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CONTENT
FEBRUARY-APRIL 2022
VOL. 21
publisher Amy S. Johnson ajohnson@homeelementsandconcepts.com editorial director Amy S. Johnson info@homeelementsandconcepts.com lead designer Linda Walker senior copy editor & lead staff writer Kyle Jacobson sales & marketing director Amy S. Johnson ajohnson@homeelementsandconcepts.com designers Jennifer Denman, Crea Stellmacher, Barbara Wilson administration Debora Knutson, Olivia Seehafer
Photograph provided by Spray-Net
Photograph provided by Dreamhouse Dreamkitchens
BUSINESS DESIGN
By the Book
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contributing writers Dreamhouse Dreamkitchens, Karina Mae, MGE, Jerry Schmidt, Jason Scott, Sketchworks Architecture, Dale Tomalin
a room of one’s own premieres its east side location
photographs Dreamhouse Dreamkitchens, Hallman Lindsay Paints, MGE, Sketchworks Architecture, Spray-Net
Ready to Remodel?
subscriptions Home Elements & Concepts is available free at over 150 locations. To purchase an annual subscription (4 issues), send mailing information and $16 (payable to Towns & Associates) to Home Elements & Concepts, c/o Towns & Associates, Inc., PO Box 174, Baraboo, WI 539130174. Or sign up for a FREE online subscription at homeelementsandconcepts.com.
LANDSCAPE/GARDENING
comments We welcome your questions and comments. Please submit to Home Elements & Concepts, c/o Towns & Associates, Inc., PO Box 174, Baraboo, WI 53913-0174 or email info@homeelementsandconcepts.com. advertise To place an advertisement, please call 608.356.8757 or email ajohnson@homeelementsandconcepts.com. all rights reserved. ©2022 No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without prior written permission by Home Elements & Concepts.
Watch for the next issue May 2022. Cover photograph provided by Dreamhouse Dreamkitchens.
FINANCIAL
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what to consider before you begin
What Makes a Species Invasive and why are they so successful
24
REMODEL/RENOVATION
Exterior Revival
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renew and transform surfaces that most people think can’t be painted
Mid-Century Masterpiece
6
honoring the mid-century architecture while updating the space
Paint on Point color of the year 2022
Wine Cellars
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embrace the lifestyle with your own wine cellar
TECHNOLOGY
Sustainable Transportation
driving electric is easier than you may think
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4 Advertiser Index 38 From The Publisher
HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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from the publisher Home Elements & Concepts debuted in February 2017. The publication has changed subtly in style and content over five years. Recently, we’ve had to change in a way you may not have noticed. Paper mills closed, and the cost of lumber has increased. Perhaps you can see where I’m going with this. Higher lumber prices equate to an increased cost of wood pulp. Wood pulp is used to make paper. Now there’s paper unavailability, exorbitant pricing, and purchasing limits. Thus, our printing costs have increased, and we’re taking whatever paper is available (which is why each issue has randomly been alternating between heavier and lighter paper stock). Many of our clients are still modifying their own businesses to meet the needs of their customers during the pandemic while dealing with increased cost of goods and being short staffed. It’s sometimes an impossible calculation. How do we cover increased costs without passing along the increases to clients and customers? Supporting each other helps us all get through this. Where we spend our time and our dollars make a huge difference in what our landscape looks like today and when things start to calm down. We will continue to promote our community, and we appreciate you showing us your support by picking up the magazine. We also encourage you to remember our sponsors when you select who to help with your projects and where to make your purchases. When you do visit these incredible businesses and fantastic neighbors, say hi for us to let them know Home Elements & Concepts connects people to their communities. Thanks for listening, and I hope you let me know how you’re doing at ajohnson@homeelementsandconcepts.com.
Amy Johnson
4 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
Find Energy Savings Here. Partner with MGE to save energy. Make mge.com your first stop. • Get easy, low-cost ways to save energy. • Use calculators to estimate your savings. • Learn about incentives from Focus on Energy.
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HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
5
REMODEL/RENOVATION
MID-CENTURY
Masterpiece by Jerry Schmidt
From the paneled walls and reclaimed brick fireplace to the milk-bottle door in the kitchen, nearly all the original materials and fixtures were still in place for this mid-century gem, built in 1966. It tells of the story of its time, and the new owners wanted to breathe life back into each space. Designer Kimberlin Payne of Dreamhouse Dreamkitchens worked with the homeowners to honor the existing 6 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
architecture while increasing the usability of each space and creating a bright, airy aesthetic. The house is a refined exhibition of color, texture, line, repetition, symmetry, and balance that starts with the exterior, where expectation is veiled in contrast. Brick, siding, railings, doors, and trim were all given new life with
an impactful off-black paint. Shadow lines left by the texture of materials increases the visual interest of the monochromatic color scheme. The glass is now accentuated, and a warm glow of interior lights hints a welcoming hearth. The first major changes to the interior are evident upon entering the foyer. The old closet was removed, a new door to the garage was added, and a coat closet was bumped into the office/bonus room space. New railings and floating treads opened up sight lines to the upper and lower levels, creating a spacious feel. Damaged wall paneling, carpet, and a worn out patio door were removed from the office along with the window bench. The space is now more flexible for future uses. The room was brought back to life with new French doors, fresh paint, and hardwood floors.
After
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In the upper level, the space plan was completely reimagined. The homeowners wanted to connect the kitchen and dining space for openconcept entertaining; add pantry space; and highlight the fireplace brick, beams, and existing paneling. Due to structural limitations with the existing layout, the orientation of the kitchen was rotated 90 degrees to run along the back wall of the house. The resulting wall space allowed for a step-in pantry that wouldn’t close off the skylights—we utilized their position by adding a coffee bar in the resulting niche. This change was not what the homeowners originally had in mind, but it allowed us to keep the floor plan open and conversational.
Before
8 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
In the lower level, the primary bedroom had finishes updated and closets redone. The original windows and doorway remained, while a new fan light and bedside sconces were added to achieve both function and beauty. The bedroom updates might’ve been mostly cosmetic, but they were impactful to the overall feel of the space.
After
Space-saving solutions, like a wall-mounted tub faucet and solid-core pocket door, were utilized to meet the homeowner’s wish list for the primary bathroom. Lighted medicine mirrors, open shelves next to the vanity, and a wall-to-wall niche in the shower increase valuable storage space, while honed marble tile on the floors are a safe and attractive natural finish. Regarding the guest suite, the two bedrooms at the end of the hallway were modified to become a single bedroom with guest bath. The location of the windows on the front of the home could not be changed, so they were a driving force for the new layout. Frosted windows provide privacy in the bathroom, and unique finishes bring personality to the smaller space. Throughout the home, clean, simple lines are balanced with variations of globe-style bulb fixtures. The layering of decorative and task lighting allows the homeowners to choose an effective combination for any activity any time of day. Natural light from large windows and skylights improves
Before
HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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the overall efficiency of the lighting as well, further allowing light from the fixtures to highlight areas of interest. Also featured throughout the home is unlacquered brass, a unique character-filled material. This living finish was chosen for its ability to patina over time and can be found on cabinet hardware, faucets, light fixtures, and doorknobs. A feature special to the history of this home is the reclaimed use of the former built-in bar. One of the glass doorframes was turned into the powder bath mirror, and walnut shelves were installed in the primary bathroom niche. With incredible attention to detail paid to all aspects of this home, no corner is without thought or detail. What’s left is a testament to the timeless quality of mid-century architecture and its ability to seamlessly work its way into the contemporary world. Jerry Schmidt is the director of sales for Dreamhouse Dreamkitchens. Photographs provided by Dreamhouse Dreamkitchens.
10 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
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View additional photographs at homeelementsandconcepts.com Dreamhouse Dreamkitchens 5117 Verona Road Madison, WI 53711 608.204.7575 dream-kitchens.com
Before
Made for You in Wisconsin for over 60 years
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Downtown Madison • Madison West • Middleton • Monona • Sun Prairie • Waunakee *40% off applies to any purchase of a Hallman Lindsay labeled paint or stain product. Offer expires 1/31/2023 HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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REMODEL/RENOVATION
Paint on Point Sponsored by
COLOR OF THE YEAR 2022 DESIREÉ 1219 LADY NICOLE 0030 REDISCOVER 0408 VEGETARIAN 0430 TERRA PIN 0571
DESIREÉ 1219 2022 welcomes a new chapter. A collective wish for new beginnings leads us to thoughtful hues that support healing, reflection, and a sense of optimism. Our color of the year, the softly shaded lavender Desireé 1219, is designed to express these hopes and bring dreams of renewal to life. To inspire you, we’ve designed three beautiful palettes featuring our 2022 trend colors, with Desireé at the heart of each. Within these, we hope you’ll discover your own vision for 2022. Paired with the cool neutral Lady Nicole, the subtle floral mood of Desireé brings a unique touch to a traditional period home. Taking inspiration from established country gardens and dark woods, we’ve added a tonal trio of softly shaded natural greens, from midtone Rediscover to dark leafy Vegetarian and the shadowy depths of Terra Pin. Use these balancing hues to blend with natural materials and lush vegetation for a picture perfect home.
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DESIREÉ 1219 IMPULSE 0989 IVORY PARCHMENT 0300 MARTICA 0811
The ethereal quality of Desireé makes it an ideal choice if you prefer clean and classic styling. In this airy contemporary palette, in addition to the eternally versatile Dove White, we’ve introduced three yellows to complement the purple undertone of Desireé: light and breezy Martica; gentle Ivory Parchment; and the rich golden accent, Impulse. Take inspiration from Scandinavian design with simple furniture shapes, pale woods, and neutral accessories. Bring a new lease of life to period rooms and vintage pieces with Desireé. In this comforting craft-inspired palette of complementary blue- and orange-based hues, our color of the year comes to life. Rich Autumn’s Hill and creamy Turkscap have a natural cocooning warmth, while the tonal duo of Blue Pot and Happy Tune bring a lovely uplifting note. This is a scheme to bring a balanced color mood to any room in the home–simply style with upcycled and artisan-crafted pieces.
DESIREÉ 1219 AUTUMN'S HILL 0038 TURKSCAP 1006 BLUE POT 0624 HAPPY TUNE 0648
26 locations statewide | hallmanlindsay.com HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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goods
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s h o p. h o m e. o f f e r s . p r o d u c t s . s e r v i c e s .
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HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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EXTERIOR
Revival by Kyle Jacobson
Ah spring. So many highlights, but the snow melts and we’re once again faced with lingering and forgotten projects. If you’ve been thinking you need to replace your serviceable, yet uninspiring siding, think again. Regardless of the material, there still may be a lot of life in your home’s exterior. Many homeowners avoid painting their homes because they know it’ll just start to peel in a couple of years, and it isn’t worth the hassle. As is oftentimes the case, do-ityourselfers don’t have the same knack and know-how as
16 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
Now
career tradespeople. We struggle to get that clean factory finish that existed the day the siding went up. The good news is there are painters who can achieve that same degree of perfection and even those who take it to the next level. For example, Spray-Net offers a 15-year no-peel warranty on their work—something that most contractors would struggle to match. At the end of the day, we’re all victim to the material of our siding. The aforementioned Spray-Net might be a great option for those with stucco, brick, vinyl, or aluminum, but
Before
HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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Now
if you have wood siding, you’ll have to address it around every five years. This is due to the porous nature of wood, which not only accounts for moisture retention, but also noticeable expansion and contraction during our wet springs and dry summers and winters. If, however, you have stucco, brick, vinyl, or aluminum siding, it’s important to investigate options specific to your siding. Brick, like wood, is porous, so stains are a much better option. For stucco, vinyl, and aluminum, it’s important to consider the differences between cement, plastic, and metal. Dale Tomalin, Spray-Net franchise partner, spoke with me about the importance of formulating the right coating for different materials and emphasized using the right application process. “Using our proprietary line of industrial-strength coatings and patented application processes, we renew and transform surfaces that most
18 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
Before
people think can’t be painted.” As he likes to say, there’s a smarter way to paint homes, and it isn’t with a fancier brush.
you’re getting its full value without having to tear down and dispose of the old stuff.
Given the real estate market we’re in, painting is also a benefit to those looking to sell. Curb appeal goes up, and in some cases, like Spray-Net, the warranty is even transferable. Sellers with freshly painted exteriors get more attention from buyers and agents without breaking the bank.
Even more environmental, many products available today are water based. Even with a product of Spray-Net’s caliber, modern chemistry and persistence have created longer-lasting paints containing less VOCs (volatile organic compounds) compared to oil-based paints.
“I’ve done market comparisons,” says Dale. “From the affordability perspective, it can save you up to 75 percent if you’re thinking about replacing your siding.” Think about it this way, if your home’s exterior is brick, stucco, vinyl, or aluminum, you paid good money for quality that’s meant to last yet be low maintenance. By reinvigorating your siding,
“We are excited about helping homeowners throughout the entire Madison area find a high-quality, cost-effective solution to transform and update their homes,” says Dale. “While we offer a unique solution, customer service is our true passion. The smile on our customers’ faces after they see their home transformation for the first time is what drives and inspires us.” Hiring professionals to paint your home is a stress-free way to get what you deserve from your home’s exterior; in the case of Spray-Net, it’s also a way to make your home look brand-new in as little as one day. You’ll get more out of spring this year, and your house will be something that turns your head every time you turn into your driveway.
Before
Now
HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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Kyle Jacobson is senior copy editor and lead staff writer for Home Elements & Concepts. Photographs provided by Spray-Net. Dale Tomalin is a local entrepreneur and has partnered with Spray-Net to open the first location in the Madison area. Spray Net’s proprietary paint and service have caught the attention of many high-profile homerenovation and interior-design professionals. Several stars on HGTV’s hit shows have collaborated with SprayNet to revamp local homes, and a leading HGTV designer has helped homeowners learn about the benefits of using Spray-Net to transform their home. In fact, if you visit spray-net.com, you’ll find some of the designer’s specific advice on color trends for 2021 and beyond. To book a free consultation to beautify your home with Spray-Net, call 608.471.7768 or visit spray-net.com.
20 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
Before
Make your house a home. Adopt a shelter pet. giveshelter.org/adopt
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1901 Monroe St Madison, WI | 608.255.7330 | monroestreetframing.com HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
21
REMODEL/RENOVATION
WINE CELLARS Mastering Your Spaces Brought to You by
For Every Room
in Your Home.
It’s a beautiful thing when a home showcases a homeowner’s hobbies and interests, and for the wine enthusiast, there’s no better way to embrace the lifestyle than with your own wine cellar. Here’s the best part, you don’t need to give up a lot of space to do it. In fact, two recent Dreamhouse Dreamkitchens projects both took up roughly the same space as a sheet of plywood. Chris Schmidt of Dreamhouse Dreamkitchens readily admits that if you want a climate-controlled wine wall, you should go with someone who specializes in wine and wine cellars. But a much more affordable option is going with something he calls an improv, or natural, wine room, which utilizes the Wisconsin home’s basement. “Basements tend to stay about the same temp,” says Chris. “In this area of the country, concrete is dug down further than the frostline, which means the dirt around the concrete maintains the temperature year-round—almost within three degrees.”
22 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
The way Dreamhouse Dreamkitchens does it, there’s still plenty of ventilation, and they can customize the room to fit the homeowner’s style—from unique wallpaper and brick veneer to a range of attractive light fixtures and custom shelving. Chris also recommends the versatile racks from Vintage View, and if you’re looking to have the room done by a professional, Dreamhouse Dreamkitchens can include the racks as part of their package for cheaper than you’d buy them online. The right wine cellar for every wine lover and connoisseur exists. It’s not just a luxury; it’s an expression—a wow factor you’ll be proud to share with family and friends of all vintages. Photographs provided by Dreamhouse Dreamkitchens.
HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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LANDSCAPE/GARDENING
What makes a species
invasive
[ and why are they so successful? ] by Karina Mae
Bullying and oppression are all too common throughout the planet, especially in our natural settings, where there’s little regulation. We, as humans, are responsible for being the largest spreaders of other species and have the opportunity to understand and help out our terrestrial communities. Invasives come in many forms, including plant, animal, insect, fungi, and diseases. They affect the health of our forests, prairies, parks, urban areas, and more. There’s only so much space on the planet, and what's generally healthiest is a polyamorous culture of things: plant, insect, microorganism, and tree diversity. Without this diversity, we’re left with degraded habitats and ecological damage. With this diversity, we have endless bounty and health to our ecosystems, and to us. In the land of classification of species, things tend to fall into one of a few categories: endangered, threatened, common, prolific, or invasive. But then there’s also
Yarrow is a biodynamic accumulator.
24 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
Borage is an extremely common invasive plant in Madison.
Brown marmorated stink bugs are an invasive species common in Madison.
terms like native, aggressive, and beneficial. This is greatly determined by where these species are and just how successful they are at being there. Some plants get a bad reputation as being invasive, and a common reflex is to utilize chemicals. But there’s other cultural approaches one can employ. Some plants aren’t actually invasive; they just have such aggressive tendencies that it’s hard to tell the difference. Pesky plants, like dandelions, lamb’s-quarter, chickweed, and thistles, have sincere jobs to do. They are the biodynamic accumulators that recycle carbon; bust up tough earth to upcycle nutrients, making them available for others; and they grow quickly and die quickly, so they provide a lot of organic matter back to the soil. Other plants and species are hardy perennials that have the ability to reproduce at astounding levels, holding ground long term and very quickly. Invasive means a plant or species that is both nonnative and able to establish on many sites, grow quickly, and spread to the point of disrupting plant communities or ecosystems. Other indicators would be super-fast growth,
HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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Multiflora rose is an extremely common invasive plant in Madison (shown below enlarged).
rapid reproduction without inhibition, high dispersal ability, phenotype plasticity (the ability to alter growth form to suit conditions), and tolerance over a wide range. Well, wouldn’t that be the dandelion and thistle? Not exactly because the other main considerations include how well they play with others (strangulation and starvation methods), what they provide or do long term (negative chemicals and hormones or beneficials and mycelium), and how hard removal is of said species. Species that don’t play nice and are harder to remove warrant more concern and are more invasive. Invasive species alter the soil and terrain and very quickly lead to conditions with high risk to disease, erosion, devaluing of property, and loss of habitat and wildlife. There are invasive species all along the taxonomy ranks, but some plague many more of us than others. The plant kingdom in Madison is most threatened by just a few: buckthorn, honeysuckle, bishop’s weed, creeping bellflower, Japanese knotweed, and Norway maple among the most notable invaders. Chemicals are often reached for in the presence of these yard perpetrators, but there are other approaches that work. The biggest goal is interrupting the cycle, keeping it from being so successful. Removing seed heads on rapid spreaders, like creeping bellflower, and repetitive short mowing can starve roots out on plants, like bishop’s weed. Employing a “goat method” of repeated cuttings on woody species, like buckthorn and honeysuckle, and digging seedlings to remove spreading roots can be highly successful management.
26 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
Chemicals can sometimes look like they work faster, but they often don’t do a thorough job and leave the ground burnt, scorched, and starved, making it more likely for our biodynamic communities to move in (thistles, dandelions). All plants release hormones and mycelium from their roots; some of these are beneficial for other entities and some are extremely harmful. Knowing what goes on below the scenes is extremely helpful in determining a course of action. Identifying the issues on site and restoring native plant communities will benefit everything from the ground up. Karina Mae is the designer and team leader at Garden Search & Rescue. Garden Search & Rescue Madison, WI 608.438.9571 gardensearchandrescue.com Invasive Madison Fauna Common Rabbit, [Oryctolagus cuniculus] Bighead, Silver, Grass, and Black Carp, [Cyprinus carpio] Zebra Mussels, [Dreissena polymorpha] Jumping Worm, [Amynthas agrestis] Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, [Halyomorpha halys]
GOOD
BAD
Common Earthworm
Jumping Worm
Ten Extremely Common Invasive Plants in Madison Buckthorn, [Rhamnus cathartica] Honeysuckle, [Locinera periclymenum] Bishops Weed, [Aegopodium podagraria] Creeping Bellflower, [Campanula rapunculoides] Reed Canary Grass, [Phalaris arundinacea ] Japanese Knotweed, [Fallopia japonica] Norway Maple, [Acer platanoides] Common Orange Day Lily, [Hemerocallis fulva] Japanese Barberry, [Berberis thunbergii] Multiflora Rose, [Rosa multiflora]
Bishops weed is an extremely common invasive plant.
Ten Bio-Dynamic Accumulators Amaranth, [Amaranthus] Birch, [Betula] Borage, [Borago officinalis] Chickweed, [Stellaria media] Chicory, [Cichorium intybus] Comfrey, [Symphytum] Dandelion, [Taraxacum] Lamb’s Quarters, [Chenopodium album] Nettles, [Urtica dioica] Yarrow, [Achillea millefolium]
Creeping bellflower and a common Rabbit are both invasive in this area.
HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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TECHNOLOGY
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION Driving Electric Is Easier than You May Think A growing number of drivers have already switched to electric, and many will soon follow suit. Electric vehicles (EVs) have become a serious contender for car buyers nationwide. From convenience and fun to lower fuel and maintenance costs and environmental benefits, EVs have a lot to offer. Today’s models: •
•
•
Cost about half as much to operate as gasoline vehicles. The average price to charge an EV is roughly $1.20 per gallon. EVs also cost less to maintain. EV brakes typically last longer, and oil changes aren’t needed. Plus, drivers may be able to take advantage of a federal tax credit for buying a new EV. Help cut greenhouse gas emissions. All-electric vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions. If you charge your EV using MGE’s public charging network, you fuel up with 100 percent clean energy. You also can sign up for MGE’s Green Power Tomorrow program to fuel your EV with clean electricity at home. Can travel far on a full charge. The average Wisconsin driver travels 30 miles a day, so even the lowest-range EV can take you where you want to go. Improved EV battery
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technology has enabled some models to travel 300-plus miles on a full charge, and we expect even longer travel distances in the near future. •
Go fast. When driving an EV, you can expect instant torque. All of the motor’s power is available to the driver faster than with a gasoline engine. For example, Ford says its Mach-E GT Performance can hit 60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds.
Charge@Home Supporting the evolving EV market is part of MGE’s commitment to new technology and innovative products and services for customers. Our Charge@Home program makes it easy for MGE customers who drive EVs to conveniently charge at home, which is where 80 percent of charging occurs. That means no more trips to the gas station. It’s easy to get started. MGE coordinates the installation of Level 2 (L2) 240-volt charging stations at customers’ homes for about $20 a month plus the cost of electricity, with no upfront costs. If anything goes wrong, MGE will repair or replace the station. Other benefits include:
•
Faster charging. L2 chargers can charge up to nine times faster than a standard 120-volt electrical outlet. They can provide 10 to 25 miles of range per hour.
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Reduced charging costs. L2 charging allows drivers who sign up for the Shift & Save (MGE’s time-of-use rate) program to charge at times when electricity costs less.
•
More control over energy use. Participants can monitor and manage charging sessions remotely using a smartphone.
Charge on the Go Drivers need options for charging away from home too. MGE built one of the Midwest’s first EV charging station networks, powered by 100 percent renewable energy. The network of 45 public charging stations includes 5 DC Fast Charge stations. MGE’s fast-charging hub along downtown East Washington Avenue corridor serves nearby businesses and residents, commuters, taxi and rideshare drivers, and others who need convenient charging on the go. It includes high-speed chargers to serve eight stalls at the site, which, with power levels up to 350 kilowatts, are some of the most powerful EV chargers in the Midwest. In addition, Tesla installed eight Superchargers at the hub. They’ve prepared us for the future of EVs with even larger batteries and range. MGE’s EV Owners Group offers EV drivers who join 50 percent off charging at any public charger in MGE’s charging network, which includes the fast-charging hub. Members also receive updates on MGE’s EV programs, services, and station installations. Tools to Make Informed Decisions Learning about EVs and charging can seem overwhelming, but MGE can help. We have been talking to customers about EVs since launching our public charging network more than 10 years ago. Whether you’re new to EVs or an early adopter, MGE is available to answer your questions. •
LovEV. If you prefer to gather information on your own, MGE’s LovEV website is a good place to learn about the EV driving experience. This resource covers drivers’ most common questions about going electric and includes videos featuring EV drivers. Customers can learn how to charge and how to figure out if they’ll save by driving electric. The site also features an online EV search tool from the Electric Power Research Institute and a search tool for medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
•
Explore My EV. This easy online tool allows users to compare EVs to gasoline models, showing your savings potential based on your driving habits, home electricity use, and available tax credits and incentives. It also allows users to view options side-by-side to see how different scenarios impact costs in the short and long term.
Something for Everyone The auto industry is embracing an electric future. Research and development dollars have been shifted to developing and marketing dozens of EVs that will be on the roads soon. From pickups and SUVs to longer-range vehicles, more options are making EVs practical for more drivers. Whether you need to haul equipment, transport your kids and their friends, or just travel to and from work, there likely is an EV to meet your needs. Working Together for a Sustainable Future MGE is targeting net-zero carbon electricity by 2050. The electrification of transportation is a key strategy for reducing carbon emissions. We continue to work with customers and community partners to grow the use of EVs, enable charging opportunities, and create a more sustainable energy future. Photographs provided by MGE. Stay up to date on the latest electric vehicle developments, charging opportunities, and more at mge.com/LovEV and mge2050.com. HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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BUSINESS DESIGN
BY THE BOOK
A Room of One’s Own Premieres Its East Side Location by Sketchworks Architecture
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Perusing a great bookstore can be thrilling—and easy to lose track of time in. And a wonderful, independently owned bookshop that conveys the personality of its community is a treasure. A Room of One’s Own, a queerand trans-owned feminist bookstore, is one such place that has fiercely forged on for Madison booklovers for 46 years. After 10 years downtown on Gorham Street, the shop moved to the east side and opened in early October 2021 at 2717 Atwood Avenue. This is the shop’s fourth location since their inception in 1975. Co-owner Gretchen Treu says their new renovated space, which was previously an automotive repair shop and then a co-working space, is perfect for the business’ needs. “We wanted something that was unique and memorable, [with] a sense of clean lines and a more spacious floor plan. We also wanted to highlight the industrial beauty and pay homage
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to the history of the building. There’s a Model T pulley wheel hanging above our checkout desk from the building’s original purpose as a repair shop a century ago.” Indeed, this sense of history that permeates the 4,300-square-foot shop was paramount in capturing A Room of One’s Own’s sense of place. Michelle Schildgen, director of interior design and branding at Sketchworks Architecture, says, “When you walk into the store, it still has that charming old bookstore feel. There are bench seats at the windows now, so you can really take your time shopping
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through the store. They invite people in, and want them to feel comfortable.” When Gretchen and her team met with Michelle about the building renovation in spring 2021, their must-haves for the new space included shipping and receiving areas, a checkout desk, distinct spaces for browsing different subject areas, and multiple workstations for staff. But the most important consideration was having “as many linear feet of bookshelves in the store as possible
A Model T pulley wheel hanging above the checkout desk from the building’s original purpose as a repair shop a century ago.
Arched bowstring trusses dress up the ceilings, and wood beams from Deconstruction Inc. unify the entire space to lend an industrial, storied feel to the shop.
without making it too cramped,” says Gretchen. The oak bookshelves from the shop’s prior location were ferried over and retrofitted specifically for the new space. Michelle says, “The space planning of the bookcases was probably the most complex part of the entire project. [We needed to] salvage the bookshelves, have our contractor cut some of the shelves down to fit or attach them to
create nooks. It was a lot of configuring, but the result is so beautiful.” Several walls were partially or fully removed to open the entire space and provide optimal flow throughout the open, airy shop. Drywall and stucco layers were removed from walls to expose the building’s original brick, including the signature brick wall in the middle of the store. Arched
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bowstring trusses dress up the ceilings, and wood beams from Deconstruction Inc. unify the entire space to lend an industrial, storied feel to the shop. Beyond the beauty of the architecture, the bookshelves, and the stacks of beautiful books, little else was needed to dress up the space; however, a few significant art pieces are hung throughout to proudly convey the bookstore’s social justice roots. Those include painted boards with messages about BLM and the Stonewall riots that were taken down from the Gorham Street shop windows after the protests downtown in 2020. Gretchen says, “They felt important to us, and so we found spaces for as many of them as we could fit in our new [building].” As A Room of One’s Own carries on nearly five decades after its founding, the lovely intermingling of old with new in the Atwood Avenue shop feels comforting, yet exciting. “[We] generally found a beautiful balance between cozy
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nooks and openness and height that restores the wow of the building,” says Gretchen. “Our customers have been overwhelmingly astonished by the beauty of the building. I couldn’t be happier.”” Sketchworks Architecture is a local architectural and interior design firm specializing in living, working, and entertaining environments. Our award-winning portfolio spans corporate, hospitality + retail, multifamily, government, and brewery + distillery projects. Photographs provided by Sketchworks Architecture LLC. Sketchworks Architecture 7780 Elmwood Avenue Suite #208 Middleton, WI 53562 608.836.7570 sketchworksarch.com
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FINANCIAL
READY TO REMODEL? What to Consider Before You Begin BY JASON SCOTT
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With many of us having spent more time at home over the past two years, it’s no wonder homeowners are investing in upgrades. Perhaps you’ve noticed more contractor vehicles in your neighborhood or spoken to your neighbors about the work they’re doing on their homes. Whether upgrading to make better use of their space or preparing to put their home on the market, many homeowners are taking on remodeling projects.
FINDING YOUR WHY People choose to remodel for a variety of reasons, some of which may have been clarified over the course of the pandemic. Perhaps your work situation has changed, and you’ve recognized that you need a home office. Or maybe you’ve decided your current home is no longer fulfilling
your needs, and you’re interested in a remodel to boost its resale value. Whatever the case, determining why you want to remodel will help you decide what to remodel, as well as how to go about it. A key consideration with remodeling decisions is return on investment (ROI). Any upgrade will bring some return, but the amount will vary based on the project. HomeAdvisor suggests that homeowners can recoup up to 75 percent of the money they put into a basement remodeling project, while Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value report indicates that bathroom upgrades can net between 50 and 64 percent, depending on scale and scope. “If you plan on moving or selling your home in the near future, smaller updates instead of a major renovation may be smarter,” says Josh Fetting, commercial lending sales manager with UW Credit Union. Smaller updates can include things such as fresh paint or new fixtures, which you may be able to do yourself. Larger updates get more expensive, more complicated, and could require the help of a contractor with expertise. “One of the best ways to start is to consider what look and functionality you would like,” says Josh. “Then make a few trips to the hardware store to get an idea of what costs may be for materials and appliances. Once you have these basic ideas, you’ll need to determine if you’re able to take on that work yourself or if you’ll need a contractor."
PLANNING YOUR PROJECT Given the current landscape, numerous factors could influence how quickly you’re able to get your project finished. “We’ve been hearing that projects are taking longer than normal due to the number of people doing remodels, worker shortages, and limited stock of materials,” says Josh. “Many people are planning remodels earlier than normal to get a jump start.” Certain remodeling projects may require portions of your home to be effectively shut down for a period of time, and in this environment, your project may take longer than you think—especially if you need to get on contractors’ schedules. It’s best to have a plan in mind for these eventualities so you can be prepared when and if they come up.
FUNDING YOUR PROJECT Once you’ve worked out the details of your project and have some idea of what it might cost, it’s time to decide how to pay for it. Depending on the size of your project, it may be possible to pay for it with a personal loan or even a credit card; however, for most home renovation projects, Josh recommends a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to get the job done. While personal loans and credit cards can be great in the right context, for large-scale projects, HELOCs typically provide better interest rates. In addition, HELOCs offer flexibility that other lending products can’t match. “A HELOC is usually the best loan type for a major home remodel,” says Josh. “The HELOC allows you to draw funds when you need them and helps you avoid paying interest on funds that you don’t need yet. It can also give you a cushion for any overages that you may have with a large project, like a kitchen remodel.” Every remodeling project can’t be done year-round, but there’s never a bad time to start thinking about a remodel. Take that first step today so you’re ready when it’s time to get to work. Jason Scott writes about financial wellness for UW Credit Union, a not-for-profit financial institution that offers home-equity products, mortgages, auto loans, and more. UW Credit Union 3500 University Avenue Madison, WI 53705 800.533.6773 uwcu.org HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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