Lake&Home Magazine Nov/Dec '16

Top Kitchen Trends • Kitchen Storage Solutions • Before You Buy a Recreational Property NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016

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CONTENTS

42 Volume 18 • Issue 5 • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 LakeAndHomeMagOnline.com

8 From The Editor Interior Design 10 Top Kitchen Trends of 2016 Finance 14 What You Need to Know Before

Featured Home

A Home to Grow Into 30

The perfect lake home retreat

near the shore of Lake Melissa

Featured Home

You Buy a Recreational Property

A Welcoming Home on Heilberger Lake

Home Experts 22 Your Questions Answered by

our Panel of Experts

Interior Design 24 Our Favorite Bath Ideas

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The Moline Home Interior Design 52 Kitchen Storage Solutions Kitchen & Bath 58 Special Section Featured Lake 66 Eagle Lake

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LAKE AND HOME NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016

Cover photo by Kip Johnson See story on page 30

Volume 18, Issue 6 • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 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

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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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FROM THE Editor

From the Editor

Another “high season” has come and gone in lakes country and we are prepping for another west central Minnesota winter. It gets quiet here with the exception of the distant hum of snowmobiles on the area’s trails or the occasional thump of snow melting off the roof and onto the deck on an especially sunny winter day. A few of the resorts stay open all year and many of the area’s residents are full time as well. But the “buzz” of the summer season is gone and a quiet sort of stillness has set in.

A friend and her husband recently sold their beautiful home on Otter Tail Lake and she has been having what I am referring to as “the long goodbye.” Saying goodbye to long-time friends living both on the lake and around the area has literally taken her months. A lunch here, a dinner there. A last game of bridge or quilting session with “lake friends” before their departure for a more southern climate. I am reminded as I follow her goodbyes that “the lake” is indeed a special place, and that friends made there last a lifetime.

As one friend says goodbye, another is just dipping her toes into the allure of owning a lake place. Having grown up in rural North Dakota nowhere near a lake, she moved to Minnesota a decade or more ago and never understood at all the hold that the “lake lifestyle” had on the folks living here.

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A few years ago, she and her husband purchased a little place on one of the best fishing lakes in the county. It was just far enough away from home to make it feel like a weekend getaway and they began experiencing the “weekends at the lake” so many had told her stories of. After a few seasons, the kids growing up fast and about to become teenagers, they decided to “upgrade” their starter cabin to a larger one on a lake more swim-friendly.

After a full season there this summer, she says, “I finally get it. I understand what all those ‘lake people’ know about spending time at the lake.”

I predict it won’t be too many more seasons before they sell their home in town and, like many of our readers and the homes that we feature in the magazine each issue, make lake living a full time gig.

This issue we’re all about kitchens and baths and we’re talking about features you’ll want to consider when building,

LAKE AND HOME NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016

remodeling, or simply giving your spaces a facelift. Several experts are on hand to help you make your home, on a lake or not, into a space you’ll be making memories, and friends, in for years to come.

Jan Werkau

Managing Editor Lake and Home Magazine

Natural Driftwood Trees

Industrial Chic Bookshelves

Rich Aroma Filled Archipelago Candles

Collection of Metallic Trees

Inspirational Words to Live By

Favorite Ornaments in a Vessel

Marble Top Geometric Side Table

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 LakeAndHomeMagOnline.com

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Interior Design

By Kayley Erlandson Bill Tweten Lead Kitchen Designer Western Products

Trends in the kitchen design world are always evolving and changing. If you are planning a small remodel update or considering a completely new kitchen altogether, it’s important to be aware of the new trends in kitchen de-

Trend #1: New, Warmer Gray Palette Options

Trend #2: White-Painted Cabinets

Gray finishes on cabinetry have been trending for a few years. Recently, the most popular gray colors showing up in kitchens have warm undertones, like the taupe/gray palette, which is a fresh look derived from the many years of “fruitwood stain.”

Painted white cabinetry is a huge ongoing trend for Fall 2016. A bright, clean white cabinet is a staple in the classic kitchen and there are many new whites to consider, such as white foil, white stains and white paints.

sign. A kitchen transformation should showcase your individual tastes and update your home.

Bill Tweten, Lead Kitchen Designer at Western Products in Fargo, ND, shared his insights on the latest kitchen design trends for Fall 2016, including whitepainted cabinetry, new warm gray/ taupe palettes and quartz countertops.

Along with the upward trend in white kitchens, warm gray colors work wonderfully as an accent or as an overall color for the whole kitchen. Crystal cabinetry, sold at Western Products, has the capability to match any existing stain or color match any paint chip, so color palettes are unlimited. The new, warm gray colors from Crystal are Driftwood, Greystone, Terra Taupe, Overcast, Gravel and Boulder Gray.

“The new grays will warm up your kitchen and give your room a unique look.”

Tweten said.

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“Today’s painted products are such an improvement over previous finishes available in the past,” said Tweten. “Today, we use a conversion varnish instead of paint.

Conversion varnish won’t yellow, peel or flake off and is very durable.”

Maple wood is a popular painted cabinet choice because the wood grain doesn’t show through after it has been sanded and painted with conversion varnish. The varnish is chemical and moisture-resistant and protects your cabinets.

“The problem with traditional paint and cabinetry is that the finish will take a month to fully cure,” said Tweten. “So when installing a newly painted cabinet, the finish is

not fully cured and can be easily damaged. The conversion varnish is a different paint system, and the product is faster to cure. Crystal cabinets accelerates this procedure with their oven process, so the varnish is fully hardened and ready to go.”

Trend #3: Quartz Countertops There has been a steady shift towards using quartz countertops in today’s newest kitchens. The product is very consistent, with 93% quartz crystals and 7% resins and binding material.

“I think the shift to more quartz has also been related to the product’s ability to imitate random patterns and so closely mimics the appearance of a natural stone.” Tweten says, “While natural stone and acrylic products like Corian are still great choices for the kitchen countertops, there are some great features of quartz to consider. The tensile strength is better than a natural stone and the color is consistent from slab to slab because it’s controlled in the manufacturing process.”

Since most kitchens require two or three slabs of material, the consistency of the individual slabs’ appearance is incredibly important when planning kitchen design.

Most kitchen countertops require a seam, but there is no need to seal the quartz countertop surface, because the material is non-porous and stain-resistant.

Some quartz manufacturers are changing their machinery to handle the creation of bigger slab sizes, which makes larger, seamless islands possible. Seamless countertops keep the flow of the kitchen together and are especially useful for larger scale patterns — some islands wouldn’t look right with a seam in the middle. Quartz countertops tend to be more costly than other stone options, but if you are looking for easy maintenance and

durability, quartz might be a perfect fit for your kitchen or vanity countertop.

Quartz is manufactured all around the world, and it’s easy to shop for the color palette you want while looking at all the different quartz manufacturers and the options they offer. Cambria, an American-made quartz company, uses only the brightest, whitest quartz material as their raw product, creating the perfect foundation for elegant quartz countertops.

Due to the advances in computer-run routers and cutters, amazing edge treatments and designs are available for new

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quartz countertops. Water laser jets can create incredible patterns using quartz and other stone products. With quartz countertops, homeowners can create and design a countertop installation that is uniquely their own.

Finding the right combination of design elements for your kitchen can be difficult; new materials and stains give you so many options to choose from. You can go trendy and fun or be a bit more cautious and take a timeless, classic approach to your kitchen design. Either way, the new finishes of Fall 2016 are offering some fresh choices.

Drop by Western Products’ kitchen and bath cabinet showroom, located at 474 45th St. S. in Fargo, to check out the new products being offered for the upcoming season. Their expert kitchen designers can lend a helping hand and provide expert advice to guide every homeowner through the variety of choices.

Western Products has been a recognized, award-winning leader in Fargo’s home

improvement industry since 1948 and continues to carry a quality selection of products and services that renew homes and enhance curb appeal. With more than 60,000 satisfied customers, Western Products offers first-rate home improvement services and products like Renewal

by Andersen windows and doors, United States Seamless steel siding and asphalt and metal roofing. Western Products’ showroom allows consumers to interact

with and test home improvement and home leisure products in a realistic setting. The showroom also helps homeowners find a large selection of products in a variety of styles and colors so purchases can reflect each homeowner’s personal taste and style. ~L&H

F FINANCE

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by Chris Olson The list of activities that can be enjoyed on lands collectively known as “recreational property” is nearly endless. Hunt, snowmobile, camp, hike, swim, farm, kayak, fish, four-wheel, bike, or simply getaway in the great outdoors…enjoy your own piece of paradise with no rules except your own.

There are a number of things to consider, and a few you absolutely have to know, before you buy.

Location, Location, Location The number one rule in real estate applies too when looking at recreational properties.

In urban areas, location typical means good schools, commuter road access, safe neighborhoods, proximity to activities such as shopping, dining and entertainment, night life attractions, a decent commute to work and proximity to features such as lakes, parks, the ocean or the mountains.

When searching for recreational land, different factors are larger considerations. Buyers look for land use by neighboring owners, soil quality, timber and open fields, quality of roads and year-round access to your property, as well as utility access – things we take for granted when buying “in town.” We’ll cover these topics a little more in-depth later on.

A primary consideration is your new neighbors. The neighborhood is an obvious consideration when buying an urban property, but it should also be a top consideration when looking at recreation land. Your “neighbors” might be 5 or 50 or 500 acres away, but the way they make use of their land will definitely affect you. If you’re looking for a getaway and the neighbors lease their land out for hunting, those early morning gunshots are going to disturb your otherwise peaceful fall mornings. If you’re planning to start an organic vegetable farm, you’re going to want to know if the neighboring land is used as commercial farm land whose crops are routinely dusted.

Be Realistic It is important to be very realistic when looking for a piece of land. If the property will be strictly used for recreation, there will be little, if any, income generated to offset operating costs. There may be opportunities to participate in government programs supporting wildlife habitat, conservation, and the like. You should also be aware of any current programs that the property you are considering is participating in.

Leasing a part of your recreational land can also generate income sufficient to cover costs such as taxes and loan payments. Possible income sources include leasing the land for farming and/or to be used as hunting land.

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Financing and Its Effect on the Property You Can Buy If you are looking to do an all-cash deal, you can simply look at properties within your desired location and price range. If you’re planning on financing a portion of the purchase price, it is vital that you first meet with a rural lending professional.

Rural lending professionals are a valuable source of information and will assist greatly not only in helping you understand what you can afford and why. They will help you understand the lending process as it differs from residential lending, and will be there to help you navigate it as well. As professionals, they’ve been a party to many, perhaps hundreds, of land transactions and their expertise will lead them to ask you some very pointed and valuable questions.

Be sure to look for a lender who offers competitive interest rates, financing options for small and large acreage plots, amortization terms that make your payment affordable, down payment requirements that you can work with, and an experienced staff.

These professionals are also experienced with arranging for post-purchase investments such as site improvements, cabins, pole barns, and outbuildings to be wrapped into your loan.

Meeting with a rural lending professional before you begin your search is a smart investment of your time.

Beyond the Perfect Location If you’ve made the determination that a general area or specific property is the right fit for your needs, you’ll need to look beyond the specific location of the property and also consider the following.

Should You Work with a Realtor?

When searching for recreational property, you’ll be better informed by a realtor who specializes in recreational properties.

Someone who works in the business everyday will be able to guide you through the process and be a real asset to you during the search. That said, because recreational properties are often located near small or rural towns, your best option may be a local realtor. As a “hometown” resource, they may have information on properties not listed in national databases, or yet to come on the market.

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Unless you hire a buyer’s agent, the realtors in the transaction are getting paid by the seller and they are working for them.

Realtors do a lot more than locate and arrange for you to see properties; they also only get paid when the transaction closes. They are a great resource in overcoming the inevitable obstacles you will face. Realtors often work 24 hours/7 days and can offer a vast amount of information to help you navigate the waters of your transaction.

Overcoming Obstacles The best way to avoid a problem is to know that the possibility exists that the problem may occur and to deal with the situation before it becomes a problem.

To avoid the problems that may turn your piece of paradise into a nightmare, we suggest that you carefully consider each of the following potential obstacles: Access – Some recreational properties will front on public roads, but many will be accessible only by private rights of way or by water. Even with public roads, the state or town may only maintain the road in the summer. If it is your intent to use the land year round, snow plowing responsibilities and frequency should be considered.

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If the land fronts a privately owned road or can only be accessed via a right-ofway, a proper survey of the land and a title insurance policy will ensure access is legally documented and avoid future litigation with your new neighbors.

Surveys and Property Boundaries – An up-to-date survey provides essential information in the purchase of recreational property. Without a current survey it is impossible to be sure about boundaries, building locations, encroachments, water boundaries, road access and easements. Nothing would be worse than finding out after the fact that you didn’t get what you paid for, or that that deer stand you planned to erect is actually going to be on your neighbor’s property. A survey will ensure the number of acres you are buying as well as the boundaries of your property.

Zoning – Zoning is something that you may or may not run into in the area you are looking for property, but the existence

of any zoning restrictions should be investigated before you buy. If you are using the services of a realtor, they should be able to point you to the right zoning jurisdiction.

If your property is zoned, be sure that the current zoning matches your intended use for now, and will also meet any future needs.

Perhaps your intention is to use a piece of land for camping and hunting during your younger years, but that you eventually plan to build your dream retirement home there too. You should investigate the possibility and cost of rezoning the parcel to allow for full time residential use, now, before you sign on the dotted line.

Waterfront Boundaries – Speaking of property boundaries and building your dream home, if you’ve been lucky enough to find a recreational property on waterfront, you’ve won the land lotto!

That all important survey will help you understand how far into that lake, if at all, your “ownership” extends. You’ll also want

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to understand if your ownership includes just the lake bed or the surface area too.

Of course, if the whole lake is within the boundaries of your property, this is less of a concern.

Water Supply – While we are on the topic of water, before signing that purchase contract, you’ll need to understand where the water supply to the property comes from. Whether there is a well on the property or water is supplied from a municipal or community system, or if it’s drawn from a body of water on the property, your purchase agreement should spell all this out, as well as warranty that any equipment is in good working order and that the water is potable.

If the well is shared, you should take into consideration your share of the cost of maintaining the system, regular testing, whether use is regulated, etc. These points should all be spelled out in a written agreement which you should have access to before the deal is inked.

You should also consider a water test, taking samples and having them tested, with an agreement for remedying any issues prior to closing.

that when the system was initially installed, and you should be aware of current law and ordinances regulating existing and replacement systems in your area.

Waste Water Systems – Just as you should be concerned about the system bringing water to the property, the waste water system should be examined just as closely.

If you are planning that dream home, even if it’s just in your head, you should have a solid understanding of the waste water system laws in your area.

In the majority of rural areas on larger parcels, the waste water system, if any, is likely a septic tank. The tank should be emptied and inspected as a condition of closing.

You should also talk with a septic professional and the appropriate municipal authorities about your future use plans for the property so that you can understand the additional costs involved prior to executing the purchase agreement.

Subdividing and Setbacks – If you are buying property with an eye toward subdividing the parcel to create lots for resale, be sure to speak to the appropriate municipal planning departments to determine current requirements and any anticipated changes. Your lender, who may have loaned you the purchase money on the basis of using the land for recreation will also need to be apprised of your future intent.

An aging and outdated waste water system can cost you thousands, even tens of thousands, in repairs or replacement.

In this era of environmental concern, current regulations are likely much more strict

If you are buying vacant land with intent to build, check out all municipal requirements, including any building setback rules, beforehand to make sure that you can build what you desire.

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Spell It All Out Before you sign that purchase agreement, make sure that you, the realtors, and perhaps most importantly, the seller, understands what is (and is not) included in the transaction. The only way to make sure this happens is to put it in writing.

Even then, there are sometimes questions about intent and misunderstanding between the parties. Be very clear and make sure that there is a detailed list of anything you believe that you are buying.

That list needs to be made a part of the purchase contract.

Title Insurance: Just Do It Very few people understand what title insurance is, much less, why in the world they might need it. In a nutshell, title insurance insures your legal ownership of the property once the transaction is closed.

This means that no one can come to you after the fact and claim ownership, or other rights, and, if they do, you are covered from losses up to the amount of the purchase price by virtue of your Owner’s Policy of Title Insurance. A few hundred dollars to protect your ownership is a small price to pay. Just buy it.

On a typical recreational property, the list might include: fencing, gates, fence posts, portable shed(s), outbuildings, any existing leases for farming or hunting, and anything that can be moved (or removed) from the property.

Your lender may require that you also purchase a Lender’s Policy which protects them from the same type of loss. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the policy that you are required to purchase on their behalf covers you. It does not.

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Closing the Deal Every transaction is different. As a starting point, you can expect a closing to occur 30 to 60 days after you and the seller sign the contract. There will be bumps in the road along the way but the professionals that you have engaged in the process of helping you – your realtor and your rural lender – will successfully navigate you through the entire process.

After the closing takes place, documents are properly recorded and money has changed hands, we’re sure that you’ll be anxious to begin your first project “out at the land.” Or maybe the property is perfect, as is, and you’ll be hunting or gardening, or biking or hiking, first thing in the morning. ~L&H

Distressed Mango Serving Set Distressed mango serving set includes a bowl and paddle shaped spreader. $39.95 www.LakehouseLifestyle.com

My Favorite Lake in 3-D Proudly display your favorite body of water in 3-D. Each contoured depth map is custom designed just for you.

Highly detailed and beautifully framed, they make a great gift idea too! Made in USA. Various sizes, starting at just $159.

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Assorted Adventure Themed Gifts, Ornaments and Stocking-Stuffers The Market - 120 S Union Ave, Fergus Falls

Assorted Men’s, Women’s and Children’s Minnesota Apparel, Glassware, and Gifts The Market - 120 S Union Ave, Fergus Falls

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 LakeAndHomeMagOnline.com 21

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Home Experts

Your Questions Answered By Our Panel Of Experts Question: Is there anything that can be done to help perennials and young trees through our harsh winters and give them the best start next spring?

Answer: Marie Jacobson Outdoor Renovations

To encourage fall root growth and to reduce root injury, you should mulch new trees with 6-8� inches of wood chips or straw. It helps to prevent frost penetration. In the late spring remove the straw, if you used wood chips make sure to push the mulch back away from the tree trunk at least 4�, as any tree should not have mulch against its trunk. Check new plantings for cracks in the ground and fill them with soil.

Otter Tail County, Minnesota

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Simple and inexpensive solutions in mere seconds are adding plastic tree guards. These aid in protecting the tree trunk from the reflections of the sun rays. Most winter damage to the trees trunk is brought on from getting warmed up on a warm day and then the sudden temperature drop that occurs at nighttime, which causes the trunk to crack. Tree protectors also keep hungry critters from girdling the trees bark. Put the protectors on in the late fall and be sure to remove them in the spring.

Providing enough water all fall, until the ground freezes hard and the trees and perennials go into dormancy is also extremely important. Newly planted trees and perennials do not have a root system that is well enough established to reach deep water in the ground.

Most perennials could sleep through the winter peacefully if they are tucked under a thick blanket of snow, but Mother Nature is unpredictable. So to prepare for winter let the plant freeze with the late killing frost,

Otter Tail County, Minnesota

Otter Tail County, Minnesota

the collapsing body will help to protect and insulate the plants roots system. For added protection add a 4” layer of mulch, preferably shredded leaves and grass clippings.

Lastly, locally grown plants are grown here to thrive here! We believe plants grown locally are truly the best plants, they are grown in our climate and are truly acclimated to our growing zone. When grown in Eastern and Western states and shipped here, they are not for us. So we encourage

you to find them at your local independent garden center.

Remember to buy plants that are zone 4 or lower, they can handle our harsh winters.

“A garden is always a series of losses set against a few triumphs, like life itself.”

May Sarton

Douglas County, Minnesota

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

Otter Tail County, Minnesota

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Interior Design

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From proper storage and organization to luxurious lighting and fixtures, from making a statement in your powder room to adding a bath in your attic. A “top-ten” list just couldn’t contain all the great bath ideas we’ve gathered to share with you. Nothing helps to start and end your day right more than a well-designed bathroom and our list has a lot for you to consider.

Would You Consider Wood?

If you’re considering or already have knotty pine in your bath, don’t stop at the walls; a finished wood ceiling can be the difference between the disjointed look and the all-encompassing atmosphere you’re striving for. The room says “sauna” to us and we think it’s a perfect place to end a chilly winter day.

Indoor and Outdoor If you have plans to build or remodel, consider really jazzing things up by installing an indoor/ outdoor shower. Just think…while you enjoy your shower, you can commune with nature—or even literally sing in the rain. Of course, you will want to consider your location and be sure that your outdoor shower is concealed from public view. The indoor/outdoor shower concept is a perfect solution for lake home living, and corralling sandy feet.

A Great Shower Whether you’re waking up at the beginning or relaxing at the end of your day, a shower always seems like the perfect idea. Open shower designs are on the rise in building and remodeling trends. And why not? Their sleek designs are not only visually appealing, but functional as well – there’s no shower curtain accumulating mildew buildup and no sliding or swinging doors which can be a nuisance.

The open shower also makes a small room seem larger.

Lighting the Way Choosing the right lighting for your bathroom is not to be overlooked. If you’re currently designing a bathroom, consider installing cove lighting for a bright and airy ambiance. This bath has all the layers of lighting covered. We’re kind of in love with that shower seat, trough sink and wall mounted faucets too.

Maximize Attic Space Perhaps you’d like to add a bathroom, but are lacking space? Look to the heavens for inspiration: that attic above you is begging to be finished. Attic baths can provide a quaint escape, a room of one’s own. For rustic charm, consider white hexagonal tiles and, of course, a timeless claw foot soaker tub.

Industrial Chic Goes Mainstream Industrial chic fixtures featuring incandescent, or Edison bulbs, are currently hot and still trending upward. These selections from Lamps Plus are just a few of the hundreds now available on the market.

Yes, That’s a Chandelier In the Bathroom Nothing says “glamorous” like a gorgeous bathroom chandelier. This style from Uttermost blends a little sparkle and an of-the-moment gold-toned finish. We’re feeling like no soaking tub is complete without a great chandelier hung above it.

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Must Have: Storage and Organization Of course, no bathroom will actually help you start your day right without functional organization. These reclaimed wood apothecary cabinets offer easy display and access for your items. You can pack an amazing number of items into these tall cabinets. They feature oil-rubbed bronze drawer pulls and will complement traditional, rustic and industrial chic designs.

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Contrasting But Complementary Materials Looking to warm up the look of your lake home bath? Log walls and stone masonry both provide for a cozy cabin feel. We love how the earthy, asymmetrical stonework in this shower contrasts the smooth and glossy granite and glass. There’s a significant number of different materials used in this bath, but keeping them in the same color family and tone keeps the room looking cohesive.

Room for Both His and Hers His and hers sinks offer convenience for you and your partner. If you’ve ever moved from a bathroom with one sink to one that offers dual sinks, you’ll certainly agree that this is a must have. This bathroom design offers ample natural, accent and task lighting, as well as generous storage, mirror, and counter space for your daily grooming routines. Framing the bath alcove and use of the accent tile set it apart from the rest of the room.

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Statement Tiles Another rising trend in bathroom design is statement tiles.

The statement-making tiles in both these wet-room style baths work well within their minimalist design. These gorgeous tiles can be installed on floors, walls, or both. We suggest installing on only one wall of the room and keeping other colors in the room to a minimum so that the contrast you’re seeking can be achieved. Inset shelves in this open shower and bath area offer additional functionality while maintaining the minimalist design.

Powder Room Are you looking to improve a half-bath?

With simple furnishings and decorating, any half-bath can be transformed into a welcoming powder room. In powder rooms, less is more—as they do not require the storage that full-baths do.

And as much as many may shy away from it, a great wallpaper can really help achieve the look and feel of a warm and inviting powder room. ~L&H

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By Patricia Carlson

After a devastating accident leaves her husband, Jim Poe, with mobility issues, Polly Merickel plans the perfect lake home retreat near the shore of Lake Melissa in Detroit Lakes.

“I started looking at websites that talked about ideas for mobility and had tools to make our lives easier.”

Homeowner Polly Merickel

W

ith its lush front yard, inviting porch, oversized windows, and charming blue front door, Polly Merickel and Jim Poe’s lake home near Lake Melissa in Detroit Lakes might give the outward impression that it’s like any other summer retreat. This cabin, however, has a hidden purpose. One that is meant to help the couple heal from an accident that derailed their retirement plans.

The Accident Polly, originally from Wadena, met her husband while working as the Deputy Chief of Institutions for the San Diego County Department of Probation. She’d moved to California after several years with

the Minnesota Department of Corrections and met Jim, a San Diego local, who was the Assistant Chief of Probation for the same county department. Their shared career path in the criminal justice system brought them together and they’ve now been together for 32 years, married for 26 of them.

Jim, 10 years older than Polly, retired first.

An avid motorcycle enthusiast, Jim was on an incredible road trip through Death Valley National Park with friends when he was involved in a horrific accident. He was life-flighted to Las Vegas and spent six months in hospitals and rehabilitation centers recuperating. “He’s lucky to be alive,” says Polly.

Initially, Jim was confined to a wheelchair, then he graduated to a walker, and now he uses a cane. Progress has been slow and Jim still struggles with balance and mobility. “His left leg works a little bit and his left arm has a little movement,” explains Polly. “They call it partial paralysis.”

At the time of the accident, the couple split their time between a home in San Diego (the same house Jim has owned for 40 years) and a cabin on Lake Melissa.

Polly’s twin sister, Peggy, had lived there for many years and Polly and Jim were regular summer visitors. A couple of years after Polly retired, she and Jim purchased their first lake home.

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That home, though, wasn’t built or equipped to help Jim or Polly deal with his disability. He required more safety and comfort measures and she needed space to relax and regroup from her care taking duties.

easier. I needed to reduce the possibility as much as I could that Jim would injure himself further,” says Polly. “I started looking at websites that talked about ideas for mobility and had tools to make our lives easier.”

In April 2015, less than 50 feet from their existing home, another house was put up for sale. “I decided to buy the lot and last September [2015] I had the original house demolished,” explains Polly.

The idea for the Lake Melissa cabin was pretty specific: find a home that she and Jim could age into. She found a generic one-page house plan and got to work.

She asked Jim, family and neighbors for input. She tirelessly searched online for other similar homes that had incorporated tools and tricks for people with mobility issues and didn’t become overwhelmed by those often sterile-looking devices.

If she and Jim had to rebuild their retirement lives, they were going to do it from the ground up.

The Build The time following Jim’s accident gave Polly great perspective on what their new home needed.

“What we realized is that things like taking a shower or moving from room to room needed to be built to make our lives

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Finally, Polly settled on a rough blueprint and sought the advice of one of her brother Harry’s best friend, Dave Erwin of Dave Erwin Construction in Battle Lake.

Dave, a seasoned contractor of high end homes, was eager to tackle the project.

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“This was a challenge because we had to think in detail about how Jim would function in a given situation,” says Dave.

“When he comes into a room, how and where would he enter it? Where will his body position go? We really needed to make everything handicapped functional without it looking handicapped.”

There were several architectural elements that Polly and Dave agreed upon before breaking ground. One requirement was wide passageways throughout the home, including the kitchen. Thirty-six inch wide doorways that could accommodate a wheelchair. They also settled on oversized windows that would bring in tons of natural light. Strategically placed and aesthetically pleasing grab bars and mobility devices, as well as eliminating thresholds. And two areas specifically for relaxation - a large garage for Jim (“I kept using the term ‘man cave’,” says Dave)

and an upstairs yoga retreat for Polly.

Construction began in September, 2015 and was completed nine months later in June, 2016.

“It was one of the least stressful experiences of my life,” says Polly. “This is really my dream house. When it came down to it, when someone gave me a great idea and I liked it, I went with it because I trusted Dave and his teams.

This is the only house I’ve built and the only one I’ll ever build.”

The Little Things The 3,000 square foot home emulates the style, patterning and mixing of materials you might find in a coastal home on the East coast. “It’s like Hampton chic,” explains Dave. “There is very little sheetrock in the house.”

“This was a challenge because we had to think in detail about how Jim would function in a given situation.”

Builder Dave Erwin

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Little Touches Porch Windows WeatherMaster Screen Porch Windows by SunSpace

Dark Flooring Amish Soft-Scraped® Black Walnut Demitasse by HomerWood

White Flooring and Ceiling Custom-made center match tongue and groove pine paneling painted custom white (http://www.merickellumber.com)

Accent Walls Master Carved MC2 Rough Waters paneling in Early American Factory Refinish

by Lake States Lumber, Inc.

Cabinets Potter’s Mill Flat Panel in Maple by Medallion Cabinets

Kitchen Island Camelot Raised Panel in Cherry with Cherry Appaloosa specialty finish

by Medallion Cabinets

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Instead, Dave and his team concentrated on quality wood, paneling and shiplap to give the home a warm, textural feel.

Dark hardwood floors used in the majority of the home are given life with bright, white paneled walls and the occasional painted accent wall, like the one in Polly’s yoga retreat. The guest bedroom accomplishes the opposite, using a dark chocolate accent wall to offset its white wood walls and ceiling.

The spacious kitchen and living room share a large, open space and wide walkways capped with exposed beams and framed by rows of windows. One of the most striking visual aspects of Polly and Jim’s home is its clean lines and spartan use of accessories. You won’t find a throw rug in the kitchen or a dangling cord from any television - Jim’s cane could get stuck in them. There are no table lamps.

Chairs, stools and benches tuck under tables or counters. The master bathroom shower has no lip and no door or curtain.

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The bedrooms don’t even have dressers.

The closets are smartly designed to store all clothing needs.

“I did not want a lot of clutter around,” says Polly. “After living in our old lake home with Jim we both knew what we wanted now and in the future for our new home.”

It’s a testament to the planning that Polly, Dave and his teams did that visitors rarely notice the grab bars and other mobility tools that are incorporated throughout the house.

The colors all match the other fixtures in the room - bronze in the bathroom, white in the bedroom.

Polly and Jim still plan to spend the winter in San Diego, but you can bet when they return to their Lake Melissa retreat each summer, it will feel like a home they can definitely grow into together for a long time to come. ~L&H

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F

Merickel Home

FEATURE HOME CONTRIBUTOR

Emil’s Electric, LLC

Serving the Otter Tail Lake area, we are proud to provide quality workmanship to all of our valued customers. All jobs big or small. New construction, remodel projects, and service work.

218-495-2244 emilselectric@prtel.com

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T

om and Gladys Moline’s gracious home on Heilberger Lake seamlessly blends old and new designs into one welcoming space. The Molines knew they wanted a cabin in the region (Heilberger Lake is located southeast of Rothsay and Pelican Rapids), so when an opportunity presented itself, they were ready.

“Tom has a number of family members with lake homes in this area and we had been looking in the area for about ten years and saw the potential in the cabin because of the size of the lot,” said Gladys. ”It was also very usable at the time.

The original two-story cabin, built in 1990, contained a living room, a bathroom, and two bedrooms. Since the first living space was still relatively new and in good condition, the homeowners worked with Nancy Brown of NB Drafting in Elbow Lake, Strand Construction, Rogness Construction and C.E.I. Construction to create an expansion plan that would give the family more space while preserving the features they loved from original home.

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“The favorite part for Tom and I was the landscaping. We love to be working outdoors.”

Homeowner Gladys Moline

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They took their time constructing a plan, an approach that Gladys suggests to other homeowners planning a similar project. “Spend time researching what exactly are your needs and wants,” she said. “We spent a lot of time on other lakes looking at the windows and special features. We saw ideas and Nancy Brown incorporated into the blueprint.”

The Molines knew they wanted to keep the original cabin’s high ceilings and the cozy feeling that the 1,296 square foot living space provided. The couple and their sons Justin, Brandon, Stephen and Derek had enjoyed this first home for years and it held many good memories for the family. The 2015 remodeling project reimagined the existing house by transforming the original kitchen and living room into the present living space and converting the entryway and laundry room into a bedroom. The windows the Molines chose so carefully went into the bedrooms in the newly constructed portion of the home, providing expansive views of the water and drenching the home with natural light.

The new kitchen is comfortable and homey, with warm, wood cabinets and a soothing color palette pulled from nature, all sage green walls and the quiet, stately colors of bark and stone. Deep bronze colored light fixtures and accents like wooden bowls, vases filled with delicate branches, wicker baskets and green plants provide subtle, tactile decorative elements that echo the natural surroundings in a calming, understated way.

These natural design elements are continue throughout the home. Art inspired by nature provides a thoughtfully considered statement piece in many of the rooms, but nothing in this home pulls focus from the surroundings outside.

Nothing shouts, only whispers and welcomes with quiet taupe walls, clean white trim, soft carpet and rich, walnut floors.

The result is an inviting, comfortable space where guests can kick off their shoes and relax. The new kitchen, dining room and living area are the heart of the home, the

The 2015 remodeling project reimagined the existing house by transforming the original kitchen and living room into the present living space and converting the entryway and laundry room into a bedroom.

46 LAKE AND HOME NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016

place where guests congregate after being on the water on a humid summer afternoon or gather around the table for a hot meal as the snow falls outside.

Some spaces in the Moline home seem tailor made for winter living. The living room’s perfectly worn in leather couches and cozy blankets invite guests to cuddle up in front of the fireplace. A quiet nook nearby offers a window seat and a woodburning stove, the perfect respite from the winter chill.

The home’s high ceilings eased the transition between the existing house and the new addition, providing light and space while maintaining the sheltered feeling the homeowners wanted to preserve from the original dwelling. The new construction more than doubled the living space to 4,000 square feet, but

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the rooms in the new home never feel sprawling. This is partially due to design choices that give the illusion of space while creating intimate seating and living areas.

For example, a unique lofted seating area above the living room adds visual interest when seen from the floor below and also provides an unobstructed view of both the first floor living area and the beautifully landscaped backyard, mature trees and the lake outside the windows.

Doors open onto a second floor balcony that overlooks the patio and outdoor kitchen. The sight and sounds of the water are never far away.

For an even better view of the lake, walk across the backyard, where the gently

sloping lawn gives way to a curving path that’s straight from a children’s story book.

The path of stone and wood moves past clusters of flowers and blooming plants and down to the shore, where the waves gently lap at the dock and a gracious outdoor seating area invites guests to sit down and stay awhile. Comfortable Adirondack chairs and a fire ring make this a popular spot even when the sun goes down.

The softly contoured lines of the landscaping design and the profusion of plants on the property sprung from the homeowners’ own vision. “(The) favorite part for Tom and I was the landscaping,” said Gladys. “We love to be working outdoors.”

48 LAKE AND HOME NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016

“Tom has a number of family members with lake homes in this area and we had been looking in the area for about ten years and saw the potential in the cabin because of the size of the lot.�

Homeowner Gladys Moline

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A unique lofted seating area above the living room adds visual interest when seen from the floor below and also provides an unobstructed view of both the first floor living area and the beautifully landscaped backyard, mature trees and the lake outside the windows.

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The Molines are accomplished gardeners and the thoughtfully curated and meticulously maintained garden spaces are a tribute to their expertise. Hardy perennial plants feature heavily in the garden design. Clusters of purple coneflowers and white hydrangeas greet guests at the front of the home while the subtle blooms of hostas and clusters of orange impatiens add color and texture to the path at the back of the home.

The home that Tom and Gladys Moline created is a product of the comfortable, laid-back life on the lake that they love. This is a house that has grown into a vibrant, welcoming home, perfect for family gatherings, quiet gardening and outdoor, lakefront living. Now when their sons, their daughters-in-law and ten grandchildren spend time at the lake, there’s plenty of room for everyone. And there’ll be plenty of space for the grandbabies yet to come. ~L&H

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Kitchen storage is always at a premium. If you’ve got a walk-in pantry, an excess amount of drawer storage (we prefer them over cabinets), a few vertical upper cabinets for easy access to everyday items, high cabinets for If not exactly, we think it’s at least very close to perfect.

seasonal items, and a big island with extra storage and seating, you’ve got a great start on the “perfect kitchen.”

The kitchen is the hub of every home, whether the home was planned with that design in mind, or not. Many older home designs clearly didn’t consider the kitchen with the same level of regard that today’s buyers, builders and homeowners do. Often small, set in a back corner of the house, slightly dark, and with little consideration for anything beyond a single cook, a single oven and a single (small) set of pots and pans, the kitchens of the pre-open-living era were merely functional and not the showplace or gathering place that kitchens have transformed into.

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While the open plan kitchens are much larger, there are still issues to resolve related to storage. The beauty of those small kitchens set off from the traffic flow, was simply that – no one really “hung out” in them. So if things were a little out of place and your guests showed up, it wasn’t a big deal.

Enter modern living where kitchen, living or great room, dining and outdoor space are often all used as one large space.

Whether entertaining friends, family, or business associates, hosting them in an open space calls for some serious organizational skills to design and maintain a “place for everything, and everything in its place.”

Hide Clutter, See Everything The Walk-In (or Walk-Thru) Pantry is the single best invention ever conceived. We are especially fond of the hidden door styles that make the entry to a large pan-

try or butler’s pantry appear to be part of the cabinetry. But a walk-in pantry of any kind is a winner.

When outfitting your pantry, choose closed or open shelving, or a combination of the two, depending on your needs. Pantries that take on the bulk of the storage work housing food, small appliances, and extra dishes and serving platters, even your most treasured, but perhaps no longer pretty cookbooks, are a great way to hide clutter away and still be able to see everything.

We’d be willing to bet that you might be able to find a spot for a walk-in pantry located somewhere near your kitchen.

For the added functionality they provide, it would certainly be worth a look. And if you’re building new or opting for a major remodel, might we suggest giving a walkin pantry a place in your design.

Outfit Your Existing Cabinets Whether you’re planning a new build, remodel or just looking to upgrade the storage in your existing space, there are several solutions you might consider.

Heavy-duty pull out storage baskets that fit into base cabinets, a mixer lifter, pull out recycling and/or trash solutions, and baking or serving tray storage.

54 LAKE AND HOME NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016

Hang In There Bring the look of a professional kitchen to your home. A hanging pot rack is a perfect solution for cookware storage. Hang your pots and pans overhead for easy, space-saving access on this ceiling rack worthy of your finest cookware. Grey painted wood and brushed chrome frame is fitted with a sturdy metal grid shelf and 12 hooks (eight heavy-duty pot hooks, four smaller hooks for small pots or lids).

Go Pro Speaking of commercial storage solutions, take a little inspiration from the pros.

If you’ve got an extra room, you can turn it into a walk-in pantry by investing in a few of these pro-style chrome racks. In widths from 18” to 60”, depths from 14” to 24” and heights from 36” to 72”, you can configure your space for maximum storage.

These units come with all sorts of accessory options, but the one we’d suggest as most useful are the heavy-duty wheels.

These aren’t the kinds of storage that you’d be showing off to out-of-town guests, but they do get the job done and can hold a tremendous amount of “stuff”.

If that extra room needs to be converted to another use someday, dismantling your “pantry” and repurposing the room would take a matter of hours, not weeks.

access what you’re storing? No problem -- another push of the button releases the lid and gives you a handle to grip to lift it.

When you’re ready to switch up your storage, the lid also comes apart for easy cleaning.

Clear and Clever Prehaps prettier and still practical are these clear OXO POP Containers. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, designed to hold everything from 5-pound bags of flour to spaghetti to sugar cubes. The lid seals with the push of a button, the modular design allows you to efficiently organize your kitchen or pantry without wasting precious countertop or shelf space and the clear body lets you see what’s inside at a glance. The corners are even rounded for easy pouring.

Looking to keep your dry goods fresh longer? The unique push-button mechanism in the lid is designed to give you an airtight seal with just one touch. Want to

Stackable and space-efficient, POP Containers are designed for modular use, so you can organize in any number of height combinations to fit your countertop and pantry.

Something as simple as a clear glass jar can help you organize your kitchen and provide simple and efficient storage on a budget. Pretty them up with a label -- on the side if you’re going to store them on a shelf or in a cabinet, or on the lid if you’re storing them in a drawer. We love clear glass jars for spices, dried herbs, dried fruits, snacks, crackers, candies, even leftovers.

A note about spices: If you buy spices in bulk, make sure you only buy as much as you’ll use within six months. Spices and

56 LAKE AND HOME NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016

dried herbs tend to lose their potency after a few months. Unless you’re a professional chef or cooking for a crowd on a weekly basis, that 16 ounce bag of thyme leaves is going to take you a long time to use up. Buying in smaller quantities will also reduce the amount of space needed to store them. ~L&H

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H

Home Showcase

Products and Services for your Lake Lifestyle

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Advertiser Index Advertiser

Page #

1st National Bank

20

American Federal

6,23

Bell State Bank & Trust

57

bhh Partners

3

Bladow & Sons Construction

67

Brainerd Hardwoods

27

Budget Blinds

63

Calla Lily Designs

22,60

Camp and Cottage Store

21

Coatings Unlimited

65

Creative Kitchen

61

Cullen’s Home Center

6,23

Dakota Cabinetry, Inc.

59

Dave Erwin Construction, Inc.

6,7,35

Deerwood Lumber

27

Emil’s Electric

41

Everts Lumber

64

H2 Custom Homes

65

Incinolet

66

Lake House Lifestyle

21

Lost Lake Lodge

57

Merickel Lumber & Design Center

6,37

Northview Bank

17

Otter Tail Power Company

2

Outdoor Renovations

22

Prairie Bay Grill & Catering

57

Radiant Homes

5

Ravnik & Co.

23

Service Master

51

Sharp Edge Hardwoods

62

Sherwood Forest

57

The Market

9,21,64

W W Thompson Borgert

5

Western Bank

19

Western Products

68

Wood Specialists

58

L

Featured Lake Size: 423.53 Acres Max Depth: 77 ft.

County: Hubbard Clarity: 8.3 ft.

Facilities: 1 Concrete Ramp 10 Vehicle/Trailer Parking Spaces

Eagle Lake Hubbard County

Eagle Lake is located in Hubbard County, seven miles north of Park Rapids. Eagle Lake has a surface area of 423 acres and a maximum depth of 77 feet. There is a public access located on the west shore of the lake. Eagle Lake is part of the Island, Eagle, and Potato chain of lakes, with connections to Island Lake upstream and Potato Lake downstream. Boating access in the river connecting these lakes is possible with small to medium size boats, but conditions can vary with water level fluctuations.

Eagle Lake is well known for its walleye fishery and is a popular fishing spot, especially early in the season. Walleye abundance was within the normal range for similar type lakes and at the current management goal. Walleye abundance in past surveys has been fairly stable and similar to a 2012 survey. Anglers will find good numbers of walleye in the 14-18 inch size range, with walleye measured up to 27 inches. Eagle Lake is currently stocked with walleye fingerlings during odd numbered years.

Source: MN DNR

While not known as a panfish lake, Eagle does support fishing opportunities for black crappie, bluegill and pumpkinseed. Anglers can expect to find black crappie in the 9-12 inch size range.

The bluegill population in Eagle has been increasing. Bluegill were sampled in moderate numbers, within the range for similar type lakes. Anglers can expect to find bluegill and pumpkinseed in the 6-8 inch size range.