Real Estate & Home Services, 2023

let’s talk curb appeal

EXPERT

TIPS FOR A MONEY-MAKING MAKEOVER

Questions about the marketplace? Call ME today for your current Market Evaluation.

Sleeping Bear Woods

One of a kind, beautifully appointed, 4BR/2.5BA contemporary Colonial home on coveted Old Mission Peninsula. Fabulous sunrise and moonrise views. Level lot with few steps to the water’s edge. 100’ sandy water frontage. Beach house/bungalow surrounded by decking. Enjoy bay views from the living room, dining room and the upper level. The kitchen, breakfast and family rooms overlook the lushly landscaped and terraced backyard. Front and back screened porches. Impeccably updated and maintained, there is a long list of updates and upgrades -- a tour is a must to appreciate all this Old Mission gem has to offer! #1911933 $1,200,000

Large, exceptionally well-built, quality home. Panoramic countryside views. Expansive front porch for quiet moments or entertaining. 4 bedrooms. Chef’s kitchen. Large multiple living areas. Fitness room. Studio. Large bonus room. Spacious walkout lower level could be guest suite. Massive workshop. Outbuildings and livestock allowed. Moments away from East Bay water sports, golf courses, Flintfields Horse Show, GT Resort, casino, and TC amenities.

$899,000 MLS# 1910919

Yearning for a nostalgic waterfront and acreage property? Explore this extraordinary, one-owner treasure:1100’ private shoreline on idyllic Bellows Lake with 36.54 hardwood acres; surrounded by State forest. Exceptional fishing, nesting loons, cruising water recreation, serene views. (30x42) pole barn, attached one stall garage, plus (24x30) detached 1.5 story garage + 22x28 workshop. Home renovated in the 80s (original was a cottage built in 1954): Brick FP, ponderosa pine floors, 4 BRs include one attic BR w/closet, 2 baths. May your dreams REST here.

Michael Wnek

Cara McDonald

Elizabeth Edwards

Carly Simpson

Allison Jarrell

Rachel Soulliere

Elizabeth Aseritis

Caroline Dahlquist

Tim Hussey

Theresa Burau-Baehr

Rachel Watson

Julie Parker

Erin VanFossen

Mike Alfaro

Ann Gatrell

Julie James

Meg Lau

Kirk Small

Erin Lutke

Ashlyn Korienek

Nichole Earle

Beth Putz

CONTENTS

4

LET’S TALK CURB APPEAL

In this housing market, you’re going to need a little imagination to see a home’s true potential. But with the right vision, and some expert advice, you can transform a drab exterior into something downright dreamy.

11

THE LEGACY CONTINUES

Honor these five key elements, and you’ll create a Northern Michigan home that lasts for generations.

13

CURVE APPEAL

A beautiful arched front door. A round window at the end of a hallway. Curvaceous shapes are key architectural elements that lend a home a sense of relaxation, spontaneity and surprise.

15

PAINLESS PAINTING

Use low-maintenance ceramic-based paint to save the classic siding and woodwork you love.

19 BUILD LOCAL, BUY LOCAL

Tips and know-how from longtime Northern Michigan building-supply pros.

21 LOVE YOUR LAKE LIFE

How to make the most of a lakefront setting when building your dream home.

25

4 THINGS YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT HOME AUDIO

From outdoor speakers nestled in your landscaping to hidden sound panels in your house, Waara Technologies will revolutionize your home.

31

EXTEND YOUR OUTSIDE-LIVING SEASON

How to make your porch work like a room.

33

10 SURPRISING SHED IDEAS

The backyard shed is cool again. Like really cool.

36

HOME SERVICES GUIDE

Find local pros for every project.

by CARA MCDONALD, CARLY SIMPSON & EMILY TYRA

let’stalkcurbappeal

In this housing market, you’re going to need a little imagination to see a home’s true potential. But with the right vision and some expert advice, you can transform a drab exterior into something downright dreamy.

LET’S TALK: PUMP UP A PLAIN FAÇADE

The Expert: Bradley Butcher, AIA, Sidock Group, Gaylord

T ip #1: Add dimension to a drab exterior. Architect Bradley Butcher’s homes always have a backstory: this is the tale of a ho-hum gingerbread chalet owned by a single man, Frank from Gaylord, who fell in love with a gal named Jill in Chicago. They were meant to live happily ever after—but not before his dated Hansel-and-Gretel-style house underwent a transformation for the ages.

The home nestled in the winding hills of the community of Michaywé is “a standard Michaywé chalet and, over the years, a lot of folks have been reimagining them,” explains Butcher. “The original generation of these homes have a center front door, and no front porch—a pseudo balcony over the front door is all you get for dimension. We knew we needed to add some depth.” People now go by this house and smile, he says. Here’s how they got there:

Tip #2: Put a porch on it. “Most architects will say you want to know where the front door is,” says Butcher. “A house has to have a place that welcomes visitors,” especially in the Northern Michigan elements. Bonus: a front porch is a gracious extension of your living space—“it’s like an outdoor room overlooking the front yard and a great place to hang out.”

Tip #3: Ditch non-functional details (and add some hard-working ones!). As part of its Craftsman-style conversion, this home had its faux balcony peeled away, as well as all of the gingerbread scalloped trim. Texture now comes via the lap siding and some cedar shake shingles, plus “a reverse gable over the garage, which adds interest to the left half of the house, and sheds water and snow away from the garage door.”

Tip #4: Add an arch. The arch feature and barrel vault ceiling on the porch highlight the front door, “creating a portal and a feeling you are sheltered and out of the elements.”—E.T.

From dated chalet to cute and cottagey, a new porch and façade changed the entire vibe of this Gaylord home.

BEFORE AFTER photos courtesy of Bradley Butcher

LET’S TALK: TRANSFORMATION WITH PAINT

The Expert: Ashlee Carnes, Carnes Painting and Gardening, Lake Ann

Tip #1: Plan a pleasing color combo. Instead of thinking of your house as a singular color opportunity—which can feel very flat and one-note—embrace the idea of a complete palette with multiple colors all singing together. “Shutters, porches, pillars, trim and other architectural details should stand out and make a statement, and paint is the perfect way to highlight them,” says Ashlee Carnes, who, with sister Brandi, runs Carnes Painting and Gardening. Carnes never travels without her monster paint chip wheel and encourages clients to sift and sort, even change their mind mid-project if need be, in the pursuit of creating interest and choosing colors that make you happy.

To create a more design-y feel, pull complementary and unexpected colors together—like a navy house with a turquoise front door, bright orange patio furniture and creamy white trim. Other combos? Sage + cream + yellow, lime + powder blue + white blue, slate + creamy white + rust, gray + white + cobalt blue, lavender + purple + white. Combinations are endless, but the magic is in the mix, which can be hard to nail. “This is where a paint and design pro can really guide you. I always encourage people to play,” Carnes says. “Don’t be boring. You can always change it. It’s just paint.”

Tip #2: Watch your whites. Ever been to the “white” section of the paint chips and basically lost your mind, there are so many to choose from? That’s because there is no such thing as one perfect white, especially when you’re pairing with other colors. A rich slate color will feel cold and gray with a stark white, but an alabaster, dove or chamois white will make it feel rich and inviting. Whites can have hints of peach, blue, yellow, green and beyond, so be sure your white wants to play well with your palette.

Tip #3: Let the front door have a moment. Not willing to repaint the whole house? Focus on the front door, and whatever you choose, make it anything but boring old brown or “meh” white. “A front door can be a safe way to play with color and still make a statement,” Carnes says. “There’s a lot of potential for personality there.” Turquoise, lime green, soft apricot, bold

red, soothing sage, glossy black—anything but brown or white creates not only a memorable entrance, but also adds a style note that can set the tone for matching furniture, window boxes, mailboxes, planters and other accents.

Tip #4: Prepare to prep. Hiring a paint pro isn’t cheap and DIYing is certainly an option, but in order to get the job done right you may need to power wash, sand, scrape and prime— laborious steps that can require days of work and specialized tools. “Honestly, prep is the most time-consuming and most important,” Carnes says. “When you nail that part, the painting goes much more smoothly and quickly.” —C.M.

LET’S TALK: A FRESH LANDSCAPE

The Expert: Dave Grossi, Landscape Architect/ Design Director, Drost Landscape, Petoskey

Tip #1: Lean into native plants. “One of the most impactful things you can do for your landscape is to learn the native plant palette in your area and utilize them,” says Landscape Architect Dave Grossi. In Northern Michigan, around the lakes, that means plants such as Carex, Lobelia, Iris, Asclepias (milkweed), Eupatorium, Viburnum, fern varieties and others. “These plants are at home here because of the availability to water the soils provide,” Grossi explains. “Used in organized patterns or masses, native plants will bring a connection of the natural environment surrounding us to your home.”

Tip #2: Walk on solid ground. “Whether you hire a landscape professional or you’re a DIYer, if you are looking to install a walkway, you must take your time and be persistent in building a a solid base,” Grossi says. “Most of our soils here are sand but have a shallow organic makeup at the surface.”If the organics are removed, they can be spread elsewhere on your property for various purposes. Getting down to the sand layer, providing a bed of crushed aggregate and a good compaction will solidify the ground enough to install a walkway of your choice. Large irregular flagstone (limestone, sandstone or granite) is a popular selection for cottage owners who want pathways to wind through their gardens.

Tip #3: Sketch it out. “If you don’t have a vision for how the space will take form, the final product may fall short of your expectations,” Grossi says. “Hand-sketching your ideas on paper is an easy method that will help problem-solve issues you might not be aware of at first glance, and in turn, save you time and money. If you don’t have a natural knack for sketching, you can always hire a landscape architect or garden designer to assist you. Proper planning goes a long way and should not be discounted to save time.” —C.S.

The ultimate goal of the Architect is to create a paradise... every house should be a fruit of our endeavor to create an earthly paradise for people.

Photo by Maconochie Photography

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The Legacy Continues

by CHASE EDWARDS

Dane Englert was living in the Arizona desert, working for the U.S. Green Building Council—a third party certifying body for sustainable building design and construction—before he decided to move back to the lush forests of the Midwest where he would be closer to family. Looking to purchase a locally owned and reputable business, he found The Ferraro Group, an acclaimed Traverse City-based custom-home design and construction company.

Friends familar with the region assured Englert his outdoorsy personality was a great fit. As it turns out, Englert and The Ferraro Group founder and owner, Mike Ferraro, were an equally good match. The two, recalls Englert, gelled at their first meeting—both had formerly worked in the auto industry and shared similar values when it came to efficiency and production. Englert purchased The Ferraro Group in March 2023, and has worked closely with Ferraro to ensure a seamless transition. “I’m here to learn what’s been working and then apply it to continue the legacy,” Englert says.

Indeed, The Ferraro Group has built its reputation on a legacy of designing and building fine, timeless—often known as legacy—homes that will be cherished for generations to come. With in-house interior design and an experienced quality central management team, they manage the local

skilled tradesmen and women from site prep to finished home to turn their clients’ dreams into reality. Their process includes these five elements that help define a Northern Michigan legacy home:

• Custom Woodwork:  Beautifully crafted custom woodwork, says Englert, is one of the most important traditions of The Ferraro Group. “The millwork, trim and custom woodwork is what really sets a legacy home apart from the crowd,” says Englert. “It’s what people see and remember. It creates an impression.” The team has an interior designer who works closely with carpenters when designing custom woodwork such as built-in bookshelves, custom window seats and bunkbeds.

• Interior and Exterior Stonework: Stonework, including fireplaces and foundations, is a surefire way to bring a timeless feel to your Northern Michigan home. “We have some great masons working with us,” Englert says, adding that he encourages customers to incorporate stone because it creates a feeling of heftiness and quality. “We also have a lot of beautiful rocks in Michigan and we can bring that element inside the home,” he says.

• Energy-Efficient Products:  Englert’s background in green buildings means he’s well-versed in energy efficient products, and can easily source them for his customers. He knows which products off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can point clients toward the safest products—from rugs to cooking ranges. Englert recommends incorporating sustainable systems such as natural lighting designs, air sealing around the floor systems and HVAC systems  with high-efficiency Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings.

• Low-Maintenance Products:  Legacy homes are about enjoying—not choring. Englert and his colleagues often point clients to low-maintenance products like metal roofing, composite decking, and even metal siding products. “Metal siding products have come a long way,” says Englert. “They don’t fade like they used to and they’re really durable, longlasting and recyclable.”

• Connection to the Outdoors:  “Most people choose to live in Northern Michigan because they love the outdoors,” says Englert—which is why he recommends screened-in porches and/or large decks. “You have more living space when you can open it up to the outside.”

Honor these five key elements, and you’ll create a Northern Michigan home that lasts for generations.

photo courtesy of Ferraro Group

Curve

Appeal

Looking for eye-catching impact? Incorporate graceful curves with custom millwork.

by LUCINDA HAHN

Rectangular windows. A peaked roof. Straight walls intersecting with a hardwood floor. A home is often a study in orderly, linear shapes. Still, maybe you’ve noticed a neighbor’s beautiful arched front door that seems so welcoming. Or perhaps a round window at the end of a hallway, revealing porthole-like views of a distant lake. Curvaceous shapes are key architectural elements that lend a home a sense of relaxation, spontaneity and surprise. “And because they’re rare in project design, they attract the eye and add excitement to a space,” says Andy Thomas, founder of Thomas & Milliken Millwork, Inc., a Northern Michigan millwork company.

His firm’s busy workshop in Northport is reached via a stretch of M-22 that winds and bends along West Grand Traverse Bay. That’s fitting, because while Thomas & Milliken makes all manner of millwork, from wall paneling to staircases, it has made a specialty of crafting curved forms—the sort that elevate a home from standard to spectacular. Equipped with computer-controlled machinery (CNC routers) manned by woodworkers with the requisite skill, precision and patience, the firm is uniquely positioned to do so. “Creating anything curved,” Thomas says, “is a final exam for woodworkers.”

Curve curious? Here’s some advice for how to stray from the straight-and-narrow:

Focus on the places where you want to draw attention.  You might have a high ceiling in the dining room, for instance. “If you look up, and it’s just drywall, that can be dull,” Thomas explains. “Consider a coffered ceiling with a circular center, with the circle creating a bit of a surprise and also a focal point.” A front door, or a doorway into a special room such as a library,

could be arched to add distinction. A staircase might be flared, with a curved banister, to create panache in a foyer. On balconies, the handrail—though typically straight—can be curved to lend a softer look.

Seek out expertise. Exploring a showroom, such as Thomas & Milliken’s outposts in Petoskey and Traverse City, is a good way to get ideas. “You can see examples of every type of trim,” Thomas says, including hundreds of molding variations, from those with traditional patterns to more recent designs. The experienced staff is a resource, too. “They are well-versed in reading blueprints and identifying what needs to be filled in by the homeowner or builder, as well as applying the products to the architectural design.”

Less can be just right. “You don’t have to have a lot of curves to create an impact,” Thomas says. A crown molding with a French curve (concave at the outer edge and convex at the inner edge) can add just enough of an accent to achieve old-world charm. Whether you’d like two round columns to stand sentry at the entrance to your living room, or a kitchen island graced with a curved wooden countertop, “any little extra curved treatment can really enhance a space. It doesn’t take a lot.”

The pros at Thomas & Milliken are able to craft custom millwork with a hands-on approach, no matter your inspiration. They thrive on helping DIY-ers, homeowners, architects and designers give projects that “uniquely you” touch. Their full mill shop can supply everything from graceful curves, to accurate representations of period millwork, and a boundless supply of straight-line moldings, doors, windows, stair parts and siding.

inset photo courtesy of Thomas & Milliken

Creating anything curved is the final exam for woodworkers.

Priceless Painting

by LISA BLAKE

Northern Michigan’s long-standing Victorian homes, lakeside cottages, ranches and bungalows summon a sense of architectural—and oftentimes multi-generational—pride. Homeowners work diligently, painting and repainting cedar, aluminum and vinyl siding every three to five years to keep up with the cracking, peeling and fading delivered by intense Michigan ultraviolet rays and sub-zero moisture.

But one thing is for sure: It’s a lot of work. And homeowners are turning away from latex paint’s strip-prime-repaint cycle and looking to a longer lasting alternative: ceramic-based Rhino Shield. Licensed Rhino Shield paint dealers Sheryl and Marc Mercier have been backing the brand since they opened Timeless Coatings, LLC in Brighton, Michigan, 15 years ago.

“We eliminate that maintenance headache,” Marc Mercier says. “The Rhino Shield business model is, let’s paint you once and give you a product that won’t fade or chip. It’s a 3M ceramic coating; basically a permanent paint job.”

The low-maintenance ceramic coating is gaining ground as a smarter option to preserving old siding and woodwork without covering it up with toxic vinyl. Here’s how it stands up to Michigan weather.

Insulating Barrier: Rhino Shield’s secret weapon lies in its ceramic microspheres that pack tightly together with pockets of air forming a protective barrier. These insulating microspheres replace the inexpensive fillers found in typical exterior paint and reflect radiant energy, keeping heat outside and cool air inside.

“It’s ten times thicker than paint,” Mercier explains. “Regular paint contains high water content. When that water evaporates, you’re left with just a thin coat of paint. With our product, you’re left with a thick, rich coat that adds a level of insulation.”

Solar Reflectance: Unheard of in the exterior home painting industry, Rhino Shield actually reflects solar rays away from your home, lowering wall surface temperatures and cooling your home while reducing energy consumption.

“It reflects all that heat so that your wall space is cooler, which in turn means your AC comes on less,” Mercier says of the Energy Star-rated product.

Waterproofing: Wind, rain and snow take a toll over time, causing deterioration and damage. Rhino Shield seals to the surface and helps prevent water penetration. The ultra-tough ceramic coating also exceeds Federal Wind-Driven Rain Specification at 98 miles per hour and uses a proprietary EPA-registered mold, mildew, fungus and algae additive.

Breathability: Trapped water and condensation in nonpermeable coatings are the leading causes of coating failure and contribute to mold and mildew growth. Pores in Rhino Shield ceramic coating repel water while permitting vapor to escape, allowing your home to breathe.

Elasticity: As historic Victorians and old lakefront cottages age even further, latex paint cracks and peels because of the home’s natural tendency to expand and contract. Ceramic-based paint is flexible, flowing with the house so there’s no cracking or peeling.

Longer Lasting: Because it contains less water than latex paint and includes ceramic microspheres, Rhino Shield lasts years longer than regular latex paint and comes with a 25-year warranty against cracking, chipping and peeling. The thicker ceramic paint also includes mildicide, which prevents mold and mildew.

Ringing in at about the same price as vinyl siding, Rhino Shield is allowing Michigan homeowners to maintain the natural look of their homes without the constant upkeep factor.

Use low-maintenance ceramic-based paint to save the classic siding and woodwork you love.

photo courtesy of Rhino Shield

1381

Martin Drive, Frankfort MI

3 Bed / 3 Baths

1,640 Sq. Ft. / 3 Car Garage

MLS #1911819 $445,000

Enjoy main-level living with this immaculately maintained family home- nestled just outside the city of Frankfort on a spacious 1.5-acre lot. This home o ers room for everyone, with three bathrooms, 3-Bedrooms, ample storage space and whole house Generac generator. Relish in year-round countryside views in the sunroom overlooking your open backyard with a large private deck and garden area— plenty of room for everyone, just up the hill from schools, parks, downtown Frankfort, Lake Michigan, and other amenities.

369 Benzie Street, Beulah MI 3 Bed / 2 Baths

1,852

Sq. Ft. MLS #1910658 $899,000

Newly Reinforced Veranda Foundation (June 15)-- helping to ensure this turn-of-the-century original masterpiece has all the updates! Providing ornate nishes and custom details throughout, creating a beautiful living space that is both elegant and comfortable. Mature hardwood mixed trees surround this property along with a well-landscaped and spacious lawn. The home’s second oor has a separate entrance option with a large deck/entertaining area for potential short-term rental income or guest privacy. Tucked away in the rolling hills of Crystal Lake, this home o ers breathtaking panoramic views with its OWN private Crystal Lake frontage. Boat ready lake frontage with 100’ dock and hoist included. This pristine freshwater shoreline provides everything that water enthusiasts could dream of. This home located just a minute’s walk from the quaint lakeside village of Beulah (shopping/dining) and the Betsie Valley Trail system.

7227 Crystal Drive, Beulah MI

4 Bed / 2 Baths / 2,264 Sq. Ft.

MLS #1910966 $849,000

Over 80 feet of private Crystal Lake frontage. This home maximizes entertaining and family fun with two living room areas with a main oor gas replace, enclosed porch areas, and two long-covered decks overlooking the beach. Over 80 feet of frontage includes a private dock and a marina a short distance away. Great place for kayaking, windsur ng, shing, or families (no road between home and lake). The workshop room creates a private space for hobbies or storage. Excellent natural lighting throughout the home provides open-concept living, dining, and kitchen areas. The beach area is complete with a re pit. Located a mile from downtown Beulah & Betsie Valley Trail.

Build Local, Buy Local

Tips and know-how from longtime Northern Michigan building-supply pros.

by EMILY TYRA

Time travel a moment with us: It’s 1963 in Benzie County, Michigan. The shiny new A&W opened a year ago, serving root beer floats car-side in Frankfort. Up the road, the screens at The Cherry Bowl Drive-In have played flicks under the Northern stars for just a decade. The Platte River State Fish Hatchery in Honor is well on its way to becoming Michigan’s salmon hatchery headquarters. Meanwhile, quaint village homes and cottages are popping up in town and on the shores of nearby Crystal and Platte lakes, and family fishing cabins are getting fixed up to welcome another season on the banks of the river.

Earl and Shirley Soderquist, a couple in Honor, recognized a need in their community: a local supplier of building materials and hardware products for contractors and DIYers. Honor Building Supply was born in 1963 (as well as their fourth daughter).

That daughter, Mary Rodriguez, is now vice-president/ owner of Honor-Onekama Building Supply alongside her husband, Doug Rodriguez. “I am grateful for what my parents founded and so very proud to be able to carry on the family business. All the blessings we have received have far outweighed the difficulties.”

Indeed, though big box stores have put immense pressure on independent, family-owned building supply stores across America, this local supplier in Benzie (and now Manistee) County has persevered: 2023 rings in 60 years in Honor and 25 in Onekama. “Now more than ever we believe buying local builds a stronger community for all of us,” shares Mary.

Here, a few close-to-home reasons why it’s worth hitting up an independently- and family-owned building supply company rather than the big guys:

Continuity in customer service: A local business carries a strong personal commitment to the outcome of projects as well as their longevity. “My parents led this business to success on the foundation of honesty and integrity,” says Mary. “They also

taught us to treat our employees the same way.” Members of their teams have served the local community for 20 and 30 years.

Familiarity with product: With long employee tenure comes deep knowledge of products and proper applications, so you get a project right the first time. After witnessing decades of his customers’ deck installations, Doug intimately knows how treated lumber and first- and second-generation composite decking performs in the Northern elements. He’ll share what he’d choose at his own home, and for you, depending on locale.

Knowledge of what questions to ask the DIYer: “With decks, garages and pole barns, instead of spitting out a plan that is not what they really want, we ask, ‘Where is it going to be on your property? Do you want windows? Where do you want your doors?’ Even the placement of a doorknob: with experience comes questions back to the customer.”

They know the builders: “We cater to the professional contractor, but anyone can walk in,” Mary says. Bonus: “Our sales team is in constant contact with contractors who went to school or learned on the job. Perhaps a customer has some drainage issue on his roof,” explains Doug. “We have a good relationship with professionals so we can ask, ‘Hey, what would you do in this case?’”

They are hands-on kitchen concierges: “The difference here is that we physically go out and measure,” says Mary of their kitchen sales team of two. “Kitchens are complicated, and if it’s your kitchen, you want this attention to detail.”

In the end, what inspires Rodriguez and team? “A business built on a foundation of knowledge, service and integrity makes a difference,” she says. “Remember when a handshake meant something? It still does, here.”

A local business carries a strong personal commitment to the outcome of projects as well as their longevity.

Love Your Lake Life

by LUCINDA HAHN

For many custom-home clients who build on the water, the dream is not only a gorgeous house with stirring views. It’s also the desire to create a generational through-line, a place to gather, bond and grow—one that will stay in the family for decades, passed down to kids, grandkids and beyond.

With so much riding on the outcome, a good architect must know how to maximize enjoyment of the lake, the landscape— and all those days of family memory-making. “Creating that connection to the water, and also to each other, is paramount to what we do,” says Nick Liebler, partner and president of Petoskeybased White & Liebler Architects.

Lake life is embedded in the firm’s DNA: Liebler is a Petoskey native and son of a custom-home builder, while the firm’s founder, Nick White, grew up spending summers at his family’s Northern Michigan cottage. They bring more than 50 years of experience designing residential lakefront architecture, and it shows in their exquisite designs, which marry modern elements,

such as ample glass, with traditional forms to create a sense of history.

Here, Liebler shares some guiding principles to help families pump up their enjoyment of life on the lake.

Buy a site that’s right for your lifestyle. “The architecture should respond to the site, not the other way around,” he explains. Want to walk out the back door and be steps from the water, without having to manage pesky stairs? Don’t buy a hilly site. Is porch-sitting while enjoying bird’s-eye views your favorite thing? Make sure a property’s elevation has room for the house to sit up high. “You don’t want to force the land into doing something it’s not.”

Maximize views in multiple ways. Advances in technology mean more glass can be used than 30 years ago—all the better to showcase those sublime lake vistas. “You are on the water for a reason, and bringing those views of the water everywhere into the house is important,” Liebler says. Good design also helps: Even rooms on a home’s back side can have sight lines to the lake. An office can have a pair of doors that open to a water view across the hallway, for instance. “We try to design so that you’re only ever one room away from the lake.”

Extend outdoor enjoyment. Your lakeside porch creates a connection to the water that should be comfortable nine months out of the year, not just three. Liebler often uses fireplaces, motorized screens and vinyl curtains, infrared heaters (tucked into a ceiling) and more, so the outdoor living spaces can be enjoyed even on chilly March or November days.

Build in waterfront-specific spaces. A delightful quirk of lake life is that guests may arrive by boat rather than car. “You want that lakeside door and entryway to be a nice, welcoming space,” Liebler says. This often includes built-ins, a bathroom with shower and tile floors suitable for wet feet and sand. A separate “beach storage room” is another essential, roomy enough to hold all those summer toys, which may include lifejackets, kayaks, even a sailboat.

Keep it simple. Lake homes are for escape and enjoyment, not angsting about upkeep. Liebler has found success with certain synthetic products “that have all the character of a 100-yearold cedar cottage, but are very low maintenance,” he says. “The goal is for owners to just enjoy their time on the water, from the time they pull into the driveway to the time they leave.”

How to make the most of a lakefront setting when building your dream home.

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4 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Home Audio

by ALLISON JARRELL

When warm weather arrives, we find ourselves lingering with a lemonade on the patio, meandering through our lush gardens and floating between soaking up the sunshine and seeking shade indoors. And if you’re a music lover, the ultimate way to set the vibe on days like these is a serotonin-boosting Spotify playlist, or taking your favorite record for a spin. Wouldn’t it be nice, though, if those melodies followed wherever the day takes you?

For Todd Waara and his team at Waara Technologies, audio (and visual) needs are personal. Their aim is to transform your home into a haven that matches your daily rituals. Do you like putting on some jazz while cooking? Listening to the news during your morning shower? Unwinding with a podcast while gardening? Waara has you covered. Here, their team shares the latest sound and visual trends.

Network is your foundation (literally). Say you buy a 2,000-square-foot home. It’s an older house, and you go to a big box store to grab a router. Then Spectrum comes by and installs a modem off in a corner somewhere. But the other side of the house now has weak service and slow internet speed. Sound familiar?

Embracing a good network is key when laying the foundation for audio and sound quality in your home. Waara recommends wiring network access points throughout the house, using commercial-grade products direct from the manufacturer. And while they’re happy to come troubleshoot problems after the fact, he also encourages new homeowners to reach out while they’re in the building stages, so they can wire rooms with personal preferences in mind.

“When you’re building a new house, at the end of the project, when the drywall is going on, is not the time to be thinking of us,” Waara says. “We have a lot of clients that bring us their blueprints and grab us early in the planning stages.”

“To get good sound, you still need a good network and it still needs to be wired,” Waara continues. “We’re not in the age of Star Trek yet.”

Home automation will exceed your expectations. We may not be living in Star Trek times quite yet, but talk to Waara about home automation options for a few minutes and you may feel like you’re entering another dimension. Automation today extends far beyond speakers and TVs in different rooms—Waara and his team can help automate almost anything, from thermostats, Nest doorbells and smart lightbulbs, to voice commands, Jacuzzis and irrigation. “We integrate it all into one app, which makes everything more convenient,” Waara says.

Sound equipment can be hidden pretty much anywhere … “In the last few years, outdoor sound has changed from just a couple speakers on the outside of a house or deck to being more intentional about trying to hide speakers,” Waara says, noting you can bury subwoofers and sneak speakers into landscape lighting.

Indoors, Waara highlights how the science of acoustics has morphed in recent years. Instead of using obvious sound panels to dampen echoing, Waara loves wood-like panels that blend seamlessly with wooden design elements. “You wouldn’t even know these are absorbing sound,” Waara says as he sifts through an array of maple-, oak- and mahoganyhued panels. He then points to what looks like a canvas-wrapped photo print on the wall— in actuality, it’s a front for sound-absorbing fiberglass mesh. “There are so many different styles you can go for,” he says.

… or it can be the bold (and stylishly old-school) centerpiece of a room. Between old-fashioned speakers and turntables straight from the ’60s and ’70s, making a statement with your sound gear is definitely on-trend. Vinyl sales even outpaced CD sales in the U.S. this year, for the first time since 1987. “We still have Spotify, Title and Pandora; they’re here to stay,” Waara says. “But the fun of having a turntable and playing an album, there’s nothing better than that.”

From outdoor speakers nestled in your landscaping to hidden sound panels in your house, these tech options will revolutionize your home.

photo courtesy of Waara Technologies

We integrate it all into one app, which makes everything more convenient.

Extend Your Outside-Living Season

by LISA BLAKE

Quiet dewy morning coffee time. A lazy afternoon curled-up reading session. Checkers and lemonade with the grandkids. A lot of life’s best moments take place on the porch. So why not make it a year-round destination?

“Closing in a screened-in porch with drop-down walls easily turns a three-season into a four,” says Doug Saul, co-owner of Advanced, Inc. Awnings & Upholstery. “Put small patio heaters out there and you can sit and enjoy the space comfortably in the middle of winter.”

The Acme, Michigan, biz specializes in high-quality commercial and residential awnings, creative designs and weather load–engineered frames.

Saul points to retractable and drop-down walls to extend the summer porch season well into late fall and beyond. His team uses ultra-durable Serge Ferrari vinyl fabric to create weatherresistant porch walls, providing all the hardware, fittings and

tubing needed for ambitious DIYers to complete the project themselves.

“Ferrari is very durable yet nice to look at, it doesn’t look like a tarp,” Saul says. He notes that alternative options like Sunbrella and Naugahyde fabrics wear out and fade faster in the Michigan sun and snow.

Adding resilient roofs, awnings or walls to your screened and non-screened outdoor spaces provides shelter from rain, snow and sun, opening up possibilities for more porch time throughout the year and adding to your home’s livable footprint. Even in the dead of winter.

“Everything we build is snow rated,” Saul says. “Any awning I put on will withstand a snowload and not be a danger to anyone underneath it. People say we overbuild, but I would rather be safe than sorry.”

Here are more tips for extending your porch season and creating a comfy living space that everyone will flock to:

• Choose suitable seasonal furniture. Delicate, artful rattan meshes well with summer, but doesn’t provide the cushy sink-in you’re craving on a crisp late-September evening.

• Use weather-resistant materials. Make sure your flooring, furniture and décor can all withstand Northern Michigan’s extreme hot and cold.

• Add color and texture. Think of this space as an extension of your family room and have fun with the design, calling in colorful rugs, throw pillows, blankets and plants.

• Make it a space for hosting. An easy roll-away bar or corner coffee station mean you can welcome dinner guests to a sunset nightcap or arrange for a cozy book club meet up.

• Install a fireplace or fire pit. Adding a gas fireplace or fire pit to your porch can create a pleasant homey ambiance, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space on cooler nights.

• Strategically place outdoor heaters. Another way to stay warm is to use small outdoor heating units. Adjustable wallmounted models allow for pivoting with the sun and breeze.

• Incorporate outdoor lighting. Create a soft glow for nighttime porch hangouts. Consider installing string lights or lanterns, or adding recessed lighting to your porch ceiling.

How to make your porch work like a room.

photo courtesy of Advanced Awnings

10 Surprising Shed Ideas

by CARLY SIMPSON

You’ve seen tool sheds and she sheds, but what about wellness studios, grandparent suites and movie theaters (yes, in sheds!)? “If you can dream it, we can do it,” says Holly Pahl, who owns Pahl’s Country Store in Buckley with her husband, Dave.

As Holly parks a Kubota UTV alongside the “Highland” shed, their bestseller, Pahl’s official greeters, corgis Oliver and Poppy, hop out and join us inside the 10x16-foot structure. A sweet porch out front and a higher roof pitch are highlights, making it a comfy option for guests staying with you on a weekend getaway or a roomy yoga, meditation and workout space.

Then Oliver and Poppy are on to the next shed, an 8x12foot greenhouse complete with electricity, a thermostat, 12-inch fan and a window—all you have to do is plug it in and get planting. Pahl’s even handles delivery, which is included in the cost.

Pahl’s partners with Weaver Barns, Mid Michigan Barns and North Edge Steel, each offering a variety of building styles and materials for completely customizable sheds, carports, barns and more. Or, choose an already built, ready-to-go design. “The nice thing about going through a dealer like us is that there’s no additional expense, and you’ve always got a person to call if anything goes wrong,” Holly says. “Luckily, we don’t have very many issues. We take great pride in the companies we work with.”

• Home office

• Collectibles shed

• Movie theater

• Music/rehearsal space

• Art studio

• Writing studio

Another perk: an online “3D Shed Builder” lets you virtually try out different siding options, porches, windows, flooring, roofing and colors, plus smaller details like flower boxes and shelves. (Find the tool at pahlscountrystore.com.) Customers can also stop by Pahl’s store in Buckley or one of six display lots in Cadillac, Cedar, Grawn, Honor, Kalkaska and, opening soon, Elk Rapids. Holly has been working at Pahl’s since 2017, and over the years has seen some incredible shed ideas come to life. “We get to do the coolest projects,” she says. “I love it when people come in and say, ‘I want to try this …’” Here, a few of Holly’s favorites:

• Chicken coop: Pahl’s coops come with chicken runs and also have nesting boxes that you can access and clean without going inside.

• Guest quarters/grandparents’ suite: Add a lofted bedroom to maximize your space.

• Wellness shed: Think meditation, yoga, strength training.

• Greenhouse: One customer put a hot tub inside their greenhouse, Holly shares. Talk about hygge.

The backyard shed is cool again. Like really cool.

photos courtesy of Pahl’s Country Store

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COOLEY CONTRACTING, LLC

More than 25 years of experience in building distinctive homes while exceeding the expectations of discriminating clients. We demonstrate a total commitment to quality while specializing in projects of all sizes. jim@cooleycontracting.com 6446

PAUL MAURER GENERAL CONTRACTING, INC.

Paul Maurer General Contracting has been building some of Northern Michigan’s finest, most innovative custom homes for more than 40 years. Call on Paul Maurer Home Services for expert handling of smaller projects, maintenance, and major home improvements. paulmaurer.com

Creating your dream home shouldn’t be an overwhelming experience. Let us guide you through the design process in a way that makes it fun & exciting! We provide design and construction. Initial consultation is complimentary. Call for appointment. homecabinetryandinteriors.com