Design & Living August 2017

AUGUST 2017

COMPLIMENTARY

Outdoor

PHOTO BY Hillary Ehlen

FROM THE EDITOR

Inspiration

M

y name is Becca Opp, and after six months as the assistant editor, I am honored to be the new editor of Design & Living Magazine. A native of Glen Ullin, a small town in western North Dakota, I moved to Fargo in 2012 to attend NDSU. My background may be in English education and communications, but I have always had an interest in art, architecture, home building, interior design and home dĂŠcor. I was thrilled to accept this position because it blends all of my passions into one career. If you had told me this time last year that I would become the editor of a guide to interior and exterior design, I probably wouldn't have believed you. In that instance, however, I would happily be wrong.

The theme of this issue is "outdoor paradises." As you can see from my complexion, I am not a very outdoorsy person. In fact, my favorite days are drizzly ones because rain makes the perfect excuse to stay indoors. But after interviewing homeowners, master gardeners and landscapers, I was inspired to try and tame the overgrown flower bed in my own front yard. I know that it's already August, but better late than never, right?

Growing up, I always took for granted the fact that my house had a big yard with a green lawn. During the spring and summer, my parents kept three gardens and two flower beds. Daisies, bachelor buttons, yellow roses, pink carnations and tiger lilies grew like

wildflowers throughout my childhood and I often fed on fresh produce straight out of the the vegetable garden. Until recently, I didn't comprehend how much time, effort and disposable income it takes to keep up that kind of outdoor space.

Now, I understand why it meant so much to my parents whenever they won "yard of the week," which involved proudly displaying a sign in the front yard and having a photo of our house in the local paper. That's how I want this issue to make people feel. This issue of Design & Living Magazine was intended to recognize people who devote themselves to creating and caring for outstanding outdoor spaces throughout the FM area. If you're reading this, I hope that you enjoy being transported to these beautiful places and feel inspired to create an outdoor paradise of your own.

Sincerely, Becca Opp

Editor becca@spotlightmediafargo.com P.S. If you want your historic property to be featured in the September 2017 issue of Design & Living Magazine, please email becca@spotlightmediafargo.com.

Design&Living Team At Design & Living, our goal is to create a publication that is just as much fun to read as it is to view. Here are the writers, designers, photographers and contributors who so affably use their time and talents to tell a story and give our pages purpose.

HILLARY

JESSE

TYRONE

ANDREW

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTOR

EHLEN

Ehlen is an editorial photographer for Spotlight Media and owner of Hillary Ehlen Photography. She is a native of Fargo and attended North Dakota State University for visual arts with an emphasis in photography.

HOORELBEKE Hoorelbeke is a former professional baseball player turned photographer. He is the owner of J. Alan Paul Photography in Fargo, and our veteran, lead editorial photographer for Spotlight Media.

Hoorelbeke specializes in editorial, commercial, architectural and landscape photography.

LESLIE

Leslie founded Heritage Homes in 1995. It is a custom residential home building company serving the FM metro and lakes areas. He currently serves as the Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead's president. He is also a director on boards of the North Dakota Association of Builders and National Association of Home Builders.

JASON

Jason is the editorial director for Spotlight Media, Design and Living Magazine's parent company. For the last six years, he has written and been an editor for Spotlight Media's various publications. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism from MSUM.

SARAH

MARIA

TREVER

KATIE

DESIGNER

CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTOR

GEIGER Geiger is a MSUM graduate with a BFA and an emphasis in Graphic Design. She is the lead publication designer for Design & Living Magazine, Fargo Monthly and Fargo Inc! magazines at Spotlight Media.

BOSAK

Bosak is the owner of Eco Chic Boutique in Fargo and Bismarck, North Dakota. She is also the founder of local events, Junk Market and the Eco Chic Design Conference. She is a sought after local talent in painted furniture, vintage decor and farmhouse chic design. She also offers classes and home staging services.

HILL

Hill founded Trever Hill Design in 2009. Hill works on both residential and commercial design projects around the FM and lakes area. He is also a co-owner of The Private Collection, a furniture rental and home staging business.

SULLIVAN Sullivan is a freelance writer with a passion for interior design. She writes about her family’s first home on her lifestyle website, prettydomesticated.com. Her formal training in journalism from the University of Minnesota combined with her husband’s carpentry results in engaging content for their readers. Connect with Sullivan on Facebook at "Pretty Domesticated" and on Instagram at @PrettyDomesticated.

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contents

FEATURE STORY

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Outdoor Paradises This month, we explored exquisitely landscaped properties, caught glimpses of a charming garden and stopped to sip sweet tea on a few front porches. Last, but not least, we've included a collage of contributed photos featuring local landscapers' favorite sites.

2017 AUGUST

80 Gathering in the Great Outdoors

As the owner of Gathered., Carrie Brusven knows that the secret to planning an unforgettable event is creating an atmosphere for your audience, which is exactly what she did for this lakeside dinner party.

105 Farmhouse Project Exterior Reveal

As you know, Maria Bosak has been flipping her home from just fine to farmhouse chic. Now, join her in celebration of this exterior transformation as she discusses the ups and downs of picking a paint color and how to create outdoor focal points.

113 Bringing Out the Indoors

Interior decorator Trever Hill was recently tasked with bringing the indoors outside.

Throughout the decorating process, Hill jotted down a few notes on how to make your outdoor living areas feel like an extension of your interior space.

120 Walking through History

We went for a walk with HNA Communications Director Simone Wai, who answered all of our questions about the upcoming Historic Hawthorne Home Tour.

NEXT MONTH

ON THE COVER This outdoor scene by J. Alan Paul Photography depicts Skyler Akason's yard in the evening with landscaping by Precision Lawn Care & Landscaping and pool by Olson Pools & Spas.

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Design & Living Magazine is pleased to present our third annual Historic Homes issue. We'll introduce you to past and present homeowners of these historic homes and uncover the secrets their properties hold.

For more exclusive, original content,

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @designandlivingmagazine

MEET THE TEAM MIKE

ETHAN

JOE

KELSEY

ERICA

LAYNE

SAMANTHA

BECCA

ANDREW

NATE

SARAH

JENNY

HEATHER

SCOTT

KARA

PAUL

JESSE

PAM

MATT

NICK

KYLE

HUONG

SCOTT

TATIANA

RUTH

ANUSHREE

HILLARY

TAKE A LOOK AT

Spotlight Media's Other Magazines

The SCHEELS Way If you're one of SCHEELS' more than 6,000 employees, you're not likely to forget the sporting-goods giant's seven core values—they all begin with the letter "p," after all. Straight from the mouth of team members, learn more about "The SCHEELS WAY" and the role the company's values play in the 115-year-old company's success.

What's Next for Carson Wentz?

If it wasn't for another rookie quarterback in the division, Carson Wentz's first year in the NFL would have been put national pundits in hysteria. Locally, Fargo, NDSU alums and North Dakotans proudly gloated the success of one of their own at the professional level. So what's next for NDSU's crown jewel?

ESPN senior correspondent Sal Paolantonio answers that question for us in the August Bison Illustrated.

The Yesteryears Fargo-Moorhead packs an incredible amount of fascinating history since its beginning in 1871. This month, Fargo Monthly consulted historians, experts and veteran locals to uncover tales from Fargo-Moorhead's past.

Whether you're a native to the area or a recent arrival, these memories will spark some nostalgia or show you that some of this history is still right in front of our eyes.

LEARN MORE ABOUT US spotlightmediafargo.com

AUGUST 2017 Design & Living Magazine is a free publication distributed 12 times a year. Our mission is to showcase all that the Red River Valley has to offer in terms of interior design, architecture and landscaping, profiling the people that make these possible. We also strive to provide a quality and fun reading experience and improve the way of life in our community. The publication is mailed to homes across the US and has stand distribution throughout North Dakota and Minnesota.

PUBLISHER

Spotlight Media LLC

PRESIDENT

Mike Dragosavich

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR EDITOR

Andrew Jason Becca Opp

DESIGN/LAYOUT

Sarah Geiger, Matt Anderson

CONTRIBUTORS

Maria Bosak, Katie Sullivan, Trever Hill, Tyrone Leslie, Becca Opp

COPY EDITORS

Erica Rapp, Becca Opp, Ethan Mickelson, Kara Jeffers

WEB TEAM BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER SALES MANAGER ADVERTISING/SALES CLIENT RELATIONS MANAGER SOCIAL MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY

SALES ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT SALES & OPERATIONS INTERNS PROJECT ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN VIDEOGRAPHY INTERN DELIVERY

Samantha Stark, Huong Tran Heather Hemingway Layne Hanson Paul Hoefer, Scott Rorvig Jenny Johnson Becca Opp, Samantha Stark J. Alan Paul Photography, Hillary Ehlen, Nick Friesen Photography, Maria Bosak, Morgan Schleif, Haley Frost Creative, Trever Hill, Erin Dahl, HBA, Shotwell Floral, Chris Hawley Architects, Baker Garden & Gift, Beyond Outdoors, Boyle Landscaping, Land Elements, Outdoor Worx, Valley Landscaping, Chris Redding Pam Mjoness Nick Hackl, Tatiana Hasbargen, Kyle Gliva, Ruth Olson, Anushree Kesurvala Kelsey Wolters Scott Cramer Mitch Rapp, Hal Ecker, Nolan Kaml, Tom Wegner, Kent Hagen, Thomas White

Design & Living Magazine is published by Spotlight Media, LLC. Copyright 2017 Design & Living Magazine & designandlivingmagazine.com. All rights reserved. No parts of this periodical may be reproduced or distributed without written permission of Design & Living Magazine and Spotlight Media, LLC is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information. Spotlight Media, LLC accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the advertisers.

ADVERTISING: 701-478-SPOT (7768) spotlightmediafargo.com Send change of address information and other correspondence to: Spotlight Media, LLC 15 Broadway N. Suite 500, Fargo, ND 58102 or info@spotlightmediafargo.com

HBA EDITORIAL DESIGN&LIVING

Fall for

By Tyrone Leslie, HBA President Heritage Homes

A NEW HOME OR REMODELING IDEA IN SEPTEMBER Excitement is high for another great HBA of FM showcase as we look forward to the refreshing aspects of fall: crisp days, football and, of course, the Fall Parade of Homes and Remodeled Home Tour.

T

he Fall Parade of Homes runs two weekends: September 16-17 and 23-24. The Remodeled Home Tour runs September 23-24 only. Hours are noon-5 p.m. each day.

Admission is free, except for luxurious featured homes, which cost $5 with proceeds donated to charity.

It’s also worth noting that now is a great time to buy or remodel with low interest rates and amazing local incentives.

Even if you’re not quite ready to update your home or buy a new home, we hope you will take advantage of this chance to take a peek at some of the hottest new construction and remodeling trends showcased by our members.

The Tour features renovation projects that could include kitchen renovations, main level remodels and basement refreshes.

Look for blue and orange signs and pennants.

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The Parade includes entries constructed

by HBA of FM builder members representing a wide range of home styles and prices in developments around the Fargo-Moorhead area. Look for the bright yellow and blue signs and pennants.

Magazine and Digital Details Parade of Homes/Tour magazines

detailing each home entry will be available at all Hornbacher’s stores September 11.

It includes a detailed pull-out map to each Parade/Tour entry, as well as a condensed listing of all homes entered in the event sorted by price and builder/contractor.

Event attendees should purchase their $5 luxurious featured home tickets or register for their free general admission ticket online at paradefm.com or through the mobile app that will be available through the App Store and Google Play. By using these new digital tools, you can browse information on each home, see the maps and plan your route, plus see additional information and photos not included in the magazine.

Tyrone Leslie founded Heritage Homes in 1995. It is a custom residential homebuilding company serving the FM metro and lakes areas.

The HBA of FM promotes an environment in which members and their businesses can prosper.

For more information, contact: hbafm.com info@hbafm.com facebook.com/ HBAFargoMoorhead twitter.com/hbafm Blog: homebuildersassociation. areavoices.com

DESIGN&LIVING LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING

MATERIALS Checklist

J

BY Becca Opp PHOTOS BY J. Alan Paul Photography

ust as options for interior finishes have multiplied in the last few years, landscaping materials are also becoming more abundant. With the product diversity available these days, it is hard for homeowners to commit to their choices when designing an outdoor space. This is both a blessing and a curse. While you might find exactly what you're looking for in a finish that didn't exist ten years ago, it could take a year just to pick out the perfect paver. To help simplify the process, we've constructed a list of basic landscaping materials with the help of local experts at Valley Landscaping.

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1.

LANDSCAPING DESIGN&LIVING

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but dirt is a necessary element of any landscaping project. Landscapers use various classes of dirt when grading a yard. It can also be used underneath outdoor structures like patios.

2.

This product is made out of shredded tree bark, wood and sometimes other materials.

It can be used around trees, shrubs and flowers to help the ground retain moisture or for aesthetic reasons. However, it does decompose over time and may need to be replenished or replaced eventually.

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MULCH

3.

LANDSCAPING DESIGN&LIVING

Natural

Buff Limestone

Western Sunset

4.

Red Granite

Gravel is often used in landscaping beds.

Unlike mulch, it is very low maintenance and does not need to be replaced. As you can see, there are many different sizes and types of stone gravel to choose from depending on your desired aesthetic.

Natural

PAVERS

Pavers are used to define outdoor living spaces or walkways. They can be made of brick, stone, concrete or synthetic materials. One of Valley Landscaping coowner Craig Wendt's favorite products is a new type of paver that imitates the look of reclaimed wood.

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ou can also add decorative edging around your paved areas for a more dramatic effect.

5.

DECORATIONS Flowers, trees and shrubs are powerful landscaping tools, but there are plenty of other ways to add interest to your yard.

For example, you can install a fountain or strategically place boulders throughout your landscaping beds.

For more information, contact: Valley Landscaping 4401 12th Ave. N, Fargo 701-232-7782 info@valleylandscaping.com valleylandscaping.com

DESIGN&LIVING LANDSCAPING

THE LANDSCAPING

PROCESS

BY Becca Opp PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen and Chris Redding

W

e can dream about ideal outdoor spaces all we want, but when it comes to actually making our aspirations a reality, some of us might not know where to start. To help us find our footing on the first stepping stone, we met with local expert, Chris Redding of Baker Garden & Gift, who showed us around the site of one of his latest projects and helped us understand the three phases of the landscaping process.

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LANDSCAPING DESIGN&LIVING

PHASE ONE

The design phase has three components: consultation, concept planning and construction drawings.

1.

CONSULTATION: The homeowner meets with a landscape designer at the job site or garden center to define the scope of work, details of the project and a budget.

They may also discuss designing for year-round interest and future expansion.

DESIGN 2.

CONCEPT PLAN: Next, the landscape designer creates a concept plan, which is a drawing that allows the homeowner to visualize the layout of their yard using plant symbols, annotations and dimensions.

3.

CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS: The landscape designer comes up with construction drawings, which they will use as a reference throughout the installation phase.

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LANDSCAPING DESIGN&LIVING

PHASE TWO

INSTALLATION

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The installation phase may incorporate hardscapes, which include rocks, patios and decks as well as softscapes, which consists of soil, plants and trees. Although the list may differ depending on the project, landscape designers usually install features in the following order: 1. Utilities 2. Fine grading 3. Patios/decks 4. Landscape beds 5. Borders 6. Edging 7. Irrigation 8. Perennials, shrubs and trees 9. Groundcover 10. Final grading and sod/seeding

PHASE THREE

MAINTENANCE Homeowners must maintain their yards regularly to get more enjoyment out of their investment. Essential maintenance tasks include:

• Watering • Trimming/shrub shaping • Spring/fall clean-ups

For more information, please contact: Baker Garden & Gift 2733 South University Drive, Fargo 701-237-6255 bakernursery.com

GARDENING DESIGN&LIVING

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DESIGN&LIVING GARDENING

Cultivating a

GREEN THUMB Everything you need to know about late summer gardening

E

veryone knows someone with a green thumb. Right now, they are probably tending their garden or sipping iced tea in their sunroom, surrounded by thriving houseplants. Many of us aspire to become like this person.

Although it is already August, there is still time to cultivate our own green thumbs. We just have to get a little dirt on our hands first. To help us do just that, we called on local expert J.D. Shotwell of Shotwell Floral to teach us everything we need to know about late summer gardening.

BY Becca Opp PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen HEADSHOT BY J. Alan Paul Photography ADDITIONAL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY Shotwell Floral

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DESIGN&LIVING GARDENING

Hibiscus Tree

LATE BLOOMS

Bridal veil requires plenty of sunlight.

One common misconception is that summer ends when we can't go shopping without seeing back-to-school ads. However, the last day of summer isn't until September 22 this year, which means that we still have plenty of time to enjoy our gardens. Luckily, Shotwell knows of some late-blooming plants that are seasonally appropriate.

To freshen up your flower beds, Shotwell suggests garden mums, which are a perennial that will grow back each year.

Swedish ivy needs to be placed in the morning sun. Afternoon sunlight will burn the Swedish ivy's bright leaves.

Hibiscus Hybrid Hibiscuses require at least six hours of sunlight a day.

EASY TRANSITIONS

Some outdoor plants that flourish in the late summer can survive indoors during the winter, if cared for properly.

These include bridal veil, Swedish ivy, hibiscus trees and hibiscus hybrids.

Placing these plants in containers or hanging planters with holes for drainage eases the transition from outdoors to indoors because it allows you to move the plant as needed, depending on the position of the sun. Exposing your plant to the correct amount of sunlight is the most important contributing factor to ensuring your plant's indoor survival.

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GARDENING DESIGN&LIVING

POPULAR HOUSE PLANTS Rather than bringing your outdoor plants inside over the winter, another alternative is to acquire house plants.

If you're feeling ambitious, you may even want to maintain an outdoor garden as well as greenery that you can enjoy indoors year-round. To help you pick the perfect house plant, we've curated a collection of popular options personally recommended by Shotwell.

Succulents

Crotos

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Moss

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DESIGN&LIVING GARDENING Snake Plant

Pothos

J.D. SHOTWELL Owner Shotwell Floral & Greenhouse

Ficus Sylvie

"Perennials, you can cut back down to the ground because they're going to regrow off of the root system. After the foliage freezes, you can cut it off.""

SPRING CLEANING

Air Plants

How do you determine when it is time to stop watering your outdoor plants?

Shotwell suggests that gardeners continue to water their perennials, or plants that live for more than two years, right up until the first freeze. “You just want to take care of them until they die off, so they can pull those extra nutrients from the plant itself back into the root system," Shotwell said. This fortifies the roots for the winter and encourages the plant to grow back stronger the following year.

When it comes to removing dried leaves and stems, Shotwell prefers to clean his garden in the fall after the first big freeze when everything starts dying off because it makes his yard look neat and tidy when the snow starts to melt. Contrastingly, some people with gardens prefer spring cleaning.

This allows the dried stems and leaves to act as insulation for the root systems while the ground is covered in snow. "There's no right or wrong, just personal preference," Shotwell explained. However, he emphasized that you should not try to cut down shrubs because they don't require any preparation for the winter months.

For more information, contact: Shotwell Floral 4000 40th St. S, Fargo 701-356-9377 shotwellflorist.com

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OParadises utdoor

C

urb appeal has the power to transform not just one house, but an entire neighborhood. Here in the FM area, we only have a few warm months each year, so why not make the most of them by surrounding ourselves with beautiful greenery and colorful blooms? We all know that landscaping can elevate quality of life by urging us to spend more time outside. This month, we explored exquisitely landscaped properties, caught glimpses of a charming garden and stopped to sip sweet tea on a few front porches that will infuse you with the desire to create a serene scene in your own outdoor space.

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OUTDOOR PARADISES DESIGN&LIVING

A TROPICAL

Retreat

Pool by Olson Pools & Spas

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DESIGN&LIVING OUTDOOR PARADISES

W

BY Becca Opp PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen and J. Alan Paul Photography

ith the unpredictable weather in North Dakota, it's hard to imagine tropical plants thriving, or even surviving here.

However, Skyler Akason and his family have created a tropical retreat surrounding their South Fargo home. Complete with a waterfall and fire rock, you won't believe what the owner of Precision Lawn Care & Landscaping has incorporated into his own backyard. We asked Akason to dive into the details and found out about an unexpected guest that momentarily made themself at home in the Akasons' backyard.

Skyler Akason is pictured here with his wife, Jen Akason and son, Gavin Akason (7).

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OUTDOOR PARADISES DESIGN&LIVING

Many of the houses in the Akasons' South Fargo neighborhood were relatively new construction and boasted some sort of landscaping. The Akasons' house made a pretty picture, which was framed by this beautiful neighborhood.

However, the front entrance contained just a hint of the tropical retreat that exists in the Akasons' backyard.

Patio furniture from HOM Furniture

Wet bar by Precision Lawn Care & Landscaping 46

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OUTDOOR PARADISES DESIGN&LIVING

When they first moved in, the only feature that existed in the Akasons' backyard was the deck, which Skyler Akason integrated into his vision for their tropical retreat. He then cut a stairway into the middle of the deck for increased access to the pool. In addition to the heated, in-ground swimming pool, they also have a hot tub, wet bar and several seating areas, as well as a fire pit.

An Unexpected Guest We asked Akason if he's ever caught any uninvited guests taking advantage of their in-ground pool. His response did not disappoint. "There was an older lady back here one day who sat down on a lounge chair. Our dog was barking, so we came upstairs, and this lady was just hanging out by the pool. It was before we had our fence in actually, so she might have thought it was a public pool.

She sat there for about five minutes and then she just got up and walked away," Akason laughed.

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HotSpring Spas & Pool Tables 2

DESIGN&LIVING OUTDOOR PARADISES

Skyler Akason's favorite part of their backyard is by far the waterfall made from natural stone that was sourced out of Duluth, Minnesota. He then introduced tropical plants and trees to the feature to add even more tropical appeal.

"There's about 50,000 pounds worth of boulders just on that waterfall."

- Skyler Akason

For more information, contact: Precision Lawncare & Landscaping 701-361-2498 office@precisionlawncareandlandscaping.com precisionlawncareandlandscaping.com

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OUTDOOR PARADISES DESIGN&LIVING

BUILDING

Character

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DESIGN&LIVING OUTDOOR PARADISES

W

BY Becca Opp PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

hat do a 1970s ranch-style home and a house built in 2015 have in common?

They both had feeble front stoops that offered little curb appeal and even less livable space. Now, gleaming white front porches greet guests and add character to the front of the homes while large back porches add usable outdoor squarefootage. We spoke with the homeowners to find out how they were enjoying the perks of having both a front and back porch.

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DESIGN&LIVING OUTDOOR PARADISES

THE

Conants

J

ohn and Mary Conant are only the second owners of their 1970s ranch-style home. The exterior was dark and dated when they first moved in and overgrown shrubs disguised the stoop that stood at their main entrance. Then, the Conants gradually lightened up the exterior by adding new shingles, white window trim, a new garage door and a front porch.

The Conants found an efficient way to hide their garden hose from view. However, they can still access the spigot easily when watering their many planters.

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DESIGN&LIVING OUTDOOR PARADISES

On the back of their house, the Conants upgraded from a patio to a composite porch. "We used to have a patio and you had to step down. It's so nice now.

We can just walk out from the kitchen onto the deck," Mary Conant said.

Deckmasters built the front porch in 2008 and were able to closely match the materials when constructing the back porch in 2016.

Both John and Mary Conant are English teachers, so they really get to utilize their porches during the summer months.

"She has the goal of reading for one hour every day on the deck," John Conant gestured toward his wife. Mary Conant also explained that she likes to have breakfast and read the newspaper on the front porch almost every day after she gets back from her morning run.

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OUTDOOR PARADISES DESIGN&LIVING

THE

Breens

M

ichelle and Paul Breen are also the second owners of their home, which was built in 2012. When the Breens first moved in three years ago, the house had a porch that was already in disrepair. "It was just an untreated wood porch and even in the few years it had been out there, it was already in really bad shape," Michelle Breen said.

In 2016, the Breens asked Deckmasters to construct a new front porch and to add a back porch onto the home. "There was no deck at all on the back of the house, not even a set of steps, so I went to visit with Josh at Deckmasters and he helped us design exactly what we wanted," Michelle Breen said.

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OUTDOOR PARADISES DESIGN&LIVING

The projects were completed just in time for winter. Now, the Breens and their two pups can fully take advantage of their outdoor views. "We spend a lot of time on the front porch in the summer because we can watch baseball games in the shade. In the back, we can watch softball," Michelle Breen said. Although their home is adjacent to these baseball diamonds, players have yet to hit a home run into the Breens' backyard.

For more information, please contact: Deckmasters 5507 53rd Ave. S, Fargo 701-232-4001 deckmasters.net 58

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DESIGN&LIVING OUTDOOR PARADISES

t's not every day we're lucky enough to see curb appeal featuring a river of perennials leading up to the front door of a 1928 home. If you think the front of this house is gorgeous, just wait until you see the backyard. For the invitation to explore the outdoor spaces on this private property, we can thank architect Julie Rokke whose passion for gardening has blossomed over the years.

Like Mother, Like Daughter Rokke's passion for gardening has strong roots. "My mother was in the National Horticultural Society.

She was a national flower show judge," Rokke said. When Rokke was a little girl, her mother had a huge garden and would often ask her to pull weeds. Naturally, Rokke began to think of gardening as a chore. It wasn't until she grew up

that Rokke started to see things differently. "After I got my own house, I realized that I really liked it," she said.

A

GORGEOUS

Garden

Though her mother passed away before Rokke and her husband moved into the house, gardening allows Rokke to feel her presence.

"When I'm in the garden, I always feel like she's here," Rokke said.

BY Becca Opp PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

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OUTDOOR PARADISES DESIGN&LIVING

THE FRONT

Yard

In front of her 1928 home, Rokke created a curved flower bed, which she wanted to look like a river. The plants in this flower bed change throughout the year.

"I try to get it so there's always color in the garden," Rokke said. Right now, she has everything from day lilies to angel trumpet growing in front of her house.

In her spare time, Rokke makes wedding bouquets and centerpieces for friends and family members.

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DESIGN&LIVING OUTDOOR PARADISES

These alliums are stunning even when all that's left is the seed head.

Angel Trumpets

Day lilies

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OUTDOOR PARADISES DESIGN&LIVING

THE

Backyard The front yard is charming upon arrival, but the backyard is even more bewitching. A mature tree shades the area between the house and the detached garage, which Rokke designed to reflect the period of her historic home.

"I designed the garage. When we moved in, there was just a single stall garage attached and there was no place in the house that you could see the garden."

However, that is not the case at all anymore.

These table grapes are safe to eat and remind the Rokkes of their grown son who lives in California.

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DESIGN&LIVING OUTDOOR PARADISES

Rokke's herb garden contains a curry leaf plant and lime basil.

A Big Little Threat This summer, rabbits have been wreaking havoc on Rokke's garden. To deter them from feeding on her plants, she and a neighbor have placed chicken wire around the bottom of their shared fence that her husband built. Rokke also uses cages around specific plants to help protect them from unwelcome wild creatures and varmints.

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DESIGN&LIVING OUTDOOR PARADISES

DIY

B AC K YA R D

Getaway

T

here's nothing like going to a drivein movie. Unfortunately, there aren't many outdoor movie theaters around these days, but Erin and Rex Dahl have something even better. Behind their 1926 home, just minutes away from Downtown Fargo, the Dahls have created a personal movie theater in their own backyard. That's not all. They also have a cabana, hot tub, bar and garden. The best part is­—they designed and built it all themselves. Learn how these weekend warriors turned this outdoor space into a fun getaway for their entire family.

BY Becca Opp PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen NIGHTTIME PHOTOS PROVIDED BY Erin Dahl

Meet Erin and Rex Dahl. Erin Dahl is the housing coordinator for the YWCA women’s shelter and Rex Dahl is a manager at Corelink Administrative Solutions. They have three kids: Alexander (11), Andreas (6) and Georgia (3). Before starting work on their backyard

getaway, if you combined their landscaping expertise, the Dahls would have had zero years of experience. However, they made up for it with their tenacity and enthusiasm when approaching each new project they undertook.

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OUTDOOR PARADISES DESIGN&LIVING

SUMMER OF

2016 When the Dahls bought the home in 2014, the yard had been left unattended for some time, but they could see its potential. Then, in the summer of 2016, Rex Dahl built a bar, patio and pallet board stadium seating. They also strung up outdoor string lights and installed a floating tent for the kids. Finally, after searching far and wide for stadium chairs, the Dahls found exactly what they were looking for at IKEA.

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"It’s funny because when I was younger, I would never have touched a power tool or built anything, and I just love it now."

- Rex Dahl

"In the summer months, we put up a big screen so we can have an outdoor movie theater."

- Erin Dahl

OUTDOOR PARADISES DESIGN&LIVING

SUMMER OF

2017 In the summer of 2017, the Dahls attacked their side yard and the outdated pergola that was attached to the back of their house. "The pergola came down and we just started building.

Our neighbor, John, was instrumental in helping Rex," Erin Dahl said.

"Sometimes it was a two-person job.

The boards were 20-feet long, so having another set of hands was pretty helpful," Rex Dahl explained.

In addition to adding a new patio, the Dahls also installed a new hot tub,

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industrial bar and cabana. They were also able to relocate the overgrown plants and now refer to this area as their "secret garden." Meanwhile, the Dahls have dubbed the entire backyard their "urban oasis."

The Big 70th The Dahls had a deadline to meet for completing their backyard, and they finished just in time to host a 70th birthday party for Erin Dahl's father. They hosted 90 family members and guests for this party and the evening was a great success.

DESIGN&LIVING OUTDOOR PARADISES

"We were lucky, because the person that lived here before us was a master gardener."

- Erin Dahl

DIY Tips from the Dahls For homeowners who plan to do DIY work in their own backyards, Rex Dahl suggested, "Drink a lot of water and use sunblock. It sounds cheesy, but safety is important. Wear safety goggles." Then, on another practical note, Erin Dahl said to make an inventory list, which would eliminate unnecessary, time consuming trips to the hardware store.

Last, but not least, the Dahls encouraged inexperienced homeowners like themselves to be fearless and attempt that DIY project they've been thinking about.

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LANDSCAPING DESIGN&LIVING

Landscaping

INSPIRATION Gallery

BOYLE LANDSCAPING

BOYLE LANDSCAPING

BAKER GARDEN & GIFT

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BOYLE LANDSCAPING

NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR LIVING

BEYOND OUTDOORS

NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR LIVING

LANDSCAPING DESIGN&LIVING

NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR LIVING

OUTDOOR WORX

BOYLE LANDSCAPING

NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR LIVING

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VALLEY LANDSCAPING

BOYLE LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING DESIGN&LIVING

BOYLE LANDSCAPING

BOYLE LANDSCAPING

BAKER GARDEN & GIFT

VALLEY LANDSCAPING

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BAKER GARDEN & GIFT

DESIGN&LIVING LANDSCAPING

BOYLE LANDSCAPING

VALLEY LANDSCAPING

OUTDOOR WORX

VALLEY LANDSCAPING

VALLEY LANDSCAPING

BEYOND OUTDOORS

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VALLEY LANDSCAPING

NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR LIVING

VALLEY LANDSCAPING

BOYLE LANDSCAPING

NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR LIVING

BOYLE LANDSCAPING

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NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR LIVING

BOYLE LANDSCAPING

OUTDOOR WORX

BEYOND OUTDOORS

ENTERTAINING DESIGN&LIVING

gathering Great Outdoors in the

A LAKESIDE DINNER PARTY

A

s the owner of boutique rental company, Gathered., Carrie Brusven knows that the secret to planning an unforgettable event is creating an atmosphere for your audience. When her mother-in-law asked Brusven to help stage an informal meeting, she decided to take their potluck one step further to create a lakeside dinner party that guests will be gushing about for years to come. Don't worry if you weren't on the list because we'll make you feel as if you were there and share inspiration that will help you design your next outdoor get-together.

BY Becca Opp PHOTOS BY Nick Friesen Photography PORTRAIT BY Haley Frost Creative

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DESIGN&LIVING ENTERTAINING

Carrie Brusven

THE DESIGNER

Carrie Brusven is the owner and lead designer of Gathered. Boutique Rentals & Events, a business that provides furniture, dĂŠcor and staging for special events. All of the items in their inventory are hand-picked by Brusven, and many of the pieces are unique, vintage heirlooms that you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

THE CLIENT

For this event, Brusven was tasked with staging a styled cocktail party, followed by a sit-down dinner for her mother-inlaw's book club and their husbands. In total, the party consisted of 12 adults.

THE LOCATION

The location of the dinner party was outside of the client's cabin on West Battle Lake. "It was just the perfect spot. They had this great-big, wideopen, flat space before it dropped down to the lake. It was made for a little cocktail party," Brusven said.

THE INSPIRATION

Brusven took her inspiration from the one thing that all of the party members had in common. They were all connected through the book club.

That is why she chose to use books and a typewriter throughout the dinner party dĂŠcor, because she wanted to tell the story of their friendship.

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ENTERTAINING DESIGN&LIVING

"We pick items for the stories they have to tell."

- Carrie Brusven

outdoor space Not only do these shelves lend this e storage for eclectic appeal, they also provide ampl ed decor. extra glassware and book-club-them

staging the

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BAR

When planning the staging of this event, Brusven began by deciding where they were going to serve refreshments. Once that was settled, she knew what she would need next. With every cocktail party, Brusven likes to create a bar-front, bar-back and an area where guests can visit and enjoy their drinks.

To help define the space, Brusven laid out a Persian area rug. Then, she pulled an antique alter from her inventory, which Brusven has dubbed "Linus," to use as a bar-front. On one side, she transformed industrial shelves into a bar-back to achieve an eclectic look.

On the other side of the bar, Brusven pulled a vintage, infant bath tub that she sourced all the way from Hungary to use as a cooler. Brusven then brought three wine barrels to serve as bar-height tables where guests could congregate and converse over hors d'oeuvres and drinks.

DESIGN&LIVING ENTERTAINING

SEATING

Like many pieces in her inventory, the emerald green Emmett sofa has an intriguing history. Once hidden in the basement of her mother-in-law's cabin, Brusven rescued this piece from under 50 years of dust, only to find that it was in pristine condition. Since then, it has become one of her most popular rental

items. Its nickname has a fascinating story too. Brusven christened the sofa in honor of her nephew, but the name also reminded her of the previous cabin owners, the Everett family, who left the piece behind. Brusven felt that the Emmett sofa practically belonged at this dinner party because the event took place right outside of the cabin where it was found.

Brusven's re handmade by These plates we l, these plates tifu au be y the are sister. Not only es because ll at cocktail parti also function we ng ldi ho for t an ent me of their they have an ind guests to carry all ing ow all , are stemw . one hand refreshments in

HORS D'OEUVRE BAR

The hosts wanted to offer hors d'oeuvres and needed a place to serve them.

Brusven dressed up the hors d'oeuvre station with a macramĂŠ table runner.

The hors d'oeuvres themselves looked especially appetizing as when placed on cake plates, marble trays and wooden platters.

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DESIGN&LIVING ENTERTAINING

TABLE SETTINGS

Brusven wanted the table settings to be elegant, yet approachable. She chose grey plates and cloth napkins that she purposely mismatched to give off a less formal vibe. To display these napkins, she used ceramic napkin holders that were also made by her sister, owner of Abby Lingle Pottery. Finally, vintage glassware brought colorful bursts of excitement to the table settings.

CENTERPIECES

With the centerpieces, Brusven wanted to emulate the warm tones of a summer day. To do so, she ordered peonies, hypericum berries, peach carnations, dahlias and bright red sedum from a wholesale vendor. She then asked her sister to throw simple, white, ceramic vases with a pearlescent glaze. Due to their subtle elegance, these vases really allowed the palette of Brusven's arrangements to pop. "My sister made a whole set to add to our rental collection.

We're very lucky to have those from her," Brusven said.

Brusven revealed one of her centerpiece secrets. "Our grapewood branches were on the table. Everybody thinks they are driftwood, but they are actually clippings from a vineyard in California," she divulged. Regardless, these branches evoked the lakeside view, which served as a backdrop for the dinner party.

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TNTERTAINING DESIGN&LIVING

"No matter what, mother nature can always have her own plans." - Carrie Brusven

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MENU LIGHTING

To illuminate the event late into the night, Brusven strung up string café lights that clipped to poles she installed in the ground. "We have string café lights in our inventory-we can put them up anywhere, and we have put them everywhere," she emphasized. "My husband always says, 'It's not a party unless Carrie brings her café lights,'" Brusven laughed.

WEATHER

While setting up for the dinner party, Brusven met an unexpected challenge: Mother Nature's mood swings. "It was just wild," the Gathered. owner said. On her way to West Battle Lake, Brusven checked the weather multiple times.

Each time she did so, the weather radar

showed nothing but sun. In fact, "Right up until we heard thunder and the rain started coming down, it still said sunny and no rain," Brusven exclaimed. Luckily, she and her assistants had already set everything up and covered the furniture with tarps just in time to wait out the storm, which only lasted about 20 minutes.

When planning outdoor events, Brusven always comes prepared with a plan B in case the weather goes awry. This usually involves a backup location. However, because the forecast showed no signs of rain, this occasion was an exception.

To anyone planning their own outdoor party, Brusven strongly suggests having an alternative location in mind just in case Mother Nature doesn't cooperate.

As you can see, the menu for this lakeside dinner party consisted of offerings that you would expect to see at any summer potluck. However, to ensure that everyone brought a different dish, Brusven sent out a list of suggestions that guests could refer to when contemplating what to contribute to the meal. Still, the atmosphere of the event was far beyond that of your average outdoor barbecue. "We wanted to show that care and thought had been put into the planning of the event," Brusven conveyed. That night, the guests' reactions reflected this effort. "Everyone said, 'Oh my gosh, I didn't know anybody did anything like this,'" she shared.

Guests stayed long after dinner had been served, enjoying s'mores by the fire and appreciating the concept that Brusven brought to fruition.

For more information, contact: Carrie Brusven Gathered. Boutique Rentals & Events 670 4th Ave. N. Suite #126 Fargo 701-412-3782 carrie@gatheredrentalsandevents.com Find Gathered. on Facebook by searching "gathered," and follow them on Instagram @ gatheredrentalsandevents.

For more inspiration, you can also follow Brusven on Pinterest by searching Carrie Brusven @ Rustic Trunk.

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TINY DESIGN DESIGN&LIVING

Part Three

Tiny Design with Chris Hawley Architects

T

he third and final installment of our Tiny Design Series has finally arrived, and we're taking it outside.

Featuring tiny sheds and playhouses, these three projects represent what happens when both the architect and client prioritize innovation over convention.

We discussed the endless possibilities such a situation provides with Chris Hawley and Mike Dawson of Chris Hawley Architects.

BY Becca Opp PHOTOS BY Chris Hawley Architects and Hillary Ehlen

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DESIGN&LIVING TINY DESIGN

Garden Shed Mike Dawson, a project manager at Chris Hawley Architects, designed this 60 square-foot 8th Street garden shed to replace a metal tool shed. Dawson was inspired by the ornate wooden details of the homeowners ninety-year-old house. The 60 square-foot shed was constructed in the fall of 2016 and only took about three weeks to build.

ABOUT THE TINY DESIGN SERIES For our last two issues, Design & Living Magazine has collaborated with Chris Hawley architects on our Tiny Design Series. The first installment took us inside of smaller-than-average homes. Then, the second installment demonstrated how authentic lake living is best captured in close quarters. We even toured Chris Hawley's own minimal lake cabin. To read these articles and to find out more about tiny living, you can visit designandlivingmagazine.com.

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TINY DESIGN DESIGN&LIVING This imaginative sketch illustrates the nine-year-old client's initial vision.

Playhouse This playhouse was inspired by the imagination of a nine-year-old girl. Not many adults would let a child work with an architect, but these parents encouraged their daughter to express her creativity by showing her sketch to Chris Hawley, who had almost as much fun actualizing his client's initial vision as she would have enjoying the playhouse for years to come.

This drawing depicts Hawley's interpretation of the client's vision.

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TINY DESIGN DESIGN&LIVING

The interior featured rotating bookcases, a potion room and a loft. "The whole thing was handmade, so that's the best part. There's nothing off-the-shelf about it. It was totally custom," Hawley explained. Because it was completed in 2006 and the client is no longer a little girl, the playhouse has since been donated to a second home.

"The evolution of this was really fun. The family was a client and they wanted some help with the playhouse, so they allowed their daughter to work with an architect."

- Chris Hawley

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DESIGN&LIVING TINY DESIGN

The 10x12, 120 square-foot playhouse was completed in 2006.

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Woodhaven Crossfit Shed This storage shed was designed with a fitness enthusiast in mind. The client specifically requested climbing holds as well as pull-up bars on the outer walls. Hawley said, "It's like a cross-fit gym turned inside out. So instead of it being on the inside of the building, it's on the outside of the building."

First floor plan iteration

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Second floor plan iteration

Third floor plan iteration

Dawson was responsible for drafting the architectural drawing. "It completes their landscape in a way," he said. The client also has a swimming pool, pool house, and deck in their yard. Not only does it serve as a giant piece of exercise equipment, but this shed also provides storage space for pool accessories.

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Final floor plan

For more information, contact: Chris Hawley Architects 2534 University Drive S. #3, Fargo 701-478-7600 chrishawleyarchitects.com

DESIGN DESIGN&LIVING

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DESIGN&LIVING DESIGN

Creative Solutions FOR GUEST SPACES

L

et’s all be honest for a second. When guests come to town, we want to be the hostess with the mostest, but we don’t really want them to move in.

When it came time to plan our basement guest spaces, we set out to find the balance between comfortable and not too comfortable, while still keeping our design integrity intact, of course. When friends and family spend the night, our house can suddenly feel half its size, but that doesn’t mean I want to give up prime real estate to a room that only gets used every once in a while. For guest spaces, my philosophy is to use as little square feet as possible, and as Tim Gunn would say, “Make it work.”

With this in mind, we shrunk the square footage of our guest bedroom and bathroom.

Doing so left us more room for a basement bar, which if you think about it, is really a winwin for everyone involved.

BY Katie Sullivan | PHOTOS BY J. Alan Paul Photography

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Built-In Bunk Beds

THE CASE FOR

Get the sleeping space you need and maybe even some extra storage with this sneaky solution.

Why: If you would like to maximize the amount of people you can accommodate in the least amount of square feet possible, this is a smart way to sneak in extra beds and storage in a single design move. We can now fit an entire small family in a room that usually would only accommodate two. Plus, we nixed a traditional closet in favor of storage to the side of the bunks and under the bottom bed. Shh! There are doors hidden behind the shiplap.

How: Built-in bunk beds require a lot of up-front planning, so you may want to consider hiring a designer or contractor to come up with a plan that makes sense for your space.

While we came up with the basic design for our space, we hired out the work to Carpenter Homes and they helped us refine it. We often DIY projects in our home but for time-management reasons, we hired this out.

Layout: When deciding on your layout, consider your space and your guests. Do you mostly have couples with kids staying overnight? Finding a way to incorporate a larger bed is in your best interest. Mostly grandkids?

Consider lining the walls with as many twin beds as possible. Do you have a long, narrow room? Put beds on both sides and create a walkway down the middle.

Cost: As with all custom projects, the final price tag can vary based on the size of the space and the scale of the project. Expect to spend at least $2,000 for a basic design. Larger projects can cost upward of $5,000 to $6,000 when you consider material, framing, electrical and finishing costs.

Get The Look: Guest Bedroom

Construction – Carpenter Homes Wall Color – Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace Carpet – Imperial Flooring Ladder and Side Rail – Red River Fabricating Inc. Sconces – Lucent Lightshop Pendant – Circa Lighting Wallpaper – Daydream by Hygge & West

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Our Room Stats

Room Dimensions: 13' x 9' Ceiling Height: 9' Mattresses: Queen on the bottom and a Full XL on top

The Room

UNDER THE STAIRS

Sure, the practical thing would have been to use the space under our stairs for extra storage, but where is the fun in that? Instead, we fashioned this tiny space into a reading room for our daughter, complete with whimsical wallpaper. When she outgrows the space, it can be easily transitioned into a closet. For now, it’s our favorite space to sit and read a good book.

?????????DESIGN DESIGN DESIGN&LIVING &LIVING

A High Contrast GUEST BATH

We went bold for our guest bath design and my only regret is that it’s not technically my personal bathroom.

While the original blueprint called for a larger room, we shrunk it down as much as possible without spending money on moving existing plumbing and framing. This still equaled a quite luxurious shower, which may tempt our guest into extended stays. To keep things under control and to stay within our budget, we opted out of in-floor heat, so the floor is a bit cool to the touch.

Get The Look: Bathroom

Construction – Carpenter Homes Flooring – Cement Tile Shop Wall Tile – Imperial Flooring Custom Cabinet – Clearwater Custom Cabinets Cabinet Color – Benjamin Moore Old Navy Shower Head – Delta from Goodin Company Shower Enclosure – Red River Glazing Mirror & Hardware – Rejuvenation Faucet – Restoration Hardware Sconce – Schoolhouse Electric

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Cement Tile 101: Encaustic cement tile is a classic, colorful and durable covering for floors and walls.

These natural, environmentally-friendly tiles have been made by hand since the 1800s. A variety of simple and traditional mosaic styles are available online at cementtileshop.com.

Installation Tip: While we used dark grout, doing so is a risk and can damage your tile. Light grout and a professional installer are recommended by the manufacturer. If you do choose to DIY, read the instructions carefully before proceeding.

For more information, contact: Katie Sullivan hello@prettydomesticated.com Connect with me on social media: Facebook: @ Pretty Domesticated Instagram: @PrettyDomesticated Pinterest: @Ktmsullivan For more tips, bedding and décor sources and to tour the rest of our home, visit my blog at prettydomesticated.com.

DIY

DESIGN&LIVING DIY

with

MARIA BOSAK

farmhouse THE

Exterior Reveal

PROJECT

It's hard to believe it has been almost two years since I first stood on this roof and introduced the Farmhouse Project to you. I recognize the fact that the style of our house isn't what most people have in mind when they picture a traditional farmhouse, but our journey in this home has been more about a mindset than the actual style of the home. We’ve fallen more in love with the nightly wildlife visits, the plentiful gardens and the serene setting than we ever imagined. The kind and gentle spirit of the previous owners permeates the walls, and no amount of renovations or updates can ever change the magic of a house when its foundation is built on love. So, with this reveal, we wish to honor Darrell and Nadine, the previous owners, and thank them for the farmhouse lifestyle they curated. Regardless of the color of the siding or any new window additions, it truly is their love that fills this space and reminds us of the importance of loving where you live, because your home will love you back.

BY MARIA BOSAK | PHOTOS BY MORGAN SCHLEIF, PAUL FLESSLAND AND MARIA BOSAK

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EXTERIOR

Before

EXTERIOR

After

Picking a House Color isn’t for the Weak Speaking of house color, yes, we painted our house blue. My husband Tate and I have had a long love affair with the color blue. Tate’s obsession is even older than mine because his love of the Duke Blue Devils dates back to his teenage years. Don’t misunderstand me, I did not let Tate pick the color of our house based on his favorite college basketball team, although that would make me the coolest wife east of the Sheyenne River.

We chose the color blue because we knew we wanted cedar accents and white window trim, and they would pop like crazy off of blue. Plus, Tate always likes to be just a tish more unique than he likes being normal.

It was fun to go with a bolder color and we couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out, but we did spend many weeks deciding on which shade of blue. As you know, colors can be funny. What looks like blue on a color swatch turns out to be purple once you get it on the wall. So, we spent many weeks with our paint samples, sitting out front of the house asking every passer-by (mostly close friends, maybe the occasional delivery person) what color they liked best. I had my favorite and Tate had his. We looked at the colors in the morning light, in the evening light, in cloudy light 106

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and in sunny light. This went on for weeks. In the end, the majority of our friends sided with Tate (story of my life), so it was inevitable that we chose Tate’s top pick, "Seaworthy" by Sherwin Williams.

We’ve had many people comment that they thought we had put new siding on the house, but we have to give credit where credit is due. Sean Finneman with Finneman Painting Plus painted the exterior of the house. The metal siding was in good shape, but just needed to be a different color.

DESIGN&LIVING DIY

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Before

Wow those Windows Alongside the new color of the house, the front windows are usually the first thing people notice. Prior to the addition of the windows, the house was lacking a “wow� moment when you first approached. Given the house doesn’t really have a central entry point or another feature that would serve as a grand entrance, we decided to give the house a grand window view. We often sit in the front living room and we love nature, so we decided to go big and give ourselves the experience of being outside while at the same time adding a grand feature to the front of the house.

DESIGN&LIVING DIY

Before Those Black French Doors It’s hard not to notice the black french doors flanked by cedar siding when you pull up to the house. I can’t tell you how happy those doors make me. I had a vision in my head, and after searching for months and then another eight-week wait (that was totally worth it), I got the vision to come to life. We use these doors often as the patio has become one of our favorite places to spend time in the evening. Along with the new French doors, we also updated all exterior walkthrough doors and overhead garage doors.

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Before

The Patio Yes, we took the rock wall down. While my heart did bleed a bit, I knew it was necessary in order to give us the room we needed to create a patio that would serve as a large gathering space for friends and a relaxing place to come to at the end of the day. The new wall is lower and rounded to create a cozy nook for fires and it lends nicely to the new landscaping, serving as a backdrop for flowering perennials.

The entire process took all of last summer and fall with the finishing landscaping touches going in just before the first snowfall. We were lucky enough to be given a beautiful and lengthy fall which allowed us to complete the project.

What I’m most thankful for with the completion of the exterior of the house is the space it provides for us to enjoy the outdoors and each other. Just last night, Tate spotted a momma deer and her fawn in the backyard as he was coming in from mowing at dusk. We treasure these moments, and the addition of exterior living space not only allows us to be closer to the wonders of nature, but it also brings us together as a family. These times will stay with us and we will always remember that what has been built here goes beyond paint color and new windows, but it is an extension of the beauty that already exists in the world.

To hear more about the vendors and products we used in our remodel, join me on the Eco Chic blog on our website, ILoveEcoChic.com.

You can also follow along on Instagram @ecochicboutique.

Love Your House, Maria (and Tate)

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THE INDOORS

DESIGN&LIVING DESIGN

BRINGING OUT

A

BY Trever Hill PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY Trever Hill and LEE Industries HEADSHOT BY J. Alan Paul Photography

s an interior decorator, there's nothing more flattering than having one of your former clients ask you to come back to complete another project for them. I recently finished working on a client's new house, soon, that same client contacted me with a new challenge: create an outdoor oasis that would make them want to spend more time outside than inside. Then I thought, "We only get to enjoy so much pleasant weather in the FM area, so this design needs to be absolutely sensational." With that mission in mind, I set out to bring the comfort and style of the interior of their home to their outdoor space.

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I immediately knew which direction to take, so I jotted down a few notes. The space would have a cohesive look that created a continuous flow between the indoor and outdoor areas. I also wanted my client to feel comfortable wherever they chose to relax. Then I remembered being blown away at High Point Market by the outdoor furniture LEE Industries had on display in their courtyard.

TREVER'S TIP Choose outdoor furniture for its durability, comfort and style.

At first, I thought they were just putting their indoor furniture outside. Upon conducting more research, I found out that the fabric was Sunbrella, a bulletproof material known for its ability to be cleaned with bleach regardless of color, and that this furniture was intended to be used outdoors. The pieces are fully upholstered and built to withstand the natural outdoor elements.

The frames are made from marine grade plywood, built in sloping drains, reticulated foam, stainless steel staples and galvanized screws.

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It's easy to see why I went with this brand, but they're also local and like to give back. LEE does promotional events through their North Dakota dealer, McNeal & Friends, one of which is called LEE Loves Local. During this event, they donate 10 percent of retail sales to charities in the FM Area.

DESIGN&LIVING DESIGN

TREVER'S TIP Storage is a must to hide any unsightly outdoor accessories.

Judging from the client's landscaping plans, there was enough room in their yard for a seating area for two, a dining area, fire pit, sun lounging area and a living room setting.

The sofa with canopy was essential because it was just so structurally interesting. Next, I put an area rug down to create the feeling of a room around the chairs and coffee table. I used rugs under the dining table and two swivels to the same effect. Now the client has five different spaces that they can utilize.

Another big concern was keeping the outdoor space tidy. For example, what are they going to do with their accent pillows when we have those 30 miles-per-hourprairie winds? An outdoor storage bin was the perfect answer because it can be tucked out of sight around the corner. It is also good for storing pool accessories.

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DESIGN DESIGN&LIVING For the client's pool, I provided them with a day bed (shown with orange pillows) because of their versatility.

When the client is lounging on the day bed, they have the pool in one direction and a TV in the other direction.

They can choose which direction they want to look while lounging on this piece of furniture.

TREVER'S TIP Use rugs to make your outdoor spaces feel like indoor rooms.

For more information, contact: Trever Hill treverhilldesign.com 701-715-3077 treverhilldesign@gmail.com 118

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HOME TOUR DESIGN&LIVING

WALKING THROUGH

History O nce every two years, we get to indulge our curiosity when select members of the Hawthorne Neighborhood Association open their doors for the Historic Hawthorne Home Tour.

This September, the tour will feature six splendid, historically significant structures that will satiate even the most inquisitive of spirits. We went on a walk one sunny morning with HNA Communications Director Simone Wai, who showed us one of the oldest homes in Fargo, which is also going to be on the tour. Of course, we had to ask her a few questions on the way.

BY Becca Opp PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

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DESIGN & LIVING A U G U S T 2 017

CHECK IT OUT Sunday, September 17, noon-5 p.m.

Q: How many homes are on the tour?

A: Every tour, we have a whole new group of homes. We'll have six this year.

Q: How do you decide which houses to feature on the tour?

A: We have a list of houses that we'd like to feature so we try to ask those people and then we ask members of the Association if anyone wants to volunteer their house.

Q: What do the homeowners do during the tour?

A: We make sure that we have all of the homeowners at the homes so they can answer any questions. They usually know the history and any little quirks the house has as well.

Q: When is the tour taking place?

A: Sunday, September 17, noon-5 p.m.

Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available on our website.

Q: Where do the proceeds from the event go?

A: This event is a fundraiser for the Hawthorne Neighborhood Association, raising funds for our operations for the next two years, including events, programming and neighborhood infrastructure. We also select a cause, usually a nonprofit, and donate money to them.

After a lovely walk down Eighth Street., we paused to appreciate one of the homes that will be featured on the tour. Looking at it now, you'd never guess how much this structure has been through. Not only did it survive The Great Fargo Fire of 1893, but it also endured being cut in half.

Historically remembered as the RobertsHaggart house, this home was built in 1880 in the Italianate style and once stood on the northwest corner of Roberts Street and Second Avenue North in Downtown Fargo. Then in 1920, the 13-room, 3,228-square-foot house had to be split into two halves to be safely moved 15 blocks south to its current location. Guests who visit during the Historic Hawthorne Home Tour will be walked through the residence and learn about its past and how it is connected to the Civil War.

For more information, visit: hawthorneneighborhood.org facebook.com/HNAFargo

DESIGN&LIVING HOME TOUR

Wai in front of her 1906 home in the historic Hawthorne neighborhood. In addition to serving as the HNA Communcations Director, Wai is also involved in the community by heading up the Red River Farmer's Market.

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DESIGN&LIVING SHOPPING