Design & Living August 2018

AUGUST 2018

COMPLIMENTARY

Serene

FROM THE EDITOR

Seasonal

L

ast month, I got my feet wet when writing the "We Love the Lakes" issue.

This month, I got right into the water for my editorial photo. Needless to say, our team has been having so much fun working for Design & Living Magazine this summer. But we live in North Dakota, so we know that these sunny days aren't going to last forever.

That is why we want to encourage you and your family to enjoy August. Within the following pages, we'll show you serene scenes that will inspire you to make the most of the season. We've combined lots of lovely landscaping, a recipe for a pretty poolside party, charming exteriors, a bright and airy three-season porch and a whimsical garden, to help you get into the summer spirit.

As always, I have a huge list of people whom I would

like to thank for making this issue possible. First, I'd like to say thank you to Jack Rydell and Steve Johnson for allowing us to stage and photograph a party in their backyard. I'd also like to thank our contributing photographers this month for going above and beyond to get the shot.

Finally, I'd like to express my appreciation for all of the homeowners and businesses we worked with this month, especially our landscapers and those who submitted photos of their front doors. To the landscapers, we know that we caught you right in the middle of your busiest month and want to thank you for your time. For those who submitted photos of your front

doors, we can't believe the amazing submissions that you sent! Readers, we hope you enjoy the wide variety of content this month.

Happy summer,

Rebecca Opp Editor becca@spotlightmediafargo.com

PHOTO BY Nicole Midwest Photography & Media

I N S P I R AT I O N

DESIGN & LIVING

TEAM

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

HILLARY EHLEN PHOTOGRAPHER

Ehlen is an editorial photographer for Spotlight Media and owner of Hillary Ehlen Photography. She is a native of Fargo and attended North Dakota State University for visual arts with an emphasis in photography.

JESSE HOORELBEKE PHOTOGRAPHER

Hoorelbeke is a former professional baseball player turned photographer.

He is the owner of J. Alan Paul Photography in Fargo and veteran, lead editorial photographer for Spotlight Media. Hoorelbeke specializes in editorial, commercial, architectural and landscape photography.

SARAH GEIGER

LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER Geiger is a MSUM graduate with a BFA with an emphasis in Graphic Design. She is the lead publication designer for Design & Living Magazine, Fargo Monthly and Fargo INC! magazines at Spotlight Media.

SARAH STAUNER GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Originally from central Wisconsin, Stauner relocated to the FargoMoorhead area in 2017. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she recieved her BFA in Graphic Design and Marketing.

ASHLEY HAM CONTRIBUTOR

Ham is a wedding and lifestyle photographer alongside her husband, Ryan Ham, at FloraPine Photography. They also have a blog called FloraPine Home where she has the opportunity to write, podcast and connect with people on a more personal level.

DUSTIN MURRAY CONTRIBUTOR

Dustin Murray founded his business, Dustin Murray Construction, six years ago. He specializes in remodeling, new construction framing and finish work. Murray and his wife have two children and live in West Fargo. He is currently serving as the HBA of F-M President.

KAYLA COTE VAN RENSBURG CONTRIBUTOR

Originally from Willow City, ND, Cote van Rensburg has made her home in Fargo with her husband, Piet van Rensburg. In 2017, the two founded the local lifestyle brand, Dak & Co.

FROM THE ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Sunny Dispositions

O

ver the past few months, I've been spending a lot of time traveling throughout the FM area and lakes country. During this time, I have had the opportunity to meet new people and learn about their businesses, while helping the Design & Living brand grow. I have to say, I've been impressed by everyone's sunny dispositions, even when they're stuck inside at the office on warm summer days like today. This is a huge part of what makes my job as Associate Publisher so enjoyable.

When I'm not running to and from meetings, I've been busy planning my daughter Leila's fifth birthday party (which is quickly approaching, much to my dismay!), and this issue couldn't have come at a better time. Once again, our editor, Becca Opp, has curated exciting, new content for us. Personally, I cannot wait to use, "Recipe for a Pretty Poolside Party" (pages 34-36) as the inspiration behind Leila's birthday party, which will take place by the pool and at the lake.

Whether you are like me and are in need of some inspiration for outdoor entertaining, landscaping, gardening or even the exterior of your home, look no further than the pages ahead.

As always, thank you for reading!

Chantell Ramberg Associate Publisher

PHOTO BY Hillary Ehlen

chantell@spotlightmediafargo.com

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DESIGN & LIVING | A U G U S T 2 01 8

Design & Living Magazine

Sarah Huckle Social Media Coordinator North Dakota Interior Designers

Melissa Rademacher President & CEO Downtown Community Partnership

downtownfargo.com ndid.org

Rich Lahren Hardscape Committee Member, Past Board Member & Past President North Dakota Nursery, Greenhouse & Landscape Association

Chris Hawley Licensed Architect/Member American Institute of Architects

Editorial Advisory Board We at Design & Living Magazine want to make sure that our content is accurate, unbiased and reflects the local home industry. That is why we meet with our Editorial Advisory Board, which is made up of representatives from local, statewide and national organizations.

Each month, we listen to their feedback and discuss innovations in local art, architecture, home decor, interior design and landscaping.

Krista Mund Executive Vice President Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead

Dayna Del Val President & CEO The Arts Partnership

theartspartnership.net aia.org hbafm.com ndnga.com 14

DESIGN & LIVING | A U G U S T 2 01 8

Photos by Hillary Ehlen and J. Alan Paul Photography

2018

2018

contents

AUGUST

FEATURE STORY

32 Serene Scenes

These serene scenes will inspire you to make the most of the season, featuring lots of lovely landscaping, a recipe for a pretty poolside party, charming exteriors, a bright and airy three-season porch and a whimsical garden. Then, come along with us as we tour a Perham home that is breathtakingly beautiful, inside and out.

with A Cabinet Designer/ 30 Q&A Project Manager Lately, we've been interviewing members of the local home industry to find out what their jobs entail. This month, we learned what being a cabinet designer and project manager is all about from Katy Rott of D&M Industries.

78 A Landscaper's Dream

Landscapers have to get their trees from somewhere, and one of those places is local wholesaler and retailer, Paul Bunyan Nurseries.

This month, we spoke with experts at Paul Bunyan to discuss all of the latest trends in trees and shrubs.

AUGUST 2018

|

JULY 2018

16

The Bosak Home

Photo by Hillary Ehlen

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Introducing the First Ever Downtown Fargo Home Tour

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Going Plastic Free in Fargo

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When walking through Downtown Fargo, many of us wonder what lies behind the brick facades of the buildings that line Broadway. Because of this, an independent group of volunteers has decided to host a Downtown Fargo Home Tour for the very first time.

It's the little things in life like woven baskets that can elevate everyday experiences such as going to the grocery store. Learn all about this and more when you join our contributor Ashley Ham of FloraPine Home as she describes what it was really like to eliminate single-use plastic from her household.

ON THE COVER

NEXT MONTH

Our August cover features the backyard of Jack Rydell and Steve Johnson, staged

by Amanda Rydell, Katie Schiltz and Samantha Klinkhammer. The setting was photographed by Nicole Midwest Photography & Media, and the spread features rentals from The White Hosue Co., a floral arrangement from Love Always Floral, sweets from Yeobo and party decor from Shop Sweet Lulu.

Two words: high contrast. This September, get ready to see interiors in the FM area that feature bright, white paint colors paired with dark, moody shades.

Locally Trending: Fresh-Picked The height of the summer has us celebrating all things bright, colorful and full of flavor. Rich red pepper and sultry eggplant hues are trending on my color palette this season, so it only made sense to pull this month's inspiration from Red River Market.

An Afternoon with a Woodturner

You don't have to look far to find a talented woodturner when you live in the FM area, since woodturning is a popular hobby in Minnesota.

Our very own Dale Cook of Fargo is well-versed in the craft of woodturning.

COMPLIMENTARY

Serene Scenes

DESIGN & LIVING | A U G U S T 2 01 8

For more exclusive, original content,

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @designandlivingmagazine

AUGUST 2018 Design & Living Magazine is a free publication distributed 12 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, profiling 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 Mike Dragosavich drago@spotlightmediafargo.com

Chief Operations Officer Steve Kruse Associate Publisher Chantell Ramberg chantell@spotlightmediafargo.com

CREATIVE Editorial Director Andrew Jason andrew@spotlightmediafargo.com

Editor Becca Opp becca@spotlightmediafargo.com

Designers Sarah Geiger, Sarah Stauner Photographers Hillary Ehlen, J. Alan Paul Photography, HBA, Jade Companies, James Van Raden, Tara Swanson, Becca Opp, Chelsea Dallmann Photography, Lindsey Christie Contributors Becca Opp, Dustin Murray, Kayla Cote van Rensburg, Ashley Ham Social Media Becca Opp Web Team Jessica Ballou

ADVERTISING Senior Sales Executive Ryan Courneya ryan@spotlightmediafargo.com

Sales Executives Scott Rorvig scottrorvig@spotlightmediafargo.com

Dan Helm

dan@spotlightmediafargo.com

Client Relations Manager Jenny Johnson Business Operations Manager Colleen Dreyer

DISTRIBUTION Delivery Bruce Crummy

Design & Living Magazine is published by Spotlight Media, LLC. Copyright 2018 Design & Living Magazine & designandlivingmagazine.com. All rights reserved. No parts of this magazine may be reproduced or distributed without written permission of Design & Living Magazine and Spotlight Media, LLC is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information.

Spotlight Media, LLC accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the advertisers.

ADVERTISING: 701-478-SPOT (7768) spotlightmediafargo.com Send change of address information and other correspondence to: Spotlight Media, LLC 15 Broadway N. Suite 500, Fargo, ND 58102 or info@spotlightmediafargo.com

Meet the team

ANDREW

MIKE

STEVE

ALEXANDRA

BECCA

SARAH

SARAH

DAN

JENNY

CHANTELL

SCOTT

NOLAN

RYAN

PAM

JESSE

HILLARY

JESSICA

COLEEN

BRUCE

TAKE A LOOK AT Spotlight Media's Other Magazines

Meet Adam Martin, a Fargo social entrepreneur who wants the community and business owners alike to look at felons in a different light, and, more importantly, see how their unique experiences and skill sets can actually be an asset.

Take a trip to Downtown Fargo as we explore 50 hidden treasures to discover downtown. Also, is rap gaining in popularity in Fargo? Find out here.

Finally, North Dakota First Lady Katherine Helgaas Burgum explains why North Dakota shouldn't live up to its reputation as the drunkest state in the U.S.

SPECIAL ALUMNI ISSUE

COMING LATE AUGUST For our annual Where Are They Now? issue of Bison Illustrated, we pulled names from all eras of Bison athletics. We focus on former players that still live in Fargo, alumni that are currently working in the non-profit sector and we choose some of the most familiar faces in recent NDSU athletics too. It is an all-encompassing look at the vast scope of Bison athletics through the eyes of former players and coaches.

LEARN MORE ABOUT US spotlightmediafargo.com

By Dustin Murray Dustin Murray Construction HBA of F-M President

3

WA Y S I like to picture the Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead as a home.

Think of the organization as the foundation and trusses forming the framework.

Think of our members’ many services as the home’s amenities and features.

Finally, picture the HBA as a trusted place to come back to whenever you need help or advice. We are your go-to resource when planning to buy, build or remodel a home.

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To A Solid Framework

For Your Project HBA of F-M members offer many unique services. We have our top three tips for you to connect, and start building a solid framework for your project.

1. Educate – It’s important to learn about licensing requirements, state warranty information, ways to evaluate a contractor and more. We offer these tools at www.hbafm.com’s Build/ Remodel section.

2. Experience – The Parade of Homes, is the perfect way to be inspired by our members’ homes and skills

first-hand. We showcase homes during both a Spring Parade and Fall Parade featuring newly built homes.

Plus, we host a Remodeled Home Tour showcasing renovated homes. Use these designated weekends to meet your future forever home and its builder, or make plans for that next project.

3. Engage - The Red River Valley Home & Garden Show held each February is a one-stop shop to meet contractors and related industry businesses in the area. You will be able to see

a sampling of their products and get a feel for their services and style.

The HBA of F-M has been around for over 60 years. It is our mission to promote an environment where our members can prosper, and a main component is keeping housing affordable for you.

Homeownership creates communities, and improving existing homes means our neighborhoods also excel.

There is no better investment than buying a home. It can create the solid framework for the rest of your life!

Dustin Murray founded his business, Dustin Murray Construction, six years ago.

He specializes in remodeling, new construction framing and finish work. Murray and his wife have two children and live in West Fargo.

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

For more information, contact: hbafm.com info@hbafm.com facebook.com/ HBAFargoMoorhead twitter.com/HBAFM

PHOENIX TRUEVIEW GAS FIREPLACE - NOW ON DISPLAY! This gas fireplace is designed with a large glass-free view and the authentic look of a traditional wood fireplace with the simplicity of gas! Safely place your television 12� above the opening with no mantel.

1750 45th St S. Fargo (701) 893-9300

homeandhearthfireplaces.com

Q&A WITH KATY ROTT

What is a

Cabinet Designer & Project Manager?

In upcoming issues, we will be interviewing members of the local home industry to find out exactly what their jobs entail. This month, we learned what being a cabinet designer and project manager means to Katy Rott of D&M Industries in her responses to our questions below.

Q. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

BY Becca Opp PHOTO BY J. Alan Paul Photography

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A. I’m originally from Richardton, ND. I got married on July 4 of this year in Hawaii to my husband, Ben Rott. I’m now an official stepmom to my strong, beautiful and spunky 12-year old-stepdaughter, Katelyn (Smallz), and we all live together with our tuxedo cat named Spider. I’ve been employed at D&M Industries in Moorhead for almost 6 years after spending 10 years working on custom lake homes around the Detroit Lakes area. My title is Cabinet Designer and Project Manager.

Q. What does your job entail?

A. I work with residential and commercial construction. With residential clients, I am responsible for cabinet design and wholehome project coordination. With commercial clients, I am an estimator and also have a hand in sales, project management, purchasing and ordering, and on some projects, design.

Q. What skills/education does your job require?

A. Good listening skills, creativity, meticulousness and attention to detail.

Q. What is the most fun part of your job?

A. The most fun part of my job is creating a space perfect for my clients' needs that they will absolutely LOVE.

Q. What is the most challenging part of your job?

Q. What do you wish people within the home industry knew about your job?

A. Good communication is key!

Keeping tabs on scheduling and all changes helps to keep the project rolling along smoothly.

Q. What do you wish people outside of the home industry knew about your job?

A. While building a new home or remodeling an existing home can be somewhat stressful, more planning at the beginning can minimize frustrations and financial costs along the way. I often like to start finish selections by choosing one component--whether it’s the cabinetry or flooring (something with substantial impact)--and then balancing and coordinating everything from that selection. Once the first couple of finishes are chosen, the rest seem to just fall into place!

A. Making sure that everything is within budget and getting completed on time.

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Serene PHOTO BY J. Alan Paul Photography

Summer isn't over yet, and this August, we'll show you serene scenes that will inspire you to make the most of the season.

Featuring lots of lovely landscaping, a recipe for a pretty poolside party, charming exteriors, a bright and airy three-season porch and a whimsical garden, this issue will be sure to make your heart beat faster for the outdoors. Then, come along with us as we tour a Perham home that is breathtakingly beautiful, inside and out.

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Homeowners - Steve Johnson & Jack Rydell

You may know The White House Co. from their shop in Downtown Fargo, or maybe you are more familiar with their wedding rentals. However, vintage rentals aren’t just suitable for weddings. Whether you are throwing a pool party, birthday bash or simply your next summer soirÊe, you can follow this recipe for an event from The White House Co., featuring some of their favorite vendors, for an outdoor party to remember.

BY Becca Opp | PHOTOS BY Nicole Midwest Photography & Media

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From left to right, this set-up is styled with a vintage wheelbarrow filled with ice in place of a cooler, a vintage table where sweet treats can be served under a vintage umbrella, pineapples used as unexpected decor, a potted snake plant for that extra pop of color, a galvanized wash basin for storing towels, funky flamingos used as decorations, chairs for poolside lounging and an a-frame sign for writing fun notes or sayings. All of these pieces are rentals from The White House Co.

A simple way to bring a festive feel to any party set-up is to style it with florals. This arrangement from Love Always Floral serves as a centerpiece for the treat table.

Featuring oranges, pinks, yellows and greens, it ties in nicely with the rest of the outdoor decor.

It’s not a party without sweet treats, and you can’t enjoy those without delightful dinnerware. These rainbow plates, disposable cups, glass milk bottles, paper straws and flamingo stirring sticks can be found online at Shop Sweet Lulu. Especially for parties with kids, single-use, recyclable plates and cups make for no fuss and easy cleanup.

When life gives you lemons, use them as decor! Seriously though, you can’t have a party without sweet treats. These Yeaobo cupcakes have been styled using cupcake toppers from Shop Sweet Lulu. Besides baked goods, strawberries served in pink berry baskets also joined this delicious spread.

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From left to right: Katie Schiltz, Samantha Klinkhammer and Amanda Rydell, co-owners of The White House Co.

Because this party took place at a pool, there was no way that The White House Co. weren’t going to bring out their floaties! That being said, Amanda Rydell, Katie Schiltz and Samantha Klinkhammer of The White House Co. would like to extend their sincerest thanks to Amanda Rydell’s uncle Jack Rydell and his partner, Steve Johnson, who so graciously allowed them to stage a pool party in their backyard in North Fargo.

Not only did this pretty pool party feature fun furniture, lovely florals, delightful dinnerware and sweet treats, but the guests also dressed in their best swimwear by Kortni Jeane.

Steve Johnson and Jack Rydell hold their dog, Mac.

After the kids retire for the evening, adult hors d’oeuvres can be served for remaining guests. These hors d’oeuvres were made by homeowner Steve Johnson, and are a hit at their many backyard parties. “Steve has this ability to make any function feel really special because of the food,” Jack Rydell said.

Follow these instructions to recreate them at your next summer soiree: Jack’s Hors d’oeuvres: Place a dollop of dip on a cucumber slice, then top it off with a whole mini shrimp and voila!

Furniture - The White House Co. Florals - Love Always Floral Swimsuits - Kortni Jeane Makeup - Maren Butenhoff Cupcakes - Yeaobo Dinnerware - Shop Sweet Lulu Hors d’oeuvres - Steve Johnson

Steve’s Hors d’oeuvres: Take glutenfree crackers, then top them off with a combination of sour cream and prepared horse radish to taste. Place a strip of smoked salmon on top of the dip along with thinly-sliced lemon and dill.

Crab Salad Hors d’oeuvres: Place crab salad on a rice cracker, then top with a dash of fresh paprika.

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For more information, contact: The White House Co. thewhitehouseco.com hellowhitehouseco@gmail.com

What do you do on those weeknights when you can't go to the lake? Head to your backyard, of course. That's what Barry Davidson of Valley Landscaping likes to do. This month, we toured his barbecue-worthy patio, complete with a built-in grill and outdoor fireplace. Come along with us as we enjoy an evening in the Davidsons' yard with the homeowner himself.

BY Becca Opp | PHOTOS BY J. Alan Paul Photography

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This limestone boulder is surrounded by a bed of Dresser Trap stone.

Davidson is originally from the small town of Enderlin, North Dakota. Though he attended college to study finance, Davidson discovered that he loved working outdoors, which has brought him to where he is now. Today, Davidson and his family live in Fargo, where he is a part-owner of Valley Landscaping.

Because he has worked in landscaping for many years, it is no surprise that Davidson's front yard has added curb appeal or that his backyard is barbecue-worthy. The front of the home features a combination of soft and hardscaping. The softscaping features lilies, hastas, hyacinths, karl forester grass and a limelight hydrangea tree. Meanwhile, the hardscaping consists of limestone and Dresser Trap stone, which is smaller and darker in color. "For the stone, I wanted to use something that we work with often at Valley Landscaping. As far as the plants go, I picked things that I liked and that will have color year-round," Davidson said.

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Grasses are hearty, making them popular with landscapers in the area.

Hyacinths are a perennial, which means that they will come back year after year.

The Davidsons moved into their home in October 2014 and started landscaping the following summer. The patio was the first thing to be installed in June 2015. By the time that all of the work was completed, Davidson was extremely happy with the results. "The backyard is exactly what I envisioned. Our kids are into sports, so we left most of it open," he explained.

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Homebuilder - Plecity Kowalski Construction Outdoor Furniture - Hot Springs Pools and Spas Landscaping - Valley Landscaping

For Davidson, his favorite part of the backyard is the patio. "When you're not at the lake, it's nice to have a place where you can start a fire, kick your feet up and relax at the end of the day," he said. In addition to an outdoor fireplace, Davidson's patio features an outdoor grill complete with barstool seating, which is great for hosting barbecues.

For more information, please contact: Valley Landscaping 4401 12th Ave. N, Fargo 701-232-7782 valleylandscaping.com

Designing the exterior of your home can be intimidating.

There’s a lot to it that most people don’t think about until the very last minute--siding, trim, shingles, fascia, lighting, columns, corbels and more. This month, Lindsey Christie of Lindsey Grace Interiors has a few tips to share, which she has demonstrated for us using samples from one of her recent projects in West Fargo--the Sheyenne River House.

BY Becca Opp | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen LIGHT FIXTURE PHOTOS PROVIDED BY Lindsey Christie

Lindsey Christie is originally from Grand Forks, but lived in Fargo while attending NDSU. After graduating with a degree in interior design, Christie worked for an interior design company in Minneapolis before relocating to Fargo to be with her now-husband, Jared.

After settling in, Christie decided to start Lindsey Grace Interiors and has been taking clients since November 2017.

Option 1: Charcoal LP Smartside Siding

Option 2: White LP Smartside Siding

Christie is currently working on a project called the Sheyenne River House. “It is a new construction project that the client began before hiring me in January to help with the finishes, including fixtures, decor and lighting,” Christie explained.

Using the Sheyenne River House as an example, here are five things that Christie likes to tell her clients when selecting exterior finishes:

Natural wood and stone will be used as accents against the white siding on the Sheyenne River House.

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Christie tells clients to ask themselves, ‘What do I want to come home to,’ or ‘What have I always imagined?’ For example, her client from the Sheyenne River House was going back and forth between charcoal and white for the exterior of her two-story home. She ended up going with a classic white for the siding, which will be accented with natural wood and gorgeous stone.

“Ultimately, the deciding factor was that she wanted something classic,” Christie said.

For example, the Sheyenne River House will feature vertical, horizontal and board & batten siding. It will also feature black shingles, black hardware and a front door with a dark stain for contrast.

Between Pinterest and Instagram, it is easy to find inspiration. However, visiting a showroom with five photos in mind instead of fifty-five will help you find what you’re looking for much faster.

Luckily, the Sheyenne River House client knew exactly what she wanted when walking into showrooms with Christie.

For more information, please contact:

Exterior lighting is another factor that can make or break the exterior of a home that you might not normally consider without a professional there to point it out. For the Sheyenne River House, Christie is providing her client with outdoor lighting fixtures, including carefully placed wall lanterns and hanging pendants.

Builders usually have a preference when it comes to materials, and Christie always asks for their feedback before recommending finishes to the client. Although her main role is to help coordinate interior and exterior selections, a big part of her job is to communicate the client’s wants and needs to the architect and to the general contractor and make things easier for the builder. Whenever possible, it is nice to be able to rely on the professionals for something as important as the exterior of your house.

Lindsey Grace Interiors 701-330-6008 lindsey@lindseygraceinteriors.com lindseygraceinteriors.com

For her seven granddaughters, Paulette Rasteadt's garden is a curiosity. The fact that this is a special place is easy to see from the moment you walk through the wooden gate that leads into her backyard. From the soothing sounds of the natural stone water feature to the hot-tub-gazebo-turned reading nook, this homeowner has put in a lot of work over the last twenty years to make her garden what it is today.

BY Becca Opp | PHOTOS BY J. Alan Paul Photography

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This mystic dahlia is one of Rasteadt's favorite flowers in all of her garden.

Rasteadt purchased her North Fargo home in 1992, but the backyard remained empty save for a lone cherry tree and rhubarb plant until about 1997. That was when she asked Hoglund Landscape & Design for help transforming her backyard into something magical. Hoglund then began hardscaping, while Rasteadt took up gardening as a hobby.

"I garden because it's my exercise," Rasteadt said. However, it takes many years to create such a masterpiece. "We've been building on this backyard for decades. You don't get it all at once. Some of these plants are over twenty years old," she explained.

Today, Rasteadt's backyard features various seating areas, a water feature and plenty of hidden treasures, but perhaps one of the most interesting surprises is a hot-tubgazebo-turned reading nook. "I love to sit here and read and listen to the water and I can see the flowers," Rasteadt said.

In one corner of the yard, Rasteadt has what she calls her "spring and fall garden," which allows her to look out the window while stuck indoors during those cooler months and enjoy the view of early and late blooming plants. In the opposite corner of her yard, Rasteadt has a veine-covered trellis arbor that was originally built by Hoglund for one of his very first booths at the Red River Valley Home and Garden Show many years ago. After the show was over, he could not think of a better permanent residence for the trellis arbor than in Rasteadt's backyard.

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This section of the garden was designated for Rasteadt's granddaughters' use. "When she was little, my oldest granddaughter was really into planting the garden back there. Maybe my 18-month-old granddaughter will take that up again once she gets bigger," Rasteadt mused.

Rasteadt also has a play area for her grandkids that is separated from the garden by a little fence.

If she had to guess, Rasteadt would say that her backyard currently consists of 70 percent perennials and 30 percent annuals. Each spring and summer, Rasteadt enjoys visiting all of the different greenhouses in Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo.

"I have to visit every green house in town. It gets boring to me if I don't do something different or try new plants. I went to some excellent garden talks this summer that gave me some different ideas and renewed my enthusiasm," Rasteadt shared. This year, one of her favorite garden talks was hosted by West Fargo Public Library.

Whenever she has an idea for a new addition to her backyard, Rasteadt knows that Hoglund can bring her ideas to life. Together with his small team and a foreman who has been with Hoglund Landscape & Design for 33 years, Hoglund stays busy all season long. With a portfolio including projects like Rasteadt's garden, it is no mystery why this landscaper is in demand.

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Paulette Rasteadt and Stan Hoglund sit in Rasteadt's backyard underneath the trellis arbor that Hoglund built.

For more information, contact: Hoglund Landscape & Design 2509 Elm St N, Fargo 701-371-3737 hoglundlandscapes.com

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Seth and Nicole Holden love their 1918 North Fargo home, but it didn't always look the way that it does now. Not only have they completely renovated the second floor, which was featured in our March 2018 issue, the Holdens have also added onto their first floor and built a new garage. This month, we'll find out how they made the new exterior seamlessly blend into the old and see a threeseason porch where you'll want to spend the afternoon.

BY Becca Opp | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

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As the owner of Holden Restoration and Remodel, Seth Holden is no stranger to the construction industry. When he isn't on a project site, Seth Holden plays in a local band, The Human Element. Meanwhile, Nicole Holden is Director of Events and Facilities at NDSU Foundation and Alumni Association. The couple currently lives with their two rescue huskies, Beta and Ramsey.

When the Holdens first purchased their home, the exterior was light gray. Then, in 2016, they decided to paint it beige. "We painted the entire house and hated the color," Nicole Holden said. "Painting your house is difficult because you have to play into the character of your home, but you also have to play into the character of your neighborhood," she explained.

Not only did the Holdens give their 1918 home new life with a fresh coat of paint, they also built a new garage and an addition that now houses their kitchen. To make the new construction blend in with the original structure, the Holdens needed stucco siding. They soon found out that there's a reason why you don't see many stucco houses anymore.

The second time around, the couple cautiously selected Blue by Sherwin Williams and repainted their exterior of their home later that same summer. "It's almost like a mix of colonial blue and gray," Seth Holden said. Thankfully, everyone liked this shade, including the Holdens' friends, family and neighbors.

"Seth did a lot of research and figured out how to do the stucco work and how to match it to the house," Nicole Holden said. Although stucco is inexpensive and energy-efficient in the long run, the application is labor intensive. Despite this, Seth Holden decided to take on the project himself.

"First, you have to use tar paper to seal the exterior. Then, you put expanded metal over the tar paper. Then, you mix the stucco and put one coat on with a hand trowel.

Before that coat dries, you have to scrape horizontal grooves into it with a rake. The expanded metal holds the first coat, and the grooves hold on a second, smooth coat.

Finally, you have to use a different formula, take a dash brush, which is just a really huge paint brush, and put the texture on by hand," Seth Holden explained.

Even though it took a lot of backbreaking work on Seth Holden's part, you would never be able to tell just by looking at them that the garage and new addition weren't built in 1918. To anyone wanting to add on to their historic home, the Holdens would recommend staying true to period, even if it means hiring someone to replicate stucco work.

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Seth Holden built a platform in the threeseason porch to level out the slanted floor for furniture placement.

Beadboard trim helps this platform blend in seamlessly with the original flooring of the three-season porch.

At the front of the Holden's house is a three-season porch, which has also received a fresh coat of paint on the ceiling and walls using A100 Exterior paint by Sherwin Williams. Seth Holden chose this paint because the three-season porch is often subject to moisture and extreme temperatures.

The Holdens also installed new screens for the original windows and a new screen door. However, they had to come up with a solution to even out the slanted floors. "These old porches are all slanted for water flow, and we couldn't get furniture in here without sitting down and leaning forward, so I framed out a platform that was level, then laid vinyl plank on it and put wainscoting on the front," he said.

Now, the three-season porch has become an extension of their main living area and is the first thing that guests see when they walk through the front door. "Its a nice place to hang out with friends, have a drink or just read a magazine," Nicole Holden said of the space.

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Ramsey and Beta love the three-season porch too.

Although the Holdens have accomplished much in the relatively short amount of time that they have owned this home, they have a few more projects underway (including turning their former kitchen into a den). To see their main-level remodel, you can pick up future issues of Design & Living Magazine.

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Welcome Home Front Doors of Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo

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BY Becca Opp | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

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w hile back, we posted a call for submissions to our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. The original post read: “Do you live in the FM area and have a fabulous front door? We’d love to feature it in an upcoming issue of Design & Living Magazine! To be considered, you can share a photo of your home’s front door in the comment section down below.”

Needless to say, we were blown away by the quality of the responses that we received.

Without further ado, please enjoy the photos we took of fabulous front doors submitted by you, our readers.

1 - The Stibble Home

We love the contrast between the white trim and light wood on this rounded front door. We noticed that the homeowners added character by framing their front door with fantastic florals.

2 - The Woldtref Home We enjoy the stunning pop of red on the double doors of this historic home.

3 - The Fritz Home

We love the shape and color of the front door of this historic home with contrasting white stucco and dark trim.

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4 - The Vetter Home

You can never go wrong with reclaimed wood. We also love the way this homeowner has decorated, from the monogram to the creative planters that frame the dark-stained front door.

5 - The Costello Home

When reviewing our submissions, we noticed that dark stain and paint colors were trending.

We think that this particular homeowner made a great choice when she opted for a charcoal shade on her front door.

6 - The Bosak Home

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Here, the homeowners have shared their unique take on classic, french doors with a dark coat of paint. The effect is particularly striking against their beautiful cedar siding.

We hope you have enjoyed viewing these fabulous front doors located in Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo. Thank you to everyone who participated by sending us your submissions!

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When Aaron Karvonen first saw this home on a golf course in Perham, MN, it needed a little TLC. This now handsome exterior was once butter-yellow with brass fixtures. We'll show you how the young professionals at Refreshing Designs along with the team at Lakes Country Landscaping have transformed this home into what it is today: breathtakingly beautiful, inside and out.

BY Becca Opp | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen |

Karvonen consulted Shayla Hunstad and Bailee Schissel of Refreshing Designs when updating the paint color and fixtures for the exterior of his first home. Then, he relied on Chris Mensing of Lakes Country Landscaping to reinvent and rejuvenate the hardscaping and softscaping surrounding the home.

Schissel would describe Karvonen's style as "modern-contemporary," which the original butter-yellow paint color definitely did not reflect. Because the home was undergoing so many interior cosmetic updates, they decided not to keep things simple with the exterior by simply selecting a new exterior paint color and updating fixtures.

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Hunstad and Schissel had to come up with an exterior paint color that would complement the preexisting brown shingles, but not stand out too much from the palette used on the interior of the home. "When you're painting something like the exterior of the home, you want to make the right decision," Schissel said. In the end, they went with not one, but two cool shades of brown to accentuate the home's architectural stucco details.

In addition to painting the exterior, Hunstad and Schissel removed all of the brass fixtures and replaced them with modern-looking ones with straight, black lines. "We didn't want to let those brown tones totally rule," Schissel explained. The black accents also tie into the high-contrast color palette used on the interior of the home. They also installed new garage doors, which give the exterior an even more modern feel.

Left to right: lead interior designer, Shayla Hunstad; interior designer, Bailee Schissel; homeowner, Aaron Karvonen; landscape architect, Chris Mensing

"THIS HOUSE HAS A LOT OF LINES, SO WE WANTED TO SOFTEN THOSE UP AND MAKE THE LANDSCAPING FIT THE HOUSE" - Chris Mensing

Refreshing Designs often collaborates with Lakes Country Landscaping, and Karvonen's home was no exception. Lakes Country Landscaping is owned by Chris and Shelly Mensing, and Chris Mensing was the landscape architect on this project.

His goal for the project was simple. "This house has a lot of lines, so we wanted to soften those up and make the landscaping fit the house," Mensing said. To do so, he used curved edging around the softscaping, or flower beds, to form fluid lines around the exterior of the house. He also used used low-maintenance, flowering perennials such as hastas, hydrangeas and coral bells to help soften up the exterior.

For both the softscaping and hardscaping, they used modern-looking pavers and dark, Dresser Trap stone throughout the landscaping, which ties in nicely with the color palette used on the interior of the home.

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Decorative boulders help break up the straight lines on the exterior of Karvonen's home with their organic shapes.

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The firepit in Karvonen's backyard has a fantastic view of the golf course.

Mensing installed modern, stone markers at the foot of the driveway.

For more information, contact: Refreshing Designs 103 E Main Street Perham, MN 218-346-2475 refreshingdesigns.biz Lakes Country Landscaping 906 2nd Ave. NE, Perham, MN 218-346-2197 lakeland@eot.com lakescountrylandscaping.com

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What do you get when you combine a home in need of an update, a young professional with exquisite taste and a team of talented interior designers? After exploring the exterior of Aaron Karvonen's home, let us take you on a tour of the interior. You won't believe your eyes when you see the before photos of this transformation.

BY Becca Opp | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen | BEFORE PHOTOS PROVIDED BY Refreshing Designs

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Aaron Karvonen, Bailee Schissel, Shayla Hunstad

Almost four years ago to this day, Aaron Karvonen purchased his first place. Built in 1997, it was obvious that this home had a great floor plan and an even better location, situated right next to the golf course in Perham, MN. However, it was dying for cosmetic updates. Luckily, Karvonen knew that he could rely on the team at Refreshing Designs to help him transform his new abode into to a modern-contemporary pad that perfectly reflects his dramatic taste and practical personality.

When remodeling any space, it is important to have a set of fresh eyes (or two) on your team. That is where Shayla Hunstad, ASID, and Bailee Schissel, ASID, came in. The two certified interior designers were responsible for communicating with Karvonen and ensuring that the home reflected his unique taste without being too over-the-top.

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"IT'S FUN TO SEE HOW COSMETIC CHANGES CAN UPDATE AN ENTIRE HOME." - Shayla Hunstad, Lead Designer

When Karvonen first purchased the home, it was full of ceramic tile, white carpet, honeyed oak and lots of brass, all of which which were hugely popular in the 1990s. "A contractor built this home for his family, and they only lived here for five years. There have been two other owners besides me, and the place had not been updated since it was built in 1997," Karvonen explained.

Because Karvonen wanted the house to be included on a local home tour in the fall of 2013, his team had one summer to complete all of the cosmetic changes. This included new millwork, new flooring and a fresh coat of paint throughout the home, just to name a few upgrades. Because the original floor plan was already set up the way that Karvonen wanted, they only ended up tearing down one wall during the entire process.

"With the ceiling lines and architecture of the home, we had to be careful with how we reworked the space," said Schissel. "It's fun to see how cosmetic changes can update an entire home," Hunstad added.

The foyer now features luxury vinyl flooring, which Karvonen, Shcissel and Hunstad used in multiple rooms throughout the home to give it a very cohesive feel. They also painted the ceiling white and added a contemporary railing surrounding the stairs. A new light fixture also increases the foyer's modern appeal.

Just off of the entryway is a large conversation room with an amazing view of the golf course. An arched doorway with columns separates this space from the foyer, but the painted ceiling continues into the conversation room. To help define this area, Karvonen, Shissel and Hunstad added molding to the columns and upgraded the fireplace by using contemporary tile. They decided not to add a mantle because the clean lines elongate the ceiling height and give the room a more modern feel.

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Furniture & Decor - Karvonen's & Refreshing Designs Design - Refreshing Designs

The kitchen is one of the spaces that required special attention from Karvonen, Schissel and Hunstad. Together, they reconfigured the layout to create a more open concept. Previously, the kitchen had an octagonal peninsula. Now, an appropriatelysized island allows Karvonen and his guests to move freely throughout the kitchen and dining areas.

The kitchen is a perfect example of the color palette used throughout the home, which was inspired by Karvonen's preference for hues of blue. The team at Refreshing Designs used various shades of blue, grey, and white with black accents throughout the home to create contrast and drama, all of which are visible in the unique penny backsplash.

The backsplash is complemented by two-tone Caesarstone countertops and an accent tile above the range.

Where there used to be an empty alcove in the dining area, Schissel and Hunstad created a functional built-in featuring a stacked, subway tile accent.

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The main floor guest bath previously featured an awkward layout in which the washer and dryer were located right next to the door, while the vanity and sink were tucked way back into the corner. Now, the stacked washer and dryer make the space more accessible for Karvonen's guests.

The master suite is Karvonen's favorite retreat at the end of a busy day at work.

Hunstad intentionally chose a darker paint color for a relaxing effect. Plus, the modern light fixture made out of recycled aluminum really pops against the dark blue backdrop.

One challenge this space presented was that there was little separation between the master bedroom and ensuite bath. Because the doorway between the two was rounded at the top, they couldn't simply add a standard door. Instead, they had a set of custom barn doors made to make a statement and to function as a room divider.

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The ensuite is the only room in the entire house where Karvonen, Schissel and Hunstad had to remove a wall. Now, a frameless-glass-enclosed shower with contrasting tile and luxurious, freestanding tub add a touch of elegance to the master bath, while oversized tile underfoot sets a modern tone for the entirety of the space.

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Furniture & Decor - Karvonen's & Refreshing Designs Design - Refreshing Designs

Immediately off of the stairway, the lower level includes a large living room with a wet bar and walk-out access to the backyard. When searching for the perfect pieces for the lower level, Hunstad was careful to select furnishings and accessories that fit the scale of each room. "We do a lot of AutoCAD drawings, and ultimately I thought that a large sectional was the best option for this space," she said.

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Furniture & Decor - Karvonen's & Refreshing Designs Design - Refreshing Designs

The theater room was already wired for an entertainment system when Karvonen purchased the home. However, Hunstad and the Refreshing Designs team are the ones who painted the ceiling and area behind the screen black. "We went back and forth about pulling the black paint color down onto that back wall and ultimately, we decided to do it because it made the space feel more like a theater, rather than just another room," she explained.

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The lower level also includes two guest rooms, one of which features a dark and moody color palette with bright white linens. "When guests stay, this is definitely the first room that's taken," said Karvonen. Schissel also noted that they placed mirrors behind the bedside lamps to reflect light throughout the space.

The finishes in the lower level guest bath are a continuation of those used on the main level, including the same luxury vinyl flooring. It also features contrasting tile in the shower, much like those seen in the ensuite master bath.

Finally, the second guest bedroom features a light and airy theme, which is the inverse of the first guest bedroom.

Both rooms had built-in vanities that were totally revamped with fresh paint and new countertops.

For more information, contact: Refreshing Designs 103 E Main Street Perham, MN 218-346-2475 refreshingdesigns.biz

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A Landscaper’s

BY Name Becca Opp | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

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andscapers have to get their trees from somewhere, and one of those places is Paul Bunyan Nurseries in West Fargo. Though the majority of their business is wholesale, the company also does some retail. We spoke with the experts to find out what types of trends they are seeing with tree and shrub purchases.

Meet the Experts Eric Christl has more than 20 years of experience working with trees.

Dean Gudvangen has been the manager at this location since 2010, but he has been working in the industry since 1979.

Variety

Organization

Overall, Paul Bunyan Tree Service has access to 183 varieties of trees, 217 varieties of shrubs and 468 varieties of perennials total. “We’re more geared toward landscapers,� Gudvangen said. Paul Bunyan Tree Service works with about 80 landscapers each year, which is why they focus on trees, shrubs, perennials and do not deal with annuals.

The nursery is organized so that the first and second beds only contain shrubs. The third bed is all grasses and perennials, while the fourth contains plants that have been pulled for orders. Behind that are evergreens, rows upon rows of trees and finally, a section of shade-loving plants.

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Paul Bunyan Nurseries sells hundreds of hostas every summer.

Trends Gudvangen places the orders for trees, shrubs, grasses and perennials each year. “A lot of it comes from the demand of the customer,” he said. For example, Gudvangen knows that they are going to sell hundreds of hostas each summer, so he has to make sure that their supply is fully stocked.

They also sell trees based on the color of their leaves.

For example, the Canada red cherry tree is a hit with landscapers and homeowners alike. “That red color is very popular,” said Christl. Another tree that is popular for its red leaves is the autumn blaze maple.

One tree that is especially popular with the City of Fargo is the honey locust tree because of its interesting leaves. You’ll notice many of them lining the newer streets in town.

Finally, Christl pointed out a tree that is not-so-popular, but that is a favorite of his: the hackberry. “More people should plant them. They’re just a good, all-around-tough tree.” he said. Although landscapers and homeowners tend to dislike this tree because it is initially slowgrowing, the hackberry is a hearty choice because it rarely falls prey to insects or the diseases that often plague other trees. However, if any tree does show signs of disease, a big part of Christl’s job is tree nutrition, diagnosis and treatment.

This customer purchased a Canada red cherry tree, which is popular because of its color.

The honey locust tree is easily recognized by its unique leaves.

For more information, contact: Paul Bunyan Nurseries 605 32nd Ave. NW, West Fargo 701-281-3436 pbgrows.com

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I N T R O D U C I N G T H E F I R ST E V E R

BY Becca Opp | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

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hen walking through Downtown Fargo, many of us may wonder what lies behind the beautiful brick facades of the buildings that line Broadway. Sure, we may be able to enter the many wonderful street-level businesses, but that still leaves the mystery of what exists above them.

Because of this, the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) has decided to host a Downtown Fargo Home Tour for the very first time.

ABOUT THE EVENT To find out more information about this event, we sat down with Josie Danz of the DNA. “We’re very excited for the first ever Downtown Fargo Home Tour,” she said. The tour will feature seven homes, including different types of residences such as condos, apartments and two single-family houses.

When asked how the locations were chosen, Danz said, “All of us on the DNA board are just like anyone else that comes to downtown. You see these cool, new apartments that are being built or you look at condos above these businesses, and you get curious. That was a large

The Fargoan

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" T H E TO U R W I L L F E AT U R E S E V E N H O M E S , I N C LU D I N G DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESIDENCES SUCH AS CO N D O S , A PA RT M E N TS A N D T W O S I N G L E - FA M I LY H O U S E S ." - J O S I E D A N Z part of it. There’s also this misconception that Downtown Fargo is full of high-end condos and housing for millennials, so we wanted a well-rounded representation of all the different type of homes. We want people to recognize Downtown Fargo not just as a shopping and entertainment district, but as a neighborhood and a place many call home.”

Stops along the tour will include the Ford Building, the Fargoan, 300 Block Apartments, RoCo Apartments and Woodrow Wilson Apartments as well as homes on 8th Street and 3rd Ave. N. To help attendees get from place to place, the DNA will be running a trolley. That way, attendees can leave their cars parked while enjoying the tour.

MAKING A DAY OF IT “We’re hoping that people really make a day of it,” Danz explained. As of right now, Northern Home Furniture, which is located in the Ford Building, will be hosting a social that will last for the duration of the tour. The DNA is hoping to get other local businesses involved as well by offering incentives to event attendees.

More information about those incentives will be provided in an event brochure, which will be handed out at the doors of each stop along the tour.

Homeowners will also be present during the tour to welcome event attendees and answer any questions they may have.

“If you’ve ever been to the Hawthorne Neighborhood Home Tour, it will be similar to that, only we’re showcasing downtown homes,” said Danz. Like the

Hawthorne Neighborhood Home Tour, the Downtown Fargo Home Tour is set to take place every other year. The DNA also plans to alternate with the HNA, so that the two events never overlap.

T I C K E TS All ages are welcome on the Downtown Fargo Home Tour, and there will be elevator access at each of the apartment buildings. The tour will take place on Saturday, Sept. 15, and tickets will be $20.

Tickets are currently available online at eventbrite.com, which can be found by visiting the DNA Facebook page. Tickets will also be available for purchase at Zandbroz Variety, Nichole’s Fine Pastry and Northern Home Furniture in the weeks leading up to the event. Proceeds from the tour will be used to sustain operating costs for the DNA and will benefit the improvement of Downtown Fargo.

W H AT I S T H E D N A? The DNA consists of a group of volunteers who reside in Downtown Fargo. Their purpose is to make the downtown community a livable, safe and vibrant place for people to live and work.

The DNA is independent of Kilbourne Group and the Downtown Community Partnership.

For more information, contact: fargodna@gmail.com facebook.com/Fargodna

The Ford Building

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Plastic Free With FloraPine Home

BY Ashley Ham | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

Hello!

Instead of using unattractive plastic carts while browsing and single-use plastic bags in the checkout lane, you can use a woven basket for an Instagram-worthy trip to the grocery store!

My name is Ashley Ham. I am a wedding and lifestyle photographer alongside my husband, Ryan Ham, at FloraPine Photography. We also have a blog called FloraPine Home where I have the opportunity to write, podcast and connect with people on a more personal level.

Last month, Ry and I decided to participate in Plastic Free July. Now I am here to share what it was like to eliminate single-use plastic from our lives for 30 days.

Introducing Plastic Free July Plastic Free July is a movement that encourages people to eliminate single-use plastic for the entire month of July. The first time Ry and I had ever been introduced to the concept was through a podcast about a year ago. We were immediately intrigued by the idea and fascinated by the information we were learning, so we started to slowly but surely make adjustments to how we use plastic.

When July came around this year, we knew that we wanted to dedicate one month to being consistent with not using single-use plastic items, and Plastic Free July is such a great time to do it because so many people around the world are joining in as well.

How We Went Plastic Free Because going completely plastic free is a bit overwhelming, there are four target zones of single-use plastic that are really easy to eliminate. They are plastic bags, plastic bottles, single-use coffee cups and plastic straws. What’s been fun about focusing on these four zones is that it has made us more aware of other areas in our lifestyle where we tend to use more plastic than is needed.

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Our Tips for Going Plastic Free

What Not to Use: Plastic bags Plastic bottles Single-use coffee cups Plastic straws.

What to Use Instead: Reusable bags Reusable water bottles (preferably glass) Reusable coffee cups (we like KeepCups) Stainless steel straws

What it was Really Like to Go Plastic Free Overall, participating in Plastic Free July has been a wonderful experience for us. What has been surprising is how much plastic is in the things I consume every day. Whether it be the packaging that my fruit came in or the bottle that my shampoo comes in, it seems to be everywhere!

If you are interested in going plastic free, I would start with the four target zones: plastic bags, plastic bottles, single-use coffee cups, and plastic straws. Creating new habits will be a catalyst to a mindset where you are much more aware of your plastic use and areas where you can improve. The purpose of Plastic Free July is not only to reduce plastic usage, but most importantly, to create mindfulness.

Going zero-waste or plastic free is best built with small, daily habits repeated consistently. While it may seem overwhelming right away, reducing our plastic consumption can actually be a lot of fun and is a great way to take ownership of taking care of our environment and the cities we call home!

However, the experience has helped introduce positive and mindful habits in regards to how we view the environment and our contribution to it. For instance, If I want to get a coffee, I have to have my reuseable coffee cup with me. If I know that I’m going to be going out with friends later in the day, I make sure to pack my reuseable straw for my drink and a reuseable glass container for any potential leftovers from my meal.

While these changes are small, they have made me more aware and more present in a society that is based heavily on convenience!

The reality is that plastic is sometimes unavoidable, but often times, we do have the choice to re-use or use more eco-friendly options. These adjustments require very little brain power. They say it takes 30 days to make a new habit, and since we have committed 30 days of going plastic free, a lot of these changes seem much more second nature now.

To reduce our use of plastic packaging, we brought glass containers to the grocery store and bought in bulk.

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locally

trending Fresh-Picked

The height of the summer has us celebrating all things bright, colorful and full of flavor. Rich red pepper and sultry eggplant hues are trending on my color palette this season, so it only made sense to pull this month's inspiration from fresh, local produce found at Red River Market. Styling with this bold color scheme will surely bring vibrance to any home.

BY Kayla Cote van Rensburg | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

MEET KAYLA Kayla Cote van Rensburg is originally from Willow City, N.D., and has made her home in Fargo with her husband, Piet van Rensburg. In 2017, the two founded the local lifestyle Brand, Dak & Co.

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A POP OF PERFECTLY-PICKED FAUX FLORALS Looking for a centerpiece with lasting power? Create your very own custom bouquet with designer Erika Tagestad of Erika with a K Designs.

Not only does she specialize in faux-floral wedding arrangements, she can also create custom arrangements for your home.

Kayla's Tips Add Color to Make a Statement At first, adding bold colors to your home might seem intimidating, but that doesn't have to be the case. Here are three ways to bring a splash of summer color into your home.

1. Get Inspired Find inspiration in unique places. Going to colorful places like your local farmers market can help you jumpstart your creative process. For example, if you love strawberries because they evoke memories of you picking them as a child, you can recreate that feeling by bringing bright reds and greens into your home.

2. Start Small Set out a bowl of fresh strawberries to get your creative juices flowing. This will help you envision how to incorporate that motif into your space. Then try to experiment with colorful accessories such as throw pillows, candles and glassware. You can keep rearranging these pieces to create new looks all summer long.

3. Go Bold Don't be afraid to invest in a large piece if it truly speaks to you.

Go for a bold sofa, bright accent chair or a punchy area rug so that you may always be reminded of summer, no matter what time of year it may be.

ORGANIC CERAMICS FOR YOUR TABLE "Sake With a Side of Green" by Spencer Johannes is earthy, organic and looks like it was picked straight from the garden. This set can stand alone as a statement piece or create a one-of-akind focal point for your summer table setting. It'll be sure to turn heads at your next dinner party (along with your faux-floral centerpiece from Erika with a K Designs).

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CLEAN & FRESH FURNITURE FOR YOUR HOME The clean lines of these GUS* Modern pieces from ScanDesign would add just the right amount of flavor to spice up your home. Their purple and green upholstery is reminiscent of fresh produce and would bring a playful, yet tasteful feeling to any living space.

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ARTIST FEATURE

An Afternoon with a

Woodturner

D A L E CO O K

BY Becca Opp | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

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ou don't have to look far to find a talented woodturner when you live in the FM area, since woodturning is a popular hobby in Minnesota. Our very own Dale Cook of Fargo is well-versed in the craft of woodturning. You may remember him as one of the nine artist-owners of Dakota Fine Art. We recently spent a warm, summer afternoon with Cook to see if we could carve out his artistic process for our readers.

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Woodturning AS AN Art Cook is originally from Mahnomen, MN, but has been living in Fargo for many years. The seeds of woodturning were first planted in Cook when he was introduced to it as a hobby. "A couple of different neighbors at the lake were doing it and I had a lathe," he explained.

Eventually, Cook was encouraged to take part in the FMVA Studio Crawl by fellow artist and renowned local glassblower, Jon Offutt. "Jon saw some work of mine and said that I be involved in the studio crawl," Cook recalled. It was around this time that Cook started to see that there was a market for his type of art. Now that he is retired, Cook is looking forward to spending more time at the lathe in his workshop. That is, when he isn't enjoying the quiet moments with his equally-artistic wife, Joan Cook.

After carving out the shape, Cook uses a variety of techniques to achieve his desired results. Sometimes, that process involves applying upwards of ten coats of lacquer, which can be very time consuming and requires a lot of patience. "I'll use ten to twelve coats of lacquer built up over several days and let it cure for a week or two. Then it shrinks down, and you start the sanding or buffing process to get that high shine,"

Form over Function The first thing that is necessary to understand about Cook is that his pieces are meant to be appreciated for their form over function. This means that his works aren't usually utility pieces, or something that you would use to serve food. Instead, they are something that you could display anywhere in your home, depending on the environment of the room.

Much of Cook's work is currently at Dakota Fine Art. When visiting the space, you will notice that all of his pieces are labeled. These labels tell the viewer what type of wood Cook used to make the piece, as he likes to work with a wide variety of domestic and exotic woods.

Occasionally, Cook even experiments with stone. In fact, some of his pieces on display at Dakota Fine Art were formed out of alabaster.

Turning...and Waiting Cook told us that his favorite part of the woodturning process is the initial carving out of the shape. "Usually, I have an idea in mind-like the shape of what I want to make," he said--although sometimes the shape wants to achieve changes as he works with the wood. For any woodturner, the texture is almost as important as the shape. "Even some of the best turners don't mind some tool marks left because it shows the hand made part of it, but you try not to have those," he explained.

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Cook said. Other times, he may apply resin, iridescent paint or experiment with new techniques.

Art Leap This fall, Cook will once again be participating in the FMVA Studio Crawl, which is set to take place during the first weekend of October. Each year, Cook likes to perform several woodturning demonstrations at his lathe. That's not all he has in the works, though. Cook will also be participating in Art Leap, which is an event based out of Park Rapids on Sept. 22-23.

For more information, contact: Dale Cook Dakota Fine Art 11 8th St. S. Fargo Facebook.com/DakotaFineArt

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