A LWAY S L O C A L , A LWAY S B E AU T I F U L
MARCH/APRIL 2021
A TOUCH OF NA N T UCK ET I N N EBR A SK A F I N D I N G B A L A N C E I N B L U E WAT E R // R U S T I C + R E F I N E D // O P P O S I T ES AT T R AC T // L I V I N G R O O M C O N U N D R U M
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O M A H A M AG A Z IN E.CO M
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OmahaHome E N T R Y WAY
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CON TEN TS 1 3
OmahaHome Entr y way Double Heart Farm
OUR LIVING ROOM CONUNDRUM
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DIY
RE V IV ING HEIRLOOMS WITH A TOUCH OF GOLD
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Spaces
O P P O S I T E S AT T R A C T
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Feature
A TOUCH OF NANTUCK E T IN NEBR A SK A
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A rchitecture
PRET T Y AS A NEW ENGL AND PICTURE
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Feature
F I N D I N G B A L A N C E I N B L U E W AT E R
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Sponsored Section HOMEBUILDERS
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Har vest
COMPOS T IT!
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ASID Award Feature R U S T I C + R E F I N E D
“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.”
S
—L ADY BIRD JOHNSON
pringtime is the season for new beginnings. For rejuvenation. For looking ahead to the promising months before us.
It’s also the time of year when we all get out our spring cleaning checklists. There are so many things you can do to renew and add a spark back into your home design. Cleaning, rearranging, and decluttering are a big part of that for me. Next, I focus on the little things, such as bringing in new flowering plants, switching out my pillows, and changing up linens and towels, just to name a few. I also find that adding a candle or essential oils diffuser that offers a fresh scent when you walk in the door is always inviting. Lemongrass is a wonderful fragrance for spring. While organizing my home this year, I dusted off some family treasures that I inherited. Check out my DIY this issue and see a few simple, economical ways you can transform vintage pieces and work them in with your existing home decor. This issue you’ll also see two lovely living room makeovers—one full of color and pattern from Roger and Chris of Double Heart Farm; and a second featuring beautiful cultural and religious art and decor from Lisa and Tony Lupo. And don’t miss our feature on the Knowles family’s beautiful Nantucket-inspired residence. The home’s pale-blue accents, white cabinetry and trim, light textiles, and white oak floors make it feel like the very essence of spring! I hope my tips, and the homes inside this issue, inspire you to give your home a little extra love this spring. All our best, and happy reading!
Pale-blue cabinetry, gold hardware and accessories, and a rattan chair lend a feminine, beachy feel to Kate Knowles’ home office, which overlooks the family’s expansive backyard. Story on page 18. Photo by Bill Sitzmann.
Sandy Matson Contributing Editor
CREATE YOUR OWN ENVIRONMENT In nature, evolution can require a process of thousands of years. At Curt Hofer & Associates, helping you to create your environment is second nature to us. Bring your designs, your inspiration, your preferences, pictures and even pins. Together we’ll move through a process that lets you ease into a flawless execution of your ideal surroundings. Contact us today to see why Curt Hofer & Associates has earned top awards for our iconic design and inspired living spaces for more than 26 years. m Home Build sto er Cu
VOLUME 11 · Issue 2
EDITORIAL Managing Editor
DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Senior Editor TARA SPENCER
Associate Editor LINDA PERSIGEHL
Contributing Writers
HANNAH AMROLLAHI · JENNA GABRIAL GALLAGHER LINDI JANULEWICZ · LISA LUKECART · PATRICK M C GEE CHRIS STOUT-HAZARD · HOUSTON WILTSEY
CREATIVE Creative Director MATT WIECZOREK
Senior Graphic Designer DEREK JOY
Graphic Designer II MADY BESCH
Contributing Photographers
TOM KESSLER PHOTOGRAPHY · CHRIS STOUT-HAZARD
SALES Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing GIL COHEN
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Publisher’s Assistant & OmahaHome Contributing Editor SANDY MATSON
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Branding Specialists
PAUL BASHUS · DAWN DENNIS · GEORGE IDELMAN Contributing Branding Specialists JILLIAN DUNN · MARY HIATT
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Story & Photography CHRIS S T O U T- H A Z A R D
Design
MADY BESCH
Our Living Room
Conundrum
...Roger, when he has found that perfect piece, is more than willing to travel for it. M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 2 1
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y husband, Roger, isn’t from the Midwest. So, when browsing hundreds
of online classified ads to find a vintage table, he may not immediately realize that said table is located in a tiny town in western Nebraska... or Iowa...or Kansas.
But Roger, when he has found that perfect piece, is more than willing to travel for it. If you want to know why we’ve been running up the miles on our pickup truck, blame our living room. Our old farmhouse is a traditional American Foursquare, with its spacious living room running front-to-back and opening onto the side porch. Like many living rooms, ours is beset with multiple design challenges—two entrances, windows on three sides, a fireplace, and a long, rectangular configuration. How do you work with this difficult layout without blocking walkways or underutilizing portions of the room?
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before We initially planned on more involved renovations, like covering the textured plaster ceiling with beadboard and revamping the brick fireplace. Instead, we opted to save time and money by working around these features. A simple coat of paint gives the textured ceiling—the source of nightmares for many—a stunning refresh. Removing the dated fireplace doors and styling the mantle with a pair of lamps gives it a new lease on life. A lot of paint, our existing collection of artwork and lighting, Roger’s vintage finds plucked from small towns, and new Roger+Chris furniture complete the room. Without too much fuss, our spacious but unremarkable living room is transformed into a comfy, compelling space. Until next time, Roger and Chris, at Double Heart Farm.
Our solution was to draw inspiration from a few favorite, if far-flung, sources: • Casually elegant, historic Connecticut estates, which gave us the idea to paint a diamond pattern on our wood floors
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• Dramatic English manor houses, which led us to infuse the walls and ceiling with color and pack the room with artwork • Boutique hotels from New York and Seattle, which inspired our unconventional furniture layout that maximized seating without resorting to a sectional or two sofas
Read more on doubleheartfarm.com or follow along on instagram.com/dblheartfarm.
A simple coat of paint gives the textured ceiling—the source of nightmares for many—a stunning refresh.
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Reviving Heirlooms with a Touch of Gold
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DO-IT-YOURSEL F amily heirlooms often stir up memories of our loved ones and happy bygone days. It just so happens, the distressed look of vintage accessories and furniture is a popular design trend right now. So, why not incorporate those heirlooms into your home decor?
STORY SANDY MATSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BILL SITZMANN
DESIGN MADY BESCH
For my DIY this issue, I made over two decor pieces from my childhood home that I inherited from my father. By using budget-friendly and personal touches, the items take on new life and blend seamlessly with my existing interior design. The first of the two vintage pieces is a special door that came from an old, wooden colonnade in the farmhouse where I grew up. Colonnades are architectural features composed of a pedestal or partial wall that is topped with a column or post. They typically appear in pairs in the form of a room divider, bisecting a living room, for instance. Common in Craftsman bungalows, colonnades became more refined for storage with shelving and leaded glass doors. This door was given to me after my father retired from farming...a small remembrance to keep. By adding a bit of gold flake to the metal details of the door, I was able to give it new appeal. The other piece is a large, framed canvas painting of beautiful wild horses. This hung in my grandmother’s house for most of my childhood. Artwork featuring horses is still quite popular, so this more than 50-year-old painting remains in style. I employed the help of warm white paint, imitation gold leaf flakes, and sandpaper to enhance the picture frame and make it a bit more modern. I also added gold leaf to the actual painting to tie the two together. Then, I placed both items on my faux fireplace mantel in my dressing room where I can see and enjoy them daily. Paired with my grandmother’s vintage candy dish—which was always filled with jelly beans for us kids for Sunday visits—these heirlooms bring my loved ones closer and fill me with nostalgia.
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DO-IT-YOURSEL F
Old photographs of Sandy and heirlooms in their original places
Mixing old and new decor creates a timeless look that is unique and personal. It’s also a great way to breathe new life into family pieces. Gilding is such a simple technique to update items. Just follow these steps.
Gilded Frame Supplies Needed:
• frame • adhesive or sizing for gold leaf (can also substitute Mod Podge) • imitation gold leaf, available in flakes or thin sheets (I used flakes) • chip brush (for metal flakes) • fine-grit sandpaper • paint (if desired) • soft paintbrush • Mod Podge sealant Note: I found everything I needed at a craft store.
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Step 1 | Use painter’s tape to protect canvas. Wipe down frame with a damp cloth to remove any debris; let dry. If painting, rough up frame with sandpaper so paint will adhere well. Wipe down again with dry cloth. Step 2 | Paint frame with two coats of warm, white paint, if desired. Let dry for at least 24 hours. Sand the frame again until it has the weathered look you want.
Step 3 | Apply the adhesive, starting on the
inside of the frame, working outward, in areas to be gilded. After 30 minutes, begin applying gold metal flakes a section at a time, using your fingers or a chip brush to tamp down the metal leaf quickly. (The adhesive becomes tacky within minutes and once the flake is in place, it cannot be moved.)
Step 4 |
When applied, use a soft paintbrush to remove excess leaf. Use your fingers to smooth rough spots. Apply more gold flakes to fill any crevices. Again, use soft paintbrush to remove excess flakes. (I applied some gold leaf to the canvas as well to add a bit of shimmer under the horses.)
Step 5 | Seal the gold leaf by brushing on a
thin topcoat of Mod Podge. This will prevent the gold from oxidizing and tarnishing, and also ensure the flakes stay in place.
For the vintage colonnade door, I added gold flakes to the metal surrounding the leaded glass doors and on the hinges. To give an an old-world appearance, I rubbed the gold flakes with my fingers for a slighly tarnished look. Lastly, I added a decorative knob for a vintage touch. Gilding is easy, and once you begin you’ll likely start looking around your house for other things to spice up! Give it a try.
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S PAC E S
O pposites Attr act THE LUPOS’ LIVING ROOM COMBINES CLEAN LINES AND CULTURE The room blends introverted self-reflection with extroverted extravagance, much like the couple’s personalities. Lisa López-Lupo embraces her vibrant Hispanic heritage while her husband, Tony Lupo, prefers a clean, midcentury look. After 10 years of marriage, both have a keen eye for what works—combining their maximalist and minimalist aesthetic. Though Lisa did question some of Tony’s selections when they first moved into the Cape Cod-style house in Dundee three years ago. “As a wife, I didn’t want to listen to him. I really wanted to hate it, but I loved it,” Lisa joked.
“AS A WIFE, I
The small living room was transDIDN’T WANT TO formed, swapping drab gray for LISTEN TO HIM. clean white walls. Tony found chairs I REALLY WANTED and a sofa at Mod Lines Vintage TO HATE IT, BUT Mid-Century & Retro. The shop I LOVED IT.” reupholstered the furniture, but the design remains reminiscent of — L I S A L Ó P E Z - L U P O the 1960s. The room, along with the RCA record player purchased at Mod Lines, reminds guests of bygone days when friends gathered over a cocktail and discussed events. Tony and Lisa wanted it to be a conversation area, but the pandemic has halted even casual get-togethers. The style lends itself to intimate settings, free of modern-day technological intrusions.
STORY Lisa Lukecart
PHOTOGRAPHY Bill Sitzmann
DESIGN Mady Besch
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“BEAUTY IN YOUR LIVING SPACE NOURISHES THE SOUL.” — TONY LUPO
“BEAUTY IN YOUR LIVING SPACE NOURISHES THE SOUL.” — TO N Y LU PO
S PAC E S
Tony, 32, loves to sit in his burgundy vintage chair, reading philosophy or theology under the curved reading lamp. Their gray terrier mix, Henry, either nestles in his lap or growls at people who dare enter his turf. Lisa, 30, lounges on the navy sofa, listening to music from the antique RCA console. The white and mustard square-patterned pillows are a point of contention. “I hate couch pillows. A couch is a pillow. It’s putting a pillow on top of a pillow. It makes no sense,” Tony argued. Lisa got some help picking out the décor from interior designer Bryan Frost. Frost, founder of Black Awning, curated the space. Since it’s an older house, the artwork leans against walls rather than hangs, so as not to make holes in the plaster. Lisa also does this in part because it’s less of a commitment. Tony, an Army officer, has to move often, so sometimes it doesn’t pay to become too attached to homes. Some of their decor items were picked up along their travels, such as a wooden stool from Scotland. The couple use it as a drink stand. Others were shipped in from exotic locales, such as the beanbag cover from Morocco. It was stuffed with paper and made to hold books. Even though they’ll be moving to Texas in June, they find comfort in their surroundings, however temporary, by adding artistic touches.
“Beauty in your living space nourishes the soul,” Tony explained. Much of that nourishment comes from religious Hispanic art. Lisa shows appreciation for her heritage by adding prayer candles, which cast a scented, warm glow above the white fireplace. A traditional Our Lady of Guadalupe, made out of crushed mosaic glass, takes center stage on the mantel. Lisa picked it out during a trip to the shrine in San Juan, about 10 minutes from her hometown of McAllen, Texas. “[Lisa’s] love for her heritage is just really unique and beautiful,” Frost said of his client and friend. The room’s relatively neutral color palette allows Lisa’s collections to shine. A large framed poster of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo rests against the wall. A print of an acrylic painting, “La Virgen y el Luchador (the Virgin and the Fighter)” by Jesus Lorenzo, adds a f lamboyant cultural touch to another wall. A bit of Texan influence can be seen in Matt Messinger’s painting of two light-blue deer set against a tan backdrop. A drawing of a voluptuous, naked woman wearing a cross was picked up at a shop in nearby Lincoln. “Whenever I see something a little different and out of the ordinary, it catches my eye,” Lisa added. Wherever their life might take them next, the pair will f ind comfort in the familiarity of their worldly, intimate art and decor, adding new inspirational pieces along the way.
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STORY
HANNAH AMROLL AHI
PHOTOGR A PH Y
BILL SITZMANN
DESIGN
MADY BESCH
A TOUCH OF NANTUCKET IN NEBRASK A
TH E K NOW L E S’ COA S TAL ST YL E COLO NI A L
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F E A T U R E
O
maha is no longer the 20-minute city it once was, thanks to western sprawl. But for Kate and Ben Knowles, it can be, given the right location. A decade ago, the couple invested in a 1950s-era home in the Loveland neighborhood near 90th and Dodge streets. “We liked the lot, the mature trees, and the location in the center of Omaha,” Ben said. That convenient locale was an asset. A bit later, they had a son. Then a second boy. Eventually, they had a third son on the way. “We were expanding as a family,” Kate said. Their space needs were growing, too. They began asking, is it time to move? Ben and Kate grew up in Omaha and have family in town. Ben works at the family firm Knowles Law. Their oldest child was starting school nearby. “We liked where we are in Omaha,” Ben said. “For us, this is going to be a forever home.” Once the couple decided to stay, the question at hand became redesign or build new? Considering their visions of high ceilings and natural light, and dealing with the reality of an uneven lot and narrow entrance with stairs from the garage, the Knowles decided to build a custom home.
“If you’re taking the house down to nothing, it is time to decide if it’s worth knocking down,” Ben said. In 2017, the Knowles met with Advance Design and Construction owner Steve Taft. Then Kate made another call. “She called at the perfect time,” said Erica Bryant, interior designer with Erica Bryant Design. “It was so great to have the architect, the builder, and myself all work together,” on the initial design. Interior design goes beyond furniture to the flow of the space. Kate welcomed Bryant’s input on walkway width, floor plan, and lighting. Bryant also helped with exterior elements, including the front porch and door.
“IF YOU’RE TAKING THE HOUSE DOW N TO NOTHING, IT IS TIME TO DECIDE IF IT’S WORTH KNOCKING D OW N .” — BEN KNOWLES
“I think she had so many wonderful things to add right from the beginning,” Kate said. A curved path moves from the tuckedback garage and drive to the front door. Gray-painted shingles and white trim over stone give a modern shell to the colonial-style home. Abundant white-paneled windows and a two-story layout with the boys’ bedrooms on the top floor call back to classic design. With Kate’s inspiration from the “casual, timeless, traditional look of Nantucket homes,” the Knowles have a style that lives up to their self-described adjectives of “bright, airy, and approachable.”
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F E A T U R E
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“WE FOCUSED ON EACH A R EA TO M A K E EACH BEAUTIFUL BUT F U N C T I O N A L .” — K AT E K N O W L E S
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F E A T U R E
Outside, pale-blue shingles and white trim highlight the front entryway and door. Inside, the foyer opens to the living room, and large back windows overlook the yard with the dining room and kitchen in view. The floor plan is open, yet offers distinct spaces for different purposes. “We focused on each area,” Kate said, “to make each beautiful but functional.” Wool carpet lines the hallways, while white-oak flooring is featured prominently throughout the home, offering durability so toothpaste, mud, and all sorts of boy trappings clean up stain-free. “We’d rather invest up front,” Kate said, than have to replace less practical materials down the road.
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F E A T U R E
“KATE HAS A GREAT STYLE. SHE IS REALLY THOUGHTFUL ON ALL HER DECISIONS. I LOVE THAT TIMELESS A N D C L A S S I C A P P ROAC H T O L I V I N G .” — E R I C A B R YA N T
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Viewing the home as a lifelong investment proved helpful when making design decisions. Some of those might not raise the resale value, but definitely improve quality of life, Kate said. The size of the lot provided the Knowles with opportunities considered rare in central Omaha. With three boys, Kate appreciates the regraded, and now kidfriendly, large yard with mature trees, as well as her office overlooking it that allows her to hear and see the boys playing outside. “You’re not going to get money out of [the yard improvements] right away, for sure,” Ben said, “but you’ll enjoy it.”
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Even traditionally “dreary” rooms are designed with intention and touches that make them luxurious. The laundry room has marble checkerboard flooring, white cabinets, and a textured tile backsplash behind a separate deep sink. In the kitchen, durable Caesarstone acts as a low-maintenance countertop and backsplash with a marble appearance. The powder room also features marble flooring with a plaid pattern that accents a wallpaper with a blue flower motif. Building the home meant the Knowles were able to consider how they used the space—even small details, like where they reach for a spatula while cooking— and design around that.
The long island and drip ledge under the sink in the kitchen quietly complement industrial-style light fixtures, wicker seating, and delicate metal chandeliers. “I was more big picture,” Ben said of the design venture. “[Kate’s] really able to delve into the details.” “I had a lot of fun working with Ben,” Kate said. “We had similar taste and style.” Kate also considered her family’s future needs, giving each of her boys a large bedroom they could grow into, as well as a playroom and bathroom they could share. The large, open playroom is now filled with Montessori-style toys, all within reach on low counters that can be easily adjusted higher as the boys age. Rebuilding their home has reinvigorated Kate’s social media presence and home decor and lifestyle blog, Kate Knowles Home.
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“She has a great style,” Bryant said of Kate. “She is really thoughtful on all her decisions. I love that timeless and classic approach to living.” See more at kateknowleshome.com and instagram.com/kateknowleshome.
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“We hope we’re doing everything we can to commit to our underlying theme of protecting and preserving it, and that includes passing on the history.” — JA M ES H AU SCH I LDT
ARCHITECTURE STORY Houston Wiltsey PHO TO GR A PH Y Bill Sitzmann
DE SIGN Mady Besch
PRETTY AS A NEW ENGLAND PICTURE M idtow n L a n d m a rk M i xe s S t yle s fo r a R ho d e I s l a n d C ot t a ge L o ok
W hen James Hauschildt and his family moved into the iconic PorterThomsen house in July 2020, he had a few reservations. “We were just a little bit worried that it might be like the house Tom Hanks moved into in The Money Pit,” he said, jokingly. “But we were in love with it and decided that this is where we wanted to put down roots for the foreseeable future.”
The home, designed by famous Omahabased architect Frederick A. Henninger, was commissioned by Dr. Elmer and Mary Porter in 1902 and has seen at least eight owners in its lifetime; among them, the home’s other namesake, Nebraska district court judge Arthur C. Thomsen.
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“Like a lot of houses of the time, it doesn’t stick to one style,” said Mark Hinchman, a professor of architecture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “The mass of the building appears to be prairie style,” he continued, referring to the home’s clean, horizontal lines and hipped roof—a style made popular by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright at the start of the 20th century. “However, the columns and decorations speak to a classical sensibility. It’s a lot like the summer cottages in Rhode Island, and not the small ones, I mean the ritzy vacation spots.”
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To accentuate the home’s unique styling, as well as prevent water damage from the hillside drainage behind it, Hauschildt is making upgrades to the home’s yard and exterior. “We’re putting original-era stones in flowerbeds, stripping away wall in order to expose the original red brick, and adding retaining walls to divert [rain] away from the house, specifically its foundation,” he explained. Hauschildt is most excited about the potential for upgrades to the home’s outbuilding horse stall (also known as a carriage house), which is attached to the home’s main floor. “We are thinking of creating a guest room, but in a style that pays homage to the structure’s original purpose,” Hauschildt said. “Maybe that includes adding a bed that looks like a carriage, or a kitchenette that brings to mind a watering hole for horses. We’re trying to get creative while also being period-specific.”
Hauschildt is bringing the same spirit of preservation to the home’s interior. Inside, the main draw is the beautiful hand-painted murals of castles and landscapes along the Rhine River in Germany that adorn the walls, for which the Porters paid Germanborn artist and friend Gustav Fuchs a reported $5000 to create.
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“It was funny because every contractor that came through the house would comment on how beautiful the paintings were, but when we asked them to connect us with someone that could help preserve it, they all drew a blank,” Hauschildt said. “We’ve learned that the key to caring for [the murals] is to control the humidity. That was one of the main reasons we decided to install a new HVAC system.”
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Hauschildt, who moved to Omaha to serve as president of Clarkson College, is looking forward to showing off all the property’s features when entertaining alumni, faculty, and donors. “I just love sharing what I’ve learned about this home,” he said. “We hope we’re doing everything we can to commit to our underlying theme of protecting and preserving it, and that includes passing on the history.” With the care the Hauschildts are putting into the Porter-Thomsen home, it would not be surprising to see their name tacked on with a hyphen when they decide to move on from this Omaha landmark. But that is not in the plans anytime soon.
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FE AT U R E
Finding Balance in Bluewater Tranquility & Practical Design in Valley Waterfront Home
S TO RY JENNA GABRIAL GALL AGHER
P H OTO G R A P H Y BILL SITZMANN
DESIGN MADY BESCH
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“When we chose this lot, I told my husband that I’d like to have a pool,” said a recent retiree, formerly of Fremont, of her new lakefront home in Valley’s Bluewater community. “He understood that to mean, ‘We will have a pool.’” The mother and grandmother, who loves to entertain at home, had a practical reason for the request. Because the lake is a filled-in quarry, the drop is extra deep, making it great for boating but less than ideal for swimming. “The end of our dock is already 15 feet deep,” she explained. “So, when we want to be in the water, everyone just hangs out in the pool.” The homeowners had a few other criteria. The primary bedroom and the office, with its barnwood wall and unique ceiling design that incorporates custom beams, had to be on the main floor. They took advantage of the soaring 22-foot ceiling in the great room to showcase an awe-inspiring, twostory stone and reclaimed wood fireplace, with special ironwork details done by Nollette Metal Works. “[My clients] wanted a woodburning fireplace with a hearth that you can sit on,” said Diane Luxford, whose company, D-Lux Interiors, received a Bronze award from the Nebraska/Iowa chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) for the work she and her colleague, Dagmar Benson, did on the project. “They had seen one similar to what they wanted and, together, we adapted it to their home.”
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When we chose this lot, I told my husband that I’d like to have a pool. He understood that to mean, ‘We will have a pool.’”
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The effect provides a softened, cozy counterpoint to the home’s dramatic architecture, helping to convey the tranquil, transitional style that the couple love. The space is also warmed by an open kitchen with two French door ovens, a hidden pantry for small appliances, and an expansive center island. Surrounding the gathering spot are five counter stools upholstered in an ikat fabric by textiles maker Pindler that draws upon the lakehouse vibes. The light from three European handblown glass pendants glances off the gleaming backsplash tiles and Cygnus granite countertops, casting a sunlight-on-the-water glow, even on gloomy, off-season days.
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F E AT U R E
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The f inal—and perhaps most important—must-have on the homeowners’ list was a large craft room upstairs with breathtaking views of the lake for the wife, who is an avid photographer and also designs greeting cards. “She had [a craft room] in her basement in their former home, and she was so excited to have the lake view,” Luxford said. “I remember the husband saying, ‘I’m never going to go up there, so do what you want.’ We had a lot of fun playing with different room arrangements and deciding how many builtins and what kind to include.” They settled on all-white cabinetry, which lines an entire wall and was tailored precisely to the homeowner’s needs, resulting in a bright, yet serene, space to work and relax. “I spent most of my days up here working, doing jigsaw puzzles, and reading,” the homeowner said of last spring’s pandemic shutdown. Across from this swoon-worthy crafting command central are framed photographs taken on the family’s travel, and chairs from their former home, which Luxford had reupholstered. The chairs now pop against a colorful floral rug, also from the prior residence, and the homeowner has fallen in love with them all over again. In the corner is a discreet Murphy bed for when their young grandson stays overnight. “It’s a very flexible room,” Luxford said. The one amenity the lakefront property didn’t allow for was a basement, so the laundry room has concrete walls to make it a tornado shelter. The homeowners dedicated an extra-large upstairs bedroom to holiday decorations and miscellaneous storage. And the garage, with its immaculate flooring and special built-in shower for
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the family Goldendoodle—lovingly described as a crazy man down on the beach—was outfitted by Monkey Bar Storage Solutions, of Bennington, Nebraska. Neighbors have confided that they wish they had planned for storage as well as these homeowners. “One of our goals was plenty of storage, and now we have more storage than we can use,” she said. Clearly a fan of organization, the homeowners said they appreciated how simple and streamlined the design and building process was. Luxford attributes much of this to the CoConstruct project management software they used. She arranged the showroom meetings and guided her clients through the process of choosing the materials and models that would best fit their goals; then that information was uploaded so they could see how it would look before committing. “They are very easy clients to work with,” the designer said. “When you click with someone and you know it, it just makes the whole process go so smoothly.” The homeowner agreed. “Some people get really stressed about building. We just weren’t.” That seamless design experience set the tone for the general sense of well-being the homeowners have achieved in their luxurious lakeside retreat. “The neighborhood calls this area Bald Eagle Cove. We get yellow finches, and pelicans in the spring and fall. We’ve seen swans,” the wife said. In every season, she enjoys the four-mile walk around the lake and, of course, the ever-changing and endlessly spectacular sunsets she and her husband can see from the back of the house. “It’s so peaceful. You can look out at the lake and it just refreshes you.”
So far, 2021 is shaping up to be another very strong year for the housing market in the Omaha metro. Existing home sales inventory is extremely low. Meanwhile, younger generations are moving out of rentals and into the market in greater numbers, and the pandemic has residents in large metropolitan areas in the U.S. looking to relocate to small- and mid-sized markets like Omaha, seeking larger homes and land. Supply just can’t meet demand. The result is a booming new-home construction sector, from Papillion to Elkhorn to Bennington and Gretna. Building permit numbers are up big throughout the metro. Whether you’re a renter looking to make the leap to home ownership, a homeowner ready to upgrade or build your dream home, or an owner looking to downsize your space and maintenance, there’s a house plan with the square footage and price point to meet nearly every taste and budget, from the low $200,000s and up. With dozens of residential builders to choose from in Omaha, its important prospective customers do some research and find the one that will best meet your needs. Here is just a sampling of new home builders locally, highlighting what makes each unique.
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With today’s cyber-technology and rapid use of social media, design and build ideas flow across the world instantaneously. “If you can dream it, we can find it,” said Brett Clarke, co-founder of Frontier Builders. “We never build the same house twice. Every family is different, so every home is different.” The team at Frontier Builders focuses largely on creating a home that tells the clients’ stories. “The level of customization is endless these days. We spend time on the design side to bring our clients prettier and more functional results,” said Clarke. “We go through an entire preparation process with each customer. Some come to us with drawings, some without. We take them through the dream/build/ live list to pin down wants and needs. We create a floor plan system, bring in an interior designer, and review every possibility.” Clarke once said some considered Omaha home building “very vanilla and isolated.” He and his team are working to break down the barriers that once created this stereotype. Social media and Frontier Builders’ website help to relay work specifics. Custom plans are available through their website, where clients can view soaring ceilings, show-
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stopping staircases and impressive millwork with distinct character before ever meeting Frontier Builders. After meeting with the client and finalizing a home’s design, a 3D model is created and clients are given VR goggles so they can “walk through” their yet-to-be-built home. This allows them to see the architectural integrity with which their home will be built. They are also able to examine customizable features such as paint color, surfaces, cabinetry, and fixtures, along with the overall flow of the home. After plans are gelled, the construction team takes over. “Gary handles dirt to drywall,” Clarke said. “Josh takes over from drywall to finish. Each of us is hyper-focused on our specialties.” Clarke said this helps with quality control and communication throughout the entire building process. “Our clients get to know all of us. The communication conveys our expertise and energy,” Clarke said. During construction, the building crew is consistently in touch with the new owners providing daily electronic photos and reports. House orders, changes, and signoffs are also electronic, making things convenient for the client, wherever they are.
“[Cofounder Gary Millett] and I are detail oriented,” Clarke said. “We pay close attention to the accounting side of the business. Accounting affects the client as much as the craftsmanship. We try to be as polished and paperless as possible, making things comfortable for the client.” Clarke and Millett met as undergraduates and took construction management classes together. They bring distinct care and character to each build and personalize every home beyond the brick and mortar. “We warranty and back up our work,” Clarke said. “If clients want, we continue the relationship with a service package that can include all kinds of things like yard maintenance, gutter cleaning, and HVAC checks. For many clients, we have a life-long relationship and take care of the home we build for them.” 800 N. Front St., Suite 7 Waterloo, NE 68069 402.235.6272 buildfrontier.com
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“My design process is boutique, collaborative, and individualized,” Marshall Wallman of M. Wallman Design said. “It’s the smallest of details that go into executing such a fulfilling design for my clients, and I don’t let a single element get overlooked.” The team at M. Wallman Design believes that every home should employ an inventive and creative spirit. Through their unique process of analyzing a client’s wants and needs, researching the project to the fullest extent and determining every necessary component of a home, from style and taste to entertainment flow, Wallman and his team strive to craft a unique architectural experience that reflects the legacy of the client. “We are both an architectural and interior design studio,” Wallman said. “I’m happy to help clients either build or renovate.” With 25 years of design experience, Wallman has a diverse skill set and comprehensive architectural knowledge. He has recently designed homes ranging from extremely modern to extremely traditional, as well as farmhouse-style, French colonial and even coastal cottage. Wallman believes the design of a home should not only reflect who the client is, but how they live their life. “My goal is for the client to see themselves in the details and feel at home,” Wallman said. He doesn’t stop with the bones of the house, he and his team are eager to help clients with every minute detail from furniture positioning, to shelf styling and artwork.
Building homes is not something Greg or Katie Frazell, owners of G. Lee Homes, take for granted. “We don’t take it lightly when a client chooses G. Lee Homes to build or remodel their home. We value their trust in us to not only deliver a quality product, but also an enjoyable experience,” Katie said. That experience is something Greg and Katie have worked very hard on. “Our process is what really sets us apart. We tend to end the project as friends with our clients.” G. Lee Homes started in 2004 around the Frazell’s kitchen table. Newly married, Greg and Katie knew they wanted to start a business where Greg could use his construction background and his artistic eye. Since then, G. Lee Homes has blossomed into a company and a culture that is something Greg and Katie are really proud of. “Our team at G. Lee Homes—from the selection coordinators, to the finish superintendent—are absolutely the best in Omaha,” Katie said. “The quality in the homes really does speak for itself.” 2316 S. 156th Circle Omaha, NE 68130 402.415.1187 omahasbuilder.com instagram.com/g.leehomes facebook.com/g.leehomes
Wallman’s aspiration for every project is to create a cohesive design that encompasses beauty, comfort, simplicity, utility and an alwaysfresh perspective. 800 N. Front St., Suite 7 Waterloo, NE 68069 402.510.2766 mwallman.com M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 2 1
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Harvest
Compost it! —
It’s so easy— We’ll break it down for you.
compost or pay. The City’s solid waste program, Wasteline, offers yard waste pickup at a cost. Omahans can also compost grass clippings, garden refuse, dead flowers, etc., at home to create nutrient-rich soil for landscapes and future gardens. Another option is to a pay waste-hauling company, such as Gretna-based Hillside Solutions, to compost yard waste and other solid waste produced at home at their facility. Brent Crampton, director of partnerships at Hillside Solutions, encourages Omahans to compost their waste, whether it be on their own or by utilizing a service. Composting is good for the environment and, despite misconceptions, it’s quite easy in a residential setting, he said. “People put too many barriers up,” Crampton said of would-be do-it-yourselfers. “[They] think they need a fancy thing—a charcoal filter on top, [etc.] All of these things become little barriers between people having the idea and people doing it,” he said. In fact, homeowners need not spend any money on containers, filters, or anything to get started.
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STORY - PATRICK M C GEE DESIGN - MADY BESCH
Crampton said the process is quite simple. “Find a place in your backyard and dump [the waste] on the ground. Then put food scraps in it.” The right balance of food and yard waste is important, he said; however, the ratios don’t need to be exact. “One-third food waste to two-thirds yard waste” is best, he said. “If you do that, it won’t smell. No bugs, no critters. If you do have these problems, add more yard waste,” he said. “If you do that, the problems go away.” Maintenance and upkeep are also easy. “Turning the pile every once in a while is a good idea. You can do it once or twice a week,” Crampton said. “You may see steam coming out,” which is simply gas escaping as the organic materials decompose, he explained. When he’s watering his outdoor plants in summer, Crampton said he throws a little water on the pile to moisten it, as a pile that is too dry will take longer to break down. In the fall, he recommends covering the compost heap with leaves, leaving a hole on the side to add food waste throughout the winter. In winter, he suggests insulating the pile with cardboard or another cover to prevent kitchen waste from freezing, which essentially halts decomposition. He reiterated that these steps aren’t necessary, but can facilitate the breakdown process. “The main message, though, is that you can’t really screw it up. At the end of
the day, even if you don’t do much at all, bacteria will still be doing its job.” It becomes obvious when the compost is ready for use, Crampton said. “If it smells like dirt, it’s done. If it smells [bad], let it keep composting.” Some compostable materials require an industrial composting facility and cannot be composted at home. These include compostable cups, straws, bags, and paper. Hillside Solutions can compost these in their industrial facility near Ashland, Nebraska. For a monthly fee, homeowners can join the Hillside Solutions’ Compost Club to receive access to a number of “secret” compost bins stationed around the Omaha metro, as well as 24-hour access to the downtown Omaha facility that can receive larger items. Club members also gain access to fully composted soil, which they can haul back home to use in their flowerbeds and gardens. While it’s true that there is a more complex process going on at Hillside’s facility, it shouldn’t deter do-it-yourselfers from giving basic home composting a try. “Don’t let the deeper knowledge restrict you from doing it,” Crampton said. For more information, visit hillside.solutions and wasteline.org.
“People put too many barriers up,” Crampton said of would-be do-it-yourselfers. “They think they need a fancy thing—a charcoal filter on top, etc. All of these things become little barriers between people having the idea and people doing it.” March / April 2021
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S TO RY LINDI JANULEWICZ
P H OTO G R A P H Y TOM KESSLER PHOTOGR APHY
DESIGN MADY BESCH
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his interior design project provided the homeowner with their desired aesthetic: a modern and lightly rustic design. The resulting style was accomplished by combining raw and rustic elements with refined materials, creating an appealing and inviting home. M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 2 1
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Meet the Interior Designer
ELLEN TURNAGE
Allied Member ASID Interiors Joan and Associates How was your interest in design sparked? I remember my grandmother having a refined sense of style, grace, and an ever-so-eloquent manner about herself. While just a kid, she allowed me to revamp a guest room and, at that moment, the impetus for my interest in design began. Experience/qualifications: I’m an alumna of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and designed interiors for new home construction and remodel projects before joining Interiors Joan and Associates in 1991. My designs have been recognized with numerous awards and published in local and national publications, including Aging in Place and National Builder, and the international design book, American Style Villa.
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Community involvement: YWCA, Midlands Humane Society, Nebraska Humane Society, Street of Dreams, and ASID Showhouse. OMAHAHOME
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The residence is nestled in a wooded a rea, and the design scheme plays off of this preserved, natural element. Using a variety of materials, textures, and colors, we achieved a welcoming design that is relaxed, yet sophisticated. The wood floor exhibits a wire-brushed white oak with a custom stain and plays a major role, serving as a canvas for the rest of the design. The rustic feel of the wood floor pairs beautifully with the refined elements of poplar and walnut woods, a lightly complected fon du lac stone, and organic, but refined, meta ls. Text ura l nat ura l wa l l coverings and clean-lined furnishings complete the offerings for a comfortable gathering and casual dining space. Providing performing, stylish living solutions for a single man living with a large, loving pet proved to be this project’s greatest challenge. The original design of the home was built with classic longevity in mind, incorporating f lex spaces that could easily transition with lifestyle changes. The details of the intelligent, honest design were a collaboration of the client’s present scenario with the strong influence of anticipated future needs. This design-for-success approach included carefully selected materials such as performance fabrics, hardwoods, granite, quartz, and porcelain tiles, helping to achieve this goal flawlessly. This residential project was recognized with a Silver award by the Nebraska / Iowa Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers in September 2020.
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