Riv E R s i D E R E t R E at

from Area Woman Magazine Apr/May '13

by Lake & Home Magazine | Area Woman Magazine

spRiNg is HERE

years of dreams and Ideas, concepts and constructIon, detaIls and desIgn have created a beautIful retreat on the rIver; a home for theIr famIly.

The custom-built rambler-plus in south Fargo by Plecity Kowalski Construction reflects the owners’ particular family needs and dreams. From the elevated roofline to the bonus room over the garages to the children’s secret playroom in the lower level, each element of the living space has been carefully designed and crafted to create a family space that is both practical and esthetically delightful.

Soaring wood-beamed vaulted ceilings and subtle gray walls greet visitors when entering this spectacular home. Handscraped wood flooring in engineered hickory creates an earthy-elegant foundation for the light, contemporary color scheme. Built-in cabinetry, painted white, line the wall separating the children’s suite from the great room and match the white 4 ½” casings and three-panel doors. A gas fireplace in the center is topped by a trim wood mantle and a large flat panel television. All the sound and media in the home is controlled through a handy touch pad. The couches are covered in shimmering rain-gray fabric, with blue-gray contemporary side chairs. The youngest family member gleefully practices her crawling skills on the plush white area rug.

Facing the back yard, a light-filled sunroom is accessed through sliding glass doors. Four long windows overlook the fenced private back yard, and patio doors open to a maintenance-free deck. A gray leather sectional couch, accented with white and gray throw pillows, is an inviting place to relax.

From the great room, you have a wonderful view of the open kitchen and formal dining areas. White quartz embedded with silver flecks top the two-tier 5 x 12-foot island, providing great prep space for meals and cabinet space below. Above, three large crackle-glass and nickel pendants create a well-lighted working area. “I wanted a big refrigerator and freezer,” admitted the owner, and she got both with oversize stainless steel wall refrigerator and freezer. A six-burner gas cook top has a custom wood-cased hood, blending into the rank of cabinets. Natural stone in shades of white create the backsplash.

Just before entering the dining area, there’s a large butler’s pantry with automatic on/off lights. Extra storage and prep space make entertaining both easy and tidy.

Built-in painted white cabinets line the wall of the formal dining area that overlooks the front yard. An accent wall has patterned wallpaper in cream and gray scrolls, while the chandelier above the table has a silver mesh shade, complementing the silver hammered decorative bowl on the sideboard.

The Children’s Suite

“We wanted the kids on the same floor, but on the side of the house away from the garage,” explained the homeowner. PK Construction developed a charming suite area for the family’s youngest members, just to the left of the great room.

The first bedroom on the left is baby’s room, accented in cheery pink and white. Built-in cupboards line the wall under the window, and even include a window seat. All the bedrooms have walk-in closets. This one now holds tiny outfits, but is sized to accommodate the needs of a growing girl.

Connected to the bedroom is a Jackand-Jill bathroom with private sinks on either side. The girl’s side has a white scalloped-edge mirror above the cream and brown granite countertop, complementing the ceramic flooring. A pullout step tucked into the cabinet base allows little people to reach the faucets. Separating the bath and toilet area on either side are pocket doors.

Next door, the boy’s room has chocolate-colored walls. It’s furnished with an antique cream dresser and sleigh bed, accented with a brown, blue and cream plaid quilt. Artwork in the room includes a large painting of a firetruck, which he helped his aunt paint.

Across the hall is the older girl’s room, overlooking the back yard. Bright aqua walls have crisp white accents in the bed linens and built in cabinets, again with a window seat. Alice in Wonderland artwork, from the Cheshire cat to Alice on a toadstool to the Mad Hatter’s tea party, showcases the family’s artistic talents. To reduce morning chaos, this bedroom also has a separate bath, with white and aqua accents.

Master Suite

Down a short hallway from the kitchen area is the master bedroom. The king-size bed has a white duvet with gray throw. Soft gray walls and a gray zebrastripe carpet create a restful, quiet retreat for this busy couple. A little nook to the side holds a computer station where the owner can get up at night and respond to work messages without waking his spouse. Three undraped windows overlook the back yard.

A connecting door reveals the bathing and dressing area, finished in gray ceramic tile, gray walls and white cabinets. A large freestanding tub with chrome Roman faucet is across from the toilet enclosure. Along the outside wall is the vanity area, with his-and-her sinks between the counter cabinets. Mirrors above each sink reflect the silver and crystal mini-chandeliers on either side. The countertop is white quartz with silver flecks, while the walk-in shower is lined with gray ceramic and glass accents. Pocket doors conceal a large walk-in closet and dressing room with shelves for shoes and accessories, plus double hanging racks for clothes.

Drop Zone and Bonus

An open doorway off the kitchen leads to another family-friendly feature: a drop zone for coats, laundry area, garage access and the stairs to the bonus room. The drop zone off the three-stall insulated garage has large easy-care slate tiles in rust and gray. Built-in coat cabinets have bench seating below, with storage underneath. To the side, a cabinet doubles as the mail drop and media center, complete with shredder.

Behind another pocket door is the laundry area. Cabinets above the appliances and laundry basket shelves under the counter on the side create a great space for daily chores.

The owners’ request for a bonus room for guests led PK Construction to design a suite over the garage that is separate from the rest of the home, but easily accessible. “My parents love it!” the owner enthused. The suite has a small sitting area, private bath and bedroom.

Downstairs

The 3,000-square-foot lower level is the family’s play space. Just to the left of the staircase is a bookcase that doubles as the “secret” door to the kids’ playroom. Little ones have their own entrance through a tunnel under the stair. Inside, all types of toys and play areas promise lots of fun times.

Tan frieze carpet is used throughout the lower level for warmth and comfort. On the south side is a smaller kitchen, with hickory-stained cabinets and brushed nickel hardware. The island has a blue and brown corian top. A flat-panel television in the kitchen ensures no one will miss the game.

Built-in cabinets line the media wall, with an oversize flat screen that captures all the action. Below, another gas fireplace adds a cozy touch. A linen-finish contemporary sectional plus two leather recliners ensure everyone has a seat for their favorite show.

On the right is the game room, geared now for young children, with space for a future billiard or foosball table. Two French doors on the side of the family room close off a music room, where practice books line the piano top.

Down the hall, there’s a full bath on the left, next to the home gym, complete with treadmill and another flat screen television. Around the corner is a guest bedroom, with a cozy sleigh bed. Escape windows in the bedroom, gym and family room allow natural light throughout the lower level.

A quick peek into the mechanical room highlights the exceptional energy efficiency of the home with its geothermal heating system and high-efficiency appliances.

A Family Dream

The owners found the treed river lot in 2010, and started the design process with PK Construction. She credits the exceptional efforts of PK owners Jason Plecity and Tim Kowalski, both in creating a custom design for their family, and expertise throughout the building process. “We want to build the dream for a family,” Plecity admitted. “We don’t just tweak an existing design, we build exactly what owners want. And because it’s our employees who are involved with every step of the process, we ensure the quality as well.”

Function and efficiency captured in a beautiful, spacious, hand-crafted design. Not just a custom house, but a wonderful riverside retreat for this growing family. Having lived in the home for just a few months, the owner is convinced, “There’s nothing I would do differently.” For PK Construction, it means they’ve succeeded in creating another family’s dream. [AWM]