Most of us think mirrors are purely functional. But mirrors can combine unusual designs with functionality. Consider, for example, the mirrors made by Justin Walling at Charleston Architectural Glass.

“We make our own mirrors here by applying liquid silver to glass,” explains Walling. “We can make whatever kind of mirror the client asks for—including one with different finishes and colors. We can also make reproduction antique mirrors by adding contaminates to the silver to make it ‘turn.’”

Walling’s glass studio has been around for ten years. His customers, who come from all over the world, include Victoria’s Secret and the Hard Rock Hotels.

Walling started making stained glass windows for churches after college, and opened his business a few years later. “I recognized the need for original, interesting mirrors that span many architectural styles,” he says. “Aside from mirrors, we also create ornamental pieces, leaded glass doors, shower enclosures—pretty much anything glass. We’ll even do floors, walls and stairs.”

Restoration glass is another service provided by Walling and his crew, a service in great demand in a city as history-conscious as Charleston.

This summer, Charleston Architectural Glass introduces a new line of mirrors called The Cultured Silver Series. “It’s a semi-custom line,” explains Walling. “We have a lot of designs that can be adapted. Since the templates are already made, it’s cost-effective for our clients, and we can provide faster turn-around times.”

Walling and crew also offer bent glass, UV bonding (which is bonding glass with ultraviolet light instead of hardware) and even hand-carved products.

This company takes the worry out of owning a home

Bill Payzant of the Nautilus Company is well aware of the attention a home needs. Whether it’s a primary residence or vacation home at the beach, his company can take the drudgery out of your endless to-do lists, whether you’re there or not.

“Our goal is to help our customers make their homes a better place to live,” says Payzant. “Many of our clients are full-time residents who simply don’t have the time to take care of the preventative maintenance on their homes. We also have absentee owners who worry about their houses while they’re away. We’re able to simplify their lives by being a one-stop shop for all their home management needs.”

The short-term advantage is that clients don’t have to do the work themselves. The long-term advantage is that systems last longer and perform more efficiently.

Nautilus’s extensive maintenance records can also make it easier to sell your home. “Many people aren’t aware that, for some manufacturers’ product warranties to remain valid, owners have to perform routine maintenance,” Payzant explains. He adds, “There are things you can do to a house to keep costs down and make it more energy efficient.”

“We visit a house for an initial evaluation, document the systems, and learn what’s important to the owners,” he says. “Then, following a checklist, we customize our services to meet each client’s needs. Everything we do stays in our database for easy look-up.” Residents are always fully informed of maintenance plans and schedules.

People arriving for a seasonal visit appreciate the company’s concierge services. “We’ll make sure a house is stocked with food and clean linens—everything needed for a stay,” says Payzant. “That way our clients have more time for golfing and boating!

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