Design & Living October/November 2014

DESIGN&LIVING THE RED RIVER VALLEY’S GUIDE TO INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DESIGN

MAGAZINE

&B A T H

BED

ISSUE

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Your Style | Your Home

Contact Nicole, Jessica, Breanne, Amanda or Your Favorite Realtor Today!

701.234.0404

Custom Homes, Inc. 4802 2 3Amber 4 - 0Valley 4 0Pkwy 4 Fargo, ND 58104

www.jordahlcustomhomes.com

Nicole Rygh

Jessica Metcalf

Breanne Balstad

Amanda Voss

PUBLISHER DESIGN & LIVING

Lazy days of Fall...

A

s a true North Dakotan, I’ll readily admit that I have a love of all four seasons. Summers are spent rushing to and from the lake, living out of a partially packed bag and feeling what can only be described as obligation. Yes, obligation to get the most out of every sunny day. Lazy days of summer... not exactly. As much as I love it, I find myself longing for what I call the “lazy days” of fall. I permanently unpack my bag, swap sundresses and flip flops for my favorite warm sweaters, and once again learn to relax. Autumn colors, Halloween and Thanksgiving are just the icing on the cake.

With cooler temps headed our way, a warm interior can make all the difference and quite possibly eliminate your post-summer stress. With this issue we went to the personal space in our homes that we rely on for rest, rejuvenation and serenity. If you don’t consider your bedroom and master bath a sanctuary and it lends you more anxiety than peace, it may be time to rethink your master suite. If you don’t know where to begin, start here.

We introduce you to local experts and designers who cover everything from proper mattresses to creating the perfect spa-inspired master bath.

Once again, we’ve reached out to local designers and decorators to get their feedback and show us their favorites. If you’re looking to reinvigorate your master bedroom, we’ve provided some valuable resources, tools and plenty of inspiration to create the restful space you’ve always dreamed of... pun intended.

In our upcoming December issue, we once again take our readers on a holiday shopping extravaganza! We hit our favorite local stores and showcase great holiday décor and gifts as well as luxury items you never knew you needed. With December being the biggest shopping month of the year, this special catalogue-style issue will ease your gift-giving stress and revive your holiday spirit.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner it’s the perfect time to say ‘thank you’ to all of our wonderful readers and industry contributors.

Your feedback is invaluable and we have really enjoyed getting to know the people of this industry. This year has been a true blessing and we appreciate your encouragement, support and contributions to our pages.

With sincere gratitude,

TRACY NICHOLSON Associate Publisher

tracy@spotlightmediafargo.com

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DESIGN & LIVING MAGAZINE

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 Design & Living Magazine is a free publication distributed eight times a year. Our mission is to showcase all that the Red River Valley has to offer in terms of interior design, architecture and landscaping, and profile the people that make these possible. We also strive to provide a quality and fun reading experience and improve the way of life in our community. The publication is mailed to homes across the US and has stand distribution throughout North Dakota and Minnesota.

PUBLISHER

Spotlight Media LLC

PRESIDENT

Mike Dragosavich

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Andrew Jason Tracy Nicholson

DESIGN/LAYOUT

Sarah Geiger, George Stack

CONTRIBUTORS

Tracy Nicholson, Susanne Williams, Carlita Dietz, Kristen Killoran, Dene en Gilmour, Gigi Wo od

COPY EDITORS

Tracy Nicholson, Andrew Jason, Lisa Marchand, Gigi Wo od

GENERAL MANAGER SENIOR WEB DEVELOPER

Brent Tehven Nick Schommer

ADMINISTRATION

Heather Hemingway

SALES MANAGER

Craig Holmquist

MARKETING/SALES

Tracy Nicholson, Paul Bougie, Kristen Killoran, Paul Hoefer

SOCIAL MEDIA

Kristen Killoran

PHOTOGRAPHY

J. Alan Paul Photography, Sadie Lascelles

DELIVERY CIRCULATION MANAGER SPECIAL THANKS

Chris Larson, Payton Berger, Hal Ecker Codey Bernier To the contributors, local stores, readers and designers who helped compile this month’s guide.

ADVERTISING : 701-478-SPOT (7768)

INFO@SPOTLIGHTMEDIAFARGO.COM www.spotlightmediafargo.com Design & Living is published eight times a year by Spotlight Media LLC. Print quantity exceeds 17,000 per issue. Printed in the U.S.A. Design & Living does not necessarily endorse or agree with content of articles or advertising presented. Design & Living assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.

Send change of address information and other correspondence to: Spotlight Media Inc. 502 1st Ave N. First Floor Fargo ND, 58102 or info@spotlightmediafargo.com

CONTENTS DESIGN & LIVING

FEATURE

20 ARTIST: STEVE KNUTSON

Inspiration from vintage maps and the Badland’s rich history create the unexpected artistry of this local painter and teacher.

54 ASK THE EXPERTS: BATHROOM CABINETRY

Meet the cabinetry experts from Wood Specialists in Fargo, and find out what’s hot in bathroom cabinetry, storage and countertops.

66 A BUILDER’S CASTLE

24 BOUDOIR & BATH Autumn’s dropping temps demand a retreat to warmer ground. To create a cozier master suite, we asked local designers and stores to give us their secrets to warm up this space.

Meet Century Homes builder Chris Schuler and see his modern take on an old world abode. From the majestic entrance with its repurposed and salvaged beams from India to the jaw dropping master bath; this family home does not disappoint.

84 NEW STORE: BUYER AT LARGE

Step inside SOMA’s (South of Main Avenue) newest store in Fargo and find out what inspired owner Christine Jaeger to take her unique finds from the web to the streets.

Her new storefront promises to end the search for the perfect gift.

ABOUT THE COVER:

Feature photo by J. Alan Paul Photography Residence in Moorhead, MN Designed by Trever Hill Home Suite Couture, Fargo 701-388-6687 trever_hill@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/homesuitecouture 12

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TEAM

DESIGN & LIVING

Meet the Team WE ARE SPOTLIGHT MEDIA. Every month, Spotlight Media brings you Design & Living Magazine, Fargo Monthly, Stride and Bison Illustrated. To Learn more about the team and our four magazines, go to spotlightmediafargo.com

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MIKE

JESSE

TRACY

MICHAEL

CODEY

PAUL

JOE

HEATHER

LISA

GEORGE

GIGI

NICK

BRENT

ANDREW

SARAH

CRAIG

PAUL

KRISTEN

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CONTRIBUTORS DESIGN & LIVING

Meet the Contributors At Design & Living, our goal is to create a publication that is just as much fun to read as it is to view. These are the valued writers and contributors who so affably use their time and talents to tell a story and give our pages purpose.

DENEEN

SUSANNE

GIGI

KRISTEN

Deneen Gilmour is a journalism professor at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Most of her career has been spent chasing news at daily newspapers. In 2007 she earned a Ph.D. and began Career No. 2 – teaching the next generation of journalists.

She and her husband, Jim, have an adult son, two middle-school-age daughters and two naughty cats.

Writer and contributor Susanne Williams is currently the executive director at The Uptown Gallery in Fargo. She is a textile and mixed media artist with her business Willi Nilli. She served as associate professor in communications at Minnesota State University of Moorhead and holds a Ph. D in communication from Wayne State University.

Writer and contributor Gigi Wood is a Content Strategist for Spotlight Media and its sister company, Hash Interactive. A recent transplant to Fargo, she comes from Iowa City, Iowa, where she served as a journalist for more than 15 years, most recently as editor of the Corridor Business Journal.

Writer Kristen Killoran is an assistant at Spotlight Media. She comes from Tower City, N.D., and currently resides in West Fargo. Kristen graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in sports management and minors in public relations and journalism. She was also a member of the Women’s Track & Field team and still enjoys working out and chasing around her twoyear-old daughter, Tateym.

GILMOUR

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WILLIAMS

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WOOD

KILLORAN

By Carlita Dietz Jay Dietz Construction, Inc. HBA of F-M President

Bathroom Remodels ARE HOT

HBA DESIGN & LIVING

The HBA of FM hosted its third annual Remodeled Home Tour in September, which was a great success and showcased many beautiful homes and bathrooms. One thing’s for sure: today’s bathrooms are not just about necessity. Homeowners make updates to replace worn and outdated components, and because they enjoy the home they are in, want newer and more stylish amenities.

The HBA of FM has many remodeler members who specialize in making a bathroom in an older home more functional. Here are some tips for getting the most for your money and putting some extra punch in your powder room:

1 Go for natural stone products Why? They never go out of style and can be used on floors and walls. Color may be achieved with wall paints and less expensive areas to be changed later. This ultimately is your best longterm return on investment. In the meantime, you, as a homeowner, get to enjoy a higher-end lifetime product. Most all other products start to look dated after 10 years. Since bathrooms are one of the most expensive rooms to remodel, doing it less often is wise.

2 Invest in heated floors It’s estimated that this update will result in 100 percent of a homeowner’s money back. The better heating systems have a minimum of a 25-year life. Completely installed they run about $1,500.

New buyers will surely see the value in heated bathroom floors. Keep energy efficiency in mind as these systems can impact utility bills.

3 Carlita Dietz is the 2014 president of the HBA of FM’s board of directors. She serves as vice president of Jay Dietz Construction, Inc., and has been a Realtor since 2000 with licenses in both North Dakota and Minnesota. She and her husband, Jay, live in Mapleton, N.D., and have three children.

The Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead promotes an environment in which members and their businesses can prosper.

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Soundproof walls and select a heavy door This change is inexpensive and cuts down on noise, which can be a big plus if a bathroom is next to a bedroom. Who wants to be roused from sleep by the sound of a hair dryer, shower or toilet flushing if it can be avoided?

4 Think about a walk-in shower Grimy, grungy shower doors are a homeowner’s constant enemy. There are custom design options that eliminate doors, which usually look worn after a few years even with a diligent housekeeper.

5 Install a high-end exhaust fan This feature may not be the most aesthetically pleasing or exciting, but it is very important to help remove moisture from the bathroom. Excessive condensation is never good. This will save replacements and fixing problems down the road.

6 High quality faucets and supply lines The reasons for these are simple: inexpensive faucets often leak and the finish does not hold up over time. Poor quality shut-offs and supply lines burst and can flood homes.

7 Tall toilets What are called “comfort height” toilets have become common as people have gotten taller over the years. Plus, they use less water so you save thousands of gallons of water per year.

If you are interested in finding a remodeler, or more information on updating your bathroom, visit the HBA’s website at www.hbafm.com or the National Association of Home Builders’ website, www.nahb.org.

ARTIST DESIGN & LIVING

TO TELL A STORY

By Susanne Williams

Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

Steve Knutson knew from a young age he was an artist. He has spent his life painting to tell his story. Now a teacher at Discovery Middle School, he is teaching students how to paint their story.

Bins filled with vintage maps fill the shelves in Fargo artist Steve Knutson’s home studio.

He regularly searches antique stores, garage sales and eBay to build his collection.

“The ones from the late 60s have really great colors. A perfect lime green and pale yellow,” he said. “I’ve got some that are pretty rare.”

“I use the maps as a vehicle to enhance my work. I want it to have a history.”

Knutson uses the maps to ground his paintings, bonding them to a canvas that will eventually be layered with bold strokes of acrylic paint and china marker.

Born and raised in Minot, N.D., Knutson’s parents encouraged him to explore his talents from an early age, sending him to art camps and summer art lessons.

He remembers second grade as being particularly significant. “Our class would have a reading assignment and my teacher would ask me to illustrate the various books we were reading,” Knutson said. “I took away the message that I could do this.”

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DESIGN & LIVING

ARTIST

Knutson attended Minot State University, where he connected with art professor Walter Piehl, Jr. “You can see him (Piehl) in my work. The drips and things like that,” he said, pointing out a particularly loose area of one of his paintings.

Knutson finds Piehl to be inspirational for another reason. “He demonstrates that one can be an amazing artist plus an inspirational art teacher. One can be an artist and a teacher if you balance it.”

Knutson transferred to Minnesota State University Moorhead to complete a bachelor’s degree in art education with emphasis in painting and drawing.

Today, Knutson is in his sixth year at Discovery Middle School, where he teaches art to about 300 students.

“It used to be a bit more challenging,” he said.

In his first teaching position, he was the sole art teacher for both Jefferson and Madison Middle Schools in Fargo, teaching 29 classes and a total of 600 students each week.

“I can’t imagine my life without teaching or being an artist. The kids are inspiring. When you are around creativity all day, it’s hard not to come home and paint.”

On weekends and evenings, after his 1-year old daughter, Ruby, is tucked into bed, Knutson diligently paints in his basement studio while listening to his favorite Beatles music playing from a record player. “I’ve been known to burn the midnight oil in my studio,” he said. “In the summers when I’m not teaching, I create as much as possible.”

upcoming events: “Off the Map”

Paintings and Mixed Media Works

by Steve Knutson The Spirit Room 111 Broadway, Fargo Sept. 29 - Nov. 15 Opening Reception 7-9 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 11

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ARTIST DESIGN & LIVING

The story on the canvas When Knutson was a student at MSUM, art professor Zhimin Guan challenged him to paint something other than what he could see before him.

“He asked me to tell a story about where I’m from,” Knutson said.

Knutson began with the story about his move from Minot to Fargo.

“When I was growing up, I spent time at my friend’s bison ranch, watching a really old bison named Frankie. Every weekend, I’d watch them run around the field,” he recalled. “I went camping in the Badlands with my dad and one morning we woke up with a bison standing right by our tent.”

“I create Fargo themes.

The North Dakota landscape. Bison.

Meadowlarks. I try to breathe new life into how we see the state. I infuse pop art influences like the bold, bright colors, into how we see North Dakota.”

Today, Knutson has created a body of work using canvases covered with vintage maps and paint.

“I love the sense of history,” Knutson smiled.

“I just love painting.”

Steve Knutson steveknutsonart.com steveknutsonart@hotmail.com 701-367-0981

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BED & BATH DESIGN & LIVING

BOUDOIR

&

BATH

Sleepy heads, rejoice! With autumn’s crisp air cueing us to the impending cold of winter, there is no space more solacing than a gorgeous master suite. From the newest trends in bathtubs to the latest linen designs, we feature what it takes to make a truly serene escape. Rest assured, you’ll become master of your own master suite with this design guide.

By Tracy Nicholson | Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography & Sadie Lascelles

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DESIGN & LIVING

BED & BATH

Andrew Young’s residence was designed by Trever Hill of Home Suite Couture. Starting with only a bed frame, fireplace and bed, Hill created this masculine industrial style loft. The spotlights on the bedside tables & decorative trees are from Real Deals on Home Decor in Fargo, the Rhino head is from Anthropologie and the ladder is from local market, Junk Fest.

Hill found the bedding at TJ Maxx and the hanging windows originate from a cathedral.

The architectural elements in this space were created by T.L. Stroh Architects. The painting was created by local artist Jessica Wachter.

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BEDROOM

BED DESIGN & LIVING

A perfect night’s sleep begins with the perfect, tranquil bedroom. On a mission to shop our way to true sleeping serenity, we found an array of dreamy bedroom settings to bestow your most beautiful night’s slumber.

Traditions Linen and duvet cover from V Rugs and Home adorn this gorgeous Four Hands Berkeley wrought iron queen size bed with linen detailing.

Warm up on cool autumn nights with this luxe bamboo throw by Barefoot Dreams. The foot of the bed is no longer an afterthought with this stunning Lee Industries antique rug ottoman fashioned with taupe linen pillows with horn buckles by V Rugs and Home. For seasonal décor, plush velvet pumpkins with real pumpkin stems add interest and a touch of autumn displayed on the rattan open weave cane tray from Palecek.

Adding serenity to the space are the tall, rustic candlesticks by Jan Barboglio.

McNeal & Friends

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DESIGN & LIVING

BED

This gorgeous reclaimed wood, raised platform bed by Four Hands is coordinated with a modern paisley print bedding by Daniel Stuart that comes in countless swatches for even the choosiest designer. Old copper lamps and nightstands from the Bina collection of Four Hands tie the reclaimed wood and metal design together perfectly. For wall décor, get whimsical with accents like these McDaniel aluminum antlers and this Majestic mirror also fashioned from reclaimed wood.

Aartisan Home Design

For a modern take on traditional, this Chambers Street platform set by Cambridge Mills is shown in caramel and mocha solid cherry with bronze hardware and additional bottom storage. Rich tones are the perfect complement to the deep contrasts and rich patterns of the Hampton Hill bedding. The velvet touch, quilted coverlet in rust is wellsuited to summer months, while the denser Genie print duvet is a great option for cooler temps. Organic details complete the space with a Manhattan swivel stool by Palecek in honey brown, a handcrafted Pacific Palisades lamp by Couture for the Home, Hampton Hill sham style contrasting pillows and a smaller beaded pillow for classic glamour.

Northern Home Furniture & Design

“I love the nice clean lines of this solid cherry set. In the summertime, we are looking for that sleeker look with the thinner coverings and in the winter it’s great to have the option of the thicker down comforter. Many people keep both on their beds and use the sleeker covering for a pop of color and the thicker down comforter folded at the end of the bed. Less pillows and a dynamic pattern are a bold trend right now.

Mix patterns and accents to play up the colors that you love.”

Jan Bailly Interior Designer Northern Home Furniture & Design

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BED DESIGN & LIVING

Set a regal tone with this upholstered leather headboard by American Leather. Available in 450 fabrics and leather options it’s easy to find one that complements your décor. Dark headboard tones are made fresh with this striped and textured comforter by Daniel Stuart. With such a dramatic headboard the foot of the bed also gets regal design with this natural burlap and wood Daora postal bench by Mercana. Providing a bright bedside accent are the turquoise diamond lamps by IMAX Worldwide.

Aartisan Home Design

This Stella platform bed by Mobican is shown in slate stained, solid walnut. Contemporary Travato lamps by Roland Simmons are used bedside with matching low profile nightstands and dresser. To add interest to the space, Lead Designer Corey Olson chose a rug from Surya, luxe black throw by Design House Stockholm and Danish accent pillows. Beyond the headboard, art by local painter Rando completes the modern design.

Scan Design

“The Mobican platform really epitomizes Scandinavian contemporary design. I put a lot of thought into this design, taking into consideration the psychology behind colors that create that peaceful tone for the bedroom. I like how the darkness of the wood offsets the bright and clean white of the comforter really making the bed the focal point.”

Corey Olson Showroom Manager & Lead Designer Scan Design

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DESIGN & LIVING

BED

“The Paragon Bed uses symmetry to portray an elegant style. The room and bedding incorporates many grays, which is a hot color right now.�

John Olson Manager at HOM Furniture & Gabberts Design Studio and Fine Furniture

The Paragon Bed by Century Furniture pulls from the art deco design movement that began in Paris in the 1920s and grew throughout the 1930s.

With this era of glamour, symmetrical and linear forms are carved from mahogany and feature Mozambique veneers as well as metal accents.

Upholstered headboard with quatrefoil pattern lends old world charm to a contemporary lifestyle.

Gabberts Design Studio and Fine Furniture

For a modern yet more affordable option, Scan Design offers this Camizion King platform bed and lower profile nightstands in black woodgrain. As an added feature, this line has a melamine finish which is an acrylic coating that resists fading and staining.

Silk down accent pillows by Danish Art Weaving and a Bermuda aqua print are used to add dimension to the modern and minimalistic design of the frame.

Scan Design

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DESIGN & LIVING

BED

THROW PILLOWS Throw pillows are the essential icing on the cake and the delicate art that graces well kept beds.

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1 Zig Zag Linen by V Rugs & Home McNeal & Friends 2 Scattered crystal with down by Cloud 9 Design Aartisan Home Design 3 Fuschia Design by Surya Scan Design 4 Shades of Grey Linen with Tender buttons McNeal & Friends 5 Allium Linen by Kate Spain Scan Design 6 Gray velvet Moroccan down pillow by Cloud 9 Design Aartisan Home Design 31

STYLISH STORAGE

BED DESIGN & LIVING

In every design there remains a need to hide, hold or display our everyday belongings and our most valued treasures. To add function and fun to your master suite, we’ve chosen a few of the area’s most beautiful options to do just that.

Mirrored chest by Caracole White Stone chrome base side serving table shown with Belmiro votives.

Gabberts Design Studio and Fine Furniture

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DESIGN & LIVING

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BED

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1 Nash 5-Drawer Highboy in reclaimed wood and metal by Four Hands McNeal & Friends 2 Paragon Collection in Mahogany by Century Furniture Gabbert’s Fine Furniture & Design 3 Cambden Masterchest in Cherry by Stickley Northern Home Furniture & Design 4 Black woodgrain melamine dresser by Camizion Scan Design 5 Biscayne West Dresser in Haze finish by Amini, Ebby Lamps by Aarteriors, Aartisan Home Design

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For all your decking needs

BED DESIGN & LIVING

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Decks Pergolas Gazebos 2

New Showroom 1606 4th Avenue NW, West Fargo, North Dakota Design Build Supplies for Do-It-Yourselfers!

www.premiumdecks.com

701.492.8080

1 Paragon Collection Nightstand in carved Mahogany & Mozambique veneers by Century Furniture Gabbert’s Design Studio & Fine Furniture

2 Biscayne West Nightstand in Haze finish by Amini Aartisan Home Design

DESIGN & LIVING

BED

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3 Z Design Distressed wood by Coast to Coast Aartisan Home Design 4 Stickley Mission style quarter sawn oak Northern Home Furniture & Design

VANITY

BATH DESIGN & LIVING

Some designs are executed with a great space and some are simply inspired by a great piece of furniture.

With modern trends leaning toward a mix of beauty and function, a stylized vanity can set the tone for the dreamiest of master suites.

North Fargo Residence Powder Room Design by Lark Lomsdal and Bill Tweten Cabinetry by Bill Tweten at Western Products

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DESIGN & LIVING

BATH

Wall hung composite cabinet by Duravit Light in Mirror feature Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

Lava crackled finish with Leather wrapped legs by Duravit Crystal drop sconces by ELK Lighting Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

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DESIGN & LIVING

BATH

Vanity by Fairmont Designs Farmhouse sink Bronze faucet by Rohl Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

Ebony black gloss wood legs and storage drawer vanity Quartz countertop Vessel sink by Decolavt Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

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Home Purchases First Time Buyers Refinancing Investing Second Homes

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Our expertise, your peace of mind.

NMLS 2520 Apply online www.firstclasscorp.com

DESIGN & LIVING

BATH

VESSEL BOWL SINKS All styles available at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

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1 Vapor Blue by Kohler Cast Iron 2 Golden Bronze by Stone Forrest 3 Hand finished Copper with Brushed Nickel finish by Native Trails 4 Stone Cut Pebble by Stone Forrest 5 Bamboo by Stone Forrest 6 White Onyx by Stone Forrest 41

DESIGN & LIVING

BATH

COUNTERTOPS All styles available at Northern Stone

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1 Blackburn from HanStone’s quartz collection 2 Luna Pearl Granite 3 Takota from HanStone’s quartz collection 4 Aria by LG 5 Everest by LG

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BATH DESIGN & LIVING

BATHROOM

LIGHTING All styles available at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, Fargo

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1 3 light linen shade by Jeremiah 2 Wave by Maxim 3 Edison sconce lights by Hinkley

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DESIGN & LIVING

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BATH

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4 Bronze mosaic sconce with shade by Corbett 5 Industrial sconce by Hubbardton Forge 6 Gem by Maxim

HYDROTHERAPY

BATH DESIGN & LIVING

If you need to energize your mornings, swap out your shower stall and add in some fun. A rainbow of colors, textures and shapes make up today’s steamiest shower designs.

Here are just a few of the top tile trends to help you rise and shine.

“The homeowner and I wanted a waterfall effect in the shower, which we achieved with a custom mosaic tile from Trend USA, available at Syverson Tile. A quartz topped bench, dual 20” square shower heads, a handheld shower head and body sprays round out this large, luxurious shower.“ Monica Hart Interior Designer

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DESIGN & LIVING

BATH

SHOWER TILES All styles available at Accent Flooring & Tile

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1 Circuit Andante by Datile 2 Slate Radiance 5/8” Linear Blend by Datile 3 Melange Classic Blend by Datile 4 Cactus 1” x 1” Linear Blend by Datile

DESIGN & LIVING

BATH

TUBS & COMMODES All styles available at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, Fargo

1 “Free standing soaking tubs are one of the biggest trends right now; they take up less space but still provide many great built-in features and styles.

We are also seeing hardware in muted golds coming back in, a lot of brushed nickel and many different industrial styles.�

Deb Grothe, Showroom Manager Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, Fargo

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1 Freestanding claw-foot tub, Volcanic Limestone composite with teak accessory, Brizo free standing tub filler shown by Victoria + Albert

2 Freestanding acrylic with air system, Music option available by MTI 3 Waterless wall hung urinal by Kohler, Adjustable height, wall hung toilet by Duravit

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ASK THE EXPERTS DESIGN & LIVING

ASK THE EXPERTS

The Beds by Design team (from left): Jeff Wright, Paul Talley, Joey Aldinger and Eric Bjorkman.

A GOOD NIGHT’S REST Countless studies have emphasized the importance of a good night’s sleep to well being, productivity and happiness.

By Gigi Wood Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

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Wading through all the conflicting information about buying a new mattress can be exhausting. We asked Paul Talley, sales manager at Beds by Design, to give us the low-down on a good night’s sleep.

What are some common signs a mattress needs replacing?

“Mattresses can fail in many ways. Visually, you may see a ‘body impression’ where you sleep. There are a number of things you can’t see but may feel. Are you waking feeling tired, stiff and/or sore in the morning? Do your hips/shoulders hurt? Do you notice your bed being a mess in the morning from tossing and turning all night? Are you feeling fatigued only hours after a full night sleep? These are signs your mattress isn’t doing the job it’s supposed to.”

What mattress qualities should consumers look for when shopping around?

“Because of the general public’s limited knowledge of mattresses, market research shows we tend to buy what’s familiar (brands names and gimmicks) and what is visually attractive (beautiful fabrics and designer names). The best thing you can do is to ask questions: what’s in the mattress, how is the bed going to help me sleep better every night and what exactly does the warranty cover?

Remember, if you live to be 75, you spend 25 of those years in bed and how you feel every day depends on how you sleep. How you sleep directly relates to how the materials in the bed affect your body and health. Be an informed shopper.”

ASK THE EXPERTS DESIGN & LIVING

How do I know the best mattress firmness for me?

“We’ve all heard ‘a firm bed for your back,’ but modern medical research has shown that a firm bed creates its own set of issues. For example, joint and tissue compression creates circulatory issues, therefore starving your muscles of blood and oxygen that is needed for them to recover and repair every night while you sleep. On the other side of the coin, a ‘squishy’ soft bed will create a lack of support for the lower back, hips and shoulders.”

How do I choose which mattress material I should purchase?

“The American Medical Association recommends a softer mattress using foams that are also designed to support body weight. Memory/gel foam and polyurethane foams (the two most widely used materials in mattresses) do not push back against the body to properly support weight. The best material used in mattresses that will make a difference in pressure relief and support are natural and synthetic latex foams.”

How do you help people design their own beds?

“Since everyone’s different, we ask questions.

Do you sleep on your back, side or stomach? Do

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you have any back, shoulder or hip issues? Do you have any muscular, skeletal or circulation issues? Do you sleep with a partner or alone?

These things, along with body weight/size help to determine which bed is right for each individual. Because we build all of our Sleep Sets by hand on a per-order basis, we’re able to tweak mattresses both when they’re built and after the customer has slept on it for awhile, ensuring the right fit.”

some foams. At Beds by Design, we choose to use as many non-gassing materials as possible, where some foam products can contain chemicals such as benzine and formaldehyde that gas out.”

Are there environmentally friendly mattresses available to consumers?

“In our store, yes, and we explain why. In the retail environment, not always. We’ve cut open hundreds of mattresses over the years from different manufacturers and different price points. We tend to see the same materials used across the board inside them, with the only things making them different being brand names and outside fabrics. Some of the thickest and most expensive have the same ingredients as the cheapest, just more of them.”

“There are organic mattresses available but you’ll give up a lot of performance/longevity and the costs are quite high. Here, we’re looking toward the future and N.D. produced, soybean-based foam products. The technology and quality aren’t quite there yet but the future is very bright. Another way to look at environmentallyfriendly is how many mattresses end up in landfills every single year because they cannot be repaired. At Beds by Design, we are doing our part by repairing and rebuilding our customers’ mattresses and only replacing what is needed, when it is needed, instead of starting all over every time. In the end, there is less waste, less cost to the customer and endless options for change/repair.”

Are there mattress options for people with allergies and medical issues?

Does the size of the mattress really matter?

“Yes, there are. We have hypo-allergenic, antimicrobial, anti-fungal and dust mite-free foams available in a number of our mattresses. Another thing to consider are the chemicals used to make

“Absolutely, especially when it comes to a couple.

For years, we have thought a queen bed was big enough for two adults, but the American Medical Association has found that when it comes to a

Is the most expensive mattress the highest-quality mattress?

DESIGN & LIVING

ASK THE EXPERTS

couple: motion transfer, partner disturbance and shared body heat are three of the biggest issues regarding sleep loss. As an adult, imagine going back to the twin bed you grew up in. Pretty small, right? A twin mattress is 38 inches wide and a queen is 60 inches wide, leaving each adult with only a 30-inch sleep space while sharing a queen.

A king size mattress gives a couple the room they need to sleep comfortably, while decreasing the toss and turns that cause us to lose valuable rest while asleep.”

What is the best way to test out a mattress?

“Again, questions are very important, but this being the one thing you use in your life more than anything else, you should take your time and make the right choice for you. When trying beds in stores, plan ahead so you have time to spend at least 10 minutes on each mattress you are considering and ask your salesperson to pick five that would work best (based on your needs) for you to try. After more than five, they can all start to feel the same and breed confusion for you. At Beds by Design, we prefer to educate you instead of pressure-selling you. We feel a more informed customer will make a better choice, feel better about their purchase and be much happier in the long term.”

ASK THE EXPERTS DESIGN & LIVING

ASK THE EXPERTS

Cathy Michels, CKD and Beth Kemmer, CKD, CLC in the Wood Specialists Inc. showroom in Fargo. Not shown is Wendy J. Dynes, CKD. Shown in background; barn-wood stained maple cabinetry with Cambria quartz countertop. The upper cabinets are painted alabaster with metal mesh inserts and bead-board accents.

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING In the world of cabinetry, storage, quality, color and style can make or break a bathroom design.

By Tracy Nicholson Photos by Andrew Jason

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To give us the latest in bathroom design, we talked with three cabinetry experts from Wood Specialists Inc. to find out how to make the smallest room in your house have the biggest impact.

Wood Specialists Inc. of Fargo is known for their expertise in custom bathrooms, kitchens, closets and more. They are the only cabinetry company in Fargo-Moorhead with three certified kitchen designers.

As a designer, what are some popular trends in bathrooms right now?

“We love the new gray-toned, barn woodstained cabinetry for bathrooms. Heights of vanities and countertops are increasing for ease of use and storage. Dark stains and painted cabinetry continue to be quite popular. Custom trough sinks with double

faucets are a unique option instead of two separate sinks. Modern, off-the-floor designs, integrated toe-kick lighting and custom furniture-style features, like columns or bun feet are also popular vanity features.

Reclaimed wood can also be incorporated into bathroom designs. We are receiving more requests for TVs in bathrooms, either behind the mirrors or built into the cabinetry design.”

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ASK THE EXPERTS DESIGN & LIVING

What are some unique storage solutions that you are doing for people?

“Including a single sink in a vanity design instead of two sinks will allow for more storage. Industry standard for vanity height is 32 inches. Ask for a taller vanity height of 34-36 inches and you’ll have less bending over and gain storage. Recessed medicine cabinets are a great option to add space without taking from the room. Pullout haircare organizers with hidden outlets are a great solution for hiding styling tools and products. Open cubbies for baskets and towel displays are a great way to add interest to your bathroom designs. We’re also receiving client requests for dresser-style drawers so clothing can be stored right in the bathroom.”

What stain and wood styles are you seeing most right now?

“We still have a lot of people asking for dark stains on all species of wood. We do see many people asking for painted cabinetry and now, most recently, the gray-toned finishes. Light finishes can brighten up a space since most bathrooms are a bit on the small side.”

What type of bathroom countertops are a big hit with homeowners today? ”The Corian countertop on this (bottom

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middle photo) painted vanity has an integral sink and coved backsplash for easy maintenance. Corian has standard sink designs, but you can also have custom sinks made to order. We often direct people to use a lighter colored countertop in bathrooms as it helps to brighten up the space and helps to reflect light back up to your face to reduce shadows. Quartz and granite are also popular choices for bathroom countertops. However, laminate countertops remain the most affordable.”

Beth: “I did a pullout foot stool for kids at the sink. It was in the toe kick and could be pushed back when not needed. A makeup counter at the same height as the rest of the vanity with an open space below to store a counter stool is a wonderful feature as you can either sit or stand to apply makeup or do your hair.”

Which hardware color is most popular right now?

“Make note that electrical might need to be moved up higher in older homes to accommodate a taller vanity height. If you are looking to add a drawer at the bottom of a sink section of cabinetry or go with an off-thefloor designed vanity, make sure to check the height of your existing plumbing, as it might need to be moved up. Look for space from closets or other rooms attached that you can take from and add to your remodel for more square footage.

“We are using a lot of graphite, pewter and gunmetal finishes that seem to be taking over that brushed nickel trend. Brown/bronze hardware remains popular. Crystal knobs in the bathroom are also a great look, especially on painted cabinetry. We are seeing some gold come back in, but we think it will take some time to catch on in our area.”

What was one of your favorite bathroom designs?

Cathy: “I’ve designed a couple of bathrooms with his-and-hers vanities in different styles and finishes within the same room, either next to each other or on opposite walls. If you coordinate the styles and colors it all looks great.”

What are some challenges that homeowners should be aware of when remodeling a bathroom?

“Keep in mind that painting your existing cabinetry might require more work than you’ve planned on. We don’t just use paint for our painted cabinetry, we use a high-quality, tinted varnish. It is a much sturdier finish that we rarely ever have to repair. If you are considering a total ‘revamp’ of your bathroom layout, a plumber may need to be consulted to let you know if a new floor plan is feasible.”

DESIGN & LIVING

ASK THE EXPERTS

How long does it take to build and design bathroom cabinets from start to finish?

“It really just depends on how involved the project is. We look at the space available, visit with our client to find out preferred styles, how many family members will be using that bathroom and what type of needs they might have for storage. We then draw up designs and get it priced out for them. Before we build anything, our clients are able to see what the finished designs will look like with the aid of a 3-D program called Cabnetware.

With this program, we, as designers, basically build the cabinets on the computer, then all of the information is sent to our shop for building the cabinetry.”

What is available and most popular for more affordable price ranges?

“Many people assume that doing painted cabinetry will be less expensive. However, it is more labor intensive, so it prices out higher than stained finishes. Oak is a very reasonably-priced wood – consider an espresso stain to achieve a whole different look from a wood species many people overlook. For countertops, laminate is an affordable option.

Laminate comes in almost limitless selections, including stone-looking finishes that are very popular. Another affordable option for smaller countertops is to use real stone or quartz remnants from a stone fabricator.”

INSPIRATION

PAGES

INSPIRATION DESIGN & LIVING

In a Facebook frenzy to find the best of bed and bath, we once again reached out to our readers and area designers.

Here are a few pages of true inspiration to help in the making of your master suite.

Design by Lark Lomsdal / T.L. Stroh Architects Shotwell Commons Residence

Design by Lark Lomsdal / T.L. Stroh Architects Shotwell Commons Residence

Monica Hart Interior Design

Monica Hart Interior Design

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INSPIRATION DESIGN & LIVING

Ami Baxter Interior Design

Exclusive Linen Line offered by Ami Baxter Interior Design

Ami Baxter Interior Design

Matt & Julie Friederichs Residence

Bellingham Quartz top vanity by Cambria Fabricators Unlimited

DESIGN & LIVING

INSPIRATION

Design by homeowner, Chris Myrvold Children’s bathroom

Ami Baxter Interior Design

Matt & Julie Friederichs Residence

INSPIRATION

Trever Hill Home Suite Couture

DESIGN & LIVING

Trever Hill, Home Suite Couture Downtown Studio

“I designed this masculine, industrial loft that was not only inviting but cozy for anyone else that walks in. The use of furs, leathers, woods & metals give it an earthy feel that transitions through the entire year. We used green because, again, it’s natural and doesn’t take away from that, but at the same time it brings the deep tones up to a fresher level in the room to keep it cheerful. In a space so beautiful I didn’t want to take away from its beauty so I ensured it was well-appointed but at the same time borderline minimalistic.”

Burled Beach Top Vanity by Dupont Corian Fabricators Unlimited

Jasmine Vanity Top by Dupont Corian Fabricators Unlimited

Abalone shower bench by Dupont Corian Fabricators Unlimited

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INSPIRATION DESIGN & LIVING

Design by Lark Lomsdal / T.L. Stroh Architects Shotwell Commons Residence

Monica Hart Interior Design

Myrvold Residence Master Bath Workout Area

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Interior Designer, Pam Ditch of Northern Home Furniture & Design

Niche Bath Storage - Deb Majkrzak Residence

HOME DESIGN & LIVING

A BUILDER’S

castle

By Tracy Nicholson | Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

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Century Homes owner Chris Schuler and his wife Connie completed their majestic 5,100-squarefoot West Fargo home in the Hayden Heights development last month. Finishing in this timeframe allowed for the home to be featured on the HBA’s Parade of Homes. With two young sons, Ryker (3) and Tucker (10), the Schulers have utilized their knowledge of the industry to achieve a very different approach on the Midwestern home. The end result, a modern and worldly take on a Spanish-inspired abode.

DESIGN & LIVING

HOME

ENTRANCE

Greeting guests through the majestic wood doors is the barrel-vault ceiling Chris constructed in knotty pine with crown molding to set the tone for their Spanish-inspired retreat. Beyond the vault ceiling, displayed in the entrance are handcrafted, architectural salvaged beams from India, which were customized by Chris with an additional wood base and copper details to span from floor to ceiling, adding an opulence to the entrance and formal dining area.

DINING ROOM

The Schuler’s formal dining room features a beautiful custom table from Mexico constructed of rough sawn pine and a custom-made, wall-mounted water feature produced by Chris and designed by Connie.

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HOME DESIGN & LIVING

WATER FEATURE

Lending itself to the rustic appeal of the dining room, this wall-mounted water feature constructed by Chris was made with burnt wood and slate chosen

by Connie to complement the other natural features throughout the main level.

MASTER BEDROOM

The Schulers created a true master bedroom with abundant windows, a prominent bedroom set constructed of rough sawn pine and even a custom vanity, complete with stained concrete top and custom mirrors. Modern amenities like the flatscreen TV and wall-mounted fireplace with rustic accents, such as the Spanish-inspired chandelier, work in harmony to create a romantic retreat with modern appeal. Connie also chose to do a two-tone paint technique with heavy knockdown texture for authentic Spanish character.

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Make mealtime

Memorable

It’s your home.

When you re-imagine your space, it’s your life that gets a redesign. Transform yours with all the details that make home a happy place.

Our showroom product experts share your passion for getting it right, helping you select the perfect products for your building or remodeling project.

Fargo 1602 45th St N (701) 237-4131

FERGUSON.COM ©2014 Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.

HOME DESIGN & LIVING

MASTER BATHROOM

The Schulers searched the world to create this stunning master bath, which features a custom-made copper tub, custom-tiled walk-in shower and ceramic floor tile. One of their most worldly and treasured finds was this gorgeous handmade vanity that incorporates wood salvaged from a church in India and flanked by candle style sconces.

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DESIGN & LIVING

HOME

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HOME DESIGN & LIVING

UPSTAIRS BAR

The upstairs lounge and bar area is not yet complete, but the Schulers were able to show us the exquisite repurposed wood bar with its remnants of old paint, leather front panels and rustic hardware, which was custom-built in Mexico.

GREAT ROOM

Defining the great room space is this dramatic custom slate, knotty pine and burnt cedar ceiling in a box beam design. Creating an intricate focal point, the Schulers constructed this entertainment wall with built-ins using stacked slate, burnt cedar, copper banding and stained concrete accents for display space.

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DESIGN & LIVING

HOME

HOME DESIGN & LIVING

RUSTIC DETAILS The Schulers opted for trim work and doors throughout the home in knotty alder for rustic character, and flooring in a mix of maple and alder wood that lends a combination of red and black tones throughout. Chris found the wood tone, maintenance-free siding, doors, roofing and all appliances, as well as plumbing fixtures at Home Design Supply in Fargo. Twelve-foot ceilings throughout the rooms, detailed soffits, walls with heavy knockdown texture and rustic paint techniques are used for authentic Spanish character. Spacious windows from the kitchen and great room allow for a serene view through the covered back porch with knotty pine ceiling onto their three-acre lot with nearby pond.

KITCHEN Carrying over the Spanish influence in the kitchen is this beautiful copper range hood constructed by the Schulers with bent sheet copper. Chris and Connie treated the copper with Liver of Sulfur, composed of potassium sulfide and other related chemicals, which reacted with copper to create this dramatic look.

A first that we had seen in this area is the unique granite island with peaked rough edges in a leather finish, instead of the usual high gloss.

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DESIGN & LIVING

HOME

HOME DESIGN & LIVING

THEATER ROOM

On the lower level, the Schulers have created a first-rate theater room with leather seating and fun additions, like the antique popcorn popper and the stained concrete and glass cut-out countertop displaying movie theater favorites.

Continuing the rustic design downstairs, Chris custom made the movie poster frames in burnt wood.

LOWER LEVEL BAR AND GAME ROOM

Granite countertops from B&D Granite Tops and knotty alder cabinetry were custom made to include display space giving it authentic saloon appeal. Nine-foot ceilings throughout this lower level open up the space and create a more spacious basement for entertaining guests.

For more information on this home, contact: Century Homes Chris Schuler centuryhomesnd.com 701-893-6551

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Q&A DESIGN & LIVING

Q&A Brian Santos

with best-selling author and “Wall Wizard”

The Homebuilders Association of Fargo-Moorhead once again hosted its Fall Home Show Sept. 26-27 at the Scheels Arena. Offering tips and techniques on perfect paint finishes was Brian Santos, better known as the “Wall Wizard.” With more than 25 years of experience, Santos has painted walls for celebrities like Clint Eastwood, Joe Montana and George Lucas. He is the author of 14 books and has appeared on HGTV, TLC and the Discovery Channel.

By Gigi Wood

Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

Is this your first time to Fargo?

“No, I was actually here in 2008 and it was at (a home show at) the (Fargo)Dome, and I had such a blast because you guys were having extremely bad weather, like -40, and I found out, where does everyone go in the middle of winter? They go to the home show.

We had great crowds there and I had a big set there, so I have an affinity for Fargo. The people are so genuine here. They connect.”

Do you get to have any fun while you’re here?

“Nope, it’s all work. Literally, this set gets broken down tomorrow and then I’ll be going to Billings, (Mont.). I am (on tour) in the greatest cities in the United States and you get to see the convention center or the arena hall and the hotel and that’s about it. Right now, with the fall lineup, I’m on a 14-city tour and I end in mid-October.”

Do you have an off season?

“Actually, yes. I have another full-time job; I do about 25-30 cities a year as the Wall Wizard. This is sort of the slow season in the fall. The real season is from January to May and I’ll be gone almost every single weekend.

But in between that, I produce home shows.

So, I can’t get away from it. I produce four home shows in Tampa and two home shows in Atlanta. When we’re not doing that, I’m the creative director for Turner Expositions, so I do staging, book talent and everything.”

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Q&A DESIGN & LIVING

“Part of my journey through all of this in 30 years is to find the real ‘why’ behind howto, and not only that, but then finding the simplest, fastest, easiest way to do it.”

You’ve written 14 books on painting. How do you have enough information for that many books on the subject?

“I’ve been very, very fortunate. I started my career at 8 years old with my grandfather’s father. I’m a fourth generation painting and wallpaper contractor. I was certified as an apprentice in the state of California at the age of 16, I was one of the youngest. And by the age of 19, with my wife and my family, started a company called Wallpapers To Go, which was 152 stores on the West Coast. This is what we did when we opened the first store in 1973 is that we captured the in-stock wall covering, faux finishing and painting before it was even really popular.

“Then I broke away from that and started my own installation company because I found it was just as lucrative. I have a teaching degree, I used to teach high school and community college vocational education. My promise to them was the top three people in the class would come work for me. I trained them and I knew what their proficiencies were, so they would come in and within five years we grew the business to 60 employees doing about $8.5 million in business a year. Some of the high-end clients were George Lucas, Clint Eastwood. The largest project my company every did was the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. It took 18 months, about 450 employees, both union and nonunion. That was in 1983, when the Mirage opened.”

What types of designs and décor are celebrities interested in having in their homes?

“They put their pants on one leg at a time, just like everybody else. What they afford is anything they wish. There is a level of proficiency they expect and quality. So, what they really are looking for is, because they have the means, is someone who respects their privacy and who they are and someone who will deliver the standards they set. That was very apparent. I’m not saying they’re picky, it’s just they know what they want and they get what they want.

“For instance, in George Lucas’ house, one room we painted 22 times to get it just perfect, to get it as high, high, high gloss as he wanted.

It was 22 layers of white lacquer. It looked like a piece of furniture when we got done. But, that’s what he wanted. We had a crew on the house for two years. At the time (1986), that house was almost 22,000 square feet.”

Did you ever drop paint on something important at a celebrity’s house?

“Oh, yes. Everybody is human and you will make mistakes. I’ll give you a confession: I really hate to paint. One of the reasons why I learned so much about these (Wallpaper Wizard) tips is to make it faster, easier, better. When I was a kid, all I did for one summer was clean brushes.

I was 8 years old and that was all you did and I wanted to do the big-boy stuff, but no, you’ve got to learn this and learn how to do it right.

DESIGN & LIVING

Q&A

“Part of my journey through all of this in 30 years is to find the real ‘why’ behind how-to, and not only that, but then finding the simplest, fastest, easiest way to do it. Little tricks like the Pam (cooking spray) on your skin so the paint doesn’t stick, Chapstick on the inside of window frames instead of using Vaseline or masking tape – they’re these almost ‘a-ha’ moments, these epiphanies of process. Sometimes people give me ideas and I’ll test them out; I have a lab in my house.”

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever painted?

“I got a commission at the a museum of art and we gilded the ceiling in the old part. We were handling almost $500,000 in gold leaf. It took us almost a year to gold leaf the entire ceiling of this 1901 Baroque auditorium. It was literally, I’m not joking, like Michelangelo, lying on your back for hours … It was painstaking. That was pretty extreme.”

Out of all your tips, is there one that continues to surprise your audience?

“Yes, how to clean your paint brush in 10 seconds or less. Because everybody throws away that $15 brush. They don’t know how to clean it. You should never use soap and water because dish soap actually catalyzes the polymers in the paints.”

1805 23rd St S, Moorhead

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DESIGN & LIVING

HOME EXPO

HOME EXPO A HIT Dozens of area vendors put their wares on display at the annual Homebuilders Association of Fargo-Moorhead’s Fall Home Show on Sept. 26 & 27 at the Scheels Arena. HBA members showcased everything from windows and doors to showers and tile. During the show, various seminars were offered for visitors. Brian Santos, best-selling author known as the “Wall Wizard,” hosted classes on painting tips and tricks.

By Gigi Wood | Photos by Sadie Lascelles

WALL WIZARD

Brian Santos, “The Wall Wizard,” asked for audience participation during his seminars.

WHAT’S POPULAR

Melanie from Accent Flooring & Tile said the popular bath items these days are tiled showers, heated floors that extend into the shower and steam showers. Many are also adding the look of wood to walls and flooring. For tile, porcelain is en vogue, because of its durability.

SHOWER

Stacy Pellett of Red River Glazing said frameless shower doors are the most popular style right now.

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STORE DESIGN & LIVING

new store

Buyer

AT LARGE

T

Think of that “Yes, I nailed it!” feeling you get when the smile on a certain someone’s face lets you know you selected the perfect gift. Christine Jaeger loves that feeling. In fact, she built a business on it. Jaeger opened Buyer at Large, a gift shop on Fargo’s South Eighth Street, in April.

By Deneen Gilmour

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Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

DESIGN & LIVING

STORE

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STORE DESIGN & LIVING

T

The name “Buyer At Large” frames the notion that an expert buyer has scoured the corners of the earth (and the Web) to find ideal items to express the connection between giver and receiver.

Jaeger happily hunts for out-of-the ordinary products so shoppers don’t have to. When shoppers step inside Buyer At Large, Jaeger or Store Manager Bryana Nelson congenially guide shoppers to what, hopefully, is the perfect gift.

“Finding a distinctive gift is really what we’re about,” Jaeger says.

It’s in her role as gift shop guide that maybe – probably – Jaeger’s degree in psychology and 17 years as a buyer for Target Corp. come into play. She knows how to translate the ideas, even plaintive vagaries, of anxious gift seekers into clues that yield treasure.

The same goes for Nelson. “The experience I had working in my mom’s shop in Alexandria (Minn.) since age 16 taught me a lot about the importance of communicating with customers,” Nelson says.

How you communicate with a customer determines whether they feel welcome and comfortable in the shop, she says. A comfortable customer is more likely to find what he or she seeks.

Inside the airy, multi-level store, shoppers may explore a selection of giftware that’s fresh, current, personal and sometimes edgy. Jaeger has taken great pains to push past a ho-hum lineup of trinkets and beyond the ubiquity of bigbox retail gifting.

Jaeger started online, then on Eighth Street.

Jaeger and her husband moved to Fargo a year ago from the Twin Cities. Before long she had leased the space at 18 S. Eighth St., where Lifetime Antiques had operated for decades. However, she launched Buyer At Large as an online business two years ago. Today, buyeratlarge.com and the Eighth Street shop can function hand-in-hand for shoppers, if they wish. In fact, that synchronicity yields one of the upcoming happenings at the shop.

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“I feel like there’s more joy in giving,” Jaeger says. “With the products we have here, I feel like we can really make someone’s day. It goes back to the old saying, ‘It’s better to give than receive.’”

DESIGN & LIVING

STORE

Watch for these happenings at ‘Buyer’ •

In-store pickup: Since its beginning as an online store, Buyer At Large has offered customers clickable online “wish lists.” Soon, Jaeger will implement in-store pickup for wish list and other online items.

•

Expansion into more space: Until now, the shop occupied the front part of the former antique store space. Soon, Jaeger will expand into open square footage.

•

Expansion of local artist’s creations: Jaeger plans to create a section for Moorhead artist Nichole Rae’s blend of photography and typography.

It’s all part of Jaeger’s desire to serve customers by being their buyer extraordinaire, and to extract the work and worry from gift shopping.

What’s hot on gift-givers’ lists 1.

Gifts that are personal, or can be personalized.

“When you buy a gift for somebody, it should say, ‘I know you,’” Jaeger says. That’s why jewelry and charms that can be mixed and matched for personalization are hot sellers.

Among the trending jewelry is a line by Jennifer Dahl of Hawley, Minn.

2. Gifts that convey a message. “It’s all about messaging,” Jaeger says. “Messaging acknowledges the connection between giver and receiver. I love to hear it when people read our messaged items or charms out loud.

Often they laugh and say ‘We have to buy this for so-and-so.’”

3. Gifts that evoke feeling. If it doesn’t make you laugh or cry or feel something, Jaeger says, it probably won’t make it onto her shelves. For example, among men’s gifts the Old Guys Rule section is popular. There you can find a T-shirt that proclaims: “The Older I Get, The Better I Was.”

Buyer At Large ADDRESS 18 8th Street South, Fargo PHONE 701-566-8776 EMAIL info@buyeratlarge.com WEBSITE buyeratlarge.com

DESIGN & LIVING

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Bed & Bath Decor

From the head of your bed to the bathroom sink, dĂŠcor should set the mood and create a space you adore. Here are six bathroom and six bedroom accents that set the stage for serenity.

By Tracy Nicholson Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

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1 Distressed ceramic fish soap dish by Kalaou 2 Calaisio woven water-vine Q-tip and cottonball holder 3 Hand towel by Sferra 4 Soap by Lafco New York All available at McNeal & Friends

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DÉCOR DESIGN & LIVING

Desirae Putnam McNeal & Friends

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“We love these framed minerals by Christopher Marley.

Marley has an entire collection called Pheremone which features artist select crystals, fossils, minerals and many other “found” and often rare objects. We also love the presentation, Marley preserves these beautifully in museum grade, sealed metal and glass frames.”

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1 Framed minerals by Christopher Marley McNeal & Friends 2 Handblown crazed glass (set of four with tray) by John-Richard Northern Home Furniture & Design 3 Laugh Spa pressed linen fabric with pewter nail trim by Paladian Industries McNeal & Friends

DÉCOR DESIGN & LIVING

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DESIGN & LIVING

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1 Danny Leather Stool by Silk Route - 2 sizes available Aartisan Home Design 2 Parker’s Marbles by Grander Images Aartisan Home Design 3 Chamomile Lavender soy based candles and glass diffuser by Lafco House & Home Collection McNeal & Friends

DESIGN & LIVING

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1 Handmade sculpture lamp with zipper detail (various sizes available) by Rolland Simmons Scan Design 2 Shard mirror by Zuo Scan Design 3 Fusion Abstract painting by Grander Image Aartisan Home Design 95