HOME by Trendsetters February 2024 by Spotlight Media

ISSUE 002

COMPLIMENTARY

MAGAZINE

BY TRENDSETTERS

More Experts Weigh in on 2024 Trends + 7 Home DIY tips from Jeff Kopp

Designing from the

A Glimpse into Monica Hart's 15 Years in the Interior Design World

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS

ISSUE 002

DESIGNING FROM THE HART

30 18 30

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Designing from the Hart Remodeling Your Home? Avoid These Common Mistakes

| FEBRUARY 2024

36 38 40

2024 Trends: Amanda Rinke 2024 Trends: Haley Kaspari 2024 Trends: CharRae Chwialkowski

EDITOR'S NOTE

Master's of the Craft O

ne of the things I love most about the local home industry is how many resources are available to make your home dreams come true. From boutique home decor shops to flooring contractors, this charming city has so much to offer to people looking to spruce up their living spaces. Maybe you recently purchased a fixer-upper and want to take a swing (literally) at DIY, or maybe you've recently

become an empty nester and ready to invest in an interior designer to bring your remodeling dreams to life. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, this issue is for you. This is my eighth year living in Fargo-Moorhead and I'm nearing my fourth year with Spotlight, and it's been such an honor meeting so many local professionals in the home improvement industry. One of the wonderful souls I've had the

privilege of meeting is Monica Hart of Monica Hart Interior Design. Monica and I were first introduced when we featured her in Design & Living's "The People Issue" in 2022, and it's been fun following her creative journey. Monica is someone you can visit with for five minutes and feel like you've been friends for years; she has a way of making everyone feel special. Professionally, Monica is one of those foundational individuals at

the core of Fargo-Moorhead's design industry. 15 years and counting, that's no simple feat. Yet as a dedicated entrepreneur, wife, mother, and community volunteer, her success is no surprise. Monica, here's to 15 more great years of business for you—we can't wait to see what you create next. Lastly, this issue is extra special for me because I had the honor of interviewing my dad, Jeff Kopp, on his own experience and expertise as a DIYer. I must say, I never realized how fortunate I was to have a dad who could build or fix just about anything— he's the main example of why I believe you can do anything if you set your heart and mind to it. Thank you, Dad, for inspiring me to create in my own way.

An influential person in my life recently told me, "2024 is going to be good for you—this is going to be your year." And I'd like to extend that to you. Make 2024 a year of creating new things and spending time with those you love. Find your favorite nook, perhaps next to a sunny window (shoutout to the early spring), kick back, and enjoy this issue!

Editor

Ask the Expert

What are Over the Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids?

By Matthew T. Frisk, AuD

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized its rule permitting the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids directly to consumers over 18 years of age with mild to moderate hearing loss in August 2022. These OTC hearing aids are now available for sale online and in many stores. It is estimated that OTC hearing aids will cost less than $1,000 per pair. The FDA suggests that OTC aids will only work for you if you only have a mild to moderate hearing loss. This is similar to buying the store bought ‘cheaters’ glasses which helps for reading when vision is mildly impaired.

the hearing clinic isn’t necessary with the home hearing test performed through the device and the ability to select the most comfortable ear tips. Several of these OTC devices can be connected to smart phones and can be programmed to work in many different listening situations. In addition, they can stream phone conversations through bluetooth directly into the device.

OTC hearing aids are not effective for a moderate to severe degree of hearing loss. The FDA states that you must be 18 years or older to wear OTC hearing aids and children should never wear them. This is because the fitting algorithms that the OTC aids use are formulated for adult sized ears. The use in a child’s ear could potentially cause further hearing problems if used even for a short period of time. An audiologist is the only qualified person to identify and accurately treat any child with a suspected hearing loss.

The biggest con is the inability to verify the actual measurement and accuracy of the hearing device. The fitting of the instrument is vital to its success. An ill fitting hearing aid can lose up to half of the sound pressure as it comes out of the ear canal making it virtually useless.

What are the “PROs” of an OTC hearing aid? The biggest pro for OTC hearing aids is cost. These instruments can be found for as little as $500 each and can be programmed on a smart phone or tablet. In cases of a mild to moderate hearing loss, an OTC can provide appreciable help. The purchase and fitting of the OTC This can be done at home and a trip to 16

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What are the “CONs” of an OTC hearing aid?

Like other prescription hearing aids, an OTC’s biggest enemy is wax within the ear. A plugged aid can act like a “dead” aid and will not provide any sound making it more like an earplug than a hearing aid. With OTC, there is no hearing professional working with you to accurately test the aid and check for any cerumen within the receiver port or microphone. Checking the output of the aid by a professional using a Hearing Instrument Test Box is the only way to verify that the hearing aid is working correctly. OTC instruments typically do not last as long as prescription hearing instruments. As hearing changes, the OTC

can be reprogrammed to meet the loss but there is a limit. Once the hearing is out of the moderate range, a more powerful and correctly fit hearing aid will be necessary. If you are not seeking help from a hearing professional, then testing and selecting an OTC hearing aid has the risks of not catching other medical issues associated with the hearing loss. Part of the audiologists role is to determine ‘why’ the hearing loss exists. The cause of the hearing loss allows the professional to properly know which aid to recommend as well as identifies any other underlying conditions that may need to be accessed by other medical professionals. The FDA created a category of “red flags” that indicate that an OTC hearing may not work for you and that you need to consult an audiologist or other medical provider. These red flags are: • Ear deformity • Fluid, pus, or blood coming from the ear • Hearing loss or ringing (tinnitus) that occurs in only one ear or that is noticeably different in one ear • Pain or discomfort in the ear • History of excessive earwax or feeling that something is in the ear • Sudden, quickly worsening, or fluctuating hearing loss • Vertigo or severe dizziness Individuals with cognitive or dexterity issues are not good candidates for OTC hearing aids and should seek a consultation with an audiologist for hearing loss management. OTC companies provide hearing tests via the apps on tablets, smartphones and computers. These “tests” are not an accurate means of obtaining a true hearing level but rather a screening to

indicate if your hearing is “normal” or there is some degree of hearing loss. By design, online tests cannot look inside ear canals for wax or even determine why a hearing loss exists. These tests are useful as they act as a screening tool to get individuals thinking about making an appointment with a hearing professional. Why should I see an audiologist even if I choose an OTC hearing aid? An audiologist is the expert in hearing health care. They can help you decide if an OTC is right for you. Most importantly, they will also be able to check your hearing over time to see if it remains stable or worsens. They will also check for wax obstructions in the ear and check the hearing devices in order to maintain the accuracy of the fitting and performance of the hearing aid. The common goal between you and the audiologist is to help you create a plan towards improved hearing. The first step is to set up an appointment with an audiologist to get a baseline hearing evaluation. Online hearing tests serve as useful hearing screenings but only a properly conducted hearing test by a hearing professional will determine degree and cause of the hearing loss. Following this, the professional can make a hearing plan which actually may include the use of the an OTC hearing aid.

| hearingsolutions.net | /hearingsolutionsfargo

Designing from the Hart Monica Hart's 15-Year Journey in Crafting Beautiful Interiors

Monica's Resumé at a Glance

By Josiah Kopp Photos by Josiah Kopp, Jill Ochardt-Blaufuss, & Monica Hart 18

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•15 years in business •Voted Best Of Red River Valley (Interior Design firm) in 2022 •Over 600 homes and businesses designed in her career •First female president of the Home Builders Care Foundation in 2018 •Earned multiple awards and has been featured in several publications

F From an early age, Monica Hart seemed to have a natural understanding of proportion and spatial arrangement. The interior designer grew up in the small town of Karlstad, MN, finding unique opportunities to feed her ever-growing creative appetite. During her formative years, Monica took a home ec class, which sparked her interest in interior design. Her home ec teacher recognized her potential and passion for interior design and invested in Monica's passion, creating a special curriculum for her. This tailored program included touring homes in Karlstad, kickstarting her passion for home interiors. Monica later attended NDSU for interior design. Students in the interior design program were required to complete a 320-hour internship, and Monica spent her internship at a hospitality firm named Ste Marie Design, which specialized in designing hotels. Upon graduation, Monica faced a challenging job market in the interior design industry, so she pivoted, working at the NDSU Alumni Association until an opportunity arose.

Monica's time at the Alumni Association helped her make valuable connections, and soon, an opportunity arose at Ste Marie Design, where she had interned. Hart joined their team, handling CAD work and design. Some of the most notable projects she worked on were with Marriott International, developing new standards for the hotel chain. Unfortunately, the 9/11 attacks severely impacted the hotel industry, leading to the loss of contracts and eventually, her job when her employer closed the Fargo office. This period of unemployment proved to be a blessing in disguise for Monica, as she joined forces with a local builder, handling CAD work,

floor plans, and client interactions. Following this experience, Monica joined a design center, Completely Home, gaining experience in new construction projects and the retail side of design, including furniture and flooring. After five years at the design center and expecting her third son, Monica decided to start her own business, Monica Hart Interior Design. "I thought to myself, 'You know what, I'm at the point where I have such a long client list,' and I had a waiting list, referral list, and I felt I'd gained so much experience," she said. "So that's when I decided to start my own business. I'm really grateful for all of the experiences I had to get me to where I am [today] in being a business owner." Fast forward to August of 2023, Monica celebrated 15 years of Monica Hart Interior Design, a truly astounding milestone. And not to mention, she has created some beautiful living spaces in the Red River Valley in those 15 years. What's Your Style? "You know, it's so funny—everybody asks me, 'What's your style?' I don't have one, and when you look at my portfolio of projects, I feel like that is pretty evident; I think all of my projects look pretty different," Monica said. "Because my philosophy is that whatever my style is, shouldn't be reflected in my clients' projects, it should be a reflection of my client. And to me, that's what a good designer does." So, in a way, Monica's niche in the local interior design industry hasn't been to form her own style per se, but rather to listen to the desires of her clients and strive to bring their vision to life. Advantages of Working with

Monica Hart Working with Monica Hart comes with distinct advantages, centered around her client-focused approach and thorough interview process to truly understand their expectations and needs. "If a client comes to me and says, 'I don't really like what's trendy, I have my own thing that I like,' Then I would be a good choice for them, because I'm going to listen to them," Monica said. "I do an extensive interview with my clients; I ask them a lot of questions. I have them show me a lot of pictures of their current home—things that are important to them, and that's how I come up with that end result for them." Monica believes in building a personal connection with her clients, which she views as essential to an overall successful project. "I like to get to know my clients personally, because I feel I have more of a successful outcome if I get to know them," she said. This personal touch not only enhances the design process but also ensures that the final product truly reflects the clients' personality and desires. Understanding a client's learning style is another aspect Monica considers vital. She understands that different clients have varying levels of comfort with design elements like floor plans and visual aids. She tailors her communication and presentation style to suit each client's understanding, ensuring clarity and avoiding surprises at the project's conclusion. Products & Services Monica Offers Monica Hart Interior Design offers a comprehensive range of interior design services and products, each tailored to meet her clients' unique needs. Her services include full interior design, space planning, Continued >

Monica Hart

creating detailed drawings and elevations, and helping clients with material selections. In terms of products, she provides everything from bedding, wall coverings, and blinds to artwork, and other decor. While not primarily a retail business, these products are available for her clients.

Examples of Monica Hart's Christmas decor creations

An interesting development in her business is the sale of Christmas trees and staging holiday decor. Monica noticed a trend of clients wanting to refresh their holiday decor, so she began including these services—and it's been a huge success, and perhaps,

what you might call one of her niches. "I would have several clients come to me and ask if I could find them a really big tree and big ornaments. So I started selling Christmas trees and Christmas decor. I would have never guessed [that this would be something I'd be

Examples of the custom patio furniture Monica Hart offers to clients

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doing]," she said. "It's been a huge part of my business." This service extends to both private clients and businesses, particularly in the November and December months.

Additionally, Monica ventured into selling custom patio furniture, a decision inspired by clients' desires to have outdoor furniture that complements their homes' exteriors and interior color schemes. She works with several vendors to offer these custom solutions.

her business. She loves Fargo's balance of being large enough to offer great restaurants, arts, and entertainment, yet small enough for a sense of community. "We're big enough to have [all of that], but we're small enough that people know one another," she said.

But she hasn't stopped there; Monica also sells her own line of indoor furniture.Produced by a small, familyrun business with over 60 years of experience, her furniture line carries its own tag, making it a "Monica Hart original." While she doesn’t have a retail outlet, these products are available to her clients and followers through Facebook.

The support within the local design community is something Monica also cherishes. She is friends with other interior designers in town and draws inspiration from them. She appreciates that Fargo is sufficiently large to support multiple designers without feeling competitive.

The 'Hart' of Interior Design To Monica, being an interior designer is more than just creating visually appealing spaces; it's about enhancing people's surroundings in a way that is functional, practical, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. "Safety and function always come first," she said. Monica applies her expertise not only to commercial projects, where adherence to codes is crucial but also to residential projects, where individual needs and health concerns play a significant role. She considers various factors such as allergies, arthritis, or specific needs of children with autism within her design choices. Additionally, Monica acknowledges the impact of interior design on mental health. She recalls working with several widows, helping them transition their homes into comfortable spaces after the loss of their spouses. "That means a lot to me... to make people comfortable in their homes," she said. Why Fargo is a Great Place to be an Interior Designer When it comes to Fargo, Monica says the area is the perfect community for

Did you know? Monica Hart has her very own custom furniture line through Monica Hart Interior Design! By partnering with local crafters, she can design and provide exclusive, custom pieces for any project.

enough. Everyone wants a beautiful and aesthetic space, but Monica wants to make sure designs have safety in mind. One example she gave of a common safety risk is wood treads on steps, a popular aesthetic choice but one that can pose safety risks like slipping, due to their lack of grip. Monica acknowledges the appeal of wood treads but cautions against their use in homes with young children, older adults, or elderly visitors. Instead, she recommends carpeting or runners added to wood steps to mitigate any safety risks. She feels a strong sense of responsibility as a designer to prioritize safety, even when it means advising against popular trends. "Sometimes I see trends, and I think to myself, 'oh my gosh, this is just not a good trend—it's not safe, I'd never recommend this to a client,'" she said. "I always give them alternatives, if that is absolutely what they want." This approach allows her clients to make informed decisions while ensuring they are aware of potential hazards. Hart also applies this safety-first philosophy to material choices, such as advising against real wood flooring in high-wear areas like mudrooms. She points out the practical issues, like damage from dirt, gravel, or water from boots, and recommends more durable alternatives like laminate flooring.

The Importance of Safety in Interior Design For Monica Hart, safety is a paramount concern in interior design, an aspect of design that doesn't get talked about Continued >

Monica Hart

FEATURED PROJECTS FROM MONICA'S CAREER Commentary from Monica Hart

Unique Contemporary West Fargo, ND "This was a new construction home designed by architect Dan Elton and built by Fiske Construction. I met with the clients every week for 15 months! We worked on every detail together forging a creative and fun relationship. This home boasts an incredible floating staircase, a three-season room that overlooks a pond, a lowerlevel reading nook, and a home bar and theater area that can be closed off from the rest of the lower level by sound-deafening electronic drapes. This was one of the most fun experiences I have had working on a project!"

Continued >

Monica Hart

"This was a teardown and remodel headed up by Craftwell Architecture and Construction. My team planned every piece of furniture and accessory for a busy family with comfort in mind.

All materials were chosen with wet swimsuits, sandy feet, and plenty of visitors as important selection factors. Custom furniture from Stickley, HOM Furniture, and even a custom line made

by Monica Hart Interior Design were part of the beautiful yet functional choices! Custom bedding and patio furniture were all through Monica Hart Interior Design."

Modern Rustic Lower Level West Fargo, ND "This lower level was unfinished and awaiting to be the perfect entertaining area. Multiple seating areas in the main family room can easily seat 16 with plenty of room for others to lounge. The nearby bar seats another eight and leads to a barrel-vaulted wine room. We sourced the furniture through HOM Furniture." 24

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Serene and Casual Lake Home Pelican Lake, MN

Top Shelf Tavern The Lights, West Fargo, ND "Our team chose all the selections for a new local tavern that would invite people in and make them want to stay. The warm tones from the woods and

faux leather wallcovering coupled with natural brick, beige, and navy accents make for a classic and welcoming environment."

Continued >

Monica Hart

Monica's

Tips for Home Improvement

1. 2.

"Invest more in the furniture that will be used often: You want a good quality piece of furniture that will hold up and look great for as long as possible. Then spend less in areas that aren’t used as often." "Customize your furniture: That doesn’t necessarily mean more money—it just means more time. Choose an upholstery that will work well for your family, especially if you have kids or pets. Find a heavyduty upholstery with a fabric that won’t show pet hair or something that cleans up well if juice is spilled. You may have to wait a couple of months, but it is worth it to get something that will function well for your family."

"Hire a professional to help with paint and flooring: If you're going to invest in an interior designer to help with any aspect of your project, I recommend choosing paint and flooring selections. These are items that appear large in a home—be confident in the choice you make when updating or building!"

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Monica's

Local Recommendations for Home Improvement

"I love working with Kathy and Todd at Valley Lights. They are knowledgeable, trustworthy, and have the best customer service!"

"I especially enjoy working with Brien Weiser. He is so helpful, reliable, and has fantastic customer service."

"I love Stickley Furniture! Working with Sheila is great. I know my clients are getting a beautiful quality product that is custom to them and Sheila is on top of our orders and making sure the eventual delivery will be seamless. I also use InterOffice for commercial projects. I work with Melissa to select furnishing that will be durable, timeless in design, and work within my clients' budgets."

Continued >

Monica Hart

QA &

On your website, you said, "While I love being an interior designer, I love being a mom even more." What do you love most about being a mom? Being a mom and wanting to be a present mom is what made me choose to start my own business. I am at 99.9% of my kids’s activities— usually in the front row cheering the loudest! I have had all three of my sons help me and my business in one way or another, whether it was helping unload boxes, breaking down those boxes, shredding documents, helping with installs, etc. I love that they get to see their mom running a business and working hard, yet knowing they always come first.

As a female business owner and a creative, what do you hope to demonstrate to other women in business or those with a dream of owning a business? I am happy to support other small businesses—especially those that are women-owned. I know what it is like to need help from others, whether it is answering a question or sharing some advertising on social media. Our little city is big enough for all of us and our different types of creative businesses—I love to see others succeed! From serving in church to serving in the FMWF Chamber, why is giving back to the community important to you? It is so important for me to give back to the community that has supported my business for 15 years. I am grateful to the individuals and businesses that have given me business and referred me. In turn, I enjoy volunteering in our

community, whether it is serving on the board for the Building Industry Association of the Red River Valley (formerly Home Builders Association), volunteering at local schools, serving at church, or helping with events and fundraisers for different causes. I count my lucky stars every day that I am part of such a wonderful community! You said, "Life is busy and I love it that way." When you do need time to recharge and refresh, where do you go? We have a happy place in the mountains in Colorado. We have an investment property (a little ski condo) in Silverthorne, which we call our little slice of heaven. It is so peaceful and incredibly beautiful in that area. We also enjoy eating at fun restaurants and exploring the different ski towns—especially in the summer—and marveling at the breathtaking views. It is the perfect place to relax, rejuvenate, and be inspired!

How to Support

Monica | monicahartid.com | @monicahartinteriordesign | /monicahartinteriordesign | @monicahartinteriordesign

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Remodeling Your Home? Avoid These Common Mistakes 7 DIY Tips and advice with homeowner and professional DIYer Jeff Kopp By Josiah Kopp Photos by Josiah Kopp Project photos provided by Jeff Kopp

The older countertop L shape was cut and turned into a makeshift island during the flooring remodel process. Soon, all of these countertops and cupboards would be torn out. 30

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Dreaming up remodel plans for your home is an exciting time and the possibilities are endless. But, before you pull out the hammer and start tearing out your old cabinets, there are some important things you should know. Being a DIYer means not just doing things yourself; it means making smart choices, careful considerations, receiving professional recommendations, and well-planned executions. I caught up with longtime carpenter, professional DIYer, and my dad, Jeff Kopp, for some pro DIY tips and advice.

Tip No. 1: Order Matters "When you're going to start in a room, you have to decide how far you're going to go—and then do it in the right order. When we remodeled our kitchen, we decided we wanted new flooring. So, we put the flooring in, and then the cabinets looked terrible; they didn't match. And then we realized, you know, we're probably going to have to get new cabinets. A lot of newer appliances models won't fit in your old spots, like the refrigerator. Changing out the cabinets meant we could put any

Josiah Kopp

sized refrigerator we want, so it's important to look at the big picture and decide, 'Okay, if we're gonna get new appliances, let's look at a total remodel.' But start with what's most important, which I'd say are kitchen cabinets, because they're going to stay permanent. Flooring can wear out, most likely. So pick the cabinetry you like and then find the flooring to go with it."

Something you should NOT DIY:

Wiring

Tip No. 2: Decide Your Layout and What Appliances You Want "When you're planning your new cabinets, decide what appliances you want and where you want them. This way, you allow for the correct openings and how your kitchen layout can look. We changed ours from an L shape to an island—so we had a total remodel."

"Wiring can be dangerous—hire an electrician. I would say you can do just about anything when it comes to DIY. The only thing that can become dangerous and cause a hazard later is electrical. You have to be on top of your game for electrical work—it's best to be safe and hire a professional."

The Finished Remodel

Jeff's Background Photo by Josiah Kopp

If there's one thing Beulah, ND's Jeff Kopp is known best for, it's building things. From working for carpenters right out of high school to building (and then remodeling) his home in Beulah to his impressive 33 years as a machinist (as well as carpenter and plumber) for Dakota Gasification Company (DGC), Jeff is a true industry expert and one of those all-around handymen. After retiring from DGC in 2019, Jeff went back to work, this time building garage doors with a couple of friends, learning from one of the best in the industry, Ralph Nordick (founder of Midland Garage Doors). Though he is enjoying retirement, he also works part-time as a maintenance technician for a local church. After he and his wife Sandy became empty nesters, remodels for their 1993 home took shape in their minds. The main priorities were getting new appliances and redesigning the entire kitchen floor plan. Fast forward to now, the Kopps have completed most of their desired remodel plans, with some notes to share from their experience. 32

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Tip No. 3: Even if you're doing a DIY remodel, get a professional's guidance "There are so many options when you sit down with a professional. There were things my [my wife] Sandy and I hadn't even considered. Professionals have seen everything—they can draw you up the basic plan and you can make any changes you want from there. Our builder was wise enough that when he had the cabinets built for around our refrigerator, he put a two inch spacer on each side, because he said whenever you purchase your next refrigerator, you can go another four inches wider. We thought that was a great idea. It's good to get a professional involved that knows this stuff instead of really trying to wing it all on your own. If you're working with a contractor who specializes in one thing—let's say cabinets, for example—but they don't do countertops, you can ask them for other contractor recommendations, and they'll oftentimes give you give you two or three recommendations. And you can ask additional questions like, 'Who's your favorite?' and, "Who's more timely?"" Tip No. 4: Found a contractor you like? Ask to see other projects they've done

"Once you've found a contractor you like based on their rates, selections, and availability, you can ask to see some of their past projects to get a real idea of what you can expect within your own home. One thing to pay attention to is the quality of the work they've done and how their work has stood the test of time (and kids). I never would have went through any of these [contractors] if they couldn't show me some of their work." Tip No. 5: Watch YouTube for ideas and talk to other DIYers "Another tip I'd offer is watching YouTube channels and looking at what you want to do and learning what tools you'll need to complete the project. I've watched so many YouTube videos on how different things are done and what people are doing. And, if you know a friend or somebody who also does handy work or DIY projects, talk to them. [Ask], 'Hey, if I want to do this myself, what would I need?' Most often, people are more than happy to tell you." Tip No. 6: Invest in the right tools for the job "Being a handyman for a long time, I thought I had all the tools I'd ever need. And then I talked to other builders and handymen who recommended I get a track saw. And I'm like, 'Why do I need a track saw? I have a table

Jeff's DIY YouTube channel recommendations

Bourbon Moth Woodworking @bourbonmoth

Fix This Build That @fixthisbuildthat

Walkers Woodworks @walkerswoodworks

saw.' Then, one day I'm lifting a fourby-eight sheet of plywood up to the table saw trying to make a cut. And I'm thinking, 'Are you kidding me? I'm not 20 years old anymore—I need an easier way to do this.' Finally, I bought a track saw. Oh my gosh—an absolute game changer for cutting lumber. So, research the tools you want to use— good quality tools are always worth the price." Tip No. 7: Invest in a smart home system for lighting "Bluetooth switches are so nice. Especially when you're in the kitchen and your hands full. You don't have to flip a light switch manually; you can set up everything via Amazon Alexa. You can group lights through voice commands or phrases, and you can set lights to turn off or on based on current sunrise and sunset times. You can also turn them off from anywhere while you're away from home. It's just so handy to have." Great! Now you have some helpful tips and resources for getting started on your next DIY project. And remember: be safe, ask for a professional opinion, and of course, have fun!

By Josiah Kopp Photo by Josiah Kopp

Amanda Rinke Interior Designer at ICON Architectural Group

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| FEBRUARY 2024

About

Interior designer Amanda Rinke has been in the interior design industry for nearly a decade. Amanda graduated from Art Institute in Minneapolis with a bachelor's in interior design in 2013, and soon after joined the Zerr Berg team in 2015 as an interior designer. In the fall of 2022, Amanda started a new chapter in her career, joining ICON Architects as an interior designer. ICON offers a fully dedicated team of interior designers for commercial, education, hospitality, senior living, mixed-use projects, and more. Recently, Amanda earned her National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certification and is currently working on obtaining her WELL National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certification. The WELL AP Building Standard "focuses on seven concepts: air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind," according to its website.

"As a designer, I'm looking towards sustainability, not just in building practices and materials, but also for our clients," she said. Her focus includes best practices and creating spaces that are both sustainable and conducive to client satisfaction and comfort. Working closely with her skilled team of designers at ICON, Amanda's role goes beyond selecting artwork and furniture. She is involved in designing and assisting with the entire interior of a project, including casework, interior features, and all finishes and details visible upon entering a building. Additionally, Amanda offers drafting services, brings expertise in code compliance, and understands the constructability of spaces.

Amanda's

outlook for 2024 trends Looking ahead into 2024, Amanda says trends are moving away from the "millennial gray era" and stepping into a design era where the warmth of the outdoors are brought inside—"SoCal Boho" as she calls it. Even in her own home, Amanda likes to keep things warm and neutral with 'pockets of accents' throughout to give rooms interest. "For lighting, we're seeing a lot of statement pieces that have more natural earthy type fixtures versus the black modern fixtures that we've been seeing over the last year," she said. "That's been trending in not just residential but also commercial [spaces]. We have a lot of clients that are wanting to fill some of those spaces with warm and homey vibes. I think a great way to [accomplish] that is with lightning."

For furniture, Amanda loves soft, plush, and cozy textures that give an airy feeling to balance the warm natural elements. For accent walls, instead of covering entire walls, Amanda recommends statement pieces, like a little alcove or a bookshelf. For colors, Amanda says natural colors that resemble nature are on the rise, which she believes is based on people's desire to be reconnected with nature, especially after the pandemic. "I think that's why colors are also trending towards a little bit warmer," she said. "We were stuck in such a cold gray world for a few years—people are craving that warmth again." 37

By Josiah Kopp Photo by Josiah Kopp

Haley Kaspari Senior Interior Designer at neo interior design studio

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| FEBRUARY 2024

About

Haley Kaspari, the senior interior designer at neo, has always embraced creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Haley finds inspiration in the natural world, drawn to enticing textures, colors, and elements of surprise in her designs. Her passion for interior design ignited while attending NDSU, and in 2021, she joined Principal Designer Michael Betlock as an interior designer for neo. This spring, the design duo celebrates three years of business. Working alongside Principal Designer Michael Betlock, Haley's expertise lies in commercial interior design. She focuses on a variety of spaces, including

retail, office space, hospitality, sporting facilities, financial institutions, and multi-family/mixeduse projects. The neo team offers comprehensive solutions, maintaining close partnerships with local architects, engineers, and construction management firms. As a small, local studio, neo provides Haley and Michael the ability to prioritize each project effectively. This approach allows for flexibility in managing project timelines and efficiently addressing any challenges that arise.

Haley's

outlook for 2024 trends Between both commercial and residential design, Haley is excited to see more personality being brought back into living and work spaces. "Unexpected materials, oversized patterns, and bold colors are making more of a statement where neutrals were previously the norm," she said. "A super fun way designers are bringing big statements into these spaces is through murals and wallcovering—especially with a playful pattern or colorway!" Another trend Haley is seeing is the resurgence of warm tones like brown, beige, and tan taking the place of the cool gray hues that we've seen for the last decade. Additionally, an ongoing trend that Haley and the neo team fully embrace in their work is interior finishes inspired by the textures, patterns,

and colors of nature. "The fascination with bringing the outside in is still very prevalent in design trends today," she said. All else aside, Haley's favorite trend is the geometric shapes being found in light fixtures, patterns, and other interior elements that are inspired by Art Deco designs. "This inspiration is lending itself to interiors that are less minimalist and lean more towards spaces with unexpected interest," she said. "These design trends are exciting because they lend themselves to some really fun creativity. Developing more maximalist interiors that reflect the branding, style, and goals of the client is so rewarding. Not to mention you're left with a space that has such a big impact!" 39

By Josiah Kopp Photo by Josiah Kopp

CharRae Chwialkowski President at Connect Interiors

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| FEBRUARY 2024

About

CharRae Chwialkowski, president of Connect Interiors in Fargo, ND, is a seasoned professional in the office furniture industry with over 30 years of experience. She graduated with a bachelor's in interior design from NDSU in 1993 and worked with Steelcase before joining the Connect Inteiors team in 2007. In 2020, CharRae became president, excited to lead her team of professionals. "I like helping clients create spaces where they love to come to work every day," she said.

received the prestigious Steelcase Premier Partner Award, a recognition given to top dealers. The company also celebrated its third anniversary.

Connect Interiors is dedicated to commercial interiors, serving a diverse range of clients including large corporations, small businesses, home offices, educational institutions, healthcare, and hospitality sectors. The company is focused on creating engaging, innovative, and smart spaces. CharRae's specialty lies in working with architectural modular walls, offering clients flexible and adaptable space solutions. In 2023, Connect Interiors

The core of their work involves planning out furniture for spaces, utilizing plans and 3-D views to aid clients in visualizing the final setup. These representations detail the finishes and aesthetics of the furniture. Additionally, they coordinate with electricians, data providers, and other contractors to ensure a seamless integration of the building infrastructure with the furniture installation.

CharRae and her team primarily provide custom-made furniture for each project, ensuring uniqueness for their clients. As a full-service company, Connect Interiors manages projects from inception through installation and offers post-completion service.

CharRae's

outlook for 2024 trends As an expert in the commercial design industry, CharRae sees office design trends moving in the direction of reflecting home spaces more. "It used to be much different—the office looked much different than our homes. And now, I see much more of the home look in the office—but still meeting commercial standards, in terms of durability and such," CharRae said. "In terms of the finishes, we're seeing, like in the office furniture side, quite a few new height adjustable tables. They used to be very utilitarian-looking, but now they blend different materials, accents, or what we call block finishes. This includes brass and other metallic finishes, which we haven't seen before [in office spaces]." In terms of colors and textures, CharRae is seeing more crossover between residential and commercial design. She highlighted a recent article that was done by Steelcase (a global leader in commercial design solutions) called "Color Works." The article talks about commercial design and color trends for 2024. Historically, colors have stayed "in the lines" and haven't gone in any

bold directions—but that's starting to change. Textures and in-depth colors are on the rise, starting a new era in commercial design. "What I see this year is the accent colors are a little bit more muted, taking on [feelings of] nature and biophilia," she said. "People want to be around a space that has a lot of light, especially in this climate." The office space trends are highly focused on well-being in the workplace, and CharRae says we're continuing to see workplaces create more spaces for people to work within the office. "There might be lounge settings with a lot of comfort, but they still incorporate technology. For example, brands like Westone have the whole retail side of their business. But they'll partner with us with Steelcase on a whole line of products, which is called West Elm Work. West Elm handles the design and Steelcase does the engineering and the two of those worlds come together to create a very beautiful yet durable product," she said. 41