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May/June 2011

44

featuresDisney Design 16New cruise ship boasts classic look, high-tech features

A Master of Color 20Collectors in Brevard, around world drawn to Zoe Mac’s ‘music in visual form’

Inviting Buyers 28Staging a home can help it sell faster, inspire offers

Backyard Bliss 32Couple transforms outdoor space into wedding wonderland

Outdoor Oasis 42Distinctive pool designs cater to individual homeowners’ tastes

Business is Blooming 54Owner aims to make gift boutique and gardening center a magnet for shoppers

Extreme Perspectives 62Missionary and family relish life in spacious, bright, energy-efficient home

Summer Sizzlers 74New methods, gadgets appearing in outdoor kitchens

Hardening Your Home 80Take steps now to prevent damage if a hurricane hits

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in every issueEditor’s Space 6Color Trends 12

Sunset: Colors inspired by twilight

Stuff We Love 14How does your garden grow?

Houseplants 87Hoyas: Ideal plant for hanging baskets

Design Hotline 88 Reader-requested advice

5 Fabulous Finds 89High Point Market

A Look Ahead 90Cultural, design and entertainment events

Your Space 96Heirlooms from mom and dad

“I wasn’t on the property for five minutes when I realized this was it.” – Shelly McKinney, BuSineSS iS BlooMing, page 54

Cover photo by Rob Downey32

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editor’s space

Designed to capture interest and personality

elcome to the May/June issue of Spaces. If I had to come up with three words to describe this issue, they would be extreme, extraordinary and exhilarating. Let’s start with the extreme. I’m sure you remember the Hurston family. They were selected by ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” as the lucky recipi-ents of an “Extreme Makeover” home early this year. We knew after the show aired that we wanted to show off the design and detail of the home on the pages of Spaces. Homeowners Joe and Cindy Hurston were more than happy to welcome us into their home. From the tropical-colored walls and soothing sounds of water flowing over rocks in a small backyard pond to the captivating way the space was designed to capture the interest and personality of each family member, it is a fabulous home inside and out. Read about the family and take a page-by-page tour of their “extreme” home beginning on page 62. All you need is one beautiful Space Coast day, one amazing backyard and a wonderful mix of family and friends to create an extraordinary wedding. Feature article, “Backyard Bliss: Couple transforms outdoor space into wedding wonderland,” introduces readers to newlyweds April and Lou Exline. The Merritt Island couple transformed their expansive backyard into an island getaway on the river to create an outdoor wedding space to represent their creativity and eco-friendliness. You are cordially invited to read more about their big day beginning on page 32. Exhilarating comes to mind as I look at the photos in our cover feature, “Outdoor Oasis: Distinctive pool designs cater to individ-ual homeowners’ tastes” (page 42). Dive right into the article and read about four unique pools. With design elements such as nega-tive edges, waterfalls and river views, each pool was designed with the homeowners’ tastes and needs in mind. A theme that is carried out throughout this issue. Last but not least, here’s wishing all our mom and dad readers a Happy Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Enjoy your day!

Spaces is published by Cape Publications, Inc. 1 Gannett Plaza, Melbourne, FL 32940 Tel (321) 242-3693, Fax (321) 255-9550

Spaces assumes no liability for the contents, including any credentials stated or claims made by persons or establish-ments included herein. All rights reserved. Any reproduc-tion, in whole or part, of this publication is prohibited without written permission.

© Cape Publications, Inc. 2011

For advertising inquiries contact

Melissa Riordan at 321.242.3975or mriordan@floridatoday.com

Ann Greenwell at 321.242.3855

www.spacesonl ine.com

Would you like Spaces delivered to your home? Spaces is delivered bi-monthly with FLORIDA TODAY through select dis-tribution channels. If you don’t receive Spaces at home but would like to, please visit us online to subscribe.

It’s easy and free! Go to www.spacesonline. com, click on the “Subscribe” tab and fill out the form.

Publisher MarkS.Mikolajczyk

Editor SharonKindred

ProductDesigner CorinneIshler

CopyEditor AliceGarwood

SpecialtyPublications SalesExecutive MelissaRiordan

Photographers RobDowney

DavidPotter

AdTrafficCoordinator KathyRooney

Writers CindiCourbat

BetsyS.Franz

JimiGonzalez

MariaSonnenberg

AnneStraub

Design&Development Team LeannaFarrell

JimiGonzalez

DerekGores

BettyGreenway

SusanHall

DaveJackson

AndrewKirschner

SisiPackard

DeePatnoe

TerriPentz

LindaTamasy

RiittaYlonen

Sharon KindredEditor, Spaces magazineskindred@floridatoday.comspacesonline.com

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Be Sun Smart during your fun in the sun Skin cancer is the most common of all

cancers. � ere are 3 types of skin cancer:

Melanoma, Squamous Cell and Basal

Cell. � e most deadly of all skin cancers

is Melanoma. If detected early, it can be

100% curable.

� e majority of people who are diag-

nosed with Melanoma are over age 50,

but it can occur at any age. It is the most

common cancer in women age 25-29 and

is the #1 killer in women age 30-35. � e

American Cancer Society recommends

annual skin exams starting at age 40, but

sooner if there is any change in a mole.

Sun exposure is the most preventable

risk factor for all skin cancers, including

melanoma. You can have fun in the sun

and decrease your risk of skin cancer by

being Sun Smart.

■ Apply a broad–spectrum, water resis-

tant sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 to

exposed skin. You must re-apply sunscreen

every 2 hours, even on cloudy days. At

least 1 ounce or one shot-glass size of sun-

screen is needed to cover the body. Do not

use the same old bottle of sunscreen from

last year, get a new one. Protect your eyes

with UVA/UVB protected sunglasses.

■ Wear protective clothing such as long

sleeved shirts, pants, wide brim hat and

sunglasses whenever possible. A plain t-

shirt provides a SPF less than 10 so don’t

rely on just a t-shirt for protection. Con-

sider wearing treated SPF clothing that has

true sun protection built in.

■ Seek shade when appropriate and

remember the sun’s rays are strongest

between 10am and 4pm.

■ Use extra caution near water, sand and

snow, as they refl ect the damaging rays and

can increase the chance of sunburn, even if

you are under an umbrella.

■ Get Vitamin D safely, through diet or

supplements, not the sun.

■ Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light

from tanning beds causes skin cancer as

well as causing the skin to age more quick-

ly. If you want color, use a spray on tan or

a self-tanning lotion.

■ Check your “birthday suit” on your

birthday. If you notice any changes to your

skin, see a dermatologist right away. Get-

ting your skin checked each year around

your birthday is a good way to remember

when you are due for a skin check.

Dermatology Institute of Brevard off ers

comprehensive full body skin evaluations.

Our goal is to give our patients excellent

dermatologic care in a friendly and compas-

sionate environment. We welcome patients

of all ages. Call (321) 394-8000 to sched-

ule your appointment today.

830 EXECUTIVE LANE, SUITE 110, ROCKLEDGE 321-394-8000

Warning Signs of Skin Cancer•Unexplained skin changes lasting longer than two weeks

•A new growth or mole

•A sore that will not heal

Cynthia Halcin, MDBoard Certifi ed Dermatologist

New Patients WelcomeAppointments Available Now

Now Accepting: AETNA and most insurances

Debra Babcock, PA-CDermatology TrainedPhysician Assistant

Dermatology InstituteOF BREVARD

Skin Cancer is almost 100 percent curable with early diagnosis and treatment. Come in for your Total Skin

Exam and learn about Skin Cancer Prevention.

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entertaining spaces

What is your favorite space in your home? And why?

Jimi GonzalezLeanna Farrell Derek Gores Susan HallBetty Greenway Andrew KirschnerDave Jackson

One of my many favorite spaces at my house is the swing, covered and shaded by a beau-tiful bougainvillea. In the back, we have a huge magnolia, which is about to present its gorgeous blooms. On Sundays, while taking a break from the yardwork, I enjoy sitting in the swing with my dogs and watching the goldfish play in the pond.

Riitta M. Ylonen ASID

Owner, Finn Design, Inc.

My favorite space is my office that is also com-monly referred to as my “man cave.” It’s filled with distractions like my piano, guitars, uku-leles and my music collection. Like any proper cave, it is dimly lit so I can never tell how much time has passed while I am working, relaxing or making noise.

Jimi Gonzalez

Tech Consultant

My favorite space at home is the view of my backyard from the inside of my great room. After a long day at work and soccer practice, coming home to do homework, dinner, clean-up, bath time, bedtime, catching up with texts and e-mails and getting ready for the same routine the next day, being able to look out onto the golf course while rushing around is almost as relaxing as actually sitting in those chairs enjoying a glass of wine and looking at a very peaceful, beautiful view.

Sisi PackardDirector of Client Relations

Christopher Burton Homes Riitta Ylonen enjoys sitting in her backyard swing with her dogs and watching the goldfish play in the pond. Her dog Rico is pictured in this photo.

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Have a question for an interior designer? Audio/video specialist? A remodel or construction-related query? Space-planning or art-related inquiry? E-mailyour Ask the Board questions to skindred@florida-today.com. Note Ask the Board in the subject line. We may address your question in a future issue!Sisi Packard Terri Pentz Riitta YlonenDee Patnoe Linda Tamasy

My back porch is my favorite place. I have several oak trees that shade and make it cooler in the warmer months. It is very relaxing to sit and enjoy the gardens, read a book and visit with neighbors. After all, in Florida, the outdoor rooms can be enjoyed year round.

Dee PatnoeOwner, Dee.Cor

I recently remodeled my master bathroom, and now it is one of my favorite spaces in my home for the simple reason that I am com-pletely organized in this space. I removed an unattractive linen closet with a bifold door and replaced it with a larger vanity, which incorporated many storage drawers and stor-age towers for linens. It makes me happy to walk into this space every morning.

Linda Tamasy, ASIDOwner, Linda Tamasy Designs, Inc.

My favorite space in our house is our great room. It is the main gathering space for our house. It is open to the kitch-en, breakfast nook and has great views out to the rear yard and water beyond. I feel like I’m at a resort every time I enter the space. It’s a mini vacation from the everyday routine of life.

Andrew KirschnerJackson-Kirschner Architects

Each room in my home has a different emotion-al connection for me. I really love each area, but if I had to pick a room I spend a lot of time in, it would have to be the master bed-room. After a hard day at work, making dinner and getting a minute to relax, this has become my place to put the day aside with all its demands. I use a lot of back pil-lows to prop me up in bed and watch TV, talk on the phone, do my nails, read, eat snacks and generally “hold court” in there. My boxer, Shadow, curls up next to me and we both wind down. I enjoy the colors and warmth of the room with the nest quality of the bed. I feel safe and completely relaxed in this room. Don’t we all need a space like this?

Leanna FarrellOwner, Leanna Farrell Design

My favorite room? Doesn’t have a name, but it is a room where I can play Othello with a 7-year-old, hear my 16-year-old sing, watch my 12- year-old create plays out of thin air with her acting buddies. There is Cliffton Chandler art on the wall, the adults share

peanut M&M’s and a Cosmo while the conversation is filled with Picasso and Steve Martin and Aladdin and graffiti and jokes ending in bleep. I think I can see the river out the window, or it might be the sea.

Derek GoresFine art, illustration and design, 321 Agency

It would have to be our well-worn kitchen table. That’s where we all sit down together each morning and evening and talk about our day. It’s where homework happens, and where friends sit and visit over a meal or coffee. Our table is a 150-year-old English hearth table with well-worn, uneven pine planks. It’s a family table full of history and memories. We’re not the first family to have a life around it and we won’t be the last.

Susan Hall, ASLAOwner, Susan Hall Landscape Architecture

Linda Tamasy’s remodeled master bathroom is one of her favorite rooms in her home for the simple reason that she has completely organized the space.

Sisi Packard’s favorite space is the peaceful view of the backyard from the inside of her great room.

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color trendsSU

NSE

T Let the setting of the sun inspire you to add yellow and orange tones to your home decor. Orange is known to bring out positive feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Orange is also known to enhance social interaction. Yellow paint brings out feelings of happiness and is associated with bright and cheery thoughts.

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PRODUCTS:1 – Traditional master bedroom in golden monochromatic colors contrasts dark wood and leather. Walls painted in soft mustard. Custom window treatments and bedding apply subtle patterns of damask, stripes, dots and animal print combined with buttercup and cornflake solids. By Finn Design, Inc., Riitta Ylonen ASID. 956-2011. finndesigninc.com.2 – Turtle chandelier in cast resin with textural pattern. Shown in amber with natural brass.37.5"w x 25.5"d x 27"h. $2,725. Call 775-336-2100 or visit olystudio.comfor store locations.3 – Fossil Sasha floral clutch wallet. Crafted from embossed leather with stitching accents. Pretty and practical. $45.

837-5300. Macys.com.

4 – Rachael Ray 2-piece EVOO & vinegar set. Durable stone-ware construc-tion in 13- and 24-oz. cruets, with funnel for easy refills.

$29.99. Call 631-3970.

Kohls.com.5 – Kiln-fired glass titled “Abstract #9” by Xochitl Ross. 18"w x 5"d. $275. 729-0816. xochitlross.com.

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WHERE: A sunset's colors look fabulous in the bedroom, where burnt oranges and w arm yellows make a room warm and cozy. HOW TO USE: Deep orange or sunny yellow on one accent wall adds drama to a room. Use sunset colors in bedding, slipcovers and throw pillows to add an unexpected pop of color. GOES WITH: Shades of orange really pop with a medium blue; red, yellow and orange can be a fiery-hot combination or, in tamer shades, a fresh, fruity experience. Make it tropical with green. POPULAR CHOICE: For weddings. Brides are choosing bold colors for their outdoor ceremon ies. Event planners use the colors of the sunset as the foundation of their design inspirat ion. Flowers, linens, lighting and even the candy table all reflect yellows, reds and oranges to reflect the color palette.

Farrow & BallCharlotte’s Locksfarrow-ball.com

Farrow & BallStrong White

farrow-ball.com

Farrow & BallBabouche

farrow-ball.com

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stuff we love!

yourgarden

Are you seeking new ideas to spruce up your garden and other outdoor spaces as summer approaches? Perhaps the addition of an artsy planter, a stylish stone bench or landscaping pavers? Check out the itemsbelow, along with experts’ gardening tips tailored for the Central Florida area.

The Miami Hot planter has a greatArt Deco feel and is made of fired clay by Louisville Stoneware. The assymetrical

dimensions are approximately17" x 25." $225. Call 800-626-1800

or visit louisvillestoneware.com.

“The Florida Gardener’s Resource: All You Need to Know to Plan, Plant, & Maintaina Florida Garden” by Tom MacCubbin in paperback. $19.95. borders.com.

The Scrub Boot™ is designed for home and garden use. Shown in Plum Vine, this hardy favorite is 100% waterproof, with breathable air-mesh lining and rear ledge

for hands-free removal. $89.95. muckboots.com.

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May:Replace winter flowers with heat-

loving varieties. Full-sun flowers include: wax begonias, celosia, coleus, gaillardia, lisianthus, vinca, marigolds, gomphrena, portulaca, purslane, salvia, sunflowers, gazania, melampodium and zinnias.

Introduce shade-loving plants such as: coleus, impatiens, rex begonias, angel-wing begonias or crossandra.

Herbs that can be planted this month include: basil, chives, dill, sage, rosemary, mint, sweet marjo-ram and thyme.

Bulbs that can be added to your garden this month include: Amazon lily, agapanthus, Aztec lily, blood lily, caladium, crinum, shell lily, gladiolus, gloriosa lily, rain lilies, society garlic and spider lily.

Begin your summer crop of vegetables with calabaza, chayote, jicama, malabar spinach, okra, Seminole pumpkin, Southern peas, sweet potatoes, purple hyacinth bean or winged beans.

June:Flowers that plant well this month

include: celosia, coleus, gaillardia, impatiens, marigolds, vinca, portu-laca, purslane, salvia, gomphrena, lisianthus, cosmos and zinnias.

Herbs that can be started include: basil, chives, dill, marjoram, mint, oregano, sage, Mexican tarragon, rosemary and thyme.

Bulbs to plant include African iris, caladiums, canna, crinum, daylily, eucharis lily, society garlic and rain lily.

Vegetables that can be planted for the hot summer are malabar spinach, New Zealand spinach, calabaza, boniato, Jerusalem artichoke, chayote, jicama, okra, Southern peas, Seminole pumpkin, cassava, sweet potatoes, and winged beans.From “Gardening by the Month” by Sally Scalera, Brevard County Horticulture Extension Agent. www.netpamj.com/sally.

gardeningBrevardin

Cultivate beautiful outdoor spaces withthese expert tips geared just for the Central Florida area.

Orlandi Statuary Curved Outdoor Short Bench

is made of fiber stone and measures 42"w x 16"d x 17"h.

Shown in Pompeii finish. $374.88. Call 888-746-7389

or visit dtydirect.com.

Picnic Time 5-Piece Garden Tool Set with Tote & Folding Seat

$39.99. Call 321-727-3238or visit target.com.

Grounded Choices

Paver combos GravelFlagstone Pavers Frontier and Supreme styles createa classic pattern for out-doors. Available through Hermann Bach Paving Stone. Call 321-752-1992or visit hermannbachpavingstones.com and flagstonepavers.com.

A variety of gravel stylesand colors are available to complement your outdoorspace at Landscape Depot. Call 321-259-1620or visit LSDepot.com.

Antiqued pavers Synthetic turfBelgard’s Cambridge cobble pavers combine rich earth tones with textured surfaces. Avail-able in rectangular or square styles through Hermann Bach Pavers. Call 321-752-1992 or visit hermannbachpavingstones.com.

Holland Bergerac style pavers by Belgard are available at Surfside Pavers. Call 321-951-1716 or visit surfsidepavers.com.To locate a dealer, visit belgard.biz/dealer.htm.

Cobble paversRecycled synthetic turf gives the look and feel of real grass without the maintenance and lasts for years. Call 877-9-PAVER-1 or visit Gulfstreamhardscape.com.

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New cruise ship boasts classic look, high-tech features

By Keilani BestPhotography by Tim Shortt

cruise spaces

hen The Disney Dream arrived at Port Canaveral in January, it probably attracted more attention than any other ship. Not only was there a celebrity-

studded christening ceremony, but there also was a keen interest by spectators to get an up-close look at the 4,000-passenger liner.

People also came from around the world to attend special preview cruises onboard the ship, and what they found inside was even more amazing than the ship’s extrava-gantly decorated exterior.

Moving pictures on walls, virtual portholes in staterooms, children’s play areas with magical floors, a water coaster and a theatrical stage that rivals Broadway.

What else is there to say about a cruise ship company that asked the U.S. Coast Guard for permission to change its lifeboats from white to yellow?

A lot. The Disney Company has always dared to do things differently, and with the Dream,

which takes its passengers on three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas, that mantra holds true to the design elements of the ship as well as the technology.

The image that the basic design of the Dream conjures up is that of old-world romance. While many other larger cruise ships have had to compromise in exteri-or design and have become the unattractive, clunky stepsisters of smaller ships, the

Above: The Disney Dream continues the Disney Cruise Line tradition of blending the elegant grace of early 20th-century transatlantic ocean liners with contemporary design to create one of the most stylish and spectacular cruise ships afloat. Photo: Disney Cruise Lines

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designers of the Dream wanted to keep the look classic and elegant. It wasn’t an easy task, say imagineers.

The ship is 14 decks tall, 1,115 feet in length, 125 feet in width and weighs 130,000 tons.

“When we first thought of it back then, we said we’re going to go for that 1930s classic cruise ship look because it evokes the sense of romance and adventure,” said Joe Lanzi-sero, creative senior vice president of Disney Cruise Line.

The concept of the ship started at the Meyer Werft ship-yard in Papenburg, Germany in 2009 with the laying of the keel. Once there, designers thought to make it technologi-cally innovative, and include industry firsts, such as virtual portholes and the AquaDuck, the first water coaster at sea.

The Disney Dream is 40 percent larger than its sister ships, the Magic and the Wonder.

And it’s also larger in its technological innovations and design.

“Just like everything we do, we wanted to raise the bar, and in this case, literally raise the slide on the ship,” said

Above: A dazzling chandelier glistens overhead in the expansive, three-deck atrium lobby. Descending more than 13 feet from the ceiling, and spanning more than 22 feet in width, the illuminated masterpiece sparkles with thousands of hand-crafted crystal beads.

Above: Fun in the sun abounds on the pool decks. Families gather to swim, sunbathe and watch Disney films and other specials on the giant Funnel Vision LED screen. Above right: With French-inspired, gourmet cuisine by two award-winning chefs, the upscale Remy restaurant offers a sophisticated and elegant dining experience exclusively for adult guests.

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Lanzisero about the AquaDuck. “The idea was to create; and we were thinking, what would be the coolest thing we could do? Let’s have some real fun with this. Why not make it pure acrylic?” The AquaDuck is a see-through 760-foot-long water coaster that blasts out 10,000 gallons of water continuously. Show Design and Production Manager Peter Ricci said the AquaDuck goes between 14 and 18 feet per second, which is like “riding a bicycle pretty fast.” And Disney Cruise Line has pioneered another industry first as well: magical port-holes, which are part of the design on all of the inside staterooms. Cameras placed around the ship give a real-time view of what’s going on outside of the ship, just as though passengers had an ocean-view cabin. About every five minutes, animated characters from Disney movies pop up on the screen in a playful sequence. Disney Cruise Line CEO Karl Holz said that inside staterooms have a bit of a bad reputation in the industry as the places where nobody wants to stay. Now, with the addi-tion of the magical porthole, they’ve become the most desirable, he said.

Top: Disney Cruise Line introduces the debut of AquaDuck, the first-ever shipboard water coaster. Guests aboard the ship can get swept away on the exhilarating flume ride that features twists, turns,

drops, acceleration and river rapids. Photo: Disney Cruise Lines. Above: Enchanted Garden is a whimsical, casual restaurant inspired by French gardens and featuring a dining environment that

transforms from day to night.

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“Virtual portholes are a small moment that epitomizes what the ship is all about,” said Bruce Vaughn, executive vice president and chief creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering.

The whimsy of Disney is evident in every part of the ship. Even guests walk-ing around the ship will notice something different about the pictures on the walls. They move and talk. Not only that, but they interact with guests. Disney imagineers call them “enchanted art,” and they also are a part of an interactive scavenger hunt that guests can participate in onboard the ship.

And even though the liner is what Vaughn calls “one of the most technologi-cally advanced cruise ships to date,” basic elements of comfort still abound.

The staterooms, for example, are practical, roomy and efficient. A key differ-ence between the Dream’s and the rooms of other Disney ships, is the increase in storage areas, including one underneath the bed, according to Holz.

And the technology and design elements of the Dream will be used as the basis for the new Disney Fantasy, which will start sailing from Port Canaveral in March 2012.

“We’re always working toward a goal,” said Holz. “We never assume things are perfect.” n

Top: Pink is an elegant and upscale cocktail bar. A feature wall behind the bar with dew-drop-shaped glass in pink and gold gives the impression of champagne bottles bursting with bubbly. Above: One of two signature royal suites on the Disney Dream, the Roy O. Disney Suite embodies the Art Deco glamour of the 1920s and 1930s. It features an extravagant media library, dining salon, pantry, wet bar and sweeping ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows lining the main living quarters. Photos: Disney Cruise Lines.

Top: Royal Palace is an elegant restaurant that includes essential elements such as tiaras, glass slippers, roses and apples. With meticulous attention to detail, many of the restaurant’s features are modeled precisely from the classic films. Above: A cruise-industry first for all inside staterooms, magical portholes offer a “window” to the world with a real-time view outside the ship.

The image that the basic design of the Dream conjures up is that of old-world romance.

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hen Patricia Shenton arrived at the Melbourne Art Festival early on asunny spring Saturday two decades-plus ago, some of the first works

she saw were Zoe Mac’s. “The sun was shining on them and I said, ‘Oh, my Lord, I’ve got to have these,’

and I bought one right away,” recalls the Indialantic resident. After meandering through the show, Patricia returned to Mac’s booth to pur-

chase yet another of her watercolors. She hasn’t stopped liking what she sees in the works.

Patricia and Scott Shenton now own eight of Mac’s large watercolors, which hang in the couple’s bedroom.

“They’re the first things we see in the morning and the last things we see every night,” says Patricia.

Like other collectors worldwide, the Shentons have been smitten by Mac’s seemingly inexhaustible talent.

“The attraction is the glorious sense of movement and color,” explains Patricia.

Collectors in Brevard, around world drawn to Zoe Mac’s ‘music in visual form’

Story by Maria Sonnenberg Photography by Rob Downey

Left: Artist Zoe Mac works on her colorful creations in the bright living room of her Satellite Beach home, where two skylights provide the light she needs. Top: Mac’s vibrant watercolor, ‘’Butterfly.’’

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“They make you feel you can tackle anything.” Shenton is right, for the energy found in Mac’s works envelops

the viewer with optimism. The works have the glossy sophistication of a big city, for Mac

grew up in New York City, where she attended New York Univer-sity and later the prestigious Art Students’ League. It was there that master watercolorist Mario Cooper, impressed with her works’ popularity with collectors, pronounced her “a legend in her own time.”

“I sold out the first show I had in New York,” she says. “Right away, I had great success.”

What makes this expressionistic painter’s work so attractive? Mac calls her works “music in visual form,” for the shapes, brilliant colors and textures flow and swirl with their own rhythm.

Above: “Flowers” is one of eight large watercolors by Mac displayed at the Indialantic home of Scott and Patricia Shenton, who have

been collecting her paintings for 20 years. Mac says “Flowers” is an early representation of her

work in the mid-1980s.

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“I put dropcloths in the entire living room and get to work,” she says. “I think color, two colors, and from that, it evolves.” – ZOE MAC

“It’s totally stream of consciousness,” she says. “I go into my own world. These things just come out.”

Custom home builder Charles Boyd has several “Macs” in his Cocoa Beach residence, including a piece made especially for the soaring home by the river.

“It is such a focal point at the top of the stairs,” says Boyd. “Zoe’s paintings are so different. She infuses a lot of color into them. Not many people are able to do that.”

Randy and Kathy Poliner of Merritt Island began collecting Mac’s works in 1986, and their collection has since grown to 15.

“In my mind, Zoe is a master or color,” says Randy Poliner. “Her colors are crisp and vibrant, even if the work is calming. Her works bring motion and emotion into the house.”

For Mac, planning a painting does not involve preparation, but, rather, doing.

“I put dropcloths in the entire living room and get to work,” she says. “I think color, two colors, and from that, it evolves. I don’t go beyond that. The paintings are an expression of what I see and have integrated as an artist.”

Above: Mac said this painting was a commission for Charles and CynthiaBoyd’s new Cocoa Beach home in 2009. Cynthia designed the space especially for the painting. Left: The Boyds also have several other “Macs” in their home, including “Oh Wisp,” which originally was shown in an exhibit with Tony Bennett’sworks in Jupiter.

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Although spontaneous, there is nothing haphazard about a Zoe Mac painting. She will work on two or three different pieces for months before she is satisfied.

“I can do the essence in a day, but it can take up to a year to complete the painting to perfection,” she explains. “I can’t let a painting go until I’m 100 percent happy with it.”

She credits Kandinsky, Van Gogh and Shiele for influencing her use of line and color.

“Their spirits touched me, inspiring me to expound on my own work and vision as a painter,” she explains in her artist’s statement.

Although she originally focused only on watercolors, her inter-est has shifted through the years to encompass other media.

“Watercolor was too limiting, so I began to integrate acrylics and pastels and only recently I started working on canvas,” she says. “Whatever the medium, I strive to keep the same transparency of watercolor.”

Such is the case with “Breezy,” which sits near the front door of Mac’s home.

Though an acrylic, “Breezy” has the rich luminescence of watercolors. The landscape defines a state of mind more than a time and place.

“My paintings are stories,” says Mac. “With ‘Breezy,’ I see a soft, easy day when people are enjoying themselves.”

In “By the River,” a few carefully placed squares of light recall the sense of peace found by the hearth.

Left: Mac says she painted “Glowing Eve,” which is shown in the home of John and Sara Turse, during a time when she was “so taken by the spirit of (Russian) artist Wassily Kandinsky and glowing sunsets in Florida.” Above: As described by the artist herself, in “Millie’s Run,” “Millie is running the race with joy and exuberance. Her contenders are right there, but it is the color of life in variation that really wins Millie’s determination.” Top: Randy and Kathy Poliner of Merritt Island began collecting Mac’s works in 1986. Their collection of 15 includes “Dragonfly,” which is displayed over their dining room table.

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“It’s about the warmth of home, the simplicity of life,” adds Mac. Mac’s works hang throughout the United States, as well as in Great Britain, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain and Bulgaria. Representatives from PGM Gallery in Munich chanced on Mac’s “Firebird” floral while on vacation in Orlando and invited her to have prints of the painting distributed throughout Europe, along with works of masters such as her beloved Van Gogh, Monet and Matisse. For six consecutive years, she lectured at Sierra Nevada College in Lake Tahoe. She also has shared her techniques with art groups around the United States and taught aboard cruise ships, racking up more than 200,000 nautical miles as she hopped from continent to continent as lecturer and instructor on the Queen Elizabeth 2, the Radisson Seven Seas and other cities of the ocean. “It was so much fun because they treat you like a celebrity and put you in the best rooms,” she says. Her paintings are in the collection of Gannett Corporation, Radisson and Hilton Hotels and MCI International Headquarters in Frankfurt. She recently completed two large landscapes that will hang in the second-floor waiting room of the new Viera Hospital. In 1983, Mac eyed Florida as a better place to both raise her sons and paint. A Realtor introduced her to a Satellite Beach home about a block from the water, and there she and her paintings have stayed.

Above: “Mr. Moses” depicts the “king of cats” on his throne. Top: “In the Park” shows Central Park in early November “with an

unusual justaposition suggesting significant buildings that outline the park and all of its serenity,” Mac says.

mac’s works hang throughout the United States, as well as in Great Britain, Germany,

Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain and Bulgaria.

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Brevard embraced her with enthusiasm. “I taught at the museum and was involved with all the art groups,” she says. Many artists find that their art can become a charming but highly demanding relative. In Zoe Mac’s case, her art settled on her sofa to read the paper and enjoy a spot of green tea, and never left. From outward appearances, Mac’s Satellite Beach bungalow is no different than its neighbors, except perhaps for a few more trees and palms dotting the front lawn. Open the front door, however, and things look very different. This is an artist’s house, where art rules the roost. Mac’s massive paintings are stacked everywhere inside the house. Her “studio” is the living room, where two skylights deliver the light Mac craves for her work. “I can’t entertain here,” she says. “I basically just have a place in which to work and sleep, but I like working at home and I can’t paint under fluorescent lights. A skylight light is so perfect.” Her two boys are men now, back in the Big Apple and run-ning a night club that features art events with personalities such as Paul McCartney. During the summers, Mac takes a hiatus from painting to join her sons, also using the time to schedule shows up North. “I come back here to paint,” she says. For more of Zoe Mac’s works, visit www.zoemac.com. Reach the artist at 321-777-8632. n

Above: Mac peruses some of her massive paintings, which are stacked throughout her Satellite Beach house, where she has lived since 1983.

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staged spaces

Staging a home can help it sell faster, inspire offers Above: To add warmth to the dining room, walls were painted in a pale cream, a neutral color that highlighted the owner’s fabric choices and artwork.

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orget what you might have heard about decorating your home to attract a homebuyer. Or at least re-examine the advice before you paint your walls white, which can strip the rooms of personality. Yes, buyers want neutral colors, but that doesn’t mean no color. And while experts recommend removing overly personal items, a room still should feel inviting. Interior designer Leanna Farrell recently made simple changes to a 1987 home on the market in Indialantic’s Sanctuary that is keeping the owners busy with showings. Best of all, the cost of the design improvements was minimal. The strategy of preparing a home for sale is called staging, an effort that goes beyond making simple repairs. A staged home invites buyers to linger in each room, picturing living in the house and creating an image of a desirable lifestyle. According to its proponents, staged homes sell faster and inspire offers.

The Indialantic homeowners had updated their house over the years, adding items like gran-ite countertops to keep the house in vogue. Stag-ing improvements boiled down to adding color, repurposing furniture, art and accessories, and revising scale to make the 2,648-square-foot home show off its potential.

Paint was the first order of business. “The whole house was white,” Farrell said. In this case, adding color gave new life to fabrics and carpet. The owners had beautiful large-scale, traditional dining furniture and lighter, more Florida-style décor in the adjoining living room.

She had the adjoining entry, halls and the two rooms painted in a pale cream, a neutral color that adds warmth, and highlighted the owner’s fabric choices and artwork. Elegant drapery panels in the family room were repurposed for the living and dining rooms, coordinating the spaces.

Farrell selected another fabric to add length to the existing panels with a large border, and designed matching swags and jabots in the same fabric. The window coverings were hung from gilded medal-lions to draw the eye up and create a more spacious feel and scale to balance the furniture.

A big impact at a small investment, she sug-gested buffet lamps to add more light for a brighter room. They also created ambiance.

Story by Anne Straub • Photography by Rob Downey

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Staged to Sell Pricing your home right will bring potential buyers through the door. Staging the home effectively will inspire the offers, home stagers say. “The way you sell a house is much different from the way you live in it,” said Rebecca Earnhardt, owner of Savannah Hill Custom Designs. About half of her design business is staging homes for sale. Some of her tips:

Remember the basics Like your Realtor is likely to tell you, curb appeal must be pristine. Trim plant growth, add new mulch, paint the front door.

Get packing You’re moving anyway, Earnhardt tells clients. So start preparing now. Remove collections and pack at least half your clothes. “Space sells homes,” she said. If your closets are full, the home will appear to lack storage space.”

Define space Stage rooms with furniture that shows the purpose of the room. Avoid dual-purpose rooms: If your computer is in your bedroom, the message is that the home is too small for an office. Pack away your computer and use a laptop until you sell.

Neutralize bold colors Stay away from white, which makes rooms cold and stark, but do get rid of unusual colors. You don’t want to be the “orange kitchen” house, Earnhardt noted. Camel and taupe are good choices. “You still want the home to be warm and inviting. You don’t want it to look like a hotel room,” she said.

Create the fantasy Homebuyers want to think life in their new home will be

better. Create the appearance of an ideal lifestyle by giving the master bath a spa-like feel with rolled towels at the ready, a floral arrangement and unused soaps. Hide toiletries and other personal items in drawers, and remove the trash can.

Add color and detail Tie towels in a second bath with a colorful ribbon, set

a laundry basket of folded towels on a washing machine. In one house that had a dog washing area, Earnhardt placed a ceramic dog on the floor. The idea is to slow down the buyers and keep them from giving each room just a quick glance.

Leanna Farrell

“On this project, my goal was to enhance the homeowner’s property utilizing what they already had. I believe people know what they like but often don’t know how to put it all together. This home had all the components; they just needed to be rearranged. Starting with a plan will guarantee results.”

Leanna Farrell

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In addition to draperies, other items were swapped to better suit the tone of each room. More formal art hang-ing above the family room sofa found a more appropriate home in the living room. Several chairs made the same trip from family room and den to the living room, adding new upholstery on a small chair seat, and new throw pillows to match the living/dining room décor.

To further the elegance of the living room, Farrell had three coral tables already in the room faux-finished, covering the sea-foam green color with a more formal bronze. The artist applied the same treatment to three candle-sticks, formerly chalk white. To anchor the room and make it more compatible with the scale of the dining room, she added an area rug. Throw pillows in gold and rust reinforced the color scheme.

In the family room, removing artificial trees gave the room a spacious feel and allowed the fireplace to take center stage. Two new pieces of mixed media art-work with strong colors now flank the fireplace. Hang-ing the linen cream window treatments higher than needed also increased the sense of space.

Farrell selected art to hang above the sofa with a grouping of small convex mirrors. She added throw pillows for texture and color against the neutral fur-niture. The biggest change in the room, she said, was painting the walls a dusty spa blue. The color contin-ues into the adjoining kitchen, updating and empha-sizing the oak of the family-room fireplace and the kitchen cabinetry.

The resulting family room looks cozy and inviting to potential buyers. “They want to feel they can walk into that room, sit on the sofa and talk to a friend over a cup of coffee,” Farrell said.

In the kitchen, Roman valances in a bold stripe finish the windows without detracting from the view. Black trim on an existing light fixture was repeated with the black rods used in the family room. Touches of black in the artwork add drama. Placing decorative elements on the tops of the kitchen cabinets updated the look.

Work was minimal in the master suite, where Farrell added two pictures above the bed and covered the white walls with a dusty peach, a perfect backdrop for bedding in the same color. The payoff: The room feels bigger.

“People want to be able to see a house in its best light. The best light is what works with your furniture,” Farrell said. Staging a home with furniture helps define each room for a potential buyer, and color can create space and light.

“Designing for staging is like a big puzzle,” Farrell said. “You have to weave everything together for the optimum result.”

The featured home is listed for sale through Teri Eno of Re/Max Alternative Realty. For more information, e-mail teri@terieno.com or call 321-956-7656. n

Above: Adding two pictures above the bed in the master suite and repainting the white walls a dusty peach was a perfect backdrop for bedding in the same color. Left: Candlesticks were repurposed with a faux-finish to coordinate with furniture in the living room.

Owner, Leanna Farrell Design

wedding spaces

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Couple transforms outdoor spaceinto wedding wonderland

Story by Anne StraubPhotography by Dave Potter

Most engaged couples have their hands full choosing a location for the wedding ceremony.

April and Lou Exline created one. The Merritt Island couple transformed their expansive backyard into an island getaway on the river. Much more than a wedding loca-tion, the outdoor space represents a fusion of the couple’s creativity, wanderlust and eco-friendliness.

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Most engaged couples have their hands full choosing a location for the wedding ceremony.

The Merritt Island couple transformed their expansive backyard into an island getaway on

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A small pond contains an island created by Lou and used for the couple to exchange vows. A palm-covered tiki hut’s playful exterior belies the natural elegance within, host to the reception. Another tiki hut over the pond fulfills party expectations as the site for dancing into the night. Handcrafted items from natural materials inhabit each space, infusing the estate with a South Seas vibe. The aura is more Pacific than Atlantic-oriented, thanks to April’s background and current business. April Exline, nee Grover, owns Island Inspiration, a home furnishings retailer in Indian Harbour Beach. She imports much of the inven-tory from Southeast Asia and focuses on outdoor living. “I look at something and I know exactly what I want,” April said. That quality applies to her career, as well as her wed-ding plans: She has spent years working with Southeast Asian craftsman, developing an eye for transforming natural mate-

Above: April and Lou Exline pose beside the river on their Merritt Island property, where they were married

in April. Right: The couple exchanged vows beneath a palm-covered tiki hut that sits on an island Lou created

especially for their ceremony.

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rials into furniture and art. So when she and her fiance started planning a backdrop for their big day, she gave her creative spirit free rein.

In earlier imaginings of her wedding day, the loca-tion was Hawaii. A professional surfer, April had made the state her home after growing up in Melbourne Beach. Now 29, she has participated in the world longboard tour since she was 16.

While honing her skills on island waves, she com-pleted a degree in design and international business at the University of Hawaii. An uncle living in Bali intro-duced her to Southeast Asian furniture makers, which helped her start making connections to open an import business. Her parents , Dave and Linda Grover, run Sun Harbor Nursery in Indian Harbour Beach, providing a setting to display her product lines.

In fact, the family business had a hand in uniting the couple. April met Lou, a venture capitalist, four years ago at a party while she was in town visiting her parents. They began to talk surfing. Lou mentioned he’d like his kids to learn, and she told him she gave lessons.

Fast forward to the next day, when Lou happened to shop at Sun Harbor and struck up a conversation with April’s father, Dave, not knowing the connection. Surf-ing lessons came up again, and the proud papa raved about his daughter’s surfing skill, personable nature and high level of motivation. He gave Lou her phone number, and so began the romance.

It was a long-distance one, since April still lived in Hawaii. Lou built up his frequent-flier status, visiting every other weekend. Though April eventually relocated to Brevard County, she still pictured the wedding in Hawaii. Family concerns about travel prevailed, and her vision quickly followed suit.

Above: Reclaimed antique doors that April discovered in Java serve as entry to the Tiki Royale estate, where the wedding reception took place. The teak doors include a carved transom featuring a pineapple design in the top center.

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Above and right: A teak root was carved to resemble a coral reef with sea life swirling

throughout. The Exlines saw the work in progress on a previous

buying trip to Java and decided it was ideal for Tiki Royale.

Far right: Floors are imported plantation teak, with palimanan

inlay.

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So the couple created a Pacific island paradise on Merritt Island.

Construction began last year on the tiki huts, and the need for a way to distinguish the locations quickly became evident. The large space that would eventually house the reception became Tiki Royale, a nod to its level of craftsman-ship and furnishings. Over the pond, where the other tiki hut would accommodate a bar and dance floor, some whimsy was called for. The couple combined the elements of pond, Bali and lei to come up with PonBaLei.

One of April’s reasons for starting her business was to bring exotic pieces to Brevard. She also brought them to her wedding: Her style, which she calls organic chic, is expressed throughout the space.

Reclaimed antique doors she found in Java serve as entry to Tiki Royale. The doors are teak, a wood she uses only if reclaimed or farmed sustainably. The doors include a carved transom featuring a pineapple design in the top center, a rare find as most scrollwork features ethnic, rather than tropical, themes.

Walls are covered in palimanan stone, a yellow-tinged sandstone. Inside the doors, a relief carving in sandstone fea-tures a heliconia design that April commissioned. The flowers also played a starring role displayed throughout the property for the wedding.

Floors are imported plantation teak, with palimanan

“The art of carving is passed from generation to generation,” April said of Southeast Asian artists. “You can’t find them anywhere else.”

Top: The Tiki Royale’s bathroom sink features a fossilized clam shell that rose to the surface after the 2004 Asian tsunami. Above left: Handcarved in sandstone, this wall sculpture features a heliconia design that April commissioned. Above: River rock covers the bathroom wall and floors, surrounding the bathtub, which was carved from a two-ton piece of river rock.

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inlay. Reclaimed teak from boats and homes in Java finds new life as a buffet table. The bar is made up of parts of old boats, a recurring theme on the estate. There’s also a bench built into a boat used for seating on the dock. April works with a family in Java who buys old boats from fishermen, leaves the original paint and other markings, and transforms the wood into func-tional art. Serving as a centerpiece to the space is a teak root carved to resemble a coral reef, with sea life swirling throughout. The Exlines saw the work in progress in Java on a previous buying trip and decided it was ideal for Tiki Royale. The root, about 13 feet wide by 9 feet tall, was pulled to make room for new teak tree plantings. “The art of carving is passed from generation to generation,” April said of Southeast Asian artists. “You can’t find them any-where else.”

Above and right: Guests at the Exlines’ wedding reception dined alfresco on the couple’s lushly landscaped property, which includes the pond, below right.

Below far right: A tree decorated in lights set against the river at sunset.

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Working directly with artist and manufacturing families and reusing natural resources are important values reflected in the design and at Island Inspira-tion. Many of the pieces used at the Exlines’ home also are available at the shop. In the bathroom at Tiki Royale, the sink is a fos-silized clam shell that rose to the surface after the 2004 Asian tsunami. Another fossilized clam shell — this one with a fossilized pearl still intact — was used to keep champagne on ice at the wedding. (She wouldn’t use a nonfossilized shell — it might have been ripped out of the ocean for sale.) River rock covers the floor and walls, surrounding the two-ton river rock carved out to create a bathtub. Antique Melanesian boat paddles dug up in river beds are displayed as art pieces, spotted with barnacles

Top left: Guests mingle outside during the reception. Top right and above: Musicians provide outdoor

entertainment.

and showing the weathering effects of time and water on a tool that likely brought sustenance to people long ago.

A house set by the river — aptly dubbed the river house — didn’t take part in the wedding but surely will host guests for years to come. April channeled Hemingway for the design, using reclaimed boat pieces and other nautical elements reminiscent of Key West. There’s an old Victrola as well as vintage scuba gear.

Tropical plants and flowers explode throughout the grounds, designed by Justin Winn of GatorScapes. Sun Harbor Nursery provided plants and pots, as well as an extensive collection of award-winning orchids for the wedding.

The couple exchanged vows on the island they call Bali Falls, for the waterfall built into the rocks. Step-ping stones of coquina lead to the island.

After the detailed planning was done and the wed-ding guests gone, the Exlines will continue to enjoy their piece of paradise. The space always will carry spe-cial memories, including the moment that April was dancing with her father at the wedding and looked out at all her friends and family watching.

“Everyone was so happy. That’s what I wanted. For everyone to have a good time,” she said. n

Above: April and Lou Exline with April’s parents, Dave and Linda Grover. Right: The newlyweds share a kiss amid the tropical paradise beside the pond.

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outdoor spaces

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Outdoor Oasishen David and Jami Cohenbought their home 12 years

ago, they knew they wanted a swimming pool. They decided to wait until their children were old enough to be strong swimmers, so the plan was put on hold.

Now that the kids were 12

and 9, the time had arrived. And even though the pool came much later than the home, the Cohens sought to make the entire space appear congruent. “We wanted it to be an exten-sion of the house and not just an add-on,” Jami Cohen said.

Story by Anne Straub • Photography by Rob Downey

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Mission accomplished, according to pool contractor Jeb Stuart. “When you walk back there, you think the pool’s been there since the house was built,” said Stuart, owner of Cool Pools. The couple had an architect design the pool, which uses geometric shapes to mimic the traditional look of the brick house, located on the Indian River in Rockledge. Fire bowls set on low columns mark the border between the pool and river, and add drama to nighttime views. Pool contractor Cool Pools added a black stacked-rock waterfall to the design. A night bubbler adds the tranquil sound of water in the evening. The couple had thought brick would be the best material for the waterfall and firepit. Instead, they went with Cool Pool’s recommendation to use stone, and were glad they did. “As soon as we got the materials out there and got it

Previous page: David and Jami Cohen’s pool on the Indian River in Rockledge. Above: Cool Pools added a black stacked-rock waterfall to the pool that David and Jami Cohen recently added to their

riverfront home in Rockledge. A night bubbler adds the soothing sounds of water. �

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put together — wow,” Jami Cohen said.With just 6 to 8 feet between the seawall and the pool, the area allows

the homeowners to imagine themselves in a tropical retreat.

Negative edgeThe Cohens opted for the fire bowls on the far side of the pool, rather

than using a negative edge. Also called an infinity edge, the technique uses a tank on the back side of the pool to collect and recirculate water that con-tinually overflows. The desired effect is for the pool to appear to merge with the river beyond.

Blue Marlin constructed such a pool in Melbourne Beach. The hom-eowners wanted an austere pool that appeared to be cut straight from the ground. A black pebble finish furthers the illusion.

“I’ve done negative-edge pools with lighter, blue finishes. They don’t come off as well,” said John Foster, the sales consultant and designer who worked on the pool. Despite the perception that the river is blue, a darker finish does a better job of blending with the water.

The idea that a dark finish increases the temperature of the water is a consideration, but shouldn’t be overblown. Foster estimates that the black pebble raises the temperature of an open pool by about 5 degrees. That could be considered an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on personal pref-

Above: An architect designed the Cohens’ pool, which uses geometric shapes to mimic the traditional look of the brick home. Top: Fire bowls on the far side of the pool mark the border between the pool and the Indian River, enhancing nighttime views.

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erence. The homeowners say they haven’t noticed much difference between a dark or light finish. Because of the L-shaped house, the design of the pool couldn’t vary much. Blue Marlin went with a pie shape, with a 180-degree spill over the edge into a tank, invisible from the home and deck. While the pool blends with the river, the deck appears to be an extension of the living room. The floor and deck are covered with travertine tile, with grout lines aligned. Deck jets with fiber optics add color at night. Like all Blue Marlin customers, the homeowners had a good idea of what the end result would be before construction began: Blue Marlin operates a YouTube channel that uses three-dimensional imaging to show the client what their pool and deck will look like. The video, done to scale, allows clients to test-drive the traffic flow and other features of their addition.

Going tropical John and Colleen Repplier also wanted a natural look for the pool at their Melbourne home. For them, that meant a lagoon-style pool that looked at home with the Indian River as backdrop. The pool features a zero entry, also called a beach entry because it imitates the experience of walking into the ocean at the beach. Instead of steps, the pool floor gradually slopes down. The full depth never exceeds slightly more than 5 feet because the family plans to use

Above: Blue Marlin Pools constructed a pie-shaped negative-edge pool with a black pebble finish at this Melbourne Beach home. Right: The deck, covered with travertine

tile, appears to be an extension of the home’s living room.

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“I’ve done negative-edge pools with lighter, blue finishes. They don’t come off as well.”

— JohN FoSTer, BlUe mArlIN PoolS

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Above: The tropical, lagoon-style pool at the Melbourne home of John and Colleen Repplier looks at home with the Indian River as a backdrop. Left: Intercoastal Pool & Spa spent two weeks on the extensive rock work, which required four tons of rock, including a 1.5 ton waterfall.

the pool for recreation, including playing volleyball.The pool had to be dug before the home was built, oth-

erwise the site wouldn’t have been able to accommodate the excavation equipment, said Bob Webb, owner of Intercoastal Pool & Spa. The rock work took two weeks to complete, a longer period than usual because of the extensive use of stone. The job required four tons of rock, including a 1.5 ton water-fall, plus the raised spa and the pool’s surrounding elevation, inset in the shell. Decking was done in marble. The Reppliers will enjoy lower power bills than many pool owners, thanks to the variable speed pump, LED lights and efficient cartridge filter. The tropical look is accentuated by planters along the rear wall, beach entry and spa, illuminated for nighttime enjoy-

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ment. Existing young oaks along the water provide more foliage without blocking the water view.

Elegant simplicityFor a riverfront client of Susan Hall’s,

two pools proved better than one. The Merritt Island-based landscape

architect considered a T-shape to the back-yard pool, but the result would hamper circulation during parties. Stepping stones might have worked, but they settled instead on two pools: one for laps and visual effect, and a larger pool to hold a hot tub and cater to family use.

“Circulation drove the design,” said Hall, and yet the result serves a variety of purposes. “It’s very striking when you come in the front door,” she said of the longer, lap pool. That pool is perpendicular to the river, extending from the home to the water. “You’re looking at the 40-foot length of the pool,” Hall said. The pool includes an aerat-

Above: Landscape architect Susan Hall’s design for a riverfront client features a Hawaiian-blue interior pool finish, providing contrast to the crema marfil marble decking. Left: Hall’s design includes two pools — a 40-foot lap pool with an aerated bubbler and a larger pool, featuring a hot tub nestled within the pool, that extends under an arbor.

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wners of existing pools needn’t look atnewpoolswithenvy:Considerupdat-ingyourpool’sdeckingforasimple,buthighimpact,makeover. Deckingcompaniescancoveraging

and possibly cracked decks with newmaterials, giving the entire out-

door living area a fresh look.Concreteandpaintedacryl-ic

decks may be perfectlyserviceablebutlacking

instyle. About 60 per-

cent of SurfsidePavers’ busi-

ness involvesoverlays of ex-isting decks.“We’re cov-ering up anu n s i g h t l ydeck with-out havingto removea n y t h i n g ,”

saidownerBillOsmun. “We

make thesemonochromatic

decks into mul-ticolored surfaces

withdesigns.” Brick pavers are a

popular op-tion, andcanbepurchasedinmany

shades and shapes without

makingacustomorder.“Youdon’thaveto

makeconcessions,”saidHermannBach,who

hasbeeninbusinessfor23yearsasHermann

BachPavingStonesInc.Thestandardshapes

ofpavingstonesaresovariedthathomeown-

ersarelikelytofindwhattheywant.

Bach also is seeing more customers

choose travertine, a natural stone that also

canbelaidoveraconcretedeck.Bachalso

hasusedthematerialondriveways.

Still another option is precast concrete,

alessexpensivealternativetonaturalstone.

Among the options at Surfside Pavers are

paverswithanantique,pittedlook,contain-

ingshellsorseaglass.

In addition to installing pavers, Bach

designs and installs custom pools through

hisCocoaBeachcompany,WaterinTransit.

Hespecializesinenergy-efficient,low-main-

tenancepools.

“I’malazyguyonmyownpool,”Bach

said,andhewantscustomerstobeableto

relax,aswell.“Itshouldn’tbeaburden.”

Hispoolsareautomatedthrougharemote

control that handles outdoor lighting, the spa

heater,firefeaturesandmore.Healsofocuseson

energyefficiencyandeasymaintenancebyusing

variablespeedpumps,oversizedfiltersandover-

sized pipes. The combination results in better

filtrationforacleanerpool,atalow-energycost

—andlessworkforthehomeowner.

“You have hardly anything to do,”

hesaid.

Pool deckmakeovers

Options abound for refreshing outdoor space By Anne Straub

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ed bubbler that’s lighted at night to enhance the view.The other pool extends under an arbor, accented by

a fountain and large geranium pots. The arbor creates a shaded area for seating, and also shades the shallow end of the pool. The hot tub is nestled within the pool, half an inch under the surface of the water.

Hall worked with Watershapes by Greg Ginstrom to create the pools.

A distinctive feature of the family pool is one that visitors have trouble putting their finger on: The rim of the spa is just half an inch under water. “We wanted the pool to have the appearance it was filled to the top with water,” Hall said. “It gives it a bit of a modern edge.”

The interior finish, done in Hawaiian blue, offers contrast to the crema marfil marble decking. L-shaped pieces of stone are used for coping, measuring 4 inches long and dispensing with a grout joint. The effect is striking, while simple.

“It just goes to show you how effective design can be when you keep it to a minimum with simplicity and refined materials,” Hall said. “There isn’t anything extra there that isn’t needed.” n

Above: The arbor at the end of the larger pool is accentuated by a fountain and large pots of geraniums, and offers a shaded seating area.

Love sometimes happens in the oddest of places. For Shelly McKinney, it struck in the middle of a forlorn lot at the corner of Pineapple Avenue and Eau Gallie Boulevard in Melbourne. The Cracker cottage was abandoned and the overgrown back-yard had become the residence of choice for a few of Brevard’s homeless, but for Shelly, it was heaven. “I wasn’t on the property for five minutes when I real-ized this was it,” she says, her eyes spar-kling. Oh, yes, she is still very much in love.

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he smitten Shelly set out to save the property and, in the process, transform herself from court reporter to constant gardener. Her little odyssey of love commenced last July and, like with all affairs, continues in a dynamic course as Shelly tweaks the Elbow Creek Garden and Gift com-plex to her satisfaction.

On March 19, she officially opened the green haven she hopes will become a magnet for gar-deners who crave the unique and the unusual.

A bevy of geraniums, petunias, plumbagos and birds of paradise greets visitors at the parking area that leads to the bright little house that anchors the three-quarter-acre property.

Her design philosophy for Elbow Creek is simple and direct.

“A garden center has to be cheery and feel good,” says Shelly.

Although the cottage looks like it has been there for decades, the Key West-style house actually was built in 1996. What it lacks in age, it more than makes up for in careers, for the house once served as a gift shop, architect’s office, surf shop and a kitchen

cabinet store. “I had always loved that building,” says Shelly, who was raised in Cocoa Beach by a family who liked playing in the dirt. “My mom and my grandparents were huge gar-

deners,” she says. Her fondest memories of

her youth involved week-end sojourns to Rockledge Gardens to drool over the

pretty plants. “I grew up in Rockledge

Gardens,” she jokes. After a few years in Atlanta, Tampa and Orlando, Shelly opted to raise her son, Matthew, in the more benign atmosphere of Brevard. Her Suntree home afforded some space to scratch her gardening itch, but she needed more. When the Eau Gallie property went up for sale, she found what she craved. She set out to breathe new life into the tired building, switching the color palette from its original dark burgundies to lime green, yellow and coral. The white wooden porch railing, decorated with pineap-ple cutouts, anchors the Key West-like colors, while the neighboring Eau Gallie bandshell adds a splash of turquoise to the already colorful picture.

Above: Shelly McKinney fufilled a longtime dream when she purchased and transformed the Key West-style cottage at Pineapple Avenue and Eau Gallie Boulevard in Melbourne into Elbow Creek Garden and Gift, which opened in March.

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The little metal-roofed cottage is surprisingly airy inside, with tall vaulted ceilings of white beadboard and a network of crisscrossing beams Shelly showcased with a good sanding and a light stain. A large arched window at one end becomes a work of art, thanks to the cornucopia of colors of the arbor and garden center flowers beyond its glass.

A history buff, Shelly dug into Eau Gallie’s past for the name of her new store. In the 1920s, the entire Eau Gallie River was known as Elbow Creek.

“The name seemed perfect,” she says. Her goal with Elbow Creek was to create an idyllic

gift boutique and gardening center that sparks the creative spirit indoors and out. Most of her garden-inspired gifts and novelties are American made, such as the whimsical Carruth Studios plaques and the handsome moss pots made in Niagara Falls. “They’re better than a pot, because they hold moisture a lot better than glazed or terracotta and they look fabu-lous,” she says. Elbow Creek also emphasizes the talent of local arti-sans. Woodman Dave Chandler, for example, recycles 100-year-old barnwood planks into eye-catching benches

Above: Most of the garden-inspired gifts and novelties inside Elbow Creek are American-made, such as the eye-catching benches and garden boxes made by local artisan Dave Chandler, as well as whimsical plaques and attractive moss pots. �

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Above: Shelly McKinney says she chooses plants that will thrive in Brevard County’s climate, which despite its long growing seasons, has occasional cold spells. “Everything here needs to be cold-hardy or in pots,”

she says. Right: McKinney waters plants and flowers at her new garden center, which is framed by a scalloped

white aluminum fence. Plenty of shade is provided by a 100-year-old-plus live oak tree on the property. �

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and garden boxes that perform excellently in the garden as well as inside the house. Ceramics from Valerie Karas of the Pottery Guild and Rosemary Heptig of RISD Ceramics ’09 are hard to resist, as are Janet Doner’s driftwood mobiles. The shop is encircled by gardens framed by a scalloped white aluminum fence. A confirmed tree hugger, Shelly saved the mature plantings on the property, including the 100-year-old-plus live oak that seems tailor-made to shade the store. “Most garden centers do not have these types of trees, which add a lot of visual interest,” she says. On a one-woman crusade to garden smart, Shelly selects plants that will thrive in Brevard. Yes, winters are usually mild and the growing seasons are long, but the Space Coast requires plants that can withstand the occasional spells of cold, wind and drought. “Everything here needs to be cold-hardy or in pots,” she says.

Plants such as mussaenda and the cold-hardy Madagascar palms not only love the area but are also garden extroverts that love to show off. Mussaenda, for example, has leaves that “blush” into a deep red, while the Madagascar palms regale their owners with big white flowers. Instead of the blight-ridden holly that so often brings grief to gardeners, Shelly offers Japanese blueberries with their fragrant flowers. Meandering paver paths lead through a profusion of inter-esting plant materials, including Shelly’s edible — and organic — gardens, as well as to butterfly-attracting plants. Going native, going organic, can make gardening much more rewarding, says Shelly. The soil and compost she carries is all organic. “It’s cheaper in the long run by far, and it works,” she says. No section of the garden is as bright as Elbow Creek’s bou-

FANTASTIC FolIAgEClockwise from top left: Elbow Creek’s “Bougainvillea Boulevard,” featuring plants in tree and vine varieties that are drought-tolerant and have continuous blooms; watermelon geraniums; gerber daisies; and neoregelia bromeliad, which can withstand more sun than most bromeliads, McKinney says.

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Above: Shelly McKinney works with Sean Phelan and his son Eddie at Elbow Creek’s potting station, where customers can don

aprons and get their hands dirty.Right: One of two Garden Relic Birds

designed for the shade.Far right: Although the store is located on

a three-quarter-acre lot, there is plenty of space to showcase an abundant collection

of colorful flowers and plants.

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gainvillea area, where the plants, in trees and vine varieties, beckon with enough color to shame a rainbow.

“If you can’t be happy walking here, there is something wrong with you,” says Shelly.

For condo dwellers without yards or a garage in which to putter, Shelly thoughtfully designed a potting station where they can don some aprons and gloves and get delightfully dirty. The section also will serve as the hub for classes for both young and old.

Shelly expects her love affair with Elbow Creek to continue long into the future, with catered events, classes and art exhibits on the schedule.

“I’m the most pessimistic person in the world, and I’m not a gambler, but I’m sure about this property, because I think there must be a higher power at work in all of this,” she says.

Elbow Creek Garden and Gift is located at 1482 Pineapple Ave., across from Squid Lips in Eau Gallie. The garden center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. For more information, call 321-622-5726 or visit www.elbowcreekgarden.com. n

Above: Garden Relic Kissing Angel, a garden feature for the shade that will continue to grow moss. left: McKinney changed the color palette of the cottage from its original burgundies to bright Key West-like colors — lime green, yellow and coral. The white wooden porch railing is decorated with pineapple cutouts.

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at home with

Missionary and family relish life in spacious, bright, energy-efficient home

Story by Cindi CourbatPhotography by Dave Potter

t has been just more than four months since the Hurston family — Joe and Cindy, and their children, Juliet, Peter and Ariana — became the grateful recipients of an “Extreme Makeover” home. You might think by now they would have had the chance to settle in. Not so. The momentum has yet to subside. I caught up with Joe and Cindy Hurston just after they returned from a dangerous mission trip to Japan, which had them delivering portable water purifiers all the way into the radiation zone. The couple had been home only three days and Joe was already out test flying his freshly “made-over” plane and preparing for yet another trip to Haiti. Still, the Hurstons agreed their warm and comfortable house makes coming home very sweet. The best way to describe the 3,400-square-foot Hurston home in Canaveral Groves near Cocoa is modern Southern plantation meets tropical island oasis. It exudes an upscale resort feeling. Amid the tropical landscaping, a tiki-style hut in the backyard sits next to a small pond, where the soothing sound of water flowing over rocks is constantly heard. Nearby, the family garden has produced a wide assortment of veggies. Meanwhile, Joe is extremely impressed with the huge white,

left: The Hurston family — Joe and Cindy, and their children, Peter, Juliet and Ariana — outside their 3,400-square-foot “Extreme Makeover” home in Canaveral Groves.

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constantly spinning wind turbine and the unmoving electric meter on the north side of the energy-efficient home. “I just can’t get over the fact that we’ll have no energy costs,” Joe said. LifeStyle Homes CEO Jake Luhn said this is the first time ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” has featured this type of solar energy home. “This is a Sun Smart home featuring a 9.6 kilo-

Above: A strong aviation theme is evident the moment visitors enter the home, with an eye-catching authentic

airplane fuselage that separates the kitchen from the living room. Right: The open living room features large

windows, a turquoise-colored open-beam ceiling and bleached-out bluish-gray laminate flooring. The family can

relax on white-cushioned crate-style furniture, decorated with bright throw pillows. �

Above: A view of the Hurston’s lushly

landscaped backyard, which includes a firepit

surrounded by brick pavers and a solar-

powered chicken coop.

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watt photovoltaic solar system, which is the most cut-ting-edge zero-energy option,” Luhn said.

Other energy-saving features include: special cinderblocks, foam under the decking, double-panel windows to keep both cold and hot air out, a 19-Seer HVAC unit, Energy Star appliances and a tile roof enhanced with solar panels. Solar Energy Systems of Brevard was involved in the installation, Luhn said.

Luhn admits it was a huge challenge to imple-

ment his environmentally friendly design and to have it tested and certified in so little time. Creat-ing a viable floor plan on the Hurston’s huge lot was another challenge. “The floor plan is always the most important factor of all good design,” Luhn noted. It’s also important to capture the interests and personality of those who use the space and to cre-atively weave that into, not only the overall theme,

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but also the intricate details. Clearly, the ABC Extreme Makeover design team did just that. Several preliminary phone interviews duringthe application process helped ABC producers to learn about the Hurston family. In the end, designers Ty Pennington, Michael Maloney, Paige Hemmis and Eduardo Xol did an excellent job of maintaining a Caribbean vibe while suc-cessfully incorporating a strong aviation theme, which begins the moment you enter the home. Separating the sleek modern kitchen from the open, breathtaking living room is a real airplane fuselage, which had to be airlifted and dropped into the foundation during the early stages of the build. It serves as the foyer wall. “I just love it,” said Joe. “It is phenomenal. They couldn’t have picked anything better because aviation is such an integral part of our lives.” Luhn said the foyer features a 20-foot-high ceil-ing while the living room ceiling is about 15 feet. In the living room, a unique shade of turquoise was painted on the open-beam ceiling, which also features an enormous white fan with several

Top: The kitchen side of the plane fuselage features a breakfast nook with two small tables and overhead storage enhanced with cobalt blue lighting. Above: Sleekly designed with bold colors,

the kitchen is equipped with silver metal appliances, including three ovens, paying homage to Cindy’s love of cooking and her

past as a café owner.

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long metal blades. The bleached-out bluish-gray laminate flooring lightens and enlarges the room, which features white walls and lots of large glass windows.

On the far wall are several deep shelves accented with seashells, white coral and an assort-ment of strategically placed vases and accessories — all white or a deep turquoise. An eye-catching painting hangs in the center of the wall. At first glance, it appears galactic in nature with its neon-purple optics on a solid black canvas. Actually, it depicts highly magnified drops of water on leaves, Cindy Hurston explained.

The furniture in the main room is fashionable crate style with white cushions and throw pillows that pop with hot pink to match the hallway lead-ing to a bedroom, a downstairs bath, the laundry room and a door to the garage. The couch pil-lows also feature a golden orange that matches the

Above: The unique light fixture above the dining table is a sculptured ball made of several small pieces of driftwood fused together. It matches two standing lamps in the living room. These lamps help authenticate the seaside decor that is present throughout the home.

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hand-painted dining-room wallpaper. The ultra-modern kitchen boasts three ovens, including the Viking, which Joe describes as top of the line. The kitch-en is sleek in design and bold in color — a clear contrast to the laid-back beach vibe on the other side of the airplane wall. The matching blue wall complements the kitchen’s silver metal appliances, creating a true industrial look, and that makes perfect sense, considering Cindy is not only a former café owner but also an excellent chef. The kitchen side of the plane fuselage features a nifty breakfast nook with two small square tables and overhead storage that is enhanced with cobalt blue lighting. Designer Michael Maloney was responsible for down-stairs while Eduardo Xol came up with the design for Peter’s room, featuring a progressive hand-painted wall mural depicting the side of a small plane on one wall, beach scenes and sunsets on another. In one corner is a brand new surf-board, courtesy of Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach. “I’m just learning,” Peter admitted. The young teenager’s interests also include martial arts. But, according to his sister Juliet, music is his gift. His room features a custom-crafted platform bed under a grassy beach-hut style roof and a stage where he can perform his own concerts. Paige Hemmis designed both of the girls’ rooms. Six-

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left: With a hand-painted wall mural depicting the beach, 13-year-old Peter’s room is the perfect spot to relax and hone his musical skills. The room features a stage where he can perform concerts. Above: Six-year-old Ariana spins in the theme-park-sized teacups in her brightly decorated wonderland-themed room.

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year-old Ariana’s room has a wonderland theme with pastel yellow walls and a three-dimensional tea party centered around a large purple teapot. Colorful wooden paisley cutouts also adorn the walls. Most impressive are the two custom-built theme-park-sized teacups in which Adriana can sit in and spin on her own. “She loves her teacups,” said big sister Juliet. “Every night she spins herself silly; she goes and goes until she totally tires herself out.” Ariana also shows off her big girl-sized closet, which is filled with princess dresses and all sorts of girly attire. If Ariana is content in her own little wonderland, 18-year-old Juliet also is impressed with her red, white and black media-inspired bedroom, which she says reminds her of a student work lab. “I love my room,” Juliet said. “It is very functional. I have my desk and work corner over here (she points), a great sleeping area here and I have plenty of open space.”

Above: Juliet, 18, hangs out in her media- inspired bedroom, surrounded by wallpaper made of Joe Hurston’s daily blogs about his

missionary work. The spacious room also has a huge well-designed closet.

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Above: A portrait of Joe and Cindy hangs in the spacious master bedroom. left: Symbolizing Joe and Cindy’s missionary work in Haiti is a metal pipe and faucet in the master bath from which water steadily drips into a metal bucket.

“Just one drop in the bucket . . . This is what we’ve devoted our heart and our lives to.” — Joe HURSToN

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Juliet also has a huge well-designed closet — something many women would envy. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this room is the wallpaper, which is made entirely of Joe Hurston’s daily blogs. Finally, the master bedroom and bath feature a sea-inspired wall color that can’t be called blue and isn’t quite green. The bath has a spacious shower, beau-tiful tile and a double vanity with clear glass sinks. After the TV show aired, American viewers had the opportunity to cast their vote for their favor-ite room in the Hurston home. According to ABC spokesperson Sarah Strid, 53 percent liked this Ty Pennington-designed room the best. One step inside and all you want to do is breathe deep. The entire room oozes serenity. You can almost smell the fresh air, tropical flowers and a sensual sea-side aroma.

Above: A large canvas photograph above the faucet and bucket depicts water washing over small hands, which Joe says is “a steady

reminder of what we do.” Right: A window from the tub in the master bath opens into the

master bedroom. Both rooms feature a sea-inspired bluish-green hue.

Fifty-three percent of “extreme Makeover: Home edition” viewers

voted the master bedroom and bath, designed by host Ty

Pennington, as their favorite rooms in the Hurston home.

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The master bedroom also features an incredible gas fireplace, which adds a warm glow to the room. Doors open to a balcony overlooking the backyard. The most intriguing feature in the master bath is the simple outdoor metal pipe and faucet that people so commonly drink from on the side streets of Port au Prince. These fixtures are positioned over a small metal bucket with a steady drip of water dropping down. Above the faucet and bucket is a large canvas pho-tograph depicting small dark-skinned hands reach-ing up as crystal-clear drops of water wash over their limbs. Several smaller photos showcasing flowing water surround the focal point completing this mean-ingful piece of art. “Just one drop in the bucket,” Joe said. “It’s a steady reminder of what we do — this is what we’ve devoted our heart and our lives to.” n

Above: Hanging above the master bath’s two clear glass sinks are twolamps that were shaped into small trees from very thin white shells.Each lamp is set inside a wire frame. They are asymmetrically clusteredtogether in layers blossoming out from the center. The lamps complement the seaside cabana feel throughout the home.

Can’t get enough of the Hurston’s extreme home? Check out all the photos from the photo shoot on Spaces Facebook page.

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Outdoor grilling is a way of life that people in colder climates enjoy only during the summer. Fortunately, on the Space Coast, our weather allows us to cook out-side on our grills almost year-round. Eighty-six per-cent of families in the United States own some type of outdoor grill.

New methods, gadgets appearing in outdoor kitchens

Story by Jimi Gonzalez • Photography by Rob Downey

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Astheseenthusiastscongregateinbackyardsforbarbecues,thedebatebetween charcoal andgas grillingusually begins. The charcoal loyalistwillboastabouttheimprovedflavorandhighertemperaturesoftheirgrillwhilegasownerswillbragabouthowtheyenjoytheconvenience,quickcleanupand temperaturecontrol. Rather thancontributing toadebatethatwillnevertrulybewon,thissummerwearefocusingonnewmethodsandgadgetsthatareappearinginoutdoorkitchens.

Infrared Grills Infraredgrillsarereferredtoasthemicrowaveoftheoutdoorkitchen,thankstotheirabilitytoquicklyreachhightemperaturesof700degreesinabout7minutes.Thesegrillshavebeenavailableforalongtime,butitwasn’tuntilapatentonthetechnologyexpiredin2000thatmanufactur-ersstartedofferingmodelsataffordableprices.Manymanufacturersaresellingstand-aloneinfraredgrillsaswelladdingoptionalinfraredburnerstotraditionalgasgrills.Butwhatarethebenefits? Atraditionalcharcoalorgasgrillcooksviaaconvectionprocess.Gas,charcoalorwoodisburnedinordertoheatuptheairsurroundingthefoodandcookthemeat.Infraredgrills,however,utilizeradiantheatingtocookthefooddirectly,savingtimeandfuel.Gasisignitedtoheataspecializedtilethatemitshigh-powerinfraredenergydirectlyatyourfood.Infraredgrillscanreachhigh,evenlydistributedandeasy-to-controltemperatureswithminimalwaittime. The high temperatures of an infrared grill can quickly sear meat,makingitgreatforthosewholiketheirsteaksmediumrare,butitwon’tcookthroughthickcutsofmeatandisnotidealforthosewhoprefertheirsteakswelldone.Whilesolidanddensemeatscanholduptotheintense

Above: Infrared grills utilize radiant heating to cook food directly, saving time and fuel. These grills can reach high, evenly distributed and easy-to-control

temperatures with minimal wait time.

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heat of an infrared grill, fish and vegetables can be harder to cook. Mark Walker of Flame Tech Fireplace & Grill in Indian Harbour Beach explains “when using an infrared grill for the first time, the extremely high tempera-tures force you to re-learn how to cook on a grill.”

Many outdoor chefs will use an infrared grill to sear the meat at 700 degrees for about a minute on each side, and then either reduce the tempera-ture or move the meat to a gas or charcoal grill to finish cooking. Infrared grills are a great addition to your outdoor kitchen, but they aren’t the perfect solution for every meal.

Big Green EggJohn McMillan of Hearth & Home in Melbourne explains that there is

“one piece of equipment that does it all. It works as a grill, a smoker and even an oven for making pizza or baking bread.”

Based on a 3,000-year-old design, the kamado cooker first caught the attention of Americans after World War II soldiers brought them back from Japan. A number of manufacturers produce kamodo grills, but the most popular is the Big Green Egg, thanks to its very loyal fans who call themselves

Above: John McMillan of Hearth & Home in Melbourne says the versatile Big Green Egg “works as a grill, a smoker and even an oven for making pizza or making bread.” Photo: Kathryn Gonzalez.

A grilling app

The most high-tech of all grill accessories, the

iGrill is a Bluetooth-enabled meat thermometer that

works with your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Using

the iGrill app on your Apple device, you can monitor

the temperature of your meat from up to 200 feet

away, allowing you to multi-task between your grill,

kitchen and guests. The app also includes alarms

when the probe reaches specific temperatures,

recipes, cooking tips and a kitchen timer.

“eggheads” and attend annual events like “EGGtober Fest” in Georgia.

The Big Green Egg is available in four sizes, from mini to extra large and ranging from 30 to 205 pounds. As you’d expect, it’s shaped like a large egg, but utilizes a high-fiber ceramic that is based on technology originally developed for the space shuttle program. The ceramic keeps the outside sur-face temperature cool, although the temperatures inside the grill can reach greater than 750 degrees.

Many eggheads prefer lump wood charcoal since it does not contain additives that are found in briquettes. Addition-ally, lump charcoal produces much less ash than briquettes, which is better for long cooking sessions. The sealed design of the grill results in a slow burn that needs only a small amount of charcoal and keeps the unused charcoal at the bottom of the grill until the next time you cook.

A combination of vents on the top and bottom of the egg create a draft to sustain the fire and control the temperature levels inside of the egg. Through a little trial and error, main-taining a constant temperature becomes a simple task; clos-ing the vents lowers the temperature but opening the vents increases it.

La Caja China Another device that is catching on in South Florida and

making its way up the coast is La Caja China, which trans-lated from Spanish means “the Chinese Box.” Based on a

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño PoppersContributed by John McMillan of Hearth & Home

Ingredients:1 pound raw chorizo1 (8 ounce) package cream

cheese, softened1 1/2 cups shredded Ched-

dar cheese16 jalapeno peppers – cut in

half and remove all seeds16 slices bacon, cut in half

crosswise

Cooking Instructions:Preheat an outdoor grill, or Big Green Egg for medium heat, and

lightly oil.Remove chorizo from sausage casing, crumble and cook in a non-

stick skillet. Cool slightly.Mix together the cream cheese, and Cheddar cheese in a bowl

until the mixture is thoroughly blended, fold in cooked chorizo.Stuff each pepper with cheese mixture, and wrap each stuffed

pepper in a half bacon slice. Secure with toothpicks.Grill the poppers on a less-hot part of the grill until the peppers

are hot and juicy and the bacon is browned, 30 to 40 minutes. You can also cook in an oven at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes until jalapenos are soft and bacon is crispy.

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WeblinksThe Big Green Egg – If you’d like to learn more

about becoming an egghead, visit the official Big

Green Egg website, www.biggreenegg.com.

The Naked Whiz – A light-hearted wealth of infor-

mation on cooking in kamodo grills and reviews on

lump charcoal, www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramic.htm.

TEC – The original patent holder for Infrared

grills, TEC continues to manufacture innovative

and quality infrared grills, www.tecinfrared.com.

La Caja China – The website features all of the

different boxes, recipes, seasonings and even

videos from their appearance on Food TV.

www.lacajachina.com.

cooking method used by Chinese railroad workers in Cuba, La Caja China is a plywood box that is lined with marine-grade aluminum. Charcoal is placed in an aluminum tray that sits on top of La Caja China and keeps the temperature inside the box a constant 325 degrees. The charcoal must be replaced every hour, and an entire pig can be roasted in about four hours. Multiple sizes are available, but La Caja China is intended to roast enough meat for your largest parties. Most models can fit at least an entire 80-pound pig or 16 whole chickens, six turkeys, or eight pork shoulders. Although it’s a simple wooden box, a barbecue with La Caja China is an experience that embodies outdoor cooking; good times with friends, family and food. Regardless of what side of the gas-versus-charcoal debate you sit on, you’re likely to participate in outdoor cooking this

summer, either sitting behind the grill or lined up for the food. n

Jimi Gonzalez is a licensed low voltage con-tractor, LEED AP, technology consultant, and an active member of multiple frequent flier programs.

Above and left: La Caja China is a plywood box that is lined with marine-grade aluminum.

Charcoal is placed in an aluminum tray that sits on top of the device and keeps the temperature

inside the box a constant 325 degrees.

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Take steps now to prevent damage if a hurricane hits

Story by Betsy S. FranzPhotography by Dave Potter

onserving energy and water may be the main things that cometo mind when you mention green building, but in Florida,

another important aspect of eco-friendly construction is disaster mit-igation. This category covers any changes that are made to a home to help lessen the impact of natural disasters on people and property.

Since hurricane season officially starts on June 1, now is a good time to look at some of the changes that can be made to help our homes weather a storm.

“The destruction and the lessons learned from Hurricane Andrew in 1992 led to stricter building guidelines for all new home construc-tion and remodels,” said Mike McCaughin, chief building official for Brevard County. “Since the adoption of the Florida Building Code in 2002, there are more stringent checks and balances for construc-tion and certain types of home remodeling.”

“Prior to the Florida Building Code, there were no permits required for things such as replacing doors, windows and garage doors,” McCaughin explained. “Now, many things require third- party testing and approval — not just the products themselves, but the design and installation.”

Because of the value of these changes in preserving our homes, in 2005, the Florida Legislature passed a law requiring insurance com-panies to offer discounts for protecting your home against damage caused by hurricane winds. Contact your insurance company to learn which changes may lead to a discount for your particular home and policy.

Dave Foley, who owns Home Solution Specialists with his wife Cindy, is well versed in the benefit the new building code has pro-vided in strengthening Florida homes. Specializing in home remodels and additions, the Foleys have helped to create a new level of security for many homeowners in Brevard.

Left: Homes with hip-style roofs, such as this Monarch Builders home that was featured in the recent Home Builders and Contractors Association Parade of Homes, are more likely to withstand high winds than gabled roofs.

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“Hurricane preparedness should be worked in conjunction with energy efficiency, durability and low maintenance,” Foley said. “If you are planning these things right, you gain multiple benefits across the board. When you need new windows, for instance, you can gain energy efficiency and impact resistance at the same time. You kill two birds with one stone.” Whether you are already planning your next remodel or are just looking for ways to make your home a little more hurricane resilient, here are 10 ways to incorporate sustainabil-ity factors into your home to help prevent damage from these powerful forces of nature.

Above and below: Window coverings are available to suit every style and budget, from automatic roll shutters that can be operated from inside your home, to panels put up before a storm, says Van Jackson, owner of Affordable Glass Protection, Inc. �

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“People don’t realize that if a window or door gives way during a hurricane, they don’t just stand the risk of water damage,” said Van Jackson, owner of Affordable Glass Protection, Inc. “Once wind gets in the home, it can blow the whole roof off.”

“Fortunately, there are window coverings available to suit every style and budget,” Jackson said. “You can go from high-end roll shutters that you can open and close auto-matically from inside the home, to panels that you have to go out and install before a storm. One of our most popular products right now is the high-impact wind screen. This product is six times stronger than steel, it’s transparent, it’s very light, it’s very easy to deploy, and when not in use, it can be rolled up and stored in a closet or in your attic. Or you can have the screen installed with a roller system that works just like the roll shutters. It’s really an awesome product.”

A more permanent solution is impact-resistant windows. Impact-resistant windows have glass that has been reinforced by glazing or a laminating material and they work much the same as bulletproof glass: when struck by something, such as wind-borne debris, the glass will break but stay attached to itself. Hurricane- rated windows also have a strong, reinforced frame and meet specific requirements for correct installation.

“During Hurricane Andrew, garage doors were

the primary, number one opening that destroyed homes,” Jackson said. “Once the garage door was blown in, the wind would come in through that opening and in some cases the pressure would build up and lift the roof. In fact, FEMA has identified loss of garage doors as one of the major factors con-tributing to hurricane storm damage.

“If you currently have a metal garage door, it can be reinforced by installing a bracing kit. We custom build garage-door bracing kits on site that will make your current door as strong as a hurri-cane-rated door. If you have a thin fiberglass door, the braces aren’t going to help.”

Bracing kits, stronger supports and heavier hinges also may be available from your garage-door manufacturer.

left: Dave Foley, who owns Home Solution Specialists with his wife Cindy, says “hurricane preparedness should be worked in conjunction with energy efficiency, durability and low maintenance” to gain across-the-board benefits.

Replace your windows with impact-resistant glass

Secure or replace garage door

Above: Metal garage doors can be reinforced by installing a bracing kit, says Van Jackson, owner of Affordable Glass Protection, Inc. �

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Installing an impact-resistant garage door with an extra-strong steel track system is another option.

Entry doors in older homes may not have bolts or pins strong enough to withstand storm-force winds. These doors can be strengthened by installing additional bolts and heavy-duty deadbolt locks. Locksmiths and hardware stores can advise you about selecting and installing the proper hardware.

If your doors are old or damaged, you can replace them with stronger, hurricane-rated products. Installing doors so they open out instead of in provides added strength.

Homes with gabled roofs are more likely to sustain damage from high winds than hip roofs, where all sides slope downward toward the walls.

Some gable roofs can be strengthened by installing additional braces in the trusses and/or at the gable ends. A qualified builder can install galvanized metal hurricane straps to secure the roof to the walls.

Applying closed-cell spray polyurethane foam to the underside of the roof deck strengthens the bond between the roof sheathing and the roof framing while it provides a secondary water barrier.

When your home is ready for reroofing, Florida Building Code requirements will ensure that hurricane-resilient techniques are followed.

If you have large trees on your property, survey them for weak or dead branches that may fall during hurricane-force winds. Trees with large, dense canopies also can be

“once wind gets in the home, it can blow the whole roof off.”

— VaN JackSoN, oWNeR oF aFFoRdaBle GlaSS PRoTecTIoN, INc..

Storm-proof the roof

Above: Applying closed-cell spray polyurethane foam to the underside of the roof strengthens the bond between the roof sheafing and the roof framing while providing a

secondary water barrier. �

Trim trees

Storm-proof the entry doors or replace them

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thinned to help prevent uprooting. Brevard County Horticulture Extension Agent Sally

Scalera recommends consulting a certified arborist if you have large trees you are concerned about. Certified arborists know what other factors may cause problems, such as girdling roots or more than one main trunk. Cer-tified arborists can be found by visiting the Florida ISA website — www.floridaisa.org — and choosing “find an arborist” under tree care info.

When planting new trees, the recommendation is to plant them at least 12 feet away from homes, sidewalks and driveways.

Emergency standby generators take a lot of stress out of hurricane season, but they also provide an extra level of safety.

“If you have a properly installed whole house gen-erator, it is going to be much safer than a gasoline pow-ered one with extension cords all around,” McCaughin pointed out. “You are better off with a code-compliant installed system rather than at the last minute, trying to get everything to work.”

During a power outage, whole house generators auto-matically kick in and restore power in about 20 seconds and continue to run until power is restored. You can get them large enough to power your whole house (including your air conditioning) or go with a smaller model to just power necessities such as a refrigerator, lights and emer-gency band radios.

The generators run on natural gas, LP gas or diesel fuel. They are installed outside the home and are wired through an automatic transfer switch to the main electri-cal panel.

Above: During a power outrage, whole house generators turn on automatically and restore power in about 20 seconds. They continue to run until electricity is restored to your home.

Whole house generators

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“Something that some people overlook is that just simple home maintenance is important,” McCaughin said. “Keeping your home sealed and painted, caulking openings, looking for cracks and cementing loose roof shingles. Under normal rain, it’s not a problem, but when you get that sideways, hurricane-driven rain, it’s amazing how the water can penetrate the smallest holes and you end up with mold and water intrusion problems.” If you are thinking of redoing your home’s exterior, consider storm- resistant products such as fiber cement siding. There are also exterior paints that are certified to withstand 100 mph winds that drive damag-ing rainwater into porous surfaces.

“When it comes to pool enclosures, today’s enclosures are much stronger than they were four years ago,” Foley said. “They incorporate more bracing and other engineering techniques, which produce much stronger overall structures.”

In addition to our families, pets and homes, we all have many other items that we would be devastated to lose, including computer hard drives, photo albums, jewelry, family heirlooms and important legal documents. Home security safes can provide an easy way to protect these items from hurricanes, fires, floods and burglary. They can be built into the wall or bolted to the floor to withstand the wind and rain of a hurricane. Or smaller models can be purchased, which can be taken with you in case an evacuation is necessary.

“The best advice to give everyone is just to be prepared,” McCaughin said. “Have a plan and be ready to put it into place. An ounce of prevention . . . ” n

Hurricane-resilient pool enclosures

Built-in safes

Above: Home security safes are an easy way to protect items such as important legal documents

and jewelry from hurricanes. They can be builtinto the wall or bolted to the floor, or you can buy a

small safe that can be taken with you if you evacuate.

Home exteriors

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Just the facts:

t’s easy to get hooked on Hoyas. First, you can practically ignore them and they still thrive. Put one in a hanging basket

in bright, indirect light and this trailing beauty will soon wind its way onto any structure within easy reach. However, once you see one of the spectacular, sweet-smelling flower heads, it will also wind its way into your heart.

There are hundreds of species of Hoyas, with leaves and flow-ers of various sizes, shapes and colors. The most popular species is Hoya Carnosa, which has thick, waxy-looking leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers that are so unusual looking that they almost appear unreal. The plant derives its nickname, the wax plant, from these flowers.

Hoya Carnosa, as well as many other types of hoyas, are suc-culents, which means that their leaves hold water. Therefore, it is easy to overwater them. They should be planted in soil that drains well and you should let the plant go completely dry between waterings. If you keep a close eye on your plant, you may see the leaves begin to pucker when in need of water. Use room-tempera-ture water and never let the plant sit in standing water.

They will tolerate fairly low light levels but prefer bright, indi-rect sunlight for better growth and flowering.

In addition to overwatering, there are several other do nots for growing hoyas. Do not move the plant once the buds appear, as it may cause the buds to drop. Do not remove the dead flowers. It will flower again from the same spot. Hoyas like to be pot bound, so do not repot until it is unavoidable.

Hoyas are ideal plants for hanging baskets. The vining stems can reach 15 feet. They can also be trained to grow onto a small trellis or other support.

Propagation is easy through stem cuttings placed in rooting compound.

Interesting varieties include heart-shaped leaves, red stems or tightly curled leaves closely spaced on the vine, resembling a rope.

by Betsy S. Franz

Green Thumb Rating:One thumb. Hoyas are known for being

practically indestructible. In fact, they almost seem to love to be ignored.

Hooked on HoyasIdeal plant for hanging baskets

Scientific name: Hoya sppCommon Names: Wax plant, wax vine, wax flower, shooting star plant Origin: Asia, Polynesia, AustraliaExpertise needed: MinimalPest control: Insects are rare on hoyas. Watch for mealybugs, spidermites and scale. If insects are seen, wipe leaves with cotton ball dipped in isopro-pyl alcohol.Where to buy: Nurseries with large indoor plant collections and occasionally at chain retailers. Also, because of their almost indestructible nature, hoya cuttings can easily be shared with friends or pur-chased through the Internet.What to watch for: Overwatering

Hoyas were rated one of the top fragrant houseplants in a recent Better Homes and Garden article.

Hoyas can take a while to bloom. If you’ve had one for a couple of years and never seen a flower, give it more light.

This genus was named by botanist Rob-ert Brown, in honor of his friend, botanist Thomas Hoy.

Hoya flowers come in a variety of colors but blue still does not appear to be represented in the Hoya genus.

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Reader: I would like to replace the kitchen and utility room floors. I cur-rently have a circa 1980s tile that is crying to be replaced. I would like to have something more in keeping with the style of my home, which is very Charleston. The house, which overlooks the river, is a two-story columned home with double front porches. All the rooms in the home, with the exception of the bathrooms, kitchen and den, have reclaimed hardwood floors. Unfortunately, I cannot continue the hardwoods into the kitchen (it was not coun-tersunk). I do not want a Mediterranean/Tuscany style look in this very traditional kitchen. I don’t want anything too busy or dark. I’m pretty sure I would want an 18-inch tile, but am at a loss as to what would blend with abutting rooms.

I am including two photos to help give a better idea of the space.Kathy Payne

Dear Kathy, There are so many beautiful tiles available now, it should be easy

could use a real stone or traver-tine tile or opt for one of the same

will probably want to take a door from your cabinets and a piece

three or four choices home to pick from and look at them at differ-

-

Good luck!

Betty Greenway Owner, Island Paint & Decorating Center

Spaces readers write in for ideas, suggestionsand professional recommendations

Have a question for an interior designer? Audio/video specialist? A remodel or con-struction-related query? Space-planning or art-related inquiry? E-mail your Design Hotlinequestions to yourspace@floridatoday.com. Note Design Hotline in the subject line. We may address your question in a future issue!

5 fabulous finds

Terri Pentz

Lead Designer, Island Paint & Decorating Center

and co-owner East Coast Cabinet Company

High Point Market in N.C. may as well be the center of the furniture universe. For the week of April 2 to7, the

population of High Point swells by 85,000-plus people, all of them on a veritable treasure hunt to discover the

latest and greatest home decor. As buyers, we are always on the lookout for new sources, trends and twists

on old favorites. Here’s what we found at the Market …

Color, color everywhere It’s as if the very walls and fabrics could no longer contain themselves

in their neutral tombs. Bursting on the scene this spring are unexpected

combinations, saturated colors and a freshness that quenches our desire

to be renewed.

Antique rug benches a hit In a flurry of waving hands and swooning designers, these

antique rug benches fly off the trucks as quickly as you can

shout “Mine! All mine!” We didn’t hold back and snagged as

many as we could.

Reclaim, reuse, repurpose The Green movement is evolving, and coming into its own. Rustic character

wood is being reclaimed to make furniture pieces that mix in with current

décor flawlessly. Certainly not antique, but not brand new, this furniture makes

its own niche in the market, and it’s working its way into our homes as well.

3-D DecorA respite from the bright world

around it, these accents are rich

in texture and dimension.

Who needs a plug-in? Not meant to be wallflowers,

these diffusers take center

stage as a sensory delight.

They smell as crisp and fresh

as they look – and enhance

every room they find a home in.

“I like to push theenvelope with design.

Things don’t have to be typical to be great.

If something catches my eye – it’s generally because

it is out of the ordinary.”

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a look ahead:Cultural, design and entertainment events on the Space Coast

entertainmentThrough May 14

Run for Your WifeLondon cab driver John Smith has two lives – complete with two wives. Some-how he has managed to juggle them both without arousing suspicion, until he gets caught up in a mugging and ends up in the hospital. He then has to explain this situa-tion to both of his wives and the police. For more information, call 268-1125 or visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.

May 6-22

Windy City – The News MusicalThe Cocoa Village Playhouse presents this story, set in 1929, about ace news reporter Hildy Johnson, who just quit his job to marry his fiancée and write screenplays for her movie mogul father. When the girlfriend of an escaped condemned killer reveals to Hildy that he is hiding at the courthouse, Hildy cannot resist the lure of writing what could be the biggest scoop of his career. For tickets and information, call 636-5050 or visit cocoavillageplayhouse.com.

May 12-15

Playwrights WorkshopThe Playwrights Workshop of Brevard presents three original one-act plays writ-ten by local playwrights. Show times are 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Surfside Playhouse. For more information, call 961-1988 for reservations or visit playwrightsworkshopbrevard.org.

May 13

Kris Kristofferson and John Prine The King Center for the Performing Arts presents two American songwriting leg-ends. Hall of Fame singer-songwriter

Kristofferson returns to the essentials of his finely honed craft, which includes author-ship of such classics as “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night.” Prine became known as a “songwriter’s songwriter,” and his latest album contains renditions of some of his early songs, “Angel From Montgomery” and “She Is My Everything.” For tickets and information, call 242-2219 or visit kingcenter.com.

May 13-22

Othello Titusville Playhouse presents this Emma’s Attic production of one of Shakespeare’s tragedy-themed plays. Othello is a highly esteemed general. Iago is Othello’s ambi-tious friend who becomes jealous when Othello promotes another to personal lieu-tenant. Iago begins an evil and malicious campaign against the hero and plots and murder ensue. For more information, call 268-1125 or visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.

May 14 & 15

Chopin & Schubert ConcertPianist Rochelle Sallee joins Aaron Collins and the Space Coast Chamber Orchestra

in two performances of Frederic Chopin’s dazzling Piano Concerto No. 1. The concert also features Franz Schubert’s hauntingly beautiful Symphony No. 4 “Tragic.” The programs will be held May 14 at First United Methodist Church in Melbourne, and May 15 at Waxlax Performing Arts Center in Vero Beach. For more information, call 536-8580 or visit spacecoastsymphony.org.

May 15

Share the ExcitementBrevard Symphony Youth Orchestra pres-ents the season finale featuring all four BSYO orchestras and alumni playing a tribute to music educators. The event will take place at Cocoa Beach High Perform-ing Arts Center. For more information, call 652-6895 or visit bsyo.us.

May 15

Galmont Ballet’s Dance on Rock The King Center for the Performing Arts presents the Galmont Ballet in a produc-tion that celebrates the heart and soul of dance and an electrifying musical genre. Frank Galvez’s original “Forbidden Dreams” is set to the music of Led Zep-pelin, and “The Hyphen” to the music of Maserati, The Beatles and Oasis. For tick-ets and information, call 242-2219 or visit kingcenter.com.

May 20 – June 26

The Importance of Being ErnestSet in London and the English countryside during the late 19th century, Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” is both a whimsical romantic comedy and a sharp-witted satire of Victorian society. For more informa-tion, call 723-6935 or visit mymct.org.

Aaron Collins conducts the Space Coast Chamber Orchestra with pianist Rochelle Sallee as they perform Chopin and Schubert on May 14 & 15.

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Where you’ll find us!Pick up your complimentary copy of

Spaces Magazine at many fine establishmentsthroughout Brevard County, including:

View the current Spaces issue onlineat www.spacesonline.com

Baytree National Golf LinksBrevard Art Museum

Cocoa Beach Country ClubDuran Golf Club

Eau Gallie Yacht ClubEconomic Development CommissionEssentials Spa, Melbourne & Viera

Health-First Pro-Health Fitness Center (Merritt Island, Viera, Melbourne & Palm Bay)

Imperial SpaKing Center for the Performing Arts

Kiwi Tennis ClubLa Bella Spa

La Cita Country ClubMelbourne International Airport

Paradise FordParrish Medical CenterSuntree Country Club

YMCA SuntreeWuesthoff Health System – Rockledge & Melbourne

Or, visit any of the advertisers in our current issue!

MAY 22

Jackson Browne – Solo Acoustic Tour The King Center for the Performing Arts presents singer-song-writer Jackson Browne as he plays guitar and piano, and performs songs from his collective body of work. For tickets and more infor-mation, call 242-2219 or visitkingcenter.com.

MAY 27

Mayflowers BallThe Melbourne Municipal Band presents the Swingtime Jazz Band performing for the Mayflowers Ball. The event will be held at the Melbourne Auditorium at 7 p.m. For more information, call724-0555 or visit melbournemunicipalband.org.

MAY 29-30

12th Annual Caribbean Jamboree The Brevard Caribbean American Sports & Cultural Association, in partnership with Brevard County Parks and Recreation, pres-ents this Memorial Day weekend event at Palm Bay Regional Park. The event will include food, music, dance, acrobatics and sporting events. For more information, call 728-2558 or visit bcasca.com.

MAY 30

Memorial Day Celebration The City of Cocoa presents its annual Memorial Day Celebra-tion at Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village. This event honors fallen veterans of war with a guest speaker, flag-folding ceremony, a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.” There also will be period costumes, entertainment and more. For more information, call631-9075 or visit cocoafl.org.

MAY 30

Memorial Day Celebration Liberty Bell Memorial Museum invites children and adults to spend Memorial Day at this historic museum. View the replica of

“Rain – A Tribute To The Beatles” makes its debut at the King Center for the Performing Arts on June 1.

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the Liberty Bell and hear a lecture on the origins of the bell. For more information, call 727-1776 or visit honoramerica.org.

June 1

Rain – A Tribute To The BeatlesDirect from its phenomenally successful Broadway engagement, the internationally acclaimed Beatles Concert makes its debut at the King Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets and information, call 242-2219 or visit kingcenter.com.

June 3-4

Disney’s The AristoCats KidsCocoa Village Playhouse presents this Stars of Tomorrow musical about a jealous butler, Edgar, who catnaps Duchess and her Aristokittens, then abandons them in the Parisian countryside. Luckily, a rag-tag bunch of alley cats come to their rescue. This feline adventure includes Disney favorites “The Aristocats” and “Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat.” For tickets and infor-mation, call 636-5050 or visit cocoavil-lageplayhouse.com.

June 3-5 & 10-12

11th Annual Playwriting ContestSurfside Players presents the performance of the 11th Annual Playwriting Contest Winner at Surfside Players. For more infor-mation and times, call 783-3013 or visit surfsideplayers.com.

June 4–5

Latin FiestaThe Space Coast Symphony Orchestra presents this sizzling Latin music concert. Works by George Gershwin, Jules Mas-senet and Pablo Sarasate will be featured. The June 4th performance will take place at Holy Trinity Episcopal Auditorium and the June 5th performance will take place at Community Church of Vero Beach. For more information, call 536-8580 or visit spacecoastsymphony.org.

June 5

Music of the British Isles The Community Band of Brevard cel-ebrates the musical contributions of the

British Isles at Merritt Island High School at 3 p.m. For more information, call 725-9191 or visit communitybandofbrevard.org.

June 5

Summer Potpourri II The Indialantic Chamber Singers presents a summer concert at Eastminster Presby-terian Church in Indialantic at 3 p.m. For more information, call 960-5000 or visit indialanticchambersingers.org.

June 10

Summer Potpourri II The Indialantic Chamber Singers presents a summer concert at St. John The Evange-list Catholic Church in Viera at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 960-5000 or visit indialanticchambersingers.org.

June 10-11

Jazz, Blues & BBQ FestivalCocoa Village presents two days of jazz, blues, barbecue and more from 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Events include professional and backyard BBQ competitions, pub crawl and VIP party, as well as music, crafters, artists and kids’ area and face painting. For more information, call 631-9075 or visit facebook.com/bbqandblues.

June 15-16

American JazzThe Melbourne Municipal Band presents this free concert that celebrates Ameri-can jazz. Bring a picnic dinner and listen to the swing, bop and concert music of Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, George Gershwin and Sammy Nestico. For more information, call 724-0555 or visit melbournemunicipalband.org.

June 18

Dance Arts Centre’s Annual Dance Concert Dance Arts Centre presents a program of ballet, modern dance, jazz and tap with cho-reography by Sarah Balda, Catherine Alex-ander, Marty Eyster and others. The concert

will be held at the Henegar Center for the Arts in Melbourne. For more information, call 777-2155 or visit DanceAC.com.

June 22-23

Sizzlin’ Summer Melbourne Community Orchestra presents this picnic pops concert. Bring your dinner and enjoy an indoor performance at the Mel-bourne Auditorium. The event is free and tickets are required. For more information, call 952-9949 or visit mcorchestra.com.

June 24

June Moon Ball The Swingtime Jazz Band, the dance ensemble of the Melbourne Municipal Band, presents its annual June Moon Ball at the Melbourne Auditorium. Musical selections will include swing, waltz, polka, rock and Latin music with several soloists performing. For more information, call 724-0555 or visit mmband.org.

June 24

Deadliest CatchThe King Center for the Performing Arts presents this rare, live and interactive event featuring the Discovery Channel’s cast of “Deadliest Catch.” The Bering Sea’s tough-est crew will swap stories as they take the audience through some of the roughest

The King Center for the Performing Arts presents this interactive event featuring the Discovery Channel’s cast of “Deadliest Catch” on June 24.

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situations the captain and crew have ever faced on the high seas. From the treach-erous weather and crew conflicts, to the triumphs of the team, Captain Sig and the Hillstrand Brothers bring the intimate world of crab fishing to a live audience. For tickets and more information, call 242-2219 or visitkingcenter.com.

June 25

The Best of Galmont Ballet Galmont Ballet Centre for Dance Education presents the spring performance featuring Frank Galvez’s original production, “Time, Space & Movement” – a ballet in two acts. The program will be held at the Cocoa Vil-lage Playhouse. For more information, call 636-5050 or visit galmontballet.com.

June 25-26

Biegel Performs Emerson & AndersonWorld-renowned pianist Jeffrey Biegel and award-winning composer Kenneth Fuchs join conductor Aaron Collins and the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra in this concert. The June 25 performance will take place at First Baptist Church of Merritt Island, and the June 26 performance will take place at Community Church of Vero Beach. For more information, call 536-8580 or visit spacecoastsymphony.org.

exhibitsJune 16

Derek Gores & Zoe Mac Art ExhibitThe Gallery at Avalon Island in Orlando pres-ents this exhibit that pairs two reknowned, expressionist artists. Collage artist Derek Gores will be featured with watercolorist Zoe Mac in this show that exhibits their talents using mixed media to create their unique, dynamic and impressionistic styles. For more information, call (407) 312-0708 or visit galleryatavalonisland.com.

Through June 19

Elements of Nature: Selections from the Frederick R. Weisman Art FoundationThe ancients believed that the world consist-ed of four elements: earth, air, fire and water. This exhibition gathers artwork that reflects these four essential states as artistic inspira-tion. For more information, call 242-0737 or visit brevardartmuseum.org.

May 21 – augusT 27

British Bolts: Artists’ Fabrics of the Mid-CenturyPost-World War II efforts to give Britons a feeling of recovery and progress led to the commissioning of artist-designed tex-tiles that dramatically changed the indus-try. The result was an explosion of bold, innovative designs. This exhibit exam-ines the variety of aesthetic influences of the period. For more information, call 674-8313 or visit textiles.fit.edu.

classes/WorkshopsMay 3 & 7

Point & Shoot Southern Photo Supply presents this intro-duction to the capabilities of your digital point and shoot camera. Instruction will

guide you through every aspect of using your camera, from set-up to advanced shooting modes. Seating is limited. For more information, call 254-4224 or visit southernphotosupply.com.

May 8, June 9Th

Photoshop Elements 1 Southern Photo Supply presents this class for those starting with Photoshop Ele-ments or who would like to get better results. Learn how to prepare your photos for printing and the Web. Techniques dis-cussed include: Elements Organizer and Editor, image adjustments, white balance, exposure and saturation. Participants will also receive a CD containing the slideshow and demo images. Seating is limited. For more information, call 254-4224 or visit southernphotosupply.com.

May 10 & 14, June 11 & 14

DSLR 1 Southern Photo Supply presents this class on how to understand and use the many exciting features of a digital single-lens reflex camera. This course will cover basic settings, exposure, depth of field, lens choices, shooting techniques and composition. Seating is limited. For more information, call 254-4224 or visit southernphotosupply.com.

Watercoloist Zoe Mac and collage artist Derek Gores are featured in an art exhibit at the Gallery at Avalon Island in Orlando on June 16.

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May 11

Photoshop CS 2 Southern Photo Supply presents this class that will teach use of Photoshop selections, layers, masks, text boxes, drop shadows, curves, clone tool and more. Seating is lim-ited. For more information, call 254-4224 or visit southernphotosupply.com.

May 14

Fabric Dyeing for BeginnersLearn to add creativity to cottons and sassiness to silks in this workshop. Linda Geiger will demonstrate basic techniques of permanent fiber reactive dyes using Procion dyes. Techniques will include scrunching, shibori wrapping, tie-dye and marbling. Class will be held at the Art Gal-lery of Viera. For more information, call 784-9347 or e-mail bright_ideas_studio@yahoo.com.

May 18 & 25

Photoshop Elements ISouthern Photo Supply presents this class from 6-8 p.m. at the store in Melbourne. For more information, call 254-4224 to register or visit southernphotosupply.com.

May 25, June 23

Photoshop Elements 2 Southern Photo Supply presents this class that picks up from our Elements 1 class –

for those who understand the basics of Photoshop Elements. Techniques discussed will include: using selections, blurring backgrounds, removing unwanted objects, layers and filters. Seating is limited. For more information, call 254-4224 or visit southernphotosupply.com.

May 28

The New Digital Darkroom Learn how to use software such as Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to develop and streamline your digital photography. Experiment with state-of-the-art editing tools and learn how to easily manage all your images. Showcase your work in print layouts, slide shows and web galleries, as well as on popular photo-sharing sites. Attendees will receive a free one-year online photo gallery from Smugmug plus software goodies. Class will be held at the Art Gal-lery of Viera, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For details and more information, call 795-3050 or visit exposurepas.com/workshops.

June 4 & 7

Point & Shoot Southern Photo Supply presents this intro-duction to the capabilities of your new digital point and shoot camera. Instruc-tion will guide you through every aspect of using your camera, from set-up to advanced shooting modes. Seating is lim-ited. For more information, call 254-4224 or visit southernphotosupply.com.

June 11

A Surface Design Primer Linda Geiger leads this textile workshop on creating patterns and textures for your fab-rics. Participants will learn techniques in stamp, stencil and splatter, as well as how to incorporate sewing to add and subtract colors. Class will be held at the Art Gal-lery of Viera. For more information, call 784-9347 or e-mail bright_ideas_studio@yahoo.com.

June 16

Photoshop CS 1 Southern Photo Supply presents this class, designed for beginning users. Topics include using Adobe Bridge, performing basic adjustments using Adobe Camera Raw and utilizing Photoshop tools. Seating is limited. For more information, call 254-4224 or visit southernphotosupply.com.

June 18

Splash It Up Cool off this summer with Diane DeShong Cannon’s watercolor workshop. Working with a still life, Diane will guide the class through creating a finished watercolor painting in one day. Class will be held at the Art Gallery of Viera. For more infor-mation, call 258-7976 or e-mail deshon-gart@yahoo.com.

June 18 & 21

DSLR 2 Southern Photo Supply presents this class thats picks up from our DSLR 1 class and reviews in more depth key camera set-tings. Sections include: portraiture, land-scape, macro and action photography. Seating is limited. For more information, call 254-4224 or visit southernphotosupply.com.

Fabric Dyeing for Beginners workshop takes place at The Art Gallery of Viera on May 14.

A Surface Design Primer workshop will be held at the Art Gallery of Viera on June 11.

Want your upcoming home, cultural or enter- tainment listing in our calendar? E-mail Corinne Ishler at cishler@floridatoday.com or call 242-3555.

Pick an attractive planter to enhance your outdoor living spaces

ake a creative approach to displaying your outdoor fl owers and plants this summer with a variety of colorfully designed planters that are sure to draw attention.

Deer Park planterThe Coco liner does double

duty as a place for your

plants or as a storage

center for your hose.

$114.99 at

www.amazon.com

Imax red iron planters$124 for a set of three at www.everythingfurniture.com

Driftwood basket. $49 at www.vivaterra.com

Swirl designstacked planterSeven stacked pots are

perfect for the indoor gardener.

$34 at Ten Thousand Villages.

www.tenthousandvillages.com

Large seashell planter $125.99 online only at www.kohls.com

Wallter outdoor wall planterWorks best for succulents and herbs.

$72 at http://2modern.com

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We asked readers to send us a photo and description of an heirloom displayed on a wall or shelf in their home that has sentimental value because it was a special gift given to them by their mom or dad.Here is what they shared:

In 1628, my English ancestors arrived in Plymouth, Mass., eventually sailing via Cape Horn west to Colorado. The platter is now protected in a shadow box for future generations.– Joan Ebaugh, Satellite Beach

This brass marker, made by my late father, adorned our patio at my childhood home in Connecticut. We moved into our new home on this date, which was his 37th birthday. – Susan Stroum, Palm Bay

My father made this when he was 8 or 9 years old, in the 1930s, Boston Docks. It was in perfect condition, but now it is a “ghost ship” on the wall.– Jack Faulds, Melbourne

Years after my grandmother passed, my dad gave me her embossed gold pendant watch on a 24-inch gold chain. It was a 1900 wedding gift from my grandfather.– Lois Tonhauser, Merritt Island

This figurine was the only gift my grandmother received Christmas 1910. It's a symbol of how far my family has come in 100 years.– Lyn Rinehart, Melbourne

This figurine was the only gift my grandmother This figurine was the only gift my grandmother received Christmas 1910. It's a symbol of how received Christmas 1910. It's a symbol of how far my family has come in 100 years.far my family has come in 100 years.– Lyn Rinehart, Melbourne– Lyn Rinehart, Melbourne

The distinguished English painter, John J. H. D. Ferguson, was commis-sioned in 1915 to do a portrait of the founder of the Post Cereal empire . My father commissioned him to paint my mother’s portrait as well. Ferguson appreciated beautiful women and flirted with my mother continuously during her sittings. In her later years she confided to me, “He said the most outrageous things! Your father would have been furious!” I smile at that as I see her beautiful heirloom image hanging in my living room today. – Helene Chanel De Groodt-Belt, Palm Bay

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We asked readers to send us a photo and description of an heirloom displayed on a wall or shelf in their home that has sentimental value because it was a special gift given to them by their mom or dad.Here is what they shared:

In 1628, my English ancestors arrived in Plymouth, Mass., eventually sailing via Cape Horn west to Colorado. The platter is now protected in a shadow box for future generations.– Joan Ebaugh, Satellite Beach

This brass marker, made by my late father, adorned our patio at my childhood home in Connecticut. We moved into our new home on this date, which was his 37th birthday. – Susan Stroum, Palm Bay

My father made this when he was 8 or 9 years old, in the 1930s, Boston Docks. It was in perfect condition, but now it is a “ghost ship” on the wall.– Jack Faulds, Melbourne

Years after my grandmother passed, my dad gave me her embossed gold pendant watch on a 24-inch gold chain. It was a 1900 wedding gift from my grandfather.– Lois Tonhauser, Merritt Island

This figurine was the only gift my grandmother received Christmas 1910. It's a symbol of how far my family has come in 100 years.– Lyn Rinehart, Melbourne

The distinguished English painter, John J. H. D. Ferguson, was commis-sioned in 1915 to do a portrait of the founder of the Post Cereal empire . My father commissioned him to paint my mother’s portrait as well. Ferguson appreciated beautiful women and flirted with my mother continuously during her sittings. In her later years she confided to me, “He said the most outrageous things! Your father would have been furious!” I smile at that as I see her beautiful heirloom image hanging in my living room today. – Helene Chanel De Groodt-Belt, Palm Bay

New Search for July/August 2011 issue

Attention readers: Do you have a favorite/unique souvenir displayed in your home from a special vacation or getaway? Let us know in 25 words or less what inspired you to bring this piece home from your travels. Be sure to include a photo, too. E-mail description and photos to: yourspace@floridatoday.com. Please provide your name, e-mail address and phone number.Photos are due Tuesday, May 31, 2011.

This old boot is carved completely of wood, including a hole in the toe and on the sole. It was made by my dad's grandfather, who was a cabinetmaker. It was carved to look like my dad's old boot when he was a kid. This has been on display in our family since I can remember. The photo in the background is of my father, Ronald Packer, who passed away in 2004 at the age of 87. My father also loved to do woodworking. The old boot is a constant reminder of my dad and how much I miss him.– Jeannine Packer Arra, Melbourne

The second photo is a sampler made for my mom, Harriett Packer, by her mother-in-law, who was totally blind in one eye and had very limited vision in the other. It took her many months to complete the sampler at about 85 years old. I lovingly dust this sampler in memory of my mom and of my grandmother.– Jeannine Packer Arra, Melbourne

I have a very old glass paperweight that has the name of my grandmother's florist shop in it. She owned her shop in Haddonfield, N.J. from 1936-1960. – Bonnie Venable, Merritt Island

This artwork was created for me by my Aunt Betty Black from Palatka, and it is by far one of my most prized possessions. It is a decoupage of angels collected over time that she cut out and put into this creation. If you look closely, she also cut out pictures of our family and put them in with all of the angels so we all blend together. Aside from just being beautiful, it was a hard task and simply a work of love that I will always cherish. I would grab this first if I had to leave because it is so close to my heart.– Mary Ellen Pittman, Malabar

This 1915 ukulele, a gift from my dad, holds fond memories because of his tales carrying it throughout World War II and all our “sing-fests” throughout my life.– DiAnne Ebejer, Melbourne

97 spaces

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AppliAnces

Roomscapes of Brevard321-504-1122

RoomscapesofBrevard.com

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Boutiques

sun Rose collectibles 321-779-1901

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cARpet, tile & FlooRing

Buffkin tileMerrittIsland321-452-2267

Melbourne321-255-9522

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constRuction

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Seeourdisplayadonpage38carswell construction321-452-9300

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Seeourdisplayadonpage35christopher Burton Homes321-757-3247

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Seeourdisplayadonpage69Viera Financial321-751-9203

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la-Z-Boy Furniture gallery

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Seeourdisplayadonpage3Mattress Barn

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scan Design

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sun Harbor nursery

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surfside pavers

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protech Roofing

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the integration Factory

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Window World of Brevard

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linda tamasy Designs, inc.

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pools & spAs

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