Subscribe at w w w.lakeandhomemagazine.com YEAR 21 / ISSUE 2
MARCH / APRIL 2020
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YEAR 21 • ISSUE 2 • MARCH / APRIL 2020 subscribe online at: www.lakeandhomemagazine.com
CONTENTS
12 OFFICE
Meet Our Team
14 OFFICE
From the Office by Erin Hintz
60
REAL ESTATE
40
COLOR OF THE YEAR
Looking at Cabin Ownership from a Different Angle Eden Acres Offers Resort Association Options by Patrice Peterson
How to Use Classic Blue The Pantone Color of the Year for 2020 by Alicia Underlee Nelson
18
FLOORING
Flooring Vision for 2020 by Andrea Canning
64
SHOPPING
Lake Gifts
28
INTERIOR DESIGN
Shining Light on Window Treatment Trends by Nikki Thompson
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Lake & Home Magazine MARCH / APRIL 2020
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INTERIOR DESIGN
How to Hang a Gallery Wall by Alicia Underlee Nelson
66 GLASS
Interior Glass Solutions Solutions, Ideas and Trends by Mike Butler
70
116
DESIGNER PORTFOLIO
92
HighPoint Homes by Andrea Canning
120
FEATURE HOME
The Cottage on Lake Le Homme Dieu by Jen Miller
SHOPPING
Service Directory
FEATURE HOME
A Style of Their Own
122
by Patrice Peterson
FEATURED LAKE
82
FEATURE HOME
Breaking the Mold
104
FEATURE HOME
A Modern Place on Loon Lake
Homeowner’s Vision for a Different Aesthetic Comes to Life
The Spilde House Brings Scandinavian Minimalism Home
by Craig Gustafson
by Alicia Underlee Nelson
Cover photo by Kip Johnson Story on page 104
Loon Lake
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Lic. #BC520694
Year 21, Issue 2 • MARCH / APRIL 2020 PUBLISHER Kip Johnson EDITORS Brent and Jennifer Rogness ADVERTISING/MARKETING CONSULTANT John Burns LAKE & HOME MAGAZINE – ADVERTISING SALES Erin Hintz • 218-205-2120 erin@lakeandhomemagazine.com Jerry Shea • 218-205-7454 jerry@lakeandhomemagazine.com Becky Haarstad rebecca@lakeandhomemagazine.com SUBSCRIPTIONS In the U.S., one year $23.95; two years $42.50; three years $54.00. Elsewhere add $5.00 per issue. Back issues are available for $5.00 per issue, plus shipping and handling. Subscriptions can be purchased online at lakeandhomemagazine.com/products
LAKE & HOME MAGAZINE Published bimonthly by Compass Media 126 S Vine St | Fergus Falls, MN 56537 (218) 205-2706 www.lakeandhomemagazine.com artwork@lakeandhomemagazine.com Unless previously agreed, all rights remain the sole property of Lake & Home Magazine. ©2020 Compass Media. Except for purposes of review, material contained herein may not be reproduced without prior written consent. Printed by Hess Print Solutions, USA
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O
FROM THE OFFICE
From the Office
This time of year my patience for winter weather runs dry. We’re through the hustle and bustle of the holidays and days seem to drag on and winter never ends. In March we should be able to count on some warmer days mixed in with the cold and snow, but even those days just seem to add to my desperation for spring. I’ve spent too much time within the walls of my home by this time of year. I start picking things apart and obsessing about projects that I want to start and things I want to change. We’ve started so many projects in our home it makes my head spin. We’ve made some significant changes and improvements but there always seems to be a point when drywall is complete, walls are painted and in my impatience, I’ve decorated and the progress just stops there.
We’ve become accustomed to half-finished projects. I hope we’re not the only ones. I don’t even notice the fact that the walls that were put up or moved don’t have trim, some tiles are still not grouted, and many outlets and switches haven’t been covered. Most of the windows in our house face south and sun this time of year doesn’t allow us to forget that we still haven’t chosen window treatments. So this winter I’ve been fighting the overwhelming urge to tear into a wall, floors, or a paint can. I’ve spent more time with a caulking gun in my hand than I ever would have wished to. It’s tedious, but finishing all the projects we’ve started has felt good. Next up, window treatments, so I can put my sunglasses away when I come inside.
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Whether, like me, you need some motivation to put the finishing touches on your home, or you’re looking for inspiration for future projects, this issue of Lake & Home has you covered with articles on flooring options, window treatments, gallery walls, and Pantone’s Color of the Year. We’re also featuring four gorgeous Minnesota lake homes, each with their own unique style that is sure to inspire you. I hope this issue finds you enjoying thoughts of spring! ~L&H
Erin Hintz Advertising Sales
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FLOORING
by Andrea Canning
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Each new year brings a renewed opportunity to refresh your home or lake cabin with new design ideas. With the dawn of a new decade, this desire to create a change within your home in a dramatic and noticeable way can lead you to update your flooring with fresh and unexpected ideas that will bring your home proudly into 2020 and beyond.
The field of flooring choices has expanded far beyond the traditional options that have previously been utilized, and will stretch your imagination and creative boundaries to embrace these new trends that will be enjoyed into the next decade.
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photos courtesy: MCI Carpet One Floor & Home
Bright, Bold and Textured Carpets
For decades ‘relocation greige’ (grey and beige) has been the carpet of choice, for home builders and designers who wish for carpet to blend into the home’s architecture or room design. Carpet is experiencing a revival in the home décor marketplace while undergoing a remarkable transformation in its color options and scientific breakthroughs. “Carpets with a lower pile (the density of the fibers used to weave a carpet), along with a dense soft feel are highly desired, along with patterns in warm neutral tones,” shared Sandy Doolittle of MCI Carpet One Floor & Home of Baxter, Minn. Textured and patterned carpets are taking a cue from the hard surface flooring category, with new and modern patterns that can elevate the look of a room while retaining the plushness that luxury traditional carpet is known for. While the patterns can vary from simple geometric designs to exotic and lush animal prints, there is a style to match your décor and preference. “We have clients who like that style, and having a bold statement look for their home is an important facet of their design plan. We carry some very thick carpets that are reminiscent of shag carpeting. Our collection of carpet prints includes a number of patterns including a wild leopard skin design for the adventurous homeowner. We can truly cater to any look you’re going for,” stated Tom Steiger of Baxter’s MCI Carpet One Floor & Home. Bold colors such as violet and the Pantone Color of the Year, Classic Blue, are taking back the stigma of colored carpet and replacing it with flair and originality. Adding a pop of color to a child’s bedroom, 20 Lake & Home Magazine MARCH / APRIL 2020
or installing carpet in a home office that matches one’s favorite football team is a way to embrace this new trend while displaying personal creativity. New innovations and scientific breakthroughs have led to the creation of carpet that is not only waterproof but also pet proof. The new technology provides homeowners peace of mind that any spill or pet accident can be easily cleaned up and not soak into the carpet pad below.Â
Hardwood Floors
The classic choice of homeowners for generations has been hardwood flooring, a solid and timeless option that is getting made over for this decade. Updating wood floors from a dark stain with whitewashing techniques can breathe new life into an older home while creating an atmosphere of openness and modernity. On the opposite spectrum, painting aged and flawed wood floors a deep navy or dense black can elevate the worn floors to a level of new sophistication. This new decade marks the continued growth of hickory hardwood flooring. The rich tones of this shade provide warmth and natural color tones that are a long-lasting design choice. The advancements in engineered hardwood (flooring that consists of a real wood layer attached to a backing of plywood for stability) have elevated the use of wood flooring in the home in unexpected ways. The new styles of engineered hardwood allow for wider planks up to 12 inches in width that allow for new design patterns to be created.
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“The best thing happening in hardwood flooring, is the technology being used by manufacturers to create a flooring surface that is both structurally sound and visually pleasing. A quality engineered hardwood can be sanded and refinished just like a traditional wood floor. The standout difference lies in the backing, the stability underneath helps alleviate the stress on the wood from humidity and temperature changes, while giving a quieter and more uniform floor surface,” described Adam Arnquist of Arnquist’s CarpetsPlus COLORTILE of Alexandria.
photos courtesy: MCI Carpet One Floor & Home
Parquet wood flooring is experiencing a renaissance, with contemporary herringbone or chevron patterns in a variety of color schemes that evoke old world elegance for the modern home in 2020.
Luxury Vinyl
Expanding technological advances in the manufacturing of luxury vinyl planks are revolutionizing how consumers are viewing this hard surface flooring option. “The biggest shift I am seeing in 2020, is the emergence of luxury vinyl planks taking over in popularity from laminate flooring. Vinyl planks are becoming the choice for homes and cabins as they are able to withstand the snow, sand, and water that gets tracked inside,” raved Tom Steiger of Baxter’s MCI Carpet One Floor & Home. This increasingly popular flooring choice is gaining momentum due largely to advancements in the production and the image printing upon the individual planks. Luxury vinyl planks come in a wide array of options, from subtle variations in wood grain to color tones that mimic worn and weathered driftwood. Luxury vinyl planks have an added benefit of being an option for continuity of flooring throughout the home, as it can be utilized in every room of the home regardless of pattern of use. From pet accidents to the water and sand tracked in from the lake, this durable option can withstand all the activity of life.
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Trendy Tile
Tile has been growing in popularity in our region for its durability and long-lasting design strength due to its ability to withstand changing trends. Wood look floor tiles continue to be an impactful choice, and come in a wider array of color options and have a more realistic graining on each tile to give the impression of real wood. Grouting colors have also expanded to include shades that can be customized for individual homeowner’s design needs. “Tile is the most durable, low maintenance of all the flooring options. The wide range of styles, color tones and textures along with stain resistant grouts, can accommodate every design plan,” stated Sandy Doolittle, MCI Carpet One Floor & Home. Boldly entering a new decade has paved the way for the resurgence of large format tiles in sizes 12x24 and 24x28. These larger format tiles provide greater coverage and fewer grouting lines for a cleaner contemporary look.
Terrazzo tiles are gaining in popularity due to its modern design edge, while being a product that is unique in and of itself. The peak of popularity for Terrazzo tile may have been in the last century, schools and government buildings built mid-century often contained this distinctive flooring product. The resurgence of Terrazzo is more than nostalgia, it is truly a customized flooring choice. The color patterns within each tile can vary from designs that are gray and white to bold color combinations that can stretch your creative boundaries. Taking tile into a new direction for a new decade has given way to porcelain tile that looks like concrete. New advancements in tile production has allowed for this aged industrial look to be installed with ease into homes. “The image that is created on these concrete tiles is transformative. Each tile has a unique, non-repetitive pattern with a natural look so it does not look man-made,” informed Tom Steiger of MCI Carpet One Floor & Home.
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photos courtesy: MCI Carpet One Floor & Home
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Polished Concrete
This particular flooring option is no longer relegated to being a sturdy subfloor, but is rising in popularity as a standout among its more manufactured counterparts. Due to concrete’s unique ability to handle high traffic and sustain any spills unscathed, it is perhaps one of the most durable flooring options of this new decade. When concrete is treated and given a design identity through the implementation of pigment or sealant, it becomes incredibly lowmaintenance flooring.
The solid and polished surface of this distinctive flooring has an added benefit of being an allergy friendly option due to its dust free properties. This new decade has ushered in a wide range of new and unique flooring choices, and classic options are experiencing a renaissance in their popularity. Creating a fresh look for your home or lake cabin with new flooring can update your space while fully embracing this new decade. ~L&H
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bottom and middle photos courtesy: MCI Carpet One Floor & Home
Concrete is also a sustainable eco-friendly option, as it is long lasting, and has a minimal environmental impact when installed. Some concrete flooring can also incorporate recycled material including crushed glass, recycled plastic and even metal shavings to create a one of a kind look for your home or cabin.
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INTERIOR DESIGN
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photo provided by Hirshfield’s
T
o those unfamiliar with home design,
eat away at fabric and carpet. Yikes! And
window
an
further, even if you already have blinds, are
afterthought, but never underestimate
they just left open (or closed) because it’s
the subtle design element that blinds,
easier to leave them be?
treatments
may
be
shades, drapery, and the like can add to your space. Like most things, the beauty of
Window
your home is all in the details—and window
covering or decorative element around the
treatments can provide that polished and
window—are a way to add to both your
united look you’re after.
home’s aesthetics and functionality. If you’re
treatments—referring
to
any
wondering what value you’re getting out of While you may have great windows in your
your current blinds or curtains, maybe it’s time
home to maximize both your view and the
to reconsider your options.
sunlight, are you missing a design opportunity on those large glass palettes? And how are
Four experts in the window treatment industry
you controlling the sun’s UV rays, especially
let us in on the latest trends they are seeing
during the summer months? Not only will
to help you achieve your window’s best look.
sunlight heat up your house considerably in the summer, but it will also fade and actually
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Automation “Hands down, automation is the biggest movement we are seeing in the window treatment space,” says Mona Daigle, owner of Budget Blinds of Detroit Lakes. “Consumers are
pushing
for
technology-based
motorization of their blinds and shades to add to a growing list of smart home automation options.” Homeowners can easily connect their blinds to a mobile app (Lutron™, for one) and control with their Alexa™ device. The blinds can either be conveniently powered via a battery pack or hardwired into the wall. As you can imagine, automation is great for numerous windows, or ones that are high or otherwise hard-to-reach, allowing
photo provided by Hirshfield’s
you to open or close blinds with the touch photo provided by Hirshfield’s
of a button. Motorization is also handy for a second home or lake cabin as they can be controlled remotely. Consumers can either open or close shades instantly, or program a schedule for the shades to open or close according to the time of day. While automation of blinds and shades does add significantly to the cost, consumers are loving the added value of the easier-to-use shades. If you’re already going to spend the money to make an investment in your home, why not make it easier to control, too? In addition to the light control and UV protection, the ease of closing and opening shades also allows for added privacy, whether you’re home or away.
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Woven Wood + Other Textures “We are seeing a lot of textures being utilized in window treatments,”
says
Shannon
Scarrella,
manager
of
Hirshfield’s Paint and Coatings Window Treatment Division, “and these textures are making a statement as a design element in the home.” The most popular window treatment textures in the lakes area include natural and organic looks, complimenting our rural setting. Jacki Kliewer, owner of At the Window – Hunter Douglas in Perham says, “Woven wood shades, which are often used in many home design and improvement shows, are very popular right now. They are similar to a Roman shade and come in a variety of styles, colors, and patterns.” Other natural looks like bamboo or grasses, or bold textures like velvet and patterned fabric, can add a big impact on any room and compliment the style of the entire home.
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Colors
Maintaining the View
“Beige is not dead!” Daigle explains that
declining, the gray blinds will soon follow suite.
“One of the main requests that we receive is to
brown tones remain the most popular option
“We are also seeing metallics being used in
maintain the view,” explains Kliewer, “whether
for window treatment colors. (Interesting fact:
shades and blinds,” says Daigle, “but in a
it be of the lake or the homeowner’s beautiful
wall color trends come and go more quickly
subtle way that’s woven directly into fabrics.”
property. People want to enjoy looking at their
than drapes and blinds—no doubt due to the
Spirited homeowners may also embrace
outdoor surroundings, regardless of the time
general ease and lower cost to change them
deep, bold colors for blinds and curtains. And,
of day.” Silhouette from Hunter Douglas is one
out—and can influence what will be popular
for those so inclined, there are even options to
popular option of window shading that has
with the latter.) So as the gray wall trend is
print your own fabric or drapery!
soft fabric vanes suspended between two sheers. This provides UV protection and still allows a view when in the lowered position. Solar shades are also well loved for lake homes because they can allow the view in but still cut the heat and prevent UV damage from the sun. One thing is for sure, no matter what drew you to your current home, there’s a window treatment option that will allow you to control sunlight and observe your surroundings.
photo provided by At the Window / Hunter Douglas
“One of the main requests that we receive is to maintain the view, whether it be of the lake or the homeowner’s beautiful property. People want to enjoy looking at their outdoor surroundings, regardless of the time of day.” Jacki Kliewer Owner of At the Window – Hunter Douglas
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Styles and Sizes “Consumers are loving a minimal stack option,” says Scarrella. Minimal stack shades, when drawn up, are thinner than traditional shades and less distracting to the eye. “These shades are popular with minimalist design as they provide a clean and simple look.” Transitional shades are another popular option because they allow for full, partial, or no sunlight very easily.
Another priority for many homeowners is energy efficient shades, which can reduce heating and cooling costs by controlling sunlight throughout the year. “Honeycomb shades are a great option for the energy conscious,” says Kliewer. Amanda Schneider, a window treatment designer at Hirshfield’s Baxter office, explains, “Most of my customers want one of two looks—either a bright, coastal vibe or a rustic, up-north feel.” To help customers get a treatment they’ll be happy with, most design consultations start with a discussion of what the homeowner wants from the
“Consumers are loving a minimal stack option. These shades are popular with minimalist design as they provide a clean and simple look.” Shannon Scarrella Manager of Hirshfield’s Paint and Coatings Window Treatment Division
photos provided by Budget Blinds
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If you’re ready to have a professional stylist look at your home, Budget Blinds, At the Window – Hunter Douglas, and Hirshfield’s all offer free in-home consultations with an experienced designer ready to guide you through options. Not only will they help you choose the best color for your space but also the best style for your needs. Accentuate the beauty of both the view your windows let in and your home’s interior design choices with professional window treatments. ~L&H
space. Some customers prioritize a built-in
Get a Professional Point of View
option, some a modern, minimalist look, and
To help you navigate all of the various style,
some a soft, cozy feel. Whether you choose
texture, and color options for your window
hard treatments (blinds, roller shades) or soft
treatments, consider calling in the experts
treatments (draperies, cornices, valances) will
to get the best value for your money. It’s
ultimately depend on what look you’re after
easy to get overwhelmed with your options
and what your goals are for your space.
and either waste time in weighing options or waste money by choosing a treatment that ultimately won’t fit your style or needs. To view window treatment showrooms and gather ideas before you commit, Hirshfield’s in Brainerd, Alexandria, St. Cloud, and Fargo, as well as At the Window – Hunter Douglas in Perham, all have options on display.
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photos provided by Hirshfield’s
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COLOR OF THE YEAR
photo provided by PANTONE
T
he color of the moment is utterly timeless. Each year, the color gurus at Pantone Color Institute choose a particular shade that expresses the mood of the moment. The Pantone Color of the Year for 2020 is Classic Blue, a rich, restful hue found in nature. It’s the color of the sky just before night falls, a blue of deep ocean depth. “It’s a very reliable color,” says Ashley Trousil, interior designer and selection coordinator at HighPoint Homes in Alexandria. “It’s a color we’ve seen throughout history. It doesn’t matter what trends do, it seems like blue is always a color that people love. It can be very calming.” That was exactly the point. The color Pantone chooses expresses the mood of the moment. But it also evokes what people want, crave and hope for. Color is emotional and deeply personal. It’s tied to our moods and our memories. It often works at a subconscious level, so we might respond instinctively to a hue without fully
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understanding why. This particular color evokes a consistent response across cultures. “We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute in a press release. “Imbued with a deep resonance, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue provides an anchoring foundation.” Minnesotans tend to sample trends in small doses, working them into more neutral color schemes. But Classic Blue’s versatility makes it an excellent fit for the region’s laid-back aesthetic and neutral color palette. This shade melds seamlessly into traditional interiors, mirrors nature to amplify blue skies and lake views, and grounds contemporary designs. Here’s how to add a pop of Classic Blue into your life this season.
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IN THE KITCHEN “When I saw that blue, I immediately thought of a kitchen island,” says Trousil. “That’s a great spot to add a little splash of color.” A backsplash is another popular place for Classic Blue in the kitchen. The color complements the gray and white interiors that are popular, while adding a touch of individuality. Classic Blue is subdued on its own, but it really makes metallic tones pop. If cabinets are looking a little tired, try updating them with pulls and knobs in warm tones like soft gold or brushed brass. The contrast makes both the metal and the color feel fresh.
influence, so there was what they called Egyptian or Nile Blue,” explains Deanna Dahlsad of Fair Oaks Antiques in Fargo. “And also your classic Chinese pottery, blue and white, that high contrast in a nice medium blue.” Blue and white are also featured in Flow Blue china, which was developed in England and was popular in the U.S. at the beginning of the last century. The soft blue pattern is slightly blurred or hazy because the dye flows a bit during the firing process, giving the pattern its name.
ON THE TABLE One reason that this particular shade of blue feels so familiar and comforting is that it’s been a decorating staple for centuries. Items like wallpaper don’t live on, but china and pottery do. Your local antique store or elderly relatives might have a better selection of dishes in this or similar shades than contemporary vendors, at least initially. “In the 1920s, we had a lot of that blue because Art Deco comes from an Egyptian
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photo provided by PANTONE
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photo provided by PANTONE
If antiques aren’t your thing, there are plenty of modern table setting combinations to try. Classic Blue dishes look refreshing on their own, but also complement a variety of other dinnerware colors, including white, black and gray, a range of blue and high contrast colors like orange, yellow and turquoise. For a special meal or a dinner party, embrace the drama of this night sky shade with candlesticks, chargers and table décor in shades of silver, copper, bronze and gold to echo the sparkle of the stars.
see a lot of lighter blues in bathrooms, but I think this dark blue, which is getting a little moody, could be stunning in the bathroom, especially with the warmer woods we’re seeing coming back. They complement each other beautifully.”
IN THE MASTER SUITE Since master bedrooms and bathrooms are designed to be restful spaces, Classic Blue is a natural fit. To be enveloped in color, paint the walls.
And of course, you can always start small. One of the first places that the Pantone Color of the Year pops up is in bed linens, so you’ll have a variety of sheets, pillowcases and throw pillows in this shade to choose from. They’re affordable, so you can try a few options.
“It would be very calming, especially in a bedroom or a bathroom,” says Trousil. “We
Trousil explains that the light oak that’s currently trending is more neutral than the golden oak that’s often used in the Midwest. Classic Blue pairs well with other neutral palettes as well, from cool white shiplap to thoughtful grays.
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PILLOWS AND TEXTILES The reliability of Classic Blue has made it a comforting, reliable presence in textiles for generations. To be enveloped by feelings of stability, nostalgia, and quiet country charm look to the past. You might even have items in your own linen closets or cedar chests that use this color already. “You see it in 1930s fabrics, ginghams and things,” explains Dahlsad. “That clear blue and white combination was a popular design, so you’ll see that in quilts and clothing a lot.”
As she speaks, Dahlsad points out remarkably well-preserved fabric swatches from a Sears, Roebuck and Company product called The Homemakers Foundation, which allowed women across the country to touch and test all the fabric they ordered. The crisp blue and white gingham, the graphic blue floral and rich solid blue samples look just as fresh now as they did when housewives selected them back in 1936.
photo provided by PANTONE
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For a subtle and timeless palette, combine Classic Blue with paler blues and whites as they did in the 1930s or work in additional shades of whisper soft apricot, celadon or sand. Make a white down comforter extra cozy with blue flannel or patterned sheets and a quilt from your collection. Or keep things simple and embrace a monochromatic look. Color lovers can go wild with this shade, since the restful, dignified blue grounds even the most vivacious hues. Try it with lime, bright berry, jade, or luscious grape or cherry. It also looks cheerful paired with 2019’s Pantone Color of the Year, Living Coral.
LAWN AND GARDEN Classic Blue plays well with many color schemes, but if you just can’t make it work with your indoor décor, take it outside. Try painting your front door or your mailbox this restful shade. It adds instant curb appeal in a shade that’s welcoming, but not flashy. Want an even smaller dose of blue? Purchase pretty pots for spring flowers or do a little painting project yourself. Flowers and herbs in shades of blue, white, yellow, purple, pink and lush green look fresh and mimic color pairings found in wildflowers. Or try contrasting colors like bright orange blossoms or blazing red chili peppers.
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You can also experiment with outdoor textiles. This shade will trickle down to patio furniture this season, so play with the color by choosing new chair cushions or a patio umbrella. When combined with greenery, this shade helps create a restful outdoor oasis. When used near water features, its calming properties are amplified. FURNITURE AND HOME DECOR If new furniture is on the agenda, Classic Blue is a versatile choice. It looks both lush and unexpected in leather, suede, velvet and other textured materials, so use it to update traditional shapes like club chairs in a study or Chesterfield or Chippendale sofas in a great room. It can also look casual or contemporary in a more modern chair or couch shape. It’s easy to switch out pillows and blankets to play with color. “Say we do a sofa in this blue,” Trousil muses. “I could see maybe a yellow or maybe a chartreuse if they really like color. You could even combine it with greener-toned blues, almost a turquoise.” If buying new isn’t an option, you can always repurpose what you have. Brush on blue to add country charm to an end table, mudroom bench or plant stand. Or paint a bookcase for a surprisingly stately look. Classic Blue also works well in guest rooms, as it’s not viewed as stereotypically masculine or feminine and promotes a sense of welcome and rest. Consider painting a dresser or
photo provided by PANTONE
selecting lamps, linens and décor in this shade to help guests relax and feel comfortable. Color theory can seem complex, but we can sense and describe the effects of color in our lives, even if we can’t articulate why we feel them. Classic Blue is a color that aims to make life easier for all of us, by evoking feelings of trust, relaxation, and contentment. A little more of all of those things seem like a good idea, so experimenting with a splash of blue could be a soothing solution to your design projects. ~L&H
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I
INTERIOR DESIGN
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A gallery wall is a great way to combine smaller works of art into one statement. Gallery walls can be eclectic and colorful or orderly and restrained. It all depends on the room’s décor and how you assemble the artwork and frames. Here’s how to create your own gallery wall.
Gather your Art
F rame it Artwork on paper and delicate items like textiles should be protected behind glass. Matting artwork can increase visual appeal, heighten contrast, tie items together visually, and help preserve pieces. But it also increases the price and wait time (unless you choose frames that come with mats), so weigh the pros and cons.
There are no rules about what should go on your walls. Paintings, photos, drawings and prints are traditional choices, but you don’t have to stop there. Consider personal snapshots printed on canvas, movie posters, maps, multimedia collages or children’s drawings.
Select identical frames for a soothing, monochromatic look. Or choose different options to suit each piece. Frames can blend in with the artwork (or the wall). They may also be high-contrast art objects in their own right.
You can also go three-dimensional with sculptures, masks or clocks. Showcase smaller items like mementos, vases, glassware, and plants on small shelves or in shadow boxes.
To mirror a modern or minimalistic room, stick closely to your color scheme or choose a neutral palette. Items should be similar in size and shape for a clean, orderly look. The art’s color and size range can be broader in a relaxed or eclectic room.
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Set out your Tools Smaller pieces that weigh less than 10 pounds typically have a sawtooth hanger, while medium-sized and large pieces use hanging wire, d-rings or hooks. Brad nails or screw hooks will support sawtooth hangers. Hanging wire secured with hooks or nails can hold heavier frames but anything over 30 pounds should be secured with framemounted d-rings or nail and hook picture hangers. The weight they can bear will be listed on the package.
If a stud finder shows there’s no stud in the desired spot, set out wall anchors, a drill, and screws. You’ll also need a tape measure, pencil, level, hammer, and the supplies listed below. If you’re hanging on anything other than drywall, consult a hardware expert for more detailed recommendations.
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Trace & Place A rt Trace each frame onto paper. (It doesn’t have to be fancy – wrapping paper works fine.) Cut them out and affix to the wall in your desired layout with sticky putty, masking tape of double stick tape.
For gallery walls above a couch or chair, build your arrangement from the bottom. The lowest edges of each frame should end 8-10 inches above the top of the furniture. Ceiling heights and wall shapes can affect the look, so experiment until it feels right.
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On a blank wall, build out from the center. The middle of the gallery wall should be 56-58 inches from the floor, at an average-height human’s eye level. Spacing between frames should be consistent, about 2-3 inches. The outside edges of the frames can be symmetrical or you can embrace a more organic shape.
Step Back & Rearrange Make sure the arrangement seems balanced and complete. (It might take a few days to be sure.) Consider the visual weight of threedimensional pieces and the way unusually colored or patterned art will draw the eye.
The layout doesn’t have to be original. Fargo homeowner Christina Wills looked to Pinterest, but Houzz or local galleries can also provide a starting point.
Hang the A rt For artwork with sawtooth hangers, measure and mark the location of hanging hardware on the paper cutouts. Then lift the paper and
“It was easy to find this layout and copy it and make small adjustments to fit our wall,” explains Wills. “Using Pinterest took the stress out of trying to create something that I didn’t have any experience with.”
make the same mark on the wall directly behind it. That’s where you put the nail. For frames on hanging wire, find the place where the wire bends to bear weight and place a nail or hook in that spot.
For heavier pieces with built-in d-rings or brackets, measure the distance from the top of the piece to the place where the bracket or d-ring catches the hook. Mark that distance behind the paper cutout on the wall. Remove the paper cut out and place the nail, screw hook or picture hanger on the mark. If no stud is present to hold heavier objects, drill a pilot-hole, put the plastic wall anchor into it, and put a screw into the anchor. Don’t sink the screw – the hanger needs to catch the head of the screw to hold the artwork up.
Use the level to make sure all pieces are straight. Congratulations, you just designed and hung your own gallery wall! ~L&H
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R
REAL ESTATE
Spending summer days on lakes in Minnesota has been a long-held family tradition throughout the years and throughout the state. For many of those families, that tradition often involved a week or two of renting a cabin at a family-owned resort. As the cost of lake frontage has continued to rise in Minnesota over the last 20 years, along with an increase in operating costs, the number of small, independent resorts renting out cabins on a short-term basis is dwindling. For many remaining resort owners who often operate their business as a labor of love, it can be difficult to ignore the lure of a lucrative offer from a developer. Ron and Patricia Meyers bought a resort on Alexandria’s Lake Mary back in 1978, when it was originally known as Lou’s 20 Acres. The spacious property sits on a wide peninsula at
the end of a private road. With 790 feet of lakeshore, sandy beaches, a convenience store and a bait shop, it went through a few name changes over the years, and is now known as Eden Acres. “The name wasn’t the only thing that changed,” according to Ron Meyers. “At one time we had 85 campsites, along with the cabins, which we rented out on a nightly basis. The first big change was when we switched most of them from nightly to seasonal rentals, helping to eliminate the extra staff needed for reservations and ongoing check-ins and check-outs.”
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The number of family-owned resorts that were “lost” during that time continued to climb, according to Meyers. The next step to curb that flow for Eden Acres was the consolidation and formation of a resort association. “We loved it on the lake, but if we sold the resort to a developer, we would also have to leave the property,” he continues.
“By forming an association, it allowed us to stay on the lake by individually selling off the 76 remaining campsites, one by one, and renting out the remaining units or cabins that weren’t sold.” The 10 original cabins were all eventually torn down. Within the past 10 years, eight of them have been rebuilt and updated with high ceilings, expansive windows, front decks, and knotty pine interiors.
“We sold three of the new cabins, but continued to rent out five of them,” says Meyers. “Now it’s time for me to step back from the day-to-day operations and sell those five premium seasonal cabins that are right on the lakefront.” Julie Rambow, Owner/Broker of Randy Fischer Real Estate in Alexandria is working with Meyers as he completes the sales to transition the final rental cabins to be part of the association. She feels that the formation of resort associations is an option that’s a win for everyone, providing a workable, livable, and enjoyable situation for the owners.
“So many people have been priced out of owning a cabin, and this is a great way to balance the creation of summer memories without all of the upkeep,” she explains. “You own the cabin through this association, but someone else does the work for you – puts the docks in, maintains the grounds, rakes the beaches, and even turns the water on in the spring and drains the pipes in the fall.” With a common garden, pristine grounds, and a well-kept path, Eden Acres residents can often be seen “scooting around” on their golf carts.
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There doesn’t seem to be any particular type of people or those from any specific age group that would be attracted to the style of lake living found in association resort ownership. They come from all walks of life. When Jessica Boyer, of Kreat & Design in Alexandria, helped stage the cabins for the real estate photos, her main goal was to display different possibilities for someone to personalize each of these cabins once they were purchased. “People often ask how they can come in and make a cabin ‘their own’ with limited time “Living in Eden Acres isn’t for those ‘loners’ out there,” says Meyers with a laugh.
“One of the things I enjoy the most is the camaraderie. It brings people together, and it brings the kids together, but you can participate in group activities as much as you want – or not at all.” The costs are shared with all the owners, but according to Meyers, “Nobody pays for anybody else.” Basic costs, like city sewer, are split evenly, but electric usage is metered, and the resort fee property taxes are pro-rated and divided accordingly.
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and budget,” she says. “For cabins that are only used seasonally, it can be especially important to be able to relax once you get there. Some ideas are to use the existing furniture, like beds and couches, as a starting point and then bring in accent pieces in warmer colors like blues and greens. For others, painting the stained wood walls a lighter neutral color, adding greenery, and complementing it all with fresh, colorful linens can add character and personality.”
There are some rules that need to be followed so that all the residents in Eden Acres can cohabit peacefully, like quiet time during overnight hours. Meyers can’t think of a single negative that you wouldn’t run into with private ownership, however, and claims they haven’t had any major issues arise.
stay here for the rest of our lives,” he adds. “As I’ve seen these changes going from nightly to seasonal, and then from renting to the association model, I feel that it’s not only good for us, but it’s good for the lakes, it’s good for Alexandria, and it’s good for Douglas County. Each of these owners has an investment in this lake and the surrounding area, and they are committed and concerned with taking care of the lake and the land.” ~L&H
“Our home is right in the middle of the resort. We’ve been here since 1978, and we plan to
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L LAKE GIFTS
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. Here you’ll find 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, 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!
Periwinkle 218-367-3900 328 MN Hwy 78, Ottertail, MN Welcome to Periwinkle! Periwinkle Marketplace is an Ottertail city shopping favorite. Find women’s clothing, jewelry, a kids section, home décor, and all things lake! Check out our vendors section! You’ll find clothing, furniture and all sorts of rustic, vintage and re-purposed finds. See more on our Facebook page. Open 7 Days a Week Monday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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I
INTERIOR DESIGN
When it comes to designing, building, and remodeling your home, there are unlimited options to choose from and countless ideas from builders, architects, designers, and websites. One of my favorite parts of this business is making dreams come into reality. For the most part, people know what we do. Commercial storefronts, glass replacements in windows, and of course our very popular custom showers and mirrors. However, there is more to offer and this article will touch on just a few things that maybe you didn’t think about when it comes to that added elegance or personal look you are going for.
GLASS BACKSPLASHES These are becoming a hot ticket item in many homes for many reasons. For years people complained about having to clean the grout lines behind stoves, sinks, and mixers. A glass backsplash is a great option. You can paint the wall, still put up the tile design you want, or use popular items like shiplap or brick and we install the glass right over the top. This allows for extremely easy clean up with no grout lines to clean. We can notch out for oven hoods and outlets and design it to fit perfectly under and around the cabinets.
GLASS COUNTERTOPS, TABLE TOPS, ISLANDS, & MORE Looking to add flair to a table surface? Glass is becoming an increasingly popular option. Especially bar tops that can be lighted up and very unique tables that either need to be protected or create a uniform surface for dinner parties and game nights. Don’t let an amazing piece of furniture not be used because of these inconveniences. Add glass to the top and it will solve those issues.
STORY AND PHOTOS PROVIDED BY
MIKE BUTLER OTTERTAIL GLASS
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INTERIOR RAILINGS Here is another option for those wide open spaces or smaller spaces that you want to create a more open feel and add in more light. Most people are surprised to find out they are comparable or even less costly than cable and wood systems. Especially on upper levels. Don’t sacrifice that view.
CABINET AND PATTERN GLASS OPTIONS Don’t let custom made cabinets scare you away from adding glass. Many custom cabinet makers in our area use us to create that unique look. There are dozens of patterns to choose from. In many cases we can find one that matches the counter top design and adds to the feel and design of your room.
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GLASS SHELVING One of the biggest ways to brighten up any room is to use glass. Our shelves come with polished edging, many patterns, sizes, shapes, and thicknesses. We can attach with clips, cables, and stand-offs to match the decor in your home.
INTERIOR DOORS AND INTERIOR WINDOWS Whether you are buying new or refurbishing an old wood door, adding glass is the new style. What many people are doing is cutting out the middle panels of older doors and adding frosted, clear, or pattern glass into them for that added elegance and light, or they are getting solid glass frameless barn door sliders. This is a great way to add light and help open up those tighter spaces whether its for a laundry room, office, or room divider. Adding a piece of glass in a wall is another way to open up a room and add natural light. Some people use this design up at the top of the wall and some use it for mid level interior windows. Again, a very affordable way to add an amazing feature that has very practical benefits. No need to buy an actual window.
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EXERCISE ROOM MIRRORS Here again is another option that most people don’t think about. Don’t let layout or bulky equipment stop you from adding this into your room. We can add mirrors floor to ceiling and wall to wall. We have notched out for outlets, window trim, TVs, and even ballet bars. ~L&H
Custom Glass Solutions
Serving Detroit Lakes, Pelican Rapids, Perham, Ottertail, Battle Lake, Elbow Lake, Alexandria, Fergus Falls, New York Mills, Barnesville, Fargo/Moorhead and Surrounding Areas
210 S. Vine St. • Fergus Falls, MN • 218-736-6791 147 E Main St. • Perham, MN • 218-346-7310 1910 42nd Ave W. • Alexandria, MN 320-460-8780 MARCH•/ APRIL 2020 www.lakeandhomemagazine.com
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F
FEATURE HOME
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“We didn’t know what kind of cabin we would build, so I’ve had many years of searching for and compiling all the different things I wanted and needed.” Sheila Homeowner
A
t first glance, this unassuming home situated on Silver Lake appears to be conventional in style and design. On closer inspection, however, there is nothing ordinary about the house that Sheila and Andy built on an elevated piece of lake property they’ve owned for 18 years. The truth is in the countless details as the home’s charming character is revealed – one remarkable detail at a time. “We had temporary living quarters upstairs in the pole barn, so we would come up from the Twin Cities on summer weekends and work on the property little by little,” says Sheila. “We didn’t know what kind of cabin we would build, so I’ve had many years of searching for and compiling all the different things I wanted and needed.” There was no specific timeline for building the cabin when they first bought the property, but as they began to realize how much their family enjoyed spending time on Silver Lake, a new plan emerged. “We decided we would like to retire up here for at least half the year, so now we would need a house with plenty of space for our adult children and young grandchildren,” she says. “When I started looking at plans, I couldn’t find anything that had everything I wanted, so I drew up a plan myself. It may not have been exactly to scale, but I even figured out which way I wanted the doors to swing.” 72 Lake & Home Magazine MARCH / APRIL 2020
They weren’t familiar with builders in the area, so they talked to someone they trusted – Dale Cameron, owner of the Battle Lake Standard Station, for recommendations. That led them to their builders, Jim and Josh Seelhammer of Slammer Construction in Deer Creek. “I acted as the general contractor, which worked well since both Sheila and Andy were working full time in the Twin Cities during the build,” says Josh, who began working with his father in the construction business when he was in fifth grade. “We work with Merickel Lumber in Wadena as our preferred supplier, and I have one brother who is a master electrician and another brother who is a
master plumber, so we have a full system with a whole team-based approach to take care of all their needs.” A specific type of design isn’t evident on this home overlooking the lake. Sheila says she wasn’t trying to fit her own ideas into someone else’s style. “I guess you could say it’s a little bit rustic and a little bit modern, but mostly just a good mix for us – our own ‘Personal Family Style,’” she says. “We took my drawing to Bobbi Jo Schmid, the architectural draftsperson at Merickel, and she created the final plan from that.”
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From the Outside
The entryway to the home from the gravel road has a raised porch, dramatically defined with an attractive, mortarless Versetta Stone, along with a cable rail system that gives it a clean look and allows for visibility. “That entryway on the road side is gorgeous,” says Bobbi Jo. “I like to tell people that when they’re on the lake, they actually have two front entryways – not a door to the back yard or a door to the front yard. You want it pretty from the lake, and you want good curb appeal from the road, so it’s the lake side entryway and the road side entryway.”
“I guess you could say it’s a little bit rustic and a little bit modern, but mostly just a good mix for us – our own ‘Personal Family Style.’ We took my drawing to Bobbi Jo Schmid, the architectural draftsperson at Merickel, and she created the final plan from that.” Sheila - Homeowner
The lake side boasts plenty of windows and a wide patio outside the sliding glass doors, with a low wall that provides plenty of seating. Closer to the lake is another patio with a fire pit that the family uses often during the summers (when the mosquitos allow).
Looking In
Whether entering from the road side or the lake side, an eye-catching, horizontal, seethrough gas fireplace is the focal point of the living areas. The interior space, in fact, is more massive and open than it appears from the outside. “The see-through fireplace was something I had seen over the years and definitely wanted to include when we built our home,” says Sheila. “I wanted it to break up a part of the room, separating the foyer from the living room, but it’s large enough that you can see through it into the foyer.”
The homeowners chose a distinctive soapstone to accent the fireplace, but it took them a while to decide on the even more distinctive clock to hang above that fireplace. “We ordered it, and it came with limited directions, so it took us half the night to hang it up there,” says Sheila. “Andy couldn’t believe it when I told him how cool it would be to make it kind of a mirror image and have the same clock on the other side. Luckily, it didn’t take us nearly as long the second time.”
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“The see-through fireplace was something I had seen over the years and definitely wanted to include when we built our home. I wanted it to break up a part of the room, separating the foyer from the living room, but it’s large enough that you can see through it into the foyer.” Sheila - Homeowner
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With an open concept, the design details in the kitchen add both function and beauty to the home. Granite countertops, white painted cupboards, and a tile backsplash, which Sheila designed, behind the built-in range create symmetry and style. A pot filler above the range creates conversation. “When Sheila said she wanted this water source built into the tile work, we had already hung the sheetrock, so we had to cut holes in the wall and run plumbing, allowing her to add water to her pots right at the range,” says Josh. “It’s really a neat feature, and it’s the first one I’ve installed in a home after 30 years of building.” Although it was a remote build for this couple, they were personally involved in choosing every single item and making decisions on the placement of those items.
“They knew exactly what they wanted, and my job is to be sure they are ultimately satisfied with their choices, so her decisiveness made my job even easier,” Chad Bernstetter - Merickel Lumber
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“One thing that helped, though, is that after so many hours, days and weeks of searching on my iPad and thinking about what I wanted or didn’t want, it only took me a few hours to pick everything out,” says Sheila. “When we went into Merickel to meet with the salesperson, Chad Bernstetter, I already knew which doors, handles, shingles, flooring – everything that I wanted. We knew we didn’t want a wood floor, and we had found a wood laminate with a rustic pattern.”
The laminate “floating” floor they chose fits beautifully in their home and is perfect for their active family and three dogs. Chad says this type of flooring has come a long way in the last 10 years. Called Armstrong Audacity, it can go up to 1,000 square feet without needing transitions of any kind for expansion, and it is also more water resistant. “They knew exactly what they wanted, and my job is to be sure they are ultimately satisfied with their choices, so her decisiveness made my job even easier,” he says. “There are so many unexpected and interesting twists on the inside of this home that you wouldn’t
expect from the outside – like the open floor plan in the living area, and then hallways on each side of the house that privately lead to the bedroom areas.”
Down the Halls
One thing that Sheila knew she did not want in her house was for anyone to be able to look into the bedrooms from the living area. She also wanted the master bedroom completely separate from the other bedrooms. Those hallways on each side of the home give her all that and more.
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In the master bathroom, the tile work is another example of the extra detailing and styling in this house. “The walk-in-shower, the floor, the baseboards, they’re all 100 percent tile in that master bathroom,” Josh says. “There’s a vanity in there, too, and his and her closets just outside the bathroom with sliding barn doors on them.”
there is also another bedroom, living area and bathroom down there. “In addition, the garage is heated and sheetrocked, and it’s all 2x6 construction throughout the house, with R21 insulation in the walls and R60 in the attic,” Josh adds. “They also have a security system, a smart thermostat, and an HVAC system with a high efficiency heat pump and a propane furnace.”
Besides the “above and beyond” in the master bedroom, there are three other bedrooms on the other end of the house. A portion of the basement is crawl space, but
“Slammer Construction’s reliable team of subcontractors eliminate the delays and stress associated with building a new home. It was a pleasure to work with Andy and Sheila, assist them with their design and meet their needs, while keeping it within their budget.” Jason Merickel - Merickel Lumber
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When Sheila looks back, there are so many things she says she didn’t realize when she first drew up that plan. “What I didn’t know was that some of the things I wanted wouldn’t be as simple as I thought in the building process,” she says. “Like a fireplace in the middle of the room and how to vent it out, or the pot filler that would need extra plumbing, or where exactly I wanted the walkways between the rooms, or the arches above the walkways, or the floating cupboards around the television.”
CouLDn’t have done it without: Slammer Construction
| BUILDER, GENERAL CONTRACTOR
• View our ad on page 77
Schmidt Excavating
| EXCAVATING
Ross Seelhammer Plumbing BK Heating & AC
| PLUMBING
| HEATING/AC, FIREPLACE INSTALL
Merickel Lumber | BUILDING MATERIALS, KITCHEN, FLOORING, But Sheila got what she wanted, and Jason Merickel is proud of the entire team’s effort.
WINDOWS, DOORS, GARAGE DOORS • View our ad on page 10, 73
Warner Stallion “Slammer Construction’s reliable team of subcontractors eliminate the delays and stress associated with building a new home. It was a pleasure to work with Andy and
Brett Dobling
| FIREPLACE
| TEXTURING
Sheila, assist them with their design and meet their needs, while keeping it within their budget,” Merickel says. “Their experience and craftsmanship shines through on every project.” ~L&H
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F
FEATURE HOME
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T
he story of this beautiful northern Minnesota lake home starts with an unexpected phone call.
At the other end of the line was the homeowner’s twin sister. She enjoyed the perks of owning a lake home but yearned for a new location with more land. Her search crisscrossed lake country without finding the right fit. On one rainy-day drive, she happened upon a beautiful parcel overlooking a 1,000plus acre lake. As she dug deeper into the opportunity, she realized that she faced a dilemma.
The land, owned by an elderly widow who could no longer maintain the property, was being split by the family into two separate lots. Although they loved the site, the twin sister and her husband had hoped to preserve the acreage as one unit. Unfortunately, they couldn’t do that without jeopardizing their dream of building their ideal lakeside getaway.
listened as her sister described the situation and the attributes of the property. Would she be interested in buying the second lot? She was familiar with Minnesota’s lake country from many visits to her sister’s lake place over the years — so it was an easy decision. “I actually ended up buying the property sightunseen,” she says. “I just trusted her opinion and bought it.”
That’s when she called her sister in the southwestern U.S., in what turned out to be the first step of a life-changing journey.
Eventually, the sister made her trip north to survey her acquisition. “I thought the property was beautiful,” she says. Situated on the northwest corner of the lake and elevated from the water line, it provided spectacular views of the lake and included a rustic, but usable, 750-square-foot log cabin. “The log
At the time, the soon-to-be lake home owner had a career in local government speeding toward retirement and new opportunities. She 84 Lake & Home Magazine MARCH / APRIL 2020
cabin needed some work, but I knew it was temporary. I was buying it for the land.” As time passed, not only did the homeowner renovate the little cabin, but she converted it to a winter-hearty residence — all the while considering her options for a more significant upgrade.
The Right Time After she retired, she dabbled in several employment opportunities to keep busy, but hadn’t found something she could dig into. That’s when another call from her sister finally started the ball rolling. Her sister’s business was expanding, and she needed someone to step in and lead the new service line. She jumped at the chance and packed up and moved to Minnesota. She had already selected a location for a permanent home on the property, clear-cutting an area near the edge of the bluff where a broad curve provided an unobstructed, panoramic view of the lake. Seeing the clean sightlines from the freshly finished house pad gave her a clear idea of how she wanted her new home to fit into the landscape, and she began actively collecting design ideas and dreaming of what it would look like. Once settled in Minnesota, the time had finally come to turn those dreams into reality.
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The search for a builder began and ended at the Lake Home and Cabin Show held each February at the Minneapolis Convention Center, where the first booth she walked into was Northland Construction of Merrifield, Minn., (northlandconstructionmn.com). “For some reason, we just hit it off,” says the homeowner. “There was something about the way they communicated, something about the way they connected with my thoughts.” After visiting with many of the other builders in attendance, she ended up circling back to Northland Construction and its owner/ founder, Jeremy Johnston. Northland is a design-build firm, which offers a complete experience, encompassing development of the architecture and design elements to construction and finish. “One thing I love about Jeremy is that he’s got a vision,” she says. “He knew what I wanted — just like reading my mind in some ways!”
Getting Started The project officially began about a month later when Jeremy met with the homeowner to walk the property. This step represents one of the critical advantages homeowners get when working with a design-build firm, according to Johnston. Site conditions can influence the cost of labor or materials
on a project if the lot requires specialized approaches to construction. “The topography of the land in this instance was fairly dynamic, down to the lake,” he says. “There’s a steep slope behind the desired build site and a steep slope in front of the build site with a small bench area where the structure could be placed.” The slope on the lake side facilitated a walkout design but would prevent machinery from approaching the structure from that side. This meant that Johnston would have to come up with alternate plans for lifting materials and getting to the upper levels to work. Furthermore, the site visit allowed him to discuss how the position of the structure could affect future improvements, like a garage or a bunk house on the property. These types of concerns that can affect the design of the home may not be considered by an independent designer focused solely on the plans for the home, he notes. The meeting began in the little log cabin, where they discussed their ideas for the home. The two main concerns for the design included doing anything possible to enhance the views of the lake and avoiding typical architecture that defines Northwoods lake homes and cabins. “I lived the majority
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of my life in the Southwest, and styles there, as “Everybody comes up north for you know, are quite different than Minnesota,” the homeowner. “[Typical Northwoods the same exact reason, And that’s says design is] beautiful but just not my style. I the feeling and the view and wanted a different look, but I wanted it to fit what the lakes provide in terms in, too.” of relaxation. Keeping a very Establishing a Style homeowner describes the design simple, clean roof line allows an The approach for the house as “modern rustic.” expansive, open feel. So when you For that first meeting she had collected pictures of what she liked from are standing inside, you feel just several websites to share with Johnston. They also like you are part of the natural discussed how spaces would be used in the home. Finally, they walked the property. world around you.” Jeremy Johnston Northland Construction
“Everybody comes up north for the same exact reason,” says Johnston. “And that’s the feeling and the view and what the lakes provide in terms of relaxation.” The first consideration they discussed was the roof line. “Keeping a very simple, clean roof line allows an expansive, open feel. So when you are standing inside, you feel just like you are part of the natural world around you.” The single-sloped roof they discussed would satisfy the homeowner’s desire for a silhouette that contrasted with the steep-pitched, cedar-wrapped A-frames and chalet-style structures common to the area, while at the same time offering spaciousness and an opportunity to showcase cinematic views.
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“None of the pictures she showed us was an exact replica of the house, but each represented a feeling to the design that the particular picture exemplified,” says Johnston. “We look for the commonalities in the pictures and listen to how the client describes it. Sometimes the client doesn’t know what it is about a particular look that they like. They just feel that it is a nice look for them.” It is Northland’s job to distill this information into design guidelines for the project.
Hitting the Mark In this case, this was an easy task. “She’s a great initial communicator,” says Johnston. “And on our end, our designer has the phenomenal talent of being able to take someone’s thought process and express it in the plans and drawings.” In a second meeting held at Northland’s office, Johnston presented a sketch of what the home would look like. “They nailed it, as far as the overall aesthetic of what I was looking for,” she says. “They heard what I said, they listened and knew exactly what I was saying and then they put it on paper and they hit it!”
“In the Southwest there is so much outdoor living, you don’t spend a lot of time indoors,” she says. “If it’s nice out, you’re outside.” Before moving to Minnesota, her home had a large outdoor living area with a pool and areas to relax, grill and entertain. “I knew I couldn’t have exactly that here, but I wanted as much indoor-outdoor living as we could fit within our budget. So, even if we can’t be outside, you have the feeling of being outside.”
Although the footprint wasn’t going to be huge, she wanted a free-flowing feeling to the floorplan. “I wanted it to be open, almost loft-like with high ceilings,” she says. “So even if the room isn’t huge, it feels bigger.” The single-sloped roof created that space, while at the same time providing an oversized wall facing the lake with plenty of room for a double row of windows across the house. By offsetting the great room by a few feet toward the lake, the design allowed for windows to wrap around the corners of the room. This created a dramatic, almost panoramic vista overlooking the lake. Even the side walls could accommodate transom windows, which added to the generous amount of natural light entering the home and enhanced its feeling of openness. The simple floor plan matched the vision perfectly. The great room incorporates the kitchen and to the right side of the home lies a small bath and the master suite. The lower level mirrors the main floor with a large, open space flanked by a pair of bedrooms and another small bath. The initial drawing was so close to the original vision, there were only a few changes to the overall design. The plans called for a sizable patio slab in front of the walkout on the lower level and only a small deck off the master bedroom overlooking it. “I think it’s a beautiful concept to have a deck off the bedroom
where you can enjoy a cup of coffee,” she says. “But I want to be on the barbecue. I want to sit and talk with friends. I want a big enough deck where we can hang out, and I don’t want to walk through the living room with food to get to the barbecue.” The issue was solved by adding a second deck off the kitchen, which allowed for a patio door and the benefit of additional glass in the space. The second deck also made access to the original deck from the great room unnecessary, and so that door was replaced with stacked windows to match the lake side of the room.
The Making of Modern Rustic After determining the design aspects to enhance the view and the home’s open feel, several interior design features played significant roles in achieving the homeowner’s interpretation of modern rustic styling. These aspects begin with creation of clean lines. One flooring was used throughout the house. A weathered, gray woodgrain pattern for the luxury vinyl planking was chosen that complemented the medium gray selected for the walls. “I said, ‘I don’t want any carpet,’” she recalls. “It’s going to be wood on the stairs and then some type of really durable flooring everywhere else.”
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“She has a talent for being able to select products and colorings that complement her place exceptionally well,” says Johnston. “So, we didn’t have to steer her in a different direction much.” The luxury vinyl planking she selected has become popular in lake homes because of its ability to stand up to abuse from pets, sand and water. “It handles the daily living of lake home use but gives us that look of real wood we are after — in this instance, a gray reclaimed-wood tone that would be a little more difficult to find in an actual wood flooring.” Likewise, the wood ceiling employed a modern edge, optimized to accent the rustic design features. Johnston explains that the nickel-spaced tongue-and-groove planking used for the ceiling differs from the traditional style in the way it is milled. The traditional planking has angled grooves, whereas the nickel-spaced has 90-degree grooves spaced at the approximate width of a nickel. “This course of design fits our modern look better than something with a chamfered edge,” he says. White paint brightens the space and creates a smooth appearance. This provides contrast to the darker, rugged, circlesawn beams accenting the ceiling. “That is a blend of the modern and the rustic in that element. The opposing color to the ceiling makes those pop a bit more.”
Where the Magic Happens The circle-sawn pine beams also influenced the inspiration for the kitchen design. Cabinetmaker Michael Brenny of Alder Creek Custom Cabinets out of Merrifield, Minn., won the task of fulfilling her vision. Remaining true to her free and airy aesthetic, she decided to forgo upper cabinets, instead choosing open shelving in most of the room. It was the island, however, that turned into the signature feature of the home. She recalls that the original design created an open area large enough for a small table and chairs adjacent to the kitchen, which didn’t mesh with her plans. “I wanted the biggest island we could possibly fit in the space,” she says. 90 Lake & Home Magazine MARCH / APRIL 2020
“The cabinet guy is amazing. Not only does he do wonderful work, but he listens really well, too.” Aside from the pure size of the island, which would house beverage and wine chillers as well as the microwave, she also wanted the feature to stand out. She mentioned her love of backlighting and a desire for some black-and-white contrast in describing her ideal kitchen: “I want simplicity, I want clean lines, I want it to be lit and I want it to be unique and different but look more open.” That was enough for Brenny. He came back with painted cabinets in a soft black finish and a vertical pantry cabinet that, paired with the refrigerator on the opposite end of the room, balances the space and frames the open shelving. He crafted the shelves from live-edged, circle-sawn lumber and inset LED lighting underneath that could shift color and intensity to set the mood.
The island he designed contrasts the cabinets, using the same rustic, circlesawn pine seen in the ceiling beams. An expansive white countertop from Capital Granite in St. Cloud, (capitalgranite.com) caps the feature, while underneath, the rugged-wood doors feature metal, diamond-patterned inset panels backlit with the same LED lighting used in the open shelving. The circle-sawn pine also shows up in the fireplace mantel across the room. “He did an outstanding job,” she says.
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Completing the Job
Other notable features in the house include the shower in the master bath, which is lined with sheets of a composite material that blends the clean lines of a molded enclosure with the feel of porcelain. A window is also partially enclosed by the shower, which Johnston explains as needing particular care in choice of materials, but also attention to detail in finish, as any flat surfaces would need to be canted slightly to shed water.
Rodman Construction
At the homeowner’s request, side windows in the bedrooms were converted to transoms. This change allows space for headboards, while still flooding the room with natural light. And stonework from All Stone Solutions out of Butternut, Wisc., anchored by a distinctive single-stone hearth, rises from floor to ceiling on the lake side of the great room; a dramatic vertical counterpoint to the horizontal flow of the windows. “The antlers on the fireplace actually came with the log cabin,” she says. “When we decided to bring them down from the cabin and put them as a feature on the fireplace, I thought it made a pretty big statement.”
E.P. Construction
Together, these elements formed a cohesive design that embodied the rhythm of the homeowner’s lifestyle patterns and the desired aesthetic. “I think the three biggest compliments we get are the view, the island and something about the style,” says the homeowner. “For me, it’s still the view. I walk in and it’s just like: ‘Wow, this is awesome!’” ~L&H
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“I think the three biggest compliments we get are the view, the island and something about the style. For me, it’s still the view. I walk in and it’s just like: ‘Wow, this is awesome!’” Homeowner
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FEATURE HOME
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S
earching for the perfect place, a little corner of the world to call your own, can be a long journey, but when you find it, you find home. The pieces all fall into place. The foundation is laid down; the walls raise the roof, and the “welcome” mat lands at the front door. “We looked for quite a while,” Jim and Martha Williams stated and went on to say, “When we saw this lot, we knew it was exactly what we wanted and called the realtor right away.” The Williamses learned they had connections with the sellers, which only confirmed their decision. “This truly was a gift to us,” Jim said. Ash, maple, and pine trees harbor the lot nestled on the shore of Lake Le Homme Dieu, a destination for bass fishing. “Our son likes to hang his hammock from the ash trees on the bank of the beach,” Jim shared and went on to say, “There are a lot of local and state tournaments on Lake Le Homme Dieu, which is part of the Alexandria chain of lakes. It’s a fun place to live.”
The Williamses lake-home neighborhood hosts an abundance of summer residents, vacationing in charming cottages that have enjoyed many sunsets over the years. “We were careful when we designed the home that we fit into the neighborhood. It was important to us that we keep that sweet and quaint look. Since we’ve built, we’ve received many compliments from the neighbors,” the Williamses explained. The Williamses contacted Jill Stoeck of JS Designs, located in Alexandria, Minn., to turn that cottage look into a reality. “The view was the number one thing. You don’t always get a perfect walkout view lot like the lot they found,” Stoeck mentioned. Stoeck took the lot that soaks up the sunset and started from the bottom. “I lay out the space and then fill it with their likes and guide them as they picked out their selection,” Stoeck clarified. Jill had worked with Jim and Martha in the past and had built a great working relationship with them. “I try to key in on the things that are personal to my clients, things that are timeless, and colors that work with their
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furnishings—touches of navy and natural woods to create that cottage feel with an upscale look,” Stoeck explained. Stoeck’s design met the Williams’s needs and provided them an amazing view with lots of natural lighting. “This is going to be the last home we build, and the open design allows us to live out our daily lives on the main floor, which isn’t an issue now, but will benefit us in the future. The upstairs is laid out well for friends and family. And the window placements give us a good view of the lake,” Jim commented. “It is essential that my clients love their home. The best compliment I can receive after the home is completed is when the client calls to say ‘we love it’ a few months after they have lived there.” Stoeck stated. Mike Swendsrud Construction, based in Alexandria, Minn., built the Williams’ twostory, craftsman style cottage house. “We are more custom home builders, and we pride ourselves on building unique homes. This particular home has many unique touches, including custom wainscoting accents for
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“Mike was great to work with. He was familiar with building around the lake. He knew the area well and what had to be done the right way to meet all the conditions.” Jim Williams - homeowner
the master bathroom and powder room,” Swendsrud said. He used building materials from Hilltop Lumber and built the Williamses their ideal home over the course of eight months. “Mike was great to work with. He was familiar with building around the lake. He knew the area well and what had to be done the right way to meet all the conditions,” Jim said.
When you pull up to the Williamses home, the first things to catch your eye are the defined peaks that give the cottage character, and Swendsrud Construction’s custom-made shutters. The front entry creates a lasting first impression as it welcomes you to the lake.
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The Williamses decided to opt-out of the traditional sidewalk and purchased and laid slabs of slate from Alex Brick and Stone. “I didn’t want just your typical look, but something that would tie in with that cottage feel we were working towards,” Martha explained. The Williamses took that look right down to the lake. The slate path provides a natural look and matches the encompassed, concrete
porch, providing the perfect spot to land with a neighbor, to enjoy the landscape at the hand of Randy Thompson and Colorful Seasons. When Jim and Martha aren’t outside, or on the lake, they spend the majority of their time on the main level. The main level is an open floor plan with Keystone Gray walls. “The open floorplan was a good choice for this family, as it offers smooth traffic flow and the space to entertain,” Swendsrud said. To break up each room and give it character, Jim and Martha had white oak hardwood and gray tile from Arnquist CarpetsPlus COLORTILE installed. The Williamses also got creative with the living room ceiling. “We decided to go with a coffered ceiling to give the room its own identity,” Jim mentioned. The coffered ceiling gives the room both dimension and character. During the winter months, also known as ice fishing season in Minnesota, Alex Brick and Stone provided the Williamses with a beautiful fireplace. To make the
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put a lot of detail in the windows, such as awning windows to allow a gentle breeze, yet minimal screens to avoid distorting the view. Sooner or later, everyone wanders into the kitchen, curious to see what’s cooking. While Jim prefers to cook on the outdoor black stone griddle, and grill up three meals a day, the countertops still serve as a prepping station. The Williamses went with Cambria, a natural quartz countertop. “It is a man-made product that allows you the freedom to spill on it, without staining the countertop. We really like it,” Martha mentioned. The Cambria in the kitchen is a Botanical pattern that has such a shine to it that it creates a reflection, especially under the navy light fixtures that are installed above the kitchen island. That same material and design can also be seen over the stove, creating a classic, easy to clean back splash. The Williamses purchased the stovetop and appliances from Cullen’s Home Center. white flagstone and ledgestone pop, Jill went with a darker gray called Ellie Gray around the fireplace. Instead of going with a twoinch hearth, the Williamses chose to go with a three-inch hearth to add that little something extra. The custom-built shelves and woodwork around the chimney definitely make the fireplace a focal point, but it is the view that steals the heart. “The Marvin large floor-to-ceiling windows provide a great view of the lake,” Swendsrud stated. The only thing better than being out on the lake, is watching the waves from your favorite chair in the living room. “It is an absolutely beautiful view,” Martha shared and went on to say, “It’s like you’re almost outside.” When Jill drew up the design, she
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Martha went with wallpaper in the laundry room, the second bathroom, and accent walls throughout the cottage, including the ceiling in the pantry. “Wallpaper is coming back into style,” Stoeck stated and went on to say, “It’s more of a tone on tone look with maybe three colors instead of that craziness that is the wallpaper we remember. Adding wallpaper creates a vibe and adds flair to a room.” The main level bathroom is a great example of the flair wallpaper can add to a room. In this room, wallpaper wraps around the bathroom, but only covers the top third of the wall. It is a nice compliment to the wainscoting. “I like to work in thirds,” Stoeck commented and went on to say, “When I did this wall, I wanted it to be enough where you didn’t feel like you needed to put stuff on the wall and to give the room more charm. Vanities come in many styles and colors, but it’s rare to find a Dragon Fruit colored vanity; however, this color without a doubt works well with the design of this bathroom. Not only does it work, but it has sentimental value. Martha’s mom wore pink all the time, so in honor of her mom, Martha went with the pink
The Williamses decided to go with white cabinets, topped off with crown molding to match the custom-build shelves around the fireplace handcrafted at Swedberg Wood Products in Alexandria. “Martha liked white before it was trendy,” Stoeck said. Jim pointed out and it is evident in the pictures that white has a clean and classic look to it. “It was important to maintain the integrity of this north shore look. There are many classic summer lake homes on the north shore that have a white theme, and we wanted to blend in with that. It is a great color to work with. It is easy to contrast, add textures, and colors added to the room stand out nicely,” Martha explained.
The white oak hardwood flooring leads into the dining room to a custom-built table that fits ten. The table sits under a beautiful candle style chandelier and in front of four, eight-foot, sliding doors. The doors open to a patio, offering the Williamses both an indoor or outdoor space to gather for dinner. Martha went with coastal themed chairs that she purchased from Serena Lily. Even the laundry room was an area of the house where no elements of thought or style were spared. The flooring is a vinyl material that was once common in schools. “It’s durable and creates a fun look that works with the wallpaper,” Martha mentioned.
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“There are many classic summer lake homes on the north shore that have a white theme, and we wanted to blend in with that. It is a great color to work with. It is easy to contrast, add textures, and colors added to the room stand out nicely.� Martha Williams - homeowner
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vanity. Her brother has something similar in his home that gives this piece, an heirloom type feel to it,” Stoeck explained. The master bath has what Martha referred to as more of a coastal look. They achieved that look with white wainscoting and cabinets, blue paint, and a full mirror with eye-catching sconces from Serena Lily. They selected tile for the shower from Arnquist CarpetsPlus COLORTILE and a sleek glass shower door from Alex Glass and Glazing. While the Williamses spend most of their time on the main level, the upstairs bonus room that separates the bedrooms is also known as Jim’s room. “It is a nice space for reading and watching TV. When our kids are here, they spend a lot of time in that room,” Jim shared.
The French doors create a silence barrier from the rest of the house and another set of French doors open to a balcony overlooking the lake. “It is nice to stand out on the balcony and enjoy the evening breeze as you take in the sunset,” Martha commented. The cathedral ceiling generates a nice flow between the French doors and the nautical theme that you see throughout the cottage. The presentation is complete with a nauticalthemed custom window from Marvin Windows. Another favorite space to take in the sun setting over the lake is from the comfort of the three-season porch. “I use it a lot in the summer. It is a great, bug-free place to start the day with a cup of coffee or end the day reading,” Jim said. Just behind the threeseason porch is the sauna. “The sauna was custom-built out of cedar. We went with 100 percent cedar due to the temperature in the sauna, to absorb some of that heat. The benches are two-tiered, so you can sit or lay down comfortably and in this particular sauna, we built a shower,” Swendsrud explained. “The shower is a nice feature. It offers us a place to fill up our water buckets to throw on the rocks,” Jim added. The craftsman-style cottage on Lake Le Homme Dieu has been an adventure for Jim and Martha from start to finish. “From framing to footing to shingles and every aspect in between is how I do it,” Stoeck stated. “We’re happy with our home. After all that time, we spent looking, once we found this lot, everything fell into place and went quickly. Jill and Mike were both great to work with. This has all been such a blessing,” the Williamses concluded. ~L&H
“Jill and Mike were both great to work with. This has all been such a blessing.” Jim & Martha Williams - homeowner
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CouLDn’t have done it without: Mike Swendsrud
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F
FEATURE HOME
R
honda and Eric Spilde had enjoyed many memories on the southwest side of Loon Lake near Vergas. They purchased a two-bedroom cabin there in 2009, when their three children were small. But as the kids grew up and started their independent lives, their parents began to plan the next chapter of their lives on the lake. The new phase required a new space. “We loved the location, lake and privacy of the lot,” says Eric. “That pushed us to the tough decision to tear down the old cabin and build on the site. We also wanted a space that would work for us at this stage of life, as well as hopefully a retirement phase with the option of single level living and no/ low maintenance building materials.”
Eric drew up a rough sketch and brought it to architect David Shultz of Shultz + Associates Architects in Fargo. Shultz and Eric had worked together on several projects over the years. “While his firm focuses on commercial work, his customer-focused approach and perspectives on light and achieving our goals drove us to reach out to him,” explains Eric. It was a good match. Their aesthetics aligned and the architect could see the promise of that initial sketch. “Rhonda and Eric had a strong vision,” says Shultz. “They loved the piece of property that they had, and they loved the view. That was the primary driver, to really make the interior space part of that environment. The indoor space moves directly to the outdoor space and the focus was really about the lake.”
“They loved the piece of property that they had, and they loved the view. That was the primary driver, to really make the interior space part of that environment.” David Shultz - architect Shultz + Associates Architects
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recede from sight. There’s also a lake view TV room, main floor laundry and the master bedroom and full bath on the first level, so the Spildes have everything they need on one floor. When company comes, the upstairs offers welcoming spaces to rest and relax. Bladow designed an open staircase with metal stair horses and light maple treads to lead guests upstairs, where a catwalk ushers them to two bedrooms and a full bath. A sunroom with an outdoor deck offers soothing lake views for
The lot that inspired the couple wasn’t large; it was sized to accommodate a seasonal twobedroom cabin. So in addition to seamlessly integrating the house into its environment and designing a space that could transition to single story living in the future, Shultz also needed to design a home that efficiently used every inch of available space. The final plan included 1,200 square feet on the main level and 800 square feet on the second floor. “The site was a limiting factor, so we really kind of maximized the efficiency of the square footage,” Shultz explains. “You can see the presence of just a really simple box form, and yet we started to push and pull that. There are elements of the second floor that pull out a bit from the box, including a butterfly roof that opens up to the lake to really open up the second floor space to the exterior.”
That roof is one of the first things visitors notice about the house. It’s not a peak, but a valley, as clean, graphic and unexpected as the overall design. The home’s builder, Rick Bladow, of Bladow Construction in Battle Lake, took the unusual roof request in stride. He collaborated with colleagues in Pine River to create one of the home’s major statement pieces. “We worked with Trussworthy Components to design the roof, which was an inverted roof system with a cricket on top to shed water,” he explains. “The installation was done by our crew.” The striking exterior is complimented by a minimalistic interior. An open living space that contains the living room and kitchen boasts soaring pine ceilings and a wealth of windows. They’re framed in black so they both emphasize the exterior view and quietly
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all. That’s something the Spildes insisted that Shultz include. “While many designs would include the master bedroom with the lakeside patio, we wanted to be able to share that space and view with anyone who visits,” explains Eric.
“This has become one of our favorite places in the house and can easily be shared by everyone.” The interior views are interesting, too, which makes the sunroom a popular spot during all seasons, all day long.
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“From this space, there is a unique view of the interior ceiling angles, a view of almost the entire main floor, but a wonderful view of the lake through the patio door,” agrees Rhonda. “This room is a cozy spot for reading with a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening.” These homey, grounding touches – the nature views, the comfortable places to curl up and relax – combine with structural elements that let the eye (and the light) move freely through the space. The design of this home’s main living space seems simple. But that’s just an elegant illusion. “The inverted ceilings coming together at a beam over the open stairway is a unique
feature,” explains Bladow. “The cantilever catwalks with cable rail and the inverted trusses made this a very interesting and fun project.” All that light and space, combined with stunning water views, is intoxicating. To amplify their quieting effects, the interior design is as focused and clean as the building plans. “We really were influenced by the Scandinavian style with large amounts of natural light, materials, and an open space connecting to the outdoors,” adds Eric. “Rhonda and I have both spent time in northern Europe, and our time there has influenced our choices and style we wanted to accomplish in this house.”
“The inverted ceilings coming together at a beam over the open stairway is a unique feature. The cantilever catwalks with cable rail and the inverted trusses made this a very interesting and fun project.” Rick Bladow Bladow Construction
If visitors don’t notice the couple’s modern Scandinavian design influences on the walk up to the house, they’ll get a hint when they knock on the door. “Cottage on Loon” is neatly printed in Swedish right above the entryway. The ample light, the clean lines and the emphasis on well-curated coziness are all part of the welcoming Scandinavian cabin vibe that the Spildes have consciously cultivated. “We wanted a very open, yet cozy feeling,” Rhonda explains. “We intentionally kept the walls white to reflect the sunlight, but added different textures using wood, concrete, stone, and different textured fabrics to bring in some warmth.” A polished concrete floor on the main level and a stamped concrete patio by Skjeret Concrete in Fergus Falls keep maintenance minimal and intentionally blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living spaces. The couple chose light maple because it was durable and low-maintenance, able to easily hide the dust and sand of casual lake living. White subway tile serves as a textural kitchen and bath accent, a smooth counterpoint to the wood throughout the home. Much of that wood is symbolic as well.
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“The old cabin had three specific items that we carried in to the new space as a reminder of where we began,” explains Rhonda. “One being the dark interior beams, and the second being the bamboo flooring upstairs that we installed in the old cabin. The third was the pine ceiling. The old cabin had the same combination of large dark beams and a light colored pine ceiling. We liked the idea of giving a nod to the past out of respect for the little two bedroom cabin that we had so many good memories in.” This home’s sleek interior is dotted with carefully chosen items that add artistic interest. A vivid rug in the sunroom adds a rich swirl of color. The sunroom’s long bench is actually a repurposed pew from Rhonda’s home church. A Jøtul wood stove (made in Norway
“A big benefit of the simplicity of the interior and white walls is that art is highlighted and doesn’t just blend into the background,” explains Rhonda. “We are being very intentional with any piece we hang up. It has to be something we love and feel a personal connection to. So while there may be a lot of blank space right now, that is intentional.” The Spildes focus on contemporary artists. They make trips to Forest Edge Gallery in Vergas several times a year to acquire new pieces.
and purchased from Cullen’s Home and Hardware in Fergus Falls) anchors the living room, its flue rising to the ceiling like a piece of sculpture. They had pieces custom made especially for the space as well. The rough-hewn wooden table feels even more organic against the crisp white backdrop in the kitchen. The slab was kiln-dried by Fargo’s Dakota Timber and its legs were installed in the space, to make sure that the height was just right. With wood, white and windows dominating the interior, wall space is at a premium. The couple applies this same discerning eye to every piece of art they acquire.
“We currently have four pieces from there,” says Rhonda. “The three glass pieces under the stairs by Colorado artist Kathy Dougherty and the multi-layered paddle picture in the entry by Kate Whisler.” Little references to Minnesota dot the home as well. Guests notice the Minnesota pillows atop the bed and the three-dimensional map of Loon Lake rendered in warm, tactile wood in the living room. But there are many more references to the land of 10,000 lakes in this welcoming space.
“The old cabin had three specific items that we carried in to the new space as a reminder of where we began.” Rhonda Spilde - homeowner
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“It was fun to have concepts and see the design evolve into real rooms and spaces and visualize how we would use the space,” says Eric. “Both our architect and builder brought so many good options and ideas to us to make some of the abstract concepts come to life.” ~L&H
“We are both Minnesota natives and enjoy highlighting the state,” says Rhonda. “The prints in the second floor hallway were purchased from Numeric Press on Etsy and feature Minnesota landmarks. The Sota No. 32 print in the main floor TV room is designed by Spencer Johnson of Minnesota’s Sota Clothing.” One of the home’s grandest artistic statements isn’t made with traditional art objects at all. Beautifully painted wooden oars hang high above the counter space in the airy kitchen, drawing the eye up to the pine ceilings. “They are made by Sanborn Canoe Company, a Minnesota company that we really like the style of and the fact they produce locally,” Rhonda explains. “The collection is their compass collection, with four of the oars representing each of the different directions, and we felt this was a great fit for the space overall.” The Spilde home on Loon Lake is finished, ready for the next phase of lake life for family and friends. The couple has already hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas, making this the cozy, all-seasons gathering place they dreamed up just a few years ago. “In the summer we really enjoy spending time on the water, being in the sun on the patio
and having family and friends over to spend time together,” says Eric. “We always wanted a year-round home to allow us to enjoy the lake in the winter to ice fish, snowmobile and now we have a great comfortable spot to spend time inside enjoying the space year round.” The final product deviated a little from the first rough sketch that Eric drew up, but the Spildes are thrilled with the collaboration that made their ideas a home.
“Both our architect and builder brought so many good options and ideas to us to make some of the abstract concepts come to life.” Eric Spilde - homeowner
CouLDn’t have done it without: Bladow Construction
| BUILDER
• View our ad on page 107
Schultz + Associates Architects Neyens Well Drilling Northern Stone
| WELL
| COUNTERTOPS
• View our ad on page 115, 121
All Seasons Mechanical
TS Pro Floor and Tile
| PAINTING
| FLOORING, TILE
• View our ad on page 25, 113
Vacationland Plumbing Ohren Electric
| PLUMBING
| ELECTRIC
• View our ad on page 111, 121
Schmidt Excavating Hilltop Lumber
| HVAC
• View our ad on page 115, 121
Gina Nagel Painting
| EXCAVATING
| BUILDING MATERIALS, WINDOWS, SIDING
• View our ad on page 35, 99
Country Classic Cabinets 4mations Landscaping
| LANDSCAPING
| LANDSCAPING (STAMPED PATIO)
Fergus Home & Hardware
| CABINETS
• View our ad on page 113
Skjeret Concrete
| ARCHITECT
| JOTUL WOOD STOVE
• View our ad on page 17
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DESIGNER PORTFOLIO
T
he home industry has changed dramatically over the past decade, more technology is being implemented in homes and formal designated spaces are giving way to large informal great rooms. Yet one thing has not changed, the desire to build a dream home that will provide a base for a lifetime of family memories. The team at HighPoint Homes has a long-standing history of being able to provide this service of delivering fulfilled home dreams for area residents, while advancing their skills to meet and exceed industry demands. Located in Alexandria, Minn., in the heart of lakes country, HighPoint Homes has a reputation of building quality homes that meet every need and dream that a client has. From new builds to lake cabin remodels, the team at
HighPoint has decades of experience to provide the superior workmanship that consumers desire. What is the meaning behind the name, HighPoint Homes? The company began in 1999 and was named after several trips to Colorado where I was taken by the majesty of the mountains. Reaching the zenith, staring at the highest peak, was where I hoped this new venture would lead, building the highest quality homes for my clients.
Describe the philosophy of your company in three words. Experienced, proven, confident. Our entire team has decades of experience behind them, and our quality home building speaks for itself. How does the HighPoint team collaborate on home builds or remodeling projects? We have an excellent team that works together on each project from the very first meeting. For instance, Kim Green is our house plan designer, Ashley Trousil is our project coordinator and lead interior designer. We collaborate on each and every project, from joint meetings together with the client to help with decision making and staying on budget, to being on call for our clients to meet their needs and answer their questions. As a team we rely on our experience to help balance
not only your budget, but to help you stretch your dollar to get the most value from your choices. How does HighPoint contribute to the community? Last year we celebrated our 20th year in business, and we maintain our training and ongoing education by being a part of the CMBA (Central Minnesota Builders Association) and VBA (Vikingland Building Association) so that we can continue to grow in our industry and our community. We are excited to start a new program later this year, a Veteran/Active Military discount to our clients who have served our country. My wife works at the VA, and my father-in-law was in the military, it’s a small way that we can honor those who have given so much. What building trends do you see homeowners looking to add to new home builds or lake cabin remodels for 2020? There is an upward trend for integrated technology from home alarms to automated lighting and blinds all controlled from the phone. Homeowners are also looking for the ability to age in place, (building a home
long before retirement begins, or the need to have assisted care arises) accessible showers for walkers/wheelchairs, wider doorways and hallways, and one level living. Custom built-ins are having a resurgence, from bookshelves and Murphy beds to sleeping bunks, these are becoming common requests. Also, having a dedicated pantry space, with a prep counter and room for a small freezer that is accessible to the main kitchen are becoming popular as well.
How have home design shows and blogs impacted your growth? Our team keeps up on the latest trends in the design industry and knowing what the cable design shows are covering helps us stay in touch with our clients. Understanding what our clients are seeing on TV or Instagram helps us to bridge the gap between a reality show and the cost of a particular design element or style they saw on a program. We also use these platforms to help us add forward looking items to our builds, from planning for solar panels on homes to putting in specific outlets in garages for electric cars. Having a future thinking mindset aids in growing not only our company, but in helping clients achieve their home building dreams. What can be expected from the first meeting you have with a client? The first time we meet, we want to sit down with you and listen to what your wants and needs are for this project. We can discuss the home site, or help you navigate the decision on where to purchase land to build upon. By drawing upon our experience of building over 150 homes, we will begin the journey to get you to a completed dream home beginning with listening to you.
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What makes HighPoint Homes standout from other companies in this industry? We are a full-service general contractor and can assist in every aspect of your building experience. Being a local company, we have built up a network of quality labor and trades that we rely on to deliver exceptional work for our clients. Being a hands-on company, we have offices in Battle Lake and Alexandria. It is a built-in support network of employees who are there for our clients whenever a need should arise. Each individual in our company has a set of invaluable skills and years of experience in the home building and trades industry, that ensures you receive the highest quality home building experience. ~L&H
INSULATION
LUMBER
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
MASONRY
WINDOW TREATMENTS
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
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LANDSCAPING
CONSTRUCTION
QUARTZ & GRANITE
GARAGE DOORS
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
FLOORING
CABINETS
FLOORING
CABINETS
MARINE / WATERCRAFT REPAIR
SHOWERS
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FEATURED LAKE Size: 1,044 Acres Max Depth: 105 ft. Clarity: 12.8 ft. Shore Length: 17.07 mi Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
dominant gamefish species in the fish community. The prolificacy of these species can be attributed to the quality and quantity of suitable habitat that is available for these species.
The lake contains several distinct basins, all connected by narrow passages. The shoreline length is 15.5 miles.
Loon Lake is a 1,048-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in north-central Otter Tail County. The town of Vergas, MN abuts the northeast shoreline of the lake. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The lake has a maximum depth of 105 feet; however, 56 percentof the lake is 15 feet or less in depth.
A majority of the shoreline of Loon Lake is developed. The development consists primarily of homes, cottages, and resorts. A DNR owned concrete public access is located off of County Road 35 along the northeast shoreline of the lake. Shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. Emergent plants (hardstem bulrush, common cattail, and wild rice) are prevalent throughout Loon Lake. Because of their ecological importance, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit. Loon Lake can be ecologically classified as a bass-panfish type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Northern pike, largemouth bass, and bluegill are the
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A high-density northern pike population exists. Northern pike abundance has historically been high and size structure poor. Data from a spring electrofishing assessment indicate that a moderately-high density largemouth bass population exists. Bluegill abundance has historically remained at a moderate to high level. Bluegill size structure improved significantly from previous surveys. Walleyes ranged in length from 14.8 to 25.7 inches with an average length and weight of 19.4 inches and 2.5 pounds. 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 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 more opportunities to catch large fish in the future. ~L&H
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