Facelift

from page 39 area and sits in one of the home’s two living rooms. As they began tearing down the damaged chimney, they found cement block underneath the brick façade. They updated the wood-burning fireplace to a natural gas one, brought the fireplace up to code, replaced the gas line outside and changed the look of what once was a light-colored chimney to blacks and grays.

Along with the work on the inside to replace the fireplace, came a focus on the kitchen.

Trudi’s sister works for CM Woodworks Inc. so she called the company to begin looking at kitchen options. Her existing cabinets were so old she’d arise in the morning to find shreds of cabinetry in her cups and bowls. She opted for rustic elder cabinets, an improved Lazy Susan and a larger rolling island. The overhead peak of the kitchen, original to the home, features a wood beam that creates atmosphere and draws people into the space.

The updated kitchen now features a number of drawers instead of stationary shelves, and other features for better organization. The large island provides a gathering space for the family while the new backsplash, countertops, sink, light fixtures and under-cabinet lighting finish the look.

Facelift page 43

Facelift from page 40

“My kitchen overall is small, so it’s important to utilize all the space you can,” she said.

Her existing island had wheels on it and she was used to being able to move it around for parties, so that was a choice that stuck with the remodel, though she went much larger and the island now serves as the family’s main eating area.

“I feel like I’m a fairly simple person, so my biggest goal was just to get it updated,” she said.

However, as she learned about all the options and upgrades available for today’s kitchen, she chose to incorporate a few into her space. Her kitchen now features a number of drawers instead of stationary shelves, allowing her to easily pull out the drawer to get what she needs rather than searching underneath a shelf. Many of her cabinets, including the one above the refrigerator, have dividers in them, allowing for better organization.

She added a built-in bookshelf to complement the cabinetry, as well as a tack board for displaying Christmas cards and photos. They updated the backsplash, and now have new countertops, a new sink, new light fixtures and under-cabinet lighting.

“With the island, we have so much more room” she said. “We utilized both sides of it.”

The family gathers around the island at least twice a week for a homecooked meal with teens who are constantly on the go. Trudi enjoys making tater tot hotdish and pork chop dinners. Winter is reserved for baking.

During the summer months, the family does a fair amount of entertaining,

“I feel like I’m a fairly simple person, so my biggest goal was just to get it updated.”

- Trudi Hoppe grilling and fish fries. They like to do big breakfasts year-round.

In Business Since 1996 afford to finally do renovations that are much needed, it’s so much more modern and enjoyable.” Moritz Septic Service Septic Pumping 1.320.766.0276 Osakis, MN 56360

Owner “Where the Royal Flush is better than a Full House” Moritz Service MN 56360

“Where the Flush is better than a Full House”