Lisa Bernard, Coyle Carpet One Floor and Home, Karina Mae, MGE
Cover photograph
Provided by Dream House Dream Kitchens
photographs this page
Top: Provided by Dream House Dream Kitchens, Middle: Provided by Coyle
Carpet One Floor and Home, Bottom: Provided by Garden Search and Rescue
additional photographs
Coyle Carpet One Floor and Home, Dane County Humane Society, Dream House Dream Kitchens, Garden Search and Rescue, MGE, Rubin's Furniture
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from the PUBLISHER
At the end of each year, I take the opportunity to express my gratitude to all who were part of Madison Home. Thanks to those without whom Madison Home would not exist: Jenny Denman, Kyle Jacobson, Barbara Wilson, and Linda Walker. Those who provide support: Lisa Abler, Olivia Leichsenring, and Lisa Likwarz. Contributors: Lisa Bernard, Coyle Carpet One Floor and Home, Dane County Humane Society, Dream House Dream Kitchens, Fair Housing Wisconsin, Garden Search and Rescue, Karina Mae, Madison Area Black Chamber of Commerce, Madison Liquidators, MGE, Patio Warehouse, Rubin’s Furniture, Erica Sanders, Sketchworks Architecture, SprayNet, Erin Summers, Eric Tadsen, and the additional photographers who let us share their images on our pages.
I am grateful for our advertising sponsors, who support what we do on both a collaborative and practical basis, and for our readers, who by picking up each issue support and motivate us.
Apologies to anyone I have not noted. I am fortunate to have so many to thank that I may inevitably miss someone.
Finally, I want to share some personal thoughts. There are many difficult things going on right now. It is my opinion that we are better for our collaborative efforts, better because we are all here, better when we learn from one another, and better because of our empathy and caring for one another. Never are we richer than when we look after each other, act on behalf of one another, and offer a hand to those who need our help to be lifted.
Wishing you peace and strength of heart.
Amy Johnson
Homebuying experts. We answer all your questions and offer guidance to make the journey easy. Just like we’ve helped over 10,000 others in the last year, we’ll help you build wealth as a homeowner, too!
*The Wisconsin’s #1 Mortgage Lender designation is based on the number of loans originated in 2024, 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/2024. 1 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 account. Amount cannot exceed the actual amount of the closing costs, prepaid interest and escrow reserves. This includes if the offer is combined with a seller closing cost credit. Seller credits will be applied first, and then any remaining closing costs and prepaids would be eligible toward the offer. If redeemed on closing costs, the credit will be reflected on the closing disclosure. If applied as cash back, the $1,000 rebate will be deposited on the day of your mortgage closing. Not valid with any other offers. 2 The $500 offer is valid 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%. The following loan programs are not eligible for the closing cost credit: Federal VA,
SUITE DREAMS ARE MADE OF Green
BY KYLE JACOBSON
It is easy to feel limited by what already exists when envisioning the potential of your home, but homes have layers. A remodel is not just about updating; it is about peeling back those layers to unlock possibilities— revealing results that can feel truly magical. It takes some know-how to understand what can and cannot be reworked. When these Middleton homeowners hired a professional designer to remodel their primary suite, they discovered that changes to one room can ripple outward,
improving and incorporating adjacent spaces beyond what they imagined.
For Kristen Cross, designer at Dream House Dream Kitchens, the real trick was finding a way to merge the two distinct visions of the homeowners. “We always ask for inspiration pictures from our clients, and these two definitely had different design wants and needs in the space. We wanted to harmonize those visions together. We found a unifying thread between them in their love of the color green, so you’ll see that repeated throughout the space.”
Thanks to having the ability to incorporate natural light, the primary bathroom provided an ingenious opportunity for color as well. Outdoor greenery feels like it is part of the room, with the soaking tub completing that sense of escape. Faux wooden beams and a wood feature overhead add to the transformation along with the warm, earthy tones of modern brushed-brass fixtures.
The steam shower continues the green through tile as well and features the high-tech touch one homeowner needed to have: Kohler’s Anthem digital shower control. “That allows for the regulation of water temperature and flow with the multiple shower heads and steam outlet,” says Kristen. “It makes it a customizable, hassle-free showering experience for them.” The homeowners even get a real-time reading of their water consumption.
Luxurious features elevate the spa-like bathing experience, starting with radiant in-floor heat that not only warms the entire space, but feels cozy underfoot. A heated towel rack serves as the perfect finishing touch.
At the dual-sink vanity, two arched mirrors—each flanked by a pair of dimmable sconces—make the room feel larger and brighter. Dimmers on these and the general overhead fixtures provide “layered lighting that gives you control if you want that subtle lighting or something brighter that is for a task.”
Adjacent to the bathroom is a large walk-in closet. One of the homeowners wanted to ensure there was a makeup counter in front of the window. It was another opportunity to use natural light, meet a homeowner’s need, and make use of the space provided.
“The homeowners had said it would be really nice if they could have a pass-through into their laundry room because on the other side of their closet is where the existing laundry room is,” says Kristen. “With the existing cabinetry layout, that was not possible. But the redesign was able to bring that to life.” Initially, redesigning the mudroom was not on the list, but putting in a passage where none previously existed became that fairy-tale design moment for the couple.
Redesigning the mudroom also allowed Kristen to incorporate more of the other homeowner’s style. The
earthy green color palette is front and center here, creating a cohesive aesthetic with the rest of the space Kristen and her team were working on. The reach-in closet that used to be next to the door leading to the garage was replaced with a custom locker system to make things a little easier for this four-person family to get going. And if they come in wet or muddy, they can just throw their clothes in the laundry and take a warm shower.
Back to the primary suite, the primary bedroom had a bit of an upgrade. The faux beams from the bathroom carry through to the bedroom to unify the two spaces. In addition, the fireplace hearth and mantel were redone in natural stone and wood, and the walls were painted in the homeowners’ signature green.
Being the first remodel these homeowners had undertaken since buying the house, the end result shows just how transformative working with a professional designer can be. “It is a collaborative effort the whole way through,” says Kristen. “I am there to guide them, but all of those are their
choices—what they want in their space because it is their space. ... They were a dream client and amazing to work with.”
5117 Verona Road Madison, WI 53711
608.204.7575
dream-kitchens.com
Kyle Jacobson is a writer living in Sun Prairie
Photographs provided by Dream House Dream Kitchens.
Dream House Dream Kitchens
The Joy of Entertaining
The magic of the holiday season is upon us. With a warm and friendly home, every day becomes an opportunity to get together with family and friends. Decoration can define the atmosphere of an evening. If you are hosting a meal, paying attention to the table setting is a way to make your guests feel extra special. Tailoring the look of your dining room to the seasons and holidays allows you to express your creativity and dazzle your guests.
Start by choosing a dining table that fits the shape of your room. If you have a long narrow space, a rectangular table is best. If you have a square room, a round dining table would fit perfectly. You want the size of your table to fit the space appropriately for everyday use. If you entertain often, you should consider a table that extends. For a timeless look, solid wood is a good choice. If your space is small, glass is a good option, as it makes the room feel larger. Consider adding arms to your end chairs to maximize comfort and bring a touch of refinement to your dining room. You could also opt for a bench for a unique look.
While entertaining, play with a variety of table accessories—tablecloths, placemats, runners, and napkins—and embellish the whole look with seasonal flowers, greenery, fruits, or vegetables. Make each get-together a unique moment, an opportunity to create unforgettable memories.
If you’re looking for a dining set that will stand out and stand the test of time, stop at Rubin’s Furniture.
Items sourced from Rubin's Furniture. rubinsfurniture.com
THE MODERN ALLURE OF HARDWOOD FLOORS
Warmth, Character, and Lasting Beauty
When it comes to livening up a room, few design choices can rival the timeless warmth and natural character of hardwood flooring. It is a material that grounds a space, inviting light, texture, and movement into your home while offering unmatched longevity. While hardwood has always been a symbol of craftsmanship and comfort, today’s technology and techniques have made it more beautiful, durable, and versatile than ever before.
Color Comes First
Once upon a time, homeowners began by choosing a wood species—oak, maple, hickory, cherry—but today, design conversations often start with color. Thanks to advanced manufacturing and finishing techniques, there are more ways than ever to achieve your perfect tone, whether you love the soft, airy look of pale natural oak or the cozy sophistication of rich, midtone browns.
From wire-brushed and fumed finishes to reactive stains and multistep color processes, factory finishing allows for incredible consistency and durability. These prefinished floors arrive ready to install and have layers of protective coating to minimize maintenance and make refinishing a thing of the past.
Engineered for Everyday Living
Modern manufacturing has redefined what hardwood can be. Engineered hardwood, which layers real wood over a stable plywood or highdensity core, has become the go-to choice for most homes. It resists movement from humidity and temperature changes—especially important in Wisconsin’s varied climate—and can be installed in areas where solid wood once struggled. It also uses less raw wood, making it an eco-friendlier option. The result is a floor that looks identical to solid hardwood but performs better and lasts longer under real-life conditions.
Wider, Warmer, More Relaxed
Plank width plays a major role in the personality of a space. Today’s homeowners favor wider planks, typically six to eight inches in the Midwest, for a more open, continuous look that feels calm and casual. On the coasts, even wider boards are popular, creating a sleek, modern aesthetic that pairs beautifully with minimalist design.
Narrow boards continue to hold timeless appeal and classic charm, and they are seeing a resurgence in popularity, especially in mid-century modern and contemporary-inspired spaces. They bring a sense of texture and rhythm to a room while maintaining elegance and style.
Matte is the New Gloss
Glossy floors once signaled luxury, but modern lifestyles favor a softer touch. Matte and low-luster finishes have taken center stage not just for their understated elegance, but for their practicality. They hide dust, footprints, and scratches far better than shiny surfaces and lend themselves beautifully to today’s more relaxed interiors.
Simple Care for Lasting Beauty
One of hardwood’s biggest advantages remains how easy it is to maintain. With proper care, these floors can last decades and even grow more beautiful with time. Regular sweeping or vacuuming with a hard-surface vacuum keeps debris at bay, and a microfiber mop is perfect for quick touch-ups.
Avoid using water, steam, or harsh cleaners, which can dull the finish or damage the protective coating. Instead, stick with products specifically formulated for hardwood floors.
To protect your investment, maintain indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent and temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Place mats at entryways to catch dirt and grit—avoid rubber-backed varieties that trap moisture. And for pet owners, keep nails trimmed to reduce scratches.
A Natural Choice That Evolves with You
Hardwood floors have an unmatched ability to make a house feel like a home. Whether you are drawn to a cozy, lived-in feel or a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, today’s hardwood options make it easier than ever to find your perfect match.
With innovations in engineering, coloring, and finishing, hardwood flooring continues to evolve, delivering timeless beauty with modern-day ease. Warm underfoot, rich in character, and endlessly adaptable, hardwood
remains one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your home.
Contributed by Coyle Carpet One Floor and Home.
Photographs provided by Coyle Carpet One Floor and Home.
Coyle Carpet One Floor and Home
250 W. Beltline Highway Madison, WI 53713
608.257.0291
coylecarpet.com
IN WINTER Caring for Your Animals
by Lisa Bernard
It’s winter in Wisconsin, and with that comes cold temperatures and snow. But when those temps drop further into single and even negative digits, the frigid weather can pose serious risks for our pets. Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) has a few tips to keep animals safe in winter.
For dog parents, DCHS suggests keeping walks short. As the temperature drops, so should the dog's time outside.
At DCHS, when the feels-like temperature is 20 degrees or colder, a dog’s time outside is reduced to 15 minutes or less. When the feels-like temperature is zero degrees or colder, that time is further reduced to 5 minutes or less for each outing.
If your dog allows it, a doggie sweater or coat can help them stay a little warmer when going outside, especially on dogs with very short fur, like a short-coat Chihuahua. While it may not extend the time they’re spending outside, it makes going outside to complete their business a little more bearable.
Some long-haired and fluffy dogs can be outside a little longer because they have more fur to protect them, but
eventually, they too can be negatively affected by cold weather. Each pup is different, but once a dog begins holding one of their feet up, it is time to get them where it is warm.
Speaking of feet, the paw pads on dogs and cats are skin, so they can freeze and even suffer frostbite. If a dog allows it, put booties on them to keep them from getting cold too quickly. There are also balms that can be applied on paw pads to provide some protection from the elements and salt.
It can be challenging for some dogs to be cooped up indoors, especially when they’re high energy and used to going for long walks and hikes or running around the
yard. To help dogs exert their energy indoors on colder days, DCHS suggests activities that provide mental stimulation, like puzzle toys, frozen Kongs filled with treats, building a treat box for the pup to destroy, hiding treats around the house for them to find, or creating an indoor agility course. Even training on a new trick can help exert them mentally.
With frigid temperatures and little shelter, lost, feral, and free-roaming cats will search for ways to keep safe and warm, including hiding under car hoods or in the wheel well of a vehicle. Before starting your vehicle’s engine, DCHS recommends banging on the hood to give cats or other small critters the chance to flee or make their presence known. Check under your vehicle to make sure an animal is not taking shelter there either.
As for Wisconsin’s native wildlife, while the frigid temperatures seem extreme, they have great survival
strategies for winter. For instance, eastern cottontail rabbits have thick fur coats and rely on sheltering in dense brush to keep out of the wind and stay warm. While their leafy greens may be gone, rabbits will eat other vegetations instead, like dormant buds, bark, and twigs.
The black-capped chickadee may be tiny, but they can fluff up their feathers to create a thicker insulating barrier between their body and the cold weather. They also will keep warm in groups, sheltering together in hollowed out trees.
Virginia opossums do have a harder time with winter, but they simply need to take shelter more frequently to keep warm. Many healthy opossums end up with a little frostbite on the tip of their hairless tail and may end up losing a small portion of it, but this often does not impact their survival.
If a native wild animal is healthy, they do not need help, and it is recommended to give them respectful space. If you think a wild animal is sick or injured, please contact DCHS’ Wildlife Center at 608.287.3235 so trained staff can help evaluate the situation with you before you intervene.
Lisa Bernard is development and communications supervisor at DCHS.
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
WHAT CONTRIBUTES TO THE Energy Bill in Your Home?
It is no surprise that heating and cooling are responsible for about half of the energy we use in our homes in Wisconsin, but what makes up the rest of our energy bill? While we expect to have hot water, lighting, and clean clothes, there are some steps you can take to save energy and manage costs when operating water heaters, lighting fixtures, and washers and dryers.
Water Heaters
• Check the temperature of your water and adjust your water heater accordingly. Your water should be around 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Install a low-flow shower head. Eligible customers can receive a free one from our partner in energy efficiency, Wisconsin's FOCUS ON ENERGY®. Visit focusonenergymarketplace.com.
• Take short showers instead of baths.
• If you have an electric-resistance tank water heater, consider upgrading to a more efficient heat pump water heater.
Lighting
Incandescent light bulbs are inefficient, converting only 10 percent of the electricity used into light. Opt for more efficient LED bulbs instead. You can save three-quarters of your lighting costs by replacing your most used incandescent bulbs and fixtures with ENERGY STAR ® bulbs and fixtures. And be sure to turn off lights that are not in use.
Washers and Dryers
• Wash your clothes in cold water whenever possible.
• Wash and dry only full loads.
• Consider using drying racks to dry clothes.
• Use the moisture sensor on your dryer to avoid over drying clothes.
• Clean the dryer lint filter after every load to improve air circulation.
• Ensure the dryer vent is vented to the outside and is as straight and short as possible. The shorter and straighter the vent, the faster your clothes will dry.
• If you are shopping for new appliances, purchase ENERGY STAR-certified models for maximum energy savings.
Phantom Energy
Phantom, or standby, energy users are devices that require electricity even when you are not actively using them. That means electronics that are plugged in use energy even when they are switched off. Individually, these devices do not use much power, but collectively, they can affect your monthly energy use.
Some standby power is useful; without it, we could not use remote controls or summon Alexa for the latest weather report. Other uses are not needed, such as cell phone chargers, printers, or laptops that draw energy while sitting idle.
Devices that draw the most phantom energy:
• Computers; monitors; printers; and related equipment, like routers and modems
• TVs
• Digital cable and satellite boxes
• Gaming consoles
Additional phantom electricity users include household items with a digital clock, such as microwaves and coffee makers.
Follow these tips to reduce phantom energy use.
• Unplug devices that are not in use. This is the easiest way to curb phantom energy.
• Use power strips to cut off phantom energy being drawn from multiple devices by flipping one switch. Smart power strips are a good option. They automatically cut off power when equipment is plugged in but turned off. Smart power strips are available from Focus on Energy at focusonenergymarketplace.com.
If you are shopping for new electronics or devices, be sure to look for the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR-rated products use less standby power and less power overall.
If you would like to take it a step further and determine which of your devices draws the most phantom power, MGE has donated meters to area libraries you can check out. Meters measure the voltage and electric consumption of your devices. Energy meters can also be purchased at home improvement stores.
Ask the Experts
Managing your household energy use doesn’t have to be complicated. Small changes can make a meaningful difference. If you would like help identifying other ways to save, MGE’s Energy Experts are available to answer questions at 608.252.7000 (Option 3) or AskExperts@mge.com. You will also find additional tips and tools at mge.com/saving-energy.
Contributed by MGE.
Photographs provided by MGE.
MGE mge.com
Leaves Leave the
by Karina Mae
Our survival is intertwined with the habitats we choose to protect or destroy. From the tiniest soil microbes to endangered pollinators, like the rusty patched bumble bee, every species contributes to the ecosystem’s balance and human well-being. These pollinators whose numbers are in steep decline provide the very foundations of life: recycling nutrients, feeding larger animals, and fueling the natural systems upon which we depend.
In a remnant prairie outside Black River Falls, the Karner blue butterfly traces the edge of summer. Each tiny adult flutters low over grasses, searching for wild lupine: the only plant its caterpillars will eat. Female Karners lay eggs on lupine leaves in mid-summer; those eggs endure winter beneath fallen blades of grass, sheltered by the very leaf litter many homeowners sweep away.
Beneath the soil and in the plants surrounding our homes, microbes quietly decompose organic matter into nutrients essential for survival. This invisible work sustains all life around us. Bees, beetles, butterflies, and moths, insects depend on these cycles and on the presence of specific plants in their habitats. Many of their life cycles span multiple years and stages, requiring different food sources and forms of shelter in uninterrupted environments. Without this continuity, survival is nearly impossible.
Across Wisconsin, dozens of native insects now face unprecedented pressures. Habitat loss, pesticide use, insecticide use, invasive species, climate change, and
disease are driving many toward extinction. These insects do more than add color to prairies and forests; they form critical ties to Wisconsin’s wetlands, savannas, and grasslands. Their lives depend on highly specialized relationships with the host plants—bonds that cannot be replaced once broken.
Along a shaded trail near Madison, a rusty patched bumblebee hums among the last blooms of bee balm. This species was once common across the Upper Midwest, but today, it clings to fragmented patches of native vegetation. Queens that nest in soil or under clumps of leaves depend on undisturbed ground through autumn and winter into late spring. One rake, one tidy bed, can erase a whole generation.
The strength of these relationships is profound. Insect mothers carefully select places where eggs and larvae will thrive, while males rely on intact landscapes to complete mating rituals. Without these native flowers and grasses maintained over years, entire generations are lost. These delicate connections illustrate why leaving habitats intact is nonnegotiable for biodiversity.
This choice becomes most urgent in fall. Conventional yard care often means removing leaves, stems, and natural debris: actions that deprive insects and microbes of the shelter and food they need to make it through winter. By contrast, leaving leaves in place and minimizing disturbance through spring creates a refuge that fosters life. Even modest steps—delaying raking, cutting less, or preserving brush—can boost biodiversity in just one season.
Conservation is far more effective when scaled across neighborhoods and regions. Planting native host plants, identifying sites where endangered insects gather, and linking forgotten parcels into wildlife corridors all multiply the benefits. By working together, we can reconnect the landscapes that species require to survive while restoring resilience to our shared environment.
Healthy ecosystems offer far more than beauty. They purify air and water, pollinate crops, and buffer us against climate extremes. Every fallen leaf left on the ground is part of this system, sustaining life far beyond what we can see.
So when next fall arrives or when spring chores come calling, pause before raking that pile of leaves. Beneath them lies an entire community waiting for its chance to
thrive. Leaving leaves where they fall is an act of care, one that supports endangered insects in Wisconsin while enriching human life. This season forward, let’s commit to protecting the basis of our habitat.
Karina Mae is owner and designer at Garden Search and Rescue.
Photographs provided by Garden Search and Rescue.
Garden Search and Rescue Madison, WI
608.438.9571 gardensearchandrescue.com
A few endangered Wisconsin insects you can protect or help today!
