details to publishers@housetrends.com 

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 William Manning 

Photography, Michaelson Homes 

and Auer Kitchens 

HTCI0522.010

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. 

HTCI0522.013 

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.

HTCI0522.013

Relax with motorized 

Allure ® Transitional 

Shades. Discover 

motorization solutions 

with wall switch, 

remote, or at the 

shade control options. 

Plus optional smart 

technology. 

Published in conjunction with Buzz Publications, LLC 

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

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Blind & Shutter Experts 

See why Cincinnati’s finest homeowners choose 

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Story – Celebrating Over 27 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! 

Let’s Play Ball! 

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

HTCI0522.003

Cincinnati June 2022

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