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CONTENT AUGUST–OCTOBER 2019
VOL. 11
Photograph by Shanna Wolf
publisher Towns & Associates, Inc. PO Box 174, Baraboo, WI 53913-0174 p 608.356.8757 • f 608.356.8875 homeelementsandconcepts.com editor-in-chief Amy S. Johnson info@homeelementsandconcepts.com publication designer Jennifer Denman
BUSINESS DESIGN
Karen & Co. Undefined
34
senior copy editor Kyle Jacobson
designing an inviting place to shop
copy editor Krystle Naab
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
sales & marketing director Amy S. Johnson ajohnson@homeelementsandconcepts.com
Bringing Sustainable Homeownership to Dane County
sales & marketing manager Kelly Hopkins graphic designers Crea Stellmacher, Linda Walker, Barbara Wilson administration Cathy Bacon, Debora Knutson contributing writers Barry Avery, Jenny Ballweg, Linda Barcz, Cabinet City, Convivio, Deb Corning, Hallman Lindsay Paints, Iconi Interiors and Consignment, Kyle Jacobson, MGE
FURNISHINGS & ACCESSORIES
32
For the Apple of Your Eye
cookbooks, kitchen bakeware and accessories, and apple brandy for fall
Let Us Entertain You
18
custom wet bars and entertainment walls
Simplifying Rug Shopping
12
how to find the perfect rug to pull a room together
photographs Jenny Ballweg, Cabinet City, Convivio, DC Interiors & Renovations, Fontaine Home, Hallman Lindsay Paints, Iconi Interiors and Consignment, John Kalson, MGE, ORG Home, Posh & Patina Interiors, Kent Sweitzer, Eric Tadsen, Shanna Wolf additional copies Home Elements & Concepts is available free at over 150 locations. If you would like a copy sent to you, please send mailing information and $4 (payable to Towns & Associates) for each magazine to Home Elements & Concepts, c/o Towns & Associates, Inc., PO Box 174, Baraboo, WI 53913-0174. subscriptions 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 53913-0174. Or sign up for a FREE online subscription at homeelementsandconcepts.com. 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. ©2019 No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without prior written permission by the publisher, Towns & Associates, Inc.
Watch for the next issue November 2019. Cover photograph by Shanna Wolf of a remodel by DC Interiors & Renovations.
42
Habitat for Humanity helps build, rehab, and repair local homes
Photograph provided by Posh & Patina Interiors
LANDSCAPE
Fall Tree Planting Tips
26
autumn is an excellent time to plant deciduous and evergreen trees
REMODEL/RENOVATION
Basement Remodels featuring Sugar Creek Homes
20
two basement remodels with different takes on interpreting unrealized space
Don't Fear the Wallpaper exploring current wallpaper trends
28
Innovative Design Solutions
6
a remodel to improve the layout and look of a home
Long-Distance Home, Local Interior Designer a local company helps redesign a second home in Florida
Paint on Point fall paint color ideas
14
40
TECHNOLOGY
Plug In, Drive Green, And Save
38
electric vehicle benefits, charging options, and online resources
4 Advertiser Index 46 From The Editor
HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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from the editor Fall knocking at the door is indicative of hurrying and scurrying to wind down summer home projects before the snow begins to fly (which is always much too soon, in my opinion). It’s also time to start thinking about winter projects and commence plans for the next year. First organizing your thoughts about what you’d like to do both inside and outside your home and then determining what needs to be done in warm weather and what can be done when it’s cold will help move your projects to completion while spreading out the expenses. The nonsummer months are also a great time to meet with remodeling and design professionals, who are often more readily available to talk, plan, and do the work that can be done in the winter. To this end, we’re pleased to continue offering input and ideas from area professionals to help you with renovations, interior design plans, landscaping, and more. In this issue, we include remodels, wallcoverings, rugs, fall tree planting, home accessories, paint tips, and how you can work with local professionals if you’re designing a space in another state. Additionally, we present electric vehicle information from MGE, talk with Dan and Karen Fix of Karen & Co. and Sassafras about how the design of their store has been instrumental to taking care of their clients and their business, and discuss how Habitat for Humanity Dane County is striving to ensure everyone has a decent place to live. Thank you for your continued readership. We encourage you to reach out to our editorial contributors and advertisers for your next projects.
Amy Johnson
4 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
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HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
5
REMODEL/RENOVATION
After
6 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
Custom walnut-top kitchen island.
SOLUTIONS by Deb Corning
took up space they felt could be better used to extend the island. They wanted an open, comfortable space for entertaining, and to update the overall look of the house.
We recently worked with a wonderful couple who wanted to remodel parts of their home in the Country Grove Estate neighborhood. Their primary goals were improving the layout and look of the home. Though having over a combined 2,000 square feet of finished space, the rooms seemed small and dark. The homeowners had three improvements in mind.
At our first meeting, we discussed the basics to get an idea of our client’s wants and needs, their likes and dislikes, and ultimately the desired impact on their day-to-day living. We also got a more complete understanding of the homeowners’ fun-loving personality, style, and how they would be using their home.
• Eliminate the fireplace • Enlarge the island • Replace the flooring on the entire first floor
After discussing options, we explained the order of each step in the remodeling process and the importance of a complete plan before starting renovations. It boils down to saving money and time by avoiding mistakes that are often made without a plan. After some discussion, they realized that the areas that bothered them were too important for
When the homeowners purchased the house, they acquired a four-sided fireplace that occupied a 10 by 10-foot area separating the kitchen from the family room, and a 24 by 36inch island in the kitchen that was too small and inefficient. They explained that they never used the fireplace, and it
The previous kitchen island.
New swivel chair in the family room.
Before
After
Photograph by Shanna Wolf
Photograph provided by DC Interiors & Renovations
Photograph by Shanna Wolf
Innovative Design
HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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After
a quick band-aid solution. So the design plan began, and we presented them with three floor plans to see which approach would be best for them. This was a difficult floor plan to work with. Every time we took a step forward in the process, we ran into a roadblock— until we considered a scullery (a small kitchen or room at the back of a house used for washing dishes and other dirty household work). “We had three or four other designers come in over the years to give us ideas for remodeling our first floor. We didn’t find any of them could solve our problem areas, and they
Dark navy cabinets were used in the scullery.
Photograph by Shanna Wolf
The new kitchen island.
After 8 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
Photograph by Shanna Wolf
Photograph by Shanna Wolf
Entrance to the scullery.
After
Photograph by Shanna Wolf
After The new family room.
were always variations of the same thing. Deb proposed options that took us out of our comfort zone to find the right solution. We had seen other projects completed by Deb and her staff at DC Interiors & Renovations and talked with homeowners that had worked with her, so we had confidence in their ability to make our home as beautiful as their other projects.”
“However, we did second-guess our decision to go with the final plan right up until we started to see progress in the
Before
Photograph provided by DC Interiors & Renovations
As we started going over drawings, we struck out on the first two, as expected. They weren’t exactly alike, but similar to what other designers had presented. We moved on to the third plan—we were very excited to share this one. It was a unique plan that incorporated a scullery and the perfect solution to their problem areas. As we presented the plan, their eyes lit up in excitement and they said, “This is perfect.”
The four-sided fireplace was replaced by the new island.
HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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After
Photograph provided by DC Interiors & Renovations
Before
Photograph by Shanna Wolf
Formal dining room.
space and could actually visualize it. Deb’s confidence in the scullery idea really sold us on that design.” We celebrated the close of the design process and discussed a timeline for construction. The homeowners were anxious to bring the design to life, so we quickly started the construction process. Two months later, we were considered family by their dog, Yadi, and we completed the remodel. Yadi was patiently waiting for us to place the new furniture so he could resume lying in his special spot on the back of the sofa.
DC Interiors & Renovations 3000 Cahill Main, Suite 215 Fitchburg, WI 53711 608.444.0571 dcinteriorsllc.com Family pet, Yadi.
Deb Corning is a designer and general contractor at DC Interiors & Renovations. View additional photographs at homeelementsandconcepts.com. 10 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
Photograph by Shanna Wolf
“After we had our first party, I must say the remodel exceeded our expectations for a comfortable, efficient, and beautiful space. Everyone was completely surprised with the scullery and everyone was blown away with the concept. The comments were ‘Thanks…now we’ve got to redo our kitchen to add a scullery.’ Thank you so much for the ideas and the new friendship.”
HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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FURNISHINGS & ACCESSORIES
Simplifying Rug Shopping Choosing area rugs for your home often feels overwhelming due to the vast array of choices available to the consumer. Where the perfect rug can be the element that pulls a room together, choosing the wrong rug can throw off the feel and continuity of the entire room. But by taking some basics into consideration, you’ll find the perfect rug to help set the tone and mood you’re looking for. Color/Contrast/Pattern • If your room has a lighter feel, choose a rug in a similar palette. • If you're going for contrast, choose a rug that still has a connection with the existing neutral tones. • If you are going for bold (pattern or multiple colors), take inspiration from fabric or an art piece already in the room. • Consider the existing flooring. Choose a rug that doesn’t disappear into or compete with the flooring color, pattern, or grain. Layering Textures/Creating Depth • Natural fiber rugs make the perfect base for layering (sisal, jute, flat weaves). • Combining smooth surfaces (leather upholstered furniture) with softer, textured, or fluffy rugs softens the overall feel. • For open-floor concept with multiple rugs, a textured rug is a nice complement to other colorful or patterned rugs. Size/Scale Choosing an undersized rug for a space can make the room feel small and awkward. Here are some guidelines for how to choose the appropriate size for different spaces. • L iving Room/Seating Areas: Your rug should be large enough to have the front legs of your larger furniture pieces actually on the rug. 8 by 10 foot or 9 by 12 foot sizes are common. • Dining Rooms: A simple rule is to take your dining table size and add two feet all around so that when you pull your chair out, you are still on the rug. • Foyers: Often a forgotten space. Placing a larger rug in your entryway that will accommodate two people standing on the rug at the same time will make your guests feel comfortable and welcome. We recommend a 3 by 5 foot or larger. • Bedrooms: One larger rug at the foot of the bed or multiple smaller rugs on each side of the bed works best.
Items sourced from Iconi Interiors and Consignment. iconiinteriors.com
12 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS 13
REMODEL/RENOVATION
A new kitchen island replaced the peninsula for better flow through. White cabinets, tile, and stone brighten the space while the dark grey cabinets provide contrast as well as ample storage.
After
Long-Distance Home, Local Interior Designer Remodeling or decorating a second home doesn’t have to be stressful, and it can be done without you being present. The key is to choose a professional designer who understands your personality and goals, and who can also coordinate an on-site team to ensure your vision comes to life. This historic Florida home needed furnishings throughout, as well as kitchen and bath renovations. The client hired a Florida company for the renovations and Wisconsin company Posh & Patina Interiors’ designer Carol Ferris to completely furnish the home; consult on the renovation design; and work directly with the builder for selections, such as tile, stone, paint, and fixtures. The entire process was completed in five months. “I knew this particular client since I had worked with her on two previous projects,” says Carol. “She has a great eye for 14 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
design and a wicked sense of humor. And I knew we were in for fun when she kicked off the design by selecting a large original painting, Pas de Deux, featuring two large ostriches! It was a unique way to inspire the project, and we placed the ostriches inside the front door to greet people.” The most crucial part of a long-distance project is the preplanning. A successful redesign requires an on-site visit Before
from the designer to take accurate measurements, thorough photos, and to experience the overall visual layout and flow. “The data I collected on the initial visit became my planning foundation and reference guide when selecting furniture. It’s crucial to ensure the pieces not only fit in the rooms, but also through doorways and around corners,” says Carol. As a second home for an active family, practicality was important. The original flooring was a rare heart of pine wood that the client wanted throughout the entire house. Carol suggested choosing a vintage-patterned porcelain tile for the backdoor area leading to the pool since wet feet would be a reality. The texture and visual contrast the tile added in the small, heavily used space was an added benefit. “We wanted the interior design of the house to be a nod to the beach without being too literal or cliché. Wicker, natural weathered woods, furniture slipcovers, and an overall color scheme incorporating textured neutrals with splashes of blues and greens accomplished this goal.
After A practical and appealing vintage-patterned porcelain tile adds contrast to the hardwood floors in the pool entry.
Inside the front door, an original painting featuring two ostriches greets visitors as they enter. A pair of chic woven wicker chairs provide comfortable seating and tie into the casual coastal look.
After HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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A large beaded chandelier hangs over a trestle table in the dining room with eight wicker chairs for ample seating. Original artwork and accessories bring in colors of the ocean.
Before After Richly detailed pillows were an inexpensive touch, adding color and texture to the family room.
“Another one of my favorite updates is with lighting fixtures, which can easily make or break a room. We added new lighting in every room, which further defined the style direction. Coordinating the installation timing was important since they needed to be installed before the furniture and accessories arrived.”
After 16 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
The kitchen renovation was the most dramatic transformation. “I believe kitchen designs should be approached the same way as living rooms since everyone always ends up in the kitchen—furniture, surfaces, and lighting should not only be functional, but also beautiful. One of my favorite design changes made in the kitchen was removing the upper cabinets from the window/sink wall. By continuing the white subway tile to the ceiling and adding
After
two elegant sconces, the wall became a beautiful focal point and brightened the room. Rattan bistro counter stools and natural jute pendants brought in some warmth, while brushed gold hardware added a bit of jewelry to the room.” Another simple change that had a huge impact was the renovation of the master bathroom vanity. Carol had two large statement mirrors and three wall sconces installed over the sinks. New cabinets, counter surfaces, and hardware complemented the existing color scheme and modernized the overall feel of the room. Often, in second homes located in areas where outdoor living is the norm, the interior design will continue out to porches and pool areas. Outdoor furniture can be exposed to the elements year-round, so weatherproof, yet comfortable, lounges, tables, and chairs were sourced for the pool area. For front-porch curb appeal, a new door in deep marine blue plus two vintage French grape hods used as planters created a welcoming front entrance. Good interior design and project coordination is in the details. The timing of orders and deliveries is crucial to stay on deadline. “Working on long-distance interior design projects isn’t that different than my local Wisconsin projects. I hired a professional transfer and storage company to receive, store, and deliver all merchandise. This way, every piece could be delivered on move-in day. Also, having a handyman on site for small jobs ensured that the smaller details were attended to,” says Carol. With meticulous planning and coordination, seamlessly renovating and
The master bathroom was updated with warm grey cabinets, white stone countertop, and dark bronzed hardware. Two large designer mirrors with gold frames plus modern sconce lighting add subtle sophistication and style to the room.
The pool area was outfitted with comfortable, weatherproof furniture for outdoor entertaining.
Before
decorating an additional home, whether it’s at the beach, in the mountains, or just down the street, is possible. Photographs provided by Posh & Patina Interiors. View additional photographs at homeelementsandconcepts.com.
After
Posh & Patina Interiors 214.577.3927 poshandpatina.com HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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FURNISHINGS & ACCESSORIES FINANCIAL
Let Us Entertain You! Mastering Your Storage Spaces Brought to You by
Cabinets for every
room in your home!
Photograph provided by Cabinet City
The burgeoning craft cocktail movement has changed the way adult beverages are served when entertaining at home. A simple Rum and Coke or Vodka Tonic is no longer considered a signature drink from a savvy host. Now we need to have a fully stocked bar including local spirits, local craft beers, assorted mixers, garnishes, flavored bitters, simple syrups, appropriate glassware,
18 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
Photograph provided by Cabinet City
Photograph by ORG Home
shakers, strainers, etc. You can create a true beverage center that gives you room for a state-ofthe-art coffee machine and all the accoutrements that go with gourmet coffee. These ingredients and equipment require a dedicated bar space with custom storage, prep area, and a bar sink that won’t compete with your food prep sink. Installing a wet bar for entertaining doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and it will allow you to prepare and serve drinks in the presence of your guests so you can remain involved in the mingling. Adding a wine fridge to the space allows you to have wines at the perfect drinking temperature, and frees up space in your main kitchen refrigerator for food and condiments. A custom wet bar is a great way to utilize a forgotten corner of your dining room and make a small, underutilized area efficient and useful. Remember those clunky, unattractive pieces of pressboard furniture that encased stereos and televisions in the ‘80s? Entertainment centers challenged any cohesive style or vibe of a room. They seemed to float separately from everything else and were eyesores in a grand decorating scheme. Today’s custom entertainment walls can become attractive focal points, including beautiful display areas for objects of art or family photos. Suddenly, your flat-screen television is integrated into the overall style of your room, whether you’re watching or not.
Photograph by ORG Home
© ORG Home
Photograph by ORG Home
HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS 19
© ORG
REMODEL/RENOVATION
Fitchburg: Built-in shelving and recessed lights help solve spacing issues in the great room, and a couch divides the lounge area from the exercise area.
BASEMENT REMODELS featuring Sugar Creek Homes If your basement isn’t finished, odds are making use of that space is on your remodeling wish list. Maybe it’s an extra bedroom, room for entertainment, a workspace, a playroom, a gym, or just something to up your home’s resale value. A finished basement can be a cool place to hang out on a hot Wisconsin summer day. Sugar Creek Homes in Verona has been doing basement remodels for years, and two of their recent jobs highlight different takes on interpreting unrealized space. Fitchburg These homeowners wanted “more of a sitting area. Books. A TV setting. Nice and casual,” says Tim Burke of Sugar 20 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
Creek Homes. But to get there they had to deal with the soffits for the duct work, and there were a lot of them. “The soffits are always tricky. In this case, they put the furnace in the middle of the room, and they really didn’t think about where to put things when finishing the basement. When I build a new house, I look at how we are going to finish it. Where are the soffits going to be? I try to put the furnace in line to limit the amount of duct work that needs soffits.” Very quickly, space becomes an issue. The ceiling is low, on eight-foot walls, and the soffit work cuts down the height even more in some places. There’s also an issue of cluttering floor space with furniture. Using the walls and ceiling provide a perfect solution. Built-in shelves and recessed
lights allow the space to achieve a desired coziness without feeling cramped. With the furnace in the middle of the basement, thoughtfulness in planning is a must to get the most out of the living space. Having a long great room works with a couch dividing the space into an exercise area and a lounge area. This allows the homeowners to switch things up in the future if they want. Carpeting and a half bath motivate the homeowners and their guests to make frequent use of their new space. Additional shelving in the basement’s utility area will help ensure that the space is divided into a storage area and a space that everyone can enjoy. Fitchburg: The remodel includes the addition of a half bath.
DeForest The goal with this property was to create a second living area, complete with a kitchen and island, living space, bedroom, bath, and even a secret doorway disguised as a bookshelf leading to a children’s playroom (you have to pull a book to unlatch the door). In order to get things rolling, the remodel started with removing a loadbearing wall. “I was working by myself, and had to figure out a way to get a 20-foot beam up in the air,” says Tim. The engineers from Wisconsin Building Supply helped calculate the load that the beam would carry. This opened up the section for the refrigerator. “It didn’t seem like a lot, but it was enough to make the room feel bigger.” Thanks to yellow tones used throughout and a lot of natural light from waist-high egress windows, the room now feels quite open. The end result is a space that gives the impression of being on the ground floor rather than underground.
Fitchburg: Additional shelving was added in the great room.
With a beautiful vinyl floor mimicking maple wood and white trim accenting the island’s granite countertop, everything ties together to create a second family room, a room for parties, or a guest area for friends and family. Finishing Your Basement The thought of finishing your basement can be daunting. In the case of these projects, Tim says, “Literally both basements were floor to ceiling with personal belongings.” The families had to sort through their belongings to make room for construction. Pragmatically, “the best place to start is your budget.” If you want a bathroom or kitchen, you’re talking more
DeForest: A kitchen and island with granite countertops were added along with beautiful vinyl flooring. HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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DeForest: A second living area was created in this remodel. The large decorative rug adds style to the space.
DeForest: The children's playroom is accessed through a secret door disguised as a bookshelf.
money. The Fitchburg basement remodel cost the family $20,000, whereas the kitchen alone in the DeForest home was $25,000. When you start looking at the options that are realistically affordable, you can determine what you want based on your budget. Educating yourself beforehand is wise, but talking with a professional is essential. Designers like Tim provide options you may not have known were available. Getting the job done is one thing, but when you find the designer that’s right for you, the end result will be a space that not only increases the overall value of your home, but provides something your family will enjoy for many years to come. 22 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
DeForest: The finished children's playroom includes a loft area to add even more space.
Photographs by Eric Tadsen. View additional photographs at homeelementsandconcepts.com. Sugar Creek Homes LLC 237 Ridge View Trail Verona, WI 53593 608.658.1127 sugarcreek-homes.com
HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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24 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
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608.271.8241 6210 Nesbitt Rd | Madison HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS 25
LANDSCAPE FINANCIAL
Fall Tree Planting Tips Brought to You by
Horticulturist Linda Barcz
Just because the weather is cooler and thoughts are turning toward scaling back your garden, it’s not too late to plant trees. In fact, autumn is an excellent time to plant deciduous and evergreen trees—it’s a season of more natural rain events and, therefore, less manual watering is required. It’s easy to forget to water as temperatures drop, so be vigilant about monitoring natural rainfall amounts to make sure new transplants are appropriately watered. When transplants are dug up, their total root volume is reduced, which results in less water uptake. Hardy, Native Deciduous Trees Leaves complete their work in the fall and drop, which means there will no longer be a loss of moisture through the leaves. This will help with the overall water content in the tree, although
26 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
deciduous trees will still benefit greatly from a thorough soaking in October and November before the ground freezes. And don’t be concerned about less-than-perfect-appearing leaves (spots, whitish cast, and holes)—these trees probably received overhead irrigation throughout the summer, which can cause visual imperfections. Evergreens It’s important to remember to water evergreens throughout the fall season until the ground freezes. Evergreens have foliage year-round that transpires—loses moisture—making them more sensitive to cool, dry conditions. They often don’t show the effects of being too dry until spring, when it’s too late to correct the condition. If we experience a spring thaw, evergreens (especially arborvitae) will benefit from a thorough watering in January or February. Planting Tips • Remove burlap and twine from the top of the root ball. • Dig the hole larger than the root ball. • Planting depth should be the same as in the pot or burlap. Don’t plant too deep. • Add soil around the root ball to eliminate air pockets. • Water when the hole is half filled with soil, add the rest of the soil, then water again. • Add a layer of mulch (not deeper than three inches) to insulate and help with water retention. Hardy, Native Tree Types for the Greater Madison Area Deciduous: Serviceberry, Eastern Redbud, Pagoda Dogwood, Hawthorn, Star or Saucer Magnolia, Sugar Maple, Red Maple, Freeman Maple, River Birch, Whitespire Gray Birch, Hackberry, American Hornbeam, Ginkgo, Honey Locust, Kentucky Coffee Tree, American Hop Hornbeam, White Oak, Red Oak, Bur Oak, Pin Oak, Linden, and Elm Evergreen: White Fir, Norway Spruce, Black Hill’s Spruce, Serbian Spruce, Colorado Spruce, Eastern White Pine, and Canadian Hemlock
HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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REMODEL/RENOVATION
Don't Fear the
Wallpaper by Barry Avery
28 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
Wallcoverings have come a long way since the traditional repeating patterns and cutesy borders of the '70s and '80s wallpaper designs. The term wallcovering encompasses the wide variety of products and textures available to the
homeowner today. Products are more sophisticated than the old paper products, which were difficult to install and often became quickly démodé. The Laura Ashley look is no longer. Ten to twelve years ago, everything had to be neutral in terms of color scheme because the general public wasn’t educated about how to use color. Television home and garden shows have changed this by informing people about the great colors and products available. But be careful. These shows are meant to appeal to the masses and may not have the best advice for your particular home. Achieving visual harmony requires careful thought and an eye for color and pattern balance, which doesn’t come naturally to everyone. It’s best to consult a design professional when incorporating the bolder, more modern products. There are a couple of common misconceptions about wallcoverings based on people’s experiences with the old products.
1. Many think wallcoverings are limiting, and that they make hanging artwork and working with patterned furniture and accessories difficult (they’re afraid to put pattern on pattern). But it’s simply a process of rethinking what’s near or combined with the wallcovering, and there are a few basics to help when mixing patterns. • The overall color scheme of the room and the balance of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors within it. • The scale of the patterns you’re using and the balance of small, medium, and large motifs. A mix of scales works best. • The layering of patterns and how the eye is naturally drawn from element to element within the room (i.e. visual progression from a sofa with accent pillows to the console table behind the sofa with lamps to the wall behind it with framed artwork).
2. Another misconception: installing wallpaper is a lot of messy work. Then when I want a change, it’s an even bigger HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
29
job to remove it, and I could damage the walls. There have been many technical improvements in products that make installation and removal less daunting. Today’s product range includes strippable wallpapers, which are designed with easy removal in mind. This product innovation does not compromise durability even though one might think it would naturally be more prone to peeling. It is, however, still recommended that you hire a professional to remove the paper. One of the newest products is Tempaper ®. It’s literally temporary wallpaper. Installation can be described as peel and stick, and you can save and reinstall the wallpaper elsewhere at a later date. Fabric can be converted into wallcovering too. Rolls or bolts of fabric can be sent to a company that will apply a special backing that allows the fabric to be used as a wallcovering.
Fabric-covered walls can add a touch of elegance, richness, or warmth to a room. Current wallcovering trends reflect their usage in place of a painted accent wall. Modern motifs that are popular now include: • Darker, bolder colors • Strong patterns and geometrics • Larger scale floral and organic patterns • Ethnic art patterns • Textures, such as grasscloth and brick • Wallpaper murals of complete scenes or landscapes on an accent wall • Residential interiors incorporating more commercial looks and products, such as 3-D wall panels With all the options available to the consumer, how do you determine what’s best for your home? Start by knowing what you don’t like. Study home magazines and make lists of what appeals and does not appeal to you. And keep in mind, too much of a good thing is not a good thing. It's not just about what's right for your home, it's about what's right for you. Barry Avery is owner and curator at Fontaine Home. Photographs provided by Fontaine Home. View additional photographs at homeelementsandconcepts.com. Fontaine Home 7535 Hubbard Avenue Middleton, WI 53562 608.310.8002 fontainedesignblog.blogspot.com
30 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
Contact Laura today!
608.239.3469 | teamlahti.com
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FURNISHINGS & ACCESSORIES
For the Apple of Your Eye Autumn in Wisconsin means delicious locally grown apples. Used in baking as well as savory recipes, and especially nice in apple brandy. Nothing is prettier than this calvados from France, where they have been making this spirit for generations. Apple brandy is an amazing flavor enhancer in anything made with apples— applesauce, apple crisp, apple pie‌even savory stews. (And make sure to sip some as you enjoy the finished recipe!) 'Tis the season to focus on beautiful and inspirational cookbooks, and to indulge in quality kitchen bakeware and accessories for all your entertaining to come. Ceramic bakeware can be visually appealing and useful. These dishes from Portugal can go from oven to freezer to table. Practical beauty. Get cozy and breathe in the scents and sights of the best time of year in Wisconsin.
Items sourced by Convivio. convivioshop.com
32 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
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BUSINESS DESIGN
KAREN & CO.
Undefined by Kyle Jacobson
It’s the urban mixed with the natural, lived in but unsettled, that inspires comfort in exploration and discovery at Karen & Co. Exposed brick walls and warm wood tones of cherry and teak add dimension to a cream backdrop, and riveted leather armchairs soften the cool glow of white track lights to a coffee-lounge aura. All under a clay-colored tin ceiling, earthen vibrato. Karen and Dan Fix, owners of Karen & Co., don’t take any design choices lightly when it comes to their space on State Street. Getting the color palette down provided opportunity to focus on creating a living display room, which is able to shape into whatever they need to best showcase their aptinfinitum attire and accessories. The resulting spaces can be experienced time and time again by regular customers. 34 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
Everything really came together when Dan and Karen made a discovery of their own some time ago: a wide hidden doorway in the wall of their two adjacent stores. Now the store could be experienced without customers having to retrace their steps. “I think it just opened up the potential,” says Karen. “It created more space.” Dan talks about a good customer of theirs who had experienced the store before they knocked out the wall covering the doorway. “We were nice and busy, a lot going on, and he sat there after shopping, and he said, ‘This is a good example of where one plus one equaled three because you have the two elements going front to back, but then you have the third going this way.’” It also does something else. When viewing from one room through the opening to the other, the brick-walled sides and old knotty header frame welllit merchandised outfits. There’s a lot of framing going on in the store. If you enter the east door, the straight lines created by a rack coming off the wall and partition toed by the jewelry case outline a central floor display. For those who aren’t looking to shop but are just along for the ride, the aforementioned effect is essentially a bullseye to a pair of inviting armchairs. Walking through the store and looking at items from different angles often leads to intrigue in interpretation. Dan says, “Here it becomes more an experience, and it might open customer thoughts to something fresh and different.” In order to get the most out of possible perspectives, places where dead space is problematic, often in corners, were utilized to create tiered, backlit showcases for shoes, purses, and other pieces. Dan says, “It isn’t as though this bag is any
HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS 35
more expensive than it would be in another store, but the joy of it is making the bag special and making someone almost want to become attached to it because this is their vision of it now as opposed to having it on a table somewhere with 25 other bags.” After deciding what to include for each season’s lineup, Karen and Dan rely on the design choices they made for their store to enhance the value of a piece, increasing the customer’s confidence in their purchase. But not all blank space is dead space. Dan is a firm believer of giving his customers’ eyes a chance to rest. Clean gaps between products not only help with showcasing, but show respect to the individual journey each customer takes, encouraging finding surprises in plain sight. The final interaction the customer at Karen & Co. has commonly occurs at the register. A conscientious decision
was made to have nothing at the counter. No place for you to run your card or little items to tempt a last-minute purchase. Dan says, “We’ve always been conscious of the counter being an area to further interact with our customers.” After the exchange, the item is placed in a woven polypropylene bag—its look and color an echo of the store’s—the icing on an authentic experience. What Dan and Karen have ultimately done is synthesized something intimate woven with guided discoveries that feel a little like chance. The organic way they envisioned the space breeds intuitive navigation for visitors that feels seamless—a natural progression from end to end. “This should be an experience that you want to repeat,” says Karen. “It’s a recreation to go shopping.” There’s an often-hidden fun side of clothes shopping the two unveil while providing an atmosphere of calm feathered under serenity—no expectations. “Come in and relax and make it home.” Kyle Jacobson is a copy editor and writer for Home Elements & Concepts. Photographs by Eric Tadsen. View additional photographs at homeelementsandconcepts.com. Karen & Co. 307-309 State Street Madison, WI 53713 608.258.5500 karencomadison.com
36 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
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TECHNOLOGY
Plug In, Drive Green, AND SAVE
The electric vehicle (EV) market is exploding. From SUVs to crossovers, nearly 50 models are available today—and that number is expected to reach nearly 140 by 2023. Automakers continue to develop and sell EVs for drivers with different needs and who want different features and price points. Whether you take frequent road trips or commute to and from work, there likely is a model for you. With the summer travel season upon us, it may be an ideal time to explore your options. MGE can facilitate the process—helping you learn more about models, benefits, charging, and costs. We have valuable information, tools, and resources for individuals as well as companies interested in fleet vehicles. Why Should I Drive an EV? A survey from AAA shows one in five Americans likely will choose an EV for their next vehicle purchase. If you are looking for reasons to join the thousands of Wisconsin drivers who already have EVs, consider these benefits: • Cost. While EVs generally are more expensive to buy or lease compared to similar gasoline vehicles, they cost less than half as much to operate. EV drivers see an average annual fuel savings of more than $600, with the average price to charge an EV being about $1 per "gallon." EVs also cost less to maintain because they don't require oil changes, and the brakes last longer. Additionally, drivers may be able to take advantage of a federal tax credit of $2,500 to $7,500 when buying a new EV. 38 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
• Distance. Today's fully electric vehicles can go up to 200-plus miles on a full charge. Plug-in hybrid models use battery power until it's depleted and then seamlessly switch to gasoline. The average Wisconsin driver travels 30 miles a day, so even the lowest-range EV will get you where you want to go. Advances in technology are improving EV batteries. We expect even longer travel distances in the future. • Sustainability. Driving an EV can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and MGE has options for EV drivers who want to charge at home on 100 percent renewable energy. All MGE public charging stations are powered by wind energy. • E xperience. 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, the Chevy Bolt goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than seven seconds. Plus, it's easy to get comfortable using your phone to remotely preheat or precool your car. Online Tools Put Knowledge at Your Fingertips MGE makes it easier for drivers to learn about driving and charging an EV. • E xplore My EV. MGE's newest resource, Explore My EV, allows users to compare plug-in hybrid and EVs to gasoline models. This tool explains your
savings potential based on your driving habits, home electricity use, and available tax credits and incentives. It also allows users to view options sideby-side to see how different scenarios impact costs in the short and long term. Visit mge.com/ExploreMyEV to learn more. • LovEV. MGE's LovEV site covers drivers' most common questions about going electric. The website explores the different aspects of driving an EV, including videos featuring EV drivers. It's an easy online stop to learn more about the EV experience. Visit mge.com /LovEV to see what it has to offer. • EV Rider. This site provides up-to-date and easyto-understand information on EVs and charging. Its conversational style features short articles, local videos, and interviews with industry experts. Check out energy2030together.com/EVRider for the latest updates. Charge at Home, at Work, and On the Go MGE makes it easier to charge at home, at work, and on the go. We also provide customers with options to charge their EVs with clean energy. • Charging at home. With MGE's Charge@Home program, drivers get faster charging at home, which is where 80 percent of drivers plug in. MGE installs Level 2 chargers at participating customers' homes in exchange for a monthly fee of about $20 plus the cost of electricity. Level 2 charging stations are up to six times faster than using a standard electric outlet and offer more control over charging times. • Charging on clean energy. Customers can further reduce their environmental footprint by charging
their EV at home with green power. With MGE's Green Power Tomorrow, customers can purchase up to 100 percent of their energy from renewable sources. Another option is MGE's Shared Solar program, which allows customers to add locally generated solar to their energy mix. And with MGE's optional rate program, Shift & Save, customers with EVs can save up to 40 percent on home electric costs by shifting vehicle charging and other electricity use to nights and weekends. • Charging away from home. When drivers need to charge away from home, they can find almost 60 public charging stations in the Madison area. MGE continues to add chargers to its local network, which is powered by 100 percent renewable electricity. MGE's charging network features more than 30 public charging stations, 4 of which are DC Fast Chargers, capable of providing 60 to 80 miles of range in 20 minutes. MGE is planning additional charging stations this year at Madison College's Park Street campus, Willy Street North in Madison, and Piggly Wiggly in Cross Plains. Our partnerships with local businesses and municipalities that host charging stations help to expand opportunities for EV charging and advance MGE's commitment to support new technology. MGE also helps area employers of all sizes and multifamily developers who want to offer charging for employees and apartment residents. Take Action Today for a Cleaner Tomorrow Transportation accounts for 29 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. The electrification of transportation is one of our key strategies for achieving deep decarbonization. We continue to work with employees, customers, municipalities, property owners, and community partners to grow the use of EVs, enable charging opportunities, and create a more sustainable energy future. In addition to being environmentally friendly, EVs have a lot to offer drivers—from cost savings to expanded features. Photographs provided by MGE. Stay up to date on the latest EV developments, charging opportunities, and more at: • mge.com/chargeathome • energy2030together.com/EVRider • mge.com/LovEV • mge.com/ExploreMyEV HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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REMODEL/RENOVATION
Paint on Point Sponsored by
PUMPKIN HC0016
Lilac Blossom 1289 has a hint of grey, and adds life to a room without overpowering. A great color alternative for people that normally prefer tan or beige.
ANDOVER CREAM HC0017
HOME BODY 0406
This fall’s colors can add warm accents to any room in your home. Pair your furniture with a bold accent wall in Pumpkin HC0016.
Fall is the time to freshen up your dining room in preparation for holiday gatherings. Home Body 0406 is a color that harkens back to a more elegant décor. Combine with bold furniture to state the purpose of the room.
40 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
LILAC BLOSSOM 1289
Combat the drab light of winter afternoons by brightening up a staircase or hallway with Andover Cream HC0017.
Influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright’s favored color schemes, this fall’s colors can add that craftsman flair to any house. Wrap the windows in Pumpkin HC0016, with Andover Cream HC0017 for trim and accents. Use Home Body 0406 for the exterior walls and garage door.
Skip the gas station go straight to the fun. There’s a lot to love about going EV, like no more trips to the gas station and lower maintenance costs. Want more to love? Get the full scoop on electric vehicle driving distances, how and where to charge, models available and more.
Learn more!
Visit mge.com/LovEV
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Photograph by John Kalson
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Bringing Sustainable HOMEOWNERSHIP
Habitat volunteers celebrating with homeowners Mario and Brooke and their three children, Yoana, Aracely, and Thiago, as their home is nearly completed in Fitchburg.
to Dane County by Jenny Ballweg
For 31 years, Habitat for Humanity of Dane County has built and rehabbed homes alongside 281 local families and repaired dozens of homes for existing homeowners through the Habitat Home Repair program. The ultimate goal: a world where everyone has a decent place to live. While having a safe, decent, and affordable place to live sounds simple, it really isn’t. So many Dane County residents don’t have a strong roof over their head or a safe place to tuck children into bed at night. In fact, one in eight people here live in poverty, including 16 percent of Dane County’s children. Habitat is addressing this through sustainable homeownership. Habitat’s homebuilding model relies on cash donations, scores of volunteers, and donated materials to keep the cost of constructing homes low. Habitat then sells the homes to carefully selected families who typically fall between 30 to 60 percent of Dane County’s median household income, those who would not be able to qualify for most traditional financing. 42 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
Each Habitat family invests 325 to 375 hours of “sweat equity” building their home alongside volunteers, attending 40 hours of coursework to prepare them for homeownership, and paying a 30-year mortgage with below market interest rates. Monthly mortgage payments are capped to no more than 30 percent of the family’s gross income to make it affordable and sustainable for their family. Every mortgage payment contributes to future building projects, making the model sustainable for Habitat. “We are committed to sustainable homeownership,” Habitat CEO Valerie Renk explains. “To us, that means everything you can see—building a new home or purchasing a distressed home and completing a renovation. We also do so many things that aren’t so visible, like home repairs and maintenance for modest-means Dane County residents who already own their homes.” Last August, Habitat helped Jean, an elderly homeowner who has lived in her home on Madison’s east side for almost 70 years. At 92, she is healthy, lives by herself, and gets
Photograph by Kent Sweitzer
Photograph by John Kalson
Volunteers complete Habitat Home Repair projects for residents throughout Dane County.
Habitat homeowner Rachel and her son, Cameron, celebrate moving into their Fitchburg home.
checked on regularly by her niece. Jean’s home and garage needed painting and maintenance. The last time she painted her two-story home, she did it herself. Through the Habitat Home Repair program and with help from volunteers from Madison’s local U.S. Navy recruiting station, Jean was able to get her home painted at a low cost that fit her budget. This was an especially sweet volunteer match, as Jean’s late husband also served in the Navy.
Photograph by Jenny Ballweg
Homeowner Jean in front of her freshly painted home.
“Habitat Home Repair was designed to preserve homes by providing a low-cost solution to assist struggling homeowners with home improvements,” Valerie explains. “We’re proud to put in wheelchair ramps and fix critical issues to keep homeownership sustainable for everyone, including low-income families, single parents, elderly homeowners, veterans, people with disabilities, and even those facing city code violations or insurance policy cancellations who are struggling to keep their homes on a tight budget.” In addition to sustainable housing, Habitat is focused on sustainable funding. Seventeen years ago, Habitat launched Habitat ReStore to raise funds for its homebuilding program with the added benefits of helping the environment and providing affordable building materials to the community. Now with two locations—4207 Monona Drive and 5906 Odana Road—the ReStores raised almost $500,000 to help fund Habitat homebuilding during its last fiscal year. More recently, Habitat became the first Habitat for Humanity in the nation to be recognized as a federally designated Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). CDFIs fund economic growth and opportunity in distressed communities. By investing federal dollars alongside private sector capital, the CDFI Fund serves mission-driven financial HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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Photograph by John Kalson
Habitat volunteers building a home in Fitchburg. Habitat homeowner Luz and her son, Omar, at their Habitat home in Sun Prairie.
institutions, which Habitat Dane County is considered, and injects new sources of capital into neighborhoods that lack access to affordable financing. Currently, Habitat is building at sites in Madison, Fitchburg, and Sun Prairie, and Habitat Home Repair projects are sprinkled throughout Dane County. “As homeowners’ needs evolve in Dane County, we’re always looking to see how we can make our program and funding more sustainable,” Valerie says. “We are committed to building for as many Dane County families as possible and keeping current residents in their homes whether they’re aging in place, facing storm damage, or any of the countless reasons residents may need a hand up, not a handout.” Jenny Ballweg is the communications director at Habitat for Humanity of Dane County.
Photograph by John Kalson
View additional photographs at homeelementsandconcepts.com.
44 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
Habitat for Humanity of Dane County 3101 Latham Drive Madison, WI 53713 608.255.1549 habitatdane.org
TADSEN PHOTOGRAPHY DRONE - ARCHITECTURE - PRODUCT TADPHOTO.COM 608-469 -2255
HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL with Dane County Humane Society Learn about helping animals in your community through tours, ďŹ eld trips a n d i n -s c h o o l p r e s e nt at i o n s fo r groups of all sizes, ages and interests.
Dane County Humane Society
giveshelter.org (608) 838-0413
HOME ELEMENTS & CONCEPTS
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– Advertiser index AmeriDown Factory Outlet 24 Bella Domicile 25 The Bruce Company 23 Cabinet City 23 Convivio 24 Dane Buy Local 23
45 DC Interiors & Renovations 47 Dream House Dream Kitchens 2 Fontaine Home 37 Garden Search & Rescue 41 Hallman Lindsay Paints 5 Iconi Interiors & Consignment 41 Karen & Co. 37 Kessenich's Ltd. 11 Laura Lahti Real Estate - Badger Realty Team 31 Legacy Exteriors, LLC 11 M.O.D. Media Productions 37 MGE 41 Monroe Street Framing 5 Odana Antiques and Fine Arts Center 24 Pieces Unimagined 24 Posh & Patina Interiors 25 Qual Line Fence Corp. 11 Simply Creative Productions 45 Sugar Creek Homes 25 Tadsen Photography 45 UW Credit Union 48 Wolff Kubly Hardware 45
Enter the – Drawing to Win
WOLFF KUBLY
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Dane County Humane Society
– PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Towns & Associates, Inc. is happy to provide local lifestyle magazines free of charge to the Greater Madison area. We could not do so without the support of our advertising sponsors, and we appreciate every one of them. We hope that you will consider them when deciding where to dine, shop, and play, and when you need services. These businesses represent the true entrepreneurial spirit of our community!
46 Additional photos at homeelementsandconcepts.com
Win 2 gallons of Magnolia Home interior paint by Joanna Gaines of HGTV fame. A value of up to $100. Enter by submitting your name, mailing address, phone number, and email at homeelementsandconcepts.com, or by mail to: Home Elements & Concepts c/o Towns & Associates, Inc. PO Box 174 Baraboo, WI 53913-0174 All entries will be entered into a drawing. Deadline is September 13, 2019.
Good Luck!
Winner Thank you to everyone who entered our previous drawing. The winner of one of three super-efficient, cordless EGO yard tools (string trimmer, leaf blower or header trimmer) from Wolff Kubly is Cheryl Jenkins of Belleville, WI.
Congratulations!
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HO ME AC C E SS O RIES
Shop our Home Decor at 3000 Cahill Main, Suite 215, Fitchburg, WI 53711 608.444.0571 // M-F: 10 am - 5 pm www.dcinteriorsllc.com // info@dcinteriorsllc.com
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