Renovations, especially kitchen upgrades, are always a hot topic with my friends and clients. I am on several discussion boards on Facebook and recently the topic came up again. I linked them to my last post and they were very thankful. So I thought I’d take any new suggestions and enhance the original blog post. Kitchen renovations can completely change the look and function of a home, and since they can be expensive, homeowners want to make smart decisions that they will want to live with for a long time.
Since kitchen renovations can also be one of the best home upgrades you can make in terms of real estate resale, it makes sense to me to make the changes you need to make in order for your home to really work for you and your family. Additionally, I work with builders and always work to keep on top of the trends so they can included them in their home designs.
I’ve put together some of the most popular “must-haves” and hope you can find some ideas or inspiration here!
Farmhouse sinks: There is a lot of discussion (and differences of opinion) about whether homeowners prefer a large divided sink or a single basin sink, but either way, a big, spacious apron front or farmhouse sink seems to be a favorite and enduring choice. I personally love the deep single basin stainless and my builder has been using the white farmhouse like what is pictured below. Tell me your preferences!
photo credit: signature hardware.com
Beverage station: keeping the family hydrated during Atlanta’s long (some would say 9 month) summer season without having the refrigerator opened constantly is the challenge that an independent beverage chiller solves. Whether a built-in undercounter refrigerator or a free-standing wine cooler with room for sodas and juice, a beverage station keeps everything accessible and at the right temperature.
photo credit: houzz.com
Double dishwashers: Southerners love family dinners, and they love entertaining, but there’s nothing to love about running out of space in the dishwasher at the end of the night and having to hand wash a pile of dishes. Homeowners are loving the option of a second dishwasher that is capable of keeping up with ALL of their dishes.
Extra ovens: which extra oven works for you depends on your lifestyle and cooking preference, but an extra oven is a must for kitchen renovations. Steam ovens for the serious baker, convection ovens for the home chef , or hybrid microwaves are all popular choices (and the microwave can live in its own drawer in the lower cabinet to make snack time easier for kids.)
photo credit: lewelectric.com
Under cabinet or countertop plugs: with the trend in high end backsplashes like quartz or marble, people are opting for less visible plugs either as power strips under the cabinets or built into the counter as flush or pop-up outlets. We all know you can never have too many outlets in the kitchen and these options fill that need without breaking up the lines of a gorgeous luxury backsplash.
Drawers, drawers, drawers: and I’ll add, pull-outs in general whether for garbage and recycling or for racks for baking equipment and especially for pantries!. Cooks are tired of scrambling blindly in deep cabinets looking for the right size lid for a pot or an ingredient hidden behind boxes in a pantry and are opting for easily accessible drawer and pull-out storage.
photo credit: pinterest.com
photo credit: house.com
photo credit: homebunch.com
photo credit: bhg.com
Appliance garages: with families investing in appliances that they use everyday but don’t necessarily love seeing on the countertop (think Vitamix and Keurig coffeemakers), appliance garages are getting bigger and taller. I’m even seeing them as part of a counter-level cabinet with adjustable shelves where you just close the doors on the practical but not beautiful appliances once you’re done with them.
photo credit: thisoldhouse.com
High-end faucets: We all know, accessories can make or break an outfit so one of the most used elements in the kitchen should not be an afterthought! Faucets are also a place where function and design really come together and there are so many beautiful options out these days that can really make your kitchen sparkle.
Gold, brass, and copper facets are a bold trend that’s popping up more and more.
photo credit: desiretoinspire.com
Like that classic strand of pearls, traditional styles can complete the look of your kitchen in an understated but elegant way.
photo credit: any flow.com
Sleek, modern designs make a statement in a minimalist kitchen.
Air switches for garbage disposal: from gorgeous faucets to the mundane necessity of garbage disposals…but the air switch makes the disposal so easy to use and is virtually invisible mounted next to the sink.
photo credit: houzz.com
Clean lines, pleasing proportions: while the feeling of a fresh kitchen renovation is hard to beat, keeping the look fresh for a long time is key. Opt for clean, crisp lines and neutral colors in your built-in elements while getting trendy and experimental with your accessories for long term renovation satisfaction. And pay attention to proportions to maximize your island, peninsula, and cabinets for the kitchen’s footprint.
photo credit: hwiblog.com
I’ve never hear anyone regret getting as large a kitchen island as their space allows. Islands seem to be the center of the home where everyone gathers, whether it’s getting the kids breakfast in the morning or a fun gathering of friends.
Surrounded by large private estates, exclusive neighborhoods, and the Chattahoochee National Forest, this rare listing includes just under 3 acres of pristine, private land with incredible potential.
Located in an enclave of large estate properties in unincorporated Cobb County, you’ll have easy access to the new Braves Stadium and low Cobb County taxes whether you choose to create your own large estate (the property is zoned to allow horses) or subdivide the lot for up to 3 homes.
The beautiful Rivers Call neighborhood is a stone’s throw away, as is the Windy Ridge Office Park, so the property offers unparalleled privacy with easy access to work, entertainment, and shopping.
This rare piece of land is actually two subdivision lots with additional land purchased later covered with mature trees and a beautiful and private natural setting.
Bring your builders! There are a house and stables on the site but the property is being sold for land value. Please take a look at the details on my website and give me a call to set up a viewing!
1268 Timberland Drive SE, Marietta, GA 30067
Overview Lot/Land; 2.96 acres; 4 br house on lot; stables; zoned for horses; sub-dividable for up to 3 homes
Chase will be participating in this fun event on May 13. Whether your child is new to the area, new to lacrosse, or interested in the Northside Youth Lacrosse League, this festival will be a lot of fun. There will be lots of vendor tents, food trucks, and live music for the whole family as well as an all-day tournament for surge players. For more information check out the venue map, schedule, and their Facebook event page. Hope to see you there!
Every year in this business you wonder if you can do it again. But just going through a refinance on my own home I had a look back at my past year’s business and it has been pretty consistent. I’m pleased to have been awarded the BHHS Chairman’s Circle Gold Award again for 2016! This is my 3rd year with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and the the 3rd year I’ve made this award. The next level is quite a bit higher, but who knows, maybe 2017 is the year!
Hard work, experience, and a great team have been keys to my success. I also could not have done it without my amazing clients. I’m dedicated to helping my clients achieve the home of their dreams and if I can answer any questions about my experience or what I can bring to your home search, please give me a call!
This popular neighborhood sold out quickly and has had very few resales! Just across from the new Teasley Elementary School and Home Depot’s headquarters, this townhouse offers amazing convenience and a beautiful flexible floor plan.
The gated community offers low-maintenance living but the home’s generous square footage makes you feel like you’re in a gracious single family home. Step into the entry and you’ll love the high ceilings and soaring staircase.
The home’s three bedrooms were placed on the upper floors to allow for a large open plan living floor; each area is defined by custom lighting and beautiful moldings with the space and flexibility to make it perfect for your family.
A gas fireplace with a stone surround centers the family room; dark hardwoods are throughout the living areas and kitchen and plantation shutters allow for privacy while keeping the space bright.
Light cabinetry, classic subway tile backsplash, and chef-quality stainless steel appliances create a fresh, on-trend look in the kitchen.
The breakfast bar on the island overlooks a more formal dining room and French doors off the kitchen open to the fenced back yard.
Two covered patios with the main level having a ceiling fan overlooks a compact professionally landscaped back yard, fenced for security for pets and children. This home is located toward the back of the community, so it’s very quiet and peaceful.
Upstairs is spacious a master suite; the bedroom includes a peaceful sitting area with access to a private walk-out balcony, a great spot for a morning cup of coffee or private yoga session.
A large soaker tub and walk-in shower in the master bath are finished in soothing neutrals for your own personal spa experience.
Two additional spacious bedrooms, each with their own private full bathrooms, plenty of storage, and a laundry room complete the second floor. The home has 2 hot water heaters so no one has to worry about running out of hot water!
Take a look at the full listing with many more details on my website; please don’t hesitate to call me with any question! I would love to set up a viewing of this wonderful home.
2477 Lisette Drive SE, Smyrna GA 30080
Overview: 3 bedrooms; 3 1/2 bathrooms; 2,946 sq.ft.; 2 car garage; gas fireplace;
I’m really pleased to be featured on Atlanta Agent Magazine’s “Who’s Who” list of top-performing realtors this year! I appreciate every client who entrusts me with the task of finding or selling their home and could not have gotten where I have without you!
Tina Hunsicker, a 15-year industry veteran, has followed her successful first career in financial services and client relationship management with a smart, data-driven approach to Atlanta’s luxury real estate market. Her analysis, thoughtful pricing strategies and financial acumen have taken her to the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chairman’s Gold Circle as a representative of the top 2 percent of agents internationally. She is a recipient of the Atlanta Board of Realtors Phoenix Award; has been recognized as one of the association’s top 10 Realtors; and has certifications in new construction and relocation with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Luxury Collections Group.
A Pittsburgh native, Tina attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she received a degree in marketing and economics before working as a certified cash manager for a number of major banks, including BNY Mellon and Security Pacific Bank. Later she leveraged that experience into a business development position in Ernst and Young’s corporate finance group and then a financial services consulting position with KPMG. After transitioning into real estate, she has consistently sold an average of $12 million annually, with peak years at $25 million in sales.
Tina’s foundation in banking has been a tremendous asset in understanding what a significant investment a home is, and how important it is to find her clients a property that will give them a significant return on their investment. But it is really Tina’s personal touch that has brought her success on her terms. Understanding that a home purchase is as much an emotional decision as it is a financial one allows her to listen to her clients’ needs and help them prioritize and think creatively to get them the right home for their lifestyle. Whether it’s a first-time homebuyer looking for a townhome, empty nesters looking to downsize, or a family looking for a spacious home near their desired schools, Tina’s attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile have built her a loyal and growing clientele.
Tina describes her son as her motivation and biggest fan. She is active in his school life, sports and hobbies, and is grateful to have transitioned and built a career that allows her the flexibility to be an active single mother and full-time real estate professional. The family is also active in their community, Vinings, where she was a board member with the Vinings Historic Preservation Society, and worked with the “Silent Train” campaign to improve quality of life. She is also a frequent participant in other community enrichment projects.”
As always, a referral is a great compliment, so if you know of anyone who could benefit from my expertise, I would love to talk to them. Call me on my cell at 404-931-3944 or email me at tinahunsicker@hotmail.com .
This is National Adoption Day and November is National Adoption Month. For me its also a special week, Thanksgiving is a time for everyone to reflect on what we’re thankful for, but to me it means a whole lot more. Here is my story:
The above pictures were from the baby home when we first met Dima at 11 months. The pictures on the right are from the court house in Kemerovo on the court date where they declated that Dima was now Chase.
Adopting one child will not change the world; but for that child, the world will change.
11 years ago my mom and I made the trip to Kemerovo, Russia to bring home my son. Attached is a story that I wrote back then for my adoption agency. This week always reminds me of that journey and ALL I have to be Thankful for. I can’t believe it was that long ago!
The Journey for Chase :
My journey to adopt a child unofficially began in 2003. I made the trip to Bulgaria with my sister-in-law to bring home her two children. From then on I had the idea that I wanted to adopt a child from an Eastern European country. Finally in 2004 when I was preparing my year-end financials, I decided I would finally be able to afford the process and had a consistent enough income to support a child on my own.
I am single. So in January of 2005 I began the process with a local agency here in Atlanta thinking they could help me through the process. By April, I had all of my paperwork done and was “paper ready”, that agency sent my dossier to one Russian Region, where it sat… Week after week I heard different reasons why nothing was happening in that region and that it would pick up any day, but by the middle of July I was getting tired of the excuses and decided to network around and inquire online to find out about what agencies had people traveling and to what regions etc. A friend recommended me to Adoption ARK (now out of business due to Russia being closed to adoptions), she put me in touch with several people who were traveling within very short times from becoming “paper ready”. I contacted Elina and she was in Russia at the time and a week later she emailed me and told me they weren’t currently working in Krasnodar (that was the region I had done the paperwork for with the other agency) since nothing had been moving there in such a long time. She also told me that she expected to have some more children available next week and to contact her that Wednesday. Well by Monday evening, I had an email with a picture of this darling little boy – Dima. I asked what I had to do, she sent me a list and I was off on recreating my dossier, and getting everything ready for his different region.
I traveled within 2 weeks to meet him, a darling little boy whose name was Dima and went back for court within 7 weeks. From beginning to end the process was under 3 months! My little guy – (now called Chase) is healthy, happy and so loved by the entire extended family. We’ve been home 3 months now and he acts like he’s been here his whole life. He gained 5 pounds in 2 months and grew 2 inches. He has already outgrown the clothes I brought him home in and understands English and Spanish (his nanny is Spanish). He speaks a few words and kisses good-bye. He is the light of my life and he has the ability to cheer anyone up. Everyone keeps saying how happy he is and he really is…
The picture of Chase in his reindeer was the first night in our hotel in Kemerovo. We had given him as much formula as he wanted and he proceeded to throw up on me! The picture in the tub was at home. The other pictures were a few weeks later when he made the trip to Charleston to meet all the family.
I still remember that week and what happened daily. My Mom and I flew out on a Saturday evening arriving in Kemerovo on a Monday morning. They immediately whisked us off to my court date which took most of the morning. Later that day there was more paperwork to do and the next morning (Tuesday) we made the journey with several other families via a van to Novokuznetsk. We had issues with the Van with fuel line freeze up and we sat on the side of the road in Siberia while they sent another van to us. By the time we got to the baby home it was afternoon. No time for a tour, but I do remember seeing this beautiful baby in a light blue knit outfit and my mother and I commented on pretty he was. It had only been a month since we had seen “Dima” but that was him. No time for a tour, we got our babies and they loaded us back into our van to head back to Kemerovo for more processing. By Thursday on Thanksgiving we were in Moscow to meet with the embassy doctor and more processing. There was no turkey to be found at any of the hotels or restaurants we had contacted. So we just ate a regular meal in the Park Hyatt Hotel in Moscow. All went well and Friday we were headed home! That’s a very abbreviated version of what happened, but as you can see it makes every Thanksgiving that much more special with the memories. Hope you have a very special Thanksgiving this year as well full of your special memories!
It’s open house time again! Many of Atlanta’s private school’s admissions processes are in full swing and there is a busy schedule of open houses, information sessions, and other opportunities to visit the campuses and get to know the schools. I’ve listed the upcoming open house dates here but have linked to the school’s schedule pages for many more details on their admissions timeline.
In last year’s post, I wrote about how competitive the process can be and how important it is to jump into the school’s timelines in order to secure a spot in your top choice. Getting into the open houses will give you a lot of insight into the school’s culture and really help determine your priorities when it comes to applications and admissions.
The Westminster School: Lower School Open House Saturday, November 12, 2016; Middle School Open House Friday, December 2, 2016; Upper School Open House Saturday, December 3, 2016
The Lovett School: Kindergarten Open House Saturday, November 12, 2016; Grade 1-5 Open House Sunday, November 13, 2016; Grade 6-8 Open House Sunday, November 13, 2016; Grade 9-12 Open House Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Trinity School: Tuesday, November 15,2016; Thursday, December 8,2016; Wednesday, January 18,2017
Pace Academy: Middle and Upper Schools Open House Saturday, November 19,2016; Lower School Open House Sunday, November 20, 2016
Holy Spirit Preparatory School: Preschool Open House Sunday, January 29, 2017; Lower School Open House Monday, February 16, 2017 ; Upper School Open House Sunday, January 29, 2017
Walk into this North Chastain home and you’ll be amazed at all it has to offer. With its elegant, unique main level living, generous space, and fun terrace-level twist, this home is the best of all worlds, minutes from Atlanta’s best schools, dining, entertainment, and transportation.
Soaring 12-ft ceilings, arched windows, and a unique octagonal formal living room in a cool neutral color scheme set the mood for the main living level of the home. With an open-flow floor plan, the main level can function as private formal spaces or as a perfect setting for larger parties.
The bright and serene family room has a cozy fireplace, vaulted ceilings, and french doors that open onto the deck with views of the landscaped backyard and pool. Dark hardwood floors anchor the home and flow up the wide staircase to the children’s bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs.
The banquet-sized formal dining room makes a statement with its lush hand painted fine art murals and exquisite woodwork and has ample room for family holiday dinners.
Steps away from the formal dining room is a beautiful spacious chef’s kitchen with white cabinetry and high-end stainless appliances. With an island and bar overlooking the family breakfast room, the space functions as a family hub or as a serving space for chic entertaining.
The large wooded back yard is private and beautifully landscaped. A heated pool and terrace are overlooked by the deck and screened porch off the main living level.
Like a seaside retreat, the main level master suite invites you to stop and drink in the tranquil setting. Shuttered windows and coffered ceiling details reinforce this feeling of an elegant boutique hotel somewhere on the Mediterranean Sea. A walk-in closet with top-of-the-line closet system and an attached sitting room make the suite a true retreat.
Dual vanities, a deep soaking tub and separate shower create a spa environment in the master bath.
The terrace level of the home is where the real fun begins. Complete with a fireplace and lounge, wine room, media room with theater lounge seats and a projector for movies, a billiards room, and bathroom and changing area for the pool, it’s your own private entertainment complex!
A comfortable family room with a fireplace and mini kitchen opens onto the terrace surrounding the heated pool.
A large bedroom and bathroom allows for an office, private guest space, in-law suite, or au pair suite, making it flexible for the changing needs of your family.
Outdoor entertaining is a breeze with mutual-level covered decks and a pool and spa terrace. Hang out in the sun at the pool or retreat to the cool screened in porch.
This home is a real jewel in one of Atlanta’s most sought after locations. Take a look at more photos and details in the full listing on my website and then call me to set up a viewing. This home is a must-visit with too many details to list!
3835 De Claire Court, Sandy Springs GA 30328
Overview: 6,947 sq ft; 6 bedrooms; 6 bathrooms; 3 car garage; 4 fireplaces; daylight basement; heated pool
Chase has had a great time at three sleep-away camps this summer! I’ve mentioned them before, but the maritime and water sports programs at Camp Seagull/ Camp Seafarer are so great and he has such an amazing experience that I can’t say enough good things about them. He also attended a Boy Scout camp and a Georgia Tech Lacrosse Camp this summer and came home tired, dirty, and completely happy! I also want to mention that many of these camps require sign ups starting in early October, so if you’re thinking about next summer you might need to start doing your research now!
I’ve been posting about summer camps as a resource for parents for several years now, so I wanted to link to a couple of posts with good lists of summer camps that either Chase or other friends have enjoyed. I update these lists as I get more information so they do change from time to time. To save you the trouble of searching through the archives, take a look at the “categories” list on the right side of the blog – if you click on “Atlanta Summer Camps” all of my posts are there in one place.
“Very professional and knowledgeable. Tina always made herself available and followed up on a very timely manner. Her experience and advise was … more “
5.0/5.0
by user5460117
Real Vinings | Buckhead is written by realtor Tina Hunsicker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Georgia Properties and Vinings resident for 10+ years.