Minnesota Home Magazine - 2023

Staying on Trend

Embracing Contemporary Design

Trends to transform your home

Wallpaper is back. Textured flooring is in. Sleek lines, organic materials and an ode to nature are all making their way into contemporary designs.

2023 brings the return of color. Danae Blanck Anderson talks about trends in her article on page 32, specifically Benjamin Moore’s color of the year: Raspberry Blush, a deep red making a warm yet bold statement. If you’re not into bold, other trending colors include a peachy Conch Shell and New Age which is a grayed down lavender.

Another way to introduce color into your home is bringing the outside in. Margaret Nelson of The Window Box says plants not only add color to a home but they also provide a great deal of joy particularly during the darkest months of the year. Don’t have a green thumb? No worries as Nelson says there’s a plant for everyone. (Page 20)

But design elements aren’t the only thing to take into consideration when building a home. Minnesota winters are no joke and geothermal heating (Page 10) is something to think about. Ryan Czech, owner of All Season Heating & Air Conditioning in Brainerd, has been working with and installing geothermal technology for more than 25 years and can also add geothermal energy systems to existing structures.

Heating and cooling systems are just one of many things to contemplate when building a home, especially your forever home. One Brainerd lakes area couple made many smart choices when designing their retirement home (Page 14). Doorways and hallways were built for wheelchair accessibility as well as one-floor living, no steps between inside and outside spaces and a walk-in shower in the master suite to help maintain independent living for the future.

There are ideas and inspiration within these pages of Minnesota Home. Whether you dream big, dream of the future or want to jazz up an existing home, local contractors, lenders and real estate agents are ready to work with you to make those dreams a reality.

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DeLynn Howard

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It’s a jungle in there

You don’t have to have a green thumb to bring the outdoors inside. Water, sunshine, the right plants and a little devotion can make your home a lush paradise of greenery. Plants can also bring joy during the winter months.

By Sarah Nelson Katzenberger

Staying on trend

2023 is full of exciting trends. It’s a new year, a chance to start fresh and that means not only with everyday lifestyle choices but in our homes as well.

People are requesting multi-use spaces with an emphasis on sustainability, mindfulness and eco-friendly designs. Transforming these spaces from closed in to open including places for family and friends to hang out, cook together and relax while still providing a balance with a home office or gym is on the forefront. There’s a lot to consider in creating the perfect curated space we all call home.

By Danae Blanck Anderson, ASID, CID, NCIDQ

ON THE COVER

Lands End Development truly loves what they do. They are thrilled to help people take their own dreams of a future home or renovation and work with them to make those dreams a reality. They have been in this highly competitive industry for nearly a decade and have built and remodeled more than 150 homes using four simple principles: Quality, Creativity, Value and Service.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

10 Harnessing the power of Mother Nature with geothermal energy

Using a system of underground pipes, geothermal heat pumps keep a home at a perfect temperature while reducing energy costs and CO2 emissions.

By Nicole Stracek

14

Building a retirement home

One Brainerd area couple completed their retirement home after careful consideration of the project. They wanted this home to meet their future needs.

By Pete Mohs, Publisher

26 Embracing contemporary design while remaining functional

People are building spaces they don’t want to leave but there has to be a balance between functionality and a spa-like retreat. The most recent contemporary design trends have that — a healthy balance of eloquent and humble.

By Candice Zimmermann

42

Today’s trends in flooring embrace texture

When it comes to choosing flooring for your home, the most important thing you have to consider is your family’s lifestyle. Personal taste used to determine if you preferred carpet, wood or tile. Today there are even more options. Some of these include a natural raw look, grains and even a rough texture.

By Sheila Helmberger

48 It’s

as easy as 1, 2, Key

Moving into 2023, the markets in the Brainerd lakes area are cooling a bit. But is it a buyers market yet? Not quite. While nationally market times and inventory are slowly increasing, Minnesota appears to buck the trend.

By Linda Hurst

51 First comes love, then comes cabins

A couple from Brazil, Grand Marais build luxury rentals featured in Conde Nast, HBO’s ‘Cabin Chronicles’

By Melinda Lavine, Duluth News Tribune

PHOTO BY RICK HAMMER, COURTESY OF LANDS END DEVELOPMENT

Harnessing the power of Mother Nature with geothermal energy

Ryan Czech, owner of All Season Heating & Air Conditioning in Brainerd, has been working with and installing geothermal technology for over 25 years. Providing homeowners across the lakes area with HVAC services, his team works closely with customers who want to add geothermal energy systems to a new construction home or existing structures to ensure the installation process goes smoothly. One of the most common questions Czech receives is about the cost. Although the initial cost of geothermal heating systems are greater than traditional heating and cooling systems, the long-term value is what becomes beneficial to the bottom line. “Geothermal heat provides a very efficient method for heating and cooling homes. One of the biggest benefits of using geothermal technology is the return on investment. Using geothermal energy offers many energy saving benefits including reduced utility bills and energy costs,” said Czech.

BY NICOLE STRACEK

Homeowners looking for a way to channel the power of Mother Nature to both heat and cool their homes are turning to geothermal energy. Despite the seasonal climate changes above ground, the ground below holds a near constant temperature all year round. Using a system of underground pipes geothermal heat pumps keep a home at a perfect temperature while simultaneously reducing energy costs and CO2 emissions.

Geothermal Heat Pumps and How They Work

Using a series of pipes installed underground where the temperature hovers between 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, a geothermal heat exchanger pulls the heat from below ground and pumps it into your home in the winter. In the summer months, the same technology is used in reverse to cool your home by transferring the excess heat out and cool air in. Similar to the technology used in other appliances in a home such as a refrigerator or air conditioning unit water is pumped through the pipes and a geothermal heat exchanger is installed inside the home and is used to control the temperature. Replacing the traditional gas or electric driven furnaces, geothermal heat pumps are 300-600% more energy efficient and can last for up to 100 years.

Benefits of Geothermal Heating Systems

With the rising costs of energy, geothermal heating systems have become a popular option for homeowners searching for a more energy efficient and eco-friendly heating and cooling system. One of the biggest benefits of geothermal energy is the efficiency element. “A geothermal energy system will run at 400% more efficient than a traditional heating and cooling system. For every dollar you spend on the geothermal heat you’re going to get a $4-5 worth of heat in return,” notes Czech. Homeowners can expect to save anywhere from 30 to 60 percent on heating costs and almost half on cooling costs.

Additionally, geothermal heat systems are generally eligible for tax credits or rebates, and typically require less maintenance than conventional units. Warranties on geothermal heating systems are easily offered for a significant time period because of the reliable nature of the systems. And inside the home, the geothermal heat pump system on average lasts up to 25 years, making them one of the longest lasting systems on the market. Another benefit homeowners enjoy is less noise. The process of exchanging heat from underground to inside the home is silent.

Is Geothermal Heat Right for Your Home?

Depending on a few factors such as new home construction or installation at existing structures, different styles of geothermal heating systems are used. However, the method of cooling and heating is the same. Before moving forward with any large HVAC project, it’s always recommended to consult with an experienced installation company. HVAC companies that provide geothermal technology should have the right licensing and accreditations. Seeking out referrals can also provide peace of mind before having a geothermal heating system installed at your home.

Building a retirement home

BY PETE MOHS, Publisher

There are many things to consider when building your retirement home.

Not only is it likely to be the people, but it's also likely the most important as couples consider everything from location to build to design layout to meet future needs.

One Brainerd area couple completed their consideration of the project.

friendly design with a downsize in square feet from their previous home.

This is their retirement home project from start to finish. It’s not surprising the couple spent years thinking about their needs in constructing their new home. Their previous home featured a split-level layout that was difficult for aging homeowners, especially with any health issues. The couple shared their design ideas with North Country Custom Builders that included: handicap accessible doors, rooms and hallways with a step-free layout.

Location

Just as important as the layout is the location to build. Rural areas promise fresh air and tranquility, and may seem like the perfect location for a retirement home, but don’t rush without considering things like security and availability of services like admirable internet connectivity.

Also think about social amenities. How far away is a hospital located? Do you have access to grocery stores and pharmacies? Are the roads passable at all times?

The area couple picked a location within 10 miles of a hospital and just a couple miles from a variety of food and fuel services. Their building lot was also low maintenance with few large trees to maintain in future years.

Home layout

The single-level layout included in-floor heat throughout the home and garage. Walls were constructed with wheelchair-accessible doorways and hallways, no steps between inside and

outside spaces and a walk-in shower in the owner’s suite bath to maintain independent living for retirees.

An accessible laundry area, plus a layout helpful for carrying in groceries was a priority. The laundry room was constructed near the garage entry, but many layouts are switching to have the wash machine and dryer located near bedroom areas to limit carrying laundry baskets across the house. Using non-slippery materials, like rubber for the floors, is also an option for areas like bathrooms.

Make a home more versatile with dedicated space for a home office, hobby studio or meditation room. This is important as needs change over time. Other structural options such as a sitting room or sunroom, or covered screened porch, add private spaces where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and read, or whatever helps you live your best life.

One of the area couple’s favorite rooms is the sunroom — perfect for reading or watching television. They also built storage areas for toys and games for visits from the grandchildren.

You’ll also likely want an outdoor living area with easy access from the kitchen, sunroom or living room area. Outdoor living areas are also great for those who enjoy gardening or other outdoor hobbies.

Appliances

The main goal of building a retirement home is to relieve yourself of most of your financial burdens once you retire. But that might not be possible if the homeowner chooses low-quality appliances and fixtures. When setting up a retirement home, invest in high-quality fixtures, such as

stainless steel kitchen sinks. Also, avoid tall cabinets to keep things within reach. For those who love to entertain, choose a floor plan that features a chef’s kitchen with a central island and seating, plenty of storage and easy traffic flow.

Financial

Professionals will help you analyze whether your retirement savings can allow you to build a home and live comfortably. They can also help you explore other financial options, such as mortgages that will enable you to build or buy a home without hurting your financial health. It’s important to closely watch the cost of the building project since moving into retirement usually means a change in monthly income. And the house payment is usually the biggest monthly expense.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WINDOW BOX

It’s a jungle in there

BY SARAH NELSON KATZENBERGER

You don't have to have a green thumb to bring the outdoors inside. Water, sunshine, the right plants and a little devotion can make your home a lush paradise of greenery.

“There's a plant for everyone,” said Margaret Nelson of The Window Box. “And learning is a good thing.”

Nelson owns and operates The Window Box mobile plant store and provides in-home consultation to help homeowners decide what and have the best chance at a healthy indoor life. She emphasizes the vitality that comes with caring for indoor plants.

Indoor plants provide not just extra color to the home, but Nelson said they provide a great deal of joy particularly during the darkest months of the year. Nelson’s plant passion began as a kid tending to the garden with her mom, but her love for indoor plants developed when she was in college and dealing with seasonal depression during the winter months.

“I just kept thinking, ‘what is this space missing,’” she said. “I really wanted to have a space that felt alive.”

She noticed the only plants in her college apartment were dead, dried flowers.

“I just knew we had to change something, she said. “I couldn’t believe the effects — even the comments from other people.”

Nelson said she quickly realized how much plants made her living space feel like a home and eventually her passion for bringing life to people’s living spaces led her to help others find the right plants for their homes.

“We all long for a beautiful place where someone is waiting for us,” Nelson said. “Plants are a sign that someone is present and attentive.”

Nelson said she finds clients are often intimidated by growing plants indoors and feel defeated by their self-diagnosed lack of “green thumb” before they even start.

Nelson said one of the most important things is to make sure you purchase from a good source. “Big box stores carry less expensive plants, but they often come home with existing issues,” she said. “You’re set up to fail.”

Steve Armstrong of Erickson Greenhouse in Brainerd owns and operates one of the area’s oldest greenhouse operations. Armstrong said he encourages customers to be patient with themselves as they learn to care for indoor plants and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

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Choose the right plant

Different plants have different requirements for light, water and temperature. Before you buy a plant, do some research to find out what conditions it needs to thrive. Nelson said it’s smart to choose something simple at first. “Start with something realistic,” she said. Plants like Pothos, Monstera and Zee Zee are fairly low maintenance and forgiving when it comes to water and light. Some of the most popular plants sold by The Window Box are Hanging Hoyas and Dracaenas. “They look super unique, and they are really hardy plants,” she said.

Armstrong said he recommends succulents to new indoor gardeners. “They don’t need as much care,” he said. “We often joke that they just need a little tender loving neglect.”

Margaret Nelson Owner, The Window Box

Our team of Certified Arborists can take care of all your tree care needs.

Our services include:

•Tree Removal

•Pruning/Trimming

•Insect and Disease Control

•Deep Root Fertilization and Soil Care

•Brush Chipping

•Lot Clearing

•Stump Grinding

We all long for a beautiful place where someone is waiting for us. Plants are a sign that someone is present and attentive.

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Water your plants correctly

Over-watering or under-watering your plants can cause them to wilt or die. Nelson said the best way to know if your plants are getting the right amount of water is to check their soil.

“Don’t be afraid to get your hands in the dirt — like, literally,” she said. “Checking soil with your hands will tell you if the plant is getting enough moisture really quickly.”

If the soil crumbles, it’s time for some water. If it is moist below the surface, it’s probably OK to hold off a bit.

Erickson’s most popular plants might be the result of online influencers who have widely promoted water plants like the Prince Tut and King Tut. “They have become a major centerpiece for us,” Armstrong said.

The good news is, water plants are pretty simple to care for.

“They just like lots of water,” Armstrong said.

Provide the right amount of light

Most indoor plants need bright, indirect light to grow and thrive. Nelson said it’s smart to look for plants that require medium to lower light. “Most people don’t have as much light in their homes as they think they do,” she said. Nelson added to make sure to place plants near a window that receives plenty of sunlight but avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.

Armstrong noted that even plants that get the right amount of light may struggle if the temperature isn’t consistent. “Always check for vents as they can really impact the temperature and humidity for a plant that sits too close,” he said. “Know your spot before you make it your plant’s home.”

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Keep plants free from pests and diseases

Indoor plants can be susceptible to pests like spider mites and mealybugs, as well as diseases like root rot. Regularly inspect plants for signs of damage and treat any problems promptly. Armstrong said treating plants for pests is really simple and it’s likely you already have the magic solution in your home — dish soap. Combining regular dish soap and water to spray three or four times a week can quickly help a plant recover from any pest damage.

Prune your plants

Plants get split ends just like people do. Regular pruning can help keep your plants looking healthy and attractive. Remove dead or yellowing leaves, snip off overgrown stems and shape your plants as needed. Armstrong said in addition to pruning, it’s important to make sure your plants are potted in appropriately sized containers. The easiest way to tell if a plant is ready for a bigger pot is to check the root system. “If there’s a lot of roots at the bottom, it’s probably time to go up a size, “Armstrong said.

Pro Tip: Don’t move up too fast.

“Plants with too much space will have trouble re-establishing their roots,” Armstrong pointed out. “People tend to want to go bigger than they need to. Give your plants the space they need to grow but be aware of their size.”

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ZIMMERMANN

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Contemporary design is an incredibly dynamic and fluid category and always a step away from ordinary. The exterior of a contemporary home will provide airy outdoor spaces, flat or shallow roof pitches and great overhangs. Floor plans for contemporary homes often boast open floor plans with plenty of space to entertain, thoughtful transitions from indoor to outdoor spaces, and intentional sight lines giving each home an inspiring edge.

With more and more people changing the way they live and embracing the remote-work lifestyle, every minute in their home has to be enjoyable. People are building spaces they don’t want to leave. It has to be a balance between functionality and a spa-like retreat.

The most recent contemporary design trends have just that — a healthy balance of eloquent and humble. After speaking with Eddie Near, director of project development at Nor-Son Custom

Builders, it was clear the modern homeowner wants light, space and functionality with the beauty of clean lines and organic materials with beautiful incorporations of wood and stone, often put together like a beautiful and artistic ode to nature.

Research showed exterior design elements and a trend of flat rooflines with large overhangs in modern and contemporary designs. The style leads one to believe homeowners are redefining

Locally Owned - Quality Service

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outdoor gathering spaces. Large patios seem to be replacing tight decks and porches and the outdoor kitchen is becoming a more important part of the landscape. As you step into the interior of a contemporary home, you’ll notice the days of dining room wings or large owner suites are over. Dining spaces are now a seamless component of the showcase kitchen and owner suites see no need for sitting areas or large amounts

of furniture. Simplicity is the name of the game and unnecessary spaces have been converted so every square foot is truly useful.

“Today’s homeowner values functionality over expansive spaces,” said Near. “You’ll find closets are just as big as the bedroom itself with custom cabinets and drawers for organization.” Near also described design elements like walls of windows with limited sight obstructions

which help to bring nature indoors.

“Homeowner budgets prioritize larger, more expansive windows over costly trim to bring the outdoors closer to their everyday routines,” he said. The result of this leads to large, bright areas with very little clutter.

Kitchens are the centerpiece of the home complete with large islands with waterfall edges, crisp cabinets and smart appliances that blend into the

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cabinetry to create a clean look. Materials like Cambria or engineered quartz are chosen over the traditional granite countertops because of its high-quality, clean look. While checking out kitchens, look for pantries that hide away the clutter of countertop appliances, coffee bars and cooking utensils. Walk-in pantries with electrical outlets and thoughtful lighting is also on the homeowner bucket list. Contemporary design is an ever-evolving category and leans on a broad spectrum of style which may be overwhelming for a homeowner just starting out on their building journey. However, it is a great place to start because there is so much flexibility.

In the end, however, the family has always been at the heart of the design for Near. Knowing the home is built for comfort and memories is why Near continues his passion for his craft.

“I’ve remained in this industry for 30 years because we are doing more than just constructing a building,” explained Near. “I do this because we are creating a legacy for families.

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BY DANAE BLANCK ANDERSON, ASID, CID, NCIDQ

It's a new year, a chance to start fresh and that means not only with everyday lifestyle choices but in our homes as well.

People are requesting multi-use spaces with an emphasis on sustainability, mindfulness and eco-friendly designs. Transforming these spaces from closed in to open including places for family and friends to hang out, cook together and relax while still providing a or gym is on the forefront. There's a lot to consider in creating the perfect curated space we all call home.

Check out the return of color in 2023. We embrace saturated color in all parts of interiors from cabinetry to walls, furniture, fabrics, art and accessories. Benjamin Moore’s color of the year is Raspberry Blush, a deep red making a warm yet bold statement with an infusion of coral. The other colors paired with Raspberry Blush are just as unapologetic.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HIRSHFIELD’S FOR BENJAMIN MOORE PAINT

They include a combination of moody colors like a new take on royal blue also known as Starry Night Blue or an updated deep teal named North Sea Green, along with some softer romantic hues such as peachy Conch Shell and New Age grayed down

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HIRSHFIELD’S FOR BENJAMIN MOORE PAINT

Lighting control is an advanced way to light your home, you can automate your lights and control them remotely eliminating the need for traditional wall switches.

SMART HOME AUTOMATION

• Makes all the systems in your home work together with one app.

• Make things happen with a tap of a button, a voice command, or on a schedule.

HOME NETWORK

• Fast and reliable Enterprise level network in your home without having low wireless signal anywhere.

CUSTOM AUDIO AND VISUAL

• Background music, Theater rooms, TVs.

• We can take care of all of your entertainment needs.

WINDOW TREATMENTS

• Motorized or manual window treatments.

• With motorized treatments you can raise or lower any or all of your shades with the push of a button or on a schedule.

LIGHTING CONTROL

• A lighting control system creates the ability for all of a home’s lighting to be controlled together. For instance, one button press can turn on six dimmers, each to the ideal brightness for the task at hand, whether it is relaxing with a book, watching a movie, or cleaning.

SECURITY SYSTEM

• Make sure your home is safe, even if you are not there.

SURVEILLANCE

• Cameras that are stationary or adjustable so you are able to see and record everything going on.

HVAC CONTROLS

• Control heating and A/C from your phone, or computer to make sure your home is the perfect temperature when you arrive. Set schedules to turn the temperature down an hour before going to bed and up to 30 minutes before your alarm goes off in the morning.

lavender. I’d say it’s a way to break out of the gray tones that have dominated the color palette the last few years and help liven up our environments.

If you’re ready to try more color but don’t want to go crazy everywhere, consider doing a statement wall. This trend is not going away. Statement walls are eye catchy conversation starters. This option can help an apprehensive person ease into color and get their “feet wet.” Try doing this with either shiplap, another type of wood designed wall, a smooth or textured painted surface or even a wallcovering.

Bold wallpaper patterns are currently dominating the market, along with heavily textured options. Using a wallpaper as an accent is a great way to incorporate pattern, color and texture to a space. With the right wallcovering, it will update and elevate your look giving it a luxe feel.

“Bold florals or textured grasscloth are what I’m seeing the most of in wallcovering sales,” said Amanda Schneider, window treatment consultant and decor specialist at Hirshfield’s in Baxter.

Another place to try a bold print in is a powder room or half bath where it’s

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HIRSHFIELD’S FOR BENJAMIN MOORE PAINT

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small enough to make a big impact but not so costly that if the pattern overwhelms it can’t be redone easily. When asked about what’s trending in the lakes area for color and decor, Schneider mentioned navy blue, soft natural tones and sage greens are what she currently sees most. In addition, window treatments such as woven wood shades are still popular.

Roman Shades

This old favorite is making a comeback. Nationally the trend reports from blinds.com show natural woven woods paired with neutral drapery panels as being used more often. Roman shades without any top valance to keep the look streamlined and clean is a popular choice as well.

Keeping windows covered can aid with energy efficiency, another buzz term currently which leads us into sustainable products and eco-friendly design trends. A huge trend today that is frankly here to stay are consumers wanting to design keeping our planet in mind. I personally think this is so important; we all need to do our part in trying to lower the carbon footprint.

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Resourcing where items are ethically sourced goes along with the thinking sustainability is not just a trend but truly a way of life now. Rehoming items while building or remodeling to places such as Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore here in Brainerd is a great way to start. Items donated to the ReStore are sold helping pay for the store location, utilities, insurances, etc., benefitting many workers and people looking to find some items to repurpose. That way other monetary donations can in turn be used for Habitat to build homes for families in need.

Kevin Pelkey, executive director for Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity, has noticed a surge with donations to the ReStore, especially since COVID. He discussed how lucky they were to have been started before the national trend for thrifting became so popular. “It’s an interesting phenomenon; the last 2-3 years we’ve seen a high uptick with donors...and the benefit from the surge is seeing people are continuing to come in. We are glad to see that donations have not slowed down and foot traffic is steady with lots of DIY project doers,” said Pelkey.

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As consumers, do the research necessary to find out where products come from, how they are made and from what materials. Finally ask if the manufacturer has any sort of “green” labeling or energy efficiency ratings. Demand knowing more from designers, contractors and tradespeople to challenge others to also do their part. Being eco-friendly is the new chic which I believe should constantly be trending.

The trend for open shelving and stylized vent hoods continues in kitchen design along with colorful cabinetry like green, blue and even dare I say it...rosy pink. These colors paired with patterned, smooth or textured backsplash tiles and great mixed metals, such as, black, matte gold and stainless in hardware, light fixtures and faucets create warmth and contrast. Truly though the most notable trend in kitchen design is mindfulness. The idea is to transform your kitchen with well thought out compartmentalized spaces like breakfast and coffee stations, cooking areas with pot filler faucets and baking nooks with storage for everything from a rolling pin to parchment paper while having a pantry

with itemized organized storage. The idea is a well thought out space will create peace and harmony within the hub of the home. If there is a place for everything, it won’t feel cluttered and everyone will help keep it clean which makes family dinners and entertaining also easier.

Keeping the air clean in our homes has become increasingly more important with airborne illnesses on the rise. Biophilia, the love of natural living things, is helping to bring the outdoors into our homes and using plants to aid in air purification along with overall well being. In Nisswa at Copper Creek Landscaping, Gabrielle Ries, greenhouse manager, filled me in on some of the best houseplants to start with. “Snake plants or Sansevieria is an air purifier that are excellent for beginners, easy to take care of and low maintenance,” said Reis. She also spoke about Aloe Vera and many uses including it’s properties for skin, propagation and air purification. Find out more about Biophilia and incorporate it in your home, maybe even try a herb garden.

2023 is full of exciting trends. Now it’s up to you to explore them.

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Today’s trends in flooring

texture embrace

BY SHEILA HELMBERGER

the most important thing you have to consider is your family's lifestyle. Personal taste used to determine if you preferred carpet, wood or tile. Today there are even more options. Some of these include a natural raw look, grains and even a rough texture.

As much as your furniture, window coverings and blends with the style you have chosen for the rest of your home. Whether you embrace a farmhouse feel, a rustic theme, or something that is more contemporary, cork and brick. Wood and vinyl are still extremely popular, but homeowners are enjoying the look durability and added slip-resistance. Even the vinyl and hardwood options have seen rough-sawn, or weathered-look versions gain popularity.

Cork

Laura Smith is an interior designer at Hudrlik Carpet & Tile in Brainerd. She says cork flooring is a trend they have seen emerge and says she has it in her own home. It offers warmth and texture and absorbs your body heat. It comes in various colors and is available as a floating floor or a more stable glued-down version.

Smith said her customers choose the product because it is an option that is green and sustainable. A renewable resource, the cork comes from the bark of a cork oak tree. The tree does not need to be cut down or killed to remove the material and the bark can be removed from a single tree again and again. Surprisingly, the versatile cork flooring can also be sanded and refinished like wood products to ensure longevity.

Smith says cork styles are similar in price to mid-range wood. While a cork flooring is resistant to echoing and brings a softness into a home, one drawback is that it is not necessarily waterproof. While it might not be ideal in a bathroom, it is ideal for a living room, family room and bedroom.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HDRLICK CARPET AND TILE

Bamboo

Like the cork product, bamboo is also an eco-friendly, sustainable option. Bamboo is hard and durable like a wood flooring and can also be refinished to extend its life. As durable as a wood floor, it is a grass, which helps to make it resistant to moisture.

A tree used in wood-flooring can take 20 years to grow; a bamboo stalk can be harvested over and over again about every five years.

Brick

You may have always thought of brick as being for outdoor surfaces, but the material has made the move indoors. Brick pavers, brick veneer and even a brick-look flooring, can complement industrial and rustic home styles and add a distinct character and charm to a space. Rugged and durable, the flooring is the perfect option for an entryway or mudroom.

Indoor brick flooring comes in assorted colors. It can be laid out to create an interesting pattern and will hide dirt and wear and tear well. If you like the look of brick, but aren’t sure the real deal is for you, there are porcelain tiles, vinyl flooring and brick laminate that can also be used to give you the look of brick.

Wood

While some homeowners still enjoy the smooth polished look of an elegant wood floor, people are also embracing wood products that feature subtle signs of wear. Hand-scraped wood might even have the appearance of long, ingrained scrapes in the pieces, some scuffing and knotholes or other blemishes with intentional signs of aging and character.

With so many very different styles of flooring to choose from, making a final decision on what goes beneath your feet, might come down to lifestyle and the wear it will see. Smooth flooring offers a slicker look to a room and ease in cleaning, but if a more textured material appeals to you, it helps to know it will hold up well in areas with heavy foot traffic and will easily hide the wear and tear of a busy family.

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It’s as easy as One, Key On Two Ke K One,Two,Key

BY LINDA HURST

For the past couple of years, buying a home or vacation property felt like being trapped in “The Hunger Games.” An agent would place a property on MLS as “Coming Soon” to generate interest. YOU are interested! Once that listing is switched to “Active,” everything moves fast. You get the

submits it as fast as possible. As they say in the movie, “May the odds be forever in your favor.”

Moving into 2023, the markets in the Brainerd lakes area are cooling a bit. But is it a buyers market yet? Not quite. Adam Kalenberg, Broker/Owner of Sothby’s International Real Estate says, “We are still seeing multiple offer situations.” So while nationally, market times and inventory are slowly increasing, Minnesota appears to buck the trend.

And with competition for houses not exactly slowing down, JP Elsenpeter, president of First National Bank North, notes, “In my 25 year career, I’ve noticed that there is less inventory, both on and off the lakes. But what we see from our customers is a strong desire to

live in the Brainerd lakes area, so local banks are still seeing considerable purchase and construction loan activity.”

Kalenberg agrees. “The Brainerd lakes area used to be considered cabin country, but for the past several years has been emerging as a luxury home market. Before the pandemic, we used to see 90-100 listings on the lakes. Now there are only a handful of listings, and of those, some are likely to be pending,” he said. The takeaway: This is the place to be, and serious buyers will be prepared to make an offer when the right property comes up.

What drives this trend? One factor

leading the way is more people are working from home. Once a novel idea, it has now become mainstreamed. Businesses have realized some employees can be fully productive when not confined to a traditional office setting. Employees have the freedom to either work in the office or take that Zoom meeting from their deck overlooking the lake. For many, this is an easy choice.

Both Elsenpeter and Kalenberg advise when you are ready to invest in real estate, it’s important to work with a team of experienced professionals and start talking with them early in the process. No matter the price range that attracts

you, your choice of lender and Realtor are pivotal selections.

Elsenpeter makes the point that the Brainerd lakes area has a lot of very good community banks. “One primary benefit to working with your local lender is they know our area and offer the flexibility to hold a loan in-house or to sell it on the secondary market.” The benefit to the consumer is more and better choices.

When asked about a crystal ball view of future lending, Elsenpeter says, “Based on recent events in the banking industry, we anticipate rates to settle down. We might see a tiny tick up, but we think we’ll see a hold and then come down a bit. Inflation still seems to be a big concern.” Lenders will have a variety of options to consider and are happy to discuss what is best for you.

Both offer this advice: In a vacation-driven market, the faster you buy that home, the longer you will get to enjoy it. This area has much to offer and is second to none. When you’re ready to get serious about buying or building a home, assemble your team of strong, knowledgeable professionals. They’ll make the process as easy as One, Two, Key!

BY MELINDA LAVINE Duluth News Tribune

Couple from Brazil, Grand Marais build luxury rentals featured in Conde Nast, HBO’s ‘Cabin Chronicles’

When Simone Strand nearly 20 acres that would become her home, she was … concerned.

“It was absolute chaos,” she recalled, describing a graveyard of dead birch trees and very thick brush. “I remember thinking, ‘This is crazy.’”

Heating & Air r Conditioning Sales and Ser vices in the Brainerd d Lakes Area

Ten years, massive clearings and several builds later, Andrew and Simone Strand, owners of tiny timber-framed rental Agua Norte, have been featured in Conde Nast Traveler, HBO’s “The Cabin Chronicles,” Magnolia Network and more. And, they opened their second tiny cabin, Tranquilo, this month.

They chose to name it Agua Norte, Portuguese for “northern waters,” as a tribute to their roots. She’s from Brazil. He’s from Grand Marais.

Andrew was considering purchasing this land back home when they met on a Hawaiian beach. “He asked me if I’d ever come to Minnesota. ‘You have to visit me in Brazil first,’” Simone recalled.

He closed on it in 2009 and got to clearing the driveway and everything else. “I knew it had potential, even if we didn’t have a view,” he said.

The couple was living in his pickup camper, intent on summering up the shore and wintering abroad, when they decided to build a screened-in porch to keep the bugs out. “We were 25. We didn’t have a solid plan, yet,” Simone said.

Andrew Strand

Everything has to be precise to fit together with just oak pegs. There aren’t any structural screws. It’s an almost ancient way of being.

A friend suggested they build a sleeping loft. Then, why not a kitchen, too, and a bathroom? The pair designed the tiny cabin, drilled a well and built a septic system.

After the Strands finalized their design for the cabin, Andrew learned how to make it come to life working alongside experienced builders. He helped harvest and mill the timbers for the frame. The cabin’s spruce, birch and balsam came from their land, and they purchased Douglas fir for the kitchen cabinets.

“Everything has to be precise to fit together with just oak pegs. There aren’t any structural screws. It’s an almost ancient way of being,” he said during HBO’s “The Cabin Chronicles.”

Andrew’s friends and family are builders and his background is in excavating dirt and logging. “Living up here seems like you’re always doing things for yourself because it’s so expensive, so you got to learn,” he said.

The 360-square-foot tiny cabin boasts elegant interior woodwork, a cathedral ceiling and large picture windows to drink in the view from every available angle.

Everything needs a purpose in this small space, so there are two small bar

seats in the kitchen and a small kitchenette table for two in the dining area. A loveseat/chaise combo converts into a pull out bed in the living room, and a hanging chair hangs, well-placed in front of the loft stairs, a third restful seating option.

On the walls are works by Grand Marais photographer Katie Mumm and taxidermy fish caught by Andrew’s grandfather. There’s a skylight in the carpeted loft, in-floor heating throughout, a natural stone and pebble floor in the bathroom. Even the shower curtain rod is off the land. “Everybody loves that stick,” said Simone.

The Strands’ Tranquilo cabin is intended to be elegant and a little different.

The one-level cabin boasts a propane stove facing between large picture windows overlooking Lake Superior. Fluffy, cloud-shaped rugs hug the bed, and two leather seated chairs congregate around a wicker footrest standing near a telescope.

Most of their guests are couples from the Cities, said Simone. Among them is Molly Kubinski, of St. Paul. She and her husband got in on Agua Norte when the Strands first started renting.

Five stays later, Kubinski called it “a true tiny home,” where everything has its place, and it doesn’t feel cramped. “It’s this great front seat to watch nature unfold,” she said. When she and her husband visit Agua Norte, they hike, agate hunt, geocache — or nestle in — as the location suits both.

It’s a “basecamp for adventures,” Kubinski said. “It’s removed enough that you feel the sense of unplugging from the chaos of everyday life and plugging back into nature, plugging back into yourself.”

The Strands have come a long way since their first winter. The changes in climate and language posed a challenge for Simone Strand, who was accustomed to island life during winter. Her husband introduced her to ice fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, which helped, and last winter was their first in Brazil as a family.

“We’ve got water, but not like that,” said Andrew.

aguanortemn.com/cabin airbnb.com/rooms/19750790

Celebrating 3 Years in Crosslake

CONTRIBUTORS

Danae Blanck Anderson, ASID, CID, NCIDQ, can be found designing in the Brainerd lakes area. She owns I.D. Your World, an interior design consulting business specializing in remodels and new construction for residential and commercial projects. Anderson has more than 25 years of experience and is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, Certified Designer in the State of Minnesota and has passed the National Council for Interior Design Qualification test. Freelancing combines her love of writing with design. Danae enjoys camping, walking, traveling and spending time with family and friends. She has two boys, Jace and Jude, with her husband, Jarrett, who often works with her doing blind and art installations.

Sheila Helmberger lives in the Brainerd area and is a frequent contributor to Her Voice.

Linda Hurst was one of the original founders of the award winning Minnesota Home magazine. She has written articles for several Dispatch magazines and publications. She now works at Breen and Person/Quality Title. She has a loyal following on social media of people who are actually following the adventures of her dogs, Ginger and Jack.

Pete Mohs has been publisher of the Brainerd Dispatch since 2016 and publisher of the PineandLakes Echo Journal weekly newspaper since 2004. He came to the Brainerd area in 1983 as a reporter for the Dispatch, and still enjoys occasionally writing sports stories and special section features.

Sarah Nelson Katzenberger is a displaced Californian who had no idea there were four seasons until she moved to Minnesota. She is a former missionary, law school drop-out, high school teacher and award-winning journalist with the Brainerd Dispatch. She continues to write for local and national publications and provides unsolicited grammar correction as needed. Sarah lives in Brainerd with her husband Chad and their three baby Vikings, Ellis, Meredith and Truett.

Nicole Stracek is a freelance writer based in Staples. She lives along the Crow Wing River with her husband and three kids. She studied and graduated with a bachelor’s from St. Scholastica. Her writing can be found in both local and national magazines.

Candice Zimmerman is the current director of the Northland Arboretum and a creative soul inspired by the outdoors. Her happy place is on a dock or porch at sunrise with a cup of coffee in hand.

Candice and her husband are raising two beautiful kids and a handful of crazy critters on their hobby farm south of Brainerd.

Pete Mohs

Linda Hurst

Sheila Helmberger

Danae Blanck Anderson

Candice Zimmerman

Nicole Stracek

Sarah Nelson Katzenberger

ABRA LANDSCAPING ........................................................41

ABRA LANDSCAPING ........................................................41

AMERICAN DOOR WORKS ...............................................56

BACKYARD REFLECTIONS ...................................................44

BATHTUB REFINISHING USA .............................................29

BRAINERD GL ASS ...................................................................27

BRAINERD HARDWOODS INCORPORATED ..............24

CROSSLAKE SHEETMETAL HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING ...........................................................51

CROW WING CABINETS ...................................................28

CYGNETURE TITLE SOLUTIONS, LLC ...............................58

DEERWOOD BANK ...............................................................37

DOTTY BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION ...............................9

ELITE TITLE & ESCROW CORP. ..............................................2

EXTERIOR PRO ..........................................................................47

FIKSCON ROOFING INC. ................................................53

FIRST NATIONAL BANK NORTH.......................................38

FRANDSEN BANK & TRUST ................................................21

GERHARD’S KITCHEN & BATH STORE ............................12

GREAT RIVER DOOR COMPANY ......................................22

GULL LAKE GLASS INC. .......................................................18

HIRSHFIELD’S OF BAXTER ....................................................33

HOLDEN ELECTRIC CO., INC. ...........................................54

HYTEC CONSTRUCTION ..................................................25

ISEMAN HOMES ...................................................................13

JAG INTERIOR SOLUTIONS, LLC.......................................36

JIBEC HEATING AND COOLING .....................................14

JIM CHRISTENSEN  LAKESHORE

MARKETING GROUP ..............................................................3

JN TREE SERVICE & LANDSCAPING ................................45

KNIFE RIVER ..............................................................................10

LAKES AREA TITLE SERVICES, LLC ......................................16

LAKESIDE FIREPLACE AND STOVE ....................................55

LANDS END DEVELOPMENT, LLC ..............................3031

MATTSON LUMBER COMPANY.......................................50

MID MINNESOTA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION ...............19

MIKE’S TREE COMPANY......................................................23

NATIONAL INSURANCE BROKERS 

HICE AGENCY ........................................................................49

NORSON INC.......................................................................60

OBERG FENCE .......................................................................46

RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN 17

SHANNON FINNEGAN, AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE ....................................32

SHANNON’S AUTO BODY .................................................7

SHANNON’S AUTO BODY ...............................................56

SOUND COMMUNICATIONS INC...............................35

SYNERGY PRODUCTS .............................................................5

TREMOLO COMMUNICATIONS ....................................26

TRI COUNTY FOAM INSULATION ..................................34

UP NORTH FIREPLACE GALLERY ..........................................8

WES HANSON BUILDERS INC. .........................................11

WHITEFISH AT THE LAKES SENIOR LIVING ..................57

WILDERNESS LAND CLEARING & MULCHING .........45

WILKENING FIREPLACE .......................................................52

WINGS FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION .............................15

WW THOMPSON CONCRETE PRODUCTS ................59

DIRECTORY

BRAINERD BN CREDIT UNION ........................................58

BRAINERD DISPATCH.............................................................58

CERTIFIED APPLIANCE REPAIR EXPERTS ...........................58

NATIONAL INSURANCE BROKERS 

HICE AGENCY ........................................................................58

NORTHLAND BUILDINGS INC. ........................................58

SANDY SWANSON CENTURY 21 REALTY ...................58

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