Lake&Home Magazine Nov/Dec '18

Why Use a Professional • Update Your Cabinets • Energy Efficient Lighting 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

NOV/DEC 2018

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LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE NOV / DEC 2018

NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com

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CONTENTS

58 VOLUME 20 • ISSUE 6 • NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com

From the Office 10 OFFICE

46 A Designer’s Dream

by Erin Hintz

Lakes Area 12

Making the Decision to Choose an Interior Designer or Architect

EVENTS

Events Calendar

18

by Patrice Peterson

56 Your Questions Answered HOME EXPERTS

by Our Panel of Experts

INTERIOR DESIGN

A New Look for the Heart of the Home Refreshing or Re-doing

Your Cabinets

58 An Environmentally FEATURED HOME

92 Capital Granite

DESIGNER PORTFOLIO

by Angela Garvin

96

DIRECTORY

Service Directory

Find the Right Professional for Your Next Project

Deer Lake 98

FEATURED LAKE

Friendly Home with Aesthetic Appeal

by Alicia Underlee Nelson

Choosing Glass 30

INTERIOR DESIGN

The Ruhland Home on Long Lake

INTERIOR DESIGN

by Alicia Underlee Nelson

Things to Consider Before

Creating Your Dream Bath

by Mike Butler, Ottertail Glass

FEATURED HOME 70 A Family Cabin

For the Ages

Lake Gifts 32

The Peplinski Home on Lake Ida

by Patrice Peterson

SHOPPING

Gifts for the Lake Lover

Creating a 36 INTERIOR DESIGN

FEATURED HOME 82 Dream Living

Sustainable Home Lighting Edition

6

LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE NOV / DEC 2018

on Deer Lake

by Andrea Canning

Cover photo by Kip Johnson Story on page 70

Volume 20, Issue 6 • NOV / DEC 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 118 S Vine St | Fergus Falls, MN 56537 (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

O

FROM THE OFFICE

From the Office

In the last few months at Lake and Home Magazine, we’ve been completing dozens of photo shoots for the feature homes that will be published throughout the year.

I’ve had the opportunity to go along for a few of the shoots, and catch glimpses of the photos from others. This year’s editorial calendar is full of beautiful homes, outstanding contractors and very talented designers. After many years with Lake and Home, I’m still inspired by the craftsmanship, design trends, family heirlooms, new technology and unique materials that go into each home that we feature.

This time of year, as we come indoors from a summer of spending every free moment outside and at the lake, I start taking inventory of my own home and the projects that I’d like to complete over the winter. I’ve made reference before to the fact that we’ve completed our renovation, but somehow that list is still rather long.

In April of this year we gutted our basement bathroom. It was a pretty impulsive decision that the woodsy cabin print wallpaper had to go and before we knew it, the vanity, shower and tile were coming out with it.

I don’t know when we’ll learn, starting an indoor project right before summer has never panned out well for us. We got as far as halfway installing the new tub, then lake season was in full swing, and a finger has not been lifted in that bathroom since. So, needless to say, that’s where our list starts. The kitchen and bath focus in this issue is one I’m excited to page through for inspiration.

For the kitchen and bath focus this issue, you’ll find a portfolio from Capital Granite, and articles on cabinet features, reasons to use professionals for your project, and information on lighting efficiency. But don’t stop at the articles. You’ll also find many advertisers in this issue showcasing their designs and abilities to create the kitchen and bathroom of your dreams.

10 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE NOV / DEC 2018

Any one of them would be a great choice for your next project.

And, of course this issue wouldn’t be complete without three feature home articles.

We’re so excited to bring you inside three of the beautiful Minnesota lake homes that we photographed over the summer!

We hope you enjoy all this issue has to offer. As November/December wraps up another year for Lake & Home, we’d like to thank our loyal advertisers for their continued support of the magazine and contribution to our content. We also gratefully recognize the homeowners who welcome us into their beautiful homes, and of course, we thank our readers who make it all possible! ~L&H

Erin Hintz Advertising Sales

Events Calendar Alexandria: November 1-3

Hunting Widows Weekend Downtown Alexandria Shopping, appetizers, wine trivia, classes, live music, prizes facebook.com. commonground.alexandria/

December 1

Open Mic Night Common Ground Coffee House 6 p.m. facebook.com/ commonground.alexandria/

December 6-9, 13-16

Bazaar Vendor & Craft Show Broadway Ballroom 10 a.m.

broadwayballroom.com

andriatheatre.org

November 3-4, 23-25

Barnesville: December 5

November 3

Vendor and Craft Show Viking Plaza vikingplaza.com

November 8

Introduction to Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Nelson Gables 6:30 p.m.

Pre-register to learn relaxation and stress reduction techniques.

lbuddha.org

November 9 December 14

Live Radio Theatre Lakes Area Radio Theatre 7 p.m.

Attend a live taping of a radio show

lakesareatheatre.org

November 9-11

Sleeping Beauty Kids Andria Theatre 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday 2 p.m. Sunday

November 13

Castle Danger 5-Course Dinner The Garden Bar on 6th 6 p.m.

Meal and beer pairings from Minnesota’s Castle Danger Brewing thegardenbaronsixth.com

November 17

Arabella Marketplace 2018 Arabella Manor 9 a.m.

Two buildings of crafters, vendors, prizes and treats

facebook.com/ arabellamarketplace

November 17 December 15

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

Breakfast and decorating education ravnikandco.com

November 17

Wild Game 5-Course Meal La Ferme 5:30 p.m.

Five courses of wild game and wine pairings

lafermemn.com

November 22

Turkey Day 5K Alexandria Area YMCA 8 a.m. alexandriaymca.com

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” Andria Theatre 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays 2 p.m. Sundays

Tree Lighting, Friendship Park 218-354-2479

December 16

“Home for the Holidays” Barnesville High School 4:30 p.m.

Christmas themed student dance show

justforkix.com

Baxter: November 1

MPR Connects! Presents APM Reports Arrowwood Lodge 5:30 p.m.

An evening of food and conversation about investigative journalism business.crosslake.com

November 19, December 17

Books and Brews Prairie Bay Grill 6 p.m.

Book discussion, titles available at Brainerd Public Library

brainerd.com/library/

Bemidji: November 1, 8, 15, 22 December 6, 13, 20, 27

Board Game Night Accidently Cool Games 5 p.m.

Bring your own or play one of the 50+ board games in the store

accidentallycoolgames.com

November 2

First Friday Art Walk 5:30 p.m.

Art, music and entertainment

November 2-3

Ladies on the Loose 10 a.m.

Shop participating stores and register for prizes

facebook.com/bemidjivintiques/

November 3, 10 December 8, 15, 22

Alphabet Activities Lake Bemidji State Park 10 a.m.

Kids explore a letter through nature stories, art & activities 218-308-2300

November 9-11, 16-18

“Camelot” Historic Chief Theater 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday 2 p.m. Sunday bemidjicommunitytheatre.org

12 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE NOV / DEC 2018

MINNESOTA L AKES AREA

November 9-11 December 14-16

Paul Bunyan Mall Vendor and Craft Show paulbunyanmall.com

November 9, December 7 Spa Yoga Session Bemidji State University 5 p.m.

218-755-2999 $7 for 75-minute session

November 10 December 1

Contra Dance Rail River Folk School 4 p.m.

Music by the O’Neil Family Band & group social dancing

railriverfolkschool.org

November 11 December 9

2nd Sunday Cribbage Bemidji Brewing 1:30 p.m.

Free tournament, prizes for 1-3 place

December 11

Bemidji Symphony Orchestra Concert Bemidji High School 7 p.m.

Special “The Snowman” themed holiday show bemidjisymphony.org

December 8

Wreath Making 101 Lake Bemidji State Park 9:30 a.m.

Register to make your own wreath by November 26.

218-308-2300

December 18

Santa’s Workshop Public Works Facility, 1351 5th St. NW 4 p.m.

Drop in to create and gift wrap two crafts 218-759-3560

Brainerd: November 1

November 11

Aby Wolf Central Lakes Community Performing Arts Center 7:30 p.m.

Experimental electro- acoustic works 218-855-8199

bemidjisymphony.org

November 3

bemidjibeer.com

Bemidji Symphony Orchestra Concert Bemidji High School 3 p.m.

November 23

Night We Light Celebration and Parade Downtown Bemidji 11 a.m. activities 6 p.m. parade Santa photos, treats, crafts, parade and tree lighting

November 25-26

Turkey Trott Fun Run Bemidji State University Gillette Recreation Center 5K and 1-mile kids run 218-755-2883

November 29

Unwind from the Grind Vendor Show Holiday Inn Express Conference Center 5:30 p.m.

25+ vendors display handmade gifts, food, books, décor and more 218-751-2487

November 30, December 1-2, 7-9

BSU Madrigal Dinner Concordia Language Villages 7 p.m.

Dinner and holiday music from Renaissance England facebook.com/ BSUmadrigaldinners/

December 1

Ron White Sanford Center 8 p.m.

“Blue Collar Comedy Tour” star’s solo act

sanfordcenter.net

December 8

Holidays by Hand Fine Arts and Crafts Festival Bemidji High School 9 a.m.

Art, home décor, jewelry and food from 50 vendors

Alcohol Ink Workshop The Crossing Arts Alliance 10 a.m.

Create your own art.

Registration required 218-833-0416

November 3

The Fabulous Armadillos Central Lakes Community Performing Arts Center 7:30 p.m.

Selections from revolutionary music of the 60s and 70s 218-855-8199

November 8

Apres in the Alps Madden’s on Gull Lake Fondue, cocoa and yodeling fundraiser

Info@mountskigull.com

November 9

Making Gemstone Bath Bombs Purple Fern Bath Company 5 p.m.

Supplies provided. facebook.com/PurpleFernBath

November 10 December 14

39th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival Brainerd High School 9 a.m.

kari.roberts@isd181.org

November 10-11

Vendor and Craft Show Westgate Mall thewestgatemall.com

November 29-30, December 1, 6-7

“Bill W. and Dr. Bob” CLC Dryden Theatre 7:30 p.m.

A comedy about the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous clcperformingarts.com

December 2

Heartland Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert Series Tolstrom Auditorium 2:30 p.m.

Holiday concert with dancers and a sing-along heartlandsymphony.com

December 11

Business After Hours Holiday Extravaganza Madden’s Resort 3 p.m.

Vendor show with appetizers and holiday beverages 218-822-7119

December 16

“Holiday Shuffle” Tornstrum Auditorium 6 p.m.

Energetic dancing and music from the group Rhythmic Circus

clcperformingarts.com

December 21

“Rock and Roll Christmas” Central Lakes Community Performing Arts Center 7:30 p.m.

A fun and funny take on Christmas classics

clcperformingarts.com

Breezy Point: November 10

Try Hockey Day Breezy Point Ice Arena 10 a.m.

Kids 4-9 can try hockey for free, gear included.

Arrive early.

northernlakeslightning.com

December 16

Family Skate Night Breezy Point Ice Arena 5:30 p.m.

Limited skate rental available

breezypointsports.com

Cass Lake: November 2-4

Quill Work on Birch Bark Medallions Workshop Leech Lake Tribal College Create a medallion, learn the history of the art form 218-335-4247

November 10

LaCrosse Sticks and Leather Balls Leech Lake Tribal College 9 a.m.

Kids 10+ encouraged, must be accompanied by adult 218-335-4247 https://www.facebook.com/ events/1064236737049228/

November 18

Making Baby Moccasinaan Leech Lake Tribal College 9 a.m.

Registration required, supplies provided 218-335-4247

November 30 – December 1 Making Baby Star Quilts Leech Lake Tribal College 5 p.m.

Fabric and materials provided, registration required 218-335-4247

NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 13

Events Calendar Crosby: November 10

Try Hockey Day Hallett Community Center 2 p.m.

Kids 4-9 can get fitted with hockey gear and try the sport for free. Arrive early.

northernlakeslightning.com

Crosslake: November 3, 10

Adult Painting Class Kicks on Route 66 9:30 a.m.

Free admission

kicks66crosslake.com

December 1

Christmas at the Dam Crosslake Recreation Area 1 p.m.

Santa, shopping, sleigh rides, cider and more family fun

crosslake.com

Deerwood: November 17-18

Spruce Tip Decorating Class The Backyard Greenhouse 11 a.m Saturday 2 p.m. Sunday Make seasonal planters, materials provided.

Pre-registration required.

218-545-6891

Detroit Lakes: November 3

Free Family Showing of “Free Birds” Washington Square 7 10 a.m.

detroitlakes.odysseytheatres.com

November 6

Classical Music Night Historic Holmes Theatre 7 p.m.

Works for piano and cello

dlccc.org

November 9

“Ishmael” Historic Holmes Theatre 7:30 p.m.

Live theater based on Melville’s “Moby Dick” dlccc.org

November 15

“The Looney Lutherans” Historic Holmes Theatre 3 p.m.

A zany holiday show

dlccc.org

November 15-17

Holmes Annual Art Show Historic Holmes Theatre Local artists exhibit and sell their work

dlccc.org

MINNESOTA L AKES AREA

November 16

The Frontmen of Country Historic Holmes Theatre 7:30 p.m.

The singers of Restless Heart, Lonestar and Little Texas perform

dlccc.org

November 17

Family Day at the Museum Becker County Museum 10 a.m.

Learn about Ojibwe floral beadwork and create your own bag

beckercountryhistory.org

November 17

Lakes Area Community Concert Band Historic Holmes Theatre 4 p.m.

Fall Concert selections

dlccc.org

November 23

Opening Day at Detroit Mountain 10 a.m. detroitmountain.com

November 26

Grand Parade of Lights Downtown Detroit Lakes 5:30 p.m.

Parade following pre-party at Holmes St. & Washington Ave.

visitdetroitlakes.com

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November 27

Holiday Open House Becker County Museum 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Free admission and refreshments beckercountryhistory.org

November 29

Rhythmic Circus “Holiday Shuffle” Historic Holmes Theatre 7:30 p.m.

dlccc.org

December 1

Youth Snowmobile Safety Training M State 9 a.m.

For kids ages 11-15 dlcommunityed.com

December 1

Free Family Showing of “The Star” Washington Square 7 10 a.m.

detroitlakes.odysseytheatres.com

December 1

Tuxes and Tails, Canines and Kilts Historic Holmes Theatre 5:30 p.m.

Humane Society Benefit

facebook.com/ humanesocietyofthelakes

December 8

Good Lovelies Concert Historic Holmes Theatre 7:30 p.m.

Christmas Show

dlccc.org

December 14

SimpleGifts Christmastide Tour Historic Holmes Theatre 7:30 p.m.

A modern take on traditional Christmas music dlccc.org

December 15

Wreaths Across America Veteran’s Memorial Park Grand Army of the Republic Park Oak Grove Cemetery Volunteers place and sponsor wreaths for veterans wreathsacrossamerica.org

December 15

Lakes Area Community Concert Band First Lutheran Church 4 p.m.

Fall Concert selections

dlccc.org

December 15

Santa’s Reindeer Detroit Lakes Washington Square Mall Parking Lot Noon 218-847-9202

Events Calendar

MINNESOTA L AKES AREA

December 20

“Rock and Roll Christmas” Historic Holmes Theatre 7:30 p.m.

Music, comedy and more

dlccc.org

Fergus Falls: November 1

Open Mic Night The Spot Perform poetry or prose thespotwinebar.com

November 10

Holiday Boutique Country Inn and Suites

By Radisson 9 a.m.

Vendor show, cash bar and concessions 218-739-2211

November 15-17

Flock to the Museum Otter Tail County Historical Society 10 a.m.

Exhibits, meet and greet with author Martin Case at 12:30

November 3 December 1

Kaddatz Family Art Table Fergus Falls Public Library 10 a.m.

Artist-led projects for kids

kaddatzgalleries.com

November 24

Junk Love Winter Show Minnesota National Guard Fergus Falls Recruiting Office 9 a.m.

Vendors, food and Santa and Mrs. Claus at 11 a.m.

mimiraes.com

December 14

Holiday Dinner and Entertainment Country Inn and Suites by Radisson 6 p.m.

Meal (including vegan and vegetarian options) and Dueling Duo Pianos show 218-739-2211

Hawley: November 17

Annual Hawley Ladies Night Hawley Community Building 5 p.m.

Dinner, bingo, drinks & prizes

hawleywot@gmail.com

Lake Park: November 22-25

Parade of Trees American Legion Cider, treats, wine and 30 decorated Christmas trees

lakeparkmn.com

Little Falls: November 2

EEI Comedy Night With C. Willi Myles Falls Ballroom 5:30 p.m.

Comedy show and dinner fundraiser for EEI

eeimn.org

November 8-10

“Steel Magnolias” Great River Arts 5 p.m.

Admission includes dinner, drinks and the play

greatart.org

November 23

Santa Parade West Broadway and Lindbergh Drive, to Bank Square and 3rd Street NW 6 p.m.

November 23-December 2

Christmas Tree Land Minnesota Fishing Museum Noon Free silent auction featuring 30 decorated trees and wreaths 320-616-2011

November 23-December 2

Christmas at the Mansions Linden Hill Historical Event Center 1 p.m. Mon-Sat; 11 a.m. Sun Tour the Musser and Weyerhaeuser mansions 320-616-5580

November 23-December 2 Holiday Tours of the Rosenmeier Mansion Rosenmeier Home 1 p.m. Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. Sunday 320-616-4959

November 30

Phillip Westfall Concert Great River Arts 7:30 p.m.

Singer, songwriter and one- man-band greatart.org

November 30-December 2

“A WWI Christmas” Lindbergh Historic Site 10 a.m.

A living history presentation filled with activities from the era

mnhs.org/lindbergh

December 1

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

Christmas music and a holiday sing-along

heartlandsymphony.com

December 1

Carousel of Crafts Little Falls Community Middle School 9 a.m.

More than 100 vendors 320-360-5142

December 4

Holiday Baking Class Sprout Growers & Makers Marketplace sproutmn.com

December 25

Community Christmas Meal Charlie’s Pizza 11 a.m.

Celebrate the season with free pizza 320-632-6727

December 31

Candlelight Snowshoe Hike Lindbergh Historic Site 5 p.m.

1-mile hike, refreshments and free museum tours

mnhs.org/lindbergh

Mahnomen: November 9

Gary Allen Shooting Star Casino 8 p.m. starcasino.com

December 30

Third Eye Blind Shooting Star Casino 8 p.m. starcasino.com

December 7

REO Speedwagon Shooting Star Casino 8 p.m. starcasino.com

NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 15

Events Calendar New York Mills: November 8

Open Mic Night New York Mills Regional Cultural Center 7 p.m.

Free to all, open to musicians and spoken word artists

kulcher.org

November 23

New York Mills Christmas Tree Festival Kick Off City Hall Ballroom 5 p.m.

Vendor show, beer tasting, appetizers, chili and chowder.

218-385-2213

November 24

Kids Day at the Christmas Tree Festival City Hall Ballroom 9 a.m.

Photos with Santa, crafts, giant cookie decorating, hot cocoa bar 218-385-2213

November 23-December 1 Christmas Tree Festival City Hall Ballroom Decorated trees, cookies and cider fundraiser 218-385-2213

November 27

Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides Farmers and Merchants State Bank 3 p.m.

December 1

Community Christmas Party City Hall Ballroom 6 p.m.

Social, dinner and dance

December 13

SimpleGifts with Billy McLaughlin Concert New York Mills Regional Cultural Center 7:30 p.m.

Holiday music up close and unplugged kulcher.org

Nisswa: November 9

Pushing Chain Concert The Journey Church 8:30 p.m.

Folksy, fun fiddle & guitar duo

grassrootsconcerts.org

November 16

9th Annual Grand Brewfest Grand View Lodge Minnesota craft beer, food, dancing and 1-mile fun run

gvlevents.com

November 30

Brianna Lane Concert The Journey Church 7:30 p.m.

Americana singer songwriter

grassrootsconcerts.org

Otter Tail: December 1

Otter Dazzle in Otter Tail Parade of lights, chili feed and fireworks 218-367-3092

Park Rapids: November 2

Todd Oliver and Friends Park Rapids High School Auditorium 7 p.m.

Comedy and ventriloquism from an “America’s Got Talent” semi-finalist heartlandconcertassociation.org

November 10-11

Winter Wonderland Snowflake & Candy Canes Arts & Crafts Show Park Rapids Century School 10 a.m.

218-236-6200

MINNESOTA L AKES AREA

November 13

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

November 23

Itasca Moraine Chapter Hikes Paul Bunyan State Forest 10 a.m.

Call for starting location 218-732-3910

November 29, December 1

Holiday Evergreen Planter Flying W Gardens Pre-register and choose your time online

parkrapidscomed.com

December 17

Audubon Christmas Bird Count Itasca State Park 8 a.m.

Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center, stay a few hours or all day 218-699-7259

Perham: November 3

FOCUS Annual Christmas Plus Bazaar Perham Area Community Center 8 a.m.

More than 100 vendors

November 23

November 23

perham.com/event/holiday- parade-lights-perham/

leech-lake.com

Holiday Parade of Lights in Perham 5:30 pm

December 1-24

Perham’s Winter Wonderland Main Street Carriage rides, shopping, photos with Santa

perham.com/event/perhams- winter-wonderland

November 7, 14, 21, 28 December 5, 12, 19. 26

Free Community Meal New Creation Lutheran Church 5 p.m.

Free will donation 218-346-7203

Pelican Rapids: November 23

Lighted Horse Parade 6:30 p.m.

Pelicanrapidschamber.com

Pine River: December 10

DIY Wood Sign Party Bites Bar and Grill 5:30 p.m.

150 designs available 218-831-2670

Wellness and Socialization for Women with Disabilities Fishing, cooking, games and relaxation

November 9

campbliss.org

perham.com/event/Christmas- bazaar/winter-ladies-night/

November 23-25, 30 December 1-2

“Night Before Christmas” Walker Bay Theater 7:30 p.m.

Retelling of the classic Christmas poem

November 24

Reindeer Ramble 5K 9 a.m. leech-lake.com

December 29

Snowshoe Hike Chippewa National Forest Shingobee Recreation Area 218-732-3910

Wadena:

November 10 Book Ends An Open Book 11 a.m.

Author chat and book signing 218-632-2665

Walker: November 2-4

perham.com/event/Christmas- bazaar

Winter Ladies Night Mark’s Fleet Supply 5:00 pm Door prizes, vendor booths, refreshments

Festival of Lights Parade Downtown Walker 6 p.m.

December 8

Sawyer Brown Northern Lights Casino 7 p.m. northernlightscasino.com

November 23

Black Friday Hike Paul Bunyan State Forest 218-432-3910

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 NOV / DEC 2018

NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 17

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INTERIOR DESIGN

NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 19

A kitchen is the heart of the home.

This is the place where everyone gathers.

It’s a room that can function as a sitting room, a prep kitchen, a home office, a bakery, a homework center, a dining room, a pantry and any other purpose you and your family can dream up.

But what do you do when your kitchen doesn’t function like you need it to? How do you figure out how to make your kitchen’s storage and prep zones both fashionable and functional?

We asked the experts how to make your kitchen space work for you. So whether you choose to paint or reface your cabinets or to start over with new ones, you’ll make the best choice for your space and your life.

Make a List of What’s Not Working “Typically, when people redo their kitchens it’s because they’re old and don’t work,” says Jerry Swedberg, the owner of Swedberg Wood Products in Alexandria.

“Typically it’s lack of storage and lack of countertop prep area.”

So take a good look around your kitchen and take note of what’s not working.

Jot down the parts of the kitchen that don’t function well (drawers that stick, inconveniences, loose hardware, an unstable shelf) and problems you’d like to solve.

If getting your groceries into a packed corner cabinet takes more concentration than a jigsaw puzzle, you need more storage. If you have to crawl on your hands and knees and put your whole body into the cupboard to pull out the

pressure cooker, you’d benefit from pull-out shelves. If the sight of your garbage can irks you every time you see it, a professional could tuck that behind a door for you, so you can look at something else when you come down the stairs in the morning.

Once you have a comprehensive list of your kitchen’s problems, you can start to solve them.

The professionals have no shortage of tools to help you.

“Roll trays, drawer organizers for utensils, silverware, and dishes, along with cutting boards, trash bins, and docking stations for charging your electronics can add function to your kitchen, saving you time and energy,” says Amanda Magnuson, kitchen designer at Cornerstone Cabinets & Countertops in Fergus Falls. “Often accessories can be added after the fact, so if your budget didn’t allow for those bells and whistles when you initially completed your kitchen, they can always be added at a later date.”

Cabinet professionals can install these accessories quickly and easily. Even if you’ve recently remodeled, there can be small additions that can help your kitchen evolve to meet your changing needs and routines.

NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 21

photo: TEM Photography

preparation items (knives, food processor, containers for storage) within easy reach.

Think About How You Eat and Entertain As our lives have evolved, our kitchens (and the way we use them) have evolved too. “We try to consider what the customer wants and how they cook and how the space functions every day,” says Ethen. “It’s not just families of eight sitting down at the dining room table like it used to be.”

If you love a classic look and lavish entertaining style, your existing kitchen table and dining room will serve your needs perfectly. But others who take a more casual approach could exchange “A recycling center nowadays is almost a given,” says Craig Ethen, operations manager at Alpine Cabinetry in St. Cloud.

“We put that in every kitchen we design.

We’ll do a baking center or a butcher block to cut on. A lazy Susan or roll-outs for making a kitchen more functional. A lot of those items are easy items to put in.”

photo: TEM Photography

Consider How You Cook and Store Your Food Food storage is a big kitchen issue.

Instead of going to the market every day, we now shop for more groceries, less often. The kitchens in historic homes struggle to house our wares while pantries in newly constructed homes sometimes require customization.

“We see a lot of walk-in pantries that contractors will build in the corner on site like a separate room,” says Swedberg.

“But if people don’t have the space to do that, just a large cabinet pantry with roll out shelves is by far the most functional.”

Deep drawers and the aforementioned lazy Susan, drawer and shelf organizers can help keep pantry staples neatly organized.”

It’s also helpful to consider how you cook.

If you’re a baker, cookie sheets and cake pans need to be easy to reach. But if you only bake cookies for your holiday Christmas party, you can tuck those items away on a high shelf and reimagine those lower, easy to reach cupboards as deep drawers or pull-out shelves that can help you access the items you truly use every day more efficiently. If prep space is a concern, you’ll want all of your food

22 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE NOV / DEC 2018

formal dining space in the kitchen for more storage in a kitchen island.

“Over the years, kitchens have gotten bigger – because obviously that’s the place everybody congregates,” says Swedberg. “So large islands are very popular. People that love to entertain love to do the food spread on one big level island.”

NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 23

Choose the Right Cabinets for Your Countertops If your vision for your new space also contains new countertops, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. But your choice might necessitate new cabinets.

Natural stone like granite, marble, limestone or soapstone — or the engineered stone designed to mimic the look with less maintenance and increased durability — offer a rich look, while wood is warm and welcoming.

(It also requires sealing to prevent staining and water damage.) Concrete has a cool, modern vibe, but also requires sealing and waxing several times a year.

Laminate or solid surface counters are affordable and durable – just be careful with hot pans.

Swapping out laminate countertops likely won’t require new cabinets. But switching to much heavier natural or simulated stone might.

“Often consumers make compromises on their cabinet quality in order to afford the stone or quartz countertops they desire,”

photo: Rachel Larson

says Rachel Larson, general manager of Cornerstone Cabinets & Countertops in Fergus Falls. “If your budget allows, we always recommend going with a ¾-inch box construction if you plan to put a heavy material like quartz or granite on top of it. That additional support will ensure that your cabinets will withstand years of wear and tear without incurring structural issues from the countertop weight.”

24 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE NOV / DEC 2018

Consider Refacing Customers on a budget should take a look at the costs and benefits associated with refacing their cabinets, a process which can involve refinishing or repainting the existing cabinet fronts and drawer faces, or installing new cabinet fronts and drawer faces. This is a viable option if you currently love the layout of your kitchen and changes you want are purely cosmetic. Just make sure your existing cabinets are structurally sound first.

NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 25

photo: Rachel Larson

“The most important thing to keep in mind when considering refacing is the structural integrity of your current cabinets,” says Larson. “Any cabinets that have water damage or need repair to remain structurally intact should not be refaced. Another thing to keep in mind is that, while the exterior of the cabinets will look new and updated, the interior will stay the same. If your drawers don’t slide well or your shelving shows wear, that won’t change with a refacing job.”

You’ll save money with refacing, but you may need to allow for more time. And more time means increased labor costs.

Unless you’re a skilled carpenter, this is a job for a professional, not a DIY project.

“The hardware, the finishes, the options, they’re always changing,” agrees Swedberg. “It’s pretty hard to retrofit old to new things.”

Paint if You Need to If your cabinets function well, are structurally sound and your kitchen layout works for you, you could consider painting or staining them. The products you use, the time it takes and the budget for the project will depend on your existing cabinets and the size of your kitchen.

photo: Rachel Larson

“Often, refacing can actually take more time than a traditional cabinet install due to the labor involved with cutting face frame material, changing out hinges, and tweaking door and drawer fronts to be just right,” explains Larson. “The best way to determine if refacing is a good option for you is to contact a professional with experience in refacing and have them inspect your cabinets and make a recommendation based on their knowledge and expertise.”

“Average cost to repaint cabinets ranges from $75 dollars to a couple hundred dollars, once it’s all said and done,” explains Chris Anderson, the manager at Sherwin Williams in Fergus Falls. “It depends on the size of the kitchen as well as what type of cabinet paint a customer chooses.”

As with refacing, repainting your cabinets may cost you a little extra time – either yours or a painter’s. “Anyone is a candidate to repaint themselves as long as you have the patience and time,” says Anderson.

“People who hire it out generally do not have the free time or they simply don’t want to tackle the project.”

Properly preparing your cabinets for paint or stain will ensure your hard work stands the test of time. The products you choose will depend on which products were used on your current cabinets.

“If they are bare wood, I suggest using Sherwin Williams Extreme Blocking oilbased primer before the paint,” says

NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 27

photo: TEM Photography

Anderson. “If they are currently stained and varnished cabinets, I would suggest cleaning with a mild cleaner such as TSP Phosphate-free to ensure a clean surface. Then I would do a light scuff sand with 180 grit sandpaper followed by one coat of Sherwin Williams Extreme Blocking oil-based primer.”

Anderson recommends Emerald Trim Enamel as a durable and attractive choice for a high-traffic area. It comes in a variety of finishes, including satin, semigloss and a glossy sheen.

photo: TEM Photography

white kitchen. We’re also doing a lot of reclaimed lumbers and natural, rustic oak stuff.”

Go for a Consultation If you’ve realized it’s time to buy new cabinets, then you’ll need to go to a showroom. Come with your ideal budget in mind, an idea of the styles and finishes you like and your list of kitchen issues so the experts know what problems you’d like them to solve. The process may seem overwhelming, but having a good sense of your style, budget and goals can make the process easier.

in advance, that’s no problem. Cabinet companies offer showrooms that are equipped to help even design novices understand what they like. Walking through a showroom gives you a chance to see the colors, touch the finishes and get a sense of how things look in a real kitchen.

You’ll have plenty of options to choose from. The design specialists offer trendy options like bright colors as well as more neutral tones that are popular in homes and lake cabins in the region.

“Most people come in at least with an idea,” says Swedberg. “People have all their own tastes, whether it’s very contemporary and modern or very traditional.”

“In central Minnesota, earth tones are very, very popular,” says Swedberg. “Typically in central Minnesota it’s pretty conservative.”

Feel free to bring in any photos from design magazines and show the designer images from Pinterest or Houzz if you’re a visual learner. But if you haven’t prepared

Even the trends that Minnesotans favor tend toward the timeless. “Paints are still popular–the gray paints, the whites,” says Ethen. “Nothing says elegant like a

28 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE NOV / DEC 2018

Darker woods and weightier door styles are enjoying a comeback. “While painted cabinets are still extremely popular, we are seeing a return to natural and darker wood options,” agrees Magnuson. “Rustic alder in particular has been gaining in popularity for people looking for an updated, high-end cabin feel. Industrial kitchens with dark wood and metal accents are also increasing in popularity.

While simple door styles like the Shaker style are still very popular, they are getting an update with wider stiles and rails which give a more substantial feel to the space.”

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, be sure to examine your choices in your own home. “We always recommend that any finish selections made be looked at in the space they will be installed in as the lighting and atmosphere in that space may be quite different than the showroom they were selected in,” explains Magnuson.

No matter which options you choose (and whether you choose to reface or redesign) the experts can help you create the best and most functional kitchen for you. The kitchen is central to family life. As the weather cools and we spend more time inside with the ones we love, we enter into the perfect time to re-examine our kitchen spaces and to create a look we’ll love for seasons to come. ~L&H

NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 29

written by: Mike Butler, Ottertail Glass

I

n today’s construction market, master bath suites are not only the norm but a must for most homeowners. For decades it was the kitchen that sold a home, but realtors today express to us that in today’s market, buyers want that suite, retreat, or oasis... whatever you want to call it. So whether it’s a new build or a remodel, the frameless glass shower is on the forefront of many desired extras. So, where to begin?

Ottertail Glass has been in business for over 50 years. We have helped design layouts, worked one-on-one with homeowners, contractors and architects, and installed countless showers. So, we are a great place to start. Here are some of the most common questions and comments we get.

What’s the difference between getting custom shower glass versus a big box store or online?

Believe it or not, there are different qualities of glass. If you look at our glass compared to others, it’s visible.

Another huge difference is the hardware.

Durability, longevity, and even paint are critical factors. But, probably the most common difference is the fact that we cut each piece specific to each opening. As good as contractors and tilers are today, even 1/16th of an inch can look like a mile when lining up glass. And by the time you hire someone to install a shower from a previous purchase, you are really not saving any money. Especially if you have to pay for shipping or returns.

I’m not sure I want clear glass because I don’t want the spots, streaks, and scummy look.

For years, this was a legit concern.

However, not so much today in most applications. All of our glass comes with EnduroShield Coating on the inside. The best way to explain this, is basically that it

is like RainX that is sprayed on the inside, which chemically bonds to the glass. It allows the water to bead off with ease. It is still recommended to use a squeegee after the shower, especially if you have hard water. We have had showers in homes now for years and they still look clear and nice. But if clear is still not your desire, there are many patterns and frosted glass options as well.

When should we call a glass professional?

30 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE

This is one of the most important questions received. Honestly, the sooner the better.

Many times, we get involved before the demo even begins or the shower is framed up. Often, we work with designers and contractors only looking at blueprints.

This is very important because we can add suggestions based on experiences

for not only layout and securing the glass, but also ways to save you hundreds of dollars. Typically, I get involved first at this stage, then once the shower is framed up but not yet tiled. That way if any changes need to be made, it’s typically fast and easy. And then again, once the tile is completed in order to get a final measurement. ~L&H

NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 31

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,

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.

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!

40

PILLOW STUFFED

35

PILLOW COVER ONLY

$

$

32 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE NOV / DEC 2018

NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 33

Holiday Shopping with Lots of Cheer | Carlos Creek Winery 320-846-5443 | CarlosCreekWinery.com Stock up on all of the wine you need for the holidays and pickup some great gifts! We offer FREE gift basket wrapping in November and December. Join us this year on Black Friday for some GREAT deals or come the whole week before Christmas for extended shopping hours, appetizers & happy hour drink specials while you shop.

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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

• 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.

Lake-Themed Hats Periwinkle Marketplace Shop our Facebook page facebook.com/periwinklemarketplace/

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$ 34 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE NOV / DEC 2018

NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 35

I

INTERIOR DESIGN

Lake and Home Magazine has connected with Rise (www.buildwithrise. com) to provide our readers with practical ways to create a more sustainable home, whether you are starting a new building or are looking for ways to improve your existing home. Each issue we’ll bring you a new category with different options, energy-saving information and sustainable features.

36 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE NOV / DEC 2018

So, what is Rise? Rise was started on a simple premise - how can the average homeowner have a home that is more sustainable in every way?

And what does Sustainable Home Improvement actually mean? It might mean a resilient, long-lasting home, an energy efficient home, a healthy home, perhaps one with a small environmental footprint. Turns out, sustainability has a varied meaning depending on who you

talk to - and it’s Rise’s goal to arm homeowners with decision power that reflects the different values of sustainability, so they can have and live in a better home. And why is this important now? Because this type of building isn’t a pipe dream anymore, it’s the future of the home improvement industry.

Rise is the go-to resource for homeowners, so that we may all have a better tomorrow.

NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 37

LED

Lighting

LED FILAMENT Bulbs INCANDESCENT $4 - $8 per bulb

$190

AVERAGE COST

SAVINGS

immediately

7 years

PAYBACK

LIFESPAN

about

what is it?

Lighting

Incandescent light bulbs are the earliest form of bulb, which produce light by passing an electric current through a wire filament which heats it to a high temperature, causing the filament to glow. They are incredibly inefficient, converting only 5% of their energy into light. The rest is lost to heat. Incandescent bulbs have a low operating life (1000 hours) and high operating costs.

sustainable features $4 - $10

$440

per bulb

over bulb life

AVERAGE COST

SAVINGS

about

10 years

5 months PAYBACK

Incandescent bulbs can be purchased at relatively low cost, but the operating cost for the energy far exceeds the cost of the bulb, making them not a very sustainable choice for lighting.

fun facts

or more LIFESPAN

the real benefits • Helps brighten your mood • Saves on your energy bill • Reduces your footprint

what is it?

A light-emitting diode, or LED, is a type of solid state lighting that uses a semiconductor to convert electricity into light. An LED light bulb has one to many LEDs in it, and can be six to seven times more efficient than a regular incandescent bulb. LEDs also have a life expectancy well over 25,000 hours. If you’re in the market for any new kind of light bulb, LEDs should be at the top of your list.

sustainable features Saves energy, and lasts longer, than either incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs. A 1600 lumen LED bulb, that can replace a 100 Watt incandescent, will use only about 15 Watts! www.buildwithrise.com/products/appliances-lighting-andfurniture/lighting/light-bulbs/led-lighting

the real benefits • Saves on your energy bill

what is it?

LED light bulbs made to look like incandescent filament bulbs. These bulbs emit a warm orange light, while using a tiny fraction of the electricity of an incandescent bulb. They give a lighting atmosphere that many people find pleasing, while saving on your energy bill.

sustainable features Saves energy, and lasts longer, than either incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs. A 1600 lumen LED bulb, that can replace a 100 Watt incandescent, will use only about 15 Watts!

fun facts It is estimated that by 2027, widespread switching to LEDs worldwide could save about 348 TWh of electricity annually. This is the equivalent annual electrical output of 44 large electric power plants (1000 megawatts each), and a total savings of more than $50 billion per year at today’s electricity prices. www.buildwithrise.com/products/appliances-lighting-andfurniture/lighting/light-bulbs/led-filament-bulbs

The world’s longest-running light bulb has been operating continuously for over 114 years, in a fire station in Livermore, California. Despite the short lifetime of modern incandescent bulbs, this longlasting lamp, called a Shelby Bulb, is actually an incandescent. The difference is in the filament, which is much thicker and made of carbon instead of tungsten. www.buildwithrise.com/products/appliances-lighting-andfurniture/lighting/light-bulbs/incandescent-lighting

$2 - $5 per bulb AVERAGE COST

none PAYBACK

none SAVINGS

1000 hours of use LIFESPAN

CFL

Lighting

what is it?

Light from a compact fluorescent light (CFL), like its larger cousin, the fluorescent tube, is created by an electrical current conducted through an inert gas which produces invisible ultraviolet light. This ultraviolet light interacts with a blend of phosphors coating the inside surface that efficiently converts it to useful white light. CFLs are a long-time standard for energy efficiency, using 75% less energy and lasting 6-15 times longer than incandescent bulbs. CFLs are now being displaced by even more efficient LED light bulbs.

sustainable features Saves energy, compared with incandescent lights. A CFL uses only 23W to provide the equivalent light output (1600 lumens) as a 100W incandescent bulb.

$3 - $7

$170

per bulb

over bulb life

AVERAGE COST

SAVINGS

about

15,000

4 months

hours of use

PAYBACK

LIFESPAN

the real benefits • Saves on your energy bill • Reduces your footprint • Helps brighten your mood ww.buildwithrise.com/products/appliances-lighting-andfurniture/lighting/light-bulbs/cfl-lighting

NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 39

ENERGY STAR

CEILING

Light

ENERGY STAR

DESK

Lamp

LED

the real benefits

• Helps brighten your mood • Saves on your energy bill • Reduces your footprint

Strip Light

~$15 per foot

varies

AVERAGE COST

SAVINGS

what is it?

$75

$330 over product life

AVERAGE COST

3.5 years PAYBACK

Desk lamps that have the Energy Star certification, use 70-90% less energy, produce 70% less heat and last 25% longer than traditional incandescent fixtures. They distribute light more efficiently and effectively. They come in a variety of applications and styles, and come with a manufacturer-backed warranty of at least 3 years. These lights typically have an integrated LED light source.

or more LIFESPAN

the real benefits

sustainable features

• Helps brighten your mood • Saves on your energy bill • Reduces your footprint

sustainable features Quality lighting saves you energy and offers durability.

what to look for

Can be used in places without space for a full fixture, and provide lighting while using very little energy.

what to look for Energy Star is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary program created in 1992 to help homeowners and businesses save money and protect our climate. Since its introduction it has helped save more than $300 billion in utility bills, and reduced greenhouse emissions by more than 2.4 billion metric tons. www.buildwithrise.com/products/appliances-lighting-andfurniture/lighting/light-fixtures/energy-star-desk-lamp

$40 - $50 AVERAGE COST

Look for the Energy Star label. www.buildwithrise.com/products/appliances-lighting-andfurniture/lighting/light-fixtures/energy-star-ceiling-light

what is it?

LED lights configured in long thin strips, typical applications include, under cabinet mounts, bookcases, artwork lighting, outdoor deck applications, anywhere a traditional light won’t fit.

Will often require a separate low voltage power supply. Ensure you check the product information for specifics. For outdoor applications, ensure that you purchase outdoor-rated, UV and weatherproof strip lights.

10 years

Ceiling lights that have the Energy Star certification, use 70-90% less energy, produce 70% less heat and last 25% longer than traditional incandescent fixtures. They distribute light more efficiently and effectively. They come in a variety of applications and styles, and come with a manufacturer-backed warranty of at least 3 years. These lights typically have an integrated LED light source.

LIFESPAN

what to look for

SAVINGS

what is it?

30,000 hours of use

3.5 years PAYBACK

40 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE NOV / DEC 2018

$230 over product life SAVINGS

10 years or more LIFESPAN

fun facts LED strip lights use so little power that people are wiring them into their shoes and clothing for style and lighted costumes, powered by tiny battery packs. www.buildwithrise.com/products/appliances-lighting-andfurniture/lighting/light-bulbs/led-strip-light

ENERGY STAR

WALL

Light

$75

ACCENT

OUTDOOR

what to look for

$380 over product life

AVERAGE COST

3.5 years PAYBACK

Lighting

SAVINGS

10 years or more LIFESPAN

what is it?

Wall lights that have the Energy Star certification, use 70-90% less energy, produce 70% less heat, last 25% longer than traditional incandescent fixtures.

They distribute light more efficiently and effectively. They come in variety of applications and styles, and come with a manufacturer-backed warranty of at least 3 years. These lights typically have an integrated LED light source.

what to look for Look for the Energy Star label.

sustainable features Quality lighting saves you energy and offers durability.

fun facts Energy Star is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary program created in 1992 to help homeowners and businesses save money and protect our climate. Since its introduction it has helped save more than $300 billion in utility bills, and reduced greenhouse emissions by more than 2.4 billion metric tons.

Dark night sky is an important and endangered natural resource.

Outdoor lighting should strive to follow the guidelines provided by the IDA (International Dark Sky Association). When you search for accent lighting, you will find that a lot of the fixtures are designed to point upwards, which is not dark sky friendly. Try designing lighting that only points downward, and is shielded. Ensure that the light is only on when it needs to be - the use of timers will help with this - and that the light is only as bright as necessary. Try to find lights that are warmer colors, towards the yellow side of the spectrum. Lights that are less than 3,000 K on the color temperature scale are night-friendly, being warmer colors than moonlight. Look for the IDA Fixture Seal of Approval for dark sky compliant lighting products.

ENERGY STAR

FLOOR

Lamp

the real benefits

• Helps brighten your mood • Saves on your energy bill • Reduces your footprint

what is it?

Floor lamps that have the Energy Star certification, use 70-90% less energy, produce 70% less heat and last 25% longer than traditional incandescent fixtures. They distribute light more efficiently and effectively. They come in a variety of applications and styles, and come with a manufacturer-backed warranty of at least three years. These lights typically have an integrated LED light source.

what to look for Look for the Energy Star label. Consider what brightness you need, in lumens, and whether you want the lamp to be dimmable. www.buildwithrise.com/products/appliances-lighting-andfurniture/lighting/light-fixtures/energy-star-floor-lamp

sustainable features LED outdoor lighting can provide light to needed areas, with very little energy consumption. Some outdoor lighting can even be solar powered, with an integrated solar panel and small battery to operate at night. Outdoor lighting can disturb wildlife and disrupt human sleep patterns, so it is best kept to a minimum for sustainability. www.buildwithrise.com/products/appliances-lighting-andfurniture/lighting/outdoor-lighting/accent-outdoor-lighting

$70 - $200 AVERAGE COST

30 years or more LIFESPAN

$90 AVERAGE COST

3 years PAYBACK

$480 over product life SAVINGS

20 years or more LIFESPAN

www.buildwithrise.com/products/appliances-lighting-andfurniture/lighting/light-fixtures/energy-star-wall-light

NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 41

DIMMER

Switch

SOLAR POWERED

OUTDOOR

TIMER $30 - $40

no data

AVERAGE COST

SAVINGS

no data

10 - 15 years

PAYBACK

LIFESPAN

what is it?

Light

Solar powered outdoor lights have a small photovoltaic panel that charges a battery inside the fixture so that they don’t need to be connected to an electrical source. They are available for several purposes such as pathway lighting, step and deck lighting, flood lighting, spot lighting and decorative lighting.

sustainable features

$10 - $60

varies

AVERAGE COST

SAVINGS

2.5 years PAYBACK

Solar outdoor lights are powered by 100% renewable energy! However, remember that they still contain embodied energy so it is best to only install them where they are necessary. Some products come equipped with a motion sensor so they only turn on when needed!

15 years

what to look for

or more LIFESPAN

sustainable features You can create different moods with different lighting levels, and save energy at the same time.

what to look for When incandescent lights are dimmed, it provides some energy savings and increases the service life of the bulb.

However, because the light intensity decreases more than the wattage, the bulb is less efficient per unit of light. When using CFLs on a dimmer, the efficiency is not affected. However, note that some CFLs are not compatible with standard dimmers, so look for dimmable CFL bulbs, as indicated on the packaging. If non-dimmable CFL bulbs are used with a dimmer switch, they may flicker and could be damaged. To use LEDs on a dimmer, look for dimmable LED bulbs. You may also need to replace your dimmer switch with one that is compatible with LED bulbs. Check the packaging and/or instructions for compatibility. www.buildwithrise.com/products/appliances-lighting-andfurniture/lighting/lighting-controls/dimmer-switch

what is it?

A timer is used to automatically turn on or off outdoor or indoor lights based on user settings. There are two main types of timers - manual timers that plug into an outlet and programmable timers, that often have a digital screen.

sustainable features Making it easy to turn equipment on and off at appropriate times, whether you are around and awake or not, can save energy if the equipment would have been on longer without the timer. One example is outdoor holiday lights, which can switch off automatically instead of staying on all night and/or all day. An even better example is the block heater for a car in a very cold climate. These are less common now, but if you do need to pre-warm your car with a block heater, having it on a timer so that it only starts warming up a little while before you need it, can save significant energy. www.buildwithrise.com/products/appliances-lighting-andfurniture/lighting/lighting-controls/timer

42 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE NOV / DEC 2018

Be sure to buy a light that is suitable for your purpose. Low light applications like pathway lighting require less power and can have a small built-in photovoltaic panel, while flood lights may require much more power and come with a larger, detached photovoltaic panel that can be oriented to get the most sun exposure. www.buildwithrise.com/products/appliances-lighting-andfurniture/lighting/outdoor-lighting/solar-outdoor-lights

varies

varies

AVERAGE COST

SAVINGS

2 - 20 years LIFESPAN

NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 43

OLED

Lighting

8 years or more LIFESPAN

$300 AVERAGE COST

$180

what is it?

OLEDs are Organic Light Emitting Diodes.

They are made from organic materials (carbon based), applied in sheets that create a diffuse light, unlike LEDs which are point light sources. OLED is in its early stages, with products like desk lamps, light panels and TVs available that offer comparable quality, efficiency, and lifetime as LEDs. The OLED products are still some years away from widespread use because their cost is still fairly high.

what to look for Check the energy consumption rating in Watts, the amount of light output in lumens, and the color temperature in Kelvins, to get the amount and color of light you want.

sustainable features OLED lighting and displays have nearly the same great energy savings as LEDs. The main advantage over LEDs is that OLED material is a carbon-based dye that can be printed onto a variety of surfaces - rigid, flexible, transparent, glass and metal to create a light source that radiates from a broader area. The light quality is really nice too!

fun facts The Seoul National University in Korea installed 1000 OLED desk lamps in its library for student use in 2015, because they love the light these lamps produce. www.buildwithrise.com/products/appliances-lighting-andfurniture/lighting/light-fixtures/oled-lighting

over lamp life SAVINGS

Integrated LED what is it?

Integrated LED fixtures use LED lights built in to the fixture, and typically do not have the option to easily replace the LEDs. Because of the long life span of LEDs (over 35,000 hours), integrated LEDs operate under the notion that by the time the LEDs need to be replaced, so will the fixture.

They come in various shapes and types - rectangular and disc-shaped panels, lamps, and outdoor light fixtures.

sustainable features Saves a ton of energy, especially when replacing incandescent fixtures, yard and street lighting, and high bay lights. A 250 Watt metal halide yard or high bay light can be replaced with a 78 Watt LED fixture, for equivalent light. A standard 4’, two-tube fluorescent shop light using 80W can be replaced with an equivalent LED shop light that uses 40W, cutting electricity consumption in half. No need to change a bulb or fixture for over 13 years.

what to look for Look for lumens, not Watts. Lumens is a measure of how much light the bulb produces. Guide for replacing fluorescent and metal halide fixtures: 4 foot (2-tube) T8 fluorescent = 3000 to 4000 lumen LED fixture 250W metal halide fixture = 16000 lumen LED fixture Also look for the light color you want. This is measured on a temperature scale referred to as Kelvin (K) from warm (2200K to 3000K) to cool (3500K to 4100K) to daylight (5000K to 6500K). Finally, if you are using it on a dimmer switch, check the label to ensure that you get a ‘dimmable’ LED fixture.

fun facts There are now even LED bulbs made to look like antique filament bulbs. www.buildwithrise.com/products/appliances-lighting-andfurniture/lighting/light-bulbs/integrated-led

~L&H

44 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE NOV / DEC 2018

$150 AVERAGE COST

7 years PAYBACK

$300 over fixture lifetime SAVINGS

50,000 hours of use LIFESPAN

NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 45

I

INTERIOR DESIGN

by patrice peterson photo provided by Harmonious Architecture

46 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE NOV / DEC 2018

NOV / DEC 2018 lakeandhomemagazine.com 47

Any homeowner who has ever remodeled a room knows how challenging and time-consuming it can be to achieve that remarkable “dream” kitchen or bathroom. Even when building a new home, it isn’t enough to want those rooms to look great, you also have to consider functionality and usability. So many choices. So many decisions. So many limitations.

While the internet has exploded with sites that provide photographs to go along with a multitude of do-it-yourself ideas, sometimes it may be more practical and even more economical to bring in an interior designer or architect.

“I love sites like Pinterest and Houzz,” says Betty Ravnik, senior interior designer at Ravnik & Co. in Alexandria. “It’s a great place for a homeowner to start and find examples of what they like, and what they want their kitchen or bathroom to look like. What they don’t often think about, however, is whether that layout will function well in their specific space.”

Jamie Wallace, interior designer at Calla Lily Design in Fergus Falls, agrees. She also thinks the internet is wonderful for initial ideas and photos to express what clients like or don’t like.

“It’s a great way to start, but after the first or second meeting, I joke with them that I’d like to take away their internet,” she says with a laugh. “It’s possible to get

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thoroughly overwhelmed with too much of that kind of information.”

One of the reasons kitchens and bathrooms are so tricky is the amount of “stuff” that is required to pack into the space, according to architect Kelli Wegscheid, owner of Harmonious Architecture in Perham.

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In addition, homeowners don’t always consider the layout and function as they relate to the rest of the home, according to Ravnik, and many times it could have been a much better project if they had looked at the “big picture” more thoroughly.

Besides increasing the chances of a positive outcome, hiring a professional designer can take much of the stress out of the planning and implementation.

Wallace, who is a certified kitchen designer, tells her clients that she essentially becomes the project manager – the liaison that holds it all together by coordinating with all the different providers and installers.

“In the kitchen, of course, there are a certain number of appliances and furniture that are necessary, and in the bathroom, you have a stool, a sink, a mirror, a tub, a shower, and a few cupboards to fit in a smaller space. There are also safety issues, and it can be

complicated to try and make everything work well together,” she says. “Kitchens and bathrooms are the kinds of rooms that you take for granted when they function well, but you can tell immediately when they don’t.”

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“There are so many people involved, including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and tapers, and many homeowners can’t be available 24/7,” she says. “From beginning to end, I take care of the details because I truly want this project to be fun for them.”

Timeline

When envisioning a new kitchen or bath, the timeline might not be something homeowners can foresee with accuracy if they’re doing it on their own. Even if they aren’t in a hurry to complete the project, the lack of a timeline can complicate the entire process… and lead to additional and unnecessary weeks or months of chaos.

Erica Sherwood, a designer at Hudrlik Design Studio in Brainerd, understands the frustration of an ongoing and unending kitchen or bathroom project. She estimates that most of those projects can and should take up to two months from start to finish.

“It can be quite a process to set up all the different people, equipment and products involved,” Sherwood says. “Most people don’t consider all the elements that go into setting up a timeline, and they also may not realize how much a professional can assist in moving that timeline along by coordinating all of the subcontractors, avoiding disruptions, and ensuring completion of a satisfactory experience.”

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An effective timeline streamlines the project, saving time and money along the way.

Budget / Price Plan

Besides being the most complex rooms to build or remodel, kitchens and bathrooms can also be the most expensive projects in a home. According to Wegscheid, it’s a common misconception that it’s less expensive to go the do-it-yourself route.

“If you’re going to spend the money and move ahead with a pricey project, you want to be sure to do it right and not cut corners along the way,” Wegscheid says.

“It’s much more difficult and even more expensive if you start off, something goes bad, and you suffer with the added costs to fix it.”

Wallace also feels that most people have the assumption that hiring a designer will cost you more, but that often times it can save you money.

Precision

“We bring the client the knowledge of how to get the best ‘bang for the buck’ by educating them on resources and budget available, and also by doing things in the correct order,” she says. “It’s not that we know more than they do, but instead of a one-time remodel, we handle projects like this all the time. We can steer them away from costly and time-consuming mistakes.”

“As advocates for the homeowner, what we can bring to the table is a professional precision,” says Sherwood, who is a cabinet and countertop specialist. “This is true not only in the planning and budget considerations, but also in ensuring the correct measurements. If you’re not precise, the results can be disastrous and expensive.”

Spending costs for the designer can vary from firm to firm, depending on how much involvement the client wants from that firm, and whether it’s a flat fee, hourly fee, or percentage of the project. Since budget conversations can sometimes get touchy, Wallace suggests that it’s best to have them worked out early on in the process.

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“Measure twice, cut once.” This is an old expression and a good strategy to follow for all aspects of home improvement.

With advanced computer programs and applications, a professional can often provide a visual picture of how initial ideas will look in the designated space. “It can be so important for a client to be able to take that picture they have in their mind and see it come to life on a computer screen,” she says.

Experience

Like any type of design, kitchen and bathroom styles have evolved over the years. Creating, designing and implementing those rooms on a continual basis gives the professional an edge in seeing possibilities that the homeowner could miss.

Wegscheid recalls one client, a family struggling with increasing the size of a kitchen, which was located in a limited space on the home’s lower level.

“It hadn’t really occurred to them to move the entire kitchen to the upper level,” she says. “They didn’t have the experience to consider those types of options, but in making that change, they were able to get exactly what they wanted in a new expanded kitchen upstairs.”

Stealing space from an adjoining room is another tactic gained from experience.

Sometimes it can be as simple as taking a closet from an unused bedroom and providing the space needed when remodeling a tiny bathroom.

Ravnik says that designing is like many other artistic, creative processes–it’s sort of like looking at all the pieces and then putting together a puzzle.

“The entire project needs to be eyecatching, appealing and functional in the end, but it also has to delight people along the way,” says Ravnik, who is a certified kitchen and bath designer. “I often hear people say that in hindsight, they should have invested in a designer because designers can think outside the box. We can also help people realize their dreams of that perfect kitchen or bathroom.” ~L&H

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H

Your Questions

Answered By Our Panel Of Experts

HOME EXPERTS

Question: What are easy ways to conserve water usage?

Answer:

A couple easy immediate fixes, are take shorter showers and turn the water off when brushing your teeth or washing your face. One of the best ways to reduce the amount of water the septic system must treat is to replace old water-using appliances. If a major remodeling is planned, regulations may require conversion to low water use appliances. Whether remodeling or not, consumers may choose low-flow showerheads, hand-held showers with pause control, and temperature control valves to reduce water use, save energy and save money. A typical person uses from 45 to 100 gallons of water per day.

About 60 percent of that water is used

in the bathroom. Reducing water use conserves water resources and helps the septic system. For more ideas to conserve water usage, visit the University of Minnesota Extension Service website.

Doug Green Nature’s Call Septic Service

Question: How often should a septic system be cleaned?

Question: What are the signs of system failure?

Answer:

Answer: Typical signs of system failure

It depends. A tank should be pumped and inspected every 3 years (36 months), but frequency of cleaning depends on the size of the tank and the use it is given. If the solids settle to the bottom of the tank and are not pumped out at proper intervals, they can be carried out into the leaching system and may clog the leaching pipes. This could cause system failure. A failure could require replacing the system at a cost of thousands of dollars.

OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA

are sluggish drains, plumbing backups, gurgling sounds in your pipes, outdoor odor and mushy ground in the area of the septic system.

Question: How often should my septic tank be pumped?

Answer: It is recommended to pump your tank at least every 36 months. ~L&H

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 56 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE NOV / DEC 2018

DOUGLAS AND OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA

DOUGLAS COUNTY, MINNESOTA

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FEATURE HOME

W

hen it was time to build their lake home on Long Lake near Vergas, Craig and Jessica Ruhland chose quality over quantity.

“We tried very specifically to create a home with high-quality spaces, which reflects the nature of being at a lake in Minnesota,” Craig Ruhland explains. “We certainly didn’t want to create a large space which lacks character. My wife and I just preferred to build lesser square footage of higher quality.”

That’s not to say the Ruhland family’s summer retreat is small. The 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home includes 2,900 square feet of heated space, a gracious sun porch, a two-stall garage and deck that features sweeping views of the water.

“We wanted something with an expansive view of the lake, so it’s pretty glass-heavy to the south,” explains Ruhland. That particular aesthetic choice helped unite the two main goals for the living space.

The Ruhlands wanted an environmentallyfriendly home that promoted quality family time. Every detail in the home– from the functional to the cosmetic–is designed to be as efficient as possible, both for environmental and for practical reasons.

The striking decks that take up much of the south side of the home are a perfect example of how good design can blend form and function. The windows are covered with deep eaves and awnings, a design element that serves two purposes at the same time.

“In the summer, it helps reduce direct sunlight off of those south-facing windows,” says Ruhland. “And then in the winter, when the sun is at a much lower angle, you still get the warm and welcoming solar gain.”

“We tried very specifically to create a home with high-quality spaces, which reflects the nature of being at a lake in Minnesota.” homeowner

Craig Ruhland

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The awnings are also quite practical for entertaining. “The awnings cover large portions of the deck outside the living room and the master suite, so while it’s raining you’re still protected,” says Ruhland. “They do a great job of blending the interior and exterior spaces.”

Other design elements aren’t as obvious, but they’re equally important for creating an energy efficient dwelling. “The house was built with SIPs–Structural Insulated Panels–that have foam sandwiched between layers of OSB (oriented strand board) sheathing,” explains Eric Haataja, of Haataja Contracting Inc. in Menahga.

“The exterior walls and the roof were all built with SIPs.”

SIPs provide affordable, strong and extremely energy efficient insulation.

They also cut down on construction time, since the panels are precut to fit–always a bonus for homeowners looking to minimize construction time and cut down on the time contractors spend commuting to a remote location like a lake home.

(Ruhland says the panels were installed in a matter of days after the foundation was poured.) SIPs (pronounced “sips”) like the ones used in the Ruhland home are available through Energy Panel Systems (EPS) of Graettinger, Iowa and Extreme Panels in Cottonwood, Minn.

Insulated concrete forms (ICFs)–hollow blocks of foam that are installed as the

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home’s exterior walls and filled with metal rebar and concrete–in the basement keep the space cool in the summer and warm in the winter. All the windows in the home (including the patio doors and the large bank of windows on the deck that look out on the lake) are energyefficient styles. The result is a home that looks beautiful, meets the family’s needs and also has a minimal environmental footprint.

The design process for creating an energy-efficient home isn’t complicated, says Kelli Wegscheid of Harmonious Architecture in Perham. Wegscheid is the architect that brought the Ruhlands’ home to life.

“It’s really not a lot different in the design, but more on the construction end,” she explains. “The architect and builder work together with the owners on the SIPs panels, the best windows available, and the foundation built of ICFs. So with those three elements–the insulation, the windows and the foundation–we’re making the envelope as tight as we can, which makes it much easier to heat and cool.”

It can save homeowners money too. “If you’re a young person and you’re building a lake place and owning the utility bill for the next 20, 30, 40 years, you want to take that into account,” Ruhland says. “We keep the thermostat at 55 degrees in the winter when we’re not there and we use roughly 400 dollars worth of propane for the entire winter. My electrical bill, which runs the fan and recirculates air, is somewhere around 55 dollars a month. The electrical bill in summer months is about 130 dollars a month.”

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With the exception of the main-level master bedroom, the bedrooms are all tucked into the basement and over the garage so guests can sleep late if they wish. The younger generation loves the bunkroom, which sleeps six in its timberframed bunk beds. The setting provides the ultimate slumber party setting for little ones and ample charging stations for all the devices that teens require.

“The decks and the flexible floor plan are good for when you have larger family gatherings,” says Ruhland. “It’s designed with the flexibility that my wife and I could spend more time there when we get older, so it’s a summer retirement home in the back of our minds.”

The space is smart and efficient, but that doesn’t mean that it scrimps on style. “The owners started with a great vision of what they wanted and we were able to make that happen,” said Wegscheid. “They wanted a great view to the lake when you drive up, and they definitely wanted a rustic modern cabin where contemporary materials like corrugated metal are mixed with wood timbers, wide decks and big windows that are traditional in lake-home style.”

The Ruhlands’ home has a list of customized design elements. There are custom cabinets in the kitchen, builtin shelving around the fireplaces and storage cubbies in the hallway. The most striking architectural features–

the timber-framed trusses in the great room and master bedroom–required a collaborative approach to ensure that all the elements lined up.

“Facing the lake, we have the patio doors and the clerestory windows above those,” explains Ruhland, laying out the configuration of vertical patio doors and horizontal clerestory windows that flood the space with light. “The truss had to be designed tall enough on the furthest point of the underside to get as much daylight as possible. So it was a collaboration between the window supplier, the truss dimensions and the architect’s vision.”

The Ruhlands continued their commitment to family and responsible environmental practices by using salvaged materials as much as possible. The reclaimed wood used on the walls came from the farm in central Minnesota where Craig Ruhland grew up. The exterior galvanized steel, the steel around the fireplaces and the posts that make up the fireplace mantels are from an old pole barn that he dismantled.

He also constructed the rolling barn doors inside the home from wood taken from his grandparents’ ranch in southwestern North Dakota.

“They definitely wanted a rustic modern cabin where contemporary materials like corrugated metal are mixed with wood timbers, wide decks and big windows that are traditional in lake-home style.”

Kelli Wegscheid Harmonious Architecture

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“There was way less moisture, so the wood was kind of grayed out and patinaed. It gave an interesting and authentic finish to the wood.” homeowner

Craig Ruhland

The wood’s age and the climate on the ranch gave Ruhland an interesting color and finish with which to work. “There was way less moisture, so the wood was kind of grayed out and patinaed,” he explains.

“It gave an interesting and authentic finish to the wood.”

When the Ruhlands had used up the reclaimed materials in their possession, they looked to local contractors to find the right wood to compliment the design.

They would find that even ordinary wood takes on an elevated look in the hands of expert artisans.

Roger Wilson of Wilson Wood Products supplied the 10-inch square timber trusses that grace the master bedroom, the great room and make up the structural components of the deck. “Roger has his own sawmill and kiln near Ponsford, Minn.,” says Ruhland. “He has the unique ability to cut, plane and square a variety

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of species to meet your project needs.

He’s pleasant to work with, affordable and detail oriented.”

“John Cordahl with A&C Lumber supplied all of the beams for the project from Park Rapids, Minn.,” adds Haataja. “John also supplied all of the material for the tongue and groove. Roger with Wilson Wood Products planed the material and turned it into tongue and groove.”

Actually installing all the elements required even more collaboration. “We had to have a structural engineer from Iowa help with the truss design,” explains Ruhland.

Machining & Welding built the braces and other components of the design and Nathan Hillukka, lead carpenter for Haataja Contracting Inc. oversaw construction.

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Ruhland says Hillukka’s guidance over the project was essential. “It certainly takes effort to coordinate new construction with salvage materials,” says Ruhland. “Trying to get those two things to blend together aesthetically is something you kind of have to work at. But he’s the kind of guy you can bring a sketch to and he’ll just have a smile on his face. He’s a gifted and creative problem solver. He gets things done.”

The result of all that creative problem solving is a striking cabin with a flexible floor plan that gives family members a summer retreat and a chance to reconnect with their Midwestern roots after moving to North Carolina.

Jessica and Craig met at North Dakota State University. Craig works for an architecture firm based in the Midwest and he frequently works from the cabin.

Jessica, a physician who attended

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“They really did make a home for their whole family. And that’s what is most important about a lake home – gathering with family and friends.”

Kelli Wegscheid Harmonious Architecture

medical school at University of North Dakota and received subspecialty training at Mayo Clinic, joins him in Minnesota with their children, Trysten (an 18-year-old college student), 14-year-old Mikyla and 8-year-old Ethan. The family spends lots of time at the cabin both as an immediate family and with their extended family.

But the key to any lake home getaway is the lake itself. The Ruhlands spent plenty of time on the water paddle boarding, waterskiing and just hanging out on the boat. In order to minimize upkeep and maximize time spent outdoors, Craig (a landscape architect) put his own professional experience to work designing an outdoor space for his family.

For Craig, good design doesn’t end when you step outside the home. “For me, it’s about making the interior and exterior speak a cohesive language,” he says.

The result is a yard that’s easier to maintain, but is also aesthetically appealing and beneficial for the environment. He’s planted nearly 100 trees on the property and installed low-pressure drippers to eliminate the need to water. “We’ve tried to minimize how much we mow, so we have more time to hang with family,” he says.

“I just love how Jessica and Craig had a whole vision to include their whole extended family in this home,” says Wegscheid. “The space is used really efficiently, so the house is not overly large, but they can host a lot of family. They really did make a home for their whole family. And that’s what is most important about a lake home – gathering with family and friends.” ~L&H

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FEATURE HOME

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amily history and a practical desire for simplicity became important considerations for Tami and Don Peplinski when they designed and built their cabin on Lake Ida, a 4,300-acre lake near Alexandria.

“Our goal was to rebuild a cabin that we could enjoy all year long with family and friends, and still maintain the feeling of it being a family cabin.” homeowner Tami Peplinski

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“My parents bought a seasonal cabin on this lot in 1995, which was mostly enjoyed in the summer and then closed up for the winter,” says Tami. “A lot of great memories and traditions were made at ‘The Bin,’ a phrase commonly used by family and friends who visited the cabin.”

A few years ago, Tami’s parents asked if she and Don would be interested in the cabin, as it was becoming too much work for them to maintain. After many discussions, the property was transferred to them in 2015.

“My twin sister wanted to continue to enjoy the fun at the cabin, but did not want the responsibility, so it worked out well for all of us,” Tami continues. “Our goal was to rebuild a cabin that we could enjoy all year long with family and friends, and still maintain the feeling of it being a family cabin. Mom and Dad, as well as my sister, have their own bedrooms on the main floor, which they designed themselves.”

While it may seem complicated to others, this couple, with three children in their teens (twin 19-year-olds in college, and a 17-year-old high school senior), doesn’t find it complicated at all. Tami claims their very small family gets along “really well,” and they want this cabin to be used as much as possible by family and friends.

“Everyone uses cabins a different way – there’s no right or wrong way – but we want our cabin to be used and not sit empty,” says Tami. “Even though it feels nice and new, we don’t want anyone to feel like they have to take their shoes off,

can’t bring their pets (even though we don’t have any), or be afraid they might break something – our cabin is designed to be casual, including how we use it day to day. If we are not there, we offer it to family and friends.”

To make their guests comfortable, they designed the cabin to optimize sleeping space, increased the number of windows with a lake view, and created a spacious kitchen where everyone could gather.

“Right from the start in the design process, the Peplinskis wanted a lake cabin that would fit lots of people very comfortably, but still have the look and feel of a rustic, cozy cabin,” says Kim Green, executive designer with Woodland Home Design in Alexandria. “We went in-depth through their wants, needs and goals, and it was a fun process going back and forth with design concepts and layouts before they found the house plan that fit the lot just right and included everything they were looking for.”

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“For the inside of the home, they wanted it to be warm and rustic, but also clean and industrial with white elements,” Ashley Trousil

HighPoint Homes

When designing a home on this particular lot, several considerations needed to be taken into account, including a limited buildable footprint due to wetlands on the road side of the property, which is on a culde-sac.

With the old cabin, they had to walk up and around the cabin to get down to the lake from the driveway, which involved a lot of extra effort when carrying gas cans or anything else that needed to be hauled to the lakeside.

“We had to find a creative way to maintain lake access from the driveway without going around the house, and without sacrificing square footage,” Green explains. “Our solution, an open, drive-through space under the porch, provides the added bonus of a unique and dramatic view of the lake as you approach the property.”

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The Peplinskis chose Jay Paulson, owner of HighPoint Homes of Alexandria, to build the cabin that Green designed. The end result is a striking exterior of dark wood, towering windows, stone pillars, and expansive decking with metal cable railings.

THE INTERIOR “For the inside of the home, they wanted it to be warm and rustic, but also clean and industrial with white elements,” says Ashley Trousil, the interior designer at HighPoint Homes. “In the kitchen, for instance, the stark white cupboards, countertops and backsplash are joined seamlessly with a wood center island and stainless-steel appliances. Clean, simple elements are mixed throughout the house with stained pine and knotty alder.”

The idea of simplicity was always important to Tami and Don. “We wanted wood, so it had the feel of a cabin, but we wanted to offset that a bit with metal elements so the rustic look wasn’t overwhelming,” says Tami. “We tried to balance it out with high ceiling beams in the front entry and front porch, but then we chose elements like a black tile fireplace on the porch that has a shimmer to it, resembling the look of metal.”

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Other examples include a mirror in a metal frame in the master bath, which accents the white cupboards, and modern, metal light fixtures.

“I was very excited to find that perfect mirror for them, and it all came together really well,” says Trousil. “The dark AZEK composite deck is also gorgeous, and accented by a horizontal cable railing.”

SLEEPING SPACE Since optimizing sleeping space was such a huge priority, the three-level home has six bedrooms – two on the main level, the master suite on the third level, and three bedrooms on the lower walk-out level, where the “kids” stay.

As the cabin was being built, Tami says they noticed there was wasted wall space, so an additional set of bunk beds was built in the lower-level living area with a custom-built ladder.

Another twin-size bed was built under the stairway, with a barn door that can slide closed to conceal its occupant.

Bedrooms and bunk beds don’t tell the entire story of this family’s efforts to “sneak in another bed or two” for large group events. In addition to the three beds added on the lower level, two more full-size beds were built into the wall on the third level outside of the master suite that can be closed off with a curtain.

“Air mattresses are also used in the fourseason porch for ‘overflow,’” Tami adds with a laugh.

“We wanted wood, so it had the feel of a cabin, but we wanted to offset that a bit with metal elements so the rustic look wasn’t overwhelming.” homeowner Tami Peplinski

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This might sound stressful for many, but Tami and Don enjoy hosting family and friends, such as their recent gatherings of the families of senior members from the high school baseball team, and another team-building weekend for the high school girls’ soccer team.

“These are the great memories we love creating with others,” says Tami. “Whether it be a larger get-together or smaller, quiet relaxing weekends… cabin time can be enjoyed in many ways.”

“These are the great memories we love creating with others.

Whether it be a larger get-together or smaller, quiet relaxing weekends… cabin time can be enjoyed in many ways.” homeowner Tami Peplinski 78 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE NOV / DEC 2018

LAKE & LANDSCAPING Maintaining some of the original landscaping around the cabin was important to Tami’s mother, who loves to garden. A few plants and a number of sentimental elements were built into the outdoor plan, like Tami’s grandma and grandpa’s bowling balls among the flowers and rhubarb plants passed through generations.

It was also important for them to retain a boathouse, where water skis and other equipment came directly off the lake to be stored.

“We wanted it wider, though, so we weren’t able to keep it in the original location so close to the lake,” says Tami. “We found a way to build a new boathouse, set back a bit farther from the lake and connected to the cabin, which was perfect, and gave us more usable space along our 116 feet of lakeshore.”

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THE FUTURE Thinking ahead, Tami and Don also asked the builder to put in footings for an elevator.

“We don’t need it now, but with this three-level cabin, if we ever do want one, we have a base to put it in,” says Tami. “We don’t want any barriers for all generations to be able to enjoy being away from the city and experiencing those special moments that we’ve all grown up with over the years and don’t often make time for at home.”

It’s this kind of intentional planning that ensures the family will have a central meeting place, both now and in the future.

“Our kids grew up on this lake,” she adds, “and we wanted to build a cabin that would provide a gathering spot for all of our family and friends. We hope that we’ve created the kind of welcoming environment that will keep those family and friends coming back here and spending time together for years to come.” ~L&H

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“We hope that we’ve created the kind of welcoming environment that will keep those family and friends coming back here and spending time together for years to come.” homeowner Tami Peplinski

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FEATURE HOME

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ike most Minnesotans, Steve Swanson grew up going to the lake and developed a deep love and appreciation for the beauty of lake country. When he purchased a cabin on Deer Lake in 2004 with his wife Diane, it was the beginning of his journey of enjoying and owning a cabin on a beautiful lake. While this home served its purpose as a summer weekend retreat, the couple began to contemplate turning their lake home into a permanent residence for their retirement years.

The Swansons toyed with the idea of upgrading to a larger home that would fulfill their needs, even if that meant leaving the lake they loved. After spending time looking at other properties that were year-round homes, they realized each home they saw would still require renovation projects. Steve turned to his wife and said, “Why do we want to purchase someone else’s dream home, and have to make additional changes to make it ours? Why don’t we build a home right here, on the lake we love and make it our dream home?”

In 2014, Steve and Diane made the decision to remain on Deer Lake and build the home that would suit their every need.

The biggest step to start this project was to give their existing cabin away in order to lay the foundation for the new home.

Over Labor Day weekend it was relocated to East Silent Lake where it has found a new life on a friend’s resort property.

With a design concept already in hand that was based off different trips the couple had taken to Italy, the Swansons set in motion the building of a permanent lake home.

In 2014, Steve and Diane made the decision to remain on Deer Lake and build the home that would suit their every need.

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Steve and Diane had previously built a home without a general contractor, and the stress and headaches of that experience highlighted their need for a contractor who could not only coordinate everything but could deliver their dream home with ease. Choosing a builder, often an overwhelming decision, was an easy choice for Steve as he has known Dave Erwin for over 20 years. Having prior knowledge of Erwin’s home-building expertise and exceptional work ethic, made this one of the best decisions in the entire process.

With decades of experience, Dave Erwin has contacts in the industry and vetted subcontractors who come with his recommendation. This list of vendors helped to guide the build and complete

the project on time. The Swansons also pulled from their own personal contacts and local resources to add to the list of contributors who made their home complete.

When it came time to choose cabinet designers, Swedberg Wood Products of Alexandria was an easy choice for the Swansons to make. As Steve explained, “They have done two cabinet jobs for my parents, and one for my sister. I’ve known them since they started in 1982 and wouldn’t go anywhere else.” Swedberg Wood Products guided the Swansons through the design process, starting with a walk through their showroom, followed up by several onsite visits to map out the footprint of the cabinetry. The attention to detail extended to the locallymanufactured cherrywood raised-panel kitchen cabinets, and to the white Dover raised panel cabinets that were installed in the bathrooms and laundry room.

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Knowing they could entrust all their cabinetry to one company because of their prior knowledge of their work, and a familial relationship gave peace of mind to this large design portion of their home concept.

Like many couples who build a home, Steve and Diane had been in the dreaming and planning process for several years prior to the start of construction, and already had in mind the style and products they wanted in their new home. When the time came to choose flooring and appliances, they headed to Fergus Home & Hardware (formerly Cullen’s Fergus Falls Home & Hardware) to fulfill their design plan, and worked exclusively with Dan Zierden. Part of their overall kitchen aesthetic was to use stainless steel for their appliances, yet the constant marks and smudges that are shown on this style of appliances was problematic. The Swansons avoided this by purchasing from the Frigidaire Gallery

“They [Swedberg Wood Products] have done two cabinet jobs for my parents, and one for my sister. I’ve known them since they started in 1982 and wouldn’t go anywhere else.” homeowner Steve Swanson

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Collection that Fergus Home & Hardware carries. This line offers a protective coating that resists the marks and blemishes from daily life.

By working with a local company that specializes in creating a one-stop shopping experience for your home building or remodeling needs, Fergus

Home & Hardware was able to offer a personal touch that only a locally owned company can offer. Zierden stated, “With the overwhelming decisions that come with building, we strive to minimize the stress, make it fun, and are with you to walk you through the process. Our company is invested in the community and invested in your project.� Zierden and Fergus Home

& Hardware were instrumental in getting everything ordered and delivered in a timely manner for the Swansons.

A focal point of the new home is the 20-foot-tall cultured stone fireplace that was installed by Mike Malone of Lake Hearth & Home. The artistry involved with a custom stone fireplace became evident

A focal point of the new home is the 20-foot-tall cultured stone fireplace that was installed by Mike Malone of Lake Hearth & Home.

to Diane during the building process, as she would watch in awe as Malone would lay out all of his materials on tables and take time to place each piece in its exact perfect location.

Just as a painter holds up a thumb to judge scale or nearness of composition, Malone would hold up different stones, creating art with his fireplace design.

Often this would take several attempts of trying out 8-10 stones before finding just the right one that fit not only the spot, but one that completed the design aesthetic.

The final product is a masterpiece that adds warmth and beauty to the Swansons’ home.

Landscaping an already-developed lake property often comes with interesting problems, and property lines that often need special consideration. The Swansons hired Swedberg Nursery who expertly designed a retaining wall at the back of the property and did a sod installation to complete the exterior renovation.

The one area of construction for which a subcontractor was not needed was the electrical work the homeowner did himself. Having previously been a master

electrician, Steve put on his old tool belt and set to work wiring the entire house himself! Doing this job in December meant that while he had solitude to get the job done, he also had to make every decision on his own. Being able to have a hand in the process of building, gave Steve a deeper sense of pride in his home and the work that he accomplished.

The entire process was nearly seamless, and any minor problem could be solved with a phone call to Erwin who would resolve it. The only hiccup in building came when fiberglass insulation was mistakenly installed. Prior to the install, the Swansons changed their mind from having fiberglass to blown insulation.

When it was installed incorrectly, one phone call to Erwin to inform him of

the error set in motion the rectification, and the next day it was corrected. The choice of hiring an experienced and well-known contractor made what could have been a major headache turn into a minor inconvenience. Erwin earned his deep appreciation by the Swansons for his ability to handle any and every issue that could arise with a home building project.

When Erwin suggested upgrading options, it was taken into consideration and Steve and Diane were both in agreement. “When we looked at the flooring, stone and tile, we never looked at prices. We wanted to make sure it would look nice with the rest of the dĂŠcor.â€? Building a home that stayed true to the overall design concept gave the Swansons the dream home they desired, instead of one that was lacking in any area due to budget constraints and would later become a regret.

Now that construction is complete, the Swansons have settled into lake life permanently. The choices they made at the beginning of the building process, knowing what they wanted, hiring an experienced contractor, and choosing vendors they knew personally, ensured a successful experience they relish to this day.

Each night when they return home, they appreciate all the little details that went into planning and building a home that makes

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them feel like they are on vacation. “It’s actually hard sometimes going away, because we love our house so much! We don’t want to leave!”

Steve and Diane had such an enjoyable and stress-free home building process that Steve admits, “I would do it again in a heartbeat. Now that it’s done I’m like, ‘Let’s sell this and do it all over again!’”

The social couple builds their life around their new lake home, with friends gathering there in the summertime for a bottle of wine and leisurely pontoon cruises around the lake. In the winter the couple cherishes their encounters with wildlife, and will often spot eagles, fox and deer throughout their property. Steve remarked, “Some mornings you’ll wake up and 15-20 wild turkeys will be sitting in our yard!”

Steve and Diane both deeply love their home and readily admit they are blessed, to not only enjoy a beautiful new dream home after an extremely smooth building process, but to be living on a lake that is the true dream. ~L&H

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D

photos provided

by Capital Granite

DESIGNER PORTFOLIO

THE CAPITAL DIFFERENCE With convenient locations in St. Cloud and the Twin Cities, Capital Granite has provided custom fabrication of countertops, vanities, bars, fireplaces and outdoor living spaces for over 25 years.

As a leader in the industry, designers, architects, builders, cabinet shops and homeowners seek out Capital Granite’s expertise for unique material selections and quality craftsmanship.

Natural Stone Quarries in Brazil

HOW DID THE BUSINESS GET STARTED? Custom stone countertops entered the residential market about 30 years ago with very few choices available for the average homeowner. The local granite companies specialized in monuments and building cladding and weren’t geared up for residential countertop fabrication. With Chuck Johannes’ background knowledge of the stone industry, he had the insight to grasp the growing need for fabricators and in 1991, formed Capital Granite.

Research, the right people, and hard work allowed Chuck the opportunity to grow Capital Granite from two to over 50 employees. In 1996, local roots brought Chuck to the Rockville area to purchase his family’s homestead property where the 70,000-square-foot fabrication and warehouse facility resides today.

At the onset, most countertop options were limited to domestic granite and marble with very few imported stone options. Today there are hundreds of different types of materials gathered from around the world. Chuck’s decision

to import directly from quarriers and slab manufacturers took him across the globe to hand-select the stock to fill the St. Cloud warehouse. Those earlier important relationships allow Capital Granite to house the best quality products in the region today.

WHAT TYPES OF SERVICES DO YOU OFFER YOUR CUSTOMERS? The unique opportunity to view full slabs and make decisions all at one time is what many designers call a “game changer” in the industry. Our Edina showroom has a representative slab of over 80 colors while the St. Cloud showroom maintains the full inventory. Imagine over 3,000 slabs... all

White Macaubas Kitchen

photographed and ready for production.

Designers and homeowners have the luxury of viewing multiple slabs as well as selecting from hundreds of remnants to create their own distinctive designs.

Our knowledgeable sales staff guide our clients through the selection process, offering recommendations based on the material, applications and current trends.

There are no subcontractors involved with the Capital Granite process; our field measure, layout, fabrication, and installation are all in-house employees dedicated to providing the highest quality service and products.

From material selections through final installation, a qualified Capital Granite staff member is on hand to assist our clients through the process.

WHAT TYPES OF GOODS DO YOU OFFER YOUR CUSTOMERS? Very few warehouse suppliers existed in the early 90s, and granite was the “go-to” product at that time. Engineered quartz in the U.S. was fairly new to the industry, and only a couple product lines were offered. Today there are dozens of quartz product lines available to our clients.

Other fabricators rely on warehouse distributors for most of their material selections. While this is still an option for our clients, Capital Granite inventories over 100 unique types of natural slabs including granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone, onyx, travertine, limestone and precious agate composites in addition to a line of engineered quartz.

WHERE DOES NATURAL STONE COME FROM?

Warehouse with over 3,000 slabs on display!

American Black Leathered Bar

There are three types of natural stone, all used in our industry.

• Sedimentary – limestone and travertine • Metamorphic – marble, soapstone and quartzite • Igneous – granite While Minnesota is rich in natural quarries, most local materials are not used for countertop applications. The majority of granite and quartzite slabs are imported from Brazil and India. The famous Calacatta marble is from Italy, a source of many marble quarries.

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Outdoor Grill with Monte Cristo Granite Our website is now interactive with our inventory, highlighting the next available slab for each color.

WHAT MAKES CAPITAL GRANITE A GREAT PLACE TO WORK? Finding solutions, whether for a client or co-worker, creates a great work environment. It may be the enjoyable

WHAT ARE THE HOT TRENDS FOR 2018?

Open any design magazine, and you’ll still find white countertops. Using both natural stone and engineered quartz, designers continue to specify the light greys and whites. Our slab inventory reflects the trends, and with our quarry direct purchasing, we stay current as the trends move.

For example, five years ago, we inventoried one natural quartzite, while today we carry nearly 20 unique quartzites, several featuring veining and color similar to the elegant look of marble. Others are distinct in color and pattern, creating an exotic and exclusive design.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FAVORITE DESIGN ELEMENTS WHEN IT COMES TO KITCHENS? Today’s eclectic designs include mixed mediums of stone, quartz, metal and wood. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with builders, cabinet shops and designers who enjoy designing with natural products.

It is fun to offer unique features such as alternate surfaces and edge finishes, particularly to clients who may be unaware of these options. The variety offered by Capital Granite allows each client to add their own distinctive flair to their design. There are seven different finishes, processed in house, and over 30 edge detail options!

ARE THERE ANY NEW INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET? While stone is timeless, the processes are always changing and improving with more automated equipment, computer generated layouts and installation product improvements.

Our clients love to see a digital view of their countertops prior to fabrication. This technology has dramatically improved the overall appearance of the finished product and often affords better yields.

This beautiful waterfall island was created with digital layout technology.

Calacutta Lincoln “Waterfall Edge”

Kitchen with full height backsplash aspect of helping someone find just the right stock for their project or the more difficult task of consulting on remedial work.

Good communication is the foundation for long-lasting relationships–the mainstay of our company. We have enjoyed longterm clients that have been with us since we opened the doors and work hard to build and grow new relationships for the next generation.

WHAT MAKES CAPITAL GRANITE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS? We believe in the CAPITAL difference by offering exceptional products and timely, knowledgeable and efficient service.

Challenge us with your next unique oneof-a-kind design! ~L&H

INSULATION

LUMBER

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

HOME BUILDERS

RADON TESTING & MITIGATION

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

TREE SERVICES

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

SEPTIC SERVICE

MARINE / WATERCRAFT REPAIR

CABINETS / MILLWORK

CABINETS

MARINE / WATERCRAFT REPAIR

FLOORING

CABINETS

96 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE NOV / DEC 2018

QUARTZ & GRANITE

MASONRY

SHOWERS

CABIN CARE

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FEATURED LAKE Size: 447 Acres Max Depth: 26 ft.

County: Otter Tail Clarity: 8.8 ft.

Shore Length: 3.9 mi

Deer Lake Otter Tail County

Deer Lake is a 457-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in central Otter Tail County approximately five miles north of Battle Lake, Minn. Deer Lake is connected to Otter Tail Lake via the Otter Tail River. The maximum depth is 26 feet; however, 67 percent of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth.

The majority of the shoreline of Deer Lake has been extensively developed. A DNR owned public access is located on the southeast shoreline where the Otter Tail River enters the lake. There are remnant stands of hardstem bulrush and wild rice in the shallow areas of the lake. These emergent plants provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat and are critical in maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms from wave erosion and help absorb excess nutrients. Emergent plants also provide critical spawning habitat for several fish species including northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for many species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants cannot be removed without a DNR permit.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

A moderate density northern pike population exists.

Walleye abundance has remained stable over the recent series of surveys.

Anglers can maintain the quality of fishing by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of the more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with opportunities to catch more large fish in the future. . ~L&H