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Home on theChangeCentury-old farmstead welcomes cutting edge design

By Jennifer Dumke | Photos by Margaret Pennock

It’s true, home is where the heart is. Especially for these homeowners who uprooted from their traditional style home within the city limits of Sioux Falls to relocate to the wife’s family farmstead. But aside from the sprawling Frank Lloyd Wright contemporary new construction home, driving onto this farm still felt like taking a step back in time. A cat slowly meandered on the driveway, a chicken coop was getting new siding and a large barn for cattle were just a few of the tell-tale signs of a fully operating farm.

But before the grand 4,700 square foot beauty found its home, the land provided the base for numerous structures during the 100 years the family lived on the farm. “The original home was sod,” says the homeowner. Then a small timber structure was built which housed two families and is now serving as a garage. And the third home is where I grew up.” Because of her aging father, the homeowner made the decision to raze the traditional home to make way for the new construction dream home they could design from the ground up. “My father is 95 years old and he has lived on this farm most of his life,” she adds. “He is hoping to live out his life on this land, still doing chores and being active.” But because of his advanced age, the couple decided to sell their house and move to the farm to help fulfill his wishes. “This meant tearing down the existing home to make way for new construction which includes a main level bedroom, full bath and private areas so my father can continue doing what he loves but has us around to help.”

Ground certainly did not need to “break,” technically speaking, to start building since it’s seen numerous structures over the past century, but there were several modifications that needed to be made prior to building such as removing trees and preparing the land. To help with the process of building, the homeowners turned to a family-favorite contractor, Ralyn Kruetzfeldt of Kruetzfeldt Construction Co., to carry out their dream. “I remember Ralyn coming out here, leaning against a post and with his eyes squinted, said he had a vision.”

Now it was time to make his vision come to life. Ralyn began drawing plans while his wife Paula, an interior designer at Montgomery’s Furniture and companion in aiding new homeowners in selecting interior materials, started working with the homeowners on establishing their style. When the plans were complete, they were thrilled and construction began in 2019. “Funny thing, my father was so insistent on staying on the land that he actually lived here in a trailer while the home was being built,” she smiles.

“We decided to build something very contemporary with some traditional elements since the homeowner was used to that style and wanted to retain some existing pieces in the home,” adds Paula. “She also wanted everything white,” Paula states with a smile, as the home clearly contains some subtle color. The grand entryway is flooded with light with sky-high ceilings, light grey walls and a glistening high polished elongated white marble floor extending throughout the entire main level. Softened by area rugs with hints of

sheen and silver and light grey tones, it’s the perfect softening for the expansive space. A black wrought iron custom railing leading to the upper and lower levels was sought out by the homeowner and replicated by Ralyn and his son, Kelly. “These gilded gold balls are cast iron balls and they each needed to be hand painted,” Paula adds. A crystal chandelier, which is a staple for nearly every room, blends contemporary and traditional. “You’ll see that this home is a mixture of various periods, that’s what makes it so interesting,” says Paula. “Most everything you see is from Montgomery’s. From the carpet and tile to window treatments, furniture and lighting, we utilized all our resources to ensure a cohesive look.”

The grand open concept living room features an eye-catching 24-foot floor-to-ceiling fireplace with a dry stacked stone from Montgomery’s Flooring store and a floating concrete mantle. In tones of greys and whites, soft upholstered furniture is welcoming while a glistening coffee table with beveled glass and extra storage is the perfect place for the homeowner’s snow globe collection. “Our focus for this space was very soft and calm and I thoroughly enjoyed working with them to ensure they got exactly what they wanted.” A large six-pane window is kept open and accented with white semi-sheer custom side panels from Montgomery’s drapery workroom. But the true focal point for the space is a tiered circular crystal chandelier hung by wires for a floating effect. “We needed something wow and eye-catching from the overlook and looking in from the outside at night,” says Paula.

The dining room is the perfect blend of contemporary meets traditional. Using the homeowners existing furniture, Paula drew inspiration from the dark wood and ornate carvings to add nostalgic elegance. “We decided to simply reupholster the side chairs in a solid classic velvet and add a stunning, crystal chandelier,” adds Paula when gazing at the dangling glass masterpiece that contains over 300 individual droplets. “A true sign of a real interior designer is the ability to blend new pieces with the existing,” adds the homeowner. “Paula did a great job.” With ample windows and access to a private patio, the sun filled space is an extension of beauty.

An avid gourmet chef, the kitchen needed to focus on both function and form. Dark cabinets from Sioux Falls Kitchen & Bath provide a contrast against the grey herringbone tile backsplash and quartz countertops from Syverson Tile & Stone. Dual orb pendant light fixtures add interest above a centered island that can accommodate seating. “She does a lot of cooking, so we needed two stoves and two pot fillers. They also plan to do a lot of entertaining in the future so making the space work aesthetically was very important,” adds Paula.

The main floor powder bath once again boasts the contrast of traditional carved gold pieces such as found in the mirror and sconces with a contemporary curved floating sink. “We added these small rectangle tiles to the front of the curve,” Paula adds. For additional glisten, a gold crystal chandelier illuminates the iridescent grey wallpaper.

The lower level takes on a relaxed feel with soft carpet and various upholstered furniture placed for conversation and just kicking back after a long day. “This fireplace is unique in that the stone surround is actually the backside of the stones used on the upstairs fireplace, a rough finish for a more casual look” Paula adds. French doors lead to an office which displays an antique chandelier, ornate gold mirror and an oil painting of “The Last Supper” which was painted by the homeowner’s great uncle. “This painting hung in the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, IL for years before it was finally returned to us,” she adds. Now it is proudly displayed in what will be her office.

The lower level is complete with a guest bedroom and bath. “We decided to take a turn with this area,” adds Paula when referring to the “black bathroom.” Square, distressed charcoal tile extends into the black iridescent wallpaper. “It was a lot of fun designing this,” adds the homeowner, who was not fearful of the dark tone despite her love for light colors.

Leading upstairs, a statement light fixture proved to be a daunting task. Because of the expansive space, an oversized crystal chandelier required two men to carry in and install. The electricians were up for the challenge. A catwalk showcases the laborious custom-made wrought iron railing and stunning view of the chandelier and polished floor below. The master bedroom remains soft yet elegant with a contemporary take on the classic four poster bed that is finished in a dramatic black to contrast with the crisp white bedding and light hued walls and carpet. Ample windows and doors that lead to a private deck make for easy relaxing. On the wall, the homeowner showcases another oil painting done by her great uncle. Although the inspiration and history behind the painting is unknown, the homeowner does recall her mother simply describing it as “sheep laying in a pasture.” Another cherished piece that has been retained and integrated into the new décor.

The master bathroom feels like a spa. Upon entering, a soft grey upholstered sofa greets you while crystal Waterford® flush light fixtures illuminate the space. The master bath is light and airy with elongated gray ceramic tile and an expansive walk-in shower that features a trio of coordinating tiles and various finishes for added depth and interest. A built-in Jacuzzi tub illuminated by a large window is perfect for end-of-the-day relaxing. Dual sinks with dark custom cabinets and white quartz countertops are illuminated by modern, LED framed mirrors and flanked with elongated glass sconces with golden Edison bulbs to provide a warm hue.

Completing the upper level is a guest bedroom with full en suite and a secondary laundry. As with the rest of the home, bits of history and traditions are sprinkled throughout the upper level. The overall look and feel of the open floor effortlessly blend into the great room below.

Just like the land has seen various structures and has provided well for this homeowner’s family, Paula and her contractor husband Rayln are also honored to be part of the ongoing tradition of making this working farm a modern-day dwelling. “I love that they were receptive to our ideas,” Paula adds. “It was a good collaboration between everybody.” But what’s most important is that the homeowner’s father can live in a comfortable home surrounded by family and a farm that is close to his heart. n