66 WHIRL / SEPTEMBER 2014 BY RACHEL JONES • PHOTOGRAPH FROM STUDIO ST. GERMAIN

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THE LOCAL EXPERTS IN SEWICKLEY WILL SHOW YOU THE BEST WAYS TO BE YOUR BEST SELF

SEWICKLEYSUCCESS IN

We’re always striving to be the best versions of ourselves, and Sewickley is the perfect place to make that happen. With the help of this diverse group of local experts, you will see how every niche can be covered and every goal can be accomplished. Use this guide today to start exploring Sewickley and living your best life.

Nathan St. Germain of Studio St. Germain suggests using windows as the focal point of the room.

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WHIRLMAGAZINE.COM / WHIRL 67

YOUR BEST HOMEFeeling warm and comforted is crucial for fall, and your home should reflect that. “Making your home feel cozy is as simple as adding one or more textures to your space,” says Danielle Franks of House 15143. “Whether it’s a burlap pillow or colorful, flat-weave rug in a bold geometric.” Candles instantly make a room toasty, too, so Franks suggests autumn-scented selections to activate multiple senses — think Nest Pumpkin Chai, Sydney Hale Woodsmoke, and Amber! Display the glowing goodies on regal Hurricane Candle Holders — in rich metals, like gold or copper — to add even more warmth.

Keep in mind that organizing the entire room around a unique element or feature can affect its entire vibe. For fall, Nathan St. Germain of Studio St. Germain says let there be light! As the principal of the full-service architectural firm that specializes in residential and sustainable designs, St. Germain says to turn the room’s attention to windows or glass doors to bring warmth. If those aren’t available, add varied artificial light elements, such as recessed lighting, art lighting, or floor or table lamps, to provide flexibility to the function of the space. “If you have an inviting fireplace, make that the focal point by rearranging your furniture to face it,” he says. “Avoid adding a television above your mantel. It can detract from the warm and cozy feeling a fire brings, and not having it encourages reading and conversation.”

Instead, decorate your mantle with a framed family portrait. “I think family and individual portraits convey a warm sense of meaning, belonging, history, stability, and cohesiveness to family and friends,” says Pam Ingram of Ingram Portrait Design. “My own kids love looking at portraits of themselves and of our family that tell our own special story.” Ingram works to tell each client’s personal story through her images and uses the complimentary consultation to discuss everything from why they want the portrait, to where it will be displayed, to how they want the scene and wardrobe to reflect this chapter in their lives. “These design elements work together beautifully to convey the life and love within the family.”

House 15143, 439 Beaver St., Sewickley. 412.259.8953. house15143.com.

Studio St. Germain, 661 Charette Place, Sewickley. 412.534.4217. studiostgermain.com.

Ingram Portrait Design, 412.749.4788.ingramportraitdesign.com.

DIY DECORATINGJudith Minegar, owner of IDEAS Vintage Market, suggests making a chalkboard sign for fun and functional decorating this fall. Search your home or go to a yard sale for an old window, piece of scrap wood, or broken mirror that can be repurposed into a chalkboard. Paint it with IDEAS’ Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Black paint, $20, and use it to write to-do lists or love notes in your home. “It doesn’t have to be square, it doesn’t have to have a frame, and it doesn’t have to hang on the wall,” Minegar says. “You could even paint pumpkins, and draw on them with chalk! With a little creativity, anything can become a chalkboard.”

IDEAS Vintage Market, 419 Beaver St., Sewickley. 412.534.4218. ideasvintagemarket.com.

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM NICOLE SEBULA, LAURA PETRILLA

Light this clementine and clove candlefor an instant boost of comfort.

“This fall project is easy and fun for the whole family,” says Judith Minegar of IDEAS Vintage Market.

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