Dream Homes 2014

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

A special supplement to the AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

It’s hard to go anywhere in Gus and Ann Maxfield’s home and not find evidence of their hunts both nationally and around the world.

The thrill of the home One Austin couple has decorated their home with the rewards of their favorite hobby: hunting

By Trey Mewes I Photos by Eric Johnson Ann Maxfield shot and killed the largest decoration in her living room — a large, imposing Kodiak bear — more than five years ago. The bear was a crowning achievement for Ann, who with her husband, Gus, traveled to Alaska twice to try and harvest him. It’s a representation of who the Maxfields are, what they enjoy, and how they live.

The Maxfields are hunters with a passion for the outdoors, and their favorite hobby shows throughout their luxurious, cabin-like home in rural Austin.

From bears to mountain lions, foxes to elk, and even a few mountain goats, the Maxfields home is a homage to hunting with mounts and trophies scattered everywhere.

“It’s an extremely masculine home, with wood and stone,” Ann said. “But that’s OK.” Lifelong Austin residents, Ann and Gus met in high school, where Gus showed Ann one of his family’s favorite traditions: hunting.

That started a lifelong adventure across numerous continents, as the Maxfields have toured North America, Europe and Africa in search of their next big trophy.

“He goes for more of the mountain wildlife, while I go for the bigger animals; bears, mountain lions, things like that,” Ann said.

The Maxfields don’t just have big game trophies in their house, but go as small as the common gray squirrel.

The Maxfields have enjoyed success —Ann works for Hormel Foods Corp. while Gus owns L&M Boiler Systems and Asbestrol, two local businesses.

See MAXFIELDS, Page 4-DH

The Maxfield home just east of Lansing is the very picture of outdoor lifestyle, complete with an artificial pond in the couple’s front lawn.

This story originally appeared in the November/December issue of Austin Living Magazine. Look for the March/April issue of Austin Living next month at area convenience stores, the Austin Daily Herald, the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and more.

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JANUARY 30, 2014

Dream Homes

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

Top 10 home decor trends for 2014

Wall murals are becoming more popular for home projects.

Brand Point Content

Renew. Rejuvenate. Reinvigorate. The same objectives people have when making their personal New Year’s resolutions can be just as easily be applied to their homes.

There’s no better time to give a home a fresh look, whether it’s incorporating a new color palette, adding accessories, repurposing furniture or putting something interesting up on the walls.

A kaleidoscope of color Residential interior designer Gary McBournie recommends happy hues such as turquoise for a kitchen, chartreuse for a dining room and coral for a bedroom. Roger Hazard, a Sharon Springs, NY designer who starred in the Emmy-nominated “Sell This House,” agrees that color palettes will embrace a variety of bold, punchy accent colors but also notes a seismic shift in neutrals from the “brown fatigue” of browns and beiges to bright gallery whites and truly neutral grays. Purples can be paired with accents of copper and wellworn leather in a masculine den; layered with gold, gray and white for an elegant bedroom; or highlighted against subway tile and chrome fixtures for a statement master bathroom.

Every wall has a story Todd Imholte, president of Murals Your Way, predicts that wall murals will be even more popular next year as more homeowners and business owners embrace this unique, distinctive way to transform any room. Simple to install and remove, Murals Your Way’s more than 750,000 images, along with the ability to create a personal mural from a photograph, make wall murals an attractive and affordable design trend.

It’s only natural Miami-based ASID and IIDA awardwinning interior and furniture designer Bea Pila sees natural elements increasingly created into luxurious furnishings. Look for lamps embellished with geodes and natural gems, feather-adorned pillows and sharkskin as a rich table finish. Stone and stone veneers make for an interesting organic interior wall covering, says Debbie Wiener of My Designing Solutions, as do sticks gathered in groups as triptychs or propped up against the wall.

Lighten up Lighting can make a key difference in a home by setting the atmosphere of a room or helping showcase decor elements. LED bulbs deliver the same warm glow as traditional incandescents but use 84 percent less energy and last up to 20 years, according to Maxwell Ryan, founder and CEO of Apartment Therapy. Interior design expert and InStyleModern.com executive Maria Samuels suggests multi-tiered chandeliers and other ornamental

fixtures using LED lights to give a modern twist instead of traditional artificial illumination.

The furniture forecast Pila notes that 60s-inspired acrylic furnishings can be timeless when designed into a classic silhouette, with the pureness of the acrylic’s clearness creating a striking effect. Washington, DC designer Darlene Molnar predicts that velvet sofas will be a top trend in 2014, with jewel colors or gray bringing a soft elegance to rooms after years of sharp clean lines. And furniture designer Clint Parker notes that Earth-friendly, sustainable eco-furniture is gaining steam, with new composites and fabrics such as hemp and sorghum making the concept more accessible.

Accessorize the positive Anything goes in the world of accessories. Pila notes an African influence in lamps made of horn and Kuba cloths fashioned into pillows, rugs and blankets, while Ian Kennedy of Ruby + George touts Native American-inspired artwork, rugs and antlers passed down from generation to generation. Wiener suggests gas-fired home “fire walls” under a wall-mounted bigscreen television that can serve as a source of warmth and an art focal piece.

The simple life Internationally recognized artist and award-winning Austin designer Pablo Solomon sees a continuation of uncluttered, simple, practical, multifunctional and renewable designs.

He recommends adopting the mantra “less is more” to focus on quality, not quantity, when it comes to art, rugs and furnishings.

Tie interior design with outside landscape views to evoke a feeling of openness and flow from the inside out.

What’s old is new again Los Angeles-based Linda Brettler, AIA, suggests finding creative ways to repurpose, recycle and reuse by relocating pieces from other rooms in the house or seeking out older, better-made items from architectural salvage sites. Salvaged or antique tiles can give an authentic patina to a historic home, and Brettler recommends mixing tile and stone so the look isn’t so intense.

Finding your comfort zone According to Elissa Morgante, principal at Morgante Wilson Architects in Chicago, people are moving toward much more casual and interactive living.-This translates into making all rooms in the home inviting and multifunctional, to foster togetherness in comfortable spaces that will actually be used.

Hazard adds that practicality and individuality will dominate next year, with upholstery expected to bring presence and sophistication while still delivering all-day comfort.

Furniture with a 1960s-style is likely to be popular in 2014.

A special supplement to the AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

Dream Homes

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

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Spring repairs can add value Brand Point Content

Small repairs can add value to a home.

Snow, blizzards, Arctic winds and damaging ice storms have wreaked havoc across the country this winter. While it may feel as though spring will never come, building experts suggest that now is the time for homeowners to consider spring home improvements that add value and comfort to the home.

The push toward energy conservation and sustainable materials has introduced homeowners to a greater range of affordable options that can add true value to a home.

Green options such as roof-mounted solar hot water systems, gray-water recycling systems and high-efficiency window systems are just some of the options available to homeowners that not only help contribute to a

greener environment but also help save money each month.

Some of the most valuable “green home” improvements are able to facilitate reduced utility bills, as well as provide year round comfort. Before beginning a home renovation project, homeowners should assess their wants against the needs of their home.

Building professionals will say that a home’s envelope, or the exterior-facing surfaces of the building, is typically regarded as the weakest link since it is constantly exposed to the elements. Reinforcing a home’s envelope can have a strong positive impact on how efficient and comfortable a home can be.

One area of the building envelope that can be boosted is the insulation.

While traditional insu-

lation materials provide thermal comfort, they fall behind sealing against air leaks, and therefore do not create a greener home.

Modern insulation options such as spray foam insulation can help homeowners reduce energy consumption by adequately air sealing the home to stop any air leaks.

Air leakage can limit the effectiveness of heating and cooling systems.

Floors, walls and ceilings can account for up to 31 percent of air leakage in a home, according to InsulationSmart.com.

Spray foam insulation, which can help combat air leakage, is growing in popularity amongst homeowners since it is an energy-efficient material that delivers year-round benefits. Spray foam insulation, like that available from Icynene, works well in all types of homes

across the country, regardless of climate.

Spray foam insulation performs for the life of the property, ensuring that homeowners can enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures all year round without overrunning their heating and cooling equipment.

Insulation experts from Icynene note that quality spray foam insulation can noticeably reduce heating and cooling costs, in some cases by up to 50 percent.

Additionally, spray foam insulation helps minimize random airborne moisture and pollutants from entering the home, ideal for allergy sufferers making an ideal home improvement investment that adds true value to a home. More information on the effectiveness of spray foam insulation is available online at www. icynene.com.

Energy-efficiency: the remodeling trend that’s here to stay Brand Point Content

Remodeling trends come and go, which is a good thing if you’re talking about shag carpet or avocado-colored For mica.

But some trends have both staying power and universal appeal, such as the strengthening movement toward homes that are more energy efficient and eco-friendly.

“Demand is high for homes that are not only attractive and comfortable, but also that perform well,” says Patrick L. O’Toole, editorial director and publisher of Professional Rebuilder magazine. “Today’s homeowners are looking for remodeling options that make their homes more energy-efficient. Cost-savings over the long-term and minimizing a home’s environmental footprint make energy-efficient remodeling very appealing to homeowners. At the same time, they’re not willing to sacrifice quality design and beauty.”

Upgrading a few key systems can help homeowners involved in remodeling projects improve their homes’ energy efficiency and operate their households in a more environmentally conscious way.

If you’re planning some remodeling in the coming year, O’Toole suggests kee ping these “g reen” points in mind:

Energy-efficient appliances

with a valuable reference when shopping for energy efficient appliances. A newer designation called “ENERGY STAR Most Efficient” recognizes the top products in their category for efficiency, across categories like appliances, TVs and electronics from leading brands like LG. This new classification can be especially helpful to environmentally-conscious consumers when they’re renovating, according to O’Toole.

“Increased awareness of the value of energy efficiency has made an ENERGY STAR rating a ‘must’ for many homeowners when they’re shopping for new appliances,” he says. “Replacing older, less efficient appliances with newer, ENERGY STAR-rated ones can both transform the look of a kitchen and ensure longterm cost savings while addressing climate change.”

Many remodelers today are seeking premium builtin design and innovative technology along with enhanced efficiency, all of which can be found in LG Studio appliances. This high-end suite of appliances, from refrigerators to cooktops, and wall ovens to dishwashers emphasizes savvy, state-of-the art design that is as user-friendly as they are efficient. For example, the 42-inch side-byside refrigerator/freezer is ENERGY STAR-qualified and offers 26.5 cubic feet of capacity, and the SpacePlus Ice System that frees up valuable top-shelf space by moving the icemaker into the refrigerator door. Also, the counter-depth Door-inDoor Refrigerator provides a built-in and seamless look while the unique, Door-inDoor feature offers convenience and easy organization as well as keeping the cool air from escaping the refrigerator by not opening the main door.

Household appliances account for nearly 35 percent of a home’s energy consumption, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Residential Energy Consumption Survey. Reducing the amount of energy appliances consume can help homeowners lower utility bills and save hundreds of dollars over the lifetime of an appliance. The fed- Solar options eral ENERGY STAR proSolar energy is becomgram provides consumers ing increasingly practical

The demand is growing for energy-efficient appliances for remodeling projects. and affordable for residential use. Currently, the most common uses for solar power in homes are in heating water and generating electricity.

Water heating accounts for nearly 18 percent of a home’s energy consumption, according to the Energy Information Administration survey. Replacing an older, less efficient elec-

tric water heater with an ENERGY STAR-qualified solar water heating system can reduce hot water costs by 50 percent, EnergyStar. gov says. These heaters also reduce a home’s carbon dioxide emissions by half and can last as long as 20 years.

Installing rooftop solar panels can help save money on energ y bills

and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. After the initial installation investment, solar panels can quickly recoup their costs when used to generate electricity for a home. Many homeowners find that their solar panels not only supply all the electricity their homes need, but also generate an excess that homeowners can then sell back to the local electricity company, for additional cost savings. With new technologies from leading solar module makers like LG, installation is also becoming easier and cheaper.

More efficient cooling Air conditioning accounts for more than 41 percent of the energy a home consumes, according to the Energy Information Administration. Yet O’Toole notes that in many regions of the country, going without A/C is not

an option for many homeowners.

Fortunately, innovative options have emerged to help cool homes more efficiently, using less energy to produce better results.

The Art Cool Gallery, for example, is a wall-mounted unit with a picture frame for customized artwork.

It’s a duct-free way to deliver cool air to a room. An indoor unit delivers the cooled air and links to an outdoor unit via compact refrigerant lines that eliminate the need for bulky ductwork. The units are a great option for remodeling older homes where installing ductwork may not be practical.

“Design tastes change just as fashions do, but saving money will always be in style,” O’Toole says.

“American homeowners have embraced the idea that remodeling can benefit both their wallets and the environment.”

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

Dream Homes

A special supplement to the AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

A display in the basement of the home creates a battle between a bear and badger.

Maxfields: Cabela’s-like mountain may be next project From Page 1-DH Yet they found themselves with a house that was a little too large after their children left, which is why they decided to build a smaller, more comfy 1,400-square-foot home in 2002, complete with four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms.

One of the most exciting features of their home is a small ravine that empties into a pond on the western edge of the property, which Ann and Gus can see whenever they walk out of their second-story bedroom onto a small deck overlooking the side of their yard.

“We go out there in the morning and have a little coffee,” Ann said.

Ann made sure to add little details like an Inglenook, a little area where she spends her time reading on comfy benches beside a fireplace, and where the Maxfields decided to put several cupboards and closets to store fun items for the grandchildren.

Despite their insistence on including as many closets as possible throughout their house — Ann said the couple purposefully chose to maximize the home’s storage space — the trophies grew bigger, and Gus would add even more of them. Things became so cluttered, Ann once ran into an elk mounted on the wall in the middle of the night. “[Gus] was moving my furniture out to put the mounts in, and it got to the point where we couldn’t have a seat in the living room for three people,” she said with a laugh. “So I said, ‘OK, we’ve got to do something here.’”

That’s why the couple decided on a huge, 800-square-foot addition to the back of their home.

The new and improved family room comes with a high ceiling, a big-screen TV with a chest full of movies, a few couches and chairs, and many wall and pedestal mounts.

“We have a bit of a theme for the walls,” Ann said.

Starting on the west side of the lodge, Ann and Gus have adorned the walls with wildlife from Africa, followed by European and North American trophies as residents move clockwise through the room.

Moving closer to the family room entrance, one can find big game from Minnesota and Iowa, ending with a display of mountain goats Gus has harvested over the years.

“We plan to build a Cabela’s-like mountain over here,” Ann said, pointing to the goats. “That’s the next big project.”

It took the Maxfields almost three years to finish the addition, as they could hire the work out piece by piece. The structure keeps the home’s woodsy atmosphere through log walls and stone floors, but Ann and Gus added a special feature to the room: a river mosaic running from the addition’s east outdoor exit, through the south end of the room, ending at the stairs leading up to the addition’s south doors.

“I just thought it would

All throughout Ann and Gus Maxfield’s home is evidence of the couple’s love of hunting which includes the most impressive part of their home, an addition filled with taxidermied animals.

be fun to have a river flowing across the room and up the stairs,” Ann said.

Of course, the Maxfields aren’t done decorating their home. Gus plans to take a hunting trip in December to finish his collection of North American goats, and the Maxfields purposefully designed their latest addition to accommodate even more trophies on subsequent trips. It’s a home meant for them to celebrate their passions, and it’s one they definitely are keeping for a long time.

Yet the home’s beauty still isn’t lost on the Maxfields. Ann still takes time on occasion, when she descends the stairway to the main level in the morning, to appreciate her surroundings.

“I would find myself pausing on the landing and just looking, and thinking, ‘This is where I live,’” she said.

TOP LEFT: A displays shows four different species of mountain goat. MIDDLE LEFT: Upon entering the Maxfield home, one of the first things to greet visitors is a large bear, stood on its back legs. BOTTOM LEFT: Creating a magnificent display of trophies, the Maxfield’s built an addition to their home. RIGHT: Looking down from the second floor gives the visitor an outdoors feel complete with the couple’s many hunting trophies.