BUILT TO HEAL

“This is not defining me.

I will rebuild,” she declared. “It was a rude wake-up call as I called countless builders. Everyone wanted me to already have a plan in place. I tried to clearly tell them, ‘My house just burnt down!’ I called Roger (Roger Widing at Widing Custom Homes). He was the only one who showed up, and with an architect in tow.”

As Lori sat with her new dream team, they created plans together. They made the process simple by asking her likes and dislikes of her previous homes. Finally, she made a wish list with inspiration from Google and Pinterest. “I needed to see something positive in my life,” says Lori. “I told them, ‘You helped a damsel in distress,’” she laughs.

When custom building a house from scratch, the options are mind-boggling. “Every time I felt overwhelmed, I called Joni, Roger’s office manager. She was my go-to-gal. She helped me pick out so many things, even the granite.”

Lori also had a long list of ideas that she wanted to incorporate into her new home. This was where hiring a master custom builder paid off. “Roger never said no. He always made things work.”

You’ll notice this before you even step inside. You are mesmerized by the ornate front door, a towering veil of a magnificent tree adorned with bold, animated branches like the tree of life, ready to welcome every guest. It is a stunning piece of art that is truly breathtaking. Lori had seen an example of the same kind of door in a national magazine and called the builder of the home. “The lady was pretty snotty and asked if I was a customer. I wasn’t. She was telling me they only make them for clients whose homes they have built.” Roger to the rescue! “Good old Roger, the problem solver,” laughs Lori.

“I wanted lots of light and huge living room windows to take in the beautiful view.”

“I had some definite ideas, there isn’t a part of this house that I didn’t have my hand in.”

Once inside Lori’s home,

the airy open staircase reveals the second floor. “Ace Welding made the metal railings and I just love the metal buckles that pull together the oak,” Lori explains.

Looking up, rich wood covers the cathedral ceilings, giving an elegant yet casual vibe, creating warmth. The colossal, recycled exposed beams show strength and add character. To the right leads guests into the heart of the home: the kitchen.

“This house was built around this kitchen,” says Lori. The massive island is well equipped with comfy leather bar stools. “We gather in this kitchen. Brian, Alanna, and Katie [her son, daughter-in-law, and daughter] all love to cook. It’s a happy kitchen. Complete with a stocked wine cooler so there is never a shortage of happy hours.’”

Many custom kitchens still look “cookie cutter.” No such thing here! Lori was specific with the cabinet finish and color scheme. Each was meticulously hand-painted and finished twice—she didn’t like the first color. “It was ultra-modern, and we weren’t seeing eye to eye,” she explains. The tone almost mirrors a patina that naturally happens over time on brass: a soft green with hints of copper. Lori even has hand-painted outlet covers and light switches, camouflaged to perfection. “The Gallery in Cedar did those for me.”

The soft shades are continued with the hexagonal backsplash tile. “I couldn’t find any tile I liked. I finally found this in New Mexico. Each one is hand painted.” Even the cabinet handles are hard to find. Lori found Ukrainian artist Alexi on Etsy, who handmade and shipped them. Every unique element in Lori’s home comes with its own story to tell. Many include her long and lingering searches on Etsy, the worldwide marketplace for ultracrafty entrepreneurs to hock their wares. Some things found in Lori’s house are amazing uses of unusual items, like chandeliers made from chicken feeders used in Poland. Yes, really! “I wanted light as much as we could. My last two homes were log homes and they were so dark,” says Lori. With the light and wide-open views in mind, Lori added lots of small deck spaces that flow from some of her favorite rooms so guests can easily enjoy the outside space from just about anywhere in the house.

When asked about the design

of her house, Lori likes to call it Western. It makes sense: her passion and love of horses is evident in her décor. Breathtaking works of art featuring thoroughbreds adorn the walls on all three levels. Worn leather and cowhide furniture are carefully placed throughout. Her home combines the feelings of a ranch in Montana and a luxury cabin in Aspen. The sweeping outdoor views span acres and overlook Sugar Loaf.

“The full barn doors were too dark. I bought these old garden gates from a junk shop and asked if Roger could do something with it.”

It would easily house

the Dutton family of the popular television show Yellowstone. You recognize this instantly if you are a fan of the show—Lori is, so it’s a compliment when we mention it.

Lori’s warm and whimsical home is full of discoveries and exudes texture and color. The ambiance is that of an affluent western market gallery, walls draped with striking one-of-akind pieces and furniture handmade by talented artisans. It is filled with her favorite things that bring her joy, including her wonderful kids and grandkids. The Grossnickle family is now able to cherish old memories while creating new ones for generations to come.

With one visit you can see and feel that the home has been an adventure in Lori’s journey toward healing. “This house was like my therapy. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Poppy, Lori’s rescued cat chilling on the stairs. “She’s the tiger,” laughs Lori.