Fall Rewind
Interior Designer
Ashley Tweten inside
Designer Homes'
$899k featured home
Seasons of Change
As October waves its fiery colors goodbye, we look ahead, eagerly awaiting all the wonderful things the rest of 2024 has in store—cozy sweaters, Thanksgiving, football, (NASCAR championship if you love some American horsepower), and lots of time with loved ones.
As I've been reflecting on the year as a whole, I kept hearing the words "let go," and I think that's
such a powerful phrase. Just like the autumn season, the seasons in our lives change for a reason, and too often we hold onto things we weren't meant to. The leaves let go to make room for the life to come—why shouldn't you?
I also think "let go" means letting go of what you can't control— we try to control so much in our lives—I sure as hell am guilty of that—and it's hurt me more than it's helped. As much as we'd like
to deny it, our hearts and minds have limited capacity—give as much room as you can to being present to the now, hopeful for tomorrow, and sharing light, love, and kindness with everyone you meet. After all, it is the season of giving. Sometimes, that means giving away negative energy you've been holding onto. Do it, it's good for your health.
As you dive into this issue, kick back with your favorite drink, tell
someone you love them, and enjoy the cozy season.
Best wishes to you and yours,
Josiah Kopp Editor
NOVEMBER 2024
Volume 1 Issue 011
BY TRENDSETTERS
HOME by Trendsetters is published 12 times a year and is available at area businesses and online at trendsettersfargo.com
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HOME by Trendsetters is published by Spotlight LLC, Copyright 2024 HOME by Trendsetters & trendsettersfargo.com. All rights reserved. No parts of this magazine may be reproduced or distributed without written permission of HOME by Trendsetters, and Spotlight 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 LLC, accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the advertisers.
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“We aren’t afraid to be tough advocates for you, but we also aren’t afraid to have tough conversations with you so you can make the most informed decisions for your future.”
(L to R) Tasha Gahner, Attorney; Jericka Lyon, Paralegal; Jana Halling, Paralegal; Tracy Lyson, Attorney
The family law team at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys is here to help you navigate life's toughest moments
ounded in 2003, O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys has been dedicated to serving the Fargo-area community for over 20 years. With deep roots in North Dakota and Minnesota, most team members were born and raised in the Red River Valley, bringing a genuine understanding of local values to their work. When you need experienced legal support, their Family Law team is ready to guide you through life’s challenges with skill, care, and commitment.
Meet the Family Law team
The family law attorneys at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson provide support, guidance, and legal representation, helping clients during some of life’s most challenging moments The matters they specialize in include divorce, child custody, child support, alimony and spousal support, parenting plans, adoption, paternity, pre and post-nuptial agreements, and protection orders.
Their philosophy is simple: “Every client is unique. We listen to you. We hear what you say. We develop a legal strategy to help you and best represent your interests.”
As a full-service firm, O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys helps clients in several practice areas such as:
Injury
Law
Law
“Our job is to tell you what you need to know, not just what you want to hear.”
Tracy & Tasha's Resumes at a Glance
Tracy Lyson
• Partner/Family Law Attorney
• Born and raised near Hecla, SD
• Minnesota State University Moorhead
• BS Degree in Paralegal Studies
• University of North Dakota School of Law
• Has been practicing Family Law locally since 2006
Tasha Gahner
• Family Law Attorney
• Born in Jamestown, ND and raised in Fargo, ND
• Minnesota State University Moorhead
• BS Degree in Paralegal Studies
• University of North Dakota School of Law
• Has been practicing Family Law locally since 2010
Experience
Your family law attorney should focus on family law exclusively. They should have experience with the local courts and judges and be well versed in mediation and collaborative law practices.
Empathy
Understanding what you are going through—likely at one of your life’s most difficult points—is extremely important in the relationship you have with a family law attorney. Our experience has helped us understand nearly every situation and we will help you navigate the legal processes.
Hire an attorney you feel comfortable with
It’s important that you have a good, open relationship with your family law attorney. You should feel comfortable talking with them about all aspects of your case.
The best way to decide if Tracy or Tasha are the right attorneys for you is to talk with them.
Ability to solve problems
Besides representing a client through the legal processes, our responsibility is to help them solve the many challenges they will likely encounter. Our years of experience have prepared us well to help solve problems.
A straight talker
A good family law attorney should advise a client on what the reality of their situation will likely be, preparing them for the many decisions they will need to make.
To be somewhat blunt, Tracy and Tasha agree that their responsibility is to tell you what you need to know, not what you want to hear.
“Be wary of what people tell you to expect or what you read on the internet."
Experience with courts. Experience with judges.
Hiring an attorney who has significant experience with the local courts and judges is extremely important—whether in preparation for a court case or for presenting an agreed-upon plan for approval.
Tracy and Tasha have many years of experience working with local judges and courts, which prepares them for the best possible representation and preparation of a case.
Hire a law firm, not just an attorney
In most family law matters at the firm, clients will benefit from the experience of skilled attorneys other than just a family law attorney. "A good family law attorney knows when you should bring someone else in to help the client: Estate Planning, Real Estate, Business Planning, or possibly a Criminal Defense attorney."
Tracy and Tasha work closely with attorneys in the firm to help develop a complete legal plan.
In divorce, no one gets 100% of what they want
"Our experience shows this to be true. Divorce is usually a complicated, uncomfortable negotiation. Especially when children are involved, we try to keep our clients focused on what’s best for them."
Communication—Always
"Keeping a client aware of their cases' progress is incredibly important, especially to the client. We know that. We operate with a team approach, so we are able to communicate by phone, email, text, in person in a timely manner."
Will you have to go to court?
"A good attorney should focus on helping their clients negotiate a fair and realistic outcome. This way they will be in control. If they go to court, they will have lost control of the outcome, because the judge will decide."
"In our experience, we rarely take a case to court, because we have the knowledge and ability to work with our clients to develop an acceptable plan."
“There is no place for setting false expectations in family law.”
Understanding Collaborative Law in a divorce case
"Collaborative law is a voluntary process for divorcing couples to reach a settlement without going to court. It is a way to resolve disagreements in a cooperative manner and is often used when the spouses are not on bad terms."
Both Tracy and Tasha are trained and experienced in collaborative law and have used it very favorably in some of their cases. Many times they will bring in outside experts, such as accountants, mental health professionals, or financial planners, to help the couple develop a workable plan. This works especially well when both parties are committed to developing a sensible resolution.
Tell your attorney EVERYTHING
"To prepare your attorney for the best possible representation, give them all the information, even if it’s something you don’t think is important."
Our round-table method of case management
"Everyone likely agrees that 'two heads are better than one' when it comes to developing strategy. In family law matters, this saying also applies."
"As family law attorneys, we, along with our longtime experienced team of paralegals and legal assistants, bring our cases to the 'roundtable.' The lead attorney may present an overview with some suggestions. Then, from our years of experience and these open dialogue meetings, our team produces a well-thought-out plan."
Patience. It always takes more time
"In most family law matters, clients want things to move along quickly, resulting in a fast resolution. In reality, things don’t usually work out that way. Our team focuses on providing excellent communication, straight talk, and listening—so when things don’t move quickly, our clients understand the issues and causes."
Ask the Expert:
Do Your Joints Hurt?
Earlier this fall, Builders Industry Association of the Red River Valley (BIA-RRV) held its 63rd annual Fall Parade of Homes— and we're excited to recap four of our favorite homes from the parade in this issue. In total, 40 homes across Fargo, West Fargo, and Horace participated, all covering a wide array of price points, from $300K all the way up to $2.3M.
To browse all of the homes, visit paradefm.com and click on "event magazine."
Featured Home #20
Builder: Thomsen Homes Price: $514,183 SQ FT: 3,248
Featured Home #12
Builder: Dabbert
Custom Homes Price: $619,900 SQ FT: 3,150
Featured Home #17
Builder: AB Brothers Price: $675,000 SQ FT: 2,638
Featured Home #33
Builder: Designer Homes Price: $899,900 SQ FT: 3,854
The Pines at the District Rambler by Designer Homes
By Josiah Kopp
This 3,800 square-foot Fargo rambler comes with a vaulted kitchen
Photos by Chase Chapters
Walking through the main highlights
Commentary
by
Ashley Tweten, Designer Homes
"The kitchen blends elegance and functionality with floor-to-ceiling cabinets and modern matte black hardware, creating a grand yet inviting feel. A neutral color palette keeps the space timeless, while quartz countertops span a nearly 10-foot island, ideal for meal prep and casual dining. The tiled backsplash and open layout enhance the airy atmosphere, with large windows flooding the dining area with natural light. Upgraded appliances, an expansive walk-in pantry, and thoughtful design ensure both beauty and usability. Finishing touches like milk glass globes, matte black finishes, and subtle gold accents add warmth, making this kitchen the true heart of the home."
By the Numbers
Price: $899,900
Type: Rambler
Square Feet: 3,854
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Garage stalls: 3
Main Living Area
"The main living area is the perfect blend of cozy and contemporary, featuring 10-foot ceilings that instantly open up the space. The tiled fireplace acts as the room’s focal point, bringing warmth and character, while its vertical stack design adds a subtle yet striking visual interest. The light-colored laminate flooring and crisp white walls work harmoniously, allowing the black-framed windows to pop, offering a modern contrast. The space feels intentional, with neutral tones paired with matte black hardware to keep the design timeless and fresh. The open railing leading downstairs adds a connecting layer, ensuring the entire home flows seamlessly. It's a room designed for comfort, with clean lines, airy light, and a sophisticated palette that invites you to stay and relax."
New & Upcoming Trends In This Home
"We embraced a few key trends in the architecture and interior design of this home—the speakeasy-inspired bar in the basement, with its dark cabinetry, hexagontiled backsplash, and sleek matte black hardware, adds a bold, sophisticated feel. The vertical stack tile on the fireplace is another popular design element, adding texture and modern style. We also incorporated black-framed windows throughout the home, paired with a neutral color palette, to give the space a clean, timeless look that remains effortlessly on-trend."
-Ashley Tweten, Designer Homes
Primary Bedroom & Bath
"The primary bedroom welcomes you with soft carpeting and a vaulted ceiling, enhancing the room’s airy feel. The large window provides a beautiful view of the property, bringing in natural light that complements the neutral tones of the space. With white walls, doors, and trim paired with sleek black hardware, this room embodies the transitional style that runs throughout the home—elegant, yet understated. Moving into the bath, the design continues to impress. The tiled shower with matte black fixtures makes a modern statement, while the expansive dual vanity with light wood cabinetry offers both beauty and functionality. Quartz countertops and simple, clean lines create a spa-like atmosphere, making this space a true retreat within the home."
Maple Lake Estates Two-Story Home by Thomsen Homes
By Josiah Kopp
This 3,200 Square foot Horace home comes with a pond view
Home Features at a Glance
•Custom herringbone
ABOUT THE PROJECT
backsplash in kitchen
•Two-story
•9-ft ceilings
•Spa-like primary suite
•Abundant storage solutions
This new build by Thomsen Homes is their 2191 classic two-story model with a craftsman exterior. The design of this model is meant to offer a perfect blend of style and functionality. The main level features nine-foot ceilings, a welcoming office/den, and custom design elements, creating an ideal space for gathering and entertaining. Upstairs, you'll find a spacious second floor with a luxurious private primary suite and three additional bedrooms, providing both comfort and privacy for the whole family.
New & Upcoming Trends In This Home
"The growing trend of remote work led to the inclusion of a private office space, allowing for productivity at home without sacrificing comfort. Other trending aspects include the two-tone kitchen cabinetry, outdoor patio space, and large windows for maximum natural light."
-Thomsen Homes
Photos provided by Thomsen Homes
Walking through the main highlights
Commentary by Thomsen Homes
Kitchen & Dining
"Custom cabinets with green accents, quartz countertops, and a herringbone tile backsplash create a stylish, modern space. The transitional design blends timeless craftsmanship with contemporary touches, highlighted by the soft, earthy green of the island cabinets. The oversized island offers ample workspace and seating for casual dining or entertaining.
A unique buffet area provides extra storage and countertop space, ideal for hosting or display. The green cabinetry and herringbone backsplash add trendy, elegant touches, while quartz countertops offer durability and a chic finish."
By the Numbers
Price: $514,183
Type: Two-story
Square Feet: 3,248
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.5
Garage stalls: 3
Main Living Area
"In the main living area, neutraltoned walls, large windows with wood trim, and warm-toned flooring create a cozy yet open feel. With nine-foot ceilings and custom millwork, the space feels inviting and spacious, seamlessly connecting to the kitchen and dining areas. The open-concept layout allows natural light to flow through, enhancing functionality and comfort. The blend of open design, natural light, and wood tones reflects a modern trend toward creating warm, functional living spaces."
"Experience the grandeur of a double-volume ceiling living room, where luxury meets comfort in perfect harmony. Soaring windows flood the space with natural light, highlighting the exquisite custom tile gas fireplace as the focal point of the room. With its expansive layout, this living area feels impressively spacious, yet maintains an intimate atmosphere that invites relaxation and connection. Whether hosting gatherings or unwinding with loved ones, this is a space where memories are made and cherished."
Primary Bedroom & Bath
"Walking upstairs to the primary suite, you're greeted with plush carpeting, custom tile work, and sleek fixtures, creating a luxurious, spa-like atmosphere with soft tones and modern details. The en-suite bathroom features double sinks, a walk-in shower with custom tile, and a soaking tub for ultimate relaxation. A large walk-in closet enhances the private, retreat-like feel. This serene design reflects the trend of luxury suites with spa-inspired bathroooms."
Spacious Two-Story Build at The Wilds by Dabbert Custom Homes
By Josiah Kopp
Home Features at a Glance
•Modern cottage style
•Wide switch-back staircase
•Two-story
•Finished basement
•Spacious walk-in pantry
Custom Homes
This West Fargo home is the perfect blend of elegant, rustic, and modern cottage
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Step into the elegance of Dabbert Custom Homes' Lilah two-story home—a 3,100 square-foot build that is spacious and filled with character. As you step inside the home, a wide switch-back staircase welcomes you with grandeur and style. Thoughtfully designed for comfort and sophistication, this home seamlessly blends modern amenities with timeless charm. Experience the perfect balance of beauty and functionality in every corner, making this two-story haven a place you'll cherish forever.
New & Upcoming Trends In This Home
"We went with a refined transitional trend, incorporating timeless attributes that will never go out of style. Some great examples include the neutral colored walls and cabinetry, natural wood tones throughout the home, open concept layout, and large windows to bring the space to life with natural light."
-Dabbert Custom Homes
Photos provided by Dabbert
Walking through the main highlights
Commentary by Dabbert Custom Homes
Kitchen & Dining
"As you step into the kitchen and dining area, you begin to feel the modern cottage aesthetic; the rich wood flooring immediately adds warmth and sophistication, setting a welcoming tone. The off-white walls provide a clean, neutral backdrop, allowing the carefully curated furniture and decor to stand out. The kitchen features crisp white cabinets that enhance the bright and airy feel, while the island’s wood cabinets introduce a touch of natural warmth.
The dining area, centered around a long rectangular table, provides the perfect setting for gatherings and family meals. The golden tones of the hanging pendant lighting over the island and above the dining room table add a dash of elegance to the cottage feel."
By the Numbers
Price: $619,900
Type: Two-story
Square Feet: 3,150
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Garage stalls: 3
Main Living Area
"In the adjacent living area, a gray sofa and cream-colored armchairs create a comfortable and inviting space, perfect for relaxing or socializing. Thoughtfully placed artwork throughout the space adds personality and style, complementing the overall design. The open-concept layout enhances the flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas, creating a spacious and inviting feel. Large windows flood the rooms with natural light, adding to the bright, airy atmosphere. A neutral palette of off-white walls, cream furniture, and wood floors offers a harmonious backdrop that lets colorful accents and accessories shine."
Primary Bedroom & Bath
"The primary bedroom is a light and airy space, continuing the modern cottage style. The bedroom features a large window overlooking a neighborhood, a king-sized bed with a neutral color scheme, and wood floors. The bathroom is located off the bedroom and has a white vanity with a modern faucet. The primary bathroom features a double vanity with a granite countertop and a shower with a white and gray gingham curtain. The bathroom offers a classic and timeless style, with neutral colors and clean lines. The double vanity is a great feature for couples and the large mirror helps to make the space feel brighter and more open. The use of granite for the countertop adds a touch of luxury, while the gingham curtain adds a bit of personality."
Northern Lights Two-Story by AB Brothers
By Josiah Kopp
New & Upcoming Trends In This Home
"Some of the new trending features in this home start with the curb appeal; sloped rooflines, custom arched doorways, combined with high-quality exterior products; Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS), James Hardie siding, tongue and groove soffits, and cedar wood accents. Inside trends include all of the arched doorways, barrel ceiling, complimented by wall sconces, unique light fixtures, handmade custom fireplace surround, and oversized windows on every wall to capture as much natural light as possible." -AB Brothers
This Modern Tudor-style home is an architectural masterpiece
Photos provided by AB Brothers
Walking through the main highlights
Commentary by AB Brothers
Kitchen & Dining
"Stepping into the kitchen and dining areas, the Tudorstyle character and design is apparent in every detail. All of the cabinets were custom-built by Wendt Custom Cabinets. The main color throughout is Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams which was color-matched with the millwork throughout the home, complimenting the natural walnut island and range hood for an aesthetically pleasing feel."
By the Numbers
Price: $675,000
Type: Two-story
Square Feet: 2,638
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3.5
Garage stalls: 2
Primary Bedroom & Bath
Main Living Area
"The main living area offers a beautiful archway entrance from the dining room, an 18-foot vaulted ceiling, natural walnut cabinets and shelves, and a large patio door flanked by two eight-foot tall windows from the floor. In addition to the gas fireplace and mantle from Dakota Timber Co., the fireplace surround is completely custom and made from Venetian plaster with a hand spatula finish."
"As you make your way into the primary suite, you're welcomed with lots of space and abundant natural light: the oversized primary bedroom (unfurnished) offers a wall of windows with a sunrise view of the neighborhood pond. The connecting primary bathroom is spacious and offers plenty of storage with a spacious walk-in closet, linen cabinets, and shelves. Double sinks mean plenty of space for getting ready, and a penny tile walk-in shower adds charm to the space with an abundance of natural light throughout."
or most of us, closets are filled with clothing, shoes, and things we can’t bear to throw away. Artist Nancy Baier took a different approach when she converted a walkin closet in her home into a dedicated art studio filled with stainless steel tools, wax, clay, a working desk, and an unbridled amount of creativity.
Nancy produces a surprisingly high volume of art pieces in such a small working space. Originally an illustrator, she can’t remember a time when she didn’t create art. “I've done ink drawings from a young age," Baier said. "Recently, I pulled out a sketch I’d made at a park in Michigan (where I used to live) with a river running through it and around a bend. I wanted to draw it in ink, so I just started from the sketch. Then I ended up doing one landscape after the other, some from observation or just imagination, then adding more little details—I just love it."
That same sketch has inspired Baier’s business name, Riverbend Studio, and also reflects her personal philosophy that in art, as in life, we never really know what's just around the bend. "I don’t really think about it, I just do it. It’s very meditative. I am inspired by nature—it's reflected in just about everything that I do,” she said.
While ink drawings may have been her first love, Baier is primarily known throughout the Fargo-Moorhead area for colorful polymer clay compositions and her unique style of encaustic (wax) paintings.
In addition to being one of the Premier artists at Fargo’s Gallery 4, she can occasionally be seen demonstrating her art process at West Acres’ Aptitude as a guest artist and selling her work at various art shows in the area. While viewers are drawn in by the bold colors and patterns of her work, her polymer pieces are as much a tactile art as a visual one.
“I often encourage people to touch the polymer clay pieces,” Baier said. “The textures and detail are part of what makes them fun to make. Polymer clay allows for a variety techniques and the dimensional quality sets it apart from many other mediums.” In contrast to the threedimensional aspects of her polymer work, Baier’s encaustic pieces seem, at first, to be more traditional—until one realizes she is painting with a specially designed small iron.
“When I demonstrate it at Aptitude or somewhere else, people think it must be so easy. Then they try it and realize it isn’t. What they are seeing is years of experience and muscle memory that go into working the tools. My encaustic work is also a little different than what people usually see. I have an illustration type background so I have a tendency to want to represent. I’m detailoriented—maybe too much so,” she said.
Baier’s focus and love of detail in no way constrains her work. Her visually diverse art styles all share a distinctive flow and sense of movement. Whether dark and brooding, light and airy, strongly textured or deceptively simple, Baier’s art is emotionally evocative and pure poetry in motion.
You can see Nancy Baier’s work online at riverbendstudioart. wixsite.com/riverbendstudio or stop into Gallery 4 (115 Roberts St N Fargo) to view it in person. To see which events she will be attending, follow her on Instagram @riverbendstudiofargo