Lake&Home Magazine May/Jun '21 by Lake & Home Magazine

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YEAR 22 | ISSUE 3 MAY / JUNE 2021

Lake & Home Magazine MAY / JUNE 2021

MAY / JUNE 2021 www.lakeandhomemagazine.com

YEAR 22 • ISSUE 3 • MAY / JUNE 2021 subscribe online at: www.lakeandhomemagazine.com

CONTENTS

10 OFFICE

Meet Our Team

16 OFFICE

From the Office by Bekki Newbrough

INTERIOR DESIGN

Easy Ways to Bring the Outdoors In by Alicia Underlee Nelson

DO IT YOURSELF

3 Ways to Freshen an Entryway by Alicia Underlee Nelson

INTERIOR DESIGN

Decorating with Mirrors by Alicia Underlee Nelson

56 RECIPES

Seasonal Flavors A Taste of Spring

by Alicia Underlee Nelson

LANDSCAPING

What Should I Plant

Solving the Landscaping Dilemma of Trees and Shrubs by Andrea Canning

30 BUILDING

Meddling with Metal The Increased Use of Metal in Roofing and Gutters by Patrice Peterson

LANDSCAPING

Pavers

Create the Foundation to the Perfect Outdoor Space by Jen Miller

Lake & Home Magazine MAY / JUNE 2021

DO IT YOURSELF

3 Ways with Native and Hybrid Grasses and Plants by Alicia Underlee Nelson

140

INTERIOR DESIGN

Sweet Stair Solutions

SHOPPING

Service Directory

by Bekki Newbrough

FEATURE HOME

A Secluded Treehouse Style Cabin

142

116

SHOPPING

Lake Gifts

FEATURE HOME

Rustic Retirement Retreat

Unique in Minnesota - Gifts for the Lake Lover

on Devils Lake

154

by Angela Garvin

Hidden in the Woods Along Lake Lizzie

FEATURED LAKE

Lake Lizzie

by Jen Miller

104

FEATURE HOME

It’s a Beautiful Day in the ‘Naturehood’

126

FEATURE HOME

Personalizing the Modern Farmhouse

Cover photo Kip Johnson Story on page 92

Otter Tail County

New Build on Lake Ida is Perfection by Patrice Peterson

Lake Superior Home Boasts Epic Views and Local Materials by Alicia Underlee Nelson

MAY / JUNE 2021 www.lakeandhomemagazine.com

Year 22, Issue 3 • MAY / JUNE 2021 PUBLISHER - Kip Johnson EDITORS - Brent and Jennifer Rogness LAKE & HOME MAGAZINE – ADVERTISING SALES Jerry Shea • 218.205.7454 • jerry@lakeandhomemagazine.com Renee Redenius • 701.212.7227 • renee@lakeandhomemagazine.com Becky Haarstad • 262.994.8744 • rebecca@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

www.lakeandhomemagazine.com artwork@lakeandhomemagazine.com Unless previously agreed, all rights remain the sole property of Lake & Home Magazine. ©2020 Compass Media. Except for purposes of review, material contained herein may not be reproduced without prior written consent. Printed by Hess Print Solutions, USA

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FROM THE OFFICE

From the Office

The dim light boldens toward a warm glow as the air clears and summer nudges its way back into our lives. Getting outside is not only easier, but also occupies a majority of our thoughts.

busier in the summer than I was in the winter. This year will be different. It’s time for me to put down my schedule and wander a while. What better time to take in the world around us than when it starts to come alive?

It’s that time of year when we set things up, clear out the debris that winter held hidden in the yard, open the windows and dust off those out-of-the-way surfaces. I think we start to feel more active in May. Motivation is never in short supply and fun is no longer just around the corner. It’s here!

If this will be a summer of healing and rejuvenation for you as well, I think you should do it in style. Have a little fun. Take just a moment every day to really look at something. Savor a meal by closing your eyes as you take that first bite, breathe deeply while soaking in a hot tub or steaming in a sauna, look again at the wall art that caught your eye to see what it was that moved you, and don’t forget to smile it all into memory.

Memorial Day weekend unlocks summer’s door to outdoor fairs or concerts in the park, not to mention that first weekend out at the lake. I’m looking forward to the long walks on warm evenings near sunset, and getting back to my gardening. For now, I’ll focus on spring clean-up and preparations. Every year it’s the same. I work very hard during the beginning and end of summer months so I can relax while the peak of summer is here. However, even with such planning, I end up being

Now that we’re going to get up and go outside, let’s talk a bit about what we can do out there. In this issue you’ll find discussions on pavers for landscaping, metal roofs and gutters that will protect and serve, and a handy look at which trees or shrubs to plant for this area. Get the most out of the summer with a look at ways to bring the outdoors inside. We have four family frameworks that bloomed into beautiful and timeless homes to encourage your imagination and invite your inner dreamer. We look forward to sharing this issue of Lake & Home with you as we welcome the season that makes life on the lake come alive. ~L&H

Bekki Newbrough Office Administrator

See more from this home on page 104

INTERIOR DESIGN

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See more images from this feature home in our Mar/Apr 2021 issue

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ecorating with mirrors is an easy way to refresh a room with minimal effort and no long-term commitment. And mirrors can be used in a variety of different ways; to mimic windows, reflect light or a favorite view, to create a focal point and even serve as a piece of art. To use mirrors wisely, consider the room and the purpose of the mirror. This determines the size and placement of the mirror. There are a variety of shapes and materials to choose from.

FIND THE RIGHT SIZE In some ways, choosing a mirror’s size is the easiest part. When in doubt, go big. It needs to be large enough to command attention and hold its own against a large wall. If one large mirror isn’t in the budget, experiment with a cluster of smaller mirrors to get the same effect. Or combine art and mirrors in a gallery wall. Smaller mirrors also work well as part of a tableau that includes seating

See more images from this feature home in our Mar/Apr 2021 issue

(like a stately armchair or a mudroom bench) and other functional objects like bookshelves, a chest of drawers or a desk. Mirrors can be placed on any wall, provided they’re mounted properly and aren’t too heavy. They look especially fresh when they take up a large portion of small or unusually shaped walls.

See more images from this feature home in our July/Aug 2019 issue

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A mirror can also minimize or emphasize the walls on which they are mounted. A large mirror can camouflage flaws in a wall or buy homeowners a little time to decide on the perfect paint color. A mirror framed in an interesting material or a color that contrasts with the walls around it can really make a room pop.

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PLACEMENT A mirror’s reflection can make a small room feel larger and more expansive. They’re also useful for visually expanding narrow spaces like hallways and tiny powder rooms. Mirrors keep the eye moving through awkward transitional spaces like landings, entryways and mudrooms. Most mirrors are functional. A mirror in the bathroom is a no brainer, but it’s also smart to tuck one into a walk-in closet or hang a mirror on the entryway wall for a quick check before running out the door. If there’s not wall space available, get creative. Set a mirror atop a dresser or desk, or mount a horizontal mirror along the wainscoting for an effect that combines the traditional with the unexpected.

Hang a mirror in a simple shape and minimalistic material to let brightly colored or patterned wallpaper sing. The mirror mimics a picture frame, and the wallpaper serves as art, so this arrangement is a delightful reversal of the usual “art goes inside the frame” order that feels fun and unexpected. A backdrop of barnwood, reclaimed wood or rustic or whitewashed boards can have an equally dramatic effect. It looks great in Northwoods, rustic or farmhouse rooms and provides a nice, earthy contrast to transitional or industrial interiors. The mirror draws attention to and contrasts with the wood.

TOP & RIGHT See more images from this feature home in our Nov/Dec 2019 issue

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Mirrors displayed horizontally echo the lines of a long room or spaces with low ceilings. Vertical mirrors draw the eye up, accenting vaulted ceilings or long, narrow or oddly shaped walls. A mirror doesn’t necessarily need to be mounted. In fact, just leaning one up against the wall or a sturdy piece of furniture can create the desired effect, while adding a casual, Bohemian and approachable air to the room. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough not to fall over. Movement is dangerous, since mirrors can easily fall and shatter, so don’t set them in places where doors, closets and windows are opened and closed often. Vibration can create movement too, so avoid mounting mirrors on walls that also contain high traffic entrances or speakers.

If a mirror won’t be reflecting your face or body, make sure it’s repeating a worthy view. Facing it toward a window brings nature in and makes a room feel more open. Reflecting a wall of plants can have a similarly soothing effect.

Whatever a mirror faces will be emphasized, so make sure the view is good from every angle. Tuck cords out of sight, clear clutter often and dust as needed.

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SHAPE A mirror’s shape will be heavily influenced by its purpose, size and placement. There are many mirror shapes from which to choose, ranging from traditional geometric shapes to curvy, free form styles. Filling a wall or the space above a vanity with a square or rectangle mirror is a classic choice that works well in traditional homes as well as in contemporary and minimalistic interiors. But square and rectangular mirrors also look great when staggered in odd numbered groups or arranged in a symmetrical grid to mimic the look of a larger mirror. To really shake things up, rotate square mirrors to create a diamond shape for a feeling of dynamism and energy.

A perfectly round mirror mimics a porthole, so it lends a jaunty, nautical air to a room, working effortlessly in rustic or coastal interiors. A circular mirror can also add curves and softness to the hard, geometric lines of a streamlined, modern or minimalistic home. Circles are playful and unexpected, so they add a feeling of whimsy to a space.

TOP, LEFT & RIGHT - See more images from this feature home in our Nov/Dec 2020 issue

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An oval mirror compliments a narrow room and plays well with other design features without overwhelming them, so it’s a good choice for accenting a pedestal sink in a gem of a powder room or a walk-in closet. This space-conscious option can look elegant, glamorous, feminine or traditional depending on the context.

A mirror with many curves is feminine and eye-catching. It draws the eye just like a sculpture or a piece of art, only without the color, commitment or expense. Scalloped edges can read as feminine, while curves that echo the vines, whips and waves of the natural world are staples of Art Nouveau and Bohemian design. For a statement-making mirror with strong lines and a surprising shape, borrow from architecture. There are a variety of shapes available, including Springline designs that combine a gentle curve atop an elongated rectangle, pointed Gothic arches and geometric favorites like hexagons. These options can read as formal, masculine or artistic, depending on the elements arranged around them. A sunburst mirror is part sculpture. When gilded, it appears regal and dignified. But it can seem Bohemian or modern when rendered in copper, bronze or stainless steel. It’s a good choice for homeowners who want an artistic element without investing in art.

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MATERIALS As these examples have shown, materials matter just as much as a mirror’s shape, location and purpose. A mirror can be framed or unframed, which gives homeowners even more options to choose from. When a mirror has no frame, the reflective surface blurs into the space around it. This obscures the mirror’s edges, maximizes the reflection and makes the room look even larger. It also minimizes visual disruption and keeps the eye moving fluidly throughout the space. Adding a frame emphasizes the mirror itself. It can also compliment or contrast with the decorative elements in the room. To make a mirror stand out, choose a frame that contrasts with the wall’s color and texture. For a soothing, clean look, find a frame that’s the same color and texture as the room so it recedes from view. There’s a frame for every style, from classic to contemporary. Reclaimed wood, natural logs or weathered driftwood highlight and echo the beauty of a rustic or farmhouse interior. These wood options also add subdued color, rich texture and a touch of the natural world. This includes stark, industrial or minimalistic interiors, which tend to emphasize neutral and man-made materials.

See more images from this feature home in our Mar/Apr 2021 issue

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TOP & LEFT See more images from this feature home in our May/June 2020 issue

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Painted or finished wood adds a sense of tradition, weight, gravity and warmth to a room. There are a variety of colors and finishes available to suit any style. Go sleek with just the thinnest band of a frame around the mirror’s edge. Or make a bold statement with a weighty, attention-getting option. Metal offers similar versatility. Sleek stainless steel works well in modern, industrial and transitional spaces, while gold and brass glow with a feeling of warmth and tradition. The intriguing patina of copper or bronze provides visual weight, a glint of color and a sense of history that underscores many decorating styles. Exceptionally shiny, metal feels sleek, feminine, glamorous. It pops up often in Hollywood regency rooms and interiors that borrow from cultures around the globe.

Those who aren’t afraid to make a real statement should try a mirror with a mosaic frame. Whether it’s made of brightly colored glass or comprised of tiny pebbles, seashells or other materials found in nature.

It’s a brilliant way to add texture to a room and create an instant conversation piece. Mosaics stand out in understated rooms and add drama to artistic, Bohemian and global décor. The materials used to hang a mirror matter as much as the mirror itself. A looking glass suspended by a thick ribbon feels romantic, cottage-like and old fashioned, while rough twine or chicken wire emanate rustic and farmhouse charm. Rope is alternately earthy and nautical. A no-nonsense stainless steel cable accentuates a similarly sleek interior. Adding a mirror is an easy way to change the look of a room with minimal expense and effort. Mirrors can make a room feel more expansive, add a practical function, or accent eye-catching materials that are either part of the mirror or artfully arranged around it. When it’s time to shake up the design, just switch out the mirror for a fresh look. ~L&H

TOP & LEFT See more images from this feature home in our Mar/Apr 2021 issue

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B BUILDING

hen embarking on any building

Throughout the years, metal has been used in

or remodeling construction proj-

many different ways on many different types

ect, choosing the types of ma-

of exterior building projects. In fact, evidence

terials for each stage of the project includes

of copper roofs dates back to Renaissance

a number of decisions for the homeowner.

castles and medieval architecture. Copper’s distinctive features are often characterized in

When focusing on the home’s exterior, partic-

churches and government buildings. In res-

ronmental impact. The choice of galvanized

ularly roofing and gutters, several different fac-

idential structures, copper continues to be

steel for roofs – and aluminum for gutters –

tors need to be taken into account, including:

used not only in overall roofing systems, but

has increased as the coatings and systems

Aesthetics Durability Maintenance Energy efficiency Sustainability Cost

also as flashings and copings, domes and

for those materials have improved.

spires, rain gutters and downspouts.

A LIFETIME OF BEAUTY Additionally, homeowners, designers and ar-

“Metal itself should last a lifetime, so it wouldn’t

chitects now look toward not only the beau-

be something you have to think about re-

ty of metal products, but their lasting value,

placing 20-30 years down the road,” says

durability, energy efficiency and lower envi-

Les Jones, owner and president of Les Jones

“Although galvanized metal roofs have been around for a long time, the resurgence that we’re seeing over the last 20 years is due mostly to the availability of prefinished metals.” LES JONES | LES JONES ROOFING

Photo provided by AllStar Construction

MAY / JUNE 2021 www.lakeandhomemagazine.com 33

Roofing in Bloomington, which specializes in

“Some people really like the rustic look of

and silicon provides the roofing material with

quality roofing projects throughout Minneso-

metal, and we’re seeing it becoming more

additional heat reflection and fire resistance.

ta and Wisconsin. “Although galvanized met-

popular in lake cabins and homes,” he con-

Those color choices, along with longevity

al roofs have been around for a long time,

tinues. “Sometimes it may not be the entire

and energy efficiency, are some of the rea-

the resurgence that we’re seeing over the last

roof, but it can also be used as a way to

sons for the growth “boom” of metal roofing,

20 years is due mostly to the availability of

break up the shingles or slate roofing. We’ve

according to Adam Olson, general manager

prefinished metals. A product like Galvalume

had some memorable projects – one where

of Allstar Construction in Fargo, which pro-

is painted before it’s installed, and you can

we added metal accents on a decorative

vides roofing, siding and window services in

get multiple different colors and hues – from

cupola, one where we used metal on two en-

Minnesota and North Dakota.

white to black to red to brown to green.”

try roofs and a bay roof, and another where we installed a standing seam metal roof on

“The paint finish they use is very durable

Aesthetics are a driving force for many peo-

a large covered porch overlooking the lake.”

against sun and fading, with a great deal of

ple when considering a metal roof, accord-

Besides offering more color choices than ba-

UV repellant in it,” he claims. “It doesn’t ab-

ing to Jones.

sic galvanized steel, there are other benefits

sorb heat, as many people might think, but

to the coating on the prefinished metals for

actually can help save on energy bills in the

roofing. The combination of zinc, aluminum

summer by reflecting the heat.”

“The paint finish they use is very durable against sun and fading, with a great deal of UV repellant in it. It doesn’t absorb heat, as many people might think, but actually can help save on energy bills in the summer by reflecting the heat.” ADAM OLSON | ALLSTAR CONSTRUCTION

Photos provided by AllStar Construction

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Photo provided by AllStar Construction

According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, summer cooling costs can be reduced by as much as 25 percent, helping to recoup the higher costs associated with metal roofing.

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Metal roofs are also considered a more sus-

WHY NOT METAL?

tainable alternative than other roofing mate-

One preconceived notion about metal roofs

rials like asphalt, a petroleum-based product.

is that they are much noisier than asphalt

Steel is recyclable, and metal roofing prod-

roofs, especially when it’s raining. Although

ucts consist of at least 25 percent recycled

that might be true for a tin roof on a pole

materials. Besides providing a platform for

barn, Jones says that proper installation mini-

other eco-friendly initiatives like solar panels

mizes the sound heard inside.

and rainwater systems, metal roofing is also lightweight and can be installed directly over existing asphalt shingles.

“The substrate, such as plywood decking, is

“The substrate, such as plywood decking, is installed

installed beneath the metal roofing materi-

beneath the metal roofing material, along with the in-

al, along with the insulation, which absorbs

sulation, which absorbs much of the noise. So, although

much of the noise,” he explains. “So, although

it might be a bit noisier during a rainstorm, there is not a huge difference from any other type of roof.”

LES JONES | LES JONES ROOFING

In the case of severe hail, most kinds of roofs can sustain damage, including metal ones. It would take quite a large hail to dent most metal roofs, which use a heavy gauge metal to withstand that impact. Jones says that although metal roofs can sometimes get “dinged up” from hail, it won’t usually alter the roof’s performance or cause leaks.

Photos TOP & LEFT provided by Les Jones Roofing

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In areas where heavy snow is a factor, a met-

Olson adds that for homes in areas that have

Besides the desired rustic look of a metal roof,

al roof will stay clear and snow-free more than

a large number of trees, metal roofs can

Olson says it can be a practical solution for

an asphalt roof, helping to prevent snow ac-

also be helpful for keeping plant debris from

many homeowners, despite the higher cost.

cumulation and ice dams. Instead of having

accumulating and causing algae growth.

“It’s definitely more expensive than installing

to “rake” the snow off, it slides down the metal

Removing that debris is not a complicated

an asphalt shingle roof, but the cost is com-

of a sloped roof. To prevent that snow from

process, and overall maintenance of a metal

parable to other premium roofing products

sliding directly onto doorways, walkways,

roof is minimal.

like cedar, tile or slate,” he states. “But when

shrubbery or people, there are a number of

an asphalt shingle roof needs replacement

different “snow retention” products available

after 20-25 years, a good quality metal roof

to hold and divert the falling snow.

is an investment that will still be performing and functioning down the road. Generally, the ROI (return on investment) begins kicking in after 7-10 years, and this is most likely the last roof you will ever pay for.”

WHAT ABOUT GUTTERS? Galvanized and prefinished steel are appropriate for roofing, but the most common metal used in gutters is aluminum, which endures the ravages of rust better than steel, and survives Minnesota winters better than vinyl.

Photos provided by Advantage Seamless

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While functionality is imperative for an effective gutter system, aesthetics can also play a role in the overall style and look of the outside of a home.

According to Cory Jay, owner of Advantage Seamless Gutters in Baxter, aluminum is now available for gutters in thicknesses of .027” or .032”, and offers more than 40 different color choices to match a home’s exterior.

MAY / JUNE 2021 www.lakeandhomemagazine.com 39

Photo provided by Les Jones Roofing

“We design a system that is custom built to work for each specific home to capture the water and move it to the safest side, but we care about the look as well,” says Jay. “We offer different case styles and sizes, including a 6-inch half round gutter, which is an older, more traditional look. It was phased out for a while, but is coming back, and it’s mostly about aesthetics.”

Copper gutters are also becoming more widely used as a contrast – or to “make a statement” with home design.

“I think of copper as a kind of lifestyle choice,” Jay adds. “There is a certain kind of dignity with the history of copper use in buildings, and some people think of it as a ‘100-year gutter’ that will get handed down to their kids.”

OPTIONS ABOUND Although pre-painted aluminum gutters are the most common, the design options for gutters are broader and more varied than most people would imagine.

With metal roofs, a large percentage of homeowners choose the traditional vertical ribbed panels or “standing seam” construc-

tion, but that’s not saying there aren’t additional options out there. Metal shingles can even be manufactured to resemble other roofing materials like wood shakes, slate or clay tiles. Whatever the reasons for choosing metal roofs or gutters, they are definitely an investment that can alter the curb appeal, durability and endurance of any home. ~L&H

Photos: Middle & Bottom provided by AllStar Construction

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INTERIOR DESIGN

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See more photos from this feature home in our Jan/Feb 2019 issue

reat design works with nature to create a harmonious living experience. Architects and designers blur the line between outdoors and in by selecting materials that echo the natural world, letting the view be the star and creating transitional spaces that extend and expand flexible indoor/outdoor living areas.

GO NATURAL Adding natural materials to a room is one of the easiest ways to bring the outdoors to the inside. Choosing materials that mimic the colors of the landscape provide a soothing sense of visual continuity. Resources procured from the region imbue the home with a sense of place and a builtin story.

TIMELESS WOOD Wood is versatile and practical. It’s available in countless colors and finishes and can be adapted to suit any interior. It provides warmth, color and texture to interior spaces. It suits a variety of decorating styles, but fits most prominently in farmhouse, rustic, Northwoods interiors. It’s also a major design element in Arts and Crafts homes as well as Prairie Style and Midcentury dwellings. We often think of wood in furniture, but that’s just the beginning. To make a bigger impact, consider adding wood flooring, walls and even ceilings to create a natural sanctuary indoors. For the strongest connection to nature, choose less finished styles and natural stains. Rough-hewn log interiors and knotty pine are Minnesota lake cabin classics that have stood the test of time. Reclaimed barnwood

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See more photos from this feature home in our Nov/Dec 2018 issue

evokes a sense of history and provides rich texture. Gorgeous cedar is classic and versatile, while spruce, fir or pine are often used as timber beams.

Or add interest with an accent wall, wood doors, built-in shelves or a larger piece of furniture like a dining room table or vanity.

Rooms with a view (often the great room or the master suite) look spectacular with wood from floor to ceiling. But if all wood interiors aren’t in the plans (or the budget), don’t despair; a little can go a long way. Use wood in transitional spaces that connect with the yard, like porches, sunrooms and entryways.

Rustic and rugged, stone feels sturdy, timeless and permanent. There are so many varieties of stone to consider, from elegant marble and travertine to limestone and slate.

SOLID STONE

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While stone floors are beautiful and durable (and last for generations) the physical weight and high cost of stone mean that most homeowners use it for focal points like a spectacular great room fireplace or gorgeous granite countertops. But new engineered stone made of composite materials allows for greater flexibility. Stone lends a sense of tradition and timelessness to a room. Rough-hewn stone walls give small rooms a sense of cottage charm. When contrasted with smooth, modern elements like soaking tubs and rain showers, those same rough walls create a natural, spa-like atmosphere.

Our ancestors’ wine cellars and pantries would have been made of stone for practical reasons. Updating these modern spaces in the same material makes them feel connected to the natural world and to the past.

ACCENT WITH PLANTS Don’t limit plants to landscape design. Bringing greenery deep into living spaces blurs the line between outdoors and indoors and helps us reap the mood-boosting effects of plants and flowers year round.

The easiest way to incorporate plants into a room is to tuck them into corners and place them atop tables. But there are endless possibilities. Hanging baskets or a window garden can provide cut flowers, trailing plants or fresh herbs in any season. Plants can serve more architectural purposes as well. Install a hanging wall instead of a room divider to separate living and dining areas. Mount plants on the walls of a three season porch or sunroom so you’re literally surrounded by living things, inside and outside.

UNWIND WITH WATER Minnesota lake homes and cabins showcase incredible water views. But it’s possible to pull these watery elements into interior design as well. A bubbling fountain is as relaxing indoors as it is in the garden. And it’s accessible year round. Find solace in aquariums full of colorful fish. Professionals (or a clever DIYer) can tuck an aquarium into a built-in shelf or along a wall, complimenting the lines of the room and keeping cords out of sight. Even indoor pools, hot tubs and steam rooms have gotten an update. The grim municipal tiles and chlorine fumes have been replaced with salt water, and design-forward styles flow seamlessly into interior and transitional spaces so homeowners can relax with a view of nature.

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See more photos from this feature home in our Jan/Feb 2020 issue

EXTEND THE VIEW One of the simplest ways to invite the outdoors in is make sure you can see as much of it as possible. So rethink windows and doors in every room.

MAXIMIZE WINDOWS When building, install as many windows as possible. They make a home feel lighter and brighter and allow the view to be the star of the show. Minimize the contrast between the window frames and the wall so the eye keeps moving to the scenery outside. Keep window treatments as unobtrusive as possible to avoid blocking the view. Skipping curtains or screens entirely, if possible. 48 Lake & Home Magazine MAY / JUNE 2021

Rethink standard window shapes and sizes. Large, glazed walls create a soaring expanse of floor-to-ceiling glass in high-ceilinged rooms and make the walls of lower-slung spaces seem to disappear from view entirely. Horizontal clerestory and transom windows let in light while preserving privacy. Skylights paint a room with sunshine from above. Windows can be placed on landings, in attic lofts, in walk-in closets and on garage doors. Those on private lots can boldly shower in the sun by replacing a bathroom wall with a window. More bashful types or city dwellers can preserve their privacy with translucent or textured glass.

RE-IMAGINE DOORS Adding or expanding the size of a patio door can open up a view and make a room feel more expansive. Keeping window treatments minimal will allow extra light. Swap a window for a patio door to add easy access to the outdoors. Adding a transitional zone like a fire pit or seating area right outside can turn an unused corner of the yard into a bustling entertainment zone. Space-saving sliding glass doors are widely available, so they’re often the default choice. But bifold doors also work well in tight spaces. Throw open classic French doors and welcome the fresh air or install Dutch doors (which open on the top) for a little farmhouse charm. Retractable garage doors work well in industrial or contemporary interiors and allow the entire wall to open up to the elements.

ADD TRANSITIONAL MATERIALS There are also ways to create permeable and flexible barriers without major remodeling. They add privacy and comfort to key indoor/outdoor spaces.

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An awning or large umbrella shades a porch or seating area. It also blocks the view from above, which is helpful when you have a small lot or neighbors that look down into the yard. A pergola has a similar effect, with the added bonus of bountiful vines, flowers or fruit in season. Use shrubs or bushes (either alone or in hedgerows) to shield an outdoor gathering. A wood or metal outdoor garden screen serves the same purpose and adds an architectural element that provides a visual link between interior and exterior spaces. A wall of translucent glass provides privacy and filters light. Installing mosquito netting or a lightweight fabric keeps the air moving and keeps pests at bay. Some porches, patios and garages feature pull-down screens so residents and guests can enjoy fresh breezes without dealing with insects.

REVAMP TRANSITIONAL SPACES AND OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT ZONES Transitional spaces are rooms or outdoor gathering places that showcase the outdoors by providing a view or outside access. Porches, entryways and sunrooms are common, but a dining room with a patio door or an outdoor drinking or dining space would also qualify.

PATIO TIME These accessible, versatile spaces are perfect for lounging, socializing, dining and napping, so make sure you have furniture that supports all of these activities. Exterior furniture has evolved beautifully, showcasing designs and fabrics that would look right at home indoors but can weather the elements.

Plants make patios come alive. Add a graceful trellis heaped with clematis, ivy or grape vines. Or try colorful pots of flowers and a container vegetable garden. Separate conversation, lounging and dining zones with potted fruit trees or tall plants.

SOAK UP THE SUN(ROOM) A room dedicated to catching the sun’s warming rays quickly becomes a treasured gathering space. Fill it with fade-resistant furniture, cozy spots to recline, nap, snack and converse and plenty of books and projects for quiet moments. In a sunroom, bigger windows are better. But location matters even more. The season and time of day it’ll be most used will determine the room’s position in the home.

SOOTHING SCREEN PORCH A three-season or screen porch extends access to the outdoors. Families can take in the view and read, relax and dine in nature from early spring until the last days of fall. These spaces open up to the shoreline or the yard, allowing easy access to nature. Just like sunrooms, location matters. An architect or contractor should consider both sunshine and wind direction (especially lake breezes) when choosing a site to ensure that the space can be used comfortably as often as possible.

See more photos from this feature home in our Sept/Oct 2020 issue

CAMPFIRE NIGHTS A fire pit is another time honored way to extend the outdoor season. A custom fire pit can echo the stone used throughout the interior and exterior of a home or blend right in with the landscaping. Upgraded furniture can make this gathering place just as comfortable as a living room. Just make sure anything upholstered is flame-retardant.

52 Lake & Home Magazine MAY / JUNE 2021

FRONT PORCH SITTING

COOKING OUTDOORS

A charming front porch is a classic feature of traditional farmhouses and regal Victorian abodes. It’s also a great place to rock, relax and socialize. Retractable screens can provide privacy, shade and insect protection. Bring the landscaping onto the porch by repeating some of the flowers, herbs and grasses in the yard in window boxes and planters.

Families who frequently dine al fresco can take it to the next level with an outdoor kitchen. Upgrade the grill, add a fridge for ice cold drinks or invest in a top-of-the-line smoker or pizza oven to make memories all season long.

A rocking chair or front porch swing provide soothing motion. Add additional comfortable chairs, low tables for drinks and foot stools to elevate weary legs.

Outdoor kitchens work well when situated near existing outdoor drinking and dining areas like a patio or fire pit, but they can also stand alone. The heat generated by an outdoor kitchen can warm up chilly spring and fall nights.

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See more photos from this feature home in our May/June 2020 issue Photo by Rick Hammer, courtesy of Lands End Development

RINSE OFF OUTDOORS An outdoor shower is another vacation luxury that transfers beautifully into everyday life. There’s something so relaxing about standing under the water in the summer sunshine. It’s an affordable indulgence that feels delightfully unexpected. Add an outdoor shower onto a bar or boathouse. You can also tuck it into an unused corner off the main house. Muted glass or pretty wood panels provide extra privacy. Blending interior and exterior elements creates a sense of balance and harmony. Looking to nature helps you create restful interior spaces and vibrant outdoor gathering places so you can enjoy every corner of your house, lawn and garden. ~L&H

IT’S FIVE O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE Folks flock to beachfront bars and other outdoor drinking spaces on vacation, so why not recreate the same experience at home? These can be standalone structures apart from the main dwelling or extensions of other outdoor spaces. The best outdoor bars echo the look and materials of the home or blend in with the landscape. Color schemes and materials will depend on the location, since forests, beaches and prairies have very different palettes. Keep the walls as open as possible (using retractable screens or large windows or doors) to keep the eye moving through the space.

See more photos from this feature home in our Nov/Dec 2018 issue

54 Lake & Home Magazine MAY / JUNE 2021

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photo and recipe by Alicia Underlee Nelson

I’m always trying to figure out how to

2 cups | diced rhubarb

use up my last couple cups of rhu-

1 cup | sliced strawberries

barb. Thankfully, these dense, jammy

2 tablespoons | cornstarch

bars are versatile. You can adjust the amount of rhubarb up or down to suit your taste. As long as you have 3 cups of fruit, they’ll turn out fine.

If you don’t have strawberries, that’s

fine too. These bars are inspired by my

¾ cup | unsalted butter

mom’s rhubarb bars and influenced

1 ½ cups | flour

by several recipes in my grandma’s

1 teaspoon | baking soda

church cookbook, many of which

½ cup | chopped cashews

skip berries entirely.

56 Lake & Home Magazine MAY / JUNE 2021

Preheat the oven to 350°.

Move saucepan to a burner, cook on medi-

Pat ¾ of the oatmeal mixture into a 9 x 13

um heat until thickened, about 5-10 minutes,

baking dish to form a crust. Pour fruit filling

Place butter on a dish to soften. Roughly

stirring constantly. Reduce heat, simmer for

evenly over the top of the oatmeal crust.

chop the cashews in a food processor or

5-10 more minutes or until rhubarb is tender

Spoon the remaining oatmeal mixture on

crush them with a mortar and pestle.

and the mixture has the consistency of jam.

top. (It won’t cover all of the fruit filling.)

Stir often. Remove and discard rhubarb leaves (they’re toxic, so keep them away from kids and pets)

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the oatmeal Add vanilla. Remove from heat to cool.

and strawberry stems. Clean the fruit. Dice

mixture is browned and the fruit filling is hot and bubbling.

the rhubarb and slice the strawberries. Set

Combine the oatmeal, flour, brown sugar,

aside.

baking soda, and cashews together in a

Cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.

large bowl. Cut the butter into the dry ingre-

They’re also uncommonly good served cold,

dients. Mix until crumbly.

straight from the refrigerator. ~L&H

Dissolve the cornstarch in water in a heavy bottom saucepan. Add rhubarb, strawberries and sugar.

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photo and recipe by Alicia Underlee Nelson

favorite harbingers of spring in Min-

1 bunch | (approximately eight) asparagus spears, the stems cut in three

nesota, where the season ends in

I | onion, finely chopped

late June. This simple, colorful recipe

3 | cloves of garlic, finely chopped

combines the earthy flavor of aspar-

The zest of one lemon

agus with briny olives, bright notes of

1 | 16 ounce box or bag of penne pasta

lemon and crisp white wine.

¼ | cup of pasta water

Fresh, green asparagus is one of my

58 Lake & Home Magazine MAY / JUNE 2021

Wash the asparagus. Chop off the woody

Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted

Bring the mixture to a low boil for 2-3 min-

part at the bottom with a chef’s knife and

water, until al dente – about 13 minutes.

utes. Cook another 2-3 minutes, until the

discard. It will naturally break off at the cor-

asparagus is softened. Stir in the olives and

rect point, so break one stalk and use that as

Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water in a heat-

a guide. Chop each stalk into three pieces.

safe vessel and drain the rest. Set the pasta

Put asparagus aside.

water aside. Return the pasta to the cooking

Pour the sauce and vegetables over the

pot, turn off the heat.

pasta in the cooking pot. Add the cooking

Dice the onion. Peel and mince the garlic. Set both aside. Pit the olives and cut them in half, if they

water a few tablespoons at a time, until the Heat the olive oil in a frying pan. And the

sauce is slightly thickened. Toss until all the

onion and salt, cooking over low heat for 5

pasta is coated. (You may not use it all.)

minutes or until soft and translucent.

weren’t already prepared.

Serve warm topped with Parmesan and fresh Stir in garlic and asparagus. Add the wine,

Zest the lemon, taking care not to get too

lemon zest.

basil leaves. ~L&H

raise the heat to medium high.

much of the white pith, which is bitter.

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L LANDSCAPING

60 Lake & Home Magazine MAY / JUNE 2021

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Photo courtesy Alex Brick & Stone

“Pavers are almost an extension of the inside of the home. They create different entertaining, social, and living areas.” MATT KELLY | BRICKYARD SUPPLIES

62 Lake & Home Magazine MAY / JUNE 2021

innesotans have many ways they enjoy their summer months. Spending time on the patio, in the garden, around the pool, lakeside, enjoying an outdoor kitchen or toasting marshmallows are a few examples. One key piece in paving the way to the perfect outdoor space is defining the space. “Pavers are almost an extension of the inside of the home. They create different entertaining, social, and living areas,” said Matt Kelly of Brickyard Supplies in Battle Lake, Minn. Pavers create an inviting and intimate outdoor space yet provide contrast for natural elements to bloom. “Borgert, Belgrad, Rochester, Techo-Bloc, and Willow Creek/Versa-Loc, the five brands that we carry, do a nice job of emulating that natural stone look,” Alex Brick & Stone salesman, Jay Schueler, said.

Borgert pavers are made with sand, granite chips, cement, color, water and admixtures to help with reducing efflorescence. Unlike pouring a concrete slab, interlocking pavers come in many colors and styles and are laid in various patterns that create a unique space. “We’re one of the original manufacturers of interlocking concrete pavers in the United States. Concrete pavers are a flexible pavement system that are aesthetically pleasing while being durable in our harsh Minnesota climate,” shared Sue Borgert, CEO of Borgert Products, a family-owned company for nearly 100 years. The Minnesota climate is hard on pavements due to harsh de-icing chemicals and ground movement due to freeze/thaw cycles. This can cause cracking and spalling of concrete. “In the early days of manufacturing pavers, Borgert Products took directions from our Canadian counterparts and learned to manufacture pavers Minnesota-tough. Our products are made of quality raw materials in a controlled environment with a carefully formulated mix designed to ensure quality products.

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Unlike with concrete ready mix, weather conditions can affect the job’s quality. Proper installation is important no matter the type of pavement. While concrete pavement is a rigid pavement, it can crack, where pavers are a flexible system. Pavers are very dense concrete. The American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) requires a minimum of 8,000 psi, where poured-in-place concrete is typically 3,500 psi. Since pavers are so dense, snow will melt off of them quickly. Another benefit is that an interlocking concrete paving stone pavement requires no curing and can be used immediately after it is installed,” Borgert explained. PERMEABLE PAVERS: These are interlocking and made with indentations so when they are laid they create voids where the water infiltrates. “Permeable pavers apply to folks living on or around lakes, allowing them to meet area codes and DNR laws and regulations. Different spacing with granite chips filled in the cracks allows for water to percolate through the cracks,” Schueler explained. This method prevents dirty stormwater runoff from trickling down into streams and lakes. Borgerts’ Drena Series is an excellent solution to

Photo courtesyMagazine Brickyard Supplies 64 Lake & Home MAY / JUNE 2021

meeting permits where hardcover is an issue. “Permeable interlocking concrete pavers are stronger and more durable than porous concrete or asphalt. Maintenance is easier than with the porous pavements, which is important because all these pavements must be maintained,” Schueler elaborated. CLASSIC PAVERS: Classic pavers such as Cob-

blestone and Holland Stone come in a wide range of sizes and colors that will manicure the yard yet not steal attention away from the roses. Cobblestone has that distinctive look in which you can almost hear the click-clacking of horse hoofs and wagon wheels passing by. Holland Stone “offers the charm of a simple rectangular shape.” The creative pattern options and paver edges separate larger patio areas, making the dining and conversation areas more defined. “In my eyes, the smaller size pavers such as Holland Stone make for nicer walkways and patios, and people seem to like that look,” Schueler commented.

Photo courtesy Brickyard Supplies

“We are starting to see a transition into largerscale slab-style pavers. Homeowners like the modern design, while contractors like installing them because they’re quicker to lay, there tends to be less cutting.”

JAY SCHUELER | ALEX BRICK & STONE

Photo courtesy Alex Brick & Stone

TUMBLED PAVERS: A tumbling process gives

these pavers that time-worn, distressed, stroll through ancient parts of Europe texture. “This process gives pavers that old world beat-up look you might use around log homes or in a rustic type of application,” Schueler explained. The tumbling process is an extra step in manufacturing and is something Borgert offers. “Our tumbling process creates a sculpted appearance to each paver, and our carefully formulated new colors will take you back to medieval times.” With colors like North Shore, Minnesota River, Iron Range, and more, sold in four different sizes, creating six different patterns for stepping out on a rustic-style patio overlooking the lake.

SLAB PAVERS: A smooth and contemporary look can be accomplished in any yard with slab pavers. “We are starting to see a transition into larger-scale slab-style pavers,” Schueler stated. “Homeowners like the modern design, while contractors like installing them because they’re quicker to lay, there tends to be less cutting, which is nice for us because there’s less return to the shop.” Borgerts’ Kastle Flat pavers come in three sizes, 8x16, 16x16, and 16x24, and three colors, Sterling Gray, Classic Bronze, and Lannon, creating a beautiful poolside oasis and other outdoor spaces.

When shopping for pavers, Alex Brick & Stone likes to see swatches or pictures of the house, siding, or stonework before taking customers out to their patio area to match or contrast pavers. Picking out the right color and style of pavers is a crucial step in getting the right look that fits the space you’ve been dreaming of. DIYers will also need additional materials: paver base/aggregate, and masonry/ leveling sand. Once you’ve picked out your pavers and picked up your materials, you’re going to need to round up the proper installation tools for the job. Tools to add to your list: shovels, chop saw, trowel, hammer, wheelbarrow,

MAY / JUNE 2021 www.lakeandhomemagazine.com 65

rubber mallet, straightedge, vibratory plate compactor, and the proper protection. “Pavers have become more efficient and easier to work with due to the proper tools and equipment that take the stress off the body,” Kelly said. While tackling a paver patio project on your own, there are a few things to consider. “You should know the kind of soil you’re working with to prepare the site,” Kelly mentioned. Before clearing and prepping the site, contact your utility companies to identify cable, electric, gas, phone, sewer, and waterlines. In Minnesota, before you dig, homeowners and contractors need to call Gopher State One at 800-252-1166 to have public utili-

Photos TOP & BOTTOM courtesy Alex Brick & Stone

ty companies come and mark their public service lines. “Any private utility lines will not be marked by Gopher State One and will be up to the homeowner or contractor to mark. Electricians offer this service if private utility lines are needed to be marked,” Kelly added.

Photo courtesy Brickyard Supplies

“Pavers have become more efficient and easier to work with due to the proper tools and equipment that take the stress off the body.”

MATT KELLY | BRICKYARD SUPPLIES

66 Lake & Home Magazine MAY / JUNE 2021

Photo courtesy OUTDOOR RENOVATIONS Landscape & Septic Inc., Underwood MN

Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get out the shovel and wheelbarrow to clear the site. Once the site is excavated, interlocking concrete pavers will require a compacted base of class 2 or class 5, 6 inches to 12 inches in stable soils. Borgert recommends preparing the base 12 inches beyond the size of the finished pavement, so that the edge restraint can be anchored into the base. Once the base is prepared, screed 1 inch of clean concrete sand over it. Keep in mind not to walk on the screeded sand, place the pavers on the sand. “Put the edge restraint at the perimeter, then take a plate compactor and go over the top of the pavers. This creates the initial interlock. Once the entire pavement is compacted, replace any pavers that may

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have cracked and sweep more sand into the joints and compact again, sweeping and working the sand in until the joints are full,” Borgert explained. For complete DIY instructions from layout to installation contact your local supplier or refer to Borgert’s DIY guide. To add a small DIY retaining wall along a flowerbed, for example, bury the pavers in an upright position. It will add a nice and inexpensive trim while keeping dirt and water from spilling over.

When laying pavers down in a driveway, you’ll want to use smaller, thicker pavers due to their durability. “Our manufacturers make their pavers with a higher psi formula made with granite, making it a higher quality product,” Schueler explained. One-inch pavers are perfect for overlaying on an existing concrete slab. “We’ve got a number of overlay products like Oakville Stone, which is a natural stone paver ranging from 7/8 to 1-inch thick. It is really neat what we can do,” Schueler added. Pavers are easy to maintain. “Just like anything else you invest in, you take care of it,” Borgert commented. “It is as simple as cleaning with a mild soap such as Simple Green. Pavers exposed to de-icing chemicals and salts need to be cleaned especially in the spring. Even when it is warm, salts and chemicals will continue to eat at concrete.” Weeds are famous for popping up just about any-

Photo courtesy Brickyard Supplies

68 Lake & Home Magazine MAY / JUNE 2021

where; however, if properly installed, they are less of an issue. “Interlocking is the key word, in a newly laid pavement only 3 percent of water gets through and as deleterious materials blow in the joint seals up even more allowing no moisture into the pavement,” Borgert explained. “If a concrete paver gets stained, cracked, or decomposes, they’re easy to pop out and replace with another. A lot of companies add sealers to their pavers, which adds more life to them,” Kelly added. The versatility of pavers makes them an attractive option in virtually any landscaping scenario. They are pleasing to the eye, have endless pattern options, and are durable to withstand Minnesota’s winters. Once they’re laid, they require little maintenance, making them the perfect foundation for creating an outdoor space. ~L&H

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DO IT YOURSELF

written by Alicia Underlee Nelson

70 Lake & Home Magazine MAY / JUNE 2021

You only get one chance to make a first impression. And since many of us don’t use our own front entryways (and the pandemic has limited the number of visitors we receive), most entrance spaces have been neglected for over a year.

Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to refresh this often overlooked space. These quick updates can really make your entryway pop.

Extend a Warm Welcome Stand on your front step to see it like your visitors do. Clear the cobwebs and sweep the steps. Then wash the grit, grime and salt residue off the steps, scrubbing any dirt, scuff marks or stains from the surfaces. Clean any windows that look out onto the space.

Then replace your tired old welcome mat with a fresh one that reflects your home’s aesthetic and color scheme. You can even layer a colorful rug underneath for extra visual interest or to really make a graphic design pop.

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Add Sculptural Elements An entryway is often a decorating afterthought, a blank canvas. It’s easy to add a little color and interest to this neglected space.

An embellished doorbell or an elaborate door knocker can also provide sculptural interest in small spaces. They’re available in a variety of styles including bold sunbursts, geometric shapes and Art Deco motifs, mythical figures

For front steps that receive at least partial sun, consider a few planters bursting with bright blooms or soothing greenery. Plants look

and intricate Victorian designs, the curving vines and flowers of Art Nouveau and whimsical creatures like owls, butterflies and bees.

Make a Functional Drop Zone Extend this welcoming feeling into the area immediately inside your front door by making sure that your front entryway provides everything you and your guests need. Clear clutter, including unused seasonal items. Then step in the door and take stock of what’s missing in this space.

great in odd numbered groups. Varying the height of the planters or using an attractive plant stand makes your display even more aesthetically pleasing.

If you don’t have a green thumb, sufficient light or a lot of space, try an intriguing statue instead. Garden stores have some surprisingly elegant and artful pieces that can weather the elements. Or invest in a sculptural front porch light.

Maybe your entryway needs a narrow bench for the elders or your littlest guests to sit and remove their shoes. If there’s no closet handy, consider a coat rack or install a row of hooks. Tuck an umbrella holder into a corner.

These entryway additions can benefit the home’s residents as well. Include a wall-hugging shelf or small table to keep purses off the floor and the other furniture. Mount a small mirror for a quick check coming in and out of the front door. Purchase a few interesting trays so you can stash your keys, spare change or anything else you or your guests chronically misplace. ~L&H

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L LANDSCAPING

74 Lake & Home Magazine MAY / JUNE 2021

Photo courtesy OUTDOOR RENOVATIONS Landscape & Septic inc. Underwood MN

Creating a visually pleasing and low-maintenance outdoor landscape at the lake is one of the most requested elements of design that landscapers and garden centers hear from lake homeowners. The climate and terrain in Minnesota lakes country, the amount of maintenance required, as well as the specific requirements of each home, all play a role in deciding what trees and shrubs should be planted near a lake cabin.

Climate

It’s a well-known fact that the climate in Minnesota ranges from deeply cold in the winter, to scorching hot in the summer. The continental climate of this state, one that experiences all four seasons, combined with being classified within the USDA growing zone of 3-4 (plants.usda.gov) puts a unique spin on what can be planted and what can thrive in this region. Choosing the right trees to plant near your lake home can provide wind protection to the structure itself, but also provide shade and enhancement of the lakeside experience. A wide variety of evergreens can thrive within lakes country, Matt Hoen of 4Mations Landscaping shared. “Evergreen cedars are an excellent option to provide a tree that can withstand high winds, while providing beauty the whole year through,” he mentioned.

Low Maintenance Landscape

Having a lakeside retreat is often an escape from the routine maintenance of home ownership and creating an outdoor landscape that requires little to no upkeep is often a high priority. The trees and shrubs that you choose can determine the amount of maintenance and pruning required to keep them beautiful.

Photo courtesy Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

76 Lake & Home Magazine MAY / JUNE 2021

“When a client requests the lowest maintenance of landscapes, we tend to lean into native shrubs and trees for the overall design plan; the dogwoods, the birch trees and of course the evergreen family for trees. As for shrubs, the staghorn sumac and the common ninebark are popular native shrubs that can be integrated into lake home landscaping,” stated Hoen.

Incorporating shrubs and trees that are native to the region can allow for the creation of a naturally beautiful landscape that compliments the surrounding habitat of the lake. The willow and dogwood family of trees and shrubs have a wide array of options that can be planted around your lake home to provide privacy as well as wind protection. The red-osier dogwood and Bebb’s willow are two options that provide a width of green expanse and do well in a variety of soil types that are found near lake homes.

Wildlife Friendly

The wildlife that surrounds the lake you reside on can be a limiting factor to what shrubs and trees should be installed on your property. Deer tend to favor green leafy plants; they are also known to partake of certain other plant life including cedar and dogwoods. The sumac bush is a species that is a definitive shrub that deer avoid yet provides natural beauty to your landscape. “The gro-low sumac is one of my favorite shrubs, it works on a

variety of landscapes and provides excellent ground cover,” informed Hoen. The staghorn sumac can also be considered a versatile planting option, as it can grow up to 30 feet tall and could be viewed as a small tree or a larger shrub option. It’s expanse of greenery and the fruit it produces are a favorite amongst birds, while the bark and stems are favored among deer and squirrels.

The paper birch tree is perhaps the most recognizable tree of Minnesota lakes country. While being a native tree to the region it is also one that is fast growing and can quickly add to the beauty of one’s lakeside retreat. Sticking with shrubs and trees that are already a part of the Minnesota lakes country landscape not only means ease of living while you are at the lake, but also creates continuity with the surrounding habitats.

Photos courtesy OUTDOOR RENOVATIONS Landscape & Septic Inc., Underwood MN

The nannyberry is a beautiful shrub that produces white flowers that bees and birds find irresistible, but deer will not partake in. Finding the right trees and shrubs that not only support the wildlife that surround your lake home property, while protecting the foliage from local species who are intrigued by your plantings for their next meal, is a delicate balance that can create a beautiful and natural landscape for you to enjoy.

78 Lake & Home Magazine MAY / JUNE 2021

Photos courtesy Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Neighborly Natural Fencing

While fences are often credited for making neighbors better friends, installing a fence at a lake home is often not an option. Between deciphering property lines, the financial cost, and having an impediment to the viewing of the lake, a traditional fence can create more challenges than solutions.

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Shrubs and bushes can solve the issue of privacy between close lake home neighbors. The dogwood family of shrubs and trees can offer the best solution for natural fencing. There are a wide variety of options within the family of dogwoods, the red and yellow twig variety deliver the most suitable option for this region. Lilac bushes can offer a wider span of privacy, between 4-12 feet wide depending on the variety, while providing a natural fence height depending on your pruning preferences.

Evergreens are among the top trees to plant for privacy and can serve as a privacy fence all year through. Amur Maples can be classified as both a shrub or as a small tree, and they have the ability to grow up to 20 feet. Keep in mind the property lines as well as the final expected growth of the shrub or tree that you choose. While the lot size will never change, the tree or shrub will continue to grow and may infringe upon your neighbor’s property.

The sumac family of shrubs is another option that provide privacy. “The tiger eye sumac shrub is a favorite of mine to plant at lake homes, they grow bigger over time to provide excellent privacy and growth as they mature,” shares Hoen. Photo courtesy OUTDOOR RENOVATIONS Landscape & Septic Inc., Underwood MN

Hiring an experienced landscaper, or scheduling pruning maintenance will ensure the natural fencing will continue to foster good neighbor relations. Creating a lush and relaxing landscape to compliment your cabin, can be a rewarding endeavor when you choose shrubs and trees that not only enhance the natural beauty of the lake but also provide enhanced privacy and enjoyment of your lakeside retreat. ~L&H

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DO IT YOURSELF

by Alicia Underlee Nelson photos by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

pend less time watering, mowing,

A University of Minnesota study states that just

The native plants encyclopedia on the Min-

weeding and trimming by adding

one acre of prairie traps one ton of carbon in

nesota Department of Natural Resources

native grasses and plants and easy-

its roots and soil every year. Planting aquative

website is an excellent resource. Minnesota

care hybrids to your yard and garden. You’ll

plants like rushes and reeds, sedges as well

DNR habitat specialist Lindy Ekola recom-

also reduce your environmental impact and

as wildflowers, also yield dramatic results.

mends starting at dnr.state.mn.us/rys/pg/

save native habitat for birds, bees and but-

encyclopedia.html to learn what grows well

terflies.

near you.

82 Lake & Home Magazine MAY / JUNE 2021

RESTORE THE NATURAL SHORE LINE Re-introducing native rushes and reeds prevents erosion. Adding sedges (grass-like plants) maintains transitional areas where little else grows and cuts down on lawn maintenance.

The plants you choose depend on your location. To transform a lakefront in Otter Tail County, for example, Ekola would recommend Bebb’s sedge, bristly sedge and bluejoint sedge for wet, marshy spaces. Native grasses like big bluestem, blue grama and bottlebrush grass grow well in drier soil.

Ekola says, “I have sedges under our trees so we don’t have to mow anymore.”

“If you’re going to work on a shoreline project, you want something of interest throughout the whole season,” Ekola explains. “And it’s also better for pollinators and wildlife.”

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CREATE A FLOWERING PRAIRIE Kimberly Hess knows a few things about growing for pollinators and wildlife. The owner of Prairie Petals in Fargo has transformed 204 acres of Minnesota land back into prairieland.

Her acreage combines grasses like big blue-

After that, it just needs to be mowed three

stem, little bluestem and switchgrass with the

times a year for the first two years. Set the

colorful wildflowers that have become her

mower on the highest possible setting to

shop’s signature. Blazing stars, coneflowers

avoid damaging the plants.

and purple prairie clover dot the landscape with lavender blooms. Cheerful Maximilian sunflowers and common oxeye daisies mingle with showy yellow partridge pea, fiery butterfly weed and delicate yarrow.

ORNAMENT YOUR LAWN WITH HYBRID GRASSES Once established, a prairie quickly takes over. To experiment with the look in small doses (and retain a sense of creative control over your yard) try hybrid grasses, suggests Marie

“Seeds need enough time to germinate and come up, so spring planting is the best,” Hess

Jacobson of Outdoor Renovations Landscape and Septic Division in Underwood.

explains. “You need to have a fairly weedfree bed. You need firm soil. If you’re doing a small area, you could take up the soil to rough it up, hand-spread the seed, and then lightly rake it again.”

“There are many kinds, depending on what height or width you need,” she explains. “They are easily maintained. Once you plant one of those ornamental grasses and it takes root, people leave them to stand in the fall for their beauty, then cut them back in the springtime, before the plant starts to grow again.”

Karl Foerster’s green stems and feathery plumes make it a popular choice. Blackhawk displays shades of deep green and purple, while blue heaven emerges as an elegant blue-gray in spring, then transforms into a fiery mix of sunset red, pink and orange by fall. ~L&H

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INTERIOR DESIGN

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utting

together

the

plan for a house involves a great many

questions to answer. Where do the outlets go? What kind of flooring do we put in the mudroom? Will we need a linen closet, or do we use shelving in each location? Where do we unload the car, and what kind of storage is needed there? Should we put a coffee counter in the kitchen? I vote yes!

With all the different things that fall together, comes the inevitable possibility that we missed something. Once everything is moved in, decorating begins and the new ideas come running. Wouldn’t it be easier if we had a master list to follow? Maybe, but that might mean we would all be the same, having the same questions answered with the same solutions to choose from. Life is not a catalog book, so let’s pick the things that matter the most to us. What space is being wasted? For starters, under the stairs.

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While there are many ways to utilize such a space, it’s good to narrow the choice track to about three options before final decisions are made. A few solutions to look at are the public bureau or desk area, the clever closet, or a pre-planned built-in of drawers or shelving.

A floating staircase is elegant and full of design envy, but what do we do with that blank spot beneath them? A hall bureau is a great opportunity to add a pop of color and storage for general home management items. Stack the pieces on top to accentuate that triangular climb.

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If you need a spot to sit and count your bless-

shaped items like that ill-advised pogo stick

ings with a calculator, try a nook for a desk.

from the county fair, the canoe paddle, or

Incorporate shelving, or plan a perfect built-

bins for Christmas decorations. An elegant

in. Just remember; all we see is the back of

and seamless door makes it feel like a part of

that chair, but you have to sit in it.

the plan. If you’re feeling like a secret agent, make it a bookshelf.

What is the clever closet, but a door into a hidden room? The space might be a bit

Carefully constructed shelves are beautiful,

unusual, but it is effective in the best ways.

and a great place to showcase your inspi-

It uses the entire space while keeping things

rations. Lighting can be added for a glow

out of sight. This is a great place to stow odd

effect, or another source of ambiance. Use

every inch of the space with stacked, angular drawers and cabinets that hold a variety of different house items, especially those we take to travel every day.

You have time to tackle the small things before those walls go up, and you already know what you like. Happy planning! ~L&H

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FEATURE HOME

by Jen Miller photos by Kip Johnson

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"When I head to the lake, I’m heading to my land, where it’s quiet, and I have lots of enjoyable things to do." Gordy Jensen - Homeowner

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It is the peace and quiet that draws many people like Gordy Jensen from the city to the lake. As the traffic thins out to open country roads, the muscles relax, the lungs fill up with fresh air, and the pace slows. The sounds of car alarms and horns are replaced with those of loons and lapping waves. “The only thing I do in the city is take care of business. When I head to the lake, I’m heading to my land, where it’s quiet, and I have lots of enjoyable things to do,” Gordy Jensen commented. Jensen spent many years in the city before retiring to Florida, where he wrote his first novel, The Way Out, the first book in a trilogy. Set in the future, a cast of 26 crew members board the Alpha Centauri I. They are destined for the planet Proxima b, the closest planet with the potential to sustain human life. However, a collapsed star sends them stumbling off course, forever changing their lives.

So what brought Jensen back from sunny, warm Florida to an often snowy, cooler Minnesota? “This is where my roots are,” Jensen stated, “and now, we’re starting to have grandkids, and I want to be around for that. We’re still in that grandparenting novelty stage, with our first being only 6 months.” Gordy grew up duck hunting, with his dad, in the Ottertail area. To this day, he still enjoys the sport. As we enter Jensen’s cabin on Lake Lizzie, you’ll see his love for the woods and ducks throughout the cabin. Diving ducks such as the common pochard, redhead, and tufted ducks are scattered throughout the second floor, while dabbles such as the mallard, mandarin, and wood ducks decorate the third floor. The extended Jensen family has spent an abundance of time on Lake Lizzie, vacationing, fishing, and of course, duck hunting. Fond of the area, for its “white sand beaches” and its “remote location,” Gordy decided to have his cabin built down yonder from the family cabin. The location of Jensen’s cabin

is so remote, before they could lay a foundation; they needed to construct a road. “It took us a bit of time to do the site survey in locating the cabin to accomplish the best view of the lake and yet cut down the fewest number of trees possible,” contractor, Don Suiter, explained. “Gordy had to make the difficult decision to cut down this gorgeous white oak. We tried everything we could think of to save the tree. We ended up taking it down but managed to save it for another project I’m currently doing for Gordy.” The cabin, which Gordy refers to as a “treehouse” style, stands three-stories tall among a mature forest of ash, elm, maple, and oak. Each level is 1,075 square feet, bringing it to a total of 3,225 square feet. “The footprint of the cabin is small, yet the three stories high, surrounded by trees, gives it that feel of a treehouse,” Suiter mentioned. Native grass surrounds the cabin and will continue to grow in favor of a landscaped yard for two reasons, “It has zero maintenance, and I wanted to minimize disturbing the natural elements,” Jensen said.

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The second floor serves as the main floor, where the family will gather for meals and do most of their indoor entertaining. The open floor concept ties both the kitchen and living room, flooded with natural light, together. While preparing a meal on the blue, Bahia granite top, purchased from Northern Stone, the chef is included in conversations taking place around the room, heated by both the oven and the fireplace. One of Gordy’s favorite meals to prepare is duck. He likes to boil the duck in water, beef broth, and red wine before moving it to a cooking sheet, breast up, basting it in a melted orange concentrate, and then broiling. “It’s a great recipe!” Jensen said.

The stone driveway leads right up to the first level, a walkout that houses the entrance, mechanical, and the bunkroom. “With another generation coming in, we’re going to need the overflow area because they’re going to want to stay at the treehouse,” Jensen mentioned. To get to the second floor, guests can take the stairs or the elevator. Having an elevator installed significantly increased the cost and took up a fair amount of floor space, but it will serve its purpose. “I plan on living the rest of my life out here, so I had an elevator put in for those older years,” Jensen said. “It was common in the earlier 1900s to see that living area on one floor and the sleeping area on a separate floor. It made that sleeping area more private. One of the big disadvantages of separating the two spaces on different levels is climbing those stairs when you get older, where adding the elevator accomplishes separating the two areas and making them functional,” Suiter added.

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A unique feature in the kitchen is the backsplash. The basket weave pattern tile compliments the natural wood tones throughout the open space, yet defines the kitchen and gives it a splash of old world charm between those modern, white cabinets. Apart from the kitchen is a built-in dry bar that provides extra countertops, cupboards, and fridge space while entertaining. “Built-ins don’t take up much more floor space than freestanding, so you’re not losing square footage. What it comes down to is design. Do you want that open feel or is the homeowner fine with closing off certain areas? In this case, the built-in dry bar is not completely closed in and works well with that open feel,” Suiter explained.

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The fireplace, which is almost a necessity in any Minnesota cabin, is nestled between the living room and kitchen. Hebron Brick and Don Suiter Construction built the fireplace, placing granite around the firebox, before finishing off the space with the natural theme Jensen wanted built into his cabin. The custom mantle, purchased from Run of the Mill, based in Blue Earth County, is made from an ash tree. “Run of the Mill specializes in using reclaimed lumber whenever possible, which fit with Gordy’s plans to minimize using up resources,” Suiter said. The hearth is made of stone. The most impressive feature is the different wood grains and how well they flow together. With Elton Design Studio and Don Suiter’s help, Jensen pulled that natural woodsy look right into the treehouse style

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cabin. Blonde basswood lines the walls while black walnut dresses the ceilings, including the third-floor vaulted ceiling. “I like the wood look, and it’s something we’ve done in other places. We went through a company that mills their own wood. There were so many options; it was hard to pick,” Jensen said. Renneberg Hardwoods Inc., based in Menahga is the name of the milling company. “They did an excellent job! The wood was easy to work with,” Suiter mentioned. “In my experience, the wall and ceiling wood is a unique combination. I’ve been building way longer than I like to admit, and I’ve never seen rustic walnut on the ceiling with rustic basswood walls. Rennebergs have an impressive display area so customers can get a better feel for the combinations than just by looking at pictures. The two kinds of woods turned out to be an impressive combination,” Suiter said. The flooring appears to have that timber look, but is what Jensen called “indestructible vinyl” from Sperling Modern Home. “You don’t want to worry about something leaking on true wood. But I like that the floor looks like real wood,” Jensen mentioned.

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"I like the wood look, and it’s something we’ve done in other places. We went through a company that mills their own wood. There were so many options; it was hard to pick." Gordy Jensen - Homeowner

Rustic and modern mingle throughout the three bedrooms, two and a half baths, three-level cabin. “Attempting to create rustic and modern isn’t normal in a cabin application, but I feel like we pulled it off. Some of those modern styles would be the white cabinetry and granite countertops, while the rustic would be those combinations of woods that pull the two styles together,” Suiter explained. Another amazing feature is the number of windows, six sliding doors, and three decks that offer sunrise, sunset, and lake views. “The view is great! I can see everything, the lake, the trees, wildlife, deer, eagles—I can see everything but my neighbors because there are no neighbors,” Jensen shared. You’ll also notice there aren’t any curtains on the windows. “The reason for this is the seclusion of the cabin. The cabin matches the tree color and blends in with the woods. It’s hard to see the cabin when you’re on the lake,” Jensen added.

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The lounge room is where Gordy likes to spend his time writing. Complete with an impressive view, a walkout deck to seek inspiration, and vault ceilings enhancing the space, the imagination is free to run wild. Jensen is currently working on the second book in his trilogy, Two Roads to Paradise, a political thriller, expected to hit the shelves in May. “Overall, this project was the most enjoyable project of my career for a number of reasons. It was like winning the super bowl. The use of wood combinations and having never done that before and the flexibility of the project all added to the enjoyment and to doing the job well, which I believe we did,” Suiter concluded. ~L&H

That brings us to the third floor, or as they say, saving the best for last. At the top of the stairs or the elevator sits the lounge room, unplugged from the world. The beautiful space is full of wildlife art, like the buffalo skull from a Wyoming hunting trip. “We had fun with that wall. It is the wall of weapons of non-mass destruction. I have a bow, spears, arrows, a US Cavalry Sword, and a samara for giggles on the wall,” Jensen shared. There is also an antique Roger Maris fridge that Jensen had restored to working condition. Besides the lounge area, there are two bedrooms and a full bath on the third floor, with more of that rustic meets modern look, from the combination of woods to the pebble stone tile in the shower and granite bathroom countertops.

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FEATURE HOME

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he view from the Stecker home in rural Duluth is a knockout. From this perch high above Lake Superior, you have a bird’s-eye view of the ships gliding into the largest freshwater port in the world. This sweeping stretch of water and sky is anchored by the lush boreal forest, the largest biome on the planet. This is a dwelling deeply grounded in Minnesota materials and fueled by do-ityourself energy. Jeremy and Ellie Stecker literally chiseled their home’s foundation from the North Shore’s ancient bedrock. Jeremy, a logger since his junior year of high school, felled nearly every timber used in the home. Ellie (who eschewed the services of an interior designer) crafted a comfortable family home imbued with local and personal history. Her design focus was crystal clear.

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“It’s the lake that drew us to this property,” she says. “We wanted to create a panoramic view from pretty much any room in the house. Our front door is all glass, so you can see right through the door, through the great room and right out to the lake.” “It is zoned so that almost every room in the home faces the view,” says architect Jody Keppers of Keppers Design Architecture in Duluth. “The only exceptions are the sauna, the lower level bath, the master bath, and one of the kid’s bedrooms. Even the laundry room has a view.” There’s not a single window treatment in this house, so the vistas take center stage. Thankfully, the couple’s children–Soren, age 8 and his sisters Svea, 6, and Elin, 2, can sleep both in the morning sunshine and the

lakefront moonlight. Mossy, the family pup, is similarly well-adjusted. No curtains or shades might sound like a privacy nightmare. But the couple and their architect considered that, too. “We wanted the main house to be parallel with the lake shore,” explains Jeremy. “And by doing that – and positioning our garage where it is – our closest neighbor can’t see our house at all. When they look to the house, they see a garage. And the next closest neighbor is a half mile away.” Despite the distance between their houses, the neighbors are a tight-knit group. The Steckers and a handful of neighbors reside on 80 bucolic acres crisscrossed by nature trails and accented by those enviable Lake Superior views. They all take turns maintaining those trails, which were laid down by an earlier developer. At any given moment, the kids (and adults) are venturing down to the nearby Lester River or out exploring the wild spaces just outside their doors.

"It 's the lake that drew us to this property. We wanted to create a panoramic view from pretty much any room in the house. Our front door is all glass, so you can see right through the door, through the great room and right out to the lake."

Ellie Stecker | homeowner

“The kids call it ‘the naturehood,’” says Ellie. “Us and all of our neighbors get to enjoy all the trails have to offer: the cross-country skiing, the hiking, the biking, hunting and ATVs.”

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After a long day on the trails, the best place to relax and soothe tired muscles is the lower level sauna. It’s both a nod to their heritage (Ellie and Jeremy have Scandinavian ancestry) and a practical addition that sees almost constant use. “The sauna’s on once a day, maybe even twice a day, even in the summer months,” says Ellie. “We actually put a shower inside and everyone who comes over says that is the best thing ever. If people don’t like the heat, they can always shower off. I don’t think my husband has taken a normal shower in this house!” A sauna is a vital communal space in Finland, where Jeremy’s family has roots. In fact, the Finnish sauna is so important, it’s featured on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists. Saunas are traditionally places of hygiene, healing and

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socialization. It’s not an occasional luxury, but a necessity for health and well-being. The Steckers use their sauna in all of these ways. It’s a great place to unwind after a long bike ride or to take a few moments alone to focus and de-stress. It’s also a popular gathering spot for close friends, who might grab a few cocktails or a snack and hop in to warm up after skiing. The backyard hot tub is another great spot for relaxing or socializing. Unlike the sauna, the hot tub shares the same spectacular Lake Superior views as the house. It’s nestled among the rugged rocks the Steckers dug out themselves in order to create the home’s foundation.

“Sometimes difficult sites lead to the most creative design solution,” says Jody Keppers. “In this case, the site was on the edge of a high hill, with a steep slope and ground that was basically billion-year old bedrock. Carving into rock to allow for a full basement is not easy or cheap. Fortunately, the clients had access to heavy equipment that allowed them to handle much of the excavation themselves.” The couple handled most of the landscaping as well. “There’s three semi loads of sod in our yard,” says Jeremy. “And everything dirt or rock is all done by us.” Jeremy’s occupational connections (he owns JATCO, Inc., a Duluth-based logging company, which was named 2019 MN Logger of the Year) didn’t just get them access to heavy equipment. They also guided the selection of nearly every building material in the home, inside and out.

"Sometimes difficult sites lead to the most creative design solution, In this case, the site was on the edge of a high hill, with a steep slope and ground that was basically billion-yearold bedrock."

Jody Keppers | Keppers Design Architecture

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"Any natural timber in the interior of our home is actually wood that Jeremy harvested himself. All of the beamwork in the ceiling, a lot of the furniture... the end tables, our dining room table, the bar downstairs."

Ellie Stecker | homeowner

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“Any natural timber in the interior of our home is actually wood that Jeremy harvested himself,” Ellie explains. The checklist is impressive, to say the least. “All of the beamwork in the ceiling, a lot of the furniture... the end tables, our dining room table, the bar downstairs,” mentions Ellie. All timber was sourced from land within 30 minutes of Duluth. He chose black ash and cedar throughout the interior of the home and maple for the barn doors. The cedar decking was also harvested locally. They’ve been thermally modified to resist heat, moisture and rot. The exterior black ash beams and cedar in the sauna are thermally modified in the same way.

Timber this distinct required equally specific joinery. David Furcht, owner of Harbor Haus Timber Framing of Esko, became another trusted partner in the project. “What I do is timber framing, which is a traditional type of joinery with mortise and tenon joinery and basically trying to use as little screws and nails as possible,” he explains. “It’s kind of more traditional craft kind of building.” Furcht learned the art of timber framing at North House Folk School in Grand Marais. Jeremy’s connection to the materials in the home intrigued him from the start.

“That’s why this project kind of piqued my interest; he took it from a raw product, logged it himself, squared it up and now has it sitting in his house. That’s a great story,” says Furcht. “Not a lot of people can do that and it’s very unique to his home. And not a lot of people could just have the vision of looking at a tree and thinking, ‘This would be really cool as a truss in my house.’ That’s really unique, too.” The admiration was mutual, so Furcht set to work building the interior trusses and all of the beam work posts. He also crafted a vanity and the bar downstairs, which is maple with a waterfall edge. With all this emphasis on wood, it might seem surprising to learn that the Stecker house is actually made of concrete. Chris Piontek, president of Piontek Construction Inc., in Cloquet, suggested the innovative Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) structure early on in the project.

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“All of the structural walls, as well as the floors, are made of solid concrete poured into insulated concrete forms,” explains Keppers. “The insulation is continuous, without the thermal bridging present in conventional wood framing. Best of all, you can’t even tell that the walls are concrete.” “Concrete walls are very soundproof,” explains Piontek. “That’s a benefit up there, when the wind is really howling. And you get great structural integrity. An ICF wall is an average of 10 times stronger than a stick frame. It’s resistant to mold. And you get a really tight building envelope. In the neighborhood of 40 percent of an average home’s energy loss is from air infiltration caused by a poor exterior building envelope.” That’s clearly not an issue in the Stecker home. The combination of the ICF structure and geothermal heating and cooling system installed by McGregor Plumbing & Heating earned the home a Minnesota Power Triple E energy efficiency rating. (Piontek Construction is a certified builder under the Minnesota Power Triple E program.) The house saves the couple money and looks great, while standing up to the elements. The engineered wood siding is equally tough and damage-resistant – a must for a house on a windy North Shore bluff. And there’s a personal connection here 112 Lake & Home Magazine MAY / JUNE 2021

"I was pretty adamant about any metal in our home needing to be black. I wanted to pull the black inside a little more, so all the hardware, from the floor vents to the bathroom fixtures - and pretty much anything metal - is black."

Ellie Stecker | homeowner

that her dad was working on the line when these came through.” Ellie had strong feelings on the look and type of windows the home needed as well. She extended that aesthetic choice throughout the home. “I was pretty adamant about any metal in our home needing to be black,” she said. “I’d pin these pictures and realized I like the contrast, the light versus the dark. I wanted to pull the black inside a little more, so all the hardware, from the floor vents to the bathroom fixtures – and pretty much anything metal – is black.” Since the windows themselves (and the views outside) are the focal points of every room, Ellie concentrated her decorating energy on intriguing accents that would compliment and not compete. Several wooden pieces from Bailey Builds, a Duluth-based company owned by artists Anna and Nathanael Bailey grace the space, including one with a strip of wood from the oldest home in Duluth. A map stretches across the entire wall of the kids’ playroom, while wallpaper with a playful

too; Jeremy’s company’s timber is a major component. “I was pretty strong about using LP SmartSide,” he says. “We’re probably the second largest timber producer to the local Two Harbors LP SmartSide plant. And it’s a really good product and looks great as well.” Even the windows in the home were chosen because of the couple’s ties to the product. Ellie comes from the Roseau area, near Marvin Windows headquarters. Choosing Marvin Windows for the main door, windows and patio doors was an obvious choice for several reasons. “Ellie’s father just retired from Marvin’s and Ellie also worked there when she was high school age, so there was a connection,” explains Jeremy. “There’s also a really strong possibility

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different light fixtures that would be the focus of each room.” One item that didn’t require any deliberation was the focal point of the great room – a regal moose that holds court over the fireplace. Ellie and Jeremy are both avid hunters who were lucky enough to take part in one of the last moose hunts in Minnesota just after they married. They encountered this majestic moose on one of Jeremy’s previous timber sale sites and designed the room around him. The room demonstrates the feeling the couple wanted their home to evoke.

forest motif adds a fanciful touch to the girls’ bedroom. Soren’s room pays homage to the family’s love of hunting with an antler theme. Its antler chandelier is just one of the distinctive lighting choices in this home. A wood chandelier from Pottery Barn adds texture and movement to the master bedroom, while a statement chandelier holds its own against the vaulted great room ceiling. “She’s kind of a fan of Restoration Hardware,” Jeremy interjects mischievously. “She went over the lighting budget…by a lot!” “I just love lights,” Ellie shoots back, laughing. “I spent a lot of time and energy picking

"It still has a warm feeling, even though we have a lot of clean lines. It 's felt like home from the first night we were able to call it ours."

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Ellie Stecker | homeowner

CouLDn’t have done it without: Piontek Construction

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“We call it ‘modern mountain,’” Ellie says. “We wanted it cozy, welcoming.” “It’s not a huge house,” adds Jeremy. “It’s 1,900 square feet up and the same down. But it still has a warm feeling, even though we have a lot of clean lines. It’s felt like home from the first night we were able to call it ours.” The Stecker home is many things. It boasts crisp, contemporary lines, but it also feels homey. It showcases carefully chosen timber, yet it’s primarily made of concrete. It’s strong enough to weather the elements, but it remains warm and welcoming. The skillful combination of the home’s key elements – personally selected timber, Minnesota-made materials, intensely personal accents and soaring Lake Superior views – make this home a true original. ~L&H

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FEATURE HOME

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om and Michele Ernst set out to find the perfect place to spend their summers and eventually came across a beautiful property on Devils Lake. They purchased it in 2004, and it is now named Tanglewood Ranch. Their sons were 4 and 9 when the property was purchased, so it has been used as the family cabin since that time. In recent years, it has transitioned to a retirement home for the homeowners. The lot originally had a small 700-squarefoot manufactured home on the property. “We liked the layout of the lot and the quiet private lake,” Tom said. “That attracted us to the property.” For several years, the Ernst family focused on maintaining the original structure’s condition and came up with plans to remodel it, but they eventually decided to build new. The homeowners asked for proposals from three builders, narrowed it down, and ultimately selected HighPoint Homes out of Alexandria.

HighPoint Homes was started in 1999 by Jay Paulson. “We specialize in turn-key construction, but we are a full-service company,” Paulson said. “We have in-house design with our sister company Woodland Home Design (done by Kim Green),” Paulson continued. “Ashley Trousil helps us with the interior finishes as a selection coordinator and as an experienced interior designer.” “It was a very good experience,” Tom said of working with HighPoint Homes. “Jay was very good at troubleshooting problems.”

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“I sketched out what I wanted and mapped it out in Excel and outlined the design,” Tom said. “Kim translated them very nicely into blueprints and plans.”

“I sketched out what I wanted and mapped it out in Excel and outlined the design. Kim translated them very nicely into blueprints and plans.” TOM ERNST | HOMEOWNER

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The homeowners began the tear-down process in October of 2015, and the construction of the outside of the home was completed before the real snow of December hit. The construction of the inside of the 2,459-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home was completed in June of the following year. The outside of the home has a chalet look to it, with two front-facing screen porches giving it a symmetrical look. One screen porch is off the master bedroom, and the other is off the front door. The exterior design includes LP Smartside siding on the side of the home and shakes on the front of the home with cedar trim and corbels.

Highly durable, manufactured, naturallooking stone from Stonewall Masonry accents the outside of the home. A decorative copper cap tops the chimney. With the large vaulted ceilings, the homeowners knew it was important to effectively insulate the home and compensate for the volume of the home, so they had R60 insulation blown in by Expert Insulation, associated with Metro Home insulation (formerly known as Minnesota Spray Foam). Around the corner from the front door is an outside shower built into the side of the house. There is a one-stall heated garage on the home with doors from Viking Garage Door. The home also includes a tornado shelter, a hardened room, and a ceiling with supports designed to withstand a direct hit from a tornado. The room also holds a stand-up fridge and freezer.

“We wanted this house built absolutely rock solid,” Tom said. “I had them pour an extra foot of foundation because we wanted deeper footings.” The flooring on the home’s main level is a porcelain tile made to look like distressed wood. “The cabin is on the lake, and we have a sandy beach out front, and we wanted that because we know we get routine sand traffic in this part of the house,” Tom said.

Above the large windows is a Texas Longhorn steer skull measuring 8 feet from tip-to-tip and lovingly named John Boy.

Beautiful cabinets made of knotty alder from Swedberg Wood Products hang on the wall, with mosaic tile from Arnquist CarpetPlus underneath.

Sitting in the corner surrounded by beautiful stone from Alex Brick & Stone is a Vermont Bun Baker cookstove. The top portion of the stove is where the wood is burned, and on the bottom is an oven, which is perfect for making some delicious pizza.

Dark granite countertops from Capital Granite surround the kitchen with its stainless steel appliances from Cullen’s Home Center, double bay farmhouse sink, propane-driven Wolf oven range and pot filler, and beverage center. An orange refurbished 1940s dial phone sits on the counter.

The homeowners wanted their great room to also be the theater room but didn’t want the screen’s mechanisms to interfere in any way with the view of the lake when you weren’t viewing the theater screen.

The vaulted ceiling is covered in tongue-andgroove wood with a reclaimed barnwood look.

A metal beam supports the roof, and it is covered by a wood casing creating the illusion of a giant wood beam on the ceiling designed by Distress City Millwork. What looks like steel bands on the beam are actually rubber facades.

A number of designs were considered, but none kept them quite hidden enough, until the homeowners found a way to make it work.

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Located in front of the large windows are two trap doors. When the doors are opened, an electronically operated theater screen rises from the floor, measuring diagonally 11 feet. The projector box is located on the second floor. “We worked on this a lot with Alextronics,” said Trousil of HighPoint Homes. “We wanted it to be as seamless as possible, so we had to work with Arnquist and the manufacturer on the weight of the tile.” “We also used hardwired shades in the living room. Such a great option for these large windows, with no batteries to change,” Trousil added. All of the lighting in the home is LED. The lights are also dimmable, which was a challenge to find because dimming technology that allowed lighting to be dimmed below 50 percent wasn’t easy to come by. A sliding barn door off the great room leads to the master bedroom. The room includes electric shades, a propane fireplace in the wall, and its own screen porch. 122 Lake & Home Magazine MAY / JUNE 2021

Walking from the master bedroom to the master bathroom, you will pass through a room that includes a small office on the left and the master closet on the right. The custom-made closet is made out of maple and includes a library ladder for easy access to items on higher shelves. The master bathroom has a different design concept than the rest of the home. “I designed the rest of the cabin to be rustic, but we wanted more of a modern and eclectic feel to it,” Tom said. Beautiful blue-green tile runs up one wall to the very top of the vaulted ceiling, bringing the feel of a clean, modern aqua feeling to the room. The space includes a heated towel bar, bubbled LED lighting, a floating vanity with a marble top and ceramic tile inspired by a boardwalk’s look.

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The main floor includes a second bedroom and bathroom. All of the mechanicals are in a 5-foot, fully cemented crawl space, and they are hung, so they are not on the floor giving the homeowners easy access to them. A stairway designed to resemble a horse fence with glass accents/inserts leads to the upper level. Halfway up is a landing with doorways leading to an office and pantry. Heading up the remainder of the stairs, you’ll find yourself in the loft with wood floors. Facing the TV console, you will notice four hanging curtains. Behind them are four submarine bunks, inspired by Tom’s time as a submarine officer. Each bunk has its own ventilation system, separate LED lighting on dimmers, and 6-inch thick foam mattresses.

A Japanese heated tub sits in the corner of the room, which includes an integrated stereo system, full light show with multi-color lights, and a waterfall. A full glass shower with multi-head shower power completes the modern spa feel in the bathroom. “The homeowner sourced the tub, and we built the design for the bath around it,” Trousil said. “With the vaulted ceiling and tile on the master shower walls, we wanted to create a visual stop, so the space felt more intimate.” “By using the 1x4 trim that matches the casing throughout the house, we were able to add an interesting detail, a stopping point for the tile.” Trousil continued, “The homeowners brought some really cool ideas to the table. It’s not a huge home, but it is packed with detail!”

The bookcase to the left of the bunks is something they call the game cube. Pulling the handle on the cube allows you to get more access to more game storage. Not only that, it reveals a hidden crawl space that is perfect for extra storage, or it makes a great place for two or three kids to camp out and have a sleepover together. Another unique room on the second floor is a small room with a hidden door. A picture hanging on the wall operates as the door handle. Moving the picture an inch to the left releases a latch mechanism to open the door. The picture in the frame holds special significance, as it is an aerial shot of the cabin they tore down. The second floor also includes two bedrooms with wood flooring and a full bathroom. The Ernst family is sure to make an abundance of lasting memories in the coming years in their wonderfully unique and cozy home. ~L&H

CouLDn’t have done it without: HighPoint Homes

• View our ad on page 119

Nyberg Survey

Paz Excavating Elwood Septic Traut Wells

| GARAGE FLOOR

Viking Garage Door

| MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

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Stonewall Masonry

| BRICK, STONE LABOR & EXT MATERIALS

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West Central Electric

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Creative Landscapes Distress City Millwork Alextronics

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HighPoint Interior Design Enercept

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Greeley Plumbing, Heating & A/C

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Advanced Irrigation & Hydroseeding

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Ellingson

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Lakes Area Seamless | WINDOWS

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Cullen’s Home Center

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Pella Windows & Doors

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Alex Glass & Glazing

| FOUNDATION

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Capital Granite

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Alex Brick & Stone

Swedberg Wood Products

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Tuff-Coat LLC Simonson

Arnquist CarpetsPlus | HOUSE PLANS

| EXCAVATION, DRIVEWAY

Polipnick Masonry

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Jayme’s Out ‘N About Painting

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Woodland Home Design

Minnesota Spray Foam

| BUILDER

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Tom Kraemer

| DUMPSTER

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FEATURE HOME

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rom the distinctive board and batten siding, to the timber frame entryway, to the metal accents on the “eyebrow roofs,” the exterior of this home on Lake Ida near Alexandria is a personal reflection of modern farmhouse style.

“IT REALLY WAS A FUN EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH JON. IN ADDITION TO RECOMMENDING CLINT BACHMANN, WHO HELPED US ‘MAKE A STATEMENT’ WITH OUR DESIGN DREAMS, I COULD TRUTHFULLY SAY THAT WE WERE SATISFIED WITH EVERY SINGLE EMPLOYEE, SUBCONTRACTOR AND SUPPLIER WHO CAME OUT HERE AND WORKED ON OUR HOUSE.” //DEB GNIFFKE, HOMEOWNER

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“When I began designing this home for Deb and Gary Gniffke, Deb brought in many of her ideas and what she liked about the modern farmhouse-style look,” says Clint Bachmann, owner of CB Designs in Alexandria. “It was a collaboration of taking those inspirational ideas – the style and look – and working it within their property, lot, views, and slopes to create their own unique style.” The homeowners initially planned to upgrade and remodel the existing farmhouse on the property, which their family had loved and enjoyed as a seasonal cabin for 10 years.

“Once we decided that we wanted to move here when we retired in the next few years, we knew that choosing a builder and designer was an important step,” says Deb. “The first builder/remodeler we met with was Haabala Construction in Alexandria, and Jon Haabala explained the severity of that building’s issues, including the crumbling foundation. It broke my heart, but we realized that we couldn’t salvage the existing structure.” The relationship with Haabala Construction did survive, however. “It really was a fun experience working with Jon,” she says. “In addition to recommending Clint Bachmann, who helped us ‘make a statement’ with our design dreams, I could truthfully say that we were satisfied with every single employee, subcontractor and supplier who came out here and worked on our house.”

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by Bachmann, it was built by Ben Miller of Blue Ox Timber Framing in Alexandria, and installed by Haabala and his crew. Even the decorative “eyebrow” roofs above several of the first floor windows further the farmhouse design accents, with the use of galvanized steel roofing materials that were custom made for this project. In order to highlight the lake views and lake access, the new home was moved from the original footprint to a different location on this slightly elevated lot.

Exploring the Exterior

The traditional and timeless look of board and batten siding was made popular in America during the middle of the 19th century, and used widely in rural areas. Initially, the wide, vertical planks were made of wood and joined by thinner wooden vertical strips to cover the seams. Now those planks are more decorative in nature, and are either made of wood, or can also be constructed with many different types of materials.

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“The Gniffkes chose a product called LP SmartSide for the home’s exterior board and batten look in a color called ‘Pelican,’” says Ed Thorson, sales rep at Hilltop Lumber in Alexandria, which supplied all the building materials. “It’s a long-lasting, lowmaintenance, engineered wood siding that comes prefinished in a multitude of colors and styles.” A cedar timber frame structure surrounds the front entry in another nod to architectural “barn” history. Incorporated into the design

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“The old farmhouse was situated near the back of the lot, and when we moved the location closer to the lake, we needed to construct a boulder wall next to the garage to hold the dirt back,” Haabala explains. “Working together with Scott Giroux, owner of Creative Landscapes, we were able to take an existing rock wall apart and develop a new look from the old look by re-using those huge boulders for that new wall. We also searched sand pits to find the perfect ‘interesting-looking’ rocks that Deb requested for each side of the doorway.” 132 Lake & Home Magazine MAY / JUNE 2021

A Plan for the Interior

Cathedral ceilings, an abundance of windows, a wide-open living area, a stainless steel cable stair rail, and plenty of shiplap are some of the defining features of the interior. “The old farmhouse was charming, with a lot of very small rooms, but we missed having a big open area for everyone to gather,” Deb recalls. “When we decided to build, we wanted to create that space. I knew I also wanted primarily white throughout the house, but Gary also likes wood, so we mixed it up

“THE OLD FARMHOUSE WAS CHARMING, WITH A LOT OF VERY SMALL ROOMS, BUT WE MISSED HAVING A BIG OPEN AREA FOR EVERYONE TO GATHER. WHEN WE DECIDED TO BUILD, WE WANTED TO CREATE THAT SPACE.” //DEB GNIFFKE, HOMEOWNER

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a bit. Swedberg Wood Products in Alexandria did a great job on the combination of white and wood cabinets in the kitchen.” Some of the other “fun” things Deb added in this large, comfortable kitchen include the bold tile backsplash above the range, and the even bolder look of a unique piece of Cygnus granite that they chose for the island – paired with a CQ Montauk quartz for the rest of the kitchen countertops.

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Kathy Silvers, sales rep at Capital Granite in St. Cloud, didn’t think the Gniffkes had a certain look in mind when they initially began searching for their kitchen countertops. “When they walked past that specific slab of granite, it immediately held their attention,” she relates. “We didn’t have enough in that slab to cover the entire countertop perimeter, so we found a quartz that would complement it, which created a ‘wow’ factor in the kitchen.” Enough of the dark granite remained for the master bath countertop. They were able to install it as a contrast accent piece on the floor-to-ceiling white shiplap fireplace, tying it in nicely with the kitchen. “The entire main floor is a great, tall, open space – with the vaulted ceiling, all the windows, and all the shiplap with knotty alder millwork,” says Haabala. “It’s a great design, and the only time we had to go back to the designer, Clint Bachmann at CB Designs, was when we began installing the sheetrock and looked up.”

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With a big wall of sheetrock up high in the gable end of the kitchen, Haabala and the homeowners wondered if an additional design or window could be added to that expansive area. “No one really wanted skylights,” Bachmann explains, “so I went back to the drawing board, and we worked through a series of ideas for everyone to consider. We landed on the perfect solution, with a couple of rectangle windows that fit in with the design and added light at the same time.” Another room on the main floor has a more intimate setting that looks out on the lake. Initially designed as an office with sliding glass doors, Deb says the sitting room is a great place to relax, or read to the grandchildren when they’re visiting. Along with their two children and three grandchildren, the Gniffkes not only have a dog, but their children also have dogs. “At times, we can have up to four dogs running around. I didn’t want to be crabby all the time about having those dogs everywhere,” Deb says with a laugh, “so for the flooring, we decided to go with a heavy vinyl plank throughout the house. We absolutely love the look and durability, and we can’t say enough about these engineered floors that we got from Arnquist Carpets.”

“WE DECIDED TO GO WITH A HEAVY VINYL PLANK THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE. WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE LOOK AND DURABILITY, AND WE CAN’T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THESE ENGINEERED FLOORS THAT WE GOT FROM ARNQUIST CARPETS.” //DEB GNIFFKE, HOMEOWNER

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A free-standing tub, separated “his & hers” vanities, and a custom built-in shower are highlights of the large master bedroom suite, located on the main floor. It’s tucked behind the decorative wood and rail staircase that leads to the three upstairs bedrooms. “The family wanted bunk beds for the grandchildren in one of the bedrooms upstairs, so we were able to build two sets of custom bunk beds into the corner of that room,” says Haabala, who agrees with Deb that working together was an overall fun experience. “There are challenges with every project, and we had to deal with a few Covid setbacks, but everything worked out really well, and we continue to have a great relationship.”

A Perfect Place to Retire

For the Gniffkes, everything worked out really well, too. “The garage may have gotten a little bigger than we planned,” Deb admits, “but Gary has a workshop in there. Plus, the back of the garage opens on the lake side, so we have plenty of storage space for lake toys – and a spot right outside the garage to use the grill.” Stone steps and a walkway lead down to their 125 feet of lakeshore on Lake Ida, a 4,400-acre lake in Douglas County, known for clear waters, shallow shorelines, and both walleye and bass fishing. This family takes full advantage of many of the available outdoor activities, including fishing, pontooning and kayaking. As they approach retirement and begin to plan their permanent move from the Twin Cities to Alexandria, Deb says they’re very happy with everything about this house. “You wouldn’t say this is a HUGE place, but we love it,” she adds. “For us, it’s just big enough.” ~L&H

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CouLDn’t have done it without: Haabala Construction

CB Designs

| DESIGNER

Hilltop Lumber

| BUILDER

• View our ad on page 129

| BUILDING MATERIALS

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Swedberg Wood Products Capital Granite

| COUNTERTOPS

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Arnquist CarpetsPlus

| FLOORING, TILE

• View our ad on page 123,140

Creative Landscapes RT Seasonal Services Ellingson

| HVAC

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Alex Glass & Glazing | FIXTURES

T & S Electric

| ELECTRICIAN

Viking Garage Door

| GARAGE

• View our ad on page 139

Traut Wells

| WELL

Alex Brick & Stone

| SHOWER DOORS

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Ferguson

| SPECIALTY ENTRYWAY

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Berg Plumbing

| LANDSCAPING

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Blue Ox Timberframes

| FIREPLACE

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Waldorf Excavating

| EXCAVATING

Radach Land Surveying Cullen’s Home Center Hirshfield’s

| SURVEYOR

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• View our ad on page 137

Tri County Foam Insulation

| INSULATION

• View our ad on page 139, 140

Heartland

| CABINETS

| SECURITY

• View our ad on page 135

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INSULATION

LUMBER

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

MASONRY

WINDOW TREATMENTS

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

FLOORING

CABINETS

LANDSCAPING

RADON TESTING & MITIGATION

CABINETS

QUARTZ & GRANITE

MARINE / WATERCRAFT REPAIR

SHOWERS

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

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SIGNAGE & DESIGN

GARAGE DOORS

CONSTRUCTION

LIGHTING

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

LANDSCAPING

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LAKE GIFTS

CREATIVE TOUCH BOUTIQUE 320-762-8786 | 516 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN

We are a boutique store in downtown Alexandria, which carries home décor, gifts, and clothing. We specialize in women’s clothing with an emphasis on being cute, comfortable, and affordable. One whole section of the store is devoted to Minnesota clothing. Here you’ll find T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats for both men and women. Also included in this section are gift items and home décor with a lake theme, which includes personalized lake signs, lake map jar candles, cribbage boards, beer glasses, and coffee mugs. You will also find hundreds of signs with many featuring lake sayings. Follow us on both Facebook and Instagram. The store is open year-round, seven days a week, right in the middle of the bustling downtown Alexandria shopping district!

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MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE 833 Washington Ave | Detroit Lakes, MN 218-844-4990 Hours: M-F 10-5 | Sat 10-4 | Sun Closed

Established in 2014 as a women’s boutique, we strive to empower and encourage women to embrace their inner beauty. We believe and educate on the power of self-esteem and help women find styles that flatter their shape and fit their lifestyle. With new fashion arriving daily we know that women want to see fresh styles both online and in the store. Mainstream works with vendors who are exclusive to our stores. We pride ourselves on finding apparel markets that are as unique as the women we serve. We cover sizes xsm-xlg in an affordable price range. Mainstream Boutique carries fashion from casual lake wear to a fun evening out. Customers also love to shop our shoes, scarves, purses, greeting cards, gifts and jewelry including the popular Brighton line of jewelry. We sell online through our Facebook page of Mainstream Boutique-Detroit Lakes and on Instagram mainstreamdetroitlakes.

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THE BRIC

PERIWINKLE MARKETPLACE

215 W Lincoln Ave | Fergus Falls, MN 218-998-2225 | Open Mon thru Fri | 10am - 4pm

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 to 6pm Daily

We carry trendy and fashionable clothing for women of all ages and sizes. We also have price points that will fit all budgets. The Bric prides itself on being a full service store. You’ll never feel pressured to purchase. Our goal is to provide everyone that comes in our doors with a wonderful shopping experience. Oftentimes, a lady walks into our doors as a stranger and leaves as a friend. We now have two levels at the Bric. Our inventory includes clothing, bath and body, accessories, shoes, toys, baby gifts as well as sweatshirts for both men and women. We can accommodate nearly any occasion in the department of gifts for both men and women. We have beautiful lines of candles, tabletop dressings and fabulous home décor. Also, many small furniture pieces and large scale clocks to compliment many decorating styles. Please like us on our Facebook page where you’ll find pics of exciting new arrivals.

Welcome to Periwinkle! All Things Lake! Periwinkle Marketplace is an Ottertail city shopping favorite. Find women’s clothing, jewelry, kids, home decor, 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 21 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!”

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THE WILLIAMS COMPANY STORE

UTKE’S COUNTRY PINE FURNISHINGS

101 West Main Street | Ottertail, MN 218-367-3340 | www.thewilliamscompanystore.com

21697 US 71 | Park Rapids, MN 56470 (218) 732-3860 | www.utkescountrypinefurnishings.com Summer Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm Sunday Noon - 3 pm

Visit Historic Downtown Ottertail, MN VISIT HISTORIC DOWNTOWN OTTERTAIL, MN Hwy JUST OFFJust HWY 78Off & HWY 108. 78 & Hwy 108 OPEN 9 - 5 EVERY DAY!

The Williams Company store is located in historic downtown Espresso, Smoothies, Food, Candy, Ice Cream, Ottertail, Minn. Vacationers and local members of our community Home Decor, Books, Bathand & Body, Gifts & more! are drawn to our historic building find themselves returning to the store for our unique gift selections and outdoor seating! We offer drinks andlunch amazing Enjoyfantastic Beer &espresso Wine with your on deli our food along with beer andNEW wine. Don’t forget the ice cream too! Bring outdoor patio! your friends and family to the shop when you’re in town and enjoy our friendly staff and small town charm. We look forward to 101 West Main Street, Ottertail, MN seeing you! — Dan & Marnie Whitehead, Owners

218.367.3340 www.thewilliamscompanystore.com

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Utke’s Country Pine Furnishings is your cabin décor headquarters! Opened in 1996, we offer a variety of pine, cedar and hickory furnishings, from log to traditional. Along with our distinctive furniture, we have a great selection of “up north” gifts and accessories. Always something new to see!

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ROSE GALLERY

RUSTY ANCHOR

218-290-4599 | Marcella@MarcellaRose.Com Shop online: MarcellaRose.com

227 West Main Street, Ottertail MN 56571 218.367.3931 | Find us on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week

Internationally recognized for her acclaimed ‘Glacial Minnesota Woman’ portrayal, Marcella Rose offers an inspirational fine art portfolio encompassing original oil paintings, bronze and ceramic sculptures, sculpted sterling jewelry — and archival limited-edition gicleé prints of many of her paintings.

Shop our unique multi-vendor store! We sell a variety of vintage, repurposed, painted and new products! Something for the whole family!

Set up a private gallery appointment in Pelican Rapids to shop available art, or to commission an original painting to enhance your home, sacred or office environment. Whatever your budget, you can immerse yourself in an artful life at MarcellaRose.com.

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THE GRAIN BIN

LAKE AFFECTS

231 Hwy 78 N, Suite A Ottertail, MN 56571 Karla Kupfer - Owner Find The Grain Bin on Facebook

102 Summit St E, Battle Lake, MN 56515 218.862.6906 | lakeaffx.com Tues – Sat 9am–3pm | Sunday 9am–1pm

The Grain Bin is an eclectic mix of vintage, new home accessories, clothing, jewelry, sundries, used books, consignment and gifts. The store is staged in boutique style, allowing you to sit and relax with a cup of coffee and browse the store. Be sure to check out ‘The Back 40 Room,’ an additional space full of creative vendor booths bringing a variety of curated items unique to their space.

Lake Affects offers lake and cabin themed décor, gifts, games, and apparel to add even more enjoyment to time spent at the lake. Creating and preserving that “at the lake” feeling is what we’re all about! Whether you prefer zipping around on the Jet Ski, reading in the hammock, or cruising on the pontoon, you are likely to find something at Lake Affects that expresses your unique love of the lake lifestyle. At Lake Affects, we’re “On Lake Time ~ All The Time.” While you’re here, plan to grab a bite at Lake Dog Deli, located in our lower level. You’ll find delicious made-to-order espresso drinks, fruit smoothies, and a great variety of sandwiches, salads, and unique baked goods. Stopping for breakfast or lunch at Lake Dog Deli will be worth every second spent off the lake! Bring your dog, too, for a special treat!

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VALLEY HARDWOOD SUPPLY

SHOPPING

WWW.NOTTINGHILLDESIGNS.US Notting Hill Designs | www.wood-maps.com

Family Owned & Operated 900 Center Ave W. Dilworth, MN 56529 218-233-8020 | ValleyHardwoodSupply.com Live Edge Slabs | Custom Woodworking Stop by our convenient location along Hwy 10 in Dilworth. Give that unique gift for someone special from Valley Hardwood Supply. Choose from a wide variety of beautiful selections of domestic and exotic hardwoods. Check out our charcuterie boards for those holiday get togethers. Need a signature piece for your home? Let us give you a quote.

CUSTOM WOOD MAPS Custom wood maps of any lake, river, or coastline. Notting Hill Designs is a father and son business we started after creating a wood map for a family member, we saw a need for quality wood map designs that were also reasonably priced. We love working with wood and creating unique, quality designs with laser cutting/ engraving machines. Our goal is to provide our clients with a quality, personalized design they will treasure in their homes forever. Nothing makes us more proud than to hear from a satisfied customer who absolutely loves their design. We can make any lake, river, or coastline into a beautiful, personalized wood map. Special touches such as adding personalization like a family name, a home location, or a particular detail make the map personal to you. Many of our clients give the maps as gifts for housewarmings, thank you gifts, birthdays, and even anniversaries. Let us create a special keepsake for your home!

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DOT & MINNIE’S AND LEVEL III

OTTER COFFEE AND ICE CREAM

dotandminnies.com | leveliiiboutique.com 148 1st Ave S | Perham, MN 56573 | 218-346-4180

117 E Main St, Vergas, MN 56587 218-342-4702 | www.ottercoffeevergas

Dot & Minnie’s is a true boutique—a collection of unique clothing lines you’d be hard-pressed to find together anywhere else, but will find in downtown Perham! What you will find is a wide range of classic styles, from reserved to edgy... and the funky jewelry to go with them!

Otter Coffee Vergas is more than a coffee shop—it is an Otter Tail county experience! Enjoy several products from throughout Otter Tail County. Fresh Stumbeano’s coffee, scones, and muffins are featured. Honey, raspberry syrup, maple syrup, and wild rice are instore staples. Fresh Bread Fridays from Falls Baking Company are a great time to try our delicious local jellies. You can treat yourself to ice cream, milkshakes, and smoothies. When it’s time to relax, join us on our private patio for a glass of wine and charcuterie tray. Browse the local art and jewelry. Need a hostess gift? Everyone loves a taste of Otter Tail! Gift baskets and coffee are all available online and can be shipped. Dogs are welcome and “puppachinos” are our specialty! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-date activities and specials. Otter Coffee has the “Best Milkshakes” in Otter Tail county! We ship custom gift baskets–let us help you with gift ideas.

Not quite your style? Try our sister store across the street, Level iii. There we stock trendy styles in an industrial setting. Whatever your style, we have something for you! Most of our styles are available for purchase from our extensive websites, dotandminnies.com and leveliiiboutique.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 you’ll have your answer within 24 hours—we try on more for customers than for ourselves!

Otter Coffee is now serving Carlos Creek Vineyards wine with fun new charcuterie trays! Stop by and enjoy our private patio with your favorite glass of wine and cheese! Take out/curbside delivery available, call ahead 218-342-4702 NEW Otter Coffee Candles Made in Vergas! Lite Coffee/Vanilla Scent NEW Spiked Cold Brew Add to your coffee or sip over ice while reading your favorite book. 16 Flavors of Ice Cream

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RED BRICK BOUTIQUE 107 West Main Street | Ottertail, MN | 218-367-2450 Monday-Friday 10am-5pm Saturday/Sunday 10am-4pm Hello from Red Brick Boutique! We are the shop where you want it all because it’s just so pretty. Feel a sense of comfort walking in and get help from our stylists who know how to put outfits together in real life. We have women’s size small through 2X in a cute boutique space. Now introducing Men’s & Swimwear! Can’t wait to meet you!

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BEYOND THE MITRED CORNERS 409 W Stanton Ave | Fergus Falls, MN 218-998-4147 Open Tuesday - Friday 10-6 and Saturday 9-12

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for outfit inspiration & upcoming events. Visit our website, redbrickboutique.com and sign up to be a VIP where you can have first access to any and every event we have going on. See you soon, Miranda

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. Lisa and Doug Anderson, owners, will help you with a personal touch. They will assist you every step of the way with all of your framing needs.

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LAKE GIFTS

SHOPPING

LAKE GIF

NEW YORK MILLS REGIONAL CULTURAL CENTER 24 N Main Ave | New York Mills, MN 56567 218-385-3339 | www.kulcher.org fb - @CCNYM | IG - @nymkulcher Open Wednesday & Thursday 10am-7pm Friday 10am-5pm | Saturday 10am-3pm Multidisciplinary rural art center; venue for literary, performing, and visual arts, retail gift shop; sculpture park, artist residency program. Shop local and support local artists! Unique gifts from over 100 regional artists include: jewelry, cards, prints, ceramics, books, music, fabric arts, practical home décor, and so much more. Also your local source for Finnish candies and coffee, Iittala glassware, and traditional and contemporary Native American artwork.

We are so excited to Spring Into Summer with our community! EVENTS: May 7 - 4pm Gallery Artist Reception June 2 - Spring Into Summer (if rain, June 3) - live auction, music, art booths, food & fun! @ NYM Sculpture Park/Barn June 11 - NYM Walking Tour, Gallery Artists & Philosophers Reception June 12 - 7pm Great American Think-Off @ New York Mills School Auditorium June 18 - Arts and Healing - demos & vendors June 23 - 7:30pm Good Morning Bedlam Outdoor Concert @ NYM Sculpture Park/Barn IN THE GALLERY May 1 - 22 Photographs by Jamie Robertson May 26 - July 3 Happiness Project Regional Invitational Show ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE: May 1 - 22 Visual Artist Nate Massari from Massachusetts June 1 - 29 Writer Germain Shames from Arizona WORKSHOPS: Every Thursday @ 6pm Sit-N-Stitch May 8 - 10am Garden Art May 12 - 5pm Open Studio Drawing Basics May 13 - Art for Lunch June 10 - Art for Lunch ART IN YOUR PARK RETURNS! Times TBD, check kulcher.org. June 9 @ Lund Park, NYM June 16 @ Smith Park, NYM June 23 @ Central Park, NYM June 29 @ Green Island, Wadena

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SHOPPING

WATER IS LIFE www.stopline3.org www.honortheearth.org

belcourt

www.honortheearth.org

www.stopline3.org

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Lake Lizzie can be ecologically classified as a bass-panfish-walleye type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, and bluegill are the dominant gamefish species present. Anglers can maintain the quality of fishing in Lake Lizzie by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish for table fare.

FEATURED LAKE

Lake Lizzie was listed as infested with zebra mussels in 2009. Aquatic invasive species are threatening Minnesota waters. Aquatic invasive species can potentially harm water quality, water recreation, aquatic habitat, native species, and fish populations. Anglers can help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by following watercraft transportation laws.

Size: 4,035 Acres Max Depth: 66 ft. Clarity: 15.3 ft. Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Lake Lizzie is a 4,035-acre lake located in northwestern Otter Tail County approximately six miles northeast of Pelican Rapids, Minn. Lake Lizzie is located within the Otter Tail River Watershed and is connected to Pelican Lake and Prairie Lake via the Pelican River. The Pelican River inlet is located along the northwest shoreline of the lake while the outlet is located along the southwest shoreline. Lake Lizzie is connected to Crystal Lake by a navigable culvert under County Road 31. Lake Lizzie is also connected to North Lida Lake by an unnavigable culvert under County Road 4. The maximum depth of Lake Lizzie is 66 feet; however, 75 percent of the lake is less than 15 feet in depth. A DNR owned concrete public water access is located along the west shoreline of the lake. Shoreline is limited in the southern portion of the lake. Hardstem bulrush, common cattail, and phragmites are prevalent throughout this section of the lake. Large stands of hardstem bulrush are also scattered along various shorelines of the northern

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portion of the lake and around several mid-lake islands. Emergent aquatic plants such as bulrush and cattail provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms, and can absorb and break down polluting chemicals. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish such as northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish. They also serve as an important nursery area for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit.

Lake Lizzie is also a popular waterfowl hunting lake. Many hunters pursue ducks and geese in the southern portion of the lake (Rush Lake). Rush Lake is annually designated as a DNR waterfowl feeding and resting area from September 1 through the final day of the duck hunting season. Operation of motorized watercraft in Rush Lake during that time period is prohibited. ~L&H

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