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isn’t where we live — it’s how we live.
March is when the shift truly begins. After months of living indoors, we start opening our homes back up — cracking windows, letting in fresh air, and noticing how differently our spaces feel as the light changes. It’s the season when ideas for home projects quietly take shape, sparked less by trends and more by how we want to live in the months ahead.
For our family, we'll be preparing the back patio for movie nights with the grandkids — rethinking seating, adding lighting, and imagining evenings spent outside as spring turns into summer. It’s also happening inside our walls. My dad is currently embarking on a major kitchen remodel, navigating the excitement — and very real stress — that comes with demolition, design decisions, timelines, and endless selections. Anyone who’s lived through a renovation knows how overwhelming those choices can feel, even when the end result is something you’ve been dreaming about.
That real-life transition is what inspires our March Home & Design Issue
This issue is about approaching home projects with intention — not rushing into decisions, but understanding how thoughtful design impacts everyday living. You’ll see how outdoor living spaces are being reimagined as true extensions of the home, designed with the same care as kitchens and great rooms. Seamless indoor-outdoor connections, simplified layouts, and flexible spaces are replacing overbuilt features, creating environments that invite people to gather, relax, and linger.
Inside the home, we explore one of the most overlooked elements of design: lighting. Especially in kitchens and baths, lighting does far more than illuminate a space — it shapes how a room functions, how it feels throughout the day, and how comfortably it supports daily routines. When layered thoughtfully, lighting can reduce visual clutter, enhance flow, and make even well-used spaces feel calmer and more cohesive.
You’ll also find an important reminder that smart home projects often start before construction begins. Trees, landscapes, and the natural elements surrounding our homes quietly influence comfort, privacy, and long-term value. Early planning — before patios are poured or additions take shape — can protect both the beauty and integrity of a property.
As we move from winter routines into spring rhythms, this issue is an invitation to slow down, look at our homes with fresh eyes, and design spaces — indoors and out — that truly support the lives we’re living now, and the memories still to come.
March 2026
PUBLISHER
Lisa Federico | lisa.federico@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Madison Moroi | madison.moroi@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Brice Bunner | bunnerb@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ashley Labaki, Brice Bunner, Lisa Federico, Madison Moroi
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Alex Cruz (www.RendrLabs.io), Bradley Blumensheid, Big Darby Tree, Mike Bernot, Mike Mayers, Rhythm Architecture, The Designery Columbus, The Exterior Living Company
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
Hannah Leimkuhler
QUALITY CONTROL
“A year after our deck install, we’re still thrilled with the results! We wasted months with other design build firms.”
-Emily C
“Would give more stars if possible! The Exterior Living Company did an excellent job building our new deck, we could not be happier.”
-Angela T
“We would hands down recommend Exterior Living Company to anyone looking for quality and care in their outdoor projects!”
-Kari V
The Exterior Living Company designs and builds custom decks, sunrooms, porches, & patios. With 40+ years of experience at our foundation, we harness the heart of your existing space to craft lasting exterior value and a backdrop for cherished memories.
WHERE
1: Dwell Well Design Co. owner and principal designer Jessica Brugger shares design inspiration. 2: A child attends Seeds of Caring's MLK Day of Youth Service at Ohio History Center. 3: Samantha Blanton and Helen Carlson post during the Mirth Project's Mirth and Martinis party. 4: Attendees enjoy an evening of wellness and better sleep techniques hosted by Sandman Sleep. 5: J.S. Brown & Co's kitchen remodel in Orient is a functional vision in soft green. 6: Caroline Kuehl & Jacob Bradley shine on their wedding day at the Ohio Statehouse. 7: Arianna Wyatt sparkles in a Valentine’s Day makeup look by 614 Beauty.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
The Designery’s new location in Dublin has opened, bringing their services closer to home. The new storefront is located at 329 W Bridge St, Dublin, OH 43017 and features their custom design and expert installation services, as well as their stunning showroom model. To learn more about how you can bring your home vision to life, stop in and see the new location or visit thedesignery.com/ locations/columbus
Scan to read more
Dwell Well Design Co.’s annual Design Alchemy journal is back and has all the tips you need to get ahead of this year’s design trends. Founder and Principal Designer Jessica Brugger has put her passion on the page to share forward-thinking ideas, inspiration, and real guidance for turning your home into a space you’ll love. You can download your free copy and learn more about Dwell Well at www.dwellwelldesignco.com.
If you’ve got a song in your heart, a music class from The Music Academy of Worthington is an excellent place to start. Music Academy of Worthington empowers students to build confidence and dedication, while also offering various courses for all skill levels, including piano, violin, guitar, trumpet, and voice, among many others. Summer classes start June 1st, so it’s the perfect time to get started. Visit musicacademyworthington.com for more.
ARTICLE BY LISA FEDERICO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE BERNOT
As the days get longer and homes begin to open back up after winter, many homeowners find themselves looking beyond their four walls — imagining how they want to live outside this season and for years to come. Morning coffee on the deck. Evenings spent entertaining friends. A quiet place to unwind at the end of the day. Outdoor spaces are no longer just nice additions; they’ve become essential extensions of everyday living.
What was once a simple deck or patio is now being approached with the same intention as a kitchen renovation or great room addition — and homeowners are thinking about how they want to live outside, not just how they want it to look. According to Mike Chekanoff, owner of The Exterior Living Company, that mindset shift is driving some of the biggest design trends he’s seeing right now.
“The number one thing people ask for is connection,” Chekanoff says. “They want their outdoor space to feel like part of the home, not something you step down into and forget about.”
That’s where seamless indoor-outdoor transitions come in. Large window walls, accordion-style doors, and expansive openings are replacing traditional sliders, allowing kitchens and living rooms to open directly onto decks and patios. In some homes, pass-through windows even connect kitchen sinks to outdoor bars — a literal example of bringing the inside out.
Elevation matters too. Chekanoff often steers homeowners toward decks rather than patios because they align more naturally with a home’s first-floor level. “It’s about ease,” he explains. “Especially as people think long-term, fewer steps and better flow make a big difference.”
Visually, outdoor spaces are becoming calmer and more refined. Busy window grids are giving way to fewer, wider panes. Color palettes lean neutral and nature-inspired, designed to complement the home rather than compete with it. “People want these rooms to feel light and open,” Chekanoff says. “They’re places to relax — not visual chaos.”
Material choices reflect that same philosophy. Maintenance-free exteriors paired with prefinished interior finishes offer durability without sacrificing warmth or character. The result is outdoor living that feels
intentional, cohesive, and built to last. Timeless spaces not just for summer, but for years to come.
As outdoor spaces grow in sophistication, flexibility has become just as important as design.
Rather than overloading decks with features, Chekanoff encourages homeowners to simplify. “Less is more,” he says. “When you start wrapping steps everywhere or adding too many levels, you actually lose usable space.” Today’s decks are being designed more like floor plans — with clear zones for grilling, dining, lounging, and moving through the space naturally.
Comfort is another major priority, especially for homeowners who want to use their outdoor rooms beyond the peak of summer. Minisplit heating and cooling systems have become a go-to solution for four-season rooms and sunrooms, creating comfortable, independent zones without stressing a home’s existing HVAC system. Quiet and efficient, they make outdoor rooms truly livable year-round.
One of the most noticeable shifts is the growing popularity of motorized trellises and screens. These systems allow homeowners to control sun, shade, and airflow at the push of a button — creating flexibility without permanently darkening the home. “You can open it up when you want sunlight, or drop screens when bugs or heat become an issue,” Chekanoff explains. “It gives people options.”
Outdoor kitchens remain desirable, but expectations have become more realistic. Instead of going all-in immediately, many
homeowners are choosing phased projects — preparing the space now and adding features later. “We’ll often build the structure to support what’s coming next,” Chekanoff says. “That way budgets stay manageable, and nothing feels rushed.”
Finishing touches are where everything comes together. Landscaping, furniture, fabrics, and lighting transform a wellbuilt structure into a space people actually want to use. And good design, Chekanoff notes, always respects the home itself. “The outdoor space should belong to the house,” he says. “If it doesn’t feel like it fits, it never quite works.”
In the end, the biggest trend in outdoor living isn’t a product or material — it’s thoughtful design that enhances how people live, gather, and slow down at home.
Mike Chekanoff is the owner of The Exterior Living Company, a design-build firm specializing in custom decks, sunrooms, and outdoor living spaces right here in Northwest Columbus. With roots in the building trades and decades of hands-on experience, Chekanoff is known for his thoughtful, design-forward approach to outdoor construction. His award-winning work focuses on creating spaces that feel cohesive with the home, functional for everyday life, and built to stand the test of time. www.exteriorliving.co
Tree health warning signs homeowners miss - and when expert guidance matters most
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY LABAKI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIG DARBY TREE
Most homeowners don’t think about their trees until something looks off. But whether it’s thinning leaves, leaning, or a bulging, "calling a professional sooner rather than later can help stop small issues before they become costly problems," says Big Darby Tree owner Elliot Smith.
Elliot is an ISA-Certified Arborist and resident of Northwest Columbus whose expertise is rooted in a lifelong connection to the outdoors.
Trees quietly shape how we live, providing shade, privacy, sound buffering, and beauty, yet they’re often misunderstood. For Elliot, caring for them is both professional and personal. From his early days as an Eagle Scout, Elliot fostered a deep respect for the natural world, leading him down the path of arboriculture and the study of plant health in suburban environments.
Elliot often receives calls about dead branches, bulging trees, or roots encroaching on structures. But many warning signs, such as soil upheaval near the trunk, leaves emerging late or unevenly, or subtle color changes, often appear earlier and may signal issues below ground.
“Most tree problems don’t start above ground,” Elliot explains. “And by the time they do, options are limited.”
The most common - and expensivemistake homeowners make is beginning outdoor projects without consulting a tree professional. Driveways, patios, additions, and major landscaping can damage root systems, so expert guidance matters most before ground is broken.
Privacy is another frequent concern, and while arborvitae remain popular, Elliot recommends species selection and diversity to reduce disease. He also cautions against improper planting and pruning practices that shorten a tree’s lifespan.
Elliot’s philosophy is simple: informed decisions protect trees, homes, and the landscapes families depend on every day.
A GUIDE TO PEACEFUL AND INTENTIONAL SPRING CLEANING
ARTICLE BY HEATHER SPINKS
Week 1: Refresh and Declutter
• Open windows for fresh air and let the natural light in.
• Declutter surfaces—countertops, coffee tables and shelves—removing anything unnecessary.
• Go through kitchen cabinets and toss expired pantry items and mismatched containers.
• Sort through closets, donating or repurposing clothes you haven’t worn in the past year.
• Wipe down baseboards and dust ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents.
Week 3: Outdoor and Seasonal Transitions
• Sweep porches, patios and outdoor furniture, preparing for warm-weather gatherings.
• Check gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
• Tidy up gardens and potted plants, removing dead leaves and refreshing the soil.
• Store winter coats and boots, making space for lighter spring essentials.
• Replace seasonal decor—bring in fresh flowers, soft pastels and airy textures.
• Wash windows and mirrors to welcome in the sunlight.
• Deep clean the fridge and pantry, wiping down shelves and organizing items.
• Launder curtains, cushion covers and throw blankets.
• Vacuum and shampoo rugs and carpets for a fresh start.
• Rotate and flip mattresses; wash all bedding, including pillows.
• Touch-up scuff marks on walls and doors.
• Stock up on cleaning supplies to maintain a fresh environment.
• Set a simple weekly cleaning routine to keep your home feeling refreshed.
• Light a scented candle or diffuse essential oils to celebrate your clean, peaceful space.
Understanding when to call an architect, why moving walls changes everything, and how smart planning protects your investment.
ARTICLE BY MADISON MOROI PHOTOGRAPHY BY RHYTHM ARCHITECTURE
Based in Worthington, Bradley Blumensheid, the founder of Rhythm Architecture , whose residential and commercial work balances thoughtful design with real-world buildability. We sat down with Bradley to unpack when homeowners should call an architect first—and why that decision shapes the entire renovation experience.
Home renovation often begins with inspiration—a growing family, a love of entertaining, or a desire to finally make a home function the way it should.
According to Bradley, one of the most common missteps homeowners make happens before the first wall is touched: calling a remodeler when an architect should have been the first call.
“The moment you’re changing the footprint, moving walls, or touching structural or utility elements, you’re no longer in cosmetic territory,” Mr. Blumensheid explains. “That’s when an architect needs to be involved.” Projects requiring permits—anything impacting structure, windows, electrical, or layout— demand detailed plans, elevations, and specifications prepared by a licensed professional. Skipping that step can lead to stop-work orders, code violations, or expensive corrections later.
Architects do more than draw plans. They solve complexity. From evaluating structural integrity to balancing design intent with budget realities, architects help homeowners understand the full scope of a project before construction begins. Engaging an architect early often saves money by avoiding redesigns, change orders, and delays caused by unpermitted or non-compliant work.
Another distinction homeowners often misunderstand is the difference between architects and
interior designers. Architects focus on structural redesign and the overall spatial vision, while interior designers concentrate on furnishings, finishes, and decorative elements. The most successful projects respect both roles and engage each professional at the right time.
Equally important is the relationship between architect and contractor. While design-build firms bundle both roles, independent architects and contractors can—and should—challenge each other. That friction protects the homeowner. Contractors prioritize constructibility and cost; architects safeguard design intent, performance, and longevity. Keeping the architect involved during construction ensures value engineering doesn’t quietly erode the original vision.
In the end, successful renovations aren’t defined by beautiful spaces alone—they’re shaped by thoughtful leadership from the very beginning. When walls move, structure changes, or complexity increases, an architect brings clarity—they can oversee the contractor bidding process, drawing on trusted professional relationships, and ensuring design intent, investment, and craftsmanship remain aligned through every phase of construction. The right architectural guidance ensures renovations feel seamless, timeless, and tailored to how homeowners truly live.
ARTICLE BY SHANNON ROBERTS
A bookcase is often more than just a storage unit for books; it’s a focal point of a room that can enhance the overall decor and reflect personal style. Styling a bookcase can be a rewarding endeavor, allowing you to showcase your literary collection and curate a space that feels inviting and visually appealing. Here are some tips to help you achieve a beautifully styled bookcase.
Styling a bookcase is a creative process that combines practicality with aesthetics. By using these tips, you can transform an ordinary bookshelf into a stylish, engaging focal point that complements your home’s decor while showcasing your personality and interests.
When placing books back on the shelves, think about the arrangement, vertical stacks are more traditional, horizontal stacks more modern, or both for more visual interest. Adding decorative elements such as picture frames, vases, or sculptural objects to break the monotony. Incorporating items with varying heights can create a dynamic arrangement. Use larger items like art pieces or baskets on lower shelves and smaller decorative objects higher up. Aim for a balanced look while avoiding perfect symmetry. This creates an organic flow, drawing the eye naturally across the shelf. Incorporate asymmetrical groupings for added interest, mixing textures, colors, and shapes.
Use Color Wisely and Add Natural Elements.
Color plays a role in styling a bookcase. You can opt for a monochromatic palette for a sophisticated look or introduce pops of color for a more energetic vibe. If your books are of various colors, pick a few colorful decorative pieces that complement or contrast them effectively. Integrating plants or natural elements can breathe life into your bookcase. Small potted plants can add color and texture.
Create Zones and Add Personal Touches.
If your bookcase has multiple shelves, consider creating zones or themes for different sections. Infuse your personality into the bookcase through memorabilia, travel souvenirs, or personal artwork. These pieces add a storytelling dimension and make the space uniquely yours.
FORMER MLB PITCHER APPLIES PRECISION TECHNOLOGY TO CONFIDENT REMODELING DECISIONS
For years, Mike Mayers lived in a world defined by preparation, performance, and pressure. As a professional baseball pitcher, he spent eight seasons in Major League Baseball, competing for roster spots with teams including the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, and Kansas City Royals. Every outing mattered. Every mistake was visible. And every season demanded physical and mental endurance.
ARTICLE BY BRICE BUNNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE MAYERS
Today, that discipline has followed him into a very different arena: home design.
Mayers is the owner of The Designery Columbus, an established Central Ohio design and remodeling business now opening a new showroom at 329 W. Bridge Street in Dublin on March 12th .The new, showroom represents a significant evolution — one designed to give homeowners clarity, confidence, and control during remodeling ...a notoriously overwhelming process for most clients.
The transition away from professional sports wasn’t an easy one. After years of pitching through injuries and living in a constant state of “fight or flight,” Mayers reached a crossroads in 2024. With a young family to support and his body no longer cooperating, he knew baseball — though a lifelong dream — could no longer be the long-term plan. Letting go of that identity took time, but it also created space for something new.
Design, in many ways, had always been there.
Raised in a real-estate-focused family and once interested in architecture (before baseball took over), Mayers discovered his next chapter during a personal remodeling project. Without professional design guidance, he realized how often homeowners are left guessing — hoping finishes work together, juggling showrooms, and making costly decisions without being able to see the immediate outcome.
This experience became the foundation for the Designery’s unique approach.
The new Dublin showroom is built around technology that allows clients to see their selections come together in real time. Homeowners can place cabinetry, countertop, and flooring samples side by side, then immediately view those exact choices within a 3D rendering of their own layout. Large in-showroom displays — and optional virtual-reality walk-throughs — allow clients to step inside their future
kitchen, bath, coffee bar, or remodeled basement even before any products are ordered or demolition begins. From rooms to bars to closets to pantries, clients can see the immediate impact of their selections.
“It removes the anxiety,” Mayers explains. “When people can actually see their space, their decisions become easier and far more confident.”
The Designery’s model combines professional design, product sourcing, and installation, offering everything from supply-only options to full design-build services. With 11 cabinet lines ranging from affordable to fully custom, the team works across kitchens, baths, closets, laundry rooms, and home offices — spaces Mayers describes as the backdrop for everyday life.
While the industry Mike is now a part of has changed, his leadership philosophy hasn’t. Drawing from his athletic background, Mayers has built a culture rooted in preparation, teamwork, and accountability — supporting designers, contractors, and homeowners alike.
The pressure of the mound may be gone, but the mindset remains. For Mayers, this next chapter isn’t about reinvention — it’s about applying elite-level discipline to helping people build spaces they’ll live in, gather in, and remember for years to come.
MARCH 1ST
High Road Gallery | 10:00 AM
High Road Gallery’s Out There | In Here exhibition showcases the space between an artist’s inner life and their outer expression. Featuring pieces from artists like Gavin Otteson, Erika Pickrell, Hilary Stone, and Anne Coburn-Griffis, this exhibition is sure to make you think. Runs until March 14th.
MARCH 1ST
Chambers Music Studio | 4:00 PM
Chambers Music Studios’ is now partnering with schools to offer youth music classes before, during, or after school, based on the needs of your little musician. Classes include music theory, general music education, or instrument-specific programs to suit all needs and schedules. Learn more at chambersmusicstudio.com/music-programs.
MARCH 21ST
Worthington Inn | 7:00 PM
Come celebrate the opening of Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, a local brewing company that mixes craft brewing with destination dining. This new location and partnership with the Worthington Inn is bringing a whole new experience to our community and is sure to become a new favorite. Learn more at wolfsridgebrewing.com. Opening date to be announced!
CONTINUED
MARCH 22ND
Griswold Center Main Room | 1:00 PM
Spring is in the air and it’s the perfect time to start prepping for your garden! This free family-friendly event, hosted by The Worthington Partnership Green Team, will give you all the tools you need to improve our local ecosystem by learning about native plants and pollinators.
MARCH 25TH
McConnell Arts Center | 7:00 PM
It’s the United States’ 250th birthday and the Worthington Chamber Orchestra is presenting a musical journey through the centuries this season with American Crossroads. Through music, you’ll learn about the intersectionality of music, culture, and history that make up the American experience.
MARCH 27TH
McConnell Arts Center | 7:00 PM
Goes to the Movies is hosting a screening of the classic dog show mockumentary Best in Show. Guests can mingle with adoptable dogs from the Purebred Rescue Organization of Ohio before the show, and cast member and Worthington native Rachael Harris will join for a guest panel following the screening. Tickets free with reservation at mcconnellarts.org
White cabinetry, warm brass, and a patterned backsplash set a bright, confident tone, especially when March light pours across the island and settles into the new addition beyond. This kitchen was designed to feel open and effortless, from the generous work surfaces to the way the space flows toward those big windows and built-in bench. Behind the beauty is a clear sequence of decisions, with layout, finishes, and details aligned early, so every day feels easier, brighter, and ready for spring.
JSBROWNCOMPANY.COM | 614.324.0695
Since 1978, J.S. Brown & Co. has been delivering excellence in remodeling, improving both homes & the lives of our clients. Let us do the same for you.
