Lake&Home Magazine Mar/Apr '17 by Lake & Home Magazine

Making a Difference with Paint • An Artful Staircase • Reuse & Repurpose S u b s c r i b e t o p r i n t o r d i g i t a l b y v i s i t i n g w w w.l a ke a n d h o m e m a g o n l i n e.c o m

MARCH / APRIL 2017

First NatioNal BaNk, Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

CONTENTS

64 VOLUME 19 • ISSUE 2 • MARCH / APRIL 2017 LakeAndHomeMagOnline.com

8 From the Office by Erin Hintz

Lake Gifts Gifts for the Lake Lover

Interior Design 12 Making a Difference with Paint by Leanne Seibold

Home Experts 17 Your Questions Answered by

Our Panel of Experts

Interior Design 18 An Artful Staircase

by Alicia Underlee Nelson

Real Estate Spotlight 26 Jack Chivers Realty

28 Interior Design From Old to Bold

Home Experts 36 Your Questions Answered by

On the Lake 74 Invasive Species

Our Panel of Experts

by Moriya Rufer

38 On the Lake Nongame Wildlife Program

Flooring 78 Wood Flooring Trends for 2017

by Christine Herwig

by Jackie Jenson

Designer Portfolio 44 Best of Designer Portfolio

Featured Lake 90 Jewett Lake

FEATURED HOME

52 A Timber Frame Home in the Tall Trees by Jackie Jenson

FEATURED HOME

The Metzgers Continue a 64 100-Year Tradition On Otter Tail Lake by Reba Gilliand

10 Ways to Reuse and Repurpose Your Home Interior by Alexandra Floersch

Cover photo by Jeni Sorensen See story on page 52

LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE MARCH / APRIL 2017

Volume 19, Issue 2 • MARCH / APRIL 2017 PUBLISHER Kip Johnson EDITOR Brent Rogness CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kip Johnson ADVERTISING/MARKETING CONSULTANT John Burns LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE – ADVERTISING SALES Erin Hintz • 218-205-2120 erin@lakeandhomemagazine.com Jerry Shea • 218-205-7454 jerry@lakeandhomemagazine.com Kristina Flatgard • 218-731-3067 kristina@lakeandhomemagazine.com Trista Larson • 218-731-0255 trista@lakeandhomemagazine.com SUBSCRIPTIONS In the U.S., one year $23.95; two years $42.50; three years $54.00. Elsewhere add $5.00 per issue. Back issues are available for $5.00 per issue, plus shipping and handling. Subscriptions can be purchased online at lakeandhomemagonline.com/products

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 LSC Communications, Long Prairie, MN, USA

FROM THE OFFICE

From the Office

t’s that time of year again... Winter may or may not be coming to an end, but my patience definitely is. Too many dark evenings and cold days spent inside have me aching for spring, fresh air and the lakes.

Some people enjoy this time of year and the outdoor activities that come with it. Others think of it as a time to get cozy at home, cook, craft, or watch sports. For me, this time of year brings out an irrational, consuming need to tear down walls, rip up flooring, get out the paint brush… something, anything to make the time pass and change the scenery in this house I’ve spent far too much time in. I can’t help it. It’s in my blood. I come from a line of women who have a hard time staying idle. Our spouses would probably like to see us on meds. My husband’s head is left spinning as my list of projects grows longer. Because, “Why can’t we add a master bathroom, turn the bonus room

into a playroom and change the basement floor coverings, trim and doors before spring? Let’s start it all this weekend.” Poor man.

You can’t say he didn’t know what he was getting into. About six years ago I moved into his house, which in my defense, was the epitome of a bachelor pad. The walls were painted and the floors were refinished in a week. His sectional that swallowed the living room went to Craigslist immediately. Plans for a bathroom and kitchen remodel were made before I unpacked. He’s a good sport. If you’re anything like me, this issue of Lake and Home might lengthen your project list. It’s packed with inspiration to fill the dark winter days we have left with vibrant, trendy changes to your home. Inside is an article highlighting the difference that paint can make to your home’s exterior, interior, and even floors. With ev-

LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE MARCH / APRIL 2017

ery remodel we take on, I’m left amazed at what a difference can be made with paint alone. It’s a good reminder for me that every room doesn’t have to be a complete overhaul to be refreshed. You’ll also find new flooring trends and impressive stairways and railings, along with an article on reusing and repurposing furniture—one of my favorite ways to pass time in the winter. As always, look to the advertisers in Lake and Home for the expertise, guidance, and products you’ll need for your projects. You’ll be in good hands with each and every one of them. Enjoy the rest of winter, and happy (hopefully early) spring!

Erin Hintz Advertising Sales

Lakehouse Swing Chair Several styles to choose from. $159.00 www.LakehouseLifestyle.com

Blueprint Maps - Canvas Lake Maps We believe every cabin needs a map of the lake. Our Canvas Lake Maps have beautiful colors and are surprisingly detailed; making them loved by both men and women. Maps are built with the highest quality canvas and stretchers and come shipped fully stretched and ready to hang. Multiple Sizes available. 100% Made in Minnesota. Prices starting at $189. 651-230-2719 | www.blueprintmaps.com | Visit our Shop on ETSY Area lakes we have available: Ottertail, Big/Little Pine, Rush, West/East Battle, Clitherall, Dead, Star, Marion, Lida, Pelican, Detroit, Melissa, Big Cormorant, Big/Little McDonald, Blanche and many more!!

Swim Pad Fun for the whole family! 6’x18’ swim pad is just $449 including free next day shipping to the cabin. www.ForYourShore.net 877-224-4899

Your Favorite Lake - Custom Made! Display your favorite glacial pothole in stunning fashion. Just let us know what lake you want and the size and we’ll help you choose the wood and colors. Lakes start at $200. (Price depends on size and wood chosen.) 651-245-4128 • uptownwoodworks@gmail.com www.uptownwoodworks.com

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Rare, Custom Designed Diamond Willow Furniture TNT Willow Works New on the market! Rare wood, found only in a small area of the United States. Benches, beds and so much more. Built to last a lifetime. 612-759-9252 • www.tntwillowworks.com

Lakeshore Beauty Create your own waterfront ambiance and water movement with a portable floating fountain with LED lighting! 763-551-1441 • www.FountainsFountains.com

Refreshing Designs Stop at our retail store and design center on the way to your lake destination, where you will find unique gifts perfect for any lake lover. (218) 346-2475 103 East Main Street • Perham, MN 56573 http://refreshingdesigns.biz/

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INTERIOR DESIGN

by Leanne Seibold Designer/Owner The Green Room

ong before Pantone created a high-tech digital color-matching device and every paint manufacturer could replicate any color under the sun, humans created their own magical, natural form of color pigment from raw materials as a way to document time. Some 30,000 years later, the paint industry has utilized a vast array of colors

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by combining technology and science. At the same time, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gone back to basics with use of raw, traditional forms of paint to transform a space. According to American Coatings Association (www. paint.org), the first paint mill opened in the United States in 1700, and it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until the mid-1800s that the initial ready-mix paints were established. Quite a few years after color was introduced in our world, paint technology was just beginning.

“What color should I paint my walls?” As a designer, I receive many requests for paint color consultations, and with endless possibilities of manufacturers, types, sheens and colors, it’s no wonder this process can be a frustrating element to one’s project completion. Paint in the form of color is a beautiful way to articulate the personality or mood of a space, whether it be indoors or outdoors, walls or floors. After all, there is an entire psychology of color to further prove this theory. Choosing a paint color is the frosting of the design process when pulling together a finished package. However, when deciding to update paint colors, selecting a color is more than what meets the eye.

The starting point is finding inspiration in a feel, a piece of artwork, an architectural element, a rug, or an object that will meld the interior or exterior elements. Not only is paint an accessory to walls, it is also the highlight to many architectural elements. With the ever-increasing trend of painted woodwork and furniture, color can make a bold statement and add a focal point to a room that may not have a sense of direction. Color combinations offer a bold sense of style, a relaxing retreat of serenity or a historically accurate palette. Sherwin Williams offers a 2017 Color Forecast based off the color trends as set by Pantone for this upcoming spring season, showcasing an array of moods, personalities and styles by the various color

Photos courtesy American Clay

Starting the process is usually the most difficult piece to the color wheel puzzle. Opening up a color wheel or standing in front of a colorful checkerboard wall—in fluorescent lighting so unrealistic to the ambience of your home with hundreds of paint color choices— is like standing in front of a display case full of beautifully adorned cupcakes trying to decide which one is delectable enough to satisfy your palate.

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Photo courtesy Nichole Seitz Photography

schemes in which they highlight architectural features and furniture. Not just walls. But it doesn’t always have to be about color or trends. If paint doesn’t need to make a bold statement in color, then what else is there, you ask? Sheen. Texture. Environmental factors. Many other paint manufacturers are stepping outside the paint can to offer more than trends, with a focus on the feel (touch) and the feel good (making an impact). Since the early 2000s, American Clay has been crafting non-toxic clay plasters in a variety of nature-based tones. As their website concludes, “If you have seen it in nature, you can find it here. No matter where you’ve been, we have a color to match your vision. With our standard and blended color options, there are many options available.”

Get creative! Mix two bags. Feeling adventurous? Mix three bags for a truly custom creation. Loma, Porcelina and Marittimo are a few of their award winning finishes. From a rich suede appearance to a smooth marble-esque look, to recycled, crushed shells for a sandy beach feel, your rooms can each have their own ambience that is friendly to the outside environment. If you are looking for a color impact, but still want to be kind to Mother Nature, Mythic Paint offers the only 100% non-toxic, no VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) latex paint on the market. What does that mean? It means you can choose any color under the sun or select one from their vast color library and not worry about hazardous VOC off-gassing. You know, the icky fumes that give you a headache after a freshly painted room that stay in the air for years to come? Yes, that’s the professional definition. Their Black Label

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is a primer and paint combination all in one. And if you have children—human or furry—this paint is washable, a nice bonus for wiping down walls left with sticky fingerprints and drool marks. Only you and your designer will know what potentially was once on those walls.

Photo courtesy Sherwin Williams

Photo courtesy American Clay

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A similar company, ECOS, offers a product called Lullaby. However, the difference that sets this paint apart is that it’s latex free. “Developed twenty five years ago with a unique formulation, our products were originally designed for people with multiple chemical sensitivities, asthma, allergies, and issues with everyday chemicals.” According to Lullaby, they are the only paint on the market to list their ingredients. If you are a label reader, this is the next-best thing since gluten free, no high fructose sliced bread. Trade Talk When you’re ready to select your colors, be sure to bring them home. Keep in mind your colors will change from day to night, sunny to cloudy days. Order larger samples or test a spot on your wall. Place a white piece of paper behind your color swatches so they aren’t fighting with your current colors. This is especially important if you’re deciding to take the plunge and go in a completely different direction than your current color. If you’re feeling lucky or adventurous and decide to take on the challenge of painting, be sure to consult with the manufacturer or paint retailer to find the right roller. Not all paint should be treated equal. Since paint comes in many thicknesses, sheens and textures, a roller can make or break the overall project.

Photo courtesy The Green Room

Here’s to your next paint endeavor! (Insert paint-roller clink here.) ~L&H

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HOME EXPERTS

Your Questions

Answered By Our Panel Of Experts

Question: How do I handle a boundary line dispute? Answer:

Attorney Marc Sugden Pemberton Law

Due to the continued desirability of owning lakeshore, boundary line disputes unfortunately are all too common in lakes country. Each foot of lakeshore carries high value, and as a result, small, seemingly minor boundary line issues often morph into large problems and discord amongst neighbors. Typical boundary line disputes relate to encroachments (fences, structures, landscaping, or other improvements located over boundary lines), roadways, shoreline, and other land use issues. Such issues can be readily apparent or they may come to the parties’ surprise. OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA

For example, what the owners believe to be the property line based on many years of use may not actually be the technical and proper location of the line. In those circumstances, the encroachment may not become apparent until a sale is contemplated and as a result, legal descriptions, surveys, plats and title documents are reanalyzed. When presented with these issues, it is important to consider type, duration, and permissibility of use in order to determine each party’s rights. Common remedies to boundary line disputes come in the form of easements (which

provide parties the right to use another’s land for a specific purpose), full conveyances of title, or through litigation. Consequently, prior to purchasing lakeshore (or any parcel of land), you should visit the property and examine all documentation and uses associated with the property. Similarly, if you already own real property and are faced with a boundary dispute, you should consult with an attorney to determine the most logical, efficient and costeffective manner of resolving the issues. ~L&H

OTTER TAIL, DOUGLAS, BECKER & WADENA COUNTIES, MINNESOTA

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INTERIOR DESIGN

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A staircase is a workhorse. It’s a functional, structural element that moves people and pets from floor to floor and provides a neutral zone that separates a floor’s multiple levels and its public and private spaces. But staircases can be both functional and beautiful. The experts at Brainerd Hardwoods, Inc., in Brainerd and SharpEdge Hardwood Floors, LLC, in Pierz offer their take on the biggest trends in staircase design and provide tips to inspire new building projects and give a fresh look to existing family homes.

Solid Wood The days of automatically carpeting a staircase or adding a carpet runner are waning. Many homeowners are choosing to echo the region’s natural beauty by incorporating hardwood into their homes, including their staircases. New antislip products allow customers to extend the rich, warm look of hardwood to their stairways without worrying about safety. “The one thing I’ve noticed over the last few years is there’s a lot more solid stairs and treads being used,” said Greg Tax, owner of Sharp-Edge Hardwoods, LLC. “A lot of people will want the carpet runner for looks, or primarily for allowing people to get up and down the stairs without any hazards. But we have products available now where they can finish stairs with anti-slip finish products. They try it without the runner, and never end up putting the runner on.” The anti-slip products are both functional and National Green Building Standard™ certified, a must for environmentally conscious homeowners. The wide range of wood on the market — from walnut and ash to maple and hickory— offer consumers a variety of options to choose from.

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Terms To Know

Open or Floating Staircases

Handrail

This modern stairway look omits the risers and downplays the stringers that support the staircase, which make it appear as if the stair treads are hovering in space. Designers often use ultra-slim dowels, metal balusters or the sleekest of columns to contribute to the airy, ultra-modern look. Sometimes they forgo balusters in favor of just a handrail or (if building codes allow it) reduce or omit the handrail entirely.

A fixed bar that runs along the stairway to offer support for individuals climbing or descending the stairs

tread The flat, horizontal plank that is repeated to form the steps that will move users up and down the stairs

Riser The vertical piece that connects the treads

Baluster A decorative spindle, column or pillar that, when repeated in a series, supports a handrail or railing

Railing A bar that tops the baluster and is not typically used as support for staircase users

Nosing The edge of a stair that extends beyond the riser below, often in a curve

Balustrade A staircaseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s completed railing system

Stringer The main structural support for a stairway

Runner A narrow length of carpeting that runs up the center of a staircase

Newel POst A larger pillar that supports a handrail at the top or bottom of stairway

The result is a decisive step away from tradition and toward a sleek, contemporary design aesthetic. An open stairway honors both the positive and negative space and forces the eye to consider the elements of the staircase separately. A floating staircase can seem as much like a sculpture as a functional part of the room.

Butcher Block Sturdy butcher block staircases, with treads that mimic wooden cutting boards and countertops, take a functional look out of the kitchen into the rest of the home. The treads have no stair nosing, just crisp angles for a clean look. Weighty butcher block treads look ultra modern as part of an open staircase. The open space where the riser would be stands out in especially vivid contrast with the perceived heft of the butcher block tread. Try a natural wood finish for a calming effect or go graphic with black or white. Treads in a neutral color allow carpets, accent walls or a great art collection to take center stage.

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Spiral Staircases The most striking of staircases is making a comeback. These twisting, turning stairways are as glamorous as they are functional. The compact nature of a spiral staircase makes it extremely space efficient, freeing up precious square footage for relaxing and entertaining below. Just be aware that spiral staircases can be harder for the oldest and youngest (and the four-legged!) members of the family to navigate. A sharp eye for interior design—your own or an expert’s—is a valuable asset when choosing materials and finishes for a stairway of this type. A spiral staircase functions both as an architectural feature and an art object, so it’s hard to ignore. Use it to inspire the colors and mood of the room.

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Contrasting treads and risers To give a time-worn stairway a facelift with paint or to install something new that offers a twist on the traditional, try treads and risers in two different colors. For a quietly contrasting look, choose similar tones based on the same shade (soothing variations of a neutral like gray or brown, for example) or select two different varieties of wood for a subtle variation. To increase the drama, go for analogous colors (shades located near each other on the color wheel) or choose contrasting complementary colors for a vivid look. For a wild-card take, paint the nosings a third color. This look is sometimes required in commercial or industrial spaces as a safety precaution, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unexpected in a residential setting and plays well with an eccentric design aesthetic. Painting or staining the railings or newel posts is another option. To tie the stairway into the rest of the room, make sure the dominant color echoes the trim or wall color of the adjacent living space.

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The Rustic Look Reclaimed wood is having a bit of a renaissance. Timber sourced from barns, warehouses and other structures adds historic character to a modern home. Brainerd Hardwoods, Inc., general manager Joe Paine’s customers are gravitating towards simple, farmhouse-style elements in their staircases. They’re opting for details like rustic newel posts and treads and railings with simple lines and less polished finishes for a well-loved, lived-in look. “People like the reclaimed look,” said Paine. “But if they don’t want reclaimed wood, or if it’s out of the budget, there are faux reclaimed wood options.” Offering rustic elements at a variety of price points makes this comfortable, laid-back style accessible to all customers, no matter their budget. Urban Evolutions of Appleton, Wisc., brings a wealth of knowledge and experience within the realm of reclaimed wood projects (see photos below and right). Their expertise includes using hard and soft woods from barns and factories to revitalize aspects of any living space, including staircases.

ABOVE Founded in 1887, Hamilton Manufacturing was known for medical and dental furniture. In 2016, the building was demolished, but the floor joists were saved and repurposed for stair treads featuring their original patina. Photo credit: Daniel Aronson

LEFT Thomas Edison founded Edison Millwork (which later became Simmons Furniture) where they manufactured the first phonograph. The factory was torn down in 2008 and Urban Evolutions salvaged the timbers used to create the stair treads. Photo credit: Leslie Schwartz 24 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE MARCH / APRIL 2017

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REAL ESTATE

A valuable, level lot on Lake Melissa with 107â&#x20AC;&#x2122; of sugar sand beach, this custom built home was constructed by one of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top building contractors, Dana and Rita Tomlinson. This modern-rustic home features clean lines with a natural palette of striking architectural details. Native timbers, reclaimed tobacco barn floors and a Montana ledge stone fireplace/feature wall create a great room that is both welcoming and ideal for entertaining.

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LAKE MELISSA Lot Size: 0.85 Acres Bedrooms: 3+ Bathrooms: 3 Sq Ft: 6,310 Garage: 3+ Stalls Attached Large overhead office complex and/or mother-in-law suite Frontage: 107 ft

FOR YOUR PR I VAT E SHOW I NG CON TAC T

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INTERIOR DESIGN

Story and Photography by Alexandra Floersch Photos taken at Periwinkle Marketplace

The trend has taken over Pinterest. Reused and repurposed interior design is a hit with budget-savvy individuals, as well as those looking to add unique flair to their home. It’s upcycling: Using existing items and giving them a new purpose or simply bringing them into 2017 with a fresh coat of paint.

rustic, worn pieces into their home gives them a sense of comfort—the feeling of home sweet home. Barns, in particular, have been a large inspiration behind the trend. “Barn wood walls, barn wood anything is a hit,” Ellingson said. “I think in homes, where I see it the most is walls—focal walls.”

thought of as traditionally rustic or shabby chic. But Ellingson says it can add character to any design style, be it contemporary, eclectic, Victorian, minimalist, lake cottage or country. “It fits into any home. You can take old barnwood and put a very contemporary chair and table beside it,” she says. “It just adds the old-time charm and warmth.”

Aside from the cost savings, upcycled decor is a form of sustainable design, reducing your carbon footprint through reuse.

For homeowners looking to refresh their interiors, here are 10 ways to reuse and repurpose existing items in the home:

But where did the trend originate? Stephanie Ellingson, owner of Periwinkle Marketplace in Ottertail, Minn., believes it ties back to family heritage. Many people in the Midwest have memories of growing up on the family farm. Bringing those

Some may argue that repurposed interior design is a look all of its own—often

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Recycle Beach Accessories Long after it has surpassed its functional life, vintage equipment found in a boat house or shed in the backyard can be repurposed for lake-inspired wall art. Old skis, wooden paddles, fishing nets and other beach-themed equipment can be easily hung on walls and propped in corners to add an authentic lake theme to the cabin or home.

Personalize Space with Windows To some, old windows would appear as trash, but for others they are nothing short of treasure. Homeowners can use paneless windows and glassless picture frames to hang belongings such as coats, hats, jewelry or coffee cups by simply attaching the appropriate hooks. For windows with the glass still intact, homeowners may choose to use them as floating picture frames. Others may opt to use chalk paint to turn each window pane into a chalkboard, displaying daily notes, inspirational quotes or lists for groceries, meal plans or daily chores.

Repurpose Existing Furniture Perhaps the most popular trend in upcycling uses paint to resurface existing furniture, such as wooden rocking chairs, dressers, desks and cabinets. Chalk paint and the like have both become popular choices for their ease of use. The product doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t require heavy sanding or priming before painting, which makes it much easier for DIYers to give rustic, worn pieces a face lift. For an extra touch, DIYers can also use barnwood or other reclaimed building materials to top dressers, desks and shelves with wood to add even more character to a space.

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Explore Barnwood Uses Barnwood is a hot commodity in 2017. If DIYers can get their hands on it, they can use it to make simple or intricate signs, wall art and various other projects. Barn doors have also become popular for their varying uses. Some homeowners use them for their intended purpose, hanging them on a rolling track for a vintage room divider. Others simply hang them as wall decor or cut them down to make shelving, a headboard or a bench for the end of the bed.

Hunt for Vintage Signs For homeowners willing to go the extra mile, the payoff may be great. In stopping by garage sales, secondhand stores or flea markets, homeowners may discover vintage signs from gas stations, restaurants, car dealerships or corner stores. While finding the perfect signs may be somewhat of a treasure hunt, the metal decor has potential to add just the needed texture and character to bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms and den spaces.

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Renovate the Outdoors Reused and repurposed design isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t limited to the indoors. Rustic pieces blend well in the outdoors, further weathering in the rain, wind and snow. Antique wooden wringer washing machines from the early 1900s can be repurposed as garden beds for flowers and bushes. Wooden chairs also create a focal piece for the deck or in a garden, where homeowners can display flower pots on its seat. Rustic watering cans, washboards, washtubs, old wagons and many other pieces can be given new life when reused in the outdoors.

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Recover Walls Perhaps the most common use for barnwood recently is to create a focal wall. The wood adds texture and character that paint alone can’t offer. But barnwood isn’t alone in this trend. Corrugated tin, recycled shiplap, stone or brick, used pallet wood, antique ceiling tiles and other various materials that homeowners salvage have become accent walls in the home.

Creatively Save Space Rustic ladders and pulleys are not only coveted for their appearance, but also their usefulness. Barn and firemen’s ladders can be repurposed and used to hang blankets in a living room, pans in a kitchen and towels in a bathroom. Some homeowners even use them as a backdrop for photos, stretching wire and clipping the memories on with clothespins. In the same way, pulleys are utilized to hang plants, pictures, baskets, light pendants, floating shelves and other home decor, adding dimension to a room.

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Refresh Interiors with Dated Decor Galvanized pieces also add to the farmhouse style. Windmill blades, watering cans and old basins have become statement items in the home. Windmill blades can be hung as art, made into clocks or hand-painted to match any personal style. Watering cans make for great table centerpieces to hold flowers and old basins can store and display towels, blankets and other household items.

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Make the Most of Mason Jars While they were first used for home canning to preserve food, Mason jars have many uses in 2017. Whether kept in their original state or painted to match a color scheme, the jars can hold and display cotton balls, cotton swabs and makeup brushes in the bathroom and food (such as pasta and cereal) in the kitchen. Some homeowners opt to use them as simple vases for flowers or upcycle them to make soap containers by adding a spout to the lid.

It takes just a little creativity to refurbish existing furniture or repurpose otherwise unlikely decor. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s those unique pieces that become a focal point in the home, turning into the topic of conversation for any guest that visits. Upcycling creates an innovative look thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sure to be one-ofa-kind in any home.

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Your Questions

Answered By Our Panel Of Experts

HOME EXPERTS

Question: We like where we live but not our house. We want to make changes to our house with a remodel & possibly an addition. We don’t know where to start.

Betty Ravnik Ravnik & Co.

Answer: Congratulations on wanting to make your house work for you and your family. It can be daunting to determine how far to take a remodel and if adding square footage is the best use of your money. The good news is you don’t have to go it alone. You need to start with a design professional that does remodels so you don’t miss some great opportunities for maximizing your investment dollars. Through a question and answer

OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA

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session and review of the space, a design professional should be able to guide you through the options. Many times I have met with clients who think their only choice is to increase the footprint of the house when, in reality, they were not capturing wasted square footage that already existed in the home. You should be able to use the designer as much or as little as you need. Most have the capability of creating floor plans

OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA

DOUGLAS COUNTY, MINNESOTA

and 3-D images so you know the outcome before you start the process. Design professionals can also help direct the style with suggestions on finishes and products. Another reason to hire people that are familiar with the remodeling process is to address unidentified needs. These may include needs that arise in the future, such as physical challenges associated with aging, that are important to consider when planning a remodel. If you decide to go it alone, break the project into bite-sized pieces. First start with function and focus on the layout. When you are creating the layout, remember your site lines into other spaces and to the outside. After you have solved the floor plan design then move onto the product. I suggest you select every item in your remodel before the demo starts so it will be as stress-free of a process as possible. Also, by selecting all of the architectural materials, finishes, lighting, and furnishings up front your project is apt to stay in budget and on time.

OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA

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

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ON THE LAKE

by Christine Herwig DNR Northwest Region Nongame Specialist Christine.herwig@state.mn.us 218-308-2641

A loon diving deep to catch a fish, trumpeter swans with new chicks gliding across the water, dragonflies darting about to catch mosquitos. We all enjoy seeing these animals. They’re also an important part of Minnesota’s natural heritage. These species, which are the focus of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Nongame Wildlife Program, are as much an integral part of the state’s ecosystems as those that are hunted, trapped or fished.

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As the DNR’s Northwest Region nongame specialist, I work with these other “nongame” species — birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, and mollusks, as well as invertebrate groups such as butterflies, moths, dragonflies, tiger beetles and caddisflies. Some of these species are rare, given special protection under Minnesota’s Endangered and Threatened Species law passed in 1971. Minnesota’s Nongame Wildlife Program is recognized as one of the most innovative and successful programs of its kind in the nation. Its mission is to protect, maintain, enhance and restore native nongame wildlife resources for their intrinsic values and benefits, the part they play within a functioning ecosystem. My job, with the help of non-

game technician Bruce Lenning, is to conduct population surveys, habitat protection and restoration projects and research that benefits more than 800 species of nongame wildlife. We work with a variety of DNR resource specialists, including plant and animal ecologists, hydrologists, invasive species specialists, foresters and fish and wildlife managers who assist us in developing nongame projects. We also work with local, state and federal governments as well as other partners to provide programs and information about native nongame animals in your area. Our hope is to encourage people to consider nongame species in their public, parks and private lands planning.

PHOTO (LEFT) Common loon on a nest. Citizens can volunteer with the DNR LoonWatcher or Minnesota Loon Monitoring Program to help with loon surveys on lakes in their area.

PHOTO (ABOVE) EagleCam bald eagle pair rearrange their nest in preparation of egg laying. The DNR EagleCam is made possible by citizen donations to the Nongame Wildlife Program.

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The Nongame Wildlife Program is entirely supported through donations, unlike other programs within the DNR that are funded by tax dollars, fees and license sales. Nongame species depend on donations to the Nongame Wildlife checkoff on tax forms, and online donations to the DNR Nongame Wildlife Fund. For every dollar donated to the nongame fund, another dollar is matched by revenues from Reinvest in Minnesota Critical Habitat license plates. Money donated to the Nongame Wildlife Fund is also used as a match for federal grants and other outside funding sources. This means that every dollar donated is worth much more toward nongame species conservation, research, habitat protection and public enjoyment. Current projects include:

• The “Get the Lead Out” campaign, which pro motes a voluntary change from lead to non-lead tackle and ammunition to prevent lead poisoning in birds, mammals and fish, including the bald eagle and common loon. • Research on the effects of the BP oil spill on com mon loons and white pelicans. • Surveys of summer habitat use by the northern long eared bat, a federally threatened species, to determine the types of forest used by breeding females. • Partnerships with local and state conservation groups to promote wildlife tourism and viewing opportunities, including the Pine-to-Prairie Interna tional Birding Trail and the annual Detroit Lakes Birding Festival. • The popular EagleCam and FalconCam websites.

PHOTO (BELOW) DNR Bald eagle, full flight – Bald eagles are thriving in Minnesota thanks to the Minnesota Nongame Wildlife Program, citizen donations and partners.

Wildlife biologists are also using tax checkoff donations to fund research, management, and recovery efforts on behalf of pollinators, frogs, toads and native mussels, among others. Minnesota’s Nongame Wildlife Program is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Throughout its history, there have been many nongame wildlife success stories. Most notable are the recovery of the bald eagle, trumpeter swan, osprey, peregrine falcon, eastern 40 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE MARCH / APRIL 2017

bluebird and our state bird, the loon. These species are thriving again thanks to the Minnesota legislature (which added the Nongame checkoff to Minnesota income tax forms) and the work of many agencies, organizations, volunteers and generous donations from Minnesota taxpayers. There’s still a lot of work to be done. The Nongame Wildlife Program is involved in conservation efforts focused on lesser-known species important to the ecosystems

of Minnesota and the outdoor heritage of the state. Such species include the timber rattlesnake, northern goshawk, Blandingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turtle, eastern hognose snake, common terns, and many others. Minnesotans have always been generous in supporting these state wildlife efforts. Their ongoing support at tax time ensures that important nongame wildlife conservation work will continue, and that Minnesotans will continue enjoying the sight of bald eagles, loons, and other wildlife as part of our great outdoors. Volunteering on one of our projects is another way to help the Nongame Wildlife Program help nongame species.

PHOTO (ABOVE) DNR osprey chick â&#x20AC;&#x201C; More than 100 osprey chicks were released in the Twin Cities area by the Nongame Wildlife Program and its partners, resulting in the establishment of 41 osprey nests by 2004. A recent statewide survey found over 608 active osprey nests in 30 counties.

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Projects include: Minnesota Loon Monitoring Program An ongoing statewide survey on nesting success, number of loons observed and loon occupancy on 600 pre-selected lakes. Volunteers visit a lake once during a specific survey period to count loons and their chicks.

LoonWatcher Anyone who lives on or regularly visits lakes can participate. Loon watchers report on their lake at the end of the season, providing information on nesting success, number of loons observed, interesting occurrences and problems that may negatively affect the loons. Anyone with an interest in loons can join this program and choose a lake to report on. Both of these loon surveys provide information about the health of loons and lakes in Minnesota and help us look at the effects of events such as the Gulf of Mexico oil spill that occurred in an area where Minnesota loons spend the winter.

For information on the Nongame Wildlife Program, its conservation projects or volunteering opportunities, or to donate to the Nongame Wildlife Fund, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/nongame/index.

Minnesota Frog and Toad Calling Survey An ongoing statewide study of Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s frogs and toads. Volunteers listen to and identify frog and toad species based on their calls at pre-identified 10-stop routes. The results of this survey provide information on where species are located throughout the state, and how their populations change in abundance and distribution. Our success depends on help from all who live here and love Minnesota wildlife. Please consider donating to the program to help fund these research projects and surveys, as well as supporting popular efforts such as the falcon and bald eagle cams. I also encourage you to get involved by volunteering for one of the many opportunities to help nongame wildlife. ~L&H

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DESIGNER PORTFOLIO

DW2 Designing Women 2 of Fargo Q: How does designing for a lake home differ from creating a concept for a home in a metro area? How about home versus office? A: The process is typically the same no matter what setting weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working in. For a lake home, we might ask for photos or have the owner pull images from magazines as inspiration. We know a lake home may be lived in differently, so we keep that in mind when choosing products and designing. In a commercial setting, we strive to create professional warmth. We want people to feel good in their environment, whether thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a home, a business, or somewhere else.

Jyl Graves of Jyl Graves Design of Wayzata (and Brainerd Lakes area) Graves begins a project by conducting detailed interviews with her clients to assess their functional and big dream ideas. This is often accomplished using magazine tearsheets, Houzz.com photos and a virtual walk-through of their building plans. Whether the project is new construction or the renovation of an existing home, through her interaction with the architect, builder and client, Graves coordinates all the pieces to keep projects cohesive and moving toward completion. Her prior commercial experience has given her the advantage of being able to create documentation of floor plans, decisions, selections and responsibilities.

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Betty Ravnik of Ravnik & Co. of Alexandria Q: What are some of the current design trends for lake homes in the area? A: We are definitely seeing a move away from the up north cabin look. That doesn’t mean rustic is gone but it has become a cleaner, less cluttered design. People want easy maintenance and less fussy interiors. I don’t see the lakes area trending with the urban contemporary as much as a casual, simple approach to design.

Monica Hart of Monica Hart Interior Design of Fargo Q: Can you share a design tip for our lake home-owning readers? A: One of my favorite things to do when working on a lake home is incorporating as many natural elements as possible. I like using blues and greens that reflect the lake, sky and grass. For one of my lake home clients with grandchildren, I purchased “vase” lamps that could be filled with pebbles, rocks and shells from the beach on walks with the grandkids.

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Jamie Wallace of Calla Lily Designs of Fergus Falls As the lead designer and owner of Calla Lily Designs, Jamie Wallace, CKD designs anything from single room updates to whole home remodels to new home construction. With ten years of design experience, Jamie has put her passion to work on many lakes area homes. Her approach to design is to create, alongside her clients, a space that can be enjoyed and appreciated for years to come. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motto â&#x20AC;&#x153;our passion, your designâ&#x20AC;? becomes more than just a motto when Jamie begins work on a project. She often finds herself working with clients who have made some design selections of their own prior to beginning to work with her. These selections might be a newly purchased item or a family treasure to be incorporated in the space. Jamie is uniquely talented in her ability to incorporate these elements into her designs alongside the form and function of a newly created space.

Skye Fingalson of Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Tile and Stone of Detroit Lakes Q: What is your favorite design style and why? A: Sometimes less is best and this backsplash keeps it simple while still making a statement.

I was once told that this industry makes you lean more on the modern side of design style. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe it then, but it is definitely what has happened. I do prefer a modern design with a sleeker, cleanlined look. Not too modern, because then I feel as though the warmth has been completely lost, and I like that warmth too. My own home is a mixture of modern and transitional.

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Emily Stock and Laura Johnson of Cullen’s Home Center of Fergus Falls Q: With so many new tech tools out there today, has the design process changed over the years? A: “Yes I believe it has, but the one thing that hasn’t changed is a designer’s taste. That can’t be taught,” Emily told us. Laura continued, “The graphics are the most amazing these days. We can draft a plan and have the sun and shadows in the room placed according to the time of day and then do a time lapse to show how the room would look as the sun sets.”

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imber framed and filled with character in every available nook and corner, there is a home nestled among a tall grove of trees on Cormorant Lake that offers up family coziness as well as a newly-created rustic charm. “My husband grew up loving lake life having spent every summer weekend with his family on a north woods lake near Mahnomen, Minnesota, so we knew we wanted that for our family too,” explains the Cormorant cabin lake owner. Originally the idea was to construct a new home on the lot of the couple’s old cabin that sat on a smaller lot on the west side

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of the lake. The notion to build their dream home on the sunset side of this iconic lake was not their original choice. As a young family with young children, the couple first rented a cabin on Cormorant Lake. After two years, they decided to purchase one. Then for the next 22 years, they found themselves settling in on the west side of the lake, raking up decades worth of fond lake memories of water skiing, boating and the like. “We had planned the perfect timber frame home for that lot,” starts the homeowner. “We loved our neighbors, the sandy beach and the elevation of our old cabin.”

Then life stepped in and presented a new idea about where their dream house should go. “We had purchased a lot across the lake from our cabin several years back,” notes the homeowner. “We would ski there and pontoon over to watch the sunsets, but we hadn’t seriously considered building over there.” With an odd elevation consisting of hills, low spots and an eight-foot drop

from where their driveway would eventually be, the homeowners said they didn’t think of the lot in any longterm home fashion. But after a now-infamous pontoon ride, a new thought was introduced into their home building plans. “We were just taking a simple pontoon ride over to the lot when my dad surveyed the lot and quietly suggested to his son, ‘You’d be crazy not to build your lake house on this lot.’”

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“This kind of caught us off guard but got us thinking,” notes the couple. “He definitely saw the potential over here.” So after a lot of dirt work—something the homeowner had much experience with being a contractor—the couple decided to create a new dream home on their unique lot with 150-feet of frontage across the way. “Once we really looked at the lot and realized we could build here, we changed our idea for a house too,” says the homeowner. It was at that point the Cormorant Lake couple decided to really change up their lake home plans and build a timber frame house with a walk-out lower level. As big trucks rolled in to construct a network of large, interlocking 56 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE MARCH / APRIL 2017

timbers, the build presented itself as very different from the get-go. “They put the timbers in place on a perfect Minnesota lake day. The sky was so blue that it seemed magical,” describes the homeowner. “The timbers are amazing and it was fun watching the house take shape along the way,” she continues. “I took over 800 pictures after just the beams were in, the day of the timber raising, as each was put into place, the house looked like a piece of sculpture.” To get that perfect picture, the one that seems to sum up their project in one click of the camera, the homeowner says she laid face up on the floor underneath the point where the timbers come together and shot upward.

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“They put the timbers in place on a perfect Minnesota lake day. The sky was so blue that it seemed magical.” Homeowner

“I still remember that day, and we see those timbers whenever we are in our great room today. I love it.” It took two years to complete their timber frame home project: One year to design and 369 days to build. Blue Ox Timber Frame Homes out of Alexandria was in charge of constructing the exceptional lake home with its massive timber beams, utilizing a number of local timber frame home experts from the Alex area, namely builders, electricians, and plumbers.

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“I didn’t realize until we got into the build how different a timber frame building process was,” explains the homeowner. “The wiring, for example, has to be mapped out before the timbers are put in place,” he adds, noting that once the frame is up, the electrical wires go in a case in the SIPs or Structural Insulated Panels. The panels are numbered and placed together on site at the home like a giant puzzle within the network of timbers. This home had 212 intricately cut and numbered SIP panels. The SIP panels have an incredible R-value.”

When it comes to building any home, one of the keys to a quality finished product is a committed contractor. The homeowner is quick to credit Jay Paulson and the team at HighPoint Homes for helping make their spectacular lakeside getaway a reality.

“The electricians were great, and very precise,” notes the contractor homeowner. “Originally, I thought I could use local subs for the job, but I quickly saw they had a special skill set,” he adds. “They also gave us some great tips for lighting of the interior and exterior timbers that we just love.” Placing the electrical network before much of the home was constructed meant the electricians had to do the rough-ins such as the pendant lights as the timbers and panels were installed. ‘’The wind was howling the day the electricians sat atop a very high section of ceiling beams to make sure that the position of the lights were just right twostories below. They were amazing to watch,” the homeowner explains.

The distinct timber frame build lends a certain rustic charm to their sunset side, lake home. A sprinkling of lake and woods-themed collectibles such as fishing lures and rods also gives the house a homey, north woods touch. Its soaring two-story ceilings also provide one-of-a-kind places to put a number of these keepsakes. In addition to collecting various nostalgic water skis and fishing equipment, snowmobiles are also on the collectible list. One of the more distinctive mementos is a vintage, red, 1963, rearengine, Polaris snowmobile that sits atop a closet nook in the couple’s entry, greeting all who enter.

to display one of my husband’s great collectibles,” she explains.

“People always ask me if I am OK with the snowmobile in my entryway, thinking that I would be mad, but it was my idea. I thought it would be a great place

“We really wanted to blend a modern feel into our lake home and use our collectibles as accent pieces.”

“And the electricians installed special lighting on it so it really looks like it belongs there,” adds her husband. Today, their one-of-a-kind timber frame lake home is a study of water and wood. With its exposed beams, inviting lake view, and two-story entry, great room and kitchen areas, one can not help but feel like they are stepping into a north woods retreat. To enter this Cormorant Lake home is to enter an inviting cabin filled with current, rustic charm.

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With that said, the couple has also included four, stone-clad fireplaces; knotty alder cabinetry in the kitchen; and especially designed rough-finished barn doors in the bonus/game room to ensure their home is a pastoral yet modern wonder. Special touches such as end tables made from wood dock sections and a metal sculpture mimicking their landscape of maple trees solidifies the fact that this house pays homage to its Minnesota lake roots. Complete at 4600 square feet, this updated timber frame home has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a cozy sunroom, lower level bar area and a walk-in pantry. It is also designed floor to ceiling to entertain friends and family. The second floor features an additional bonus game room/guest room. A standalone shop fashioned with cabin living quarters consisting of a kitchenette, two

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“Even as our kids are getting older, our youngest is 25 now, we designed this home to be a place for our family to come to for years to come,” says the homeowner. “And my folks literally get to drive into their cabin in the shop.” Homeowner

bedrooms, bathroom and living room with deck area for the in-laws ensures this Cormorant retreat is always ready for four seasons of lake fun. “Even as our kids are getting older, our youngest is 25 now, we designed this home to be a place for our family to come to for years to come,” says the homeowner. “And my folks literally get to drive into their cabin in the shop,” continues her husband.

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They credit Ben from Blue Ox for lending his vision to the project, helping them to create a true home for their family for years to come. Ben also suggested this building site over the existing west side cabin site. “We have a room for each of our three kids and space for grandkids as they come along too, and that is what this house is about: family,” he concludes. ~L&H

Feature Home

FEATURE HOME CONTRIBUTOR

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n 2016, Bill and Sue Metzger embarked on a building project on Otter Tail Lake. The year-round lake home would be their third iteration of a lake cabin on the lot. The land on Eldorado Beach where the Metzgers would rebuild had been in the family a long time. Sue’s mother’s family, Fergus Falls residents, bought two 100foot lots in 1918. For 86 years until her death in 2005, Sue’s mother Kay Knoff Raiter returned from wherever she was living to summer on Otter Tail Lake. Over time one of the Eldorado Beach lots sold, but Sue and Bill bought it back in 1974 to continue Sue’s family tradition of returning to the lake each summer. As the original cabin had no plumbing and a hand pump for drawing water, the Metzgers updated the mechanicals, but left the structure intact.

By 2000, Bill and Sue decided it was time for a major overhaul. They raised the cabin to put a foundation underneath, expanding the footprint in the process. They also upgraded the plumbing system and added a loft. The summer getaway served Bill, Sue and their three children well for a while, but as one grandchild after another came along—nine now—they decided to create a year-round place where the whole family could gather comfortably. As Sue was retired from teaching and Bill semiretired as a small business owner in the information technology industry, they felt they could spend more time at the lake. After interviewing several contractors, the Metzgers selected Bladow, Sons and Daughter Construction. Bill says, “We knew Rick could take our vision, turn it into plans, and build the home we wanted.”

Their challenge was to add space to accommodate a growing extended family, but stay within the cabin’s current footprint. Turning the loft into a full second story would meet the challenge and result in a five bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home. With the existing three-season porch, the house would be about 2,600 square feet. With variance in hand to add a second story, the project officially began in January. The Bladows gutted the cabin, tearing down to the sub-floor all but the one wall attached to the existing porch. Meanwhile, Bill and Sue worked on the myriad material and furnishings decisions necessary for creating an environmentally-friendly, easy-care home where family could gather and enjoy themselves.

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Environmentally friendly. Their first decision was a heating and cooling system as the seasonal cabin was to become a yearround lake home. Bill and Sue worked with All Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning of Ottertail City, settling on geothermal for its efficiency and eventual cost savings. Foam insulation won over fiberglass because of its higher R-factor and increased energy efficiency. Easy care. Sue and Bill’s desire for a familyfriendly, welcoming lake home guided decisions on interior spaces. Karndean Luxury Vinyl planking, similar to what they had previously, was their choice for flooring throughout the main level of the house. Sue says, “We wanted a flooring we wouldn’t have to worry about with grandkids tracking in and out.” Cabinetry throughout the home– living room, kitchen, bathrooms, and utility room—was custom built by Mike Sanders of Ottertail Custom Cabinetry. The Metzgers chose hickory for the cabinetry but asked Sanders to select hickory boards where the honey color predominated over white for a warm and even appearance. Open floor plan. In addition to environmentally friendly and easy care, Bill and Sue wanted easy access to inside

“We wanted a flooring we wouldn’t have to worry about with grandkids tracking in and out.” Homeowner Sue Metzger 68 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE MARCH / APRIL 2017

and outside spaces and convenient traffic patterns throughout the home. An open floor plan allows smooth transition between kitchen, dining, and living areas and to a deck overlooking the lake. The kitchen is easily accessible from the lake, the road, and a three-season porch. An entry door surrounded by a deck on the road side of the house opens into a space off the kitchen, making it convenient for unloading groceries and cooking outdoors on the gas barbecue grill.

A door off the kitchen leads to a threeseason porch. Sue says the porch is a favorite gathering place for everything from eating, to game playing, reading, overflow seating and just hanging out. A bank of windows on three sides brings in sunlight and a sliding glass door leads outside to the deck overlooking the lake. Some days the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s radiant heat warms the porch enough to use in winter. The laminate flooring is easy-care and the cedar-plank walls and ceiling add character.

The galley-style kitchen with a breakfast bar on one end makes food preparation and serving easy. The work triangle is small enough to require few steps and yet the kitchen has plenty of room for storage. The countertop is easy-care Corian, a dark charcoal with flecks of white called Maui. Sue loves the built-in features, such as a spice cabinet, to the right of the stove and a large pantry with sliding shelves.

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“We knew Rick could take our vision, turn it into plans, and build the home we wanted.”

Homeowner Sue 70 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE MARCH / APRIL 2017

Metzger on builder, Rick Bladow

The interior focal point of the open floor plan is a fireplace and television on the west wall of the living/family space. Bill and Sue chose Boulder Creek Montana Ledge stone in suede gray from Hebron Brick Supply in Fergus Falls for the fireplace surround. Their previous fireplace had been wood-burning, but gas better fit their easy-living criteria for the new lake home. South-facing Thermotec windows stretching from floor to cathedral ceiling bring in light and a dramatic view of the lake.

Rounding out the main-floor living space is a study and bathroom. The carpeted study doubles as a bedroom when needed and the bathroom is easily accessible from various spaces inside the house, as well as by grandkids coming and going from the lake. Tyler Severson with TS Pro Install installed the tile in the bathrooms as well as flooring throughout the house. The tub surround with white subway tile and brown/tan accent is stunning. Sue says she and Bill were in Tucson when Bladow called to say the project was ready for tile. The Metzgers

shopped in Tucson and returned home just in time to deliver the tile to Severson. Upstairs, the lake home has five bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. Between bunk beds and queen beds, there’s plenty of room for the nine grandkids ranging in age from 5 to 19 years. The Metzger’s master bed-and-bath suite opens to a balcony overlooking the lake—a perfect place for morning coffee or stealing a few moments of quiet when the house is full. The master and guest baths are beautifully appointed with their custom-built hickory

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cabinetry and wall colors in soft neutral hues as is the Corian countertop. The master bath has double sinks and a walk-in shower. In an unusual, but handy arrangement, the washer and dryer are upstairs. Carpeting on the stairs and throughout the upstairs bedrooms (EJ’s Floor Covering in Battle Lake) adds warmth underfoot, especially when the family gathers for winter holidays. As construction wound down in May, Bill and Sue worked with Matt Hone from Outdoor Renovations to install landscaping—bullet-edged beds surrounding the house to make mowing

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easier and a few care-free plants and shrubs. The decks from the cabin still served well and didn’t need replacing. The project was completed just in time for the Metzgers to enjoy the 2016 summer season in their new lake home. As always, the Metzger clan gravitated to the water. Fishing on Otter Tail Lake is a favorite activity as well as swimming and boating. Sue laughs when asked about boats, “We have them all—kayak, pontoon, ski and fishing boats, and two paddle boards!” Golfing at Balmoral is also an activity that Bill and family members enjoy. When the weather cooperates in the winter months, Bill builds an ice rink on the lake in front of

Metzger Home

FEATURE HOME CONTRIBUTOR

Hilltop Lumber We want our customers to have a great building experience. Everyone at Hilltop Lumber works as a team to provide 100 percent customer satisfaction. Our reputation was built by providing quality products from reputable vendors, a knowledgable staff and reliable service. www.hilltoplbr.com Ohren Electric, Inc. Serving Fergus Falls and surrounding area, we are proud to provide superior service to every job, big or small. Locally owned and operated with over 17 years of experience. Contractor License #EA651969 24663 Rose View Drive, Dalton, MN (218) 770-2890 ohrenelectric@yahoo.com ohrenelectric.com

their house for all the hockey players in the family – boys and girls. Just as Sue’s mother travelled each summer to spend time on the lake, so do the Metzgers. Sue and Bill have a home in Roseville, their daughter in Plymouth, and youngest son in Edina. Their middle son lives in Tucson. Sue’s sister, Marty and her husband Dave travel to Minnesota from Colorado each summer as do their son Andy and family from Chicago to spend time in their cabin next door, part of the original parcel purchased in 1918. And so the Metzgers continue Sue’s mother’s tradition of spending summers on the lake and will celebrate a 100th anniversary on Otter Tail Lake in 2018. ~L&H

All Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning We have the solutions and experience to tackle any cooling or heating project. We specialize in — New Construction • Remodeling • Residential • Commercial We are your Geothermal experts. Main Street • Box 222 • Ottertail, MN 56571 218-367-3300 • allseasonsottertail@hotmail.com MARCH / APRIL 2017 LakeAndHomeMagOnline.com 73

Aliens are invading our lakes! These aliens, otherwise known as Aquatic Invasive Species, are not from a different planet, but from different continents, mainly Europe and Asia. Aquatic Invasive Species are aquatic plants and animals that are not native to Minnesota, and cause environmental changes to our waters, have negative economic consequences to our communities, or can be harmful to human health. Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural resources are threatened by a number of Aquatic Invasive Species such as zebra mussels, starry stonewort and spiny waterflea to name a few.

ON THE LAKE

by Moriya Rufer

How did this start? More than 80% of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commodities are carried on ships, and these ships take up water into their ballast tank in their starting port and release it in their destination port for buoyancy. With increasing globalization and trade, aquatic invasive species were inadvertently brought to the Great Lakes in the ballast water of these ships in the 1970s-1980s. From the Great Lakes, they were subsequently moved by boats, barges, and flowing water to other inland waters. Over 180 non-native species have been found in the Great Lakes. Regulations have been put in place now that limit the spread of new invasive species from these ships.

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Other ways that aquatic invasive species can get to our lakes include the aquarium fish trade, aquaculture, and water garden plants. Why should we care? If we are not vigilant about protecting our waters from the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species, we will find ourselves with lakes and streams that do not provide the food, recreation, or aesthetic opportunities Minnesota is historically known for providing residents and visitors. All of us — visitors and residents alike — must work together now before our lakes and rivers are forever changed by Aquatic Invasive Species. Once a water body is infested, the recreational opportunities with these public waters changes dramatically. Where we live and work, the places where we vacation, our recreational activities, how we relax and play with our kids, are all being affected right here in Minnesota by the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species. The spread of Aquatic Invasive Species is almost always caused by people. When we move anything between water bodies, there is a risk of spread. For example, just a small fragment of starry stonewort, an aquatic invasive alga, can infest an entire lake. Aquatic Invasive Species Minnesota has many aquatic invasive species, but those receiving the most attention currently include zebra mussels and starry stonewort. Starry stonewort are grass-like algae that grow in very thick mats that make boating and swimming difficult. It was found in Lake Koronis, near Paynesville in Stearns County in 2015. From there it has spread to several other lakes in Minnesota. Starry stonewort is difficult to kill because it is not a vascular plant. Experts are in the process of trying different treatment options to see what will work best. Zebra mussels have a D-shaped shell with brown stripes and are around ¼ to 1 inch long. They attach to hard surfaces such as docks, lifts, and native mussels,

clog intake pipes, and have sharp edges that can cut feet. There are currently no lake-wide treatments for eliminating zebra mussels, so preventing them from getting into our lakes is the focus of state programs. Other invasive species nearby include curly-leaf pondweed, an invasive plant that grows very thick and washes up on beaches in July. The DNR and Lake Associations spend hundreds of thousands of dollars treating this plant with chemical herbicides annually. Spiny waterflea is an invasive zooplankton (tiny crustacean) that competes with small fish for food. It is clear and gelatinous and clings to your fishing line in masses and can clog the first eyelet of rods and damage a reel’s drag system. Spiny waterflea are in some of the lakes that border Canada including Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake. They are also found in Lake Vermillion and Lake Mille Lacs to name a few. Other invasive species in Minnesota include carp, faucet snails, rusty crayfish, Eurasian watermilfoil, and flowering rush. To learn more about the aquatic invasive species in Minnesota, visit the DNR’s website: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ invasives. Where are Aquatic Invasive Species in Minnesota? The Minnesota DNR maintains an Infested Waters List for Minnesota. It can be found on their website here: http://www.dnr. state.mn.us/invasives/ais/infested.html. Before going to any new lakes, check the latest version of the Infested Waters List so you know what to look out for. In Otter Tail County, there are numerous zebra mussel infestations including some of the most popular lakes such as Pelican, Lizzie, Prairie, Lida, Otter Tail, and West Battle Lakes.

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What is being done? I bet you have noticed in the past two years that there are more boat inspectors at public accesses, billboards along highways, signage at public accesses, and information in the news about preventing aquatic invasive species. In 2014 the Minnesota State Legislature designated 10 million dollars from the state’s general fund annually to go to counties to prevent and fight aquatic invasive species. The funding that goes to each county is determined by the number of public lake accesses in the county. Those counties with many lakes, such as Otter Tail and Douglas, received more funding than counties without lakes, such as Wilkin County.

The counties have been using this funding to pay for aquatic invasive species prevention activities such as inspectors at lake accesses, boat decontamination stations, early detection monitoring in lakes for new invasive species, public education campaigns, research on new ways to prevent or treat invasive species, and much more. In addition to these 10 million dollars in state funding to the counties, voluntary and local government contributions add up to more than $5 million over the last three years according to a survey done by the Minnesota Coalition of Lake Associations. What can I do? The counties and lake associations are doing a lot, but when it comes down to it, protecting Minnesota’s public waters is a responsibility we all share. We can get on board with “Clean, Drain, Dry” as a part of our daily life on our lakes. CLEAN all visible plants, animals and mud from our boats, trailers, equipment, and gear after leaving a lake, DRAIN all water from the boat, live well, bilge and bait containers and remove the boat plug, DRY all boats, and water-related equipment before moving to other water bodies. We want these lakes we love so dearly to be a part of our children’s and

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grandchildren’s future. Not much can top the feeling of watching the sun set over the water, swimming on a hot, humid August day, or catching a trophy walleye with friends and family. Thank you for being a part of the solution, and protecting our lakes for future generations. Local and State Contacts DNR Aquatic Invasive Species specialists: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/ais/ contacts.html Otter Tail County Land and Resource: (218) 998-8095, http://www.co.otter-tail. mn.us/449/Land-Resource-Management Douglas County Land and Resource: (320) 762-3863, http://www.co.douglas. mn.us/dc/land-resource.aspx Becker County Soil and Water Conservation District: (218) 846-7360, http://beckerswcd. org/aquatic-invasive-species/ ~L&H This article was written and shared by Moriya Rufer at RMB Environmental Laboratories as part of continuing education for their Lakes Monitoring Program (218-846-1465, lakes@rmbel.info). To learn more, visit www.rmbel.info

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FLOORING

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by Jackie Jenson

With a variety of products available, ranging from traditional hardwoods to super durable, engineered offerings, wood will continue to be a popular flooring choice in 2017. “I anticipate an increase in the demand for affordable, local, sustainable flooring products,” says flooring expert Cindy Weinstock from theflooringlady.com. Weinstock’s

flooring

trend

assessment

underscores one of many new wood flooring: reclaimed woods. Overall, trends for this year colors to bold textures, and natural woods versus newly-invented materials. Ultimately, one factor continues to remain consistent: Flooring is the perfect way for homeowners to express their individual style profile.

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Due to its versatility, durability and endless design options, wood flooring is a product for today and tomorrow. This is why many people are scouring their houses, condos and cottages to see where they can add this timeless flooring option to their homes. For 2017, even exotic wood options of bamboo and cork make the design cut along with refinished and reclaimed offerings.

“Local wood reclamation, whether that wood is being salvaged from old barns or rescued from underneath old and outdated carpeting, is going to be popular across the country,” adds Weinstock.

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Thus today’s wood flooring comes in a bevy of distinctive materials. Whether it is a mainstay product such as ¾-inch hardwood or a newly created veneer invention that can be used in virtually every room of the house, including bathrooms, wood flooring is a trend here to stay.

Photos courtesy of MohawkFlooring.com

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With distinctive names such as “Espresso” and “Almost Black,” dark stained wood flooring, for example, lends dimension to a room - especially when placed against bright white walls, shelving and wainscoting. Dark flooring set against stark white cabinets perfectly illustrates this style point, making a dramatic statement in a room with its contrasting color combination. Photos courtesy of Shaw Floors

Color makes a splash on the 2017 wood flooring trend list. According to flooring blogger Debbie Gartner, a.k.a. The Flooring Girl, two very extreme options are all the rage today when it comes to wood flooring color, namely dark stained vs. bright blondes. These two extremes offer homeowners numerous flooring color possibilities.

In sharp difference, barely-there blondes with names such as “Sandy Maple” and “Wheat,” make rooms look bigger, brighter and more open, helping rooms to exude a feeling of nature within a home. Additionally, lighter colors keep your floors looking clean longer compared to their darker counterparts, comments FlooringInc blogger Ari Ziskin. Although dark versus light flooring color choices are top picks for 2017, gray is an exception that is still very popular, a

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perfect blend of light and dark. It seems not only do light and dark wood colors work within a space, so do middle gray tones. “For 2017, we don’t see any slowdown of the current preferences for wide plank in gray tones with extremely lowsheen finishes,” adds Hardwood Floors magazine editor, Kim Wahlgren.

Pattern is also on the trend docket this year. Herringbone, diagonal, wide plank and mixed-width floors take traditional wood flooring into new territory for 2017. Although this wood flooring technique has been around as long as wood flooring has, it is the use of new product, sizes and color that add to the drama of such applications.

In addition to color, texture is also a big player for this year’s style offering. Smooth, dark flooring with very few flaws compared to blonde oak revelations paying homage to every knot and imperfection that real wood has to offer, take style in two very different directions for 2017. If handcrafted and distressed are your definitions for style, then wood flooring that is “wire-brushed” or “hand-scraped” are what you are looking for as they provide an authentic, aged weathered look. On the other end of the texture spectrum, are flooring options that are smooth and blemish-free. These products, above all else, offer subtle uniformity and a less busy finish. Both work well in the 2017 flooring trend scheme of things.

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Photo courtesy of Shaw Floors

For instance, once you find a product you like, try laying it down diagonal to the room it is being featured in for a completely fresh feel. Just changing its installation can equip a room with a new attitude and stylistic advantage.

Finishes wrap up the wood flooring style trend list for 2017. Once a homeowner has picked out the perfect material, color and texture of choice, there is still one last selection to make and that is finish style. Whether satin or matte, this last option adds to the overall character of the flooring covering a particular room. For example, to give a room a rustic look, matte finish would be the way to go. Low sheen, allows the natural feel of the wood to take center stage with a matte finish. As for satin finishes, they are a perfect compromise between glossy and matte, says Ziskin, noting satin finishes are typically about 40-percent shiny and offer a great compliment to former, high gloss flooring styles.

Photos courtesy of MohawkFlooring.com

“As the trends change and homeowners are beginning to prefer less polished flooring, satin is not such a drastic step. It’s a practical step back and was the most popular flooring finish in 2016,” blogs Ziskin.

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As for flexibility, style, color, and texture, wood flooring offers homeowners a range of products to fulfill any style or application. So whether you want to lighten up a room with a blonde, maple hardwood flooring product or make a statement using reclaimed, wellwarn barn wood from a farm up north, wood flooring is a trend you can not go wrong with in 2017. ~L&H

HOME SHOWCASE

| Products and Services for your Lake Lifestyle

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FEATURED LAKE Size: 737 Acres Max Depth: 75 ft. County: Otter Tail Clarity: 9.3 ft. Shore Length: 4.31 mi

Jewett Lake Otter Tail County

Jewett Lake is a 737-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in west-central Otter Tail County approximately eight miles north of Fergus Falls, MN. Jewett Lake is located within the Otter Tail River Watershed; however, there are no inlets or outlets connected to the lake. The maximum depth of Jewett Lake is 75 feet; however, 36% of the lake is less than 15 feet in depth. The north and east shorelines of Jewett Lake have been extensively developed. Homes and cottages compose the majority of the development. A DNR owned concrete public access is located off of the township road along the north shoreline of the lake. Emergent aquatic plants such as bulrush and cattail provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish such as Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for all species of fish.

Source: MN DNR

Jewett Lake is a popular angling lake during both the open water and ice fishing seasons. Species most sought after include Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Bluegill. Data from recent lake surveys indicate that these species are abundant and have good size distributions as well.

Walleye is a primary management specie in this lake. Walleyes ranged in length from 7.6 to 26.9 inches with an average length and weight of 16.1 inches and 1.7 pounds. The 2012 year class appears to be strong and should provide good Walleye angling for several years. Jewett Lake is also a popular lake for Largemouth Bass angling. Data from recent electrofishing assessments indicate that an excellent Largemouth Bass population exists. ~L&H