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VISIT ESSENCE.COM I JULY 2011

CONTRIBUTORS

Behindthe ScenesExclusiveBeyonce arrived at Gold Coast Farmin Old Brookville, New York, ready fora day at the rodeo. That morning thelone star of our cover shoot was allsmiles and ready for the unexpected-even cozying up, cautiously at first,to Uther, an Andalusian horse. Ofcourse" our golden girl, who loved therodeo as a kid, conquered her fears,

and the result was never-seen-anything-like-it-before shots

of Beyonce at her laid-back, stress-free best. "Shewas the sexiest cowgirl ofthe summer," says ESSENCE

Editor-at-Large Mikki Taylor."From kicking back in the tin

tub to lassoing a horse, Beyonce didit all in style. And to that, we tip ourhat-a ten-gallon one at that."

Robin WilsonBackground: She's an eco-friendlylifestyle expert who's added herfinishing green touch to PresidentClinton's Harlem office and the privateresidence of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.Assignment: For "Home SweetHome" (page 97), Wilson shares hereco-conscious tips for adding value toyour house.What's next:She's launchinga textilecollectionof towels,bedding andpillows tobe sold atretailersthis fall.

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Penny WrennBackground: She's a Harlem-basedwriter whose work has appearedin Esquire; 0, The Oprah Magazine;and Glamour.Assignment: From movies to TV tomusic, Wrenn becomes your go-togirl for what's in this season in "YourBest Summer Ever!" (page 63). ''I'mlooking forward to all things EsterDean," says Wrenn. "Our interviewwas like talking to a cousin."What's next: She'll be attending herfirst Sade concert this summer.

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Cheryl SlocumBackground: She's a contributor atCountry Living who has worked at toprestaurant kitchens in New York City,Los Angeles and Paris.Assignment: She offers healthierways to fill your plate at your nextfamily reunion in "The Event of theSummer!" (page 148).What's next: On cherylslocum.comshe'll be blogging.about food heroes,including those who fight for safeagricultural practices.

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As I stroll down the staircase embellished by wroughtiron railings and a wool geometric-patterned carpet,my eyes focus on a media room replete with hydran-

geas and perfectly pink roses. Books about Black heritageadorn a wide mahogany bookcase, while John Coltrane blowsfrom surround sound speakers. Iam in the basement of homeowners Joy and John McKinley*, empty nesters who created alower-level living space with the help of designer and lifestyleexpert Robin Wilson. We asked Wilson, CEO of Robin WilsonHome in New York City, to help you spruce up your house,condo or apartment. Here she highlights five budget-friendlyprojects that will add high style. I>

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...JULY 2011 I ESSENCE 97

WORK&WEALTH I HOME MAKEOVER

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ADD A MEDIA ROOMIncrease your home's square footage by transforminga drab living room into an entertainment haven. Peoplewant an open floor plan that is bright, welcoming anddesigned to bring family and friends together. "The eas-iest thi(1g to do is to set the chairs on a swivel, place theTV at eye level, and select an ottoman to serve as botha coffee table and additional seating," says Wilson. Shopfor quality furnishings at Room & Board (roomandboard.com) and Restoration Hardware (restorationhardware.com). To complete the hookup, buy Samsung's CentralStation ($450-$600, samsung.com), a wireless dockingdevice that connects your laptop, TV, MP3 player andcamera. No more searching for the remote!

98 ESSENCE I JULY 2011

3~U~~~'~~he~~h~0~~~~!!r~~ alinoleum floor and outdated appliances is overdue for anupgrade. "If you have $10,000, invest in quality cabine-try such as Holiday Kitchens because its certified kitchendesigners (CKDs) are the experts compared with a part-time clerk at a big-box retailer," says Wilson. With smallerbudgets, paint the cabinets with a spray gun and install anundermount sink to complement a chic backsplash. Thehome owners chose Aqua Blue two-by-six-inch tiles fromChelsea Arts Tile & Stone and a 94 percent quartz counter-top called Silestone by Cosentino. "People love these coun-ters because they are durable, scratch- and scorch-resistant,fight mold, and have a 15-year warranty," Wilson notes. Inaddition, Energy Star appliances reduce greenhouse gasemissions and can earn you a $500 lifetime tax credit.

BEAUTIFYOUTDOORSLandscaping your frontporch, deck or even your fireescape with vibrant flowers,lighting and water featurescan add 5 to 10 percent toyour home's value. "For thebest prices, shop at localnurseries," says Wilson.Buy perennials-plants thatregrow annually-as well asevergreens and box hedges.They have a long bloomingperiod and tolerate the heatwell. "On outdoor tables, addfloating candles, flexible LEDlight strips [$4, oznium.com]and centerpieces made offresh fruit, such as a bowl oflemons," she says.

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4~0~~t~!~h~IJ:~ ~a~!!e~" saysWilson. Create big style on a small budget with elegant fix-tures, sinks and vanities. Some we like are Kohler's MargauxShower Head and Botticino's Marble Vanity Top with anEmpire Vanity in dark cherry, both shown above, and Kohler'sMemoirs Comfort Height Toilet (not pictured). Investing inyour kitchen and bath can yield a high return.

RUN THE NUMBERS

much can I really,afford to spend?WRITE DOWN YOURNEEDS •.

them first, then tacklethe home's aesthetic.FACTOR INCONSTRUCTION

labor, materials and. .