Design & Living December 2017

DECEMBER 2017

COMPLIMENTARY

A Winter Shopping Guide

HYGGE FOR THE

Holidays

FROM THE EDITOR

Bringing HYGGE

I

'm going to begin my editorial with a confession: I love shopping.

To those who know me well, I'm sure that this is not a revelation.

During the holiday season, I especially get wrapped up in search of the perfect decorations and gifts.

This year, I had to fight the urge to put up my tree before Thanksgiving. Maybe I'm just getting older, but it feels like I'm slowly turning into my mom.

Living in small town North Dakota, she often orders Christmas dĂŠcor off of QVC. In recent years, she's even branched out into online shopping.

While it's easy to get consumed by consumerism during the holiday season, the most important tradition in my mom's opinion has always been having all of her children and grandchildren home for the holidays. That's what hygge is all about.

(Don't worry, I'm still not certain if I'm pronouncing it correctly.)

Ever since I became aware of this essential element of Danish culture last winter, I've been obsessed with the concept. A few weeks ago, I purchased "The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living" by Meik Wiking from Zandbroz Variety in Downtown Fargo in preparation for our December issue.

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PHOTO BY Hillary Ehlen

TO NORTH DAKOTA

This month, I wanted to be very intentional about what we put into our winter shopping guide. All of the products that we picked can be found at locallyowned stores in Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo.

Although I'll admit that none of these products are needed for survival, I do think that they will keep you and your loved ones feeling warm and cozy all winter long.

In order to enjoy this issue to the fullest, I recommend curling up in front of the fireplace with a warm cup of holiday cheer, a four-legged friend and your favorite humans nearby.

Wishing you a hyggelig holiday, Becca Opp

Editor 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 EHLEN

BRYCE JOHNSON

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.

Johnson has been with the HBA of F-M for 25 years, serving as its executive officer over the past 19 years.

PHOTOGRAPHER

SARAH GEIGER DESIGNER

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.

CONTRIBUTOR

JOE BURGUM CONTRIBUTOR

Burgum is an entrepreneur and community builder who is committed to making Fargo one of the greatest cities on earth.

He is currently serving as President of the Hawthorne Neighborhood Association.

contents

2017 DECEMBER

FEATURE STORY

38 Hygge for The Holidays

Hygge [pronounced hoo-gah] is a Danish word used to acknowledge a feeling of warmth and togetherness best experienced during the winter months. This month, you can brighten your holidays by bringing this feeling into your home. We'll show you festive finds from local shops and boutiques that will help you get in a hyggelig mood.

Farmhouse 28 AinFestive Fargo

This year, we celebrated the 31st Annual Homes for the Holidays event with a few familiar faces and a fresh face too. Join us as we take you on a tour of Audra Mehl's own home, which was decorated with festive, farmhouse dĂŠcor from Grace 1972, Gathered. Boutique Rentals & Events and greenery from Floret + Foliage.

Colorful, Christmas 79 ACottage

Each year, SCHEELS Home & Hardware decks out a home for the Homes for the Holidays event.

We met with Design Consultants Julie Alin and Steve Johnson who divulged holiday decorating tips that you'll definitely want to steal for your own home. See them in action inside of this colorful, Christmas Cottage.

Young Ceramicist in 88 AFargo As we were going around to local stores and visiting art galleries for our winter shopping guide, there was one name that we kept hearing over and over again: Spencer Johannes. Just who is this young ceramicist? We simply had to find out.

ON THE COVER Our December cover features a mug by Spencer Johannes of SRJ Ceramics, candles from Zandbroz Variety, spruce cuttings from Floret + Foliage and styling by Carrie Brusven of Gathered. Boutique Rentals & Events.

NEXT MONTH Join us as we celebrate five years of Design & Living Magazine and take a special look back at our favorite designs from 2017.

Christmas Tree!

97 Oh, Trends & Care

Nothing gets you into the holiday spirit like the smell of a live Christmas tree. However, before you decide to take an ax to the evergreen your son or daughter brought home from school on arbor day 10 years ago, there are a few things you might like to know.

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For more exclusive, original content,

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Cody Foster Enchanted Christmas Trees McNeal & Friends

LAYNE

MIKE

HILLARY

JESSE

ANDREW

SARAH

BECCA

MATT

MEET THE TEAM NATE

JOE

SCOTT

HUONG

JENNY

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SAM

PAUL

RYAN

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CHRIS

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ETHAN

LEARN MORE ABOUT US spotlightmediafargo.com RUTH

TAKE A LOOK AT Spotlight Media's Other Magazines

Faces of Fargo Business Through nearly 200 original portraits, we take a look back at the year that was in Fargo INC!'s first-ever coffee table book, "Faces of Fargo Business." Join us as we celebrate the people who have helped make Fargo one of the best places in the country to live and work.

The Tech Issue As you may suspect, there's a lot going on behind the scenes at NDSU Athletics that helps Bison studentathletes prepare to become champions. Advancing technologically has propelled NDSU further in terms of training and scouting than many of its peers. We bring those elements to light and show what NDSU is doing to stay up-to-date in an ever-changing world of technology.

Let's Highlight 2017 The New Year is almost here but before it is, let's take time to highlight 2017. Team members and contributors share a few of their favorite things from the past year, from discovering new local restaurants to magazine covers and stories to events that happened in the FargoMoorhead area. Join in on the celebration by highlighting some of your favorites, too.

LEARN MORE ABOUT US spotlightmediafargo.com

DECEMBER 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

Becca Opp, Bryce Johnson, Joe Burgum

COPY EDITORS CONTENT STRATEGIST WEB TEAM SALES MANAGER SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE ADVERTISING/SALES CLIENT RELATIONS MANAGER CLIENT RELATIONS INTERN SOCIAL MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY OFFICE ASSISTANT

Becca Opp, Andrew Jason Sam Herder Samantha Stark, Huong Tran Layne Hanson Ryan Courneya Paul Hoefer, Scott Rorvig, Christopher Cates, Dan Helm Jenny Johnson Ruth Olson Becca Opp, Samantha Stark Hillary Ehlen, Spencer Johannes, Eric Baker Emily Peterson

BUSINESS OPERATIONS ASSISTANT

Larissa Kunde

SALES ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Pam Mjoness

DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION MANAGER DELIVERY

Nick Hackl Tom Wegner

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

TO P

10 TIPS

By Bryce Johnson Chief Executive Officer

for Choosing a

Contractor

C

hoosing a contractor to build a home or make improvements to your home is a big decision.

It's important to do your homework and make sure that company is qualified and the right fit for both the scope of your project and your personality. Here are our top 10 suggestions in your contractor search:

1. Always check to see if the contractor you are considering, local or transient, is licensed in the state in which work will be performed. Contact the appropriate governmental agency: North Dakota Secretary of State’s office (nd.gov/ sos/licensing) or the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (doli.state.mn.us) to verify the builder is currently licensed and to find out if he or she has a disciplinary history.

2. Get more than one estimate and be wary of any contractor that requires full payment up front, uses highpressure sales tactics or asks you to sign authorization paperwork or a contract that you don’t understand.

Consider paying with a credit card since these companies have better methods of remedying disputes and dealing with fraudulent charges.

3. Get a detailed contract, including a summary of the work to be done, a

description of materials, the total contract price or how the price will be calculated and specific timelines. Do not sign it until you are comfortable.

4. Ask the contractor how long and where he or she has been in business.

5. Ask the contractor about designations or certifications he or she has earned. These can include, for example, voluntary programs to further their professionalism or lead certification required by the EPA to perform work in structures built in 1978 or earlier.

6. Request bank references and a list of recent customers. Check those and take it a step further by going outside of that provided list and finding former customers. Ask if they were satisfied with work performed within the past few months.

7. Ask for a local business address, other than a post office box and a local phone number where the contractor can be reached during normal business hours. Some transient companies will open a post office box or can easily acquire a cell phone with a local number to give the appearance of being a local company when it is not.

8. Ask about warranty work and the company’s service policies.

Bryce Johnson has been with the HBA of F-M for 25 years, serving as its executive officer over the past 19 years.

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

9. Find out if the contractor has sufficient workers compensation and general liability insurance. If not, you may be liable for any constructionrelated accidents on your premises.

10. Lastly, make sure you can communicate with the contractor and feel comfortable with him or her.

Misunderstandings during the course of the project can lead to additional costs and delays.

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

Visit hbafm.com for additional information or pick up a Membership Directory and Consumer Guide to view local contractors.

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Blog: homebuildersassociation. areavoices.com

HNA EDITORIAL DESIGN&LIVING

An American Foursquare in Fargo RESEARCH BY Deborah Frederickson and Todd Randall PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

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The Historic Hawthorne Home Series is a new installment in Design & Living Magazine that will give you a glimpse into incredible Hawthorne Neighborhood restorations and inform you about the historic significance of these well-loved homes.

DESIGN&LIVING HNA EDITORIAL

If you went on the Historic Hawthorne Home Tour this year, you may recognize this as the home of Matthew Trefz and Karis Thompson. Built in 1916, this home was once a triplex, but has since been converted back into a single-family home. Remarkably, it still retains much of its original historic detail.

This home is an American Foursquare, a style of architecture that was popular from the late 19th Century to the early 20th Century. As the name indicates, these homes were square and made efficient use of lot space.

Year Built 1916 Architectural Style American Foursquare Square Feet 1,874

Inside of this home, you will notice stunning woodwork that was influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement.

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HNA EDITORIAL DESIGN&LIVING The dining room features dramatic wainscoting and beveled, leaded glass windows.

Joe Burgum HNA President

The Hawthorne Neighborhood Association brings together neighbors and business owners to create a strong and vibrant community. Join them for neighborhood socials, quarterly meetings and their biennial Historic Home Tour.

“Since we have lived here, we’ve removed carpet, painted rooms, removed wallpaper and had the original oak and maple floors refinished,” Trefz said. They have also had to make unexpected repairs such as having the home re-shingled and a new sewer line installed.

From 1948 to 1949, this house was the home of S. Fred Hultz, president of North Dakota Agricultural College, which is now known as NDSU. The Hultz family lived here while the college president’s residence was being built.

Why did Matthew and Karis choose to live here?

“We wanted to be in the core of the city, a central neighborhood.” - Matthew Trefz

The Historic Hawthorne Neighborhood is part of Fargo’s original town site and contains a dynamic mix of housing types that radiate down from the downtown commercial area and Island Park. The Red River makes up the eastern border and historic 8th Street— known for its noteworthy street lighting, commerce, homes and trees—runs north and south through the center of the neighborhood and makes up the core of the National Register Southside Historic District. The neighborhood is named after Hawthorne Elementary School, located on 6th Street and 8th Avenue South.

Learn more and become a member at hawthorneneighborhood.org 26

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HOLIDAY HOME DESIGN&LIVING

Festive Farmhouse A

in Fargo

T

his year, we celebrated the 31st Annual Homes for the Holidays event with a few familiar faces and a fresh face too. Join us as we take you on a tour of Audra Mehl's own home, which was decorated with festive, farmhouse dĂŠcor from Grace 1972, Gathered. Boutique Rentals & Events and greenery from Floret + Foliage.

The stylists who staged this home include Allison Lunde, owner of Floret + Foliage (formerly Blue Barn Event Floral); Carrie Brusven, owner of Gathered. Boutique Rentals & Events; and Audra Mehl, local social media influencer and owner of Grace 1972. Together, these ladies began decking the halls on Thursday, November 2.

BY Becca Opp PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

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DESIGN&LIVING HOLIDAY HOME

CARRIE BRUSVEN Owner of Gathered.

Boutique Rentals & Events

AUDRA MEHL Local social media influencer and owner of Grace 1972

ALLISON LUNDE Owner of Floret + Foliage (formerly Blue Barn Event Floral)

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HOLIDAY HOME DESIGN&LIVING

About the Event For the past 31 years, Alpha Gamma Delta has organized the Homes for the Holidays event. Each year, the organization chooses a local beneficiary that will receive a share of proceeds from ticket sales. In 2017, they partnered with the Great Plains Food Bank Backpack Program. The tour took place November 4-5 with homes decorated by Burlap Rustic Chic Boutique, Holland's Landscaping, SCHEELS Home & Hardware, Trever Hill Design with McNeal & Friends and Northern Home Furniture & Design as well as the home pictured in this article.

Tour this Festive Farmhouse EXTERIOR When decorating the exterior, Brusven and Lunde wanted people to know right away which home was on the Homes for the Holidays tour. For optimal curbappeal, Lunde added arrangements of pampas grass, spruce cuttings and balsam garlands. Leading up to the door, Brusven created an inviting atmosphere by staging her buffalo-check plaid Eugene Chair with rustic lanterns and woven baskets full of pine cones and winter greens. She also added the Toledo Scale from her Farmhouse Collection to the ensemble for an unexpected touch.

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DESIGN&LIVING HOLIDAY HOME

Above the fireplace is an authentic, antique tobacco basket from Grace 1972.

LIVING ROOM You may recognize the Mehls' home from our April issue. Since then, the Mehls have completed a few more projects. Audra Mehl was happy to share the shiplap fireplace and reclaimed wood mantle that her husband remodeled with tour-goers. "This was just a standard oak fireplace with brass and a 250-pound mirror. I love the fireplace because it was such a transformation. I used to be embarrassed of it, but now I'm proud," Audra Mehl said. Projects like this inspired Matthew Mehl to open his new business, On Point Construction.

At the very top of the fireplace, Lunde went to great heights to hang a balsam garland. She also wrapped garland around the chandelier and banister. In the living room, you can see dogwood arrangements from Floret + Foliage that Lunde placed throughout the home.

Most of the products in the living room can be found at Grace 1972. Under the tree, Brusven and Mehl came up with the idea to use vintage suitcases in place of presents.

The woolen Christmas trees were made by Mehl's sewing and craft-savvy mother. "She's moving from the pumpkin factory to the Christmas factory," Mehl laughed.

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HOLIDAY HOME DESIGN&LIVING

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DESIGN&LIVING HOLIDAY HOME

DINING ROOM The dining room features inventory from Gathered.

Boutique Rentals & Events and more greenery from Floret + Foliage. The gold-leaf place cards were handmade by Brusven. "I have started doing calligraphy for weddings now­—place cards and escort cards. I've also done name tags for corporate events," Brusven said. Her favorite part of the room is the dessert bar complete with cookies from Mehl's Bakery, chocolate truffles, a bundt cake and lefse.

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HOLIDAY HOME DESIGN&LIVING

This tree features ornaments that can be found at Grace 1972, including some that have been handmade by Mehl's mother.

PARLOR The parlor is staged with the Georgia Tufted Sofa and Clementine Cubby from Gathered. Boutique Rentals & Events. Brusven decorated the cubby with holiday sheet music, vintage sports balls and wool roving. Woven elements were a common theme throughout the home.

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DESIGN&LIVING HOLIDAY HOME

KITCHEN Finally, the kitchen features products from Grace 1972 and greens from Floret + Foliage. To make the room feel even more cozy, Mehl added a hot cocoa station with vintage rolling pins from her store. On her tablescape, Mehl used a set of authentic, antique juggling pins, which are very rare.

For more information, please contact: Audra Mehl Grace 1972 1404 33rd St. S. Unit H, Fargo grace1972design@gmail.com audramehl.net @_grace_1972_ facebook.com/grace1972design Carrie Brusven Gathered. Boutique Rentals & Events 670 4th Ave. N. Suite #126 Fargo 701-412-3782 carrie@gatheredrentalsandevents.com gatheredrentalsandevents.com @gatheredrentalsandevents facebook.com/gatheredrentalsandevents Allison Lunde Floret + Foliage 701-680-1720 floretandfoliage.com @floretandfoliage facebook.com/floretandfoliage

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A Winter Shopping Guide

HYGGE FOR THE

Holidays

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Hygge [pronounced hoo-gah] is a Danish word used to acknowledge a feeling of warmth and togetherness best experienced during the winter months. Winters in Denmark are a lot like winters in North Dakota—long, dark and cold. Yet, Danes are some of the happiest people in the world. Many researchers have theorized that perhaps hygge is responsible for lifting their spirits.

Much like happiness, hygge is something that money can't buy. Hygge is about slowing down and embracing the little moments in life. You can experience hygge alone, but this feeling is even more tangible when surrounded by the ones you love. The holidays are the most hyggelig time of year. Think of the lyrics to any classic Christmas song, and you'll understand why.

We figured, why not bring hygge to the FM area? From low lighting to knit throws, we'll show you festive finds from local shops and boutiques that will enhance your holidays for years to come.

39

CERAMICS There's nothing more hygge than sipping hot cocoa from a ceramic mug, except maybe doing so with a fireplace and a fourlegged friend nearby. We've gathered a collection of ceramics from local shops and artisans to help you enjoy warm drinks and tasty treats when the weather gets frightful.

Mug and plate by Spencer Johannes of SRJ Ceramics, featuring hot cocoa and homemade marshmallows from Nichole's Fine Pastry, candles from Zandbroz Variety and styling by Carrie Brusven of Gathered. Boutique Rentals & Events

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Creative co-op Assorted Plate MINT + BASIL

White/Gold Assorted Dish Others

canvas home Stroud Round Board in White Others

Le Souk Ceramique Nejma Stoneware Assorted Dish Others

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Le Souk Ceramique Nejma Stoneware Oval Platter Others

Strawberry Mug Unglued

Le Souk Ceramique Nejma Stoneware Assorted Dish Others

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LIGHTING The correct lighting can evoke hygge. The lower the temperature of the light, the better. Candles are essential, but certain lamps can also create a cozy, intimate glow.

You can light up your life with these candles, lamps and light fixtures from local shops and boutiques.

Tag Tea Lights, Thymes Frasier Fir Travel Tin Candle, and Vance Kitira Timber Candle from Zandbroz Variety, featuring styling by Carrie Brusven of Gathered.

Boutique Rentals & Events

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Indoor/Outdoor Fireplace designingwomen2

Glo micro led lights SCHEELS Home & Hardware

LAFCO New York Classic Candle Winter Balsam Scent McNeal & Friends

Vita Copenhagen Silvia Light Valley Lights

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Book Lovers' Soy Candle "The Shire" Scent Unglued

George Kovac Lamp Valley Lights

LAFCO New York Classic Candle Crimson Berry Scent McNeal & Friends

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Fern Candle All Natural Soy Candle Mint + Basil Scent MINT + BASIL

Illume Balsam & Cedar Luxury Scented Candle O'Day Cache

Moving Flame LED Candle SCHEELS Home & Hardware

Rescued Wine Soy Candle Balsam Fir, Mandarin Orange & Cedarwood Scent Eco Chic Boutique

Mantel Optimyst Fireplace Furniture for Less

Fable Soap Co. Soy Candle Arroyo Lupine Scent Others

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Paddywax Apothecary Soy Wax Candle Blue Sage & Lavender Scent MINT + BASIL

TEXTURE

Products and staging by Burlap Rustic Chic Boutique

We all know that winters in North Dakota and Minnesota are cold. What better way to remedy this than with warm knits and woolen throws? The addition of a few throw pillows to your favorite sofa or chair will have you looking for an excuse to stay home.

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Gus* Margot Sofa Scan Design

Zardoni Charcoal Accent Chair Ashley Furniture HomeStore

Accent Chair Gabberts Design Studio & Fine Furniture

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Swivel Chair Furniture for Less

Vintage Throw Blankets The White House Co.

Zardoni Charcoal Corner Chaise Ashley Furniture HomeStore

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Tufted Sofa Furniture for Less

New Zealand Wool Rug Scan Design

TAG Living Woolen Throw SCHEELS Home & Hardware

SOHO Armless Accent Chair HOM Furniture

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Handmade Velvet Pillow The White House Co.

Handmade Pillow Moorhead Antique Mall

Hooked Wool Pillow McNeal & Friends

Faux Fur Throw Pillow Northern Home Furniture

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White Pillow Eco Chic Boutique

THROW ME A PILLOW! Magnolia Home Pillow Eco Chic Boutique

Handmade Faux Fur Pillow The White House Co.

Handmade Plaid Pillow The White House Co.

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Tasting Hygge: Joyful Recipes for Days and Nights by Leela Cyd Zandbroz Variety

The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking Zandbroz Variety

TASTE & TOGETHERNESS Nothing brings family and friends together like goodold-fashioned home cooking. These books contain scrumptious recipes and will teach you everything that you need to know about hygge.

The Bar Book by Jennifer Fiedler MINT + BASIL

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Scandikitchen, The Essence of Hygge by Bronte Aurell Scan Design

Scandikitchen, Fika & Hygge by Bronte Aurell Scan Design

The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Comfort, Contentment and Connection by Louisa Thomsen Brits Zandbroz Variety

The Magnolia Story by Chip & Joanna Gaines with Mark Dagostino MINT + BASIL

Festive Cookery: Vintage Recipes from the Peter Pauper Press Vault by Edna Beilenson Zandbroz Variety

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VINTAGE Hygge is all about feeling at home wherever you may be. One of the quickest ways to put your friends and family members at ease is to decorate with familiar things. We've collected authentic vintage and vintage-inspired holiday decor from local stores that will remind you and your loved ones of days gone by.

Bottle brushes and vintage ornament from The White House Co. 58

DESIGN & LIVING | D EC E M B E R 2 017

Vintage Elf The White House Co.

Vintage Santa Clause Figurines The Red Silo

Vintage Ice Skates Moorhead Antique Mall

Cody Foster's Christmas House McNeal & Friends

Handmade Stuffed Christmas Tree Grace 1972

Vintage Ornaments Moorhead Antique Mall

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Vintage-Inspired Ornament Zandbroz Variety

Farmhouse Signs Grace 1972 Handmade Christmas Ornaments Grace 1972

Vintage-Inspired Cavalini Paper Zandbroz Variety

Handmade Christmas Stocking Grace 1972

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Vintage Santa Mug The White House Co.

Vintage-Inspired Ornament Zandbroz Variety

TV Globe O'Day Cache

Cody Foster's Christmas House McNeal & Friends

Vintage Elf The White House Co.

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Vintage-Inspired Camper Ornament Holland's Landscaping & Garden Center

Vintage-Inspired Cavalini Paper Zandbroz Variety

Vintage-Inspired Ornament Holland's Landscaping & Garden Center

Handmade Christmas Ornament Grace 1972

Cody Foster's Christmas House McNeal & Friends

Vintage Books Moorhead Antique Mall

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Handmade Stuffed Christmas Tree Grace 1972

NATURE If we can't enjoy the outdoors, why not bring the outdoors in? That's what Meik Wiking, author of "The Little Book of Hygge, Danish Secrets to Happy Living," has to say. We've rounded up natural wood designs as well as nature-inspired holiday dĂŠcor from local stores that your whole family will adore.

Snowflake Tree Northern Home Furniture

Sullivan Gift Spray Holland's Landscaping & Garden Center Glass Ball Forest Scene Ornament Eco Chic Boutique

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Winter Greens Eco Chic Boutique

Bark Squirrel Figurine SCHEELS Home & Hardware

Woolen Tree MINT + BASIL

Timber End Table Grain Designs

Giftcraft Ornament Holland's Landscaping & Garden Center

Moss Ball Ornament SCHEELS Home & Hardware

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Ceramic Ornament by Jacqueline Grace Stamatopoulos Revland Gallery

Wool Trees Eco Chic Boutique Sullivan Gift Ornament Holland's Landscaping & Garden Center

Pinecone Ornament Zandbroz Variety

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Ceramic Ornament by Jacqueline Grace Stamatopoulos Revland Gallery

Snowball Ornament Northern Home Furniture

Don't Lose Focus Eye Chart Grain Designs

Sugar Cone Holland's Landscaping & Garden Center

Bottle Brush Tree The Red Silo

Resin Antler Ornament Eco Chic Boutique

Serving Tray Baker Garden & Gift

Vintage Deer Figurines The White House Co.

Deer Print Unglued

Wood Deer Standing Puzzle Eco Chic Boutique

OH DEER! You can hunt down these holiday finds at local shops and boutiques.

Felted Deer Ornament Zandbroz Variety

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THE NATURE OF ART Bring the outside in with works by local and regional artists.

Wood Sculpture by Paul Hedman Underbrush Gallery

"Sentinels" by William Damon Gallery 4

"Morning Frost" by Charles Beck Underbrush Gallery

Wooden Vase designingwomen2

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Live Edge Redwood Coffee Table by Steve Revland Revland Gallery

"Blue Moon" by Liz W. Designs C. Lizzy's online store

"A Chance of Thunder" by Meg Spielman Peldo Revland Gallery

"Binding Earth to Sky" by William Damon Gallery 4

"November Farm" by Charles Beck Underbrush Gallery

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Live Edge Blackened Redwood Coffee Table by Steve Revland Revland Gallery

"December Farm" by Charles Beck Underbrush Gallery

Magnolia Home Boho Playhouse Twin Canopy Bed HOM Furniture

Wood Sculpture by Paul Hedman Underbrush Gallery

"Trees 2" by Charles Beck Underbrush Gallery

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Cedar Stool HOM Furniture

Wood Sculpture by Paul Hedman Underbrush Gallery

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Kids' Table Everything Amish

Rustic Dresser Everything Amish

Wooden Vase designingwomen2

"A Winter Walk" by Liz W. Designs C. Lizzy's online store

DESIGN&LIVING HOLIDAY HOME

A Colorful,

CHRISTMAS COTTAGE

E

ach year, SCHEELS Home & Hardware decks out a home for the Homes for the Holidays event, which is sponsored by NDSU's Alpha Gamma Delta chapter. This year, we met with design consultants Julie Alin and Steve Johnson, who divulged holiday decorating tips that you'll definitely want to steal for your own home. See them in action inside of this colorful, Christmas Cottage. BY Becca Opp | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

Meet the Design Consultants Though they are both originally from Fargo, Julie Alin and Steve Johnson didn't cross paths until a couple of years ago when Johnson began working as a Design Consultant at SCHEELS Home & Hardware. Between the two of them, they have more than 30 years of decorating experience.

Julie Alin and Steve Johnson, design consultants at SCHEELS Home & Hardware

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HOLIDAY HOME DESIGN&LIVING

TOUR THIS COLORFUL, CHRISTMAS COTTAGE Living Room This home by Carlson Construction belongs to Cindy and Rick Jacobs. Most of the furniture in the Jacobs' home is from SCHEELS Home & Hardware. Cindy is actually Alin's sister, so the design consultants were familiar with the homeowners' taste. This year, Alin and Johnson used lots of color in their whimsical holiday décor because it fit in with the style that was already in the home. "Our inspiration was her [Cindy's] paisley rug. We found that rug and decorated around it," Alin said.

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DESIGN&LIVING HOLIDAY HOME

In the living room Alin and Johnson set up a tall and thin pencil tree. To make it appear more full, they used large ornaments and protruding decorations.

Tip 1 "Christmas has changed a lot. You can use almost any colors you want, from traditional red and green to black and white." - Julie Alin

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HOLIDAY HOME DESIGN&LIVING

The dining table and buffet feature Moving Flame LED Candles, a Disney invention, from SCHEELS Home & Hardware.

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DESIGN&LIVING HOLIDAY HOME

Dining Room In the dining room, Alin and Johnson added cascading pine trimmings and faux icicles to the preexisting light fixture.

The tabletop had already featured a galvanized metal centerpiece, which Alin and Johnson used to spell out the word 'joy.' Alin explained, "We like to use a little of the homeowners' things so they can leave it up after the holidays are over, but most of the decor is from our store."

Alin and Johnson sometimes like to create asymmetrical designs, which is what they have done with this swag.

Tip 2 "Buy a big package of pipe cleaners and a big package of floral wire. This whole house is held together by pipe cleaners and florist's wire." Julie Alin "We use green and brown pipe cleaners, so they're hidden." - Steve Johnson

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Kitchen In the kitchen, Alin and Johnson kept with their cozy, cottage theme. One of Johnsons' favorite pieces in this room is the deer vase from SCHEELS Home & Hardware that allows you to create antlers out of almost anything.

Tip 3 "Pull pieces of loose garland and loose sprays. You can use them anywhere you want."

- Julie Alin

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Master Suite Alin and Johnson started preparing on Monday, October 30. Before they began decorating the Jacobs' home, they had to scan and package all of the products. Though it is usually just the two of them decorating the SCHEELS Home & Hardware Homes for the Holidays house, Alin and Johnson had a little help this year. "We hired a student from Carl Ben Eielson, so she spent the day with us," Alin explained.

The Monday after the tour, Alin and Johnson packed up and returned their inventory to the store. However, the homeowners often choose to purchase some or all of the pieces.

"A lot of times, the homeowner loves what we've done and will want to buy it," Alin said.

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DESIGN&LIVING HOLIDAY HOME

Thousands of people walked through the Jacobs' home on the first weekend in November. A portion of the proceeds from this event was donated to the Great Plains Food Bank BackPack Program.

"Alpha Gamma Delta International has a philanthropic focus on hunger. We chose the BackPack Program because the work that they are doing is just so needed.

Knowing our event can play a small role in improving the lives of children right here in the FM community makes it all worth doing," Homes for the Holidays Chair Brenna Naseer explained.

For more information, contact: SCHEELS Home & Hardware 3202 13th Ave. S, Fargo 701-232-8903 scheelshomeandhardware.com To learn more about the BackPack Program, you can visit greatplainsfoodbank.org.

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ARTIST FEATURE

a young ceramicist in fargo

SPENCER R. JOHANNES

A

s we were going around to local stores and visiting art galleries for our winter shopping guide, there was one name that we kept hearing over and over again: Spencer R. Johannes. Just who is this young ceramicist? We simply had to find out.

BY Becca Opp PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen and Spencer Johannes

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DESIGN&LIVING ARTIST

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DESIGN&LIVING ARTIST

HIS ORIGINS

Originally from Sartell, Minnesota, Johannes was drawn to Moorhead because of MSUM's reputable art department. In the spring of 2017, he graduated with a BFA with an emphasis in Illustration, a BFA with an emphasis in ceramics and a Certificate in Professional Portfolio Development.

Following a lifelong interest in art, Johannes began seriously studying pottery about four and a half years ago.

As a young artist, though he considers himself to be more of a craftsman, Johannes was initially concerned with making connections, but soon realized that the best thing he could do was to create a strong body of work.

This is what Johannes's work looks like before it is glazed and put in the kiln.

Johannes experiments with creating new glazes.

HIS STUDIO SPACE

Now, Johannes is thankful to have a studio at APT Creative Incubator in Downtown Fargo. After graduation, he invested in a used pottery wheel and kiln. "Starting a ceramic studio is like being a farmer; it requires a lot of investment up front to get the necessary equipment," Johannes explained.

In addition to being a ceramicist, Johannes has delved into the world of woodworking with handmade chess sets, frames and furniture. "I recently got into it, but I wish I would've started when I was younger," he explained. Unlike his pottery, Johannes feels a sense of connection to his chess sets because they can take a very long time to make.

"I don't really have an attachment to any of my pottery anymore except for the larger pieces because I have a tendency to break them," he said with a laugh.

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DESIGN&LIVING ARTIST

HIS WORK ON DISPLAY

Though he has just graduated recently, Johannes has already sold pieces at C. Lizzy's and Gallery 4 in Downtown Fargo.

After Cari Luchau of C. Lizzy's heard about his work, she offered Johannes a place in their handmade gift and art gallery. Since then, he has participated in Corks and Canvas events at their store. However, because C. Lizzy's is closing their doors and becoming a pop-up studio and online store, Johannes applied to have his work shown at Gallery 4 where he was also accepted.

"UTILIZING A VARIETY OF TECHNIQUES SUCH AS WHEEL THROWING, CARVING AND WOODWORKING, AS WELL AS MIXED MEDIA APPLICATIONS, I STRIVE TO CREATE VESSELS THAT ARE A MAN-MADE REPRESENTATION OF EARTH AND SKY." - SPENCER R. JOHANNES 93

ARTIST DESIGN&LIVING

HIS INSPIRATION

Much of Johannes's work reflects his interest in earth sciences. As a child, he was fascinated with the geodes and rocks that were on display in his parents' home. Today, Johannes is still influenced by nature because he takes inspiration from constellations, timber, rocks, water and land formations.

For more information, contact: Spencer R. Johannes SRJ Ceramics srjceramics.com

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DESIGN&LIVING TREE TRENDS & CARE

Oh,

Chri stmas

Tree!

TRENDS

& CARE

Nothing gets you into the holiday spirit like the smell of a live Christmas tree. However, before you decide to take an axe to the evergreen your son or daughter brought home from school on arbor day ten years ago, there are a few things you might like to know. We sought out local experts Eric Baker and Phaidra Yunker of Baker Garden & Gift to teach us about current Christmas tree trends and care, as well as outdoor treetop arrangements.

BY Becca Opp | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen & Eric Baker

ERIC BAKER

PHAIDRA YUNKER

MEET THE EXPERTS Eric Baker is a third generation businessowner. His grandfather opened Baker Garden & Gift in 1959. Baker works with Phaidra Yunker, who is a Custom Container Design Manager. She has been working at Baker Garden & Gift for the past seven years.

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TREE TRENDS & CARE DESIGN&LIVING TWO MOST POPULAR TREES According to Baker, there are two types of trees that are currently popular in the United States. The first is the fraser fir and the second is the scotch pine.

While firs have soft and supple needles, pine needles are more prickly. However, both trees are very fragrant. "Part of the Christmas tree experience is the smell.

A lot of times it is a memory trigger for people," said Baker.

FRASER FIR Currently, fraser firs are the United States' most popular Christmas tree.

"The styles of trees have changed over the years, just like furniture," Baker said.

The demand for this type of tree grows each year. Baker Garden & Gift orders trees from North Carolina because they grow best in the cool, moist climate found near the Appalachian Mountains.

"They are the best trees we can find," the owner explained.

All of the trees at Baker Garden & Gift are stored in a controlled environment where the temperature is chilly, but above freezing.

"If you were to go out into nature and find relatives of these trees, they would never look the same." - Eric Baker

SCOTCH PINE Scotch pines are a dryer type of tree.

Baker likes to tell people how these trees get their color. "Full disclosure, any pine that anybody buys, 99% of them will have been sprayed green," he said. Their natural color can sometimes be seen on the underside of the lower branches.

These trees are between seven and ten years old, with the tallest being 14 feet.

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The tallest scotch pines at Baker Garden & Gift reach up to 8 feet, while the tallest fraser firs are 14 feet in height

DESIGN&LIVING TREE TRENDS & CARE

CARE After you bring your live tree home, the first thing you should do is make a fresh cut on the end. In other words, cut off about two inches from the bottom of the trunk before placing it in the stand with water. If you don't want to put your tree up right away, store it in a cool, dark place. When you do set up your tree, make sure that it is not located next to a heat source.

Tip

If the needles on your tree become brittle and start falling off of the branches, you can cut a wedge-shaped notch into the trunk, which exposes more living tissue and allows the tree to absorb more water.

Baker recommends saving the wood slice and turning it into a keepsake ornament.

Tip

Place a disposable bag under the tree and hide it beneath a tree skirt. Then, when it is time to take down your tree, you can just lift it up.

After you make the cut, Baker suggests dropping the tree onto the stand. Almost every tree stand has spikes in the middle that help the tree stay upright. "Just make sure that the tree gets fully seated on the spikes," he said. Then you can adjust the pegs to make sure that the tree stands up straight.

The first 72 hours after you make the cut are critical, so you have to make sure that there is always water in the stand.

By making that fresh cut, you expose living tissue that draws moisture up into the tree. Even though the tree no longer has roots, it still needs moisture to keep it looking healthy throughout the holiday season. If cared for properly, a Christmas tree can last from the day after Thanksgiving until January 1.

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TREE TRENDS & CARE DESIGN&LIVING

FLOCKED TREES Flocked trees do not require water because they are coated in a preservative that locks moisture in.

Baker flocks all of the trees himself.

The coating consists of wood pulp, an Elmer's Glue-like adhesive and paint.

After white, the most popular flocked tree color at Baker Garden & Gift is black.

They offer several other colors as well. In the past, Baker has even made a Bisonthemed tree.

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TREE TRENDS & CARE DESIGN&LIVING OUTDOOR TREETOP ARRANGEMENTS Another up-and-coming trend is outdoor treetop arrangements. Many may have the misconception that these arrangements are made out of tree branches, but they are actually made out of trees sourced from Canada. These trees are about the same age as many of the fraser firs and scotch pines that Baker ordered, but are smaller in size because they were grown in a harsher climate.

Yunker uses resin containers, dense soil, spruce tops, white pine and up to four different types of cedar in her designs.

Some of these arrangements are destined for the showroom floor, while others are made to order for commercial and residential clients. "They're becoming more and more popular," she said.

Baker Garden & Gift also offers seminars where attendees make their own outdoor treetop arrangement. This year, they offered eight seminars with ten spots each. Yunker explained, "I think that people are becoming more aware, and it's been incredibly successful this year."

After they are complete, Yunker dumps a couple gallons of water over the arrangements and they will stay frozen until March. "When it leaves here, as long as it freezes, that's how it is going to look all season," she said. However, there are a couple of challenges. "Pots are being designed more and more intelligently.

Unfortunately, in our climate, we can't have ceramic outside because it will freeze and crack," Yunker explained. She also warns against North Dakota winds.

Resin containers filled with dense soil typically are the most sturdy.

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

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