Omaha Home October 2023

OmahaHome ENTRYWAY

“And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.” — Oscar Wilde, Irish poet and playwright

Autumn is my favorite time of the year, in part because the season embraces comfort foods. Pumpkin bars, creamy soups served in bread bowls, chicken pot pie … I read somewhere that a classic recipe is like a sheet of music one can choose to follow along, mimicking it to the letter, or experiment by changing it up a bit. I’ve done this many times with my mother or grandmother’s original recipes, adding my own special touch while still giving them credit for the inspiration.

Early October is when I typically pull out my ‘fall artillery’… twigs and branches replace summer florals. Bright fabric pillows and throws give way to chunky, textured ones in autumnal tones. And lastly, I can’t think of this time of year without candles and scents in amber, cinnamon, cedar, and vanilla filling my home.

In this issue, our contributor Michelle Horst of Thyme & Theory shares her tips for decorating a kid-friendly, natural harvest table on page 4. Few homes fit fall better than the historic Edgar Zabriskie House, which is being lovingly cared for and enjoyed by the entertaining Pasqualettos, who love to host friends and family in its late nineteenth-century dining and drawing rooms. Enjoy this Bemis Park beauty in all its party grandeur on page 22.

Contents

OMAHAHOME ENTRYWAY

THYME & THEORY My Fall Harvest Table

SPACES A Caribbean-Inspired Dream Kitchen

MAKER Aaron Mosby’s Live-Edge Furniture

FEATURE A True Passion Project

Sandy Matson Contributing Editor

FEATURE The Pasqualettos Honor the House

GREEN Acting Sustainable - Homebuilders Go Green

ARCHITECTURE Le Petit Manior in Rockbrook

DESIGNER FEATURE Cosmopolitan + Cornflower:

This sophisticated dining space is just a glimpse into Kim Rowell’s Barrington Park home, which features luxurious, elegant touches throughout the spacious ranch. Story page 14. Photo by Bill Sitzmann.

Studio Eckstrom’s Sleeping Quarters Project

CREATE YOUR OWN

O

NMENT

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 t op awards for our iconic design

Editorial

MANAGING EDITOR

LINDA PERSIGEHL

SENIOR EDITOR

JULIUS FREDRICK

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

NATALIE VELOSO

SENIOR STAFF WRITER

KIM CARPENTER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

TAMSEN BUTLER · MARK ECKSTROM

JENNA GALLAGHER · MICHELLE HORST

JEFF LACEY · SARA LOCKE

VERONICA WORTMAN PLOETZ · CHRIS WOLFGANG

Creative

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

RACHEL BIRDSALL

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

RENEÉ LUDWICK

GRAPHIC DESIGNER I NICKIE ROBINSON

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

SARAH LEMKE · MANDY MCGREGOR

Sales

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

SALES & MARKETING

GIL COHEN

BRANDING SPECIALISTS

DAWN DENNIS · GEORGE IDELMAN

CONTRIBUTING BRANDING SPECIALISTS

GREG BRUNS · TIM M CCORMACK

PUBLISHER’S ASSISTANT / OMAHAHOME CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

SANDY MATSON

SENIOR SALES COORDINATOR

ALICIA HOLLINS

SALES COORDINATOR

SANDI M CCORMACK

BUSINESS MANAGER

KYLE FISHER

AD TRAFFIC MANAGER

DAVID TROUBA

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

DAMIAN INGERSOLL

PUBLISHER

TODD LEMKE

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

BILL

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Thyme & Theory

My Fall Harvest Table

Kid-safe, neutral, and oh so easy

It’s that time of year again…for jumping in piles of crunchy leaves, carving cute jack-o-lanterns, and embracing the cozy feels of fall. I admit, as soon as Starbucks starts selling pumpkin spice lattes, I decorate my home for harvest season. It’s a beautiful time in Nebraska!

One area that I used to dread decorating, but now love, was our dining area. It always seemed a hassle and a bit impractical, given our young kids and busy mealtimes. But in this new home, I’ve found ways to keep it simple, festive, and versatile for transitioning into the next holiday.

I like to start with the most basic things and layer upon those. Below are some ways I bring the autumn theme to my dining space while keeping a calm, neutral space that complements my home’s coastal retreat decor.

Start with Neutral Tones

When it comes to my fall decor, muted and earthy tones are key. Think warm whites, soft browns, and soothing beiges for tablecloths, napkins, placemats, etc. These set the stage for fall accents in soft olive green, dusty terracotta, and other harvest hues.

Layer with Textures

Fall is all about texture, and I love to mix and match. In this tablescape, I paired soft linens with woven seagrass and rustic wooden accents. These textures not only add visual interest but are also kid-friendly as they can be hand-washed as needed. (I love velvet this time of year, but with children, it’s not practical at the table. I save it for throw pillows in the living room.)

Let There Be Light

As the days get shorter, lighting becomes essential to set the right mood. Candles in various sizes add a touch of allure and warmth. Since we have four small boys, I only use battery-operated candles on the dining table (accidents passing the food or bumping the table are too risky). I save traditional, scented candles for the kitchen counter, out of harm’s way.

*Remember, always prioritize safety and never leave candles unattended.

Bring the Outdoors In

Autumn is a season that celebrates nature, so why not bring it inside? I add natural elements to my displays and tablescape, like pinecones, acorns, greenery, or small branches as decorative accents. The best part? These can all transition into my winter decor, allowing me to keep them up for months (that means less packing and unpacking holiday items, perfect for busy parents).

Incorporate Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables

For an every-day fall table display, I add seasonal fruits and vegetables like pumpkins, gourds, and apples, but just a few so they’re easy to remove when I need space. When expecting guests, I add a plate of festive fall treats and pretty drinkware. These items dress up the table and allow everyone to gather for some nibbles and quality time.

“I add natural elements to my tablescape, like pinecones, acorns, greenery, or small branches as decorative accents. The best part? These can all transition into my winter decor.”

—Michelle Horst

Now that the decorating is done, I’m off to grab another pumpkin spice latte. Happy fall!

This article is part of a series chronicling the design-build of Michelle Horst’s Midwest coastal retreat home in West Omaha. Follow her at ThymeandTheory on Instagram.

• Have natural gas appliances, heating system, chimney and venting systems inspected every year by a qualified heating contractor.

• Gas appliances and furnaces need fresh air for proper combustion. Combustion products need to be vented to the outdoors. Keep flues, ducts and vents attached to appliances and heating systems in good condition and clear obstructions.

• Use a clean filter. Standard furnace filters need to be cleaned or changed more often in winter. Check the owner’s manual for frequency.

• Do not use gas ovens to heat a room or for any purpose other than cooking.

• Check batteries in carbon monoxide detectors.

• Teach children about safety around all household appliances.

Dream A Caribbean-inspired

“The dining area chandelier punctuated the modern coastal theme and repeated the color and shape of the stove backsplash tile," Deborah

Freeman Kloster

STORY Veronica Wortman Ploetz

PHOTOGRAPHY Bill

Sitzmann

DESIGN Nickie Robinson

SPACES

Coastal vibes permeate the Days’ white and bright new kitchen

Tammy and Mike Day have made small updates to their Linden Park home in West Omaha since 2010. When considering a total kitchen remodel, however, the couple weighed the substantial expense against the cost of moving to an updated home. While remodeling seemed financially prudent, the couple weighed other factors, too. “We love our location, our neighbors, and the quality of our current home,” Tammy said. The couple decided to stay and renovate.

Harold VanDerHart of Wood Specialties drew up design plans for the new kitchen space, which involved removing the wall between the kitchen and the living room.

“Initially, I was worried about losing all my cabinet space,” Tammy shared. “Harold promised I wouldn’t even notice them being gone. He was right, I haven’t missed them one bit.”

When the wall came down, natural light poured into the once dark and dated kitchen,

reminding the Day family of the bright sunlight from their beloved family trips to the Caribbean. They were inspired to bring additional coastal elements into their design and materials selection. David Dykstra of Millennium Construction served as the general contractor for the project. His team removed dark cabinets and installed new, crisp-white uppers and a custom elongated island topped with gleaming Cambria counters. The veining in the countertops mimics ripples of waves breaking against a shoreline.

SPACES

Refinishing the hardwood floors unified the interior design’s overall aesthetic. Stripping the outdated stain color revealed a beautiful natural color reminiscent of sandy shores. Instead of selecting a trendy stain, applying a double coat of water-based matte sealant protected the surface and gave a timeless look.

Deborah Freeman Kloster of Deborah K Interiors added sophisticated coastal elements to evoke the Days’ desire for a bright, fresh, and airy feel to their home. “We enlarged the kitchen window to the back yard, bringing in even more light to this expansive kitchen,” Kloster said. The window hosts a bird’s eye view of the family’s crystal-blue pool below, recalling the calmness of being at the seaside even when landlocked in Nebraska. Designer and homeowner worked together to bring coastal flair to the space by selecting backsplash tiles and accessories with an iridescent, mother-of-pearl finish.

“The dining area chandelier punctuated the modern coastal theme and repeated the color and shape of the stove backsplash tile,” Kloster said. “Coral reef fabric on the custom cornices and pillows was a subtle way to enhance coastal elements throughout rooms adjacent to the kitchen.”

The scope of the project was allowed to swell after deciding all the hardwood floors should be updated at the same time. Relatively new carpet dissappeared from the living room and adjacent hallways. “I couldn’t stomach getting rid of all that new carpet,” Tammy confessed, so in a savvy and sustainable move, she used it to update all the second-floor bedrooms. She also repurposed a large carpet section for an area rug in the living room.

The wave of remodeling led to the relocation of the butler’s pantry to make room for a new built-in desk area and drop zone, a

refresh of the couple’s formal dining room, and the creation of a cocktail bar, which now links the kitchen and living room. An unexpected connection between old and new included the custom glass work on the cocktail bar. for which Lambrecht Glass Studio had created stained glass cabinet doors. When artist/owner Jenna Lambrecht arrived to do the installation, she recognized the work her parents had done to create accent glass flanking the front doors of the home over 20 years earlier.

A feeling of relaxed seaside living now threads through much of the couple’s main level. The Days’ Linden Park abode never felt more like paradise.

For more information, visit woodspecinc.com, and millenniumconstruction.org, facebook.com/ deborahkinteriors, and lambrechtglass.com.

“Initially, I was worried about losing all my cabinet space, Harold promised I wouldn’t even notice them being gone. He was right, I haven’t missed them one bit.” Tammy Day

This Fire Will Never Burn Out

LJM Customs’ talent for live-edge furniture turns heads.

Omahan Aaron Mosby has taken his talent and love for woodworking and crafted it into a living. He launched his company, LJM Customs, in 2021, but the seed was planted six years earlier, when he first began tinkering in his garage.

Previously, Mosby spent several years in the tech field, working on digital sales teams in the construction and restaurant industries, among other things. After a while, however, selling digital advertising was no longer personally satisfying. “I just wasn’t as happy as I once was going into the office,” Mosby explained.

Woodworking was always in the background. At first, Mosby made simple things like coasters and shelves, and even those small pieces gave him intense satisfaction. Slowly, the hobby took over space in his garage, and eventually, his life. He began studying the art form and learning from experts. Finally, (with his family’s support) he made the leap to pursuing his great joy full time. “I finally had to say, ‘Let’s just try to do this.’ This is what I enjoy doing more; this is what I am good at.”

Mosby’s launch into this new, professional endeavor was more successful than he could have ever imagined. “The next thing you know, I had 20 orders,” he said.

LJM Customs (the name bears the initials of his 3-year-old daughter, Layla James) offers a variety of standard to high-end furniture and wood products everything from

kitchen cabinetry to accent walls to countertops and accent tables. Mosby specializes in live-edge (also known as natural edge) furniture, which gives each piece unique character and rustic charm. Finished pieces, such as his handcrafted coffee tables, aren’t just decorative either; Mosby’s painstaking processes result in functional art for the home. Even the cutting boards are heirloom quality.

Having outgrown his garage workshop, LJM Customs is now housed in the Quartermaster Depot, a complex of brick

things, and from those I will try to make something totally unique, something they can’t find online. I design from scratch, with lots of input from the client.  I try to make it very collaborative.”

Customers rave about Mosby’s creations. Jared Benak, who commissioned a dining room table from LJM Customs, said the finished piece “is the first thing anyone notices when they walk in” his home.

“He also had the brilliant idea of building a bench to match the live-edge table, and it really ties the entire [look] together,” Benak added.

On average, Mosby devotes about a week to each project; however, some take as many as three. He spends those hours shaping, sanding, filling, clear coating, and finally installing the appropriate hardware.

buildings at 21st and Woolworth streets in Omaha that the military originally built for the US Army during the late nineteenth century. Nestled in the shade of old cottonwoods, the high-ceilinged shop is where Mosby does all his work on hand-selected slabs of walnut, oak, and other woods he procures from local mills.

Mosby describes his style as “very custom,” saying, “Most clients love a modern style, with a natural wood element. [When designing], I will get photos of four different

Mosby has two goals for each custom piece: “First, being able to get that customer to the point where they like it so much, they can’t stop talking about it. Then, I just have high standards for myself. My second rule is, if I wouldn’t want it in my own house, it doesn’t work.”

The artisan shared he especially enjoys the personal freedom his new profession offers, even if he is sometimes in the shop as late as 11 pm. “I put in a lot of hours, but it doesn’t really feel like working. I don’t feel like I’m going into a job, and I don’t feel like this fire will ever burn out.”

For more information, visit ljmcustomsinc.com.

Mosby has two goals for each piece he does: “First, being able to get that customer to the point where they like it so much, they can’t stop talking about it. Then, I just have high standards for myself. My second rule is, if I wouldn’t want it in my own house, it doesn’t work.”

True Passion Project A

STORY Jenna Gallagher

PHOTOGRAPHY Bill Sitzmann

DESIGN Nickie Robinson

FEATURE

Executive assembles reno dream team to create “sophisticated sanctuary” full of texture, history, and a bit of dramatic fun

Kim Rowell’s career at Cox Communications, where she currently serves as vice-president and market leader, has given her and husband, Bill, the opportunity to live in many different states, but she’s long had a fondness for Omaha.

The couple owned a condo in the SoMa community in Downtown Omaha from 2014-2016 before Kim’s work brought them to Atlanta. When the Rowells had the opportunity to return to Omaha in 2020, they jumped at it and sought a place with plenty of room for entertaining and hosting Kim’s parents and her sister’s family, who all live in Kansas City.

They purchased their nearly 5,000-square-foot Barrington Park ranch, built in 1992, sight unseen, having only toured it via FaceTime. “We loved the neighborhood and all the trees, and we liked that it was a ranch because we travel so much. It’s nice to not have to carry suitcases up and down stairs,” Kim said.

Planning to stay long term, the couple began an extensive renovation that included opening up the main level, reconfiguring the primary bedroom, and adding a screened-in porch, a feature they’d always wanted.

An accomplished baker, Kim makes full use of her kitchen, designed by Tiffany Williams at Tangerine Designs, with countertops by G.M.S. Wërks, and cabinetry, including a custom floor-to-ceiling china cabinet, by Meadowlark Renovations, who also created custom built-ins for the lower level and did construction throughout the house.

The Rowells credit the success of the project to the talent of everyone involved, however it’s clear that Kim’s leadership skills played an important role. Like all great managers, she believes in hiring the best and empowering them to do their jobs.

“I really appreciated the trust Kim and Bill placed in me and the creative freedom that trust allowed,” said designer Jacque Christensen, whom the Rowells enlisted to design the home’s interiors. “One of the things I love about this project is the relationships we built. Kim and Bill are good people, down to the core, and all the teams involved were so kind, creative, and collaborative.”

The Rowells and Christensen agreed that the home should have an elevated feel, with personal touches and plays on color and texture. “We worked with a lot of wools, mohairs, and sisals and incorporated a mix of traditional, timeless patterns with a little bit of quirk. Not everyone appreciates that, but Kim was ready for it,” Christensen said. The design palette included charcoal, dusty blue, and cognac with pops of seafoam and rust. “The goal was to create a sophisticated sanctuary, so that when Kim comes home from her busy day, she could feel at peace and be able to recharge,” she explained.

“The goal was to create a sophisticated sanctuary, so that when Kim comes home from her busy day, she could feel at peace and be able to recharge.”

Jacque Christensen

The room’s show-stopping mural, “The Golden Age,” an homage to women celebrating each other and the arts.

The tone for the home is set immediately in the front room, nicknamed “The Ladies’ Library” by Kim. “This is the third house where we’ve had a ‘Ladies’ Library.’ It contains all our favorite things from our families, our life together, and our travels. I love to curl up in there with a cup of coffee and just be,” Kim said.

The room’s show-stopping mural, “The Golden Age,” an homage to women celebrating each other and the arts, is a collaboration between the artist, Jackie Gendel, and Peg Norriss for interior design retailer Schumacher and was hung by Omaha-based Willy Nilly Wallpaper. Custom window coverings by Kathleen Connor feature a hand-blocked floral design that Christensen described as “feminine, but also kind of edgy and cool.”

The room makes a light-hearted counterpoint to the moody elegance of the dining room, just across from the foyer, where soaring walls painted in “Black Fox” from Sherwin Williams change color from brown to grayish-green, depending on the natural light. Traditional, skirted chairs from Lee Industries complement the dramatic effect.

One place where Christensen kept the drama to a minimum was the primary bedroom, where cognac-colored Thibault grasscloth on the walls dampens sound and contributes to the spa atmosphere Kim desired.

Throughout the home, Christensen incorporated pieces that had been in the Rowells’ families for generations. Kim’s childhood bed part of a pre-Civil War set passed down from her mother’s side of the family looks custom-designed for a room festooned with Fern Gallery wallpaper by Sanderson. “Jacque had to work pretty hard to get me to sign off on that paper,” Kim said, laughing. “But now I adore it.”

In a guest room that channels a British hunting lodge, Kim points out a dresser that belonged to her great-grandparents on her father’s side, complete with her great-grandfather’s cigarette burns. “No matter where we live, we always have to have a place for this in our home,” she said.

The residence has already gotten the stamp of approval from Kim’s parents. “My dad is generally very understated, but he loved it. And my mom says that the whole family is coming back for Thanksgiving.”

For more information, visit tangerinedesigns.net, meadowlarkrenovations.com, gmswerks.com, jacquechristensendesign.com, and willynillywallpaper.com.

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DESIGN

Nickie Robinson

Honoring the House

New Owners Dedicated to Restoring Bemis Park’s Edgar Zabriskie Residence

The Edgar Zabriskie Residence is not haunted. No ominous footsteps echo in the middle of the night. Objects don’t mysteriously levitate. Disappointingly, vaporous Victorian apparitions refuse to roam the grounds on the corner lot of Hawthorne Avenue in Bemis Park at least, that’s according to Rebekah and Derek Pasqualetto, who became the stately home’s newest owners in 2020.

That paranormal dearth, though, doesn’t detract from the architectural gem’s masterful craftsmanship and status as one of Omaha’s most famous private residences.

Built in 1889, the gloriously flamboyant Queen Anne mansion is a regular stop on Ollie the Trolley’s historical tours and has inspired artists’ renderings. The US Department of the Interior listed it on the

PHOTOGRAPHY

National Register of Historic Places in 1978 (a brass-trimmed plaque on the home denotes the status), and the city designated it an official Omaha Landmark in 1980.

Such attention is well-deserved. The threestory, 14-room mansion takes its name from a New Yorker who was injured during the Civil War and served as a ship’s officer. During the 1870s, Zabriskie left the turbulent seas behind with his wife, Esther, for the landlocked Midwest, where he worked briefly for First National Bank before becoming a general agent and accountant for Union Pacific Railroad.

“All the wood is original. The fact that it survived is incredible.”

–Derek Pasqualetto

“I don’t even know if there are any other houses in Omaha that have gaslights. There are very few left in the United States.”

–Derek Pasqualetto

European design elements, very much en vogue with the American upper class in the late 19th century, include cherry flooring, paneling in oak, pecan, and walnut imported from England (including the living room’s enormous oak pocket doors), window glass from France, parquetwork completed in Sweden, and the magnificent latticework grand staircase that leads to the second floor.

Omaha teemed with opportunities, including in the brand-new Bemis Park neighborhood, where there was plenty of land. Zabriskie commissioned architects Benjamin Fowler and Charles Beindorff, who also designed Omaha City Hall at 18th and Farnam streets in 1880, to construct the subdivision’s first home, which boasts multiple peaked, gabled roofs, a commanding curved turret, and two Eastlake-style porches with balconies, remarkable for their intricate wooden lattices, spindles, and jigsaw forms. The property also included a two-story carriage house. The residence cost $3,500.

The Pasqualettos paid exponentially more for what was to become their firstever home. The couple, who own and operate the Old Market dance and event space Vintage Ballroom, toured the res -

idence on a whim when it came on the market in 2020.

“We were just driving around, and we saw a house over on Lincoln Avenue that was for sale at the same time, but it felt very small and just wasn’t us,” Rebekah recounted. “Then we drove around the corner, and there was this house. I said, ‘There is no way we’re buying that. It’s way too big. There’s no reason that we need this home.’ But to please Derek, I said, ‘Yeah, we’ll do a tour.’”

She thought it would be a quick open house, but confessed, “Ten feet in, I said, ‘Damnit. We have to buy this house.’”

Most people would have been intimidated by the scale of work (and finances) required to maintain such a historic residence.

“I think we were in a sweet spot,” Derek said. “Most people younger than us wouldn’t be in a position to get in. A lot of people older than us just don’t have the energy to deal with all of this. It was on the market for over half a year.”

The Pasqualettos, however, were immediately smitten by the home’s grandeur, and they both delight in showing off the home’s unique features.

Derek, for example, demonstrates the kitchen’s still functioning intercom. “In each room, there’s a buzzer. The arm on the intercom swings over, and a magnet holds it in place, so you can see which room is buzzing you,” he explained. “Since Zabriskie worked on a ship, he designed an intercom system based on what they used at sea.”

There is also the living room’s fully functioning gaslight chandelier, which Rebekah stands on tiptoes to ignite.

“There’s natural gas running through the entire house, and this is the original chandelier,” Derek said. “I don’t even know if there are any other houses in Omaha that have gaslights. There are very few left in the United States. We’re attempting to repair some wall sconces, but there’s only one company we found in the US that does this kind of work.”

European design elements, very much en vogue with the American upper class in the late 19th century, include cherry flooring, paneling in oak, pecan, and walnut imported from England (including the living room’s enormous oak pocket doors), window glass from France,

parquet work completed in Sweden, and the magnificent latticework grand staircase that leads to the second floor. In the living room, Italian tiles depicting Renaissance musicians one with a flute, the other, a lute flank the opening of an intricately carved fireplace.

To the Pasquelettos’ dismay, the tiles along the base were scotch-taped together a baffling fix they remedied with a permanent repair.

The couple, however, is grateful that previous owners didn’t remove any of the woodwork.

“All the wood is original. The fact that it survived is incredible,” Derek marveled. “The worst thing people did was remove

some doors from the hinges and store them in the basement.”

“We do know that the staircase was completely painted,” Rebekah added. “My uncle used to be a mail carrier for this house, and he was invited inside when the owner was stripping the staircase painstakingly.”

That owner was Jim Bechtel, who purchased the home from the original family in 1972. (The carriage house was sold in the late 1930s and is today a separate private residence.) Edgar and Esther Zabriskie had three children; only Edgar Junior survived into adulthood. Edgar Senior died in 1908; Esther in 1944. Edgar Junior married but had no heirs and died of a stroke in 1968. His wife predeceased him.

Over the years, Bechtel told various news outlets that guests at his annual Halloween party claimed to see a ghost.

“There were a couple of reported deaths on the property,” Derek shared. “One sounded pretty gruesome. A woman [Esther’s sister, Virgie, who lived with the family] was in what is now Rebekah’s dressing room. Her dress caught fire from the furnace. Anti-flammable materials were not a thing then.”

“Zabriskie Junior passed away from a stroke while sitting on the front porch,” Rebekah added. “For years, people said

the house was haunted and that you could see him walking around the front yard in a silk top hat but we’ve never felt any sort of paranormal activity.”

Worse for the Pasqualettos, they’ve instead had to deal with mice (nesting in the kitchen ceiling), raccoons (who’ve claimed the third floor), and snakes (in the foyer and living room) plus a leaky floor in the upstairs bathroom directly above the parlor that houses the bar.

Rebekah solved the latter by adhering fabric to the ceiling to provide easy access to the sub flooring underneath. She

then constructed a plumed light fixture to complement the ambience in the room, which also features nude sketches of a bejeweled Rebekah reclining on the velvet divan in the living room. (The finished portrait by Omaha artist Watie White now hangs prominently in Anna’s Place, the speakeasy inside downtown’s Omaha’s Hotel Indigo.)

The couple, though, seems more tickled by a black-and-white photo displayed next to the master staircase. “This was dropped off on our front porch anonymously,” Rebekah said. “Someone found it at a garage sale. They left a note saying,

‘I hope you love it!’”

The photo is notable, because it depicts the home as it originally appeared to Bemis Park neighbors after construction.

“This is one of the oldest pictures of the home,” Derek said. “It shows the top of the turret, which only lasted about 20 years. It was lost during the Easter tornado of 1913. One of our dream goals is at some point to be able to restore that.”

Faithful restoration, whether that involves properly adhering tiles or towers, remains key in everything the current owners do.

“The main thing,” Derek emphasized, “is to honor the house.”

Rebekah and Derek have been doing just that, bringing life back to the residence in a style that pays homage to the home’s grand history. Fancy dress parties and formal, sit-down dinners are regular occurences on Hawthorne Avenue, where guests bask in the gaslight glow as they bring back a grandeur reminscent of the home’s late nineteenth-century roots.

“We have friends and family over regularly. We love to entertain,” Rebekah shared. “We are the place to gather.”

For more views of the Edgar Zabriskie Residence, visit the Pasqueletto’s Instagram page at instagram.com/thisoldfuckinghouse.

“We are the place to gather.”

—Rebekah Pasqualetto

STORY SARA LOCKE

DESIGN NICKIE ROBINSON

Omaha homebuilders and owners taking steps to ‘go green.’

GREEN I

t’s not always easy being ‘green,’ but it’s increasingly becoming chic. Higher-end homebuilders and remodelers in Omaha are offering a growing menu of ecofriendly design options and amenities, and homeowners are very slowly coming on board. We spoke with Matt Kronaizl and Myles Gardner, both with Sierra Homes, and Carmen Bunde, Realtor with BHHS Ambassador Real Estate, and got their takes on this emerging trend.

Technology/Automation

Kronaizl, Sierra Homes’ president, said technology is key to energy conservation in their builds. “A large remodel we just finished south of Ashland is a fully automated home. Every blind, thermostat, TV, light switch; everything that can be automated is,” he said. Blinds that automatically open and let warmth in, or close to keep the room cool, and a thermostat that regulates temperature to avoid the HVAC from working too hard during peak energy times can greatly reduce a home’s energy needs.

“In the Midwest, [homebuyers] aren’t demanding too much in the way of green technology in homes, yet,” attested Bunde, in part because of the bigger pricetags these homes carry. “Most energy-saving features are added by consumers themselves [after the sale]. Smart thermostats are the most common.”

Gas fireplaces and ranges continue to be popular, but electric versions are gaining popularity in Omaha.

Carmen Bunde, Realtor

Insulation/HVAC

“A lot of the most sustainable practices are happening from the framing of the house,” said Gardner, Sierra’s project manager. “One of the first things I did [in building my own house] was choose 2x6 studs with 24-inch spacing to allow the maximum insulation between studs. Then added an inch of rigid foam outside of that. My parent’s house is comparably sized to mine, and their energy costs are between $500 and $600 a month. My total energy bill each month is right around $200,” Gardener added.

Geothermal heating systems, which absorb heat stored in the ground and transfer it to heat pumps that send warmed air into the home, are also being used in some new builds.

“One Omaha builder I know Ken Oster Homes installs geothermal heat throughout the home. It costs [homebuyers] more up front, but has savings long term,” Bunde said.

Water Conservation

High-efficiency dishwashers and washing machines do more than save on your electric bill; they reduce water waste with every wash. While water conservation never feels as urgent an issue in Nebraska as it does in states experiencing major water shortages, such as Arizona, efforts are gaining steam.

“About 50% of the homes we do have dual-flush toilets… I feel like some of that is becoming more mainstream in the custom home market,” Kronaizl said.

H2O conservation efforts remain stagnant in landscaping, however. “Most people [in the Midwest] still prefer grass lawns,” Bunde said, with many suburban homeowners believing a well-manicured, lush yard is a point of pride. Though native grasses and flowers and trees requiring less watering and chemical treatment are gaining popularity among environmentally conscious homeowners.

Windows

“There is no way to a perfect zero carbon footprint [in homebuilding], but starting with some recycled materials and investing in well-insulated windows and doors goes a long way,” Gardner said. “We also look at where we are placing windows, trying to avoid trapping heat by positioning windows to avoid letting in too much sun at the hottest part of the day.”

Ken Oster Homes also offers low-emissivity (Low-E) windows and patio doors in its builds. The windows feature a glass coating that blocks harmful UV rays while also reflecting heat away from a home in summer, improving energy efficiency.

Solar Energy

“We are still at the front end for demand for solar panels [here in the Midwest)],” Bunde said, “though some HOAs [home owners associations] are still resistant,” to allowing panels for aesthetic reasons, although some solar roof panels these days are attractive as well as reliable. Sierra Homes recently installed a sleek Tesla Solar Roof on a home just south of 192nd and Highway 370 in Hidden Hollow in Gretna, Kronaizl said. The roof comes with a 25-year warranty, guaranteeing both structural integrity and clean energy production for decades. And though it has a higher price tag, just like geothermal heating, its return on investment is strong.

Electric Power

Gas fireplaces and ranges continue to be popular, said Bunde, but electric versions are gaining popularity in Omaha. “A recently built townhome complex Rowhaus Elmwood Park Townhomes by Noddle Homes advertises energy-efficient design that uses no fossil fuels. They have induction ranges instead of gas, and electric fireplaces.” Bunde said project developers also built in electric power capacity in the townhome garages that could accommodate EV charging stations, should a homebuyer decide to add this later.

Bunde said she, too, is making the move away from gas in favor of electric appliances. “Next on my wish is an induction range, because it’s the most energy efficient and because I would like to reduce gas emissions in my home in general."

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Architecture

STORY Tamsen Butler | PHOTOGRAPHY Bill Sitzmann | DESIGN Nickie Robinson

Le Petit Manoir in Rockbrook

A French Country home brings a historic, elegant touch to West Omaha.

French Country-style homes originated when former French citizens and Francophiles alike emulated the look of the French palaces that had captured their imaginations. These lovely country homes were noticed by American servicemembers during World War I, and it wasn’t long before this inspired home design started popping up in the United States.

jillofalltrades2@hotmail.com

Nestled in the Rockbrook neighborhood, this four-bedroom, three-bath home was purchased by Josh and Jill Ludington in February 2023 after an extensive search for a house where they could put down roots in Omaha after moving from Amarillo, Texas. Jill is a theater teacher, and Josh, who is an accountant by trade, is a musician, so it’s no surprise they would fall in love with the artistic look of this fairytale-worthy home.

Because of their school-aged child, the Ludingtons wanted to find a home in District 66. Caldwell Banker real estate agent Laura Larson helped them in their search. She knew this rustic charmer was exactly what the Ludingtons wanted.

Built in 1934 and designed by famed architect Reinholdt Frederick Hennig, credited with drawing up plans for dozens of Omaha’s most treasured homes, this residence sits on more than half an acre and has an appearance that makes passersby gaze in wonder and think, ‘What’s a French Country estate doing in Omaha?’

Larson doesn’t refer to the home as “French Country” or “French Farmhouse,” as many do; instead, she’s titled it “The Little Mansion,” or, in French, “Le Petit Manoir.”

Jill describes the home as “absolutely beautiful, unique, special, and artistic with a historic warmth. That house is a piece of art.”

Husband Josh added, “It’s the perfect amount of space for a family.”

The home boasts a French Country exterior and interior. Vaulted, wood beam ceilings, painted leaded-glass windows and patio door, three fireplaces, and timber doors with wrought-iron latches help this 2,633-square-foot home feel historic and positively cozy. A newer DaVinci shakestyle roof made of low maintenance, firesafe composite and a creamy-white stucco exterior complete the refined, old world look.

The Ludingtons have been hard at work updating landscaping since moving in. Josh credits Jill with doing the lion’s share, clearing overgrowth and tidying the lawn.

Not surprisingly, they have no plans to do any major renovations on the property since they already love the unique look. Jill said they will eventually replace the windows. That’s it.

Dispelling some rumors that have appeared online about this historic house, Jill said she’s not witnessed evidence that the residence is haunted.

“We’d heard that, but we haven’t seen anything in the house,” she said. And as to the online claim that this house is riddled with secret passageways, Jill responded, “They’re probably thinking about the back staircase that leads to what used to be the maid’s quarters.” Other than that staircase, no such secret passageways exist.

The home has earned the designation of “our forever home” by the Ludingtons. In fact, it’s helped the family fall in love with Nebraska after living their entire lives in the Lone Star State. It’s a storybook ending in the making.

“Absolutely beautiful, unique, special, and artistic with a historic warmth. That house is a piece of art.”

— Jill Ludington

Story Mark Eckström, Studio Eckström

Photography Adam Albright

Design Nickie Robinson

Cosmopolitan + Cornflower: Sleeping quarters get an international design makeover in shades of blue

Three bedrooms in a historic Dundee home served as a blank canvas for Studio Eckström’s cerebral proposal: a style mash-up of Wiener Werkstätte meets Mackintosh lofty references that we wanted to interpret as accessible and fun. [Editor’s note: The former references early 20th-century Viennese architects, artists, designers, and artisans who worked across media such as ceramics, metal, textiles, furniture, and the graphic arts to produce utilitarian items for the upper classes. The latter refers to Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a Scottish architect,

designer, and artist, who was an influential figure in the Art Nouveau movement.] We set the mood with an archival Koloman Moser textile in cornflower blue, which got the homeowners excited and established the color through-line for the project.

In the largest bedroom, black-and-white checks on the walls and ceiling pay homage to the Viennese Successionists. [Editor’s note: The Successionists were Austrian architects, graphic artists, painters, and sculptors, whose work was closely related to Art Nouveau.] These checks achieve maximum effect in various scales with wallpaper, fabrics, furniture, and floor covering. A 19th-century Biedermeier chest with an ebony finish and opal glass becomes a focal point between the twin half-canopied beds in the Moser fabric. A Mackintosh “Ingram” chair with cut square details gives guests a place to work at a contemporary desk, and a window seat provides respite for reading or dreaming. Art and select furnishings play on variations of blues, blacks, and whites to help the room achieve rhythmic balance.

The second bedroom also has a black-andwhite palette with a ticking stripe fabric covering all surfaces: walls, ceiling, draperies, and upholstery. Cornflower blue gimp conceals seams and gives the room’s architecture a distinct dimensionality. A nod to the Wiener Werkstätte comes to light in the form of a cornflower blue silk chandelier by WOKA, a reissue of an A. Loos Viennese design. Antique Biedermeier furniture and the homeowners’ vintage Mario Botta chair make this mix conversational and modern.

In the final bedroom, we used a digitally printed wallpaper of lush blue foliage that is a pixilated composition of squares similar to a pointillist painting and a repeat of the other checks used throughout the project. An antique Biedermeier mirror and cabinet serve as focal points with repeated patterns of squares and half-circles defining the bedroom’s geometry. We paired cornflower blue with a deep Hague blue ceiling and trim for a complementary color combo and pulled the caramel tones of the bed dressing to contrast the blue and ground the space with a textured seagrass rug in the same tan tones.

The final results are a suite of three guest rooms that echo each other in both color and geometry; yet, each room has a distinct style and personality. The homeowners are thrilled and hope these reimagined spaces are incentive for their children (and eventually, grandchildren) to come home for extended visits.

Mark and Mikal Eckström are the creative duo behind Studio Eckström and are Nebraska’s first AD PRO interior designers. Their work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, HGTV Magazine, BOH: Business of Home, and Luxe Interiors and Design. For more information, email info@studioeckstrom.com

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Bringing people together takes a lot of work, the last thing you need to worry about is where to put them all! NFM’s huge selection of dining sets you up for success no matter your budget or aesthetic. So let us handle the tough stuff from delivery to decor and you can get back to what matters most.

Bringing people together takes a lot of work, the last thing you need to worry about is where to put them all! NFM’s huge selection of dining sets you up for success no matter your budget or aesthetic. So let us handle the tough stuff from delivery to decor and you can get back to what matters most.

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