Lake&Home Magazine May/Jun '16

Low Maintenance Landscaping • Defining Open Spaces • Stand Up Paddle Boarding 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 MAY / JUNE 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

40 Volume 18 • Issue 3 • May / JUNE 2016 LakeAndHomeMagOnline.com

8 From The Office 1 0 On the Lake Stand Up Paddle Boarding Interior Design 16 Defining Spaces in

Open Plan Homes

Home Experts 24 Your questions answered by

our panel of experts

Designer Portfolio 26 bhh Partners

Architecture 34 Special Considerations When

Designing a Lake Home

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LAKE AND HOME MAY / JUNE 2016

Featured Home

Warmth and 40 Cozy Ample Space

Battle Lake Area Home Combines the Best of Both

Featured Home

Meant to Be 50 Jasken Peterson Home is a

Lakes and Woods Charmer

Landscaping 60 Less Work, More Fun

Low Maintenance Landscaping Tips Featured Lake 66 Muskrat Lake

Cover photo by Henry “Dutch” Hempel See story on page 40.

Volume 18, Issue 3 • May / June 2016 PUBLISHER Kip Johnson MANAGING EDITOR Jan Werkau ART DIRECTOR Kip Johnson ADVERTISING/MARKETING CONSULTANT John Burns LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE – ADVERTISING SALES Erin Hintz • 218-205-2120 erin@lakeandhomemagazine.com Haily Johnson • 218-205-5068 haily@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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LAKE AND HOME MAY / JUNE 2016

O

FROM THE OFFICE

From the Office

Throughout my childhood, my family moved a lot. We always remained in and around my hometown of Fergus Falls, but I have family memories spread out between ten homes. Our homes are a reference point when telling childhood stories…

“That happened when we lived in the house on 14th Street, and this was when we lived in the house on Jewett Lake.”

Most people probably can’t relate. Many would think that moving so frequently sounds dreadful but my parents had a brave ambition that I’ll always admire.

They saw an opportunity to swing hammers themselves and make some money in the process. I don’t suggest this for everyone; the majority of us should seek the advice of the professionals inside the pages of this magazine.

There were times that building another house wasn’t fun. During one of our projects, we moved into the basement while the main floor was being finished. I slept with my princess bed net around my bed

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that suddenly the rest of my family was envious of. I was the only one who didn’t wake up at night with flies and mosquitos buzzing around my head. I did, however, spend a few nights stumbling around in the dark between open stud walls trying to chase crickets with a fly swatter. The basement had flooded before the windows were in and you would never believe how loud such small creatures can echo in an empty, unfinished house.

A couple of mishaps aside, I never really minded building or moving. My mom had an incredible way of making wherever we were feel like home and a new house meant a new room, new closet, and new paint colors. I loved dreaming about the finishings with my parents.

I think that’s something that our readers can relate to. We read Lake and Home and flip through the pages dreaming of our projects, adding to our list of improvements, and even fantasizing about homes that we don’t own yet.

So here’s to the dreamers. Spring is here and if you’re anything like me, your list of

plans and projects for the summer is long.

In these pages you’ll find two beautiful homes that I’m sure will spark even more ideas for your own home.

Just don’t forget to enjoy the summer season. Pay close attention to the article on low maintenance landscapes to ensure that you can take advantage of every lake day with your family and friends.

I’ve spent four years in sales for Lake and Home and I hope to spend many more working with the professionals who are advertising in these pages. I would recommend any one of them to my closest friends. Inside the magazine you’ll find a Business Directory Booklet full of talented experts in many fields. Bring your list of projects to them and you will be in good hands.

Happy planning and dreaming!

Erin Hintz Advertising Sales Lake and Home Magazine

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ON THE LAKE

MN Surf Company owner shares insight into popular Minnesota water sport

Y

es, you can surf in Minnesota.

Just ask Minnesota Surf Company owner Evan Lawrence and he will proudly show you photos of the massive waves he’s caught on Minnesota’s own Lake Superior.

Over the counter of his brightly colored surf shop in the small lake town of Nisswa, Lawrence took some time to talk about stand up paddle boarding. He shared about how

10 LAKE AND HOME MAY / JUNE 2016

the sport is becoming increasing popular in Minnesota’s lake country as people are drawn to its health benefits and the direct connection it provides with nature.

a paddle board business because no one had really done it here. I wanted to give lessons and show people how to do it.

Q: How did you get started as a surf company?

Q: What are some tips for people looking to start paddle boarding?

A: I like to surf and travel a lot. I spend my winters in Hawaii. Five years ago, I came back to Minnesota with the idea of starting

A: A lot of people want to get into the sport but don’t know where to begin. It is helpful to talk to someone who is involved in the

Stor y and MN Surf Company Photos by Heidi Kratzke sport to get some advice about choosing the right equipment. Make sure you get on a board that is the right size for you so you feel stable, comfortable, and confident.

Q: Is this an activity all age groups can enjoy?

A: They do make smaller boards for little kids. You have to have a certain amount

of strength, but I’ve even had my 5 and 6-year-old niece and nephew out. Anybody can do it.

Q: What kind of waters make for the best experience?

A: Calm, glassy mornings or evenings without any wind.

Q: Why did you choose the name Minnesota Surf Company?

A: It was unique. People don’t know that we surf here, so I wanted to shed a little light on that. I show pictures to people of all the surf on Lake Superior and they’re blown away.

Minnesota Surf Company is more than a surf shop. We are an outdoor adventure lifestyle company focusing on stand up paddle boarding, surfing, kayaking, biking,

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kite surfing, windsurfing, and skateboarding. Our mission is to promote a healthy lifestyle through outdoor sports, travel, and exploration.

maneuvering. Lessons run about an hour and a half long. We offer group lessons and group outings where we can accommodate up to 15 paddlers.

Q: How do the new inflatable boards work?

Q: Why do you think stand up paddle boarding has become so popular in Minnesota?

A: They’ve been around three or four years.

You can inflate them with a hand pump.

They’re almost as hard as a normal board.

They’re super durable and travel ready.

They come in a bag with wheels.

Q: In addition to selling the boards in your shop and online, you offer lessons. What would a typical lesson involve?

A: We start with equipment orientation where we go over the paddle and the board. Then we go into technique and

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A: It is good for exercise and recreation. It gives you a freedom that I think is hard to find. It is such a simple tool compared to a boat with the motor and all the gadgets.

Paddle boarding is a great way to get up close to nature and to find a moment for yourself. I personally enjoy being out in nature, being self-powered, and being fully exposed to the elements.

Q: What is your personal connection to the Minnesota lakes area?

A: I grew up in Ham Lake down by the cities, but my family has had a cabin up here by Lougee Lake ever since I was little.

I come back to Nisswa in April every year and stay through the middle of September. Then I go travel. I like to go to Europe quite a bit. I surf Ireland. Spain. Fiji. It’s neat because surfing has opened up a whole world to me. I go to these places to surf and end up learning so much more. ~L&H

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Interior Design

W

hen most people begin dreaming about building, designing or remodeling, they often start with color before moving on to tangibles like fabrics, finishes, materials. But somewhere in that early stage there needs to be a serious discussion about space; as in, “How much space do we have?” and “How do we plan on using it?”

uses. A properly planned layout can accomplish a number of design goals, from making a room feel larger to creating a private retreat within a larger space. There are a number of tools that architects and designers have at their disposal when designing and finishing open space.

Furniture Groupings and Rugs. One of the easiest and most effective ways to create rooms within an open plan is to group furniture together and place them on or around a large area rug. Consider the location of focal points when planning furniture groupings.

Some common ways to define “rooms” within an open plan include:

Open plan living requires devoting some time for space planning, and, when done well, will pay off big time. Even in an open layout, “rooms” need to be defined. An open living space requires proper placement of furniture, focal points and defined

Changes in Elevation. Either a step up or down, or a change in ceiling height can provide a change in elevation that works to define a space within the space.

Ceiling Treatments. Whether a change in color or texture, tray or drop ceilings are used, changing the treatment of the ceiling is a fun and interesting way to define space. We are especially fond of wood ceiling treatments, from barn wood to beadboard, the options are endless.

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By Patricia Carlson

Architectural Elements. Columns, half walls, beams and posts can all be used within a large open space to define an area or room. They act as “see through” walls.

And, offer extra texture and interest to the space too.

Open Shelving or Glass Cabinetry. Speaking of see through walls, a set of open shelving is a great way to “divide” an open space without building a wall, especially in a modern space. Plus, you’ve got the added advantage of display space which can be rare in open plans.

Sliding Walls and Doors. Need flex space? Consider a wall that moves when you need it to.

Removing a wall between the dining room and kitchen revealed a problem for Jamie Wallace of Calla Lily Designs: the refrigerator, which used to be in the opposite corner from where it is now, became an odd focal point in the now open space. A diagonal move opened up opened up the traffic pattern as well as allowed for a larger island with seating. With these spaces opened up guests can mingle at the island or be seated at the dining table and yet all be in the same space.

Location: Rural Perham Designer: Calla Lily Designs Contractor: Dan & Brett Hanson Photography: Janssen Photography

We’ve gathered a few images from local builders, architects and designers to serve as inspiration.

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The kitchen, dining and living space were intended to have an open layout in order to maximize the views from within this Pelican Lake cabin. Chris Hawley Architects used a centralized staircase and ceiling treatments to define the large living space spectacularly framed by floor to ceiling lakeside windows. Tongue and groove cedar was used in the kitchen and along the windows facing the lake, and a soffit helps gently separate the space between the kitchen and dining room from the living room. The ceiling in the living room jumps to 10 feet to give a little more interest to the floor plan.

Location: Pelican Lake Builder: Radiant Creative Homes Architect: Chris Hawley Architects Photography: Scott Amundson

Heritage Homes builders used architectural features and designers relied on furniture and accessory placement to create a comfortable living space in this West Fargo double-volume great room. The window and fireplace height bring the eye down from the lighted ceiling detail and transom windows. The area rug is a striking centerpiece around which to place furniture; it also creates a natural walkway. A large L-shaped couch with chaise complements the space and helps separate the living room from the adjoining kitchen.

Location: West Fargo Builder: Heritage Homes Photography: Jenna Lenertz Photography 18 LAKE AND HOME MAY / JUNE 2016

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A contemporary open space with soaring ceilings (30 feet at its peak) and a steel staircase could come off as cold and stark. But Monica Hart Interior Design makes this West Fargo house warm and inviting with a few choice statements. First, the furniture. “The grouping is large enough to be in proportion to the room size and scale,” says Monica. “We used plenty of texture within the rug, furniture and throw pillows to help make the expansive space feel cozy.” Next, the staircase provides separation without sacrificing openness. “It’s a natural and proportionate divider in the large space. It creates a secondary conversation space that could be more intimate for a one-on-one chat over coffee.” Finally, the over-sized kitchen is uniquely separated from the dining area by several steps inlaid with patterned tile that matches the kitchen backsplash. “The elevated yet open kitchen gives a great view of the rest of the home and the backyard. The island provides room to give kiddos a snack. But the raised, custom-made dining table is just a few short steps away and easily seats a dozen for larger gatherings.”

Location: West Fargo Interior Design: Monica Hart Interior Design and homeowner Photography: Photos By Nick

Talk about a transformation. Imagine this space as two separate rooms. That’s what it looked like before Jamie Wallace of Calla Lily Designs got started on it. Now a header down the center of the two rooms completely opens up the space between the old living room and kitchen, but still offers a demarcation between the rooms. Clever furniture placement, open cabinetry and lots of white keep continuity between the spaces.

Location: Eagle Lake Designer: Calla Lily Designs Contractor: Dan & Brett Hanson Photography: Bryan Wendland

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This room has a secret… can you tell where it is? Look toward the back and you’ll see a half wall and column. These playful architecture pieces stealthily separate the great room from the flex room in this Heritage Homes house in Fargo. It’s a subtle yet meaningful way to give privacy in an otherwise open space. Beautiful white, tan and gray colors in the furniture and accessories blend together to create a calm feeling and add brightness to the dark wood flooring.

Location: Fargo Builder: Heritage Homes Staging: Trever Hill Design Photography: Jenna Lenertz Photography

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Homeowners of this Lake Seven home presented a challenge to builder and architect Chris Hawley Architects: preserve the native oak and birch tree canopy and environmentally sensitive natural shoreline while providing an airy main floor and a private upstairs. Mission accomplished. The open kitchen and dining room incorporates natural light through an extra-large kitchen window and cut out ceiling from which peek the private upper level accommodations. The open cabinets, light-colored wood and slight industrial touches keep this open space simultaneously modern and rustic.

Location: Lake Seven Builder: Chris Hawley Architects Architect: Chris Hawley Architects Photography: Scott Amundson

~L&H

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Home Experts

Your Questions Answered By Our Panel Of Experts Question:

How do I begin planning an outdoor kitchen?

Answer: Dan Zierden Cullen’s Home Center

Start by considering function and what you want to use it for, says Dan Zierden, of Cullen’s Home Center.

you’ll have a seating area and you’ll need an area where the food can be prepared while conversing with your guests.”

“Just like the inside of your home, the kitchen seems to be where people gather, sit and talk and just hang out. The outdoor kitchen typically has the same scenario,” Zierden explains. “What you’ll find is people will gather there. You’ll have a bar area,

Then consider versatility. Block and stone are permanent, but there are component options that allow changes. Most outdoor kitchens have a grill, a cooker or two and refrigeration.

Sometimes they also have running water. The size and scope

Douglas County, Minnesota

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are determined by your yard. “I would go as big as the space allows,” Zierden says, allowing extra room for guests but keeping it in proportion to the property.

Douglas County, Minnesota

Question:

Does our increasing need for storage change the way homes are built?

Answer: Somewhat, says Ben Miller of Blue Ox Timber Frames. He builds a lot of lake homes, where storage needs might be different than for traditional homes.

Larger garages are a continuing need, he notes. Lake-home owners often need room for a couple of cars plus a boat. Miller says side entries or tuck-under garages to accommodate that

third stall are common situations.

The garage is also the go-to for additional storage. A room above the garage is a great place to store seasonal items.

Inside the home, Miller is seeing a trend away from closets and towards built-ins. For example, a foyer needs a place for coats, boots, and other outwear. “In-

Otter Tail County, Minnesota

stead of doing that in a closet, we’ll do some sort of built-in furniture piece,” he explains. The beauty of built-ins is that they can be customized to the family’s needs.

Ben Miller Blue Ox Timber Frames

Another trend is the “family entry”: a big mudroom with an adjacent laundry room. “Mix in a good-sized pantry” off the kitchen, Miller ads, and you have lots of functional storage.

Otter Tail County, Minnesota

117 South Mill Street Fergus Falls, MN 56537 218.739.3377 888.389.3377 americanfederalbank.com

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D

Designer Portfolio

LEFT: Situated along the Mississippi River, this custom home was designed to incorporate three unique levels of space with features like a spacious kitchen with walk-thru pantry, six bedrooms, den, home office, a loft for children as well as a family game room.

CENTER: The interior of this lodge-like lake home focused on creating an intimate space that allowed for cozy family gatherings but provided ample space for large groups.

This summer marks the 25th anniversary of bhh Partners creating beautiful, artistic spaces that clients enjoy for years.

Anthony “Tony” Stoll began working for the company in the Breckenridge, Colorado, office in 1981 and established the Perham office in 1991 after moving back to Minnesota. With just eight fulltime employees and one part-time employee, the Perham office is small, but what it lacks in headcount, it makes up for in creativity and impact. Together with contractors, bhh Partners focuses on bringing everyone together to work 26 LAKE AND HOME MAY / JUNE 2016

toward a common goal. That goal is a project the team can be proud of, and a happy client.

The bhh Partners design philosophy talks a lot about listening, assisting, and allowing...those are very inclusive words.

Why are those concepts so important in the work your company does?

It is THE MOST important thing we do — listen. We’re known for it; we issue meeting notes after meeting with clients, and we often get clients who wonder if we

recorded the conversation. No, we just try to listen. We listen as people talk about how they might use their new home. We start with a lot of questions and answers so we can dig into the details of their design.

We also try to get clients to gather information, either online or pulling photos of what they like. They don’t even need an explanation for each photo; as long as we can see a trend among the ideas they offer, we can design around a theme for their home. A few years ago, before the internet was so helpful,

Designer Portfolio

Right: This executive home project offers more than 3,000 square feet of space for an active family. The layout includes a master suite with his and hers closets, stained concrete, in-floor heat, theater, bar and game room, and exercise room.

I had one client actually bring in a filing cabinet where she’d stored ideas for years. She said she’d been saving up for that moment for 10 years; she was like a kid going into the store to pick out her own Christmas presents.

general public. I feel like all our buildings have a universal appeal. Even if the building isn’t necessarily in someone else’s personal style, I hope they can still say they appreciate the style and beauty of it.

What are the hallmarks of bhh Partners’ “artfully crafted design”?

Your awards page is quite extensive; what do those awards mean to the company?

Some people say we have a little bit of a mountain style from being in Colorado.

We’re designing custom homes, so our goal is to make the client happy, not the

Well, most of those awards are submitted through our Breckenridge office, and they are very much appreciated because

many are given by peers in the industry.

It’s nice to be recognized by people who are a part of the architecture and construction community because they understand the effort that goes into a great design. But what gives us the most satisfaction is seeing people in their homes after we’ve completed them.

When you work with these families, you become part of their family. We love when we go back to projects and find out it’s functioning really well for them. That makes you feel good about what you do.

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A traditional brick façade with copper roof elements creates a formal, elegant, and stately river home.

Your project portfolio is represented by both residential and commercial projects—do you have a favorite project in each of those categories?

That’s a tough one. I like all different styles and changing styles; I joke with builders that the last home I designed is my current favorite home. Design styles change. My design preferences change too. If we get hugs after the project is complete, we think that’s a good thing How does your company approach a residential property compared to a commercial property? Is it different or is the approach similar?

There are some similarities, but commercial design focuses more on the business and not as much about personal comfort and casual. A lot of it is more

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serious because we factor in functionality for the business to succeed and grow. It’s a really enjoyable process, we sit down with staff and dig in to the details about how they operate day to day.

House projects are fun because it’s typically someone building their dream house, possibly where they will retire, and it’s the one shot they have at it. I try to tell people all the time to have fun with the process; some people dread the approach to building a house because they had a painful experience in the past.

But not too many people get to design a custom home in their life.

What is the geographic footprint of the work bhh Partners does?

For residential projects, we typically stay within a couple hundred miles. We’ve

completed commercial and residential projects further out, like in Montana, Wisconsin, and Iowa. We actually have relationships with several builders in the area, so we get referrals from them because they know we will keep their clients happy. We also refer clients to contractors who keep our clients happy.

How does having offices in Colorado and Minnesota improve the bhh Partners design process?

The mountain architecture common in Colorado is very appealing to people in Minnesota. A lot of people in this area love that rustic feel. Plus, every fall I travel out to Colorado for their tour of homes, so that’s a great way for me to get ideas and bring them back to my clients. It’s very inspiring.

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TOP: With craftsman style details, natural stonework and timber framing, this lake home truly captures the elements of its remote lakeside setting. BOTTOM: Located on a large corner lot, the warm and inviting brick and stucco combination allows this home to present a beautiful façade from wherever direction you approach. Large garage storage space was designed to tuck away from the street, yet provide easy access for the owners.

How is creativity embodied in bhh Partner’s work?

That depends on the client. Some clients come in and give us a little more leeway to push the boundaries on the range of creativity. Others are more conservative. Sometimes, the public perception of architecture assumes that we’re going to design wild and crazy buildings, but in reality it comes down to function. We want something to be livable. I joke with my clients that I want them to drive in their driveway and think, “I love being here.”

We try to create that feeling.

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This custom lake home is a contemporary, modern example of sleek lines and creative design.

If you could use only three words to describe bhh Partners projects, what words would you choose? Why those words?

designs are personal because everyone has a different style. Our projects are personalized for that owner.

Listen. Functional. Personal.

Why is community support so important to bhh Partners?

We start the design process by listening to our clients talk about how they want to live in their home, and then we design functionality that allows them to do so. Our

I grew up in Dent, Minnesota, which is a small town. My parents were a good example to me of how you get involved in the community. Early in my life I was told

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that you buy things locally because that’s the way it works. Perham is well known for that in this region - local businesses trying to help each other. We realize that when we give back to the community, it comes back in fold. It’s good to be part of that because it’s going to make Perham a better community for everyone. ~L&H

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I

Architecture

Special Considerations

Designing WHEN

A LAKE HOME

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By Kelli Wegscheid, AIA Architect and Owner of Harmonious Architecture

W

e’ve all seen it -- a new house that sticks out like a sore thumb as you drive along the lakeshore. A “city house” awkwardly squished in with the lake cabins.

We are accustomed to seeing the small, sometimes run-down (I mean well-loved) cabins that have been there forever. Cabins fully enjoyed by generations of families regardless of the peeling paint, cabin size or lack of sleeping accommodations,

without air conditioning or attached garages. Yet families flock to these spaces like birds in migration. And, for very good reasons: space, nature, peace, family

“We aren’t here to re-invent the wheel, but instead to provide a new and improved version of the family lake home. The nostalgia of a family lake home is powerful.”

time, tranquility, trees, sunshine, water – all those feelings and qualities that elude a city house.

And those older cabins are all fine and dandy, likely the keeper of many years’

worth of family memories. But, when the time comes for an upgrade, how do we design new without looking like the “that house” from the beach? We can call upon timeless architectural design guidelines that can make a new and improved cabin look as if it’s always been there.

First, consider your individual lake lot. Every lake lot is different, unlike city lots that are pretty much the same – flat and rectangular. Lake lots have different views, elevations, regulations and surroundings.

We start by checking each county’s lake classification as set by the DNR to determine the lake setback, side yard setback and rear setback to determine where we are allowed to place a new building. The lake setback (how far from the lake the structure must be built) is either based on a set measurement by lake size, or what’s called a “string line test”. For example, if the given setback is 75’ from the lake, but all the neighboring houses are at 70’ from

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the lake, then your lot setback may also be 70’ from the lake as well. Each property is different. There are no guarantees.

Work with a design professional or ask the county for clarification if you have questions about your lot’s requirements.

People have a tendency to push their home as close to the lake as the setback will allow, but remember – this is the most expensive and most used area of your property, so don’t sell yourself short on lakeside yard space. This is where families tend to gather, build a bonfire, play yard games and sit to watch the kids in the lake.

Second, address the materials and sense of scale. We want the new structure to fit in with its surroundings. Most original cabins were a single story or a story and a half in volume. There may be some portions of an upstairs that are a full two stories, but if all the other cabins on the road are single story, Jenson you don’t want to stand out

By Jackie as the towering giant. Keeping the height of the cabin down lends a sense of coziness and charm that typically define lake homes. Building into the attic area of a roof provides sloped ceilings and unique spaces that are not square boxes. Especially if you have a walk-out lot, the basement and main level views of the home together are going to appear large from the lake side already.

Siding materials like wood, shakes, lowmaintenance products that looks like wood, timbers and some amount of stone help “dress” your cabin for the oc-

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casion. We want your new lake home to be wearing sandals and swimsuits, not a suit and tie!

Third, capture those million dollar lake views. Arrange the design of the structure for maximum glass on the lake side. Typi-

“People have a tendency to push their home as close to the lake as the setback will allow, but remember – this is the most expensive and most used area of your property, so don’t sell yourself short on lakeside yard space.” cally, a great room, dining room and/or screen porch on the lake side allow all the guests to enjoy the lake view. Disregard any traditionally formal spaces like a formal dining room and instead utilize an open floor plan concept. An open floor plan also allows the rooms to ebb and flow as needed in case a suddenly rainy day requires dinner seating for 12.

Fourth, go back to principals of original lake “cabin” designs: small bedrooms, minimal bathrooms and large gathering spaces that easily flow to the outside areas. Not that a new home needs to be tiny, but remember the type of use a lake

home has. A lake home typically caters to weekend guests – families that stay for one or two nights. So bedrooms that can accommodate a queen bed and a set of twin bunkbeds are ideal for maximizing sleeping space while keeping the overall square footage down. Closets can be kept small as weekend guests rarely take their belongings out of the suitcase. Bathrooms that are divided into two portions: stool and shower/tub together separated by a pocket door from a double vanity allow multiple users at one time. A city home with a family of six getting ready each day for school and work needs bathroom and bedroom space much different from the laid back routines of weekend guests at the lake.

Major differences from earlier cabin design would be a larger, more functional kitchen and the addition of an attached garage. I’ve touched on these ideas in past columns. Bonus room space above a garage is perfect for overflow guest space, and a kitchen that allows for multiple users are sensible lake home features.

In general, keeping sleeping and bathroom space to a minimum allows more room for larger family gathering spaces.

Lastly, and possibly the most important: respect tradition. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. In cabin design, often times the structure of the cabin IS broken. So, we must fix that – the roof, the windows, the poor foundation, etc. But, if your family has always had a screen porch here, and a deck there and that still works for your family, then great, let’s keep those ele-

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Lots of glass on the lake side of the home maximizes the view.

ments. There is a reason families gather at lake homes year after year, and generation after generation. We aren’t here to reinvent the wheel, but instead to provide a new and improved version of the family lake home. The nostalgia of a family lake home is powerful.

Lake home memories are engrained and embedded deep into our soul. Let’s capture some of those memories and include them in the new design. Families have taken down old cedar wood from the original cabin walls and used them as accent walls in the new cabin. Original hand built cabinetry has been kept but relocated to the garage or bonus room

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wet bar. Cabin doors have been repurposed as headboards or bookshelves. If it’s special and important to you – then it doesn’t need to be abandoned all together. With a city home, your family may move and that is difficult, but accepted.

Tearing down a generational family cabin is hard. Quite often owners unconsciously lead the new cabin design to reflect the layout of the original cabin, and that’s OK. We’ll upgrade to a new and improved version based on time honored traditions.

It is often difficult or even impossible to recreate the essence and memories of your family lake home with a stock plan.

Stock plans typically cater to city houses

that focus on the lifestyles of work and school with the consistency of city lots.

Lake homes instead are original spaces carefully set in unique places that are kept in families for generations. Make sure your new lake home embodies tradition and timeless architectural design so that your new space is not labeled as “that house” by neighbors and passers-by. ~L&H Editor’s Note: See some of Kelli’s ideas in action on our website at www.lakeandhomemagonline.com/ lake-home-ideas/

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

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For the exterior railings, Heidi requested steel cable, but the contractors were worried how it would integrate into the rest of the design. Instead, the craftsmen suggested copper piping for more quality and sheen for the railings. The area tucked away under the deck is cleverly hidden storage space for all of the outdoor recreational equipment, including a handcrafted wooden canoe Heidi’s father made.

T

he inspiration for a 5,164 square foot seasonal lake home in the Battle Lake area came from a little red cabin that was only 700 square feet. Within that small space were housed the warm and wonderful memories a family had been making since buying the property in 2009. But as time went on, the family grew...from just one to three distinct, yet intertwined groups.

Homeowners Keith and Heidi originally wanted to add more space to the cozy red cabin, but after working with the Land and Resources Department, they soon learned their only option was to tear down

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the cabin and start building from scratch further back on the property.

wanted to use in the home as a way to capture coziness in a grand space.

Capturing the coziness and intimacy of a 700-square-foot space in more than 5,000 square feet was a challenge, said Designer Kim Rasmussen of K&R Design Consultants. The process started with the architectural plans and determination of the layout in terms of scale and design.

Kim said she requested modifications to some of the original designs because she felt that the space would have ended up feeling too much like a hotel, rather than a warm living space. She also kept in mind the finishes and materials she

“All of the wood ceilings are designed, meaning the wood has direction and pattern; that makes a big space feel warm and cozy,” Kim explained. “We also paid close attention to how all the materials worked together like columns, cabinets, stone, and wood. All of the materials, the hardware, and appliances create a feeling of intimacy.”

When Kim refers to “we”, she means the collaborative team of homeowners Keith and Heidi, architect Tony Stoll from bhh

“The three of them worked so well together, capturing all of our thoughts and ideas and bringing them to reality.”

Heidi on her designer, architect and builder working together

The designer used her extensive knowledge and expertise to work with everyone on the project, including the landscaper who incorporated natural stone stairs into the design. An upper level deck that opens to the lake offers spectacular views and ample southern sun.

Partners, builder Gary Dirckx of Gary Dirckx Construction, and herself. But when you speak with Heidi, she doesn’t like to refer to them by their professional titles.

She calls them craftsmen.

“The three of them worked so well together, capturing all of our thoughts and ideas and bringing them to reality,” Heidi explained. “Look what they did, what they created. It took all of them, every craftsmen Gary brought in to the project too, to create this.”

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For Dirckx, the philosophy is simple: may the best idea win.

“I’d rather have the best idea come forward and ask everyone what they think will work. I want them to use their creative juices,” he said. “We get the best idea, and if the customer is happy, we’re happy.”

Happy, indeed.

A quick description of the beautiful home now known affectionately by the family as “The Lodge,” reads like this: The interior of the home features an open interior floor plan that maximizes views to the lake. Exterior entertainment and gathering spaces include a roadside covered patio, wraparound lakeside

screen porch with stone fireplace, lakeside covered view patio off the dining area, landscape integrated firepit for groups of twenty or more, and extensive covered and stone patio extensions on the lakeside.

But what that description doesn’t tell you is just how much detail is encapsulated in every single aspect of the home. And capturing all those details began with a simple act of listening.

“We wanted more space for our family, so we need some areas for people to get away to,” Heidi said, “But we also wanted to capture the closeness and rubbing elbows we had in the little red cabin. Tony is great to work with because he really listens. He hears what you have to say.

He heard us describe that we wanted

together space and private space, and that’s what he gave us.”

At first glance, the small square windows and two-stall garage bely the ample spaces within. You might think you were walking into a quaint mountain cottage as you approach the home, but once you step foot in its spacious interior, you know this home is waiting for you to explore its many spaces. The cabin aspect from the property’s predecessor is captured in the gorgeous exposed trusses and warm logs, with stone, shakes, and siding added for visual interest and a distinct style.

But the exterior isn’t overwhelming, nor is the entry intimidating. Instead, it beckons you, inviting you in like a friend you haven’t seen in a few years but who is genuinely excited when you stop by unexpectedly.

As one would expect, the home offers many outdoor spaces, including this screened-in porch with a wood-burning fireplace.

Fun fabrics make the space even more inviting, which could be why this is actually a favorite space for the families.

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Light and warmth envelop you. Large windows across the great room reveal a spectacular view of the lake beyond.

The great room, with its 18-foot high ceiling, magnificent wood-burning stone fireplace, and enormous windows, is truly grand. But even more so is the feeling of warmth embodied in the space. Streaming light, cozy fabrics, and abundant seating indicates this isn’t a room to be looked at, but rather to be lived in.

Its seamless connection to the dining room with its generous dining table and intimate (yet spacious) kitchen, tempts you to pull up a chair and enjoy a meal with the family. That’s what they want, after all.

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“We wanted more space for our family … but we also wanted to capture the closeness and rubbing elbows we had in the little red cabin.”

Heidi on the capturing the charm of a 700 sq ft cabin in their new home

Keith and Heidi had a vision for including iron details throughout the home. They worked with the builder to secure a blacksmith from New York Mills, Minnesota, who created custom items, including the beautiful design on the pantry door in the kitchen.

The kitchen counters feature absolute black granite with a leathered/ antiqued finish, while the island is carnival granite with a leather finish.

“Everything goes back to family,” Heidi said. “Every decision we made was done deliberately with family in mind. For us, the Battle Lake area means fun and family and good times.”

With one grandchild already on the way, Keith and Heidi kept their eye on the future, too. The original design included three master suites, but the footprint of the lot just didn’t allow for that. So Keith and Heidi, Tony, and Kim, went back to the drawing board to determine how the two large suites on the upper level could accommodate bedroom and living room space as well as a bathroom.

“We had to create those intimate spaces within bedroom suite, and we did that by designing deep window seats with

nice, cozy cushions that could become a space for someone to sit and relax,” Kim described. Plus, the seats are deep enough to transform into additional sleeping space. “We really made it multifunctional in terms of the future.”

Family wasn’t just on the forefront of how the home would be used, but also how the home could incorporate the talents of many different family members. For example, Keith and Heidi’s son Brian and daughter-in-law Kelly designed four stained glass windows that Heidi’s father created. A beautiful wooden canoe her father also handcrafted was figured into the design from the beginning. Kelly also created pillows for the home while Brian fashioned an epoxy, wood cutout map of the lake that hangs over the mantle.

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In addition to the family contributions, every aspect of the home was chosen deliberately and with purpose, Kim Rasmussen said. For example, the window coverings and heating system (including the floors with stone) are programmed into a system that can be operated from an iPhone. The lighting design includes various levels that create intimacy with a dimming system and various lighting themes.

“We just took a lot of time and included details that make everything feel emotionally comfortable,” Kim said. “We also tried to make quality, timeless design decisions so the home will look as good in 40 years as it does now...I’ve designed many homes, but this is probably the most special house I’ve ever worked on. Every little thing about it has a purpose to be there.”

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All of that purpose combined to create a beautiful, inviting home that will offer the family within, a place to make memories for years to come.

“A home is not only a safe place, but it should be filled with pleasant spaces you can relax in,” Dirckx said. “And every space of this home is special.”

Stoll agreed. “Keith and Heidi really had the vision for what the home should be, and we just got it out of them,” he explained.

As for Keith and Heidi, they could not be more excited about The Lodge and the potential it holds for their family.

“We love having extended family and friends come over, but we’re not big entertainers. We’d much rather have people stop by and drop in,” she said.

“We love having extended family and friends come over, but we’re not big entertainers. We’d much rather have people stop by and drop in.”

Heidi on her family’s entertaining style The bunk room wasn’t part of the original plan. Keith and Heidi figured that was a space to revisit down the road. But once the project moved forward, they decided to take advantage of the creativity of everyone involved. This cheerful, cozy space is the result.

The great room’s soaring ceilings, magnificent wood-burning fireplace, and generous lakeside views evoke a warm grandeur.

Window seating means the room can accommodate large groups of family and friends, with storage beneath as a bonus.

Keith and Heidi live full-time in St. Cloud, but hope to retire to The Lodge someday. In the meantime, they’re glad to know that three busy families have been able to put the home to good use whenever they are able to. That’s what the home is there for after all.

“Our planning process was all about family,” she explained. “Our kids are so excited about this home because it’s a place where we can gather and enjoy each other’s company.” ~L&H

The two upper-level suites are named: one is the Red Cabin Suite and the other is the Blue Canoe Suite. The bathrooms of the suites originally had showers only, until Keith and Heidi considered that grandchildren might need bathtubs instead.

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Spilling over with light from the large patio door, the home’s kitchen offers a number of seating options for the family. Interior windows open the space up to the rest of the home.

The “teen loft” space above the kitchen offers a space to play and get away for the younger crowd.

A bird’s eye view of the main living space from the loft. Lots of built-ins and a workspace tucked away means that working or homework is never too far away from family activities.

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The lake side view of the home gives you a sense of Jasken Peterson’s passion for light. Windows and glass doors mean that a view of this unique property is always close at hand. The upper level balcony affords last-of-the-sunset views over the water.

“We truly enjoy the lake, access to the trails and all the wildlife around.

And because this house faces west, we get great sunsets which we take advantage from almost every room.”

Lisa Jasken Peterson

I

t was meant to be,” recalls real estate sales agent and home designer Lisa Jasken Peterson. “When I saw this piece of land, I knew it would be a perfect spot for a house. “My great grandfather worked for more than 50 years at the fish hatchery which I could see from the property, so that was another connection to the land.”

The plot that would eventually house Jasken Peterson’s dream home was situated on a unique area of lake and woods just south of Detroit Lakes on Muskrat Lake. Brimming with wildlife, rustic views of the fish hatchery and access to Big Detroit Lake via the Pelican River; it was an untapped diamond in the rough from the home designer’s point of view.

“I knew this lot was the perfect place to watch the sunset over the lake,” says Lisa, adding people still thought she was crazy

for wanting to build here. “My boss, Jack Chivers, asked me if I was sure I knew what I was getting into. My response was simply, ‘Do you have a few minutes to come look at the lot?’”

Once at the distinctive parcel, Jasken Peterson let the sights and sounds of the pristine lake landscape speak for her, asking Chivers to simply roll down the window, listen to the wildlife and watch the sunset.

variety of boating options. Although this development didn’t have sandy, level swimming, it had everything else.

“I often ask my buyers how they use the lake most and usually swimming is further down the list.”

“It was so perfectly peaceful out there with the sun setting over the lake; I won him over.”

In this respect, Jasken Peterson says she challenges people to think outside the box and forgo a swimming beach for more “hassle free” lake home option, a place where they don’t have to worry about the annual chore of having to remove a dock, boat lift and even the boat.

Jasken Peterson notes as an area real estate sales agent, she has sold many lake home properties through the years – properties that had a checklist of must haves including good-sized lots, a country/lake feel yet close to town and a

“I knew this plot of land would easily fit that ‘hassle-free’ concept,” she explains. “It also had lots of potential for the 3,000-square foot, one-level, patio style lake homes I liked to create, so I was confident I could make the development work.”

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Jasken Peterson along with her brother Mike Summers have built six homes together, three of them on Muskrat Lake.

She notes working with her sibling has been a blessing.

“He gets me, so when I have a unique idea to capture some extra space; he knows it will be a good choice for the house project in the long run.”

Today, her latest family-friendly, lake house design comes complete with teen loft, sunroom, open kitchen, children’s wing and bonus room apartment. It is also the last lot in the development of six

and the longest Jasken Peterson has lived in a home that she designed.

“It will be three years this summer,” shares Jasken Peterson. “Although my kids are troopers about moving, they love that we have been in this house for so long.

We truly enjoy the lake, access to the trails and all the wildlife around. And because this house faces west, we get great sunsets which we take advantage from almost every room. My husband, Ben insisted we add the upper balcony and I’m so glad we did; we can watch the sunset from the patio then run upstairs to the deck and get another 10 minutes

of daylight and watch the sunset again.”

With many homes under her design belt, Jasken Peterson says she has the process down.

“I’ve been doing this for a while now,” she explains. “I always start on little pieces of grid paper and get all my ideas down.

Then I ‘live’ in the home in my head for a couple weeks and tweak the design before I have blueprints made.”

The secret to her success is to stick to budget and understand the lot before getting locked into a design.

The “lodge” is a room within a room. The old-time design makes it feel as if the rest of the home was built around an old one-room cabin. Just the look Jasken Peterson was going for.

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An efficient layout in the kitchen makes quick work of meals for this family of eight.

The home’s loft provides a teen getaway as well as extra storage, craft or homework space and access to the upper deck.

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Inside the lodge, the wood ceiling treatment and stone fireplace provide a quiet place to read as well as a place for many to gather to watch a game. This unique room is a perfect example of the attention to detail Jasken Peterson put into the home’s design.

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A place for everything and everything in its place. The mudroom/laundry/entrance makes sure that a busy family stays organized.

The family calendar is another way for this family of eight to stay on top of all their activities.

“I design homes with the lot first in mind, house second,” explains Jasken Peterson.

that everyone fits and feels like part of the gathering,” Lisa says.

Some of the notable design choices Lisa crafted into her current home are a soaring 22-foot cathedral ceiling; open concept kitchen, living and dining room; and lots of windows.

An example of this open window notion is Jasken Peterson’s signature kitchen bench area.

“My rule was at least two windows in every room, allowing for natural light to flood every room”. As a result, each space has a light and airy feel ensuring rooms are as inviting as they are functional.

With attention to every detail, even the decorative windows inside the home are fully-functioning which permits rooms to be uniquely connected or closed.

“We are always having large parties, so it’s nice to be able to expand to rooms so

“I always put a built-in bench in the kitchen. The kids seem to always gravitate to them to do homework or just to talk when I am cooking,” Lisa says. “But, in this house, because of its roof lines, I had to put in a patio door where I’d normally put my kitchen bench and window. Luckily, the bench fit perfectly in another space on an interior wall.”

Now positioned between the sunroom and kitchen, the large window-clad bench is yet another place to draw light in to the kitchen.

“Also, because it has a functioning window, the sun room really feels like part of the house if we open everything up.”

The sunroom though, is unique space in and of itself. Set apart from the rest of the house thanks to a set of French doors and a specially designed exterior wall made to look like a cabin, it feels like a cottage in the woods tucked inside the home.

“I needed to hide this large wall that was created due to enclosing the sun room entirely, so I decided to create this lodge/ cabin within the home. I wanted it to look as if this cabin had originally sat on this lot, rich in family history, and we came along and built this home around it. Entertaining is my passion,” continues Jasken Peterson, “So the enclosed sunroom is great place for the guys to watch a game or where we can open everything up to have a

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big birthday party,” describes the home designer.

Jasken Peterson says she starts each home project with three core rooms in mind, namely the kitchen unit, mudroom and laundry – rooms that really affect the family the most. Designing spaces that help keep things organized is the key, she explains. With a husband, six kids and dog, “a place for everything and everything in its place”, is not just a saying in the Peterson home; it’s a way of life.

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In this regard, Lisa’s current mudroom has lots of storage and enough space for seasonal hats, boots and coats. The laundry area has a place for everyone in the family to stow their own laundry basket, which in turn keeps clothes separate and tidy. The open kitchen, living and dining rooms also allow everyone to congregate without being crowded.

There is a need for independent spaces, notes Jasken Peterson. Which is why she adds self-contained children’s and teen areas to her home – spaces with separate bedroom, bathroom and living spaces.

“This way the kids can be part of everything when we are entertaining but also have a spot to go to if they want a quieter space of their own,” she explains.

Also, with kids growing up and moving out, Jasken Peterson equips these wings with separate HVAC systems so that they can be closed off to save heating and cooling expense when they are not in use.

“I started putting pocket doors in these wings too so that homeowners can easily close them off when the kids are not around.”

Jasken Peterson notes having everything you need on one level is very appealing to buyers of all ages and her favorite type of home to create. For her current residence, however, the setbacks were such that she had to find additional space elsewhere. Eventually, she opted to go up a level. Adding a second floor, though, meant Jasken Peterson would have to tackle a new challenge: joining different roof lines.

out to be an even better space for our teen wing,” explains Jasken. “I did hire an architect, Kelli Wegscheid of Harmonious Architecture, to connect all the roof lines, and it turned out great. It is a wonderful space for our older children as well as a great place for our ping pong and giant craft table.”

Sounds like it truly was, meant to be.

Jasken Peterson “lives” inside the home in her mind before committing the design to paper. Her thoughtful attention to every detail is evident inside and outside the home.

~L&H

“Although I love the single-level, patio design, due to the setbacks, we ended up creating a loft area which worked

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Landscaping

Summers are short in the Upper Midwest.

Spend less time working in the yard and more time enjoying it by implementing low maintenance landscaping tips from local experts.

By Alicia Underlee Nelson

Think Long Term Planting more low maintenance perennials, grasses and ground cover plants and fewer annual plants is a simple way to cut down on time in the garden without sacrificing color and interest. “Once a year you clear up the dead shoots and the leaves and you’re good for the year,” said Scott Winkelman, design specialist at JK Landscape.

And don’t just buy whatever looks good in the greenhouse. Read the tags to see when each plant blooms to ensure a colorful display all season long.

Fertilize Sparingly When it comes to nutrients, more isn’t always better, caution the experts.

“Sometimes people will over-fertilize their lawn so it grows like crazy,” said Mike Thormodson, retail manager at Swedburg Nursery. “Once a lawn is started, they don’t need a whole lot.”

Organic fertilizers are another option. “If you’re looking to feed your plants, go with something organic like blood meal for nitrogen or bone meal for phosphorus,” Thormodson continued. “It’s natural and there’s no risk to the environment.”

Less is More “A common mistake people make is they plant way too much stuff,” said Matt Hoen co-owner of Outdoor Renovations. “They don’t look at how big they’re going to be.

Then later, we end up picking out plants because of overcrowding.”

To avoid an overgrown mess – and a time-consuming cleanup later -- Hoen recommends reading the tags to see how large each plant, tree or shrub will get and planting in stages to monitor growth.

Reduce Green Space Most homes have at least two sides that most people never see, so there’s no reason to plant shrubs and flowers around the perimeter. Instead, plant along the corners of the house that are visible from the patio or the street to add interest and block the view towards the back of the home.

Then emphasize focal points like the front door and walkways and add accents to beautify entertaining areas like fire pits, patios and walkways. The landscaping will emphasize important zones and architectural features and cut down on unnecessary maintenance.

Go Local Exotic plants might look pretty, but grasses, trees and shrubs that are native to the area are hardy, drought tolerant and require less upkeep. “There’s really not much to do other than cutting them back,” said Hoen. “As long as you make sure you get the right plants for the zone where you live.” Minnesota and surrounding states are included USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 2b-4b and a horticulturalist or nursery employee can help narrow down appropriate choices.

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“For trees, I like to stay with Black Hills spruce, balsam fir, white pine -- the kinds that are native to this area,” said Winkelman. He adds that oaks, maples, lindens and quaking aspen are good, low maintenance deciduous options.

Ornamental grasses like showy Karl Foerster feather reed grass and the shorter prairie dropseed are popular and native shrubs like boxwood require minimal pruning and trimming.

For color, try dramatic black-eyed susans or coneflowers. In addition to being beautiful, these blooms provide a benefit to the local ecosystem. “The native plants are more adapted to the bees around here, so they tend to go towards those,” explained Thormodson . “It’s better for the pollinators.”

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Prep Your Planting Beds The experts agree that using neutral, natural mulch instead of landscape fabric is a win-win. “It’ll help keep the weeds down so there’s less maintenance you have to do,” said Thormodson. “And when it degrades, it gives food to the plants. If you use three inches of mulch, you don’t need to use fabric.”

But not all mulches are created equal.

Cedar doesn’t decompose as quickly as other options. And natural mulch fades more slowly than flashier dyed mulches – and won’t leech its color onto driveways and patios.

Water Strategically Regular, efficient watering can is a challenge at a lake or vacation home if it’s not a primary residence and occupies

a lot of a homeowner’s time. An irrigation system can save time and distribute water more effectively.

Many homeowners love the look of a pond or waterfall, but worry they’ll need to clean constantly to prevent murky water. That’s not necessarily the case.

“We add a UV stabilizer,” said Winkelman.

“It kills everything that would create algae and keeps the water clean.” That simple investment can save hours and energy.

Pave the Way Hoen recommends a paving stone patio instead of using wood or composite materials, which will fade with time and require resealing or painting. With basic weed control around the edges and a rinse as needed, a patio paver will look good year after year.

There’s also an eco-conscious option available for consumers who want a sustainable preserve the quality of the lake water at the cabin -- permeable patio or paver stones. A permeable base allows water to run through the material, minimizing runoff into the lake.

Guests probably won’t be able to tell the difference between regular paver stones and the permeable alternative. “They look much better now than when they first came out,” said Winkelman. “There are a lot of different patterns now that look similar to a paver patio or a flagstone patio.”

Make the right choices and follow the advice of our experts, and you can go from chore to shore in no time. ~L&H

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Home Showcase

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You’ve done the dreaming and clipping.

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Let us build on those ideas and design something extraordinary.

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Muskrat Lake

Featured Lake

Becker County

Size: 67.12 Acres

Muskrat Lake is a popular bass/ panfish fishing lake located less than a mile southwest of Detroit Lakes, MN. Small boat navigation is possible via the Pelican River from Detroit Lake.

During the height of the boat-

Max Depth: 19 ft.

County: Becker Clarity: 11 ft (8-8.9)

ing season, boat access is also possible from Lake Sallie.

Becker County seasonally operates a tramway for transporting boats over the dike on the west shore to and from Lake Sallie. The heaviest fishing use

comes from shore anglers along Dunton Locks County Park lands. The lake is shallow and fertile and aquatic plants often grow to the surface in even the deepest waters (19 feet) by mid-summer. Yet, angling continues to some extent throughout the summer.

Bluegills and other sunfish are very abundant in Muskrat Lake. Most are not particularly large but can provide fast action. Largemouth bass, black crappie, bullheads, and an occasional northern pike add to Muskrat Lake’s fishery. Walleyes and muskies are rare, but have been found in the lake at various times. Now that fish have the capability of migrating both upstream and downstream and returning again, there is a possibility that fish species like walleye will provide additional seasonal fishing opportunities in Muskrat Lake.

Source: MN DNR

Get ready to take everyone by surprise. The 2016 Prius is here with a striking new look that will shake up the status quo. Its sleek shape has been engineered to cheat the wind and win over the crowd. Get more of what you want inside and out.

All-new seats give everyone room to stretch out. And the center console has been reshaped to keep things feeling spacious. Now every drive can be a relaxing one.