Lake&Home Magazine Mar/Apr '24

FEATURE HOME Lucky Find

122

SHOPPING Lake Gifts

110 by Dawn Duncan

GIFTS FOR THE LAKE LOVER

THE COPPER PENNY BAR ON ROUND LAKE by Alicia Underlee Nelson

86 FEATURE LAKE Chippewa Lake

FEATURE HOME

88 REFINED

RUSTIC RETREAT by Patrice Peterson

FEATURE HOME

110 LUCKY FIND

The Copper Penny Barn on Round Lake by Alicia Underlee Nelson

SHOPPING

122 LAKE GIFTS

52

INTERIOR DESIGN

10 Design Trends We Love by Erin Foley

Year 25, Issue 2 • March / April 2024

PUBLISHER & CREATIVE - Kip Johnson

MANAGING EDITOR - Dawn Duncan

LAYOUT & DESIGN - Aaron Burgener

LAKE & HOME MAGAZINE – ADVERTISING SALES

Jerry Shea • 218.205.7454 • jerry@lakeandhomemagazine.com

Becky Haarstad • 262.994.8744 • rebecca@lakeandhomemagazine.com

Renee Redenius • 701.212.7227 • renee@lakeandhomemagazine.com

Terri Jo Peery • 320.491.5618• terrijo@lakeandhomemagazine.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

In the U.S., one year $24.95; two years $43.50; three years $55.00. Elsewhere add $5.00 per issue. Back issues are available for $5.00 per issue, plus shipping and handling. Subscriptions can be purchased online at lakeandhomemagazine.com/products

LAKE & HOME MAGAZINE

Published bimonthly by Compass Media | 126 S Vine St | Fergus Falls, MN 56537

From the Office

FRESH. That is what comes to mind when we think about spring and (hopefully) it’s right around the corner! We know about spring cleaning, but beyond purging items from closets, scrubbing, and organizing, there is a sense of rejuvenation when it comes to a home’s aesthetic, too.

It’s time to start thinking about “lighter and brighter,” and in this issue, we’re bringing you loads of ideas on how to be mindful in design. This includes thinking about little details in the construction process that can go a long way and how to design the perfect bedroom, the sanctuary you seek after a long day.

In addition, it’s that time of year when our friends at Pantone announce their Color of the Year and for 2024 it’s all about “Peach Fuzz.” The quirky name pays homage to the throwback shade you may remember from

the late 1980’s and early 1990’s; it was very popular then and it’s now in its comeback era! (Remember, those shades you saw years ago will probably resurface down the road…) In our Spruced! column, we’ll show you fun ideas on how to incorporate this peachy hue into your living spaces in ways that are modern and new.

Plus, don’t miss another one of our regular columns of Fun Finds, which includes editor’s picks from area retailers. We’ll show you unique gift and décor items from boutiques and other businesses throughout the lakes area. This issue also brings you a story on architectural styles, one on design trends we love, and updates from the world of flooring. These, along with our feature home stories,

are sure to get you looking forward to that long-awaited time of year here in Northern Minnesota when we start to see our natural environment show signs of new life. It’s a beautiful time of rebirth and new energy! We hope that you will feel inspired to think of ways to freshen up your home and enjoy what the infinite world of design has to offer.

Best,

Dawn Duncan Managing Editor

Photo by Kip Johnson

Many consider the kitchen or living room to be the heart of their home, but there is no denying that we spend a huge amount of time in our bedrooms, too. A bedroom is more than just a place you sleep, it is a personal sanctuary or refuge where we can escape and relax. Many primary suites incorporate a large closet, dressing room, and a bathroom attached, making the space multipurpose.

If you feel your bedroom is in need of a transformation, you may choose to work with a designer or do it yourself. Whichever path you choose, there are a handful of questions you may want to keep in mind before starting your revamp.

How do you utilize your bedroom?

It is important to establish this as a baseline. Sometimes a bedroom can be multipurpose and you want to ensure that you are meeting all of those needs. Think about several aspects, such as whether you need a walk-in wardrobe, what amount of storage are you requiring and for what, will there be a work desk or vanity station, and will there be a sitting area for reading, relaxing, or watching television?

PHOTO SUPPLIED BY TIMBER & ASH DESIGNS

Where would you like your bed to go?

Jacob Barney, of Timber and Ash Designs in Grand Forks, ND comments that where you place your bed is important but, if you are doing a room remodel or just a room refresh, you may be limited on where you can put your bed. “If possible, you do not want to block any pathways, whether that is to the closet or a primary bath. Also, centering the bed on your wall is not only visually appealing, but it’s also the most functional.” Often the bed will be the focal point, so if you have a preference for your bed’s location, bear this in mind from the beginning, along with the size, as that makes a difference.

PHOTO FEATURED IN LAKE & HOME

Do you have a theme and color scheme?

The color scheme you choose can completely change the look of your space. Take the time to thoroughly research what colors, textures, styles, and themes you want. “Having an idea of your theme, or style, prior to beginning the design process will help narrow down materials and colors from the start.” says Jacob. Warm whites, rich earthy palettes, and soothing cool colors mixed with neutral tones incorporated are really trending right now. “We all love trends, but this is your home, so choose a color palette that suits your style. The biggest thing is staying within a palette and not mixing color tones.”

Why is it important to add texture to your bedroom?

Texture, both tactile and visual, help set the mood and create ambiance in the space. Select three words that describe how you want your space to feel. Layer textures by juxtaposing different materials like velvety with rough, smooth with nubbed, crisp with organic. Textural narratives work best in neutrals or monochromatic schemes. Explore textured wallcoverings for extra depth or consider textured accessories like baskets, trays, made from wicker or rattan, and natural wood elements with textured surfaces. Keep prints and colors minimal to let texture shine. “To me, wood brings character and warmth to a space,” says Jacob.

PHOTO FEATURED IN LAKE & HOME Mar/Apr 2022

PHOTO FEATURED IN LAKE & HOME Nov/Dec 2022

What are your sleep requirements?

The most important purpose of your bedroom is to unwind and get the best night’s sleep or midafternoon nap possible. Picking out the right bed should be one of the most researched and thought out factors of the entire project. Take the time to find just the right mattress for your body first, space second. “We want our spaces to look great, but the most important factor is function,” says Jacob. Simplicity is one of the hottest style trends for beds right now. “Modern platform bed frames that add character to your room but don’t feel too big and bulky.” Not only that, but platform bed frames offer a simple, yet luxurious feel, plus they offer lots of under bed storage options. If you want a look completely unique and all your own, consider having a custom bed frame built. “Building a custom bed frame can check off a lot of boxes on your wish list.”

PHOTO SUPPLIED BY TIMBER & ASH DESIGNS

How are you incorporating natural light?

Natural light is a very important aspect to any room. You want to make the most out of the natural light in your bedroom, but sometimes, it isn’t enough on its own. Consider how much additional artificial lighting you want in your room and level of softness you are looking for. Mirrors are not only great for brightening up a room by allowing natural light to bounce around the space, but also make the room appear larger. Keep your lamp shades simple. While patterned lampshades can be fun, they aren’t exactly the best for rooms low on natural light. Simple lampshades will make artificial lighting more effective, while giving the space an airy feel. Window coverings such as white or natural linen are a great way to let light in while keeping the privacy you seek in your sacred space. If you are inclined to opt for a darker room aesthetic, you may want to consider blackout curtains to help keep any light from entering, ensuring a deep and restful sleep.

How much storage is needed?

This is a commonly overlooked question when revamping a bedroom space, but essential for keeping your room organized and inviting. Take the time to think realistically about the amount of space you will need. A walk-in closet is wonderful if you have the space, but if you don’t, get creative. Maximize your vertical space by adding shelves, install a chair rail to display art, make the most out of odd corner and architectural features, use an end of bed trunk; there are many fun and functional options at your local flea market, or maximize your space by organizing items in totes underneath your bed.

PHOTO

Should I keep my current bedroom furniture?

That all depends on what you currently have and if it fits your vision. “If you don’t love it, change it out. Redesigning a room is a lot of work and by keeping little things here and there that you don’t love, you are sacrificing the entire project.” says Jacob. The options are endless. Investing in custom pieces will give you exactly what you are looking for. Spending the time to do the proper research online and in person will help narrow down exactly what you desire. “DIY is certainly an option, but not everyone has the ability.” Mixing and matching can work if done correctly. “I like seeing a mix of different materials and textures.”

PHOTO FEATURED IN LAKE & HOME Nov/Dec 2022

PHOTO FEATURED IN LAKE & HOME Jul/Aug 2022

Even the most outgoing and social people need a space to be by themselves. Your bedroom should be your haven of tranquility. Having your own space that is organized and authentically yours can make a difference in the way you think and feel. By having the space designed how you desire, you create a life built on inspiration and positivity. L&H

PHOTO FEATURED IN LAKE & HOME Sep/Oct 2023

PHOTO FEATURED IN LAKE & HOME May/Jun 2023

PHOTO FEATURED IN LAKE & HOME Sep/Oct 2023

Lentil - Feta Bruschetta

indulgence a Lake HOME

recipe by: Stephanie Disse photo by: Dawn Duncan

THE METHOD

If you’re looking for a fast, healthy appetizer, this one does it all. Use readyto-go ingredients such as canned lentils if you need to save on time, or opt for using dried lentils, soaked and softened. The recipe is perfect for a simple party addition or as a tasty snack or light lunch option. Mix all ingredients in a medium-sized serving bowl. Serve atop small toast rounds, rustic bread, salad, or chips of choice. L&H

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

INGREDIENTS

6 Roma tomatoes, diced small and then salted

2 cloves of garlic, minced

Fresh basil (approximately five large leaves, cut into thin strips)

2 T olive oil

2 T white balsamic vinegar

1 can (15 oz.) lentils, drained (or equivalent amount in dried lentils that have been soaked then boiled to soften then drained)

4 oz. container of Feta cheese, crumbled Salt and pepper, to taste

chef’s knife medium mixing/serving bowl can opener

We are passionate about timeless architecture that lasts for generations. One of our key design principles is to honor and embrace the landscape.

Kelli Wegscheid,Harmonious Architecture

Nestled amidst the serene beauty of lakeshores, where the water shimmers under the golden sun, lie the exquisite creations of Harmonious Architecture. As a premier boutique firm specializing in lake home design and light commercial buildings, Harmonious Architecture brings forth a symphony of elegance and innovation to the tranquil landscapes it graces.

Kelli Wegscheid, AIA Architect, and Owner of Harmonious Architecture in Perham, MN, has a passion for her field. It’s deeply ingrained in every one of their endeavors–each year they complete about 40 different projects. “We are passionate about timeless architecture that lasts for generations. One of our key design principles is to honor and embrace the landscape,” said Wegscheid. She graduated from NDSU and then got her Minnesota Architectural License in 2006. After a few years with respected firms, she opened the doors of Harmonious Architecture in 2010. The Perham office opened in 2015.

From the tranquil shores of Ottertail Lake, where Wegscheid’s childhood dreams of living on a lake and designing homes for others took root, she’s living her dream. Here, Kelli shares a bit about different architectural styles, information that is helpful when considering a new build or remodel.

THE LATEST ARCHITECTURAL STYLES HARMONIOUS ARCHITECTURE IS SEEING

Harmonious

Home

1. CabinUpdatedStyle:

This is a year-round home that is done in cabin style. Similar to a traditional cabin, this style offers new features combined with the same uniqueness and charm from the older styles, mainly larger living spaces and more updated lifestyle areas. “It’s where people still want the clean quaint look of the old cabins, but we’re adding primary bedroom suites and bigger kitchens,” said Wegscheid.

2. Rustic Modern:

“Rustic Modern style homes might be white or they may be black, but we’re still bringing in some of that wood from nature, perhaps with light wood timbers. Before, it might have been with the darker timbers or log accents. Wood and stone have been timeless materials. It’s just now that the color has changed to the lighter wood,” said Wegscheid.

Harmonious Architecture Home Featured In LAKE & HOME Jul/Aug 2021

Harmonious Architecture Home Featured In LAKE & HOME Mar/Apr 2023

3. Modern:

This style is more popular on small lots. “Say, if you have a small 50 foot wide lot and only have 30 feet to use for the home area because of side yard setbacks, many people are wanting to maximize their square footage, with a rectangular building,” said Wegscheid.

“There’s also a lot of metal siding with modern style lake homes. There are so many different options when it comes to metal siding, there are even some that resemble wood. You might want horizontal or vertical metal siding. There’s a lot to choose from.”

4. Farmhouse:

Farmhouse style homes are beloved favorites as well. “There’s more of the white and black. Think white with black windows and a steep roof. The white and black can be very stark. We offset that starkness with some of those homey timber colors to soften it. Wood accent timbers, wood entryways, wooden cabinets at the interior are just a few ideas,” said Wegscheid.

5. Log and Timber Frame Homes:

In certain areas these are very popular. “We don’t get a lot of these, but it is still a popular style, especially in the Brainerd area,” said Wegscheid.

A great ‘happy medium’ between a sun room and a screen porch is a screen porch with an Eze-Breeze type of enclosure system to create a three-season room.

Kelli Wegscheid, Harmonious Architecture

Custom Cabin Details

Other details that you can add to your custom lake cabin to emphasize its architectural style and make it extra special are patios, covered or screened porches, and decks.

When it comes to living in the lakes area, many choose to live here because of being close to wilderness and the water. “In our lakes area, a great ‘happy medium’ between a sun room (having real glass windows) and a screen porch (screens only) is a screen porch with an Eze-Breeze type of enclosure system to create a three-season room,” said Wegscheid.

Renovating Or Building A New Custom Home?

When talking with Wegscheid, she mentioned that “We’re getting into a time in history where almost everything is a tear down because the small traditional cabins that were built in the thirties and forties have no foundation. It’s just not cost effective after all the work you need to do to fix the foundation and then you need to do new windows, maybe a new insulation update, and then electrical. And then even houses that were built in the sixties and seventies typically had small windows, eight foot ceilings or less and need a total interior update and exterior upgrade.”

If you’ve been looking at updating your cabin and you have one with some of those outdated features such as small windows, low ceilings, bad insulation, and cramped basements, it might be a good reason to look into rebuilding.

“This might also be why people keep that updated cabin style. People want to keep that nostalgia, you know the old familiar look, but they’re updating it to better construction, better room sizes, better windows, and maybe even adding a garage,” said Wegscheid.

People want to keep that nostalgia, you know the old familiar look, but they’re updating it to better construction, better room sizes, better windows, and maybe even adding a garage.

Kelli Wegscheid, Harmonious Architecture

Photos supplied by BLUE OX TIMBER FRAMES

What To Keep In Mind WhenYourUpdating Cabin

When updating your cabin or even tearing it down and rebuilding a new cabin, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, you’ll want to look at the viability of your current home’s construction.

“Look at things like the foundation. Is it good? Does the electrical need to be updated? Usually the bathrooms were tiny, so the plumbing or bathrooms might need to be upgraded. You know, all the windows might be old and small, so the windows might need to be updated and there was probably zero insulation. So you need to look at all those pieces before you move forward and do a remodel,” said Wegscheid.

Photo supplied by BLUE OX TIMBER FRAMES

Secondly, you’ll want to look at what your lot would allow. Wegscheid mentioned, “That might dictate whether you can do a rectangle, modern, or rustic modern box. Sometimes people have a very narrow lot, with a lot of lake frontage, but there might be a road right behind them. So then the lot would lend towards a long narrow home.” After you know the viability of your current home’s construction and what your lot would allow, you can choose the style you’d like.

Spend a little time looking at what details you might like included in your house. Are you a person who loves creating inspiration boards on Pinterest? If this is your go-to, another website you might want to look into is Houzz. It’s similar to Pinterest, but is focused around houses and the details you want to add. Gather images of décor you’d like to include in your house from colors, textures, elements, and more. Wegscheid mentioned, “I love it when clients come to me with a style and then we’re able to execute it really well.”

As lakefront dwellers seek renewal and upgrades, the architectural details of a home provide the cornerstone of vision and a foundation for the project. L&H

I love it when clients come to me with a style and then we’re able to execute it really well.

Kelli Wegscheid, Harmonious Architecture

Photos supplied by BLUE OX TIMBER FRAMES

THE METHOD

indulgence a Lake HOME soup Asparagus

recipe by: Stephanie Disse photo by: Dawn Duncan

Cream Of

Wash asparagus and then cut tops off (approximately 1-2”) and reserve. Cut the remaining stalks into thirds. Boil salted water on medium-high in large pot on stove, then add the stalks of asparagus, making sure they’re covered. Boil the asparagus for 10-15 minutes then remove the stalks and place immediately in the bowl of ice water for 2 minutes. Drain. Heat 2 T of butter in large pot on medium-high heat until melted, then add chopped onion and asparagus stalks. Sautee for five minutes. Add the chicken broth and minced garlic. Turn heat down to medium. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Using an immersion blender, blend the pot’s contents until very smooth. Cook another three minutes. Add the Half & Half, lemon juice, and cheese. Using the immersion blender, blend contents of pot again. Heat the soup another 10 minutes, or until all contents are heated through. Serve in soup bowls, garnished with the asparagus tops (2/bowl), freshly grated Parmesan, croutons, and salt and pepper a s desired. L&H

INGREDIENTS

2 # fresh asparagus (green)

1 large bowl of ice water

1 large onion, diced

3 T butter, divided (2 T, 1 T)

4 C chicken broth

3 cloves of garlic, minced

½ C Half & Half

½ tsp. fresh lemon juice

½ C fresh Parmesan cheese, grated

Croutons (as garnish)

Salt and pepper, to taste

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Chef’s knife

cutting board

large pot

pan spatula

immersion blender

(Handheld blender recommended. Regular blender or food processor may be used as a substitute.)

colander

large bowl for ice water

In the realm of custom home construction, the devil is in the details and HighPoint Homes takes pride in crafting custom homes that transcend the ordinary. They love paying attention to the small details that truly transform your house into a home.

Photo supplied by HighPoint Homes

The Small Details Matter Most

When it comes to building a house, the little things add up and make the house unique and special.

When HighPoint Homes started in 1999, they built around 50 homes in the Saint Cloud area before moving to Alexandria. “After 2006-2007, we started building more custom projects that touched water. That’s certainly not all, but it’s the majority of the projects that we do now,” said HighPoint Homes Owner, Jay Paulson. He also noticed that more people are working from home and some have been purchasing properties on or near the lakes.

Since every homeowner is different, there is a wide-range of styles and details out there for people to choose from when it comes to building their next house. “It’s really fun to work with the homeowners and the ideas that they bring to the table,” said HighPoint Homes Designer, Ashley Trousil.

“It’s really fun to work with the homeowners and the ideas that they bring to the table.

Ashley Trousil

HighPoint Homes

A Stress Saving Detail

One thing that might not seem like an important detail, but actually cuts back on a lot of stress down the road, is working with someone who has your back with everything, even when you’re not around. “Many of our clients don’t live in the area and some might even live out of state. So we try to be pretty full service to bridge that gap with emails, updates, and Zoom calls," said Paulson.

“

Many of our clients don’t live in the area and some might even live out of state. So we try to be pretty full service to bridge that gap with emails, updates, and Zoom calls.

Jay PaulsonHighPoint Homes

Details for Consideration

When considering custom details to add to your new house, prioritize both the functionality and the aesthetic appeal, but also how it would help you live a more peaceful life. Here are some ideas of small details you could add to your next build.

1. Make Your Home A Smart Home: Some people like adding fireplaces and heated flooring into their houses, but it adds a whole new level when you can control things with your smart technology. A few things that can be controlled like this are: security, temperature control, lighting, entertainment systems, and integrated home assistants.

2. Energy Efficiency Features: Items that might help save your wallet in the long run are opting for energy-efficient appliances and windows. Ways to do this are by installing LED lighting, solar panels, and high-efficiency HVAC systems.

3. Invest In Custom Cabinetry And Storage: An often overlooked area, at least in the beginning phase of planning a built, is storage, which is important to keep in mind when planning and dreaming about your future house. Having custom-built cabinets and storage that’s tailored to the needs of each room is a bonus. This could also include built-in shelving, customized closets, and hidden compartments. “Another thing with cabinets is that you can go from something simple and very value engineered to inset painted. We work with a lot of custom cabinet companies and we’re really lucky to have those in the area. They can do pretty much anything, which is awesome,” said Trousil.

4. Make Your Bathroom An In-Home Spa: Options such as heated flooring, a rainfall showerhead or maybe even steam showers, or a whirlpool tub create a spa-like experience. How about incorporating high-quality materials like marble or quartz countertops and custom-built vanities? “Say you have a shower; here, you could do a fiberglass shower and that’d be totally functional, but maybe you want a more elevated feel, you want that spa feel,” said Trousil.

5. Architectural Details: Options that add character and sophistication are coffered ceilings, wainscoting, crown molding, arched doorways, exposed beams, and custom trim work.

6. Custom Lighting: When thinking about your dream house, make sure to choose lighting fixtures that complement the style and decor of each room such as pendant lights, sconces, or even chandeliers or other statement lights. These will add personality and a special ambiance to your home.

7. Home Offices: It’s ideal to set aside functional spaces for a gym, maybe a home office, or even a media room to accommodate your lifestyle needs. Some different things to think about adding are built-in desks, tailored storage solutions, or even soundproofing for optimal comfort and productivity.

8. High-Quality Flooring: There is so much to choose from when it comes to flooring. It’s important to think about your home and the feeling you want it to have, because the floor you choose will definitely add to the overall environment. For instance, if you choose an inviting wood with rustic charm, it will give off a warmer feeling than white tile. It all depends on your taste and the house you want. Also, another thing to think about is adding heating systems to the floors.

9. Extra Bedding And Sleeping Solutions: Lake properties usually see many guests each year, whether its friends and/or family coming to visit. It’s a good thing to have extra space for them. You can do this with extra guestrooms or a bunkroom with solid custom built-in bunks.

“These lake homes are all unique, where it might just be two people living there, but on the Fourth of July, it’s a packed house. So then we have to have it equipped with those extra beds or bunks,” said Paulson.

10. Make Your Fireplace A Centerpiece: When it comes to fireplaces, there are plenty of choices one can choose from with there being options in stone, custom, brick, limestone surround, sheetrock, or even shiplap.

Photo supplied by HighPoint Homes

“ That’s not to say we don’t still do them, but now it seems people are wanting to use color to make spaces more cozy.

Jay PaulsonHighPoint Homes

Trends

Every year there are new trends that come on the scene and some have been popular for a long time. Here are some of the trends that HighPoint Homes has been seeing.

The decrease in all-white kitchens: Even though people love these, there seems to be a new trend where people are moving away from them. “That’s not to say we don’t still do them, but now it seems people are wanting to use color to make spaces more cozy," said Paulson.

Colorful Exteriors - Paulson spoke about how he was seeing more color on the outside of houses, too. “We still do white-trim light-colored houses, but we’re doing more dark houses now. I would say that’s trending. I don’t know how long that trend will last. There is definitely more color. We still have gray, but we’re trying to combine it with warmer tones.”

Accent Walls - Accent walls and ceilings have been big, but not in the way you may be thinking. Of course, paint is still popular, but Trousil mentioned, “About 10-15 years ago you’d see a lot of accent walls where we were painting a different color, but now it’s more so with different materials like stone, wood, or shiplap.”

Prepping for aging-in-place - “In the last few years, there has been an increasing number of one level homes or ones with no basements. Many homes are designed for one-level living and age-in-place design, with roll-in showers, wider doors, and other amenities designed around perhaps limited mobility; not that people are needing that at that point when we’re building it, but they’re building it saying this will be their last build, so they want to stay there as long as they can,” said Paulson.

It’s abundantly clear that the magic truly lies in the details. From serene lakeside retreats to bustling second homes, each project reflects those who are going to live in it. The journey from blueprint to fruition is not just a construction project, it is an outpouring of conscientious planning and design, down to the little things that make an impact. L&H

“ We still do whitetrim light-colored houses, but we’re doing more dark houses now. I would say that’s trending. I don’t know how long that trend will last. There is definitely more color. We still have gray, but we’re trying to combine it with warmer tones.

Jay PaulsonHighPoint Homes

Aswe continue to step into the possibilities of 2024, it’s time to embrace the new wave of home décor trends. From the bold and unique to the refined and sustainable, these trends capture the spirit of innovation and personal flair.

Elemental Metal

Mirrored surfaces and chrome furniture are on the upswing for 2024. Essential elements such as aluminum, chrome, and steel are showing up everywhere with a distinctly surrealistic aesthetic, boasting gleaming surfaces resembling liquid mercury. Metals amplify whatever vibe a room is already projecting. Bright aluminums and silver will continue to gain popularity in 2024, after years of gold and black dominating metal hardware and accessories. Avoid metals that are too shiny and look for the richness of a brushed chrome or nickel, giving a more polished, sophisticated look.

Tile, Evolved

From wall to floor, unique tiles may be the statement you are looking for! Oversized, large-scale tiles of high quality, or the timeless look of handmade Zellige tiles are expected to dominate 2024. Dramatic patterns, updated compositions, and unique layouts will add a sense of breadth and personality to new or updated spaces. Handcrafted, artisanal tiles that flaunt imperfection continue to gain popularity, especially within traditional go-to tiles such as the subway. The classic look of subway tile will always be around, but with an update thanks to a creative influx of hand-pressed looks in varying sizes, colors, and shapes of the classic tile. Layouts are becoming more playful, whether it be a vertical stack offset, a double herringbone, or basketweave. These offer a classic yet elevated look. Floor and wall tiles can make just as stunning a focal point as a typical feature wall. Sustainability is on everyone’s radar, including tile makers. Tiles are now being made with recyclable materials with manufacturers are implementing sustainability into every aspect of their operations, from the firing process to transportation. They are minimizing material usage, making tiles that are entirely recyclable, and are sometimes even using packaging without glues.

Home Office

The home office isn’t going anywhere and is becoming a permanent fixture in homes, especially with remote work here to stay. Embracing the feeling of productivity, people are investing in ergonomic furniture, soundproofing, and stylish design to make their workspaces more functional and inspiring. Furniture and décor for these spaces are also branching out. Modular desks, adjustable chairs, and collapsible storage units ensure your workspace evolves with varying needs. Natural materials, indoor plants, and earth tone color schemes boost your productivity by integrating elements of nature, fostering a tranquil environment, encouraging focus and while cultivating a positive mental ambiance. Promote the green approach by opting for sustainability practices in your office using recycled material and investing in energy efficient appliances and LED lighting.

Tradition Modernized for a Contemporary Appeal

The return of classic elements, with a fresh twist is on the rise. Tradition is getting a fun makeover in 2024! Timeless spaces can now embrace contemporary functionality and atmosphere. Ornate furniture can complement an eclectic layout but also feel toned down and casual, typical of modern interiors. 2024 will bring more rounded edges and curved silhouettes. A softer angle is more inline with nature, and can be a beautiful way to offset the structure and rigidity of straight lines and shaper edges. Vintage glamour exudes elegance and luxury, with a top note of nostalgia by incorporating classic and glamorous elements with modern pieces, creating a timeless look. Velvet and satin, metallic accents, and bold art deco or floral prints offer a unique look, standing out from other furniture trends. A sophisticated and luxurious aesthetic is popular, while also staying up-to-date with the latest pattern trends.

Green Living

This is more than just a trend – it’s a lifestyle! In 2024, eco-conscious interior design takes center stage, enveloping many other trends. Think biophilic elements, sustainable materials, and living walls bringing the outdoors in. Nature-inspired elements and design improve well-being, highlighting a connection with nature, and awakening a sense of responsibility toward the environment. Embracing the trend could be as easy as keeping windows bare to delight in the view, including potted plants, and being environmentally conscious in your design choices. Interior decoration is being infused with the freshness and vitality plants bring. The quest for style benefits, wellness, and relaxed atmospheres have fueled a growing interest in plants. The result is creating spaces that are not only visually appealing but emotionally enriching by transforming your home into an oasis of greenery and style.

Natural Lighting

In line with the green trend of inviting the outdoors in, natural lighting follows suit by embracing the sunshine all day. Sunny ambiance is the ultimate design accessory of 2024. Large windows, skylights, and strategically placed mirrors amplify the benefits of natural light in the home. Naturally lit interiors not only feel inviting and airy, but encourage Vitamin D production, focus, and well-being. Maximize natural light with reflective surfaces like mirrors and shimmery accent pillows and a light color scheme.

Simplicity

For a balanced interior, warm minimalism offers a serene design style promoting mindfulness and slowing down. Balancing serene simplicity, functionality, comfort, and style with offering soothing and alluring smooth surfaces, neat interiors, and clutter-free, simplified living spaces. This timeless and trend offers the less is more philosophy, serving a purpose by stripping away the unnecessary. Minimalism does not necessarily mean ‘less stuff’, but is more about the composition of style, blending things together in a more composed manner offering more places for

the eye to rest in a more calming approach to design. Fewer items in a space accentuates those that are, making them more important and impactful.

Authentically YOU

Finally, authenticity has become a key pillar for interior design and will be here beyond the trends for the foreseeable future. Character, personality, and uniqueness draws you in as every piece tells a story. Vintage finds, family pieces, artisanal craftsmanship, and personalized decor bring warmth and individuality to homes. Let your home reflect your personality and likes. Focus on embracing the beauty of imperfections, of becoming, and highlighting your unique preferences. Mix and match for an eclectic style, by combining styles, colors, and patterns to create a look uniquely your own, reflecting who you are. Playful and sophisticated, vintage and modern, traditional and trendy. By projecting who you are through textures, patterns, and color combinations, you create a sense of authentic balance and cohesion uniquely your own.

Joyful Aesthetics

What sparks your joy? Relaxation, renewal, harmony, play, magic? These can all be used in our homes and workspaces in ways that create and allow us to experience joyful moments. Create spaces in your home that trigger happiness. Through bold vibrant colors, making us feel more alive and energetic. Whimsical patterns and playful elements ignite the human desire for joy, positivity, and making every day feel like a celebration.

Color Outside the Lines

Warm whites bring sophistication and depth to a space while keeping it bright and neutral. Jewel tones, offering the saturated hues of precious gems, are at the forefront of incorporating richness into any room. Whether as an accent or the centerpiece, darker shades of greens, blues, reds, and pinks are warm, energizing hues ideal for infusing a little personality and color into any space, plus they work well in any room of the home. There are endless ways to incorporate darker, more moody tones into your living areas. Start small with accents such as a vase, accent ceiling, or repainting cabinets. Trying out bolder colors on a smaller project first will help decide if you can live with the color before committing to it on a larger scale. These colors are great choices for rooms that get a lot of natural light, as they reflect well and can help make your space feel brighter. L&H

There’s a psychology and emotion to color. You may instantly feel calm or more relaxed the moment you walk into a space and you might not know why. You may experience an instant reaction that is positive or negative, evoking memories or new sensations. Color can make you feel happy, relaxed, anxious, even melancholy, so it’s important to take that into consideration when updating, decorating, or painting things in your house. An ongoing trend in design is focus on homes being inviting and cozy, whether that is through using a neutral palette peppered with warmer tones such as browns or dark grays, or using bold colors to evoke drama and high impact.

If you want to make your house reflect warmth with a touch of trendiness, then you’re going to want to add this year’s Pantone Color of the Year to your list. This year’s color is PANTONE 13-1023: Peach Fuzz. Pantone described Peach Fuzz as “a velvety, gentle peach whose all-embracing spirit enriches heart, mind, and body.”

ABOUT THE Color of the Year

At its core, the Pantone Color of the Year is kind of a marketing ploy, as people from all walks of life use it and are inspired to add it to artwork, movies, fashion, and much more, but that doesn’t stop us from being able to love and enjoy each new release.

Last year’s pick by Pantone was Viva Magenta 18-1750. The deep, bold pink hue was a pop of color that reflected excitement and strong tone. This year is in sharp contrast, as Peach Fuzz is much softer. If you prefer calmer shades, this may be one to consider.

SPRUCING UP YOUR HOUSE WITH THE 2024 PANTONE Color of The Year

When it comes to sprucing up your house with Peach Fuzz, keep in mind how Pantone described this color: “In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless.”

Take a little time to sit down and decide what areas or details of your house that you’d like to spruce up and then determine if Peach Fuzz fits into the plan. It is useful to decide if this could be a main color in a room or area or just a small accent.

PRO TIP: Get out a pen and notepad, and along with perhaps some inspiration from Pinterest, write down the feelings you want to convey in your home in each of the rooms. What textures does that include? (Example: Jute rugs for texture and sheer curtains that let in natural light.)

In The Kitchen:

The kitchen is the heart of the home, a place where everyone gathers and where memories are made over food and drink.

• New dishes, glasses, mugs, or table linens are easy and inexpensive ways to add Peach Fuzz to the kitchen area.

• Do you have a window in your kitchen? A new window covering in Peach Fuzz may be the perfect refresher.

• New hand towels, drying towels, or wash cloths are easy ways to add new color to the kitchen area.

• Paint or wallpaper: These are excellent options when it comes to using Peach Fuzz on a small or large scale and are easily replaceable if you decide to change to a different color scheme later.

• If your cabinets could use a new look but you’re not ready to replace them yet, painting them in a new color may be a good solution. Colored cabinets continue to trend and a touch of peach may be what your kitchen needs to look more modern.

YOUR LIVING SPACES Where You Do Life

In living spaces such as living or family rooms, along with bedrooms, adding the Color of the Year is easy:

• Think about rugs and other textured décor; these add quick punches of color without a tremendous amount of time, money, or occupation of space.

• Pillows are always a great option in terms of adding slight change or rejuvenation to a room. You may want to opt for new pillows entirely, or shop for covers that easily slip on and off of a base pillow, which makes it easy to keep pillows clean.

• Window coverings are another way to add new color and Peach Fuzz, being that it’s a lighter shade, will allow natural light to flow through sheer curtains beautifully.

Where You Rest:

We all want to feel rested and peaceful in our bedrooms so keeping them clean and clear is a must, but having a few eye-catching details that draw your attention and make you feel relaxed is a bonus.

• New bedding, such as a duvet cover and/or sheets in Peach Fuzz brings the trending color in as a focal point.

• Choose artwork that includes tones of peach and related hues.

• Add an accent chair in Peach Fuzz or a similar shade, then opt for a coordinating pillow as a special touch.

The Home Office:

• Accent décor and office supplies in Peach Fuzz are a fun way to spruce up the space without being overpowering or looking overdone.

• Paint the walls or do just an accent wall that coordinates with the others, perhaps in scheme such as warm ivory accented by peach.

• If your office has soft furnishings or room for rugs, window coverings, or artwork, these are all options to consider refreshing with a touch of the warm hue Peach Fuzz.

The Bathroom:

• Add touches of Peach Fuzz as candles, towels, soaps, or decorative items.

• Add a shower curtain and coordinating rug in the Color of the Year.

As you embark on this year’s color journey, embrace Peach Fuzz not only as a hue but as a symbol of renewal, rest, and connection in everyday life. After all, in the tapestry of home decor, every shade tells a story, and Peach Fuzz invites us to create homes filled with comfort and rest. L&H

Back in the day, shopping for flooring was a very time-consuming and sometimes frustrating experience, as it often entailed multiple trips to the showroom, collecting and hauling samples, and lacking sophisticated technology to assist with the process. Thankfully, the realm of digital experience has evolved greatly and the same technologies that are designed to make our daily lives simpler have also hit the home improvement industry, specifically flooring and tile stores.

Thanks to augmented and virtual reality sciences, shopping for new floors or custom tiled shower is as simple as taking pictures of your space. From there, apps and specialized software programs are there to become an addition to the design and selection process, giving you a vast array of choices and the ability to see what each selection would look like in your living space. This has helped homeowners and designers alike in that visualization is key when choosing options that will stand the test of time in durability, but also in the home’s aesthetic.

For most customers, trying to picture their projects with small swatches can be challenging. Customers don’t always have unlimited budgets to hire interior designers or assistants to decorate their homes. Room photos on displays and backs of samples can help spark ideas. However, you still have to lean pretty heavily on your imagination.

words

One company offering a solution to this challenge is Roomvo. They are the leading room visualization company in the flooring industry. Information obtained from Roomvo https://get.roomvo.com/ states, “Since 2017, we’ve been working with the biggest brands around the world to make shopping for the home quicker, easier, and more enjoyable. Our visualization technology gives shoppers the freedom to try new products and the confidence to make their dreams a reality. Roomvo, a Leap Tools brand, is one of the fastest-growing technology companies in North America, driven by innovation and a desire for constant improvement. With over 200+ Employees, We’re one of North America’s fastest-growing tech companies”.

Roomvo QR Codes are attached to every sample, so staff and shoppers can scan them with a cell phone and see them visualized on Roomvo Kiosk.

Technology is wonderful, but having a partner who knows how to offer it and use it properly is important in order to get the best experience and see all that the program has to offer.

Seland’s partnered with Roomvo in 2020 to bring room visualization to their website. In 2023, Seland’s became one of the first retailers to introduce Roomvo’s Kiosk into their showroom. This brings extensive product range to life on a large touch screen display. The new showroom kiosk greatly improves the overall experience. When customers see their new flooring on the big screen, their eyes light up, especially if they’ve uploaded a photo of their space. The rooms scenes can be shared and forwarded to the customer’s email.

Customers can also go to selands.com, upload a photo then see flooring visualized in their space. They often browse the website, then come out to the showroom to see in person. They usually call first. At that point, they are encouraged to bring a photo of their room so that they can try out this new kiosk big screen. Each sample has a QR code and once entered, the program populates their favorite floors in their space. People are amazed by the fun experience. It’s not just the customers who are excited, but sales team too! It’s exhilarating and refreshing to work with cutting-edge technology.

For us, it’s about helping customers and letting them know that they have our support. Once our sales representatives have taken the time to show them how their renovations will look on the kiosk, customers gain peace of mind and confidence. L&H

Roomvo Kiosk shows how products will look in the customer’s home, giving them the confidence about their selection.

Roomvo is also great tool for interior designers, as they can show their clients the products they’ve designed in their space.

Seland’s is a family-owned flooring and tile store. Serving Fergus Falls and Lakes area of West Central Minnesota.

Seland’s 17296 County Highway 82, Fergus Falls, MN 56537 218-739-1177 | Selands.com

Raspberry Brunch Pastry

INGREDIENTS

2 packages of crescent rolls, each roll cut into 12 even pieces

1 8 oz. package of cream cheese, brought to room temperature

8 (heaping) T powdered sugar, divided in half

8 oz. raspberry jam (can substitute another flavor of jam if desired)

1 tsp. almond extract

½ tsp. milk

indulgence a Lake HOME

recipe by: Stephanie Disse photo by: Dawn Duncan

THE METHOD

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Sheet pan

Small knife

Cooking spray

Measuring spoons

Teaspoon

Two small mixing bowls

Heat oven to 350 F. Cut the packages of crescent rolls each into 12 even pieces. Mix the cream cheese with 4 T of the powdered sugar until fully blended together. Place the slices of rolls onto a greased sheet pan and press an indent into the center of each one using the back of a spoon. In each indent, place a teaspoon of the cream cheese mix and then one teaspoon of jam. Mix remaining 4 T of powdered sugar with the almond extract and milk. Stir until blended. Drizzle the almond mix over the top of each pastry. Bake for 15 minutes then remove from oven to fully cool before serving. L&H

SMEG is a beloved brand for several types of kitchen appliances, including this deluxe espresso machine ($549.99) that works with ground coffee as well as pods. It’s a userfriendly device with quick controls, a stainless steel filter holder, a cappuccino system and thermoblock, plus a one-litre water tank. This is the solution to perfect at-home espresso and coffee drinks!

A new tea kettle and pot are a wonderful way to add some color to your kitchen and welcome spring with bright, fun energy! The classic tea kettle by Chantal is beautiful in the hue of marigold and features a two-tone harmonica whistle, solid construction, and a perfect size for multi-cup water prep. ($139.99) The classic white, 6-cup tea pot globe by London Pottery will help brew a proper cup every time and is a timeless addition to your space. ($21.95).

Nora Fleming is a beloved home décor and lifestyle designer as well as book author. Her various dinnerware and serving pieces are high quality and feature the signature accessory attachment feature, allowing you to choose themed and whimsical additions to your table. From fruits to holiday pieces to florals, Nora Fleming dinnerware is a conversation piece that is unique. (Various pieces pictured range from $27.00-$56.99 with interchangeable mini accents at $14.99). Check out her book, Mini Occasions, as well, which includes 70+ recipes, 13 party ideas, and personalized write-in pages. ($47.99)

These various decorative items say “lake life” and are stunning additions to any lake home. The textures represented are beautiful when combined with one another. The soft tones of blue and ivory blend into the lake ambiance and aesthetic while providing a modern twist on natural décor. Jute baskets by Danica Heirloom ($32.95, $52.95). Tag Living throws ($44.99). Garland by Tag Living ($44.99) Wooden ball accents ($14.99, $19.99) The metal fish wall sculpture adds a special artistic touch. ($199.99).

Every lake house needs Lake House hand lotion and soap! The scent is a perfectly balanced woodsy aroma infused into a soothing, thick lotion for dry hands, along with a sudsy soap. The combo is ideal for kitchen and bath. (Lotion $13.99, soap $12.99).

Cribbage is a classic game that allows for a playing board of many shapes and sizes, including that of the State of Minnesota! In two different wood tones, this board has the state’s towns listed, providing a geography lesson while hunkering down for a wild game! (59.99).

Fairibault Mills is known for quality blankets, throws, and related woven items. These ladder blankets are a perfect size for the bedroom or family room and available in multiple patterns and color schemes. ($77.99).

These make excellent gifts or souvenirs from our fine state! Various Minnesota motif pint glasses ($17.99 ea.) as well as wood wick soy candles by Sota Crackers with the state shape featured are useful treasures for the home as well as to send with guests ($19.99 ea., various scents).

A Minnesota campfire staple, s’mores come in many shapes and flavors now! This fun menu sign (8”x16”) on distressed wood is a whimsical addition to the home and one that offers new twists on the classic treat. ($37.99).

With protective bottom and a carved pattern, these oversized stoneware coasters ($7.99 ea.) are a stylish addition to your coffee table. The neutral shade and the size of each coaster are ideal for today’s home and drinkware.

These 7” x 8.5” ceramic acorn canisters have an airtight seal and each one is unique in shape. They are great for staples like flour and sugar, and for treats, too! ($39.99 ea).

Stoneware soup mugs and Anderson House Frontier Soup Mix: Soup mixes ($9.99 ea.) are good to have on hand for quick, hearty meal and Anderson House’s line is extensive. Serve soup in large, reactive glaze soup mugs by Tag ($24.99 ea.) available in assorted colors for a stylish, rustic look that is timeless.

Carved wooden tray and TAG prairie napkin set (4): This carved forest tray ($52.95) is a stellar decorative item that is also useful as a cheeseboard. Featuring a carved pine motif and arched handles, it pairs well with the prairie napkin set (4) from Tag ($29.95 per set of 4).

Directions to access:

The location is 5 miles north of Garfield on County Road 12 and is situated on the northeast shore.

Facilities:

1 ramp (concrete slab)

1 parking lot (gravel)

no vehicle parking spaces

4 vehicle/trailer parking spaces

no accessible parking spaces

1 dock

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources & Wikipedia

ACRES 1,185.81

MAX DEPTH 95 FEET

SHORE LENGTH

14.15 MILES CLARITY

10.9 FEET

0 restrooms Black Bullhead, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Tullibee (Cisco), Walleye, Yellow Bullhead, Yellow Perch, Bigmouth Buffalo, Bowfin (Dogfish), Common Carp, Freshwater Drum, White Sucker, Banded Killifish, Bluntnose Minnow, Central Stoneroller, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Mimic Shiner, Spottail Shiner, Tadpole Madtom

"This home is inherently rustic, but with a lot of clean lines and square angles. I would call it

Refined Rustic."

MATT SCHMIDT, WES HANSON BUILDERS INC.

Traditionally, the essence of a cabin or lake home design includes a minimalistic style, exposed wood, and the celebration of a more rugged, natural appearance. Over the years, that definition has broadened to include numerous variations, all of them highlighting a rugged, natural beauty.

This spacious yet cozy oasis, the stunning home that Bill and Mari built on the Whitefish Chain, features 100-yearold reclaimed barnwood, two-story windows, quarried stone, and bold mixed metal accents, truly reflecting the broadened definition of rustic charm.

“This home is inherently rustic, but with a lot of clean lines and square angles,” says Matt Schmidt, Design Principal for Wes Hanson Builders Inc., in Crosslake. “I would call it Refined Rustic, and it really pays homage to who Bill and Mari are.”

Matt says this couple had a vision for a rustic retreat that “still felt like home” for their four adult children, spouses, and five grandchildren. They had outgrown the existing cabin and were exploring ways to revitalize the aging

structure. When the adjoining parcel on this modest peninsula became available, they were able to start from scratch in order to create the home of their dreams.

“They wanted some cohesiveness of space,” Matt continues, “and a structure that would allow for all of them to be under one roof. So much of it is about how you lay out the space, and the functionality and flow between those spaces. With the shape of the lot, and where everything needed to be placed, it was really a process, and we went through many adjustments along the way, but it was a good process.”

There is also a lot of good drama in both the interior and exterior of the home, according to Matt. He calls it somewhere between a story-and-a-half and a two-story structure, with a beautifully crafted staircase, and also a secondary stairway that comes down into the mud room off the garage.

“The master ‘wing’ is on the first floor, and there’s a distinct separation from the living areas,” he says. “In addition to the great room, sitting room, and Colorado room, there is also an office, a pantry, a butler’s pantry, and a wine room. Upstairs is another sitting room, a secret playroom, a charming bunkroom, along with additional bedrooms.”

"We wanted to do it right, but we also didn’t want it to feel stuffy or uninviting"

MARI, HOMEOWNER

"Our home is meant to be lived in and enjoyed. We never want you to worry about having sand on our feet when we walk in from the lake. This is a place to create memories."

MARI, HOMEOWNER

Some of the choices Bill and Mari made with the intention of bringing a “Montana Feel” to this family retreat, but they wanted to do it in a way that’s very fitting to Northern Minnesota, where Mari grew up.

Mari says they loved that they were able to use 100-year-old reclaimed barn wood from floor to ceiling, which all came from Manomin Timber in Hugo, Minnesota.

“We wanted to do it right, but we also didn’t want it to feel stuffy or uninviting,” she says. “Our home is meant to be lived in and enjoyed. We never want you to worry about having sand on our feet when we walk in from the lake. This is a place to create memories.”

There are a lot of “pockets” in the house, according to Bill, that allow for a large family to spread out and not be on top of one another. “We have the Colorado room, the bunkhouse, the upstairs living room, and a secret playroom for the grandkids,” he says.

“Someone can retreat to one of those to play games, read a book, watch a ball game, work, or get a little down time. We can still bring everyone together in the great room or outdoors, since we all play pickleball, or a person could easily retreat into one of those areas whenever they’d like.”

A Pickleball Court

The pickleball court was a first for Wes Hanson Builders, according to Matt. It’s a sport that has exploded in popularity over the past several years.

“We’ve built sport courts, but not a pickleball court,” he says. “It was interesting learning the intricacies of the game, and how the court needs to face directly North/South, so that’s what we did.”

The pickleball court also became an element of the extensive and intricate landscaping on this expansive property. The full-sized court is just off the home’s Colorado room, and has a breathtaking lakeside view that adds even more enjoyment to an early morning or

happy hour game. Right off the pickleball court, there is a brick-oven fireplace that enhances the entertainment factor that this property’s landscaping provides.

Landscaping

Steve Miller is the owner of The Croix Companies, who designed and installed all the landscaping for Bill and Mari. The pickleball court, he says, is basically part of that landscaping.

“Wes Hanson designed and built the court,” he says. “We took Matt’s design to our landscape architect, Jacob Miller, who positioned it properly, including elevations, for proper drainage. The court was placed in that location because of the impervious surface requirements, and we had to examine it from a landscaping viewpoint to make it work within those requirements.”

Steve says that having a landscape architect on his staff provides The Croix Companies with a high level of technical design to also handle the civil design work.

“With this project, combining two parcels and all the various elevations and proximity to the lake, we worked with Wes Hanson Builders to develop a new and different kind of stormwater management plan that directs the runoff to a drainfield, away from the shoreline,” he explains. “Instead of going into the lake, the water from the gutters and downspouts is emptied into catch basins that are connected to underground drainage.”

From Steve’s perspective, this home is really an estate. He says that from the time you turn in off the road through the front gate, this is a planned and executed property, whether it is the buildings themselves, the landscaping, or the driveway. An existing detached garage/ bunkhouse on the land was also updated to reflect the design of the new structure.

“The entire property was planned and executed to deliver an experience from the moment you pass through.”

Even the landscape lighting package, he says, is an experience that was planned, thought out, and installed by The Croix Companies.

“We were brought into this project early by Matt Schmidt, and Jason Armstrong, the project superintendent, who is one of the best,” Steve adds. “Wes Hanson Builders sees the value of bringing the landscaper on board early to help figure out many issues ahead of time that could possibly save money down the road. Working together right from the start is how you ultimately get a project to turn out as well as this one.”

Metal

Jeff Kreitz, owner of Creative Steel Work, Inc. in Breezy Point, has 30 years of experience in the metal industry as both an artist and a craftsman. His handiwork is evident in the extensive metal accents throughout the home, and his attention to detail and quality is what drew Bill and Mari to him.

Working together with Sandi McCormick Interior Design, they developed the exact look these homeowners wanted in all the fine metal work, from copper oven-range hoods to the details on the wine cellar door.

“I loved working with Sandi and all the other professionals on this home – the masons, the carpenters, the painters, the flooring guys – all of them,” says Jeff. “This home is cohesive and intricate because of our collaboration and teamwork. For example, the railings are amazing – handrails alongside the railings with big reclaimed wood newel posts. They were finished off with custom caps, which we hot forged and hammered. All our hardware is custom made. You can’t purchase that kind of hardware, like rivets on

the hood. We have anvils and a forge right in our shop, which allows us to create unique statement pieces that are as memorable as our customers.”

Jeff also believes that when building a rustic home with this much wood, you have to “mix it up with the right amount of metal, glass, and stone,” to create dimension, and that’s what they did.

Stone

The natural stone found throughout the exterior and interior is a custom blend, which is sourced from Colorado and Oklahoma, and supplied by Hedberg Home Brick & Stone in Plymouth, Minnesota.

Joe Saba, the company’s Masonry Showroom Manager, says it’s a mixture of four quarzitic sandstones:

(1) Mission Springs Web Wall

(2) Chestnut Hill Castle Rock

(3) Black Hills Rustic

(4) Willow Brook Blue Castle Rock

“Mari and Bill came in with their interior designer, Sandi, and described that they wanted something rustic, like a lodge, with warm tones, but a pop of some darker stones,” Joe explains. “They also came back later and chose some large flagstones for flooring in the Colorado room, called “Sunset Silver Quartzite.”

According to Mike Chambers, Hedberg’s Sales Product Manager, the experienced design consultants in their large showroom create their own combinations of stones from different regions of the country, called the Hedberg Blends.

“These homeowners created their own blend, which they used for interior and exterior walls, and all but one of their fireplaces,” he says. “It was also important to them to have dramatic outcropping boulders as hearthstones, which were sourced from a quarry in Oklahoma and custom cut to fit here in Minnesota. We got the boulders shaped and shipped out, and it all fit together perfectly.”

"The cozy family atmosphere was the foundation on which we built this home, and we worked hard to make sure living areas had a lot of flexibility for flow and traffic."

SANDI MCCORMICK INTERIOR DESIGN

Interior Design

Mari’s friend and interior designer, Sandi (of Sandi McCormick Interior Design in Minneapolis), believes that the right combination of materials and textures is vital.

“I give a lot of credit to Wes Hanson Builders, and especially Jason Armstrong, who was invaluable as we worked through it all,” she says. “The cozy family atmosphere was the foundation on which we built this home, and we worked hard to make sure living areas had a lot of flexibility for flow and traffic.”

Sandi says that a mixture of textures and patterns can make larger spaces seem smaller, and it was also important to make sure the furniture was scaled appropriately to the ceiling height, filling the space more efficiently.

“We all worked together so well, and it was so important to all of us that we had Bill and Mari’s trust,” she adds. “It was a truly collaborative effort, and that environment was initially fostered through the builder. Sometimes during those collaborations, it would be ideas on top of ideas on top of ideas. We knew the family wanted this place to be right for generations to come, and it was a responsibility we all took seriously.”

"We look forward to creating memories and loving this home for many generations to come."

BILL, HOMEOWNER

For Bill and Mari, everyone met and exceeded expectations.

“Getting the right people from the very beginning made our decisions easy,” says Mari. “Bill had the biggest vision and said, ‘Let’s do it right’.”

The only challenges, or surprises, that Bill and Mari experienced were in the delays when it came to furniture and appliances. Everyone else delivered on all their promises.

“When we first met with Wes Hanson Builders, I made a handshake deal as far as a completion date,” says Bill. “We also set out trying to use as many local craftspeople as we could, and I can’t even begin to tell you

how much I appreciate them all, and how amazingly well it turned out.”

With 640 feet of premiere lakeshore, Bill adds that this was all meant to be enjoyed. “What we really wanted was a sanctuary for our entire family. It’s a retreat and a way to get away from the day-to-day nonsense. More importantly, it was built to be generational. We look forward to creating memories and loving this home for many generations to come.” L&H

CouLDn’t have done it without:

Wes Hanson Builders, Inc. | BUILDER, ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, CARPENTRY/TRUSSES, PAINTING, FINISH CARPENTRY

VIEW OUR AD ON PAGE 91

Advantage Seamless | COPPER GUTTERS

View our ad on page 109

Allstar Construction Commercial, LLC | ROOFING

View our ad on page 100

Alpine Cabinetry | CABINETRY

View our ad on page 101

Anderson Brothers | PICKLEBALL COURT

Barnum Gate Service, Inc. | GATE

Bills Flooring | FLOORING / CARPET

Blue Water Wells, Inc. | WELL

Brainerd Glass | SHOWERS

View our ad on page 107

Brainerd Hardwoods | DOORS / TRIM

View our ad on page 99

Build All Lumber | INSULATION

Capital Granite & Marble | COUNTERTOPS

Creak Builders | FRAMING

Creative Steel Work, Inc. | METAL WORK, STAIRS/RAILINGS

View our ad on page 99

The Croix Companies | LANDSCAPING

Crosslake Sheetmetal | HVAC

View our ad on page 103

Ferguson | APPLIANCES

Ganske's Quality Painting | PAINTING

Grant Barrette | STONE INSTALLATION, FIREPLACE

Hedberg Home Brick & Stone | STONE MASONRY SUPPLIER

View our ad on page 93

Hirshfields | PAINT SUPPLIER

Leon Kral Construction | FLOORING / TILE

Manomin Resawn Timbers | SPECIALTY LUMBER & BEAMS, STAIRS / RAILINGS

View our ad on page 105

North Country Plumbing | PLUMBING

Portage Lake Concrete | CONCRETE / FOUNDATION

Putnam Hardwoods | WOOD FLOORING

Rapid Garage Doors | OVERHEAD DOORS

Sandi McCormick Interior Design | INTERIOR DESIGN

Schroeder Log Home Supply | CAULKING MATERIAL SUPPLIER

View our ad on page 103

Simonson Lumber | MATERIAL, LUMBER SUPPLIER

View our ad on page 97

Standing Stone Masonry | FIREPLACE

Synergy Products, Inc. | WINDOWS / DOORS

Timber Ridge Electric | ELECTRICAL

View our ad on page 107

Ultimate Drywall | DRYWALL

Wannebo Excavating | EXCAVATION / UTILITIES

When it comes to real estate, location matters. But sometimes a prime location comes with an unexpected obstacle. It takes a special person with a particular vision to reframe that obstacle as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Robin Andrews is that person. She spotted her soon-to-be lake home on the shores of Round Lake, a quiet, private body of water just across from public access to Otter Tail Lake, between Beach Bums and Zorbaz. The wooded lot offered the best of both worlds. There was just one issue: a barn.

“It’s a 100+ year-old structure that is very sound and well built,” Robin explains. “I just saw so much character and charm. It had too much potential and life left in it to demolish it.”

The century-old barn was built from blocks that are impossible to replicate today. They’re an enduring example of local history.

“The block is incredible with tons of texture,” Robin explains. “I was told that it was only made during a certain time period way back when, from molds using Ottertail clay and sand.”

Robin loves vintage, antiques, and estate sale pieces. And she’s experienced in painting and restoration. So when she saw the barn, she was captivated by the possibilities. Other potential buyers – including her own husband, Jim – weren’t convinced. But time was on the Andrews’ side.

“The property was for sale for a couple years, and it never really moved, so I had my eyes on it,” Robin says. “My husband wasn’t so sure, but I talked him into it. Obviously, we had to gut the entire inside, but there were so many little gems in there that we kept.”

Robin didn’t just have to convince Jim and their three kids that the barn was worth the effort. Even the professionals on the building team needed a moment to adjust their expectations when they learned about the scope of the project.

The Andrews family first reached out to Cory Reinertson, owner and operator of Reinertson Construction, Inc, in Fergus Falls. He came on board as the project’s builder and was impressed with Robin’s focus and creative drive.

“It was really neat, just looking at the property and hearing Robin’s vision,” Cory said. “She had everything figured out. She already knew what she wanted.”

He called in Jamie Williams, designer and draftsman at Lakeside Lumber in Ashby, who drew up a plan for the house. Jamie remembers the moment when he realized this would be no ordinary project.

“When we first went out there to see the existing structure, I was like, ‘Holy, you’re going to do what here?!” he says with a rueful laugh. “Cutting into that building and making sure that it would stay up, that was my concern. But it turned out in the end.”

“ It was really neat, just looking at the property and hearing Robin’s vision. She had everything figured out. She already knew what she wanted . ”

Cory Reinertson Reinertson Construction

“It’s got the board and batten. And then we also put the cedar style wood shakes on the gable ends. We were trying to keep it looking original, trying to keep the old look, but refresh with new product. ”

Cory Reinertson Reinertson Construction

The team’s first goal was to preserve the barn’s structural integrity and historic charm. The couple wanted to retain the barn’s block exterior, the hayloft space, and as many original windows, and building materials as possible. But since the space wasn’t designed for human habitation, there were some roadblocks to overcome, “with the building being not square, windows not being the right place, and trying to connect the new to old,” explains Cory.

The second goal was to make the house a functional and welcoming living space. This wasn’t just an aesthetic issue. The barn was previously served by a modest water pump, so Samuelson Plumbing in Underwood put in the lot’s very first plumbing system. Ohren Electric in Dalton wired the home for electricity and installed the security system.

The house’s final layout didn’t come about instantly. Jamie says that he and Robin collaborated to solve the barn’s unique challenges and meet the couple’s design goals.

“I think I did like six different options or plans as we went forward,” he said. “We’d try something and we just kept on tweaking everything as we go. And then it just clicked.”

The final plan converted the original 24 x 24 barn into an airy kitchen, loft and a cozy family room with a fireplace. An addition would offer an entryway, laundry room and storage space, as well as three bedrooms and three bathrooms. This expanded footprint offers 1,800 square feet of living space and a gracious sunroom.

DeRosier Masonry preserved and repurposed as much of the original block as possible when installing new windows and doors. The company, which is based in Fergus Falls, also created new concrete headers for the doors and windows, handled excavation work, and stained and installed the heated concrete floors.

Jamie Williams’ design blends two disparate roof lines. Deep gray LP SmartSide plank siding sourced from Lakeside Lumber integrates the two structures into one cohesive whole.

“It’s got the board and batten,” explains Cory Reinertson. “And then we also put the cedar style wood shakes on the gable ends. We were trying to keep it looking original, trying to keep the old look, but refresh with new product.”

The interior is white and bright, allowing the light to bounce around the high-ceilinged space. Welcoming white, gray, and classic black are repeated throughout the home for a soothing sense of continuity. But that doesn’t mean that this space is subdued.

The tile work alone is a revelation. An elegant graphic motif adorns the stairs and a stylized flower motif sets off the base of the fireplace and graces the walls of the kitchen. White hex tiles add interest behind open kitchen shelving and bold black and white diamond tiles complement a claw foot bathtub. A riot of black and white hex tiles burst exuberantly through in the home’s most unusual bathroom (more on that later).

Robin has worked with Tony Metcalf Construction, LCC of Fergus Falls in the past. So it made sense that she and Tony would do the tiling side by side. The tiles were one of the few brand-new building materials in the Andrews’ home.

“Almost all of the materials are second hand, repurposed, or redone,” Robin says. “I have a love and appreciation of old things because they’re so well built. I really enjoy taking something that may be old or maybe has an ugly finish on it, stripping it down and seeing how beautiful it is.”

Robin didn’t have to look far to find interesting materials. Many of them came from the barn itself.

“The original structure was used as a horse barn,” Robin explains. “We were doing demo up in the loft and I was trying to salvage the floor that was up there, because it was really cool tongue and groove. And underneath that, there was other flooring that had wood and hay stuck to it, which I knew was the original hayloft.

We ended up saving both layers. The top layer became the floor on the stairs. Underneath, we found that really beautiful unfinished wood floor with the hay on top of it. And that’s what we used on the ceiling over the family room.”

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, as far as found building materials go. They repurposed an original barn sink and reused the upper kitchen cabinets.

“There were some solid wood doors, too,” Robin adds. “One of them, we cut it up and used it as shelving in the kitchen. And we used some of other old five panel doors that I scrounged up from other locations. We turned them on their sides and used them as wainscotting, which turned out really cool.

The built-ins around the fireplace are the same material.”

And when Robin says “we,” she means it. The couple did a lot of the hard work themselves.

“When we were pulling out all the flooring, my husband’s job was to pull out all the nails,” she says. “He pulled out thousands of nails and he did all the grunt work for me, hauling stuff to the dump.”

Robin herself was frequently onsite, working alongside Cory Reinertson, Jamie Williams, and Tony Metcalf as the build progressed. When she wasn’t at the Round Lake house, she was working from her Fergus Falls home.

“Tony helped me set up a workshop in my garage and helped me stain and poly all of the doors,” Robin says. “Then he set me up with his sprayer and I sprayed all the trim, the baseboards – anything that’s painted that dark gray color to match the outside of the barn. It’s like a smoky ash color. We had them match it because I loved it so much.”

Robin brought this eye for continuity and detail to the art, appliances, and furniture in the home as well. Everything she selected had a charmingly old-fashioned feeling, from the black and white photographs on the walls to the wooden church pews in the entryway. She found the latter on Facebook marketplace, then cut them to fit and sanded them down to the bare wood to let the material shine.

She even asked Cory to create the narrow kitchen table (is measures 11 feet long by 30 inches wide) from boards from her kids’ old backyard hockey rink. Cory also spliced together the ceiling beams using wood from an Amish farm.

“Cory did everything from the framing, installing beams and windows, roofing and siding, shoring up the roof and more — all on his own without a crew,” Robin says. “I appreciate how Cory granted me so much grace and patience and just went with some of my challenging out-of-the-box ideas.”

The wood that covers the barn’s soaring ceilings was reclaimed from barns in the eastern U.S. It was sourced by Ron Holstrom Antique Floors in Fergus Falls, but Tony and Robin installed it.

“I’m afraid of heights, so Tony was up on the scaffolding, putting the wood on and I was down below cutting and laying out the pieces,” she says. “We had the process down pat.”

Robin came into this project with a vision and solid experience. But she says working alongside Tony Metcalf really helped take her skills to the next level.

“The unique and architectural touches like the nook, wainscoting, pews, and built-ins I imagined and helped with, but Tony brought them to life and is an absolute master carpenter,” she says. “I sanded and stained and did grunt work, but he brought all my ideas to life. He’s also my good friend and I really respect him for his mastery of his craft and attention to detail. I’ve learned a lot along the way from him, that’s for sure!”

Even brand-new items in the Andrews house have a vintage vibe. Robin found the Bebop Blue Galanz microwave online and scored a matching toaster and blender from the Haden retro collection. The Premier electric range was purchased from Fergus Home and Hardware. A pair of narrow Galanz refrigerators that measure just 24 inches wide are tucked into a niche in the kitchen and hidden away in the storage room.

A very unique bathroom was a novel way to gain maximum function while using minimum floor space. Like many of Robin’s great ideas, this one was drawn from the past.

“I kind of envisioned it as summer camp,” she explains. “There’s a common area in the middle with a trough sink with three faucets, so multiple people can be in there at the same time. And then there are two separate toilet rooms and two separate shower rooms. I think that’s great because it can be multi-generational. The kids are in there, brushing their teeth with grandma and having a chat.”

The home’s crowning glory is a cupola on the roof. Like many items in the Andrews home, it’s an antique. It’s also reclaimed (it was sourced on Facebook Marketplace) and refinished. Robin painted it in gleaming copper herself. The cupola color and Robin’s grandma Penelope (a.k.a. Penny) inspired the property’s new name: Copper Penny Barn.

Couldn't have 'done it without:

Reinertson Construction | BUILDER

• View our ad on page 113

Lakeside Lumber | HOME DESIGN, BUILDING MATERIALS, SIDING

• View our ad on page 113

Robin Andrews | INTERIOR DESIGNER

Derosier | MASONRY, EXCAVATING, CONCRETE FLOOR & STAIN

All Seasons Heating & Cooling | HVAC

• View our ad on page 113

Ed Newman | PAINTING

Luke Samuelson | PLUMBING

Ohren Electric | ELECTRIC, SECURITY

• View our ad on page 119

Ron Holstrom | CEILING RECLAIMED WOOD

• View our ad on page 117

Tony Metcalf | TILE WORK

4mations | LANDSCAPING

FM Bank | FINANCING

“My grandparents had a cottage outside of Winnipeg on West Hawk Lake,” Robin says. “So I grew up going to the lake with my whole extended family every weekend. It was just an awesome way to grow up.”

The Andrews family is giving other families an opportunity to enjoy lake time by renting out Copper Penny Barn on Airbnb and VRBO during select weeks of the year. The rest of the time, the Andrews home on Round Lake is a magnet for family from all over the continent.

“We have family who come from all over, from Kansas City, Saskatchewan, and Florida,” Robin says. “My dad is in Dallas, my mom is in Winnipeg, and my sister is in Calgary, Alberta, so we have our big family gathering there and use it whenever we can. It’s just a great place for everyone to come together.” L&H

“It’s just a great place for everyone to come together.”

Robin Andrews homeowner

LAKE GIFTS

CREATIVE TOUCH BOUTIQUE

516 Broadway St | Alexandria, MN | 320-762-8786

www.creativetouchboutique.com

Open seven days a week | Follow us on

NOW OPEN! Our new location is located at 504 Broadway Street in the beautiful downtown Alexandria!

CTB is a lifestyle boutique featuring trendy and classic styles for you and your home.

With a wide range of brands and styles, we truly do have something for everyone. Our women’s styles are size inclusive and we pride ourselves on cute, comfortable and affordable. With three times the retail space, our expanded home decor section is one you don’t want to miss! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to shop the latest new arrivals, sales, events and all things happening at the new location! Shop online with us at www.creativetouchboutique.com or shop in store with us seven days a week!

BEYOND THE MITRED CORNERS

409 W Stanton Ave | Fergus Falls, MN 218-998-4147

Tuesday - Friday Open 10am to 6pm and Saturday Open 9am to Noon

A little off the beaten path, but well worth the trip.

Open the door to a shop with beautiful quality merchandise and a few surprises. You will be sure to find just the right piece for your living room or bedroom. You can even have that perfect picture framed for your living room with personal service. Beyond the Mitred Corners, Fergus Falls-the shop you will be glad you stopped.

Beyond The Mitred Corners is a locally owned and operated custom framing and gift shop. Owner, Lisa Anderson, will help you with a personal touch. She will assist you every step of the way with all of your framing needs.

One stop shop for Fusion Mineral Paint!

PERIWINKLE MARKETPLACE

328 MN Hwy 78 | Ottertail, MN 218-367-3900

Open 7 Days a Week | Mon thru Sun | 10am - 5pm Memorial Day to Labor Day | 9am - 6pm Daily

Welcome to Periwinkle! All Things Lake!

Periwinkle Marketplace is an Ottertail city shopping favorite. Find women’s clothing, jewelry, kids, home décor, and all things lake!

Stephanie Ellingson Dykhoff and her crew are known for making a walk into the store a great experience!

“It’s been 24 years (since 2000) and it feels like only yesterday that we started Periwinkle in Fergus Falls! Thanks for supporting our stores throughout the years! We would not be here without you! You are the reason we continue to grow!”

NORD HUS Scandinavian Goods

28 W. Main St. Crosby, MN 56441 (218) 545-0110

Home goods, gift items, and outdoor apparel for the whole family.

THE MARKET OF BATTLE LAKE

122 Lake Ave S | Battle Lake, MN 56515 218-864-2555 | www.marketfergusfalls.com

Spring Hours:

Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm

Follow us on:

Stop by The Market of Battle Lake to pick up spring decor for your cabin or lake home.

GIFTS | SHOPPING

MARCELLA ROSE

“Radiate Compassion”

(218) 290-4599 | Shop online: www.MarcellaRose.com

43005 US Hwy 59 | Pelican Rapids, MN 56572

Marcella Rose Studio & Gallery, North of Pelican Rapids

Open by appointment, call 218-290-4599

Call to visit Marcella Rose Studio & Gallery to feel the essence of these original artworks on display and give them their forever home.

Marcella’s inspirational fine art encompasses original oil paintings, bronze sculptures, sculpted jewelry, and archival limited edition giclee’ prints.

LAKE GIFTS

THE BRIC

215 W Lincoln Ave | Fergus Falls, MN

218-998-2225

Open Mon thru Fri 10am - 6pm | Sat 10am - 4pm

The Bric in downtown Fergus Falls, one of the top Otter Tail County’s Best Woman’s clothing store! We offer extra small3xl, but the fun doesn’t stop there. We continue to expand your shopping experience with...

• Baby Gifts

• Girl Friend

• Jewelry

• Bridal

• Kitchen

• Shoes

• Anniversary

• Gourmet/Candy

• Bath & Body

At The Bric, we offer a wide variety of gifts for men, women, and children, perfect for special occasions such as birthdays, showers, weddings, and anniversaries. Our store carries the latest decor trends, with unique and on-trend items available on both levels. We are constantly expanding our brand selection to enhance the shopping experience for our customers. We strive to cater to everyone’s preferences and interests. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected.

Shop The Bric in downtown Fergus Falls.

DOT & MINNIE’S AND LEVEL İİİ

dotandminnies.com | leveliiiboutique.com

148 1st Ave S | Perham, MN 56573 | 218-346-4180

Dot & Minnie’s is a true boutiqueyou’ll find Joseph Ribkoff, Sympli, Luukaa, Kozan, Tulip, Bodil, Chalet, Fenini, Cut Loose, Liverpool, FDJ, and many other unique lines all in one store in downtown Perham. Explore a wide range of classic styles and an unbelievable variety of jewelry.

Not quite your style? Try our sister store, Level iii. There we stock trendy styles in an industrial setting. Whatever your style, we have something just for you!

Most of our styles are available for purchase from our extensive website, dotandminnies.com. Shop by type of item or by brand; have it shipped or held for pickup! Need additional information on an item? Email or call and vou’ll have your answer within 24 hours-we try on more for customers than for ourselves!