I would like to first off say thank you for your support of your Exclusively Yours and our team. We feel so grateful to have been able to build such incredible relationships within our community. We have been blessed to continue to grow our business each and every year. We feel fortunate that we have been able to help nearly 700 families over the last several years. That allows us to make a significant impact back in our communities. Since 2020 our team has been blessed to be able to donate over $172,000 back into our community through sponsorships and donations. We hope to continue that trend in 2025 and beyond. The more people who trust us to roll out the red
or to
a
the greater impact we can have. We look forward to helping serve you in the coming year. A
Duesing Realty does more than help people buy or sell properties. We solve problems & create solutions. We are the space between where you are and where you are going. Many agents think their most important job is satisfying the client. We believe that is the MINIMUM requirement. Having 30 years of experience in the housing industry & blending it seamlessly with a 10 year real estate career, I hope you will afford me the opportunity to walk this journey with you!
Duesing Realty, LLC
414-719-0599 | www.duesingrealty.com
Ed Liermann n Publisher
Ed Liermann n Sales Director
Timothy Scott Starr n Creative Director
Jeanne Rieland n Account Executive
Sammy Ketchum n Account Executive
Gayle Marvel n Office/Production
Anne Kaiser n Contributing
Timothy Jay Writers
Craig Mattson
Mary Murphy
Brittany Santos
Vince Condella n Contributing Lynn Darnieder Photographers
John Kimpel Lee Wickersheimer Lisa Witt
Kristie Zach Advertising Sales 262-250-1503
Editorial Correspondence 262-250-1503
Digital edition @: www.eymag.com
Gallery THE
The Ottoman Society
Not your mother’s wingbacks. The Ottoman Society is Milwaukee’s fine furniture consignment shop. 13408 Watertown Plank Road, Elm Grove, WI 53122 – Just behind Great Harvest Bread. 262-786-1786 or visit theottomansociety.com Stop in to see new items that come in daily.
MayHouse Collection
Discover Natural Charm: Park Hill Collection. Bring a fresh, nature-inspired touch to your home with the Periwinkle Vine Pattern from Park Hill Collection. This collection blends functionality with beauty and has a graceful design perfect for everyday use and special occasions. Explore serveware and accent pieces that add a welcoming, refined vibe to any space. Visit MayHouse Collection to see this collection and refresh your home décor today! Our mission is to offer a fun compelling shopping experience. We offer a well-curated and unique mix of home, fashion, beauty and floral. Oconomowoc Lakes Plaza W359 N5002 Brown St. Suite 106, Oconomowoc, WI. 262-354-8100. www.mayhousecollection.com. Live Well. Dress Well. Give Well.
Riverview Antiques
Mid-century modern Italian glass vase in a swirl pattern and polished pontil. This unique piece is available at Riverview Antiques, located at 2045 West St. Paul Ave., Milwaukee. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am-5 pm and Sunday, 11 am-4 pm. For more information call 414-278-9999, or go to www.RiverviewAntiqueMarket.com.
The all-new 2025 Lincoln Nautilus® SUV delivers a bold new take on comfort, revitalization and connectivity, moving the notion of sanctuary forward with a reimagined digital experience and sophisticated new design expressions. 2025 Lincoln Nautilus® SUV is the first Lincoln vehicle to feature the all-new Lincoln Digital Experience. With support from Google apps and services. Uptown will make your ownership easy with complementary Lincoln pickup and delivery service. We offer 4 years of premium maintenance, as well as provide a loaner Lincoln until service is completed. You will also have access to the Lincoln Concierge to handle any concerns. It’s luxury exemplified, inside and out. Explore the superior services and curated interiors afforded to each Uptown Lincoln owner. Order your new 2025 Lincoln Nautilus at Uptown Lincoln today.
Exclusively Yours
EXCLUSIVELY YOURS MAGAZINE
JANUARY 2025 VOLUME 78 ISSUE 3
Digital edition @ www.eymag.com
n n n 5, The Gallery
Browse offerings from a few of our area’s finest shops and businesses.
6 Fashionable Destinations
Fashion awaits at The Garment Shop, Cambridge, Picardy Shoe Parlour of Mequon and Brookfield, and Stone + Suede of Waupun.
8 Enjoy The Magic Of A Modern Farmhouse
This Pewaukee home is grand in scale with a contemporary flair. At the same time, traditional touches make it cozy and warm. And that is the magic of a modern farmhouse.
By Julie Feldman
15 2025 Lake Country Real Estate Forecast
Pat Bolger, of the Pat Bolger Realty Group, has two words for people considering a move to the area: buy now. Waiting, he says, could end up costing you a lot more.
18 Refresh Your Home For 2025
Whether you’re looking to simply refresh your living space or planning a major home renovation, staying current with design trends not only enhances comfort and style but also boosts your house’s value.
21 MayHouse Closet
MayHouse Collection of Oconomowoc has you covered this season with latest attire! Stop by MayHouse and view our collection of fashions for all ages.
27 Resort Style Living
Gulf Coast beaches, Resort style living, shopping, dining, and events in Venice, Florida! Escape to Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast.
29 God’s Corner by Gertrude M. Puelicher
Enjoy The Magic Of A
MODERN FARMHOUSE
This Pewaukee home is grand in scale with a contemporary flair. At the same time, traditional touches make it cozy and warm. And that is the magic of a modern farmhouse.
If you would like more information on this property, contact Pat Bolger of Pat Bolger Realty Group. 262-313-8797.
THE RESIDENCE IS practically new, built in 2022 by a family with long wish-list. As each wish came to fruition, the brilliance of the home took shape and the result is remarkable.
The exterior is inviting. Neutral hues of cool-white wood and warm-beige stone provide an eye-catching foundation that gives a “pop” to the dark window trims and gabled roofline. The look is clean and crisp, with warm, natural accents; a theme that is carried throughout the property.
by Julie Feldman
The first-floor entryway and living space are grand. An open layout allows freedom of movement from room to room, and 20foot ceilings create a dramatic volume. At the same time, gentle design choices and natural elements temper the scale.
The two-story great room has a modern elegance. A wall of windows looks out to a beautiful meadow. Adjacent to the windows, a gas fireplace with glass stones provides the “yang” to the “yin” of a stack stone surround and maple wood mantle. Floating shelves on either side of the fireplace have accent lighting that emit a calming glow.
The kitchen is designed for cooking, eating, mingling, and more! There is informal seating at the 10-foot island, and prep space galore. A dark blue hue on the island and
Chosen’s 2025 Western-themed Gala will celebrate the work of foster and adoptive families and mark ten years of Chosen’s ministry. Silent/Live Auctions, Live Music, Inspiring Stories, Great Food, and much more! Early bird discounted tickets available through December 31st. General tickets are available through March 15th. Bit.ly/galasponsor2025 Can’t come to the Gala, but want to engage with Chosen? There are many ways to engage, including becoming a financial partner, sponsor, or volunteer. Be a part of impacting foster and adoptive families in our community! Visit our website at www.choseninlove.org. A Chosen donor has pledged $2,500 if donations can be matched in December! Link: www.choseninlove.networkforgood.com/projects/237265-december-match-challenge
kitchen backsplash are a fun contrast to the crisp white walls, cabinets and countertops. Entertaining is a breeze with a six-burner JennAir stovetop and double wall ovens. The pantry is one to covet, a full eight by 13 square feet! And a dinette bumps out with enough room to seat a dozen people. Enjoy the prairie view from the dinette or walk out to the back deck for fresh air.
The first-floor master bedroom suite is a living space unto its own. A double-sided fireplace with stack stone divides the sleeping area from a sitting area. You can sip your morning coffee and enjoy the meadow-view or access the back deck. The ensuite bathroom continues the lively theme of contrasts; dark cabinets against white walls and countertops. Two mirrors over double vanities have built in LED lighting. The shower is oversized with a mix of dark and light tiles and three shower-heads. A glass chandelier over the large, black standalone soaking tub is an elegant reminder to indulge your senses.
An office and laundry room round out the first floor, with a great surprise. There is a built-in dog washing station, so even the family pooch can feel pampered.
The second floor features a loft overlooking the primary floor, and three bedrooms, each with unique features. Two bedrooms have tray ceilings, and the third bedroom is graced with a cathedral ceiling. One of the bedrooms has an ensuite bathroom, and the other two have a shared bathroom.
The lower level is 13-hundred square feet of finished space! There is plenty of room to enjoy media and games, create a meal in the full kitchenette and bar, and retire to a bedroom and full bathroom. There is a second, private entrance/exit that leads to the garage, which makes it perfect for a private guest retreat.
Not to be outdone by the sheer beauty of the home, is the lifestyle it provides. Outfitted with a Control4 Smart Home technology package, six cameras monitor movement both inside and outside, and the homeowner can manage lights and locks from anywhere. There is a public school across the street, and a public park just behind the home. Pewaukee Lake is within walking distance and the heart of the quaint village is a few minutes away.
Why settle for ordinary when exceptional possibilities await? This modern farmhouse makes elevated design, comfortable. And the enviable location provides the convenience, fun and natural beauty of Lake Country. n
tony wendorf &Associates
~ Trusted Knowledge, Superior Service
MayHouseCollection
Make a statement with French Kande’s iconic jewelry designs. Featuring handcrafted pieces adorned with stunning medallions, semi-precious stones, and unique details, this collection combines Parisian flair with modern sophistication. Whether you’re dressing up or adding flair to an everyday outfit, French Kande is the perfect accessory for you. Visit MayHouse Collection to shop these extraordinary pieces today!
Oconomowoc Lakes Plaza
W359N5002 Brown St | Suite 106 | 262-354-8100 www.mayhousecollection.com | Live Well. Dress Well. Give Well.
If you love women’s designers footwear, apparel and accessories, look no further.
We carry the most extensive collections found anywhere.
2025 LAKE COUNTRY REAL ESTATE FORECAST
Top Expert Says BUY NOW
n n n
PAT BOLGER, of the Pat Bolger Realty Group, has two words for people considering a move to the area: buy now. Waiting, he says, could end up costing you a lot more.
“Many experts believe prices are going to be coming down”, Bolger says. “Not in Lake Country. In fact, I predict that prices will continue to rise. It’s all about supply and demand.”
Right now, there is little more than a 30-day supply of homes in Lake Country, representing a huge inventory shortage. Bolger goes on to explain.
“A healthy real estate market should have a four-tosix-month supply of homes. Plus, there is still a strong demand from people who want to buy houses here. That means it will remain a seller’s market.”
Bolger also wants buyers to consider a seller’s incentive to get to the finish line. “Many of the home sellers in Lake Country are sitting on a lot of equity in their properties, which means they have no incentive to make a quick deal. In fact, they can wait for the right buyer at the right price. And if the market continues to tighten, that will work in their favor.”
Why listen to Bolger? He has lived in Lake Country all his life and knows it like the back of his hand. He is consistently in the top 1% of realtors nationwide and in Lake Country as well. And he has experience working through both good and bad Lake Country real estate markets.
Bolger launched his real estate career in 2008, during the start of the nation’s storied financial crisis. “The only way for me to survive was to change things up,” he says. “Until then, most Lake Country home sellers would sign with a realtor who was a family member or friend. The realtor would stick a sign in the yard, put a Continued on page 24
Happy New Year!
THE
QUINLEVAN & ARMITAGE
Keenan
THE
Bridget Bailey-Behrens, Barb Bailey, Kim Antonelli, Mary Kathryn Malaney,
Quinlevan, Tory Armitage, Mike Quinlevan, Brian Ruelle, Kris Rick, Elise Ferguson, Mandy Woods, Bob Henderson
BAILEY TEAM
Christie Ortwein
THE HOWELL TEAM
Brad and Cindy Howell
TEAM
Andrew Mammen
MULCAHY-WENDEL TEAM
Ryan William Wendel, Melissa Morello Mulcahy, John Terry Mulcahy
LYNN BECKER
SARAH FELDNER-MARX
JIM SCHLEIF
PAM BASTIEN
CHEZNEY PARKER SARAH FETTERLEY CIERRA BURMEISTER
KELSEY ECKERT KAITLYN SIPPEL RUSS SHANAHAN
NELL BENTON HEATHER GIERL SANDY JANDEGIAN
MEG NOYES SUSAN CAMPBELL MICHAEL SAGER
MAGGIE GORCHOFF MARY ANN CAVANAUGH ALBANA ZAGLOUL
HANNAH WHITE MICHAEL VIGIL ANNE SACHSE
BERNFELD
SARAH LEINWEBER SHELLY CANNISTRA
MICHELLE PRIES
TRACY MODJESKI
KURT BENZEL
JULIE DEOMAMPO
EMILY FULTON
DINA BISSETT-MILLER MATTHEW ZIPTER
MARY SHERROD
MOLLY JUDGE
NICOLE ROSS
MARY LINER
STEPHANIE JONES
COURTNEY HEATH LINDA COHEN
LESLIE LATTERELL
RICK DRAKE
RANDY PLATZ FRANCES HARDRICK
TASHEMA FLEMING
REFRESH YOUR HOME 2025for
n n n WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING to simply refresh your living space or planning a major home renovation, staying current with design trends not only enhances comfort and style but also boosts your house’s value.
As modern home design continues to evolve, trends are increasingly shifting toward long-term movements focused on versatility, sustainability and innovation. By embracing these elements in your 2025 updates, with these ideas from the experts at Westlake Royal Building Products–a leader throughout North America in innovation, design and production of high-quality, low-maintenance exterior and interior building products including siding, trim, mouldings, roofing, stone, windows, outdoor living and more–you can ensure your living space remains stylish and functional for years to come.
Incorporate Versatile Design Elements
Because homeowners’ tastes are continuously evolving, it’s important to take an adaptable design approach when creating unique and harmonious indoor and outdoor spaces. Using
products that offer exceptional design versatility, including siding, trim, stone, roofing and other exterior elements, can allow your upgrades to transcend fleeting trends and maintain their relevance and appeal over time. Similarly, homebuyers are moving away from cookie-cutter designs, seeking bold aesthetics that enhance curb appeal and distinguish their homes from others on the block. This shift toward personalized spaces that reflect individual tastes requires mixing textures, finishes and colors to transform both exteriors and interiors to create visually dynamic and unique looks. Blending materials like brick with vinyl siding, stone with wood or modern siding with rustic stone veneer can add depth and character to facades.
G Quality, Comfort & Style
Use Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design
Homeowners are increasingly focused on sustainable and eco-friendly home designs to reduce their environmental impact, save on energy costs and create healthier living spaces. Complementing this trend, biophilic design is also gaining momentum as it seeks to strengthen the connection between indoor environments and nature. This approach goes beyond simply adding greenery, focusing on the use of natural light, improved ventilation and materials that mimic organic patterns and textures. Features like large windows, living walls and the use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, have become popular choices, blending sustainability with a deeper connection to the natural world.
Eco-friendly materials that use fewer raw materials, generate smaller carbon footprints and conserve water play a vital role in sustainable design and are in high demand. For example, reclaimed wood, recycled metal and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints are popular choices due to their reduced environmental impact. Innovative products can also help reduce energy consumption like US Tile Clay Roofing, which is naturally reflective, 100% recyclable and, when paired with a cool roof system, can save homeowners up to 22% per year on heating and cooling costs compared to a standard composition asphalt shingle roof.
Seek Functional, Innovative Solutions
Driven by the evolving needs of homeowners, modular and easy-install systems, like panelized stone siding, are gaining popularity due to their ability to simplify installation while mimicking traditional materials such as stone or wood. These functional systems save time and can empower homeowners to tackle projects themselves.
In addition, the rising frequency of severe weather events is increasing demand for smart, weather-resistant materials that enhance homes’ aesthetic appeal and offer superior protection against extreme conditions. An option like Versetta Stone, which delivers the authentic look and feel of stone in an easy-to-install panelized format, offers wind resistance up to 110 miles per hour and carries a Class A fire rating. The stone siding features a tongue-and-groove system for perfect spacing, has a built-in rainscreen and can be installed almost anywhere using screws or nails without additional footings for support.
Find more home design trends and inspiration at www.WestlakeRoyalBuildingProducts.com. n Family Features
MayHouse Closet
MayHouse Closet New Arrivals Alert!
Elevate your wardrobe with the latest styles from Favorite Daughter! Designed for modern, confident women, this brand offers effortlessly chic pieces perfect for any occasion. These new arrivals bring fresh looks you’ll love to wear. Visit MayHouse Collection to shop for your next favorite top today!
MayHouse Collection
Oconomowoc Lakes Plaza W359 N5002 Brown St. | Suite 106 262-354-8100 | www.mayhousecollection.com Live Well. Dress Well. Give Well.
two hundred Green in Thiensville
Whether you’re ready to move up in the world or downsize – two hundred Green welcomes you. These new construction homes with first and second floor primary suite options are AVAILABLE! They have been thoughtfully designed for modern style in a neighborhood created with an emphasis on community and walkability close to the Milwaukee River! These Lakeside Development designed homes are conveniently located in one of the most desirable and vibrant areas of Thiensville!
The neighborhood will consist of 16 homes and is being built on the corner of Green Bay Road and Riverview Drive. 3 2.5 2
The Residence At Foxtown
The developing, Residence at Foxtown, offers a contemporary living option conveniently nestled off the Interurban Trail, right within Mequon’s vibrant Town Center. The neighborhood will consist of 23 homes configured in 3 rows located on Weston Drive just south of Mequon Road.
Crafted by Lakeside Development Company, these homes are positioned within a neighborhood designed with a deliberate emphasis on community and walkability, these residences cater to a modern, active lifestyle.
Each home features a welcoming front porch, ideal for relaxation, socializing, and fostering connections with neighbors. Situated amidst the bustling Mequon Town Center, residents enjoy seamless access to various markets, boutiques, and eateries. Moreover, the neighborhood’s many establishments regularly host live music and entertainment, enhancing the already vibrant atmosphere of the area.
Resort Style Living in Florida
Continued from page 15 listing on MLS, and it would sell. But after the housing crash, that simply didn’t work anymore.”
At the time, Bolger was just getting started in Real Estate. “I was the home sellers’ second or third choice Pat said. They would come to me desperate, when no one else could sell their house.” Bolger, with a background in sales and promotion, did what he knew best. “I started advertising and marketing the heck out of the homes. I was also the first realtor in the area to use creative financing and hold open houses for luxury homes. That was unheard of back then.” The properties started to sell, and Bolger began building a reputation as a realtor who gets things done.
Fast forward. Bolger now sells tens of millions of dollars in properties each year, on his own. He won’t be the person to tell you about it. His take? “Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once-in-a-while.” That self-effacing humor is part of his down-to-earth charm. Coupled with knowledge and a straight shooter approach, Bolger hits a high mark with his clients.
“He’s the best realtor I’ve ever run into,” says Ron Sanfilippo. “He knows the market, he knows how to get the property in front of the right people, and he knows how to sell. He has sold four homes for me quickly and he always gets top dollar.”
“He made us feel like me and my family were more important than the sale,” says Dave Ausprung. “He is very intuitive when it comes to a buyer or seller’s needs, and went beyond what anyone could possibly expect, to make us comfortable.”
Pat Bolger Realty Group is a boutique firm, specializing in Lake Country. Not Franklin. Not Grafton. Lake Country. When he has the answers, he tells you. And when he doesn’t, he’ll let you know that too. “Not long ago, I took a CEO who was new to the area to look at some homes in Lake Country. At a certain point, I got the feeling that he and his family would be happier on the East Side or North Shore of Milwaukee, so I sent him to a realtor who knows Milwaukee like I know Lake Country. Later, after the family moved to Milwaukee, the CEO reached out to thank me.”
That said, when Bolger gives a forecast to buy now in Lake Country, you can take his word for it. He is not saying it to sell more homes or make a quick buck. He is telling you what he knows. “Times change and markets change,” he says. “And right now you don’t want to sit on the sidelines if you are a home buyer in Lake Country. You want to dive in and give it your best shot.” n
RESORT STYLE LIVING
Beat The Cold Winter Months In Florida
If you would like more information on this property, contact Tim Kelm of Coldwell Banker at 941-260-7168 or tim.kelm@floridamoves.com
GULF COAST BEACHES, Resort style living, shopping, dining, and events in Venice, Florida! Escape to Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast.
Charming Venice, Florida has something for everyone! Historic downtown offers events throughout the year with plentiful dining, shopping, and is only a short distance to Gulf Coast Beaches.
This quaint, inviting town has a warm, local feel and offers real estate for all price points. Beachfront Condos and Venice Island homes near Historic Downtown, or find new construction homes in resort style communities with large scale amenities.
Call Tim today to find out how you can make Venice your warmer home away from home! Scan the QR Code from the ad on page 24 for your personal tour of Venice! n n n n
Custom Furniture Made To Order
If you are looking to create trails, enhance the use of your land or wildlife habitats, consult with us to discuss your specific needs and determine if forestry mulching is the best option for you! Forestry mulching offers a
GOD’SCORNER
n n n
by Gertrude M. Puelicher
EACH NEW YEAR opens the door to a rash of predictions on the potentials for the ensuing months. Industrial, military, financial, communications, leisure and space potentials are among those carefully analyzed.
Strangely enough, the most important potential of all, important to the completeness of the whole man, as well as to the whole country, is seldom mentioned, namely— the spiritual.
Often one hears the question when individuals are being considered for specific positions: What is his intellectual potential or his earning potential? His spiritual potential is apparently unimportant.
Does not each one of us possess a spiritual potential? Is it not the most important facet of our completeness? Is not our spiritual potential the cement that melds us into one whole being? Is not the basis of our completeness the integrity with which we seek the kingdom of God, and have not infinite resources been provided by the Creative Principle of the universe for those who seek first that kingdom? Does not the promise read “...and all these things shall be added unto you?”
Our forefathers believed firmly in the Bible statement, “Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” They pulled
themselves up by their bootstraps, and eventually we became the greatest industrial nation in the world. Men worked, earned, and enjoyed the fruits of their labors. Men believed in the power of prayer.
Is an emotional paralysis based on hand-outs, instead of hand-ups, stifling satisfaction in genuine effort? Is governmental paternalism inducing a dulling of personal pride, a mental stagnation that beclouds self-respect?
Most serious of all, however, what is a paternalistic government doing to our spiritual potential? What limitations is it imposing upon that infinite potential inherent in each one of us? Would we not do well to face the fact that as we permit ourselves to be in bondage (and bondage means chains) to any condition, situation, person or government, our spiritual potential cannot be fulfilled?
And let us be aware, without spiritual fulfillment life is a void, purposeless, meaningless. We then become nothing more than “man whose breath is in his nostrils.”
We become the man of whom the Biblical admonition says: “Cease ye from (him.)…Wherein is he to be accounted of?”Does any one of us want to be that man? The choice lies with us, with you and with me. n
