Cincinnati February/March 2024

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 

GREATER CINCINNATI 

CONTENTS 

FEATURES 

KITCHEN 

TIME TO SHINE 

Dated kitchen gets a welcome refresh 

18 

LANDSCAPE 

WOODED WONDERLAND 

Couple celebrates milestone with a 

gift that keeps on growing 

28 

RENOVATION 

KEEPING IN CHARACTER 

Extensive remodel stays true to 

home’s heritage 

42 

28 

42 

18 

FURNISHINGS 

LOOKING INTO WINDOWS 

Making sense of all the frame, glass, 

style and color choices 

52 

ON THE COVER 

This West Chester kitchen, reworked 

for a more functional floor plan, 

includes navy and white cabinetry 

along with bold wallpaper in the dining 

area—which makes the whole 

space pop. See more on page 18. 

Photo by Ross Van Pelt 

8 housetrends.com

HTCI0224.004



CONTENTS 

DEPARTMENTS 

INSPIRED 

IDEAS 

Benjamin Moore’s Color for 

2024: Blue Nova 

14 

AD INDEX 

Local home and garden pros 

64 

ONLINE 

For this delicious recipe, 

visit housetrends.com and search: 

Cinnamon Chocolate Chip 

Banana Bread 

10 housetrends.com

Great Design. Quality. Value. 

Serving the greater Cincinnati area for over 38 years. 

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HOURS: 

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WELCOME 



Karen Bradner 

EDITOR 

I just finished reading West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. One of 

the colorful characters in this wonderful book was “Red,” a 21-year-old 

woman whose dream is to be a Life magazine photographer. The story 

takes place in 1938. At that time in history, actually from 1936 to 

1972, Life regularly reached one-quarter of the U.S. population and was 

known for its striking photography. 

Throughout the book, Red often puts herself in precarious positions 

to get captivating shots capturing the giraffes and their handlers on 

their journey west. Even though the story is mostly fiction (based on a 

true event), I found myself wanting to see Red’s photos and flip through 

the pages of that magazine “seeing” the story of that cross-country trip. 

While I am a writer, not a photographer, I know the power of photography. 

My thousand words often have a hard time competing with the 

worth of that one great picture. Take the article “Wooded Wonderland,” 

for example. While I am plenty happy with the way I told Lorie and 

Jeremy’s story, it’s hard to compete with the captivating photos taken 

by Greg Grupenhof. The aerial photo (shown above) especially captures 

the essence of this landscaping feat. See the rest of Greg’s photos beginning 

on page 28. 

We value Greg’s ability to capture these images—we know how 

important they are to our story. And with the absence of magazines 

like Life on our newstands and in our mailboxes, it’s important to note 

how much we value our readers and advertisers and their support of us 

and each other. 

Thank you for reading and supporting our work. 

Publishers 

Linda Bacher and Florence Murphy 

Marketing Specialist Evelyn Yaus 

Editor Karen Bradner 

Creative Director Gina Miller 

Quality Control Specialist 

Heather Fox 

Contributing Writer 

Lee Rhodes 

Contributing Photographers 

Daniel Feldkamp, Greg Grupenhof 

New Horizon, Ross Van Pelt 

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. 

© 2024 Buzz Publications, LLC. Housetrends 

and Home & Leisure magazines are 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. 

Buzz Publications, LLC 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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14 housetrends.com

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Photos courtesy of Auer Kitchens 

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By removing a short wall by the peninsula and the oven wall on the dining room side, the kitchen added much needed space. 

18 housetrends.com 

18 housetrends.com

TIME TO shine 

Dated kitchen gets a welcome refresh 

BY LEE RHODES | PHOTOS BY ROSS VAN PELT 

BEFORE 

The 1980s brought us some beloved styles, in both fashion 

and home décor—from leg warmers and shoulder 

pads to vertical blinds and floral drapes. 

But though we might feel a pang of nostalgia for parachute 

pants, we’re not going to start wearing them again, 

just as we’re not going to bring back bulky microwaves 

with spinning dials. No, we’re going to get with the times, 

which is just what Nick and Kim Hawes did with their 

West Chester kitchen. 

Kim’s aunt and uncle, who previously owned the home, 

were looking to downsize, while she and Nick were looking 

to upsize. When the couple bought the home, they 

liked that it was a bit of a fixer-upper but recognized that 

the kitchen, with its preponderance of dark wood and 

1980s vibes, would need a facelift. ➻ 

housetrends magazine 2024 19

The cooking wall features an induction cooktop range and a custom hood. 

Crowded arrangement 

“The space was narrow and tight, and didn’t function well for what our needs 

were,” explains Kim. “And the corner cabinet held a lazy Susan that ate everything 

that went inside of it.” 

There was a peninsula that housed a cooktop, and a cramped pantry situated 

in the pathway to the dining room. The counter area provided space to doodle 

notes while on a landline phone, but as far as a place to prepare meals? Not so 

much. 

Enter Jodi Smith from Neal’s Design Remodel, who recognized immediately 

the need to remove a wall but spare the peninsula. “Their kids are part of their 

everyday kitchen experience—they need a place to sit and do homework, or to 

decorate cookies or whatever,” she says. “So we extended the peninsula and left 

it as a gathering space.” 

There’s a picturesque window above one end of the peninsula, as well as a 

window seat to store dog food. Jodi was able to make use of every inch of space, 

and with the wall removal, the traffic flow in the space is much improved. 

20 housetrends.com

Eye for design 

Jodi’s vision aligned with the Hawes’ 

vision from the get-go, and as a 

graphic designer herself, Kim had 

a good eye for everything from finishes 

and furnishings to wallpaper 

and décor, according to Jodi. 

But one doesn’t have to be a 

designer to have an eye for color, and 

the Hawes embraced lots of it. “We 

like color and vibrancy,” explains Kim. 

“We both have backgrounds in the art 

field, so we have a joy for visual arts.” 

That joy translates to a living room in 

Tiffany teal, a hallway in blush pink, 

and a bright navy in the dining room 

that carries over to the kitchen. 

The kitchen’s navy nicely offsets 

the brass accents, and the combination 

of upper and lower cabinets 

in contrasting white and blue keeps 

the navy from being overbearing and 

lends more personality to the space. 

Additional personality comes from 

the maximalist wallpaper serving as 

an accent feature along one wall. The 

bold pattern of a navy background 

with gold metallic ink pulls in the 

metallic accents of the room’s hardware. 

The canned and under-cabinet 

lighting, along with the distinctive 

lighting fixtures, illuminate the entire 

space and are an improvement from 

the pre-renovation plug-in lighting 

options. ➻ 

A beverage fridge keeps cold drinks 

handy near the dining area. 


High tech touches 

The sleek bucket sink is also an improvement from 

the previous cast-iron enamel sink, and the new 

Moen Nio faucet is non-touch and can be controlled 

by Alexa. “I thought it would be over-the-top extra 

but it really comes in handy,” says Nick. 

The large induction range is another item the 

couple appreciates, partly due to the ease with which 

it can be cleaned but especially because it’s safe for a 

family with young children running around. “You can 

put your hand right on the burner at any temperature,” 

explains Nick. “The only thing that gets hot is 

the pot or pan.” 

On trend, but timeless 

Overall, all of the kitchen features are classic, especially 

the custom cabinetry. The subdued design 

balances with the wallpaper to make that area a piece 

of art. “This approach also means your kitchen stays 

more timeless and gives you the opportunity to 

update your statement piece, such as the wallpaper, 

as the years pass and as trends change,” says Nick. 

“I have always liked the Shaker style cabinets 

because they’re clean and simple and give your eye 

a quiet place to rest. We have a runner with birds 

and chairs with a snake print so the simple cabinetry 

1 

helps,” adds Kim. 

2 

The kitchen’s subway tile backsplash is also subdued 

and intentionally has imperfections to it. The 

Calacatta countertops contain delicate bule veining 

that dovetails nicely with the other navy elements in 

the space. “As someone who works in patterns, I’m 

really aware of them,” says Kim. “I wanted everything 

to work as a cohesive collection versus everything 

competing to get your attention.” 

In terms of trends, the Hawes’ kitchen is on point. 

“Today we’re seeing clean, crisp lines,” Jodi continues, 

“as well as lots of bright, fun colors. And people 

are getting more adventurous with cabinetry and 

countertops.” 

Jodi considers this one of her favorite projects, 

and the Hawes are, of course, beyond pleased with 

the end result. Kim loves how the space functions 

so well for her family and the way Jodi helped them 

maximize every inch of the space. “My favorite thing 

we got rid of is the corner cabinet with the lazy 

Susan thing,” she says with a laugh. That and all the 

other 1980s elements are a thing of the past, as they 

should be. ➻ 

22 housetrends.com

3 

4 

1 The sink and window stayed in the same 

location. 2 Brass hardware adds a bit of 

timeless bling. 3 Veining in the quartz 

countertops has a blue/gray tinge that 

works well with the room’s color scheme. 

4 Custom cabinetry makes storage and 

organization easier. 


An alcove with floating shelves pops, thanks 

to an eye-catching wallpaper pattern. 

RESOURCES 

Contractor Neal’s Design Remodel Designer Jodi Smith, ASID, Neal’s Design Remodel Cabinetry Neal’s Custom, 

Green City Cabinets Countertops Calacatta Marina, KBR Backsplash Soho Studios Boston Arctic, Florida Tile Sink Elkay 

with Moen Nio faucet, Ferguson Cooktop, refrigerator, oven Electrolux Bar fridge Zephyr 

24 housetrends.com

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WOODED 

wonderland 

Couple celebrates milestone with a gift that keeps on growing 

BY KAREN BRADNER | PHOTOS BY GREG GRUPENHOF 

In the center of the photo, a live edge slab 

serves as a bridge crossing the stream. 

28 housetrends.com


It sets the bar for anniversary gifts. As Lorie and Jeremy approached their 25th wedding 

anniversary, they decided to take a giant leap and build a new home to commemorate 

the occasion. 

At the time, they lived in Kettering, but wanted a bit more space for working from 

home and they liked the idea of being closer to friends who live in Cincinnati. So, 

deciding to build, they selected a heavily wooded ten-acre lot in Morrow, which met 

their work and social lives in the middle. 

Their “gift” was three years in the making, but immediately upon driving up to their 

Napa Modern Farmhouse style home, you know the result was worth the wait. 

The deep brown sided 6,400-square-foot compound includes the main house, a 

three-car garage and an artist’s studio, and has an organic feel that makes it cohesive 

with its surroundings. ➻ 

The exposed aggregate drive and front walkway were in place before Goodin and his team came on board. 

30 housetrends.com

Step back 

Then take a step around the back of the 

home, and it’s hard to imagine, as you take 

in the lush opulence of their back yard, that 

this is Lorie and Jeremy’s first summer 

here. 

“This was all just dirt when we moved 

in,” Lorie says as she scans the 40-foot-wide 

by 140-foot-long section of land between 

their home and the thick expanse of woods 

beyond their back yard. 

That statement is mind blowing considering 

the vibrant scene that you are taking 

in only had one growing season. Plus, 

according to Lorie, the original plantings 

were not especially large. 

“Lorie has done an amazing job with 

these plants,” says Dwight Goodin, landscape 

designer with Siebenthaler’s. 

A shaky start 

Seeing the stunning results, it’s hard to 

believe that Goodin passed on the project 

twice before finally agreeing to take a look. 

“This project came across my desk three 

times,” he says. “The builder contacted me 

first, then the man who was grading the 

property was next.” 

There were a few challenges that set off 

alarm bells in the designer’s head. First, the 

distance was an issue. This location was out 

of Siebenthaler’s traditional work radius 

and would add time and expense to the 

job. Second, it was an ambitious undertaking. 

Did the company have the staffing and 

resources to commit to this project? And 

finally, Goodin wasn’t a fan of the existing 

landscape design, which had been created 

before he came on board. 

But the pressure persisted. The grader 

contacted him again and begged him to take 

a look. “He dragged me here kicking and 

screaming,” Goodin says. 

When he finally was coerced into travelling 

south for a visit, Goodin took one look 

at the site and immediately saw its potential, 

and knew despite his earlier misgivings, 

he had to accept the challenge. ➻ 

Before 

Before The land’s existing slope was reworked to allow 

for the flow of water. 

After The third of three spillways, just outside the 

couple’s bedroom, provides a soothing soundtrack for 

sleep. 


IT WAS LIKE FILLING A PUNCH BOWL WITH A TEASPOON 

-Dwight Goodin 

1 

On the same path 

When Jeremy and Lorie shared their vision with Goodin, Lorie says, “We 

hit it off really well.” Lorie had collected photos illustrating the feel she was 

going for and shared them with Dwight. “It was clear she wanted a showstopper 

of a back yard” he says. 

Goodin came up with the new master plan which included a pond with 

spillways as the centerpiece. One hundred and eighty yards of Siebenthaler’s 

rich, custom-made plant mix were added to the area to create mounded 

areas of interest and provide a fertile home for happy plants. Due to restricted 

access to the back yard, the soil was brought in one wheelbarrow full at a 

time to create the mounding. 

“It was like filling a punch bowl with a teaspoon,” Goodin adds. 

1 This aerial view shows the intricacy 

of the landscape plan. 2 Jeremy had 

the studio designed so that the rear 

wall of windows faced a prized sycamore 

tree. 3 The art studio houses 

a mix of the family’s work along with 

Lorie’s dad’s photography. 

32 housetrends.com

2 

3 

Water meets art 

To create the water feature, Lorie reached 

out to Tony Niekamp owner of H2O Art 

and Stone. “I wanted it to look natural and 

knew Tony was who I needed to work with,” 

Lorie says. “He and his team just did a phenomenal 

job.” 

Goodin agrees that Niekamp was the perfect 

person for the job and says when it came 

to design details for the pond, he needed 

to let Niekamp “do what he does best.” He 

adds, “You don’t tell an artist what to paint.” 

Niekamp started working a week after 

Thanksgiving 2021 and finished the week 

of Christmas. “It was insane how fast Tony 

worked,” Goodin says. 

Then in January, the Siebenthaler’s team 

was planting beds at the front of the home. 

With Lorie’s encouragement, spotted yellow 

and green Aucuba plants were included. 

The selection was a gamble, since these are 

marginally hardy plants, but the plants were 

backed with a warranty, so it seemed worth 

taking a chance. The plant became a favorite 

immediately and got scattered throughout 

the project. It not only survived the Ohio 

winter, it thrived. All of the plants are 

healthy and have seen tremendous growth. 

Next the team turned their attention to 

planting the back yard in March. The area is 

mostly shady, so plant selection had to factor 

that in. There is no traditional grass anywhere 

on the property. Lorie has a penchant 

for perennials and wanted their grounds to 

be low maintenance. Goodin agreed and 

placed shrubs and plants so they would grow 

together and require little mulching. 

When it came to specific plant selection 

Lorie and Goodin walked through the greenhouses 

together. “That was a blast,” she says. 

Lorie happens to know a lot about plants. 

“My grandparents were farmers. My dad 

loved plants and grew rhododendrons when 

he lived in Seattle, orchids when he lived in 

the San Francisco Bay area, and he had 150 

rose bushes in Phoenix.” ➻ 


The kosher kitchen includes two refrigerators, two dishwashers and two sinks. 

Tall ceilings in the great room allow the family to take advantage of the view. 

Shared success 

“The project got more exciting as we 

got further into it,” Goodin says. “In the 

beginning, Lorie had a vision and I had 

a vision. About two-thirds of the way 

through the project they were coming 

together.” 

A primary goal was to create a space 

that offered year-round color. The heavily 

wooded lot posed both a challenge 

and an advantage. “Trying to get bold 

foliage in a shady setting is challenging,” 

Goodin says. Yet the trees themselves 

are a perfect backdrop. Jeremy 

and the youngest of the couple’s three 

children, their daughter Lainey, list 

some of the species seen out the studio’s 

windows—Sycamore, Sassafrass, 

Shag Bark Hickory, Sherry, Maple, Paw 

Paw, Buckeye, and Black Walnut. 

There does happen to be one area 

on the property that gets a decent 

amount of sunshine. On the border 

of the stamped concrete patio, Lorie 

designed three large custom planters 

which Goodin says, “exceeded all expectations. 

What Lorie did with these is 

amazing.” 

Inside looking out 

The interior spaces in the home take 

full advantage of the backyard view 

with walls of windows in the kitchen, 

great room and primary bedroom suite. 

Lorie’s artistic touch is seen once again 

in the countertop-to-ceiling Rookwood 

Pottery backsplash. She worked with 

the artisans there to create the striking 

piece of art that Jeremy says, “manages 

to complement all four seasons as it 

draws the eye to the outdoors.” 

Interior beams, built by Kessler, 

were made from hickory trees that 

were taken down on the property. The 

couple had them milled, planked, kiln 

dried and cut. Exterior soffits are constructed 

from this hickory as well. ➻ 

34 housetrends.com

The architect suggested a Rookwood 

backsplash in the kitchen. When Lorie 

met with Rookwood designers, she told 

them she wanted “zing.” 


The bedroom wing (to the left) and the kitchen wing (to the right) are joined by a central great room. 

Four season splendor 

The family moved in during December of 2022. 

Lorie says even in the winter, the view is special. 

“Our property backs up to a quarry, so 

when we lose the leaves, it looks like there is a 

pond back there.” 

No matter the season, the acres of trees, the 

wide variety of visiting birds, Japanese maples, 

dogwoods, rhododendrons, butterfly weed, and 

a babbling brook, will all work together yearround 

and throughout the years to serve as the 

ultimate anniversary keepsake. 

RESOURCES 

Landscape design Dwight Goodin, Siebenthaler’s Water 

features Tony Niekamp, H2O Art and Stone Interior design 

Cathy Arnold, Red Bird Interiors Cabinetry Doug Wampler, 

R.E. Wampler & Son Custom Cabinetry & Furniture Stairs 

and railings Kessler Fireplace Dayton Fireplace Blinds 

Aerolux Countertops Cambria Bentley, from Midwest 

Quartz and Stone Lighting Premiere Lighting Windows Sun 

Windows, 84 Lumber Appliances Thermador, from Appliance 

Gallery Floors Texas White Ash luxury vinyl tile, ProSource 

Backsplash Rookwood, installed by Allstyles Building and 

Renovation Architect Kevin Bensman, Springhouse Architects 

36 housetrends.com

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KEEPING IN 

character 

Extensive remodel stays true to home’s heritage 

BY KAREN BRADNER | PHOTOS BY NEW HORIZON 

It’s understandable why anyone considering a major home 

renovation would take a step back before making the commitment 

to ask themselves if this is the right decision for their 

needs. 

“That was the big debate—stay or move,” says Brian O’Mara 

who lives with his wife Carrie in a 120-year-old home in the 

Columbus neighborhood of Marble Cliff. 

The couple questioned whether they wanted to “deal with 

all the time and destruction while being displaced,” he says. 

“We could make a clean break and move to something newer 

that didn’t need as much work.” 

In the end, as with most decisions of this type, it came down 

to location. “We like our community, neighbors, sidewalks, 

streetlights and golf carts,” Brian says. Plus, he’s a fan of the 

area’s pace: “No speed limit is higher than 25 mph.” ➻ 

42 housetrends.com

A new, welcoming front door is flanked by gas lantern sconces. 


Older and wiser 

The couple moved into this home in 2003 with two young children. Like 

many older homes, Brian says, the layout was choppy and there were a lot of 

load-carrying beams. The goal for the renovation was to respect the heritage 

of the home while updating and modernizing some of its features and functions. 

The original home was designed by architect Frank Packard, whose work is 

well known in the Marble Cliff and Greater Columbus area and documented 

by the area’s historical society. When choosing the team who would handle 

the extensive makeover, the couple went with J.S. Brown & Co. for a good 

reason. 

“I’d seen their name a lot in the yards of older homes in Upper Arlington,” 

Brian says. “Since our house was built in 1903, we wanted a company with 

extensive expertise dealing with older architecture. We wanted solid experience 

uncovering all the things I expected to uncover.” 

“We have a very deep level of experience dealing with older homes,” says 

Paul Martin, production manager with J.S. Brown. “As remodelers, we know 

we are going to find issues that need to be fixed. We have what we think the 

plan is, and then open up the house and say, ‘oh boy.’” 

As Brian expected, there were many things done by various contractors, 

prior to his family living here, that Martin says shouldn’t have been allowed. 

But the J.S. Brown crew had the knowledge and experience to deal with the 

detours. 

Man with a plan 

“I had a vision for what I wanted the house to be—the design, the concept 

and the built ins,” Brian says. “They took my vision and brought it to life.” 

Brian is especially complimentary of the craftspeople who worked on his 

home. “It was like watching an artist starting with a blank canvas,” he says. 

“It went from nothing to artwork. Their eye for detail was fascinating to 

watch.” 

“I enjoyed working with Don, Tom and Mike—the whole team,” he says. 

“They were respectful and educational. Don, the lead carpenter, and I would 

banter around ideas, and sometimes he would say ‘Brian, you’re crazy!’ I was 

okay with that. I wanted them to let me know when my ideas wouldn’t work.” 

1 

2 

1 The uneven ceilings in the adjoining bar and 

dining areas needed to be leveled and replaced 

before the crew constructed the much-improved 

coffered ceiling. 2 The stone fireplace’s mantel 

was updated with a reclaimed barn timber. 

44 housetrends.com

Starting from scratch 

The construction crew replaced every bit 

of drywall, woodwork, trim, and flooring. 

Everything you see in the entry, living 

rooms, bedroom and primary bathroom 

is new. Electrical, plumbing and HVAC 

systems were upgraded. Steel beams were 

installed which allowed them to eliminate 

walls and open up the floor plan. 

It was important to Brian that the new 

floors were “absolutely level.” So, the old 

floors were ripped up. During construction, 

he says, you could walk in the front 

door and see through to the basement 

floor. 

But, before you go inside, one of the 

first changes you see when approaching 

the home is the newly covered front porch. 

“My wife loves sitting out on our porch, but 

it faces west. In August it became unbearable,” 

Brian says. “We wanted to cover 

the porch while maintaining the existing 

stonework and yet almost create an additional 

living space.” 

Now, with the help of ceiling fans and 

comfy furniture, the shaded area is a freshair 

favorite. “Carrie and our English bulldog 

Rudy got their money’s worth out of that 

front porch in the first year,” Brian says. 

Inside the home, when it comes to 

watching TV, Brian says, he and Carrie have 

very different tastes. So, each has their own 

living area on opposite ends of the home, 

separated by the kitchen. Carrie’s is in the 

original part of the home and features 

comfy blue chairs and an original stone 

fireplace; Brian’s is in the new addition and 

includes a well-stocked bar and dining area. 

Brittany Miller, interior designer with 

J.S. Brown, worked with Brian on several of 

the selections for his space. “Brian is very 

decisive,” she says. The designer would 

show him samples for finishes, cabinets, 

hardware, and provide resources, for example 

for the bar’s concrete countertop, to, as 

she says, “help the bar come to life.” ➻ 


The original bar area brightened up considerably thanks to the removal of a 

wall and the new addition with its double French doors. 

46 housetrends.com

Room to roam 

During the occasional evening of 

entertaining, the couple likes how the 

new layout flows. Guests can roam 

from the bar area through the kitchen 

and on to Carrie’s room. “People can 

spread out and not be on top of one 

another,” Brian says. 

However, when the need arises, 

let’s say the dog needs to be contained, 

pocket doors are in place in 

each of the rooms, to close the area 

off and as Brian says, make the house 

“smaller.” 

The couple access their primary 

suite either through double doors 

off that gym or via a back hallway. 

Updates in this space included a 

wood-like tile, floor-to ceiling fireplace 

surround. A television is embedded 

flush with the tile. The shower 

area features full-height sheets of 

Cambria quartz, a suggestion from 

Miller which eliminates grout lines 

for a sleek, low-maintenance result. 

Three bedrooms are located on the 

second floor, and there’s a basement 

which Brian describes as “old dungeon.” 

Neither of these floors were 

revamped. ➻ 

Existing cabinets in the kitchen were 

updated with granite countertops and 

a new backsplash. The opening to the 

right leads to the bar area. 


Sopping setback 

However, the second floor did come in to 

play in an unfortunate series of events. 

On December 23, 2022, just hours after 

Brian wished the crew happy holidays 

and went home to the couple’s temporary 

apartment, temperatures fell below zero. 

That night, the power went out in Marble 

Cliff. A pipe on an exterior wall burst in 

an upstairs bathroom that wasn’t being 

renovated. Returning to the home the 

morning of the 26th, Brian discovered 

water “pouring down like you wouldn’t 

believe.” 

After the call from Brian, Martin 

rushed to the site. Brian had turned off 

the water, but it was still pouring down 

through the ceilings into the front living 

room and the workout room and soaking 

the crew’s tools and materials. Martin 

contacted project manager, Matt Casto 

and lead carpenter, Don Gaulin, who 

both arrived within the hour. The men 

worked to limit the damage as much as 

possible and begin the drying out process. 

“Those rooms were destroyed,” Martin 

says, “We had to take them back down to 

bare studs.” 

While that delayed work for a bit in 

those spaces, the crew shifted focus for 

a few weeks and accelerated efforts in 

other areas of the home that were undergoing 

renovation. 

The overall result is precisely what 

Brian had in mind. Now, he says, there 

is no reason to leave. He and Carrie look 

forward to visits with any grandchildren 

that may be in their future. “It will be a 

great house for them,” says Brian. “With 

the pool, the fenced-in back yard and 

all the great benefits of living in Marble 

Cliff. 

Editor’s Note: This project won the 

Contractor of the Year (CotyY) award from 

the National Association of the Remodeling 

Industry (NARI) of Central Ohio in the 

Entire House category. 

1 

2 

3 

1 There originally was a post from the stairway to the ceiling. Major 

framing in the ceiling above allowed it to be removed. 2 The fireplace 

surround tile is also used as an accent wall in the adjoining bath. The 

fireplace functions but is not used by the couple. 3 A sleek soaking tub, a 

large quartz-walled shower and heated floors make the primary bathroom 

especially inviting. 

48 housetrends.com

Six layers of old roofing materials were removed, and the new roof 

now extends over the front porch to provide for much-needed shading. 

RESOURCES 

Builder J.S Brown & Company, Tony Hudson, architect; Brittany Miller, interior designer EXTERIOR Front door 

Aurora fiberglass, Northern Window & Door Roofing Everlasting Roofing Windows Pella Gas Lanterns French 

Market Georgetown Cultured stone White Gold Orchard Limestone, Hamilton Parker, installed by Collier Enterprises 

INTERIOR Flooring Sheoga Vintage Charm Hickory, Panel Town Doors Sommers Wood-N-Door Gym flooring 

Pavigym Ceiling fans Big Ass Fans KITCHEN Backsplash Adex Translucent Glaze Silver Sands, Hamilton Parker Sink 

and faucet Kohler, Bath Works Countertops Temptation Leathered from Mont Granite, fabricated by Konkus Marble 

& Granite BAR AREA Cabinets Mullet Cabinet Countertops and sink Complete Restoration Services Appliances 

Scotsman icemaker, Monogram beverage fridge, Custom Distributors Fireplace, column, bar stone Virginia Ledgestone, 

Hamilton Parker Hearth Indiana Limestone, Lang Stone PRIMARY BATH Shower and wall tile La Marca Carrara, 

Hamilton Parker Vanity James Martin Vanity Vanity top and show panels Cambria, Midwest Quartz Heated flooring 

Watts, Hamilton Parker Sink, tub, plumbing Bath Works Tile Kuni Dark Brown, Hamilton Parker 


SCAN THE QR CODE 

to see more before 

and after photos 

WE MAKE 

PAVERS AND 

NATURAL STONE 

look beautiful again 

OUR SERVICES: 

Paver Repair 

Cleaning 

and Sealing 

AFTER 

Restoration 

Services 

BEFORE 

Tinting 

Call today to get a free estimate 

Columbus: 614-482-1919 

Cincinnati: 513-540-0970 

Dayton: 937-900-0872 

VISIT OUR WEBSITE 

www.perfectpaverco.com 

HTRG0224.003

Winter is one of the best seasons for patio repairs 

off-season, the winter is an excellent time to make renovations and additions to your 

your patio vs. the spring/summer. 

The patio won’t be usable during repairs. 

This will inconvenience you less during 

the winter months. 

Columbus: 614-482-1919 

Cincinnati: 513-540-0970 

Dayton: 937-900-0872 

HTRG0224.003

LOOKING 

into windows 

Making sense of all the frame, 

glass, style and color choices 

BY KAREN BRADNER 

If it’s time to buy windows—whether you’re building new or replacing 

drafty and outdated ones—it might be hard to know where to 

begin. There are more choices than ever when it comes to appearance 

and energy-efficiency. Here is a primer of sorts to get the 

decision-making process underway. ➻ 

52 housetrends.com

Polygon direct glaze window: Courtesy of Marvin 


TYPES OF SASHES 

DOUBLE-HUNG 

This is the most widely used window and features two 

panels that slide up and down within vertical tracks. 

In older homes, the sashes were counterbalanced by 

weights hidden in wall pockets. Today, sashes are counterbalanced 

by springs hidden in side tracks. 

Pros 

• Well-suited for homes with classic traditional styling 

• Lower panel can be locked to keep kids or pets safe 

while allowing air in through the top panel 

• Easy to open and close 

• Reasonably priced due to wide availability 

• Tracks are vertical, and generally don’t fill with dirt 

Cons 

• Over time, counterbalance may require occasional 

maintenance as springs may wear out 

• On upper floors, these can be a safety hazard for children 

if mounted low in a wall. 

Pella Impervia 

4 

SINGLE-HUNG 

These look like double-hungs but the upper sash is 

stationary, allowing only the lower sash to open. They 

have the same pros and cons as double-hung but can 

be slightly more energy-efficient and a lower-cost 

alternative. 

DOUBLE-HUNG WITH MUNTINS 

A grid of muntins create the effect of individual 

glass panels. It gives a more classic look for colonial, 

Victorian, or other traditional styles. 

Fixed/picture - Kolbe 

1 

2 

5 

Casement - Marvin 

CASEMENT 

These crank open on hinges, pivoting out like a door. 

They are second only to double-hung windows in popularity 

with a slightly more modern style. When properly 

positioned, they catch and direct air into the home. 

Pros 

• Energy-efficient—tight window seal keeps out drafts 

better than double-hung 

• Great for hard-to-reach locations as crank is easy to 

operate with one hand—extended if necessary 

• No mid-window horizontal framing to obstruct view 

Cons 

• Wind and rain can damage these when extended 

• Cranking mechanisms are subject to wear 

Sliding - Pella 

3 

Awning - Marvin 

54 housetrends.com

1 VistaLuxe WD LINE awnings and 

geometric direct sets and Heritage Series 

Old World Classic double hungs: Courtesy 

of Kolbe Windows & Doors 2 White vinyl 

sliders with grills between glass: Courtesy of 

Pella Windows and Doors 3 Direct glaze and 

awning windows: Courtesy of Marvin 

4 Impervia casement and awnings: Courtesy 

of Pella Windows and Doors 5 Black casement 

windows: Courtesy of Marvin 6 Bay fiberglass 

window: Courtesy of Pella Windows and Doors 

7 Double hung window: Courtesy Gilkey 

Window Company 

Bay - Pella 

Double-hung - Pella 

6 

7 

AWNING 

This is a casement window with the hinge at the top 

so the window pushes out which is especially useful 

for allowing air to flow without letting in rain. Crank 

openers make these a sensible choice above doorways, 

in stairwells, or other hard to access areas. 

Pros 

• Can be left open during light rain since the awning 

prevents water from entering 

• Crank mechanism is easy to use, even when reaching 

above your head 

Cons 

• Doesn’t bring in outside air as effectively as pivoting 

casement windows 

• Mechanical cranks are subject to wear 

SLIDERS 

These side-by-side windows slide horizontally along 

upper and lower tracks. Either both windows slide or 

one is fixed while the other slides. Popular in midcentury 

modern home styles, these are a good choice 

for windows you need to frequently open and close. 

Pros 

• No cranks or mechanisms, so they are durable 

• Tend to be less expensive due to the simplicity of 

their design 

Cons 

• Tracks can fill with debris 

• Sizes and shapes are limited ➻ 


Impervia awning window: Courtesy of Pella Windows and Doors 

FIXED WINDOWS 

This style comes in all shapes and sizes but does not 

open. The fixed “picture “window offers an unobstructed 

view of the outdoors. These can also be placed in 

interior walls to admit more light into a room. 

Pros 

• Better energy savings since these are permanently 

sealed 

• Simple design lends itself to modern home styles 

• Tend to be less expensive than other window styles 

Cons 

• Can create too much energy gain in warm, sunny 

climates 

• Not functional for ventilation 

BAY OR BOW 

These windows extend outward from the surface of 

the house. A bay window is more angular with three 

openings—a picture window with two smaller windows 

on either side. A bow window usually is made with four 

or five openings to create a rounded appearance. 

Pros 

• Create a visual centerpiece for large spaces 

• Provide sweeping views of lawns and gardens 

• Allow additional sunlight inside the home 

Cons 

• Cost is considerably more expensive than other 

options 

• Requires considerable framing including headers and 

roofing 

56 housetrends.com

FRAME MATERIALS 

FIBERGLASS 

• Offers more variety in terms of window 

appearance 

• Frames tend to be slightly thinner than 

vinyl, leaving more glass exposed 

• Fiberglass is paintable and vinyl is not 

• Can be textured to look like real wood 

• Highly durable. Resists warping and 

cracking 

VINYL 

• Typically the least expensive material 

• Highly energy-efficient 

• Requires little maintenance 

• Standard exterior colors available 

• Interiors are typically white 

• Durable, cleanable and holds up well 

under cold and hot conditions 

• Unpainted vinyl is resistant to the 

effects of UV exposure 

ALUMINUM 

• Less energy-efficient than wood or vinyl 

• Stronger and more durable material 

than vinyl 

• Structurally allows for larger sheets of 

glass 

• Typically more expensive than vinyl, but 

less than wood 

• Standard exterior colors usually match 

interiors 

• Low maintenance. Holds up well under 

cold and hot conditions 

WOOD 

• Represent custom craftsmanship, superior 

quality 

• More expensive than vinyl or aluminum 

• Best for energy-efficiency and soundfiltering 

• Traditional details 

• Available in a variety of different woods. 

Can be painted or stained 

• Requires maintenance. Susceptible to 

rot, bug infestation, warping or cracking 

or due to weather ➻ 

Black double hung window: Courtesy of Marvin 

BLACK WINDOWS 

Although they have been around for centuries, black window 

frames have grown especially popular over the past 

few years. While often associated with a farmhouse or 

industrial look, this color can work with almost any style of 

architecture. The key is the contrast it creates against the 

exterior siding, brick, stone or stucco. A sharp contrast creates 

modern appeal. 

Typically, black will not be an upcharge from other finish 

colors—and it’s a standard option on some materials 

such as fiberglass. Clad, aluminum and fiberglass windows 

are coated to protect from fading. Interior colors are often 

black or white, but there are other options, depending on 

the frame material you select. 

If you are worried about black windows being trendy— 

don’t. While more homes are featuring them than ever, 

black windows are a classic, timeless choice. There are no 

signs they will be going out of style—it’s a look that will be 

going strong for years and years to come. 


VINYL-CLAD WOOD 

• Base of the window frame is wood with vinyl 

wrapped around the exterior 

• Wood is an excellent insulator 

• Durable, low-maintenance exterior 

• Less expensive than full wood or aluminum clad 

windows 

• Typically allow for painting or staining interiors 

ALUMINUM-CLAD WOOD 

OR ALUMINUM-CLAD VINYL 

• Often the most expensive material 

• Energy performance rivals solid wood or vinyl 

windows 

• Not as low profile as non-clad aluminum windows 

• Great in harsh environments 

• Not easily dented 

• Low maintenance. Paint is baked on to last longer 

VistaLuxe WD LINE awnings and geometric direct sets with 

pine interior: Courtesy of Kolbe Windows & Doors 

COMPOSITE 

• Made from a combination of materials, such as 

wood, metal, vinyl or plastic 

• Energy-efficiency depends on the materials it’s 

made of 

• New to the industry, expected to be long lasting 

• More expensive than vinyl, but less than wood or 

aluminum 

• Exteriors come in a variety of colors 

• Combines the strength of wood with the low maintenance 

of vinyl and aluminum 

NUMBERS TO KNOW 

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends you pay particular 

attention to two numbers when purchasing new windows. 

The U-Factor measures how well the window insulates. In general, 

for windows, it ranges from 0.20 to 1.20. The lower the U-Factor, 

the better the window insulates. In our section of the Midwest, the 

U-Value should be .32 or lower. 

The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how much of 

the sun’s heat passes through the window and ranges from 0 to 1. 

The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat the window lets in. In our 

section of the Midwest, the SHGC should be .40 or higher. 

For more information visit: 

www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/guide_to_energy_efficient_windows.pdf 

Anatomy of an Efficient Window 

58 housetrends.com

Windows by Franklin Art Glass: Photo by Daniel Feldkamp 

TYPES OF GLASS 

Window glass can be insulated, Low-E, glazed, laminated, 

or tempered. Each of these types of glass will perform differently 

and even look different. 

LOW-E 

The most popular type is Low-E (low emissivity) glass 

Sliding which - Pellablocks infrared and UV rays. This helps with energy-efficiency—keeping 

your home cooler—and protects 

furniture from fading. These windows are great on west 

and south-facing windows, which get a lot of direct sunlight. 

LAMINATED 

Two or more sheets of glass are bonded together with 

PVB (polyvinyl butyral) under high heat and pressure to 

create thick, strong laminated glass. This shatter-resistant 

glass is used in car windshields, so it’s a good fit where 

hail, high wind, or an overthrown baseball might be an 

issue. 

TEMPERED 

When tempered glass is struck or breaks, it shatters into 

many small, marble-sized pieces. This may be necessary if 

your windows are low, big or near a busy area. 

INSULATED 

Gaps between windows with at least two panes, can be 

filled with an invisible gas—usually krypton or argon— 

for insulation. More layers equals more insulation. 

Insulated glass has a guaranteed fill rate, which is a percentage 

of how filled the window is. The higher the guaranteed 

fill rate, the more insulating it is. While not dangerous, 

the gas between the panes will escape over time. 

TINTED 

Tinted glass has a coating that adds a layer of protection. 

This tint can be made in various colors, like green, yellow, 

blue, and grey. Tinted glass is used as a barrier to the 

sun’s heat and light. While Low-E glass only blocks the 

heat rays, tinted glass provides a shade to the window. 

DECORATIVE 

This glass can be made with a finish—sometimes ridged 

or textured—often for privacy purposes. Another type is 

made from pieces of glass cut to form a design. 

It’s important to note that before you purchase any type 

of window you fully understand the warranty behind the 

product. ➻ 

Aqualite, Frosted and Narrow Reed decorative finishes: Courtesy of Marvin 


RESOURCES 

Andersen Windows and Kolbe Windows 

available at Requarth Co. 

Gilkey Window Company 

Marvin Windows & Doors 

Pella Window & Door 

400 series casement and awning: 

Courtesy of Andersen Windows & Doors 

60 housetrends.com

ASK THE EXPERT 

rea estate 

The ABCs of Real Estate 

Whether you are a first-time home buyer or a third-time 

home seller, the real estate transaction can be confusing and 

stressful enough even without the many terms and acronyms 

used during the process! We’ve compiled a mini glossary 

of some terms you might hear if you’re buying or selling in 

today’s market. 

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 6 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) 697-SELL or email her 

at Ellie@Move2Team.com. 

A | Appraisal: A professional estimate of the value of the property by a certified 

appraiser based on comparable recent sales of nearby homes. 

B | Backup Offer: A pre-negotiated, secondary offer on a home that is under contract 

that automatically becomes the primary offer if the first contract falls through. 

C | Contingency: Anything that puts a condition on the buyer’s willingness to proceed 

with the purchase. Some of the most common contingencies include financing, 

inspection, or appraisal contingencies, but the purchase could also be contingent on the 

sale of the buyer’s current home. 

D | Down Payment: A percentage of the home’s purchase price (typically between 5% 

and 20%) paid at closing by the buyer. 

E | Earnest Money: Money a buyer pays as a “deposit” when a seller has accepted his/ 

her offer on a home that is credited to buyer funds due at closing. If the buyer backs 

out of the sale due to a failed contingency, contractually he/she can recover the earnest 

money in full. 

F | For-Sale-By-Owner: Used to describe a homeowner who is selling their property 

without the representation and expertise of a licensed real estate agent. 

G | Good Faith Estimate: A form used by lenders to give borrowers an estimate of fees 

due at closing. 

H | Homeowners Association (HOA): A management organization within a 

community, subdivision, or neighborhood that creates and enforces rules for properties 

within its jurisdiction. 

I | Inspection: A thorough examination of a property’s structure and its mechanical systems 

by a licensed professional during the “inspection period” while a home is under contract. 

J | Jumbo Mortgage: A mortgage that exceeds the standard conforming loan limits, 

commonly used for luxury home purchases. 

K | Key Rate: The specific interest rate that determines bank lending rates and the cost 

of credit for borrowers. 

L | Loan-to-Value (LTV): The risk assessment ratio used by lenders, equal to the 

mortgage amount divided by appraised value. 

M | Multiple Listing Service (MLS): A database for agents to list, market, and search 

for homes for sale. Only licensed real estate agents and brokers can list homes for sale 

on the MLS. 

N | Net Proceeds: The amount of money a seller takes away from selling a home, after 

deducting any broker commissions, closing costs, and transfer fees. 

O | Open House: A scheduled period of time where a listing agent makes a property 

available for potential buyers to view with or without the presence of a buyer’s agent. 

P | Pre-Approval: An evaluation of a potential borrower by a lender that determines 

whether the borrower qualifies for a loan, what type of loan they can get, and how much 

the bank will loan them. 

Q | Quitclaim Deed: A deed that transfers property rights without any validation of 

ownership. Typically used between spouses and family members. 

R | Real Estate Owned (REO) Property: A repossessed/foreclosed on property owned 

by a lender after an unsuccessful sale at auction. 

S | Short Sale: When an owner is selling their home for less than the mortgage they owe 

on it. The lenders may agree to “short” the mortgage and accept a payoff for less than the 

remaining loan amount in lieu of foreclosure. 

T | Title: The legal right to ownership of a specific real estate property. 

U | Under Contract: The time period during which a buyer has submitted an offer and 

the seller has accepted, but all contingencies have not been met and/or the closing is 

not final. 

V | Veterans Affairs (VA) Loan: A mortgage loan for current/former members of 

the military and their spouses, made by private lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. 

Government. 

W | Walkthrough: The final inspection of a home during which it is verified that agreedupon 

repairs have been completed and that the property’s condition is acceptable to 

buyer before closing. 

X | Xeriscaping: Creative and sustainable landscaping that conserves water and has 

minimal maintenance needs. 

Y | Yield-Spread Premium (YSP): The compensation a lender pays a mortgage broker 

to sell a loan with a higher interest rate than the par rate. 

Z | Zero-Lot-Line Property: A building that comes very close to or directly on the 

property line on at least one side. Units may be attached to one another in a zero-lot-line 

housing development. 

HTCI0224.018

Windows and Doors That Go Beyond. 

Made for the distinct creators, the purists of design, the architectural historians – each window and door 

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Call today for your free in-home consultation and learn more. 

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9869 Montgomery Road, Montgomery, OH 45242 | 513.936.5240 

pellabranch.com 

©2024 Pella Corporation 

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ADVERTISER INDEX 

A&S Lighting Center & Electric Supply, Inc .................. 65 

Best Furniture Gallery ................................................... 7 

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

Cincinnati EntryPoint Door Transformations ................ 40 

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

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

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

Franklin Art Glass Studios, Inc. ..................................... 25 

Hanson Audio and Video ............................................ 16 

Hoffman & Albers Interiors ........................................... 2 

ID Cincinnati Furniture & Interior Design .................... 15 

Neal’s Design Remodel............................................... 38 

One Highland ............................................................... 9 

Pella Windows & Doors ............................................. 62 

Perfect Paver Co ........................................................ 50 

Ryan’s All-Glass ........................................................... 66 

Slats Blind & Shutter Experts ....................................... 68 

Switch Lighting & Design ............................................. 37 

The Appliance Loft ........................................................ 4 

The Spicy Olive .......................................................... 37 

Watson’s ..................................................................5, 13 

Zicka Homes .............................................................. 67 

Move2Team.com ....................................................... 61 

coming in April… 

Cooking, Cooling and Cleaning in Color 

Today’s appliance manufacturers are packing a 

vibrant punch on the faces of their ranges, refrigerators and 

dishwashers. Are you willing to give it a go? 

Plus! We share helpful tips on how to hang artwork. 

Your copy will arrive in your mailbox the week of April 1st. 

64 housetrends.com

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We are a family owned company that has been providing professional glass products 

and services within the Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky region for over 

40 years. We are dedicated to providing the best service and highest quality of work 

to help your vision become a reality. 

Visit our new location at 9401 Le Saint Drive, Fairfield, Ohio 45014 | (513) 771-4440 

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Uncomplicated Luxury 

in Anderson. 

• 26 Home sites surrounded by natural beauty. 

• Walk to Coldstream Country Club. 

• Maintenance-free yards with the neighborhood association. 

• Large single floor living with finished lower level. 

• The latest in design & functionality, including optional elevator. 

• Work with our dedicated in-house interior designers. 

• Downsize without compromising. 

• Homes starting at 1.4 million. 

Ralph Fruechtemeyer / VP Sales 

Ralph@ZickaHomes.com 

Cell/513-477-2310 

ZickaHomes.com 

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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 

See why Cincinnati’s 

finest homeowners 

SLATS 

Blind & Shutter Experts 

choose 

Buy from and if you ever have a blind or shutter that does not work properly we will fix it for free 

(Motorized blinds have a 5 year warranty) as long as you live in your home! Choose and you 

have Tom, Rudy and Rudy Jr.’s pledge to make you happy with every part of your experience from the 

sale to the installation to our unmatched service! Call us to set up a free in-home consultation TODAY! 

We will make your living space BEAUTIFUL! 

Our New President of 

Sales & Marketing, Rudy Forte, Jr. 

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

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Cincinnati February/March 2024

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