Established in 1973, our family-owned and operated jewelry business has earned the reputation as one of the Atlanta’s most distinguished custom jewelers. Reflecting on the rich tapestry of the last five decades, we are honored to be the personal jeweler of hundreds of families. Our hearts are filled with deep appreciation for the enduring relationships we’ve cultivated, the trust bestowed upon us across generations, and the cherished opportunity to be part of your most treasured moments.
at $1,175,000
Welcome to a true mountain estate near the Aska Adventure trails where panoramic, year-round views and impeccable craftsmanship come together in one of Blue Ridge’s most sought-after outdoor playgrounds. Tucked into a quiet cul-de-sac with all paved access, underground utilities, and quick convenience to downtown Blue Ridge, 101 Falling Rock delivers the lifestyle buyers dream about, privacy, scenery, and instant access to North Georgia’s best adventures.
March marks a season of intention—where the way we live, gather, and invest in our homes takes center stage. In this issue, we’re proud to focus on home design & build, exploring not just the structures we live in, but the lifestyle they’re designed to support.
A thoughtfully designed home begins with trust, protection, and long-term vision. That’s why we’re featuring the story of a Georgia-based businessman whose Allstate agency has grown into a multi-office operation and is now expanding into Florida. His work centers on safeguarding what matters most to families and business owners—their greatest assets, including their homes and offices. It’s a powerful reminder that behind every beautiful space is a foundation of security that allows life to be lived fully and confidently.
From there, we turn to craftsmanship and creativity with a stunning feature on Schoun Kitchens & Baths, a family-owned business that has become one of Metro Atlanta’s most respected design firms. Their insight into what homeowners are requesting, as we look ahead to 2026, reveals a shift toward spaces that prioritize quality of life—intentional layouts, elevated materials, and designs that feel personal, livable, and enduring.
We also spotlight a local thought leader whose work bridges the gap between designers and skilled professionals to deliver exquisite window treatments. In a world driven by trends, this story celebrates the staying power of traditional craftsmanship, tailored design, and the art of finishing a home with thoughtful detail.
Finally, we close the issue with a celebration of flavor, culture, and hospitality through the Georgia Food & Wine Festival, an annual three-day tradition that brings the community together while giving back to a local nonprofit. Beyond the excitement of the event, this story invites readers to take the experience home—learning new recipes, discovering creative cocktails, and gaining inspiration from live chef demonstrations. These shared moments of hospitality are meant to be recreated in the very spaces we design—kitchens built for connection, dining rooms meant for conversation, and homes designed to support a rich, well-lived life.
As you explore this issue, we hope you’re inspired to design with purpose, live with intention, and bring beauty, warmth, and meaning into every corner of home.
KEVIN KASETA, PUBLISHER @EASTCOBBCITYLIFESTYLE
March 2026
PUBLISHER
Kevin Kaseta | kevin.kaseta@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Rei Kaiser
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Emily Anne Jackson
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Wendy Edwards, Rei Kaiser, Sean O'Keefe
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Catrina Maxwell, Claudia Stimmel of Simplicity a Southern Lifestyle, The Bell Athens, Angela Boardman Curtains
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell Learn
Voted Cobb County’s Best Retirement & Assisted Living Communities 7 Years in a Row!
“We’re honored that Sterling Estates of East Cobb was Voted Best Assisted Living Community in My East Cobb and that Sterling Estates Communities have been recognized “Best of Cobb” for Retirement, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. We’ve been serving Seniors in greater Atlanta for over 25+ years now... We invite you to come and experience what sets us apart.” Marshall Gill, COO & Partner, Sterling Estates Senior Living Communities
“What I’ve learned is that all communities talk about wellness and socialization... but they don’t have the wellness center, green space, programming and staffing that Sterling Estates has. No one can match what Sterling provides for their residents period. My parents are thriving at Sterling Estates... bet yours will too.” ~ Susan S.
With Home Prices so High - Never Been a Better Time to Sell & Move into One of Our Sought After Rental Cottages
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Circle for Children Co-Presidents Susan Fulkerson and Mary Beth Wegener 2: Barre3 joins the fun celebrating the Avenue East Cobb's Wellness Week 3: Walton High School's Evan and Kate named 2026 Winterfest Queen and King! Congratulations! 4: Junior League Cobb Marietta serves at Backpack Blessings supporting children living in food-insecure households 5: NBA Champion, MVP and All-Star Jaylen Brown's jersey retired by alma mater Wheeler High School! 6: Circle for Children's Danielle Houret-Lam, Ruth Carol Chitwood and Karen Levy 7: Circle for Children members gather to celebrate one another and commitment to building community.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
Major Brian Batterton, longtime commander of Cobb County Police Precinct 4 in East Cobb, retired after 30 years of service. A respected leader known for his integrity and community commitment, Batterton served in the precinct since 2018 after a career that began in 1995 and included roles in patrol, criminal investigations, and training leadership. He was honored and celebrated for his service with a community ceremony. Major Darin Hull appointed as his successor.
Marietta Business Association announces Casino Night, a lively new networking event combining business connections with a festive casino-style atmosphere. Guests will enjoy classic table games played with “just-for-fun” money, along with food, beverages, and live music. Presented by Georgia Wills, Trusts, & Probate Firm, LLC proceeds support K9 Officer Barney, a crisis response canine serving Marietta City Schools and Marietta Police Department, promoting emotional wellness and support across the community. Learn more mariettabusiness. org or 770-423-1330.
The Cobb County School District, in partnership with the Cobb Schools Foundation, announced a transformative $250,000 investment from NAPA to accelerate and modernize Automotive Pathway programs across the district. The funding delivers industry-grade tools, upgraded shop equipment, and realworld training environments at both the Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy and McEachern High School—putting students in the driver’s seat for high-demand automotive careers and strengthening the future workforce across Cobb County.
Led by recently appointed Director of Programs Lisa-Ruth Karnes, the Cobb Community Foundation launched Cobb Vital Signs. Developed with Kennesaw State University, Neighborhood Nexus, and community partners, the effort provides publicly accessible, placebased research identifying needs, gaps, and opportunities affecting quality of life and economic stability. Through reports, interactive tools, and ongoing convenings, Cobb Vital Signs offers nonprofits, businesses, and local governments a shared framework to align efforts and track long-term community progress.
Habitat Northwest Metro Atlanta, Habitat for Humanity affiliates statewide, HomeAid Georgia, and homeowner advocates gathered in February to participate in the Second Annual Capital Build Day at the Georgia State Capital to frame a Habitat home drawing legislative attention to the state's attainable housing crisis. The build highlights the financial foundation homeownership creates and its long-term benefits including health, education, and generational stability. The home constructed will be used for a future homeowner. Habitatnwma.org
Delivering Smiles for Over 25 Years
More than 54,000 Happy Customers
Bounce Houses | Water Slides | Tents
Obstacle Courses | Carnival Games
Concessions | Mechanical Bulls
Just a phone call away we’re here to assist in crafting and executing your flawless event.
INQUIRE ABOUT FREE DELIVERY AND SPECIAL OFFERS
As we transition toward the warmer months, March is a great time to stay on top of your pet’s health At Providence Veterinary Clinic, we’re here for wellness exams, preventive care, and timely veterinary visits to support your pet year-round.
We’re welcoming new clients and look forward to caring for your pets
Call or book online to schedule an appointment.
BY REI KEISER
PASSIONATE LEADERSHIP, COLLABORATIVE DESIGN, AND METICULOUS PROJECT MANAGEMENT SHAPE BEAUTIFUL SPACES BUILT TO LAST
Founded in 1993, Schuon Kitchens & Baths has built a reputation as one of metro Atlanta’s most respected kitchen and bath remodeling firms, grounded in craftsmanship and expertise, with a deep personal approach to design. Led by fourth-generation cabinetmaker Hans Schuon, the company blends legacy-level skill with modern innovation, offering homeowners a rare combination of creative vision and technical mastery. With a seasoned team of award-winning designers, skilled craftsmen, and construction professionals, Schuon operates as a true one-stop renovation resource—handling everything from kitchen/bath design, custom cabinetry, countertops and construction services. Their deep bench of knowledge allows the team to look beyond surface aesthetics, thoughtfully reworking layouts, improving flow, and even relocating walls, doors, and windows to unlock a home’s full potential. From luxury furniture-grade cabinetry and custom-built pieces crafted in their Woodstock
shop, to thoughtfully engineered materials selected for efficiency and value. Every project reflects the company’s commitment to quality and detail.
Across the country, homeowners want kitchens that are as functional as they are welcoming— spaces that support daily life while still feeling special. At Schuon Kitchens & Baths, this translates into kitchens designed with a balance of thoughtful layouts, tailored details, and livability.
Cabinetry plays a defining role. Homeowners are drawn equally to sleek frameless designs and square inset cabinetry, both offering a refined, furniture-inspired look. Light and warm neutrals remain the foundation, with blues and greens adding personality. Interior cabinet features—organized drawers, lighted storage, and pull-outs for spices, waste, wine, and specialty items—help keep the space visually calm and highly efficient.
Islands have become the heart of the kitchen, designed for connection as much as for cooking. Generous seating, integrated storage, and discreet electrical and USB access allow islands to support everything from casual meals to working and gathering. Vent hoods in warm wood or metal serve as strong focal points, while larger pantries and scullery-style prep spaces provide behind-the-scenes functionality that keeps the main kitchen open and inviting.
“CLIENTS APPRECIATE SCHUON’S STUNNING DESIGNS, COLLABORATIVE PROCESS, CLEAR COMMUNICATION, METICULOUS CRAFTSMANSHIP AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL.” - HANS SCHUON
Material choices lean toward quiet luxury. Quartzite countertops paired with full-height, seamless backsplashes remain a standout, creating continuity and visual impact. Workstation sinks with built-in accessories support efficiency, while farmhouse sinks continue to add warmth and familiarity. Hardware and faucets in brushed or patinated brass, matte black, or soft gray tones add subtle contrast, complemented by layered lighting and lighter-toned hardwood floors that ground the space naturally.
Schuon is seeing that these design trends and choices resonate across lifestyles, serving the needs of active and growing families while also creating kitchens designed for hosting—whether that means intimate dinners, welcoming guests for the holidays, or gathering together for meaningful family milestones.
Bathrooms are being reimagined as places to retreat. Schuon is seeing a demand for open, spa-like bath environments that emphasize ease, flow, and calm. Walk-in showers with minimal barriers, multiple showerheads, and layered water experiences create an immersive feel, while freestanding tubs are positioned as focal points—inviting homeowners to slow down and unwind.
Layouts are becoming more open and airy, with walls removed or reworked to improve natural light and circulation. Floating vanities, streamlined storage, and thoughtfully designed cabinetry help keep the space visually quiet and uncluttered, allowing the room to feel expansive even when the footprint remains the same.
Across the country—and especially in Atlanta—homeowners are reimagining the in-between spaces that support daily life. Laundry rooms are becoming larger and more refined, with built-in washers and dryers, folding counters, cabinetry, and dog-washing stations. Mudrooms feature intentional storage with mail and key drop zones, charging stations, benches, and coat hooks. Home offices are evolving as well, with unused areas
transformed into flexible, multipurpose spaces that balance productivity and comfort—often incorporating discreet, built-in pet beds.
Homeowners are discovering that great design isn’t defined by one look, one brand, or one level of finish. Instead, it’s about flexibility—having access to a broad spectrum of products, materials, and solutions that allow each space to feel personal, intentional, and aligned with how a home is truly lived in.
Today’s homeowners are more informed and visually inspired than ever, approaching projects with a clear sense of what resonates with their lifestyle, whether that means refined luxury or carefully curated practical choices.
That flexibility is reflected in the range of products shaping modern kitchens and baths. At the elevated end, appliances from brands such as Sub-Zero, Wolf, Thermador, and Dacor are often selected for their performance, craftsmanship, and design presence. At the same time, thoughtfully engineered alternatives from brands like KitchenAid, Bosch, and GE Café deliver strong functionality and style, offering different paths to a well-designed space. Similar choices extend to materials, where natural stone, handcrafted tile, and wide-plank hardwood floors can be paired alongside high-quality porcelain
surfaces, engineered stone, and durable composite or engineered flooring.
What matters most is how a space supports daily life— how it feels to cook, gather, unwind, and move through the home. With today’s wide range of materials and finishes, homeowners can shape spaces that reflect their priorities and vision. Guided by experience and collaboration, thoughtful design comes together through choices that simply feel right.
skbi.com
WED., MARCH 25
THE CHEF’S TABLE EXPERIENCE
A VIP experience delivering an intimate, five-course, immersive dining journey where food, culture, and storytelling converge.
Tickets: $150/person
SAT., MARCH 28
VIP LOUNGE AT SAVOR
Enjoy early access to Savor, full access to the general admission area, and an elevated lounge experience throughout the day. Open bars, catered food, chef demos, live music.
Tickets: $165/person
FRIDAY, MARCH 27 FIRED UP
an all-inclusive evening celebrating everything grilled, smoked, and barbecued. Food | Wine | Beer | Spirits | Live Music
Tickets: $85/person
SUNDAY, MARCH 29
FAMILY DAY
A relaxed, family-friendly festival finale, featuring live music, a variety of delectable restaurants, farmers, artisans, and food trucks, artisan market, and free Kids Zone!
Tickets: $25/person
SAT., MARCH 28 SAVOR
A refined afternoon celebrating Georgia’s culinary scene, featuring some of the state’s top chefs, restaurants, and specialty food makers offering a variety of flavorful bites.
Tickets: $99/person
SUNDAY, MARCH 29
SUNDAY VIP LOUNGE
Lounge while listening to live music and enjoying an open bar, exclusive chef demonstrations, and catered offerings. Includes admission to Sunday Funday. Tickets: $139/person
ARTICLE BY EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE
Georgia Food + Wine Festival Returns! A Three-Day Celebration of Flavor, Culture, and Community
The best gatherings make you feel right at home - thoughtfully designed, beautifully layered, instantly welcoming and the irresistible pull toward gathering around a great table. From March 27–29, 2026, that feeling takes center stage at Marietta's Jim R. Miller Park as the Georgia Food + Wine Festival returns for a three-day celebration of cuisine, culture, and community.
More than a festival, this world-class culinary and beverage experience brings together Georgia’s most celebrated chefs, local artisans and farmers alongside renowned wine, beer, and spirits brands from around the globe. Whether you’re a devoted foodie, an adventurous sipper, or simply looking for an unforgettable spring weekend, this is a can’t-miss event.
At the heart of the festival is its continued partnership with Georgia Grown, the title sponsor dedicated to supporting Georgia agribusinesses. Throughout the weekend, guests will see—and taste—that mission come to life at the Georgia Grown Chef Demo Stage and the lively Georgia Grown Member Village, where local products, stories, and flavors take the spotlight. Known for its rich, sweet, and depth of flavor, the festival is also excited to welcome major sponsor Woodford Reserve Double Oaked to the scene.
Chef Nick Leahy, Owner of VICE Kitchen, Vice Steaks, and Smashburgers by Vice is excited to be a part of the Festival's Meat and Greet experience. "It's a fun way to kick off the festival. It's great to see some of the chefs and get to hang out, visit with beverage professionals and catch up, but what I enjoy most is getting to interact with the public, share good food, a good show, and just a good time all around. We have some fun new ideas for this year making the experience even more special," says Leahy.
New for 2026, unlike traditional tasting tents the Chef’s Table Experience offers an intimate, multi-course, chef-driven dining experience featuring Georgia-sourced ingredients, curated wine pairings, and storytelling from acclaimed chefs. Set for March 25 at 6:30pm this limited, seated event delivers a refined, sit-down alternative to traditional tasting experiences. “The Chef’s Table Experience is about more than exceptional food and wine,” said Chef Jernard Wells. “It’s about slowing down, engaging the senses, and creating meaningful moments around the table. This experience represents the elevated, immersive direction of the Georgia Food & Wine Festival.”
CONTINUED
Friday, March 27 – Fired-Up (7:30–9:30pm)
Friday night turns up the heat with Fired-Up, an all-inclusive BBQ extravaganza featuring some of the Southeast’s most celebrated pitmasters and grill masters. Guests can expect gourmet grilled, smoked, and roasted bites, unlimited wine, beer, and spirits tastings, live music, and interactive experiences like the Meat & Greet. A highlight of the evening is whole-hog pickin’ from Rodney Scott’s BBQ, delivering bold, unforgettable flavor in a lively festival atmosphere.
SATURDAY SAVOR
Saturday, March 28 – Saturday Savor (1:00–4:00pm)
Saturday afternoon is the heart of the festival. Savor invites guests to explore a vibrant walk-around tasting featuring hundreds of wines, beers, and spirits, along with culinary offerings from some of Georgia’s best restaurants. A souvenir tasting glass and tasting tokens allow guests to curate their own experience while enjoying live music, shopping, and artisan vendors.
The Georgia Grown and Celebrity Chef Stages offer an up-close look at culinary talent from across the state, with chef demonstrations, insider tips, and limited tasting samples. Two live music stages showcase outstanding local and regional performers, adding to the festival’s energetic ambiance.
Savor also gives back through a Silent Auction benefiting SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, the festival’s charitable partner. Featuring everything from luxury and beauty items to travel and one-of-akind dining and entertainment experiences, the auction allows guests to indulge for a meaningful cause.
For those seeking an elevated experience, the Publix VIP Lounge offers early entry, a crystal souvenir tasting glass, a fully catered lounge, open cocktail bars, live music, and exclusive comforts—all while maintaining full access to the general festival.
Sunday, March 29 – Sunday Funday (12:00–5:00pm)
The festival concludes on a relaxed and joyful note with Sunday/Funday, presented by Atlanta News First. This family-friendly finale features live music, shopping, food trucks, farmers, artisans, and a free
Kids Zone, making it an ideal outing for guests of all ages. Adults can enjoy beer, wine, and cocktails available for purchase, while children 12 and under attend free.
Guests looking for a more refined Sunday experience can opt for the Publix VIP Lounge, featuring unlimited tastings, catered fare, and live music in a comfortable, elevated setting.
As a highlight of Sunday/Funday, top local bartenders will compete for a cash prize and "Golden Ticket" to the World Food Championships in the Festival's very own Georgia Best Cocktail Challenge.
Chef Leahy shares, "Atlanta, and Georgia in general, has really transformed as a dining scene since I started cooking. It used to be dominated by "upscale southern", but now there are great restaurants cooking food from all over the world, as well as chefs with their own unique food perspectives. I also love how the industry in Atlanta is supportive of each other, happy for others successes, and uplifting during challenges. It's not that way in every city, but I think since a lot of us have known each other
for a long time, and rose through the ranks together, and started opening our own business, it creates a community and this sense of community permeates throughout the Festival."
Centrally located, Jim R. Miller Park is just minutes from Marietta Square, The Battery Atlanta, and Truist Park, making the Festival an easy addition to a spring getaway. With free parking, events for a variety of budgets, and thoughtfully curated experiences, the festival continues to set the standard for culinary celebrations in the Southeast.
Winter rates are available now for a limited time. Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to toast the flavors, people, and culture that make Georgia such a delicious place to be.
For the most up-to-date festival details, visit www. georgiafoodandwinefestival.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
Our country was built on movers and shakers with dreams, the ambition to chase those dreams, and the resilience to continually push forward through adversity. For Kory Rykman, Owner of Allstate Rykman Agency, these principles have been the cornerstone of his success in business and in life.
Kory was born to Russian immigrant parents who fled their homeland in search of freedom and opportunity. From an early age, his parents instilled in him a relentless work ethic shaped by their firsthand experience with the suppression and authoritarianism of communism.
“My parents used to tell me that in Russia, you could have someone who was smarter, faster, stronger – who worked harder – earning the same as someone who drank vodka, worked three hours a day, and was paid exactly the same,” Kory recalls. “When effort and reward are equalized, the quality of everything suffers.”
Kory’s father often reminded the family they came to America for a reason. “He told us we had enormous potential in this country and the responsibility to make the most of it,” Kory shares. That belief became a guiding force for Kory, which continues to fuel his drive and ambition today.
In addition to the principles that have driven his success, Kory has relied on self-development and business books to stay motivated and keep his business acumen sharp.
ARTICLE BY WENDY EDWARDS
Kory explains, “You can’t have a thriving business unless you continually do the right thing. I bend over backwards for my staff and my customers. I over communicate. I’m overstaffed so calls don’t get missed and things don’t get dropped. It takes a lifetime to build a good business reputation, and it can come crumbling down in no time.”
For Kory, a life well lived means working hard and playing with purpose. A competitive soccer player since junior high, he brings the same discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking to the field as he does to his business. As team captain, Kory learned the power of surrounding himself with people who share his drive for success and commitment to excellence, both on and off the field.
Beyond soccer, his passion for high-performance cars has opened doors to an unexpected classroom. Car shows and automotive events have become opportunities to connect, learn, and exchange ideas with like-minded entrepreneurs. Whether competing,
networking, or building relationships, Kory approaches every pursuit with intention, constantly refining his skills and pushing toward the next level of success.
Allstate has proven to be an ideal partner for Kory and the clientele he has carefully and thoughtfully built over nearly nine years. It’s a place where strong work ethic and consistent performance are recognized – where those who put in the effort are given opportunities to grow and succeed. Most recently, that unwavering commitment to growth enabled Kory and his team to secure a Florida territory, allowing them to expand into a new market and open the door to even greater opportunities in an already impressive career. With the ability to work with and insure customers in Georgia and Florida, Kory
and his team are poised to work with homeowners with dual ownership in both states for all their insurance needs.
While expanding his insurance business to Florida, Koryalongside his business partner - continues to grow Ryce Realty Partners headquartered in Georgia, which is focused on residential rehabilitation and resale. He is further investing in the venture by preparing for the Real Estate Broker’s Exam with plans to build a team of experienced professionals to support the company’s continued growth.
Nearly seamlessly, Kory has applied the principles he developed at Allstate to this real estate venture. “My in-depth experience insuring properties has given me a clear understanding of what truly goes into rebuilding homes,” Kory explains. “From navigating claims to knowing which materials stand the test of time, that experience allows me to deliver a superior product.”
As the year unfolds, Kory is focused on sustaining his momentum at Allstate through helping clients with their insurance needs, and using that continued success to drive growth and achieve new milestones across his expanding business ventures.
agents.allstate.com/lindsey-rykman-marietta-ga.html
“You can’t have a thriving business unless you continually do the right thing. I bend over backwards for my staff and my customers.”
ARTICLE BY WENDY EDWARDS
Angela Boardman Curtains brings the vision of designers and artisans to life
By Angela Boardman
The scent of sawdust and the whir of power tools are enough to quicken Angela Boardman’s heart. Her lifelong passion for design has always been intertwined with construction and renovation, allowing her and her husband to breathe new life and function into every home they’ve lived in. “I have always loved new construction and the process of building a home from foundation to finishes. “I have had a hand in the design, construction, and renovation of every house my husband and I have ever lived in,” says Angela.
When her children entered middle school, Angela found the opportunity to step fully into the design world as a consultant for her friend’s custom curtain boutique, The Curtain Exchange. What began as a single role soon laid the groundwork for an unexpected education, where she mastered the art of window treatments while identifying a gap in the industry. “Back then, if you did not work with a designer, most people were unable to source custom window treatments and all that goes with transforming spaces,” Angela remembers.
Recognizing the need, Angela stepped in to provide design services for clients without access to professional designers, delivering exactly what they wanted. With no one else offering this approach, she fully committed to learning the business. For eight years, Angela immersed herself in fabrics, sewing, and the craft itself, guided by skilled artisans who mentored her along the way. “I became fascinated by the artisans in the workroom who sew custom window treatments,” Angela says. “Their craft is often passed down through generations, learned at the knee of mothers and grandmothers. These are rare, deeply talented individuals and increasingly hard to find.”
Angela also saw that small designers lacked reliable access to installers, upholsterers, and skilled craftsmen, creating major obstacles to serving their clients. In response, she opened Angela Boardman Curtains in 2009. Since then, she has bridged the design gap for both clients and designers, streamlining the process of custom window treatments into an effortless, cohesive experience. As Angela explains, “Talented designers have the beautiful vision of how they would like their designs to come to life, but need someone who can work behind the scenes to transform those visions into reality.”
Custom window treatments, including drapery, hardware, woven wood shades, shutters, fabric shades, valences, cornices, and custom pillows and bedding, are among the most requested elements when clients set out to beautify a space. Clients and designers collaborate with Angela to establish a clear vision for each project. She then meets clients on-site to take precise measurements and evaluate the space, ensuring materials and details align with the designer’s intent. Once a proposal is finalized and approved, Angela partners with skilled workroom artisans to bring the designer’s concept to life with exceptional craftsmanship. “Most people see a completed room in a magazine and say, "I want that". In order to achieve this look, many things happen behind the scenes… There is not a standard when it comes to custom window treatments. This is not a DIY project that you can hang over a weekend and have it look custom and beautiful”, Angela describes.
The designers Angela collaborates with, rely on her to help to pull an entire room together. Window treatments must balance proportion, support the space’s function, maintain visual flow between rooms, and integrate seamlessly with furniture. Trends point to natural fibers like linen and organic cotton that soften and filter light, while grasses, reeds, and bamboo add texture and dimension. In more formal spaces, velvet, silk, or chenille bring weight, volume, and drama.
The Bell Hotel in Athens, Georgia is a project that Angela worked on with one of the Atlanta area’s most notable interior designers, Claudia Stimmel. Claudia is the Founder of Simplicity a Southern Lifestyle, LLC and believes collaborating with someone that is as experienced as Angela is crucial to the art of pulling all of the elements of a room together. “Angela managed the curtain design and installation for The Bell Hotel in Athens, where each of the rooms had different window sizes, trims, and fabrics. I trusted her completely to translate my vision into reality, and she delivered exceptional results throughout,” shares Claudia.
Angela is a consultant, visionary, and trusted partner to the clients and designers she serves, treating each one with the “Golden Rule” in mind. “I treat my clients exactly how I would like to be treated when I obtain the services of a business. Quite simply, you can never go wrong if you treat everyone with professionalism, dedication, hard work, and the respect you would like to receive. This has served me well for the past 17 years in this business.”
AngelaBoardmanCurtains.com.
EVERY SEASON ENJOY A PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED PLANTER DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR
Simply remove last season’s insert and drop the new one in your own container or one purchased from us.
FREE Delivery to 30062, 30067, 30068 & 30075
@jenniferrustbotanicals
Use code CITYLIFESTYLE15 for $15 off your first season!
RITZ-CARLTON REYNOLDS HOSTS CHEFS, ARTISTS, AND VINTNERS FOR IMMERSIVE SPRING CELEBRATION BLENDING GLOBAL FLAVORS, FINE WINES, AND SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY LAKESIDE.
ARTICLE BY SEAN O'KEEFE
Set along 30 acres of pristine shoreline and cradled by towering Georgia pines just 90 minutes from Atlanta, The RitzCarlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is where refined luxury meets effortless lakeside calm. This spring, March 20–22, 2026, the resort becomes the center stage for the Lake Oconee Food & Wine Festival, one of the Southeast’s most anticipated destination weekends.
Over four inspired days, the festival awakens every sense through inspired cooking, immersive dining experiences, and more than 200 wines from renowned vintners across the globe. Celebrated chefs and rising culinary talent take center stage, complemented by an eclectic mix of live performers and visual artists that infuse creativity into every corner of the weekend.
Guests are invited to join us in celebrating the art of food, wine, and togetherness, where every table tells a story and every glass brings people closer. For those looking to experience it all, The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is offering a Lake Oconee Food & Wine Package giving guests access to the festival’s most sought-after events-Friday night’s Launch Party and Saturday evening’s Grand Tasting.
It is the ultimate lakeside escape filled with flavor, artistry, and Southern hospitality.
For more information, please visit LakeOconeeFoodAndWine.com
To book your room, please visit RitzCarlton.com/Reynolds
