Madison HOME May-July 24

publisher & editorial director

Amy S. Johnson

lead designer

Linda Walker

copy editor & lead writer

Kyle Jacobson

sales & marketing director

Amy S. Johnson

designers

Jennifer Denman, Barbara Wilson

administration

Lisa Abler, Olivia Seehafer

contributing writers

Sketchworks Architecture

Cover photograph Provided by DreamHouse DreamKitchens

photographs this page

Top: Provided by DreamHouse DreamKitchens, Middle: Taken by Eric Tadsen, Bottom: Taken by Chad Renly of Brand Exposure LLC

additional photographs DreamHouse DreamKitchens, Chad Renly of Brand Exposure LLC, Spray-Net, Eric Tadsen

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from the PUBLISHER

Summer is one of the busiest times of year for your home. After being cooped up all winter, it is refreshing to be outside working in the garden, tending to the lawn, doing outside home maintenance, and more. We are also energized to take on bigger outdoor and indoor projects. I love it and am antsy to get things done!

For indoors, we feature one of the most popular home renovations, a beautiful master bath remodel, by DreamHouse DreamKitchens. Whether you are going big with your own remodel or seeking specific space updates, the article is filled with ideas.

For outdoors, Spray-Net shares ideas for rejuvenating your home’s siding. You have more options than replacement to freshen up your home’s exterior.

Monroe Street Framing can take your work of art, whether an expensive original painting or priceless piece your child crafted, and help it come alive in your home. I recently had a personal consultation with owner Michelle about some whimsical pieces I wanted framed, and what would have usually taken painful hours to figure out was instead fun and efficient with her ideas.

We also share some great gift ideas from JNJ Gifts & More and highlight longtime Madison home store Rubin’s Furniture through our new editorial pop-ups. And Sketchworks Architecture shares how they helped a local business transition to “make coming to the office fun again.”

We hope you will show your love to our contributors. They provide their support and expertise in so many ways. Without them, Madison Home does not exist.

Amy Johnson

THE Absolute Dream MASTER BATH

BY KYLE JACOBSON

Waking up can be a tug-of-war between the fleeting comfort of lying in bed and the beckoning of a warm shower. For this homeowner, the war is over. With an updated look that utilizes natural and artificial light to give each morning its own elegance, not to mention an adjoining showroom-sized walk-in closet, morning never comes too soon.

“The homeowner really wanted a large walk-in closet to be the driving factor of the bathroom remodel, so we removed the original 45-degree angles to increase functional space,” says Kimberlin Payne, Dream Team senior designer of DreamHouse DreamKitchens. “It really feels like her own space and a place she can hang out, get dressed, be separated from everything else. The redesigned bathroom is now cohesive with the existing bedroom, creating a true ensuite.”

Since Kimberlin and her team didn’t remodel the bedroom, achieving an interconnection between bed and bath meant coordinating existing furniture pieces with the custom pieces she’d design. Modern black framing, from the 16-pane shower wall to the vanity mirrors, provides a clean outlining that sets the tone for expected and unexpected features. For example, where the shower faucet trim feels like an extension of

the Modern aesthetic, the gold-accented cross-handle sink faucets offer a graceful transition to the homeowner’s personal style, pronounced in the crystal flush-mount light fixtures.

“We created many layers of lighting,” says Kimberlin. “The cans for that cleaning, hightask lighting; then we have sconces accenting the mirrors; and decorative flush mounts to anchor the different spaces. The ceiling feature between the vanity and closet was created as a way to handle a large expanse of drywall. We used trim to match the cabinetry, wallpaper, and a statement light to create a focal point from the bedroom.”

As each area of the bathroom is defined by its light fixtures, the whole space is tied together with high-contrast black and white colors. “We chose a slatelook tile for the floor and carried that up the shower walls. Then we transitioned those large tiles to an oversized penny round on

Gold-accented cross-handle sink faucets complement the crystal flush-mount light fixtures

the shower floor. That kept the black color scheme going, but provided the safety features and the extra texture of a mosaic tile in the wet areas.”

One of the more fun aspects of the design is how you interact with the space. A few features have intuitive, yet less conventional ways in which they are used. Consider the shower faucet, which has two sets of handles on top of each other so when they’re turned off, they create a vertical line. One set of handles is the traditional hot and cold, and the other diverts the water to any combination of the four showerheads (two rainfall and two handheld). The freestanding tub faucet, from the Kohler Occasion line, also comes with a unique look and is equipped with a handheld head.

Blending traditional motifs into a Modern setting results in something very contemporary. Though not the highlight of the project, the vanity itself is the place where

all these ideas come together. It is also the only place where you will find natural wood being used, softening up the look. If the vanity were a stark white, the contrast would’ve been much harsher, entirely dismissing the spring and summer greenery from the bay window.

The vanity also hides minor conveniences. “On her side, the tall cabinet in the middle has stainless steel hair tool containers from Rev-A-Shelf. They are a place where she can store her hot tools and alleviate clutter. We also used the linen cabinet to really supplement their storage needs.”

Something every homeowner can appreciate in this remodel is how the homeowner’s personality and choices come through. Where some remodels might look like they were taken straight from a catalog, this one has parts advocated for by the homeowner. One example is the bathroom, which has a

Three-dimensional lattice design accent wall adds a unique flair.

three-dimensional lattice design. Kimberlin says it is important for homeowners to remodel with themselves in mind, not for resale or the next person. “When you go into the room, it feels inviting and cozy.”

For private areas of the home, personality is really where homeowners should hang their towels. A master bath is just for them. So whenever the opportunity comes along to give a bathroom a facelift, make it something worth waking up for.

Kyle Jacobson is a writer living in Sun Prairie.

Photographs provided by DreamHouse DreamKitchens.

DreamHouse DreamKitchens

5117 Verona Road Madison, WI 53711 608.204.7575 dream-kitchens.com

The Perfect Piece Room by Room

Whether you are an independent designer or a homeowner, our extensive furniture selection offers the perfect piece for everyone. With two convenient locations in Madison, we strive to be a one stop shop for all of your furniture, accessory, and area rug needs. Need design help? We offer complimentary design services—including floor plans, furniture finish selections, and more!

Items sourced from Rubin's Furniture. Rubinsfurniture.com

Mark Goudy

In Perspective

BY KYLE JACOBSON

When I was a younger version of myself, I recall holidays spent visiting my grandma in her mobile home in Lyons, Wisconsin. Though space was limited, she happily sacrificed one portion of that flimsy vinyl wall for pictures of her family. Kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and siblings organized in no particular order around a large family photo of that one time we all happened to be in the same place—probably a wedding. If anyone went through that house while she was living there, they would instantly know my grandma loved her family very much

because those photos stood out. They were framed with heart and intention.

“People are much more educated consumers as far as why framing is important, why it is necessary,” says Michelle Waldeck, owner of Monroe Street Framing. “It helps to go to a professional framer. When I started, people would say, ‘Do I really need that?’ Framing almost became a last thought. They do their couch, their drapery, their paint, and then they do not have anything in their

budget for framing. Now, people come in knowing what good materials are and what kind of look they want. People are more into the process of doing it.”

Done well, framing makes walking into every room its own experience. We should not be framing things so other people can ooh and aah at our lifestyles, though it can feel nice, but so that every time we enter that room, we are taken somewhere. Whether fine art or pictures drawn by our kids, if the pieces are not moving us, why are they there in the first place? Then there are the times where we fell in love with a painting or print, but hated it when we brought it home. Michelle says it is often the case that the wrong frame was used. After working her magic, the owner often falls in love with the piece all over again.

“Our goal is always to not compete with the artwork. In some ways, you’re supposed to see the whole thing as one composition, and the framing can add to the artwork. Ideally, you shouldn’t be seeing the framing, the mat, and the artwork separately.”

A professional framer will also make you feel confident in your framing choices. Michelle asks pointed questions, and her customers start filling in the blanks. “A lot of times people come in the door and are like, ‘I have no idea what I want to do.’ So we start discussing. Where do you think you might hang this? Are there other things in the area? If it is a sentimental piece, maybe you are framing a relative, did they have a favorite color? We start the process with that.

“People always know what they do not want. I can start pulling frames and asking, ‘Do you like this?’

“’No, I hate it.’

“It takes away some of the stress and anxiety some people have over it. They realize they have an idea on what they are doing.”

Going to a local framer, like Monroe Street Framing, also means an added layer or two of customization. Let’s say you have a piece of wood from your grandfather’s cabin. Michelle can make a frame out of that using her onsite woodshop. Or, if you are like my mom, you might want to frame dad’s flight jacket and cap. Box frames can really make a room something special.

That level of customization also means unique ways to save you money. “Sometimes we will say go buy a readymade frame, and we will cut the mats to fit. We try to help people as much as we can with budgets and ideas and materials and their space. There is almost always a solution.”

Oftentimes, when people do not know what they are doing, they create this sort of clutter effect. With the right frame and an eye for design, the pieces are given a sort of life, and the room can breathe.

Michelle says, “You want to be in a space that brings you joy or comfort or tranquility, so if you take it to somebody that appreciates those things as far as design and home and spaces, we can help you come to that place.” A local framer not only loves what they do, but truly understands the sentimental value of each piece you bring in. Their goal isn’t just to frame your piece, but to ensure it will be preserved for a lifetime.

Kyle Jacobson is a writer and editor living in Sun Prairie.

Photographs taken by Eric Tadsen.

Monroe Street Framing 1901 Monroe Street Madison, WI 53711 608.255.7330 monroestreetframing.com

Revitalize your VINYL SIDING

When it comes to choosing a siding for your home, vinyl is everywhere. Vinyl siding is more durable and has the ability to withstand our extreme temperature fluctuations throughout the year, including freezing winters and hot summers, as well as high humidity and heavy precipitation. Its low maintenance requirements make it an attractive option for homeowners who want a long-lasting exterior finish without the need for frequent upkeep. All that said, here in Wisconsin, vinyl still takes a beating.

Vinyl siding loses its color faster than other types of siding, leaving homeowners feeling like they either have to live with it or make a big investment in new siding. But these aren’t your only options. You can recoat your vinyl siding and make it look new again.

“People just do not know we can rejuvenate vinyl siding,” says Dale Tomalin, franchise partner of SprayNet. “Our coating system has proprietary technology that can make it look new but also stand up to the sun, weather, and is way more durable than conventional paints you get as a consumer.

“If you use a conventional paint, it just can’t keep up with the movement, expansion, and contraction that vinyl has through the seasons. Most paint will likely peel or blister. But Spray-Net guarantees ours for 15 years,

so we can save you a lot of money over replacement but give you something just as long lasting.”

If you have been wanting a trendier color, there really is no easier and more cost-effective way to do it. Even if you are only remodeling one side of your house, for about one-third of the cost of replacing your siding, you can have the whole home looking like new. Then there are those times when something damages only one piece of siding; well now you have an option that will not leave your home looking like you slapped a band-aid on it.

“You can go to a siding supplier and look for a scrap that’s a similar pattern. If your vinyl is 30 years old, the likelihood of that style still existing is probably low, but it doesn’t matter. You can get a four-inch slat or whatever, and you can put it in. You can fix pockets from the lawnmower kicking up rocks and putting holes in it or your grill warping it by your screen porch because you didn’t realize vinyl siding would warp from your grill.”

You might want to paint your house for yourself, rejuvenating the love you have for your home, but in this seller’s market, investing in a fresh look can get the

attention of a lot of potential buyers. Better yet, if you go with Spray-Net, you’ll be able to transfer the no-peel warranty to the new owner.

When it comes to upgrading the look of your home, painting is also oftentimes the most environmental choice. There are more water-based options than ever, low-VOC paints are now the norm, and investing in the most durable and long-lasting paints means less waste in the long run. Painting also means reusing material in and on you home that still have plenty of life left, reducing the strain placed on our landfills.

When it comes to choosing your siding, the downsides to vinyl are shrinking. Sure, there will always be personal preference and options that last a little longer, but not everyone can afford it. In this case, the low-budget option can be just as distinct as its competition. Dale says, “People are amazed at how efficient the transformation is. They cannot believe in around two days, the look of their home can just completely morph into something they did not think could happen with the existing siding.” If it is time to set a new tone for your home, do not turn your house into a construction site—make it a canvas.

Spray-Net is using science and technology to bring renovation solutions to homeowners that were not necessarily possible before. Our goal is to provide every homeowner with a renovation that increases property value and is practical, cost-effective, and makes them fall in love with their home all over again. Photographs provided by Spray-Net.

Luxury Gifts

T hat Speak Volumes

Elevate gifting to an art with luxury homestyle gift boxes that forge connections and showcase value. Ideal for realtors, corporate gratitude, or any moment worth commemorating. Each box created by JNJ Gifts and More blends America's finest craftsmanship with personal touches, transforming appreciation into an unforgettable experience. Perfect for those who aim to leave a lasting impression. Gifts are not just presents, but bridges between hearts and homes.

Items sourced from JNJ Gifts and More jnjgiftsandmore.com

Making Coming into the Office Exciting Again

by Sketchworks Architecture

When is the last time you went to your office to work? Although we know remote work numbers increased due to the pandemic, in 2023, 59.1 percent of employees still worked in-office, according to Forbes. In some industries, having a dedicated office for employee connectivity and client meetings is imperative.

For Dan Chin Homes, a McFarland-based real estate company with 18 employees, a new headquarters was crucial for their continued growth. In 2021, Dan and Meg Chin, husband and wife and team leaders with Dan Chin Homes, selected a site in the heart of McFarland for their new office.

“It was important for us to build our building in McFarland,” says Dan. “Yet very little land was available. We worked closely with the village to design a building that offered enough flexible space for our growing real estate team, but also fit four residential apartments and adequate parking on just a quarter-acre parcel.”

Once the site was acquired, they worked with Sketchworks Architecture on the project design, which included 2,000 square feet of office space and four rental units, including an ADA-compliant ground-floor rental unit. The building was completed in 2023.

Keeping team growth in mind, the Chins “needed [the space] to be flexible so we could easily add

workstations and redesign the layout of the space to accommodate more agents and members of our client care team,” says Meg.

Unlike a staid corporate headquarters, Dan Chin Homes’ building boasts a welcoming and on-trend look. The white board-and-batten siding, black-metal-encased windows, and cedar wood accents evoke a modern farmhouse look. “The inspiration for our building came from another multiuse building Meg and I saw on an anniversary weekend in Lake Geneva when we were visiting the town of Fontana,” says Dan. “We wanted the exterior to have a modern farmhouse look and the interior to be sleek, contemporary, and bright with splashes of red—the primary color of our brand.”

The light-filled office brings the outdoors inside. Multiple large windows grace the office’s exterior, and three overhead glass garage doors easily open to the outdoors in the warmer months. In the apartments, clerestory windows and balconies also bring in additional daylight, notes Sketchworks project manager Nick Badura.

The minimalist interior has an open sales floor, client care team office, some small private spaces, a kitchen, conference rooms with folding dividers, and basement storage. Nick says design accents, including a salvaged metal door, concrete floors, and a vintage metal mailbox, jazz up the space. The conference rooms have floor-toceiling windows, rich red carpeting, and coffered ceilings.

It is a space the team is proud to show clients and visitors and provides an important touchpoint for team connection. “Clients are wowed when they walk in, our agents are excited to come into the office and collaborate, and we continually receive compliments on the exterior design of the building from the neighbors,” says Meg. “Additionally, our residential tenants are so fond of their homes that they have requested to extend their leases into a second year. We feel like Sketchworks really nailed the interior design. It was a challenge to make such a small space feel so large and open. … We have a lot of flexibility to continue growing the [Dan Chin Homes] team.”