Lake&Home Magazine Mar/Apr '16

Spring Gardening Tips • How to Buy a Boat • Decorating with White S u b s c r i b e p r i n t o r d i g i t a l l y b y v i s i t i n g w w w. l a k e a n d h o m e m a g o n l i n e.c o m MARCH / APRIL 2016

First NatioNal BaNk, We’ll get you there At First National Bank you can count on a local process for the quick answers you deserve. Stop in to see one of our lake-country bankers, or apply online at fnbhenning.com.

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CONTENTS

48 Volume 18 • Issue 1 • MARCH / APRIL 2016 LakeAndHomeMagOnline.com

8 From The Editor 1 4 Gardening Get Ready, Get Set....

Gardening Tasks for Late Winter, Early Spring

16

Home Experts

Your questions answered by our panel of experts

Interior Design 20 White Out:

A Blank Canvas to Create Your Dream Decor

Designer Portfolio 28 Ravnik & Co.

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Featured Home

Distinct and Distinguished 36

Gull Lake Home Incorporates

Unexpected Elements and Timeless Elegance

Featured Home

A Peninsula and Panorama 48 You Can’t Escape the View

On the Lake 58 It’s Boat Buying Season

Search for a Watercraft that Fits Your Lifestyle Featured Lake 66 Lake Miltona

Cover photo by Henry “Dutch” Hempel See story on page 36.

Volume 18, Issue 1 • March / April 2016 PUBLISHER Kip Johnson MANAGING EDITOR Jan Werkau ART DIRECTOR Kip Johnson ADVERTISING/MARKETING CONSULTANT Ben Underwood LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE – ADVERTISING SALES Erin Hintz • 218-205-2120 erin@lakeandhomemagazine.com Haily Johnson • 218-205-5068 haily@lakeandhomemagazine.com Dillon Danielson • 320-219-3359 dillon@lakeandhomemagazine.com

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LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE Published bimonthly by Compass Media PO Box 9761, Fargo, ND 58106 (218) 205-2706 lakeandhomemagonline­­.com artwork@lakeandhomemagazine.com Unless previously agreed, all rights remain the sole property of Lake and Home Magazine.©2016 Compass Media Except for purposes of review, material contained herein may not be reproduced without prior written consent.

Printed by RR Donnelley, Long Prairie, MN, USA

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EDITOR

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From the Editor

grew up in the “lakes country” of Otter Tail County in Minnesota, home to more than one thousand lakes, and, as a kid, I spent a lot of time in and on the lakes, at friend’s homes and cabins, in those iconic red Lund fishing boats, in canoes down the river, and on pontoons and sailboats all across the area.

At “the cabin” on Otter Tail Lake where my cousins vacationed for a couple of weeks each summer; my first swimming lessons in the frigid June waters of Pebble Beach, near Fergus Falls and, as I got older, riding my bike there to cool off on the hottest afternoons in August. Sailing Detroit Lake aboard a family friend’s sailboat on my 8th birthday; the crystal clear waters of that lake near McCarthy Beach State Park (whose name escapes me now) where I could wade in for what seemed like miles before the water barely reached waist-high. Canoeing, or tubing, the local rivers knowing just where to hop out before a dam or the water got too swift; my dad driving up in the family station wagon at just the right time to pluck us out of the water.

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Almost all of my best childhood memories involve local lakes and rivers, and a few pools too.

Creating similar memories amongst family and friends is much of what Lake and Home Magazine is about. Over the years, we’ve told countless stories of families, lakes, homes and all their memory-making moments along the way.

When I took over the reigns as editor three years ago, one of the first things I did was book a trip to the Lake Home and Cabin Show in Minneapolis. The show happened to be my second week on the job, so I hadn’t quite yet figured out what my job entailed and I figured that the show was a great way to immerse myself in my new position and to introduce myself to some of the folks that help us make our pages great – builders, architects, tradespeople, craftsman, suppliers and vendors, and of course, the homeowners who are gracious enough to allow us into their homes and lives. That weekend, I met so many people who inspired me, and I couldn’t wait to get back to my office and get to work making the magazine.

As you read in our last issue, we’ve had a few changes here at Lake and Home. We are as excited as ever to continue to bring you beautiful homes, insightful stories, decorating tips and trends, gardening and landscaping ideas, as well as practical know-how on the lake lifestyle and lake home living amongst our pages.

Come along with us on the next phase of our journey.

Jan Werkau Managing Editor Lake and Home Magazine

IN THE NEWS Solo Dock Launches Second Year of Donations to Local Lake Associations Solo Dock has spearheaded a new way to support local lake communities. The aluminum tip-in dock manufacturer will make a $100 donation to each new Solo Dock customer’s lake association for each new Solo Dock purchased in 2016.

This marks year two of the company’s Lake Association Donation Program.

“Our mission is to help lakeshore owners enjoy their time at the lake. Local lake associations can use the money to stock

their lakes with fish, fund their annual picnic, and prevent or control invasive species,” says John Gehring, owner of Solo Dock in Wayzata, Minnesota.

Gehring purchased the Solo Dock product line in the fall of 2014 from the engineers that developed the dock system.

The easy-to-install docks are now available from an entrepreneur and long-time lakeshore owner.

Solo Dock is an all-aluminum, tip-in dock that can be installed, leveled, and removed by one person without getting into the water. The one-piece dock section design means decking won’t float away when the water rises, and the 4’ x 6’ sections stack neatly in a small space on shore.

MAR / APR 2016 LakeAndHomeMagOnline.com

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Gardening

By Reba Gilliand

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y the time February arrives in the Upper Midwest the days are getting appreciably longer and with longer days comes the promise of warm weather, green grass, and colorful blooms – but only the promise. Still, Northern gardeners know the growing season doesn’t begin on a warm morning in May. There are tasks to be done now, before bud break, to get your garden off to a good start and to ease the pace of the planting rush.

Start with a plan for your garden and make a list of flowers and vegetables you want to grow from seed, shrubs like rose bushes to plant bare root, summer blooming bulbs, pond plants, and other types of plants you can purchase mail order. I like to start with a plan and then look at garden catalogues to focus my attention on what my garden needs, not what looks good in the catalogue. The company will ensure plants arrive in time to plant in your climate zone with instructions for how to plant.

Finish up catalog shopping and get your seed and plant orders in.

Gardening catalogues typically arrive in January; maybe you’ve already placed your order, prepared a seed-starting schedule, and are eagerly awaiting delivery. If not, you can still order seeds and plants in time for this growing season.

Prepare for indoor planting.

Seeds will arrive first and you’ll need to determine when to plant depending upon the type of seed and the last average frost date in your area. The back of each seed packet will have seed-starting recommendations. Count back from the last average frost date (May 26 in Climate Zone 3) for each type of seed and you’ll have a

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planting schedule. Broccoli seeds, for example, should be started 5-7 weeks before the last average frost date; count back 7 weeks from May 26 to April 7. That’s the earliest you should consider starting broccoli seeds indoors. Prior to the first planting, prepare by checking florescent lights and timers, purchasing seed-starting and potting mix, and cleaning planting flats and pots.

If you’ve been storing gladiolus, dahlia and cannas over the winter, take them out of storage and check for any damaged or moldy areas. Cut away and damaged material and return to storage for another few weeks.

Get garden tools in order.

February and March are the perfect time to organize and prepare gardening tools for the upcoming season. Head out to the shed, or garage, when you have the

time and take care of these good friends before you need them to do your work in the dirt. Remove dirt from tools with a wire brush, wipe with a damp cloth and let dry; remove any rust that’s accumulated with steel wool; sharpen spades, pruning shears and other such tools with a file; spray metal parts with a penetrating lubricating oil to prevent rust; sand rough or splintered portions of handles and condition with paste wax. Gardening tasks are easier when tools are in peak condition.

as Annabelle hydrangea and Potentilla in March. Clematis vines belonging to Group B or 2 (those that bloom all summer long on both old and new wood) should be pruned this time of year. “Niobe” and “Nelly Moser” are examples of this group. Cut back the new growth to where the highest pair of green buds emerge on the stems. Delay pruning of early blooming shrubs (for example, old fashioned lilacs) until after flowering. If you prune early blooming shrubs now, you’ll cut off this year’s blossoms.

Prune trees, shrubs and some vines.

Many trees and shrubs are best pruned while dormant. Winter pruning reduces the risk of insect infestation and infection at wound sites. Pruning can also shape plants and encourage new growth. Prune shade and fruit trees in February before the sap begins to rise and before the buds begin to open. Prune late blooming shrubs such

Fertilize houseplants.

Many houseplants will have gone into dormancy over the winter months and will be waking from hibernation as daylight hours increase. Start fertilizing regularly to give them that extra boost during their growing season. If houseplants are root bound with circling roots, replant them in a slightly larger pot in fresh soil.

Avoid walking on wet soil.

As tempting as it may be to get out into the garden once snow melts and the weather begins to warm, avoid walking on soggy soil until the ground is dry. Digging in or walking on wet soil compacts the soil, destroying its soil structure by squeezing out some of the air spaces, or pores. Compacted soil also makes it more difficult for plant roots and gardening equipment to move through the soil. When the soil is dry, the air spaces allow water and air to penetrate and provide cushioning so soil structure can spring back into place.

Starting these tasks now will ensure that your summer garden gets the head start it needs to thrive in our short growing season. ~L&H

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Home Experts

Your Questions Answered By Our Panel Of Experts Question:

Are there any general rules or designs that you follow when accessorizing built-ins or shelving units to avoid looking overly cluttered, or bare?

Answer: Betty Ravnik Ravnik & Co.

One of the most striking bookcase designs can be created when all items are the same color like white books with all white accessories. But in reality, most of us have collected items in a variety of colors so the key is creating harmony with what you have. The feeling of a bookcase or shelf should be interesting but always organized.

As with any surface, shelf, mantle, or table, small items will look cluttered if you don’t combine

Douglas County, Minnesota

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them into a collection or with other larger items. As an example, small accessories can be placed on top of a stack of books. Or a collection can be massed together to create impact and interest.

To create a successful bookcase layout do not be afraid of mixing items, this creates interest. Layer items both vertically and horizontally. Use books traditionally, but also lay them flat or stand them proud on the

shelf so you can see the front cover.

Remember to create negative space by leaving room between groups of items. This creates a calmer feel to the design and lessens the cluttered feel.

Also, don’t have each shelf a repeat of the one above it. Create variety and balance within the shelf as well as vertically when you look up and down.

Douglas County, Minnesota

Otter Tail County, Minnesota

Otter Tail County, Minnesota

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Interior Design

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P

oor white. It’s not even considered a color. From art to physics, white is usually referred to as ‘the absence of color.’

White’s reputation is even more suspect when it comes to home design. Shabby chic. Minimalist modern. The drab, plain walls of a new home, apartment or condo. None of these things have done white any favors.

It doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, it shouldn’t be this way.

“White is a blank canvas. It allows for any color or pattern to layer in front of it,” explains Tani Nielsen, Lead Designer at Minneapolis-based Martha O’Hara Interiors.

“It’s a clean look that is bright and allows for the space to be light. It can also make

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a once dark traditional room much more updated and fresh.”

With the right combination of accent colors, accessories and furniture focal points, white can be intelligently used to transform any room into an inviting space.

Neisen recommends pairing white with blues, greens and purples for restful areas like living rooms and bedrooms, or using a colorful island (any color will do) to punch up a primarily white kitchen.

When used purposefully, white makes a beautiful statement in any style home.

Here are some of our favorite examples of white done right.

ABOVE: The white stone, cabinets, trim, furniture and dĂŠcor make a dramatic, modern statement against the dark espresso stained shelving and cabinets of this Santa Monica home plan from Heritage Homes and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Premier Properties in Fargo. The grey toned walls and floors balance and warm the space. The 2-story white stacked stone wall with a white panel accent fireplace and floating espresso stained poplar wood shelves is really the star of this show, though.

Photography: Wolff Photography Designer: Heritage Homes / Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties

LEFT: This large, open space was a blank canvas with lots of potential and many options for furniture placement. The bold white cabinetry, a focal point of the room, is given more pizazz by bringing in stark, solid color furniture and patterns such as the zebra ottoman and throw pillows. The moss green is an unexpected and completely delightful color partner to the white.

Photography: Tara Bussema Designer: Amanda Sandberg, On Holiday Design

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BELOW: This decor represents waterside living at its finest. Put together by the team at MHK Architecture & Planning, this nook demonstrates how to bring an all-white room (even the ceiling) to life with smart accessorizing, vivid bursts of color, and a grounded floor. Pay special attention to the use of patterns like the collection of plates, upholstery on the dining table chairs, and throw pillows dotting the couch. And, the dash of coral on the chandelier and hidden among the table base proves that white is an equal-opportunity complimentary color.

Photography & Design: Matthew Kragh, MHK Architecture & Planning

ABOVE: You can’t go wrong with this amount of natural light, and the room’s designers wanted an unfussy concept to highlight the room’s breathtaking vista. A white built-in backdrop, mirrored-legged desk, and punch of coral added just the right touch. “This home sits on a very large parcel and we wanted to frame the views as if you were looking at a piece of framed art,” says Garrison Hullinger, RIGHT: This breathtaking kitchen featuring floor to ceiling white cabinetry shows how ‘the absence of color’ can be simultaneously simple and striking.

And, it’s hard to image anyone losing their cool during the dinner-time rush with the amount of storage this kitchen offers. The team worked hard to maintain the room’s expansive floor plan and concentrated on adding the cabinetry and an additional island on caster wheels that can be moved around as needed.

Photography & Design: Lee Design and Interiors

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designer and president of his namesake design firm. “The walls are a cheerful light blue and the crisp white trim gives the home a sophisticated look.”

Photography: Blackstone Edge Designer: Garrison Hullinger Interior Design

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ABOVE: This dreamy bedroom from Minneapolis-based Martha O’Hara Interiors is a master class on how to elevate a room’s elegance by properly blending white and off-white with luxe fabrics, furniture, and accessories. The bed is a delicate mix of alabaster and cream. The custom Kravet fabric draperies frame the room with a chic black and white pattern. Even the white ceramic glaze lamps and faux fur pillows on the chairs deliver textural serenity to the room. This is the type of bedroom we all wish we could offer our guests, or better yet, ourselves.

Photography: Troy Thies Designer & Photo Sytling: Martha O’Hara Interiors

LOWER LEFT: White can make even the smallest spaces seem spacious. This at-home office is given plenty of energy with the stark white hand-painted cabinets and window shade, and it is nicely anchored with the deep brown leather desk top and large window.

The futuristic aluminum and white chair adds a modern touch.

Photography: michael robinson photography, llc Designer: Alan Design Studio, Jean Alan (Lead), Jody Trombley (Junior)

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ABOVE: Jamie Wallace, Certified Kitchen Designer and owner of Calla Lily Designs in Fergus Falls, had a specific request when setting out to design this kitchen. “The ultimate goal was to feature the outdoors as these clients were avid bird watchers,” she explains. “We kept the color palette clean, using tone on tone white materials from painted cabinetry, to marble tops to white subway tile on the splash.” The challenge was bringing warmth into the space with all that white. Wallace accomplished this by using bamboo on the floors and a wood chopping block on the island top.

Photography: Bryan Wendland for Lake and Home Magazine Designer: Jamie Wallace, Calla Lily Designs For more great white décor ideas visit our website at lakeandhomemagonline.com/white-out ~L&H

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Designer Portfolio

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tarting her design career with a two year Interior Design degree from Dakota County Technical College and a Bachelor of Arts in Design Education from Metropolitan State University, Interior Designer Betty Ravnik, principal of Ravnik and Co., is also a full time faculty member and department chair of the Interior Design program at Alexandria Technical and Community College.

Betty is a professional member of American Society of Interior Design, and a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer with the National Kitchen and Bath Association. She has been a regular columnist and contributor on interior design topics for Lake and Home Magazine for a number of years.

Betty Ravnik, Ruth Grundman, and Jane Rapp lend their decades of design expertise to projects both big and small in the lakes area and beyond.

Betty recently sat down with us to discuss design and her lakes area business, Ravnik and Co.

By Jackie Jenson

With regards to business snapshot, what kind of design enterprise is Ravnik & Co.?

Betty Ravnik: Starting as an interior design studio and expanding, we offer products in a retail environment giving us the ability to share our love of design with everyone. Our search for the best in design culminates in a store filled with unique gift ideas and interior products for the home. Beautiful gifts, furniture, rugs, lighting, window treatments, accessories and fabric for every home are showcased

in a beautiful 1885 historical building in the heart of downtown Alexandria. Our goal with every project is beautiful and functional interiors and while kitchen and bath design is one of our specialties, we work with new construction and remodeling projects of all sizes.

What is the design philosophy of Ravnik & Co.?

BR: We live in the lakes area which tends to be more casual in feel. It can be rustic, contemporary or traditional but almost

always comfortable. We like to think of ourselves as chameleons. Our job is to listen, interpret and in the end, have an interior that reflects our client’s lifestyle and budget.

What area some of the current design trends for lake homes in the area?

BR: We are definitely seeing a move away from the up north cabin look. That doesn’t mean rustic is gone but it has become a cleaner, less cluttered design.

A galley kitchen can be one of the most efficient layouts. Add pillow-edge detailing on cherry cabinets, warm cork floors and a convenient breakfast bar, and this kitchen space is as beautiful as it is functional.

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This lakeside home, designed from foundation to roof as well as inside and out by Ravnik & Co., was carefully crafted to capture its stunning surrounding views. A combination of stone, stucco and landscaping add to the home’s curb appeal and inviting feel.

People want easy maintenance and less fussy interiors. I don’t see the lakes area trending with the urban contemporary as much as a casual, simple approach to design.

With regards to design, what is your background?

BR: After graduating from design school, I worked in Minneapolis for Gunkelmans Interior Design. They were known for contemporary design with a strong emphasis on architecture. After teaching a few classes at a Minneapolis College, 30 LAKE AND HOME MAR / APR 2016

I agreed to teach interior design for one year at Alexandria Technical and Community College. That was 28 years ago. ATCC is a phenomenal college and by teaching all subjects of design I have grown as a professional. Since my move to Alexandria, I have become a certified kitchen and bath designer with the National Kitchen and Bath Association and passed additional testing to become a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers. I started my design firm in 1999. In 2006, I opened the retail store in downtown Alexandria.

“We like to think of ourselves as chameleons. Our job is to listen, interpret and in the end, have an interior that reflects our client’s lifestyle and budget.”

Betty Ravnik

A blue and yellow color scheme anchored by wool patterned carpet, custom white built-ins and smattering of antiques collected by the homeowner, gives this master bedroom a one-of-a-kind French feel. Custom bedding and window treatments extend the theme of the space.

A crackle backsplash, travertine stone floor, glazed cabinetry and decorative beams create a transitional feel to this kitchen. Utilizing drawer storage also afforded a wall of windows to be included to the design, bathing the space in a wash of natural light.

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With distinctive focal fireplace and beams, this living space invites one and all to come have a seat by the fire. A leather-top table, patterned draperies and soft leather furniture finish the clubhouse feel of this space.

A vintage kitchen sink sets the tone for this playful laundry room that is anything but boring. Custom green cabinets align with the age of the sink and the Thibaut wall covering adds a touch of whimsy to the space, transforming the room into chic, country laundry.

Do you provide design work commercial as well as residential clients?

You have quite a following in the lakes area. Do you work with clients outside Alexandria too?

BR: We do work with both. Commercial projects have ranged from healthcare to office interiors. I am working on a resort in Northern Minnesota at the moment. I do all areas of the home, and since I am a certified kitchen and bath designer, I am often involved with expansive residential remodels.

BR: Absolutely! Our designers, for example, have done homes in Florida and Texas recently. Our store ships product across the country. Typically our radius is approximately 100 miles, but we have done work in Fargo and Minneapolis this past year. We invite your readers to call and visit with us regarding their project.

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How much does it cost to hire an interior designer in your firm?

BR: That depends on the project and the client. We may work on a percentage of the project, if we are involved from start to finish. Many of our clients don’t live in Minnesota year-round, and we are their agents to see the project through to the end. We can be hired on an hourly basis so the clients can involve us as little or much they want. Because of the retail

Inspired by a glass hutch found in an antique shop, this European Country Lodge style kitchen was accomplished by adding various touches of blue coloring in its quartz countertop, distinctive microwave cabinet and check fabric-clad for glass door fronts.

store, we have clients that want items versus design services so there is typically no design fee added to the product.

What are the advantages of hiring a designer?

BR: There are several advantages to hiring an interior designer. New construction and remodeling can be a huge undertaking which can be overwhelming and expensive. Some people are comfortable selecting a paint color, flooring and furniture but hesitate on the bigger ticket items like kitchens and bathrooms. Other people are either too busy or don’t trust their abilities and need direction through the decision process.

The designer has the ability to see how each decision affects everything else on the project.

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I always say we design and sell the invisible.

Our vision can be communicated to the client so they can see the design concept before the start of a project. I believe a designer “thinks” differently, therefore, can bring to the project creative options not thought of by the home or business owner. Another service a designer can offer is to resource products unavailable or unknown to the client. An interior designer’s role is to educate, guide and advocate for the client. We are in the business to help. People can typically enlist the services of a designer for a day or have them be part of the project from concept to completion.

What types of services do you provide?

BR: We provide a wide range of services.

With our retail store, we have the ability to provide design direction and products for the home from furniture to window treatments. The design studio is the consultant side of the business. One key feature of our business is that we offer

3-D CAD drawings to help the client visualize their interiors. Other services include working on the function of the space, creating architectural interest with cabinetry and millwork, lighting layouts and selecting both interior and exterior materials.

How does the designer and client relationship work?

BR: I feel strongly that the home or commercial space should be a reflection of the client, not the designer. How we put this philosophy into action is evident in the diverse styles of the images we provided for this portfolio. The designer’s job is to interpret the client’s style and personality to create beautiful, functional interiors that represent the client. Designers should gently nudge the home or business owner to think outside their initial concept.

Collaboration is the key to success of every project.

Travertine floors and walls set the tone in this tranquil bathroom. The walk-in shower and glass wall allow light from a nearby window fill the space. Maintaining design continuity, a specially designed cabinet was crafted to replicate the homeowner’s nightstands in the adjoining master bedroom.

How do you figure out what the client wants?

BR: To get to the solution, we need to figure out what is in the client’s head. We do this every day and appreciate that a client may only do this a few times a year or even in their life, so we educate the client along the way to make sure they are making the best decisions.

When a client does not know where to start with regards to their personal style, where do you begin?

BR: When meeting with a client, the designer’s responsibility is to discover that style. This is done through using inspiration pictures and a series of interview questions. Sometimes a designer gets to the design quickest by finding out what the client does not like or want. I use several other techniques to get the client to verbalize their style and the envisioned outcome of the project. Adjectives and the magic wand of possibility are two of tools I use. ~L&H

A phrase that is often tossed about at Ravnik & Co. is, “It’s all in the details.” This beautiful custom-turned table base is an example of this philosophy as it helped to anchor the allwhite kitchen. A recycled glass countertop also adds a touch of glam.

Utilizing a modified twopiece hutch as a focal point and accessories that provide the same aged appeal, Ravnik creates a truly timeless look.

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Red and yellow custom bedding, draperies and vintage headboard unite to create a cozy space in this guest bedroom.

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By Danielle A. Teigen Photography by Henry “Dutch” Hempel

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n 1912, Col. Francis R. Shunk and George Freeman designed the Mississippi Headwaters dam that created Gull Lake. Once the dam was built, a home for the structure’s overseer, known as a dam tender, was also built. The U.S Army Corps of Engineers described the seven-room Craftsman-style structure as “honest” for its straightforward treatment of materials. Notable details include brick and stucco on the exterior as well as the exposed rafters and windows.

More than 100 years later, those same “honest” characteristics describe one of the newest homes now occupying the shoreline of Gull Lake, albeit in a grander, more modern scale.

Bill Doerr of Doerr Architects was tapped to design the 4-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom home after having designed other homes for the client and members of the client’s family. When the homeowners purchased the large lot, they decided to sell a portion and ended up with a uniquely shaped swath of land complete with rolling hill on one side and a curving shoreline.

The distinctions of the lot served as inspiration for much of the design, Doerr explained. The expansive, curving deck on the lake side of the house mirrors the shoreline. Stones used through the patio and retaining wall could have been plucked from the nearby hillside. Rich woods echo the indigenous forestry.

Above

The home’s exterior is a distinct mix of stucco, stone, and exposed timber trusses. The combination of these unusual elements offers unexpected visual interest.

Left

Because of the unusual lot, the house is situated to offer more privacy and seclusion for the entry way.

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As seasoned travelers, the homeowners expressed a desire to include many natural elements like stone and reclaimed timber, but they wanted the finished product to standout in an elegant, timeless way. “They did have some images and plans, so we adapted to them, and the design took on a life of its own considering the lot and the view,” Doerr described.

What makes the house stand out are the exposed trusses and naturally curving design elements of the façade. By incorporating stucco with the wood and stone of the exterior, the home seems

pleasantly and unexpectedly atypical.

The situation of the house on the lot lent itself to a private, secluded entry that is tucked away from the main thoroughfare.

The lake side, though—that’s the public side, welcoming anyone coming off the lake with its ample deck, enormous windows, and accessible hot tub and fire pit. That was a deliberate decision by the homeowners. “They wanted an entertaining area,” explained Kent Marthaler with KC Companies, the builder in charge of seeing the project through to completion. Cory Hendricks served as the project manager, so the two worked

with the designer and homeowner to ensure the home came together as they envisioned while keeping within budget.

The retaining wall is another distinctive feature that involves natural stone that was shipped in from out-of- state.

Hendricks said KC Companies strives to use local products and vendors in their builds, but when a homeowner’s vision for their project supersedes that desire, accommodations are made as long as the request can be completed within budget.

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Because KC Companies builds custom homes, client requests are paramount for a project. Take the in-ground hot tub, for example. That feature wasn’t part of the original design; the homeowners assumed they would add it once the home was constructed. However, during excavation and construction, the homeowners realized adding that feature during construction was the better option. “That’s a special feature of this home,” Marthaler said.

More special features are included inside. To connect exterior elements with the interior, the two-sided fireplace that greets guest in the entry way has a stone and stucco chimney

that reaches to the top of the 27-foot ceiling.

The heavy timber beams from the exterior are echoed in the exposed wood beams throughout the great room, giving the space texture and visual interest while still being understated and elegant.

Behind that breathtaking fireplace is the great room. Doerr explained that the homeowners didn’t want to reveal the space all at once, so the fireplace served as a divider. Its height also adds a sense of volume. Timber crown molding breaks up the space and painted walls helped separate the natural wood elements of the molding and floor to provide warmth and texture.

Below

Outdoor kitchens are becoming more common in lakeside designs, Bill Doerr of Doerr Architects said.

Above

A gently curving deck mimics the curve of the Gull Lake shoreline, and large windows take advantage of the lake view from all areas of the home.

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Below & Left

Entertaining space is extended to the yard by a paver patio, complete with an in-ground hot tub. An outdoor gas fire pit on the patio means cooler evenings can still be enjoyed all season long.

Connected to the great room is a kitchen designed specifically to entertain large groups of people.

At the center is an island with cozy seating for five. A nearby breakfast nook offers a place for the family to enjoy a meal together without the formality of a separate dining room. Gorgeous pendant lights illuminate the space. A periwinkle blue antiquestyle stove hearkens to a bygone century. Rich, dark hickory floors set off the warmth of the creamy cabinetry.

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Above

A two-sided fireplace divides the entryway from the great room and features stone and stucco, like the exterior of the home.

Left

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The great room incorporates an intimate seating arrangement with the extensive 27-foot ceilings accented by exposed wood beams.

The functional kitchen is intimately connected to the gathering space of the great room by an entertaining bar. Four people can observe what’s happening in the kitchen while still participating in any conversations or activities in the living room. Thanks to the expansive deck, entertaining can easily spill into the outdoors, where a patio extends the living room and an outdoor kitchen expands the cooking area.

A modern, industrial-style cable railing with horizontal lines was chosen specifically so as not to obstruct the incredible views of Gull Lake. Doerr is designing more and more homes with modern elements, and the end result is helping people understand that modern architecture is not cold and sterile; instead, the clean lines and natural materials embody timelessness.

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Above & Right

The designer kitchen combines cool granite countertops, creamy cabinetry, and rich wood floors for a high-end yet inviting atmosphere.

The interior designer and homeowner decided to incorporate an antique stove in the kitchen, so KC Companies had to locate a supplier to provide the distinct appliance.

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Part of designing a home for entertaining means including multiple spaces. An 811-square-foot bonus room above the garage (which is accessible by a private staircase off the mudroom) offers additional space for children who want time away from adults. The bonus room is home to bunk beds and a living room and gaming space, as well as a unique ceiling structure.

Both the main level and lower level offer just more than 2,000 square feet of living space. While the main floor offers eating and gathering space, the lower level of the home offers gaming and recreation.

By setting the family room further inside the space, Doerr was able to connect the pool table area to the walk-out patio.

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46 LAKE AND HOME MAR / APR 2016

Left

Beautiful lakeside views offer plenty of motivation for anyone using the exercise room. After working up a sweat, a fitness buff can wind down in the connect full bath which features a urinal and steam shower.

Lower Right

The master bath on the main level mixes modern and classical design elements, much like the boutique hotels the homeowners have enjoyed on their travels. A walk-in tiled shower and gigantic soaking tub completes the luxurious space.

Two guest bedrooms, each with full bath, and an exercise room with steam shower and full bathroom complete the lower level. Enormous windows maximize lake views in all the lower-level rooms, which have 9-foot ceilings. “Based on the thickness of the exposed timber trusses and larger façade features, we could scale everything up,” Doerr said. “The thickness of those exposed timber trusses really lent itself to having larger windows.”

people. “They didn’t want to be safe, but they also didn’t want to be a sore thumb,” Doerr explained. “They wanted something completely different that still blended in well and fit with the nature of the area.”

The home certainly achieved that…and much more. With its honest details and attention to notable details, this home is sure to be a treasured addition to Gull Lake for years to come. ~L&H

Throughout the building process, the homeowners were conscious of selecting finishes and elements that would create a distinct style but was palatable to many

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By Merrie Sue Holtan Photography by Harmonious Architecture 48 LAKE AND HOME MAR / APR 2016

“We live at the end of a cul-de-sac, but it doesn’t seem isolated. We still have close neighbors, and the water is quite therapeutic. Living on the point, we are able to enjoy both sunrises and sunsets, and every season brings its own beauty.”

Jody Trites

Outdoor/indoor living is evident everywhere in this home, including the panoramic view from the home’s comfortable and cozy living room. The room’s large windows and nature-inspired color palette encourage visitors to sit and enjoy.

I

t’s easy to see that heart and soul went into the 2014 build of this family’s new home, which sits on 317 feet of Long Lake shoreline and 2.5 acres near Vergas and Frazee, Minn. The fourbedroom, three-bath home was featured in the first Holiday Tour of Homes benefiting the Perham 549 (Education) Foundation.

As touring guests came through the door, many commented on how warm and

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Windows along the back side of the home offer lake views from every room.

Dormers and changes in the roof line add more interest to this elevation.

inviting the home seemed, especially when washed in natural light.

The owners both grew up in the area, and while they enjoyed living in the Twin Cities for several years, they knew they eventually wanted to return to the lakes area. Upon returning, they lived down the road from their current home for almost seven years. When the property came up for auction, owner Jodie Trites says they jumped at the chance to buy it.

Crucial Decisions The home sits on former resort land, and the owners went back and forth about using an existing cabin, which still sits on the property today. The couple had ideas and a layout in mind when they approached a family friend, Perham architect and owner of Harmonious Architecture, Kelli Wegscheid, to work on the design. Darin Trites, who works for AWS (Advanced Wall Systems) in Perham, functioned as the general contractor on the project. When they met with Kelli, they combined ideas creating a practical family-friendly layout made for easy entertaining and taking full advantage of the lake view.

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“We tried to salvage and incorporate an original resort building, but it became a problem for the rest of the home layout,” Kelli says. “In hindsight it became a blessing because the newly designed sunroom has the most magnificent view and is so connected to the rest of the home in a way that never would have worked with the older structure.”

“I loved working with a family I have known for years,” Kelli says. “Knowing how their family interacts, relaxes and hosts extended family creates a very clear vision for the design goals of the home. The property is magnificent –a slight peninsula of flat green lawn with the panoramic views of the whole length of the lake.”

The original house still sits on top of the steep back hill with a three-car garage making for a potential man cave, studio or private getaway.

“Both the hill behind the home and the lake setback provided a long narrow building area to the lake but limited depth,” Kelli says. “That allowed almost all rooms to have a lake view, which is unusual with lake properties these days.”

The bright and colorful dining area offers additional lake views. Positioned so that sunlight pours into the room, it offers a great place to start the day with a cup of coffee.

The tall stack stone fireplace features a beautiful natural wood mantel. The color tones of the stone bring together the flooring, mantel and the fantastic wood-planked ceiling.

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The master bath features double sinks, a ton of storage, a unique tiled shower and a graceful tub made for soaking (and soaking in the view). The laundry room doubles as pantry offering a storage galore and a view of its own.

Features Jessie Grover of Central Lakes Construction in Ottertail, Minn., framed, shingled, and installed windows in the home that capture the natural light that the home receives.

out that this wall concept has taken off in new home builds.

“The house has close to forty double-hung windows,” Jessie says. “It has different rooflines, four dormers, and spectacular views of the lake from various angles. The 19-foot great room ceiling is a definite highlight.”

“We just love quiet and country living,” Jodie says. “We live at the end of a culde-sac, but it doesn’t seem isolated. We still have close neighbors, and the water is quite therapeutic. Living on the point, we are able to enjoy both sunrises and sunsets, and every season brings its own beauty.”

Darin used pre-fabricated wood framed walls from AWS for the structure and points

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“The pre-fab walls are much more efficient, saving building time and reducing waste,” he says.

A Really Great Room The star of the home is the 18-foot tall stone faced wood burning fireplace.

The stacked stone, which is glued to the surface, came from the Lumber Depot in New York Mills. The fireplace combined with in-floor slab-on-grade heating, along with two propane forced air furnaces heat the home. The heating system has three zones allowing for more flexibility.

Spray foam insulation throughout the house keeps heating and cooling costs minimal.

Vinyl planking covers most floors on the main level, which has proven to be

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The open plan kitchen offers plenty of seating and an abundance of workspace. With two islands, there could be no such thing as too many cooks in this kitchen.

The two-toned cabinetry and varying heights of the wall cabinets add additional interest to the space.

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“Having one color throughout the house has created a nice flow with the open floor layout,” she says. “The color has been great to work with, and I love the way it pulls out different shades of gray, brown or greens depending on the room.”

Jody Trites durable, easy to clean and virtually kid and pet proof. To make choices easy for a busy mom, Jodie picked Sherwin Williams’ Intellectual Gray as the paint color for most rooms.

“Having one color throughout the house has created a nice flow with the open floor layout,” she says. “The color has been great to work with, and I love the way it pulls out different shades of gray, brown or greens depending on the room.”

In the kitchen area, The Lumber Depot created a cabinetry layout capturing both beauty and function. The layout includes two islands providing great workspace plus allowing everyone to gather. The perimeter cabinets are rustic alder with a dark stain, and both islands contrast this with maple cabinets which have been painted white and antiqued with a glaze.

Quartz countertops throughout bring it all together.

“Everyone gravitates to this kitchen as the heart of the home,” Kelli says. “From here you have a 180 degree view of the lake through the sun room, dining room and great room windows.”

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The front entry offers a peek into the home’s color palette. Dark and light woods, the handhewn stair rail, neutral gray walls paired with pops of greyish-blues, greens and plums are found throughout the home.

“Both the hill behind the home and the lake setback provided a long narrow building area to the lake but limited depth. That allowed almost all rooms to have a lake view, which is unusual with lake properties these days.”

Architect Kelli Wegscheid Repurposing Darin has been the “creative finder” in locating repurposed wood. The reclaimed wood stair railings and fireplace mantel came from the old St. Paul Armory. The sunroom has a repurposed ceiling from a local barn, and the sliding barn door in the kid’s bathroom came from leftover ceiling wood.

The sunroom, daughter Maggie’s favorite room, is where she practices her violin and piano on an antique piano. The 56 LAKE AND HOME MAR / APR 2016

whole family enjoys the “bonus” room upstairs above the garage, which can function for play, TV, exercise or a guest room.

nooks and crannies for reading. The wood plank ceramic tiles in the kid’s bathroom and master bathroom give the walk-in showers a “sauna look” and warm feeling.

The house also has a main level laundry room with stackable appliances, conveniently located off the garage and near the kitchen to double as a butler’s pantry during large family gatherings.

There are many smaller spaces to hide away, yet still be included; an office near the home’s entry, and several bump out

“This home is easy to live in,” Kelli concludes. “It functions well for today’s busy families, and is so open, connected and inviting. Each room creates a different feeling – grand and spacious or cozy and warm.” ~L&H

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ON THE LAKE

Photo courtesy Lund Boats, a Brunswick Boat company.

58 LAKE AND HOME MAR / APR 2016

by Dave Pedersen

A

nytime after the first of the year, it can be declared that the boat buying season is here.

The search for a watercraft that best fits your lifestyle begins at various boat and cabin shows around the state and nation.

There is no other place where you can compare boat brands side by side, or

talk directly to local dealers and manufacturer’s reps all under one roof.

Another great source for information is the internet where there are many boat buying guides available such as BoatUS. com, boatingmag.com, firstboat.com, discoverboating.com, and yachtworld. com to name a few.

When it comes time to buy, however, our best advice is to stay close to home and shop where you will be using your boat or pontoon. This is where you will be taken care of for service, maintenance and storage. Plus, local dealers have a reputation to maintain in the area.

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The boat dealerships will also help you discover what kind of boat to get and how it should be equipped.

“The first thing we ask people when they come in looking for a new boat is where they will use it,” says Lee Bakken, General Manager of Frontier Marine and Powersports in Fergus Falls. “Then we consult further about the lake size, what you want to do with it and how many people do you want in the boat.”

Bakken said on Otter Tail Lake (13,725 acres), for example, you should have a little bigger boat and motor because if the wind comes up you don’t want to be stuck out there in a little boat.

If you want a boat for fishing or family recreation, you can have both functions in one boat. More and more boats that are called “crossover boats” are being produced for fish and ski purposes, equipped with a towing tower. One example is the new Edge by Alumicraft, made in 17½ and 18½ foot lengths.

Photo courtesy Lund Boats, a Brunswick Boat company.

“Buy the right boat the first time,” advises Bakken. “It might cost you a little more money, but if you come back in two or three years and want to trade it, it will cost you a lot more. If your boat is equipped and powered correctly, plus well maintained, it will last for years and years.”

It used to be a big decision making a choice between a two or a four-stroke engine. Now, most motors are four-stroke, fuel injected for economy, reliability and ease of starting. The size of the motor is the big question and that answer will depend on usage.

Local dealers can advise about accessories such as kind of cover, trolling motor, fish finder, live well, life jackets and anchors. They can walk buyers through all the features and functions of the equipment and service points.

60 LAKE AND HOME MAR / APR 2016

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Photo provided by Frontier Marine & Powersports

If searching for a good used boat, ask owners or dealers simple questions.

Find out the year and make of engine and boat hull. Ask when a boat was last used, how many hours it was on the water, how and where it was stored in the winter, and if it has had any major or minor problems fixed.

For most people, the biggest advantage of buying a new boat is the warranty that comes with it. Because marine warranties vary widely in their coverage, compare them before you buy. Look for multi-year warranties for hull and engines, as well as coverage for surface blistering, a common problem on fiberglass boats.

When considering a used boat, one of the most important questions you’ll need answered is why they are selling. This can affect how much you offer. If a seller refuses to take a boat out on the water, walk away.

Dealers are often willing to apply the value of trade-in boats against the cost of a new boat. But be aware that you will probably not get top dollar on the price.

To get the most out of your trade, make sure that your boat in top condition when you bring it to the dealer.

Check with the Better Business Bureau for possible complaints. The boat owners association (BoatUS.com) can search the consumer protection database to see if there are reported problems with a specific model or dealership.

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To learn about the value of the boat you desire there are a few places that can help such as nadaguides.com and bucvalu.com, both of which list the value of many models. BoatUS members can take advantage of a value check service

that estimates value of used boats based on reported resale activity.

If you’re buying a row boat or canoe, a visual inspection is probably enough to determine the overall condition, but few of us are expert enough to know about all the systems in a larger boat. There are professionals called marine surveyors, who are experts and can help you evaluate the condition of the boat.

Once you’ve taken the plunge into ownership, you should never be without adequate liability insurance. Be sure to factor that into your buying decision.

No matter which choice you make, a well-thought out and carefully-considered purchase will always make your time on the lake more enjoyable. ~L&H

Photo provided by Frontier Marine & Powersports

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H

Home Showcase

64 LAKE AND HOME MAR / APR 2016

Full Service Interior Design by Jamie Wallace, CKD

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something extraordinary.

MAR / APR 2016 LakeAndHomeMagOnline.com 65

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Featured Lake Size: 5,724 Acres Max Depth: 105 ft.

County: Douglas Clarity: 8.5 ft (8-8.9)

Lake Miltona Douglas County Lake Miltona is a large (5,724 acres), moderately fertile basin located north of Alexandria, MN between the towns of Miltona and Leaf Valley. Maximum depth exceeds 100 feet, although almost half of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth.

Water quality and clarity are good, typically exceeding 10 feet during summer months.

The lake is a very popular destination for both anglers and recreational boaters. Recreational pressures can be high,

especially on weekend days during summer. There are three public accesses with parking.

Parking space is limited at the west access.

There is one posted fish spawning area located on the northern shoreline of the west bay.

Fishing is prohibited in this area during the spring spawning season. Lake Miltona is connected to Lake Ida to the south and Lake Irene to the east via non-navigable channels.

Lake Miltona supports a diverse and healthy fish community. Fish habitat structure such as extensive shallow flats, submerged islands and bars, shallow bays, and extensive areas of emergent vegetation provide fishing opportunities for just about any type of angler.

Primary fish management is focused on walleye. Muskellunge and sunfishes (bass and panfish) are also in abundance.

The lake is home to a unique and very popular muskellunge fishery. Anglers pursuing muskellunge will likely find moderate numbers of larger fish. The “trophy� potential of this lake is relatively high.

Source: MN DNR

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