attention to detail

When Bob Footitt Jr. took over the family business several years ago, his goal was to continue the decades-long tradition of custom craftsmanship and attention to detail. A tour of this classic Fargo masterpiece, filled with luxurious finishes and a modern floor plan, showcases Footitt's achievement of this goal.

The Design Process

began with the homeowner, who envisioned a grand, welcoming entrance and long windows to let in maximum light. He began his quest at Simonson’s Lumber, with a photo of a home with large pillars and a formal dining room. “This is the look I want,” he said. So began the design of a meticulously appointed home.

The craftsmanship of the one-of-a kind double front door from Simonson’s Lumber makes a statement both inside and out. Footitt worked with Hebron Brick to design a walkway and surround worthy of these spectacular doors, and, of course, the columns that started it all. With at least 10-foot ceilings throughout the main floor and an open floor plan, the graceful arches and custom stained glass of the front door are visible from almost any angle. “When the sun is setting, the colors from the front door shine through the house into the backyard,” says the homeowner.

The nucleus of the main floor is the great room, featuring cathedral ceilings and a 12-foot fireplace, with a surround created from gray granite. The fireplace is roughly twice the size of a standard fireplace and produces an enormous amount of heat. To accommodate the venting needs without disturbing the lines of the fireplace surround, Red River Tile created custom Chameleon brand venting out of porcelain tile. The decorative venting adds to the design, rather than detracting from it. The homeowner’s choice of royal blue as an accent color brings the sky inside even on a cloudy day.

The great room segues seamlessly into the spacious kitchen, designed by Cathy Michels, certified kitchen designer, and fabricated by Wood Specialists, Inc. Elegant crown molding ceiling detail defines the space, which features cherry cabinetry throughout. Appliances were fitted with coordinating panels to blend quietly into the design. A butler’s pantry, multiple sinks and seating for six complete this gorgeous and still ultra-functional kitchen.

The dining room is elegance defined. Subtly set apart via cherrywood paneled arches and grey marble flooring, the space is beautifully lit with a wall of windows by day, and sparkling chandeliers by night. For ease in serving, Footitt worked with Wood Specialists, Inc. to provide custom cabinetry immediately off the dining room, continuing the palette of cherry wood in gradients of finish. The custom cabinetry is topped with Cambria Landscape.

This is a home created to entertain family and friends in comfort, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the lower level. Footitt recreated the homeowner’s dream fireplace for this space. “I just showed him the pictures and they did it,” says the homeowner. “Bob’s team, they just knew how to create it.” Hebron Brick worked with Footitt to bring the homeowner’s dream fireplace to life and Wood Specialists, Inc. and Cathy Michels created the bar space. With his unfailing eye for detail, Footitt made sure to create a landscape outside the lower level windows via custom limestone window wells that flow into the backyard landscaping. The lower level also features two guest rooms, a guest bath, a playroom and other amenities.

The backyard is an oasis of entertaining possibilities, with covered areas and multiple firepits, an outdoor kitchen and spa. Working with Footitt, Hebron Brick designed and installed numerous seating arrangements, providing the homeowners outdoor options in all but the worst of weather. Black rock defines the planting beds and coordinates with the slate exterior of the house, while transitioning smoothly with the limestone seating installations. Nearly undetectable is the drainage system. “We had to send water a long way from the house,” says Footitt. “Rich from Hebron used a combination of deep underground drains along with river rock beds, which look great aesthetically but also function really well.”

When attention to detail prevails, the result is a home that functions beautifully and is beautifully functional. Whether it’s an entire home or one room, attention to detail makes all the difference.