Deana Kingsbury's 1926 Mediterranean Stunner

Photo by Christopher Oquendo

Level Craft is so happy for the recent recognition this historic home and its owner have received by the Atlanta Journal and Constitution. Level Craft is proud to have completed renovations and is absolutely thrilled with the overall appearance of this exquisite home. This 4,200-square-foot house contains five bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths. It will be on the Druid Hills Home & Garden 50th Anniversary Tour. You can catch a glimpse of the tour, buy tickets, or volunteer online here: Druid Hills Tour

Photo by Christopher Oquendo

We absolutely love the bold jewel tones and modern, yet playful, pallete of selected furnishings. 

Photo by Christopher Oquendo

Photo by Christopher Oquendo

Photo by Christopher Oquendo

We could share more wonderful images, but why not go see it for yourself? Congratulations Deana on bringing this beauty back to life. What an amazing home. (We only gave you a peek - the landscaping and backyard are also something to see!) Do not miss out on this gem. Oh, and did we mention that it was designed by Leila Ross Wilburn? There are so many remarkable details to this home. 

Full AJC Article

• Architect: Robert Koch
• Renovations: Level Craft Construction
• Design: Leila Ross Wilburn

Maybe we'll run into on the Druid Hills Home & Garden Tour, April 20 – April 22. Hope so!

Get your tickets today!

Best,

Virginia + Debbie

5 Things to Consider When Renovating Your Home

You flip through the magazines daily, seem magnetically drawn to paint chips at the hardware store, and are constantly daydreaming of having a more beautiful house. We understand! But what do you do when you're finally ready to take the plunge? We've outlined 5 things to consider when you are really ready to start tearing down walls.

Budget-

Money is always the issue, isn’t it? Know your budget, then add 15-20% for contingency costs. You never know what potential nightmare is hiding behind your walls or if you’ll absolutely never forgive yourself if you don't upgrade to the higher-end materials. You must have that sputnik chandelier! Overruns, errors in estimations,  account for the majority of budget snags. Having contingency costs built into your budget will allow you to start your project without worrying that you’ll go over. So, do your homework!

Photo compliments of Angela Georges Photography

Lifestyle-

The spaces we help you design and build should be indicative of your daily activities and routines. Ask yourself about your family’s habits. Do you love to cook? You'll need more space in the kitchen. Do you love hosting formal parties? Well, we’ll need to take that into consideration when planning your dining room or your foyer. Where do you usually relax after dinner? Do you resign to the sitting room? My family always lingered around the kitchen table while my parents did the dishes. So, I designed my kitchen as a wide open space that accommodated  those after dinner discussions. And my sink is located on the island, so while I do dishes I’m facing the audience and can be a part of the antics! The right contractor takes all of these lifestyle choices into consideration when planning the design and functionality of your home.

Photos by Angela Georges Photography

Natural Light-

We are very keen on the effects of natural light in our custom builds and renovations. There are so many documented health related benefits tied to natural light, not to mention the aesthetic and energy saving appeal. All of the studies have encouraged us to pay attention and to incorporate natural light into our designs when possible. According to an article in Architectural Lighting, scientists at the Lighting Research Center in Troy, NY have reported that “day-lit environments increase productivity and comfort, and provide the mental and visual stimulation necessary to regulate human circadian rhythms.” Who doesn't enjoy an afternoon nap in filtered sunlight? It's invigorating! Mad props for vitamin D.

Photo compliments of Heidi Parlato

And if you’re a houseplant lover, did you know that north facing windows provide the most consistent levels of light throughout the day? Yes, we think about these things when planning your renovation.

Photo compliments of Judith de Graaff

Engineering + Functionality-

Do you know the concepts Value Engineering and Efficiency and Green Building? These are not just industry buzzwords, you’ll want to know how they benefit you and save you money on your remodeling project! Value engineering is a method in which we propose designs that cut costs while maximizing the value and functionality of your spaces by giving you more livable square footage. For example, one thing we consider in the planning stage of your renovation is the amount of walkspace in your hallways and vestibules. We pride ourselves in finding creative ways to utilize the wasted space we find around your home. We are also Earth Craft builders so we look for ways of being more efficient and green. We want our homes to be constructed and designed to reduce environmental impacts – Level Craft feels it's our responsibility to do our part! 

Storage-

It might be the least fun thing to think about when planning your renovation, but we’re up for the challenge. You'll need organized spaces for your cleaning supplies, extra bedding, and all that sporting equipment your significant other keeps buying! Are you a clothes hoarder? Regardless of the situation, we will take care of your needs. There are several innovative ways to create extra storage spaces around your home. Hide the clutter, but keep it handy for when you need it.

Now that you are feeling confident in your ability to take on the task of planning your renovation, give us a call and we'll share our expertise! We really do care about making your dream come true. Let's get started!

We're waiting to hear from you,

Virginia + Debbie

SPOTLIGHT IN THE DECATUR FOCUS

We love the title of this article in our local neighborhood publication. Thank you Decatur Focus! We are busier than ever and are loving every minute of it. Call us during Women in Construction Week, March 4th- 10th, and let's have a conversation about putting your project in motion. We're ready to get started.

There are so many great articles to read in the March issue of Decatur Focus -  find out which Saturday is your Neighborhood Cleanup Day, what native plants you should plant in your garden this year, which 5K races to register for, and don't forget Touch a Truck Day.

March is a month full of wonderful events. We'll see you around town!

Best,

Virginia + Debbie

It's Time for the Westchester Battle of the Bands!

We're happy to announce that we are Super Fan Sponsors of this SUPER FUN fundraiser for Westchester Elementary. You can go on over to our Facebook page for your chance to win two tickets valued at $100 -  CLICK HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! We're just as excited about the judges as we are the performers this year. It's sure to be a memorable night.

The Dammages were the winners of 2017! Photo Credit: From the Hip Photography

The event will take place At Avondale Towne Cinema. 

Friday, March 23 at 7 PM - 11:30 PM

This year's contenders are listed below and you can read about them HERE.

Flock of Eagles
Transmit and Receive
Kickin’ Edgar
The Squirrelheads
The Benders

Battle of the Bands is a high-energy, adults-only, on-your-feet, dancing good time that raises money for the students and staff of Westchester Elementary School. 

Each band will perform four songs, with the winning band playing a two-song encore set.

Emcee:
Yvonne Monet

Judges:
Tammy Dammann, Singer, The Dammages
Dr. David Dude, CSD Superintendent
Tony Powers, Decatur City Commissioner, Intown Ace Hardware
Mark Trojanowski, Drummer, Sister Hazel
Shani Sammons, Board of Governors, The Recording Academy (GRAMMY’S) Marketer

Show your support by entering to win the GIVEAWAY and inviting all your friends. We'll see you on our Facebook page, and hopefully at the show!

Special thanks to  Meredith Mlynar Burris and Kelly Brooks for organizing and hosting this awesome event. 

We can't wait!

ROCK ON

Debbie + Virginia

SIMPLIFY + RECONNECT + FOCUS

Okay, you've had an entire month to settle into 2018. So, how are those New Year's Resolutions coming along? Are you keeping them? It's hard to do, we know - life gets in the way. But don't  give up on your hopes and dreams just yet.

Do, however, fight off the guilt you feel when your eye lands on that overwhelming pile of clothing in the corner (that would be easier to donate than launder at this point), or when you have the slight inclination to give names to the dust balls hiding under your bed (they're looking kind of cute!), or when you'd simply rather take a nap than do anything productive. That's right, fight it off, be kind to yourself... you can do this. 

Level Craft thinks the key to making big improvements in your life is to start with little changes in your immediate environment. I don't know about you, but when our houses are clean and organized we feel like we can take on the world! Our homes should be happy places that reflect our inner beings and provide respite after a long day, don't you agree? If so, read on. Level Craft has researched some proven ways to bring calm and positivity to your most scared place.

Courtesy of Lori Andrews aka The 10 Cent Designer

 

SIMPLIFY

Whether you're into the Chinese harmonizing philosophy of Feng Shui, or the Danish celebration of the simple way of life called hygge, pronounced "hue-guh," a good way to start your path to happiness is to clean house! And we don't mean literally, so put the cleaning supplies away for now - we mean get rid of that bad energy.

Declutter. 

Remove everything from your house that is annoying or emotionally overwhelming. Rearrange your furniture to create an inviting and harmonious space. Of course, this sounds like a daunting task, but start small. We suggest beginning in the bathroom or bedroom. Work your way through each room of your home. Condense. Simplify. Spotlight items and materials you love. We adore these jars of healing herbs and spices in our neighbor's window. 

Courtesy of Angela Georges Photography

 

RECONNECT

Go through your home and revisit your possessions, form a new relationship with them. See your belongings in a new and different light. Give them a new life! Move them. Dust them off. Create vignettes around your home using materials, textures, and colors that you love. Reconnect with nature by bringing the outside in. We love the pine cones in this vignette created by our friend and designer. Bring life into your home by incorporating items you love.  It will bring you calm and comfort.

Photography by Carla Cioffi via NancyCostDesign.com

FOCUS

Finally, we encourage you to set goals. We're guessing your New Year's resolutions had something to do with being more organized, more active, and more involved, right? Right. We all want the same things. Self-improvement is difficult. It requires, time, consideration, reflection, determination and quite often, sacrifice. What can you do around the house to help you stay focused on your long-term goals?

• Reflection Routine- Now that you've organized and created good energy in places around your home, where will you sit to ponder your future and collect your thoughts? We feel it's important to make time to reflect. Reflect on your habits, your goals, your ability to change. Even if it's only for 15 minutes a day, the act of simply thinking about what you want and why you want it will help you stay focused on your future. We suggest a spot near a bright window.
• Keep a Journal- Sometimes writing it down, or keeping a tangible image helps with bringing a desire to fruition. We've always kept fresh ideas close to us in written form. Let's face it, it's easier to recall if we have it written down. Also, we love seeing our progression and growth in journals.
• Collaborate- What a wonderful way to stay inspired and to learn new skills. If you seek help from others, some great ideas and experiences are bound to happen! Besides, we can't do it all alone, and others will be willing to help you succeed. It's more fun to achieve success with friends. Oh, and there's that accountability piece, too.
• Visualize- Do not underestimate the power of your mind. The mental practice of visualizing your desires can enhance your motivation and inner strength. Close your eyes and imagine your goals. What do they look like? What do they feel like? Visualization helps you stay on track. We prefer to practice this mental activity right before bed. It's a great way to relax and relish in what can and will be!

So, there you have it. 

Simplify your life, reconnect with your surroundings, and stay focused on your future. You might not have the financial resources to build your own home right now, or to start the remodel of your dreams, but you can certainly take action, today, to improve your living spaces. In doing so, you'll be inviting calm into your home and creating beauty around you. It's what we try to accomplish with every project.

Now, get to work!

Best,

Virginia + Debbie

O.M. Norling's - A Curious Art Spectacle

We are so proud to support our community, its members and their insane talent. Thanks to Jay Wilson for giving us yet another reason to celebrate Oakhurst and our decision to live and work here. We thoroughly enjoyed your show. 

Courtesy of Angela Georges Photography

Yes! We want one of these paintings on our wall. If we're being honest, more than one!
What an amazing pop-up gallery show by O.M. Norling at the Solarium this past weekend. The gallery walls donned 20 incredibly detailed, textural works with fantastic titles, too. Friday and Saturday were adult viewing only, but Sunday, the gallery was open specifically to the children. Brilliant! Little ones of all ages gained an appreciation for art and O.M. Norling's process while munching on popcorn and searching for clues in the artist's works. The fact that Jay Wilson (painting as O.M. Norling) was there, to field their questions and even take a photo, was the cherry on top. Everyone was inspired by Norling's subject matter and technique. 

Guess what? If you missed it, you can still go check it out:

WEDNESDAY, Jan 31: Noon-7:00PM

THURSDAY, Feb 1: Noon-7:00PM

FRIDAY, Feb 2: Noon-8:00PM

SATURDAY, Feb 3: Noon-8:00PM

Level Craft wants O.M. Norling to know our favorites. (If he needs to temporarily store them somewhere, we know just the place!) Only kidding, we're pretty sure most of his paintings already have new homes. Congratulations Jay Wilson!  We can't wait for the next show. 

Debbie's favorite pieces is titled "The Liar's Chair And". 

Photo credit: Frank Steele via omnorling.com

Virginia's is titled "Equilibrium for the Conspicuous Recluse"

Photo credit: Frank Steele via omnorling.com

If you're an artist and have an upcoming event, please let us know. We love spotlighting local talent. 

Best,

Virginia + Debbie

SOME LOVE FROM THE HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA

“Virginia Van Lear and Debbie Hollonbeck are a real inspiration for members of Atlanta Professional Women in Building and in the homebuilding industry throughout the South.”

Click on the article to enlarge

We realize you might want to know how we got our start. So, here it is! Thank you to the Home Builders Association of Georgia for spotlighting Level Craft Construction in their 2017 Sept/October issue of Georgia Builder. We have such a passion for what we do and we simply can't wait to work with you. Spread the word. We're making our mark in Atlanta!

Thank you for all your support, 

Virginia + Debbie

WHERE DESIGN MEETS NATURE

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Nestled in this heavily wooded lot is one of our proudest accomplishments. We were so excited about taking on this custom build in North Druid Hills back in August of last year. It's the most modern build we've done to date, and most definitely one of our larger and more involved houses. We'll show you the details before you see the finished product. We had to wait, so why shouldn't you? It's worth it...

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Massive forty-four foot partially exposed beams run the length of the house and support the roofline allowing for an impressively spacious floor plan. The back of the house is out-fitted with wrap-around floor to ceiling storefront windows which flood the rooms with wonderful, warm natural light. With a family of three boys, this setting is perfect for bringing the great outdoors in. 

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Straight lines and simple finishes accentuate an interesting combination of materials, namely cedar and metal siding. Sleek, heavy, solid and modern- that's how we'd describe this home.

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Not only was this a complicated and complex build, it provided us with a unique opportunity to learn and grow. We are proud and privileged to add this custom build to our portfolio. More importantly, we're thrilled to give this forward-thinking family the house of their dreams.

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Contact us if you'd like to see the rest of the tour.

Best,

Virginia + Debbie