Family Owned in Carver County
Home.
Home. So much is contained in that little four-letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable. As author Wendy Wunder said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.”
When I think of home, particularly in March, I’m guilty of thinking about how I can improve my man cave to partake in all that March sports has to offer – high school state hockey tournaments, high school state basketball tournaments, and college basketball’s biggest event, and the Final Four – there’s nothing better!
It’s also a time of excitement and planning for the warmer months ahead. What projects can I plan to help maintain and improve my most valuable investment? The options seem to be endless. Do I remodel my kitchen or update a bathroom? Do I enhance an outdoor space to enjoy the spectacular summer nights? Does my yard and landscaping need a refresh or a complete overhaul? And finally, who are the go-to experts I can trust?
We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise this city and hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people in this community together AND gives you plenty of ideas on how to make your house your dream home.
Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.
Happy March!
MATT SHAEFFER, PUBLISHER
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Matt Shaeffer | matt.shaeffer@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lauren Beaubaire | lauren.beaubaire@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emily McKeever, Amanda Wagner, Lauren Beaubaire, Jen Fortner
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Pictured: Bryan Haasken
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1—7: It was a blast at this year’s Waconia DandyLions Frozen Fairway Open! Participants dressed in their best and played nine holes of snow golf while enjoying food, refreshments, and live music from Mike Bustin. Profits from the event benefited The Hope Chest for Breast Cancer and these snow golfers raised an amazing $6,500 to this incredible cause! The remaining funds raised go towards the Waconia DandyLions’ other initiatives throughout the year.
Welcome Two New Educators to Crown College
Crown College has grown by two amazing educators! Both are new additions to the Media Arts program, Amanda Quist as an Associate Professor of Digital Arts and Chris Fletcher as an Associate Professor of Video Production. Amanda joins the faculty team with 10 years of teaching design and motion graphics (among other rich experiences), and Chris joins with a varied background in directing and filmmaking, and he owns his own production company. Congratulations to all!
Ridgeview Foundation's Pins for a Purpose is on April 25th!
Mark your calendar for the Ridgeview Foundation’s Pins for a Purpose, on April 25th at Bowlero Eden Prairie! Get your tickets, then get ready for a family-friendly event that’s all about fun, community spirit, and support for local healthcare. Hit the lanes with two hours of unlimited bowling, shoe rental, bowling bingo with prizes, unlimited soft drinks, and a bowling-inspired buffet. Learn more about this exciting event and get your tickets here: https://www. ridgeviewmedical.org/foundation/ events/pinsforapurpose/
Welcome to the New Mayor of WaconiaTim Liftin
Waconia’s new mayor, Tim Liftin is already busy connecting with the community. He’s hosting “The Mayor is in” sessions on the first Wednesday of the month (except for July and August) from 7:30 am - 8:30 am at Waconia City Hall. These sessions will provide time for members of the community to meet with Mayor Liftin, ask questions, or give feedback. You can also reach out to him via email at tlitfin@waconia.org
Photography by Crown College
Photography by Ridgeview Foundation
Care for the whole you, in Waconia
At Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota-OBGYN West, we’re passionate about delivering high-quality care for the whole you. Our team includes primary care and ObGyn, all under one roof. Discover expert care for pregnancy. Choose from a range of GYN services when you need them. Move toward healthy with services that include weight management, PT, and mammography.
As winter sputters to a final close, I love planning for spring. Spring cleaning, in my case, is just throwing away everything I meant to throw away all winter. Switching from my daily uniform of jeans and a sweater to wildly different cropped jeans and a sweatshirt. Putting away the cumbersome coats and opening up the windows for the freshest of air.
Life Minded
Getting the yard ready to spend every nice moment outside after spending so many months inside.
However, I am a terrible gardener. I’m not exaggerating or being self-deprecating or trying to be cute. I’m truly the worst gardener. I kill plants that are tagged “easy care” and “low maintenance.” I should work for the growers as a quality control agent because I think they’d be surprised by my talents at killing even the hardiest varietals. And my talent knows no limits. I can kill outdoor and indoor plants. I’m very versatile.
As a fresh-faced 26-year-old homeowner, my mother-in-law once gave me the following gardening tip. If it is painful to yank out, it’s likely a weed. If it pulls easily and almost accidentally, that’s a plant you wanted to preserve. As it turns out, it doesn’t matter in my situation. I have a special gift for turning perennials into annuals and everything into garbage.
A close friend of mine is a master gardener. For real. She has things started from seed right now with special lights and pristine labels, and everything organized into neat rows like tiny soldiers. When it is temperature-safe to transplant them, her garden will be lush with
Minded
healthy plants, and my friends and I will visit her garden AS AN OUTING and marvel at her diligent work and impressive yield.
I, on the other hand, will use my typical method of going to my local garden center filled with hope and inexplicable self-confidence and spend hundreds of dollars choosing plants based on whims. I like orange. A lot. I like pretty things. I love fresh herbs. I’ll grab a few full-sun plants and plant them in partial sun. Every spring, I’m on some bewildering plant shopping spree that I have no business going on. Then I’ll spend two days turning the soil over and wiping my brow and carefully placing annuals and perennials at random and mixing up fertilizer and staking tender shoots. I’ll be wearing a hat, and from a distance, I will look like THE Martha Stewart if Martha wore fifteen-year-old t-shirts to plant things. I’ll take many stunning photos of all of my efforts and post them on Instagram.
And then, I will host a slow ninety-day funeral for the very same plants, saying goodbye to one after the other. I will not post that on Instagram. By the second week of August, my neighbor, also a very talented gardener, will tell me I can’t “give up yet” because it is only August. But I can.
And I will. Because it’s my yard and my tradition. By August, I just want to sip iced tea and enjoy the sun on my face with a book in my hand. I will have adopted a “just let nature be nature” stance except for mosquitoes, which I will swat with enthusiasm. My spring gardening energy will be a distant memory, and I will conveniently forget the cost of all the plants and mentally file the expense under the “entertainment budget.”
Lately I really have loved to read about people who are growing their own food in urban settings. These people inspire me when they talk about growing large amounts of vegetables and fruits and living farm-to-table with skyscrapers in the background. They will eat abundantly all summer and then can things to enjoy all winter. I’m beyond impressed. It’s not going to happen in my yard. We would starve and starve quickly. So, I settle on a few cherry tomato plants and fresh herbs. And if they grow, it’s because they thrive on neglect, and my neighbor not so secretly watering them.
But as I wait for the thaw…it’s all possibilities now. I ordered seed catalogs because I am, if nothing else, an optimist. I look forward to selecting all of the special things I will kill.
COLUMN BY JEN FORTNER
Jen Fortner is a freelance writer who enjoys asking friends and strangers far too many questions. She spends her spare time sitting in inclement weather watching youth sports, traveling, cooking, and searching for the very best baked goods. She lives in the Southwest Metro with her husband, three children and the most spoiled dog.
DESIGNING A HOME TO GROW WITH YOU
ARTICLE BY AMANDA WAGNER
HOW LEE LYN CONSTRUCTION HELPS YOU REMODEL FOR THE PRESENT AND DESIGN FOR THE FUTURE
Life gets busy, and time passes quickly. Before you know it, you’ve been in your home for a decade and might realize it’s no longer serving you. When it comes to designing and remodeling your home, it’s just as important to think about now as it is to look to the future.
For Dana Dziuk, owner of Lee Lyn Construction, designing spaces that adapt to different life stages isn’t just practical—it’s essential. For the average homeowner, it can be hard to see what your home could be or how it could better support how you live. But for Dana, creating functional and beautiful spaces that stand the test of time is simply what she does.
THE HEART OF THE HOME
In every home, the kitchen is where people gather. Whether preparing a meal, catching up on the day, or tackling school work, the kitchen is where it all happens. And a well-designed kitchen simply makes the every day easier.
When working with clients, Dana wants to understand how you live and what you need. For some, the kitchen may require more functional storage. For others, it’s all about ample seating or a large island for prep. Recently, she worked with a client whose daughter required a wheelchair-friendly layout. By removing a dividing wall, they were able to create an open-concept kitchen with a new island and wider walkways.
“We expanded the space between the island and cabinets to 42 inches instead of the standard 36 for better flow and accessibility,” Dana notes. “When building, I always encourage clients to plan for wider 42-inch walkways if space and square footage allows.”
Smaller design details also matter. Dana recommends incorporating accessible and family-friendly features like drawer-style microwaves. Pull-out shelving, whether built-in or added afterward, ensures easy access to those items you use most often and makes everyday tasks easier. This applies to any area of the home where you want your things organized and accessible.
FLEXIBLE LIVING SPACES
In order for a home to grow with you, flexibility is key. This means spaces that can serve multiple purposes or change over time. For instance, Dana sees so much potential in an unfinished basement.
“An unfinished basement is like a blank slate,” she says. “Whether adding a guest suite, a home office, or a recreation room, the possibilities are endless.”
Another great way to add square footage and flexible space is with a screened-in or three-season porch. Especially in Minnesota, this is a space that can serve you throughout the year and adapts to the needs of the family. It’s a great place to unwind after work and an ideal hangout for teenagers when you just want them out of the house. These spaces can truly be what you need them to be – a retreat for relaxation, a play area for kids, or even a home office with a view.
WHEN LESS IS MORE
When designing a home or specific space, Dana believes in prioritizing function over clutter. “Fewer furniture pieces mean more room to move,” she advises. This approach not only keeps spaces feeling open but also ensures that every element serves a purpose. And the key to avoiding clutter is ensuring everything has a purpose and a place.
Custom closets are a great example, enhancing functionality and making the most of available storage. “They help utilize space better and create a home for your items,” Dana explains.
THINKING AHEAD
Designing for the long run means considering your needs now and in the future. One of the core principles Dana emphasizes is planning for accessibility. “It’s about creating spaces that work for you today and for the years ahead,” she explains.
Bathrooms are a great place to plan for accessibility. In one project, Dana worked with a client who had an oversized soaking tub that was rarely used. “It was taking up a lot of square footage,” she recalls. By reimagining the layout, Dana transformed the space into something functional and future-proof. She incorporated features like a zero-threshold shower and thoughtfully placed grab bars for added safety. These modifications not only enhanced usability but also aligned with the client’s vision for long-term comfort.
The key to designing a home that grows with you is thoughtful foresight. Ask yourself these questions:
• What are you using now? • What aren’t you using? • And how might the space serve you in the future?
Whether you’re remodeling or building from scratch, considering these questions can help you create a space that’s as adaptable as it is timeless. By prioritizing functionality, practicality, accessibility, and a healthy dose of creativity, Dana helps homeowners make their spaces work for them now and in the years to come.
https://leelynconstruction.com
After the remodel Before the remodel
“AN UNFINISHED BASEMENT IS LIKE A BLANK SLATE,” SHE SAYS.
A Lesson in Protecting Your Home
HOW TO MASTER HOME INSURANCE COVERAGE WITH LOCAL INSURANCE AGENCY
JILL DAWSON OF DAWSON & ASSOCIATES
ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER
Sharpen your pencil and find your seat because it’s time to go back to school! Home Insurance 101 with Jill Dawson, President at Dawson & Associates, is now in session.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTIONS HOMEOWNERS HAVE ABOUT HOME INSURANCE?
Here are some widespread myths:
• Standard policies cover all natural disasters. Typically, events like floods and earthquakes require additional coverage. • Home insurance covers the home’s market value. Homeowners’ insurance is designed to cover the cost of rebuilding your home, not its market value. • Small claims can be filed frequently without consequence. It’s often advisable to handle minor repairs out-of-pocket and reserve insurance claims for more significant damage. • Maintenance issues are covered. Homeowners’ insurance does not cover regular maintenance issues and wear and tear. • All homeowners’ insurance policies from every company are the same. While basic coverage may be similar, the specifics can vary. For instance, some policies might offer more comprehensive coverage for certain types of damage, like water damage, while others might have stricter limitations.
WHAT DOES A STANDARD HOME INSURANCE POLICY USUALLY COVER, AND WHAT ADDITIONAL COVERAGE COULD BE NECESSARY?
A standard homeowners’ insurance policy typically covers damage to your home and belongings if the damage is due to a covered peril (a risk or cause of loss). The most common perils include:
• Fire and smoke • Lightning strikes • Windstorms and hail • Explosions • Vandalism and malicious mischief • Damage from an aircraft, car, or vehicle • Theft and falling objects
A standard home insurance policy also typically includes four main types of coverage:
• Dwelling • Personal property • Liability protection • Additional living expenses
Homeowners in Minnesota might also consider adding extra coverage such as:
• Flood • Extended Replacement Cost Coverage. This ensures you have enough coverage to rebuild your home if construction costs rise unexpectedly. • Personal property endorsements (high-value items such as jewelry or art) • Sewer backup and/or sump pump overflow • Cosmetic damage • Matching of undamaged siding and/or roofing materials. Many companies offer an endorsement you can add to your policy that will provide coverage for the undamaged portions if a match cannot be found. • Watercraft & RV Liability. If you own a boat or RV, this coverage can protect you from liability claims. • Umbrella insurance provides extra liability coverage beyond the limits of your policy.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY FOR HOMEOWNERS TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH COVERAGE THEY NEED FOR THEIR HOMES?
There are several ways to do this, and our team is here to help guide you through the process with a personalized touch.
• Assess the cost to fully rebuild your home from scratch, including materials, labor, haul away, etc. • Evaluate personal property to ensure the policy covers the total value of these items. • Consider liability coverage to protect against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that you, your family members, or your pets may cause to others.
• Ensure your policy offers coverage for additional living expenses in case you need to live elsewhere while your home is being repaired. • Review any policy exclusions in case purchasing additional coverage is needed.To get a quote from this local hard-working team, visit www.mydawsonassociates.com
“What are the biggest misconceptions homeowners have about home insurance? Standard policies cover all natural disasters. Typically, events like floods and earthquakes require additional coverage.”
ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER
“There are several key elements to consider when designing a livable backyard,” Justin says. “Most importantly, it’s the site itself and the homeowner’s goals.”
space but need a little guidance to make it picturesque and homey? Well, you’re in luck because you have the owner of Waconia Landscaping Co., Justin Goche, and his talented team just around the corner, ready to help make this your season of al fresco serenity and style.
“There are several key elements to consider when designing a livable backyard,” Justin says. “Most importantly, it’s the site itself and the homeowner’s goals.” Justin explains that what draws people out of their houses is different for everyone, but he and his team find one thing the same: patios and firepits are two basic elements that move them from the couch to the open air.
It’s almost officially spring, which means we’re knocking on the door of the most wonderful season of the year in Minnesota – patio season. How do we know for sure? Well, the air doesn’t hurt our faces, and everyone seems to be the happiest they’ve ever been in their entire lives. Sound dramatic? We don’t think so, and if you live in Minnesota, you don’t either. It’s time to dine, gather, and Zoom in the great outdoors. That’s right, working inside is so 2024. But you don’t have a cozy and comfortable outdoor living area to lounge in? You have the
“These spaces are often enhanced with landscape plantings to soften the hardscape (the decorative nonplant elements) and add privacy. Perennial and vegetable gardens are another element used to create a more livable backyard.” Trends that Justin and his team are currently seeing include sustainable landscapes using bold new materials in paving and unique Corten steel and natural stones in retaining features – these tend to last much longer and complement homes without having to change over with each new fad.
“In every design consultation, we put
special
emphasis
on
drawing out each client’s vision for their space.”
“Low maintenance is a term we continually hear and has become foundational when designing a space. Most new irrigation systems are installed with smart controllers that you can control in the palm of your hand. This allows for better and easier maintenance of plants and turf areas; similarly, app-based landscape lighting controllers and LED fixtures are replacing old inefficient lighting systems.”
Balance is another key term for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces. “We look again to our client’s goals and budget for each project, then balance the scale to achieve the goals intended for the patio or firepit space while considering the size of planting beds for both maintenance and effect.” He says that the selection of materials in both the hardscape and softscape (the organic
components that bring life and vibrancy to an area) is what balances the pendulum on the aesthetically pleasing side. “Learning about each unique property and client through our design consultation process is the fun part of designing their landscape.”
If you belong to the busy homeowner population who wants a beautiful backyard without a lot of upkeep, Justin highlights the idiom we’ve heard time and time again: less is more. He suggests keeping expansive turf open for kids and pets to run around and play on. “It’s a lot easier to mow the lawn than to care for large plant beds. However, for the plant beds you choose to add, use native plants to reduce maintenance and choose landscape rocks over mulch, which will cut down on the annual care of the beds.”
If you’re a member of the cost-conscious but style-minded homeowner population who wants to elevate their existing outdoor living space without spending a lot of money, Justin recommends thinning out plants and adding some new young vegetation. However, he believes the most impactful way to enhance a space is to add quality outdoor lighting.
“Lighting brings a whole new dimension and allows for your outdoor haven to be enjoyed longer into the evening in the summer. It also changes the dynamics of the yard through the longer winter months.” And speaking of winter months, to create a cozy and inviting vibe out in the elements, Justin says to start by choosing flooring materials that are unique to the style and architecture of the home and client. Next, add freestanding seat walls to make the space more intimate by creating an outdoor room.
“Then comes the fun part for the homeowner when they get to add their distinctive flair with outdoor furniture. Couches and loveseats with end tables are an amazing way to enhance any outdoor gathering space, making it a cozy place to gather and relax. Add a portable gas firetable, and you’ve created a whole new atmosphere.”
So you’re ready to take your backyard from boring to brilliant; how does it work? “This is the fun part of what we do!” Justin shares. “In every design consultation, we put special emphasis on drawing out each client’s vision for their space. Some clients have a general idea of what elements they want to incorporate, some have it down to the fine details, and some are somewhere in between. “I often tell clients that I am just a liaison – I get to work with what they have: their goals, vision, site, and budget, and turn it into what they want!” And what you want is to experience working with Waconia Landscaping Co. so you can live your best outdoor life.
https://www.waconialandscapingco.com/
Before was wasted space below this deck. Waconia Landscaping removed an older, small patio and moved the deck steps to the opposite side to create additional outdoor entertaining spaces.
Waconia Landscaping designed this client’s pool to maximize sun exposure, while the elevated cabana house offers a scenic overlook. Featuring an outdoor grill, a covered hammock area, and central lounge with TV and fireplace, the cabana also has large sliding doors that open for summer and close with heat for winter comfort.
Selling Success Starts Here
HEATHER REICHENBERGER OF RE/MAX
RESULTS SHARES ADVICE TO GET YOUR HOME MARKET-READY
ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER
Now that you can breathe a little easier after the busy holiday season, cold winter weather, and all the sickness that came with it, you’re ready to take the plunge and put your house on the market. But where do you start, and what should you know? Heather Reichenberger, Real Estate Agent at RE/ MAX Results, says you’ll need a fresh coat of neutral paint.
“Sellers preparing their homes can expect buyers who won’t want to do a lot of work. Many of today’s buyers are looking for exactly what they want and aren’t looking to earn much sweat equity; buyers are busy and on the go,” she shares. She says that taking your agent’s advice on what needs to be done before listing your home will go a long way. Yes, strategies like a fresh coat of neutral paint and hiring a professional photographer to help with online interest are effective, but it’s also important to consider what you’d want to see when shopping for your new home. “Look at your house from a buyer’s perspective – this will give you a big advantage.” Heather also advises prioritizing the less is more mindset. “Pack up the personal items you can live without and open up your home, leaving it free from clutter.”
Just as significant as preparing your home is setting the right price point. “Insisting on starting at a higher listing price than recommended will do you no favors in this tight market. Doing so will knock off many potential buyers by putting it at a higher starting price point. This can kill the listing, essentially leading to price reductions.” Heather admits it’s not foolproof, but she and her colleagues work hard to get that ideal starting point to draw the most buyers right away.
And if you’re wondering how your house will fare location and feature-wise, Heather notes that all of Waconia is very popular right now. “It’s such a highly desired area to live in. The downtown area is especially great due to its easy access to the town’s amenities.” When it comes to features, Heather shares that most buyers with families are looking for at least two bathrooms and a bedroom for each child. They also want plenty of garage space and storage. Buyers with fur babies are looking for fenced-in yards for their dogs and additional living space outdoors. And, of course, the primary bedroom having a suite-like feel is a great feature and desired by many.
While you’re busy purging and painting, remember, you get to start looking for your next home too! Heather says as far as new-build homes go, the custom homes off Highway 284 are definitely worth seeing. “These aren’t your usual cookie-cutter builds. With multiple builders involved in the development, it gives them a diverse feel and buyers many choices.”
If you’re looking for an answer to the question, “Is it a buyer or seller’s market?” Heather explains that right now, buyers have more options, and houses are sitting longer than she’s seen in recent years. “But sellers shouldn’t worry! Home values are holding strong, and more buyers will come very soon with the better weather!”
If you’d like to get in touch with Heather, you can find her here! https://heathersresults.com/ or at 952-356-6663.
“Sellers preparing their homes can expect buyers who won’t want to do a lot of work. Many of today’s buyers are looking for exactly what they want and don’t want to earn much sweat equity.”
ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER
WHAT’S NEW in Waconia
YOU ARE. AND WE’RE HERE TO HELP.
We welcome new businesses to the block with celebratory ribbon cuttings and usher in new parks with grand openings (usually with ice cream and balloons to boot), but what if you’re what’s new in the area? We like to supply newbies with a bit more — helpful resources and friendly, skillful connections, so you’ll know who to turn to when you need a helping hand with your beautiful new home. And you know it’s coming – you just moved – needing a little support is a given. Also, are you exhausted? Do you need some caffeine? Give us a call. We have a guy for that, too.
“We
like to supply newbies with a bit more— helpful resources and friendly, skillful connections, so you’ll know who to turn to when you need a helping hand with your beautiful new home.”
Agape Builders: Bought the lot but need the house? Based in Saint Bonifacius, Agape Builders is the custom home builder you want on your side when you turn your dream into a reality. agapebuilders.com
Sage Flooring: For high-quality products and skilled craftsmanship, Sage Flooring has you and your home… covered. sageflooring.wixsite.com/sageflooring
Budget Blinds Victoria: You’ll definitely want to incorporate your style, along with a touch of privacy, into your new home. Give this team a call to guide you through your window makeover journey. budgetblinds. com/western-carver-mcleod-counties-mn
Clean-Cut Lawn Care: This full-service lawn maintenance company takes the stress out of yard work and puts beauty into your outdoor space. cleancutmn.com
Crimson Copper Plumbing: It’s not fun when a plumbing issue arises, but knowing you have reputable experts a phone call away can make all the difference. crimsoncopper.com
Highmark Custom Homes & Remodeling: Your walk-in closet is a tad small, and you might want to reconfigure that mudroom. Who should you call? The talented professionals at Highmark Custom Homes & Remodeling! highmarkbuilders.com
Hometown Bank Victoria: And you’ll need financing for those projects! Good thing Hometown Bank Victoria is just down the road. myht.bank/locations/victoria
Permanent Coating Solutions: Does part of your dream home plan involve a Man Cave? Permanent Coating Solutions can help with floors, cabinets, and so much more. permanentcoatingsolutions.org
Picture Perfect Landscapes & Designs: From retaining walls and decks to outdoor living spaces, patios, and walkways, this dedicated crew will make it ‘picture perfect’ for you. pictureperfectland.com
Gongoll Beef: While you’re busy unpacking from the move, make dinner easy and stock your freezer with quality, local meat from Gongoll Beef. Call (612) 849-8125
The Shed & Fence Company - Saint Bonifacius: Buster is requesting a fence so he can run safe circles in his new yard, and you’ll want the ultimate in professional fencing services to do it. shedandfenceco.com
Signature Electric Co.: Servicing the community for over 20 years, Signature Electric, Co. is here to support all your electrical needs. signatureelectric.net
Vann Heating & Air: This team offers a wide range of heating and cooling services, specializing in additions and remodels. Their master-certified technicians provide efficient, thorough 5-star service.vannheating.com
Victoria Automotive Repair: This award-winning auto repair shop truly cares about its customers and prides itself on working together to solve your car care issues. victoriaautomotiverepair.com
WE ASK THE EXPERT ON WHAT’S IN AND HOW TO INCORPORATE TRENDS WHILE KEEPING YOUR DESIGN TIMELESS
5 Kitchen Trends for 2025
ARTICLE BY LAUREN BEAUBAIRE
We spend a lot of time in our kitchens. Even if your specialty is reheating yesterday’s takeout, creating a kitchen you love and want to be in is essential. So much of our day begins and ends there. And a few times in between if you’re feeling snackish. If you’re ready to remodel or refresh your kitchen, Matt Stenzel, owner of Artistic Visions Cabinetry, shares five kitchen design trends he’s seeing in 2025, plus tips on incorporating trends while keeping your kitchen timeless.
1. Massive center islands. “I call them ‘small continents’ rather than islands,” says Matt. “They’re 12-16 feet long and 4-6 feet wide and are designed for multiple purposes, often with various heights to accommodate use zones.”
2. White Oak has peaked. “While white oak is still very popular, I’m seeing more people trend away from this type of wood for their cabinets.”
3. Painted, natural-finished, and stained wood cabinet combos. “We have more projects that use multiple species of natural wood. Currently, we’re working on a project with dark walnut, light hard maple, and white oak alongside a few painted cabinets.”
4. Frameless Euro-style cabinets. The sleek aesthetic of frameless cabinets is trending for 2025. “Inset framed cabinets might be the least popular due to their
cost as they take precision and are the hardest to make. But, when done right, I think inset framed cabinets look the best.”
5. Fewer open-concept kitchens. “Nationally, the open-concept kitchen design is shifting. People are separating the kitchen from the living areas. However, locally, I think our Midwest culture of entertaining and hosting gatherings will keep the open concept going for a long time.”
Love the trends but want to make sure your kitchen design stays timeless? Matt advises, “If you’re set on following a trend, do it with a nod to the classics. I don’t think you’ll ever go wrong with natural finishes or classic stains on wood. You can create character, contrast, and visual appeal through the use of different woods like walnut, cherry, hickory, mahogany, and maple.
If you love the painted cabinet look, Matt suggests going with an ivory or bone white rather than a bright white. “If you’re going to go with a bold color, dark natural colors are more timeless — think dark grays, greens, or burgundy tones rather than bright. However, one advantage with painted cabinets is that you can always have them repainted to keep them on trend!”
https://www.avcabinets.com/
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MARCH 1ST
Spring Flower Show
Landscape Arboretum | 9:00 AM
Escape the cold and immerse yourself in a celebration of vibrant color, rich textures, enchanting fragrance, and lush, green floral vignettes at the Arboretum’s Spring Flower Show through March 16! Enjoy special events like After Hours with the Flowers and a Tea Party with a selection of traditional teas and tea sandwiches, soup, pastries, and other delightful treats. Learn more: https://arb.umn.edu/
MARCH 1ST
Waconia’s Show Choir Spectacular
Waconia High School | 2:00 PM
The Waconia Show Choirs are back for another spectacular performance! Choir groups The Current, Power Company, and Spotlight Acts will perform. There will be two performances during the day, and the show choir seniors will be honored at the last performance. The first show begins at 2pm and the last show starts at 7pm. Learn more and get your tickets: https://waconiachoirs.org/events/spectacular-exhibition/
MARCH 8TH
March Craft + Makers Market
ENKI Brewing | 2:00 PM
Drop by ENKI Brewing on Saturday, March 8 from 2pm-6pm for their monthly indoor marketplace. You're always sure to find something new. Come grab a beer at the bar, then stroll on into the events room and shop for locally made goods from great vendors!
MARCH 15TH
Luck O' the Lake Run
Excelsior Brewing Co. | 7:30 AM
Embrace the Irish spirit at this year's Luck O' the Lake! Don't miss this community-favorite St. Patty's Day event as participants race along the scenic shores of Lake Minnetonka in a 5k and 1-mile run. Don't miss the post-race party at Excelsior Brewing Company and enjoy a locally brewed beer while watching a magician and Rince na Griene Irish Dancers. https://www.excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com/luck-o-the-lake/
MARCH 16TH
Schramrock St. Paddy's Party
Schram Haus | 12:00 PM
Celebrate St Patrick's Day in style a day early on Saturday, March 16th, with live music, Irish dancers, and all the green fun! Plus, Llama Mama will visit with festive St Patty's Llamas from 12pm-2pm. This is a free event, so dress in your best greens, grab some luck o' the Irish, and come on out to the Haus!
MARCH 22ND
Maple Syrup Festival
Baylor Regional Park | 10:00 AM
Tap into the fun and head to Baylor Regional Park for a sweet time! Experience the entire maple syruping process, from tapping the tree to boiling down the syrup, and learn about its ties to Minnesota history. Then, taste test the final product with their delicious Maple Syrup Brunch, including pancakes, bacon, oatmeal, coffee, and ice cream! Learn more: https://www.carvercountymn.gov/departments/ public-works/parks-recreation/general-parks-information/events-activities/annual-special-events
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