A TouCh of TusCAny

Krueger Construction on South Pond

Lush, earthy colors reminiscent of a Tuscan villa combine with an open, family-friendly floor plan to create a beautiful and functional environment. Krueger Construction’s model home on the South Pond at the Preserve in West Fargo showcases the design features and great quality used by this building family in all their custom homes.

A front covered porch with square pillars holds wrought iron chairs, overlooking a poured patio area beside the garage. Stepping into the foyer, the open floor plan reveals the great room, kitchen and dining spaces in one quick glance. Natural-look wood laminate flooring is used throughout the common areas, tying the rustic theme to easy-care practicality. Cream walls finished with bull-

by Joyce eisenbraun >> Mike sMith photogrpahy

nose corners create a neutral backdrop for the rich espresso finish on knotty alder cabinets and six-panel doors. Architectural arches are used to accentuate entrances to different areas of the home.

The great room overlooks the private back yard. A large brown leather sectional sofa has throw pillows in cream and tan geometrics, complementing a tan sisal area rug. In keeping with the rustic look, the gas fireplace has a layered stone surround, but comes with an energy efficient heat pump and remote control. Above the espresso-finished mantle, an abstract in tan and greens ties in with the terracotta candleholders. Windows on either side of the fireplace add natural light through cream and tan linen window coverings. Two table lamps, with round linen shades with a whimsical imprint of 1908 Bois de Boulogne, add to the international flair. To the side of the fireplace, a faux suede chair offers a cozy place to relax and read.

To create a delightful dining area, surrounded by the back yard, green spaces and nearby playground, Krueger bumped out the exterior wall. Patio doors and windows on the sides provide a great view as well as easy access to the back yard. A bronze wrought iron chandelier with linen shades over the lights is suspended over the glass-topped bistro table. Taupe pottery dishes, fleur-de-lis metalwork accents on the wall, and a scenic view of an Italian countryside in an antiqued frame continue the country Italian theme.

The ancient stone artisans of the Tuscan region would have approved of the granite countertops in black and tan with flecks of gray and brown. Two pendants in smoked glass and bronze metals provide light to the center island, which offers seating on one side and great storage on the other. Above the sink and stovetop areas, the backsplash is a combination of ivory, brown and gray stone interspersed with ribbons of smoked glass. Antique-finish hardware complements the naturally distressed cabinets. A built-in wine rack is tucked above the sink, and a corner step-in pantry offers four wire shelves of added storage. Indirect lighting is available both above and below the cabinets, which not only highlights the vaulted ceiling, but also the collection of pottery jars and baskets and the architectural and decorative ironwork displayed above the cabinets.

From the kitchen, there’s quick access to the entrance of the three-stall insulated garage, which also has a floor drain for easy disposal of winter slush and summer car washes. The mud room area has a built-in bench with storage below and hooks above for seasonal gear, just across from the coat closet. Down the hall is the laundry area with a laundry sink and added storage as well as hanging racks for clothes.

Relaxation Retreat

At the end of the hall, the master bedroom is created to be a secluded retreat, with a private view to the side yard. Antique quilted ivory and tan bed linens create a serene environment, and harmonize with the taupe frieze carpet. Rustic bedside tables hold tan pottery lamps, which get a perky accent from linen bows on the round cream shades. Above the bed, three wreaths of grapevine twigs are tied with linen pendants. A threelevel trayed ceiling adds architectural interest, while the wooden paddle fan with alabaster lights ensures a comfortable environment.

In the master bath, his and hers sinks line the one wall. A full linen closet is included on the other side of the bath. Ceramic-look vinyl on the floor and laminate countertops on the espresso-finish cabinets add to the earthy appeal. The walk-in shower has an arched entry and a built-in seat. Next door, the large walk-in closet is finished with two full tiers, ready for hanging clothes.

Flexible Space

On the other side of the great room is a hall to two other bedrooms and bath. Perfect for guests, for children or to convert to an office or den, these flexible rooms are designed to suit the needs of the homeowner. The first bedroom on the right overlooks the front yard. The window bumpout creates a fun window seat, tucked behind the cream sheer and linen-stripe window treatments. Here, the bed is decorated with a quilted white and taupe spread, accented with taupe and white lace pillows. A casual side table holds a little lamp, while a taupe ironwork art piece hangs above the bed. In the corner a taupe microfiber occasional chair invites an opportunity to chat. Next door, the bath has ceramic-look vinyl flooring in a tan, taupe and gray pattern. A laminate countertop with white sink is set off by the deep espresso-finish cabinets. Above the framed mirror, three frosted white glass lights are suspended on a chrome bar.

The second bedroom on this side overlooks the back yard. Again, the taupe frieze carpet creates a neutral palette for the room. White and tan geometrics are used in the bed linens, corresponding to the sheer window treatments. Both bedrooms have two-door closets and alabaster ceiling lights.

Lots of Potential

Just off the great room, are the carpeted horseshoe stairs to the lower level. Black wrought iron spindles are topped by espresso-finished banisters. The lower level has framed and insulated exterior walls, but is otherwise unfinished. Three egress windows provide lots of room to grow, with potential for two added bedrooms, a theater or media room, family room with wet bar area, another bath and lots of additional storage space.

A quick peek in the mechanical room confirms the high quality, energy efficiency of this home. From the energy-efficient trusses that allow better insulation to the energy-efficient construction and appliances used throughout the home, this model will handily keep the winter chills and summer swelter outside.

Designed For You

With over 1600 square feet of well-designed space on each floor, Krueger Construction has carefully crafted an efficient and modern home with the earthy flair of a Tuscan villa. From empty nesters to young families, this new design by Krueger Construction offers a justright answer. [AWM]

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