2024 Minnesota Home Magazine

Minnesota living Welcome to

Blue Nova sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, not something that belongs in homes. But that’s exactly where it’s going for those following the color trend for 2024.

Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams agree mid-tone blues are definitely “in” colors for home decorating and design.

In her article on Page 48, Danae Blanck Anderson says, “In the lakes area, blue is infectious because it’s a color from nature, reflecting the water that’s all around us.”

Speaking of water, are you looking to buy a home on water? Are you looking at small or big lakes? Linda Hurst talked to area professionals who gave their opinions on what to think about before making that purchase. (Page 22)

Space is always something people want when looking at building, buying or remodeling their home. And space in the kitchen is a priority. Dining is becoming less formal. Kitchens are becoming an extension of entertainment space. Sarah Waletzko from Hy-Tec Construction, said in almost all of the kitchens she’s designing, people want large islands, sometimes even double in size if the space allows. Kids can do homework while dinner is being prepared. The space truly becomes family-friendly. (Page 40)

Perhaps you want to continue the family-friendly theme to your backyard. Creating your own garden oasis can certainly get the entire family involved with looking at seed catalogs together, sketching a garden design on paper and then planning trips to local greenhouses. Alyson Levig has many tips for backyard gardening in her article on Page 12.

Maybe you don’t have the green thumb it takes to garden. Why not consider an outdoor sauna or cold plunge pool in your backyard? There’s something to be said about having a spa-like setting steps away from your back door. Brainerd lakes area businesses can certainly help you fulfill that dream.

Whether you’re a trendsetter or follower, inside these pages you’ll find valuable information and tips regarding Minnesota Home living.

Special Publications Coordinator DeLynn Howard

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Big water, small water

Is this the year you finally shop for a lakefront property? There’s a lot to analyze. Linda Hurst spoke to local experts to help future homeowners make good decisions based on their wants and needs.

By Linda Hurst

The fun and function of a family-friendly kitchen

Kitchens are command central for our lives and a major focal point of our homes. The popularity of today’s open floor plans means our kitchens are now more accessible than ever. They are more family-friendly than ever and have become a place where we enjoy entertaining others and relaxing with family.

By Sheila Helmberger

Finding your true north style

Spring means sunshine, refreshing rains, new life and maybe some cleaning and organizing. This can also lead to freshening up our surroundings with a small or sometimes large design project. To stay on trend, Danae Blanck Anderson has some tips from the trade happening in Minnesota’s northwoods.

By Danae Blanck Anderson

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

12 A DIY garden oasis

Homes are expressions of those who dwell in them — right down to knick-knack accent pieces. Flower gardens can accomplish the same result outside, yet designing one may not come naturally like finding the perfect indoor color scheme.

By Alyson Levig

16 The ground floor is key

Home ownership always starts with one big question, new construction or old? For those who choose to build new, there are a lot of considerations for usability, durability and sellability.

By Travis Grimler

32 Home saunas and cold plunge pools add to today’s outdoor lifestyles

There are many benefits of the sauna and cold plunge trend therapies making their way into backyards across the country. Why go to a spa when you can have the best of both worlds just steps away from your back door?

By Sheila Helmberger

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Garden A DIY Oasis

BY ALYSON LEVIG

Homes are expressions of those who dwell in them — right down to knick-knack accent pieces. Flower gardens can accomplish the same result outside, yet designing one may not come naturally like finding the perfect indoor color scheme. Thus, knowing a few gardening basics can help develop a green thumb, while local garden centers provide supplies for planting perfect blooming, aromatic accents.

What plants and colors should I choose?

With many cultivars and colors out there, choosing the best flowers for a garden to complement a home can be overwhelming. Generally, low-maintenance plants are the way to go, especially for beginners. Some varieties include astilbe, coneflowers, geraniums, hostas, salvia and sedum.

“My favorite low-maintenance perennial is the astilbe plant,” Nikki Holst, director of Retail and Customer Experience at Copper Creek said. “Long-lasting colors, they stay in a bunch without spreading, deer rarely eat them and they are pretty when cut and in a vase.”

“Black and blue salvia is also a stunning low-maintenance annual,” Holst added. “Hummingbirds love it, neon blue colors, and it can handle the heat.”

Additionally, a plant’s location may not seem important, but is one of the primary drivers of how plants appear. Shade plants may survive in the sun when watered correctly, but it will stunt their growth. Likewise, sun-loving plants can survive in shady areas, but they’ll be leggy and may not support themselves. Thus, be sure to choose plants for your garden’s condition.

When contemplating flower colors, imagine the color wheel. Opposite colors on the wheel, such as green and red, complement

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS

each other. With multiple colors, choose ones near each other such as red, yellow and orange; or pick three across from one another like red, blue and yellow. In most scenarios, green and white are interchangeable and go with anything.

Picking plants in a greenhouse

Now it’s time to buy the plants for the garden. No one wants to nurse purchased plants back to health or immediately fight off a disease. Selecting healthy plants from the start will help ensure your garden’s longevity.

“Be sure to check a plant’s leaves for pests and their edges for dryness. You’d want to choose a plant with developing buds and new leaf growth,” Holst said. “Another thing is to look at the plant’s base where it meets the soil and check for any mold or weak spots in the stem.”

With plants, simple is better than flashy, especially for birds and bees. Bigger blooms with extensive petals are lovely, but provide little food for insects. If possible, opt for a native variety, to ensure you’re providing food for everyone.

ones in the front. This arrangement enables all plants to be seen from multiple directions.

Spacing is another key aspect because plants require a specific-sized area to grow appropriately. Thus, learn how large your plants will grow and plant accordingly. It’s also helpful to lay out your design because switches are easier and you can visualize the result.

While waiting for the plants to mature, it’s best to protect the soil and plants with wood mulch. This layer of protection keeps plant roots cool during the summer heat, helps smother up-and-coming weeds and prevents soil disease — just be sure to provide room between the mulch and a plant’s stem. Rock mulch is an option, yet water isn’t retained as easily. Plus, rocks reflect the sun’s rays and heat, making plants more thirsty than usual.

Constructing your home’s flower garden

You’ve chosen your garden’s location, removed the sod, exposed the soil and bought the plants. Now what? Well, think odd! Gardeners almost always recommend growing plants in odd numbers as this arrangement is more aesthetically pleasing.

“Think about the odd numbers on dice,” Holst said. “And arrange your plants in the ground or your focal flowers in a vase that way.”

Height is another characteristic to keep in mind. Similar to taking a family picture, place tall plants in the back with shorter

Finally, weed, water and watch. Mulch only stops weeds to a certain point; thus, regularly weed while your plants grow. As they do, they’ll eventually out-compete most weeds. Watering is an obvious necessity, just be sure not to over or under-water. Watching and enjoying your garden mature is the peaceful part.

“Your own ‘do it yourself’ garden is so satisfying. From start to finish you make all the choices, do the work, and in the end, have results that can surprise you.” Holst said. “And let’s not forget the joy of getting your hands in the dirt to enjoy beautiful views of wildflowers in gorgeous colors.”

In the end, maybe you’ll include a bird bath that accents your house trim, a decorative seasonal flag, or even a unique, bold tree or rock in the center — whatever you decide, be sure it expresses your personality, just like your home.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS

ground floor is key The

BY TRAVIS GRIMLER

Area builders give tips on creating a home people want to live in with the most bang for your buck.

Home ownership always starts with one big question, new construction or old?

For those who choose to build new, there are a lot of considerations for usability, durability and sellability.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WES HANSON BUILDERS, INC.

Matt Balmer, owner of Lands End Development, said his clients have prioritized efficient use of a home’s footprint by stacking square footage using basements and multiple floors instead of spreading a home out on the property footprint.

“You can think about stacking your square footage,” Balmer said. “You can have your basement, main level, upper level and with all those things being equal, that’s going to be a less expensive way to build than a sprawling building.”

Clients shouldn’t necessarily go out and build a split level though. Matt Schmidt, design principle of Wes Hanson Builders said having too many stairs can affect resale value. Too many stairs leading to the front door and just inside the front door can affect resale value.

“Try to eliminate stairs and steps there,” Schmidt said. “People don’t want a lot of steps either into the house or within the house that would eliminate that main level living concept.”

Whether they are building with Lands End or Wes Hanson, however, clients all seem to agree, they want the primary living spaces on the main, ground level.

“Make sure your master (bedroom) is on the main level,” Balmer said. “That’s a biggie for us. Creating a master that’s on a second level on a $2 million lake home is going to hurt you when it comes to resale one day.”

“Everyone wants a project with single level living,” Schmidt said. “Including the owner’s suite on the main level, kitchen, dining, pantry, laundry and anything you would need in your day to day life. For your friends, family or whoever else you can kind of expand to the other floors.”

Schmidt said it is also a good idea to focus your budget and square footage into main gathering areas.

“Put a majority of your budget and your square foot cost into those main gathering areas and then step down from there,” Schmidt said. “Create a type of hierarchy.”

If a home will be occupied by the same family for some time, a budget for these types of expenses can often be stretched by strategically delaying less vital features and finishing touches.

“I would, honestly, back off some of your fit and finish for your budget concerns,” Schmidt said. “Especially in areas of things that you can add or change later. Like

• Shower Doors • Tabletops • Custom Mirrors • Plexiglass • Window Glass • Cabinet Glass • Replacement Screens & Storms

our house, we didn’t install any beams, but I laid out the lines and things like that so we could do decorative beams later when the budget allowed for it again, or even countertops.”

There can also be a trade-off between complexity, which can cost more upfront and maybe require more maintenance in the future, whereas simplicity might not be immediately eye-catching, but is also less expensive and easier to maintain. Take having multiple roof lines as an example.

“Complexity definitely adds to aesthetic,” Balmer said. “At times it’s not great for shoveling snow in the colder seasons or when it’s freezing or thawing overnight. Those areas can be more difficult to insulate as well.”

All new homes should also consider features that can save expenses or prevent maintenance needs over time. Balmer suggested spending extra on better insulation values and high efficiency windows.

“You can spend more on insulation and you will benefit from it for the lifespan of that home,” Balmer said. “Insulation gives a good bang for your buck. You can also get high

PHOTO COURTESY OF WES HANSON BUILDERS, INC.

quality windows and use high quality materials.”

Once those are in place, a high end HVAC system is vital to ensuring comfort of any home.

“There’s nothing more expensive than a cheap HVAC system or cheap appliances,” Balmer said. “Bargain hunting is great when you’re looking at surfaces and things like that, but when you’re looking at things that operate, I would always look at quality and brands that have good reviews.”

In the past, kitchens have been a major selling point for homes. That continues to be true today.

“If you have a showpiece kitchen that is still the heart of the home,” Schmidt said. “That’s still the main gathering area.”

The materials for kitchens are also similar to past years with hard floors and stone countertops. Carpets may still get used on upper levels to dampen sound, but hard wood and luxury vinyl are still among the most popular materials.

As far as other materials, they can vary based on the home or property. Many lake homes are second homes or cabins. Their use determines their design and materials.

“Our lake homes are second homes so most of what we do is wood siding packages,” Balmer said. “That could be timber, lap, shake. Three quarters of what we do around the lakes is heavily wooded.”

There are more durable siding materials that require less maintenance as well, including those made from composite and concrete materials.

Balmer said making homes smart may seem like a good idea, clients should also be careful not to go too far, as new technology can quickly become obsolete, and companies eventually end support for their smart appliances and programs.

“I would be cautious about building an uber smart home,” Balmer said. “Or a technologically complex home. We’ve been

PHOTO COURTESY OF WES HANSON BUILDERS, INC.

doing that just long enough to know that it has a shelf life. What’s perfect today will change tomorrow.”

Still, those items can be very convenient and useful if used within moderation.

Above all else, the most important consideration is careful planning.

“My biggest priority would be a well thought out floor plan and designing a home that functions well,” Balmer said. “They shouldn’t have spaces that are useless or oversized, but not undersized either. To me, the design as a whole is the most crucial aspect of everything we do.”

“I stress to people the importance of really thinking about usability and functionality over different life stages,” Schmidt said. “People should allow for flexibility and expansion in the future.”

Planning can help clients to enjoy their new homes year round instead of paying lots of money for features that are inaccessible for large parts of the year.

“A screened in porch might be on that list versus a deck since it is more conducive for seasonal changes,” Balmer said. “I might put a patio versus a deck in that category because patios are ground level and mostly maintenance free.”

Planning should go further than designing new construction for your current situation and should include future needs such as those associated with a growing family. For that reason, Schmidt said homes with four bedrooms are generally more popular.

There are many things to consider, and fortunately most reputable builders have professionals with many years of experience who can help ensure new construction performs to the best of its ability.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LANDS END DEVELOPMENT

WATER, WATER BIG small

BY LINDA HURST

Is this the year you finally shop for a lakefront property? There’s a lot to analyze. A misconception about big lakes is they are overpriced and overcrowded with oversized boats. Smaller lakes get a bad rap as “boring” with nothing to do. Should you consider a Natural Environment lake? And what about a river? Not as simple as you first thought? We’ll help you sort it out.

I grew up on a lake that, by industry standards, was “big water.” It was a popular chain of lakes that had several access points, a few destination restaurants and a fair amount of boat traffic from May thru September. Our home faced west which was great for sunsets across an expanse of water. Every July, boats would gather in our bay to watch the resort fire off professional fireworks for Independence Day. In the winter, there were a few snowmobile trails that crisscrossed the lake. No matter what time of year, there was always something going on.

Our friends lived on “small water.” From their deck we could see almost the entire lake, except for the dog-leg bay on the north side. A busy evening was a couple of pontoons slowly drifting past or a bass boat, trolling motor softly humming, looking for panfish in the shallows. As kids, we liked to canoe along the shoreline looking for turtles. Instead of a grand fireworks display, someone was lighting off bottle rockets from the beach. Instead of snowmobile trails in the winter, neighbors would shovel off skating rinks for the kids. By contrast, it was peaceful, like a Normal Rockwell painting.

Two very different lakes, two very different experiences. There is a lot that goes into your decision about how you define “perfect” lakefront property. So, I asked a few Realtors about their experiences and advice. All lead with the same statement: Identify how you plan to use the lake.

“Do you want a recreational beach? Or are you looking for big water space for water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing? Or do you love fishing?” Jacob Hanson, five-year Realtor with Edina Realty asks his clients. He points out the variety of fish in the lakes will vary considerably, and some are only found in a few select lakes.

Linda Steffen, broker/owner of Century 21 Brainerd Realty, likes to set expectations to align with budgets. “The big multi-million dollar houses tend to be on bigger lakes. Smaller lakes tend to have houses that are more modest and tend to have lower taxes. A home on a smaller lake is more beneficial in that regard.”

Chris Cullen, owner of the Chris Cullen Real Estate Group at Coldwell Banker, takes time to really understand how his clients intend to use their lake home or cabin. He says it’s interesting how people initially plan to use a property versus how they actually use it. He reminds buyers the markets will move quickly. “Buyers need to weigh out the ‘must haves’ from ‘wants’ and be prepared to make compromises.” He noted if finding the perfect lake home just isn’t working out, he’ll advise clients to find a lot and build.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LANDS END DEVELOPMENT

There is no denying larger lakes are hopping in the summer. As Hanson notes, “With restaurants and resorts, islands and public beaches, there are a lot of things to do. Typically, if the fish aren’t biting in one spot, you can easily move to another.”

Cullen agreed. “If you’re looking to jump in a pontoon, watch Elvis or hang out on sand bars, you’ll want to be on a bigger lake.”

I asked Steffen if smaller lakes were perceived as boring. She said, “I strongly disagree with that. The sense of community on the smaller lakes is so strong. You know all your neighbors. There is a whole different feeling of solitude, where you can just check out.” She states some of her clients specifically request lakes with no public access, looking instead for a quieter lake experience.

Riverfront properties are often overlooked, but should they be? Hanson said, “Some people enjoy the rivers because they’re ever changing. They enjoy the natural curves and the sound of a river. There are some phenomenal fisheries, too”

Steffen also noted the river is a great option for waterfront. “The perception is that the river is shallow and muddy, and that's not always the case.

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Jacob Hanson Realtor, Edina Realty

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The Gull River widens out and feels more like a lake.” Adding that riverfront properties can have great swimming and, in some areas, you don’t even realize there is a current.

What about a “Natural Environment” lake? These can be great options for people looking for more seclusion. Land tracts are typically larger because of the standards set by the county. As Cullen said, “Natural Environment lakes can be quieter. They’re not necessarily smaller lakes, and generally the shoreline will have more cattails and bulrushes. And there will be restrictions on building setbacks and even boat motor size.”

All three Realtors agreed that no matter what type of waterfront property you purchase, you’ll want to reach out

to the DNR or local government for current rules and regulations for what you can or can’t do at the waterfront. As Cullen suggests, it’s best to contact the county or city for questions regarding clearing or landscaping at the shoreline. “We’ll advise buyers to contact the city or county directly, that way they know they are getting the most accurate information.”

Steffen notes, “Counties are advocating for growing more natural grasses and creating rain gardens for rainwater runoff. Permitting for lakeshore properties is much more intense, and for good reason. The goal is to protect the lakes from damage from fertilizer and erosion.”

Hanson echoes that. “There are limitations on how much vegetation you can

Buyers need to weigh out the ‘must haves’ from ‘wants’ and be prepared to make compromises.

Chris Cullen Owner Chris Cullen Real Estate Group at Coldwell Banker

remove. They’re doing it to protect lakes and small animals who live in the wetland ecosystem of cattails. It’s incredible the number of species that depend on that environment to live and hunt.” Overall, the best advice is for those looking at buying on the water, look at a lot of lakes. Research through the DNR, bait shops and guide services. All are familiar with the water and you can learn a lot by talking to the locals. Work with a local Realtor who can help guide you through the process, so that no matter what type of waterfront home you buy, it will be just perfect for you.

The sense of community on the smaller lakes is so strong. You know all your neighbors. There is a whole different feeling of solitude, where you can just check out.

Linda Steffen Broker/owner of Century 21

Brainerd Realty

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BY SHEILA HELMBERGER

We spend a lot of time in our backyards. It is where we enjoy activities and bonfires and wind down after a long week. It offers a bit of a haven for the things we like to do. While most people incorporate ways to cook, seating to enjoy the weather and entertaining activities, today’s outdoor living includes some new features.

Two of today’s newest trends revisit the age-old debate of which is better — hot or cold. And when both offer much needed relaxation, rejuvenation and even some other surprising health benefits, everyone's a winner.

The sweltering heat of a sauna can leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed and, once the initial shock of it has passed, a short-lived dip in a cold plunge pool can help you recover from sore, achy muscles and inflammation. Before you regularly practice either activity, the exposure to temperatures, whether higher or lower than normal, warrants a mention to your physician, especially if you have cardiovascular problems or high blood pressure.

Working up a sweat

Western saunas originated in Finland but can be found around the world today. Once a highlight of hotel stays, people enjoyed the experience of the hot sauna conveniently located near the hotel pool. A stint in the heat was always enjoyed best when it was followed up by a jump in the cool pool after.

In the past few decades, the sauna has been embraced as a social and recreational activity and appreciated for the reset it offers the mind and body. As at the hotel, the experience is heightened by a jump in a cool lake, or when the air outside is cool or there is snow on the ground.

PHOTO BY RICK HAMMER COURTESY OF LANDS END DEVELOPMENT

PHOTO BY RICK HAMMER COURTESY OF LANDS END DEVELOPMENT

Today’s sauna designs can be heated in a variety of ways. Various kits and packages to build your own sauna can be purchased from home improvement stores or authorized dealers. Some homeowners install them inside of their home, but often they accentuate the outdoors and today’s smart designs can prove an aesthetically welcomed addition to the home’s backyard layout.

There are four different types of saunas. The traditional Finnish sauna is lined in wood. Water, when poured over hot rocks with a ladle, controls the humidity of the room. The dry sauna also uses heated rocks but has lower humidity and does not use water. A steam bath has 100 percent humidity, but a lower air temperature. It is usually built with tiles, glass or acrylic. The final and newest design, the infrared sauna, uses light from infrared panels instead of the conventional heating methods. The experience will be different with each type. Before building or purchasing your own, you will have to decide which experience you enjoy more and if you prefer to heat it using wood, electricity or gas.

Besides offering an overall enjoyable experience, using a sauna regularly can result in a handful of health benefits too, such as weight loss, detoxification of chemicals from the body like lead and mercury, and improved circulation. Saunas can also help to relieve congestion, relax the muscles and relieve tension.

PHOTO BY RICK HAMMER COURTESY OF LANDS END DEVELOPMENT

Taking the plunge

Athletes have known about the benefits of cold-water therapy for a long time. It has proven beneficial in eliminating inflammation and soreness after extreme exercise or training.

Using the cold plunge method of recovery involves a quick stint in ice cold water. Typically, only 5 to 15 minutes of being submerged in the tub will offer any benefits, such as boosting the immune system and increasing metabolism. An extended stay raises the risk of hypothermia.

While it may be hard to warm up to the idea of a cold-water bath and the temperature may seem harsh the first couple of times it gets easier after the first couple of times. The cold plunge can aid in circulation, offer a heightened sense of energy and accelerate muscle recovery and relieve stress.

While it is possible to do a cold plunge at home utilizing your own bathtub and filling it with cold water or ice cubes, there are various models available for purchase to be used strictly for the cold-water therapy. Some include self-cleaning options, filters and pumps. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. Some tubs are all-in-one while others feature individual layers for ice and water. They are typically easy to set up, easy to store and require minimal maintenance.

While either a cold plunge pool or sauna can aid some of the body’s functions and help with recovery, using alcohol before doing either activity can be dangerous.

Whether you prefer the heat from a sauna or the cold from a plunge in icy water, you can enjoy either in your own home’s outdoor living experience.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS

The fun and function of a The fun and function of a family-friendly kitchen family-friendly kitchen

BY SHEILA HELMBERGER

Today’s kitchens are so much more than just the place where we simply prepare our meals. They are command central for our lives and a major focal point of our homes. The popularity of today’s open floor plans means our kitchens are now more accessible than ever. They are more family-friendly than ever and have become a place where we enjoy entertaining others and relaxing with family. Our designs are starting to reflect just that.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS

New kitchen designs consider so much more than the important work triangle of the stove, sink and refrigerator. Now we look to include ample seating for guests, an entertainment space for our kids and even a feeding area for the family pets. Dining and entertaining are less formal than they used to be. Dining tables are often an extension of the cooking area and no longer in a room by themselves.

Sarah Waletzko, from Hy-Tec Construction, has seen the change in her own customers. “There is a huge focus on island space in the kitchen,” she says of modern designs. “Typically, almost all the kitchens I am designing now have as big an island as possible or even a double island if the space allows.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS

Waletzko says customers are putting a lot of thought into making a space their family can. connect in and everyone can have a place to hang out together. “The idea is to get the kids to sit there while dinner is prepared with a place for them to work on their homework.” She also says customers are putting a lot of thought into the storage they need. “We have done a lot of pantry

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cabinets. Pantries are still a big thing. We need a place for all those Costco boxes,” she laughs. “We’ve also been putting in additional pantry style cabinets to keep snacks in reach.” Stained wood in the space is making a comeback recently too because it wears a little better. than some of the painted cabinets.

With so many things going on in one area at one time, a smooth flow for traffic is an important part of a layout. If not carefully thought out, it could result in a daily traffic jam and people running into one another.

Renee Johnson, of Nor-Son Custom Builders, says double islands have become big for her customers as well. One will offer the needed workspace and the other will typically be used for seating. Some families are finding it handy to have two dishwashers if space allows.

A butler pantry adjacent to the kitchen offers an additional area for meal prep and can store bulky small appliances. Less upper cabinets in the kitchen is a trend that leaves the possibility for larger windows and more natural light.

There is a huge focus on island space in the kitchen. Typically, almost all the kitchens I am designing now have as big an island as possible or even a double island if the space allows.

Sarah Waletzko Hy-Tec Construction

PHOTO COURTESY OF HY-TEC CONSTRUCTION

PHOTO COURTESY OF HY-TEC CONSTRUCTION

We decided we needed some updating and space changes [...] I am no designer, so even when it came to color, I told Melissa to just surprise me, and she had the talent to do that.

Lisa

The islands in our kitchens can be hard workers. Sometimes they serve multiple purposes. While some homeowners choose to put a sink or cooktop in one, a kitchen island can be the perfect place for a dishwasher, a beverage refrigerator, or additional cupboards underneath that allow for more storage. An island unit can also be used to house a microwave or as a place to tuck away a garbage can.

Bart and Lisa Taylor’s home in Crosslake was built over 20 years ago. Last fall the kitchen underwent a remodel.

“We decided we needed some updating and space changes,” she said. “It was a lot of talk first,” she says, but then, Covid hit, and after that there were supply chain issues. The couple finally had all the pieces in place and started construction last October. The home’s original design already implemented an open floor plan. So, no walls were removed.

“It was completely cosmetic, really,” she says. For the project the couple worked with Barry and Dennis from North Country Custom Builders and Melissa from Melissa & Company. “Before, everything really looked the

Taylor

PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA TAYLOR

same. We had cedar wainscotting and everything looked like cedar,” she laughs. “From the beginning my husband said he wanted it to resemble a ski lodge.” So, they discussed incorporating other materials into the new design. “We added wrought iron to our railings and wood beams on the ceiling. We changed out our granite.”

“I am no designer,” says Lisa, “so even when it came to color, I told Melissa to just surprise me, and she had the talent to do that. And my husband is very creative, too.”

“When we built the house originally, we knew we would entertain and we do. There was a cooktop on the center island of the home. The second island

PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA TAYLOR

in the kitchen makes life a lot easier. My husband and I both cook,” she laughs, “and two chefs in the kitchen with people over make for a crowded space.” They added a second bar height counter. She wanted a place to serve food. We have a bar sink and a bar fridge to keep beverages out of the kitchen fridge.

When she cleaned out her house to make way for the remodel Lisa used the opportunity to get rid of some excess. “I didn’t realize how much stuff I had. I almost have too much storage now.” She has crystal and platters that belonged to her grandmother and says they are stored above the bar and used when people are over.

Lisa says she learned a few things during her kitchen remodel that she can pass on to others who are planning a remodel or new build. “My advice is to find somebody who knows what they are doing. I could not have done this myself and had it turn out the way it did. Find professionals that have a good eye. I couldn’t visualize any of it, so I trusted Melissa and Bart.

The couple both love the way their new space turned out, says Lisa. “It is warm, and it is inviting.”

We have become less formal, and it is no longer off-putting to share the meal prep before a meal, even when entertaining. It is now considered a part of the social experience, with some meals even purposely planned to be assembled as a group.

There is no limit to the design we can create for a kitchen today. Put a personal touch on the room by adding a desk or a window seat, a play area for smaller children or a beverage station. Don’t be surprised when the kitchen becomes your favorite room in the house.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS

True North FINDING YOUR Style

The 2024 Design Trend Report

BY DANAE BLANCK ANDERSON ASID, CID

It’s that time of year again when we reflect on what we want our homes to look and feel like inside and out.

After a crazy winter with fluctuating temperatures, little snow and an early thaw, perhaps spring is calling to us even more this year. Spring means sunshine, refreshing rains, new life and dare I say, cleaning and organizing. This can also lead to freshening up our surroundings with a small or sometimes large design project. To stay on trend, here are a few tips from the trade that are happening in Minnesota’s northwoods.

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Color

The easiest update one can make is color. Whether this means a painted wall, decorative pillow or throw, some accessories or art, color can set a mood in any space. The key is choosing the right color. Bear in mind that color changes with lighting and when painting, a sample should be seen in the space it’s going in first. In fact, light bulbs can make a huge difference so remember those can always be swapped out too, carefully checking the output.

| Owner/Designer

PHOTO COURTESY OF J.A.G. INTERIOR SOLUTIONS

PHOTO COURTESY OF J.A.G. INTERIOR SOLUTIONS

Mid-tone blues are showing up as the color of the year both from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams. In the lakes area, blue is infectious because it’s a color from nature, reflecting the water that’s all around us. Blue stirs creativity and invokes a sense of calmness and well-being. Benjamin Moore’s version, “Blue Nova,” draws us in and creates comfort with a color that bounces between blue and violet while Sherwin Williams’ “Upward” is reminiscent of light fluffy clouds giving a relaxed, carefree and airy feeling to any room.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS

Blue Nova from Benjamin Moore

Upward from Sherwin Williams

Besides these blue tones, peach, salmon, blush pink, deep yellow, grayed down-green along with forest green or teal, are the colors for 2024. Yet if you are drawn to warm neutrals, all things warm white, cream, beige or taupe, yes, anything earth tone is making a comeback, again drawing us into nature. Recently in a kitchen, I did a fun pop of color with a teal island paired with a natural hickory perimeter of cabinets, tying it all together with a unique custom vent hood fitting right in with this trend. Kudos to Patnode’s Custom Cabinets for helping to tie the old with the new making my vision come to life.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DANAE BLANCK ANDERSON

Fabrics and Furniture

Julie Gowen, owner of Jag Interior Solutions & Arlean’s Drapery in Crosslake noted she is starting to see clients being drawn back to full drapery panels and a mixture of large scale prints and solids for fabrics. It’s really all over the board.

“People are finding their own identity” through the selections they make and “what works for them,” said Gowen. “There really are no rules.” She also mentioned that any project is truly about getting the right people in place to personally take care of the customer and complete the job properly in a satisfactory manner. At Great Furniture Gallery both in Baxter and Crosslake, Pendelton and plaid fabrics abound. These classic, timeless fabrics pair nicely with many colors like black, various painted or stained furniture, clean lines or super rustic spaces.

People are finding their own identity through the selections they make and what works for them. There really are no rules.

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Julie Gowen Jag Interior Solutions & Arlean’s Drapery

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS

“In our area this still goes with a modern lodge feel,” said Bridget Northway, Great Furniture Gallery Interior Design Sales. Northway shared combining soft neutral solids with heavily textured fabrics really helps to create warmth when combined with wood grains. Both Northway and Gowen also described seeing more customers drawn to the mid-century modern style with clean lines. The overall trend is an organic feel, less industrial, that incorporates a mix of eclectic items. In casegoods, an emphasis of blending new and aged pieces along with painted and lighter woods like white oak, bleached and pecan tones tied in with some darker stains is prevalent. In addition, Northway said, “We try to keep unique and vintage pieces to make them look like they’ve been acquired over time.” Finding a true antique or repurposed piece is a common trend as well. Stores here in the Brainerd lakes area like Design Consign or Salvage Sisters are on the rise as people are becoming

PHOTO COURTESY OF WES HANSON BUILDERS, INC.

more conscientious about sustainability and upcycling or repurposing products as part of the green movement. Sometimes a person really wants to create a vintage feel throughout their home with the use of aged items like doilies, quilts and antique furniture, otherwise known as “Grandma Chic.”

Countertops and Accents

Cambria is a huge name in the countertop industry and it’s a Minnesota-based company specializing in quartz surfaces. St. Germain’s Cabinets and Supreme Counters (SGCSC) has a remodeled showroom in the Brainerd Industrial Park where numerous displays of various colors and ways to install Cambria along with other brands of countertop materials can be seen.

Berit Rosenberg, AKBD (Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer) with SGCSC said she has been paying particular attention to market trends, stating that it is fun studying those that have come out of the recent huge national Kitchen and Bath Industry Show better known as KBIS by design professionals. KBIS happens yearly, typically the end of February, and is where all types of innovative ideas and trends are introduced. This last year more than 49,000 trade pros were in attendance. There are continuing education seminars and vendor booths among other activities. “The trends across

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS

the board are seen in every booth,” said Rosenberg. Some noteworthy trends include décor tambour and fluting both commercially and residentially. This can be used in cabinetry or to create an accent wall. It is repetitive vertical lines with narrow wood strips that can be done, for example, on a curved furniture piece or a straight wall. Rosenberg added, “It can be curvy soft lines like Art Deco or it’s warm and soft, high detailed fabrication with custom edges.” Fluting is slated to be displayed at their showroom in the coming months. For now check out a plethora of additional design ideas. Rosenberg described that Cambria even had a unique sliding backsplash with a hidden track system behind the range including vertical countertop cladding that revealed a hidden spice rack when opened at their KBIS booth. The sky truly is the limit with design.

Customizing Showers

A single glass panel versus a swinging shower door has become super popular. This eliminates the swing which can sometimes be an issue, especially for meeting accessibility guidelines. The use of rain shower heads or massage jets creating a spa atmosphere has become more commonplace as well. One of the biggest rises the industry has noticed with bathrooms is the removal of tubs, creating larger showers both in a remodel situation and new construction. Wall cladding or shower panels can really elevate the shower space and is a nice alternative to grouted tile. Tim Paschall, manager of Fabricators Unlimited, in Pillager said, “Wilsonart’s Wet Wall is really starting to grab attention. It’s a fast, simple way to get a great look for a shower.” This product has 10 colors and can be DIY’d or installed by a general contractor.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS

Fireplaces and Outdoor Living

The fireplace is still a major focal point in many great room/living/family rooms. Gwen Torfin, interior designer at The Hearth Room in Baxter, said when designing spaces she is still seeing many clients gravitating toward classic stone fireplace surrounds whether cultured or real stone but some homeowners are starting to explore other options.

“Materials such as metals, sheetrock, woods, tile, solid surface materials; all have been making an appearance on fireplace surrounds. When using different materials, it can create texture and color contrast on the fireplace adding visual interest to it,” said Torfin. Another hot item is incorporating bringing the outdoors into the rest of your living space. Do this with an open passthrough area to slide dishes out to an outdoor eating space. Or add large scale sliding doors along with creating an outdoor living room and kitchen space. This is popular whether it’s a screened in area or open off a deck or patio adding usable living space, depending on the season in our neck of the woods. When speaking with fellow design colleagues I think organic neutral tones, clean lines and eclectic mixes with a push toward Mid-Century Modern was a common theme along with brushed gold metal accents and pops of color.

Finally, not being afraid to personalize your space with your own unique touches is a must. Try and incorporate some of these exciting trends into your own home either on your own or with a design professional. Who knows, it just may help you find your “true north.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF BACKYARD REFLECTIONS

CONTRIBUTORS

Sheila Helmberger lives in the Brainerd area and is a frequent contributor to Brainerd Dispatch and Echo Journal special publications.

Linda Hurst was one of the original founders of the award winning Minnesota Home magazine. She has written articles for several Dispatch magazines and publications. She now works at Breen and Person/Quality Title. She has a loyal following on social media of people who are actually following the adventures of her dogs, Ginger and Jack.

Alyson Levig is a part-time freelancer who enjoys being out in nature. Her writing reflects this passion as all of her work engages nature and the wildlife living in it from her point of view. When she’s not writing, Alyson can be found working full-time at Jacobson Excavating and Landscaping in Brainerd, which takes up most of her time. In the free time she musters, Alyson enjoys hiking, hammocking, kayaking or maintaining her garden at home with her friends and family. Alyson also maintains a blog in which she publishes some of her writing or hiking adventures, reflecting on the beauty of God’s creation she witnessed. Feel free to follow her adventures at pinesandprairies.com.

Danae Blanck Anderson, ASID, CID, NCIDQ, can be found designing in the Brainerd lakes area. She owns I.D. Your World, an interior design consulting business specializing in remodels and new construction for residential and commercial projects. Anderson has more than 25 years of experience and is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, Certified Designer in the State of Minnesota and has passed the National Council for Interior Design Qualification test. Freelancing combines her love of writing with design. Danae enjoys camping, walking, traveling and spending time with family and friends. She has two boys, Jace and Jude, with her husband, Jarrett, who often works with her doing blind and art installations.

Travis Grimler is an award winning reporter/ photographer/videographer with the Pineandlakes Echo Journal Newspaper. He has been on the staff since 2013 and has since gained recognition for business reporting and his historical food column, Grim's Grub.

•Tree Removal •Pruning/Trimming •Insect and Disease Control •Deep Root Fertilization and Soil Care •Brush Chipping •Lot Clearing •Stump Grinding

Alyson Levig

Linda Hurst

Sheila Helmberger

Danae Blanck Anderson

Travis Grimler

218-851-0566

janeneimgrund@gmail.com

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