Lake&Home Magazine Sep/Oct '18

Home Refresh on a Budget • Lighting Your Life • Customizing Your Fireplace S u b s c r i b e 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 a z i n e.c o m

SEPT / OCT 2018

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LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2018

SEPT / OCT 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com

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CONTENTS

68 VOLUME 20 • ISSUE 5 • SEPT / OCT 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com

From the Office 10 OFFICE

44 Lighting Your Life

by Erin Hintz

Lakes Area 12

Designer Lighting Options for the Modern Homeowner

EVENTS

Events Calendar

Customize Your Comfort 18

by Jackie Jenson

54 Your Questions Answered HOME EXPERTS

And Ambiance Evolution of Fireplaces

Provides Endless Options

84

DIRECTORY

Service Directory

Find the Right Professional for Your Next Project

Whitefish Lake 86

FEATURED LAKE

by Our Panel of Experts

INTERIOR DESIGN

INTERIOR DESIGN

FEATURED HOME

56 First Phase of the Refuge

by Patrice Peterson

by Patrice Peterson

FEATURED HOME 68 A Fun and Functional

Lake Gifts 28 SHOPPING

Family Home

Gifts for the Lake Lover

34

INTERIOR DESIGN Home Refresh

on a Budget

by Alicia Underlee Nelson

80 Alex Brick & Stone

by Alicia Underlee Nelson

DESIGNER PORTFOLIO

by Tyler Wirth

Cover photo by Rick Hammer courtesy of Lands End Development

See story on page 56

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LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2018

Volume 20, Issue 5 • SEPT / OCT 2018 PUBLISHER Kip Johnson Lic. #BC520694

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

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LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE Published bimonthly by Compass Media PO Box 9761, Fargo, ND 58106 (218) 205-2706 lakeandhomemagazine.com artwork@lakeandhomemagazine.com Unless previously agreed, all rights remain the sole property of Lake and Home Magazine. ©2018 Compass Media Except for purposes of review, material contained herein may not be reproduced without prior written consent.

Printed by LSC Communications, USA

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FROM THE OFFICE

From the Office

I’m going to hope that our publisher prints the next sentence in a very small font because I’m well aware of the fact that I will be eating every single word of it come January, but here it goes... I’m ready for summer to be over. I’m glad I’m not sitting in your living rooms. Even my own family would be throwing things at me.

My absolute favorite part of fall is the fires.

I burn every single night and all day on the weekends (ask my husband, that’s no exaggeration), and when the evenings get too cold to burn outside, our fireplace takes over until spring. There’s nothing I love more on a cool fall day than to warm up by a fire.

Summer is a magical season in Minnesota, but it also feels a little chaotic. I spend it reminding myself of how much I yearn for warm days and open water all winter long. Then I frantically try to soak up every second I can get in my gardens and at the lake. Throw in a toddler and a few projects that need to be done before snow flies, and I’m a little exhausted.

Our last home was a 1940s rambler with two wood burning fireplaces, which provided a pretty incredible ambiance. Our current home has a gas fireplace and I’m not going to complain about a mess free fire at the flip of a switch. Either option is wonderful, and I just feel fortunate to live in a home with a fireplace. But you’re not limited to these two options. The options and opportunities for customization available in fireplaces today are endless.

Read more about your choices in the fireplace article in this issue of the magazine and don’t miss the portfolio article featuring fireplace designs by Alex Brick & Stone.

Fall brings a slower pace that I welcome.

My family gets back into a routine. We enjoy dinners together rather than trying to hurry them along to get outside before our one-year-old’s 7:30 bedtime. I actually enjoy cooking again and our house smells cozy. Evenings are crisp and perfect for fires. I love the time of year when boots, jeans, a sweater and scarf feel like the definition of comfort after a season spent in dresses and swimsuits. They aren’t as cumbersome as the winter coats that are coming. Pumpkin patches, pumpkin carving, and pumpkin lattes... I’m just basic enough to love it all.

10 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2018

The shorter days are undeniably my least favorite part of this time of year. As part of our home remodel, we added all the lighting we could so that when the sun isn’t filling the house with natural light at 5 o’clock in the evening, it still feels bright.

This issue also features an article showcasing many different lighting styles so that you can layer your lighting as much as you’d like.

We’ll also cover ways to refresh your home on a budget. It’s amazing what something as simple as paint and new decor pieces can do for a space.

And, as always, we’ll take you through two beautiful Minnesota lake homes. Thank you for spending some time with Lake and Home Magazine as you slow down after what we hope was a wonderful summer at the lake! ~L&H

Erin Hintz Advertising Sales

Events Calendar Alexandria: September 1, October 6

September 14-16

facebook.com.commonground. alexandria/

ccwgrapestomp.com

Open Mic Night Common Ground Coffee House 6 p.m.

September 3

RAKU Pottery Experience Carlos Creek Winery 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Glaze your own pre-made pottery piece

carloscreekwinery.com

September 5, 12, 19, 26 Knute Nelson Garden Concerts Healing Gardens at Knute Nelson 6:30 p.m.

Free concert knutenelson.org

September 12

History of the Lakes Pontoon Tour Arrowood on Lake Darling 5 p.m.

Register early, tour size limited

Grape Stomp and Fall Festival Carlos Creek Winery 12 bands, 150 vendors, wine and beer

September 21-22

“The Father: A Tragic Farce” Lakes Area Radio Theatre 7:30 p.m. lakesareatheatre.org

October 6

Walk To End Alzheimer’s Big Ole Park 4 p.m. alz.org/walk

Audubon:

Cruise to the Pit Night With Bruce and Tiki Dee Pit 611 5 p.m.

Classic car show

pit611.com

Barnesville: September 13

Show and Shine Car Show Barnesville Front Street 5 p.m.

alexandria.ce.aleyo.com

barnesvillemn.com

September 15, October 20

September 22

Breakfast With Betty: Eat, Learn & Grow Ravnik & Co. 9 a.m.

Breakfast and decorating education

Area Wide Rummage Sales barnesvillemn.com

ravnikandco.com

12 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2018

MINNESOTA L AKES AREA

Battle Lake: September 1

Battle Lake Farmers Market Railroad Park 9 a.m. ci.battle-lake.mn.us

Baxter: September 29

Art Walk at the Arb Northland Arboretum 10 a.m.

Art installations, demonstrations and exhibits northlandarb.org

September 29

Jacktoberfest Jack Pine Brewery Noon Music and beer jackpinebrewery.com

Bemidji: September 2

Music Under the Pines Lake Bemidji State Park 2 p.m.

218-308-2300

September 2

Bemidji Sculpture Walk 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Bemidji Visitor Center bemidjisculpture.org

September 4, 11, 18, 25 October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Blues Tuesday Toddy’s Pub & Grub 8:30 p.m.

Jam with the Hardwater Blues Band 218-497-1100

September 5, October 17

September 12, 26

September 6

September 14, 28 October 6, 20

Ojibwe Kahoot Competition Lake Bemidji State Park 5 p.m.

Learn Ojibwe words for items in the park 218-308-2300 Eagle Bike Ride Lake Bemidji State Park 10 a.m.

Bike to Sundew Pond to look for an eagle’s nest 218-308-2300

September 7

Candlelit Bog Walk Lake Bemidji State Park 7 p.m.

Luminaries light the ½ mile hike through the bog 218-308-2300

September 7, October 5

Open Mic Coffeehouse Headwaters School of Music & the Arts 7 p.m.

headwatersmusicandarts.org

September 8

Bemidji Artist Market 4th St and Minnesota Ave 9:00 a.m. creativenorthmn@gmail.com

September 9

Leaf Pounding Lake Bemidji State Park 2 p.m.

Kids create art and work towards a Junior Park Naturalist badge 218-308-2300

Bike Ride With A Naturalist Lake Bemidji State Park 1 p.m.

Bike the Paul Bunyan Trail and learn about local history 218-308-2300

Campfire Stories Lake Bemidji State Park 7 p.m.

218-308-2300

September 22

Oktoberfest Bemidji Brewing Noon Beer, music, food for all ages bemidjibeer.com

October 6

Bemidji Symphony Orchestra Concert Bemidji High School Auditorium 7 p.m. bemidjisymphony.org

October 12-13

Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon Sanford Center Start times vary Childrens Races, 5K, Marathon bemidjiblueoxmarathon.com

October 14

“Pink Floyd” Show Sanford Center 7 p.m.

Pink Floyd tribute band

ticketmaster.com

Events Calendar

MINNESOTA L AKES AREA

October 18

TedX Bemidji 1:00 p.m.

Hear speakers at this independently organized TED event Historic Chief Theater

thechieftheater.com

October 21

Not-So-Evergreen Bog Walk Lake Bemidji State Park 2 p.m.

1-mile bog hike 218-308-2300

Brainerd: September 4, 11, 18, 25, October 2,9

Brainerd Farmers Market on Laurel Laurel Street Parking Lot 3 p.m.

218-828-2307

September 7 and October 15 Verse Like Water Washington Education Center 7 p.m.

Visiting poets offer readings and book signings Clcmn.edu

September 10, 24 October 8, 22

BIR Performance Driving School Brainerd International Speedway 8 a.m.

Learn the fundamentals of racecar driving

Callaway: September 1-2

September 14-15

maplelag.com

masterswalleyecircuit.com

Outdoor Movies Crosslake Campground 8:30 p.m.

Free move, water and popcorn 651-290-5792

September 7

September 30

September 29

Laddies Loppet Mountain Bike Races Maplelag Resort All ages and skill levels

Toast to Tamarac Richwood Winery 4 p.m.

Wine tasting, music, appetizers, raffle and silent auction fundraiser 846-9815

September 8

Grape Stomp Richwood Winery Grape stomp contest, local vendors and refreshments

richwoodwinery.com

Cass Lake: September 1

Labor Day Traditional Powwow Veterans Memorial Powwow Grounds 8 a.m. llojibwe.org

September 2

Cass Lake Splash and Dash Cass Lake Wayside Rest Park 7:30 a.m.

For kids 7-15

active.com

Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit Tournament Stony Point Resort and Canal House Register for the tournament at

Open Craft Day Leech Lake Tribal College 10 a.m.

218-335-4247

October 19-21

Old Style Pucker Toe Moccasin Class Leech Lake Tribal College 3-session class 218-335-4247

Crosslake: September 1

Crosslake Original Craft & Flea Market 13715 County Road 103 9 a.m.

Free admission 612-597-1827

September 1

Crosslake Outdoor Music Series Crosslake Town Square 6 p.m.

218-692-8463

September 27-29

Crosslake Days Car show, craft fair, kids activities, chili cook-off, music business.crosslake.com

September 28

Crosslake Historical Cider and Candlelight Tour Crosslake Historical Society Historic Log Village 7 p.m.

September 8

Old Time Music and Dance Dalton Opera House 2:30 p.m.

651-216-4610

Deerwood: October 19

Ruttger’s 33rd Annual Oktoberfest Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge 6 p.m.

Beer, entertainment, bingo and food for all ages

crosslakehistoricalsociety.org

ruttgers.com

October 19-21, 26-27

Detroit Lakes: September 2

The Haunted Hallows of Crosslake Crosslake Historical Log Village 7 p.m.

A scary show for all ages crosslakehistoricalsociety.org

Cushing: September 27-30

A Stitchin’ Sewcation Campfire Bay Resort Sewing and photography classes astitchinsewcation.com

Dalton: September 7-9

LRPTA Threshing Show Steam engines, tractor pull, wagon rides, exhibits, crafts, flea market, food

lrpta-dalton.org

Tour de Lake Bike Race DL Pavilion 8 a.m.

Inaugural bike race offers a 10-mile and 20-mile course

September 3

Zorbaz Dog Run Peoples Park 11 a.m.

Leashed pups on a 1.5 loop

September 8

Dick Beardsley Races Relay marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, relay, youth run

dbmarathon.com

September 13

Cruise DL Night West Lake Drive along the DL City Beach 4 p.m.

facebook.com/cruisedlnight

Brainerdraceway.com

SEPT / OCT 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 13

Events Calendar Detroit Lakes (cont.): September 13

Lakes Area Women’s Expo Kent Freeman Arena 4 p.m.

Vendors, food and beverages, demos, swag bags, music

Lakes Trail Run Detroit Mountain Recreation Area 8 a.m.

5K or 10K

September 15

dlccc.org

September 20

United Way Community Celebration DL Pavilion 4:30 p.m.

Free kids’ activities, food, entertainment 218-846-7400

September 27

The Revolution Concert Holmes Theatre 7:30 p.m.

Prince’s backing band

dlccc.org

September 28

Fire and Ice DL Airport 6 p.m.

Fundraiser with food, wine and beer tasting

October 6

Damien Home Tour Detroit Lakes Homes Noon Tour five lake homes 218-234-1353

October 7

Prairie Masters Wildflower Golf Course 10 a.m.

2-person scramble

wildflowergolfcourse.com

Federal Dam: September 14-16

Battle Point Powwow Battle Point Powwow Grounds 218-507-0842

Fergus Falls: September 1, 8, 15. 22, 29 October 6

West Lincoln Avenue 9 a.m.

Fergus Falls Farmers Market fergusfallsfarmersmarket.org

September 12-15

Lake Park: September 28-29

Pumpkin Fest Parade, car show, pumpkin carving 218-238-5532 lakeparkmn.com

Lake Shore: October 6

Fishing to End Hunger Walleye Tournament Bar Harbor Supper Club 8 a.m.

218-963-2568

Little Falls: September 1-3

Morrison County Historical Society Walking Tour Meet at the corner of 2nd Ave & 2nd St NE 10 a.m.

morrisoncountyhistory.org

September 8

FAB Pheasant Hunt LeBlanc’s Rice Creek Hunting and Recreation 9 a.m.

ricecreekhunting.com

September 8-9

Little Falls Arts and Crafts Fair Downtown Little Falls Free event featuring crafters and artisans 320-632-5155

September 8-9

Antiques and Collectibles Show LeBourget Park 320-630-5331

September 9

Lone Eagle Auto Show and Swap Meet Morrison County Fairgrounds 7 a.m.

320-632-6849

September 15

Yellow Ribbon Network 5K Run DeParq Woods Pavilion, Camp Ripley 8 a.m.

September 18

Party with a Purpose Sprout Growers & Makers Marketplace 5:30 p.m.

Appetizers and wine sproutmn.com

September 22

Wissota 100 I-94 Speedway Stock car dirt track races

i94speedways.com

greatart.org

September 22

September 28

Deuces Wild: Dueling Pianos A Center for the Arts 6:30 p.m.

Show, food, silent auction fundraiser fergusarts.org

Great River Arts Painting with Wine 9 a.m.

Create your own art

Fabulous Armadillos Concert Falls Ballroom 7 p.m.

Fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity 320-616-2084

Hawley: September 14

The Walker Golf Tournament Hawley Golf Club 8 a.m.

Scramble fundraiser

hawleygolf.com ‘

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MINNESOTA L AKES AREA

September 29

Minnesota Military Museum Central MN Remembers Vietnam: Veterans’ Voices MN Military Museum, Camp Ripley 10:30 a.m.

Stories, exhibits, discussion, photo ID required 320-616-6050

September 29

Cheers to Morrison County The Hanger in Camp Ripley 2 p.m.

Sample 60+ craft beers and wines for charity

CheerstoMC.com

October 6

Pine Grove ZooFest Pine Grove Zoo 11 a.m.

Family fun, rock climbing, inflatable games, comedian and ventriloquist 320-616-5595

October 11

Harvest Ball Falls Ballroom 5:30 p.m.

Dinner, social and entertainment to benefit Horizon Health 320-468-6451 Kiwanis Club Trivia Challenge Great River Arts 6 p.m.

320-632-9281

October 13

Heartland Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert Series Little Falls Community High School 7:30 p.m.

1-800-826-1997

October 31

Business Trick or Treating Little Falls businesses 3:30 p.m.

Candy for kids pre-k to age 12 until 5 p.m.

320-632-5155

Mahnomen: September 7

Larry the Cable Guy Shooting Star Casino 8 p.m.

Live comedy from a Billboard Award winner

New York Mills: October 27

October 6

kulcher.org

October 13

Kids Halloween Party New York Mills Cultural Center 3 p.m.

Free Halloween photos, snacks and activities for kids 10 and under

October 27-29

Haunted Trail Rides VFW 7 p.m. kulcher.org

Nisswa: September 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29 October 3-6, 10-13, 17-20, 24-27 Fairway Pines Open House Golf Villa Circle off of Lower Roy Lake Road Model home tour 11 a.m.

218-967-3133

Ottertail: September 1

Little Texas Concert Thumper Pond 6 p.m.

Classic country show

thumperpond.com

Park Rapids: September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 October 6, 13

Park Rapids Farmers Market Cwikla Ace Hardware Parking Lot 9 a.m.

business.parkrapids.com

September 2, 15, 22

Itasca Music Under the Pines Itasca State Park Varied, 6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

218-699-7251

September 5

Bear Paw Point Hike Itasca State Park 10:30 a.m.

Meet at Itasca Campus Center 218-699-7251

September 8

PRFD EnGOLFed Golfing Tournament Bears Den Golf Course 10 a.m.

4-person teams

starcasino.com

crystal.krautkremer@hotmail.com

September 21

September 18, October 16

Lee Brice Shooting Star Casino 8 p.m.

Country singer/songwriter

starcasino.com

October 11-13

Paracon Shooting Star Casino 8 p.m.

Paranormal convention starcasino.com

Menahga: September 15

Snurdbird Open Blueberry Pines 10 a.m.

4-person scramble

blueberrypinesgolf.com

Circle Time Under The Pines Itasca State Park 10:30 a.m.

Activities for kids 2-5 at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Classroom 218-699-7251

September 22

Great American Story Contest Reading Calvary Lutheran Church 7 p.m.

thegreatamericanstory.org

September 22

Autumn Harvest Festival and Lantern Lit Hike Itasca State Park 6 p.m.

Hikes leave from the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center until 8:10 218-699-7251

Aiton Heights Fire Tower Hike Itasca State Park 2 p.m.

This strenuous, 3-mile hike leaves from Douglas Lodge 218-699-7251 Autumn Hike Itasca State Park 12:30 p.m.

Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center 218-699-7251

Perham: September 25

Perham Summer History Series Otter Tail County Historical Society 6 p.m.

otchs.org

September 29

Lakes Area Home Tour 9 a.m.

Self-guided tour of 7 homes 549family.com/ lakesareahometour

Pelican Rapids: September 22-23

Maplewood State Park Walks Maplewood State Park Group camping, hiking, potluck soup supper, pancake breakfast

nstt.org

October 6-7

Leaf Days Maplewood State Park Drive or hike to see the fall colors 218-863-8383

Pequot Lakes: September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Ideal Green Market Co-op CR16 & CR 39 9 a.m. idealgreenmarket.com

Pierz: September 6

Rock, Roll and Stroll Downtown Pierz 5 p.m.

Classic cars, music, food 320-468-0000

Pine River: September 29

3 Waters Fishing Event Norway Lake, Norway Brook, Pine River 8 a.m.

Family fishing event 612-840-8216

Rochert: September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 October 7, 14, 21, 28

Wildlife Movies Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge 2 p.m.

fws.gov/refuge/tamarac

September 29

Tamarac Fall Festival Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge 10 a.m.

Free kids activity trail, guided tours, photography exhibits 218-847-2641

SEPT / OCT 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 15

Events Calendar Rollag: September 1-3

Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion Steamer Hill Parades, food, train and carousel rides, gas and steam engines

rollag.com

Vergas: October 6

Vergas Hairy Man 5K Fun Walk/Run 28661 470th St., Vergas 5 p.m.

Charity 5K with bonfire 218-342-2091

Wadena: September 8

Book Ends An Open Book 11 a.m.

Author chat and book signing 218-632-2665

October 21

Black’s Grove River Crossing Mountain Bike Race Black’s Grove Park 7 a.m.

3-18 mile courses blacksgrove.com

Walker: September 1-2

Art by the Lake Chase on the Lake 9 a.m.

30 local artists

facebook.com/ LeechLakeArtLeague/

September 1-2

“On Golden Pond” Walker Bay Theater Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m.

minnesotafolkloretheater.org

September 7

WACC Golf Classic Tiana Country Club Noon 4-person scramble fundraiser walkerareacommunitycenter.com

September 8

Ethnic Fest Downtown Walker Parade, vendors and entertainment from around the world

September 15

Walker North Country Marathon Ostlund Field 9 a.m.

Marathon, half marathon, 10K wacc@arvig.net

September 15

Rotary Extravaganza Northern Lights Casino 5 p.m.

Fundraiser; music, dinner and prizes 218-821-4911

September 21

North Star Combat 9 Northern Lights Casino 7:30 p.m.

Mixed martial arts

northernlightscasino.com

September 22

Save Summer Bike and Brew Fest Portage Brewing Company 10 a.m.

Bike ride, music, food, beer

portagebeer.com

September 29

Chippewa National Forest Hike Shingobee Recreation Area 2 p.m.

218-732-8051

September 29

Harvest Moon Fall Festival Moondance Fairgrounds/ MDJ Saloon 2 p.m.

Live music, camping, beer and wine tasting

moondancejam.com

October 12

Bellamy Brothers Concert Northern Lights Casino 7 p.m.

Country duo

northernlightscasino.com

October 31

Kids Haunted House American Legion 5 p.m.

218-547-1011

leech-lake.com

Have an Event?

Do you have an upcoming event that you would like to have featured in a future issue of Lake and Home Magazine?

Send your event info via email to: a rtwork @la k ea nd hom em a g a z i ne.com

16 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2018

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INTERIOR DESIGN

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SEPT / OCT 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 19

F

ireplaces have come a long way over the years.

Prehistoric caves featured unvented fire pits, which gave way to raised hearth structures using holes in the ceiling during the middle ages. Eventually, the invention of chimneys in Europe took hold in the 11th century. Even our own Benjamin

Franklin is credited with developing a convection chamber for the fireplace in the 18th century, greatly improving the efficiency of fireplaces and wood stoves.

While fireplaces still serve as a functional source of heat, today’s hearth is also a go-to option for homeowners looking to create a unique space within a room.

Heat & Glo 8000C Gas Fireplace photo credit: Heat & Glo courtesy of Ellingson Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Electrical

photo provided by Pete Ryan Custom Fireplace Installation

“The entire fireplace industry is continuing to evolve.

People have more choices now, and technology in the gas and electric fireplaces has continued to improve.”

Joy Rodas The Fireplace Store // Alexandria

Whether it’s a traditional wood-burning fireplace, an efficient gas unit, or a modern electric option, the design element generated around a fireplace is undeniable.

Whatever look a homeowner is going for, they can “pick their design, according to how they decorate their home,” according to Pete Ryan, a custom fireplace installer in Pequot Lakes.

As fireplace options have expanded, the placement of them has migrated from the living room to other locations in the home, like a bedroom, kitchen – or even a bathroom!

“The entire fireplace industry is continuing to evolve,” says Joy Rodas of The Fireplace Store in Alexandria. “People have more choices now, and technology in the gas and electric fireplaces has continued to improve.”

“They’ve come such a long way in the last 10-12 years in the efficiency of these units, and also in their sizes, shapes and design.”

Pete Ryan Pete Ryan Custom Fireplace Installation // Pequot Lakes

Phoenix Trueview Gas Fireplace photo credit: Heat & Glo courtesy of Ellingson Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Electrical

The 30 models currently displayed in The Fireplace Store include a variety of stonework options, numerous types of mantels, and different levels of flame and light intensity from several manufacturers.

22 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2018

“Some of the newer gas units have five-level flame heights, and select models include lighting in them,” adds Jerry Aaberg, manager of The Fireplace Store. “For a more natural or rustic overall look, many people are choosing a veneer stone front. It’s real stone that’s cut thin, between one and two inches, then mortared in, giving the appearance of layered stone.”

Other styles that can update the front of a fireplace include planking, patterned mosaic, precast concrete and steel, but Ryan agrees that natural stone veneer has increased in popularity and opened up many different varieties and options of colors and styles.

“They’ve come such a long way in the last 10-12 years in the efficiency of these units, and also in their sizes, shapes and design,” Ryan adds. “It used to be there were two logs and two others crossing over. Now the flames and logs themselves are so realistic, and you have a remote control where you can not only turn it on and off, but make the flames go higher or lower. Some even have an LED ember bed that lights up so it looks like coal underneath the wood.”

photo provided by Pete Ryan Custom Fireplace Installation

SEPT / OCT 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 23

It’s rare for residents of the upper Midwest to endure an entire winter season without a power outage or two. Gas fireplaces provide a sense of security to homeowners who may otherwise depend on electric heat. “All of our gas fireplaces have a battery backup during an outage,” says Jackie, a manager at Up North Fireplace. “Not only that, but you can get a thermostat remote for all our fireplaces.

This really gives customers flexibility.”

For a more modern look, and if there’s enough space for it, homeowners might consider a corner gas fireplace. Electric fireplaces also offer linear options where a horizontal focus is desirable, with an abundance of sizes available.

Another trend Ryan sees, particularly for cabin owners, is mounting TVs above the fireplace instead of a mantel. He says gas fireplace manufacturers offer suggestions on how high those TVs need

to be mounted, but it’s not as much of a safety issue anymore.

SAFETY “The bulk of our business today is gasrelated, and all of those units now come with screens for safety reasons,” says Neil Jenzen of Alex Brick & Stone. “Some of them are considered ‘cool wall units,’ and you can put wood trim right up to the edge of the opening. They also have some double-glass options, with an air curtain between the two panes of glass that cools the outer glass down.”

With trimless lines that give it a modern look, this new technology, called the GSB (Glass Safety Barrier) System, maximizes safety by reducing the heat of the outermost pane and distributing that heat back into the room.

WHAT ABOUT WOOD? “Many people, especially cabin owners, still want the more traditional look and smell and sounds that come from a woodburning fireplace,” according to Aaberg.

He says that even wood burning fireplaces have gotten more efficient with smaller fireboxes, fireplace inserts, and other efforts at making them airtight for higher efficiency. Plus, wood storage features have become a new design trend, like built-in shelves around the fireplace that show the wood off instead of hiding it.

There’s no denying the atmosphere created by real wood fires, with the crackling sounds, the authentic smells and the visual impact. But all fireplaces, whether wood burning, gas or electric, can change the entire atmosphere, character and ambiance of a home.

Whatever design style a homeowner desires, there is definitely a fireplace out there that can complement and complete any design dream.

Quadra-Fire Pioneer II Wood-Burning Fireplace photo credit: Quadra-Fire courtesy of Ellingson Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Electrical

SEPT / OCT 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 25

Fireplaces provide an unparalleled sense of warmth to any home. Today’s options provides a broader spectrum of opportunity than ever before! Gas, woodburning, and electric fireplaces each feature unique advantages.

GAS With the flip of a switch or the touch of a button, gas alternatives to wood-burning fireplaces are now available in a wide variety of looks, sizes and styles. Most of the newer gas fireplaces are direct vent, with fixed-glass panels covering the firebox. They efficiently produce heat with a two-part venting system that brings outside air in to fuel the flame and takes the exhaust from the fire back to the outside. They are completely sealed and use no air from within the home.

WOOD-BURNING The traditional wood-burning fireplace is still considered a luxury for the amazing sights, sounds and smells of an authentic burn. Newly-built units follow requirements

designed to increase efficiency. Some wood fireplaces reach as high as a 40-hour burn time on one load. Choosing the right wood, adding an insert, and following safety precautions can maximize the experience for any homeowner with a wood-burning fireplace.

ELECTRIC Advanced light technology is used to create the “look” of a fire with an electric fireplace, and no venting is needed – only a wall outlet and a continued source of electricity. Although not as realistic-looking as gas fireplaces, these units are relatively inexpensive and versatile as far as where they can be mounted. In addition, electric fireplaces can be customized to a specific space or area in a home or cabin, and the options are endless when it comes to size, shape and style. ~L&H

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Fall & Harvest at the Winery | Carlos Creek Winery 320-846-5443 | CarlosCreekWinery.com WINE – SWEATERS – CIDER and more...everything you need to enjoy the beautiful fall! Shop our wide selection of warm, cozy sweaters, perfect for any fall day picking pumpkins, traveling for fall colors or just enjoying a glass of wine in front of the bonfire. Try some of our apple wines, hard cider or our NEWEST wine, Calisota!

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Wood Guestbook Journal | Sunny and Clear From Minnesota artist Teresa Magnuson, these guestbook journals are designed to “bring out the sunshine.”

Her illustrations are laser engraved into a solid wood cover, giving it a timeless charm.

ETSY Shop: Sunny and Clear https://www.etsy.com/listing/603547014/ woodguestbook-journal-live-love-lake-mn

Lake-Themed Hats Periwinkle Marketplace Shop our Facebook page or stop by our summer pop-up shop at 231 Hwy 78 North, Suite E, Ottertail, MN. Open every day all summer.

• Finished Size: 5.5” w x 7.875” h with black double-wire spiral binding • Solid wood cover, Alderwood, 1/8 inch thick • Inside pages: ruled/lined part way, 100pg, 50shts, 60# text.

Made in Fergus Falls, MN.

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Creative Touch Boutique 320-762-8786 | 516 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN We are a boutique store in downtown Alexandria, which carries home décor, gifts, and clothing. We specialize in women’s clothing with an emphasis on being cute, comfortable, and

affordable. One whole section of the store is devoted to Minnesota clothing which includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats for both men and women. Also included in this section are gift items and home décor with a lake theme, which includes personalized lake signs, lake map jar candles, cribbage boards,

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beer glasses, and coffee mugs. You will also find hundreds of signs with many featuring lake sayings. Follow us on both Facebook and Instagram. The store is open year-round, seven days a week, right in the middle of the bustling downtown Alexandria shopping district!

Williams Company Store Ottertail | 218-367-3340 | 101 West Main Street Battle Lake | 218-862-6906 | 102 West Summit Street The Williams Company Store has two beautiful locations. Both stores are located in historic Minnesota towns; Ottertail and Battle Lake. Vacationers are drawn to our historic buildings and find themselves returning to the stores for our unique gift selections, fantastic espresso drinks & amazing deli food.

Vacationers and local members of our community enjoy our friendly staff and small-town charm.

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Funky Farmhouse 218-770-1350 or 218-770-7130 | 231 Hwy 78 N. Unit D, Ottertail, MN Something for everyone!

One-of-a-kind handcrafted, upcycled, and repurposed items.

Homemade jewelry, wooden signs, various pieces of furniture. Inventory changes weekly.

Hours: May-Sept: Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4 Oct-April: Weekends only, Hours TBD

Lake Pillow | Sunny and Clear Colorful fishing bobbers and lake-themed pillows. Decorative pillow cushion designs in summer hues or vivid vintage colors. Suitable indoors or outdoors.

All illustrations and fabrics are original designs, giving you a one-of-a-kind pillow.

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PILLOW STUFFED

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PILLOW COVER ONLY

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$ 32 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2018

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I

INTERIOR DESIGN

by Alicia Underlee Nelson

If buying a new home, remodeling your existing house or building your dream home aren’t an option, don’t despair. There are easy tweaks and small projects you can do to transform the look of your existing home. Most of them are affordable and simple – and you can do many of them yourself. We chatted with local experts to learn how to give your home a facelift without breaking the bank.

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Focus Strategically

“Kitchens and bathrooms show the age the fastest because of finishes,” explains Betty Ravnik, senior interior designer at Ravnik & Co. in Alexandria. “Changes in tile and cabinetry can date a space.

Other items in the home that can show ‘era’ are furniture and paint colors.”

Avoid repeating the time capsule look – you don’t want your home to be frozen in 2018 either! – by starting with small changes. Replace drawer pulls and cabinet handles in the kitchen or update mirrors, a backsplash or countertops.

Remove dated wallpaper or paint over that accent wall where you tried that hot new painting technique…a decade ago.

Less is More

A clean, streamlined look developed as a reaction to busy decorating schemes best defines the ‘less is more’ approach.

But it’s stayed popular because it offers homeowners a sense of freedom and order, minimalizing visual distractions and clutter while highlighting interesting design features, furniture and art. It also makes decorating easy because it emphasizes paring down instead of adding elements in.

“I think people have been drawn to the Scandinavian decor influence because it looks so tidy and creates good energies in your space,” says Amy King, owner of The Market, a specialty gift and décor shop in Fergus Falls. “So instead of going with a theme to the whole space, taking a few things away that are outdated and going with a few timeless pieces can make a space more sophisticated, but also still feel homey.”

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Keep Paint Neutral

“We’ve noticed in the last five to seven years that less people are doing accent walls,” says Chris Anderson, manager of Sherwin Williams in Fergus Falls. “What we notice now is that most people are going with a soft beige or a neutral, warm gray throughout the house and they accent with pictures, wall hangings, towels, and accessories. Those you can change out.”

The warm gray trend doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. The neutral, mass appeal option first appeared after the financial crisis prompted people to choose quieter colors that are easy to live with and introduced a new generation to the power of neutrals. This is a safe bet for any home, but an especially good investment if you plan on selling in the next few years.

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Start Small with Walls

photo courtesy: The Market, Fergus Falls, Minn.

If you’re not ready for paint, but you still want to revamp a room, switch out the artwork or the frames on your walls. It’s an easy and affordable update. You can shop for a few statement pieces or group smaller, more affordable works of art together in a gallery wall. If you keep the frame colors the same and repeat a similar color scheme in the art, it will tie the whole wall together with very little effort.

And since each piece is affordable, you can easily change your mind.

You can purchase framed wall art in a store or buy original photographs, sketches or paintings from local artists and have them framed yourself. (Just remember to check the measurements before you buy, because odd sizes require custom frames, which can blow your budget fast.) Don’t be afraid to think outside the box – children’s drawings, postcards, greeting cards and even framed mementos can make your art installation visually interesting and very personal.

“Also, displaying family photos makes a space so homey,” adds King. “And it’s nice for guests to see your homage to your family. It’s the best kind of wall art!”

Paint Your Trim & Cabinets White

“A lot of people are painting their trim now, too,” adds Anderson. “If people have a home that has the basic oak trim on it and they want to freshen it up or change the look of it, they paint it white.”

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This is another trend that grew out of safer choices prompted by the last decade’s economic downturn. It’s stuck around because homeowners loved the look – and homebuyers did too. “The realtors are even telling them, ‘you want this house to sell fast, you paint your trim, you paint your cabinets,’” says Anderson.

Crisp, white kitchens are still trending in design magazines and on HGTV, as well as in model homes. But white trim and white kitchen cabinets is a trend the professionals have adopted too. “In fact, I did mine a few months ago,” admits Anderson. “It really freshened it up.”

If you’re truly stuck and don’t know where to start, don’t be afraid to call in a professional. An interior decorator can offer a fresh perspective and expert advice. It can be more affordable than people realize, even if the tweak involves a small remodeling project.

says Ravnik. “We do full remodels, but often homeowners don’t need to do an addition to accomplish their needs; they just need an evaluation of their space.

Sometimes one wall removed or two rooms combined can create a huge impact with less money spent.”

Shift Your Stuff & Your Space

“Art and furniture placement suggestions or paint and finish consultations are the least expensive services we offer,”

Go Tactile with Textiles

o.

&C

Think about exactly how you use the room and how you can make it serve you better. Does your eye gravitate toward an empty space on the wall? Fill it. Do you need a spot to put your tea while you read in the evening? Move an end table to another location or repurpose a low stool as a table. Find new homes for houseplants that have grown, reorganize a shelf to give cherished collections pride of place or add homey touches like candles and mementos to add comfort and interest to the room.

Getting a new look can be as simple as “adding a few updated textiles such as throw pillows, rugs, etc.,” says King. “A little goes a long way.”

In addition to adding color, pattern, and interest to your space, textiles also make a room feel welcoming, both literally and figuratively. Look for rugs that actually feel good under your feet, and decorative blankets and throw pillows that are comfortable to cuddle up with as well as being visually appealing. Placing them in spots where you (or guests) are likely to relax adds a little extra coziness and makes guests feel comfortable. “Adding a throw blanket to the corner of a sofa is always inviting,” says King.

o cour tesy: Rav phot nik

“If you don’t want to take the time to paint, move your furniture or artwork around,” says Ravnik. “It refreshes the space.”

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Visualize It

It can be hard to visualize how a room will look, even if you’re a creative thinker. So don’t be afraid to ask the professionals for assistance – or use the technological tools at your disposal.

There’s nothing wrong with making a classic mood board with fabric swatches, paint colors and images that you like from magazines – or even photos of your friends’ or family members’ homes. If you’re not already on Pinterest, this online mood board can be a great way to organize your thoughts, figure out the styles you prefer and link to product information (especially handy if you’re brainstorming ideas for light fixtures or rugs or something specific) without adding physical clutter.

Once you find the perfect thing, you just delete the board!

If you’re painting, skip taping those paint swatches on the wall and let technology do the work. “We have an app, the Sherwin Williams Colorsnap Visualizer, so you can take a picture of any room in your house or the outside of your house,” explains Anderson. Then the app updates your image with your color preferences so you can get a better idea of how the color will look in that specific space.

If you’re working with a professional interior designer, they’ll provide you with plenty of visual information as they learn your style.

But coming to that first meeting with an idea of what you want can save you both valuable time.

Clear Clutter

“Another quick fix is to remove some items,” says Ravnik. “We all seem to accumulate ‘stuff’ over time. Remove things off the mantel, counter or bookcase, remove a piece of furniture from a room, or remove an overgrown bush from the front of the house.”

You can re-gift items in excellent condition to friends and family or donate them to your favorite thrift store or nonprofit organization. Bring books to a used book seller (most will offer you credit so you can basically trade them in for new titles) or donate them to a Little Free Library – or start your own! (You can find a map near you at littlefreelibrary.org.) You can even sell items on Facebook, eBay or Craigslist to fund your next home project or shopping trip.

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Mix It Up

“It’s fun to have small furniture pieces that don’t match or a mix of patterns,” says King. “People generally shy from mixing patterns and textures, but they can actually harmonize a space quite nicely.”

If you’re ready to invest in new furniture, make sure you don’t go too matchymatchy, or you risk recreating the same time capsule look you’re trying to get away from. Seek out antiques, upcycled items and family heirlooms or purchase furniture with contrasting styles (or pieces from different eras) so your home looks layered, lived-in and timeless.

If you’re pattern shy, start with a neutral color scheme and keep your colors in the same color family. Classic prints like plaid and herringbone are timeless and provide an easy entry into decorating with prints. If you’re skittish, enlist the help of a design savvy friend or a professional designer. Show them the colors and prints that you respond to and they’ll help you display them to maximum effect.

Go Bold with Accents

When you’re keeping your overall color scheme neutral, you can afford to play with color in smaller, more intense doses. “We are seeing homeowners more comfortable incorporating color in cabinetry, drapery, and furniture,” says Ravnik.

So if you’ve always dreamed of a lipstick red chair or a jade green bookcase, do it. Don’t be afraid to experiment with boldly patterned curtains or tip your toe into the trend (pun intended) with a colorful shower curtain. Rugs, table linens, throw pillows and artwork are also easy ways to play with color without a major commitment.

If color isn’t your thing, you can still have fun with shape and proportion. “Statement pieces like impressive light fixtures is a strong trend,” says Ravnik.

Sculptural pieces like floor lamps, artisanal furniture, reclaimed wood tables and benches (as well as actual sculptures) can add drama without adding color.

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photos courtesy: Ravnik & Co. Alexandria, Minn.

Whether you start small or go big, there are so many ways to change the look of your home. The only question is where – and when – to begin. ~L&H

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I

INTERIOR DESIGN

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photo courtesy: Kichler available at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

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photo courtesy: Kichler available at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

The modern Midwestern home is filled with numerous designer elements and high tech gadgets of every shape, size, and ability. From rustic chandeliers made of antlers to refrigerators equipped with built-in computer screens, there are many style versus utility questions to be addressed when constructing a home in the 21st century.

Perfectly situated, however, at the union of this form and function conundrum is lighting, a powerful tool that can provide for specific task lighting as easily as it can interject a designer touch to any room.

Walt Whitman once said, “Every moment of light and dark is a miracle.” This is what designer lighting brings to a home, distinctive areas of light which elegantly balance the darkness. By illuminating the shadows, lighting helps to fashion warm living spaces that accentuate the individualized décor and utility of a home’s many diverse rooms.

“There are so many more lighting options now than there have ever been before,” starts Kathy Klug, assistant manager at Valley Lights Inc. located in Fargo, N.D. With so many possibilities from which to select, Klug notes lighting is a flexible and significant tool that ensures each room of the home lives up to its fullest potential.

Having a skilled lighting expert assist in this endeavor can be a great benefit as well.

“There are so many more lighting options now than there have ever been before.”

Kathy Klug / Assistant Manager / Valley Lights Inc.

“We consider things like natural light, ceiling height, décor, and budget, while trying to ensure there is enough light for the tasks being performed in that space,” Klug says.

“Planning is always good,” adds Jenny Jepson, lighting professional at Cullen’s Home Center. “Layered lighting is always best – lamps, wall sconces, ceiling lights all working together.”

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photo courtesy: Kichler available at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

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With that said, taking into consideration a room’s unique purpose and the light needed to accomplish that task is a good place to start, say the local lighting authorities.

“Lighting professionals are provided with in-depth training on the technical aspects of lighting, so they have the knowledge to help you make the right lighting decisions for your home,” remarks Amy Anderson, showroom consultant with Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery.

Anderson notes a designer lighting plan for the home takes into account, “how the style of fixtures and light sources impact the overall space.” In this process, the lighting pro notes a couple key factors.

It’s important to understand whether the light desired is illuminating a small area for tasks or if the fixture needs to provide a layer of light, such as lighting the family room in the evenings.

In this respect, to question a room lighting purpose is to begin to think how light is being utilized and represented in a space.

“When a light consultant is contacted early in the building stage, we are able to help the customer ensure they have enough light for all the different ways they may use a room,” explains Klug. “A properly lit room will need more than just a light in the center; typically, it will require multiple light sources to achieve a true layered lighting effect.”

As for which rooms will value most from a lighting strategy Klug, Anderson and Jepson note almost any.

“All rooms will benefit from a thoughtful lighting plan,” comments Klug. “Too often, people are content with a fixture in the center of the room, but yet complain that there isn’t enough light to do all the things they want to do in that space. Even bedrooms will often have table lamps or some other secondary source of light.

The most important rooms to consider are kitchens, dining rooms, baths, offices, great rooms or living rooms, family rooms and believe it or not, large walk in closets.”

Anderson adds, “Lighting fixtures are the jewelry of the home. Whether featured as a grand welcome to guests in a foyer or illuminating a kitchen island, decorative lighting fixtures are available in a wide variety of styles to please any discerning taste.”

However, if building a new home is not in your future, making allowances for a lighting plan during a remodel is a way to provide for better illumination say the lighting specialists. A remodel can also afford homeowners a way to economically add a designer touch when re-working a room.

photo courtesy: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

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“Lighting professionals are provided with in-depth training on the technical aspects of lighting, so they have the knowledge to help you make the right lighting decisions for your home.”

Amy Anderson / Showroom Consultant Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

photo courtesy: Kichler available at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

“From dim to dazzling, lighting transforms any space. Beyond illumination, lighting can instantly change the look and style of a room from traditional to contemporary and everything in between,” explains Anderson.

Simply stated, with so many selections from which to choose, lighting is a great tool to add designer grade form and useful function to any space.

“Lighting can add texture to a room,” says Jepson, the Cullen’s lighting expert.

“Styles are leaning toward an industrial look. Things like metal and wood blends

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and multi-colored finishes such as bronze and brushed nickel.”

As rooms in the home are now being used in new and specific ways with home offices, spa-style bathrooms and openconcept family rooms, homeowners need new ways to bring light into rooms.

“Manufacturers are creating more diverse and unique fixture options, so we’re seeing more homeowners taking risks and experimenting with lighting in all areas of the home, inside and out,” expands Fergusons’ Anderson. “Two-tone finish pairings offer more flexibility to coordinate

with existing home décor and future updates. A mixed metal finish, such as antique bronze and natural brass, will also complement a wide variety of faucets and fixtures in the kitchen and bath.”

Drawing on in vogue, blended elements, homeowners now have a variety of ways to express designer touches in a number of rooms all the while lighting them up to their fullest potential.

Modern lighting options whether it be pendant lights or arch lamps, utilize designer elements to reflect the individual style of each and every homeowner.

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Combining rusted looking black, brown and bronze metals that have a distressed look are still popular notes Keith Olson from Olson’s Furniture in Fergus Falls.

“We are seeing faux finishes, giving antique, old-fashioned looks to things like birdcages,” continues Olson. “Lots of things like minnow buckets and sets of old antlers getting repurposed for lamps.”

These novelty and mixed-material lamps also offer homeowners a way to personalize a room, in keeping with their current décor style, traditional to modern.

“Lighting can add texture to a room.

Styles are leaning toward an industrial look. Things like metal and wood blends and multicolored finishes such as bronze and brushed nickel.”

Jenny Jepson / Lighting Professional Cullen’s Home Center

photo courtesy: Progress Lighting available at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

“Lamps are a great way to complement existing lighting as well as add to the overall decor of a room.”

Keith Olson / Olson Furniture

Olson notes lamps can offer another layer of light after-the-fact. “Lamps are a great way to complement existing lighting as well as add to the overall décor of a room,” adding that table lamps equipped with the right light bulb can provide great task lighting for a living room and home office.

“Floor and table lamps can function as task lighting or as ambient lighting,” Klug extends. “A three-way lamp, or lamp with a dimmer can function in both ways at different times. Lamps should also be considered in the overall design of the space as well,” states the lighting designer.

Using LED bulbs offers the homeowner colors from bright white task lighting for a kitchen to soft amber tones for bedroom lamps, continues Cullen’s Jepson.

“I suggest testing out a few bulbs to see what you like. There is a range of colors from 27,000K soft amber tones like that

photo courtesy: Progress Lighting available at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

of a traditional incandescent bulb versus a bright white, bluer light of 5,000K LED bulb.”

Bulbs can be metamorphic adds Anderson: “The choice between tubular or traditional A-shape bulbs will completely transform the look of the fixture. LED options provide additional brightness and performance with a fraction of the heat output and energy cost.”

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Regardless of style and use, lighting can bring designer elements into any space of a home. Whether the goal is to increase the ambient light of a room or merely add to its texture by upgrading an older ceiling fixture to a new one constructed of modern metal and wood, lighting is a multi-faceted tool that can complement your room with regards to any pomp and purpose. ~L&H

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H

Your Questions

Answered By Our Panel Of Experts

HOME EXPERTS

Question: Looking for a custom door?

Answer: Here are a few things to consider when designing a custom door unit and before contacting a custom door provider to take your visions of the perfect door and bring them to life.

First, you’ll need to consider the structural details of your door unit and how it relates to your home’s entry and overall design. Do you want a door with glass or no glass? Will a single door meet your needs or do you need a double door or door with sidelites?

How about a transom (window over the top)? Will a standard size door work for you or do you want a larger size door (width, height or both)? Do you have any wood species preference? Are there any other

custom design features you would like to have as part of your door (etched glass, custom carvings, stained glass, handforged iron straps or grills, etc.)?

The sooner you can answer these questions, the quicker the design process will be. Please be aware that without knowing the full scope of your building project (floorplans, elevations, etc.), it’s difficult to advise you on structural details as they relate to your overall home design – an architect or builder can be of great help when discussing these details.

With these questions answered, your supplier will be able to work with you on some of the finer details and provide you with a sketch and cost quotation specific to your design. The two remaining factors that you will have to deal with are the price and production time. While it’s advisable to have some discussion of budget

54 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2018

and time-frame early on, until actual design Brent Manley is established, Great River there is no way to Door Company provide you with actual price and production time.

You can expect to pay considerably more than an off-the-shelf, massproduced item, so please keep that in mind before your supplier puts the time and effort into putting your proposal together. Production time will vary, but don’t be surprised if it takes several months to produce your “dream” door unit. The more time you’re able to provide will be appreciated. . . trust me!

So please keep these thoughts in mind as you go forward with your door project. The more prepared you are, the smoother the whole process will be. ~L&H

OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA

DOUGLAS AND OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA

“My clients who have worked with American Federal for their construction loans have appreciated the welcoming environment and professional advice provided by Chris Marvel. The entire staff at American Federal is committed to making the financing process stress free.”

- Dave Erwin, Dave Erwin Construction, Inc.

117 South Mill Street Fergus Falls, MN 56537 218.739.3377 888.389.3377

OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA

DOUGLAS COUNTY, MINNESOTA

SEPT / OCT 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 55

F

FEATURE HOME

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N

ot everyone follows the same path to creating the perfect family retreat.

Don and Jenny Tomann recently completed what they call the “garbin” (a combination of a garage and cabin) on their two-acre property on Lower Whitefish Lake.

When they purchased a cabin on this large lot in 2014, they knew they would eventually replace the 65-year-old structure, which sits back several hundred feet from the lake. A more spacious cabin would be necessary to accommodate their four young sons as they grew up into four young men.

“We have two weddings this summer, so our family continues to grow,” says Jenny Tomann. “As we began considering our building options for the cabin, we soon realized it would be a long process, and we would need somewhere to stay during the construction.”

A Different Direction So why not start off by building a small guest cabin down by the lake that could also double as a gathering spot for activities and games?

“With wetland dividing this large, unusual lot, it would be tricky to attempt to build a home on the lake side of that wetland,” says Matt Balmer of

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Don and Jenny Tomann recently completed what they call the “garbin” (a combination of a garage and cabin)

Lands End Development in Crosslake.

“There is not enough room for a house near the lake with the 75-foot setback, but there’s enough space to do something, and that something turned out to be this fun, different and quirky kind of structure that contains a master bedroom, bunk room, kitchen and living room on the main level. It’s flexible space that doesn’t need to be as practical as a house.”

Depending on which angle you view it from, the exterior of the garbin seems to take on new and different elements of design. The rustic cedar siding is accentuated on the upper living area floor with a wraparound deck and finished off with a cable railing for maximized views of the lake. A dramatic roofline has several peaks, and the garage doors on the lower level blend seamlessly into the small building’s lakeside personality.

The entire garage is tucked underneath the 700-square-foot guest house (the maximum allowed for a second structure), but the restricted space is designed for family and fun. A master bedroom and bunk room provide sleep space, and the kitchen and game room provide personality. Red accents and spirited game tables add to the animated atmosphere, and a sign with a verse that encompasses their family “mission statement” is one of many personal touches throughout this guest house.

“The goal in designing the upstairs was to make it feel fun and interesting for everyone who stays there,” says Karisa Vander Kooi, owner and senior designer for The Source Room in Buffalo. “The Tomanns are truly generous, open people who are welcoming and hospitable, and I think that comes through in the design.”

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Besides the obvious rustic setting and lake setting, Karisa points out the “nods” to Don’s Native American heritage, their love of hunting, their love of nature, and their faith. She previously worked with the Tomanns on their home in Buffalo.

“For the older, married boys, they wanted a warm and comfortable atmosphere,” she says, “but then for the younger, teenage boys in the bunk room, they added a more fun factor, like the blue chairs in the game room.”

“The Tomanns know who they are and what they want,” Karisa adds. “We were able to complete the design in one afternoon, and it was an amazing experience. The ‘heart’ of the garbin stays true to them.”

“We were able to complete the design in one afternoon, and it was an amazing experience. The ‘heart’ of the garbin stays true to them.”

Karisa Vander Kooi Owner-Senior Designer // The Source Room

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The garage on the lower level serves many purposes, including the storage of water toys and lots of outdoor yard games.

“All of our family activities are now centered at the garbin. We play all the standard yard games like bean bags, volleyball and ladder ball,” says Don Tomann. “We also keep our barbecue grill down there, and store all our water-related equipment, like the paddleboards and fishing gear. I’m not much of a fisherman myself, but our youngest, 15-year-old Nick, likes to head out just for the fun of it.”

How It Began Jenny, who always wanted a family cabin, says it took several years to convince Don, who had never experienced cabin life.

“My family used to spend summer vacations at resorts in the Brainerd area, so I had wonderful memories of those days,” says Jenny. “When the boys were younger, we did a lot of camping, but as

they got older and bigger, we outgrew the camper.”

Having their own cabin suddenly became more desirable – even to Don. “We initially purchased a lot on a small lake – about 700 acres,” Don explains.

“We thought we wanted a small lake, but after that first summer we both knew we didn’t really want a small lake.”

A new search began, with a list of wants and needs that was long ago lost.

“It’s unfortunate we didn’t keep the list, because I think we got just about everything we wanted – the large lot, the level beach area, the tall pine trees, the long drive in, and the seclusion,” adds Don. “We also got a larger lake.”

At approximately 7,000 acres, and as part of the 14,000-acre Brainerd chain of lakes, Lower Whitefish was the perfect fit. It

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also helped that it’s only 35 minutes away from deer hunting land they own near Emily and Aitkin.

“We call this place ‘The Refuge,’ and we also call it an investment in our family,” says Jenny.

They were initially attracted to the privacy and location afforded by this large,

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wooded lot, which is dotted with 80-foot high red and white pines. “We want to retain the wooded landscape,” she adds, “and don’t plan to change the footprint or move the new cabin any closer to the lake.”

With a home in Buffalo and as owners of a second-generation manufacturing company, UMC Incorporated, the Tomanns enjoy getting away to The Refuge and sharing what they have with family and friends. They host annual family weekends for both her side and his side, along with an annual friends’ weekend. Now that their sons are getting married, they’ve also started a new tradition where they invite the daughters-in-law and their parents to join them for what they call the “Outlaw Weekend.”

“We call this place ‘The Refuge,’ and we also call it an investment in our family.”

Jenny Tomann Homeowner

With all that company, the design of this new guest house was extremely important for the Tomanns.

“There was no initial dwelling on that property down by the lake, so we were starting from scratch,” says Don. “We met with several builders, trying to explain our wants and needs, along with learning about the regulations we would need to comply with.”

Don says they met several times with Matt and Jeff Balmer, two of the partners with Lands End, and Jeff “nailed” the design right from the beginning.

“I’m a big garage guy, and we do a lot of lake properties and garages with guest quarters,” says Jeff. “It’s a beautiful lot with a bit of a berm off the lake, plus a small pond and fountain in the wetland area.

We not only had to talk about the guest house, but also the future house, too, so

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Couldn't have done it without: Brainerd Glass Inc.

page 65

Build All Installed Services Burns Brothers Masonry Buster’s Masonry Capital Granite & Marble

page 63

Classic Wood Floors North Clement Plumbing & In-Floor Heating Concrete Arts Crosslake Sheet Metal

page 67

Custom Upholstery & Awning

page 61

Excel Painting Franzen Brothers Plastering Lakes Millwork Lands End Development

page 59

Neumann Construction Northern Lakes Landscaping

page 67

Red Pine Log Works

page 66

Schrupp Excavating

page 63

Simonson Lumber The Source Room The Tile Shop Timber Ridge Electric

page 66

Vision Technology Warners’ Stellian Appliance Wood Products Unlimited

page 67

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that we would be able to tie the design into that a few years down the road.”

The building of the main cabin will have to wait, however. Son Justin, 22, married Molly in June, and son Joshua, 24, will marry Marissa in September. Nathan, 18, and Nick, 15, are still at home – for now.

As two of their boys begin new lives, and Don begins heading in the direction of retirement, there will continue to be plenty of activity at The Refuge – games, barbecues, fishing, wake surfing, and sunset pontoon rides for the entire family.

The garbin is the first step in the big plan for the future of The Refuge. ~L&H

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F

FEATURE HOME

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W W

hen it was time to build their new home, Diane and Joey Richter knew exactly what they wanted. This was the third house Diane had built and she and Joey knew they wanted a stylish but functional home for their family.

Richter and her first husband Mitch designed and constructed a 5,000-square foot home. That’s where they were living when he passed away as the result of a work accident. That’s when Diane began to rebuild a life for herself and her children.

She designed a beautiful Cape Cod style home on their lake property strictly as a seasonal lake home, but after a period of time they moved to the lake. After Joey and Diane married and the family grew, the lake property (which was never

designed to be a primary residence) did not have the space to accommodate the Richter family’s needs.

“We have a large family,” Richter explained. “It’s my husband and I and five kids who are still young, four to thirteen.”

The stately gray house set into a hill just outside of Brandon was exactly what the family needed, in part because Richter left no detail to chance. This two-story, five-bedroom, four-bath home is also about 5,400 square feet, more than enough room for the couple and their children -- EmmaLee (13), Courtney (11), Nathan (9), Brynkley (7) and Eli (4). The Richters used their own experience with the building process and their contacts within the building industry (Joey owns West Central Concrete Construction Inc.

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in Brandon) to affordably and effectively use every single inch of space. Together with Central Construction Inc. owners and builders Lance Freking and Jeremy Fuller, Richter and her husband created the comfortable, flexible home that would work best for their family.

Diane Richter’s attention to detail and focus on practical solutions paid off. “It is the most functional home we’ve had yet,” she says. “It flows well for us.”

Flow, storage and ease of use are of primary importance to a growing family.

“It’s an open design, so the kitchen, dining room and living room are one open space,” Richter explains. “It’s a good space for lots of people.”

“It’s an open design, so the kitchen, dining room and living room are one open space. It’s a good space for lots of people.”

Diane Richter, homeowner

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A gas fireplace accented with natural gray stone is the focal point of the living room, flanked by white custom cabinets.

This combination of dramatic emphasis, functionality and aesthetic minimalism is typical of Richter’s style.

“The built-ins and the fireplace make a statement of their own,” says Richter. She adds that she is careful to choose pieces that have meaning to her and her family to display in this area.

The furniture is comfortable and a good fit for the open floor plan. The room is flooded with natural light from a neat row of Thermo-Tech Windows. (The Sauk Rapids company provided all the windows in the house.) In addition to providing the clean

look that Richter prefers, they also offer with minimal maintenance and energy efficiency, two definite benefits for a busy family.

A long dining room table completes the space, offering plenty of room for the family to relax and enjoy a meal together. There’s room for everybody at the island in the kitchen too. The kitchen is aesthetically pleasing, a showcase for subway tile backsplash and quartz countertops. It’s easy to imagine the heart of the home bustling with activity as plans are discussed, breakfasts are made and lunches are packed, with little feet scurrying to the sink, to the walk-in pantry, to the white stools and back again.

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This kitchen is as functional as it is beautiful.

And Richter made sure it worked exactly as she needed it to with many of her design choices.

One of the things regarding their kitchen she told the Central Construction Inc. builders was “don’t put a door on our pantry,” says Richter with a laugh, explaining that, in a house full of active children, it would just be a revolving door and it could restrict layout options as well.

Instead, she opted for finished cupboards and open shelving in the walk-in pantry, which also contains her prep sink, coffee

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maker and beverage cooler. “If you’re walking by, you‘re only going to see finished cabinets that look neat and clean,” she says.

Boxes and dry goods too large for the pantry are stored elsewhere, part of a complex storage system that Richter laid out with as much care as the floor plan.

“It’s a full basement underneath the house, and so there is a storage room plus there is another small storage room that I call my ‘Sam’s Club Overflow,’” Richter says with a grin.

Her real-life observations and her large family’s need for smart storage solutions led her to tweak the other storage areas around the house, such as opting for

benches with hooks instead of closets in the entryways. Walk-in closets are built in to every bedroom except one. This allows for organized storage where everything can be neatly stored. Richter’s commitment to minimalism focuses on creating a functional place for everything.

With young children, respecting and preserving the waking and sleeping patterns for all members of the family take on heightened importance. The Richters arranged their home to maximize convenience and productivity for parents and prioritize rest and play for the kids.

Four bedrooms for the children are located upstairs, so that everyone in the kid zone is (mostly) awake or quiet at the

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same time. The kids have easy access to the large playroom up in the eaves, a fun, sunny space with plenty of room to run around. It’s a perfect place for favorite toys and games or curling up in a chair in the theatre area to watch a movie or read a good book. Its size can easily accommodate the whole family, guests, extended family members and play date playmates with room to spare and largely contains the gleeful energy (and piles of stuff) that young kids bring to a family to one location – a time and sanity saver when it’s time to clean up.

A mother of five children is always busy, so the full bathroom upstairs also contains an unconventional (but very convenient) element. “We have a laundry room up in

the kid’s bathroom so I don’t have to haul clothes up and down,” Richter explains.

(There’s also a small laundry room tucked away on the main level saving Richter precious time and energy, which are -as any parent knows -- awfully precious commodities.)

You’ll often find the Richter family gathered in the three-season porch with a cedar ceiling that overlooks the backyard. The colored, stamped concrete patio out back echoes the design of the front porch, and offers the family another place to connect and unwind.

“We use the porch all the time,” says Richter. “This is also the first house that I’ve built where I can walk right out the door and the grill’s right there. It’s just super convenient.”

Once play is done and the kids are in bed for the evening, Richter and her husband can work and relax below. “We put the office and master bedroom where there

is no upstairs above it,” she explains. “So if I’m up late watching a movie or up showering early I’m not bothering the kids.”

Guests frequently remark on the home’s functional layout and décor. They feel welcome and at home which is important to this family.

The Richters sense of minimalism and restraint make the decorative options they do choose even more powerful.

Rustic barn doors add warmth to the main floor laundry room and office, while galvanized steel adds interest to the bottom half of the walls in the spacious three-stall garage.

Since artwork and décor items are minimal, lighting and design elements take on elevated importance. Handblown, recycled glass pendant lamps from Bicycle Glass Company in Little Canada add warmth and interest

“Jeremy and Lance really listen.

I think that they do exceptional work and are very in tune to their client’s needs. They go above and beyond.

They’re incredible.”

Diane Richter homeowner

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above the kitchen island, and illustrate the couple’s commitment to using repurposed materials whenever possible.

The island itself showcases a decorative technique designed by cabinetmaker Thane Schultz from Fine Wood Structures Inc. in Browerville.

“It looks like shiplap, but it’s actually lines cut in the wood,” says Richter. “He’s very creative and he listened to what I like.

It’s different and simple.” The effect is repeated throughout the home on the built-in cabinets by the fireplace, benches and bathroom mirrors.

Designing your own home can seem overwhelming, but Richter says that knowing what you need from a home and accepting that a project this big just takes time really helps. She adds that the right builder makes all the difference.

The Richters brought a number of their own connections with subcontractors into the build, but have also seen how Central Construction Inc. helped to pair

their clients with the right subcontractors to help them bring their own vision to life.

“Jeremy and Lance really listen,” she explains. “I think that they do exceptional work and are very in tune to their client’s needs. They go above and beyond.

They’re incredible.”

After working with CCI and seeing their commitment to their clients and the quality of work they do, Diane joined their team. She started work in the office at the beginning of 2018.

With the right builders in place and a detailed analysis of how you want the house to function, you’ll already have a great foundation for your project. The actual foundation is just another step.

Richter notes that every home is different, just like every family is different. You’ll need to readjust and edit as you go. “Just enjoy the process,” she says. ~L&H

Couldn't have done it without: Alex Brick & Stone

page 73

Bicycle Glass Co. Carpet Direct Creative Curbing Cullens ExCel Plumbing and Heating

page 75

Greg Endres Painting

page 79

Fine Wood Structures Inc.

page 77

Hilltop Lumber Image Electronics and Consulting MN Gutter

page 79

Odyssey Steel Premier Stone Traut Wells Viking Garage Door West Central Concrete Construction

page 71

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D

designer portfolio

DESIGNER PORTFOLIO

photos provided by Alex Brick & Stone

Established in 1998 by Wayne and Nancy Jenzen with a goal of being a local contractors’ showroom, Alex Brick & Stone Inc. has come a long way since opening its doors out of a shed on Nokomis Street in Alexandria, Minn. Twenty years later, the business boasts a phenomenal show room where it currently resides on 22nd Ave., just east of the Alexandria airport. Alex Brick & Stone has become one of Central Minnesota’s top suppliers of fireplaces, and products for masonry, landscape, geosynthetic, and erosion control, and even more so now that it has a sister company in Willmar, Minnesota called Lake Country Fireplace & Exteriors Inc.

photo by Lowell Anderson // Echo Press

We recently spoke with Neil Jenzen of Alex Brick & Stone about the past, present, and future of this successful business.

How did Alex Brick & Stone begin?

My father, Wayne Jenzen, was a secondgeneration mason contractor who had been in sales at a local brickyard in the early 90s. When the company he worked for was liquidated to a St. Cloud location in 1997, he had the opportunity to start his own masonry supply center. Within a

year of opening, they were able to move to the old Olson produce building and introduced gas and wood fireplaces.

The showroom there provided room for many displays for customers to make their project selections. The year 2001 saw another move to Nokomis Street, with more outdoor space for the growing landscape supply division. In 2002, I moved back to Alexandria permanently and began working full-time at Alex Brick & Stone with the dream of taking on the family tradition. Finally, in 2008, not only did we move to our current location which provides great indoor and outdoor space, but we also opened a second location in Willmar, Minn: Lake Country Fireplace & Exteriors. My father retired in 2014 and so I’ve taken on his legacy at Alex Brick & Stone. Joel Peterson, who brings many years of experience in the masonry, landscape and fireplace fields, joined me in the Lake Country Fireplace & Exteriors side of the business.

What aspects of owning the business help you wake up and want to go to work each morning?

It is fun and challenging to maintain a growing business, and yet understand the need to keep the business flexible to meet various needs of the customers. I also really enjoy working and collaborating with Joel and my employees. At a real high level, though, there is not much that is more rewarding than exceeding a customers expectations.

If you were to describe your ideal project, what would it look like?

Finding an “ideal project” is a bit challenging as things can vary so much from one customer to another. At the end of the day, it is more about being able to harmonize the customer’s entire project.

We really enjoy getting to know people, so when someone visits us with a set of plans and we get the opportunity to be a part of their entire project, we feel it is a win. Often times, a project can go down many different roads and so if we are able to help those roads meet at a final

destination, we have a better opportunity to make a customer happy. Overall, if we can get involved right from the beginning of a project, that’s ideal for us and the customer.

What innovations/changes do you see coming over the next 5-10 years?

If you look at Pinterest, Houzz, or any other social media avenue, one can easily see their impact on creating trends.

Your imagination and budget are about the only limitations I can think of when it comes to what can be done in our

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business. While there are only so many things you can do to make a brick look different or go on the wall faster, what and how one can use them in landscaping is constantly changing. For example, outdoor creations such as fireplaces, pizza ovens, accents, and other options are increasing all the time. Erosion control products and methods, especially in this area with all the lakes, streams, and rivers, will be seeing more significant changes in the coming years as building codes are constantly evolving.

What are the biggest factors which have led to success within your business?

There is a beauty to the Alexandria lakes area in that there is a solid local economy, with many industries providing good jobs to allow people to move to the area. The surrounding lakes also attract new construction and remodels. We have great

building contractors and subcontractors that build healthy businesses. We also enjoy building and maintaining good relationships with them. Finally, I-94 provides easy access to the area from larger metropolitain areas.

For someone looking to Alex Brick & Stone for help with a project, what advice would you pass along? One of the most important things in working on a project is to have good communication with your contractors and sub-contractors. We have a talented team at both locations who would be more than happy to help at any stage of the project. We have indoor and outdoor displays, along with a talented and experienced sales team, to help our customers make selections.

Additionally, we have trained fireplace installers and service technicians. If given the opportunity, we are confident you will enjoy your experience and be happy with the outcome of your project. ~L&H

INSULATION

LUMBER

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

HOME BUILDERS

RADON TESTING & MITIGATION

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

TREE SERVICES

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

SEPTIC SERVICE

MARINE / WATERCRAFT REPAIR

FLOORING

CABINETS

MARINE / WATERCRAFT REPAIR

FLOORING

CABINETS

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QUARTZ & GRANITE

MASONRY

SHOWERS

CABIN CARE

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L

FEATURED LAKE

Whitefish Lake Crow Wing County

Size: 7,714 Acres Max Depth: 138 ft.

County: Crow Wing Clarity: 10.3 ft.

Shore Length: 32.2 mi

Whitefish, at 7,370 acres is the third largest lake in the Brainerd management area and is part of the 14,000 acre Whitefish chain of lakes in northern Crow Wing County. The lake is a popular recreational spot and has heavy boat traffic in summer.

Whitefish Lake serves as one of the DNR’s primary walleye egg take sites at the mouth of the Pine River. Because of this, the lake is stocked annually, with at least 5,000,000 walleye fry being put back into the lake from the eggs collected at the walleye trap. Whitefish is also stocked in even numbered years with fingerlings.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Nearly 7.2 million walleye fry were stocked into the Whitefish Chain in 2017. As was the case in 2017, surplus fry often get stocked into this chain as it is the source of the walleye egg take for the Brainerd area.

Fish species include: black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, burbot, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, lake whitefish, largemouth bass, northern pike, northern sunfish, pumpkinseed, rock bass, smallmouth bass, tullibee (cisco), walleye, yellow bullhead, yellow perch, bowfin (dogfish), greater redhorse, redhorse, shorthead redhorse, silver redhorse, smallmouth buffalo, white sucker, banded killifish, blacknose shiner, bluntnose minnow, common shiner, golden shiner, hornyhead chub, Johnny darter, logperch, spottail shiner, tadpole madtom. ~L&H