South Charlotte, NC March 2024

Green

Home is where the Heart is

Home. So much contained in that little four letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable.

Author Wendy Wunder said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back. ”As we thought about home - we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. That of course includes the food and drinks, the aesthetic and design, but most importantly - the people.

I have never been what someone would call a “home decorator”.  My home has never been a work of art or someplace that a visitor walks around in awe of my interior design skills lol.  My daughter is a different story, she redecorates her bedroom every four to six months with her theme following the current season.  She does this with her own hard work and money from Birthdays, Christmas gifts and now earnings from her job.  I just laugh and nod my head when she announces it is time to change out her bedroom.  She amazes me every time with her creative talents and how enamored she is with making her bedroom her safe place to call her own.

We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise this city and hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people in this community together.

As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you - in your city, neighborhood and most all of - your home.

Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.

Happy March!

Kylie Brooks | kylie.brooks@citylifestyle.com

ISABELLE VISUALS

As a passionate photographer, I have experience in sales, marketing, customer service, and project management of different galleries. My goal is to capture unique memories through a lens. As well as passion, I have immense knowledge of photography equipment and editing software. My expertise is portrait and engagement photography.

IsabelleVisuals.pixieset.com

602.505.0925

Bisabellevisuals

city scene

KATIE KICKERTZ

As a local, female, and board-certified endodontist, Dr. Kickertz provides more than just treatment; she offers empathy and expertise. Whether you’re a patient in need or a doctor seeking a reliable referral, Premier Endodontics is your go-to source for dental pain and root canal emergencies. 6842

business monthly

Artisan Kitchen, Bath and Iron Doors

Customer satisfaction is our highest priority. From start to finish, we will ensure that we have your best interest at heart. We will never sell an item to a customer just to "make a dollar". Our team of interior designers will be there to assist with all questions and help select the best materials for your project. Schedule a free in-home estimate at artisancarolinas.com!

Premier Endodontics of SouthparkKatie Kickertz D.D.S

My practice has been growing and we have hired on more team members to be able to help more patients and save more teeth! I am using modern technology in the form of a laser to aid in disinfection and getting better results for my patients. I am also preparing to attend the American Association of Endodontists annual meeting in Los Angeles where I will gain more knowledge and technology to improve our patient care!

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Regal Landscaping

With 13 years in business and 20+ years in the green industry, Regal Landscapes, LLC can tackle all of your outdoor landscape projects.  We offer design build of outdoor patios and living spaces, drainage and grading, landscape lighting and total landscape renovations! Text 704-763-9300 to schedule a consultation and allow Regal Landscapes to bring your back yard to life. Visit us at www.regallandscapesnc.com and RegalLandNC on Instagram.

IMPROVING INDOOR AIR QUALITY WITH GREEN HOME SOLUTIONS

BREATHING EASY

Springtime! Such a wonderful time of year filled with longer days, warm sunshine, beautiful blooming flowers and plants… all accompanied by pollen and allergens. When being outdoors proves too much for our bodies to handle, we often retreat inside our homes for

honesty as well; if someone has a problem, we tell them, but if they don't have a problem, we tell them that too.”

Stephen Paddison, co-owner, takes the lead in assessing each situation.  “Stephen is extremely thorough and knowledgeable, not only about

“IT’S VERY REWARDING TO HELP THEM FEEL WELL IN THEIR HOME AGAIN”

relief. However, for some people, their home harbors irritants that are difficult to escape.

Although mold is a common concern when it comes to indoor air quality, there are other things that can cause irritation and prolonged sickness. “When people have bad allergies, they go to the doctor and get medicine, but sometimes it doesn't make them feel better. A lot of times it's an environmental issue in their home or at their office,” explains Tracy Poff, co-owner of Green Home Solutions. “When people call and want their home or office checked, we start with a visual inspection and test their air for mold, allergens, tiny dust particles and more. Everything we do is non-invasive to start, and we pride ourselves in very little or no demolition if there is indeed an issue. People appreciate our

indoor air quality but also about building structures, HVAC systems, etc.,” says Tracy. “His visual inspections, along with the testing and air quality scans, are all valuable pieces of information in giving our clients peace of mind or identifying an issue. We check every room in the home, from the attic down to the crawl space. This includes all the supplies, returns, and water sources as well.”

Having a fast turnaround for test results allows for drafting a plan of action within days of the initial phone call. With situations that require mold remediation, Green Home Solutions strives to address the problem while reducing the need for demolition and reconstruction, which minimizes cost. For other air quality issues, they identify the source, make sure it is resolved, and then provide a detailed

plan of treatment, which sometimes includes an environmental reset for optimum air quality.

“We use nature against nature to help our clients. They much prefer plant based, ecofriendly products being used in their homes versus harsh chemicals,” she says. “Additionally, while we are working, we set up air scrubbers that help clean the air. Many clients comment on how the air smells better and feels cleaner and lighter simply from us running the air scrubbers.”

When residents do not have a specific issue to address, the team provides tips and resources on improving overall indoor air quality. They also offer quarterly Probiotic Treatments along with a Reset, Refresh, Replenish service, which is an environmental reset of the home. “During the Environmental Reset, we clean all high touch surfaces with our environmentally friendly cleaner, HEPA vacuum all carpeting and accessible areas, clean under refrigerators and dishwashers, and exchange the air in the home with air scrubbers and carbon filtration,” Tracy explains.

“WE USE NATURE AGAINST NATURE.”

Each service wraps up with the application of a special probiotic fogging solution. “Probiotics are unbelievably helpful because they attack pathogens and viruses,” she says. “Technicians use a special applicator that releases an ultrafine mist into the air. The mist lands on surfaces, penetrates fabrics and carpets, and infiltrates every corner of the home. The probiotics consume the resources that dust mites, allergens and pathogens thrive on for a naturally cleaner and fresher living environment.”

“When people inquire about our services, they appreciate the thoroughness of what we offer them,” adds Tracy. “It’s very rewarding to help them feel well in their home again.”

Green Home Solutions provides services for commercial and residential properties as well as offering air quality inspections during the home purchasing process. For more information and to schedule a consultation, visit greenhomesolutions.com/ charlotte-nc or call 704-312-8557.

ELEVATE YOUR CLOSET

9 WAYS TO ORGANIZE AND INJECT STYLE INTO YOUR SPACE

Every woman dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get their time and attention. Follow our nine tips for transforming and elevating your closet.

How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying these guidelines will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.

01

FACE CLOTHES THE SAME DIRECTION

It may seem silly, but when dealing with a small space, little things count. Hanging all clothes the same direction is a no-brainer for continuity in your closet.

02 03

USE REAL ESTATE WISELY

Reserve the front and middle of the closet for clothes worn most often. For someone who gets dressed for work each morning at 6 a.m., work clothes should be at the front of the closet. Store lesser-worn items like formal wear and out-of-season clothes toward the back and on the upper shelves. A large mirror and counter with chair provides the perfect spot to select jewelry and finalize finishing outfit touches. While every closet is different, the key here is everything has a home.

04

HIDDEN STORAGE

Hidden storage is a game changer in keeping a closet visually clean. Tuck folded clothes behind closed cabinet doors if the space is multipurpose. The floor-toceiling built-ins in Keri’s closet contain folded clothes, athleisure and other items she needs as she gets ready each day. Tuck away the least-used items: Use hidden storage and the very top of the closet for out-of-season items and stuff only worn a few times a year.

NEGATIVE SPACE

Using space efficiently is important, but keep in mind every good design includes some negative space. For instance, consider adding built-ins on the long wall of your closet but keep the short wall open with a mirror.

05

ORGANIZE BY KIND AND COLOR

Group clothes by kind first and color second. This ensures quick location of that favorite shirt when it’s needed. Bonus - it’s easy on the eye. Group like with like: Gather belts, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, work pants, dresses, button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, etc., and decide the best place to store each item as a group (e.g., hang pants in the closet, fold and stack sweaters in a bureau). Working with groupings will help you figure out how much space you need and the best way to store each type of item.

06

UPGRADED HANGERS

The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner!

07

BAG & SHOE STORAGE

Alternate the way shoes are facing. This ultimately helps fit more on each row and provide a visually appealing way to display those prized possessions.

Everyone understands the frustration of searching for that one clutch when rushing out for the evening. Bags benefit from a space all their own. Get clear container storage for small bags and purses so you can locate and access them easily.

08

LIGHTING

Lighting is everything in a closet. Gone are the days of dim recessed lighting being sufficient. Consider adding a statement lighting fixture like a chandelier or pendant that provides ample bright lighting to your space, no matter how big or small.

09

MAKE A STATEMENT

WHY USE AN ARMCHAIR WHEN YOU HAVE ROOM FOR A SOFA? SLIDE UP A STOOL AND COLORFUL AREA RUG TO COMPLETE THE LOOK. IF YOU HAVE EXCESSIVE WALL SPACE, CONSIDER A MINI GALLERY WALL OR A STATEMENT WALL WITH WALLPAPER TO POLISH THINGS OFF.

Beautiful Craftsmanship by Pineville Rug Gallery

“From start to finish, they ensure customers have a great experience.

If you are looking for exceptional services and high-end rugs, then look no further than Pineville Rug Gallery. Pineville Rug Gallery offers many services to their customers and provides handmade unique rugs to the customers that they service. Pineville Rug Gallery is family owned and operated and has been providing outstanding services to customers since 1986. Proudly representing their Persian heritage, they pride themselves in the work that is put into their products, ensuring that all customers are content with what they receive before and after purchase. From start to finish, they ensure customers have a great experience.

WHAT SERVICES DOES PINEVILLE RUG GALLERY PROVIDE?

Pineville Rug Gallery provides outstanding customer service by helping customers through the process of finding the perfect rug that matches what will work best for them in their homes. They also provide cleaning, and repair services for their valuable rugs. In addition, they also provide appraisal services for customers that own their own rugs and would like to know the value of the rug that they own. The expert team at Pineville Rug Gallery provides detailed and all-inclusive reports to customers that seek their appraisal services.

WHY SHOULD CUSTOMERS CHOOSE

PINEVILLE RUG GALLERY?

Pineville Rug Gallery uses high-quality wool, silk and other materials in their rugs. In using high quality materials, the textures of their rugs are plush and are the perfect piece to add to any living space. They supply rugs of many different styles, sizes, shapes, and designs. Customers can be ensured that they will be able to find what they are looking for

when shopping for a rug that will fit needs for different room varieties. Customers are able to find rugs that fit different bedrooms, dining rooms, hallways, offices, and living room spaces. An in-house design consultant is also available to help assist customers in how they decide what fabric and rug would fit best in their home. Pineville Rug Gallery truly goes above and beyond when it comes to making sure that customers are satisfied and have any and all questions or concerns answered.

WHO ELSE WOULD CUSTOMERS BE SUPPORTING WITH CHOOSING PINEVILLE RUG GALLERY?

Pineville Rug Gallery also takes into account the amazing craftsmen that are behind the handmade rugs that they carry. When you get a handmade rug from Pineville Rug Gallery, you are also supporting the craftsmen that created the rugs. Rug weaving is an industry dominated by females and they want to ensure that craftsmen behind the rugs are compensated fairly for the amount of work that is done. When you support Pineville Rug Gallery you are supporting a company that cares about the industry, craftsmen, and Persian culture behind the rugs and rug weaving.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES THAT CUSTOMERS SHOULD BE AWARE OF WHEN THEY CHOOSE PINEVILLE RUG GALLERY:

Customers are able to choose a rug and try it out first within their living space. If a concern comes up they are willing to work with their customers to fix any concerns and meet their needs. Service with Pineville Rug Gallery goes through approval prior to purchase for their customers. Depending on the

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From pet stains to other unexpected circumstances, Pineville Rug Gallery is available to help!

type of rug as well they have an exchange policy for the first two years of purchase for their persian rugs. If there is a stain that gets on a customer's rug, through their cleaning service customers are getting a service that will not only clean but also preserve the quality and state of the rug for many years to come. In addition to cleaning, Pineville Rug Gallery works by hand to repair rugs. Pineville Rug Gallery understands how important their rugs are to the families that purchase rugs from them. With this information in mind, they want you to feel comfortable and confident when you put your rug in their hands. From pet stains to other unexpected circumstances, Pineville Rug Gallery is available to help! Rugs from the gallery are expected to

be with families for many generations and they want to make sure that they are with you throughout the years to help with any additional services needed.

WHERE CAN INQUIRING CUSTOMERS GET MORE INFORMATION?

You can get in contact with Pineville Rug Gallery through their website at pinevilleruggallery.com or by calling them from their number 704-889-2454. Pineville Rug Gallery is conveniently located in Downtown Pineville. You can visit them at their address 312 Main St., Pineville NC 28134 to view selections in person. You can also view rug selections on social media platforms including Facebook, and Instagram.

CREATING YOUR HOME

The art of styling your home.

Home styling is more than space planning and staging - the most important part of the discovery is you. It’s personal. It’s about learning what brings you joy, sourcing and coordinating the things you love, and arranging them in a way that functions beautifully, looks stylish, and, most importantly, feels like home.

When it comes to styling your home, Sandy Mahoney from Create Home, a curated home store, encourages you to keep in mind these three simple things:

FAVORITES

“Some people don’t recognize their own favorites,” says Sandy. “We have a job to find what favorites work.” She understands that people know what they like generally but can struggle to pull those things into their home. Incorporating a client’s favorite aspects into a design, even small things like an antique clock, a gift from a family member, or a piece of art that they love, are what turns a space into a home.

COLLABORATION

More than knowledge of home decoration, architecture, and style, a big part of an interior designer is simply pushing people out of their comfort zones. “Stylists get people to think about something they haven’t thought about before,” Sandy explains. “Crafting ideas between the expertise of the designer and preferences of the client produce better ideas than any single party could come up with on their own.”

STYLING

Sandy laughs when pressed about styling. “I mean, we don’t cut our own hair,” she remarks. Her point here is that home stylists, like hair stylists, have a specific area of expertise. They enhance the function of space, solve challenges, and have a wealth of experience to draw from. They know how to build rooms around clients’ preferences while still creating an aesthetic space they know the client will love.

PRO-TIP:

When using a neutral palette combine texture and contrast to create a softer look that feels like home.

Weaving some of everyone’s favorite things into the design process creates a connection to the space and your home.

An important aspect of designing a home for the whole family is getting input from everyone. “If each person is involved, even in a small way, it creates a different connection to your home,” says Sandy. She adds that there are a lot of ways to involve every member of the family, from letting them add to specific rooms to simply including some of their favorites around the house. “We’ve had kids come paint part of the walls in their room with their favorite color to let them feel like they’re part of the process.” However, Sandy ensures that everything comes together in the end. “Don’t worry, we always re-paint.”

Sandra Mahoney, founder of Create Home in Excelsior, MN, has been sought out by clients and followers for her artful, eclectic design and keen ability to create home collections. As a real estate broker, interior designer, and home builder, Sandy loves helping people. For years, she has helped many find and design their homes.

DIY At Home Theater

Our family had so much fun creating this At-Home Movie Theater party for our son Ezra’s 8th birthday. All you need is a projector and an outdoor space, but I wanted to jazz it up just a little bit more.

TICKET BOOTH

I created a ticket booth and concession stand for a full movie theater experience to ensure that our movie night felt like our guests were actually going to a movie theater and not just our house. In attempt to achieve that, we set up a ticket booth at the front door using our kids old puppet theater.

Materials:

• Tickets

• Ticket Booth (optional)

Before entering our theater (aka our backyard), I set up a shadow box for guests to place their entry ticket.

PEGBOARD DISPLAY WALL

I love displaying food in a creative way at our parties. I made this simple DIY Popcorn Display Wall as a statement piece in our concession stand. We have also used it in many other ways for other parties such as a donut wall, bagel wall, pretzel wall and more. You can easily recreate your own for your next party.

Materials:

• Pegboard. I chose the 4ft square size at Lowes for $10 and spray painted it white.

• Frame (optional). I bought two 1x4’s for $5 each, cut 2 pieces 4ft long and 2 pieces 3.5ft long, stained minwax walnut, attached to pegboard with screws through the back.

• Twine to string popcorn bags. Or, if you’re using the pegboard display for donuts, bagels or pretzels then use golf tees hot glued into holes from behind!

• Clothes pins to hang popcorn bags.

• Popcorn bags

CONCESSION STAND

My daughter handed out tickets for guests to use to “purchase” their popcorn, candy and drinks at the concession stand.

Materials:

• Popcorn Machine (optional)

• Popcorn

• Popcorn flavors for guests to get creative!

• Candy - Use boxes rather than bags for movie theater vibes!

• Soda - Use bottles rather than cans

• Napkins

• Cupcake toppers & Plates  (if it’s a birthday celebration)

• Reused boxes and spray painted them white for guests to easily carry their snacks

SET THE SCENE!

FINISHING TOUCHES

I cut out red stars (from foam sheets) and stuck them to the floor (with adhesive putty) to lead guest through the house to the concession stand and back outside to where our movie was going to take place.

Finally, our guests could choose their seating on chairs or blankets around our yard. I also set up a little bug-spray table for people to grab as needed. Dramatic play, even as an adult, is so much fun! Who says staying home can’t be just as entertaining?

I hope you have as much fun at your party as we did! I’d love if you tagged me @silvertoothfarmhome so I can see your At-Home Movie Theater too!! In reflecting on the party, my son said that “the best part of the night was eating candy with my friends.” After all, people are what matter most!

MARCH 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 10TH

Gabriel Iglesias Comedy Tour

Bojangles Coliseum | 7:00 PM

Get your laugh on with Fluffy, aka Gabriel Iglesias, at Bojangles Coliseum!

MARCH 10TH

Peter Pan- The Musical!

Belk Theatre at Blumenthal Arts Center | 7:30 PM

Enjoy a night out with the family, all while being mesmerized by amazing musical theatre!

MARCH 17TH

North Carolina Bridal and Wedding Expo

800 Briar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC | 12:00 PM

Brides to be- this one is for you! Check out this expo for all things wedding!

MARCH 23RD

Spring Festival at Museum of the Waxhaws

8215 Waxhaw Hwy, Waxhaw, NC | 10:00 AM

Come out and enjoy time with the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, crafts, games and even live history demonstrations!

MARCH 23RD

3-2-1 Dash for Down Syndrome 5k!

8835 Blakeney Professional Drive, Charlotte, NC | 12:30 PM

Run for a cause! All proceeds from this awesome 5k are donated to research conducted by The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte.

MARCH 30TH

Jammin' T at Waxhaw Taphouse

110 McDonald St, Waxhaw, NC | 7:30 PM

Pop over to Waxhaw Taphouse and listen to some jazzy-blues tunes performed by Waxhaw native, Jim Tierney, aka Jammin' T!