Dream Homes 2014

Your dream home could be right inside!

Page 2 • DREAM HOMES • Albert Lea Tribune • Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Call TODAY to schedule your FREE in-home design consultation Showroom Hours: M-F 8am-5pm 310 1st Ave. S, Albert Lea, MN 507-373-8535 • Toll Free 1-877-373-8535 www.budgetblinds.com

5 hot decorating trends will make your home pop Looking for ways to switch up your style this year? From the right patterns and colors to impressive accents, the latest home design trends will keep your space looking fresh and fabulous in 2014.

“Now more than ever, homeowners are willing to experiment with design,” said Taniya Nayak, interior designer and DIY television personality. “The start of the new year is the perfect time to add character and personality with unique details, patterns and pops of color.”

Here are the top five home decor trends Nayak predicts will make a big impact in 2014: Painted detail on furniture pieces A hot trend in 2014 is to bring flea-market furniture back to life with painted patterns and details. “Refurbishing old furniture pieces is a popular — and easy — look to achieve,” Nayak said. “All you need is a little bit of paint and a lot of creativity.”

New pre-cut, patterned painter’s tape makes this simple project much easier.

FrogTape Shape Tape is available in three of the most on-trend patterns: chevron, wave and scallop. Before painting, simply apply the tape in the

desired pattern on a hand-me-down or thrift store find to create a custom piece for the home. Plus, since Shape Tape is treated with patented PaintBlock Technology, it’ll create super-sharp lines and help prevent paint bleed.

White hot

White is a mainstay in home design.

It’s timeless, classic and extremely versatile. In 2014, try pairing white with different textures, like natural wood. You’ll create a unique focal point while highlighting other warm features in the room, as well. “Another method is to create contrast with white. Use a single, bold accent color, like yellow, fuchsia or navy, to move your eye across the space,” Nayak recommends. By simply rethinking how to use white, your home will be a warm and inviting haven all year long.

What’s old is new again: vintage details You can create a home filled with vintage details, regardless of the age of your house. In 2014, try using 4Trends, Page 4

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Albert Lea Tribune • Tuesday, January 28, 2014 • DREAM HOMES • Page 3

The Craft Haven cottage is quaint and charming Craft Haven 1,280 square feet 1 floor 2 bedrooms 1 bathroom Rendering and plan by Nordaas American Homes. For more information call 507-462-3331.

This simple cottage plan is perfect for people who are downsizing or just looking to start a family. Outside you have a charming covered porch with stone accents at the base of the columns. As you enter the home you can see the main living space is very open.

The quaint foyer leads directly into the living room, which is great

Top resolutions for homeowners Pest control When it comes to pest control, a false sense of security during the cooler months can get you in trouble, as all homes are susceptible to pest invasion year-round. It’s important to have a professional periodically inspect for signs of pests and take preventative control measures.

for entertaining. The dining space is defined by doors leading out to the side yard.

From there you can see straight through to the kitchen in the back of the home. The kitchen has windows facing the backyard, a walk-in pantry and a peninsula for in-kitchen eating.

There are two bedrooms on the main floor. The spacious bathroom has plenty of storage and would be great for a family. The laundry room is in an ideal location tucked between the mudroom and bedrooms. This house has 1,280 square feet, if you need room to grow there is an option to finish the basement.

The basement would be a great play area or as space for a growing family.

System maintenance Creating monthly and annual maintenance schedules for your home’s major systems and appliances can save you time and money later.

Start by adding these tasks to your monthly calendar: clean the dishwasher drains to prevent clogs and breakdowns and clean garbage disposal with water and baking soda to prevent odor and grime.

Page 4 • DREAM HOMES • Albert Lea Tribune • Tuesday, January 28, 2014

The Maplewood I offers columns and stone accents Maplewood I 2,120 square feet 1 floor 3 bedrooms 2.5 bathrooms Rendering and plan by Nordaas American Homes. For more information call 507- 462-3331.

This charming home has 1,420 square feet.

A covered front porch with stately columns, and stone accents dress up the exterior.

From the foyer you can see straight through the house to the backyard through the large windows in the living room.

The kitchen is situated at the front of the house. A window pro-

vides a view so you can see who’s coming and going. The dining room is conveniently located right off the kitchen.

The sleeping quarters are separated from the main living space by a private hallway. The two bedrooms at the front of the house are a good size and share the main bathroom.

The master suite has a window facing the backyard, and is very spacious. The suit also features a walk-in closet and large five-piece bath. This home is an ideal family home.

Dive in to this charming home and find yourself charmed by the stately columns, covered front porch and many other wonderful features.

Trends: Update your space in 2014

Continued from Page 2 muted color palettes, like gray, taupe or certain shades of green or rose, and industrial accents to transform its appearance. “Incorporating pieces of distressed wood will also add to the overall vintage effect,” adds Nayak.

“You can create this look — even with pristine lumber — by adding nicks and scrapes to the surface with a heavy metal chain and a hammer. Once you’ve added the desired amount of distress, cover the wood with a dark stain. Quickly wipe away, allowing the color to settle into the imperfections.”

Whether it’s displayed prominently as a focal point or used sparingly on accent pieces, distressed wood elements will help tie the vintage trend together.

Masculine meets feminine

“Merging styles to make the entire family happy is not always easy,” Nayak said. Instead of looking too rugged or too girly, a key trend in 2014 is to blend both masculine and feminine components into your home design. “Combining two styles doesn’t mean the end result will be safe or boring. There are a number of creative solutions that will satisfy everyone’s tastes while making an impressive design statement.” Try

painting a design on a wood floor. This technique allows the raw, masculine features of the wood to show through, while introducing a feminine overlay of patterns or colors. Popular patterns include quatrefoil, herringbone and modern floral designs.

Metallic finishes and accents

Using metallic accents creates the perfect finishing touch in any room of the house. “The right accessories, like eye-catching metallic, make any space look and feel complete,” Nayak said.

In 2014, the hottest finishes include brass and antiqued mirrors: both add depth, light and just enough sheen to make accents feel extra special. Best of all, there are a number of quick and easy DIY projects you can complete to bring this trend into your home.

One is to spray paint branches silver or gold and then pop them in a vase — it will add instant glamour and help your home design shine well into in the new year.

“Don’t be afraid to mix and match the latest trends to reflect your personal style, Nayak said. “With the right on-trend elements and a dose of character, you’ll transform your house into a home fit for the new year.”

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Albert Lea Tribune • Tuesday, January 28, 2014 • DREAM HOMES • Page 5

Eagles Nest II offers an attention-grabbing layout Eagles Nest II 1,720 square feet 1 floor 2 bedrooms 2 baths Rendering and plan by Nordaas American Homes.

For more information call 507-462-3331.

Here is a modern day traditional house that will appeal to many people. The open layout and attention to detail is what makes this 1,720 square foot home special.

The entry is defined by a covered porch. The foyer showcases the open stairway leading down to the basement and beautiful french doors leading into a private den or office. Beyond the foyer you can see the spacious living room with large windows and a dramatic fireplace.

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Page 6 • DREAM HOMES • Albert Lea Tribune • Tuesday, January 28, 2014

New horizon home has a gorgeous front porch New Horizon 1,930 square feet 2 floors 3 bedrooms 2.5 bathrooms Rendering and plan by Nordaas American Homes. For more information call 507-462-3331.

If summer didn’t end, you’d never leave the beautiful front porch. But rest assured, feel just as relaxed as you enter this country style charmer.

At 1,930 square feet, the New Horizon house has enough room for everyone.

Nestled into the rear of the home, the connected

First floor

kitchen and dining area are great for spending time together.

Ideal for all family types, the master bedroom on the main level feels like its own retreat. The two other bedrooms are tucked in on the spacious second level.

Each is uniquely decorated with its own dormer.

A half bath and laundry room are easily accessible between the living areas and the garage entrance, which makes a great space to come home, too. Additional space is available above the garage if you would like to add a functional bonus room.

The new horizon has the style and functionality that has been tried and proven to stand the test of time.

Second floor

Albert Lea Tribune • Tuesday, January 28, 2014 • DREAM HOMES • Page 7

Eagles Nest I provides ample space for family living Eagles Nest I 1,610 square feet 1 floor 2 bedrooms 3 bathrooms Rendering and plan by Nordaas American Homes. For more information call 507-462-3331.

Here is an affordablesized family home. At just over 1,600 square feet, this home provides ample space for entertaining and family living. The front porch will leave a lasting impression, and sets the stage for what’s inside the home.

Upon entering you immediately notice the large living space.

Directly behind the living room is the kitchen and dining room with access to the backyard. The kitchen boasts an island with plenty of room for the family to eat at. Tucked between the kitchen and garage are a laundry room and coat closet.

Privately located at the other side of the home is a master suite complete with a walkin closet and master bath. The rest of this side is made up of two bedrooms and a shared bath, giving your family plenty of room to grow.

This affordable family home will be a place that you will enjoy relaxing or hanging out with the family.

Page 8 • DREAM HOMES • Albert Lea Tribune • Tuesday, January 28, 2014

The Edenvale has a classic, versatile country style The Edenvale 2,440 square feet 2 floors 4 bedrooms 2.5 bathrooms Rendering and plan by Nordaas American Homes. For more information call 507-462-3331.

This 2,440-square foot country style home has the versatility to accommodate a young, growing family or a more established family that wants to settle in for years to come.

With its spawning front porch, this wonderful home will delight inside and out.

The main floor is focused around a beautiful kitchen that is positioned towards the front of the home, but also helps set the stage for a perfect place to entertain your large group or family. The well designed layout helps give the living room a bit of privacy but still maintains an open feel.

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First floor

Second floor

Albert Lea Tribune • Tuesday, January 28, 2014 • DREAM HOMES • Page 9

The Birchwood is the perfect first-time family home The Birchwood 1,770 square feet 2 floors 3 bedrooms 2.5 bathrooms Rendering and plan by Nordaas American Homes. For more information call 507-462-3331.

The Birchwood is a perfect first time home for a young family. This 1,770-square foot two-story plan is designed to maximize space while keeping cost down.

The smaller main level footprint boasts a spacious and open concept that is directed toward family living. The open space promotes family togetherness. The kitchen has ample countertop space with a pantry closet as well, which is perfect for a family.

From the garage you will enter into a drop zone area with a closet and half bathroom. It is also close to the kitchen, which is always desirable for guests. You will also notice a nice office space where the kids can get homework finished, or the bills can be paid. The first-floor access is convenient, while still a quiet and comfortable space.

First floor

All of the bedrooms are located on the second level to help create distance from the living space. The upstairs bedrooms are spacious and perfect for a family.

Each bedroom is accompanied with a great walk-in closet that gives plenty of storage for the family. The

guest bathroom has a clever, dual-use design, which allows one person to shower and another to use the sink without having to wait your turn. This will make getting ready on time possible, even with a growing family. The second level laundry room is also a bonus for growing families. The space

Second floor

affords an excellent room that is accessible for all family members.

If you’re looking for a great value and functional design, the birchwood might just be the perfect plan. With many amenties like a half bath and an accessible laundry room, the birchwood offers something for everyone.

Page 10 • DREAM HOMES • Albert Lea Tribune • Tuesday, January 28, 2014

The Sampson is sure to make you feel right at home The Sampson 1.940 square feet 1 floor 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms Rendering and plan by Nordaas American Homes. For more information call 507-462-3331.

The sampson plan is truly a forever home. With all living on one level, anyone can feel assured that this house is accessible for any age and ability.

Feel welcomed as soon as you come through the front door of this 1940 square foot rambler. A great eat-in kitchen can make anyone feel right at home as breakfast is being served.

A formal dining room is great for a more intimate gathering or for entertaining. Connected to the spacious living room is a warm four-season sunroom for a more flexible living space.

Retreat down the hall to bedroom area. Separated from the living spaces, the master bedroom has a great walk in closet and a wonderful bathroom that is highlighted with a ceramic roll in shower.

A full bathroom right in from the garage is perfect after a hard day in the field. Hang your coat in the ample closet space and head out to one of the two porches beckoning to be relaxed on.

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Albert Lea Tribune • Tuesday, January 28, 2014 • DREAM HOMES • Page 11

The Haakon plan provides gorgeous panoramic views The Haakon 1,730 square feet 2 floors 2 bedrooms 3 bathrooms Rendering and plan by Nordaas American Homes. For more information call 507-462-3331.

Here is a chalet-inspired home that is designed to take advantage of panoramic views. At 1,730 square feet, this home has something to offer whether you’re looking for a lake side retreat, or a family home.

Although affordably sized, this home has a lot to offer; the main floor has a mudroom with a laundry off the entry. This is followed by a main bathroom, and generously sized bedroom with walk-in closet.

The kitchen has a walk-in pantry and is tucked under the loft. Its efficient layout makes great use of the space. The dining and living room feature stunning soaring windows. From the living room you can ascend the staircase to the upper level.

The loft at the top of the stairs provides gorgeous views.

First floor

Second floor

Page 12 • DREAM HOMES • Albert Lea Tribune • Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Eagles Nest III features a traditional ranch design Eagles Nest III 1,740 square feet 1 floor 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms Rendering and plan by Nordaas American Homes. For more information call 507-462-3331.

This traditionally designed ranch can fit perfectly on your city lot, lake lot or on your existing farm. The design provides the flexibility to accommodate all family types and lifestyles. The entrance from the garage is well designed to catch all of your gear before entering the home. The ability to add built-ins throughout helps to add a personal touch

with a boot bench, entertainment center or desk.

The open living concept provides for great site lines to the back of the house while the tray ceiling at the living room gives definition to the space.

The fireplace helps warm the living room and formal foyer, which also highlights the open staircase.

The guest bathroom and walk-in closet help to seclude the master bedroom from the entertaining areas.

The master bedroom is large enough to accommodate a king-sized bed plus furniture. Your design options are endless with ample space to get creative with the master bathroom. Again, just another way to help personalize the floor plan.

This attractive 1,740-square foot ranch gives you great space with a modest foot print.

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