Chattanooga, TN March 2026

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What Makes a Home

There is a moment standing in an empty house, when the silence feels unfamiliar. Not because the space has changed, but because the life within it has moved on.

We recently sold our first home—a place that held six years of our lives. I was surprised by how emotional it felt to walk out the door one last time. It wasn’t just a house. It was the place where we learned what it meant to be a family.

It was the home where we brought our daughter home for the first time—carefully, nervously, and full of hope. It was where she took her first steps, where birthdays were celebrated, and where the everyday routines of life slowly became the memories we now find ourselves holding onto. There were projects started with enthusiasm and finished with mixed results, quiet evenings after long days, and moments that felt ordinary at the time but now feel deeply meaningful.

Now, as we search for our next home, driving through neighborhoods across Chattanooga, I find myself noticing things differently. Front porches that invite conversation. Streets filled with families building lives of their own. This city has always been special to us, but this season has made me appreciate even more how home is less about the structure and more about what happens inside it.

This month’s issue reminds us that a home is not built in isolation—it is shaped by the people and businesses who serve our community with care and purpose. From spaces designed for gathering and connection, like the Reading Room Bar, to craftsmen like Barra’s Custom Cabinetry who help transform houses into deeply personal spaces, each story reflects a shared commitment to creating environments where life can flourish. We also highlight Keystone Handyman and Mosquito Joe of Chattanooga, both family-centered businesses whose work protects, restores, and enhances the places where families live their everyday lives. Finally, Brandon Hood of Hood Design Interiors rounds up key design trends for the year.

Home is where growth happens. It’s where life unfolds in ways both big and small. We don’t know exactly where our next home will be yet, but we know what we’re looking for isn’t just a house. It’s the place where our next chapter begins. It is our hope that this issue invites you to see your own four walls with fresh eyes and reflect on what makes a home.

Cheers!

BELINDA MARTIN, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Lisa Yockey | lisa.yockey@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Belinda Martin | belinda.martin@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Eve Crabtree, Demi Guillory, Kate Robertson Parrish

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brittany Skudlarek, Golden Hour Images, Maeteu Reiter, Tiffany Rector Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Making Every Moment Magical

Prom Services

Services

business monthly

The Chattery Reopens Rossville Avenue Classroom

The Chattery has returned to its original Rossville Avenue classroom on the Southside after a 2024 fire temporarily displaced the nonprofit creative education hub. The refreshed space, known for its accessible, community-driven classes, welcomes new and returning students beginning January 12. The Chattery continues its mission to foster learning, connection, and creativity across Chattanooga, taught by local experts.

The Lavender Medispa Family Grows

The Lavender family is growing! We're thrilled to welcome three new team members: Ashleigh Hunsucker, RN Injector; Hawwii Kerro, Receptionist; and Olena Coussens, Marketing Assistant. Our current receptionist, Krysbella, is also expecting her first baby soon—an exciting time for her. This expansion means updated team photos are on the way. We are grateful for this season of growth and new beginnings. Thank you for your continued support!

CCL Welcomes New Partner, Limelight Landscape Lighting

Limelight Landscape Lighting, a premier provider of custom outdoor architectural and landscape lighting, announces the expansion of its services into the Chattanooga area. Known for high-quality design, professional installation, and long-term service, Limelight enhances residential and commercial properties through thoughtfully designed lighting. Working with homeowners, builders, and landscape architects, the company creates systems that improve safety, highlight architectural features, and elevate curb appeal. Limelight is now scheduling consultations throughout greater Chattanooga this spring and beyond.

Pilates Addiction Comes to Chattanooga

Pilates Addiction is setting a new standard for fitness in the Chattanooga area. The studio features an elevated design, expert educators, and the patented WundaFormer®—a cutting-edge reformer. Catering to both beginners and seasoned pros, Pilates Addiction offers a transformative experience that fosters a quick and lasting obsession with the practice.

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Lookout Living Welcomes New Team Member

We’re excited to share that our family has grown with the arrival of our baby daughter and the newest member of our team. This season has been full of late nights, sweet moments, and a lot of gratitude. Becoming parents again has been a reminder of how meaningful home and family truly are. We’re soaking up every moment of this new chapter.

Support Girl Scouts During Cookie Season With A New Favorite

Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians are celebrating cookie season with a new favorite in town. Explore the full lineup of beloved Girl Scout Cookies, including the newest addition, at local booths from February 6 through March 15. Cookie purchases support local Girl Scouts as they build skills, confidence, and leadership through hands-on experiences. Find booth locations near you by visiting iWantCookies.org

Barra’s Custom Cabinetry

EXPLORING ALAN BARRA’S DEVOTION TO FAMILY AND CRAFTING TOP-QUALITY CABINETRY

ARTICLE BY EVE CRABTREE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOLDEN HOUR IMAGES & TIFFANY RECTOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Alan Barra’s career of 25 years began when the North Chattanooga native stumbled into a refinishing shop at 19 years old. “I had no idea it was there,” Alan says. “I just happened to walk in.” The business owner was looking for an employee, so Alan started the next day and began learning the basics of refinishing work. “When pieces of furniture came in,” Alan recalls, “we would tear them apart, restructure, re-veneer, stain, and finish them.”

That job set Alan on the path that led him to where he is now, but his boss also became a mentor and friend. “We’re still friends,” Alan says. “I only worked for him three years, but he’s like a mentor.” Alan went on to work in another furniture refinishing shop before working in cabinet shops. It was through those jobs that he discovered his passion for cabinetry.

In 2016, he started his own business, Barra’s Cabinet Refinishing, and started out doing just refinishing projects. Starting his business was not the only change he experienced in 2016, however. That year, he also married his wife and they are now celebrating 10 years of marriage. Alan and his wife have two young children and live in a country town a short drive from Chattanooga—the perfect place for them to have family time.

“We try to do some kind of family outing every weekend,” Alan explains. “Monday through Friday, I’m at work. I see my kids in the evening for a couple of hours before they go to bed. But when it comes to the weekends, everything

business-related is shut off. That’s time dedicated to my family.” As a family, they enjoy going to the skating rink, seeing live plays at the theater, shopping, and trying new restaurants. Alan says that sometimes, family time looks like simply playing outside in the backyard or going on walks. “I try to get the kids out of the house and spend time with them,” Alan says. “Anything that we can do as a family.”

The weekend time Alan gets with his family rejuvenates and motivates him for the work week ahead. “My wife and children are the backbone of what I do,” Alan shares. “I grew up very poor, so what I’m doing now, I’m doing for my children. I want to give them the life that I didn’t have, and it drives my passion for what I do.”

Between the motivation from his family and his love for cabinetry, Alan is always expanding his knowledge to refine his craft. Committed to high-end, detail-driven work, he continually seeks out new techniques and skills to deliver the best possible results. When Alan is not with his family or watching cooking shows—he says he would likely be a chef if he had to choose another career—he is refining his skills so he can better serve his clients.

Even after running his business for 10 years, Alan still chooses to grow and learn. “I’ve made myself come out of my comfort zone and learn new things,” Alan says. “Any chance I get, I teach myself something new.” Because of this, his business is now rated one of the top companies for cabinetry in the Chattanooga area. “I’m very

“My wife and children are the backbone of what I do. I grew up very poor, so what I’m doing now, I’m doing for my children."

Alan is always expanding his knowledge to refine his craft. Committed to high-end, detail-driven work, he continually seeks out new techniques and skills to deliver the best possible results.

grateful and humbled to be in this position,” Alan says. “I never take it for granted.”

Barra’s Cabinet Refinishing, currently being rebranded as Barra’s Custom Cabinetry, continues to grow. The services Alan offers now include refinishing, modifications, refacing, full custom cabinets, and custom add-ons. Out of all of these, Alan says his favorite thing to do is refacing. “I like the change,” Alan says. “In a reface scenario—a reface being new doors and drawer faces—you could take an old kitchen and keep the existing layout but completely change the look of the kitchen through the cabinets.” Witnessing the joy on customers’ faces when they love the work that has been done is something Alan greatly enjoys as well. “That’s my favorite part of my job,” Alan shares. “Transition of spaces and giving people their dream kitchen.”

One of Alan’s favorite projects is featured on his website as a 30-second before and after video. “That project in particular, we were able to provide refinishing and refacing services, custom add-ons, and modification work,” Alan recalls. “She got most of our services in one job. Her kitchen in particular, because of some of the massive changes we made, is now unrecognizable to what it looked like prior.” Visit the homepage of his website, www.barrascabinetrefinishing.com, to see the transformation video.

LEARN MORE: Visit the Barra's website to view a gallery of recent projects and find links to social media. Connect with Alan by phone at (423) 582-2888, email info@ barrascabinetrefinishing.com, or reach out through the website contact form.

barrascabinetrefinishing.com @barrascabinetrefinishing

MOSQUITO JOE of Chattanooga

ROBERT AND DAWN LATHROP SHARE THEIR PASSION FOR ECO-FRIENDLY PEST CONTROL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOLDEN HOUR IMAGES

In 2018, Robert Lathrop experienced a life-changing tick bite that led to Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS)—an allergy to red meat caused by the bite of a Lone Star tick. With AGS, he had to dramatically change his diet to avoid a potentially life-threatening reaction. Although he has been in remission since 2020, the experience reshaped how he thought about health and the outdoors. It became one of several factors that influenced Robert and his family to open their own Mosquito Joe franchise in the Chattanooga area.

During the pandemic, Robert and his wife Dawn began looking for a business that aligned with their interests and family values. Dawn is an epidemiologist who studies vector borne diseases and teaches environmental science courses at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. “When we came across Mosquito Joe, it immediately felt like the right fit,” Dawn says. That connection was not accidental. From age 14 through when he enlisted in the Navy, Robert had worked for his father who was a crop duster in Indiana. His background made the transition into pest control feel natural, especially with Mosquito Joe’s emphasis on education, safety, and customer trust.

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Additionally, with Dawn’s experience and two sons, Nathan and Nicholas, in college—one pursuing a degree in environmental science and the other getting a master’s degree in computer science— everyone can be involved. “We are a family business,” Robert shares. Nathan and Nicholas are both certified pesticide applicators and have worked summers for Mosquito Joe. Being a family that appreciates and protects the environment, they are proud to use environmentally friendly botanical solutions and integrated pest management. “One of the things we decided to do was approach pest control with botanical solutions and try to avoid some of the synthetic pesticides,” Robert says. “By using more botanical-based solutions and preventive measures, it’s better for the environment, pollinators, pets, and kids.”

The Lathrops have a love of dogs and their three dogs, Maggie, Buddy, and Abby, are a valuable part of their family. Recently, they adopted Abby, who had a heartworm infection. Heartworm infections are caused by mosquito bites. “We didn’t realize the extent of heartworm infection treatment, and we know that no owner would want to put their dog through that if there is a way to avoid it,” shares Dawn. While heartworm preventative treatment is very helpful, it does not eliminate a dog’s risk of contracting it. Mosquito treatments for yards can help ensure that dogs are safe. “Pest control is not just about removing a nuisance; it is about

protecting health—whether that’s of kids playing in the yard, pets running around, or people with allergies and sensitivities,” Robert says.

One of the most rewarding parts of the job for Robert is helping people reclaim their outdoor spaces. “There’s something really satisfying about giving someone their yard back,” he says. Robert finds fulfillment in handling stinging insects, even though he has a wasp allergy himself. “They are challenging, unique, and they matter,” Robert explains. “Stinging insects can be genuinely dangerous, especially for people with allergies. Solving those problems feels meaningful.”

“By using more botanical-based solutions and preventive measures, it’s better for the environment, pollinators, pets, and kids.”

Additionally, as someone who loves being outdoors, a favorite part of the job for Robert is getting to be outside during normal business hours, something that he could not do at his former job as a software engineer. Mosquito Joe provided the perfect way for Robert and Dawn to merge their passions with their work.

Today, they are serving their community through Mosquito Joe by offering services for mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, stinging insects, spiders, rodents, and home pest defense. Their work reflects a broader commitment to health, safety, and environmental awareness; values shaped by both personal experience and a desire to build a business that makes a real difference. To learn more about Mosquito Joe of Chattanooga, visit mosquitojoe.com/locations/ Chattanooga or call (423) 558-0628.

KEYSTONE HANDYMAN

Jimmy Gravley never set out to be the Keystone Handyman–in many ways, he has always existed.

“My faith leads me to help people who can’t protect or help themselves,” he says. When call after call came for his assistance with small house projects, Jimmy knew that despite his demanding responsibilities as the owner of a general contracting and remodeling company, he couldn’t turn them down.

Recognizing a great need in the community, Jimmy mobilized his resources and hired an office manager and a handyman who could help him offer small-scale services at an affordable price. “That’s how [Keystone Handyman] was born,” he says. Nearly 20 years later this year, Keystone Handyman is still growing and benefitting the Chattanooga area.

“Anything from hanging a shower curtain to replacing your air filters, to changing the hardware in your kitchen–it runs the whole gamut,” adds Jimmy, whose fulfillment comes from helping those in need no matter the service. “My heart for community is what drives me to try and serve as much as I can.”

If he’s not lugging a toolbox, Jimmy is passionately serving as the senior pastor of The Oasis Revival Center in Birchwood, fostering with his wife, Rachel and their three children, and coaching youth sports. “I was a football coach at Lake Forest Middle School for eight years,” he shares, adding that he also coaches baseball and enjoys seizing the opportunity to inspire the younger generation–some of whom may come from broken or split and blended families, often feeling like an outsider in their own homes.

“When we step out on that field, we’re all fighting for one another, and these are our brothers,” Jimmy says. “Being able to impact their lives in that way and let them know that they’ve got a family that’s much bigger than the people inside of the doors of their

house... that’s my driver. I love community. I love people.”

He also loves supporting local businesses and checking out everything the Chattanooga area has to offer, including one of his and Rachel’s personal favorites: the diverse culinary scene.

“My wife and I are foodies,” he quips. “There’s so many great places in Chattanooga to go eat–from Calliope to Alleia and St. John’s,” the options, Jimmy says, are endless. The views are a bonus. “Just the beautiful views from the heights of the mountains–it’s just wonderful.”

Faith, family, and service. It’s the handyman’s motto he credits for a fulfilled life.

To learn more about Keystone Handyman, call 865-299-6906 or visit: keystonehandymantn.com.

ARTICLE BY BRANDON HOOD

Decorating Trends for 2026

HOOD DESIGN INTERIORS SHOWCASES KEY TRENDS FROM THE WINTER MARKET

BOWS & RIBBONS

Bows and ribbons appeared across nearly every showroom, reimagined for every season and holiday. The trend added a playful, customizable layer to décor, especially for wreaths and entry moments.

CURVED FURNITURE

Curved furniture took center stage, replacing scalloped edges with softer silhouettes. These rounded forms added movement and warmth, creating spaces that felt inviting, elevated, and effortlessly modern.

PATTERN PLAY

Pattern mixing felt bold yet thoughtful, pairing unexpected motifs in harmonious ways. Winter Market confirmed that layered patterns are back, bringing energy and personality without feeling overdone.

MIXING ELEMENTS

Mixing materials, finishes, and styles emerged as a defining theme. Marble, steel, linen, and whimsical wallpaper layered together to create spaces that felt curated, personal, and intentionally imperfect.

CHINOISERIE CONTAINERS

Chinoiserie-inspired containers brought pattern and color to the forefront. Timeless yet fresh, these decorative pieces balanced beauty and function, reinforcing the market’s love of collected, storied design.

Discover an exquisite selection of premium decorative hardware and lighting that brings timeless beauty to any space. From refined door and cabinet fixtures to elegant gas lanterns, fireballs, mailboxes, and gate hardware. Connect with Brandino Brass today and unlock the full potential of your project.

Mon-Thurs 8-5, Fri 8-1

Appointments Preferred Brandinobrass.com 205-978-8900

Local Drinks: Reading Room Bar

Come for the Books, Stay for the Drinks

Linden Marno-Ferree dreamed of opening a bookstore bar years before Chattanooga was even on her radar.

A Vermont native, Marno-Ferree worked at Harvard Book Store in Boston in the early 2000s. Just down the street was a bar she and her coworkers often visited after hours. “The idea of putting drinks and books together seemed obvious,” she says, noting that used bookstores and dive bars often share the same funky aesthetic. At the time, major players like Amazon were rapidly reshaping the bookselling landscape, forcing independent bookstores to get creative in order to stand out and stay profitable.

Beyond her love of books and literature, Marno-Ferree also felt drawn to the restaurant industry. She took her first restaurant job at 30, and was immediately struck by how mobile the industry could be—offering the freedom to live, work, and travel in new places. That flexibility eventually led her to Chattanooga: affordable, diverse, and well suited for the hybrid concept she wanted to build. In 2018, Marno-Ferree relocated and began immersing herself in Chattanooga’s local hospitality scene, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become the Reading Room.

ARTICLE BY KATE ROBERTSON PARRISH

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY SKUDLAREK & MAETEU REITER

Through her work in the hospitality scene, and the relationships that grew from it, Marno-Ferree connected with the right people to help bring her vision to life. The Reading Room Bar officially opened on Brainerd Road in December 2024. The space feels instantly warm and inviting, lively without being loud. The bar’s personality is eclectic and a little weird, with pops of color among shelves lined floor to ceiling with books.

Marno-Ferree originally sourced many of the books from the Chattanooga Public Library, giving new life to books rotated out of circulation. Today, her dedicated book manager hunts for additions at thrift stores and estate sales. Guests are also encouraged to contribute their own gently used books—each book donated in good condition earns a credit toward a tab or a gift card. There will also be book swaps throughout the year, further reinforcing its role as both

a neighborhood bar and a gathering place for readers.

The Reading Room is designed for lingering, not rushing. Guests are invited to browse with a drink in hand. Many do just that—ordering a cocktail, coffee, or tea, settling into a chair, and staying awhile to read.

Marno-Ferree drew on her bartending experience to shape a lineup that feels balanced, accessible, and inventive. “We have fun with the prep,” she says. “We play with botanicals, flavor combinations, and pull inspiration from other cuisines, herbs, and spices.” The result is an intriguing mix of cocktails, mocktails, interesting wines and craft beers, and a strong selection of teas and coffee drinks.

“We want to make it easy for people to come, whoever you are, whoever you’re with,” Marno-Ferree says.

That philosophy has shaped the bar’s clientele in ways both expected and surprising. The Reading Room has become a welcoming space for a wide range of communities, including alternative and creative crowds that naturally found their way there. It’s equally suited for solo visits or small groups; artists, readers, industry folks, and neighbors all share the space comfortably.

Marno-Ferree is also intentional about the bar’s role within its Brainerd neighborhood. While the area can feel unconventional, she’s encouraged by how readily people have embraced it, and by the growing number of new businesses moving in this year.

“We’re trying to create a real community where you can come for the whole day,” she says. “You can have your own experiences at different businesses, but always keep it creative and a little weird—whatever that means for you.”

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 14TH

Chattanooga St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl

The Bitter Alibi | 1:00 PM

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend at the Chattanooga St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl. Hop between top local bars with included drinks, exclusive specials, festive swag, and a free after party. Checkin begins at The Bitter Alibi. Wear your green, enjoy the energy, and join hundreds for one of Chattanooga’s most popular St. Paddy’s celebrations.

MARCH 17TH - 20TH

Spring Break Sweet & Savory Camp I

The Sweet & Savory Classroom | 45 E. Main Street, Suite 112 | 9:00 AM1:00 PM

This hands-on camp is all about learning the ins and outs of the kitchen while making some delicious favorites like ravioli, crepes, Chinese dishes, and cream puffs. Over four fun-filled days, our chef will guide campers as they build confidence, learn kitchen safety, follow recipes, and tackle real cooking techniques—all while having a blast and eating great food.

MARCH 21ST

Shop the Market at the Choo Choo

1400 Market Street | 10:00 AM

Shop the Market proudly presents a classic, no-theme market experience celebrating what matters most: vendors, community, and local creativity. Held at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo, this curated market features artisans, food vendors, handmade goods, unique flavors, live entertainment, and a beer bar—bringing timeless shopping and community together in one iconic setting.