Johns Creek, GA March 2024

Home SWEET Here!

HOME + DESIGN

PRETTY IN PRESTWICK: REGAN MAKI'S PICKS

DECOR TRENDS FROM A DESIGNER

SCENIC SOUTH'S GRAND PLAN

Our luxury furniture showrooms are open to the public on select days each month. With highquality, unique, and on-trend furniture that is available to take home same-day or schedule to have delivered and a team of expert designers ready to help, you are sure to find what you’ve been searching for at one of our exciting shopping events!

SCAN THE QR TO CHECK OUT UPCOMING EVENTS IN YOUR AREA!

Multiple locations in:

GEORGIA | DALLAS | FLORIDA

For over a decade, our team of expert designers have furnished thousands of homes, TURNKEY, all over the United States. We have cornered the market with superior products, lightning-fast lead times and unparalleled customer service and expertise! Reach out and let’s discuss what we can do for YOU!

We look forward to seeing you, Kristy & JJ Ortega

Hello friends,

When I was 5-years old we moved to the suburbs from the west side of Detroit. We had an acre with giant willow trees to climb, a rec room for my four teenage brothers and a field next door to explore. With Detroit in tumult at the time, my parents wanted to escape to the safety of the 'burbs and, while I was young, I understood the gravity of the move. Biking was more challenging because there were no sidewalks in our countryside neighborhood and the roads were not paved, but I did have my own bedroom with blue shag carpet and a pass-through window between the kitchen and family room, that I would lean through to say goodnight to my parents after high school parties!

My mother was a meticulous housekeeper, so the carpet would always have neat tracks from recent vacuuming and the small kitchen would somehow remain spotless even with six kids rummaging around.

Now that I'm an empty-nester, I too enjoy a tidy home and my husband is as handy as a pocket on a shirt when it comes to housework. We love hosting rousing family dinners, but relish our quiet and clean home once the party is over.

We've lived in nearly 30 homes in our 38 years together, and each has offered something different to our family and lifestyle.

In this month's HOME issue, we celebrate design, color and the all-important location. Enjoy the stories in these pages. We are thankful to you for allowing us into your home and hope this issue earns a place on your coffee table.

From Karyn Slovin (pictured here with me!), Jim Newman and all of us at City Lifestyle, have a lovely March!

All my best,

March 2024

PUBLISHER

Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Stacy Conde

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sean O'Keefe

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jolie Loren, Catrina Maxwell | CatMax Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Joli Oculoplastics

Atlanta’s Premier Eyelid Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics Center

Kang

an expert in her field regarding any type of eyelid concern, both cosmetic and medical. Dr. Kang

Botox and fillers and aims for

appearing results, believing in a ‘less is more” approach.

Schools News

Medlock Bridge Elementary School Social Studies Team won the 2024 Jimmy Carter and Andrew Young Social Studies Tournament District Championship after their inaugural undefeated season. Johns Creek High School tenth-grade student, Amber Liu, became a USA Table Tennis Junior National Team member after winning the U15 Girls Singles and Doubles championships at the 2023 USA Table Tennis National Championships and four gold medals at the Pan American Championships competing at the World Youth Championships.

Go Big

One of our favorite musicians, Joe Gransden, is bringing his Big Band to Roaring Social this month. Catch Joe Gransden's Big Band at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12 as they perform some Sinatra favorites. Roaring Social is at 35 Milton Avenue. Tell him Johns Creek City Lifestyle mag sent you!  Roaring-Social.com

GET

Alpharetta Restaurant Week

Our area boasts an unbeatable lineup of top-notch culinary hot spots and Alpharetta Restaurant Week is the perfect time for patrons to try a new restaurant or revisit a favorite. Participating restaurants will offer a special dinner menu with multiple courses for $25-$50+ and many also offer similar lunch menus for $20$35+ (beverage, tax and gratuity not included). AwesomeAlpharetta.com

Trust and respect are essential to any dentist/patient relationship, and these are values we at North Atlanta Family Dentistry believe in wholeheartedly. We strive to exceed all expectations by listening to our patients, explaining treatment options thoroughly, and providing them with the education and information they need to take care of their teeth between visits

Meal From Home

The tastes of home are what fuel the owners of the reinvented Creation Social House Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar. Partners Vikram Arroju and Chef Firat Ozay, strive to bring the flavors of the Mediterranean and hometown of Chef Firat in every dish they prepare.

Born in Adana, Turkey, and cooking since he was 10, Chef Firat moved to Istanbul at 14. There he graduated from culinary school and came to the United States in 2012. Chef continued to follow his dreams of cooking and created a dish on the menu, lamb Adana, in honor of his hometown.

At Creation Social House, traditional Turkish brunch is served on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with the menu reflecting the dishes Firat and his family grew up with. Brunch is traditionally accompanied by Turkish tea served in a copper pot; but since I am more of a coffee drinker, I enjoyed a strong cup of Turkish coffee served in an authentic tea cup.

We also ordered the vegetable omelet filled with a variety of seasonal veggies, and homemade potato pancakes with fresh herbs, cooked to perfection. The presentation of brunch and all the accoutrements was as beautiful as it was delicious. My guest and I were served a large cheese plate consisting of feta, special homemade shredded cheese by Chef Firat, tomatoes, cucumbers and crackers. A bowl of Turkish green and black olives in olive oil and herbs was followed by the sweet and irresistible honey and Turkish cream to top warm pita bread. The sweetness continued with a dish of Cilek Receli, similar to strawberry jam, and chocolate Nutella, both to put on top of the pita bread.

At Creation Social House, Chef Firat only uses fresh ingredients and all dishes are made from scratch. “We want our guests enjoy a healthy meal and a taste of everything from spice to sweet. Most of all, we want them to enjoy family time and a taste of home.”

Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, with brunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

11500 Webb Bridge Way, Suite a7, Alpharetta    CreationSocialHouse.com

“We know that the Ansley Christie’s brand can offer our clients more reach through an iconic global brand that consumers trust”

- Regan Maki Couch + Cal Couch

ADVOCATES

AWARENESS

ANNUAL GALA CONTINUES TO RAISE CRITICAL FUNDS FOR ORGANIZATION'S MISSION

Over the last decade of my work as an event planner in Atlanta, no organization has had a greater impact on my life than the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance. My work has made me realize that everyone has a voice in the prevention of this disease and that we all need to be advocates for awareness and early detection.

The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance (GOCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about ovarian cancer, providing support to survivors and their families, and

funding the nationally recognized “Bag of Hope” program. Through community outreach, events, and resources, the alliance strives to empower women with knowledge about symptoms and risk factors leading to early detection.

Clearly, ovarian cancer is a women’s disease, but men can play a crucial role in educating people about ovarian cancer by raising awareness and fostering open, thoughtful conversations. Supporting female partners, friends, and family members in seeking regular check-ups and discussing women’s health openly helps break down the social taboos surrounding ovarian cancer. Men can participate in awareness campaigns, share information through social platforms, and encourage a proactive approach to healthcare, ultimately contributing to early detection and improved outcomes for ovarian cancer. Empathy, shared experiences, and a commitment to advocacy create a powerful bond, making community a stronghold for those navigating the complexities of ovarian cancer, promoting awareness, and driving positive change.

I have lost so many friends because their cancer was not detected in the early stages, which would have greatly increased their chance of survival. Losing members of the ovarian cancer community is a poignant and heartbreaking reality. Each departure represents not only an individual, but also a shared journey of resilience and strength. These losses underscore the urgent need for increased awareness, research, and support. Honoring those who have succumbed to this disease becomes a

catalyst for continued advocacy, encouraging a united front against ovarian cancer. Their legacies inspire an unwavering commitment to improving early detection methods and treatment options, fostering hope for a future where losses in the ovarian cancer community become increasingly rare. GAOvarianCancer.org

Design IN SAVANNAH

THE KIMPTON BRICE HOTEL

Post up at The Brice, but venture out and explore Tybee Island, the marshes and quiet rivers

Dating back to the 1860s, the storied buildings that are now the Kimpton Brice Savannah Hotel housed a livery stable, cotton warehouse, foundry and machine shop, wholesale grocer and Coca-Cola bottling plant, before becoming The Mulberry Inn in 1982. When transformed into the Brice in 2014, the Savannah gray color palette was used throughout the property to provide a calming and neutral envelope for more contemporary layers of interior design elements that are welcoming, charming, sophisticated and playful.

The story behind the general design was to maintain a sense of wonder – ethereal, dreamy and magical – while also uplifting

furnishings and finishes to feel curated with a European sensibility. The color palette is soft and subdued with rich textures and a newly added bookcase to tie back to Savannah’s literary history. The art featured throughout the property is a collection of local and national pieces.

You’ll want to take the fun fringe chairs in the lobby home with you. A metal screen pays homage to the iron gates that can be found walking through stately neighborhoods surrounding the Brice.

My favorite nearby historic building is The Davenport House Museum. In 1955, the c. 1820 Isaiah Davenport House was set to be demolished to be made into a surface parking lot. It was saved by a group of seven intrepid women, who blocked the demolition, purchased the property, and formed the Historic Savannah Foundation

(HSF). The House opened as a museum in 1963. The HSF saved it and preserves it still today. Be sure to include a tour when you stay at the Brice, which is off the beaten track in historic downtown Savannah, steps from the revitalized riverfront and all the fun, but without the noise and frivolity.

There’s a sweet hidden garden where you can have morning coffee or work (if you must). The hotel restaurant, Pricci, serves southern-inspired Italian classics. We liked the étouffée and southern biscuits for breakfast and short rib marsala for dinner. The menu is impressive and surprising. And, there’s nothing better than a gorgeous meal in your hotel and a nightcap by the pool before wandering up to bed.

BriceHotel.com

DavenportHouseMuseum.org

REPLANT,

A HUGE LANDSCAPING JOB LEFT NO STONE UNTURNED.

Presented with a wish list a mile long, fueled by a desire to reuse every living thing on the property while adding a substantial deck and hobby workspace and bringing a cracked driveway back to life, Brennan and Michaela Nicholson charged forth with a plan. The company they built, Scenic South Landscape and Design, had been hired to consult on and complete an extensive residential project. The homeowner wanted a yard with easy

“THE BIGGEST GOAL: USE AS MANY EXISTING PLANTINGS AS POSSIBLE, TO UTILIZE THE BUDGET IN OTHER AREAS.”

maintenance including zero to minimal trimming needs and a WiFi-controlled irrigation system using recycled water. The yard should use native plantings, natural and authentic, eschewing anything overly manicured. Adding parking or a turn-around space and repairing a badly cracked driveway without completely replacing it was also top of the list, along with adding curb appeal overall.

“The biggest goal: use as many existing plantings as possible, to utilize the budget in other areas,” says Michaela. “Also, we needed to create more space for entertaining and a workspace for their hobby golf cart repair projects; correct the erosion

and save a mature redbud tree washing away on the path to the lake; address window and deck rot in several places on the house; build a large deck with a flagstone surface and cable railing; and replace living room windows with French doors onto a new deck.”

The Scenic South began by removing all plantings along the driveway, transplanting more than 50 fully matured azalea bushes, three Japanese maple trees, and several other large young trees, and moving 100 plants and trees across the property. Every plant dug up had to either be planted right away or needed a temporary holding spot with water and protection

from the elements. Irrigation systems were updated, adding a pump from the lake using recycled water rather than city water. “We built a carport to match the house with tongue and groove ceiling, electrical outlets, and lights, making a once unusable area a functioning parking space,” says Michaela. They also lovingly relocated a koi pond and expanded the level of entertaining space.

They constructed a 600-square-foot deck with flagstone as the surface, with room below for parking and a covered outdoor space. “It took a great deal of careful planning and engineering to build a suspended deck strong enough to hold the weight of flagstone. We replaced an existing deck with Trex deck boards and handrails. We also built an 8-foot diameter boulder fire pit embedded in another 600 square-foot flagstone patio,” says Brennan. Their team used more than 40 tons of boulders in the landscape design while attending to drainage, dry creek beds, and grading.

Michaela and Brennan started their partnership with a landscape maintenance company and built on their creativity and strengths with problem-solving to launch Scenic South. “When you hire us, you get an integrated team of qualified individuals who all work together on each project from start to finish,” says Michaela. “We handle everything from small additions to plants and trees to plumbing and electrical. Even if we don’t have someone on our team, we can align you with the best-fit person.” Because teamwork is dreamwork.

ScenicSouthLandscaping.com

Welcome Home

Designer: Cristi Holcombe, founder and creative director

Project name - Southwick Home

WHAT WERE THE CLIENT’S GOALS FOR THIS PROJECT?

Cristi Holcombe: Our clients were completely relocating from the Northeast and were not bringing anything with them. The home needed substantial renovation work on all three levels as well as the exterior. The main goal was to bring the home up to date and provide our clients with a new home that was completely designed from top to bottom so that the transition into the new area was as

smooth as possible. They wanted a home that was well-designed not only for themselves, but also to enjoy with colleagues and friends.

WHAT A HUGE PROJECT! IF YOU HAD TO PLAY FAVORITES, WHAT ROOMS DO YOU LOVE MOST?

I think the primary bathroom was one of the most unique to design to date. The before and after of the space is unrecognizable. I also loved the use of texture and finishes that we used for the design in the terrace bar area.

AND, A MOMENT FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO CAPTURED THE “AFTER” SO BEAUTIFULLY.  CATRINA, YOU’VE BEEN A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER FOR NEARLY TWO DECADES AND YOUR INTERIOR HOME SHOTS ARE STUNNING.

Catrina Maxwell: My work is fueled by a love of collaboration and showcasing my clients’ individuality. I enjoy the group process involving designers and homeowners.

The founder of CatMax Photography and creator of the CatMax Photography Personal Branding Experience, Catrina is a champion for fellow small businesses and women entrepreneurs.   She’s excited to continue sharing engaging blog posts, interactive lunch-and-learns, and dynamic videos in 2024.

DETAILS

Cristi Holcombe Interiors

2660 Holcomb Bridge Road, Ste 200

CristiHolcombe.com

CatMaxPhotography.com

Pretty in Prestwick

THIS

HOME IS EQUAL PARTS QUALITY AND WARMTH.

“Home is much more than just a place to live. It's a reflection of your lifestyle, personality, and values.

The phrase, “home is where the heart is” is a timeless adage that rings true for most of us. However, the concept of home is not confined to the physical space we live in, but rather it encompasses the community in which we lead our day-to-day lives. It’s where we connect with neighbors, make lifelong memories, where we celebrate milestones, and where we find comfort and solace.

Nestled in the heart of one of the top three safest cities in Georgia, this Johns Creek featured home is conveniently located near some of the most popular destinations in the area. Whether you’re in the mood for some retail therapy at The Forum or Avalon, are up for dinner or drinks at some of the community’s top spots like Sugo, Trattoria One41, H&W Steakhouse and Stagè, or perhaps a quality education for your children at the nearby public or private schools including

Perimeter School, Wesleyan School, or Cornerstone Christian Academy, this home is perfectly situated to cater to your lifestyle.

This particular home is a shining example of the love and dedication that goes into maintaining and renovating a property. It has been thoughtfully designed to withstand the test of time, while also offering modern amenities that cater to the needs of homeowners today.

Home is much more than just a place to live. It’s a reflection of your lifestyle, personality, and values. With its exceptional location, quality construction, and timeless design, it’s the perfect place to call home.

390 Royal Birkdale Court, Johns Creek  ReganMaki.com

Living Green

Permaculture is a portmanteau of the words “permanent” and “agriculture” that points to creating lasting and productive systems that yield food, fiber, and fuel year over year. The definition that Shades of Green Permaculture founder and CEO Brandy Hall likes to use is “It’s all alive. It’s all intelligent. It’s all connected.” It’s an approach to living that can create harmony between the human-built environment and the natural world, and empower people to participate in the Earth’s return to health.

“My personal and professional goal has always been to help people reconnect with their land, and to help them live healthier lives. I grew up between my mom and stepdad’s conventional plant nursery in south Florida and my dad’s home in the pristine western North Carolina mountains,” says Brandy. “When I was young, my mom and stepdad were poisoned by the herbicides and pesticides they used on the farm, which led to escalating allergic reactions for years until I was a teenager, when they moved the whole family to the middle of the woods to begin a 4-year detox.”

Shades of Green Permaculture is a landscape firm that specializes in regenerative landscapes, ecological design, and permaculture. They have worked with over a thousand clients in many different capacities – nonprofits, schools, farms, homes, businesses, and municipalities.

Island Life

When interior designer Debbie Blumencranz Rubin first met with her clients in their new home, they presented a long list of appliances and wishes to be included in the transformation. They loved to entertain and host holiday gatherings. While the clients had definite ideas about functional storage and requirements for cooking, Debbie knew the space needed to be exceptional, but also comfortable and utilitarian.  CONTINUED >

We take great pride in making sure that the design is exactly what the clients were hoping for.

Here are five fabulous design features that Debbie feels make the home special.

1. The island! We needed lots of countertop space, while at the same time waterfalling the stone and creating an eating space.

2. The hood! The client designed/sketched this hood, and I brought in a specialist to faux finish with a plaster look, which came out extraordinary.

3. The walls of the butler’s pantry! I wanted a really dark and stormy feel in this room, which I felt caught the eye between the kitchen and dining room when you looked through. I had the same artist come in and we did a suede finish on the painted walls. Turned out exceptionally well.

4. The brass details! All the hardware is custom-made for the client. Lots of small brass details are hidden throughout the kitchen to catch your eye. The client worked for hours with the metal workers to create the exact look.

5. Floors! The natural stone floors were brought in from overseas and we waited several months for them to come in. The color is fabulous in this kitchen.

If there is one thing clients should know about Cotton and Steel Design, I would want them to know that we first start with the layout/function of a space. We take great pride in making sure that the design is exactly what the clients were hoping for. We listen A LOT up front and try to get all the important details in for them. We do not sell any product. We are here to design the space and work with all the fabricators the clients need. Having the right team in place for any client looking to remodel or build is so important.

Cotton and Steel Design, LLC

CottonSteelDesign.com

Exceptional Senior Living!

MARCH 2024

events

MARCH 6TH

State of the City

Northview High School | 6:00 PM

Join your neighbors to hear Mayor Bradberry bring us up to date on the state of our city. Are we financially stable and moving forward with confidence? Reception at 6 pm with remarks at 7 pm.

MARCH 16TH

Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra presents Brilliant Beethoven

Johns Creek United Methodist Church - 11180 Medlock Bridge Road | 7:30 PM

Join the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra as they celebrate the 200th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s eternal Symphony No.9 – featuring masterful soloists and the Johns Creek Chorale. Tickets from $20-50. 678.748.5802.  JohnsCreeksymphony.org

MARCH 28TH

Women's Networking Connection

TBA | 9:00 AM

The Women's Networking Connection is a great platform for women in business to come together to build strong connections with other businesswomen. Whether you own, run, or have a women-targeted business you'll enjoy great networking, great referrals, and great conversations! Email for details: rbuckley@johnscreekchamber.com

H i g h - q u a l i t y c a r e w i t h h o m e t o w n h e a r t

Emory Johns Creek Hospital is committed to our community.

We’ve added two floors to the hospital, three floors to the Physicians Plaza and a parking deck, all to better serve you and your family. The new areas provide physicians, nurses and our care teams an interdisciplinary space to focus on family-centered care and ongoing wellness, supporting you with the unparalleled service and knowledgeable professionals you’ve come to expect.

No matter your health needs – from routine to advanced – we’re here to help you make your health a priority.

emoryhealthcare.org/johnscreek