Stepping through the inviting entrance into the store with its fans lazily cooling the air, your first impression is that you are walking into a private residence. The bounty of merchandise is professionally arranged to mimic actual rooms in a home, each room comprised of coordinating furniture, lamps and accessories. It takes a minute to realize this space is actually a store, and everything you see so perfectly displayed is for sale!

If you are looking for a special piece, wish to refresh an existing interior design, or complete a new home, you can find an abundance of unique and one-of-a-kind furnishings and accessories at Southern Design Living. You will want to spend time browsing every inch of the store so you won't miss a thing!

Explore the intimate room-like settings, and you will notice that many items are inspired by nature. Accessories like the delightful gecko wall lamps are made from natural fibers, tower lamps are comprised of durable leaves, and the indoor/
outdoor area rugs are woven with hemp or jute. Beautiful water hyacinth designs appear in a large variety of planters and colorful composite materials have been fashioned into bamboo or rattan look-alikes for lounges and chairs.

Moving around the store, you begin to notice other items with a coastal theme, such as jewelry made of freshwater pearls, starfish-shaped napkin rings, tobacco leaf coasters, and funky T-shirts by Skully. "This store has something for everyone," enthuses owner Michelle Sears. "You can spend $3000 on a designer lounge chair, or $3 for a whimsical wind sock. Our goal is to provide furnishings and accessories with casual elegance and an upscale look, and to give customers the ability to find exceptional but affordable hostess, holiday and birthday gifts."

A private walled garden in the backyard is devoted to exciting home furnishings, accessories and gift items. As you move to the outdoor area filled with tropical plants, you again feel as if you are visiting someone's home due to the carefully thought-out placement of each item. Here too, everything you see can be purchased, including a full outdoor kitchen, gas torches, potting table, fireplace surround, stylish outdoor furniture, and even a putting green! Favorite pieces include affordable shorea wood furniture that looks like teak, Adirondack chairs, and lounge chairs that are shaped like gigantic banana leaves.

To find truly unique furnishings that will give your abode that designer custom look while being easy on the pocketbook, and remind you of relaxing Southern comfort, visit Southern Design Living today.

Written by Joan Mathews and Photographs Courtesy of Southern Design Living

Printed July/August/September 2009
Web August 2009

For further information about this advertorial, call
941-473-9803 or go to www.SouthernDesignLiving.com.
The store is located at 2980 Placida Road in the
Grove City section of Englewood, one block south
of San Casa Drive. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Saturday
 

Custom Painting by Scott

Experience, Workmanship and Reliability
 

Painting the interior and exterior of your home or commercial property adds both aesthetic and monetary value, so the selection of a painting contractor is an important decision. Custom Painting by Scott, LLC, is a Sherwin-Williams representative serving Sarasota County. "To ensure superior quality and customer satisfaction," owner Scott Rose explains, "my clients will receive a contract from Sherwin-Williams, which guarantees both labor and materials on vertical surfaces." Prior to every project, a Sherwin-Williams representative inspects the work site to examine the construction of the building and to ensure the right product is used. Once the project is complete, a final inspection is performed. "With the name of Sherwin-Williams backing the job, there are no compromises in quality, workmanship and no hidden extras," says Scott.

GreenSure Products

Protecting the earth's environment is of great concern to Scott, so his company offers Sherwin-Williams GreenSure' products. "Sherwin-Williams has developed "green" solutions offering responsible options that meet the most stringent requirements without sacrificing durability," Scott says. "The optimal 'green' coating should do two things: minimize the impact on air quality and deliver maximum performance."

Formerly of Michigan, Scott and his wife, Rachael Rose, relocated to Florida in 2007, bringing a decade of experience in both custom painting and custom woodworking. While Rachael runs the office and schedules estimates, Scott completes the projects. "Your home is your biggest investment," Scott says. "We are always respectful of the homeowner's belongings and flooring. We take care of everything down to the last detail from providing paint color samples to moving furniture, hanging pictures and cleaning the job site at the end of every workday." Scott and his crew have a strong work ethic exemplified by their reliability, punctuality, and courtesy. "We like to work eight hour days and will stay longer to get a job done," he adds.

Taking great care and paying attention to detail with each job, Scott and his crew will power wash the exterior of your home or office and attend to any repairs, as well as trench around the building prior to painting. "We always paint below the grade, and cover all outdoor plantings, mulch, garden areas and walkways," explains Scott.

Scott's skills, talent and experience go beyond painting, offering both residential and commercial customers a full range of handyman services. "We provide drywall and plaster repairs, ceramic tile installation, pressure washing and mildew treatments for roofs," explains Scott, who also provides storm response services such as storm shutter installation.

"We pride ourselves on a reputation that has been built on customer satisfaction providing outstanding service to our clients," Scott assures. "We have adjusted our rates during these economic times and offer senior discounts, all while continuing to deliver quality workmanship."

Written by Terry Cylkowski
Printed July/August/September 2009
Web August 2009