Cedar Valley Home & Garden - Fall 2017

Home & GARDEN

cedar valley

i o w a' s p r e m i e r h o m e m a g a z i n e

Great

kitchens Fresh ideas for the heart of your home

Statement lighting Comfort food – with a twist Pool retreat fall 2017 | cv-hg.com

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Contents 2017 Fall e le m e nts 6 8 10 12 13 14 15

Color palette Olive green is a neutral Chinoiserie A time-honored style Fig & Frolic Everwhere a sign Fishsticks A growing business Lighting Making a statement Splurge or save Coffee tables Wallpaper Ready for its next act

Fe at ure s 16 24 28 32 26 40 44 48 52 56

Mid Century marvelous Kitchen transformation Open & bright design Small kithchen, living large Ready, set go A new lease on life Perfect fit Gathering place Playing with contrasts Restoring a Victorian beauty

e nt e rta in in g

60 Comfort food 64 A chair, a breeze and the best fresh margarita

cut t ings

66 No-prune shrubs 69 Pretty pumpkin arrangement 70 Pool side 4 | c v-hg.com

Home & GARDEN PUBLISHER

Roy D. Biondi ad director

Tara Seible

project manager & ad sales

Sheila Kerns 319-291-1448 editor

Melody Parker 319-291-1429 graphic designer

Amanda Hansen contributors

Brandon Pollock, photographer Matthew Putney, photographer Alan Simmer, columnist Meta Hemenway-Forbes, columnist â–ś Addy award winning magazine.

Additional sources: The Associated Press, Tribune News Service and Washington Post.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without permission is prohibited.

Published quarterly by Courier Communications.

Another fall, another turned page ... as if last year's mistakes and failures had been wiped clean by summer.

Wallace Stegner

Wallpaper prints can be dramatically oversize and fantastically whimsical

fall 2017 | 5

elements / Color palette

agean olive

Fine Paints of Europe

olive branch Benjamin Moore

olive fringes Dutch Boy

relentless Sherwin Williams

ripe olive Sherwin Williams

6 | c v-hg.com

Olive green is a neutral That may sound surprising, but olive green is a sophisticated and earthy color for walls, furnishings and accessories. Color experts describe it as actually a shade of dark yellow with dollops of gray or black mixed in to create olive.

In the Victorian era, olive green was paired in dramatic combinations with peacock blue, maroon and magenta. It’s a

bold, vibrant look for the adventurous soul.

Tone it down but make it no less effective by pairing it with shades of brown, red, coral and orange, cream or white, gold or navy blue. Pale pink is an option that can look beautiful with olive green.

It also looks good with leather, wood, metals like brass and gold and some animal prints.

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elements

Jardin faux-bamboo lattice armchair in green (wellappointedhouse.com)

Blue and white porcelain jar with lid (houzz.com)

Pagoda mirror in navy (wisteria.com)

Time-honored style "Chinoiserie has stood the test of time" and "is as relevant now as it was in the 18th century," says Daniela Shuffler, author of the design blog Aesthetic Oiseau.

Macau arm chair in red (ballarddesigns.com)

8 | c v-hg.com

Blue and white jar (target.com) Pinlo cobalt mirror (bellacor.com)

Source: Washington Post

The whimsical and often colorful style, defined by its Chinese-inspired motifs, can be applied to almost anything in the home, whether it's hardware, accessories or furniture. Although chinoiserie often appears in high-end design, the beauty of it is that it can be adopted at any price point, Shuffler says. You just have to know where to look. Shown are some of Shuffler's favorite chinoiserie finds.

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elements / fig & frolic

Everywhere a sign text by becky hiatt & jenny boevers

What’s more popular in home accessorizing these days than decorative signs? We see them everywhere we go — vintage or new — and they’re wonderful pieces for adding personal style and character in every room in the house.

At Fig & Frolic, we love to make signs. It’s an affordable way to put art on your walls, and a fun project to do. All it takes is a stencil, a pot or two of paint and a favorite word, saying or message to turn just about anything into sign art — random pieces of wood or metal, old flooring strips, wood paneling, plywood, beat-up card tables — you name it.

You can paint the background — or not, suit yourself. But measure to make sure your saying will fit on the piece. Print out a copy of the saying and keep it at your side while you work. You don’t want to get finished and realize you’ve left out or misspelled a word.

And don’t be afraid of imperfections. Those just add uniqueness to your sign.

10 | c v-hg.com

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elements / spotlight

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www.fishsticks.biz 12 | c v-hg.com

Going the extra mile

B

en Fisher points to the slogan with obvious pride: “If you can dream it, we can make it.”

“That pretty much says it all,” says Fisher, owner of FishSticks Millwork, LLC. Since 2003, the company has built its reputation on providing clients with the best quality flooring and millwork in virtually any wood species, finish or profile to create their dream home, kitchen, bath or other space.

In March, Fisher opened a new showroom at 706 Ansborough Ave., although the millwork is still operated near Janesville. Now the company offers much more than millwork, including carpet by Shaw and Mohawk, porcelain, ceramic and luxury vinyl tile, mantels, doors, tables, countertops, bar tops, custom staircases and railing systems, as well as four lines of custom carpentry.

FishSticks also boasts 3-D cabinetry design.

“Technology has changed the game.

Just in the last year, engineered wood floor sales have surpassed wood floors.

That’s affected our shop some, but people still want real wood. There’s something about using real wood,” Fisher says.

Fisher is frank when he explains that he never intended to be in this business. His dad, Steve Fisher, founded FishSticks in 2003, and Fisher worked for his dad until his unexpected death. Fisher was in his early 20s. Then he helped his mom, Judy, before eventually buying her out.

“We could have closed down and done something else, but we decided to give it a couple of years and see what things looked like then,” Fisher explains. The business continued to grow, built on Fisher’s belief in the best customer service, even if it means “going the extra mile so a customer has what they wanted and dreamed of,” he says.

And although FishSticks started small — crown mouldings, base boards, casings, etc. — now the company is able to manage major projects from start to finish, including design.

elements

Lighting that makes a statement

Source: Washington Post

Creative new shapes and technology mean that home lighting fixtures often do far more than provide illumination. They can be exciting and sculptural works of art.

"Designs are now not only a source of light, but a distinctive feature of an interior design," says New York architect West Chin.

"When we're planning a room that calls for a large piece of statement lighting, we always start with that piece first, building everything else around it," say Brandon Quattrone and Mat Sanders of Consort Design in Los Angeles.

"You want it to be the wow factor in a room. If you're hanging a dining room chandelier, keep the surrounding walls simple, with a minimal piece of artwork or some subtle shelf styling."

fall 2017 | 13

elements

Splurge or Save A coffee table can make a stylish and functional focal point for any living room. As Beth Woodson and Kristy Woodson Harvey of Design Chic like to say, it's "the place you set your feet, your coffee or your cocktail."

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$499 SAVE: $499 Mid-century modern marble coffee table (wisteria.com)

$380 SAVE: Cliburn barrel coffee table by House of Hampton (allmodern.com)

$112 SAVE: $112 Alsager coffee table by House of Hampton (wayfair.com)

$359 SAVE: $359 Lippa oval-shaped wood-top coffee table (lexmod.com)

Source: Washington Post

$4,998

elements

Wallpaper is ready for its next act

What's caused the big comeback? It's easy to attribute the sales spike to style bloggers, HGTV and Instagram, but at the core of wallpaper's new popularity is a hint of rebellion.

Indeed, today's popular papers are vastly different from the old school. The prints are dramatically oversize and fantastically whimsical, with characters that feel pulled from a storybook and patterns right from the runway. The colors are richer. The fabrics are textured and sometimes three-dimensional. And the images have a lifelike sharpness thanks to advances in digital printing.

Types: Wallpaper is categorized by its material and adhesive coating. Nonwoven substrate paper is popular with renters because it dry-strips easily from the wall.

Pre-pasted papers come with a wateractivated adhesive backing. Both are durable, strippable and generally greaseresistant, which makes them smart choices for those with children or pets. Wallpapers are typically sold as single rolls or bolts (double rolls).

Print matching: The "match" tells you how to line up the pattern from strip to strip.

There are three types: straight, random and drop. Straight-match papers run the width of the paper and across the seam onto the next strip. Randommatch papers continue seamlessly no matter what. Drop-match papers require extra planning and must be aligned horizontally and vertically on either side, as the pattern is slightly offset from strip to strip.

Pastes and booking: Pre-pasted wallpapers usually need to be "booked," which means wetting the paper and letting it sit, usually for about 10 minutes, while the glue activates.

Unpasted papers don't come with adhesive, so you'll need to paste the wall or the back of the paper.

Repeats and waste: Repeats are the number of inches a pattern stretches vertically

until it repeats itself.

Generally, the lower the repeat, the lower the waste. Solids and textures, for example, have no repeat and little waste because the amount you'll need is easy to calculate.

Calculating coverage: Before you buy, you need to determine how much wallpaper you need. This gets tricky when you take windows and doors into account, so using an online calculator (such as those offered by Lowe's and Home Depot) is recommended. Exact roll measurements vary by manufacturer, but most cover 25 to 28 square feet. Retailers often price wallpaper by the single roll but sell only double or triple rolls.

Upkeep: Wallpapers are surprisingly durable, and these days, maintaining them is easy. Scrubbable papers can be cleaned with a sponge and detergent. Washable papers can be gently cleaned or wiped with a damp cloth.

Removal: Commitment-phobes should look for two types of paper: strippable and peelable. The former can be removed without water or chemicals and leave no backing. The latter peels off the wall and may leave some adhesive residue behind, which can be removed with soap and water.

Source: Washington Post

fall 2017 | 15

text by melody parker images by brandon pollock

16 | c v-hg.com

Mid Century

Marvelous fall 2017 | 17

mid-century marvelous

T

hey fell in love with the butterfly roof.

Sometimes called a V roof or inverted gable roof, the late Mid Century architectural element is defined as two roofs sloping down from opposite sides to create a valley near the middle of the roof. Visualize a butterfly at rest with its wings open, and you've got the idea.

But such a unique design can come with its share of problems, namely leaks.

"When we first moved in, we did a quick DIY kitchen re-do and found tremendous water damage from the leaking roof. Several contractors wanted to change it into a pitched roof, but we resisted. We wanted to stay true to the spirit of the house.

Koch Construction said they could fix the problems without changing the roof," says the homeowner. "I've been obsessed for a decade about what to do when we remodeled. We wanted to bring this house back to life. It's an incredibly functional floor plan, and I'm amazed and thrilled at how well it turned out."

In addition to repairing the roof, Koch updated the exterior in keeping with the home's character with wood-

18 | c v-hg.com

look Nichiha fiber planks and James Hardie cement board siding painted in Pittsburgh Paint's "Phoenix Fossil."

Trim was painted black to match the metal fascia. The front entrance was changed by replacing brick with Eldorado stacked stone and a new Therma-Tru Pulse Ari door with satin etched glass. Taller architectural windows from Marvin Windows replaced the original stacked windows, allowing more light into the living area.

The living room's original woodburning fireplace was given a new hearth, and overhead beams were given some attention. "We love the beams and the overall layout is very functional. We're sort of minimalists in that we don't want to be surrounded by stuff. Everything has to have a purpose."

The kitchen was completely gutted and the subflooring beefed up for the 12- by 24-inch Stratos floor tiles in anthracite from Florim USA. Woodharbor custom cabinetry in White Doe provides plenty of useable, efficient storage.

Countertops are Cambrian quartz in Bellingham, complemented by the ceramic tile backsplash 4- by 12inch gloss Urban Canvas tiles in light smoke from American Olean. GE Cafe series stainless steel appliances were installed. In addition, a pantry was removed and the space used to

s u m m e r 2 0 1 7 | 19

mid-century marvelous

add shelves for the laundry.

Besides the kitchen, the homeowners hang out in their detached garage, which also underwent remodeling.

"We're garage people," says the homeowner, laughing. "My husband builds motorcycles, and we just gravitate to the garage. Now it's a beautiful space, very clean and climate controlled. We eat dinner out there practically every night."

A small kitchen area with a concrete countertop also features a small garage door that opens up as a service window to the patio in the space between garage and house.

"It's an awkward space, but now it's perfect for entertaining.

We couldn't connect the garage to the house because the garage doesn't have footings, and it would have been too much expense to fix. We're very happy with how it is now."

Overall, the homeowners are thrilled with the renovations.

"It's amazing. This is just perfect, everything turned out perfectly, and we love our home," she adds. H&G

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www.kochconstruction.org fall 2017 | 21

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fall 2017 | 23

text by melody parker images by brandon pollock

24 | c v-hg.com

Kitchen

transformation

fall 2017 | 25

S

ophisticated, modern and practical, this kitchen remodel marries beauty and elegance with functionality for a young, busy family.

Kathy Flack, ASID, a registered interior designer, worked with the homeowners, who initially wanted to change their foyer and discovered it couldn’t be done without some kitchen work. They loved Flack’s design concept and decided to undertake the transitional project.

A wall was removed and the back wall extended to enlarge the kitchen and improve traffic flow. Klunder Homes was the general contractor.

Striking soft white custom Omega cabinetry from Moeller and Walter — with crystal knobs and chrome pulls — and white quartz countertops flow throughout the kitchen. It creates a stunning contrast to the 24- by 24inch glazed porcelain floor tiles in a metallic patina called Alchemy.

The kitchen's focal point is the island which can be seen from the front door. The quartz-topped furniture-like piece sits below a dropped tres ceiling trimmed in crown molding that mimics the width and length of the island. It creates an illusion of height. A trio of contemporary LED chandeliers and painted metallic finish on the ceiling add glamour.

26 | c v-hg.com

"The homeowners love all the different textures layered to make the rooms as timeless as possible, but still be of the moment," Flack explains. "The overall look is neat and trim and beautiful, but the surfaces are all very practical for a family."

Also part of the project was the family room, a first-floor bath and the foyer, including new stairs and railing. Steps into the sunken living room were adjusted to fit the new flooring and prepare for the next phase in the project.

"The decisions and choices the homeowners made were very important because they didn't want a 'do-over' a few years from now," Flack adds. H&G

Kathy Flack, ASID Registered Interior Designer, PLC 319-239-5080 Creative Space Planning | Design Concepts | Interior Architectural Details Window Treatments | Bed Coverings | Upholstered Furniture | Consulting For Any Room Floor Coverings | Lighting | Refresh Service

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fall 2017 | 27

28 | c v-hg.com

open & bright design I

nterior designer Alex Von Ahsen is clearly passionate about details.

His clients at Phelan’s Interiors in Cedar Rapids appreciate his professionalism and perfectionism, but when it came time to remodel his own kitchen, he felt a little stuck.

“I can help people all day long make decisions and guide them through choices on their own projects, that reflect who they are and what they want, but it’s hard making a final decision for myself,” the designer confesses, smiling. “It’s different when you can express your own tastes.”

So he enlisted the expertise of friend and colleague Monica Boeckenstedt of 929 Design. “We live vicariously through our clients, and we’re exposed to so many different design styles, that it does take some time to narrow down what you really want,” Boekenstedt.

Von Ahsen gave up his living room —

moving it into a nearby smaller room, doubling space for the remodeled kitchen and dining room. All of his choices were made based on his favorite color scheme incorporating shades of gray, black and brown, beginning with natural stone-look 12by 24-inch Mileu tile floors in smoke from Kate-lo Tiles.

Thick, elegant “Brittanica” Cambrian quartz with mitered edge dresses the countertop and runs down one side to the floor. Custom cabinetry with flat-panel doors and chunky handles and pulls introduce a contemporary touch that isn’t out of place. A big fan of classic subway tiles, the designer selected a Daltile in Element for the backsplash.

Sherwin Williams’ Iron Ore covers the walls. In the dining room, walls are faux painted by ac decretive finishes.

Dining room chairs are vintage Verner Panton by Fritz Hansen and the Parson

text by

melody parker images by

brandon pollock

fall 2017 | 29

open & bright design

30 | c v - h g . c o m

wing host chair is by Lazar.

Counter stools are Norwalk, and the bar cart is from Arteriors.

Another must was the long window with floating shelves.

Arm lights above the shelves are from Rejuvenation, while the pendant is George Kovas.

“I like the uniqueness of it.

I appreciate clean lines and horizontal and rectangular shapes. I like the openness and brightness,” he explains.

“I’m a big homebody, and I like hanging out in this space so much. I feel so fortunate to have such a nice home and a space that is now truly mine.”

The next phase: Transforming a porch into a living room. H&G

New CoNstruCtioN & remodeliNg JohNsoN aNd liNN CouNty www.929design.com Monica Boeckenstedt (319) 929-1829 Monica.b@929design.com

Furnishing and Interior Design by Alex Von Ahsen of Phelan’s Interiors

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728 Third Avenue SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 (319) 363-9634 www.phelansinteriors.com f a l l 2 0 1 7 | 31

32 | c v-hg.com

text by melody parker images by matthew putney

Small kitchen, living

large

D

ownsizing into a smaller home was a practical step for the homeowners, but the tiny kitchen was a headache — both impractical and inadequate. They turned for help to Rhonda Staley, IIDA, an interior designer from The Mansion in Iowa City.

Space is a common complaint about kitchens in older homes, Staley notes. “She wanted a transitional look for this 1928 house and some character. She needed more useable work space, better appliances and better lighting. It’s exciting to see a small kitchen transformed into an

effective and functional space the homeowner can really use.”

Easy accessibility also was paramount, because the homeowner’s husband has special mobility issues.

Although it’s still a small kitchen, as kitchens go, it lives large and is as functional as any big kitchen. An old porch was incorporated into the square footage and a bay window provides the perfect space for a banquette and table to seat up to five in the dining nook.

“The banquette is a comfortable spot to sit and linger and offers a nice view of the homeowner’s garden,” Staley points out. Penner and Penner

fall 2017 | 33

small kitchen, living large

34 | c v - h g . c o m

outdoor fabrics won’t fade in the sunlight. Above the table is an Atelier fixture with an elegant drum shade.

Floors are oak hardwood throughout the space. Soft white Cambrian quartz gleams above custom alder wood cabinetry with raised panel doors in Dover white, complementing pale sage subway tiles on the backsplash. Cabinets are taken to the ceiling, creating an illusion of height.

An apron sink sits beneath a window. Staley reconfigured the space to fit a four-burner Wolf stove and slim-line Marvel refrigerator that measures just 2 feet across.

“We couldn’t be happier. It’s just like it was made for us, and it’s more manageable and functional for me,” the homeowner says. H&G

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Ready, set, go W

hen the homeowners first purchased the home, it boasted orange kitchen cabinets and a yellow linoleum floor.

They subdued the citrus color scheme by installing new cabinets and a new floor. But they left the layout untouched, and for years simply made do with the cramped space.

But the homeowner kept imagining and re-imagining her dream kitchen.

She knew deep down in her bones how she wanted it to look and feel.

She wanted a kitchen to suit her family’s entertaining style — casual and unfussy — with room for people to gather around and chat, or pitch in and help prepare a meal without stumbling over each other.

When it came time to actually remodel the kitchen, she enlisted designer Jennifer Ferson of Ferson Kitchen and Bath Design to make her dream a reality. Ferson says, “She knew exactly what she wanted — and what she didn’t want. She didn’t want walls of cabinets, for example, and she wanted to open up the kitchen and

bring in more natural light.”

The catch — the homeowners needed the kitchen done in a month for a big event. Ferson and contractor Senad Dizdarevic made it happen.

“You take a situation that is already very stressful — it’s tough to live without a kitchen — and you put all these people in it, coming and going, and a deadline for when things absolutely must be done, and it can become difficult,” says Ferson.

But Dizdarevic kept his crew on task and everything was done in a month.

“And his crew was always pleasant and courteous, and at the end of the day, it was always cleaned up,” says the homeowner.

Porcelain tiles at 18- by 36-inches wide create the concrete-floor look the homeowners were after, grounded by alder wood custom cabinetry and center island glazed in black for added depth. Main countertops are dark veined quartz, while the island is topped with complementary graytoned quartz. Glass beaded teardropshaped pendants add a whimsical touch above the island.

text by

melody parker images by

brandon pollock

fall 2017 | 37

ready, set, go

Although the homeowner wasn’t inundated with upper cabinets, Ferson talked her into a few glass-fronted cabinets to display her prettiest dishes. The rest of her dish collection is housed in drawers specifically fitted and pegged to hold plates, saucers, bowls and cups without clanking together.

“Those are so easy to use and make so much sense.

The drawers are so functional and better fit our lifestyle,” says the homeowner. The contractor made sure every single inch of space was utilized.

Even the French-door GE refrigerator eliminates the need for a coffee center — it has a built in Keurig Brewing System. An added bonus? A nearby cabinet dedicated to housing the toaster and peanut butter within reach of the coffeemaker.

“It’s my happy place. I love working here, and I love entertaining in this kitchen. We’ve had 19 people in here at one time, and there’s still room to work,” the homeowner adds. H&G

38 | c v - h g . c o m

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40 | c v - h g . c o m

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A new lease on

life f a l l 2 0 1 7 | 41

a new lease on life

H

omeowners have phased in renovations over 30 years since they bought the 1859 home, built by Waverly’s first mayor.

In preparation for remodeling the 1960s-era kitchen, a bathroom was moved and other alterations made in anticipation. Finally it came time to gut the kitchen to the studs and start over with plumb walls and level lines.

“And I wanted more outlets. I’ve never had enough electrical outlets,” says the homeowner, smiling. “We’ve been looking at kitchen designs for years, figuring out what would make the most sense for us.”

Beautiful cabinets were at the top of the list. The homeowners drew up their idea for cabinet placement and took it to Steve Kratchmer. Kratchmer built custom cherry cabinets with traditional paneled doors. The cabinet color is rich and subtle, in keeping with the rest of the house.

The homeowners love the extra storage space, as well as the farmhouse sink and additional countertop for meal preparation.

“We’re very happy with how it turned out.

It’s such an improvement over the old kitchen, and it fits very nicely with the age of the house,” says the homeowner. H&G 42 | c v-hg.com

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Perfect fit text by melody parker images by brandon pollock

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fall 2017 | 45

perfect fit

B

uilt in 1916, the home originally wasn’t intended to have an open floor plan. The fashion was to keep the kitchen separated and closed off from the remainder of the home, behind walls and

doors.

Designer Megan Hannam was asked by the homeowners to create a design that would bring the existing kitchen into the 21st century and have it fit within the architectural integrity of the existing home. Contractor was Tim Graves.

Opening a wall and closing up a door bought additional square footage, and Hannam created a cased opening between the kitchen and dining room and to tie them together. Aesthetically it was a good decision, Hannam says, but the move also provided space to create a cozy raised breakfast bar with four adjustable iron-footed bar stools for the homeowner’s four young children.

“The chairs swivel all the way around, which the kids loved. They did a lot of spinning for a few days, but now the newness has finally worn off,” the homeowner says, smiling.

Continued on page 63

46 | c v-hg.com

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fall 2017 | 47

Gathering

PLACE 48 | c v-hg.com

text by meta hemenway-forbes images by matthew putney

fall 2017 | 49

gathering place

T

he homeowners describe their home before its renovation as a "kindly old grandfather."

"Solidly built and showing a little wear, but is the glue that brings the family together," says the homeowner.

The two-story home, built in 1911, has been home to generations of families, including that of the nowempty nesters who were ready to put some pizzazz back into it. They started with the kitchen, the heart of any home.

For years, the couple's children gathered on barstools at a makeshift breakfast bar built along a wall that separated the kitchen and dining room.

"The kitchen was the smallest room in the house, but that's where everybody sat to chat with me while I was cooking," says the homeowner.

"It got pretty crowded in there.

I had to move people out of the way to maneuver around."

But she enjoyed her family's company while she prepared meals, so a wide open space to accommodate a crowd was important to the homeowner.

Now-grown children and grandchildren still fill the space frequently for big family meals.

The homeowner drew up her dream kitchen, to scale, utilizing every square inch of space. A pass-through door was eliminated to allow for more storage, and the wall between the kitchen and

50 | c v-hg.com

dining room was removed to open up the space. Space also was dedicated to feeding and storing the belongings of another important family member — the couple's golden retriever.

"My husband and I disagreed on some things, but those were musts for me. I told him I'd wouldn't dream of redesigning his garage, so he needed to keep his hands off my new kitchen," she says, laughing.

The homeowners discovered some builders don't like the surprises that come with opening up the plaster and lathe walls of a century-old home. Outdated plumbing, electrical and heating/cooling systems add to the renovation challenge.

Then came Magee Construction.

"Deb Waterman was wonderful," the homeowner said of the project manager.

"Everything we wanted to do, she said was doable. She didn't even blink."

With an emphasis on buying local, the homeowners chose Bertch cabinets for the kitchen; backsplash tile and luxury vinyl plank flooring from Riley's Floors in Waterloo; and countertops manufactured by Sterling Tops in Denver.

"We couldn't be happier with the way the new space came together," the homeowner says. H&G

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fall 2017 | 51

52 | c v-hg.com

text by melody parker images by matthew putney

playing with contrasts

fall 2017 | 53

A

striking floor and backsplash set off by crisp white cabinetry introduce a fresh, updated look into this kitchen.

“The homeowner wanted a transitional style with contemporary touches, and she likes the contrast between light and dark,” says Lori Waters, an interior designer with Surroundings in Iowa City.

A wall was removed to open up space and provide more storage. A larger window was installed for a better view of the homeowner’s back yard.

Cabinets are Brookhaven from Woodhaven, accented by contemporary graphite pulls. The owner chose not to install cabinets on one wall, which provides counter space for serving guests and seating space for quick meals.

Countertops are Klondike quartz in Dawson, given drama by the glass mosaic tile backsplash called Fanfare Tiger Eye that runs vertically on the walls and behind the cooktop.

“The homeowner suggested placing it vertically, and I thought it would be wonderful. It turned out beautifully.”

There is an exciting, natural play of light and dark in the exotic hardwood floor, a Brazilian wood known as cumaru.

The Kitchen Aid appliance suite is black stainless for a rich, sleek finish.

“The overall result is a beautiful, eclectic kitchen that the homeowner wanted. It is functional with various work zones, plenty of storage, and it's nice for entertaining, too,” Waters adds. H&G 54 | c v-hg.com

Interior Design | Furniture | Gifts 331 Kirkwood Avenue | lowa City 351-4653 | Hours: M-F 10-5 www.designsurroundings.com Home &GARDeN

Subcontractors:

Interior Designer: Lori Waters, Surroundings Contractor: Rob Phipps Construction Plumber: Kowalke Plumbing Electrician: Advanced Electric Wood Floor: Gray’s Hardwood Wood Floor: Cumaru Cabinets: Woodmode / Brookhaven Countertops: Klondike Quartz / Dawson Backsplash: DalTile / Fanfare / Tiger Eye Appliances: Kitchen Aid / Black Stainless

Entertaining It’s baaack!

Plan your holidays at cv-hg.com

CVHG’s indispensible guide is packed with recipes, inspiring ideas and details for Halloween, Christmas and more!

fall 2017 | 55

Restoring a Victorian beauty

56 | c v-hg.com

Restored to its early glory

text by melody parker images by matthew putney

, the 1895 Daniel and Margaret Wild elaborate house on West First Street in Cedar Falls is a graceful presence and indelible reminder of the city's earlier history.

The butter yellow two-story home is now designated on the National Register of Historic Places. Card also earned a preservation project of merit award from the State Historical Society of Iowa. She received the Judith A. McClure award for outstanding preservation of a residential property.

"I'm living the dream. I'm so lucky," says homeowner Susan Card says, smiling. "For years, I've been looking for a Victorianera house, and I knew I'd found it when I walked into this house."

Card grew up in Cedar Falls and returned home from Colorado.

She credits former owner Audrey Smith with saving the old house from demolition. One of Cedar Falls' early settlers, Daniel Wild was a first-generation German immigrant arrived in Cedar Falls in 1853. He became a successful businessman and entrepreneur.

fall 2017 | 57

restoring a victorian beauty

Wild used the finest building materials available, including exotic woods such as circassion walnut and Georgia curly pine and a pink granite foundation. The house features an irregular floor plan characteristic of Queen Anne style with cross gables, a hipped roof and roof top porch turret.

Card began her renovations with the second-floor bathroom before tackling the kitchen. "It was all untouched," she says, including the uneven floors, limited counterspace and low sink. She worked with kitchen designer Sandra LuttchensVan Allen, who works for Omega.

"It was meticulously planned to maintain the home's character and integrity," Luttchens-Van Allen explains.

The project included removing a 58 | c v-hg.com

non-functioning chimney and adding a 4- by 4-foot window for the river views. Most of the hardware was in working order on original cabinetry and bin pulls were installed on drawers. Douglas fir is underfoot, and small white marble subway tiles form the backsplash. Super white marble is used on the center island, providing much needed working and serving space for Card. The soapstone apron sink came from Vermont. Woodwork was re-stained and where necessary, re-purposed, such as wood trims and rosettes, beadboard paneling and trim.

The kitchen design also takes advantage of an already-enclosed four-seasons porch to provide eating space with a banquette. A fireplace also was installed for a hearth-room effect. H&G

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fall 2017 | 59

entertaining

Remaking classics

The recipe for this “Dog Rite” is dedicated to my father. In his day, dad and his buddies would stop at the Oelwein Dairy Queen around closing time for a couple Twin Cronnies. It's basically a Maid Rite with a hot dog on top. Here's my ode to those sandwiches and a few more ideas for easy-to-fix comfort foods to warm autumn’s arrival.

Chef profile

william gerstenberger Chef William is a globally-trained chef at Hy-Vee Crossroads. He is known for creating unique menus and delicious dishes. He started his career in California where he cooked for such famous people as Oprah Winfrey before returning to Iowa.

60 | c v-hg.com

entertaining Pinch of red pepper flakes ½ cup white wine 1-3/4 cup mozzarella, divided ½ cup grated parmesan cheese 1pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, rough chopped Juice of 1 lemon 10 cooked lasagna noodles 2 cups ricotta cheese Salt and pepper, to taste

Homemade Dog rite Serves 4 1 pound 85-percent lean hamburger 4 hot dogs, sliced down the middle ½ cup ketchup ½ cup water 1 small onion, diced ¼ teaspoon chili powder 1 tablespoon yellow mustard 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons white vinegar 1 tablespoon dill or sweet relish Salt and pepper, to taste 4 buns, steamed Brown hamburger and onion. Add chili powder, mustard, brown-sugar and white vinegar. Cook until onions are translucent.

Stir occasionally and heat thoroughly. Spoon seasoned hamburger onto the bottom all four buns. Place a heated, split hot dog on top. Add ketchup and relish, if desired, and top with buns.

Shrimp Scampi Roll-Ups Serves 6 3 tablespoons butter 4 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2-1/2 cups whole milk ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley, plus garnish

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add flour and whisk until combined and golden, 1 minute more. Stir in milk, parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes and let thicken, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add wine, ½ cup mozzarella and parmesan cheeses and salt and pepper to taste. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes more. Stir in lemon juice.

On a large baking sheet, lay out cooked lasagna noodles. Spread a thin layer of sauce over noodles. Spread each with a layer of ricotta cheese, then top with a layer of scampi mixture. Roll up and spoon more sauce on top. Sprinkle with remaining ¾ cup mozzarella cheese.

Bake until golden and melted, 20 minutes.

Broil 2 minutes if you want to brown the top.

Chicken Tamale Pie Serves 4 1 box of Jiffy corn muffin mix ½ cup sour cream 1 large egg ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) 2 tablespoons melted butter Cooking spray for skillet 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 2 large garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon taco seasoning 2 cups shredded chicken ¾ cup enchilada sauce, divided 1 cup shredded cheddar 1 cup Monterey Jack Chopped fresh cilantro Preheat oven to 400 F. Prepare cornbread base: In a medium bowl, combine corn muffin mix, sour cream, egg, corn and melted butter. Whisk until evenly combined. Spray a large oven-safe skillet with cooking spray.

Pour into large cast iron skillet and bake until golden, 15 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and cook until tender, 5-6 minutes or so. Then add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add taco seasoning and season with salt and pepper. Add chicken meat and ½ cup enchilada sauce.

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Chef Jim Nadeau

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fall 2017 | 61

entertaining

Floor Solutions For Your Home

Poke holes in to cornbread with bottom of a wooden spoon. Pour remaining ¼ cup enchilada sauce over the poked holes and top with chicken mixture. Top with cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack and bake 20 minutes more. Garnish with cilantro.

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Serves 1 8 ounces 85-percent lean ground beef 1 ounce pancetta 2 slices green tomatoes 2 slices Fontina cheese ½ cup Harissa peppers 2 ounces pimentos ½ cup mayonnaise 1 oz. red onions, carmelized Salt and pepper, to taste 1 ounce butter lettuce 1 large onion bun 1 cup cornmeal 1 cup buttermilk 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning.

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Let cold ground beef come to room temperature, about 45 minutes. Slice green tomatoes nice and thin, then salt and pepper. Place in buttermilk for 10 minutes, then remove tomatoes and add sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning.

Dredge tomatoes in cornmeal. Place in fridge, about 30 minutes. Heat oil in pan and deep fry the tomatoes until golden.

Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Chop peppers and mix with pimentos and mayonnaise. Refrigerate mix for 30 minutes. Slice red onions thinly and carmelize in the same pan used for tomatoes. Fry pancetta in the same pan.

On medium high heat, place the burger in a screaming hot pan. Flip burger after about 4 to 5 minutes; repeat on other side.

For medium-rare, pull off the burger at 135 to 140 F. Let rest.

Jackie Oleson 62 | c v-hg.com

Alicia Walz

Alyssa Riecks

Lisa Hinzman

Toast buns and slather both sides of buns with the mayo mixture. Add butter lettuce and pancetta to the heel, then place the burger on the bun. Top with fontina cheese and fried green tomatoes and top with toasted bun crown.

perfect fit

Where good design is always an expression of good taste.

Continued from page 46

inc.

CABINET STUDIO

319-743-0985 700 16th Street NE, Cedar Rapids www.cabinetstudioinc.com Oak cabinetry, stained in chestnut, is from Omega with brushed nickel knobs and vintagelook bin pulls. The counter top is honed black granite with a flat finish that looks surprisingly like soapstone, but without the pricier per-square-foot cost. Subway tile adds more vintage polish and underfoot is vinyl flooring for easy cleanup.

Smudge-proof slate GE appliances, especially the refrigerator, are practical and attractive. An arch was built over the stovetop to hold the microwave.

Ventilation issues with the older home prevented the installation of a large hood.

“I love the kitchen,” says the homeowner. “It’s easy to work in, and it’s simple and easy to clean. I like the openness to the rest of the house. It turned out even better than I imagined.” H&G

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alan simmer / on cooking

A chair, a breeze & the best fresh

margarita

64 | c v-hg.com

alan simmer / on cooking

I

laugh whenever I see Boone’s Farm at a liquor store. It was one of the first alcoholic beverages I tried — a fairly common choice, apparently — and I haven’t had it since. You live, you learn!

It’s unfortunate that the legal drinking age coincides with a period in life where money is usually tight, because that means early experimentation is largely done with bottom-shelf liquor (though that might be too charitable of a description for Boone’s). That, in turn, leads to aversions and preferences that aren’t necessarily the most accurate.

“Gin tastes like pine trees!” Well, cheap gin often does, just like cheap vodka can bring to mind paint stripper.

And I’ll never forget when a roommate of mine bought a bottle of inexpensive whiskey and proceeded to make a series of cocktails that all tasted, somehow, like meat.

I wasn’t the biggest fan of tequila until a friend and I went to a restaurant and got some top-shelf margaritas on special. And you know what? Good tequila is good!

But that only solved half my problem with most margaritas. For a drink that’s supposed to be full of lemon and lime punch, they too often veer into sickeningly sweet territory, which is especially true of store-bought mixes.

So I started hunting for a recipe, and I hit pay dirt.

Full of flavor but not too saccharine, the Best Fresh Margaritas are my go-to drink in the summer (or, like now, when I’m desperately trying to pretend summer isn’t winding down).

There’s only one little catch: you need to start the process a day ahead of time.

I know planning ahead is hard — I’m the sort of person who puts cake layers in the freezer because I need to get it frosted right now and there is no time for air cooling.

But believe me, it’s worth it. I’ve had these with the daylong steep, the minimum steep, and with the zest omitted altogether. While they’re all quite drinkable, the quality and depth of flavor really does decline as you shortchange the meld time.

The other key component is the tequila itself. You’re looking for something with a label that says it’s made of 100 percent agave — that means it’s the good stuff.

You might be familiar with blanco and anejo, which are unaged and barrel-aged tequila, respectively; reposado splits the difference. (I’ve read it’s the best for shots, if you’re unsure what to do with the rest of the bottle.) If all that sounds Greek, or, um, Spanish to you, I’m sure someone at your friendly neighborhood liquor store will be happy to point you in the right direction.

With your hooch secured and juices well-steeped, assembly is a snap: measure, shake and pour. All you need to add is a chair on the deck and a gentle breeze.

The Best Fresh Margaritas Makes about 1 quart, serving 4 to 6 4 teaspoons grated lime zest 1/2 cup lime juice from 2 to 3 medium limes 4 teaspoons grated lemon zest 1/2 cup lemon juice from 2 to 3 medium lemons 1/4 cup superfine sugar pinch table salt 2 cups crushed ice 1 cup 100 percent agave tequila, preferably reposado 1 cup triple sec Combine lime zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, sugar, and salt in large liquid measuring cup; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until flavors meld, 4 to 24 hours. (If you need to serve the drinks immediately, omit the zests altogether and forget the steep, but the flavor will suffer.)

Divide 1 cup crushed ice between 4 or 6 margarita or double old-fashioned glasses. Strain juice mixture into 1-quart pitcher or cocktail shaker. Add tequila, Triple Sec, and remaining crushed ice; stir or shake until thoroughly combined and chilled, 20 to 60 seconds. Strain into ice-filled glasses; serve immediately.

Chef’s notes: You can convert these into Fresh Raspberry Margaritas by swapping in 1 cup of fresh berries for the zests; instead of letting it steep, put the juices, sugar, salt, and berries in a food processor and blend until smooth. Strain that mixture into your pitcher or cocktail shaker and add the tequila, 1/2 cup triple sec and 1/2 cup Chambord or other raspberry liquor. I’ve yet to try this, being the citrus fiend that I am, but it sounds pretty good.

Source: America’s Test Kitchen

Lime wedge

Crushed ice

Sugar glass rim

Tequila Lemon zest & juice

Lime zest & juice

fall 2017 | 65

cuttings 2

1

shrubs No-prune

Promotions claim fall is the season for planting shrubs, conifers and deciduous trees , and it is, with a few caveats.

Choose container-grown and balled-and-burlapped plants. These will have well-developed roots that are ready to settle into a new home. Iowa State University horticulturist say many plants are capable of growing even when soil temperatures dip to 45 F. But conifers — pine and spruce — are more reliable when soil temps are 60 to 70 F in late summer or early fall.

If you need to transplant a shrub or small tree already in your landscape, do it now. No matter the season, digging up an established shrub or tree causes stress. Shallowly rooted plants move easier than thickly rooted shrubs and trees.

66 | c v - h g . c o m

Remember to water regularly.

ISU says the following trees can be successfully planted in fall: maple, buckeye or horsechestnut, alder, catalpa, hackberry, hawthorn, ash, honeylocust, Kentucky coffeetree, crabapple, Amur corktree, spruce, pine, sycamore, linden, and elm. Deciduous shrubs can be easily planted in fall: yew, rhododendron and other broad-leaved evergreens prefer spring planting.

Who doesn’t love the backbone of shrubbery in the mixed border — or the selection of no-prune shrubs for no-fuss maintenance? According to Proven Winners, these shrubs require no pruning to retain their natural compact habit.

3

cuttings

Add Life

to your Outdoor Living Space

1. “Sugar Tip” hibiscus. A semi-dwarf, seedless rose of Sharon grows in full sun in zones 5-9. It matures to 5 to 6 feet tall with upright stems lined with variegated white and blue-green leaves. It can be kept shorter, if desired, bur requires no pruning and won’t reach the 8 to 12 feet heights of standard varieties. Double flowers are soft pink.

2. “Sunjoy Mini Salsa” dwarf barberry.

An improved version of “Crimson Pigmy” with its purple foliage and short habit. “Sunjoy” is more consistenly dwarf and offers purplered foliage that doesn’t revert to green. It maintains a tidy 18-24-inch round shape and requires full sun.

4

3. “North Pole” thuja. A deep winter color, naturally dense pyramidal shape and resistance to winter burn, this evergreen arborvitae is considered idea for no-prune hedges and screens. It is super hardy in zones 3-7 and grows 10 to 15 feet tall but only 3 to 5 feet wide in full to part sun.

4. “Show Off Starlet” forsythia. This is the perfect forsythia for lovers of this lovely yellow in early spring, but who don’t have the space for a standard forsythia. This selection matures to 2- to 3-feet tall and offers a mass of bright yellow flowers which line the stems from base to tip. It won’t sprout unruly, long stems and rarely, if ever, requires pruning. It matures to just under waist-high and needs a sunny spot.

5

5. “Spilled Wine” weigela. I’ve fallen in love with these beautiful spring bloomers, and this one is for gardeners who want something shorter than “Wine & Roses” for a foundation plant or lower-growing mass planting. At maturity, it is 2 to 3 feet tall and about the same spread with a mass of deep purple foliage and magenta pink flowers.

6. “Double Play” gold spirea. Easy to grow and naturally compact, this spirea doesn’t need shaping and makes a good foundation or mass planting in zones 3 to 8.

Hummingbirds like their bright blooms. There are eight colors in the “Double Bloom” series

6

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cuttings

Pretty

pumpkin Grace a table with this easy-to-make fall floral centerpiece. Use dahlias from your own garden, or choose dahlias and roses from a florist.

what you'll need:

- Pumpkin - Dahlias - Roses and filler in your color choice - Multiple stems - Florist oasis block - Scissors - Knife and spoon

Step 1: Use a sharp knife to cut to top off the pumpkin (as if you were making a jack-o-lantern). Use a spoon to dig out and remove flesh and seeds.

Step 2: Cut florist oasis to fit into the pumpkin. This will anchor the flower stems and absorb water, keeping blooms fresh longer.

Step 3: Cut stems to fit, and arrange flowers as desired.

fall 2017 | 69

cuttings

Pool side What more beautiful setting for a swimming pool in rural Iowa than overlooking a river?

Imagine sitting at the top of the slide and taking in the view before splashing down into the pool.

70 | c v-hg.com

This 20- by 48-foot swimming pool is built on a peninsula. Pool Tech of Cedar Rapids installed the pool, with Rick Whiteaker overseeing the project.

“We first talked about how they wanted to use the pool, how it would fit into the landscape around it, how they wanted to enjoy the environment. It would be a good distance from the house, so building a pool house with a shaded area to entertain was important. We needed to plan for how it would be used during the day and at night. There were also considerations that had to

be made in installing a pool so close to the river,” he says.

Architect Greg Sundberg of Sundberg Designs in Cedar Rapids to assist with the planning. They also consulted a geotechnical engineer when they reached the riverbed.

“That’s where we stopped digging and started building the pool,” Whiteaker says. “We wanted to integrate the pool beautifully with the surrounding landscape.”

The slide is a focal point, in addition to a raised sitting area with a tranquil water feature.

Cedar Falls Newest Subdivision

www.pinnacleridgecf.com

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Welcome to Pinnacle Ridge! Build your new home surrounded by beautifully landscaped streets. Boulevards, green spaces, and parks compliment this neighborhood nestled between the Cedar Valley Trail System and all the conveniences of everyday life. Shopping, medical, and school all within 3 minutes. Come and experience something different!

For more information contact

Jim Benda Lockard Realty 319-239-2600 Jim@jimbenda.com