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minimal DESIGN:

Less is More

By Jennifer Dumke

Photos by Margaret Pennock & Christin Joy Photography

Atransitional beauty that channels natural sunlight to showcase the layers of creamy white tones and exquisite textures is a haven for Holly and Jason Evans, who recently moved to Sioux Falls from Madison. Having purchased the home last year, the couple worked with contractor Joel Buwalda to customize, update and fully remodel the home to suit the couple’s lifestyle and reflect their personal taste. But purchasing the 1994 ranch style home located on the outskirts of Sioux Falls wasn’t on their radar for Holly and Jason when thinking about making the move to be closer to their son. “We were just driving around one day when we saw this home and the for sale sign,” adds Holly. “We immediately fell in love with the views.” The location boasts lush trees, a small pond and ample natural stone, making for a country-like feel while still having the convenience of the city.

With natural beauty already around them, it was time to move indoors. “Everything just came together,” adds Holly, when reminiscing the months of construction and the team of talented professionals involved in making the transition. “It was really fun getting to work with so many different designers and subcontractors,” she adds, which included her sister Kody, a design assistant at Showplace Cabinets and Amy who also works at Showplace Cabinets as a designer. Her friend Tanya Manning, who is an independent interior designer, was also on-hand to lend her vision to the team of experts. “I enjoyed getting input and all their ideas.” A former art teacher, Holly also has an eye for design that she hopes will materialize into something bigger down the line. And with the influence of both friends and family, it’s no surprise where her interest and talents lie. “I really enjoy looking at a space and deciding how to make it function,” she adds. Because of the unique collaboration of creativity, the Evans’ are now living their dream.

While some of the areas only needed a fresh coat of paint, other aspects required the removal of walls to reallocate space. “The biggest change was taking out two closets in the entryway,” she adds. “That allowed for an open staircase and additional square footage in the kitchen.” Bleached wide plank hardwood floors add texture and blend with the custom cabinets. To brighten the space, white granite from Milliron Granite & Quartz was used on the oversized island, countertops and extend up the backsplash. But one of the true highlights of the space is the pantry. As Holly made her way to what appeared to be a cabinet, was

instead a doorway that led to a pantry with walk-through access to the garage. “This is one of my favorite things,” Holly adds.

Leading into the casual dining space and living area, vaulted ceilings add to the spacious feel while crisp creamy painted walls, bleached wood floors from Thornton Flooring and ample windows take in the natural sunlight. “We just loved the view so we added an additional window for symmetry and also removed a corner fireplace to open up the space.” Going with an all-white palette with hints of textured rattan and natural, rustic woods is the perfect complement to the natural setting. For furniture, Holly is a true collector. “I have pieces from the past, some I buy online, some pieces are from different furniture stores; we have stuff from just about everywhere. When I find something I like, I try to find a way to put it all together.” The layers of creamy fabrics and smooth bleached wood are like soft ripples while rustic textures of woven wood and tan rattan are more like tall waves. Even the quaint dining space blends into the floor while woven seats on the side chairs add interest along with the dangling pendant light fixture and large, circular mirror.

But when it comes to the family favorite, all eyes are drawn to the sunken sun room. “Ironically we found out this room was not original to the house,” Holly adds. “I’m very thankful to whoever made the decision for the addition.” A large window is capped off with two triangular upper windows overlooking the backyard patio. “We are now getting to the landscaping,” she adds. Native to the area, large boulders are being repurposed into the plans. Back inside, modern upholstered chairs contrast with a soft sectional. A simple area rug adds interest while minimal accessories and hints of wood pieces ensure all eyes remain on the lush views.

Another benefit from shifting walls in the kitchen was the creation of an elongated hallway where Holly could display art in a gallery style form. Simple wood floating shelves feature scenic images and pottery. Leading to the main floor powder bath, a rustic wood cabinet is topped with a custom, hand-selected white marble top and features an elongated front lip to give the illusion of a much thicker slab of stone. A woven wood pendant light is offset to Listing, Buying or Building - You need

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the side while a large frameless circular mirror finishes off the modern yet elegant space.

The tones, hues and overall feel of the main level effortlessly flow in the master bedroom and bath. A low pile carpet softens the crisp white bedding and tufted fabric headboard. The master bathroom is another area where the footprint was changed to meet their needs. With a desire for a walk-in steam shower, they eliminated the bathtub to make way for a custom wood cabinet with dual sinks and white marble countertops. Modern pendant lights illuminate the creamy walls and neutral floors. Another benefit was a small dressing area with dual pendants and a custom cabinet. From there, a walk-in closet adds both form and function.

Downstairs, an equally bright and spacious feel is accomplished through a myriad of crisp tones and ample lighting. A guest bedroom features soft carpet and crisp white bedding and walls. The family space has a dual function. Rustic wide plank wood floors offer a casual touch while scattered area rugs are perfect for adding a hint of softness. A corner wet bar is accompanied by a large television and plush white sectional. Adding just a touch more color, this lower area relies on textures to add interest. As you walk towards the patio doors that lead to the outdoor deck, a quaint seating area was created by installing a corner fireplace with a rough-faced white stone surround and simple wood mantle. A circular area rug is offset by unique square pub chairs and an industrial style shelf is perfect for displaying collectables and family photos. “We did have to make some modifications to the upper level to accommodate adding this fireplace,” says Holly. But in the end, the spacious gathering area remains cozy and complete. And for added convenience, a dedicated exercise room was also included. A television, large wall mirrors and small lockers complete the space. Finishing off the lower level is a full bath with unique shelves.

Whether it’s the breathtaking views or crisp whites that make this home a true beauty, Holly's family is grateful to all the people she worked with to create this one-of-a-kind dwelling. n