Builders Showcase 2020 by West Central Tribune

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MARCH 2020

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D2 Thursday, March 19, 2020 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Building a home? What to ask your builder about lighting StatePoint While lighting is an essential piece of new home design; it’s often selected and installed at the end of the building process. What’s more, statement-making decorative lighting is often not part of the initial design at all. “Many builders today are opting for only recessed lighting in new home builds. Not only does this provide inadequate light, it creates a sterile look,” says Jennifer Kis, director of marketing communications for Progress Lighting. “It’s important to consider decorative lighting in the initial budget to highlight all the other accents and purposeful design in your home.” The good news is that today, there are luxury lighting options that suit any budget and lifestyle trend. For

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example, Progress Lighting offers the Point Dume Collection created by influential interior designer, Jeffrey Alan Marks. Inspired by the California coastline, fixtures in this fashion-forward collection highlight artistic influence and rich finishes. Progress also offers the Design Series, which offers sophistication at accessible prices, along with hundreds of other decorative interior and exterior fixtures. “For the style impact it gives the home, decorative lighting is definitely worth the investment,” says Piper Stromatt, interior designer for Curate Custom Homes in Chattanooga, TN. “We’ve tested recessed-only lighting schemes and our clients immediately sense something lacking in

BUILDING: Page D7

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, March 19, 2020 D3

How to extend your living area to outdoor spaces StatePoint When warmer weather arrives, it’s all about spending time in your home’s outdoor spaces. Here are a few new ideas for transforming your porch, deck or yard into an oasis of relaxation.

Spruce up

you’ll need a safe, code-compliant and unobtrusive way to power fans, lighting, entertainment, electric appliances and more. To add an outlet to raised outdoor floors, porches and decks, consider installing a Deck Outlet Cover from Hubbell TayMac. Accommodating two power cords, it lets you put the power where you want it — in a safe place where people are less likely to trip over cords. Weatherproof, UV resistant and durable even in harsh environments, it also features a low-profile design that meets ADA standards, and an attractive slip-resistant texture available in gray, white and bronze.

Before getting down to brass tacks, it’s time to give your outdoor spaces a once-over and note what basic maintenance and cleaning are needed; be sure to sweep up porches and decks of debris, dust off and move outdoor furniture out of storage and prune trees and plants that need it. This may be a good time to refinish or re-stain an older deck in need of some tender loving care. Want to add a splash of color to the space? Give some time-worn Furnish Given the broad scope of weatherwooden furniture a new paint job in a proof furnishings, cushions, pillows bold hue. and even rugs available on the market Power up today, there is absolutely no reason To match the true comfort of indoor that your outdoor spaces can’t offer the life to your home’s outdoor spaces, same level of comfort and beauty as

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the elements, and that you select only outdoor-grade products. However, you can extend the life of certain items by taking extra precautions during extreme weather and the off-season. By giving your home’s outdoor spaces the same attention to detail as the indoors, you can extend your living spaces and even create new “rooms” in which to dine, relax and entertain.

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D4 Thursday, March 19, 2020 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

How to ensure a successful basement remodel Metro Services Americans continue to fuel remodeling spending across the country, driven by upward growth in real estate prices and the rising cost to trade up to a larger home. Basement renovations can be a hot trend, as buyers look to maximize available living space rather than move, and as young buyers look to offset the cost of homeownership with potential income suites. While finishing a basement can be a great alternative to moving – especially if you love your neighborhood – there are some challenges homeowners must be aware of when tackling below-grade living spaces. Choosing the right products is vital to the comfort, safety and function of your new living area. Look for products that help to maximize

energy efficiency and protect against moisture, fire and noise. Here are the top points to consider to ensure a successful basement renovation. Waterproof it. Check the interior foundation and floors to make sure there are no existing moisture issues, water damage or mold problems. Address any primary moisture issues before finishing the space. Examine grading to ensure water runs away from your foundation. Insulation is key. Insulation plays a critical role in making your basement feel comfortable, while keeping it safe and dry. For the best results, install a rigid board insulation, like Roxul ComfortBoard IS, against the concrete foundation before you stud the

wall. The board is mechanically fastened or adhered to the concrete foundation wall, which prevents thermal bridging through the studs, providing better thermal performance. Finish with a moisture-resistant and dimensionally stable insulation between the studs, like R14 Comfortbatt, to protect against common basement issues such as mold, mildew and rot. Choose a functional design. Draw out plans, carefully taking into consideration any low ceilings or small windows. Try to incorporate structural features, such as attractive wood beams, into your design. Keep the space as open as possible. Select lighting that provides a bright, airy feel.

BASEMENTS: Page D7

While finishing a basement can be a great alternative to moving - especially if you love your neighborhood - there are some challenges homeowners must be aware of when tackling below-grade living spaces. Metro Graphics

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, March 19, 2020 D5

Empty-nesters can transform their homes Metro Services After bringing home a bubbly baby boy or girl, it can be hard for parents to imagine that a day will come when their kids are off to college and then onto their own apartment or house. After spending decades nurturing and caring for children, parents are then left with a suddenly quiet house and probably much more time to spare. If saying goodbye to the kids also means extra house, there’s the option to downsize or make that extra space more useful. Homeowners who choose to stay put can renovate vacant rooms into spaces that meet their newfound needs. ► Hobby haven: If you’ve always meant to set up a crafting room, home-brewing station or an artist’s studio, now is an ideal time to do just that. Figure out which supplies you will need and begin reworking that former bedroom into a new sanctuary for leisure interests. ► Guest suite: If you’ve never had a spare bedroom to entertain guests,

a child’s former bedroom can fit the bill. It may not be that difficult to transform such spaces into relaxing and inviting rooms for overnight guests. Be sure there is at least a queen-sized bed and a dresser or chest of drawers to stash belongings. Select paint colors and linens in neutral tones so the room will be inviting to guests. ► Living room redo: When there’s an entire soccer team coming over to hang out, that large sectional sofa or modular seating may be ideal. Now that the kids are out of the house and their friends are no longer coming over for movie night, living rooms can be made more intimate with small-scale seating. A small sofa and two comfortable chairs may be a more fitting option. ► At-home gym: Save on gym membership fees by building a mini studio right at home. Choose one

TRANSFORM: Page D7

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D6 Thursday, March 19, 2020 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Interior design trends on the horizon

StatePoint Thinking about refreshing the look of your home? “Cozy” and “warm” are trending keywords for interior design, according to experts, with luxurious textiles, inviting color palettes, and warm mixed metals found across all design styles. While a maximalism approach is on the horizon, clean and modern design schemes continue to reign. “Use a minimalist approach, allowing patterned décor to add pops of color,” advises Eliza Alkire, trend expert and product designer for Progress Lighting. “Accent this with hanging planters and potted greenery to enhance the character of any room with an organic look.” To make the most of your space, consider this design advice from Alkire and the experts at Progress Lighting:

Materials, shapes and finishes

While neutral color schemes are tried-and-true, now is the time to turn to an updated palette consisting of warm, earthen undertones. Choose lighting finished in mixed metals

TRENDS: Page D9

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, March 19, 2020 D7

BUILDING From Page D2

the home’s ambiance. We always recommend including decorative lighting, as it increases the perceived value of the home as well as offers a finishing touch.” Be sure to discuss the lighting plan during your design phase. Once the build has started, it may be more expensive to make changes. When talking lighting with her clients, Stromatt emphasizes these key points: ► Layer a combination of task lighting with decorative lighting. A properly layered lighting scheme creates comfort, functionality and beauty. ► Decorative lighting should be installed closer to eye level than functional recessed lighting and reinforce the home’s unique design. As the single focal point for each living area, decorative fixtures define a space, which is especially crucial in open floor plans. ► Avoid installing recessed lighting in rooms where flattering and comfortable light is necessary, such as overhead in the master bathroom or in a nursery where high-wattage lights can be uncomfortable for baby’s eyes.

When planning the lighting for your new home, Stromatt recommends asking these questions: ► Is the lighting package pre-determined? Often, builders offer a choice of one or more standard packages. Before confirming your selection, ask what upgrades are available, what the costs are, and if there are any design limitations. ► What’s the wiring plan? Pre-installed junction boxes, or pancake boxes, offer less flexibility, as light fixtures must be installed wherever junction boxes are. If your plan doesn’t include decorative lighting, ask for the home to be snake-wired, which gives the flexibility to add lighting wherever and whenever you want. ► Are LED light bulbs an option? Often a builder has already selected bulbs, and they’re not always LED. Even if it adds to the cost, the investment to substitute LED bulbs is worth it, providing energy savings, brighter light and longer life. For more tips and inspiration, visit Progress Lighting at progressltg. com/Shop The bottom line: don’t settle for recessed lighting alone. By asking the right questions, you can easily combine form and function.

BASEMENTS

sible, select building materials with a high fire-resistance rating and look for From Page D4 products that will not off-gas or conDon’t forget to soundproof it. Sound- tribute to toxic smoke in the event of proofing is the ultimate solution to max- a fire. Include additional exits in your renovation plan and educate yourself on imize your basement’s quiet and privayour local fire code. cy. Whether your newfound space will Before you start your renovation, function as a home theatre, music room, be sure to check with your municihome office or playroom, it will benefit pality to secure the right permits and from quality acoustic insulation, like to ensure that you’re complying with Roxul Safe ‘n’ Sound. Not only is it high- local bylaws and building codes. Finly effective, but it’s also easy to install. ishing a basement can be a smart renConsider fire safety. Since many ovation, if done properly, adding to a basements are now being renovated as home’s value, increasing its function income suites, fire protection is also and providing greater enjoyment or a vital consideration. Whenever pos- income potential.

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other amenities, such as a warming lamp or even a small sauna. From Page D5 ► Home office: Working from home a few days a week may be more of the larger bedrooms and then plausible when nearing retirefill it with some fitness equipment, ment, as it will be a smoother such as an elliptical trainer, a bench transition from heading to the press bench and some free weights. office each day to spending more Store rolled-up mats in the closet time at home. Turn a bedroom or for yoga or Pilates sessions. den into an office space with a new ► Expanded bathroom: If space has desk and bookshelves. always been at a premium in the An empty nest can be a bittersweet bathroom, borrow area from an experience, but parents can make such empty bedroom and turn it into a spa. situations work for them by transformInstall a soaking tub separate from ing their homes to better reflect their the shower, and fill the room with current needs.

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D8 Thursday, March 19, 2020 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

How to turn a simple shed into a livable oasis

Amie Freling Brown and Kristin Leitten of Meme Hill Studio

StatePoint Once the domain of lawnmowers and gardening tools, today’s backyard sheds are being repurposed into unique, functional spaces (think: she-shed, bunkhouse or even a bar pub) complete with plumbing and electricity. Here are tips from the experts on how to turn a simple shed into a backyard oasis. “Quite often, we are seeing that homeowners are adding electricity to backyard sheds and using decorative interior lighting to make a statement, just as lighting would be used in the interiors of a home,” says Jennifer Kis, director of marketing communications for Progress Lighting. Backyard sheds are widely available at garden centers, hardware and home stores in a variety of architectural styles, from traditional to modern. Sheds range in size, from small (under 80 square feet), medium (approximately 90 to 120 square feet) and large (ranging from 144 to 288 square feet.) Choose a size appropriate for the use — for example, a gardener’s getaway or sheshed may be on the smaller size. A bunkhouse or bar shed will need to be larger.

Decide whether this will be a DIY project from the ground up, or whether a prefabricated shed best meets your needs. Check with your local planning department to comply with codes and guidelines. Decide if the shed will mirror the architectural features of your home. Keep in mind that because sheds are not tall, the roof will be visible and should be considered as part of the design. When turning a backyard shed into a dream bunkhouse at her lakeside home, designer, artist and owner of Meme Hill Studio, Amie Freling Brown put this to the test. “I’m obsessed with the tiny living concept and the she-shed movement,” says Freling Brown. “When we decided we needed more sleeping space for our 750 square foot lake house, we knew it was time to create our own tiny house.” Choosing a 10 by 12-foot classic backyard shed with a gambrel roof, gable vents, transom windows and 7-foot walls to give top campers in the bunk beds more headroom, Freling Brown transformed a simple shed into a bright,

OASIS: Page D9

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OASIS From Page D8

nautical farmhouse-inspired bunkhouse, complete with electricity for an overhead light, two wall lanterns and electrical outlets. The hand-painted wood grain texture of its overhead pendant inspired

Freling Brown’s choice of reclaimed wood paneling for the ceiling, creating an unexpected décor detail. She added vinyl plank flooring that would stand up to sandy, wet feet from the lake. Beadboard paneled walls painted in a semi-gloss white make the most of the reflected light, adding to the small space’s open, airy feeling. As a contrast to the light palette of the bunkhouse

interior, she used color in coordinating bedding, nautical decor and navy furniture, as well as accessories, make it warm and inviting. For more lighting tips, trends and inspiration, visit Progress Lighting at progressltg.com/Lighting. By transforming a shed into a livable oasis, extending your home’s living space is both trendy and easy.

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classic patterns and colors on furnishings and accessories. From Page D6 Create warmth with tactile elements. Luxurious, richly-textured fabrics like to accent the neutral scheme and add velvet, suede and leather work nicely visual interest and depth. Recent years have seen lighting com- with clean, contemporary interiors as well as rustic farmhouse spaces. Try bine black chrome and gold finishes. vibrantly-colored velvets furnishings, Now, warm tones of natural brass, pillows and throws. Wallpaper is makbronze and copper mixed with silver ing a comeback: use it in small areas and black will be found across lighting like powder room walls, or make a designs, cabinet pulls and plumbing splash with a floral accent wall. hardware. Move over, stainless steel! Just remember to keep the look unclut- Style evolution tered by not mixing more than two or Overall design trends are evolving. three metals in one space. Homes that were previously traditional Geometric shapes are dominating are now termed “new traditional” as design trends. Adding lighting in trian- they take on fun, youthful elements gle, diamond, hexagonal or combina- that keep the design fresh. Lighting tion of geometric shapes is one of the fixtures have mixed metal finishes or easiest ways to transform a space and are designed in new takes on classic add wow factor. Make sure to balance silhouettes, such as large lanterns and statement-making lighting with clean, chandeliers done in linear shapes.

Mountain style goes beyond a rustic, cabin look to take on a modern form with clean lines, neutral color palettes and uncluttered interiors. With open layouts and tall ceilings, sweeping views command attention. Lighting is oversized, with airy, open designs meant to cast light without obstructing views from the plentiful windows in the space. For fans of farmhouse style, this look has taken a delightful turn, with fewer rustic details and more modern charm. Subtle hues go beyond a white and gray palette into the realm of soft greens and blush pinks. Lighting is inspired by historical design with industrial details like working pulleys, but is combined with clean lines for a relaxed, casual vibe. For more tips and inspiration, visit Progress Lighting at progressltg.com/ Inspiration. To stay on-trend, think cozy, warm and inviting.

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D10 Thursday, March 19, 2020 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.