Cincinnati October 2022

EXCEPTIONAL HOMES & GARDENS 

Childhood Kitchen Reimagined 

FAVORITE FIRE PITS | WALK THIS WAY | CHARMING BUNGALOW 

GREATER CINCINNATI| OCTOBER 2022 | HOUSETRENDS.COM

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YOU DESERVE the best 

just minutes from downtown Cincinnati 

Carolynn and Craig Reis, owners 

CUSTOM DESIGN SERVICES AVAILABLE 

859.441.2378 • BestFurnitureGallery.com • 1123 S. Ft. Thomas Ave. • Fort Thomas, KY 

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

SUNDAY closed to be with family 

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

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The Appliance Loft 

3209 Madison Road - Voltage Lofts 

Cincinnati, OH 45209 

5 

w 

BUILDING • REMODELING • REPLACING 

We have the Selection and Service to assist you through all the stages 

SHOP THESE BRANDS… AND MANY MORE! 

Photo by Connie Kimsey 

The Appliance Loft 

3209 Madison Road - Voltage Lofts 


513.533.0440 

www.TheApplianceLoft.com 

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BIFOLD DOORS/FOLDING 

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Open the widest spans with the 

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9884 Springfield Pike • Cincinnati, OH 45215 

www.ryansallglass.com 

HTCI0922.009

CONTENTS 

OCTOBER 2022 • GREATER CINCINNATI 

18 

A PERFECT FIT 

Bright, open one-floor living designed to suit empty nesters’ lifestyle 

8 housetrends.com

Designing the Finest Kitchens 

Cabinets Custom Made in Our Shop! 

“Do you want to see “wow” when you walk into 

your kitchen? Let us help you get there! 

With our own designers and cabinet shop we 

can create a space that gets you excited!” 

—Laine Bull 

Nothing compares to the service we provide each customer! 

3340 Weaver Rd., Batavia, Ohio 45103 | www.rlbullcabinetry.com 

HTCI0922.007

CONTENTS 

OCTOBER 2022 • GREATER CINCINNATI 

FEATURES 

KITCHEN 

THE HOUSE THAT BUILT ME 

Homeowner purchases childhood 

home, upgrades to adult kitchen 

30 

INTERIOR DESIGN 

ACCENT CHAIRS 

Dapper designs for resting your derriere 

38 

LANDSCAPE 

WALK THIS WAY 

Front walkways follow a path 

with more personality 

44 

ENTERTAINING 

FIRE PITS 

They’re not just for roasting 

marshmallows 

56 

REMODEL 

DOING A DOUBLE TAKE 

Revisiting a beauty that was 100 years 

in the making 

61 

SNEAK PEEK 

COMING IN NOVEMBER 

A taste of some of our favorite spaces 

from HOMEARAMA ® 2022 

68 

DEPARTMENTS 

INSPIRED 

IDEAS 

Celebrating the colors of fall 

14 

CALENDAR 

Fall home and garden events 

in your area 

70 

RECIPE 

Chicken Marbella 

72 

AD 

INDEX 

Local home and garden pros 

72 

ON THE 

COVER 

A massive island for baking 

and plenty of seating 

was high on the priority 

list for a Montgomery 

homeowner. See her 

story on page 30. 

Photo by Tiffany Schultz 

10 housetrends.com

The difference is in the details 

ID CINCINNATI 

8180 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati OH 45236 

513-834-6210 | idcincinnati.com 

Brittney Ingram, Nicky Sweet 

Tami Webb and Carol Grubb 

BRAND NAME FURNITURE. NO CHARGE PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE AND GUARANTEED LOW PRICES. 

HTCI0922.012

WELCOME LETTER 

Life starts all over 

again when it gets 

crisp in the fall. 

— F. Scott Fitzgerald 

Fall is by far my favorite time of the year. It is the season for all of our 

senses. We see a colorful palette of reds, oranges, yellows and browns 

all around us. The taste of pumpkin spice finds its way into our coffees, 

breads, cookies—even beers. We hear the sound of leaves crunching 

under our feet, and we smell wood burning in nearby fire pits as we 

wrap up in our favorite soft blanket. 

It’s the season when we squeeze all the outdoor time we can into our 

days. We go to football games, and we invite family and friends over 

for an evening under the stars. So, with company in mind, this issue 

shows a way to make your home more inviting by creating a welcoming 

pathway leading to the front of your home on page 44. 

And if it’s time for a more stylish focal point in your back yard, turn 

to page 56 for new fire pit ideas. Plus, get inspired with home decor 

items celebrating the colors of fall on page 14. 

There’s a lot of activity in the fall for home and garden enthusiasts. If 

you are up for a tour you should check out our event listings on page 70. 

As for me this fall, I’ll be spending as many evenings and weekends as 

possible making s’mores and memories with my grandchildren. 

Thanks for reading. 

Linda Bacher and Florence Murphy 

Publishers 

Sales Associate Evelyn Yaus 

Editor Karen Bradner 

Creative Director Gina Miller 

Quality Control Specialist 

Heather Fox 

Social Media Coordinator 

Megan Maschari 

Contributing Writer 

Sarah J. Dills 

Contributing Photographers 

Devon Albeit, Dale Clark, 

Daniel Feldkamp, Greg Grupenhof, 

Connie Kimsey, Kelly Ann Settle, 

Tiffany Schultz, Ross Van Pelt 

Creative Director 

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 


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

Great Design. Quality. Value. 

Serving the greater Cincinnati area for over 37 years. 

Stop in and visit our beautiful showroom! 

Serving our area for over 37 years. 

Stop in and visit our beautiful showroom! 

Great Design. Quality. Value. 

Visit us online at bovafurniture.com 

CINCINNATI 

12130 Royal Point Drive 


T: 513.247.9100 

HOURS: 

Mon-Fri: 10a-6p 

Saturday: 10a-5p 

Sunday: Closed 

Take a virtual tour 

of the store. 

HTCI0922.003

1 Autumn Lace Metal Wall Decor 

uttermost.com 

2 Autumn Radiance Sepia Oil Reproduction 

uttermost.com 

3 Z-Lite Parkwood Bronze Island Light 

z-lite.com 

INSPIRED IDEAS 

the colors of fall 

4 Redonde Mirror - woodbridgefurniture.com 

5 Lazar Pantera Sofa - bovafurniture.com 

6 Throw Pillows 

jaipurliving.com 

7 Lillian August for Hickory White 

Living Room Marion Chair 

lillianaugust.hickorywhite.com 

8 Pumpkin Glass Sculpture 

perigold.com 

9 Surya Amelie Rug - surya.com 

Available at: Watson’s (1, 2); Best Furniture Gallery (1, 2, 9); Hoffman and Albers Interiors (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9); 

ID Cincinnati (1, 2, 6, 7, 9); A&S Lighting Center (3); Bova Contemporary Furniture (5) 

14 housetrends.com

DON'T LOOK LIKE 

EVERYONE ELSE! 

Our interior designers 

can help take you there. 

Lillian August for Hickory White 

Hoffman & Albers Interiors 

For the furniture and design of your dreams!! 

9405 Kenwood Road + Cincinnati + 513-793-9100 + www.HoffmanandAlbersInteriors.com 

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

HTCI0922.008

Be part of a village in the making. 

At Union Village, homes are built in walking distance 

to parks and future shopping and retail destinations. 

• Homes and townhomes constructed by 11 of the 

region’s leading custom builders 

• Charming front porches and tree-lined streets 

• Parks, a playground and Lebanon City Schools 

• First-floor owner suites and ranch floor plans 

• Authentic details and superior craftsmanship 

• Bonus rooms for offices and apartments 

View our floor plans and photos at UNIONVILLAGEOHIO.COM 

Visit our welcome center 

3855 Lower Market St | Lebanon, OH 

Call for a private showing 

(513) 409-3190 

HTCI0922.006

BECAUSE 

THE SHOWER 

IS EVERYTHING. 

If you are looking for quality and 

expert craftsmanship you need Basco! 

Gary Sullivan - 

“ 

Your home is your sanctuary and it begins with the shower. Basco 

sets the standard in custom shower enclosures with an unmatched 

assortment of luxurious styles for a precise fi t to your unique space 

- and expertly installed by the people who make them. 

bascoshowerdoor.com 1.800.45.BASCO 

HTCI0922.005

a perfect 

FIT 

The sunroom, and much of the home, was designed for easy access to outdoor living. 

18 housetrends.com

Bright, open 

one-floor living 

designed to suit 

empty nesters’ 

lifestyle 

BY KAREN BRADNER 

PHOTOS BY KELLY ANN PHOTOGRAPHY 

So many of us worry about resale when 

making decisions about our homes. We 

spend, possibly, too much time thinking 

about how many bedrooms the next owners 

might want, what color selections are 

neutral enough, or whether dining rooms 

will be in or out when it’s time to sell. 

But that wasn’t the case when Rick 

and Tonia Donnini built their new home. 

The choices they made were based on 

exactly what would serve their needs. As 

a result, their 3,000-square-foot, twobedroom, 

one-floor home reflects their 

lifestyle beautifully. ➻ 

housetrends magazine 2022 19

1 

2 

1 The interior designer 

describes her clients’ style as 

“modern, warm, and casual 

with a bit of flair.” 2 This liveedge 

table and bench work 

well in the home’s more 

casual eating area. 3 A partial 

wall with a two-sided fireplace 

provides a subtle separation 

between the open great room 

area and the sunroom. 

20 housetrends.com

WANTING TO SIMPLIFY 

The decision to forego a basement 

was an easy one for the couple. “We 

didn’t care about cheap space, we 

wanted simple,” says Rick. 

The couple’s previous 6,000-squarefoot 

house had a pool outside and a 

walkout basement. “After our kids 

left, we mainly lived on one floor,” 

Tonia says. “We hardly ever went 

downstairs—not to use the pool 

table, the bar or the theater.” 

And as far as the two bedrooms 

go…the original floor plans called for 

a third bedroom, but the decision was 

made to turn that into a sunroom/ 

sitting area. There is a spacious guest 

room with an ensuite bath available 

for overnight company. But one of 

the couple’s sons, Ryan, lives just a 

mile or so away with his wife Kelsey 

and their children, three-year-old Ava 

and two-year-old Collin. The couple’s 

other son, Connor, lives in Atlanta 

with his wife Madison, who has family 

in the Centerville area, so they have 

options when it comes to accommodations. 

So, a third bedroom and a basement 

are what they didn’t include 

in their plans. Here is what they did 

include: 

Let’s start in the back yard. To 

call it a yard is a bit of a misnomer. 

While there is a generous strip of 

grass back there, an expansive 17-by- 

40-foot pool dominates the space. 

An outdoor kitchen stands off to 

the side, ready to serve up friends 

and family and a four-hole putting 

green is placed on the other side of a 

small slope. Both Rick and Tonia are 

avid golfers, and this space is used to 

perfect their game as well as introduce 

their young grandchildren to the 

sport. ➻ 

3 


If we didn’t light things properly, 

you couldn’t really appreciate them. 

- Diane Hanson 

22 housetrends.com

Lighted floating shelves house some of the couple’s artwork and provide a focal point in the great room. 


Out here, a high-tech sound system 

which includes nine directional speakers 

and a subwoofer was designed 

and installed by Troy Hanson and 

the team at Hanson Audio Video. 

The speakers are positioned so that 

neighbors can’t hear the couple’s 

music or television. Troy says the 

goal of the system is to “cover the 

area with extreme saturation to prevent 

hot spots or fading.” Speakers 

are placed around the pool area so 

that the sound cascades toward the 

back of the house, rather than having 

speakers mounted on the back of the 

house and cascading out toward the 

neighbors. 

“We’ve had friends pull up to the 

house for a party and think we weren’t 

home,” Rick says. “They couldn’t hear 

the music until they made it back to 

the pool.” 

ONE FLOOR LIVING 

While the activity often centers on 

the backyard attractions—the pool is 

heated and often used from April to 

November—the inside of the home is 

designed for easy living as well. 

“Everything is laid out exactly the 

way we wanted it,” Tonia says. 

The Donninis worked with interior 

designer Diane Hanson to finalize 

the layout of the home, the material 

selections, and the furnishings. 

“Diane is a godsend We have been 

working with her for over 30 years,” 

Rick says. “She was a great influence. 

She helped us filter through our decisions 

to integrate them into the overall 

design…which ultimately saved us 

money.” 

One challenge for the designer was 

to take a space that was big and open 

1 

2 

24 housetrends.com

and make it inviting. Area rugs, furniture groupings, 

artwork and lighting were carefully selected and placed 

to create smaller spaces within the larger space. And, 

since the main living areas are exposed to each other, 

Diane says it was important to select complementary 

light fixtures. 

“Lighting is a very important part of the process. If a 

room is not properly lighted, it doesn’t come off as well 

as it could,” she says. “Rick and Tonia have a lot of great 

art and beautiful furnishings. If we didn’t light things 

properly, you couldn’t really appreciate them.” 

TVs, lighting, streaming services, garage doors, music, 

locks and much more are controlled via a Control4 

System installed by Hanson Audio Video. This system, 

Troy says, “controls the entire house with one simple, 

kindergarten-level app.” ➻ 

3 

1 Floor-to-ceiling windows on the back 

wall are solar treated so that window 

treatments are not necessary. 2 Rick and 

Tonia relax poolside. 3 Water baby Ava 

splashes in the pool as her brother Collin 

is about to join in. 


Luxury vinyl plank flooring handles kitchen spills—and grandchildren’s wet feet—with ease. 

INDIVIDUAL TOUCHES 

There are a few areas in the home that garnered a bit of 

extra attention from certain members of the team. For 

example, when it came to the kitchen’s design, Tonia 

points to her husband and says, “That’s all him.” 

Rick, who is the cook in the family, wanted space to 

prep on both sides of the sink. “I’m not walking all across 

the kitchen. Everything is within easy reach,” he says. “It’s 

a perfect blend of function and design.” 

Nearby is a beautiful live-edge elm table handmade by 

Ron and Tom Dement of New Life Forestry of Ohio. The 

bench has frosted epoxy-filled inclusions in its edges to 

add both comfort and style. 

Farther along the back of the home stands a half wall 

with the see-through fireplace that separates the sunroom 

from the main living areas. The wall was Tonia’s 

idea and got a stamp of approval from Diane. A large, 

walk-in closet off this room houses a collection of toys 

for the grandkids. Weekend sleepovers with “TT” and 

“Poppy” are a regular occurrence. 

“We love having them here. Grandkids are the best,” 

Tonia says. “They want to be in the pool all the time.” 

And should they need to run from the pool into the 

house to grab a snack or use the restroom, luxury vinyl 

planking on the floors aren’t bothered by the water. 

Other low maintenance, kid-friendly features include 

assorted leather chairs, sofas and ottomans the couple 

purchased from Bova. “If someone spills something, it 

wipes up,” Tonia says. “Bova has amazing furniture that 

lasts forever.” 

Outside, the plants are all trees, shrubs and perennials, 

with no annuals in the bunch. The couple wanted low 

maintenance landscaping—there is no mulch anywhere. 

26 housetrends.com

TIMING IS EVERYTHING 

Fortunately, construction on the 

home wrapped up in December of 

2019, so the pandemic did not negatively 

impact the process. In fact, 

the Donninis are incredibly positive 

about their new home and the whole 

experience. 

The builder, Associate Construction, 

was excellent to work with. 

“Every single contractor was top 

notch,” Rick says. “We would work 

with them all again.” 

But for the distant future, the couple 

has no plans of moving anywhere 

else. Thanks to the wide-open floor 

plan, this home will accommodate 

aging-in-place beautifully. Plus, they 

are fans of the Greater Dayton lifestyle. 

Rick, who is originally from New 

Mexico says, “A lot of people don’t 

know how good they have it here. 

It’s relatively inexpensive and there’s 

not a lot of traffic. The people here 

are decent, laid back. We love the 

Midwest!” 

Tonia’s office is tucked away in a more private area off the entry. 

RESOURCES 

Builder Associate Construction; Interior design Diane Hanson, Choice Consultant; Landscape design Greenpro Services, Inc.; 

Furniture Bova Contemporary Furniture; Flooring Innovative Floors and Design; Windows and doors Andersen; Fireplace 

Dayton Fireplace Systems; Rugs The Rug Gallery; Kitchen cabinetry and living room shelving Select Kitchen Design; Kitchen 

countertops and backsplash Cambria; Appliances Bosch from Custom Distributors, Inc.; Table New Life Forestry of Ohio; 

Bathroom countertop Cambria; Glass pebbles by Tim McFadden from Gallery Veronique; Indoor/outdoor sound system, 

TVs, speakers, Control4 System Hanson Audio Video; Stones and pavers in pool area Groundscape; Irrigation Centerville 

Landscape and Irrigation; Outdoor furniture Watson’s; Pool, electric cover and lighting Buckeye Pools; Brick Snyder Brick & 

Block; Brick mason De La Rosa Masonry; Electric Stoutenborough Electric; HVAC Outstanding Heating & Cooling; Plumbing 

Integrity Plumbing Solutions; Roofing Weatherguard Roofing & Restoration; Gutters Hans Huf Home Improvement Co. 


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Fairfield • OH 45014 

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Dayton • OH 45449 

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614.796.2600 

HBCI0822.029

Homeowner purchases childhood 

home, upgrades to adult kitchen 

BY SARAH J. DILLS | PHOTOS BY TIFFANY SCHULTZ 

Before 

Who doesn’t dream of going back to visit their childhood home? To walk into 

that bedroom, that feels so much smaller as an adult, where so many big 

dreams were conjured. For Emily Henry, she not only got to visit her childhood 

home: she got the chance to buy it. 

“It was never the plan for us to buy this place, but it just worked out this 

way,” Emily says. 

As much as Emily may enjoy the nostalgia of raising her own three daughters 

with her husband, Scott, in her childhood home in Montgomery; the reality of 

the space left much to be desired… especially in the kitchen… homeschooling… 

during a pandemic. ➻ 

30 housetrends.com

After: The window arrangement was reconfigured on the sink wall for a more unified look. 


TIGHT QUARTERS 

The Henrys had been thinking about 

renovating their kitchen for a while. 

“We got into COVID and were really 

stuck in that space all together,” 

Emily remembers with a laugh. 

“Three young girls—nine-year-old 

twins and a seven-year-old—trying 

to do virtual learning really sped up 

our plans.” 

The Henrys knew they needed 

to work with someone who could 

manage their project. “My husband 

and I both work, we have our kids, 

and I coach at Orangetheory on the 

side,” Emily says. “I had a co-worker 

who had worked with Neal’s Design 

Remodel. She told me all the ways 

they went above and beyond every 

expectation, so I knew they would do 

the same for us.” 

SO LONG SOFFITS 

Emily had one inspirational picture 

of a kitchen when she went to meet 

Neal’s designer Jodi Smith for the 

first time. “What I wanted was a 

massive island,” Emily describes. “I 

wanted to be able to bake cookies, roll 

dough, get flour everywhere. I wanted 

to be able to seat a lot of people 

around the island with no other table 

in our kitchen. When we entertain, 

that is where everyone hangs out.” 

The kitchen was small, dark, and 

the soffits made the space seem 

smaller than it was. “They were 

awful,” Emily admits. “I hated them.” 

Emily knew she wanted to get rid of 

the soffit and have cabinets go to the 

ceiling but admits that everything 

else was Smith and the team at Neal’s. 

“What stood out the most when I 

met them was that they talked a lot 

about their family,” Smith remembers. 

“Their existing space was not 

functional, so we wanted to make 

sure everything we created had function 

as the focus.” ➻ 

1 

2 

1 A hinged cabinet door lifts up and out of the way for easy access to the coffee 

station. 2 Custom cabinetry helps keep the kitchen organized. 

32 housetrends.com

“We had a much smaller, two-part sink 

so I love, love, love the big sink.” 

-Emily 


OPEN WIDE 

The goal of opening the kitchen was achieved by making the wall between the living room 

and kitchen much smaller. The wall between the kitchen and the formal dining room was 

removed. The back wall of the kitchen was pushed out and made flush with the existing 

breakfast nook wall. In the process, an awkward, under-cabinet window was removed. “Gosh, 

that was so 1990,” Emily says. 

It was replaced with three windows creating a visual centerpiece to the feature wall of the 

kitchen over the farmhouse sink. “The Henrys wanted an apron-front fireclay sink,” Smith 

says. “Emily made that specific request because her research showed it would be the most 

durable.” 

The homeowners opted for an electric range instead of gas because they admittedly don’t 

cook enough to make the investment. “We did invest in a Sub-Zero fridge,” Emily says. “And I 

did want a double oven since I frequently host Thanksgiving. It was always a challenge. We’d 

be stuffing things in toaster ovens.” 

A built-in Sub-Zero refrigerator blends in beautifully on a wall of cabinetry near the oversized island with seating for six. 

34 housetrends.com

Before 

After: As the Henrys built out into their back yard, they 

wanted to expand the outdoor living space to fit a fire pit. 

“We wanted a space that 

we can get eight chairs 

around the fire pit so our 

neighbors and friends could 

enjoy it with us.” -Emily 

BACK TO SCHOOL 

The family set up a little kitchen station 

in their basement. “I joked that I felt like I 

was back in college,” Emily recalls. “If you 

ran the toaster oven and the microwave 

at the same time, you’d trip the circuit. 

“It was a little like living in a construction 

zone, but it was cool to see progress. 

The kids loved coming home from school 

every day and wanted to see what had 

happened while they were gone. 

“It was so worth it to us though to 

make this investment now, because we 

know we’ll be in this house for 20-plus 

years.” ➻ 


ROOM TO GROW 

Scott and Emily are excited to see 

their girls grow in this new space 

and watch them hangout with their 

friends. 

“We don’t feel like we’re on top of 

each other,” Emily says. “Mornings 

are still nuts, but the kids have more 

autonomy. And Scott and I spend a 

lot more time in there, having a glass 

of wine after the kids go to bed. 

“We really enjoyed working with 

Neal’s. The communication was very 

clear. One of the drawings had missed 

that one of the girl’s bedroom windows 

would become obstructed by 

the addition, so they moved her window 

at their own expense. They did 

it on their own dime because they 

missed it. That speaks to the value of 

what they provide.” 

dirty work 

While the Henrys were tackling their kitchen renovation, they 

decided to get their dream laundry and mud rooms too. 

“We run the laundry like four times a day,” Emily says. “So that 

was the biggest investment for me. I went with the LG front loader. 

I spent three years on the laundry division of P&G. I probably know 

more than any normal person should about washing machines.” 

Emily has a system for how she likes to do laundry, so she found 

a basket system on Pinterest she liked. And she didn’t want to do 

laundry in the formal dining room anymore, so she wanted a place 

where she could fold and sort all in one. 

The mudroom is where the original laundry room was, so the 

team at Neal’s built the addition to include the laundry room. 

“The Henrys wanted a place for the girls to plug in their iPads, 

hang up their coats…plus, the parents wanted those things too,” 

Jodi Smith, designer at Neal’s says. “So, when they come in the door, 

their stuff is left by the door.” 

RESOURCES 

Contractor Neal’s Design Remodel; 

Kitchen designer Jodi Smith, Neal’s 

Design Remodel; Custom cabinetry 

Neal’s Design Remodel; Cabinet 

hardware Top Knobs; Countertops 

Mercury Quartzite/Viatera Rococco, 

KBR; Main backsplash Emotive Coy 

Grey Glossy, Florida Tile; Cooktop 

backsplash Stone Impressions Artisan 

Avery Grande on Cararra, Louisville Tile; 

Sink Signature Hardware Torun Fireclay 

Farmhouse, Ferguson; Faucets Moen 

Nio Black Stainless pull down, Ferguson; 

Appliances Bosch dishwasher, cooktop 

and double oven, Sub-Zero French door 

refrigerator, undercounter refrigerator and 

microwave, Custom Distributors, Inc.; 

Flooring Refinished Hardwood, Mansion 

Hill; Windows Pella Lifestyle Double 

hung; Patio Brick Form Rough Stone, 

LK Concrete 

1 

2 

1 The expanded laundry 

room offers plenty of 

countertop space for sorting 

and folding. 2 The new 

mudroom has coat hooks, 

cubbies, drawers and a bench 

to make it easier for the girls 

to drop things off by the back 

door. 

36 housetrends.com

Turn your scary places 

into organized spaces 

Custom Closets • Garage Cabinets • Home Offices • Pantries • Laundries • Wall Beds 

Wall Units • Hobby Rooms • Garage Flooring • and More… 

For a free in-home design consultation ClosetsbyDesign.com or 513.993.3234 

HTCI0922.019

Marie Chair by Hancock and Moore 

38 housetrends.com

Chairs 

Dapper designs for resting your derriere 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

1 Stressless Admiral Power Recliner 2 Gramercy Lounge Chair by Fairfield 

3 Hummingbird Blue Lounge Chair by Sherrill Furniture 4 Finley Chair by Flexsteel 

5 Jayden Chair by Hancock and Moore 6 Curtsy by Caracole 7 Jenner Charcoal Accent Chair by Sherrill Furniture 

8 Perry Chair by Hancock and Moore 9 Dundee Natural Jagger Chair by Lillian August for Hickory White 

caracole.com, fairfieldchair.com, flexsteel.com, hancockandmoore.com, hickorywhite.com, sherrillfurniture.com, stressless.com 


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

Bring your home remodeling 

dreams to life. 

HTCI0922.017 

More Ideas that Inspire at neals.com

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We’re all about inspiration at housetrends.com. Designed with Ohio 

homeowners in mind, we provide the photos, ideas and details you 

need when planning a new home or remodeling an existing space. 

Our high-quality images and articles feature incredible kitchens, 

outdoor spaces, landscapes, makeovers and decorating ideas. 

Visit housetrends.com for stories, current trends and access to our digital magazines. 

42 housetrends.com

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44 housetrends.com

WALK 

this way 

BY KAREN BRADNER 

It’s a space that gets an incredible amount of use, but not usually a great 

deal of attention. Guests come and go on this, packages get delivered 

via this route, and landscaping often follows its borders. 

We’re talking about your front walkway. It just might be time to step 

away from that straight line of poured concrete and follow a path with 

a bit more personality. Creating a warm, welcoming entrance to the 

front of your home not only adds a good deal of curb appeal—it also 

gives your resale value a boost. 

Stroll through the following pages and see which of these options 

best suits the style of your home. ➻ 

Stamped concrete sidewalk at home built by Zicka Homes. Photo by Connie Kimsey 


Above Stamped concrete path, steps, landscaping and lighting by Townescapes. 

Below PaverLock Oxford Heritage Buff pavers from Reading Rock installed by The Garden Path. Photos by Ross Van Pelt 

46 housetrends.com

CONCRETE 

If you want to stick with concrete, 

this is a versatile material that offers 

plenty of options. 

Want to keep it simple? Consider a 

curvier path and add a bit of non-slip 

texture with a “broom” finish. Or add 

a bit of zing with stamping and dying. 

The result can look like brick, slate, 

flagstone, wood planks and more. 

“If you are updating an old 

front walkway, widening 

it to four feet and adding 

curves makes it much more 

functional and appealing.” 

—Lisa Herd, Snyder Brick & Block 

PRO: Concrete requires less maintenance 

than stone, tile or brick. 

CON: Concrete must include joints 

to allow for expansion and contraction 

due to temperature changes. 

Price range for installed concrete: 

Broom finish $12-$15/sq. ft. 

Stamped $18-$22/sq. ft. 

CONCRETE PAVERS 

Pavers are typically stones made of 

dyed concrete and are available in 

many shapes, sizes and colors. They 

are placed on a foundation composed 

of compacted gravel topped with an 

inch or so of sand. Edging—sometimes 

metal, but more commonly 

plastic—is often used to keep the 

pavers in place. Lately, a “concrete 

toe” edge is becoming a new trend. 

PRO: Due to its multiple seams, a 

paver walkway can flex during freeze 

and thaw cycles without cracking. 

CON: Weeds can sprout up between 

pavers. Use a polymeric sand in the 

joints to deter weeds. 

Price range of materials only: 

$2.50-$13/sq. ft. 

PaverLock Boardwalk Calico pavers from Reading 

Rock installed by Hicon. Photo by Ross Van Pelt 


CLAY PAVERS 

Always a classic choice, brick pavers 

introduce a level of old-world charm. 

Solid clay paving bricks are hardfired 

in kilns at high temperatures to 

fuse the clay particles for maximum 

strength. This hard-firing creates rich 

colors that are resistant to ultraviolet 

light, which often causes artificially 

colored concrete pavers to fade. Brick 

pavers can be placed on a more flexible 

sand base or a concrete base with 

cement joints. 

PRO: A clay paver surface is stainresistant. 

CON: Shapes and sizes are limited. 

They are typically in the shape of a 

4x8 rectangular brick, but do come 

in a few other sizes. 

Price range for materials only: 

$3.75-$12/sq.ft. 

FLAGSTONE 

Flagstone is a hard, flat stone usually 

made of sandstone bound together 

by minerals like silica, calcite, or iron 

ore. It is known for its rich texture 

in a broad range of colors— 

browns, grays, golds, and blues. It’s 

a great choice for a more rustic look, 

and it preserves a green and earthy 

element in your landscaped area. 

PRO: Neutral flagstones blend 

in and become part of landscapes. 

CON: Flagstone installed in sand 

will keep shifting if the sand is not 

leveled and stable. That is not the 

case when it’s set in concrete. 


$10-$15/sq.ft. 

Top Embarcadero clay brick pathway from 

McNear Brick & Block. Photo courtesy of 

Snyder Brick and Block 

Bottom Chilton Stone with Flagstone 

Treads and landscaping by The Site Group. 

Photo courtesy of The Site Group 

48 housetrends.com

BLUESTONE 

A type of flagstone, bluestone is a very popular 

choice for midwestern homes. Colors are typically 

in the gray/blue range but can vary widely—from 

a purplish hue to tones of brown— 

depending on the geographic source of the stone. 

Use rectangular stones for a more formal look. 

Irregular shapes offer a more casual appeal. 

PRO: Bluestone’s steely blues and grays are striking 

whether it’s cloudy, raining, snowing, or sunny. 

CON: Bluestone absorbs more sunlight than 

lighter stones making it especially hot during 

sunny summer days. 

Price range for materials only: $10-$15/sq.ft. 

Limestone home with bluestone paver walkway and landscaping by Landfare Ltd. Photo by Daniel Feldkamp 

MIDWEST STONES 

By choosing a natural stone that is indigenous 

to our region, you will know it will hold up to 

the weather conditions in this area. Limestone, 

which has a uniform texture and color, is quarried 

from Ohio and Indiana. Sandstone, which 

offers a variation in color and texture, tends to 

be quarried from the eastern counties in Ohio. 

PRO: These stones usually look more natural 

than manufactured stones. 

CON: Natural stone has color variations, 

so you might not get an exact match to your 

sample piece. 


Brown Sandstone and landscaping by The Site Group. Photo by Daniel Feldkamp 


STEPPING STONES 

For an informal option, you can 

place stepping stones within gravel. 

Irregular fieldstone, bluestone or 

limestone in pieces no smaller than 

18” work great. Be sure to use an edge 

restraint such as steel edging, cobblestone 

curbing, or other material to 

prevent the gravel from spreading 

into the surrounding landscape. 

“Adding a natural stone walkway is a 

beautiful way to increase curb appeal 

using a material that will last 

the life of the home.” 

—Jon Smiley, Stone Center 

PRO: This is one of the more inexpensive 

options. 

CON. You need to use a geotextile 

weed barrier below the gravel to prevent 

plant growth. 


$10-$15/sq.ft. 

GRANITE, QUARTZITE AND MARBLE 

Mined from locations around the globe, these natural stones typically 

are used as pavers. 

Granite is durable, non-slip and scratch resistant. It’s a reliable 

paving choice for walkways due to its earthy and textured finish. 

Granite is porous and should be sealed to avoid possible staining 

and moisture damage. 

Created from pure quartz sandstone, Quartzite is an extremely 

hard stone that makes it ideal for outdoor applications. 

Marble, a rigid metamorphic rock, is among the most durable 

and highest-quality materials used for outdoor applications. 

PRO: All these stones are extremely hard and durable. 

CON: This category includes the most expensive options. 


Left Flagstone stepping stones from Ohio Stone. Photo courtesy of Snyder 

Brick and Block Above Granite natural stone pavers. 

50 housetrends.com

TRAVERTINE 

Travertine is also quarried from around 

the world with the three most common 

locations being Italy, Turkey, and Mexico. 

Italian Travertine is what Rome’s Coliseum 

is made of. Mexico’s Travertine is more 

porous and does not hold up to frost. 

Turkish Travertine is very common and, in 

most instances, is less expensive than the 

Italian. It holds up well in a freeze/thaw 

climate. 

PRO: Travertine doesn’t absorb heat like 

many of the other materials listed. 

CON: Qualities of Travertine differ considerably 

depending on where the stones 

are quarried. 


Travertine Beige pavers from Reading Rock installed by 

Paramount Landscaping. Photo by Ross Van Pelt 

PORCELAIN TILE 

Porcelain is a colorfast and low maintenance 

option. Select an exterior grade 

that is weather-resistant and not slippery. 

Porcelain is a great choice for homeowners 

who want to mimic the look of marble. 

These tiles are also fired at higher kiln temperatures, 

leading to harder, stronger and 

more scratch-resistant tiles. 

PRO: Porcelain is more durable than 

ceramic tiles due to their increased density. 

CON: Porcelain can be brittle and needs 

to be installed on a completely flat surface 

to avoid breakage. 


Kronos porcelain tile paver in Sand Island from Reading Rock 

installed by Warren’s Landscaping. Photo by Ross Van Pelt 

Paneria Porcelain Pavers from Hamilton Parker 

“Stain resistant porcelain 

pavers are a beautiful, 

low-maintenance option 

for high traffic outdoor 

entertaining areas.” 

—Britt Warren, Hamilton Parker 


CERAMIC TILE 

Ceramic tiles are less dense and 

more porous than porcelain. Be sure 

to choose a tile rated for outdoor 

use with an unglazed finish for a 

rougher, less slippery surface. Their 

density, compared to porcelain tiles, 

makes them less water and stain 

resistant, particularly if they’re 

unglazed. 

PRO: Ceramic tile is less expensive 

than porcelain tile with a wider range 

of colors and styles available. 

CON: It’s also more porous, making 

them more crack-prone and vulnerable 

to stains. 


$3 -$12/sq.ft. 

For the sake of comparison in this article, 

price ranges were gathered from a variety 

of vendors in August of 2022 and 

do not include installation. When multiple 

ranges were supplied, Housetrends 

included the lowest price and the highest 

price from the group. 

These are rough estimates for comparison 

purposes and will vary depending 

on suppliers and locations. Also, delivery 

costs are a variable when it comes to 

pricing any of these materials. 

We invite you to contact any of the 

following resources for more accurate 

pricing. 

Statesville Brick Weathered Magnolia clay brick walkway and patio 

installed by Wieland Builders. Photo by Connie Kimsey 

RESOURCES 

Hamilton Parker Company 

Perfect Paver Co 

Reading Rock 

Snyder Brick & Block 

Stone Center 

Townescapes 

The Site Group 

“Before bidding a project, a qualified 

contractor will address the site access; 

review complexity of the installation and 

understand the scale of the project. 

Usually, the larger the project, the 

lower the cost per square foot.” 

—Shane Bordwine, Townescapes 

52 housetrends.com

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HTRG0922.006

WE MAKE PAVERS LOOK BEAUTIFUL AGAIN 

Caroline and Lee hired someone to repair 

their pavers. They quickly discovered not all 

paver repair companies are the same. 

Scan the QR code to hear how 

Perfect Paver Co. restored their patio. 

BEFORE 

AFTER 

Bill Doner ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Perfect Paver Co finished my driveway this week. 

The communication they sent to me beforehand 

was the best I have ever received from a service 

company. They called before they were coming 

out to do the repairs. I received email updates 

each week as to when they would be out to clean, 

sand, and seal my pavers. I have a large driveway 

and they made sure I was happy with every inch of 

it. My pavers are over 25 years old and when they 

finished sealing, it looked as good as new! Thank 

you Jake, (not from State Farm, he had on a blue 

shirt), he and his crew did an awesome job. 

BEFORE 

AFTER 

HTRG0922.005 

CALL TODAY TO GET A FREE ESTIMATE 

CINCINNATI 

513-790-3635 

COLUMBUS 

614-505-4404 

PERFECTPAVERCO.COM 

DAYTON 

937-739-8393

ASK THE EXPERT 

paver restoration 

TIPS TO 

PREPARE 

YOUR PATIO 

FOR FALL 

AND WINTER 

Remove leaves, twigs, berries and 

grass clippings. Keeping your pavers free 

of organic debris is key to great looking 

pavers year around. This organic material 

decomposes leaving stains on the pavers 

and sand joints. It can retain moisture 

aiding in the germination of vegetation 

and it becomes the food this vegetation 

needs to thrive. This is especially important 

during the fall season when the leaves are 

dropping. 

Once per week: Use a leaf blower and 

thoroughly blow off your pavers during the 

fall months. Once per month: Use a garden 

hose nozzle set to a shower setting and rinse 

off all of the pavers and sand joints. 

line and Lee hired someone to repair their pavers. 

Is it safe to salt my pavers? Physical snow 

quickly removal discovered preferable to chemical not all methods, paver high repair quality sealant companies will help prevent are this the same. 

but there are times when a little bit of help 

the QR is needed code for safety. to hear When salting how pavers, Perfect help Paver protect against Co restored salt damage. their patio. 

we suggest using salts with Calcium 

Magnesium Acetate and never use 

products with Sodium Chloride, aka rock 

salt, as this will deteriorate your pavers. 

DAY 

A FREE 

E 

Dayton 937-860-2501 

Cincinnati 513-790-3635 

Columbus 614-665-5301 

Mark Rhodus - President of Perfect Paver Co. 

We suggest not using snow shovels or 

snow plows with metal blades to prevent 

scarring of the paver. Snow blowers with 

rubber paddles are our recommended 

method for removing snow. 

Can repairs be made in the Fall and 

Winter season? There’s no time like the 

present. Many of our customers hire us to 

make repairs during the fall and winter 

months so their patio and pool can stay 

open during our short summer season. 

Will sealing my pavers help them better 

weather the winter? Freeze/thaw, rain, 

traffic and sun deteriorate the finer surface 

material, which is where the color lives, 

exposing the small rock used to make 

the paver. Sealing your pavers with a 

deterioration from occurring. It will also 

Our sealing process also includes 

removing the existing sand between the 

pavers and we replace it with polymeric 

sand, which sets up hard in the joints. This 

Mark started in the hardscape industry more than 22 years ago working for the very first concrete 

paver contractor in the country. After spending several years working on large-scale commercial 

and high-end residential paver projects, he and his wife Katie started Perfect Paver Co to help 

homeowners restore the beauty in their existing pavers. 

makes it easier to keep your pavers clean 

and weed free. All weeds start as seeds; 

with polymeric sand you can keep the 

seeds rinsed off without rinsing away loose 

sand. No seeds = no weeds. 

Professionally sealed pavers look 

beautiful and newer and will stay looking 

that way longer. On older pavers, we use 

sealers designed to enhance the remaining 

colors giving the appearance of a much 

newer paver. 

I had new pavers installed this year, 

should I have them sealed before the 

winter? 

You should wait 60-90 days before sealing 

your pavers to allow natural salts to 

release. However, don’t wait too much 

longer because the wear begins as soon as 

they’re installed. Waiting until next spring/ 

summer is just fine. 

HTRG0922.005

Solus Hemi Fire Bowl 

56 housetrends.com

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TO THIS… 

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www.franklinartglass.com 

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Anderson 

7642 Beechmont Ave. 


513.566.4365 

Florence 

7688 Mall Rd. 

Florence, KY 41042 

513.566.4163 

Jungle Jim’s 

5440 Dixie Hwy. #105 

Fairfield, OH 45014 

513.858.2030 

Kenwood 

7565 Kenwood Rd. 


513.566.4366 

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1525 Genntown Dr. 

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HTCI0922.013

For your safety, 

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Call to schedule 

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PERSONAL ATTENTION | SUPERIOR EXPERTISE | EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY 

Photos courtesy of William Manning 

Photography, Michaelson Homes 

and Auer Kitchens 

HTCI0922.011

Revisiting a beauty that was 100 years in the making 

BY KAREN BRADNER | PHOTOS BY DALE CLARK/ARC PHOTOGRAPHY 

Some homes are worth a second look. That’s how Jon Arenstein, the current owner 

of a Bexley bungalow felt when he first walked past it over six years ago with his dog, 

Mickey. The draw was so strong, that he rang the doorbell and asked the owners to 

call him if they ever decided to sell. 

That’s also how Florence Murphy felt when she served as a tour guide for the 

home in this year’s House and Garden Tour in Bexley. As Housetrends publisher, 

Florence had seen a taste of the home Jon and his wife Dianne eventually purchased 

in a show preview. But after spending a spring afternoon there, she wanted to share 

a bit more of the couple’s charming spaces. ➻ 

Roof makes a statement 

The home was built in 1922 and has a distinctive “Giwa” roof that first caught Jon’s eye. This style of tile roofing originated in Korea. 


SEEING DOUBLE 

A rarity of this century-old home 

was that it sat on a double lot 

which allowed space for a first-floor 

owners’ suite addition (seen to the 

right in this photo). Construction 

began before the couple moved in 

and took about six months. They 

are especially pleased with how the 

contractor, Rick Wieland, was able 

to match the roof tile and exterior 

brick of the original structure. 

A FLOOD OF SUNSHINE 

When she first toured the home, the abundance of windows spoke to Dianne. “The minute I walked in, the windows were 

what grabbed me,” she says. One light-drenched room that is a favorite spot for relaxing is the sunroom. During renovations 

the couple widened what had been a small doorway leading to this room to create one big open space encompassing 

the kitchen, dining room and living room. 

62 housetrends.com

Both Jon and Dianne love to cook. 

One of their favorite recipes is 

The Silver Palate’s Chicken Marbella 

Turn to page 72 for the recipe. 

BRIGHT WHITE 

While the kitchen still stands on its 

original footprint, gleaming white 

Amish-built cabinetry and the newly-widened 

access to the sunroom 

combine to create a crisp, yet inviting, 

space. A dedicated ice maker is 

a favorite among the couple’s grandchildren, 

and even their daughter 

Abby, who lives nearby. “My daughter 

will come over here and fill up baggies 

with crushed ice to take home,” 

Dianne says. ➻ 


MODERN CONVENIENCES 

Bridging the area between the original part of the home and the new addition are built-in bookshelves which house 

Dianne’s collection of antique French Confit Pots. Also, near the kitchen area, the couple carved out space for a back entry 

with its glass-paned door where Mickey, a beagle mix, occasionally soaks up the sunshine. Outside this door you catch a 

glimpse of the residence’s new, oversized two-car garage. 

64 housetrends.com

FAMILY TIME 

Abby lives just two streets away with her family, 

and the couple’s son David’s family lives not too 

far away in Granville. So, this Bexley base becomes 

a gathering spot. An empty backyard expanse has 

been replaced with multiple conversation areas 

providing a lush space for family and guests to 

relax—while the grandchildren and the couple’s 

dog run about the fenced-in yard. ➻ 


FACE TIME 

When the couple is in the mood to 

watch life go by, they can head to the 

generously-sized front porch with its 

trio of tapered columns and ponder 

the good fortune they had when they 

discovered this home five years ago. 

“It’s just so different,” Dianne says. 

“It’s like a little gem hidden in Bexley. 

We both fell in love with it.” 

RESOURCES 

Contractor Wieland Building and Remodeling; Roof The Slate and Tile Roofing Co.; Landscape design Oakland Nursery; 

Cabinets H&S Custom Cabinets; Windows Pella Windows and Doors; Drapery Kris Lape Design; Area Rug K.A. Menendian Rug Gallery 

66 housetrends.com

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HTCI0922.002

Photos by Greg Grupenhof 

KEEP AN EYE OUT 

Coming soon, in the November issue of Housetrends, we’ll feature some of our favorite spaces and share 

some of the big trends we saw at this year’s HOMEARAMA ® . While each of the six custom homes were 

unique, we definitely saw some common threads throughout the show. 

68 housetrends.com

Amping up the outdoor areas 

Decks, patios and pools have always been in fashion, but 

this year the builders took things up a notch—or three. 

Outdoor rooms had structural ceilings, solid tiled floors, 

fireplaces and covered an expansive amount of space, 

often traversing the entire back expanse of the home. 

Creating separate but equal spaces 

Darkly painted or paneled dens have been a mainstay 

for decades, but this year those rooms met their match. 

Masculine workspaces often had a feminine counterpart. 

One designer we spoke to at the show told us his 

and her offices are now the top request she gets from 

her clients. 

Keeping the mess at bay 

Call them what you will: messy kitchens, butler pantries, 

sculleries or catering kitchens, these smallish but 

mighty-ish rooms are a hot trend for sure. Most include 

a second refrigerator, dishwasher and sink. Plenty of 

shelving and storage is a must. Coffee makers and 

microwaves may find their home here too. 

Subtle sophistication 

While there were fun splashes of color in a few of the 

homes, most of the palettes were on the subdued side. 

Paints were neutral, although sometimes dramatically 

dark. Tile selections were on the classic, monochromatic 

side, and wallpapers were often chosen to introduce texture, 

and sometimes pattern, more than color. 

Staying out in the open 

Transparent walls and doors were seen in most of the 

homes this year as well. Some exercise rooms were blatantly 

on display behind a glass wall. Home offices and 

lower-level bonus rooms were flooded with additional 

light thanks to one of their four walls, or a door, being 

made of glass. 

That’s just a taste. We’ll have a lot more to share in our next issue! 

Let us know if there is a room or two in particular you’d like us to 

revisit. Write us at: publishers@housetrends.com 


take a tour 

Mark your calendar for these 

home and garden events near you 

Saturday, October 1 

Eastwood Circle Sears Homes Walking Tour 

Walking tour seeing exteriors of 

ten different styles of Sears houses 

Cincinnati, Ohio 


Norwood Historic Home Tour 

Guided afternoon walking tour 

Norwood, Ohio 

Saturdays and Sundays, 

October 15-16, November 19-20 

Springfield Antique Show 

Antiques, vintage and flea market finds 

Clark County Fairgrounds 

Sunday, October 16 

Burlington Antique Show 

Featuring over 200 antique dealers 

Boone County Kentucky Fairgrounds 


Newport Harvest Festival 

Artists, crafters, and businesses on display 

Downtown Newport Kentucky Business District 


Hyde Park Art Show 

One of Cincinnati’s oldest and 

well-respected art shows 

Hyde Park Square, Cincinnati, Ohio 


Grandview Heights and 

Marble Cliff Tour of Homes 

Six historic homes 

Columbus, Ohio 


Wyoming Sears Homes Walking Tour 

90 minutes, 1 1/2 miles easy walking tour, view the 

exteriors of 15 different Sears Kit Homes 

Wyoming, Ohio. 

Fridays and Saturdays, 

November 25-26, December 2-3 

Nights Before Christmas 

Candelight Tour of Homes 

An enchanting walking tour through 

private and public sites 

Madison, IN 

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 

70 housetrends.com

ASK THE EXPERT 

rea estate 

HOUSE-WARMING 101: 

The Best Home Projects to Prepare for Colder Weather 

1. Clean your gutters - Poor water flow through 

gutters and downspouts can lead to water 

damage, roof damage, and ice dams. Gutters can 

also collapse from too much weight. Once most of 

the leaves have fallen is the perfect time to have 

all debris removed from your gutters. Even gutter 

guards require some maintenance. Don’t neglect 

cleaning out your window wells too! 

2. Service your HVAC system - The best time 

to have a winter service completed on your HVAC 

system is before extreme weather hits. Regularly 

changing air filters is also recommended for 

optimal furnace efficiency and indoor air quality. 

3. Inspect your roof - Your roof is your best 

defense against winter weather. Using a reputable 

roofing company to inspect your roof annually is 

also a best practice. Missing shingles, nail pops, 

and aged plumbing boots can all be repaired 

rather easily and will extend the life of a costly 

roof. Neglecting these items can lead to potential 

roof leaks and interior property damage. 

4. Clean your fireplace/chimney - Woodburning 

fireplaces need to be kept clean to safely 

burn a fire in the winter. Hire a professional to 

inspect your fireplace and chimney to be sure your 

firebox and chimney can safely provide winter 

warmth to your family in the colder months. 

5. Winterize sprinklers and hoses - Shut 

down and drain your irrigation system to prevent 

freeze damage to the pipes. All garden hoses 

should be disconnected from water spigots and 

drained for winter storage. 

6. Prepare your lawn - Fall is the ideal time 

to prep your lawn for the spring. Remove fallen 

leaves to prevent lawn damage over the winter. 

Aeration and fertilization are two of the best 

practices to ensure you enter the spring with a 

healthy lawn. 

7. Seal and caulk around windows and doors - 

Colder weather can strain your heating system. Most 

homeowners do not regularly caulk their windows, yet 

doing so frequently can help prevent more heating loss. 

8. Clean/replace outdoor lighting/bulbs - 

Consider cleaning outdoor fixtures to maximize 

exterior lighting during the darker winter months. 

Upgrading to LED bulbs and fixtures will help to 

lower your energy costs. 

9. Test carbon monoxide detectors - Batteries 

in carbon monoxide detectors should be 

changed yearly. Carbon monoxide alarms are 

recommended on every level and outside of 

sleeping areas. Consider upgrading your alarms 

if it has been more than 6 years since you last 

replaced them. 

10. Winterize your lawn mower/equipment - 

Either drain the gas from your equipment or use 

fuel stabilizer to protect the internal parts from 

any damage. Stabilizer will keep the gas in good 

condition over the winter. Run your mower for at 

least five minutes after adding stabilizer to allow it 

to reach the carburetor. 

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 5 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. 

HTCI0922.020

ADVERTISER INDEX 

A&S Lighting Center & Electric Supply, Inc.................67 

altafiber.....................................................................59 

Basco Shower Enclosures..........................................17 

let ’s eat 

This dish, a popular pick from The Silver 

Palate Cookbook, is a favorite meal for the 

homeowners featured on page 61. 

Best Furniture Gallery..................................................4 

Bova Contemporary Furniture...................................13 

Carpetland................................................................73 

Cincinnati Stoneworks...............................................60 

Closets by Design......................................................37 

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

Franklin Art Glass Studios, Inc....................................58 

Hanson Audio and Video...........................................43 

Hoffman & Albers Interiors........................................15 

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

Move2Team.com......................................................71 

Neal’s Design Remodel.............................................40 

One Highland-Griewe Development...........................5 

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

Perfect Paver Co.......................................................54 

R.L. Bull Cabinets & Construction, LLC.......................9 

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

Signature Hardware...................................................53 

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

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

The Spicy Olive.........................................................58 

Union Village Development Co.................................16 

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

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

THE SILVER PALATE’S 

Chicken Marbella 

INGREDIENTS 

1/2 cup olive oil 

1/2 cup red wine vinegar 

1 cup pitted prunes 

1/2 cup pitted Spanish green olives 

1/2 cup capers with a bit of juice 

6 bay leaves 

1 head of garlic, peeled and finely pureed 

1/4 cup dried oregano 

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, 

to taste 

4 chickens (2 1/2 pounds each), quartered 

1 cup brown sugar 

1 cup dry white wine 

1/4 cup fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley or fresh 

cilantro, finely chopped 

For directions: go to housetrends.com 

and search: Chicken Marbella 

72 housetrends.com

CARPET • LUXURY VINYL • HARDWOOD • LAMINATE • TILE 

There is no place like home. 

Custom Site Finished 

Hardwood & Refinishing 

CarpetlandCarpetOne.com 

ERLANGER (859) 202-3900 

3130 Dixie Highway, Erlanger, KY 41018 

MILFORD (513) 212-6414 

920 Lila Ave, Milford, OH 45150 

HTCI0922.018

Visit ZickaHomes.com 

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. 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. 

HTCI0922.010

Where we build. 

ANDERSON 

Parkside Estates 

Riverview Estates at 

Coldstream Country Club 

The Villas at 

Coldstream Country Club 

Nagle Village 

Embrace luxurious living with the 

elegance of a custom Zicka home. 

LOVELAND 

Miami Trails 

Willows Bend 

MADEIRA 

Carriage Court 

LOTS 

Build on your lot or choose 

from one of ours. We are 

currently building on lots 

in Indian Hill, Montgomery 

& Madeira. 

HTCI0922.010

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 

PRSRT STD 

U.S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

Buzz Publications, 

LLC 

TRANSITIONAL SHADES 

SLATS 

Blind & Shutter Experts 

See why Cincinnati’s finest homeowners choose 

The Story – Local Owners Working Together Since 1994 

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! 

Have A Great Season! 

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

HTCI0922.004

Cincinnati October 2022

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