Old World Charm

WRITER: JOYCE EISENBRAUN | MICHAEL K. SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

Warmth, craftsman details, Old World charm and the best in custom quality construction: it’s another beautiful home by Titan Homes, Inc.

A part of the Maple Leaf development just north of Horace, ND, this beautiful 3,400 square foot home was built in 2007 by Titan owner and president, Angie Kuznia, for the family’s personal residence. “I started designing homes in 2002,” she noted. “Every home I build is different—we don’t use the cookie-cutter approach. When I meet with clients, we design specifically for them and their needs. I get to know the clients well, and handle all the construction details personally, so we do become friends, almost family.”

That friendly, family approach is evident throughout this home, catering to the needs of Kuznia, her husband Jayson, (who also helps with the business) and their active kids, ages 16, 14, and 12. Just as she promises her clients, this gracious two-story home is designed to fit how their busy family lives, plays and relaxes.

The exterior is a combination of fieldstone, taupe vinyl and dryvit, with a roomy front porch that not only extends the length of the home, but wraps around the side and all the way to the dining room on the back. Double lights accent the craftsman three-panel door leading into the foyer with its spacious 20-foot ceiling. An ironwork chandelier above hints at the Old World qualities that Kuznia injects throughout the home.

Just on the right of the foyer is a staircase to the upper floor, with a rustic chocolate-stained oak tread and railing with off-white spindles. That rustic oak is used in the foyer and “formal” living room to the right. Although the name is formal, the atmosphere speaks to comfort, relaxation and a quiet retreat, with a cream frieze area rug, wood frame provincial-style sofas and chairs finished in tweed and brocade fabrics. The oversized leather coffee table also doubles as handy seating with its tufted top. A bookcase on the side and frames on the wall showcase many family memories, while the piano on the side is ready for practicing fingers.

To the left of the foyer is a versatile space that Kuznia uses for her office. Enclosed with off-white French doors, the room could also double as a formal dining room or library. Here, she’s chosen a simple tan carpet, with cherry desk and bookcase for her working space.

Down the hall to the left of the office is the powder room, mudroom and access to the garage as well as the entry to the heart of the home—the kitchen, family living and dining rooms. The powder room incorporates rustic details, which make a lovely contrast with the elegant furniture-style cabinet with granite top and oil-can bronze hardware.

The “mudroom” is right by the door to the three-stall heated floor garage. A media center on the left counter stores all the phone chargers along with the message center. Birch closets with baskets above and drawers below offer great storage for all the outdoor gear, while a walk-in closet stores the off-season attire. Kuznia chose a rocklook durable vinyl flooring here in warm cream and brown tones. A sitting bench between two of the closets offers a handy space to pull on boots or sneak a look in the mirror framed above.

Walking through to the “back” of the home, it’s easy to see where the family likes to spend the majority of their time. To the left is a large family room, set off by a decorative birch and ironwork railing and a step down to the taupe carpet. Comfortable brown leather couch, chair and loveseat have brass stud accents. End tables and coffee table have an inset ceramic top with wood edges and ironwork detailing. On the north wall, a gas fireplace has an alder wood mantle, matching the kitchen cabinets. Three large windows give light to the area, and overlook the back yard.

The large dining area and kitchen are open, finished in a rustic ceramic tile in taupe, gray and cream tones. The dining alcove juts into the back yard, with sliding glass doors to the covered back porch. The large rectangular table is a rustic oak with painted black spindle chairs. The large wooded lot offers privacy and opportunities for sharing the back yard with animal friends throughout the year.

Right next to the dining area is the large kitchen. Rustic alder cabinets with antique nickel hardware line the U-shaped kitchen. The center island has a 3 x 6 foot slab of black granite, with furniture detailing on the cabinets. Four chairs in matching spindle-back black offer friends and family a handy spot to eat or discuss the day. Stainless appliances are used, including a full-size freezer and refrigerator combination. Two ovens and a commercial stainless hood above the four-burner gas cooktop offer clues that this is a kitchen where people like to cook. The backsplash above the black granite countertops is a rustic ceramic tile in cream and brown tones, including a special tile design above the cooktop. Around the corner is a walk- in pantry and access to the laundry room. The laundry room has a chute in the corner that brings clothes down from the upper level, extra closets along one wall, plus access to the side porch.

Upstairs, the hallway between bedrooms overlooks the foyer. On the left are three bedrooms, decorated in the style of their owners, each with walk-in closets. The first has bright fuchsia walls, with a black area rug on the rustic laminate flooring, and zebra-stripe bed linens. The second bedroom boasts a deep purple wall color, a crystal chandelier and floral bed linens in black and white. And who could miss the Justin Bieber cutout? The third bedroom showcases the awards and trophies of the family’s wrestler. He has chosen tan and navy walls with blue plaid bed linens on a rustic craftsman bedroom set. The shared bath has ceramic tile, two white sinks with white framed mirrors above. The white cabinets feature beadboard fronts. Black and white family photos are used as accents in the room.

The master bedroom suite has deep taupe walls with a trayed ceiling above, with lighting details. A king-size bed, with massive four posters in an ornate mahogany, recalls the Old World style. Linens are cream, dusty blue and tan. To the left is the bath and dressing area. The walk-in shower has a pebble floor, glass block walls and a ceramic surround. A whirlpool tub is a favored relaxation spot. Twin sinks and a full wall mirror make morning rush hour easy. An arched doorway sets off the toilet area from the rest of the bath. Around the corner is the walk-in closet with tiers for hanging clothes, open shelves and drawers for storage. A large window, which faces east, offers great natural light.

The lower level is also finished, featuring another family room, kid’s toy room, a mirrored exercise room (which suggests “no whining” on the wall sign), guest bedroom and bath, plus a sports center. Billiards, foosball, arcade games, poker or ping pong are all available—it’s the guests’ choice. A mini bar on the side offers your choice of beverages, popcorn or something hot from the pizza baker or microwave.

“I’m particular about things, and I stand behind my work,” Kuznia said. Maybe that’s why her clients have told her that they would welcome the opportunity to build another home with her. It’s all about individual style, quality and meeting the unique needs of each family.

For more information, please contact:

Angie Kuznia

Titan Homes, Inc.

701-793-6917 akuznia@far.midco.net or www.titanhomesonline.com