Lisa Bernard, Karina Mae, Sketchworks Architecture
Cover photograph
Provided by Dream House Dream Kitchens
photographs this page
Top: Provided by Dream House Dream Kitchens, Middle: Provided by Garden Search and Rescue, Bottom: Provided by Chad Renly of Branded Exposure LLC
additional photographs
Coyle Carpet One Floor and Home, Dane County Humane Society, Dream House Dream Kitchens, Garden Search and Rescue, Chad Renly of Branded Exposure LLC, Rubin's Furniture
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from the PUBLISHER
This past spring, you probably created a list of projects to complete before the snow would fly again. With the end of summer upon us, you may realize that finishing this list is wishful thinking. The plans may have been overly optimistic for a DIYer. Because Wisconsin’s seasons can drive what can be done when, it is a wise decision to do your planning with a professional at the onset. So what can you do now? It is not too late to make the change. Now is also a great time to plan ahead so you do not end up in the same situation next year.
In this issue, you will find insights from professional designers for both inside and outside your home. When hired, they will meet with you to learn your wishes, discuss logistics, and propose a plan. A project manager will be assigned to ensure each step occurs when and how it is expected, as well as have a plan for how to address any hiccups, should they occur. The entire process allows for a smooth progression to the desired outcome.
Some DIYers elect to do the work on their own projects because they like the feeling of accomplishment, but most go down this path because they assume it will save money. Due to the unknowns you would likely come upon and potential future issues with work not completed quite as well as it could have been, in the long run, hiring a professional may actually be more cost-effective. And it allows you to spend that time with friends and family.
Happy planning!
Amy Johnson
THE BENEFITS OF HIRING A Professional Design Team
BY KYLE JACOBSON
As a homeowner, it can be difficult to know just who to call when you want to update your living spaces. For something like a few light fixtures, you can either do it yourself or hire a residential electrician. But it is often the case that when you update one aspect of a room, you start realizing that the entire room is going to need a makeover. Coordinating everything, whether acting as a project manager or just trying to create something that works with the rest of the house, is a lot less stressful when you go with a professional design team.
Most projects start with scale and scope. How big is this project going to be and who do I need to hire to get the job done. With a professional team, those questions and every ensuing question are answered almost immediately.
Jerry Schmidt, Dream Team sales director for Dream House Dream Kitchens, says there’s a lot to coordinate. “Not only of deciding what pieces the homeowner wants, but there is the ordering of all of them and staging to make sure that they are here on time and installed in the proper order of operations.”
If you opted not to go with a design team, you’d have to figure out who to hire for each aspect of the job, whether that be a plumber, electrician, carpenter, architect, etc. A professional team typically works with the same outfits time and time again or have their own crew. Those relationships equate to having fully vetted experts who excel in their trades and ensure that a two-month project doesn’t take a year to complete.
Depending on the age and style of your home, you also might not trust just any tradesperson to start tearing things apart and rearranging layouts. Greater Madison has a wide variety of architecture from different periods, and those with experience have the knowledge and skillset to do the job right. A 100-year-old home might not make sense to a handyman only familiar with contemporary
utilities, increasing the amount of potential time wasting as well as unnecessary costs.
Just as important is having someone who knows when extra expenditures are necessary. Take something as simple as installing LVP flooring, a job many do-it-yourself homeowners are comfortable tackling. “You want a contractor that’s going to make sure the substructure behind everything is done correctly,” says Jerry. “For an LVP flooring, a lot of those start to fall apart 5 or 10 years down the road because if the subfloor is not level underneath it, that product essentially just starts to break apart.”
A design team also just looks at a house in a different way. Oftentimes, homeowners think about how they
want to remodel a room and don’t even consider the possibilities of, say, moving a staircase because they have lived in that home so long they just see things the way they have been over the years. Each room in every house carries untapped potential, and making it work with the existing house is precisely what an expert design team is trained to do.
But professional design does not mean the homeowner’s style and input are ignored. In fact, it is frequently the opposite. Lindsay Nelson, Dream Team designer for Dream House Dream Kitchens, talks about how she guides client decision-making toward an outcome that accomplishes the look they want. “Some people have good style and taste, but a lot of people are not confident. They can look at picture and say, ‘I like this and I like that,’ but trying to make those individual selections all come together as a whole is difficult for a lot of homeowners. ... We provide them with a service to create something they feel comfortable with.”
Deciding to go with a professional design team should feel like a one-stop shop. So much of making your home an extension of who you are involves working with people who specialize in incorporating personality with functionality. You should love cooking in your kitchen, showering in your bathroom, and stretching out in your bedroom. But these are large jobs, and the process is going to have a degree of stress. With a design team, each professional is like a layer of confidence, ensuring the payoff will be worth it.
Kyle Jacobson is a writer living in Sun Prairie
Photographs provided by Dream House Dream Kitchens.
Dream House Dream Kitchens
5117 Verona Road Madison, WI 53711
608.204.7575
dream-kitchens.com
Bench Built Furniture
Made in the USA
Younger Furniture is a family-owned and -operated furniture manufacturer out of Thomasville, North Carolina. At Younger Furniture, every piece is meticulously crafted using locally sourced materials. Each item—from sofas and chairs to ottomans— is bench built by a single artisan in their North Carolina factory, ensuring unwavering consistency. Younger Furniture's vision is to be a dependable, positive influence in the lives of their community and those who they collaborate with.
From the wood for the frames to the springs, foam, and legs, every element that goes into Younger's furniture is produced within 85 miles of their factory. All the wood used to build their frames comes from forests certified by the Sustainable Forest Initiative, and all foam is CertiPUR certified. Their fabrics are sourced from all over the world—crafted by hand, one vision at a time. From the first staple to the final stitch, Younger creates furniture that fulfills your unique vision for your home.
Rubin's Furniture proudly showcases Younger Furniture in each of their showrooms. The designers at Rubin's take pride in offering Madison residents furniture that is thoroughly hand built by one craftsman, ensuring attention to detail and quality. Ask a sales associate how they can help you create a custom piece for your home.
Items sourced from Rubin's Furniture. rubinsfurniture.com
The Right Space for the
RIGHT PLACE
BY KARINA MAE
Design of the entire yard, or even the side garden, can be imperative not only in its first few years, but more importantly when things start to mature. Light contrasts, soil qualities, watershed, growth habit type, what is zone appropriate, and long-term considerations are all important to consider. Mowing around these entities, who visits the space, and how it gets cleaned should also all be part of the initial design process. When we overlook any of these, we can find ourselves stuck with the result wondering how to recover the space that has grown chaotic.
Climatic elements also need to be considered with regard to where shade falls and how the light moves across the landscape as the heat of the day waxes and wanes around our hot summers. Identifying where wet areas are located or how rain shed affects, feeds, or compacts an area will determine how well the chosen species are able to establish. Accommodations
can also be made for bunnies, deer, or dogs as roots are taking hold.
Systematic planning for the future is also important. Is there a large tree about to meet the ground or a change in house shape or household on the horizon? Maintenance elements are wise to consider as well when things like the need to mend a fence or fix the driveway will occur at some point. A full assessment in planning can also fix landscape problems, such as grade, drainage, or stability.
Choosing appropriate plants, shrubs, and trees for light conditions, soil conditions, and space allows for them to flourish well into maturity and makes the difference in pruning every year, possibly over pruning, versus pruning once every few years because there is plenty of room. Stack planting is tighter and requires more care, but more plants can mean less weeds and mulch needed.
Placement, by far, is the largest and most easily overlooked design element. Tags are often generous, shy, or flat out incorrect about the mature size of a truly happy species. Knowing how and when plants perform, show off, or go dormant helps eliminate bare spots, too much concentration in one area, or zero interest for a spell.
Most want their design to provide interest throughout the season, to fit the space well now, be relatively easy to maintain in the long term, and complement the house and yard space effortlessly in nature. Repeating textures, colors, or heights can make a guest feel more comfortable moving through the space, while wide paths make everyone’s tread easier.
Functional and practical things, such as downspouts, shoveling, kids’ bike paths, garden hoses, and the dog run, need to also be incorporated into the design as
well as the areas and items to be highlighted or hidden from view.
People space is often an underthought necessity. Everyone needs somewhere to land themselves and their things while tending to or enjoying their space. A small bistro table to be located as a destination space or a reliable bench to place tools or coffee can lend warmth to a space while expanding the living space. An outdoor patio or conversation seating can provide an extra entertaining zone and engage you more in your
During
yard or simply provide a sense of landing as you come and go.
While design can be implemented in phases, it is a necessity at the start. It is the crucial step that makes the biggest difference in creating outdoor spaces and places, and allows us to thrive in the landscape.
Karina Mae is owner and designer at Garden Search and Rescue.
Photographs provided by Garden Search and Rescue.
Garden Search & Rescue Madison, WI
608.438.9571 gardensearchandrescue.com
During
Home. Sooner than I thought possible.
– JACLYN, MORTGAGE MEMBER SINCE 2022
Partner with a dedicated, local Mortgage Loan Officer who will get to know you, answer all your questions and be right here as needed to help you make decisions you feel great about. You’ll get updates and support every step of the way.
Shop for homes with confidence with a free preapproval in less than 15 minutes.1 You’ll know exactly how much you can afford and your estimated monthly payments.
Plus, with Summit, get up to $1,100 cash back or off closing costs.2,3 Hello, extra savings!
*The Wisconsin’s #1 Mortgage Lender designation is based on the number of loans originated in 2023, gathered from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data compiled annually by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The results of the data were obtained through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s website: https://ffiec.cfpb.gov/data-publication/modified-lar/2023. LEI: 254900NTAC4H10MGSU23. 1 Preapproval request is subject to applicant providing required financial documentation. Terms and conditions may still apply. 2 The $1,000 offer is valid for first-time homebuyers on home purchase applications submitted from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, where the loan’s interest rate is locked by December 31, 2025. This offer requires a Summit Credit Union checking account. Minimum to open a checking account is $25. An additional $100 rebate will be provided with an Ultimate Checking. Rebate is applied to the account 45 days after closing. Offer subject to change. Primary savings account required to have a checking account. Primary savings account: minimum to open $1. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as of 1/1/2025 is 0.10%. An individual is to be considered a first-time home buyer who is purchasing a property; will reside in the property as a principal residence; and has had no ownership interest (sole or joint) in a residential property in the past 3 years. The following loan programs are not eligible for the closing cost credit: Federal VA, FHA, Rural Development, WHEDA, Investment Property and Construction loans. First mortgages only (offer does not apply to second mortgages, home equity lines of credit or refinances). The $1,000 offer can be redeemed on closing costs or as a cash rebate applied to your Summit Credit Union Primary Savings
Coyle Carpet One floor and home
Coyle Carpet One is now introducing Room by Room, a new, better way to find the right floors for your home. Simply browse our curated collection by color and design to find your favorite styles. A state-of-the-art room visualizer lets you see your flooring choices come to life within your own home. Using intuitive touchscreen stations, you can explore and compare materials, prices, and styles to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget. From inspiration to installation, Room by Room makes shopping for floors effortless, eliminating the guesswork. If you’re ready to transform your home with beautiful new floors, stop by our innovative showroom today.
Items sourced from Coyle Carpet One Floor and Home.
coylecarpet.com
DANE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY
Thrift Stores
BY LISA BERNARD
Looking for an opportunity to live a little greener and give back while you shop? Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) Thrift Stores make it easy to do both. When you shop secondhand, you are choosing a more sustainable lifestyle. Every pre-loved item you purchase keeps waste out of landfills, reduces the demand for new production, and gives perfectly good items a second chance to shine. It is a small choice that makes a big impact on the planet.
The first DCHS Thrift Store opened as an experiment in January 2019. Ten years prior, the thrift store’s original Grand Canyon Drive location served as Adoption Center West to provide more housing for cats available for adoption. Cat adoptions had improved by the fall of 2018, so the space was no longer needed for animal housing. The space was transformed into the DCHS Thrift Store on a trial basis, and the community was very welcoming, helping make it a success by donating items, volunteering, and shopping. When the lease expired in May 2020, the west side store moved to its current, larger location at 6904 Watts Road in Madison.
In January 2024, DCHS Thrift Store celebrated its five-year anniversary. Through much of that time, community members had been asking staff if the thrift store would ever expand to the east side.
DCHS Thrift Store opened a second location at 5231 High Crossing Boulevard in Madison in July 2024. The east side store has a sales floor double the size of the west side location, so shoppers can browse over 20,000 unique items at a given time.
Both DCHS Thrift Store locations sell a variety of highquality, gently used and new products, from adult and children clothing and accessories to furniture, home and seasonal décor, kitchen goods, pet supplies, books, and more. Members of the community have also donated their special collections, including baseball cards, records, and American Girl dolls and accessories, for DCHS Thrift Stores to resell. The stores are run mostly by volunteers who operate the cash register; sort and price the unique items that were donated; keep the sales floor stocked; entertain customers, including four-legged ones; and more. They strive to provide shoppers a great deal while also getting the most they can for animals in need.
The best part: when you shop DCHS Thrift Stores, you are supporting a local Madison business and making a direct impact on animals in need. Proceeds from every purchase help fund the comfort and care of thousands of animals each year, from cats and dogs to wildlife, barnyard animals, and more.
DCHS is a private nonprofit organization that relies on the generosity of our community. DCHS is not a government agency or part of any national welfare group, and they do not receive ongoing public funding. That is why the success of their thrift stores is so important, as it helps generate the critical resources needed to continue their lifesaving work. Every donation and every shopping trip truly makes a difference.
Companion animals are often available for adoption from the thrift store locations. When you shop at DCHS Thrift Stores, do not forget to greet the current shop cat or even adopt a new pet.
Whether you are looking to refresh your wardrobe, decorate your space, browse for something unique, or repurpose items into something new and original, DCHS Thrift Stores make treasure hunting eco-friendly, affordable, and purposeful. It’s a win-win! Join DCHS Thrift Stores in building a greener and kinder community, one thrifted treasure at a time.
Learn more about DCHS Thrift Stores at giveshelter.org /thrift, and follow facebook.com/DCHSThriftStore and instagram.com/dchsthrift for the inside scoop on unique finds and more!
Lisa Bernard is development and communications supervisor at Dane County Humane Society.
Photographs provided by Dane County Humane Society.
Dane County Humane Society Thrift Stores
giveshelter.org/thrift Madison, WI
East – 5231 High Crossing Blvd
608.817.6780
West – 6904 Watts Road
608.709.1275
Prairie Style Meets Purpose
by Sketchworks Architecture
When the Bank of Deerfield needed to reimagine its 44-year-old banking center in downtown Deerfield, the company grappled with whether to remodel their existing headquarters or build anew.
“The need for more space was the primary driver of the project,” explains Bank of Deerfield President and CEO Darren Winkler. “Also, the Bank of Deerfield has been a part of this community since 1887, and we wanted to show our commitment to serving [the area]
moving forward. To continue to grow and provide quality customer service, we needed to expand our footprint.”
The project was also born out of necessity. Bank staff were working in the lower level with no access to natural light, and the 1970s building had accessibility and infrastructure concerns. After exploring remodeling options, Darren says the bank’s management opted instead to raze the former structure and build a new banking center on the same Main Street lot. Construction began in July 2024, and the team moved into the new facility in May 2025. The resulting 18,000-square-foot building was designed by Sketchworks and constructed by Tri-North Builders.
Interior designer Brittany Erskine of Sketchworks explains that the bank’s design draws inspiration from Prairie style and midcentury modern aesthetics, combining warmth and functionality. Walnut wood and stone accents pair
with large windows and earthy tones. Clean vertical wood accents on the teller stations and reception desks give a nod to midcentury modern style to create a space that’s both welcoming and timeless.
“The interior design was the refresh that the Bank of Deerfield wanted,” says Steve Shulfer, partner and CEO of Madison-based Sketchworks Architecture, who worked with the bank on the project. “This is a community bank that prides itself on personal experience and relationships with their customers. The bank design reflects this hometown warmth and fits well within the downtown.”
The bank’s 31 employees (split between the new banking center and a branch bank) now have a comfortable and welcoming space to serve their customers. The Bank of Deerfield offers a robust array of banking services,
including commercial and personal banking; consumer, commercial, construction and agricultural lending; debit cards; and more.
These services are thoughtfully incorporated into the banking center’s three levels. The main floor features retail banking services and accessible executive offices; the second floor houses IT, loan/deposit operations, compliance, and auditing functions; and the finished lower level has a spacious staff breakroom and boardroom. All three levels of the facility now have natural light: a top request from staff, according to Darren. “What we were looking for in this project was a new banking facility that was a great fit for our community and a [building] that showed our dedication to innovation and security for our customers and employees,” says Darren. “Our new facility has been very well received within the Deerfield community, and our customers are genuinely excited."
Contributed by Sketchworks Architecture.
Photographs by Chad Renly of Branded Exposure LLC.
Sketchworks Architecture
2501 Parmenter Street, Suite 300A Middleton, WI 53562
