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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020
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YEAR 21 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 subscribe online at: www.lakeandhomemagazine.com
CONTENTS
14 OFFICE
Meet Our Team
16 OFFICE
From the Office by Erin Hintz
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INTERIOR DESIGN
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3 Ways to Add Hygge To Your Home
by Alicia Underlee Nelson
INTERIOR DESIGN
3 Ways to Score Stealthy Storage by Alicia Underlee Nelson
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TRADE SHOW
Minneapolis Lake Home & Cabin Show
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INTERIOR DESIGN
Behind the Couch Finding the Perfect Accent to Tie the Room Together by Alicia Underlee Nelson
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METAL WORK
42 CABINETS
Creative Cabinetry
Kitchens Trending Toward More Mixing, Less Matching
Eye Catching Custom Metal Accents For the Cabin by Jen Miller
by Patrice Peterson
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COMMUNITY
Welcome Homedf
Rick Schara Explores the Desire for Families to ‘Live Wide Open’ in West Central Minnesota by Rick Schara
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SHOPPING
Lake Gifts
For the Lake Lover
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124
DESIGNER PORTFOLIO
Wood Products Unlimited by Nikki Thompson
128
FEATURE HOME
For the Love...
74
Stunning Cabin Tucked into the Woods of Wisconsin by Andrea Canning
SHOPPING
Service Directory
130
FEATURE HOME
Prairie Meets Farmhouse At Riverplace
by Patrice Peterson
FEATURED LAKE
88
FEATURE HOME
Perfect Fit
110
FEATURE HOME
A Stately Victorian Welcomes Many
Cover photo by TEM Photography Story on page 88
Minnewaska Lake
The Fredericksen Home on Lake Minnewaska by Alicia Underlee Nelson
by Angela Garvin
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Lic. #BC520694
Volume 21, Issue 1 • JANUARY / FEBRUARY 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 118 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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FROM THE OFFICE
From the Office
While I’m writing this article, the Lake & Home team is working tirelessly to wrap up this issue before the holidays. I’ve been writing 2020, (or rather, writing and erasing 2019, and then writing 2020) for the entire time we’ve been working on this issue, and yet I still can’t believe that already, Lake & Home Magazine’s 2019 year has come to a close. Time flies when you’re having fun. For our team, this year really has been full of excitement. We rang in 2019 by celebrating Lake & Home Magazine’s 20th anniversary, updated the exterior look of the magazine, and continued to see tremendous growth in a time of question for some print media. That growth has enabled higher page counts and more editorial space which is most noticeable by the expansion of our feature home numbers from two homes an issue to four homes per issue.
We’re a small, local staff whose passion and excitement for this magazine runs deep. Many of us have been a part of it for a decade, some since it began 21 years ago. To see it weather the economic storms of the last 20 years, and come out where it is today gives us a lot to be grateful for. Starting with you. Whether you’re an advertiser, editorial contributor or a reader, we wouldn’t be here without you. So, thank you! We’re kicking off this year big with a 2020 calendar inside each copy and, of course, four gorgeous homes recently built on the lakes. In this issue, you’ll find articles on cabinet finish options, decorative metal work, what to hang in that difficult space above your couch, and ways to add hygge (coziness) to your home.
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And for those of you, like me, whose New Year’s resolution usually has something to do with being more organized and decluttering, we have an article on ways to add more storage space to get you started. We’re also featuring the 2020 Minneapolis Lake Home & Cabin Show in this issue. Come check it out, it’s worth the trip! Here’s to 2019; it was a great one! We’re thrilled to be kicking off another year of Lake & Home Magazine, we hope you enjoy! ~L&H
Erin Hintz Advertising Sales
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LAKE HOME & CABIN SHOW
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INNEAPOLIS: The Lake Home & Cabin Show®, an annual three-day public event that showcases the lifestyle of weekends at the cabin, will be
back at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Feb. 7-9, 2020.
This will be the 16th show season for the Lake Home & Cabin Show and according to Dave Greer, producer of the show, this popular event is a niche show that’s custom built for everyone who already owns a lake home or cabin and for anyone who’s dreaming about someday owning one. “Cabin Comedian” Tom Crowl and his sidekick “Dangerous” will leave you laughing in the aisles at the Lake Home & Cabin Show, Feb 7-9 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
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“You’d be hard-pressed to talk to anybody from the Midwest who doesn’t have a fond memory of spending time “up north” at a cabin,” Greer said. “This show touches a part of us all.”
The show exhibits include lake and cabin country builders, remodelers and real estate, unique furniture, furnishings and rustic décor from across the U.S., native landscaping, lakeshore maintenance, boats, docks, lifts and other marine products and equipment, plus a variety of other products, gifts and services related to the lake home and cabin lifestyle.
“When a lake home or cabin is bought or changes family hands typically the new owners have definite ideas about personalizing their ‘new’ property, but often times they’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to start,” Greer said. “That’s really at the heart and soul of the Lake Home & Cabin Show – to blend the allure of the second-home lifestyle into a focused event so the crowd can meet the businesses serving this market – and have a great time doing it!”
Take a warm break from winter at the 16th Annual Lake Home & Cabin Show. The show runs Feb 7-9 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
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Another distinctive element of the Lake Home & Cabin Show is its
demonstrations. Plus, there are free educational and informational
interactive features, displays and seminars. This year, Lake Home &
seminars every hour on the seminar stage.
Cabin Show guests are in for a full dose of laughter when Tom Crowl — the “Cabin Comedian” — takes the stage! Crowl, a high-energy
Show hours are: Friday – 2 to 8 p.m.; Saturday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
comedian and ventriloquist, brings more than 30 years of professional
and Sunday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults and
entertainment experience into each new performance. Crowl and his
$5 for youth 5-15.
hilarious duck “Dangerous” will be appearing daily on the Northwoods
for $2 off adult admissions are available on the show’s website:
Stage at the show. Also, the show’s very own “Getaway Gourmet,”
www.lakehomeandcabinshow.com. ~L&H
Chef Patrick Moore is back again this year and showing us how to cook some of his favorite sweet treats at his “Decadent Desserts” cooking
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Children under 5 are free. Discount coupons
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Visit Us at the Show! American Door Works.................410
See our ad on page 51
Great Furniture Gallery............... 430
See our ad on page 18
Aquarius / Kinetico..................... 657
See our ad on page 81
HighPoint Homes........................ 401
See our ad on page 113
Baratto Bros..........................207-208
See our ad on page 49
Kelp Bay Fish Co.........................631
See our ad on page 57
Bercher Design.................... 642-643
See our ad on page 77
Lake & Home Magazine..... 630-631
Blue Ox Timberframes................ 358
See our ad on page 22
Lake Area Docks & Lifts.............. 230
See our ad on page 21
Boat Lift Helper.................... 620-621
See our ad on page 19
Lands End Development........... 545
See our ad on page 25
See our ad on page 23
Marine Innovations............... 119-120
See our ad on page 61
Northland Construction........ 146-147
See our ad on page 26
Brainerd Lakes Dock & Lift Visit us at the Floe International Booth ..............251 Custom Upholstery & Awning Center........................... 557
See our ad on page 23
See our ad on page 23
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Wes Hanson Construction.... 810-811
See our ad on the back cover
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M METAL WORK
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abins are often constructed from trees like spruce, cedar, and oak to create that natural charm that draws us to the shores. That natural look flows through the cabin from the hardwood floors to knotty pine ceilings, from the front door to the dock. The rustic characteristics create a cozy environment, and with those rustic characteristics, eyecatching accents should encompass and compliment the timber. Custom metal art is a growing trend, whether it is an accent railing or a focal point range hood that catches the eye. Jeff Kreitz of Creative Steel Work, based out of Crosslake, started working with metals with his dad at a young age. This artist creates custom metal art from steel, stainless steel, bronze, copper, and aluminum. “It comes down to what kind of look the customer wants. I can accommodate anything from a contemporary look to that rustic, reclaimed wood look. My work is pretty well unlimited. I can build to any look with any metal the customer likes,” Kreitz explained. “A lot of our work is personalized. It can be complimenting or a clean and simple look. We can tie a railing design into an existing flow and flavor of the home or make it a showcase,” Stan Dobosenski Jr. of Ironfire Inc., based out of Brainerd, stated. The different flavors of metals come in sheets or plates, and with the right tools and a talented artist, the metal is sculpted into functioning art that’s pleasing to the eye. That look can start at the driveway with a custom made gate featuring a wildlife scene, vines, arches, unique accents and bold shapes—the designs are as endless as the imagination. “I do architectural artwork, pure sculpting, and abstract,” Kreitz stated and went on to say, “I dream up a lot of art because I’m a sculptor that plays well with functional.”
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Custom metal art is a growing trend, whether it is an accent railing or a focal point range hood that catches the eye.
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“I will sketch out a general idea of what the customer wants, and then I go from there,” Michael Vallarano of Michael’s Custom Metal Artworks commented. Michael started messing around with metals during school. He began by making paperweights and worked his way right up to custom designing and building 200 feet of railing. After Vallarano sketches his design, he puts it to metal. “I use thicker plates, 4-inch by 8-inch and a variety of hammers, cutters, a welder, torch, and angle grinders, then you start cutting, heating and twisting,” Vallarano explained. A lot of metal artists work at anvils and apply blacksmithing techniques to their work, which makes their work as unique as an artist commissioning a painting on a canvas. “We do a lot of custom hand-forging such as big bronze rivets and hammering to create character. You don’t want your focal point to look like it came from a factory. You want to see the craftsmanship of someone who put a lot of time and work into that piece,” Kreitz clarified. The front stoop is often the first impression, so if you’re looking for something original, yet complimenting to the grain, consider an ornately detailed doorway design, hanging iron flower baskets, s-scrolling flower boxes for the windows, or a one-of-a-kind arbor. “The doorway design with the C-scrolls, hammered spear-point, and solid brass-ballfinials required a lot of heating and twisting,” Vallarano commented.
Railings serve a functional purpose, but they can also add accents or become a focal point in a cabin. A Wisconsin cabin owner commissioned Vallarano to design and make 162 feet of railing around his deck and a “one of a kind creation” elk head and walking elk wilderness scene railing for the interior staircase. “You’ll see all kinds of the bends and twists in the railing because railings have to be made up to code,” Vallarano mentioned. To meet that code, Vallarano was creative with the branches and antlers in his design. The deck is a favorite for many families, especially when the number of warm days is limited. The deck serves as an outdoor living room and dining space. Depending on how high off the ground your deck sits, railings are likely a must. “I do a lot of scenes and hand forging balusters on railings, fences, bridges and gates. We don’t have any patterns because it’s always different. We are working off the customer’s request, a variety of colors, and dimensions,” Kreitz clarified. “We’ve done free standing balconies for master bedrooms that are just large enough for two people to pop out for coffee. One was on an ornamental railing on a yellow stucco home that really pops,” Dobosenski said.
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“You don’t want your focal point to look like it came from a factory. You want to see the craftsmanship of someone who put a lot of time and work into that piece,” Jeff Kreitz / Creative Steel Work Cabin owners with a steep incline to the lake might build stairs into the hillside to make that descend to the lake safer. “Hillside rails can present a challenge, depending on the slopes and curves. They’re usually freeflowing. They can be a single clean rail that serves its purpose but doesn’t stick out, or we can get extremely ornamental. We did a whole mock of a chateau-style railing in the shop. It required a lot of forging and hand forming to make the railing happen,” Dobosenski explained.
One of the main focal points in a cabin is the fireplace. They’re often a work of art such as the brick fireplace with the open chimney that Kreitz was hired to build a custom door for to complete the fireplace. He finished the door with steel bronze rivets. “It doesn’t matter what the request is, including the size, we can build it, and we install 95 percent of what we build,” Kreitz explained.
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Custom metal artists can make a variety of fireplace personalized screens, chimney caps, sliding mantle pocket doors and accents that will create a conversational piece or incorporate a flowing theme throughout the cabin. “Metal is a popular look right now. However, every fireplace is different from the stone on the fireplace to the mason work, and the different things to mount are endless, making almost every fireplace a one of a kind,” Kreitz added. While memories are shared around the fireplace, memories are also made around a bonfire. Kava Fabrications custom builds a variety of inventory such as doors, rustic signs, industrial railings, and even a one of a kind honey tank, as well as fire rings. “Our designer will meet with customers to see what kind of logo they like, for example, a college logo. We can work off something already existing or we have a drafter who will draw it out and load it into a program,” Kevin Dahme stated and went on to say, “It all depends on what the customer is looking for.” A range hood ventilates the kitchen, it also absorbs and traps grease from building up on the cabinets. It definitely serves a purpose, but it also has focal point potential. “If a customer wants a contemporary look, we can do that, but the most common is that rustic, middle-age look. We do a lot of copper in the range hoods with forged, bronze rivets. A lot of hammer marks to add character because people want it to have that old castle look. That kind of craftsmanship involves a lot of hard work,” Kreitz explained. When it comes to metal art accents in the kitchen, Ironfire Inc. does a great deal of cabinet highlights such as coined hammer metal centers with a variety of styles from an industrial look to a wilderness scene. “We’ve also done a speakeasy grate to go over a wine cellar,” Dobosenski added.
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“We can work off something already existing or we have a drafter who will draw it out and load it into a program. It all depends on what the customer is looking for.” KEVIN DAHME / Kava fabrications
Other accents or focal points that tie in nicely with this look in the cabin are turnbuckle style, tie timber trusts, custom backsplashes in the kitchen or bathroom, light fixtures, cabinet hardware, memorials, signs, and sculptures. Custom metal art can take an ordinary production line item and turn it into a one-of-a-kind, functional piece of art, custom-made and personalized that contributes to the stories your family is building. To complete the project, metal artists use a powder coating. Powder coating is a finishing process in which a coating is applied as a freefloating, dry powder before heat is used to finalize the coating. “We can do rustic, glossy, and natural,” Vallarano named a few. Vallarano of Michael’s Custom Artworks can create the look you want for your cabin, whether it’s interior or exterior, accent or focal. He can build off it, whether it’s by picture, drawing, or verbal description. “A lot of the stuff we do is pretty personalized,” Dobosenski stated and went on to say, “Ironfire Inc. leaves our footprint from the lakes area up into International Falls and over to the Duluth area. We work directly with homeowners and contractors.”
Custom metal art can take an ordinary production line item and turn it into a one-of-a-kind, functional piece of art, Custom made and personalized that contributes to the stories your family is building.
Creative Steel Work creates and installs custom metal art indoors and outdoors for commercial but mostly residential customers, cabins and hunting lodges. Kreitz’s work can be found in the Twin Cities, lakes country, and right on into northern Minnesota. “There are no computers in my shop; it is all done by hand. I can’t wait to see how the project turns out. It feels good to see the final product, and then it’s on to the next the one,” Krietz concluded. ~L&H
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INTERIOR DESIGN
You’ve cleaned. You’ve sorted. You’ve de-cluttered.
cupboards are stocked, the closets are organized
You’ve donated. And you still have stuff left.
and the shelves are full.
And this is where things get tricky, because this is stuff
These clever storage options will help maximize your
you use – just not all the time. It’s still good, it works
storage space, keep items close at hand when
fine, it sparks joy – but it just doesn’t require prime
they’re needed, and tucked away when they’re not.
storage space real estate. So where does it go? The
And they’re hiding in plain sight.
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Under Bed Stash Tall totes are tempting (oh, the capacity!), but
Stuff Soft Storage
tucking them away requires a deep closet, a
Before you buy a throw pillow, beanbag chair or
spare room, an attic or a crawl space. Adapt the
pouf, take quick inventory of household linens,
idea by opting for wide, flats totes you can slide
fabric scraps and clothing. It’s possible you could
under the bed when not in use.
just buy the covers for these items and fill them with soft items you already have on hand. You’ll
This is a great option for anything you don’t need
free up extra space and keep necessary items
to use on a weekly or monthly basis, like seasonal
close by without having to spend money. Just
clothing, sports gear, next year’s Christmas gifts,
make sure to only set aside items you need a few
reference materials and projects for later. And you
times each season.
don’t have to limit yourself to the master bedroom. Take advantage of space in kids’ rooms and guest rooms, too. Just be sure to label each tote and note where they’re stashed so you don’t forget.
bottom and right photos
by Alicia Underlee Nelson
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Storage Ottoman Everything in an efficient home should be functional. A storage ottoman is doubly useful, standing in as extra seating while secretly housing your collection of oversized books, workout equipment, or pretty much anything that you’d ordinarily store in a trunk. (P.S. You can use a trunk as an ottoman, too!)
Stowing well-loved (but not exactly display-worthy) board games and DVDs frees up valuable shelf space in the family room. Storage ottomans can also keep toy boxes from overflowing
bottom and left photos
by Alicia Underlee Nelson
Pillowcases can tame an overflowing linen closet. Extra fleece blankets, flat sheets, towels, and tablecloths easily fold up into neat squares and rectangles and fill out decorative pillow covers.
Floor seating like beanbag chairs and fabric or leather Moroccan-style poufs are even more forgiving. Thicker fabric and a larger size mean they can comfortably hold a stash of outgrown T-shirts, winter clothes the kids are growing into, sewing and quilting scraps, beloved stuffed animals and various soft odds and ends in a state of transition. in bedrooms and playrooms and contain office overflow while adding flexible seating.
As an added bonus, storage ottomans are good for more than just seating and storage. They can double as coffee tables or end tables, hold plants or be stacked for a bold, sculptural look. No one will ever suspect that they’re another stealthy storage option. ~L&H 40 Lake & Home Magazine JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020
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I
INTERIOR DESIGN
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Alpine Cabinetry in St. Cloud. “Sometimes the simplest of things can change up the entire look.” He believes that the flow is important, and there are a number of ways to incorporate tones, colors and textures into the cabinets that flow with the flooring, woodwork, or even the ceiling beams.
TEXTURE AND BARNWOOD “One example that we’ve incorporated is a collection that resembles 1932 barnwood,” says Ethen. “We’ve taken today’s lumber, cut it into nominal lengths and widths, and used a number of different techniques that give it a unique character and depth you can’t always get with regular cabinetry.” Certain lumber cuts, for example, can make horizontal marks with a skip and smooth technique, or a wire brush on the machine can be used to get in and create hand distressing.
Whether designing a kitchen for a new home, remodeling an existing kitchen, or even simply updating a tired kitchen, one of the most underrated but essentially important decisions for a homeowner is how to finish the kitchen cabinets.
they all had to look exactly the same.
For many years, those choices were restricted in scope and somewhat limited to the type of wood, and whether the cabinets would be stained or painted (usually white). In addition,
“We have to be creative, thinking outside the box when designing kitchen cabinets, to keep it interesting and keep each project unique,” says Craig Ethen, operations manager of
Trends can be tricky, but one of the most popular current trends is to concentrate less on unified cabinetry and to think more about color, texture and flow.
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“We have to be creative, thinking outside the box when designing kitchen cabinets, to keep it interesting and keep each project unique.” Craig Ethen Alpine Cabinetry
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“All put together, we can generate a really cool look on the cabinetry in woods like rustic oak or rustic maple,” says Ethen. “We even have one distinctive cabinet called ‘Hodge Podge,’ where we use four different wood species on one panel.” Then by adding a little gray glaze, Ethen says they can change the look even further. “With 80 different stains,” he adds, “we can create a look where any cabinet can flow with the rest of the kitchen’s interior.”
Glazed Over Using a glaze is another technique that can change the look of a cupboard, and can also achieve a lower-sheen effect that replaces glossy or lacquered finishes on cupboards. “When we see the white cabinets come through now, they usually have a glaze on them,” says Felicia Moddes, assistant manager at the Baxter Hirshfield’s Paints store, who explains that glazes, which have been around for a while, can be achieved in a number of different ways. “If you have paneling in the cabinet door, it can be glazed to highlight the edging of the panel,” she says. “Or some people like the entire glaze look, where you wipe it on the door and then wipe it off, so you’re not just highlighting the edges. We have quite a few customers that actually do distressing and then a glaze on top of that. It’s all part of mixing it up.” Whatever color the cupboard starts with, the glaze is typically done with a darker color, like black or brown.
“If you have paneling in the cabinet door, it can be glazed to highlight the edging of the panel.” Felicia Moddes Hirshfield’s Paints
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PAINT As far as paint, Moddes says at Hirshfield’s they’ve also seen the bottom half of the cupboards painted a darker color, and then the top ones in a lighter color. “While the more common colors like gray and white remain popular, navy blue, and even black, have increased in popularity,” she says. “Not necessarily for the entire kitchen, but as accent pieces.” Earth tones and subdued variations of greens and golds can also be used to add a depth of color and a hint of texture when combined with another color or stain. Almost every kitchen that Alpine Cabinetry designs now has two tones, according to Ethen. “We mix up the stains on all different types of wood, but people still like paint, and we’ve been mixing paint and stain, while doing a fair amount of paints and glazes,” he says. “In one way or another, it’s usually two different colors.”
Besides navy blue and black, other colors Ethen has seen used for accents include a dramatic red from Sherwin-Williams called Stolen Kiss and a more subtle color called Grizzle Gray. The color trends seem to be shifting, and Ethen feels that part of the reason could be the new granite slabs that are coming out with different veins and different colors. “If a homeowner finds a unique countertop and wants to continue that flow through the kitchen, that can affect trends in colors and finishes,” he says. “The granite isn’t always glossy anymore, either, with antique finishes coming into play, so they might want to keep the degree of sheen lower throughout the kitchen.”
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“If a homeowner finds a unique countertop and wants to continue that flow through the kitchen, that can affect trends in colors and finishes.” Craig Ethen Alpine Cabinetry
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WHERE TO START Finding the style and then a stain is a starting point, and there are also combinations to consider, like using the same stain on a different type of wood with rounded edges for the perimeter of the kitchen. Or using the same wood but a different stain – or even a vivid paint color – for the island. Color and depth are only a fragment of the trend when it comes to kitchen cupboards. Both professionals and do-it-yourselfers can throw out the old ideas of matching everything in the kitchen. Try adding accents of bold color. Try combining different finishes. Try adding wire on a cabinet door. Style and function can be combined with personality and fun to create the perfect look in any kitchen. “Mixing it up is the norm now,” says Ethen. “Who knows what starts the trends? Alpine has been in business almost 25 years, and it all comes down to keeping up with the current styles and then designing and creating a personal style for each customer.” ~L&H
“it all comes down to keeping up with the current styles and then designing and creating a personal style for each customer.” Craig Ethen Alpine Cabinetry 50 Lake & Home Magazine JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020
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I
INTERIOR DESIGN
“Hygge (pronounced ‘hoo-gah’) is quality of
We can learn from their example. Here’s how to add
presence and an experience of belonging and
a little hygge to your home this season.
togetherness. It is a feeling of being warm, safe, comforted and sheltered,” from “The Book of
Enjoy Warming Food and Drinks
Hygge,” by Louisa Thomsen Brits.
Food is hyggeligt (a form of the word that’s both an adverb and adjective), if it’s slow, nourishing and
Hygge is a Danish word and a worldwide
lingered over. This includes cold weather comfort
phenomenon. The Swedes, Dutch, Norwegians and
food like hearty soups, stews, and hotdishes and the
Germans also practice cultivating this pleasant and
slow cooked meats and roasted vegetables of our
cheerful hominess to brighten their dark winter days.
holiday tables.
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Let unfussy food shine in handsome roasting dishes and colorful ceramic Dutch ovens. Invest in gleaming stockpots or a useful slow cooker. Heirloom dishes evoke fond memories, while pottery has homespun appeal. Hygge is about cultivating peace, warmth and connection, both alone and together. Invite friends to your home for a low-key meal if that makes you feel good. Or savor some much needed solitude.
An afternoon coffee break is an important part of the day in the European nations that value hygge. Scandinavians consume copious cups of coffee and heaps of cookies, sweet buns and cake as they rest, reset, and connect with themselves and each other. Adopt the tradition and enjoy soothing drinks and treats served from delicate dessert plates, a charming teapot or an upgraded coffee maker.
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Add Candles The natural counterpoint to winter’s snow and ice is the soft flicker of flame. Anyone who’s sat staring into a crackling fire knows how calming it can be, so pull out those pretty candles you’ve been saving for a special occasion. A laidback game night with friends or a Sunday afternoon filled with books and puzzles are special occasions. A glass of wine or a warm bath will feel even more restful by candlelight.
Embrace Soft Textures Feeling relaxed and warmed cultivates feelings of safety and well-being. Our sense of touch is often overlooked in the design process, so seek out materials that both look and feel good for maximum relaxation.
Curl up with soft cashmere throws, warm wool blankets, cozy quilts and cuddly sheepskins. Ditch starched sheets for silk, satin or soft flannel. Opt for throw pillows in tactile fabrics like brushed velour, soft cotton, brushed velvet, Tapers look lovely in pairs, and add a soothing
odd numbers work best.) Any fire-safe, flat-
sense of symmetry to bookshelves, tables
bottomed vessel can serve as a candleholder,
and mantels. A single candle in a glass jar or
so experiment with platters, plates and pottery.
pretty candle holder brightens a reading nook,
and shearing.
Even rugs can be plush and inviting under your feet. Make sure any drafty spots by doors or
softens an office and flickers cheerfully from a
Add a cluster of votive candles to a table, or
kitchen counter.
line them up on a shallow shelf or windowsill.
windows are covered by throw rugs to ward off the chill.
Tealights sparkle when grouped in a shallow Try a large pillar candle for a bold statement,
dish, and shine suspended in wall sconces,
or cluster pillars of the same color but varying
hanging vases and glass bowls.
heights for a soothing tableau. (Groups of
Then settle in with a book, a cup of coffee or anything else that makes you feel comfortable and cozy. You’re halfway to hygge already. ~L&H
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I
INTERIOR DESIGN
We agonize over finding the optimal sofa, fret about the perfect end tables, and make sure the living room rug ties the room together. So it’s no wonder that, when the time comes to turn our attention to the walls, our energy is low and we often go on autopilot. It’s just too easy to opt for whatever we hung over the sofa last time, grab something we have on hand or even to let the space remain bare until a better idea strikes us – which, when you’re burned out from building, remodeling or redecorating, could take awhile. Deciding on what to hang over your couch might not seem like a big decision, but the right elements can make or break the room. And there are more (and more varied) home décor options and more freedom to be playful. So sit back and let this story spark a few ideas about what to do with that blank space above the couch.
“(Wallpaper) is a simple way to add visual interest, color, pattern and or texture without a huge commitment. It will add personality to the space and create a customized look.” Leanne Seibold - Principal Interior Designer / Owner - The Green Room - Fargo, ND
A Pair is Paradise
One large piece of art is the go-to option behind a sofa, but two parallel works can have a soothingly symmetrical effect. To start, look for art you love that picks up the colors in the room.
Then measure before you hang them on the wall as well. Consider them as one piece, since that’s how the eye will perceive them, so keep them close together. Place them at the exact same height – precision matters in this arrangement.
Paintings, prints, or photographs all work, as long as both pieces are the same size and shape. (It can be helpful to buy from the same shop, artist or series to keep things consistent.) Measure your available space before you shop and go larger than your first instinct might suggest, since you don’t want the art to be dwarfed by the sofa’s scale. Images should share a color story or theme and be identically framed and matted.
Make a Statement with Wallpaper
Want to make a big impact with color and pattern? “Wallpaper goes a long way,” says Betty Ravnik, senior interior designer at Ravnik & Co. in Alexandria. If you haven’t looked at wallpaper patterns in a few years (or decades), you’ll be stunned by the sheer variety of options. Gone are the
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photo provided by Ravnik & Co / Alexandria, Minn.
fussy patterns and purposely bland looks. Instead, you’ll find a riot of vivid colors, striking patterns and subtly evocative textures. This is wallpaper designed to pop, draw people in and make a statement. You don’t have to commit to an entire room – just emphasize the wall behind the couch. If even that seems overwhelming (or is beyond your budget) don’t despair. You can frame a large section of wallpaper you love, much like you’d frame a favorite painting. “This is a simple way to add visual interest, color, pattern and or texture without a huge commitment,” says Leanne Seibold, principal interior designer and owner of The Green Room in Fargo. “It will add personality to the space and create a customized look.”
Attract Attention with Art Objects
The handmade, upcycled and artisan revival has jump-started a resurgence of interest in decorative objects from America’s past. Access to foreign and domestic travel and easy online shopping means that the unique artistic traditions of cultures all over the world are more visible and available than ever before.
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A wide variety of hanging plant holders on the market – from sleek, modern metal to warm wood and hippie chic macramé – allow you to suspend plants from the ceiling behind the sofa to create a sort of living sculpture. In an open floor plan, hanging plants can be combined with a tall, narrow couch table to create a room divider. For hanging plant holders, Jacobson recommends trailing plants like string-ofpearls so that the foliage cascades and creates interesting shapes as it grows. For plants on tables, there are even more options.
“Houseplants are great for many reasons. It gives you something to care for in the winter, it gives you more good air in your house and it’s an easy thing.” Marie Jacobson - Owner Outdoor Renovations - Underwood, Minn.
Artists are reinterpreting wood and yarn Ojos de Dios (God’s eyes), delicate dream catchers, wooden and paper mache masks, large-scale beadwork installations, handpainted hides and tooled leather in ways that honor traditional art forms and appeal to modern buyers. Displaying vintage versions of these art objects gives superior craftsmanship pride of place. A large art object makes a major statement on its own. Dream catchers and God’s eyes allow light to flow through the negative space making them good options for couches placed up against windows. Smaller items can be displayed as a collection if the colors and materials are consistent in color, shape or mood.
Hang a Garden
Just because there’s snow on the ground doesn’t mean the growing season is over. Simply move the action indoors to take advantage of all the benefits and beauty of gardening indoors. “Houseplants are great for many reasons,” says Marie Jacobson, owner of Outdoor Renovations in Underwood. “It gives you something to care for in the winter, it gives you more good air in your house and it’s an easy thing. There’s many to choose from, but you have to choose the one that works in the situation in your light.”
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“If you had couch tables of course you can select almost any kind of plant,” Jacobson explains. “Maybe do a beautiful blue star fern or a large succulent. If it doesn’t get good lighting, you’d choose something maybe in the fern family. You can choose whatever works for your lighting situation. Put it in a container that matches your décor.”
Play with Mirrors
If a living room is small, dark or unusually configured, a simple interior designer stand-by just might do the trick. It’s also a great budget tip. “In smaller spaces, a mirror tricks the eye into believing the room is larger by expanding light reflection,” explains Seibold. “Plus, it’s a way to add a clean and classic look with one object.” Mirrors can be simple and sleek or embellished and ornate. Take your cue from the rest of your décor and your own personal taste. Make sure to hang the mirror horizontally to keep the eye moving through the space and maximize the reflection at eye level. And as with art, make sure you’re not hanging the mirror too high above the back of the sofa.
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Make the Wall a Garden
If you like having plants in the house, prefer something sleek and contemporary or completely low maintenance, a vertical garden is a safe bet. You can buy modular gardens, or repurpose antique bottle crates or cubby-like shelves into planters. You can also mount kitchen rails horizontally behind the sofa and pop plants into utensil holders, attach small pots to a pegboard on the wall or affix pretty hanging planters to wire mesh. Whichever option you choose, make sure you can remove the plants or the entire unit from the wall for watering, since you don’t want moisture issues. (Anything requiring complex irrigation should be left to the professionals.) To make life easier, opt for plants that require minimal watering. “If they have enough lighting for a vertical garden on a wall where they get plenty of sunshine, the most easy thing would be a succulent garden because you don’t have to water them a lot,” explains Jacobson. “They only need watering maybe once every three weeks.”
“If they have enough lighting for a vertical garden on a wall where they get plenty of sunshine, the most easy thing would be a succulent garden because you don’t have to water them a lot.” Marie Jacobson - Owner - Outdoor Renovations - Underwood, Minn.
Go Wild with Textiles
Fabric fiends don’t have to limit their obsessions to bedcoverings and pillowcases. Living spaces look fresh with textiles on the walls as well. Modern artisans and crafters are reimagining large-scale macramé creations, intricate quilts and detailed weaving techniques to create compelling, museum-quality textile art that makes a distinct statement in a home. Striking Navajo blankets and rugs, Indian tapestries and suzani textiles picked up on recent travels will look equally fabulous on walls.
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And if you really fall for a fabric, do what the French have done for centuries and use it in place of wallpaper. Or take an utterly luxurious approach and indulge a love of fabric and draperies without a window. “We are starting to see more drapery in areas not covering a window, but making a great backdrop to a sofa,” says Ravnik. If even covering the wall behind the sofa seems like too large of a commitment, Ravnik reports that framed textiles are a popular and flexible way to add a pop of color.
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(“Yes, bigger is better,” she adds.) This can be an especially good way to preserve a rare or delicate piece that you don’t want to damage by using it for its intended purpose.
Go Natural
If you’d rather skip bright colors and patterns, you’re not wild about art, and you don’t have a green thumb, you’re in luck. The materials and textures of the natural world are moving indoors. “Organic materials will trend big in the next year,” predicts Ravnik. “Interesting textural wall treatments like wood and metal.” There are so many options to choose from. Natural wood walls never really went out of style in this part of the country, thanks to the widespread influence of cabin culture. Shabby chic and farmhouse interiors brought chalk paint and shiplap into the conversation. The texture and character of reclaimed
wood make it a popular choice to warm up contemporary décor. And the subtle textures of chevron and herringbone aren’t just for floors anymore. The introduction of metal can add a futuristic or industrial edge, intensifying the contrast with the organic warmth of wood. Try a rugged corrugated metal wall or burnished metal wall coverings or panels. They softly reflect light much like a mirror would, making low light gleam. Dip your toes into the trend by displaying reclaimed wood, large scale metal wall art
or vintage pressed tin or copper ceiling tiles behind the couch in the same way you’d highlight a painting. You can also mount sculptural pieces of driftwood, collections of carvings, or wooden items with special meaning to you and your family, like weathered wooden oars from the old cabin. With all these eye-catching ideas to play with, there’s no need to play it safe with generic wall art above the sofa. Take the time to find the solution that works for you, the one that ties the room together, and watch the living room take on new life. ~L&H
“Organic materials will trend big in the next year. Interesting textural wall treatments like wood and metal.” Betty Ravnik - Senior Interior Designer - Ravnik & Co - Alexandria, Minn.
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Rick Schara wants to know your “Live Wide Open” story. In fact, he’s made it his job to find Live Wide Open stories in west central Minnesota. He’s looking for new residents. He’s met local bookstore owners and boat builders, teachers and technicians, health care professionals and hair stylists, welders, entrepreneurs, new resort owners, and so many others. Some grew up in the area, left and returned. Some vacationed nearby or went to school and decided to relocate there. Still others found their home out of sheer happenstance. And in each case, they sing the praises of moving to rural Minnesota. So Rick, what’s a Live Wide Open story? We’ll get to that.
The Origins of a Movement Back in 2015, a group of workforce professionals, led by the regional community foundation West Central Initiative (WCI), explored ways to help fill job openings, a key challenge for future growth. At the same time, they heard from labor market researchers touting an interesting phenomenon: There was a distinct “brain gain” in rural Minnesota, an increase in population among residents aged 30 to 49. This wasn’t the tired “brain drain” myth so often repeated as fact. Indeed, data overwhelmingly showed that people, especially families with younger children, preferred living in smaller, more rural communities. And those populations were increasing in rural areas.
Simply put, families were choosing a better quality of life. So to take this good news and build on it, the Live Wide Open regional campaign was born. As a foundation and planning organization, West Central Initiative took on the project, which fit naturally with its work to strengthen the economy and support the
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In June of 2019, Craig and Cami Calhoun took over ownership of Minnesota’s second-oldest continually run resort in the state, Geneva Beach Resort of Alexandria. They gave up their careers as educators in Iowa before venturing north to follow their dream. Since she was a young child, Cami’s family had been vacationing in the area. “Buying this resort was the best decision we ever made,” Cami said. “When Alexandria was named a “Best City” this year, we were not surprised at all. The people are so welcoming. For example, before Halloween, a neighbor came over and told us the best places to take our kids trick-or-treating. This is an amazing community.”
people of west central Minnesota. Employers such as Brunswick of New York Mills, KLN of Perham, Northern Contours of Fergus Falls and Alomere Health of Alexandria helped support the effort.
Schara uses videos and short stories “in a fun way” to deliver those testimonials. Presentations to groups, participating in events and partnering with other organizations in the region are all part of the mix. Plus, in August of 2018, Schara added his corgi pup named Clover to the fray, taking a page from Clover’s more famous Minnesota dog cousin, Raven. “It’s amazing how people have already become attached to Clover,” Schara laughs.
A Grassroots Movement What does the future hold? From the very beginning, the creators of Live Wide Open knew it would have to be a grassroots
Chris and Cedar Walters of Fergus Falls admit that the big draw for them to go “small town rural” was finding more open space, something lacking in their city life. Cedar grew up near Underwood, Chris in the Twin Cities where they met. So when they decided to take the plunge and move, the key for them was not to focus on what isn’t in a small town, but rather on dream about what someone could bring to a small town. “There just seems to be less modern life pressures here,” Cedar said. “We may not have as many amenities as the city has, but we do have the ability to shape the community we live in. “I think the other big thing for me is having easier access to natural spaces for my kids,” she adds. “I grew up playing a lot outside in a rural area, and I feel really passionate about my kids having access to nature on a regular basis. I started coordinating a nature play group chapter in Fergus Falls earlier this fall, so I’m really excited about that new adventure and what it will bring.”
What’s “Live Wide Open?” The name “Live Wide Open” was coined by that workforce group to describe the wide open spaces of rural Minnesota with the breathing room to make a good life. It also means opening up the capacity to do what one loves, to follow their passion. The interpretation is truly open, Schara said, as more people describe what Live Wide Open means to them. For more than two years now, Schara travels to the many small towns and rural countryside of west central Minnesota, uncovering the fascinating stories of why people live where they do and how they made that journey. The region’s abundant lakes, rolling prairies, excellent schools, thriving small towns and opportunities to become part of a community are just some of what draw newcomers to the region, Schara says. “It’s also critical that there are larger cities close by,” he adds.
Rick has told many “Live Wide Open” stories of people living and working in the Fergus Falls area. You can read all his stories at livewideopen.com/stories/.
The Personal Touch Schara and West Central Initiative staff are on the road a lot throughout the nine counties and 82 communities they serve. Everywhere they go, people share stories of their quality of life found in west central Minnesota. By sharing those stories, non-residents might be curious about exploring the region or consider a lifestyle change.
movement. Businesses, organizations and communities can share what’s great about living and working in this region of Minnesota. They can help promote Live Wide Open’s website, www.livewideopen. com, and its social media feeds, using the #livewideopenmn hashtag. Videos and imagery from the campaign are available for anyone to use and share.
In that case, Schara puts on a different hat.
But it takes many people to make a movement. It takes people reminding family members and friends what is great about living here, to share job postings, and invite them to make this their home, too. It takes residents coming together to create warm, welcoming communities where families want to live.
“If someone is interested in relocating to our region, I try to offer as much help as possible,” Schara said. He handles all inquires from the Live Wide Open website or social media platforms. “A year ago, a couple in Alaska contacted us through our website. They were looking to move to somewhere in Minnesota and we emailed back and forth many times. This fall she landed a job, he telecommutes with his Alaska job for now, and they moved to a small acreage near Fergus Falls. That’s a Live Wide Open story!”
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And it takes more Live Wide Open stories. ~L&H (Have a story to share? Contact Rick at rick.schara@wcif.org or (218) 739-2239.)
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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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F
FEATURE HOME
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need to “fiYou nd someone who wants it as perfect as you do, and we found that with Brent and Jenny Gunsbury of Bercher Design & Construction.” Terese Margl - Homeowner
W
ide stands of pine trees stretch across the 80 acres of land bordering the Long Prairie River, where Rick and Terese Margl built the home they’ve nicknamed “Riverplace.” Almost seven years ago, they began planning for Rick’s upcoming retirement and a move from Texas back to Minnesota. At the same time, they began searching for the perfect piece of river property. “We had expanded our search from the Mississippi and the Crow Wing rivers to other surrounding areas, and we found this acreage just south of Motley,” says Rick Margl. “Although we could only salvage one of the dated, existing buildings on the property – a pole barn – we were able to donate materials from the other three farm-related structures to Habitat for Humanity.” The unique aspects and custom touches incorporated into the home they built blend seamlessly into the woodland setting. The lush landscaping designed by Yardcreations provides a blend of colors from a combination of plants where at least one is blooming at any point in time throughout the season.
A SECOND-GENERATION BUILDER AND CLIENT
While finding the right piece of property was important to the Margls, it was of utmost importance to find the right builder who could translate their ideas and dreams into a home that the family would treasure over the coming years. “You need to find someone who wants it as perfect as you do, and we found that with Brent and Jenny Gunsbury of Bercher Design & Construction,” says Terese. The couple has been in the construction business together out of Baxter, Minn., for 19 years. “Prior to that, my parents owned Bercher Design & Construction for almost 25 years, so I grew up in the business,” Jenny explains. “When they wanted to retire, they offered us this opportunity.” In an interesting twist, back in 1988, Jenny’s parents built a home for Terese Margl’s parents in the Gull Lake area.
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“Once we took over the business, we did some additional projects at that home and met Rick and Terese several times while they were visiting Minnesota,” she continues. “It was truly a joy when they called us from Texas about building their home on the Long Prairie River. It soon became an authentic secondgeneration builder-client project.”
“We got field reports each week, with photos of what was accomplished and what was coming up the following week,” says Rick. “We ended up looking at them each Friday over a glass of wine. That first week after we moved in and didn’t get a field report on Friday, we were actually disappointed that our weekly planned date night wasn’t going to continue on in the same way.”
Building a home when you’re more than a thousand miles away might sound difficult to some, but the Margls were comfortable and felt they knew what was going on at all times.
CUSTOMIZATION AND CONTINUITY
The Margls had a pretty good idea of the kind of house they wanted to build to fit their lifestyle – a combination of design styles for their refuge on the river. It all started with something they created with a design app on Rick’s iPad. “Interestingly enough, the final floor plan came out very close to our design,” says Rick. “We met with Rem-Whirl Architects, and together with Brent and Jenny, they found a way to make it all happen the way we wanted.” According to Brent Gunsbury, choosing and coordinating details with the architect and all the other people associated with the house is part of the process for Bercher Design & Construction.
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“We love building custom homes, because every project is different and reflects the owners’ personal tastes,” he says. “We start at the beginning and take care of everything, right through to giving them the keys to their house.” That original idea the Margls envisioned also embraced a flow and connectedness – but not sameness – throughout the house. “They had an eye and an interest in having things blend beautifully, down to the Lutron switches that control the intensity of light and are matched to the wall color to blend softly into the background,” Gunsbury adds. “Even the three-panel steel service door to the garage has a wood ‘skin’ on the interior side to match the other interior doors.”
We love building custom “homes, because every project is different and reflects the owners ’ personal tastes. We start at the beginning and take care of everything, right through to giving them the keys to their house.” Brent Gunsbury - Bercher Design & Construction
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A “hit and miss” distressed red oak floor is an understated focal point that flows throughout the house. “On the main level, we used a glue-down system by Sika, where we apply an epoxy directly on the concrete and seal it so no moisture comes through,” says Josh Garard of Wood for Life in Aitkin. “It lets the floor move like a wood floor should move, expanding in the summer and contracting in the winter.” Almost the entire home has wood floors, so using a random-width pattern provides a deviation from repetition. Additionally, he installed a striking black walnut border pattern around the perimeter of the dining room that sets it apart from the living area.
Custom metal accents were also important to these homeowners. They went to Paul Tollefson at Chariot Customs Metal Design in East Gull Lake when they were looking for a unique metal stair railing, and his design was spot-on. “We pretty much custom design any decorative metal you can possibly imagine,” says Tollefson, who has been working in metals since 1990. “Whether it’s welding, grinding, shaping, cutting, or bending metal, if you can envision it, we can make it.”
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So when the Margls couldn’t find the exact ornamental pulls they wanted for their large sliding glass doors, Tollefson created his own from a photo they liked, along with designing a decorative lid for their backyard firepit. “It was incredible to find the kind of craftsmen who would ‘get it’ when we came up with these ideas,” Rick adds. Even seemingly small ideas can make a big difference, like their vision of a connection from the interior kitchen to the dining area and the rest of the house. The solution was a “pass-through” opening in the wall into the dining area to provide more accessibility and light in the kitchen.
was “inITcredi ble to find the kind of craftsmen who would get i t when ‘we came ’ up with these ideas.” Rick Margl - Homeowner
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“Even with a large group up there, with people mingling and all my sisters-in-law in the kitchen, no one is bumping into each other,” says Terese Margl. “It’s about how things all tie together, like having three indoor living areas with different groups of people in each area having conversations, but not feeling separated from the others.”
“We wanted to have a fairly light footprint, so we implemented environmentally friendly systems where we could, like using all LED lights,” says Rick Margl. “Between the geothermal heating and cooling, and now the addition of solar power it’s very gratifying to know that we’re benefiting the environment while we’ll also see an economic return in a reasonable timeframe.” (See sidebar.)
The centerpiece of all those living areas is the floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. The bio-ethanol fuel has an attractive, odorless flame, with a zero-clearance firebox, so no flue or chimney is needed.
ACREAGE ON THE LONG PRAIRIE RIVER
Choosing the location of the home on this large lot meant finding a spot as close to the river as possible, while still being high enough to stay dry if the river were to rise. It’s a peaceful, serene setting, and the river is visible from the patio area and looking out from the dining room. The previous owners of the lot had planted red pine and Norway spruce back in the early 90s, so the Margls worked with a retired DNR forester to develop a state-approved Woodland Stewardship Plan. Part of that plan was to thin out some of the red pine. Since then, with help from friends and family, they have planted more than 1,000 seedlings to continue enhancing their woodlands. “By planting five pollinator species, we’re looking for birds and bees,” says Terese Margl with a laugh. “It also, of course, brings in the deer, and we have plenty of other wildlife, including turkey, coyotes, beaver, porcupine, raccoons, bobcat, and even a couple of bears.” 82 Lake & Home Magazine JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020
It was very important for Rick and Terese Margl to include as much energy efficiency as possible in Riverplace. A customized geothermal heating and cooling system was installed when the home was built, which transfers heat to or from the ground. Outside, 18 80-foot wells had to be drilled on the property, and the pumps and heat transfer coils are installed in the home. An initial investment can be substantial, but it leads to both energy and cost savings in the future. In addition, the house has in-floor heating, and it stays at a constant temperature throughout the cool season. “With the geothermal system, we also needed to have a propane furnace as a backup, but it’s rarely been used,” claims Rick Margl. “After four years, the propane company sent someone to fill our 325-gallon tank, which we only use for the range and the firepit. After all that time, he just had to top it off and said, ‘See you in five years.’”
Adding solar power to the property was also in the original plan, but that idea was delayed until the Margls were settled in and established at Riverplace. In the meantime, Bercher Design & Construction laid the groundwork for connecting the panels that would eventually be installed. “We waited until two years after we moved in, and then based the size of the solar installation on the electrical usage from those years,” Rick explains. “All Energy Solar, out of St. Paul, designed and installed two 24-panel arrays (19 kilowatts), along with three Tesla Powerwall batteries.” All Energy also coordinated the system installation and rebate procedure with Minnesota Power, the electric utility for Riverplace.
“Both companies did a great job making the installation and start-up process smooth and straightforward,” he continues. “The Powerwall system stores solar energy that then powers the house at night and during cloudy periods. Excess energy is sold to the grid. The Powerwalls also act as a wholehouse backup.” When severe weather threatens, the system automatically tops off the batteries to protect against outages. “For us, this is an investment in the future, and it makes us feel good to help protect the environment,” he adds. “It’s fun to watch the Tesla app to see what kind of solar power you generate and see the credits build up in the summer. We were watching TV when the power went out one night last year, and the switchover was instantaneous. The Tesla System kicked in immediately, and it was amazing to see how well it worked.”
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They have planted wildflowers in a previously mowed meadow, and cut hiking paths through a few wooded areas. There was also an existing hiking path along the river where the former owners used their golf cart, but apparently that path had been there for a very long time. “We found that the property was first homesteaded in the 1860s, and a survey map from 1863 shows a trail paralleling the bank of the river as it runs along the northern border of our lot,” says Rick Margl. “It’s fascinating that the same trail is still in use more than 150 years later!”
A TIME TO PLAY
After living in Texas, a grassy outdoor area was important for the Margls, and they wanted to make the outdoors just as appealing as the indoors. The lush landscaping, which they maintain themselves, surrounds the entire house, and provides a setting for epic bocce ball tournaments.
backyard area “isOur at least a halfacre, and we love having company join us in playing outdoor games, like bocce ball, ladder golf, bag toss and Kubb.”
Rick Margl - Homeowner
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CouLDn’t have done it without: Bercher Design & Construction
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With help from brothers and brothers-in-law, they built stairs down to the river and one section of dock for swimming and launching their two canoes. In the winter, there are five pairs of snowshoes, and some guests bring cross-country skis.
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“We have three sons and two grandchildren, plus I have five competitive siblings,” says Rick Margl. “Our backyard area is at least a half-acre, and we love having company join us in playing outdoor games, like bocce ball, ladder golf, bag toss and kubb.”
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Family, fun and function were essential factors in most of the decisions made by the Margls when building Riverplace. Rick and Terese have known each other since they were next-door neighbors growing up in the Como Park area of St. Paul, and have been married since 1982. “The emblematic theme in our home is to have family and friends here,” adds Terese. “When his entire family was visiting and for the first time, all 12 of us were sitting down to a big meal together, around the table in one room, I looked at Rick and said, ‘It’s working.’ That was magical.” ~L&H
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FEATURE HOME
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axine and Scott Thome had a lake home in central Minnesota for about 15 years, but always knew they wanted to live in the Brainerd area someday. While their children were growing up, they wanted their lake place to be within an hour of their St. Cloud home, so they enjoyed many years on Big Birch Lake near Grey Eagle, Minn. “Although we loved the lake and the people there, we felt the Brainerd area was going to be a better fit for us in the years approaching retirement,” Maxine said. “Once our kids were grown and out of the house, and we were moving on to the next stage of our lives, we began to put our focus on our future summer home.”
It took some time to find just the right spot for their new home on the lake. “I searched for that lot for about a year and a half,” Maxine said. “Doug Mitchell with LakePlace. com helped us with the search by showing us many, many places, and once we came upon this property, we knew it was the one.” When it came time to build, the homeowners did not know who they were going to hire to build their home, so they began searching for a builder through an interview process. 90 Lake & Home Magazine JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020
“We met with each builder on the site, and had them look at the lot,” Maxine said. “We didn’t know exactly what we were going to build, so we were looking for input on what they would do with the property.” “We bounced ideas off (each builder) as we were going through the interview process, and when we met with Tom and Matt (of Wes Hanson Builders), it just felt right from the beginning.”
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Wes Hanson Builders is a design-build firm out of Crosslake, Minn. Having in-house carpenters and painters allows the company to control quality and timelines and keep their standards high. “They had great ideas,” Maxine said of Wes Hanson Builders. “They were responsive to our ideas, and we knew once we met with them that we didn’t have to look any further.” “We came in with a fair number of ideas, but we truly needed an architect,” Maxine continued. “We needed Matt to take the ideas that we had and add design and structure.” One of the challenges with the project was the lot size. Architectural designer Matt Schmidt worked a great deal on getting everything the homeowners wanted into the home on the 100-foot wide lot.
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“They had great ideas. They were responsive to our ideas, and we knew once we met with them that we didn’t have to look any further.” Homeowner Maxine Thome on Wes Hanson Builders
“We ended up with multiple angles and rooflines, and we kept trying to twist and tweak and turn things so that we could get good views out of one area, but not at the cost of another,” Matt said. “It was a little bit of a battle to get it situated, but it turned out beautifully.” “He truly made our 100 feet of frontage feel like 300,” Maxine added. “It lives bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside. That was masterful on his part.” Jason Armstrong of Wes Hanson Builders also worked closely with the Thome’s as the project manager. “Jason was great to work with,” Maxine said. His focus on communication throughout the building process was greatly appreciated by the homeowners as the project evolved and changed.
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The home is 4,200 square feet and includes a threecar garage, three bedrooms, and three-and-a-half baths. White LP Smart Siding covers the outside of the home, with natural stone accents along the bottom half of the structure. The stained pine and cedar trim and peaks of the house, and matching garage doors stand out beautifully against the white siding. The patio in the front of the home is made of flagstone and leads you right to a gorgeous front door, done by Brainerd Hardwoods. They provided all of the custom doors on the home, which added to the house’s unique look. When you first walk into the home, the fabulous light and the cozy atmosphere are undeniable. Right off the entryway is the stairway leading to the second level, and in front of you is a stunning living space that is just begging you to sit down and get comfortable. 94 Lake & Home Magazine JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020
Maxine said. “Jason was very patient and helpful as we were working through some of the time-sensitive changes. That is what truly made it a custom experience.” Around the corner from the living room is the master suite. The bedroom has a board and batten wall treatment and wood flooring. Streams of natural light shine through the sliding glass windows that lead out to a patio and hot tub. The bathroom includes granite countertops and built-in storage that reaches the ceiling on either side of the sink. The walk-in shower features a gray tile and a granite seating area.
“Jason was very patient and helpful as we were working through some of the time-sensitive changes. That is what Homeowner Maxine Thome truly made it a custom experience.” on Wes Hanson Builders The living room seating area sits across from a gas fireplace made with natural stone matching the materials used on the outside of the home. Left of the fireplace is custom cabinetry with a television above, and to the right is a built-in bench with storage. Cedar beams and a custom stained wood cover the ceiling, and a large fan hangs overhead. The floors are a gorgeous custom stained wood throughout much of the first floor. The main level of the home has heated floors, including the garage. There are so many decisions to be made during the process of building a home, and sometimes it is hard to visualize how things will look in the end. “Some decisions were game-day decisions,” Maxine said. “They weren’t in the original plan, and the house was transforming as things moved along. Some things got added as we were going through the process.” “I appreciated Wes Hanson Builders being so open to ideas as we were going along,”
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Heading back into the living room, and through a cozy dining area with a clear view of the lake, is the bright and open kitchen. White painted cabinets from Alpine Cabinetry in St. Cloud reach up to the ceiling, with glass doors at the top. The cabinets pop against the striking copper tile backsplash on the far wall. Flecks of gold sparkle in the dark brown quartz countertops on the perimeter of the kitchen. Stainless steel appliances including a double oven, microwave, refrigerator and cooktop complete the outer layout of the kitchen. The kitchen island cabinets are stained wood and topped with a stunning white and brown granite countertop. Bar stools sitting along the island’s curved edge provide extra seating. And sliding glass doors lead to a covered patio just outside.
Next to the kitchen is the sunroom, with its beautiful stained and vaulted center that match the pine ceiling overhead. Windows surround the room allowing a great deal of natural light into the space, including another set of sliding glass doors leading to the patio. On the far wall is a large television, surrounded by stained custom cabinets, and a bar with beverage refrigerators, a sink and a granite countertop that matches the kitchen island. Heading back through the kitchen and around the corner, you find the pantry with floor to ceiling storage. Next is the mudroom, featuring built-in cubbies and a bench. It is the perfect space to come into from the garage or outdoors. Behind a pocket door in the mudroom is the laundry room. Shiplap covers each of the walls, and the flooring is ceramic tile. A granite
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CouLDn’t have done it without: Wes Hanson
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Brainerd Hardwoods Inc.
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Capital Granite | COUNTERTOPS, SHOWER BENCH
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A powder room across from the kitchen completes the first floor of the home.
pool table, this room is sure to be a popular hangout in the home. The bar is made with distressed charcoal cabinets and a granite countertop and includes a sink and toaster oven.
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Heading back towards the entryway brings you to the bottom of a beautiful wood staircase, with cedar posts and steel rod spindles.
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countertop, perfect for folding clothes, sits atop the side-by-side front load washer and dryer.
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The second floor includes two more bedrooms and bathrooms. One bedroom features a shiplap wall; the other has a wood stained feature wall and built-in drawers. Through sliding barn doors, you find yourself in the den. A vaulted custom stained ceiling overhead makes the space feel extra spacious. A sofa sleeper in the room makes it a perfect fourth bedroom when guests come to visit. Another unique space in the home is the rec room above the garage. Complete with a bar, seating area, television, and
The lakeside of the home has many places for the homeowners and their guests to hang out and have fun. A back patio off the house is a great place to grill and eat together. A boathouse sits on the lot, with the back half being used for storage and the front half used for a beach bar during the summer. Yardcreations of Brainerd completed the beautiful landscaping around the home. “Adam Dewey and his crew did a fantastic job for us,” Maxine stated. The Thome family and their guests are sure to make many wonderful memories in the coming years in the exquisite home that is truly a perfect fit. ~L&H
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ucked into the woods of Wisconsin just outside of Solon Springs on the shores of Upper St. Croix Lake, lies a cabin that has become a haven of rest and family bonding for the Newman family. While the initial goal of purchasing a cabin was intentionally sought out to promote family unity, over the years it has become a symbol of what the Newman family cherishes most, love. The love that exists between Carol and Mikael was poured into their lake home renovation project and each and every detail was chosen with loving care to honor all who would spend time there. It was for the love of children and grandchildren that this lake home became what it is today, a testament to the deep well of love a set of grandparents have for their growing family.
For the love of family bonding...
Carol and Mikael’s journey to cabin ownership began almost 20 years ago with one question to each other and their children, “What would you like in a family vacation home?” While Carol and Mikael each desired a cabin that wasn’t sandwiched in with other vacation properties, and they hoped to find a home with an expansive lawn and a beautiful view of sunsets, the children each had responses that set in motion the search for the ideal lakeside retreat. Their son, Patrick, desired a traditional log cabin, and their daughter, Kristina, asked for a cabin on a lake with loons. “These were two things we needed to find in a lake home, and it eliminated a large number of properties. Surprisingly, there were very few log homes on lakes that were available, we
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didn’t want a half or partial log home with drywall. We wanted the charm that can only come from traditionally-built log cabins,” stated Carol. It was at the suggestion of their son to explore the possibility of looking for a property in Wisconsin, which eventually led the Newmans to Upper St. Croix Lake. The property checked off every item on their wish list as a twobedroom/two-bathroom, hand-scribed log home. It even gave them a unique backstory to add to the foundation of their family retreat. “The owner of the cabin was a bachelor who had built the home himself, and it was the pride and joy of his life. That is until he fell in love with a woman who had her own lake home, and he sold his cabin to join their lives together!” Carol gushed at the memory of the love story.
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The very beginning of the family’s ownership of the lake cabin had an extra bit of a love story that only added to the ultimate goal, to create a base for family bonding.
For the love of small changes...
While the couple’s first decision was to put on hold major changes to the structure of the cabin until they could do it right, they did begin to make small changes from the beginning. They began with the fundamentals of lakeside ownership and put in a new well. Then they turned their eyes to the property, scrap wood piles were cleaned up and hauled away, landscaping was maintained, and minor repairs were done to the home.
The very first interior project was a bathroom remodel which was completed by Anderson and Hammack Construction. The boathouse also received a refresher from Anderson and Hammack and is now the favorite space for the teenage grandchildren.
renovation. For almost twenty years the tub was added to until the day finally came for them to be put up on an inspiration board. “The bin was plumb full! I took the tub out and picked out everything that I absolutely loved!” Carol recounted this memory with a smile.
It wasn’t until five years ago when the exterior logs of the home were re-stained that the idea to begin a major remodel began to take shape.
It was from these saved magazine photos that Carol and Mikael began to form a design plan for each room of their home.
For the love of decorating...
Carol spent her career working as an interior designer doing commercial projects, helping to create décor schemes and designs in hotels and restaurants. Shortly after purchasing the log cabin, Carol began to save inspirational images and design stories from Lake & Home magazine that she would tuck into a plastic tub, safely nestled away for the day when she and Mikael were ready to do a major
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“The log coming up on the kitchen counter, that was an idea directly from Lake & Home magazine, I was able to have that creatively incorporated into our new kitchen,” explained Carol. The most distinctive and creative elements of the addition are the turrets, which were again inspired by an image Carol lovingly saved in her design stash. Carol’s eye for design would be joined with Mikael’s ideas, and together they set out to create an ideal lakeside addition.
For the love of quality partnership...
The Newmans sought out a trusted partner they had previously worked with, Anderson and Hammack Construction, and added Jody Keppers of Keppers Design Architecture to help them bring to fruition the log cabin of their dreams. Mark Anderson was well-versed on the lake property, having been on site numerous times during the earlier bathroom remodel. Keppers was able to catch the vision that the Newmans had eagerly shared during their meeting. “Carol was excited to share her home and discuss the challenges and the possibilities that lay ahead. Her plan for the cabin was clear, enough room for all the grandchildren and an addition that would enlarge the living room while adding additional bedrooms in a unique way,” recounted Jody Keppers of Keppers Design Architecture, a fully licensed firm that works in Minnesota and Wisconsin. “Carol had a vision of a pair of turrets flanking the main gable of the house (one would be a master bedroom, and the other a personal library) with a large deck linking the two spaces. By the time we were done talking, I had a very clear idea of what she wanted,” Keppers added. “We utilized our state-of-theart computer software to fully explain the designs with floor plans, perspective drawings, and even use virtual reality goggles to make sure our clients’ needs are being met.” The expansion of the great room would extend it 16 feet further toward the lake, and the complete addition would add on 2,350 square feet to the original structure. As the Newmans were not on site every day, they knew they needed to work with a dependable, trustworthy team of contractors. “Our company is a full-service general contractor, and we are able to manage all aspects of a project from start to finish. We hold all our subcontractors to very high standards, and we work alongside our homeowners to carry out their vision and
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exceed their expectations,” said Anderson of Anderson and Hammack Construction. The various stages of improvements that were made to the log home allowed for trust and friendships to form between the Newmans and the extended team of design partners. “Starting out with a small project allows the client to build a strong bond with the design and build team. The successful completion of these smaller projects builds trust and confidence that a larger addition will be completed successfully,” explained Keppers.
For the couple, having this strong bond allowed them to place trust in their builder and the foreman, Tony Fillman, to make decisions when they were experiencing decision fatigue. “The amount of decisions that were involved were many. Having a trusted team to rely on when you need to pick a thermostat and you are ‘decisioned out,’ that is when you can trust your team to make the call,” explained Mikael.
For the love of longevity...
Carol and Mikael are passionate about leaving a lasting legacy for their grandchildren and sought to create a space that would require minimal maintenance and would enhance everyone’s enjoyment at the lake. New Marvin windows with shades inserted into the frames were installed throughout the home, to allow for privacy and energy efficient light to shine into the rooms. The flooring throughout the home is handhewn travertine stone, that is durable to withstand the traffic of lakeside living. The
kitchen was designed with Morning Star Woodworks, with knotty alder cabinets to blend with the granite and the flow allowed for ample cooking space. The couple chose top-of-the-line appliances including a 42-inch subzero refrigerator, convection and steam ovens, a traditional cooktop, microwave oven and a two-drawer island refrigerator with a 24-inch ice maker nearby. The kitchen would provide every long-lasting appliance needed to gather family around the Lapidus granite top island by Stone Countertop Outlet. The garage was updated during this large renovation project by moving an interior wall a few feet to expand the multi-purpose game room and sleeping space. A patio door was added to open the room to the lakeside view, and Marvin windows with frame shades were added to complete the maintenance free design plan. “We wanted to make sure we were able to enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle with this addition, and that our children and grandchildren would not be burdened by constant repairs or updates because we
used cheaper materials. Taking the time and effort now to install long-lasting windows, appliances and flooring, we knew our ultimate goal would be achieved. By doing this we would be able to invest now in the future joy of our children and grandchildren, of having them be at the lake without worry of constant cabin maintenance,� Mikael added proudly.
The couple chose French Pattern Scabos travertine tile from Turkey for the home, which was found at Alpa Tile in Sarasota, Fla., which gave just the right color and texture to the log home. The travertine shower tile in the master bath with imported Italian glass tile in the decorative inlay, were all expertly installed by the craftsmanship of Luke Dougherty of Lake Superior Tile.
For the love of craftsmanship...
Over the freshly-updated fireplace (completely redone from the inside out), the Newmans desired a unique statement mantel that could display a collection of artifacts inherited by Carol from her grandmother, so that she could honor the past while sharing them with the current generation of grandchildren. After weeks of searching, the couple found the ideal mantel on Etsy, a unique online marketplace for handcrafted and vintage items, from Dave and Robbin Hopkins of Wild Buffalo Juniper Furniture in Idaho.
The Newmans have a shared passion for quality design, and the search for products and furniture for the cabin led them to form new friendships with the craftsmen and women who they discovered along the way. On the coldest and windiest day of the year in 2018, Carol and Mikael found themselves in the Hedberg Stone yard in Plymouth, Minn., picking out the stones to be used on the fireplace and exterior walls. That same day Mark Anderson picked out the Douglas fir logs, and the couple bonded with him later about their shared experiences.
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The focal point of the master bath is the bathroom vanity, with Oceana Vessel sinks in Cobalt Copper. The couple found this again on Etsy through the work of Dave and Robbin. The couple designed and created the vanity, as well as the twisted juniper bed in the master bedroom. Dave Hopkins personally drove these pieces directly to Wisconsin and a new friendship between the couples was formed. In the new addition, the antler chandelier was handcrafted by Carol’s son, Patrick, and was initially created for the original cabin but found a new home in the enlarged great room.
The master bedroom’s turret design allowed for the ceiling to become a work of art, through the talent of the craftsman who installed each piece of wood one at a time.
For the love of future generations...
While the initial goal of purchasing a lakeside retreat was to create immediate moments of family bonding, the Newmans soon realized the importance this log cabin had on their family. The oldest granddaughter Olivia once said, “When I know I’m going to the lake I feel free, but when I’m there I feel really free!”
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Each of the grandchildren (Olivia, Cole, Carson, Christopher, Isabel, Cashton and Alexis) have memories that span their entire lives, and extended family and friends have made their way to this Wisconsin retreat to be embraced by the love of the Newman family and their log cabin. “In the beginning we focused on the exterior details of finding the perfect cabin and updating it with an addition paying attention to unique architecture and quality workmanship. But at the end of the day, it comes down to creating a family environment that we can have shared experiences, plan futures, reflect upon the past while enjoying the present. From celebrating Olivia’s third birthday at the cabin, to watching my grandmother ride on an ATV at 100 at the lake, and everything inbetween, these are the moment I cherish. The longevity of these memories and the love we poured into our family, is what will endure for future generations,” Mikael said with deep, steadfast love that he has for his beloved family. ~L&H
CouLDn’t have done it without: Keppers Design Architecture
Anderson & Hammack
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Lake Effect Excavating M&M Concrete
| EXCAVATION, DIRT WORK
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| PLUMBING, HEATING
Billings Park Electric | ELECTRICAL Morning Star Woodworks Lake Superior Tile LLC
| CABINETRY, MILLWORK
| TILE, FLOORING
Johnston’s Masonry Inc.
| STONE WORK
Duluth Roofing Company
| ROOFING
Advantage Systems Group
| SECURITY, LOW VOLTAGE
Duluth Stove and Fireplace
| FIREPLACE
Missinne’s Landscape
| LANDSCAPING
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Walking toward Lake Minnewaska changed Kim and Scott Fredericksen’s lives. The couple had vacationed along the lake, which is located near Glenwood and Starbuck, for years. To get to the water every summer, they’d set out along a long road with woods on one side and water on the other. Over the course of these walks, one particular landmark caught their eye. “We vacationed up there for 17 years, and we always walked down this road we now live on,” Scott explains. “This one Victorian house was there. And one day it came up for sale–a lot earlier than we expected.” Buying a lake home wasn’t at the top of their to-do list in 2013, but the Fredericksens decided they couldn’t let the house they’d daydreamed about go to anyone else. They purchased the property and began working with Jay Paulson at HighPoint Homes in Alexandria to transform it into the home they had dreamed of, a place where they could welcome a large extended family all summer long. But they wanted the home to remain a local landmark for others, just as it had always been for them. “It always had street appeal, and is just a pretty property overall,” Kim says. “It’s always been a focal point as people are walking.”
“It always had street appeal, and is just a pretty property overall. It’s always been a focal point as people are walking.”
Kim Fredericksen -Homeowner
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“Over the years, we converted it to our style and updated a lot of things,” says Scott. “But we tried to keep that original house look.” It was a project that they undertook in manageable stages, starting when they purchased the house in 2013 and ending just last year. The Fredericksens worked with HighPoint Homes interior designer and selection coordinator Ashley Trousil to create a soothing, neutral color scheme to compliment the “modern cabin type of casual living” that Scott says they wanted to achieve. The result is a welcoming and understated home with a quiet dignity. Nothing feels too precious. This is a home designed to be lived in, not a showroom. The leather couches are comfortable, the rugs durable. Armchairs on the landing and in the living room invite you to plop down, grab a book or start a conversation.
The home’s distinct look and historic charm would stay. There were some cosmetic fixes and upgrades, like switching out tired gray aluminum siding in favor of wood. The home’s distinctive front porch was freshened up and expanded. A few homey touches make it easy to sit down and stay awhile. “I think the front porch gets the most use, with the rocking chairs out there,” says Scott. “I think it’s probably one of the favorite places for Scott and I – and everyone who comes to visit,” Kim agrees. “That’s kind of a gathering area, especially when we have family and friends up. Everybody just kind of gets their coffee and comes to the porch to shoot the breeze.”
Rocking and chatting on the porch, the homeowners and their guests can watch joggers on early morning and evening runs, families walking down to the water and boats zipping along the waves. The view from the porch has been the same for decades. It’s a slower pace and a calmer way of life, one that hearkens back to the days when the home was built. History and tradition reign on the front porch. But once you step inside the front door, it’s another story. “When we originally bought the house, we kind of bought it turnkey with all the furnishings in it,” explains Kim. “We gutted pretty much everything from the inside and updated it to our tastes.”
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The 2,100 square-foot main house had four bedrooms and four bathrooms, all of which needed a new look. Trousil worked with the couple to update two of the bathrooms, adding special touches like a gracious walkin shower with hexagonal tiles from Arnquist Home Center in Alexandria for a hint of spalike luxury. Each room flows into the next effortlessly. This desire for visual cohesion led the couple and HighPoint Homes’ Jay Paulson to create a striking solution for the main living spaces as well. The Fredericksens had worked with Paulson for years and trusted his vision for the space. The result is the home’s most distinctive design element.
“We had different height ceilings in different rooms,” explains Scott. “And how we tied that together was with beams.” The stained wooden beams from Distress City Millwork in Pequot Lakes are the first thing people notice when they move through the space. Then their eyes move on to the subtle design elements and superior craftsmanship that Scott feels set HighPoint Homes and the subcontractors on the project apart. “The high ceilings, the little details of crown molding, the wooden trim, all that accent stuff just adds a little class,” he says. “The guys who did the finish work are very, very talented. And that was key for me. And now
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that we’ve done this over a number of years, we’ve gotten to know them and we can call the electrician, or the heating or cooling guy for little jobs you wouldn’t call your general contractor for.” This long-term partnership with HighPoint Homes has evolved into a comfortable working relationship with electrician Mike Lennes of Lennes Bros. Electric Inc., and the aforementioned Arnquist Home Center (both of Alexandria), as well as Marsha Greeley at Custom Comfort Plumbing and Heating, which operates out of Hoffman. The couple says they wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of these businesses to friends and family.
“Here the lake is the main attraction, so we wanted views from several different vantage points.”
Scott Fredericksen -Homeowner
After visitors notice the details that set the home apart, most guests sit down and drink in the home’s gorgeous views. Highlighting the lake was extremely important to the couple. They even added on to their original plan in order to create additional opportunities to enjoy those stellar lake views. “Here the lake is the main attraction, so we wanted views from several different vantage points,” Scott explains.
“One of the things I kind of begged Scott to build for me is that little indoor screened-in porch,” she says. “It’s not that big, but with the weather and the infamous mosquitoes in Minnesota, you want a place where you can enjoy the lake and bring the outdoors in. When it’s cool in the morning you can sit in there and have your coffee and still have a view of the lake.” The original house anchors the lot. But two other buildings also tie the property together and add extra living, sleeping and entertaining space. (And of course, additional lake views)
Kim pops in to continue the story. The Fredericksens have a natural give and take to their storytelling, but the pace picks up considerably whenever maximizing lake views is discussed. “We’d just finished remodeling the house and Scott said, ‘I’ve got a crazy idea, but I think we should bump this wall out and add a family room.’ And I was like, what?!” she laughs. That risk back in the winter of 2016 was worth it. When the family room was completed in 2017, Kim was wowed. It featured views of both the water and the woods, natural features the couple loves in equal measure. “We can sit in our family room and look out at the lake or you can look up into the sky because we have tray windows,” says Scott. “Or you can look out back –” “—at the foliage, you can see a fair amount of animals,” Kim chimes in. “We have a fair amount of deer on the property and bald eagles. And as the seasons change, the whole look of the property changes, too.” Scott thought up the family room idea. Kim had a vision of her own that’s proven to be both beautiful and functional.
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“The structure closest to the main house is a garage with living quarters above,” explains Trousil. “Upstairs is a full kitchen, a living room with an amazing view of the lake, a bathroom with a custom tile shower and two bedrooms, complete with custom bunks that match the beams.” “The structure that is further away from the house includes more storage,” she continues. “There’s an exercise room and bathroom on the main level. Go up the stairs and there’s a living area with a fireplace.” It goes without saying that both structures offer excellent lake views, the same as the main house. And they’re not done yet. The Fredericksens are planning a home gym for the first structure (the one with the garage) and additional improvements to the second structure.
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“Our next phase will be finishing off the bonus room above the garage in this structure,” Trousil explains. “This will be sort of a ‘man cave’ and game room with a bedroom.” The man cave will have the same distinctive custom bunks as well. Pulling the main home’s color scheme and key design elements– including using the same doors, crown molding and distinctive beams– throughout the other two properties makes everything feel seamless, even though the properties aren’t connected. These three separate living, sleeping, and entertaining spaces allow guests to come and visit when the Fredericksens are out of town, and also provides privacy for both guests and hosts. Nearly every lake homeowner hosts guests from time to time. But the Fredericksens take hosting to the next level. Both of their families live nearby. And since there are 40 people in Kim’s family alone, the property feels like a lively campground on many warm summer days. It’s even set up like one.
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These leisurely days and nights surrounded by family, friends, and nature are exactly what the Fredericksens dreamed of when they bought this property. Slowly, over time, they’ve made this historic home their own, and crafted a comfortable, relaxing space that encourages their guests to slow down and connect with nature and with each other. “It’s just a welcoming place, somewhere you can get away from the everyday hustle and bustle and just unplug,” says Kim. “It’s kind of low key. We’ll go up there and we’ll run into town for some basic things, but we hardly ever leave.” This is a place where time slows down, where people return to a different rhythm of life. The stately Victorian has stood watch over Lake Minnewaska for generations. Thanks to thoughtful updates from the Fredericksens, it will do the same for generations to come. ~L&H
“A lot of our family members love to camp, so we’ve got it even hooked up for family members who want to come up and park in the driveway and enjoy the lake and the views,” says Scott. “We have enough room for 40 people to go and hike.” “Six campers and 45 people for a long weekend has been our maximum,” says Kim. After a long hike or a day on the water, the Fredericksens and their family have plenty of places to relax and gather, both inside and out. The couple invested as much thought in their home’s outdoor seating and socializing areas as they did its inside spaces. “We have two fire pits, too,” says Scott. “We have the one behind the house with the seating arrangement, and we have one down by the lake that’s more casual, where you can come and watch the lake and the sunset. The sunsets are beautiful out there.”
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CouLDn’t have done it without: HighPoint Homes
| BUILDER
• View our ad on page 113
Klimek Bros Well Drilling Tri County Foam
| INSULATION
• View our ad on page 121
Stonewall Masonry Capital Granite
| WELL
| MASONRY
| COUNTERTOPS
• View our ad on page 91
Custom Comfort Plumbing & Heating Out and About Painting Arnquist Carpets Plus
| PAINTING
| FLOORING, TILE
• View our ad on page 119
Lennes Bros Electric
| ELECTRICAL
Paz Excavating
| EXCAVATING
Hilltop Lumber
| BUILDING MATERIALS
• View our ad on page 13,123
Cullen’s Home Center
| APPLIANCES
Swedberg Wood Products
| CABINETS
• View our ad on page 121
Viking Garage Door
| GARAGE DOOR
Amazing EZ Screen
| SCREEN PORCH
Builders First Source
| WINDOWS
The Fireplace Store
| FIREPLACE
| HVAC, PLUMBING
• View our ad on page 119
Alex Glass & Glazing
| SHOWER DOORS
Woodland Home Design
| ARCHITECT
“It’s just a welcoming place, somewhere you can get away from the everyday hustle and bustle and just unplug.”
Kim Fredericksen -Homeowner
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D
DESIGNER PORTFOLIO
Even at an early age, Don Andres dreamt of owning a custom cabinet shop. Using a Tonka-style truck and a rope-tied wagon as a trailer, he would meander around his neighborhood in Randall, Minn., to find wood scraps, which he’d then use to build anything related to cabinets or furniture. In high school, Don worked for a custom cabinet shop in Carver, Minn., where he even had his own line of tables. After graduating from Hennepin Technical College with several prestigious awards from cabinetry competitions, Don’s dream of owning a custom cabinetry business still remained front and center. A family effort then began in April of 1992, when brother Gary Andres of Gary’s Painting had just added on an addition to his painting business and invited brother Don to rent the back room space for his start-up custom cabinet business. Wood Products Unlimited was, at long last, born. Don and one other
employee would work nights and weekends to build (from the back shop of Gary’s Painting) and install one kitchen per week. A year later, Wood Products Unlimited’s current building was constructed across the parking lot from where it originated. Five building additions, six cube trucks, three trailers, and a fleet of black trucks later, Wood Products Unlimited now installs significantly more than one kitchen per week. In January of 2000, Wood Products was incorporated and brother Alan joined the team as partner and owner. To date, Don and Alan are both immersed in the day-today business with Don running the finishing shop and Alan handling all installs. Most employees have been with the company an average of seven years, with the business manager having been employed the longest at nearly 25 years. With an experienced design team, a team of builders, a by-hand finishing department, and a stellar install crew, Wood Products remains a full-service, 100 percent custom cabinetry topliner.
WHAT KINDS OF PRODUCTS DO YOU OFFER?
Wood Products sells fully custom cabinetry for your entire house—kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, linen cabinets, tub panels, office desks and storage, bench seats, entertainment centers, and fireplace
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surrounds. We start every project from scratch so we don’t use any pre-made sizes. All cabinet dimensions are adjusted based on the onsite framing. We work with several contractors in the area and do some commercial work, but mostly work in residential new builds or remodels and in many high-end lake homes. We service a wide area—past sites have included Grand Rapids, Alexandria, Fargo, the Twin Cities, and even western Wisconsin.
material, but we also have found look-alike materials (such as rustic oak and hickory) to give the look of barnwood without the price. We really do work with customers to find a style that is within their price range.
WHAT DOES YOUR CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE LOOK LIKE? HOW DO YOU HELP CUSTOMERS ENVISION THEIR NEW CABINETRY? WHAT’S HOT RIGHT NOW IN CABINET TRENDS?
We find that painted cabinetry is really popular. A few years ago people wanted more mission-style doors painted white. Now darker colors are coming into play such as grays and navy blue. Muted or satin brasscolored hardware is back in fashion as is, of all things, oak wood. But this time the oak is more rustic with knots and darker stains to enhance the grains and textures. Another look in demand is reclaimed barnwood. We do have a local supplier for barnwood, for those that want the authentic
Initially, we welcome customers to show us pictures of what they like (Pinterest or Houzz are popular sources of inspiration) or to visit our two showrooms at our location in Brainerd to choose samples they like. We meet with every customer in person to establish the exact cabinet style and design. We start with preliminary cabinet drawings that list the wood type, door style, cabinet interior and exterior finishes, and we include 3D renderings within the drawings. We understand how visual people are so the 3D drawings really do help most people get an idea of what their cabinetry—and room—will look like. Then through the process of cabinet meetings, and sometimes even a series of emails, we make as many revisions to the drawings as necessary in order to get to the final cabinet
approval. Once the drawings are mostly buttoned up and the job site is ready, we have a team go onsite and measure. They even draw out the cabinetry on the floor, which helps the trades such as plumbers and electricians understand what cabinets are planned for their part of the project.
HOW ARE YOU DIFFERENT THAN YOUR COMPETITORS?
We have a team of experienced design staff that have drawn and built a lot of varying styles, colors, and finishes. As mentioned previously, we measure on-site and draw out the cabinetry on the floor for every project we do. This helps everyone involved see where the cabinetry will go. That way, if the cabinetry doesn’t fit, it’s our own fault. Because we want our customers to love their cabinets, we allow for an unlimited number of digital design revisions. It’s easier to make changes on the computer than in the workshop!
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CAN YOU SPEAK TO THE QUALITY OF YOUR PRODUCTS?
Because we use three-quarter-inch melamine boxes, our cabinetry is very heavyduty and sturdy. We use cabinet-grade wood and material for a better fit and finish.
DO YOU MAKE CUSTOM INTERIORS?
We produce custom interior features including, but not limited to, solid wood dovetail drawer boxes, soft-close door hinges and drawer slides, finished interiors (versus the white or maple melamine), spice storage, tray dividers, pots/pans storage, pull-out trays, custom pull-out garbage, drawers within drawers, wooden silverware and/or utility storage dividers, etc.
DO YOU INSTALL AS WELL?
We have a team of six, including one of the owners, Alan Andres, that takes care of installing the cabinets. We like to install all base cabinets first so that, if granite or a solid surface top is needing to be templated, they can get in and measure the same day we’re installing cabinets. Because of our large team, we’re able to install your cabinets in only a day or two—a lot quicker than our competitors.
ON AVERAGE, HOW LONG DO PROJECTS TAKE?
We require four weeks from final design approval to cabinet install for an entire project. Sometimes bathroom vanities or offices can be turned around faster, but the overall timeline for production and installation is four weeks. We pride ourselves on building all cabinetry by hand, from cutting out the
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initial boxes to the assembly, finishing, sliding, and door/drawer front install. This style of craftsmanship takes time, particularly if distressing or glazing is requested.
DO YOU PROVIDE A WARRANTY?
Yes, we warranty the interior of our cabinetry for as long as the owner has them. So if a slide malfunctions or a hinge breaks, we will replace it at no additional charge to the customer. After nearly 30 years, Wood Products Unlimited continues to provide high quality custom cabinetry to the lakes area by providing exceptional customer service and all of the new trends and styles that customers want. While they are large enough to get most projects done within a mere month, Wood Products Unlimited also has the dedication and passion to make each homeowner feel prioritized. The Andres brothers promise a level of quality in their custom cabinets unmatched by their local competition, and they deliver on it. ~L&H
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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
L
FEATURED LAKE
Size: 8,050.3 Acres Max Depth: 32 ft. Clarity: 9.6 ft. Shore Length: 19.9 mi
Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Lake Minnewaska is an 8,050-acre basin located in central Pope County between Glenwood and Starbuck. For its size, Minnewaska is relatively shallow. Maximum depth is just 32 feet. Lake Minnewaska lies within the Chippewa River watershed and outflows to Lake Emily. It is the largest lake within the Glenwood Management Area and is a popular destination for many anglers and recreational boaters in west-central Minnesota. Swimming is also a popular activity during summer months. Municipal swimming beaches are located in Glenwood and Starbuck. Three public accesses are available. Two occur on the northeast side of the lake near Glenwood.
Lake Minnewaska supports a diverse fish community and offers a wide range of fishing opportunities. Fish management is primarily directed at the lake’s popular walleye fishery. The lake also supports good bass, northern pike, and panfishing opportunities. These populations have benefitted from increasing water clarity and expanding aquatic vegetation diversity and distribution within the lake. The next lake survey is tentatively scheduled for 2022. Anglers are reminded that new statewide northern pike harvest regulations were implemented in 2018. The state is now divided into three zones - Northeast, North-Central, and Southern—
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each with a specific regulation for angling and for spearing. Lake Minnewaska is located within the North-central Zone where anglers can now keep up to 10 pike but not more than two can be over 26 inches in length. All pike between 2226 inches must be immediately released. Lake Minnewaska is supporting a surplus of harvestable-size pike. Greater exploitation and harvest of small pike may increase survival of young walleyes. Lake Minnewaska is also designated as an infested waterbody due to the presence of Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussels, and starry stonewort. Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels have been present for many years now, but starry stonewort was first confirmed in 2017. ~L&H
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