OmahaHome November/December 2019

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 A LWAY S L O C A L , A LWAY S B E AU T I F U L

CHRISTMAS CARAVAN COMES HOME // 2019 IMPACT FULL AWARDS // THE 808 KEEPS ITS HEART

// EMBRACING ARTS + CRAFTS

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Har vest WINTER GREENS

“Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more!”

—DR . SEUS S

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t seems to me that each year tends to move a little faster than the one before. By the time I’m packing up Christmas decor, it’s time to bring it out once more.

Unfortunately, much of my Christmas decor was ruined by the flood waters in March. However, most things can be replaced.

As a thrifter, I know where to find good stuff for a bargain. The only thing is, the best time to get it is right after the holidays. It seems that many people are thinking the same after the January 1 purge— load up the car and off to the thrift store you go.

Adding your personal style and taste to the holidays is important. In this issue, the Ross’ blend of tradition and fresh aromatic greenery completes the scene and the Ericksons’ Victorian home will make you want to cozy up with a good book in every room—even the bathroom! Avoid the cold this holiday with Sarah Parys’ luxurious handwoven goods or with Patrick McGee’s tips for growing fresh winter greens from the warmth of your own kitchen.

Also in this issue, Mary Beth Harrold of Papillion Flower Patch lets us take a peek into her Christmas Caravan, which raises funds for a great cause.

Holidays can be stressful and even depressing for some people. A wonderful thing to do during this time is give back to those less fortunate. Volunteer your time, donate warm clothing or money to your favorite nonprofit, focus on helping others, and appreciate the things you have. This can lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.

Stay safe, and enjoy the season!

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Transformations A PR AIRIE HOME PROJECT RE VISITED

ON THE COVER

The Ross family home dressed for Christmas. Neutral walls and natural furnishings paired with whimsical holiday decor creates a magical look for the season. Story page 20. Photo by William Hess.

Sandy Matson Contributing Editor Sandy with her father, Bob, Christmas of 1973

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BEFORE

— SP ONSOR E D F E AT U R E —

KITCHENS REDEFINED 5 WAYS TO U PDATE YO UR K ITCHEN

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here are a lot of options when it comes to a kitchen update or remodel, but many people don’t know them, says Kelly S. King, owner and lead designer of Kitchens ReDefined.

His Omaha-based firm specializes in repainting, recoloring, and refacing kitchen cabinets.

Omaha has a lot of homes built from the 1970s-1990s, when oak was the most popular cabinet wood, and those 30-plusyear-old cabinets are often simple to have redone.

First, call a professional, such as Kitchens ReDefined, for an estimate.

“Often people are shy about revealing their budget,” King says of initial consultations with clients. His advice: “Tell me what you want. I’ll get you to the right place. Your wallet will be my wallet. We work with all budgets—whether you want us to be frugal or perform serious magic.”

Once King knows a client’s budget, he provides the client with their options to get them the best cabinets for their money.

There are several ways King and his company can help.

REPAINTING OR REFINISHING The simplest way to redo existing cabinets is to repaint, refinish, or strip and refinish them. A company like Kitchens Redefined can even apply designer glazes or distressed finishes to give customers a unique look.

“When refinishing cabinets, it’s imperative that the correct steps be done to ensure a long-lasting refinish,” King says. “We’ve developed very specialized coatings for exactly that purpose.”

REDOOR If a customer wants more than a refinish, then another option is to keep the existing cabinet boxes and replace the cabinet doors with ones that are more desirable or trendy.

REFACE The entire bank of cabinets can get the look of a different wood through an application called “skinning.” The process involves applying a special wood-like overlay onto current cabinets. If, for example, a client has an oak doors, the cabinets boxes can be skinned with walnut and new walnut doors can be installed for a different and modern look.

RECONSTRUCT The fourth way to update existing kitchen cabinets is to reconstruct areas of the cabinets. This can include adding crown molding to existing cabinets, removing a microwave and replacing it with a range hood, or adding new soft-close hinges or drawer boxes.

REPLACE In some cases, replacing is the answer. “Repurposing existing cabinets does not make sense if a lot of reworking is required,” King says. In that circumstance, Kitchens ReDefined can gut and redesign a kitchen with custom-built, custom-finished cabinets. “We’re a full-service operation,” King says.

Kitchens ReDefined has 60-plus years of experience in kitchen cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes. The company completes 150 to 200 kitchen projects a year. An added plus is that King has long-standing relationships with subcontractors for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, drywall and f looring work when needed.

Visit kitchensredefined.com or call 402.241.5288 to learn more.

November/December 2019

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HANDMADE

& LUXURIOUS

East Parlo r’s Woven Goo ds

OmahaMagazine.com

MAKER story by Kim Reiner

photography by Bill Sitzmann

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design by Mady Besch

“It’s not finding the time, it’s making the time,” she says.

She fits her business around family life. A large four-shaft loom rests in the corner of the dining room beside the dinner table and ironing board. She buys most of her yarns online, and some locally at Personal Threads Boutique and ImaginKnit Yarn Shop. A few hand towels she recently made from hemp are stacked on the table. A couple of her pillows are on a chair.

Depending on the size and design of a project, Parys dedicates about two to three hours to weave a scarf; wall tapestries, which tend to be larger, require more than three hours.

Sarah Parys is the one-woman en-

trepreneur behind East Parlor, an online vendor of handwoven home goods and accessories. She’s a weaver based in Omaha with an eye for simple, classic looks and stylish color combinations. And, since she makes her products from natural materials such as cotton, wool, and bamboo, she appeals to environmentally conscious shoppers who prefer handmade items over mass-produced, manufactured goods.

“They want the one-of-a-kind thing,” says Parys of her customers.

East Parlor items are available on Etsy, where customers are able to order customized pieces. Parys says many of her goods, such as her large, woven wall hangings, are made without patterns, so each will be unique just by the nature of her process.

Offline, her woven items are available in a few locations. In Omaha, Parys sells her goods through Made In Omaha and at local maker fairs like Hutchfest and Bench: MADE. One of her customers, Vera Petersen, coowner and head of community engagement of Bench, bought a scarf and wall tapestry after seeing Parys at local maker fairs. She describes Parys’ products as having a rich,

“It’s almost hard to believe that it’s handmade. There’s a good luxury quality about it.”

— Vera petersen high-end feel to them. You have to touch them to understand the reasoning behind the price, she says.

“It’s almost hard to believe that it’s handmade,” says Petersen. “There’s a good luxury quality about it.”

Parys didn’t set out to work with fibers.

While studying at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, she focused on drawing and mixed media. She even sold some of her drawings. Then, a few years ago, she noticed a trend. Tapestry weavings were gaining in popularity, so she decided she’d try it out.

With the help of books and Youtube videos, Parys taught herself the basics. And she loved it. She learned to make more designs and got herself larger and larger looms.

Now, more than four years later, Parys works out of her home. A mom to seven boys, ages 1 to 17, she weaves when she can—typically during naptime and after bedtime.

With a few years in the business, Parys has learned to simplify her workload to what she knows sells best. “After doing this for a while, I have my staple ones I like to do,” she says. “Simple ones...Tone it back and keep it real simple.”

She’s learned the textures and colors that appeal to a wide audience, and those best-sellers continue to do well.

Petersen bought one of those pieces.

“She has a pattern right now—maroon, white, and a unique blue,” describes Petersen. “That one blew up and everyone loved it, and she made a bunch of them. It was perfect, exactly what I wanted.”

Visit etsy.com/shop/eastparlor to see more of Parys’ work or to purchase a custom piece.

S PAC E S

CHRISTMAS CARAVAN COMES HOME Long-Time Designer to Host Tour Stop at her Papillion Abode

story by Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmann design by Mady Besch

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OmahaMagazine.com

S PAC E S

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N A HUMID AUGUST afternoon, among autumn decor and the scent of pumpkin spice wafting through her home, Mary Beth Harrold, 70, sat with her crew at the kitchen table plotting Christmas. The holidays arrive early in the red brick and tan house tucked away at 1402 Placid Lake Circle in Papillion, and the ladies know the importance of preparation.

The past 18 years, Harrold and her three cohorts have designed one of four houses selected annually for the Christmas Caravan Tour of Homes, a fundraiser for the Assistance League of Omaha. The league donates to local community programs benefitting children and adults.

Harrold customizes holiday design plans for each home, handcrafting the decorations as needed. Planning begins months in advance with interviews; then items are purchased at the Dallas Market Center in Texas in January. It’s a team effort, and even the gals’ husbands lend a hand, loading and unloading decor.

“Mary Beth is modest but she’s an excellent first-class designer,” co-worker Donna Wilcox explains. Wilcox, along with floral designer Mary Anne Hunter and the other women, puts hours into transforming homes for the holidays, especially the week leading up to the tour.

This season is unique because the caravan will include Harrold’s residence.

“It’s quite an honor. It’s the most beautiful time of the year. I just hope to make it to see the day,” Harrold says, her voice cracking.

Harrold has been receiving chemotherapy treatments after being diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, a rare type of malignant cancer that starts in smooth muscle tissue.

These tumors are most commonly found in the abdomen, as in Harrold’s case.

She found out on the busiest day of the year for Papillion Flower Patch, Harrold’s floral and gift shop. Although she awoke with bad stomach pain, this diligent owner still headed into her shop on Valentine’s Day, 2019. She was rushed to the hospital after it became too severe to ignore. Doctors removed a 10-pound tumor (stage 3) from her abdomen.

Ignoring her symptoms was a mistake, she confesses. “Back then, I didn’t know any better.”

Harrold has put love, dedication, and effort into growing her business the past 43 years.

When her husband, Jim, bought a barber shop, he also purchased the lot across the street for his wife’s new flower business. Now, Harrold is turning over the key and ownership to her daughter, Stephanie Crandall. She, along with sister Kim Vieth, spent many days after school at her mother’s business creating flower arrangements, even as little girls.

Crandall has worked side by side with her mother through all the Christmas Caravans. Although Harrold might be too weak to decorate, she plans to be on hand to supervise her team’s efforts.

She has worked tirelessly, and whenever Harrold hears groans or complaints about the huge task at hand, she reminds the ladies of her motto, “Nobody is a quitter.”

When thousands of people descend through the doors of Harrold’s home, an earthy, cozy winter scene will greet guests.

This wintery dream is wrapped in pine cones, faux snow, and creamy candles. Even the kitchen table provides a frozen snapshot of a family about to serve Christmas dinner. The dinner plates are reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell scene, with a dog leaning out of a red 1950s truck on a majestic snowy day.

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Cardinals and holly berries bring small splashes of red to the décor while staying true to its natural aesthetic theme. The outside permeates the inside with whispers of silvery birch. Another kitchen piece is sprinkled with snowy pine as if plucked from her tree out front.

In addition, Harrold loves big show pieces such as a white vase holding an arrangement of bristly pine, thick branches, and sparkly gold bulbs. A glass case holds a miniature pine tree surrounded by forest, flora, and fauna. A faux wood log and pine cones lay across the fireplace mantel. Long sticks of birch, wrapped in clear lights, are placed on the ends. Other arrangements are artfully placed in ceramic bowls, decorated cups, and wire vases. Even mirrors are lined with iridescent tree limbs. The nature-inspired winter wonderland is sure to impress visitors young and old.

Paying guests can view artful décor upstairs and purchase holiday items downstairs in the boutique. The caravan is a way for the group to give a percentage of profits to fund Operation School Bell. This program, in partnership with JCPenney’s, helps local children in need purchase clothing, footwear, and books.

“Maybe we will enjoy our family more.

Business is not as important this year,” Crandall adds, with a meaningful look at her mother. Harrold wants to spend this season with her four grandchildren, daughters, and all her friends. As a bonus, Christmas is her birthday, giving the family one more reason to celebrate Harrold and her love of this special season.

The Christmas Caravan Tour of Homes is held November 7th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $16 or $20 at the door. A preview gala is scheduled the night before as well as a silent and oral auction at Champions Run Country Club. After the fundraiser, the ladies will return to Papillion Flower Patch for an open house sale over the weekend.

The 808 Keeps its Heart story by Patrick Mainelli

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photography by Bill Sitzmann

design by Mady Besch

F E AT U R E

here are certain houses that seem to hold within them an unusual power of gravity. The homes that, for generations, maintain the ability to attract, to pull family and friends together, even as they pass from one owner to another. The St. Cecilia neighborhood home of Bill and Julie Erickson, known affectionately as “The 808,” is one such house.

Julie explains: “This house was such a hub for the neighborhood for years before we owned it that it took on its own name. The beauty of this history of ‘The 808’ has been so endearing to our family, and we want to maintain that as best we can.”

Built in 1890, this Queen Anne wears its many years with style and grace. Its intimate rooms seem to radiate with the warmth of the countless lives that have filled the space over the years. Beautifully restored wood floors, rich lamp lighting throughout, and a bright, open kitchen contribute to an inviting, nurturing atmosphere.

“The big porch in front really sets the tone,” Bill notes. “You can fit a lot of people up there.”

“If that porch could talk!” Julie adds.

If it could, it would have much to say about the years it played host to generations of the Neary family, who owned the home for 40 years. It was in this era that the house earned its long-held name. The original Neary family of six children has since branched out to a sizable Omaha clan of many dozens. Today, they’re collectively known as “The Neary Nation.”

Ellen Neary, wife of Chuck Neary (one of the six children who grew up in the home), recalls the warm welcomes she received every time she came to visit her in-laws. “I can remember the feeling of driving down from our farm in northern Iowa and getting so excited as we drove closer, knowing all the faces waiting for us in the house.”

F E AT U R E

Ellen’s daughter, Shauna Hautzinger, has her own fond memories of time in the home. “I’ll always remember sleeping in the back bedroom, saying prayers with Grandma, looking up at the towers of {St. Cecilia] Cathedral.”

Since becoming owners, the Ericksons have hosted three groups of Nearys for tours of their old family home. “To us,” Julie says, “the Nearys are really the heart of this house. All the memories they built together. That’s the foundation.”

With this spirit in mind, the home’s interior feels ready for guests at any moment. Special touches, such as filled-to-the-brim candy dishes on nearly every side table, a fully stocked bar at the ready, and enough seating for a family of 30, mean that the home is set for gathering of loved ones any day or time.

“I love chairs!” Julie confesses. “They just come to me from all over.” Elegant exposed-wood seating— some from a funeral home formerly owned by Julie’s father—and colorfully upholstered pieces from estate sales or other family members provide each room with an eclectic warmth.

“I guess I’d describe my style as country French,” Julie says. “I love rich colors and wood. I’ve always had wood shutters made for each of our houses.”

Julie’s talent for design was established in her youth, during her years working directly under the guidance of Omaha interior designer Peg Boyle. “I got to go to all the buying trips to Chicago; and Hickory, North Carolina; and L.A. I was basically her protégée, and she taught me how to do all of this.”

While Julie’s eye is to the construction of distinct “vistas” throughout a space, it’s all framed by Bill’s passion for creating a precise color backdrop.

“At all of our houses throughout the years, no paint is off the shelf,” Julie notes. “It’s always a Bill Erickson creation.”

“I wouldn’t say it’s scientific, but it’s quite a process,” Bill says. “For this house, it took about four or five months to decide on the exterior color, painting a whole side of the house, watching the light hit it throughout the day, changing it slightly, mixing in a bit more white or green, trying again.”

November/December 2019

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F E AT U R E

Though Bill and Julie have been fulltime residents only since December 2018, they’ve owned the home for more than 10 years now, having first rented it out to their college-age children, John and Jane, and their children’s peers.

Christmas Open House

“John was going to Creighton and we thought instead of paying all that rent, we could invest in a place ourselves,” Bill recalls. When daughter Jane finished high school (before moving to Chicago for school), it was her turn to hold the keys. Again, this meant several years of eager guests filling “The 808.” Late nights on the porch, conversations filling the kitchen, a body in every chair…

Throughout this time, refurbishing work was slow but continuous. Laborintensive tasks, like pulling up kitchen linoleum “millimeter by millimeter” to reveal pine floors beneath, were done with an eye for maintaining the home’s original charm.

A love of real estate and an eye for design seem to be a shared genetic trait among the Ericksons. While many 20-somethings might look at their rental home merely as a crash pad, John and Jane were eager to contribute what they could to the home’s restored elegance in their several years as residents. What is now a lush backyard oasis, framed by the dramatic cathedral spires, is largely the fruit of plantings made years earlier by the Erickson children.

Today, the whole Erickson family has combined their shared love for architecture and design, working together as collaborative real estate agents in the Denton-Erickson group. “It’s in our blood,” says Julie with a smile. With a gem like “The 808” to call home, it’s easy to see why.

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November/December 2019

AT HOM E

MAKING THE WHOLE MONTH FEEL LIKE CHRISTMAS ROSS FAMILY’S CUSTOM HOME story by Hannah Amrollahi photography by William Hess design by Mady Besch

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rowing up, Ashley Ross chose a Christmas ornament every year for her family tree. Now, she lets her two daughters, Ever and Story, continue the tradition while she decorates the rest of the Ross family home for the holidays. Hanging outdoor lights is the purview of husband Andrew Ross.

“Christmas is obviously the biggest [holiday],” Ashley says, “and our favorite.”

For this “most wonderful time” last year, the Ross family began decorating the first of December.

“I am one of those ‘right after Thanksgiving’ people, because I want the whole month of December to feel like Christmas,” Ashley says.

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“I AM ONE OF THOSE ‘RIGHT AFTER THAN KSG IVI N G’ PEOPLE, BECAUSE I WA N T T H E WHOLE MONTH OF DECEMBER TO FEEL LIKE CHRISTMAS.”

—ASHLEY ROSS The Ross’ custom 1 1/2-story home has an open f loor plan, allowing their large Christmas tree to be viewed from the foyer, kitchen, and living, dining, and play rooms.

Last year the home was decked in living

evergreen boughs and wreaths, including a centerpiece for the dining room table, fireplace mantle, and touches in the kitchen.

“I like the live garlands,” Andrew says.

“When you walk into the house, you know it’s Christmastime.”

White walls “keep the house bright and happy,” while neutral accents make changing decorations for the season easy.

Wooden tones on the mantle, exposed ceiling beams, shelves, and leather furnishings warm the space. They also complement the organic decorations and lighter tints of red, rich greens, silvers, golds, and even pinks in the Ross’ Christmas decor palette.

“Whimsical is kind of the look we have,” Ashley says. “It just feels magical with everything up.”

AT HOM E

While the main tree and wreaths may be the headliners of the Ross’ decor, Ashley points to little details her husband and daughters enjoy. Changing out books in her children’s reading nook with holiday titles and adding a festive Scandinavian-style throw blanket and seasonal pillows to the couch are a few ways she brings the Christmas spirit alive.

“It is kind of like a giant puzzle…Just making everything work,” says Ashley, for whom interior design has always been a keen interest. She expresses her creativity and fine eye for detail through photography as well, capturing family moments and sharing them on her Instagram account.

Andrew and Ashley, who both have degrees in journalism and were raised in the Millard area, met after college through mutual friends. They finished the basement of their first home together, getting a “taste” for a custom build.

“My main thing was the lot,” Andrew says. “I spent a lot of time driving through neighborhoods.”

The Ross family lives within walking distance of grandparents and friends in Elkhorn. Their backyard opens into lush greenery formerly of Skyline Woods golf course, whose developers lost a lawsuit to the Skyline Woods Homeowners Association in 2008, reinforcing land use limitations. Andrew is a golfer, but is satisfied his daughters have outdoor and indoor spaces to play.

“We decided we wanted a different style of home,” Ashley says. “We worked with the architect. We would bring in pictures, show him, and he would draw it up—a lot of back and forth.”

From planning to building, the process took two years working with Garrett Friesen of Dreamhome Drafting in Elkhorn, and Denali Homes of Omaha. Design ele-

ments include natural light, a connected laundry room and master closet, a home office, and an open f loor plan.

“I knew I wanted that [first f loor] open to the second story with the play loft upstairs,” Ashley says, “so [the kids] could play and have their own space, but we could keep an eye on them.”

The Christmas decorations permeate every room, with small trees in the kids’ rooms, potted holiday plants in the bathrooms, and mistletoe above the front door in the foyer. With two toy poodles, two rescue cats, and two children, decorations sometimes take abuse and need replacing.

“We’ve had to say, 'Don’t put the ornaments on the very bottom of the tree because the kids or cats will bat them off,’” Ashley says.

“There is nothing we have that is crazy priceless. That’s kind of how you have to live your life when you have little kids.

We always lose a few ornaments.”

November/December 2019

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“I LIKE THE LIVE GARLANDS. WHEN YOU WALK INTO THE HOUSE, YOU KNOW IT’S CHRISTMASTIME.”

—A NDR EW ROSS

November/December 2019

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AT HOM E

One of the kids’ favorite activities every year is unboxing all the decorations. Ashley saves most items, adding a new one if it “ just fits,” such as a new tree topper for the 2020 season. She finds pieces locally at the Fremont boutique fia + belle, “The Studio” by jh Design Studio, and Mulhall’s, as well as through national retailers and online Instagram makers.

“If I like it, I don’t really care where it came from,” Ashley says. “Every year I get a little bit more.”

Ashley suggests designing a room by selecting a favored item, then “focusing the rest of the room around that piece.” The Ross’ ability to both work from home provides them with time to enjoy the decorations, Christmas and otherwise, for many weeks.

“If the decorations are all done, it gives you more time to shop, spend time with family, and all the fun Christmas stuff you want to do,” Ashley says.

For the Ross family, this means hot chocolate and Christmas light-viewing drives, watching holiday movies, viewing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the Orpheum Theater, visiting Santa, and opening advent calendars.

“You know it’s going to be a lot of family time,” Andrew says. “A lot of traditions you do every year. A feeling of happiness.”

“You slow down a little,” Ashley says.

“With Christmas, it’s whatever makes you happy.”

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2019

impactFULL Awa r ds story & photography Provided by ASID | design by Mady Besch

Ever y year, the Nebraska / Iowa Chapter of the American Societ y of Interior Designers recognizes the best of regional design at its ASID impactF ULL Awards.

Judged by an outside panel of designers, the 2019 impactFULL Awards recognized 39 projects (including gold, silver, and bronze winners) during a Sept. 26 awards ceremony at Tiburon Golf Club.

Designers Julie Odermatt and Rachel Costello of D3 Interiors received special recognition as the year’s Design Impact Award Winner.

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F E AT U R E

LOOKING FOR AN INTERIOR DESIGNER? When you see ASID after your interior designer’s name, you know they meet the rigorous standards of the American Society of Interior Designers.

Design Impact Award Winner Entry #329

ASID designers are experts at enhancing the quality of life, helping you get the most from your space and protecting your investment.

Considering all you’ve put into your home, isn’t it worth choosing an ASID interior designer?

Project Name: “Kingston Ranch” Residential: Under 2,500 Square Feet Designers: Julie Odermatt, ASID; Rachel Costello, Allied ASID Company: D3 Interiors Photographer: Amoura Productions

Describe how your design solution impacts the way in which people will experience the finished product: • The contemporary-transitional style of this model home was to appeal to a variety of potential homeowners.

• We wanted the entrance to make an impact when you first walk in. This was achieved by adding a black geometrical wallpaper in the ceiling insets and contemporary LED light fixtures.

• The large-scale windows in the great room, along with the continuous fireplace stone, create a visually unique backdrop that combines the indoors with the outdoors.

What was the most significant challenge you faced in this project and how did your design solution answer this challenge?

• The recon walnut laminate cabinet brought in warmth. Since we did not want it to get too dark and busy, we incorporated a white cabinet perimeter, and the black central island helps to tie in the perimeter and L-island countertop.

• Originally this space was to have hardwood f loors, but after deciding on the recon walnut cabinet in the kitchen we decided to use tile to create a more contemporary yet classic design.

• The neutral palette created a natural canvas from the walls to the f loors, and artwork and accessories allowed us to bring in pops of blues.

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Entry #301 Project Name: “Street of Dreams 1” Residential: Over 4,000 Square Feet Designers: Kris Patton, ASID, Lisa Cooper, Allied ASID Company: Interiors by Joan Photographer: Tom Kessler

Entry #334 Project Name: “Master Bath Remodel” Residential: Singular Space Designer: Stacie Muhle, Allied ASID Company: Artistico Interiors Photographer: Tom Grady

Entry #324 Project Name: “Casual Living & Entertaining” Residential: Over 4,000 Square Feet Designers: Deb Munro, ASID; Liz Lempka, ASID Company: Interior Design Firm Photographer: Amoura Productions

November/December 2019

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F E AT U R E

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Silver Winners Entry #320

Project Name: “New Construction: Kitchen and Formal Living Room” Residential: Singular Space Designer: Lisa B. McCoid, ASID, AIA Company: D3 Interiors Photographer: Amoura Productions

Entry #339

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Project Name: “Bohlen Whole House” Residential: Over 4,000 Square Feet Designer: Stacie Muhle, Allied ASID Company: Artistico Interiors Photographer: Tom Grady

Entry #310

Project Name: “Modern Lake House” Residential: Singular Space Designer: Liz Lempka, ASID Company: Interior Design Firm Photographer: Amoura Productions

#320

#339

#310

#325

#305

#314

#323

#315

Entry #325

Project Name: “Glass Floating Staircase” Residential: Product, Furniture, or Design Detail Designer: Carmen Shively, ASID Company: Paul Daniels Interiors Photographer: Cornhusker Photoworks, Justin Mohling

Entry #305

Project Name: “Saddlebrook Remodel” Residential: Under 2,500 Square Feet Designer: Courtney Otte, Allied ASID Company: The Modern Hive Interior Design Photographer: Tom Kessler

Entry #314

Project Name: “Streamlined Traditional” Residential: Singular Space Designers: Pam Stanek, ASID; Liz Lempka, ASID Company: Interior Design Firm Photographer: Amoura Productions

Entry #323

Project Name: “Modern Country Estate” Residential: Over 4,000 Square Feet Designer: Becky Rea, ASID Company: Fritz + Lloyd Interiors Photographer: Lisa Guerra

Entry #315

Project Name: “French Provincial Finds a New Look ” Residential: Singular Space Designer: Marilyn S. Hansen, FASID Company: The Designers Photographer: Tom Kessler

mbracing

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A RCHITEC T UR E

ARTS + CRAFTS

COMMUNAL SPACES, NATURE AT CENTER OF FAIR ACRES HOME REDESIGN story by Katy Spratte Joyce

photography by Bill Sitzmann

design by Mady Besch

November/December 2019

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A RCHITEC T UR E

It’s not Arts and Crafts is more of a moveoften that ment than a specific style of house. architect SteBut, generally, it’s understood that ven Ginn is asked the design approach sprung from a to tear down half a rejection of the Industrial Revoluhouse, then renovate the retion and the dehumanization of art maining half. But the prospect and architecture. Arts and Crafts of a crazy complicated project homes emerged as places to express didn’t deter the veteran archione’s humanity, commune with tect. In fact, he others, embrace welcomed the nature, and challenges of honor workIS MOR E OF A creating a comanship. A M OV EMENT TH AN hesive home for focus on the A SPECIF IC ST Y LE his clients, Rod hearth and O F H O U S E . B U T, and Lisa Johnheart of the G E N E R A L LY, I T S son, in their home is an lovely Fairacres U N DER STOOD example of an residence. Lisa Arts and Crafts T H AT T H E D E S I G N was the primary expression. In A P P R OAC H S P R U N G collaborator, the Johnson F ROM A R EJ EC T ION working with home, the masOF T HE I N DUSTR I A L Ginn and master bedroom R EVOLU T ION A N D T H E ter craftsman fireplace and D E H U M A N I Z AT I O N and contraclarge outdoor OF A RT A N D tor Don Stein fireplace are A RCH I T EC T U R E . to create a examples of this traditional yet in practice. Adfunctional home that would emditionally, Arts and Crafts homes brace their natural surroundings typically offer multiple places to and social lifestyle, keeping susgather. The Johnson home fully emtainability in mind. braces this design element, which makes socializing a breeze.

From a design perspective, the team was tasked with hatching “I love how the house is big and a house that flowed seamlessly open with great flow, so that it is so from the existing framework to easy to entertain friends and famthe new addition. The end result ily and so easy to live in day to day,” is the stunning 8,000-squareLisa says. “I love that it has been a foot home at 6729 Davenport St. hub for my kids and their friends, Set on over an acre, this English partly because of the features that Arts and Crafts beauty fits right we built in that make it a fun, easy, in with the historic neighborwelcoming place for kids or adults hood. That was intentional, as to hang out...things like a media Lisa didn’t want something that room, exercise room, large built-in would be viewed as an eyesore, couch, game room and (lockable) lessen the curb appeal, or annoy wine cellar on our lower level, as her neighbors in the well-known well as a pool, hot tub, fireplace, and well-loved enclave. outdoor kitchen, and basketball court outside.”

Arts and Crafts

OmahaMagazine.com

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November/December 2019

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A RCHITEC T UR E

The home’s multiple porches and balconies are another design feature that’s common in Arts and Crafts homes, as they serve as yet more gathering spaces and help link the indoors and outdoors. For Ginn, the link to the outdoors was integral in the design process. The whole house was designed around two pin oaks, one in the front yard and one in the back. The office, in particular, offers focused views of nature as the doors were designed to line up with the oak in front.

According to the architect, “The connection to nature lends itself to a stronger sense of place.” As such, a courtyard was created to allow the tree’s roots to thrive for decades.

Bringing the outdoors in was part of the Johnsons’ vision as well.

“The biggest inspiration was probably our beautiful yard...using the outdoor space better and creating beautiful views.” Lisa is overjoyed with the end result. “I love the big beautiful windows and the way that light floods in through them, even on gloomy days, and I love how each window is a frame for the scenic view of the pretty yard and trees beyond it.”

An appreciation for nature also lent itself to sustainability. The home is heated and cooled by a geothermal pump, which reduces power consumption, and was built with extra hybrid insulation to keep energy costs low. Ginn says he wants the house “to stand the test of time” and inspire the owners to lovingly maintain the home well into the future. An architect always aims to build homes that will be relevant and useful in 30 more years, he says.

With classic features, good bones, and smart design, this Fairacres beauty is destined to be around for generations to come.

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November/December 2019

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November/December 2019

H A RV E S T

story by Patrick McGee

WHILE BONE-CHILLING

temperatures and frozen soil this time of year may have Midwestern gardeners pining for warmer days, they need not sit “dormant” until spring planting season. Winter can be a productive time for greenhouse and indoor gardening.

According to John Porter, a Nebraska Extension educator, greenhouses can yield produce all year round and require a minimal investment to get started. A novice can begin small and expand growing space and plantings over time, learning as they go along, he says.

photography PROVIDED

design by Mady Besch

covering, Rogers says. (For longterm greenhouses, a frame made of metal electrical conduit is a better option, as PVC deteriorates with time, he says.)

Rogers recommends using plastic sheeting with a 6mm or greater thickness for the best durability and protection from harsh winter conditions. One 6mm layer creates greenhouse conditions similar to two gardening zones south, he explains. In the summertime, the plastic covering will protect plants from hail and other adverse condition as well. Adding a shade-cloth covering makes it possible to grow lettuce, even in the heat of July.

Those who find the prospect of building a greenhouse from scratch a bit too challenging can purchase a ready-to-assemble greenhouse kit.

Rogers says this is a great option.

Many kits on the market today are available online and easy to build, and some are extremely affordable as well, he says.

Building a greenhouse from scratch can be done with relative ease, says Taylor Rogers, owner of In Season, a produce grower for local high-end restaurants based in Douglas, Nebraska. The first step is to simply visit a hardware store and purchase lengths of PVC pipe that can be bent into arches and act as a frame.

The bent pipes can be anchored to the ground on each side with rebar stakes. One PVC arch every five feet of greenhouse length is adequate to support a plastic-sheet

Leafy greens such as kale and spinach fare well in winter greenhouses, as they don’t freeze, Rogers says. If established in mid-October, spinach will be ready to harvest in January, and again in the spring. Other coldhardy crops that do well in winter greenhouses include carrots, beets, onions, garlic, and radishes.

Another option for winter gardeners is to grow microgreens indoors. Microgreens are tender sprouts grown in dirt and are extremely nutritious,

ROGERS BEGAN HIS BUSINESS GROWING PRIMARILY MICROGREENS IN HIS APARTMENT. THEY’RE IDEAL FOR SMALL SPACES, AS THEY DON’T REQUIRE A LOT OF ROOM TO THRIVE. VERTICAL GROWING RACKS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE IN MANY STYLES AND ARE A GREAT SPACE-SAVING OPTION.

Rogers says. They include kale, cabbage, basil, mizuna, arugula, peas, bok choy, and even brightly colored f lowers such as chrysanthemum.

Microgreens make excellent salads and beautiful garnishes, and “Chefs love the bright color,” he says. Rogers began his business growing primarily microgreens in his apartment. They’re ideal for small spaces, as they don’t require a lot of room to thrive. Vertical growing racks are available online in many styles and are a great space-saving option.

Porter says microgreens are easy for people to get started and have a quick turnaround—two weeks from seed to produce. They can be grown indoors throughout the winter with ease, as they don’t require special lights to grow beyond standard f luorescent tubes, such as office lights. They’re also great for kids due to being low-maintenance and fast producers.

Whether in a greenhouse or indoors, growing winter crops is a great way to bring in the new year. It will keep gardeners’ green thumbs busy, and their taste buds will thank them.

November/December 2019

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T R A NSF OR M AT IONS

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Landscaping, Farmhouse Accents Create Classic Nebraska Feel

November/December 2019

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...CHARACTERISTIC OF THE BELOVED PRAIRIES OF NEBRASKA, AND OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES OUTFITTED FOR PRIVATE LOUNGING OR ENTERTAINING, THE COMPOUND IS PIED-`A-TERRE PERFECTION.

OmahaMagazine.com

T R A NSF OR M AT IONS story by Lindi Janulewicz

photography by Tom Kessler

I

f someone were to ask you to design a classic Nebraska landscape, what would you envision when you close your eyes and conjure the scene? Would you imagine delicate wisps of tall prairie grasses blowing in a Midwestern breeze? Do you see rustic barns, worn by weather and time? Each of us might describe a different scene, yet all would display common threads indicative of the life we love as Nebraskans.

Driven by the desire to create a lake home that would reflect the rustic beauty of our fair state, our client came to us with a vision. Working with our team, we created a final product that is nothing short of spectacular and now stands proudly on a lake in west Omaha.

The home was built by Ken Oster Homes and designed

by Lisa Cooper, Allied Member ASID, professional interior designer with Interiors Joan and Associates. The homeowners were inspired by another project which conveyed the Nebraska life and a farmland feel that resonated with them. To emulate this barn look, great care was taken to accomplish a weathered, acquired farmland feel. The nuances that distinguish a true farm feel from a Coloradan rustic feel are slight, and we were careful to understand our clients’ distinct thoughts and tastes

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design by Mady Besch

so that the overall design of the home never strayed off track and segued into a mountain look, when their true heart’s vision was a farmhouse.

The layout for the house was designed for a close-knit family who enjoys spending time together and entertaining, yet desires private spaces to retreat to. The home’s main lodge houses the kitchen, great room, dining space, powder bathroom, media loft, laundry facility, and pantry.

The compound includes separate sleeping structures, one of which houses the master suite; the other, a series of bunk rooms and private sleeping suites, with a play space loft for grandchildren. The estate is ideal, positioned on a scenic lake in west Omaha with lush landscaping characteristic of the beloved prairies of Nebraska and outdoor living spaces outfitted for private lounging or entertaining.

The residence’s unique floor plan encompassing four structures on the lot—all with corrugated steel roofing reflective of farmhouse outbuildings—and its incredible landscaping set the tone for the meticulously planned design elements inside.

While farmhouse finishes are traditionally pine and other softer wood species, we had to consider the environment in which the home was built and the anticipated use of the home. With the home’s lakefront locale, the client’s penchant for entertaining, and the family’s pets and high traffic all in mind, we recommended eastern white pine as an alternative because of its unique character and ability to show wear and tear well while still maintaining the authenticity of reclaimed materials.

Meet the Interior Designer / LISA COOPER ALLIED MEMBER ASID

I N T E R I O R S J O A N A N D A S S O C I AT E S

How was your interest in design sparked? I have always had an interest in architecture and design. The ability to create environments that bring people together and generate energy is key.

Experience/Qualifications: I earned my bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from UNL and established myself in 1993 as a designer in Omaha. I have received The Bala Award (Best in American Living, 2010) and several ASID awards, including Best in Show (2014).

What is your favorite spot in your own home? Our great room. Sun floods this space drawing me to it all year round. I also like the ambiance that a fireplace offers on a cold and snowy winter day.

Design Tip: Less is more! I like rooms to be serene and harmoniously balanced, as too many strong elements demand your attention.

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Authentic Nebraska detailing is abundant within the walls of the structures. The staircase in the main lodge serves as an open feature in the living space, with floating treads and customdesigned stair railing made in part from modified chicken coop wire. Almost all spaces are clad in reclaimed wood, a beautiful and dramatic design element that adds warmth and honest character to the rooms. The bunkhouse was designed to resemble a horse stable, with tile that replicates an old brick-cobbled floor and barn lights over each suite. A color palette of natural tones accented with crimson, cream, yellow, grays, and whites was created by the clients’ use of their personal accessory collection. The lighting and plumbing fixtures are indicative of the barn look, with corrugated metal details, copper plumbing fittings, metal handrails fashioned from plumbing piping and valves, and sconces constructed of replica water spigots with bulbs coming out of the faucets.

The challenge of taking a collection of ideas and visions from a group of like-minded people and funneling it all into a spectacular home that our clients feel embodies their original dream is the most rewarding part of this whole process. As professionals, we stretch and grow when we are given the opportunity to work on projects that fit outside the normal realm of our experiences, and this home was truly unique in its form, design, and look. The final product was a rewarding space that our clients will use to build memories and enjoy for years to come.