HOME SHOWCASE

Creating Permanence

BY TERRI FERRAGUT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS

In this complete home remodel for this active family, considerations were made to improve the flow of activity, including meal times in the kitchen. Natural light floods the space, an intended feature in the process.

ocation and sense of comfort are important things to consider as a homeowner, L which is where this story begins.

When purchasing this older existing home, the homeowners were drawn to an established neighborhood on a serene river lot. It was this appreciation of the home and lot that led them to approach this project as if it were a new build. To accommodate the needs of the homeowner’s active family, every inch was transformed, down to the studs.

An important consideration of the homeowners in this project was the idea of permanence, a place where the needs of their growing young family would be met throughout the years. Homebuilder Chad Samson of Samson Construction Inc. says, “Taking an outdated home down to the studs and making the house brand new from mechanical to the final finishes was very important to the owners.”

The careful planning in such an undertaking was an integral piece of the family’s interpretation of “home.” With the expertise of Lindsey Grace Interiors, Samson Construction Inc., Mevold Studio, Clearwater Custom Cabinets, and a trusted group of subcontractors, the sketches and renderings on paper combined with

thoughtful inceptions from the homeowners began a design journey of transformational change.

Creating a home that would grow with the family meant addressing and understanding the family’s lifestyle. Lindsey Christie of Lindsey Grace Interiors says, “The homeowners are a busy family with young children, so they wanted a home that worked for them. We paid close attention to their daily routines and what we could do to help their day flow easier, whether it came to mealtimes in the kitchen or the morning and bedtime routines in the children’s spaces.We looked at how their routines work nicely for them currently, and how they may change as the family grows since they plan to be in this home for the long run.”

Thoughtful planning resulted in special features important to the family throughout the home. Two laundry rooms, one on the upper level and one downstairs were added to increase functionality. The children’s spaces were kept separate from the main living area and closer to the parent’s bedrooms. Architectural designer, Jan Mevold of Mevold Studio designed

A beautiful transformation of space resulted here under the guidance of Mevold Studio. Removing the original stairway created this airy foyer that transcends upward to the second-floor ceiling. Custom millwork defines the area with sophistication.

The second-story level reveals a stunning chandelier. Lindsey Christie of Lindsey Grace Interiors appreciated the homeowner’s trust to incorporate great lighting into the project.

Natural light streams through the dining room windows, which was important to the homeowners. The design, build, and architectural design teams all worked together to see it come to fruition.

Remarkable changes are noted here in the living room. From darkness into light describes the overall feeling with detailed woodwork and whitewashed oak throughout breathing life into the space. The fireplace by Home and Hearth, surrounded by the workmanship of Clearwater Custom Cabinets, readies this space for relaxation. an upper play loft, especially for the younger members of the family. “They planned every space to accommodate their family now and as they grow — from the reading nook and playroom to a large golf simulator loaded with games,” Samson adds.

The result of intuitive design is boldly stated throughout the remodeling project. “The foyer in this home is truly the heart of the home,” Christie says. The existing staircase was removed by Mevold Studio, resulting in a breath-taking open airiness that transcends from the lower level upward to the secondstory ceiling. Detailed custom millwork flanks each of the four walls of the space.

Christie appreciated the homeowner’s trust to incorporate added finish elements that created the project’s sophistication, practicality, and comfort. “In the upstairs boys’ bathroom,” she says, “we utilized a navy subway tile in the shower/tub area and as wainscoting on all walls to add interest in a durable way. In the upper girls’ bathroom, we mixed metals with a beautiful Rebecca Atwood blush pink wallpaper.” All cabinetry, innovative and timeless, was by Clearwater Custom Cabinets and is witnessed throughout the entire home.

Another important factor to the homeowners was that the home would accommodate family gatherings and a place to entertain. “We made use of existing space beneath the staircase as a wine cellar close to the lower-level bar,” Christie says. Large

Hosting family and friends was an important factor to the homeowners so a wine cellar was created in the existing space beneath the staircase, close to the lower-level bar. White-washed oak cabinetry by Clearwater Custom Cabinets.

Thoughtful design features that would accommodate the family as they grew were important. Evidence throughout the home includes the children’s reading room upstairs, one of many favorites of builder Chad Samson, of Samson Construction. The window seat adds cozy practicality.

This storage area in the upstairs children’s loft is rich and beautiful in its sage green hue and will be put to good use for many years to come as they grow. The rich finish is cleverly complemented by colorful leather hardware.

BOYS: The homeowners were excited to use color, texture, and detail while keeping the home timeless. Navy subway tile upstairs in the boys’ bathroom was chosen for wainscoting and the shower/tub area.

GIRLS: In the upstairs girls’ bathroom, Christie mixed metals with Rebecca Atwood blush pink wallpaper. The subtle pops of color in cabinetry and wallpaper pattern create soft and sophisticated femininity. windows flood the rooms with natural light, a man cave/bar space was created above the new garage and unique lighting fixtures are present in every room.

Teamwork, open dialogue and a commitment to good living seized every day of this remodeling project. Planning sessions and a commitment to excellence brought everyone to the “design table” to bring hard work and insight to beautiful fruition.

This story began as a witness to family, longevity, thoughtful design, and the importance of natural beauty. It doesn’t stop here. For this family, it will transcend generations of life. A job well done and lives well-lived.

BEFORE & AFTER

CONTRIBUTORS

Chad Samson

PRESIDENT SAMSON CONSTRUCTION, INC. BUILDER

Adam Olson

GENERAL MANAGER ALL STAR CONSTRUCTION ROOFING & SIDING

Lindsey Christie

LINDSEY GRACE INTERIORS,OWNER

Jan Mevold

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER MEVOLD STUDIO, OWNER

Chris Tweten

PRESIDENT CLEARWATER CUSTOM CABINETS

Home Heating and Plumbing | Home and Hearth Fireplaces | Power Connection Electrical | Signature Home Technologies Cullen Insulation | Simonson Lumber | Showcase Floors

Get to know us! Inspired Home recently spoke with designingwomen2 about their new showroom located in the heart of Minnesota lake country, Detroit Lakes.

IH: Let’s talk longevity. How long have you been doing this?

DW2: DW2 is well into our second decade of interior designing for homes and businesses. We have explored the best way to meet the needs of our clients and have found having an intimate space to meet and create one-on-one personalized designs works very well.

IH: Why do you love what you do?

DW2: Designing for people’s homes includes multiple layers of fun, intrigue and creativity. The best part is meeting and embracing new friendships! The joy of creating a space that people love and cherish is pure joy for us.

IH: Having a lakes country showroom is a great development in DW2 history. Why are you especially excited about this new location?

DW2: Having a second location in Detroit Lakes allows us to serve our clients better. Having the option to meet clients at either our Fargo location or Detroit Lakes is proving to be invaluable. For our customers who live at the lake year-round, it is wonderful to have local options for them.

CHECK OUT THE DW2 NEW LOCATION FOR YOURSELF!

Where: 714 Lake Avenue, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

When: Open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 – 4:00

Why: To have great fun making your home the best that it can be!

Artist Dori Stibal invites you to her extraordinary shop and a world of creativity! Experience it all – Art pieces and painting classes, to her unique home decor style.

r HOME DÉCOR r FRESHLY DESIGNED FURNITURE r CUSTOM PROJECTS WELCOME r WISE OWL PAINT AND REDESIGN PRODUCTS r PAINTING CLASSES 3301 13th Ave South, Suite 102, Fargo, North Dakota

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