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Open and Airy Spaces — The open floor plan continues to ring true in designing floor plans in remodeling and new construction. Less defined spaces with walls turn into large open built environments with furniture dividing how the living space is used. Part of the draw to this sort of plan is the benefit of being able to see what is happening all around you. The busy work at home mom can read an email, make dinner, help an older child with homework and keep an eye on her toddler all at once without worrying about not seeing someone is a huge perk. Open floor plans also make spaces seem larger even when they may lack in actual square footage. This trend in design has broken the boundaries of what has been expected in a home and made way for what can be possible to meet all of your personal design needs.
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Tiled Backsplashes — Adding some “bling” to your kitchen or bath with a tiled backsplash is definitely all the rage! The simplest kitchen layout can be empowered by the perfect pairing of just the right tile to blend all of the elements of the space together. There are a wide variety of options in the marketplace to meet numerous styles and maintenance preferences. Real stone is gorgeous yet porous so it must be sealed and maintained. Porcelain is being used more often due to its durability. It is a great option, easily maintained and offers an abundance of colors or patterns. There are metals, resins, ceramics, glass and a slew of other options as well. Mixing media can be tricky but when done right truly sets off the space remarkably well. Be sure to work with the correct type of setting materials and grout to achieve a solid installation.
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Locally Sourced — This is a hot topic these days, especially for sustainability. We are lucky to have so many qualified trades people in the lakes area. Using local craftsmen to work on your project is a great benefit not only for achieving a quality handmade product but also for this area’s economy. Another benefit of going with a local craftsman is customizing your product and knowing where the items come from to fabricate it. It is important to know the companies’ values and practices. Many local custom cabinet makers have a knack for creating wonderfully solid pieces that are customized for each client. They work on kitchens, bathrooms, office cabinetry … you name it they can incorporate the design you are dreaming of into the space.
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Focal Point Fireplaces — This is definitely not a new trend but I do see this continuing as a staple in the industry here. Depending on the spaces, square footage and the look the customer wants to achieve there is a ton of options that are available to choose from. Like stone, tile or wood surrounds and big chunky rustic mantels or ornately
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SUBMITTED BY: NORTH COUNTRY CUSTOM BUILDERS
depending on how important the view. “When we add wood to the exterior of a structure we typically like to keep it as reduced maintenance as possible so tucking it up under a large overhang and keeping it high off the ground is great way to keep from having to stain or paint it year after year,” said Johnston.
detailed wrap around mantels, the design choices are endless. Be sure to incorporate a style that ties into the rest of your space so the focal point is not “out of place” but instead adds the perfect touch of beauty and warmth to carry out the rest of the design.
2 2016 | MINNESOTA HOME 29