Winter Home
January 2022
IMPROVEMENT MODE ORGANIZING page 3
INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS page 8
CREATE STORAGE page 9
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MODE Organizing tackles organization projects both big and small
BEFORE
r e t f A &
Photos by Gretchen Otness
BY KIT GRODE West Central Tribune
WILLMAR — When Gretchen Otness gets a call for help, it generally involves either kids or kitchens, and sometimes both. A professional organizer based out of Willmar, Otness decided to start her own business — MODE Organizing — in 2019 to serve as a source of calm and inspiration for homeowners overwhelmed by their possessions. “The moment that they say ‘Oh, we can do this,’ but they don’t” is when Otness recommends potential clients give her a call. “The minute that they think they’re going to get to it and (instead) never do, that’s kind of, I’d say, the little red flag. “ Whether it’s downsizing, reorganizing a kitchen or creating an office out of a spare bedroom, Otness is happy to help homeowners make the best use of their available space. “Every project is so different, of course,” Otness said. “Every person’s needs and what they’re looking for and what they’re struggling with in their home is so different from person to person.”
MODE: Page 4
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WINTER HOME IMPROVEMENT
BEFORE
MODE From Page 3 ‘A DEEP LOVE OF BEING ORGANIZED’
Otness has known the value of a tidy home since a young age, but over the years has come to see how organization comes in many shapes and sizes, and looks different from space to space. Throughout the process of growing up and moving between homes and apartments as a young adult, Otness determined how little she personally needed in her day-to-day life, and was able to move toward a more minimalist approach to living. “I think I just, over time, have learned just in my personal journey through owning things — because even as an organized person, I tend to be, even as a kid, somewhat of a pack rat — how stuff can be such a burden and how it can really overwhelm,” she said. “The more that I understood I truly needed, I just loved my home space better. It felt calmer, more peaceful; I was wasting a lot less money; I was wasting a lot less time.” She was quick to add, however, that her personal tendency toward a minimalist lifestyle is not one that all of her clients can or should try to emulate. “I don’t require anyone, ever, to remove something from their home,” she said. “We could organize and never get rid of anything; that’s totally up to them. I try and understand what they truly need, what’s best gonna fit their end goal, and (then) help them get to the place where they truly love their home.”
JANUARY 19, 2022 | 4
MODE: Page 5
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“But more often than not, it’s ‘I can’t stand my house anymore and I need help.’” - Gretchen Otness
MODE From Page 4 ENVISIONING WHAT LIFE CAN LOOK LIKE DOWN THE ROAD
The majority of the projects that call for Otness’ expertise do involve entire houses, working top to bottom to streamline a family’s living spaces for both the present time and years to come. “Whether they’re a young family with kids or they’re an empty-nest couple maybe downsizing or looking to move in 10, 15 years, I try and help (clients) think about the future,” Otness said. Sometimes that can be difficult, when the first challenge is to get them past what they’re feeling now. “People feel like, in general, they don’t have great control of the stuff
in their home, and it doesn’t seem to be based in one room or one space. It’s just all over,” she said. “So we dig into why that is, and then we can get through each space and work through the whole home.” Her first piece of advice is to start small. And when she says “small,” she doesn’t mean the basement, the storage room or even a closet. “The No. 1 thing I like to start with is the infamous ‘junk drawer,’ because even though I think they’re unnecessary and no home should have them, we all do.”Her first piece of advice is to start small. And when she says “small,” she doesn’t mean the basement, the storage room or even a closet. “The No. 1 thing I like to start with is the infamous ‘junk drawer,’ because even
though I think they’re unnecessary and no home should have them, we all do.” Further, she recommends continuing with tiny organization projects — a bathroom drawer, a single kitchen cabinet, getting all of the laundry done and put away in order to gauge exactly how much clothing has accumulated over the years — and taking the win. “I think people tend to start really big, even with any size room, and say ‘Alright, we’re going to organize the bedroom today,’ and it’s just too much,” Otness said. “And in reality, you don’t have the time, even if you’re allotting the full day. It’s gonna take more time.” The COVID-19 pandemic helped open clients’ eyes to what they actually
want or need out of their homes, Otness noted, and also brought new awareness of specific areas of conflict, such as trying to fit a home office where a bedroom or a storage room once was. “People were like ‘Oh, my gosh, I have to work from home and I can’t stand this new semi-office space,’ whatever it is, whether it’s the kitchen table or the random corner they now have for an office,” she said. And for those homes where kids are present, there’s the constant question of bedrooms, toys and general kidrelated clutter that parents are forever asking “where does this go?” “But more often than not, it’s ‘I can’t stand my house anymore and I need help,’” Otness said.
MODE: Page 6
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BEFORE
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JANUARY 19, 2022 | 6
MODE From Page 5 TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Otness works with clients in three-hour sessions, with a maximum of two sessions per day, as needed. She has both set rates for hands-on sessions, and a separate rate for clients wanting more of a blueprint of what to do, but planning on doing the work themselves. “I will go first and do a consultation to get a good idea of what their problem areas are and what they’re really looking for me to do,” Otness said. “Some want like a fullon, where I’m doing the brunt of all the work. Sometimes people just need a little bit of guidance and then they can take it from there.” Every project is different, which means that Otness has to be careful when it comes to scheduling. Keeping MODE as a part-time practice allows her the flexibility of off-hours when her clients have the time to commit to a three- or six-hour block of organizing, which also hits the sweet spot between productivity and frustration. Some projects have required only two to four sessions because the homeowners were looking at very specific needs and rooms, rather tackling than the entire space. “It’s very much based on their schedule and availability,” she said. “It’s fairly common that I will end up doing two sessions in a day just because it tends to be a better use of their time if they’re taking the day off work or it’s the day the kids are with the grandma or whatever. We can really just dive in and get a lot done.” While she tends to schedule only one client or project at a time, there’s no limit on how many sessions a client may require. “It really goes the gamut of how long a project can take,” she said. “I have had a client I’ve been working with for most of 2021; she was more or less a full house plus massive storage basement plus massive garage type of project, so
we’ve been working over the course of many months.” A project that size required Otness to coordinate Dumpsters and haul-away services, something Otness is more than willing to do if clients don’t have specific companies in mind. She also offers what she deemed “intensive sessions,” in which she will book a full weekend or string of days for homeowners living more than a half-hour away and thus save the drivetime in exchange for longer, more deep-dive organization sessions.
GETTING THE MODE DOWN TO A SCIENCE
The name of her business came from Otness’ process and approach to solving clients’ problems: Minimize, organize, design and efficiency. “Minimizing, aka decluttering, is that first step, and that is the bulk of any project,” Otness said. “That’s the hardest part — if someone is struggling to get rid of items, if there’s sentimental items, whatever the case may be — but minimizing definitely the first step.” Clients are encouraged to remain focused on the end goal, even as the physical labor of organizing makes demands on their time and energy. “It’s very easy to get sidetracked as you’re going through items, and personal items,” Otness said. “For some people, it’s harder than others, so they can get derailed on the ‘goal of the day.’” “It is a lot harder than people think,” she said. “it can be fun; it’s a good process to go through, but it can be daunting for some people.” Organizing, or setting up the process for “where things are gonna go; what makes the most sense for that person’s lifestyle, their family’s lifestyle; and what’s going to actually be attainable for them to continue doing,” is the second step of the process, and one that Otness takes her time going over.
MODE: Page 7
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BEFORE
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MODE From Page 6 “There’s a lot of things that would make sense to me, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it would make sense to the client,” she said. Design, she said, is a fancier term for figuring out where things go within the space, “which might literally mean ‘in this basket,’ or ‘in this drawer.’” Sometimes the design process may involve purchasing new pieces of furniture or storage containers, but more often than not Otness prefers to work with the items her clients already have, although they may come from other rooms. “The efficiency part of it is, again, just really finetuning the processes (and) making sure that it is something they can maintain, that their family can maintain,” she said. “Sometimes it’s even bringing in the family members that weren’t part of the whole process because one person in the family hired me, but the rest really have to be on board with what we’ve set up.” The end goal, Otness said, is not to create a space that merely looks nice. Rather, it is to create a space where her clients can work, play and live, no matter what that might look like. It’s about making a space usable, for whatever purpose may be required of it. For more information or to set up a consultation, visit modeorganizing.com or email gretchen@ modeorganizing.com. You may contact the author at kgrode@wctrib.com
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JANUARY 19, 2022 | 8
Five interior design trends to use in your home in 2022 After learning to live life more remotely in 2020 and 2021, it’s time to view 2022 as a fresh start. To help you adopt a new, balanced way of living, FrogTape brand painter’s tape and celebrity interior designer Taniya Nayak are sharing five home interior design trends meant to inspire spaces that will welcome guests, while still incorporating the special intimacies that may have been rediscovered from slowing down. Each trend can be utilized for a full home makeover or incorporated into little touches to freshen up a space. 1. EMBRACE. Embrace everything that is good in your life and create a sense of comfort, warmth and security. Nayak recommends cozy textures and a palette of mellow coral, subtle orange, soft green and creamy shades of white and brown to achieve this look in spaces like bedrooms or family rooms. A simple and stylish way to incorporate this into a room is to add a coat of paint to a textured basket for a pop of color. Then, fill it with plenty of plush blankets to complete the cozy look and feel. 2. RISE. Give a fresh perspective to your existing space with the ‘Rise’ trend. Inspired by the morning light peeking through the shades, incorporating this trend into your bedroom or bathroom is bound to invigorate and motivate
you. For example, add a coat of green paint to your closet door for a nice pop of color to an area where you start your day. No matter where you’re looking to add fresh color, you’ll want to achieve clean, sharp paint lines. One of Nayak’s go-to tools is a premium painter’s tape that produces professional-looking results, like FrogTape brand painter’s
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Incorporate this trend by painting the focal point of a room, like kitchen cabinets or the living room fireplace. Or, add bold, dark details with furniture and artwork. You can keep it subtle by creating custom centerpieces dipped in paint and wrapped in twine. 4. REVIVE. Revive your home with soothing and vibrant shades of pink, orange and blue to create a balance of motivated yet satisfied. Consider adding a vibrant paint color to old, worn-down details like a front door, nightstand or kitchen table. It might feel out of context, or out of character, but give it a try. “This trend can be described as carefree, festive and fun,” said Nayak. “Whatever it is that makes you happy… go for it!” 5. SHINE. The ‘Shine’ trend is all about letting your true self shine. Implement this trend in any room throughout your home by embracing every color of the rainbow and visually displaying what’s in your heart. Using FrogTape, tape off a custom pattern that is uniquely yours and paint it whatever color you choose. Visit FrogTape.com/Trends for more trend information and ideas. Creative and easy to achieve, these rising trends for 2022 provide inspiration to refresh your home’s interior. StatePoint
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9 | JANUARY 19, 2022
Winter is the perfect time to look into a closet overhaul BY KIT GRODE
Closet shelving options at Interiors by Perkins Lumber in Willmar come in many wood tones, as seen in this Dec. 16, 2021, photo. Kit Grode / West Central Tribune
WILLMAR — When the cold settles in for the long haul, residents of west central Minnesota know the value of bundling up when venturing outdoors. Doug And that usually Bernhagen entails digging through closets and mudroom storage to bring out the winter clothes in bulk. A lack of clothing storage space is a common lament among homeowners across demographics, whether due to the temporary bulkiness of winter gear or an awkward configuration of available closet space.
West Central Tribune
That’s when Doug Bernhagen of Interiors by Perkins Lumber can step in. He’s worked in the construction industry for nearly 45 years — both in contractor and retail settings — and has been with Perkins for the past 13 years. With locations in both Spicer and Willmar, Perkins Lumber can create custom spaces for homeowners wanting to either build new or upgrade their existing space. Some of those services include design and installation of tile, laminate or hardwood flooring; cabinetry, vanities or countertops; closet storage and shelving systems; and garage storage systems.
CLOSET: Page 10
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CLOSET From Page 9 TAKING A MODULAR APPROACH TO STORAGE SOLUTIONS
Perkins Lumber offers modular shelving options by RealCloset and Organized Living, among others, which allow clients to mix and match modules to fit their particular storage needs without the need for entirely custom woodwork. And each modular shelving option comes in several color options, ranging from shades of monochrome — whites, creams, gray and black — to natural wood tones. “So you just create whatever it is you’re looking for, you know,” Bernhagen said. And that creation ranges from walk-in closets to linen closets and mudrooms to kitchen pantries. “Generally speaking, is this type of stuff in a pantry? It isn’t always,” Bernhagen said. “If people have a big enough pantry, they’ll put regular cabinetry in the pantry with a laminate top, and they might have upper cabinets in that pantry. They might have just open shelving or just counter space. More often than not, it’s all shelving, because you’re kind of limited to the space you have.” And another limitation Bernhagen has to remind his clients to keep in mind is the cost. “You get into this kind of stuff, as opposed to straight shelving, and obviously the dollars and cents go up,” he said. “Some people want it pretty extravagant; they want the pantry really nice off of their kitchen. And some people, with something smaller, there’s just not much you can do.”
DESIGNING SPACES CUSTOMIZED TO CLIENTS’ NEEDS
When it comes to reconfiguring available space, “you would bring in your plan, and I would get a feeling for what it is you’re looking for,” Bernhagen said, in terms of how many long- or short-hanging spaces are needed, or if shoe storage is preferred to drawers. “And then the next things is how much room you have in your closet as to what we’d turn that into.” If homeowners are unsure of the dimensions of their available closet space, or would prefer a professional take on the job beginning to end, Bernhagen can schedule a visit to their home. After measuring the available space, Bernhagen draws up possible configurations of how that space can then be designed to fit clients’ needs. Walk-in closets or larger pantry areas allow for more options, Bernhagen said, but he has worked with spaces of all sizes, and also those of more unusual shapes, including a walk-in closet with an odd-shaped corner nook or an expanded L-shaped pantry. “Typically I would draw (up the plan) and you would look at it and go ‘Hmm, that’s good,’ or else you say ‘How about this? Can we do this or this?’ and sometimes there’s limitations to what you can do, but if we can do it, we’ll do it,” Bernhagen said. “We’ll take it to whatever degree you want it.” There’s just three factors for clients to keep in mind: “Your budget, your imagination and the space you have.” For more information or to set up a consultation, visit perkinslumber.net or email Bernhagen at db.intrs@en-tel.net. You may contact the author at kgrode@wctrib.com
Interiors by Perkins Lumber works with all kinds of organization and storage needs, from closets to kitchen pantries to mudroom setups similar to this one pictured Dec. 16, 2021. Kit Grode / West Central Tribune
11 | JANUARY 19, 2022
WINTER HOME IMPROVEMENT
This modular shelving by Organized Living, as displayed Dec. 16, 2021, at Interiors by Perkins Lumber, allows for combinations of wire baskets, open shelves, drawers, shoe shelves and either double- or single-hanging modules as best fits a client’s available closet space.
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Five ways to keep your home cozy all winter long According to the Energy Information Administration, heating bills for homes that use natural gas could be significantly higher this winter – perhaps by as much as 50%. Why? Based on recent weather trends, colder temperatures are expected, which not only boosts the energy your home needs to stay warm, but quickly raises the demand for those resources as well. Weatherizing your house to ensure it stays comfortable during the long winter season is a great way to help control possible increased costs on your utility bills. Here are five easy ways to keep your home cozy all winter long.
the perfect barrier from drafts with self-adhesive foam strips to ensure utility bills remain low with minimum effort and maximum savings. These heavy-duty strips also provide protection year-round by blocking dust, pollen and insects.
1. MAXIMIZE HEATING OPTIONS: Unpredictable weather can cause outages, so it’s best to prepare with alternative ways to heat your home. A log fireplace is wonderful, but for those without one, it may be best to invest in a gas heating alternative, like an individual heater or small generator.
4. CREATE A BARRIER IN THE GARAGE: While many homeowners concentrate on preventing drafts by their front door; they often forget about the largest opening in their house – the garage. Protect against snow, water and cool winter air from entering your garage with a Duck Brand Garage Bottom Seal. This heavy-duty, waterproof rubber seal won’t freeze or crack, and creates a tight, protective border all year long.
2. TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Bringing those utility bills down means keeping the warm air inside. Shifts in temperature can cause wood to expand or contract, creating small cracks or leaks which need to be filled. Duck Brand Foam Weatherstrip Seals form
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3. SWAP YOUR FURNACE FILTER: Trapped dust and dirt in your furnace filter can cause low air flow and limit your furnace’s ability to properly function when you need it most. This can unnecessarily raise the temperature on your heat and cause energy bills to skyrocket. A simple filter change on your furnace and even air conditioning units as often as once a month can help maintain excellent air flow.
5. COVER EXTERIOR ACCESS LOCATIONS: Built-in pet doors and mail slots often go overlooked. Lower your energy bill by covering those spaces and opt for alternative
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options when taking out your pets and receiving mail. Staying prepared for any shift in weather is always something homeowners should prioritize. With some quick tricks and the right products on hand, weatherizing your home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. StatePoint
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Is it time for a new dishwasher? Five questions to ask yourself There’s no reason to be working harder in the kitchen than you need to be, especially when it comes to clean-up. “When considering a new dishwasher, it’s important to understand that many dishwashers are created equal, but are not priced equal. Most major brands offer similar features at varying prices. Sharp dishwashers are designed to offer high-end features at an excellent value,” says Peter Weedfald, senior vice president of Sales & Marketing, Sharp Home Electronics Company of America. So, how do you know when it’s time for an upgrade in your kitchen? Weedfald shares five questions to ask yourself: 1. WHAT’S MY DISHWASHER’S CLEANING AND DRYING POWER? While earlier dishwashers often required you to do quite a bit of soaking and rinsing before loading the machine, some of today’s models feature soil sensors that automatically optimize your washing cycles. Plus, the option to place your most challenging and soiled cookware near special sprayers that deliver extra scrubbing power can also be a huge time- and labor-saver. Some new models have also made hand-drying a thing of the past, thanks to heated drying, which is faster and more dependable than condensation drying. 2. DOES MY DISHWASHER OFFER PREMIUM FEATURES AND DESIGN AT A REASONABLE PRICE POINT? Sharp is a good example of a manufacturer offering classic, elegant luxuries both inside and outside its dishwashers at an affordable price point compared to other brands offering similar features. Inside its dishwashers
are smooth glide rails that make loading and unloading a breeze, as well as premium, white LED lights offering good visibility. Outside is an easy-to-clean stainless-steel finish that nicely complements other kitchen appliances and fixtures. Plus, a hidden control panel makes for a sleek design that minimizes distractions. 3. DOES MY DISHWASHER OFFER FLEXIBILITY? For an efficiently run kitchen, flexibility is key. To that end, you shouldn’t have to wait until you have a full load’s worth of dishes to run your machine. Look for a dishwasher with a half-load option, as well as adjustable racks to accommodate large casserole dishes, tall stemware, and oddly sized items. 4. IS MY DISHWASHER ENERGY EFFICIENT? If either sustainability or saving money on utilities are priorities for you, be sure to look for ENERGY STAR rated dishwashers with features such as a half-load option that reduces water and energy consumption when washing smaller loads. 5. IS MY DISHWASHER QUIET? To put things in perspective, any dishwasher is going to produce some level of noise. Anything below 52 dBA is considered very quiet. The difference between a 40dBA and 45dBA model will be minimal, so be careful you are not overpaying for this feature. For more information and resources, visit shop.sharpusa. com. Thanks to new innovations, dishwashing isn’t what it used to be. For less mess, stress, and hassle, consider upgrading your dishwasher for a better experience. StatePoint
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JANUARY 19, 2022 | 14
Four affordable alternatives to hardwood floors Metro Creative Connection
If you want the high-end look of hardwood floors without the hefty price tag, there are more affordable options. Here’s an overview. 1. VINYL. This type of flooring can be designed to look like wood but has all the benefits of vinyl. It’s scuff, dent and scratch resistant and will stand up to everyday wear and tear. Furthermore, certain types of vinyl planks feature click-lock technology, which makes them easy to install. 2. CORK. Cork is sustainably harvested and environmentally friendly. This renewable resource is resistant to insects, mold and mildew and naturally anti-microbial. In addition, cork flooring provides a comfortable cushion
underfoot, making it ideal for people with back and joint issues. 3. LAMINATE. Durable and available in a wide variety of styles and colors, laminate flooring is stain and moisture resistant. This type of flooring offers a shine that lasts year after year and is ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. 4. ENGINEERED BAMBOO. Made by bonding a thin layer of bamboo onto a plywood or fiberboard core, this type of flooring has a plasticated top for added protection. It’s stylish, robust and easy to maintain, and since bamboo is a wholly renewable resource, this product is an attractive option for environmentally conscious consumers. For the best possible results, make sure your new flooring is professionally installed.
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SPRAY FOAM
IF YOU ENJOY STAYING WARM IN THE WINTER AND COOL IN THE SUMMER, YOU'RE IN THE RIGHT SPOT!
ThermoSeal Insulation is a certified installer of open and closed cell foam, open blow fiberglass, fiberglass batting and the blow in blanket system.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN EXACTLY?
FREE
ESTIMATES
It means we can help you lower your energy bills with our professional insulation services.
LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT! WADE SKINDELIEN
320-905-7773 19768 County Rd. 9 NE New London, MN wskindelien@hotmail.com
Proud member of
T H E R M O S E A L I N S U L AT I O N M N . C O M
