Tag Archives : home decor

“Behind the Curtin” provides an inside look at local homeowners’ beautifully-crafted houses, giving insight into what it takes to renovate, upgrade, and style the most coveted parts of their dream homes. In this video series, industry expert and business owner Joanne Curtin explores local homes while interviewing their owners who live well in their homes to better understand their thought processes when making important decisions. Join Joanne to get a look into the world of luxurious real estate one wonderful home at a time.

“Behind the Curtin” Episode 4 – Downsizing to a Townhome in Roswell, Georgia

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Lucy Hintz lives in Roswell, Georgia. She recently downsized to a townhome near Canton Street. She divides her time between her home in Roswell and her second home in the Bahamas.

Joanne: Where did you live before moving to Roswell? What made you choose a new townhome?

Lucy: I have lived in Roswell, in a single-family home. But I had always wanted to live in a walking, shopping, dining community. I’ve always wanted to live near downtown Roswell. Another thing is, my husband had cancer, so we knew that it was time for us to get out of the responsibility of the really big house. We were also looking for a turn key we could have without overwhelming issues.

Joanne: What specifically about this property did you like?

Lucy: When we moved in to this unit, our basement was not finished so we had an opportunity to create what we wanted. We have another full bedroom and bathroom down there. I have grandkids, so when they come there is lots of space. I also have a fabulous deck so the outdoor space is awesome too.

Joanne: What did you do to improve your property?

Lucy: We’ve done a lot of things. We changed the wood floors on the main level, which is a beautiful upgrade. My kitchen was solid white, and I’ve taken the island and painted it to a dramatic blue. We finished the basement in full and built a patio outside with stones and made it home. We also put in bookshelves on both sides of the fireplace with separate beer and wine coolers. And we added a built-in bar with quartz countertop.

Joanne: Did you work with a designer?

Lucy: No, this is all us. We had a lot of people that worked for us at our former home. And I purchased the art at local interior design stores.

Joanne: What is your favorite room in the house?

Lucy: It would be the deck. We open up the French doors on the main level, where we can have a breeze and enjoy bringing the outdoors in.

Joanne: What were some of your favorite places to buy home furnishings?

Lucy: We got rid of everything from the old house. All the furniture came from Arhaus. For the art, I went everywhere from Kudzu to 13 Hub. I used Carpet Depot for flooring.

Joanne: What’s one splurge in your home you could not live without?

Lucy: I splurged on this whole house. My bed and the bedding came from Arhaus and it was a big splurge. Arhaus had a wonderful sales representative. And I don’t know if a lot of people are like me, but I stick with people who are helpful and good at what they do.

Joanne: What have you learned from this process of moving from a big house?

Lucy: It’s not as difficult to let go of things as we think it is. And to use an estate sale group was key. And I’m not just tooting the horn for you, but finding a realtor that really understood what we were trying to do was so important. Previously we had trouble selling our home. Your team are the ones who really transformed it. It was a matter of 30 days and we had an offer on that house.

Living in a neighborhood means we all just look after each other. I think when you’re looking for a different place in life, it’s important that you are in a community that’s similar, that has a lot of the same interests that you.

Joanne: Is there anything you would do different that someone else could learn from?

Lucy: I guess I would say, I think it would have been better to finish the basement prior to moving in.

Joanne: Is there any advice on what you think should not be skimped on?

Lucy: I just think once you find your home, make it your home. Don’t wait because whatever you put off is something you’ll never get around to, something else will take priority.

“Behind the Curtin” provides an inside look at local homeowners’ beautifully-crafted houses, giving insight into what it takes to renovate, upgrade, and style the most coveted parts of their dream homes. In this video series, industry expert and business owner Joanne Curtin explores local homes while interviewing their owners along the way to better understand their thought processes when making important decisions. Join Joanne to get a look into the world of thoughtful real estate one wonderful home at a time.

“Behind the Curtin” Episode 3 – A Courtyard in Milton, Georgia

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Cathleen Klibanoff lives in Milton, Georgia with her son and two dogs. Cathleen is a published artist and writer. Her works have been on display at the FemArt Gallery in Jacksonville, Florida, Indianapolis Art Center, and the Bohemian Grand Gallery in Asheville.

Joanne: Where did you live before moving to Milton?

Cathleen: I lived in Asheville, North Carolina, near downtown and River Arts District.

Joanne: So, what brought you to Milton and why did you choose this particular home?

Cathleen: I lost my both parents over the last two years and something inside me just said, “The time is now to really enjoy family.” I have both a brother in Milton and a sister in Woodstock. When I saw this place, it was an answer to an indescribable thirst, which was for a place that had a real heart. And it needed work, but it had a courtyard. I love the concept behind the courtyard and it has a very sacred and spiritual feel. And I fell in love.

Joanne: I love that you said you wanted a home with heart because when I was at your house the courtyard was like the heart in the middle. So, what specifically makes this just a favorite place for you?

Cathleen: Well, and not that I’m doing this literally, but you could be completely naked and absolutely 100% safe. And I mean naked emotionally, not just physically. This is the inner sanctum, by invitation only. I am a very social person, but there are times that I am in a creative process or just an introspective space, and still want to be outside.

Joanne: I am hearing the word “cozy” a lot lately. People want to create comfort and coziness. The courtyard is really the ultimate outdoor cozy space.

Cathleen: This is something that is exceptional because it gives you that expansiveness and yet maintains the coziness.

Joanne: What was a splurge in designing this space? Something non-negotiable that you just had to have?

Cathleen: The fireplace was plain gray masonry so I had to tile it because it was so dominant in the space and I wanted it to have a voice of its own.

Joanne: What did you learn from the process?

Cathleen: When something is meant to be, the universe rallies and makes it possible. I was able to meet the right people that knew how to bring the renovation into being. So, hold true to your vision. And don’t be deterred or discouraged.

Joanne: How did you handle getting the materials in and out of the courtyard?

Cathleen: It was a labor of love because everything had to be hand carted in and out, including all the white rock that replaced the mulch.

Joanne: You’re an amazing artist. What can you teach us about this [renovation] experience?

Cathleen: Some people have an eye for interior decorating. But if that’s not the case, then I think it’s a good investment to hire someone. It’s a different way of seeing a space. And a lot of people don’t have the confidence, but still have the desire to bring in more color. You need to make really good choices depending on what your goal is, for that part of the house. Because color does have a story and everything has energy. You want to be mindful. And sometimes if that’s not your strong suit, then to delegate it is a good move for the investment.