A LWAY S L O C A L , A LWAY S B E AU T I F U L
SEPTEMBER 2020
THEY CALLED IT MACARONI [ LOFTS ]
BOARD & BATTEN DIY // THE HARTUNGS’ MODERN HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE // SCREENS, “SCENES,” & SMART SPEAKERS
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VOLUME 10 · Issue 6
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 let’s 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
EDITORIAL Managing Editor DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Senior Editor TARA SPENCER Associate Editor LINDA PERSIGEHL Contributing Writers HANNAH AMROLLAHI · MARIAN HOLDEN · KATY SPRATTE JOYCE LISA LUKECART · KATRINA MARKEL PATRICK M C GEE · CARRIELLE SEDERSTEN
CREATIVE Creative Director MATT WIECZOREK Senior Graphic Designer DEREK JOY Graphic Designer II MADY BESCH Contributing Photographers AMOURA PRODUCTIONS · JIM SCHOLZ
SALES Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing GIL COHEN Director of Sales ED COCHRAN Senior Branding Specialist MARY HIATT Publisher’s Assistant & OmahaHome Contributing Editor SANDY MATSON Branding Specialists DAWN DENNIS · GEORGE IDELMAN Digital Sales Manager JILLIAN DUNN Senior Sales Coordinator ALICIA HOLLINS
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O M A H A M AG A Z IN E.CO M
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At Home THE Y C ALLED IT M AC ARONI [LOF TS]
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Feature THE HART UNGS’ MODERN HOUSE ON THE PR AIRIE
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Feature S C R E E N S , “ S C E N E S ,” & S M A R T S P E A K E R S
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Har vest G O N AT I V E
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Transformations A STREET OF DRE AMS HOME, REINVENTED
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Tony Noecker and Kelsey Janda’s apartment in Skinner Macaroni Lofts at 13th and Jackson streets. The couple’s collections of art, books, and records feature prominently in the home’s interior design. Pops of yellow, their “happy color,” add a touch of fun to the decor. Story on page 16. Photo by Bill Sitzmann.
“There are flowers enough in the summertime, more flowers than I can remember—but none with the purple, gold, and red that dye the flowers of September!” — M A R Y H O W I T T
S
eptember is the only month in which you can enjoy both summer and fall, as one season ends and another begins. Autumn brings with it cooler breezes (to which I look forward all summer long) and the awe-inspiring, albeit brief, time we get to see the leaves changing.
The cooler months also bring out fall wardrobes for our homes, like cozy throws and harvestscented candles. This is one of my favorite times to decorate with warmer tones, which instantly invite guests and family to relax and stay a while. In this issue, I share an inexpensive way to add elegance to a room with my Board & Batten DIY. Speaking of elegance, the Russells share their spalike bathroom makeover, while the Hartungs wow us with their Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired prairie home. In addition, Tony Noecker and Kelsey Janda take us on a walk down memory lane inside their cozy Old Market loft, and the Yannones’ high-tech home is sure to impress! On a personal note, Labor Day marks nine years since the passing of my dear and longtime friend, Cat Mills, to pancreatic cancer. After her passing, my husband and I adopted Hinkley, the furry four-legged dachshund you see with Cat on the right and in her magazine debut on page 4. Over the years, Hinkley has brought us so much joy and comfort, and helped keep alive memories of Cat and our dear friendship. I hope you enjoy this issue and, no matter what’s going on in these crazy times we are living, you have a wonderful season. Sandy Matson Contributing Editor
got my first glimpse of a board and batten wall while going through a new-construction open house a year ago. I thought it was so unique and a sophisticated way to define a space in any given room. It turned out to be the perfect DIY project for my lower-level master bedroom. There are many online tutorials for DIY board and batten projects, and many surprisingly easy ways you can achieve this upscale look at a low cost. In my case, it was a weekend project for my husband and me. So, exactly what is board and batten? Essentially, it’s a classic type of wainscoting or wood paneling. True board and batten is made with wide, vertical panels and narrow battens—long, flat strips of metal or wood—fastened over the gaps between the boards. This treatment has been popular for home exteriors, barns, and sheds for centuries. It’s more recently become quite trendy for interior walls, specifically to add visual interest.
SOMETHINGTONOTEUPFRONT: We chose to skip the board part and use our existing smooth drywall (not textured) for the backdrop. This saved a lot of time and money and created the same effect. However, if you desire the real thing, by all means do it! We also chose a preprimed MDF wood to reduce the time spent sanding imperfections and painting. Overall, we are very happy with the project that a little paint, wood, and teamwork made happen in a short time. I have to give my husband a lot of credit, since I really needed his help due to a fractured wrist and my lack of power-tool experience. Four hands are definitely better than two. The end result exceeded my expectations, and it’s become a lovely addition to our recently renovated basement.
Supplies needed: * 5 1/2” x 3 1/4” x 96” Pre-primed MDF base moulding * Nail gun * Stud finder * Table saw and/or miter saw
* Pencil * Safety glasses * Primer * Paint * Paint roller * Paint brush
* Level
* Paintable caulk
* Tape measure
* Caulking tool
* Sanding block
NOTE: The trickiest part of this project was evenly spacing the battens, and spacing them to create the look you’re going for. You may want to research a few different looks online. The more battens, the “busier” the wall. It’s actually very easy, but does require some simple math.
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S T OR Y
Sandy Matson P HOT OGR AP HY
Bill Sitzmann DE S I GN
Mady Besch
DI
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Add dimension, charm with this Arts & Crafts-inspired wall treatment
Instructions: STEP1: Place a horizontal header batten board at
the desired wall height. (We measured 70 inches up from our baseboard, but you can choose the height you prefer. A 36-inch height will achieve a wainscoting look.) Once level, nail the batten into a wall stud. Do this across the entire length of the wall.
STEP2: Place a second horizontal batten 14 inches below the header batten. Repeat across the entire length of the wall, securing into the wall studs.
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TIP: If you happen to be unlucky and have an unsightly circuit box on the wall, try covering the box with plantation shutters. I came up with the idea while working on this project, as there were already shutters on the window in this room, and I knew this look would complement the batten wall nicely. It also gives the illusion of a small window while providing easy access to the fusebox.
DIY
NOTE: For our battens, we used the same material as we did for our baseboards previously on our basement renovation, so the two matched up perfectly. If your materials don’t match, I suggest you miter them so that they end up the same width at the bottom of your baseboards.
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STEP3: Measure and cut two vertical bat-
ten boards for both corners and secure.
STEP4: Measure the total width of the wall, find the center, and decide how many battens you’d like. Our total width was about 102 inches. We decided to go with six spaces, so we’d need five battens. Subtract the total width of all your battens from the width of the wall. Then divide the number you came up with by the number of spaces you want. This provides the proper spacing you’ll need for the vertical battens. STEP5: Measure and cut additional vertical battens as needed. Then secure to the wall, paying close attention to spacing. (We placed the verticals about 24 inches apart.) STEP6: To finish it off, cut a 1/2-inch
strip from an extra piece of batten. Secure the strip, placing it flush against the top of the header batten, creating a very slim shelf. This detail really completes the look nicely. You can make it wider if you prefer to create a picture ledge, for instance.
STEP7: Caulk all the seams and board edges and fill in the wood knots and nail holes. Allow to dry. Then sand down the excess caulk and raised edges before painting. I recommend using a paint with primer included. I used Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 and painted several coats. Have fun and get creative with it!
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A Rejuvenating Retreat The Russells’ Spa-like En Suite Bath
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private retreat for a little serenity. That’s what the Russells were seeking with their 2019 en suite bathroom renovation. The couple worked with contractor Wetzel Properties and Remodeling, and Omaha-based designer Courtney Otte of The Modern Hive Interior Design, to help them create that bit of heaven. A busy military family with two active kids, the Russells moved to the Omaha area following a work assignment at Offutt Air Force Base in nearby Bellevue. With the Omaha metro’s low cost of living, great public schools, and a top 10 ranking for best cities for military to retire, the family decided to settle here for the long term and bought their house in 2014. They picked Sarpy County’s La Vista enclave as their forever home, which was large enough for their family but did need some updates. Following a scary fall out of the muchtoo-small bathroom shower, it became obvious to Mrs. Russell that it was finally time to renovate the space. After gutting the room themselves and getting a referral by their contractor to designer Otte, who herself is part of a military family, the Russells moved full steam ahead with the task. The design plan for the 144-square-foot bath, according to Otte, was to create “a spa-like master retreat to relax and wash the worries away” without scarificing function, all while maximizing the potential of the small space. Custom solutions, such as relocating a closet door and building a vanity with a hidden laundry chute, were incorporated into the plan. Another custom solution—a “must-have” by the Russells—was a heated bathroom floor, since the room sits atop the garage and can get extremely cold in winters.
Another custom solution—a “must-have” by the Russells—was a heated bathroom floor...
S PAC E S
Otte used her personal aptitude for pattern play to deliver a relaxing retreat with “a hint of modern farmhouse flair” for her clients.
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Waterproof can lights were installed in the shower and tub area, and designer wall sconces from Rejuvenation were used in the vanity area, which was accented by a painted shiplap wall. By playing around with textures and using a total of six materials in the bathroom, Otte used her personal aptitude for pattern play to deliver “a hint of modern farmhouse flair” for her clients. Navy scalloped tile was used on the vanity backsplash as well as in the shampoo niche in the shower to add a hint of color. The end result is a timeless five-piece en suite, equipped with dual sinks, a toilet, a stand-alone soaking tub, and a huge walk-in shower with a rainfall shower head and sprays, that delivers on the retreat atmosphere they strived for. The Russells said they enjoyed the collaboration with Otte, built on the shared trust of their military backgrounds. They also appreciated Otte’s upfront, transparent, and timely communication. And fittingly, the shower that inspired the bathroom facelift is now a favorite part of the bathroom renovation, which the client said (with a laugh) is “almost too pretty to use…almost.”
STORY LISA LUKECART PHOTOGRAPHY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN MADY BESCH
ARCHITECTURE
A Bronze Belle Shines in Midtown A fictional Gatsby. A real-life Rockefeller. A philanthropist Vanderbilt. Just a few of the early 20th-century magnates that stir in one’s mind upon viewing the bronze-skinned Neoclassical beauty in midtown. The home provides a veritable f lashback to grandiose times when Omaha exploded with potential. The hidden historic gem at 106 S. 36th St.— steps from traffic whizzing by on Dodge Street— appears today as a lost wallf lower in a century of commercialized buildings at this architectural party. Yet the voluptuous structure, built by renowned architect John McDonald, still enriches the neighborhood near Blackstone and Gifford Park. The artful structure masterfully mixes simplicity with ingenuity. At first glance, it appears a fancy house rather than five condominiums. That’s part of the genius of the symmetrical structure, of the architect. McDonald didn’t just build castles, churches, schools, and museums. McDonald found gold on the streets of Omaha, combining ways to utilize traditional styles in contemporary buildings. He paid attention to private and public roads to craft dramatic urban façades. The Canadian-born engineer most likely never imagined finding a Gold Coast in Nebraska. His talent led him toward the Pacific Coast like many “gold seekers” back in the late 1800s. But, by chance, McDonald stopped to visit relatives in Omaha and hopped into the booming business of building.
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McDonald found gold on the streets of Omaha, combining ways to utilize traditional styles in contemporary buildings.
ARCHITECTURE
In one black-and-white photograph, “You could call his buildings the early McDonald appears strict with round 20th-century version of McManglasses, severe cheekbones, and an aussions. He was building really beautiful tere expression that belies his innovative works of architecture,” said Mark and ornate creations. After venturing Hinchman, a design historian and out into his own practice, McDonald professor in the College of Architecpossessed the architectural ture at the University of Midas touch. The wealthy Nebraska-Lincoln. “You could call and prominent flocked to his buildings buy his talent, including McDonald nabbed comthe early 20thhis friend George Joslyn, missions all over the city, century version who asked him to construct including some houses in of McMansions.” a 30-block radius—from Lynhurst, or as most called it, “the Castle,” due to its north 36th to 40th streets, — Mark Hinchman immense Scottish Baronial and from Jones to Cuming size and style. John’s son, Alan McDonStreets—in midtown dubbed the Gold ald, joined his practice after graduating Coast. Soon, apartment buildings from Harvard and went on to create the and middle-class professionals built Joslyn Art Museum.
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alongside the affluent, so McDonald transitioned his thinking. In 1904, a prominent physician, Dr. Paul Grossman, contracted McDonald’s firm to design a two-story brick apartment building on 36th Street for $12,000. The then-named Grossman Apartments, built by P.J. Creedon & Sons in 1904, stretches down the block from 102-108. Although each residence has a separate entrance, the building is connected by its slightly jutted triplet cornices. Each is tipped with a stamped iron acroterion, a Greek Revival detailing. Centered directly below is an oculus, a circular opening
like an eye, surrounded by molded limestone. All of these details convey the illusion that the row houses were a complete unit. The perfectly placed rounded-arch windows further enhance the symmetrical appeal with a lighter colored keystone at the top. “It’s masonry trying to make it look like fancy architecture. The Joslyn Castle was built of stone, but most couldn’t afford to do that,” Hinchman explained. The structure’s plain face has been adorned with additions since its designated landmark date in 1979. The crisscrossed pattern of railings on the second-story balconies adds an intricate touch. Unadorned rectangular-shaped windows greet guests as they pass through columned porches. Inside, the home’s oak woodwork and floors remain intact, as do the ceramic fireplaces.
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“You want to preserve the integrity of the home. You have to find people that understand that and want to do the work. It’s even more challenging,” said Joe Evans, a Berkshire Hathaway HomeService real estate agent who, as of press time, has one of the condos under contract with a buyer. Although some might miss it cruising down Dodge, this beautiful belle will live on as a reminder of a bygone era and of an architect who transformed Omaha. For a virtual tour of the property, visit facebook.com/JoeEvansRealtor/ videos/654529861793997/ or view the former listing at zillow.com/ homedetails/106-S-36th-St-OmahaNE-68131/118881779_zpid/?.
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STORY
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PHOTOGRAPHY
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DESIGN
| MADY BESCH
At Home
THEY CALLED IT MACARONI [LOFTS] Tony Noecker and Kelsey Janda’s curated, hip downtown apartment SEPTEMBER 2020
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Living in a landmark building along the Old Market’s official Historic Walking Tour has been a joy worth repeating for Tony Noecker and Kelsey Janda. Noecker first moved into the Skinner Macaroni Lofts at 13th and Jackson streets in 2014. A few months later Janda joined him, relocating to a second unit. Then, two years ago, the couple moved yet again into their current loft on the sixth floor. And, as with the third Skinner Manufacturing Co. product
“I feel like wall space is such a really fast way to get to know who people are and what they care about.” — Kelsey Janda listed on the building’s plaque, “cheesroni,” the couple’s third unit is “the best.” “There are so many unique aspects [of these apartments] that we’ve enjoyed and inf luenced how we decorate,” Noecker said. The differing layouts make each unit in the building distinct. The couple’s current loft layout, which faces the WoodmenLife Tower and First National Bank Tower, has a view and natural light which elevates the space. Noecker and Janda said they appreciate the unit’s brushed concrete f looring, exposed brick, and preserved features, including a simple Classic
Revival concrete pillar. They also enjoy the loft’s high ceiling, which facilitated their curated gallery wall. “I feel like wall space is such a really fast way to get to know who people are and what they care about,” Janda said. “I love making paintings, and we love supporting local artists and local designers. And we like having our memories, our friends’ photos, and our family photos up on the wall.” The gallery wall includes original pieces by Janda, whose primary media include acrylic, oil, chalk, and pastel on canvas, as well as poster and graphic design. Her artistic eye shows in her cohesive display made of intimate pieces.
When the couple first moved into the two-bedroom open f loor plan, they had old furniture that disappeared into the space, the couple said. Janda is vice president of design at Hudl, and Noecker is chief technology officer and co-founder of Flywheel, both positions with big demands, allowing little time for contemplating decor updates. Progress was slow. “We were getting really busy with work. We didn’t have the time and we weren’t sure,” Janda said. “We wanted someone to expand our horizon.”
The couple hired interior designer Megan Pettipoole, of M Pettipoole, who offers both the traditional full-service, start-to-finish model of interior design service, and a design plan-only option that better fit Noecker and Janda’s needs. Both models start with an in-person meeting, provide a design plan for the layout, and sourced furnishing options. In the plan-only model, clients make purchases and arrange the room themselves. “It felt like it was more ours, being involved in that way,” Janda said.
The couple’s heirlooms introduce an eclectic element and sense of history to their “simple and modern” style, balancing midcentury modern furnishings with the modern, urban bones of the space. Whether it is a wedding portrait of Elmer and Lovella Zajicek, Janda’s maternal grandparents, a beverage cart from her paternal grandfather, or a framed record album broken by a young Noecker and proudly gifted to him by his mother, the reverence for family is felt beyond their photos. Even their bookshelf was built by Noecker and his father. “I think [the bookshelf] is always going to be a staple in our home,” Janda said. “I love having our book collections collide.”
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At Home Noecker credited Pettipoole with creating defined spaces in the open floor plan through furniture arrangement. Spreading out their entertainment area made it more inviting and functional. “One of the most important things for me is to come up with a good layout,” Pettipoole said. “Thinking through how I would use the space, asking questions to see how they use it, and bringing those together.”
Pettipoole found a shelf to hold their record collection, placing it center stage to highlight music’s importance in the couple’s lives and hiding the back of a couch from diners. Janda and Noecker’s surprisingly cozy midcentury dining chairs around the table are also a through-line in the apartment. Furniture pieces are incorporated into the design without sacrificing comfort. “What we really connect with is art, and our furniture is to make our lives comfortable,” Noecker said.
Yellow, their “happy color,” pops in chairs, the bedding, and in accents around the loft. A yellow Ikea glass-front cabinet stocked for entertaining reminds the couple of the design’s beginning. “This is our special piece that we used to start building…our style,“ Janda said. “We loved walking around and talking about how we would put together our ideal space.” Beyond color, Janda also considered materials and textures from the apartment’s existing brick,
glass, and concrete, and introduced wood through sculptures by local artist Kevin McClay. For Janda and Noecker, the benefits of their apartment are not all found inside. Noecker commutes to work by foot, and the couple enjoys the wide sidewalks, trails, and many restaurants and attractions nearby, including KANEKO. “You have access to all of these wonderful things downtown,” Janda said. “Within walking distance,” Noecker added.
Yellow, their “happy color,” pops in chairs, the bedding, and in accents around the loft.
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Tony Noecker and Kelsey Janda
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Featured in the June 2020 issue. Photography by The Mullers Photo Co.
omahamagazine.com SEPTEMBER 2020
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TH E H A RTUNGS’ MODERN HOUSE ON TH E PR A IRIE S T O R Y - CARRIELLE SEDERSTEN P H O T O G R A P H Y - BILL SITZMANN D E S I G N - M ADY BESCH
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Resting on three acres of lush green grass surrounded by open fields stretching eastward for miles sits Jeff and Shannon Hartung’s two-story home on the prairie west of Bennington. The couple reside there with their two children, Kylie, 17, and Nick, 20, and two miniature schnauzers, Scarlett and Jarvis. Drawing inspiration from architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Robie House in Chicago, the couple designed their modern Prairie-style home
with a similar horizontal nature, incorporating flat, charcoal roof lines, three-foot overhanging eaves, and natural limestone on the exterior. Built in 2015, this four-bedroom, five-bathroom, 5,600-square-foot home is an homage to sophisticated simplicity. Nothing is overly frivolous or ornate, yet the great attention to detail and craftsmanship can not be missed.
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“ I overbuilt, I would say, because number one, it’s my house,” explained Jeff, owner of Ideal Construction. “And plus, I tend to go overboard also, that’s just the way I am. But, you know, I treated it like a job. I wanted it to be done right.”
“FOR ME, THAT FIREPLACE IS ALMOST LIKE A PIECE OF ART.” - SHANNON HARTUNG
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This is the first private residence that Ideal Construction has built from the ground up, Jeff said. The bulk of the firm’s work is commercial construction and the rest is home remodels. Natural white oak, wide-plank hardwood floors run throughout the main level, grounding the open floor plan. Douglas fir wood beams feature prominently on the living room’s 10-foot ceilings, soaring to 14 feet in some areas. A striped onyx marble gas fireplace is centered between two French doors and stretches all the way to the ceiling.
“For me, that [fireplace] is almost like a piece of art,” said Shannon, vice president at Ideal Construction. “It brought in some color without being obnoxious. That was one of my favorite things that we put in the house.” The use of natural stone continues in the primary bedroom, right off the living room, with another fireplace surrounded by floor-to-ceiling white marble with delicate gray veining. It’s flanked on both sides by large, built-in shelves full of Shannon’s book collection and family photos. “I love to read,” Shannon added. “I’m hoping to fill them all up. That’s my goal.” As you round the corner into the en suite bath, you’re greeted by a chevron path of black-and-white-striped marble tiles that leads you to a freestanding soaking tub with a geometric chrome chandelier suspended above.
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“We did the [en suite’s] bath tops and tub ledge in Cambria White Cliff quartz,” said Tricia Gaillard, sales and design manager at CKF, which contributed to the home build. The pristine white quartz matches the walls, creating an environment where natural light radiates. To the left and right of the bathtub are his-and-hers vanities complete with mirrors spanning the width of the wall and frameless white oak cabinets. Keeping with the modern feel, “The vanity cabinetry is designed as a floating vanity, so it sits 10 inches above... the floor,” Gaillard added. The en suite’s neutral color palette is a ref lection of the entire home full of grays, whites, and blonde wood tones. The trim, walls, and nearly all the ceilings are the same white color with different f inishes. The only places you’ll find a hint of color come from artwork, and even then, it’s subtle. “I like neutrals,” Shannon said. “I get really tired of color. I’m a sucker for gray.” The home is distinctly modern with clean lines, but not in an unapproachable or stark manner. Touches like the barely there recessed baseboards that sit f lush against the wall with only a sleek linear indent to create separation are where modern style shows through. Plus, without a ledge, there’s nowhere for dust to collect—something the Hartungs took into consideration when designing their home.
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Shannon explained: “I just think it’s easier to maintain and easier to clean. I don’t like the really ornate, heavy woodwork. Things like that just collect so much dust to me. I wanted it to feel light and airy.” Since less trim equals less dust, they opted for solid core doors with a stacked rail design in a medium gray all throughout the house. Even the windows don’t have raised trim around them.
“I LIKE NEUTRALS. I GET REALLY TIRED OF COLOR. I LOVE G R A Y. I ’M A S U C K E R F O R G R A Y. ” - SHANNON HARTUNG
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“It’s funny, you don’t think
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about stuff like that, but it really does add up,” Shannon said. With the modern details, it’s hard to grasp just how opulent and expansive the Hartungs’ home is. Between the brushed-steel metal dining table, the circular glass table, and the granite waterfall-edge kitchen island, the space comfortably seats 17 people. It’s perfect for the entertaining they do for Husker football parties and Friendsgiving, as well as family get-togethers. “It’s just someone cooking and someone bringing some different plates over and hanging around, eating and drinking,” Jeff said. “We want people to feel like they can just come in, kick their shoes off [...] just like they’re at home.” The Hartungs have plenty of entertaining space besides their main floor. They recently finished their basement, complete with a glass-enclosed wine cellar and wet bar. Out in their commercial-sized garage is a kitchenette with a massive beverage refrigerator and several bar stools to sit around the peninsula counter. When they want to enjoy the outdoors, there’s a covered porch right off their living room overlooking their pool and impeccably landscaped yard. Designed by Mark McBride with Mulhall’s, the yard has a modern, symmetrical look, much like the house, and features prairie grasses, birch, red maple, and columnar oak trees, and limestone hardscapes. This was the first full summer the family got to enjoy the pool, and it’s easily become one of their favorite spots to hang out. Living in rural Bennington may be too far west for some, but in this modern prairie home paradise, it’s exactly where Shannon and Jeff Hartung want to be. Read about Ideal Construction’s work on Eric Burden’s home remodel in the May 2020 issue of OmahaHome.
“ W E WA N T PEOPL E TO FEEL LIKE THEY C AN JUST COME IN, KICK THEIR SHOES O F F. . . J US T L I K E THEY’RE AT HOME.” - JEFF HARTUNG
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S TO RY BY K AT R I N A M A R K E L PH OTO GR A PH Y BY B I L L S I T ZM A N N
T h e Ya n n o n es’ hig h-te ch h o m e in Sterling Ridge
DESIGN BY MADY B ESCH
Bryan and Jennifer Yannone are set for entertaining in their new, hightech home. Situated on a corner of the Sterling Ridge development near 130th and Pacific streets, it’s the second home the Yannone family has owned in the neighborhood. In 2013, this magazine featured the Yannone’s first home in what was then a brand-new neighborhood. Sterling Ridge has since grown and on May 1, 2020, the family relocated to a newer house with some of the latest smart home products.
“That was the goal. Build a house that feels like I’m on vacation.” — B R YA N YA N N O N E
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PH OTO BY JIM SCHOLZ
“I don’t know if you noticed, but the Yannone house has a lot of screens.” — DAN GOSCH
“We made a space that’s usable for us because that’s what we like to do, entertain our friends,” Jennifer Yannone said. “Plus, we’re COVID ready now. We’ve got a pool and a generator. We’re good,” Bryan Yannone added, jokingly. Bryan Yannone is the president of Lockwood Construction, LLC, which is the developer of Sterling Ridge. His family home was built by Bloomfield Custom Homes, an entity of Lockwood. The Yannones use their home as a model for potential customers, but the extensive technology was installed for their personal enjoyment. “If we were to make a list of the boxes to check for all the things that we do, [the Yannones] just happen to have everything checked,” said Dan Gosch, president of Integrated Control Concepts, the company that installs most of the communication and low-voltage systems in Sterling Ridge. The home includes remote lighting control, smart appliances, and a sophisticated security system with high-definition cameras. Perhaps the most obvious amenities are the entertainment options. “I don’t know if you noticed, but the Yannone house has a lot of screens,” Gosch said. Bryan and Jennifer, who is a teacher with Omaha Public Schools, have a blended family with six children ranging in age from 16 to 28. They also have a new grandchild and another one on the way. The main level is filled with natural light and decorated with warm gray tones. An open floor plan means that the family can spend time in the great room and the kitchen simultaneously. There is a family dining area on one side of the kitchen. A large television is recessed in the great room wall above the fireplace, and another TV hangs within view of the kitchen table for synchronized viewing. Gosch installed speakers so the TVs can be heard throughout the space without cranking up the volume on a single speaker, creating “a quieter, more tranquil space.”
The primary suite, on the main floor, is designed for convenience with a washer and dryer in the walk-in closet, a beverage refrigerator outside the bedroom, and a zero-entry shower that doubles as a steam room. The spacious en suite bathroom has a deep tub and a mirror TV. Bryan said that they can use their Alexa app to turn on the TV, fill the tub, and start the shower. The bedroom also has a ceiling fan that they can control using Alexa. Installing power window blinds operated with remote control is on the to-do list.
Gosch said that smart speakers and other universal devices don’t work as well as the apps created by the product manufacturers. His customers generally have several apps on phones or tablets. “It’s getting better all the time. It’s just not quite to the point where we use it in our, what I guess we could call our smart homes,” Gosch said, pointing out that he can help customers hone in on a few features that they’d like to control with voice commands.
an area, you hit a button and the pathway scene turns on or an entertainment scene turns on.” Downstairs there are three more bedrooms, a family room, another kitchen, and a game table. Behind the game table is a barn door that slides open to reveal a home theater setup.
“We can walk out and push one button and it will turn the whole house off.” — JE N NIFER YA N N O N E
“I wanted this to be a golf simulator room,” Bryan joked, hinting at a lost battle. “I did not want that,” Jennifer replied. Gosch said because the room opens to the whole space, “Instead of being what I would call a theater, I would call it a media room.” The common space also includes multiple screens where different content can be viewed concurrently. Stepping onto the patio, there’s a large table and a grill and burner. Even the temperature of the pool can be controlled by a mobile device. As in the home’s interior, the outdoor speakers are wired so that there are several speakers providing a consistent audio level throughout the backyard. “We have a Sonos sound system so we can control the music from our phones and we can pick which rooms or what area we want to play the music,” Jennifer said. On one end of the pool there is a pergola with ample furniture and a mounted TV.
The Yannone house has docking stations for tablets where the family can access whichever app they need in addition to using their phones. Lighting control is among the most convenient components.
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“Ours is nice. We can walk out and push one button and it will turn the whole house off,” Jennifer said. Gosch said that lighting control, including window treatments, can be programmed for seasons or time of day. He also noted that “scenes” can be created “so when you enter
“My favorite room in the house,” Bryan said, referring to the outdoor living space. The family has been spending a lot of time outside and they are grateful to have a backyard retreat in the middle of the pandemic. “That was the goal. Build a house that feels like I’m on vacation,” Byran said.
PATRICK MCGEE
STORY DESIGN
MADY BESCH
PRAIRIE GRASSES, NATIVE FLOWERS TAKINGROOT AT HOME
INDIAN GRASS SEED H E A D I N E A R LY S P R I N G
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Although dwarfed by trees, flowers, and other spectacles of landscaping, turf grass is the unsung hero of many landscapes. Quality turf not only makes for a good-looking yard; it serves many functions, such as preventing soil erosion, providing weed control, and creating a velvety carpet underfoot for those carefree summer days.
Buffalo grass is not without its own specific needs. “It doesn’t have great shade tolerance,” Gaussoin said. However, many turf grasses have similar difficulty. Where buffalo grass doesn’t thrive, other native plants may do just fine. Gaussoin promotes planting the “right plant in the right place,” whether it’s shade-seeking hostas under a tree or turf grass in an open space.
An ideal landscape contains an expanse of grass paired with plants and shrubs of unique colors, heights, and textures.
Dr. Roch Gaussoin, a turf grass specialist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said the key to a great lawn and landscape is diversity in plant material. An ideal landscape contains an expanse of grass paired with plants and shrubs of unique colors, heights, and textures. Turf grass is an integral component of any landscape. It creates transitionary spaces, or “voids,” between trees, gardens, and other features.
As a practical consideration, homeowners choosing a turf grass variety and accompanying landscaping should consider the type and frequency of maintenance they want. Gaussoin said that prairie grasses, such as buffalo grass, are adapted for Nebraska’s climate. Buffalo grass is drought-resistant, needing less water than standard alternatives such as Kentucky blue grass, and requires less fertilizer and mowing. “It works well in parkways...and large expanses,” Gaussoin said. The University of Nebraska, with Gaussoin, is responsible for a premier breeding program that has generated many unique varieties of buffalo grass.
Mike Fritz, general manager of Stock Seed Farms, is also keen on buffalo grass for managed portions of turf. Stock and Fritz work with the University of Nebraska to develop varieties of buffalo grass. He has been recommending seed for specific applications for 20 years and noted the growing popularity of natural landscapes by homeowners. “There is a steadily increasing interest in native grasses,” he said. For acreages where it is impractical to manage the entire lawn, or where property owners prefer a natural prairie look, he recommends ‘Schizachyrium Blaze,’ a little bluestem variety which earns its name every fall with its vibrant red-orange display of color. Other viable options include other bluestem varieties, grama varieties, Indian grass, or other warm-season prairie grasses.
Homeowners who want to incorporate lowmaintenance plants aside from grasses into their landscapes should consider native plants such as goldenrods and milkweed. Both are highly beneficial to pollinators, such as bees and butterf lies, Gaussoin said. Both also present highly attractive blooms and are adapted to Nebraska’s climate. All plants require fertility to some extent. Gaussoin recommends knowing one’s turf grass’ specific fertilization requirements. He also said that incorporating clover into a turf grass mixture provides additional nitrogen to the soil. Clover flowers are beneficial to pollinators as well (as are dandelions), but the aesthetic is not for everyone. Because eastern Nebraska soil contains heavy clay, homeowners should prepare the soil with a compost mix before planting. Any plant, turf or otherwise, will require additional watering until established.
Clover flowers are beneficial to pollinators as well (as are dandelions), but the aesthetic is not for everyone.
For homeowners intent on lowering the maintenance of their yards, conserving water, promoting pollinators, or utilizing less harsh chemicals to produce a lush lawn, native turf grasses and accents will do wonders. Just remember that low maintenance does not mean no maintenance.
So get busy. Early fall is the perfect time to lay down seed and watch your lawn take off. For more information on turf options, visit Stock Seeds’ website at stockseed.com or the UNL Agronomy Department website at agronomy.unl.edu.
A Street of Dreams Home, Reinvented STORY MARIAN HOLDEN P H OTO G R A P H Y A M O U R A P R O D U C T I O N S // D E S I G N M A DY B E S C H
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H I S H O M E WA S B E A U T I F U L LY D E S I G N E D and built for the 2007 Omaha Street of Dreams. It’s amazing how time flies and how styles and technology change! Fast forward 13 years, and the house was dark, dated, and in need of updating. The homeowners wished to introduce more light and create an airy feel, update the finishes and colors to include popular gray tones, and incorporate some new furniture to bring a contemporary look to the residence.
The challenge with this type of project is making a dramatic impact without tearing out everything in the whole house. I started by selecting a light, neutral “greige” paint color that allowed us to incorporate some new cooler finishes. New materials that worked with existing decor were used whenever possible. The kitchen was where the biggest transformation took place. A fresh coat of gray-white paint was applied on all the trim and kitchen cabinetry, which made the entire kitchen feel light and bright and twice the size. We kept the warm stone floor and chose new quartz countertops with a warm charcoal veining that pulled in the stone, and paired it with an interesting glazed ceramic BEFORE backsplash tile that complemented the floor and the new cabinet color. We updated the under-cabinet lighting with LED bulbs, which cast a crisper, sharper light on all the surfaces. (In addition, the homeowner won’t have to worry about changing bulbs ever again.) And we hung large mercury-glass pendants, adding sparkle to the already bright kitchen. Finally, we removed the dated, heavily carved molding on the range hood and replaced it with a sleek, stainless-steel sheet metal. This change immediately added a more contemporary feel to the entire kitchen.
The challenge with this type of project is making a dramatic impact without tearing out everything in the whole house.
In the family room and office, cabinetry was painted a warm charcoal gray to add more interest and depth. The gray created a beautiful contrast with the existing warm fireplace stone and the white trim and cabinetry as well. New custom furniture incorporated our warm gray color scheme. We also introduced some brushed gold finishes to keep the new grays from going cold.
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building to a higher sta ndar d. F E AT U R E
Mixing metals is always a way to add more interest in a space.
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Mixing metals is always a way to add more interest in a space. Overly ornate lighting was replaced with large-scale light fixtures featuring clean, modern lines. Lastly, new contemporary rugs—including one very whimsical cowhide rug in the office—replaced traditional Oriental rugs that definitely dated the home. This remodeled home brings this early 2000s time capsule up to 2020 Street of Dreams’ standards. And the family couldn’t be happier with their beautiful, new space!
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Meet the Interior Designer
MARIAN HOLDEN
ASID, Designer’s Touch Marian Holden, of Designer’s Touch, is the only professional interior designer in the state of Nebraska that is also a licensed general contrac tor and licensed real estate agent. “It is my goal to be a one-stop shop and help my clients create their dream home.”