Professional Services

Restoring More Than Homes

A Different Kind of Restoration Company Article and Photography by Caroline Ficken Ben Morris understands that property damage comes with a second set of problems most people can’t prepare for: the panic, the disruption, the questions nobody can answer, and the gnawing worry about mold, health risks, or insurance denials. As the founder of Rescue Restoration, Ben has built a company that restores homes and peace of mind through education, advocacy, and transparency. Before launching Rescue...

Home + Design

The Jewel Box of the Home

Big Personality in the Smallest Room Article by Caroline Ficken There’s something special about a powder room. Perhaps it’s because it’s tucked quietly off a hallway, or maybe because it belongs to your guests as much as it belongs to you. Or it could be that this tiny footprint offers something the rest of the house rarely does: complete creative freedom.  Warner McConaughey often calls the powder room “t he jewel box of the home. ” Like a jewelry box that holds your most precious pieces, a...

Home + Design

Be Bold

Express Your Vibrancy in Shades of Color, Fabrics and Accessories Article by Kim Costa Move over minimalism, whites and grays, and cool monochromatic tones, and make way for cozier, warm, earthier color schemes, more daring pops of color, statements of individuality through design, and dare I say… the boldness of authenticity expressed in our homes. Like a colorful, statement piece of artwork on a neutral wall color, we can feel free to be vibrantly authentic from the foundation of our home...

Home + Design

Around the Table

Crafting heirloom pieces for everyday life Article by Caroline Ficken | Photography by John Wachs Every home has a center of gravity. More often than not, it’s the dining table that pulls people together and slows people down. For John Wachs, the craftsman behind Wachs Woodcraft, building that centerpiece starts with a deceptively simple philosophy: the materials you build with matter. It’s a value passed down from his family: understand materials from the ground up to make things that last...

Home + Design

Why Some Backyards Get Used, and Others Don’t

Three priorities that make outdoor spaces actually livable, according to a Decatur landscape designer Article by Scott Reinblatt of Big Blue Sky Landscaping The difference usually isn't budget or square footage. It's comfort: shade when it's hot, lighting when it's dark, and a layout that fits real life. In Decatur, we see it all the time. A beautiful patio that turns into a griddle by mid-afternoon. A yard that looks great in daylight but disappears at night. A "feature" that photographs...

Travel

Romance, Reimagined: Dreamy Escapes Near and Far

Local travel advisor, Erin Camin of Brilliant Escapes, shares inspired destinations for modern romance. Article by Erin Camin Whether you love Valentine’s Day or prefer to skip the roses and prix-fixe menus, there’s no denying the appeal of a romantic escape. And romance, of course, isn’t one-size-fits-all. It might mean adventure and fresh air, old-world elegance and great wine, or a luxurious weekend close to home with zero stress. We plan many anniversaries and couples trips each year, and...

Life + Culture

Soft Landings

Decatur’s newest designation, “Bird City”, highlights our city’s commitment to wildlife conservation. Article by Natalie Fox | Photography by Courtney Whyte-May Walking along the trails of Legacy Park, a mere mile from downtown Decatur, is akin to a full nature immersion. Sunlight glistens across the beaver-constructed wetlands as twigs crunch with every step, and a cascade of bird calls plays as if on surround sound. Fastidiously cleared by Trees Atlanta, there’s a sense of widening expanse...

Arts + Culture

The Power of Performance

Decatur Performs nurtures the creative spark in our city’s youth while supporting exceptional educators. Article by Natalie Fox | Photography by Kristen Hansen Creativity and collaboration collide to precipitate a magical sort of osmosis at Decatur Performs. Feelings of belonging are forged, insecurities are washed away, and the communal spirit sparked can move mountains. Ingrid Anderson, President of Decatur Performs, has witnessed the life-changing magic of the performing arts. This...

Professional Services

Your Local Printing Press

Custom creations abound at Minuteman Press in the heart of Avondale Estates. Article by Natalie Fox | Photography by Caroline Ficken Minuteman Press offers expert-quality printing and physical branding services. Established in November 2018, they are in their eighth year and have a new, expanded location in Avondale Estates at 127 Center Street, next to Billy’s Sandwich Shop. Now, their shop and production space are all under one roof, enhancing and expanding their capabilities. With more...

Arts + Culture

Loving Decatur, From the Inside

An inside look at the program connecting residents to the people and processes shaping Decatur. Article by Josh Cornwall On a Thursday morning in late winter, a group of Decatur residents gathers not for a town hall or a public hearing, but for something far more personal: a behind-the-scenes look at the city they already love. That’s the heart of Decatur 101, an eight-week civic education program designed to help residents understand how the City of Decatur really works, who does what, how...