Columbus September 2024

EXCEPTIONAL HOMES & GARDENS
Historic New Albany Home Remodel
HOME DESIGNED WITH EXPERIENCE | THINK INKY HUES | THIRD TIME'S A CHARM
COLUMBUS | SEPTEMBER 2024 | HOUSETRENDS.COM

EST. 1978
Since 1978, J.S. Brown & Co. has transformed homes
and improved the quality of our client’s lives.
We can do the same for you.
KITCHENS
ADDITIONS
BATHS
SUNROOMS
MUDROOMS
LAUNDRY
Scan the QR code to see the project video
JSBROWNCOMPANY.COM
614.291.6876
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SEPTEMBER 2024
COLUMBUS
CONTENTS
FEATURES
NEW HOME
COUNTING ON EXPERIENCE
Informed decisions help when
building a dream home
16
RENOVATION
A LOVELY COINCIDENCE
Chance sighting leads to purchase and
remodel of historic home
29
TECHNOLOGY
WHAT HAPPENED IN VEGAS
Stars of the Kitchen & Bath Industry
Show worth remembering
37
16
29
46
DESIGN
THIRD TIME’S A CHARM
Couple builds their forever home….
again
46
COLOR
DON’T BE AFRAID
OF THE DARK
Inky hues create stunning spaces
57
6 housetrends.com

We Don’t Build Houses,
We Build Homes.
We design bespoke homes specifically for you.
Find your inspiration at compasshomes.com.
614.957.3793 | INFO@COMPASSHOMES.COM
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SEPTEMBER 2024
COLUMBUS
CONTENTS
DEPARTMENTS
INSPIRED
IDEAS
A celebration of apple season
12
BRING ON
THE BULBS!
Now is the time to plant for spring
color
62
AD INDEX
Local home and garden pros
65
ON THE COVER
62
The floor plan was reworked, but
the character carefully preserved
in this historic New Albany home.
See more of the space beginning
on page 29. Photo by Samantha
Dettinger
8 housetrends.com

you love to live in
LET’S CREATE SPACES
(614) 398-4287
info@HausStudioDesigns.com
1064 Goodale Blvd., Grandview, 43212
HTCO0924.008

WELCOME
SEPTEMBER 2024
COLUMBUS
Karen Bradner
EDITOR
I’ll stop wearing black when
they invent a darker color.
—Wednesday Adams
Sometimes when we collect photos for upcoming issues of Housetrends, we
focus on a theme—kitchen and bath, outdoor living, makeovers and so on.
Then sometimes the theme sneaks up on us, that’s the case with the magazine
you are reading now.
It wasn’t until our creative director, Gina Miller, and I viewed our features
from Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati together that we saw a strong theme.
All three homes carried a palette of neutral whites, creams and tans throughout
most of their spaces.
But then we noticed black was making a slightly sneaky power play in each
home. See the black and white marble tile in Chad and Lyndsay’s pantry (page
20). Check out the bar with its black barn door and dark interior in Nick and
Kristen’s bright new kitchen (page 33). And a black range hood pops off the
page next to Dennis and Lynn’s light cabinetry (page 49).
So after noticing this and seeing a large number of black or dark walls and
ceilings in area home shows, we decided to take our new theme and run with it.
We’ve collected several of these “inky” images and present them to you as possible
idea starters should you want to take the plunge (page 57).
While it may seem like a daring hue to add, to your décor, just think of the
attributes it shares with the clothes in your closet…black is versatile, black is
timeless, and who knows, maybe black will even make your space look taller and
slimmer…you be the judge.
Thanks for reading.
Publishers
Linda Bacher and Florence Murphy
Marketing Specialist Evelyn Yaus
Editor Karen Bradner
Creative Director Gina Miller
Quality Control Specialist
Heather Fox
Contributing Writers
Sarah J. Dills, Lee Rhodes
Contributing Photographers
Samantha Dettinger, Natalie Folchi
Greg Grupenhof, Connie Kimsey
Prestige Pro Photo, Corrie Schaffeld
Tiffany Schultz, Kelly Ann Settle
Dawn Smith
Advertising Information
513-703-6103
linda.bacher@housetrends.com
Editorial Inquiries
publishers@housetrends.com
Housetrends magazine is published by
Buzz Publications, LLC
4866 Cooper Rd., Suite 202
Cincinnati, OH 45242
Robert J. Slattery,
President and CEO, Buzz Publications, LLC.
© 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,
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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.
10 housetrends.com

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16 housetrends.com

counting on
EXPERIENCE
Couple makes well-informed decisions
when building their dream home
BY LEE RHODES | PHOTOS BY DAWN SMITH
The new builds that dot the American
landscape today run the gamut of
architectural and interior styles, creating
a wide range of options.
For Lyndsay White, being married
to a builder means she’s experienced
this range firsthand. She and
her husband Chad have lived in half
a dozen homes that were built by his
company—before moving each time
the home sold. But all that changed
with the latest build, a luxury getaway
in Beavercreek Township.
“With the previous builds, we
wanted to showcase styles to appeal
to different people. But they were
not necessarily our style or what
we would put in a forever home,”
Lyndsay explains.
Chad adds that living in homes
with a variety of features allows him
to gain experience and be better
informed when meeting with clients.
That way, he says, “I can give them
real-world feedback when working
with them to design their dream
home.” ➻
housetrends magazine 2024 17

So how do a builder and his wife make the vision of their own
forever home come to life?
“It was important to us to have a space our young son could
grow into and, if we grow our family, we could grow into that,”
explains Lyndsay. “We also wanted something very warm and
inviting as a place to entertain.”
Also, in keeping with many home seekers today, the Whites
wanted a property that would offer a complete lifestyle package—a
place to work, unwind and have fun. The outdoor
kitchen, back yard, lower-level bar, and gym are just a few of the
many perks enticing them to hang around the house.
Three sets of French doors highlighted by copper lanterns make for a grand entrance to the home.
18 housetrends.com

1
2
1 Gold and brass accents are found throughout the home including the hood
above the 60-inch Wolf range. 2 From the front entry, a staircase invites guests
to the entertainment areas in the lower level.
Farmhouse inspiration
In terms of style, the driveway unfurls to
showcase a stunning modern farmhouse
enveloped by woods. Though the garage
wraps around the house, it appears as a
separate structure, as if it were a barn on
an actual farm. “This was about bringing
the farmhouse theme home,” explains
Chad, who works for G.A. White Homes.
“But instead of being a red ‘barn,’ it’s
black, which was a very fun concept to
incorporate.”
There’s a side entry created especially
for guests, but the showstopper is
the front entrance, where French doors,
flanked by gaslit copper lanterns, open to
a flawlessly executed, 24-foot-tall cathedral
ceiling, vaulted ceiling beams and
voluminous windows that reveal woodsy
views and allow for tons of natural light.
“We wanted a ‘wow’ effect as you walk
through the door,” explains Chad. “It’s
the anchor of the home.”
Wide-open spaces
The open-concept kitchen-dining-great
room space is well-scaled and creates a
wonderful symmetry, key for entertaining
but also for family togetherness—
this is where the Whites spend most of
their time. They can host intimate family
dinners but also large-scale dinner parties
of 30-plus people without it feeling
crowded. Cooking for such gatherings is
made easy with the 60-inch Wolf range,
multiple Sub-Zero refrigerators, Cove
dishwashers, and a Sub-Zero icemaker.
There’s also an expansive island that can
seat eight people comfortably.
Lyndsay loves how the open concept
kitchen co-exists with other areas in the
home and brings in the warm, natural
light. The palette is soothing yet sophisticated,
and warm, oak floors flow seamlessly
throughout, illuminated by gold
and brass lighting. ➻
housetrends magazine 2024 19

But one of her favorite features
is the sprawling walk-in
pantry that spans the length of
the kitchen. White oak cabinetry
is meticulously offset by charming
black-and-white marble tile,
and the space includes a builtin
espresso machine. “It almost
feels like you’ve walked into a
little Paris café,” says Lyndsay.
Fresh-air options
Two large sliding doors off the
kitchen open to the spacious outdoor
living areas. The vision here
was an open, versatile space that
would accommodate plenty of
seating and the accoutrements
that would allow them to entertain,
as well as to cook on the
patio on a year-round basis.
“It’s set up as a seamless space,
so you can move indoors to outdoors
without feeling like you’ve
traveled too far,” says Chad. “And
while entertaining, you feel like
you are connected from wherever
you are.”
Lyndsay also likes the privacy
afforded by their back yard,
which is surrounded by woods.
The woods are also visible from
the soaking tub in the primary
bathroom, which is part of a luxurious
suite that boasts a tongueand-groove
cathedral ceiling,
stone fireplace and immense
walk-in closet. Custom cabinetry
in the closet keeps clothes and
clutter tucked away, and with
its display shelf, it resembles a
serene, high-end showroom. In
addition to the soaking tub, the
spa-inspired bathroom features
oversized dual showers and dual
vanities, as well as heated floors.
20 housetrends.com

1
2
1 In the primary bedroom a wall of
glass allows for a sweeping view of
the private back yard. 2 A palette
of soft whites and brushed golds
sets the tone for this elegant and
spacious primary bath. 3 Clothing
is concealed behind built-ins, while
shoes are on lighted display in the
couple’s walk-in closet.
➻
3
Left page: Black-and-white marble
tile adds a charming touch to the
pantry which runs the length of the
kitchen.
housetrends magazine 2024 21

22 housetrends.com

Plenty of seating at the island, dining, and
outdoor living areas provides an abundance
of options for entertaining. ➻
housetrends magazine 2024 23

1 Behind the glass wall over the
bar is a walk-in wine cellar. 2 Inside
the climate-controlled wine room
custom racks stand ready with an
attractive stone backdrop. 3 Along
with this comfy seating area, the
lower level also includes a workout
area and a home theater.
1
2 3
RESOURCES
Builder G.A. White Homes Architect Shawn Duncan
and Associates Interior Design G.A. White Homes
Cabinets Mauk Cabinets By Design Countertops
Konkus Marble and Granite Plumbing and lighting
Ferguson Appliances Sub-Zero and Wolf from Tisdel
Distributing
Life down under
Travel down the extra-wide staircase to the lower level, and
the feel here is different than upstairs. Everything is still luxe,
but in a toned-down sense, with dark wood floors and an overarching
pub-like feel. As graduates of Ohio University, Chad
and Lyndsay wanted to bring their alma mater into this space
and give a nod to Athens. The bar area was intentionally set
up to encourage conversation, with surround seating versus
bar stools in a row. There’s a walk-in, climate-controlled wine
room with a separate bourbon display area, not to mention a
home theater and fully-equipped Crossfit gym, and a Star Wars
themed playroom, among other things.
After building homes that ranged from urban industrial to
modern to more traditional, Chad and Lyndsay were able to
focus in on what they themselves liked and the features that
were most important to them, in order to make their vision
come to life.
“We wanted luxury but at the same time, we didn’t want it to
be overwhelming,” concludes Lyndsay. “Ultimately, we wanted
to create a happy home where we could build memories and
share with others.”
24 housetrends.com

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a lovely coincidence
Chance sighting leads a couple to purchase and
eventually remodel a historic New Albany home
BY SARAH J. DILLS | PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA DETTINGER
Exposed brick on the fireplace adds a bit of historical influence to the updated space.
Call it fate, destiny or kismet…but the stars were definitely aligned when Nick
and Kristen first saw the house their family now calls home.
“We were helping my brother-in-law’s family move into the area and there
was a for sale sign in the yard,” Kristen says. “One minute we were unloading
boxes, the next minute we were at an open house.” ➻
housetrends magazine 2024 29

30 housetrends.com
The couple fell in love with the New Albany location and was
enticed by the idea of shorter commutes, so they purchased the
home in 2016. The original part of their house was built in 1805
on a land grant from the Revolutionary War. One of the original
owner’s sons lived in the house, while another son built a home
across the creek, the home Nick’s brother eventually purchased.
“Brothers are living in the two houses again,” Kristen says.
“There’s a creek between us, but we are close enough for our
kids to play together.”
When Nick and Kristen purchased their home they painted and
made some cosmetic changes, but they knew they would need
professionals to help them turn the house into the home they
wanted for their growing family, which now includes two daughters.
Kristen explains that they wanted to live in the space for a
bit to fully understand how they would like it to function. When
they were ready, it was—once again—Kristen’s brother-in-law
who steered them in the right direction; to Tyler Swartzmiller,
principal designer with Haus Studio.
“My brother-in-law’s coworker had worked with Tyler and
was very pleased,” Kristen explains. “We initially reached out
just to understand what we could realistically accomplish in our
space, and it took off very quickly. We were blown away, and
loved him and Amy, our other designer, so much.” ➻

The original dining area was
transformed into a lounge where the
family enjoys listening to records.
BEFORE
housetrends magazine 2024 31

A bit more history
Swartzmiller grew up on construction
sites, helping his father in the
family HVAC business. His love
of building morphed into interior
design over the years, and he opened
Haus Studio six years ago as the company’s
single employee. Today, Haus
Studio employs 20 people, which
includes senior designer, Amy Fix,
who worked with Swartzmiller on
Nick and Kristen’s renovation.
Let in the light
“Our kitchen had no windows and it
was so dark. The sink was looking at
a corner wall. It was so depressing,”
Kristen remembers. “No matter how
big your house is, everyone wants to
be in the kitchen and they tried to
cram into ours.”
“We had 4,400 square feet, but we
had no storage,” she adds. “I would
come home from Costco and literally
have no place to put things.”
Swartzmiller’s first task was to
open up their small kitchen, bring
in natural light, and create a walk-in
pantry for the family.
The pantry was placed in a second
stairwell that, although the couple’s
daughters enjoyed playing in, was not
practical for everyday use. The original
stairwell had a window, which
is a design element you normally
don’t see in a pantry, but by putting a
frosted glass barn door on the pantry
it actually helped add to the natural
light now flooding into the bright
and airy kitchen space. A matching
door was also used to access the
bar nook, the original laundry room,
which also houses an exterior window
for even more light.
1
2
32 housetrends.com

3
1 An older exterior wall was
removed to allow for an open
flow between the kitchen and
the new dining area. 2 A peninsula
island was used to not
only house the kitchen sink,
but serves as a space divider
in the now open kitchen/dining
area floor plan. 3 The bar,
housed in the original laundry
room, uses dark colors to
contrast with the rest of the
home’s neutral, bright palette.
Blending old and new
“This house had—if I remember correctly—four living rooms,” Swartzmiller
says. “We knew these walls had to come down, but it was challenging because a
main hallway runs the entire length of the house.”
An original wooden support beam also runs the entire length of the home.
These original beams are also exposed in the kitchen. It was important to
everyone that these stay intact. “They are the original peg and joint construction
because they didn’t have nails,” Swartzmiller says. Kristen adds,
“Contractors were wanting to come and look at the beams because they had
never seen anything like it.”
But this posed some structural challenges. “Because the beams were so heavy,
we had to make sure they were supporting the weight of the house while we
removed a wall and installed a new steel beam,” Swartzmiller explains.
Another original feature of the home that was transformed into more of a
focal point in the space is the fireplace. A mantel was removed and the brick
was left simple, showing some of its age and weathering which adds to the
charm.
Kristen wanted to keep the renovation color choices and selections neutral,
with a touch of modern, to keep with the historic architecture and design of
the space.
➻
housetrends magazine 2024 33

Worth the wait
It’s been eight years since Nick and
Kristen purchased their house, and it
is now their dream home. The family
is glad they waited to tackle their renovation
until they truly knew what
they wanted.
And while there was a lot of planning,
once construction began in
February of 2023 the project went
quickly and was completed that summer.
Much of the credit for the turnaround
is due to the fact that Haus
Studio orders everything for the project
and stores it in a warehouse so
it is ready when the time comes for
installation.
“That’s all their appliances, their
hardware…it is ready to go so we
never run into a shipping delay,”
Swartzmiller says.
“When you’re prepared, it goes
smoothly,” Kristen says. “We could
not have been happier with this
entire process.”
Even living through the renovation
was fun for their girls, who Kristen
says have asked if they can do it
again. “I don’t know if I want to go
back to washing dishes in my bathtub,”
Kristen says with a laugh. “But
we did make some great memories
living through the project.”
Swartzmiller is pleased with the
end results as well. “Creating a beautiful
kitchen is easy, creating a functional
kitchen is the hard part. I
think we accomplished both for this
wonderful family.” ➻
A second island was designed as more
of a furniture piece, placed on metal
legs, to provide ample storage and additional
countertop space for the family.
34 housetrends.com
BEFORE

RESOURCES
Design, cabinetry, installation Haus Studio Kitchen appliances Thermador,
Custom Distributors, Inc. Kitchen countertops Cambria Gladstone Matte, Midwest
Quartz Bar countertops Black Uba Tuba Leather, Lang Stone Backsplash Soho
Tile Urban Brick, Wythe White, Florida Tile Sinks Elkay Crosstown in bar, Kohler
in powder room, Worly Plumbing Supply Hardware Top Knobs-Morris Ash Grey
Mudroom tile Montauk Herringbone, MSI Tile
housetrends magazine 2024 35

The spacious eating area, in its new
location, now has easy access to a patio
for dining alfresco.
36 housetrends.com

WHAT
HAPPENED IN
Stars of the Kitchen & Bath Show worth remembering
Early every year, the latest kitchen and bath products, trends and
technologies are on display and ready to inspire at the Kitchen and
Bath Industry Show (KBIS). Thousands of designers, architects,
custom builders and remodelers travel to Las Vegas for inspiration.
Here are a few winners selected by show judges that we
think are worth bringing home from Vegas.
HydroTap Celsius
All-in-One by Zip Water
With advanced smart technology, this single tap
provides on demand filtered sparkling, chilled
and boiling water plus unfiltered hot and cold
sink water. A 13.3” x 18.2” x 13.1” command
center fits easily in the sink cabinet below.
us.zipwater.com ➻
housetrends magazine 2024 37

FreePower
Seamlessly embedded into stone countertops, this wireless charging
station was awarded the Best in Show at KBIS 2024. FreePower
is only seen by the glow of its proprietary halo which indicates the
charging zone. Halo colors can be customized or dimmed completely
and reactivated by the wave of a smartphone. freepower.io
Venezia by Fantini
In two-tone Murano glass, the Venezia faucet handles are exquisite
ornaments with a cylindrical shape and smooth, rounded edges with
a fluid effect. Available two-tone combinations include aquamarine/
green, amethyst/amber, and red/amber. fantini.it
38 housetrends.com

DrawBar by Dometic
Offering the functionality of a fullsize
wine cooler in a compact design
that fits five bottles, the DrawBar can
be easily installed above or below a
standard 24-inch wide cabinet. It is
equipped with a humidity tray and
offers the option of a glass or custom
panel for integration. Dometic.com
Empava 72-inch
Whirlpool Tub
Equipped with ten strategically placed
jets, this rectangular whirlpool tub
provides a luxurious experience for
two. The double seating design and
arched backrest supports the body,
while the generous 177-gallon capacity
provides plenty of room to soak.
empava.com. Photo credit: Empava
➻
housetrends magazine 2024 39

Cravings from House of Rohl
This Victoria + Albert bath palette is inspired by a three-course tasting menu by Food & Wine.
Hues take their cue from culinary tastes: lemon yellows, dark chocolate, the red of raspberries
and the tawny richness of wine and brandy. houseofrohl.com. Photo credit: House of Rohl
Freddy by IRINOX
This first blast chiller made for home use enables blast chilling
of food straight after cooking, quickly freezing and thawing
food; cooking meat and fish at low temperature; proofing
bread; holding food at the ideal temperature; as well as
chilling wine and other beverages. irinoxhomeusa.com
40 housetrends.com

Purist Suspend Kitchen Faucet by Kohler
This faucet’s hose is mounted on the ceiling with a precise pivoting arm that can be adjusted for
8-ft. to 10-ft. ceilings and stays at the height previously used. A swing arm offers 180 degrees of
rotation, allowing for easy and convenient placement over the sink. us.kohler.com
housetrends magazine 2024 41

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Elegant lighting and an eye-catching view make for a stunning entrance to the home.
46 housetrends.com

charm
THIRD TIME’S A
Anderson couple builds their forever home…again
BY KAREN BRADNER | PHOTOS BY GREG GRUPENHOF
It might come as surprising to some, when approaching a custom home builder about
the prospect of engaging their services, to have their response be, “Why in the world
do you want to move? Where you live is tremendous!”
But that comeback was somewhat expected by Lynn and Dennis Shafer. You see,
the builder they approached was Zicka Homes, the team that constructed the Ivy
Trails home where they were currently living. Since 2010, the couple and their two
daughters had enjoyed their wonderful home, a great group of neighbors, the perks
of an in-ground pool and a prime view of a backyard lake.
But a golf course community called. “We’ve been members of Coldstream Country
Club for ten years and we knew we wanted this neighborhood,” Lynn says. The couple
originally joined for the golf—Dennis golfs three to four times a week and Lynn,
who is an avid tennis player, hits the links once or twice each week—but they’ve since
found that activities they enjoy and friends they’ve made at the club created a desire
for them to move closer. ➻
housetrends magazine 2024 47

Familiar ground
Fortunately, their favorite builder was developing 30 one-acre
home sites in Riverview Estates, a community adjacent to the club.
A few years earlier, the Shafers had walked through the area and
were familiar with their options. But Mike Zicka, the company’s
founder, was instrumental in their final lot choice.
“Mike said, ‘This is my sleeper lot,’” Dennis says, regarding a sloping
lot near the 17th fairway. “He walked the lot with us and helped
us envision how the house would be placed. He knew it would be
perfect for a walkout and a pool.” The couple purchased the property
late in the summer of 2020.
While the Shafers took on a new build twice before, this was
the first time their home would be completely custom, which
meant they could configure spaces exactly how they’d like. “For
our first house we went with the builder’s floor plan with very few
modifications,” Lynn says. “Then we built our second house with a
Zicka floor plan but bumped out the kitchen and reconfigured the
upstairs. On this house, we started with a blank sheet of paper. I
would have been more afraid had we not built two houses already.”
Inspiration point
When the couple met with residential designer Paul Studer, they
arrived with photos of exteriors they liked and a list of wants and
a lot of ideas. “Our previous home was a two story,” Lynn says. “We
wanted a ranch with an open floor plan, no formal dining room and
a lower level.” The couple also wanted a bedroom for overnight visits
with grandkids to be just down the hall from the primary suite
rather than “clear across the house.”
As Lynn shared her thoughts, the designer began to draw a
floor plan. “As he was drawing, she would ask him to make some
rooms bigger, some smaller,” Dennis says. “I told him to make the
windows as big as possible. After all, the view is the reason why we
bought this property.”
Second time around
In February of 2021, about six months after the property was purchased,
plans were complete, and it was time for Zicka’s team, led
by brother and sister Pat and Julie Zicka, to begin work on the second
home they would build for the Shafers. Dave Willhoite would
take the reigns as construction manager.
“We are always thrilled and honored to build second and third
homes for people,” says Julie Zicka, “but the Shafers made that
experience extra special from start to finish—and beyond.”
And according to Lynn, the feeling was mutual. “Zicka was wonderful
to work with,” she says. “It was like working with friends.
They were always honest, always transparent and wanted to make
us happy.” Dennis adds, “When little things did go wrong, and
there weren’t many, they were eager to fix them to our satisfaction.”
Several of the Shafers’ friends were going
through the building process at the same time but
with other builders. “We’d get together and they
would talk about the nightmares they were going
through. They had anxiety for months,” Dennis
says. “They were shocked we had no complaints.
We enjoyed the process from start to finish. That’s
pretty rare in the construction industry.”
48 housetrends.com

1 2
3 4
1 Expansive windows all along the rear of the home offer lush views of the golf course. 2 A lower-level bar and game table are
poolside retreats in the summertime, and perfect for entertaining all year round. 3 Automatic blinds were installed on all the windows,
to provide privacy or sun protection at the touch of a button. 4 Lynn stands in front of her 48-inch Wolf range and custom
hood, but admits she’d rather play tennis than cook.
housetrends magazine 2024 49

The open floor plan flows easily between the kitchen, informal dining area, great room and sitting room.
50 housetrends.com

housetrends magazine 2024 51

Dedicated to the details
In addition to praising the Zicka team, Dennis credits Lynn for her research and
painstaking attention to detail. “She did all the work,” he says. “She was fabulous.”
That attention to detail is apparent in every square foot of the over 6,000 sq.
ft., four-bedroom home. Lynn took the time to make terrific choices with design,
lighting, finishes and furnishings. The homeowner says she has hundreds of
photo references for everything from brick and stone to kitchens, ceilings, builtins,
paint colors, hardware and more. “You name it—I have references on my
iPad,” she laughs.
Plus Lynn had help from two interior designers—Tara Biller with Zicka and
Shannon Conley with House of Design. Biller helped with the space planning and
material selection during the initial construction phase, and then Lynn began
working with Conley on furnishing selections about nine months before they
moved in. “Our prior house was a different style. That furniture wasn’t going to
work here. This house is much more modern.”
Some of the design choices—such as black accent walls, a granite wall in the
powder room, and dramatic light fixtures—may have felt a bit risky, but Lynn
went forward with confidence. “I did take chances,” she says, “but with the safety
net of Tara and Shannon.”
Ceilings soar to 13 feet in the great room and 10 to 11 feet throughout the rest of the main floor.
52 housetrends.com

The travertine pool deck is much
cooler on feet than the stamped
concrete around the family’s previous
pool.
Making a splash
From the beginning, a built-in pool was in the plans—another reason the topography
of the land worked for the Shafers. A walkout lower level, complete with two
guest rooms, a great room, a pool bath and a bar area, flows out to the patio and
pool area.
Working with Reese Belfiore at Westside Pools, Lynn wanted the pool to be rectangular
in shape, so that an automatic cover could be installed. This helps retain
the water’s warmth and provides a layer of safety for her young grandchildren. Also,
with the kids in mind, the shallow end features a sitting ledge and an entertaining
bubbler. The pool is a popular hangout from early May through September for the
couple’s daughters and their families who live nearby. Belfiore was a repeat experience
for the couple as well—he designed and installed their previous pool. “Reese
is top notch,” Dennis says. “He is terrific.”
And though the back yard borders the golf course, the topography of the land—
with a hill and a cluster of trees between their home and the course—creates a
welcome layer of privacy for the pool area. ➻
housetrends magazine 2024 53

This really is our dream home—our forever home.
The covered porch
was inspired by one
the couple enjoyed
at the home of good
friends.
Nailed it
The Shafers moved into their new
home near the end of August 2022.
When asked where her favorite space
to hang out was, Lynn answered, “I
have a lot of favorite spaces. It’s what
I love about the house. We just did
it right this time. This really is our
dream home—our forever home. Yes,
we thought that at our last house as
well,” she says with a smile, “but we’re
even more sure this time around.”
RESOURCES
Residential designer Studer Residential Designs Builder Zicka Homes Interior
designers Tara Biller with Zicka Homes, Shannon Conley with House of Design
Kitchen designer Melissa Kehayes, Western Custom Cabinetry Kitchen
cabinetry Western Custom Cabinetry Kitchen countertop Calacatta Arno
and Midnight Majesty quartz, MSI Bar countertop Ferrara Black quartz, Stone
Mart Appliances Custom Distributors, Inc. Flooring Heritage Hardwood
Lighting Restoration Hardware, Arhaus, Visual Comfort Custom built-ins C&W
Woodworking Closets and blinds Tapestries Closet & Window Designs Outdoor
living and pool designer Krista Boggs, Garden Path Pool construction Westside
Pools Landscape planning and installation Station Road Decorative plant
materials Plants by Wolfangel A/V and security Meineke Audio Video Security
54 housetrends.com

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don’t be afraid
OF THE
DARK
Inky hues create stunning spaces
BY KAREN BRADNER
When it comes to covering walls and ceilings,
it’s often easier to play it safe with light grays,
beiges, creams, or whites. But, if you’re ready
to take the plunge and add a bit of eye-catching
drama, choosing a darker color may just be
the ticket ➻
Dave Fox Design-Build Remodeling. Photo by Prestige Pro Photo
housetrends magazine 2024 57

J&K Custom Homes. Photo by Connie Kimsey
Photo courtesy of Signature Hardware
Ashford Homes. Photo by Connie Kimsey
Small can be mighty
Often homeowners and designers save dark colors
for larger rooms, but some of the smallest spaces in
our homes—our powder rooms—are the perfect playground
for experimenting with dark hues.
58 housetrends.com

Neal’s Design-Remodel. Photo by Tiffany Schultz
Go all in
While most of us were raised on “ceiling
white,” that tide has shifted. While a white
ceiling is still a very viable option—especially
with a striking pendant or chandelier,
black on the ceiling and trim makes a
hard-to-beat proclamation. ➻
Hackett House Studio. Photo by Natalie Folchi
housetrends magazine 2024 59

Lighten the load
Keep dark-colored rooms from feeling
a bit heavy by balancing their depth
with plenty of lighting—natural is
wonderful, but a dramatic light fixture
adds even more power to the statement
you are making.
Legacy Custom Builders. Photo by Greg Grupenhof
Radian Custom Builders. Photo by Kelly Ann Photography
Ashford Homes. Photo by Connie Kimsey
60 housetrends.com

Wieland Builders. Photo by Corrie Schaffeld
Consider contrast
While a no-brainer companion to blacks and navies is white, adding any contrasting color—bright reds, warm caramels,
rich turquoises—or bold artwork makes your dark walls the perfect stage for showcasing your colors. ➻
housetrends magazine 2024 61

62 housetrends.com

ing on the bulbs!
Fall is the time to plant for spring color
1
2
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5
6
7
8
9
1 Daffodil 2 Snakeshead Fritillary 3 Anemone Pink Saucer 4 Crown Imperial Fritillaria 5 Hyacinths
6 Muscari - Grape Hyacinth 7 Galanthus - Snowdrop 8 Tulip 9 Allium
housetrends magazine 2024 63

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housetrends magazine 2024 65

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