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ON
COMPLIMENTARY
Time
DESIGN & LIVING
TEAM
At Design & Living Magazine, 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 PHOTOGRAPHER
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.
JESSE HOORELBEKE PHOTOGRAPHER
Hoorelbeke is a former professional baseball player turned photographer. He is the owner of J. Alan Paul Photography in Fargo and veteran, lead editorial photographer for Spotlight Media. Hoorelbeke specializes in editorial, commercial, architectural and landscape photography.
SARAH GEIGER ART DIRECTOR
Geiger is a MSUM graduate with a BFA with an emphasis in Graphic Design. She is the lead publication designer for Bison Illustrated, Fargo Monthly and Fargo INC! magazines at Spotlight Media.
SARAH STAUNER GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Originally from central Wisconsin, Stauner relocated to the FargoMoorhead area in 2017. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she recieved her BFA in Graphic Design and Marketing.
PAUL H. GLEYE CONTRIBUTOR
Gleye is a professor of architecture at North Dakota State University. His fields of expertise include historic preservation and urban design, and he leads the architecture school’s term abroad program in Europe each spring semester.
JOHN GUNKLEMAN CONTRIBUTOR
Gunkelman is current Home Builders Association of F-M president. He owns Dakota Construction of Fargo, Inc., specializing in custom homes, commercial remodeling and residential remodeling.
CHRISTEN ANDERSON CONTRIBUTOR
Anderson is a Minnesota native with an eye for decor and design. She is the owner of Christen Joy Homes and is known for her exceptional remodels, expert staging and accessorizing high-end living spaces. Anderson is also a passionate art collector, world traveler and home cook who frequently entertains friends.
Keepsakes
from the lake
Ahoy Readers, As a child, I remember spending every Fourth of July and Labor Day down at our family lake house. I remember catching up with extended family over plates of homemade food. I remember all my cousins and I piling on a tube to see which one of us could stay on the longest as the boat pulled us along. I remember going out of my comfort zone to learn how to water ski... and falling a lot along the way. I remember finishing the days with my mom picking through my messy lake hair to make sure I didn't have any ticks making themselves at home on my scalp. My family's lake home is on Lake Guntersville in north Alabama, and not in the midst of lakes country in Minnesota, but the memories are all the same. Whether the lake area is your permanent home or your vacation home or even your friend's home, the experience of spending time at the water is one that stays with you.
We know a lot of our readers love to spend their summers in lakes country. So that you won't miss out on an issue while sunning lakeside, we've extended our distribution to the lakes area for our May, June, July and August issues.
Touring these beautiful lake homes this month brought memories of spending time with family, trying new things and coming home dead tired. My own family's lake home could generously be described as "dated" and has not seen renovations since the 1970s, so I'm not going to bother comparing it to the stunning homes in this issue. But in visiting these lake homes, the smell of the water and the environment around "lake life" brought me back. We hope that looking through these pages might bring back your own memories you've enjoyed at the lake. And if you haven't had any lake experiences, what are you waiting for? If the lake life is calling, you must go!
Until next month,
ALEXANDRA MARTIN Editor
2019
Design & Living Magazine
Becky Muller Social Media Coordinator North Dakota Interior Designers
Melissa Rademacher President & CEO Downtown Community Partnership
downtownfargo.com
We at Design & Living Magazine want to make sure that our content is accurate, unbiased and reflects the local home industry. That is why we meet with our Editorial Advisory Board, which is made up of representatives from local, statewide and national organizations. Each month, we listen to their feedback and discuss innovations in local art, architecture, home decor, interior design and landscaping.
Photos by Hillary Ehlen and J. Alan Paul Photography
ndid.org
Editorial Advisory Board
Rich Lahren Hardscape Committee Member, Past Board Member & Past President North Dakota Nursery, Greenhouse & Landscape Association
Chris Hawley Licensed Architect/Member American Institute of Architects
Krista Mund Executive Vice President Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead
Dayna Del Val President & CEO The Arts Partnership
theartspartnership.net aia.org hbafm.com ndnga.com 12
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2019
contents
JULY
FEATURE STORY
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On Lake Time
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Designing with Joy
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The ever anticipated lakes issue is here! This month, we paddled out to some of Minnesota's lakes and explored their finest homes. Walk through three unique lake houses, explore lake shopping options and even find a lake home for yourself. From private and serene retreats to family spaces made for entertaining, everyone's reasons to escape to the lakes varies, but all are equally as enjoyable.
In each issue of Design & Living Magazine, residential and commercial designer Christen Anderson of Live Christen Joy will answer a home design or lifestyle question. This month she shows how to expertly stage a home to put it on the market.
Introducing Design 2 Sell Situated in an unassuming location just off of Highway 10 in Detroit Lakes is Design 2 Sell, a new full-service design house. Owner Skye Fingalson tells us about what trends she's drawn to and what she enjoys most about her career as an interior designer.
Hard Work & Heart: The Culture that Shaped Adam Thielen Detroit Lakes native Adam Thielen and his wife Caitlin unveiled a new initiative in September 2018: The Thielen Foundation. In this endeavor, the Thielens partnered with Choice Bank to help them grow in their mission to aid youth development.
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The Friluftsliv House
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Spaces the Work: Spitfire Bar & Grill
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Ask the Expert: The Real Estate Company of Detroit Lakes
Join contributor Paul H. Gleye as he provides insight into some of our area's most interesting architectural feats. This month, he discusses a Scandinavian inspired home in Battle Lake.
Each month, we are excited to feature commercial spaces that work. Design & Living has always been a community resource to all things home and design. This month we looked at Spitfire Bar & Grill's new Detroit Lakes restaurant.
Have you ever wanted to get in the mind of an industry expert? In this ongoing series, we sit down with experts of a certain field and get answers to some frequently asked questions. This month, we spoke with The Real Estate Company of Detroit Lakes to learn all about buying or selling a lake home.
NEXT MONTH We only get a few good months of sunshine and long days here in the Red River Valley. We like to use these months wisely and spend some quality time outdoors. From beautiful backyards to curb appeal to patios, if it's outside, we are going to showcase it!
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Do you have an outdoor space that you think would look good on our pages? Let us know! Email our editor at alexandra@ spotlightmediafargo.com.
JULY 2019 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
Mike Dragosavich Drago@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Chief Operations Officer
EDITORIAL
Editorial Director
Editor Art Director Graphic Designer Director of Photography
Matt Bruns
Andrew Jason Andrew@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Alexandra Martin Sarah Geiger Sarah Stauner Hillary Ehlen Photography@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Photography
J. Alan Paul Photography jesse@jalanpaul.com
Contributors
INTERACTIVE
Business Development Manager
Christen Anderson, John Gunkelman, Paul H. Gleye
Nick Schommer nickschommer@spotlightmediafargo.com
Creative Director Digital Marketing Strategist Videographer Executive Sales Assistant
ADVERTISING
Simon Andrys Tommy Uhlir Patrick Thompson Kellen Feeney
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Neil Keltgen
Senior Sales Executive
Paul Hoefer Paul@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Sales Executives
Ross Uglem Ross@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Zach Olson Zach@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Ella Harrison Ella@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Client Relations
ADMINISTRATION VP of Human Resources
Office Manager
DISTRIBUTION Delivery
Jenny Johnson, Gigi McColm
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Colleen Dreyer Wendy Kalbrener Bruce Crummy, John Stuber, Craig Sheets
Design & Living Magazine is published by Spotlight Media, LLC. Copyright 2019 Design & Living Magazine & designandlivingmagazine.com. All rights reserved. No parts of this magazine 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
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Spotlight Media's Other Magazines
Most small business owners don't have a business background and are figuring things out as they go. Some of the biggest unknowns for business owners can be questions on finance. To help guide you through the quagmire of your financial statements, we received business finance questions from different owners and executives across the state and are getting them answered by financial experts.
With his budding stardom on the field for the Minnesota Vikings, Adam Thielen and his wife Caitlin are embarking on a big venture off the field. The Thielen Foundation focuses on youth development and creates programs for kids by equipping and empowering them to reach their full potential in life. We sat down with the All-Pro wide receiver to discuss his foundation and how it impacts Fargo-Moorhead.
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MEET THE TEAM
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SARAH
JESSE
BRUCE
ALEXANDRA
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HILLARY
NICK
CRAIG
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by John Gunkelman Dakota Construction of Fargo, Inc. Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead
Stairs used as a focal piece in a local home built by Fiske Construction, LLP.
TOP DESIGN TRENDS O F F E R I N S P I RAT I O N
W
HETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION FOR YOUR NEXT RENOVATION OR YOU’RE READY TO START BROWSING FOR A NEW HOME, HERE ARE A FEW OF THE TOP DESIGN TRENDS WE’VE BEEN SEEING THIS YEAR: 1. Black window frames. Do you prefer a sleek and distinctive look for your home? Black window frames are the answer. The bold color choice has a modern appeal and frames are available in every price point.
Black window frames and use of mixed materials like metal and stone.
2. Delineation of spaces through mixed materials. Designers are shaking things up in 2019 with a variety of textured elements to elevate the style of a home. Homes will have better defined spaces, both outdoor and in, with mixed materials like stone or brick. 3. Stairs as a focal piece. Known more for utility in a home rather
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John Gunkelman is current Home Builders Association of F-M president. He owns Dakota Construction of Fargo, Inc., specializing in custom homes, commercial remodeling and residential remodeling.
than design, stairs are now taking a life of their own. Homes this year will have stairs with fine detailing, unique materials and one-of-akind designs. Stairs and rails are available in an array of styles and are suitable for any budget.
“OVER THE YEARS, I’VE LOVED TO GO OUT ON THE PARADE OF HOMES TO SEE THE NEW TRENDS, NEW LOOKS AND HOW HOUSES ARE BEING CONSTRUCTED. WE AGREED TO OPEN OUR HOUSE BECAUSE WE FELT IT WOULD INSPIRE OTHERS TO CONSIDER THE POTENTIAL OF WHAT THEY HAVE. IF YOU HAVE A HOUSE WITH GREAT BONES, WHY NOT JUST IMPROVE IT TO MAKE IT BETTER?" - Autumn Hareland, 2018 Remodeled Home Tour Homeowner Participant
Home Builders Association of Fargo Moorhead Nurture a thriving, innovative and diverse housing industry in our community
For more information, contact: hbafm.com info@hbafm.com facebook.com/ HBAFargoMoorhead twitter.com/hbafm
DESIGNING
with joy
MAKE YOUR HOME STAND OUT IN TODAY’S MARKET Staging Your Home to Get the Most Value
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INSPIRED INTERIORS AND EVENTS WITH CHRISTEN JOY
BY Christen Anderson | PHOTOS BY Tara Scherling, Scherling Photography
Staging a home is setting yourself up for success. Recently, we staged a home on the market that’s a real showstopper! Built in 2017 in West Fargo, this light-filled home has six bedrooms, five bathrooms and three floors with a panoramic view of a restful pond. The 6,900 squarefoot home has ten-foot ceilings, even in the lower level – a rare find in our area. The sellers were listing and asked to have the home staged to highlight its beautiful features to sell this $1,250,000 home. Why? Let me share the reasons staging is crucial to a fast sale and give you a tour with tips for success.
TOP REASONS TO STAGE YOUR HOME
they don’t view it objectively. A professional home stager will help you see it in a new way and from a fresh perspective.
MAKE THE BEST FIRST IMPRESSION
STAGE AND DECLUTTER
Because the real estate market is more competitive than ever, you need to make your home stand out. If you don’t, chances are, your competition will. For this reason, more and more homeowners are enlisting the help of home stagers to help sell their properties faster and for top dollar in today’s crowded real estate market.
53% of sellers’ agents say that home staging decreases the amount of time a home spends on the market, and 95% of agents recommend that sellers declutter their home before putting it on the market.*
SET THE STAGE FOR THE BEST OUTCOME Home staging is the process of packaging, preparing and presenting your home so that it sells more quickly and at a higher price by making it appealing and attractive to the widest possible audience. SEE IT THROUGH A BUYER’S EYES According to a survey carried out by NAR (National Association of Realtors) in 2019, more than 83% of buyers said that they found staged properties easier to visualize as their next home. VIEW YOUR HOME OBJECTIVELY Because you live in your home each day it can be easy to overlook issues that need fixing, or clutter that agents and buyers see as deal-breakers. You’re not alone. Most homeowners can't package their homes effectively because
UPSTAGE THE COMPETITION Buyers have very high expectations, making the competition very stiff. Successful realtors know professional staging is the key to competing because it increases offers, drives buyer traffic and creates a great online presence. STANDOUT ONLINE Over 95% of buyers look at pictures of the home/property online first before they call an agent or go visit.* OVERLOOK THE “FLAWS” Though I recommend fixing your home’s flaws before putting it on the market, when a home is professionally staged, almost a third of buyers will overlook property faults.* *Source: National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2019.
TIPS TO STAGE YOUR HOME
The vegetation around your home should be alive and healthy. Clean the walkways. Add furniture and flowers to the porch. If your lawn is dry, consider re-sodding or replacing it with drought-tolerant plants. Buyers may drive past your home before they decide to further inquire. And don’t skip the backyard! At 3716 6th St. E., we added fresh mulch, power-washed the porches and patios and added bright new pillows. The ‘Welcome’ entryway mat, cobalt blue planters and vibrant red flowers invite guests to the front door, while the white rocking chairs and leaning birch branches act as a foreshadow to the family-friendly finishes inside the home. The lush green backyard and pond are another key outdoor feature of the home. This space is clearly a value adding feature of the home. Buyers can imagine relaxing around the fire pit with friends in the Adirondack chairs and soft pillows, covering up with luxurious throws, surrounded by colorful planters and a few fun accessories that make this their fun summertime hangout of choice. EDIT IT OR PACK IT UP. Space sells. Pack away personal items such as photos and collections. Let buyers see how much space the home has to offer. This lets them imagine their personal items in the home. Buyers will want to see how much space is in the closets and cupboards so keep these areas clean and uncrowded.
At the 6th Street home, we removed all items from the kitchen cabinets and counters. Then we displayed a few pieces of white dishware with fresh flowers for pops of color so potential buyers could focus on the great storage and display areas, not cluttered countertops or cabinets that may not look ‘picture perfect’. In the butler, we rearranged the coffee area with the owner’s cute mug collection and made subtle updates. We also opened all the window shades, doors and turned on all lights to illuminate the home to showcase the full natural light the builder and architect designed into the space. SCRUB-A-DUB-DUB! The interior should gleam. Wash the exterior and interior window surfaces of your home. Steam clean the carpet, re-grout the tiles,
ADD A JOYFUL TOUCH TO YOUR HOME. CUT FRESH CITRUS FRUITS OR TIE DRIED HERBS SUCH AS RELAXING LAVENDER TO NATURALLY SCENT YOUR HOME AND PROVIDE A (CHRISTEN JOY) POP OF COLOR!
ADD CURB APPEAL
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replace corroded faucets and consider refinishing wood floors if they are worn. At 6th Street, the owners rolled up their sleeves and did most of the work. Then, professional cleaners came in before I did the finishing touches to ensure the place was spotless before any showings.
other neutral furnishings to help your home feel comfortable and inviting. Stay neutral with selections as you want buyers to focus on how the house feels versus focusing on décor that’s too loud with colors or patterns.
You should clean every area of your home. And consider staging all areas as well, including rooms and areas you may not necessarily think of staging, such as a toilet or shower. The bathrooms in 6th Street are spacious with beautiful tile. We staged the space by adding fresh towels, loofahs, dried lavender, fresh flowers and what I call ‘pretty shampoo & conditioner.’ The space felt bright, extra clean and refreshing for agent showings.
The already beautiful home on 6th Street increased its welcoming vibe with fresh with towels throughout (tip: steam out any creases), fluffy new pillows (on every surface from beds to furniture – and each one gets a karate chop after you fluff them for that designer look), folded throws (I personally love a neatly folded blanket in most places), subtle pops of colors, interesting yet neutral objects (from agate stone to wine bottles to a fun lit-up sign) and fresh arrangements.
MAKE IT SERENE, NOT STERILE. Decorate your home with subtle touches such as table settings, bowls of fruit, fresh flowers, plush towels, new bedding and
trendy. Neutral colors are best, as they appeal to a wider audience. Most paint stores have a brochure that gives neutral color favorites, start there! The colors were already on trend at 6th Street so using blue tape here and there made for quick touch-ups prior to listing. If your home has unexpected colors – maybe from letting your kiddo select their paint choice – neutralize it with fresh paint before listing and showing.
point. In the entryway, we removed a bulky bench to add a modern piece of artwork to compliment the home’s selections. In the living room, we removed two chairs and flipped the sofa and matching chairs. This removed the focal point being the back of the sofa – opening up this beautiful space – all the way to the large windows and view of the pond. READY, SET, SELL!
PAINT IT
Each room should be arranged to maximize its flow and potential for its defined purpose. Pack away the tattered recliner, no matter how comfortable it is. If necessary, consider renting furniture that is better suited for the space.
You now have some professional tips and ideas to start preparing and staging your home for sale. I also hope you enjoyed the tour of 3716 6th St. E. in West Fargo to show how it’s done. If you are starting the journey of selling your home, I wish you all the best and a quick sale. If you’re looking to have your home staged – you know where to find me!
A fresh coat of paint applied both outside and inside your home does wonders to brighten it. Keep it sophisticated yet
6th Street didn’t need new furniture, however, we did remove and rearrange it to ensure the room’s potential was the focal
Interested in 3716 6th St. E., West Fargo? Contact Danielle Paulus, Keller Williams Inspire Realty 701-306-3593
Meet Christen Anderson of Christen Joy. Each month she shares her designs ranging from commercial, residential to events. Anderson is a Minnesota native with an eye for decor and design. Christen Joy specializes in newconstruction commercial projects, exceptional remodels, furnishing high-end living spaces and creating memorable special events. Anderson is also a passionate art collector, world traveler and home cook who frequently entertains for friends.
ARRANGE FURNITURE PROPERLY
Join me on my Instagram & Facebook pages to see my latest projects and email at christen@livechristenjoy.com for project inquires.
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ON
Time
T
ime slows down when you're on the water. This month, we paddled out to some of Minnesota's lakes and explored their unique homes. We looked at three very different lakeside homes to show the different ways you can enjoy lakeside living. Enjoy serene views of the water from a wooded property at a Pelican Lake home, designed for entertaining friends and family. Travel to Lake Sallie to see a modern and chic home that makes you feel like you've made a visit to California. And then get a little unconventional and tour a tiny home in Lake Park. No matter how or why you retreat to the water, we hope you enjoy living on lake time this summer.
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Swimsuits and Martinis JENNIFER AND NATHAN WEIXEL CALL THIS OTTER TAIL COUNTY LAKE THEIR HOME FOR THE SUMMERS AND HAVE BUILT A HOME IDEAL FOR ENTERTAINING BOTH SWIMSUITS AND MARTINIS.
SNOW SKIS TO WATER SKIS
BY Alexandra Martin | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen
Jennifer and Nathan call this beautiful lake house in Otter Tail County their home and they make the most of being on the water. Jennifer joked, “[Nathan’s] goal is to be in shorts and with gin and tonics year-round.” This house is a space for the whole family. Their children and their significant others all enjoy entertaining at this versatile home in the heart of Minnesota lakes country.
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When Jennifer and Nathan were in Utah on a ski trip in 2005, they also were looking for a vacation property out there. When they returned from the trip and spoke with their children, who were 15 and 13 at the time, the kids had a different idea in mind. During this trip, the kids were staying with their grandparent’s lake property. Jennifer said, “We came back to the lake and we were sitting around and our son said to us, ‘Mom and Dad, we’ve been talking…and we already out-ski you. When you get older and if we get married and have kids, you’ll never be able to keep up with them. But if we had a lake place…you could take them fishing, you could take them skiing, you can watch them play in the lake.'”
NO UNUSED SPACE "When we designed this house, we designed it so that we would utilize all the spaces," said Jennifer. She added that there's virtually no space in the house that isn't leveraged. With built-in storage and clever addons, there are no empty spaces behind walls and there's no room in the house that doesn't get used. Before they retired, the Weixels lived in a large house that they admit was too big for their needs. So when designing this house, they were conscious of the usage of space and wanted to make sure everything had a purpose. "We wanted form to follow function. However we design it, it has to function well," said Jennifer. BY FRIENDS AND FAMILY, FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY "When we say that we built this place for friends and family, it was also built by friends and family," said Jennifer. She noted that everyone was involved, even her mother in her 80s played a part. While they worked with a number of professionals, like the Schmit Brothers, they made sure they put their own sweat equity into it, too. Their son Aaron and Nathan's brother Clifford helped with a lot of the installations. From the decking to laying the basement's Travertine stone flooring, they aided in much of the heavy lifting. With so much help from friends and family, the Weixels can see the metaphorical fingerprints of those who helped along the way all throughout the house. TWO LIVING SPACES Something that was important to the homeowners was to be able to accommodate and host many people. One way they did this was to make separate living spaces for the upstairs and
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downstairs. Jennifer said, "When we built the house, the upper-level was for my husband and me. We wanted it to be cozy enough for just him and me. Then for the lower level, [we wanted] this house to expand and contract. It is cozy enough for two, but it can sleep 19." In a poker room in the lower level, there are two twin Murphy beds and one queen Murphy bed, transforming the space from a game-night to a family bedroom at the flip of a bed. Their children Aaron and Caitlyn are at the ages where many of their friends have families with children and these extra sleeping options are perfect for a full-house weekend. Another detail is the soundproofing between the two levels. They wanted to be able to host their children and their friends without having to be disturbed late at night. With a wet bar complete with a mini fridge and microwave, friends can come home after bar close to have snacks and wind down their night, without having to worry about troubling Jennifer and Nathan sleeping upstairs. SWIMSUITS AND MARTINIS A theme carried throughout the house is one of "swimsuits and martinis." Jennifer expanded on this concept saying, "People in swimsuits can come in, but it also has a casual elegance where it is nice enough to have a party with martinis. So it goes back and forth." The lower level houses a unique wet bar with a custom cabinet design. Throughout the house, the Weixels included design elements from previous homes they have designed and lived in. One element they wanted to repeat were sliding liquor cabinet doors. Hidden behind two unassuming sets of what
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look like cupboard doors is actually a sliding panel that opens to showcase illuminated liquor shelves. Nathan said, "What we wanted was when our kids came to play pool or watch TV, we didn’t want them sitting there looking at liquor." This way, the drink selection can be on display for mature fetes or closed off for family weekends. INDOOR/OUTDOOR PATIO A space the couple uses often is the patio space adjoining the kitchen. Using local black ash and installing the deck themselves, this space is completely custom. The patio is surrounded by a stone fireplace on one end and retractable screens on two other walls. With a remote, these screens can be lifted or lowered, depending on the breeze, bugs or blowing rain the area might face. Dining space in this area allows for guests to enjoy a meal with views of the water while still being attached to the kitchen area. A grill and kitchen area on the patio also provides for outdoor grilling opportunities. When the Weixels say that their home was carefully thought out and with an attention to detail, they mean it. For generations to come, they can be expecting to host many more parties, casual get-togethers and everything in-between.
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Contractor: Schmidt Brothers Construction Hardscaping: Hough Inc of Detroit Lakes Lighting and Bathroom Design: Rebecca Smith at Interiors Workshop
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Meet Tony FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS, TRAVIS AND JENNIFER KLATH HAVE BEEN LIVING SMALL IN THEIR LAKE PARK TINY HOME, LOVINGLY NAMED TONY.
BY Alexandra Martin | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen
It's always fun to settle in with your significant other to watch a documentary on Netflix. Back in 2015, Travis and Jennifer Klath did just this and watched a documentary about tiny house living. What started as a joking comment of, "Oh we should do that!" turned into a reality for this couple. With no building experience and a sea of YouTube how-to videos at their fingertips, the Klaths spent a year and a half building their dream tiny home and have been living in it for two years now. Located about 40 minutes from their jobs in downtown Fargo, the Klaths' tiny house is on Tub Lake in Lake Park, Minn. Seated on an incline, the home has priceless views of their country landscape and the water.
FROM THE TRAILER UP The Klaths started with a blank trailer and built their very own tiny house from scratch. With no previous building experience, they set out on researching a lot and taking things one step at a time. Travis Klath said, "We didn’t have set building plans or anything, we built it all ourselves. My wife’s parents are an architect and an interior designer, so we could bounce ideas off of them. But we drew up all the plans and did everything ourselves. Pretty much everything you see in here, we did." About the building timeline, he said, "It would have been quicker, but we were building it at my parents' place which is an hour and a half away. 43
So we would drive up on the weekends and work for a day and a half at a time." This process took about a year and a half thanks to the distance as well as all the research they did along the way. FOLLOWING ALONG Throughout the building process, the Klaths tracked their progress through an Instagram account, @TonyTinyHouse. As noted in the description of their Instagram account, they named the house "Tony," in reference to a recurring joke that their phones repeatedly auto-corrected the word "tiny" to "Tony." Travis said, "Jen was using [Instagram] to document the process for ourselves. But through that, she’s met other people who are building tiny houses and we bounced ideas off each other." The couple enjoyed getting to document this feat, while also contributing to the tiny house community. Travis shared, "We really had no experience with any of this before we started. But we found a couple of good Youtube series, including this one couple that was building a tiny house who started a couple of months before us. So as they were working, we got to follow along each step of the way." Throughout the process, this online community chimed in on Instagram posts, sharing ideas and solutions and applauding exciting design choices along the way.
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THINKING SMALL It’s not a lot, but it’s got everything we need," said Travis. One of the most daunting aspects to think about when even considering moving into a 195 square foot home is where all your belongings will go. In a tiny house, every piece of furniture and design element has to serve multiple roles. The handmade dog kennel serves as a tabletop by the couch, the door to the bathroom has shelving on one side for bathroom supplies and for kitchen supplies on the other side and the couch cushions lift up and serve as Travis' closet. Before moving into the tiny house, the couple lived in a one bedroom apartment. Even from that small space, they found themselves having to get rid of a lot of belongings and to store quite a few things in Travis' parents' basement. About organizing possessions and fitting everything in the space, he said, "I’d say the lifestyle change is bigger than anything. If you buy a new shirt, you have to get rid of a shirt because you don’t have room to keep anything. Just being conscious of what you’re buying and getting rid of extra stuff." MOVING ON While the building and living process has been an adventure, the Klaths have put the tiny house and the land it's on up for sale. They noted that they never intended this to be their home for the long term, stating that it was a two-to-five year plan. Now they are looking to move back to Fargo to be closer to work and to be ready for their next steps in life. As they have started touring homes in the Fargo-Moorhead area, they've been hit by the reality of coming back to a traditional style of living. Travis laughed, saying their Realtor has shown them homes with 100 square foot closets, which is half the size of their whole house now. He said, "It’s kind of overwhelming how much space there is."
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THE LOGISTICS The land overlooking Tub Lake would be a huge selling point to many. However, finding the right land to plant roots was one of the most difficult parts of the process. There are many housing regulations in the city of Fargo, especially for a tiny home. With the legal minimum home size being over five times larger than the square footage of their tiny home, land options were slim. They ended up parking in Lake Park, partially because they wanted to be near the lakes, but also because of these restrictive housing laws. Even in their current plot, they had to receive written permission from their nearby neighbors to live in a tiny house on the land. Beyond the logistics of the land, tiny house life has other unique factors to consider. For one, the electric and heating costs remain low, thanks to the small amount of space they have to supply to. The natural light they get through the multiple windows and two skylights are enough to only have to turn on overhead lights or lamps when it's completely dark out. Since the square footage is small, there are no corners that don't receive the natural light. The choice to live small is not for everyone, but for the Klaths, it was a great experience. Building the home scratched their itch to create and living in the close quarters looking over a serene lake was gratifying. If you're interested in trying out the tiny house life yourself, contact Derek Brandenburg of eXp Realty to inquire about this listing.
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Not your Grandmother's
Lake Home LIVING ON WHAT USED TO BE LAUREN ZIMA'S GRANDPARENTS' LAKE CABIN, LAUREN AND STEVE ZIMA HAVE CUSTOM BUILT THEIR VERY OWN LAKE HOME
BY Alexandra Martin | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen
Sometimes it takes living in a few other regions to know what "home" is. Lauren and Steve Zima and their four sons have found this home on the Lake Sallie shore where Lauren's grandparents used to live. The Zimas make for a great pair when it comes to creating the perfect custom home. Steve is a carpenter and Lauren owns Detroit Lakes shopping destinations, The Nines, The Nines Kids and Lit. Although Steve's background is in large commercial projects, he and Lauren have made four residential homes and are happy to settle in this house as their forever home. With Steve's building experience and Lauren's eye for decor and style, it's only natural that their home on the water is picturesque.
THE NINES AND LIT Since 2013, Lauren has owned and operated downtown Detroit Lakes shopping destinations The Nines and their youthful counterpart, The Nines Kids. In November, they will be launching Lit, a home decor shop. Lauren noted that after opening The Nines, opening a home decor store has been something she always wanted to do. She said, "We slowly added decor items in The Nines and people just kept asking for more. So I felt like it was a sign that we should do the other store, too."
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Throughout their home, many, if not most, of the decor is from The Nines or will be held at Lit once it opens. From trips to market and years of experience in stocking home decor goods in the shop, the Zimas have a perfectly curated selection of pieces throughout their home. To describe the style of both The Nines and Lauren's own tastes is to recognize the combination of being both modern and cozy. The high contrast of black and white marries with warm touches of color and complementary textures throughout. FAMILY HOME Lauren grew up in FargoMoorhead and spent summers on Lake Sallie at her grandparents' cabin. After joining the army and then spending time living in Dallas and Los Angeles, she returned to Detroit Lakes nine years ago to settle in. "I look outside and I have the best childhood memories with my grandparents here. Even my neighbors are the same neighbors I’ve had since I was five years old. So I’m back home now. I love it here," said Lauren. After her grandfather passed away and her grandmother aged out of the small lake cabin Lauren was so used to visiting as a child, the family decided to put the home on the market. It had always been the Zimas' dream to settle in at the Lake Sallie property and they knew this was their chance to do just that. They had just purchased the building in downtown Detroit Lakes where The Nines would go and the timing wasn't ideal to be purchasing a home as well, but they knew they wanted to make this work. After purchasing the home, they let it rest for two years before breaking ground, as they were busy launching The Nines. The cabin on the land was tiny, the whole thing could have fit in the kitchen and dining area of the Zima's new home and the
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demolition of it only took a day. Lauren joked, "Back when I was little it was probably the ugliest cabin at the lake." Holding onto the memories made there, they decided to turn the land this tiny cabin was on into their dream, custom home. NATIONALLY INSPIRED After having lived in Los Angeles and having been a Realtor in Dallas, Lauren has had years of drawing inspiration from national resources. When she was a Realtor, she got to see a variety of nice homes and she tucked away design aspects from these to use on flip home projects and, eventually, her current home. One of these features can be seen in their front driveway. Instead of a solid concrete driveway, they have a grid of concrete with grass diamonds. Lauren said, "Mark Cuban's Dallas yard is a giant version of that. I used always loved that idea, but then never thought twice about doing it." However, when the Zimas began building, they were informed that a standard concrete driveway wouldn't be allowed in their plot of land, thanks to the impervious surface. With some creative problem solving and previously tucked away design inspiration, they were able to create a front entrance to the house that is both practical and stylish. COLLABORATIONS While most of the build was Steve's own handiwork, the Zimas expressed enthusiasm about working with local companies for certain aspects of the home. A focal point of the first floor is the kitchen. Working with designer Aubrey Costello at Showplace Cabinetry, they opted for white cabinets that complement white quartz countertops from Spalding Stone. A Wolf gas rangetop and complementary stainless steel appliances make for a sophisticated and clean cooking
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space. The kitchen island has four barstools, ideal for seating for each one of their four sons. Oversized black pendant lighting selected from a market trip hang between Dakota Timber beams on the ceiling, adding an industrial touch to the otherwise crisp, modern kitchen. Showplace also did their sons' navy and brushed gold bathroom, including a cabinet hiding a laundry shoot to the first-floor laundry room. "One issue we had in the last house with all the kids was the amount of laundry. So in their bathroom, there is a shoot," said Lauren. Other collaborations include a heated driveway by Tweeton Refrigeration and Heating Inc., exposed brick walls by Hebron Brick Company, reclaimed wood on ceiling beams and mantels by Dakota Timber and landscaping by Rock & Water Creations. NO BLOCKED VIEWS Describing her love of the land they are on, Lauren said, "The sunsets are so beautiful and it's so peaceful. Here is definitely my happy place." With a master bedroom with views of the water, maintaining this view of sunrises and sunsets was important to Lauren. She said, "I told Steve I didn’t want a TV in here because I didn’t want it blocking my view." So they once again got creative. They considered getting a television consul station where the TV comes up from a chest, but that still would have blocked too much of the water view. To solve this problem, Steve reverse engineered the mechanism of a consul cabinet and now the television comes down from the ceiling at the foot of their bed. Innovative aspects like this go to show that this is no standard house, but a home that was custom designed and wellthought out.
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Kitchen and Cabinets Throughout: Showplace Cabinetry Countertops: Spalding Stone Flooring: Detroit Paint & Glass Shiplap: Simonson Lumber Brickwork: Hebron Brick Company Live Edge Wood: Dakota Timber Landscaping: Rock & Water Creations Heating and Air: Tweeton Refrigeration and Heating Inc.
INTRODUCING
Design 2 Sell BY Alexandra Martin | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen
"She wears black but she has the most colorful mind." This phrase hanging in the bathroom at Design 2 Sell perfectly describes the business's owner Skye Fingalson. While this full-service design studio in Detroit Lakes had its grand opening in March, Fingalson has been designing lakes area homes for the past 15 years. Situated in an unassuming location just off of Highway 10 and around the corner from a mechanic's garage, Design 2 Sell's matte black building stands out as a beacon of style and taste. As a full-service design business, the store offers everything from real estate staging to interior design to countertops and flooring to paint consultations to home decor. If you want something done in your home, Fingalson and her team can make it happen. Fingalson shared, "Growing up, I was always interested in doing interior design and knew that’s what I wanted to do. I was always changing up my room and trying to make things look pretty all the time, so it was just a natural calling for me to do. It was a passion I had. It’s not like I'm working, it’s all passion driven."
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While she has been in the industry for several years now, it was only this year that Fingalson and her husband decided to open a storefront for her work. While originally Design 2 Sell was a brand for Fingalson to do real estate staging through, her creative eye evolved it into a fullservice design agency. In the store, Design2 Sell has samplings of many of their services, including tiles for backsplashes, all types of flooring and a growing department of home decor items. For many homeowners, one of the biggest hurdles in any project is finding and scheduling a quality subcontractor. To make this easier on clients, Design 2 Sell coordinates and covers communication between anyone needed for a job, including electricians, plumbers, drywallers and more. Fingalson said, "We help coordinate the project because we know who needs to get out there at what step of their remodel or new construction. And we get people out there to get the job done so that they don’t have to worry about making the phone calls." If you're in the market for a design refresh, Desing 2 Sell has seven packages to choose from, including two diamond packages. These packages are customizable and able to fit anyone's preferences or needs, whether you're
looking for a countertop installation to a full design, including paint colors, bedding, new flooring, lighting and more. If a package of services is beyond what you need, they also offer consultations. Fingalson said, "We’ve had quite a few design consultations where [a customer] might have a certain space they just need ideas on, I can give them a good direction or give them some extra inspiration. Sometimes people just need that little motivation to get started or to ask questions and run it by somebody and get a second opinion." As they expand on services provided, one element Fingalson is excited about is Design 2 Sell's growing home decor retail selection. She said she enjoys this side of the store because she sees how it makes people so happy. "It’s fun to bring unique pieces into our small community and make people think outside the box and have them thinking, ‘That’s interesting, I’ve never seen that before,'" she said. In the design of her showroom, Fingalson wanted it to showcase this idea that nontraditional elements can have a big impact. "People can be afraid to take risks in design. So if you show them, it opens up
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their mind to think, 'maybe I should take a risk and do something different,'" she said, explaining the industrial and modern feel of the storefront. The bold decision to paint the exterior of the building black, the "octopus" lighting of lightbulbs hanging from the ceiling, a subtle pop of color from the red brick column, graphic black and white tile flooring in the bathroom. These are all design elements that exemplify Fingalson's taste and what she is capable of creating. After working in the industry and seeing so many design trends come and go, Fingalson loves finding unique ideas every day. "My clients give me so much inspiration because every client I work with has a different style," she said. She added, "It's so fun to see everybody's different styles and to go into their homes and get inspired myself. I think that's why I've had success, it's the fact that I enjoy all types of styles and I appreciate them." DESIGN 2 SELL 514 Lake Avenue, Detroit Lakes, MN Facebook.com/Design2Selldl (218) 844-8770
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Hard Work & Heart: The Culture that Shaped Adam Thielen STORY BY Marisa Jackels, Tellwell
I
n the summer, Detroit Lake is filled with boats and swimmers and the downtown boardwalk is crowded with families and young people on their way to grab pizza at the local Zorbaz. In the winter, a frozen castle glistens in the cold sun and at night, the lake is spotted with lights as friends fish through the ice. This is Detroit Lakes, a lake town in northern Minnesota with a population
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just over 9,000, rising to nearly 13,000 in the summer months. It’s known as a summer destination location, the hub of Minnesota’s famous lakes country, with coastlines of restaurants, shops and charming lake homes. In recent years, however, the popular lake town has seen the spotlight for another reason — the rising fame of one of its own: professional football star Adam Thielen.
By now, you probably know the story. Adam excels in basketball and football as a Detroit Lakes “Laker,” accepts a $500 scholarship to Mankato for football, graduates undrafted, road trips to Chicago to pay for his own tryouts and gets noticed by the Minnesota professional football team. Fast forward a few years, and he most recently wrapped up the 2018-2019
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season with 113 receptions, 1,373 yards and nine touchdowns, securing his place as one of the greatest wide receivers in the nation. But the story really begins in a house on the outskirts of town, where Adam grew up with his two older sisters, Amanda and Angela, and his parents, Pete and Jayne. The family lived in a relatively secluded area on 20 acres of wooded land. In front of the house was a large yard, roughly 70’x100’, which Adam regularly turned into a football field for yard games; mowing the lawn and laying out string and cones for boundaries. His parents remember watching as one by one, the neighbor kids would show up to play. “We had a front window with a ledge, and we’d just sit and watch them play sometimes,” Adam’s father Pete said. “Sometimes there’d be ten kids that would come to our yard, walking or riding bikes because we were in the country.”
wearing his worn-out Randy Moss or Cris Carter jersey and imitating the moves he saw them make on Sundays. “He was insane at backyard football,” Janaye said in an interview with the Duluth News Tribune. “He took it seriously.” Now, Adam has joined his heroes in a league of the greats with chart-topping stats and a success story that has become legendary in lakes country, where his #19 jerseys can be spotted in shops, school hallways and all throughout town. And yet, ask Adam about it now and he’s quick to deflect and exhibit a humility that has become characteristic of ‘Minnesota nice’ culture. In his Players' Tribune story “Made in Minnesota," Thielen wrote this: “Minnesota is a blue-collar state. We don’t like the spotlight. We just like to work hard.”
“We became the neighborhood hang out,” Adam’s mom Jayne added.
“A MIDWEST STATE OF MIND”
Neighbor kids Janaye and her younger brother Davis Johnson carved a dirt path through the woods so they could make the quarter-mile walk to Adam’s house. Janaye was Adam’s age, and she usually played quarterback. Thielen, of course, played wide receiver. She’d practice her spiral while Adam practiced his toe drag,
This ‘work hard, stay humble’ mentality traces back through the lives of his parents, Pete and Jayne, who also grew up in northern Minnesota. Pete worked at a gas station in Callaway, Minn. and Jayne grew up in Sebeka, Minn., before they attended high school together in Detroit Lakes. Growing up, they spent summers
at the lake, gathering with family and spending long hours outside. They always loved the close-knit community of the area, the strength of the local church and the trust that your neighbors always had your back. When starting their own family, they knew they wanted to give their kids a similar experience. “We loved where we lived,” Jayne said. “We saw no reason to move away.” So they built their house in the woods. And they bought a camper. And every summer weekend they could, they’d head out to camp near the lakes and spend quality family time together. They’d have campfires, fish, swim, play board games and just talk. “When we went camping, there was no distraction at all,” Pete said. “We’d spend two or three hours by the campfire. Everyone sitting around and talking. You were out there just enjoying each other.” In the winter, they went snowmobiling, downhill skiing and sometimes Pete would take Adam ice fishing. No matter the weather, be it a heat wave or a blizzard, Sundays were always family time. “The rule was we’d turn off the TV, and no one could have friends over. And we’d
play games or spend time together,” Jayne said. “We raised our kids in an age where a lot of family units were falling apart. So we worked really hard at keeping ours together.” Hard work. It’s something Pete and Jayne grew up with; an understanding that work was not something to be skirted or avoided. It was something to be embraced, an inevitable part of achieving your goals. “We both grew up in a culture that valued hard work,” Jayne said. “You worked for what you wanted — it wasn’t given to you.” This work ethic is one Adam exhibited from the beginning, throughout a success story that is more about hard work and grit than it is serendipity. “I like to think that Minnesota mentality has served me pretty well,” he wrote in The Players’ Tribune. “The odds have pretty much always been stacked against me, but I kept my head down, worked hard and trusted that the rest would take care of itself.” In Adam’s case, it worked. What’s more, his success hasn’t seemed to change the attitude of humility and kindness that goes hand-in-hand with the work ethic of the Midwest; a kindness he saw growing up in the sweet lady next door who brought over cookies when they moved in (and to every new neighbor), in his grandfather who spent much of his time volunteering or visiting the nursing home, in his parents who always put the emphasis on family time first. “That’s the kind of mindset I want to have,” Thielen said in a Star Tribune article. “And if I do lose that mindset, I want somebody to slap me in the face and say, ‘Hey, pick it up and get back to the roots.’” This attitude has set Thielen apart both on and off the field. Even from the beginning, it wasn’t only his speed and ability that caught Coach Zimmer’s eye. It was only when he realized Thielen’s heart, Zimmer said in Duluth News Tribune, that he knew there was a chance. DO THE RIGHT THING It’s that same heart that led Adam and his wife Caitlin to unveil a new initiative in September 2018: The Thielen Foundation. The Thielen Foundation is actively creating programs to serve, educate and inspire youths so they’re “equipped and empowered to reach their full potential in
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life” — a mantra inspired by the Thielen’s own family motto to “achieve your full potential.”
"I'M VERY THANKFUL FOR ALL THE SUPPORT THAT I'VE RECIVED TO GET WHERE I AM TODAY. IT'S IMPORTANT TO GIVE THANKS, BUT I KNOW ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. THAT'S WHY CAITLIN AND I CREATED THE FOUNDATION."
“I’m very thankful for all the support that I’ve received to get where I am today. And it’s important to give thanks,” Theilen said. “But I know actions speak louder than words. That’s why Caitlin and I created the Thielen Foundation — to give back and help others, with a focus on youth development.” The launch of the foundation was far from a surprise for Adam’s parents; the prospect has been on Adam and Caitlin’s hearts for years, they said. “They talked about what they should do for at least three years,” said his dad, Pete. “They knew they wanted to give back, they just weren’t sure of the route. Then when they went and visited the hospitals, they saw a need.”
“They both have a heart for kids, and for addressing mental health,” Jayne added. “Through prayer, that kept coming back to them.” With a clear route in mind, the first step for Adam and Caitlin in launching the Foundation was to seek out financial partners who believed in their mission. Not so far away, another organization with similar roots took notice. Their values reflected those at the heart of the Thielen Foundation: Work hard. Do the right thing. Have a little fun. Better the places we live. Know when to ask for help and know when to offer it. These are core values at Choice Bank, a community-focused bank that started in North Dakota and has now expanded
Adam and his siblings enjoying lake life
into Minnesota. Much of their team comes from small towns not unlike Detroit Lakes, and the culture at each location holds the same Midwest work ethic and peoplefocused mentality of the Thielens. It was because of these similarities that the two partnered when Adam and Caitlin decided to launch the Thielen Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with Adam, Caitlin and the Thielen Foundation to support their mission and help them grow,” said Choice Bank CEO, Brian L. Johnson. “Hopefully our partnership and financial support will help attract others to focus on this foundation and what it can do for the community.” For Adam and Caitlin, it was encouraging to see generous partners in the community who shared similar values. Their shared heart and values propelled the foundation to their launch date, and
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began garnering national attention. “When you have partners and people that are committed to what you’re doing, that’s when you have success and that’s when you’re able to help people and make a difference,” Adam said. “At Choice Bank, they don’t just say ‘people first.’ They live it.” Now that it’s launched, the Thielen Foundation has partnered with the Pediatric Behavioral Health unit at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital to help kids overcome adversity and offer support to kids managing mental health challenges. Already, Pete and Jayne are hearing stories of how the foundation is making an impact. “We have people come up to us who have been touched by what they’ve done,” Jayne said. “They’re really just getting started.” When asked how it feels as a parent to watch Adam’s story unfold, she paused. “Honestly, we’re more proud of Adam for that part of it. That ‘off the field’ part,” she said. “I love the heart that he and Caitlin have, that they’re sharing what they have
with others. I don’t know how a parent couldn’t be proud of it.” THE THIELEN LEGACY: MORE THAN FOOTBALL This is the greatest joy for Pete and Jayne Thielen. They cheer from the sidelines as Adam’s biggest fans; but where they get the most excited is seeing their three kids live by the values they worked so hard to instill in their family. “We’ve watched our kids learn the value of their faith and work hard. They know they have to make it on their own. And they know family is really important,” Jayne said. “You don’t always realize how that impacts generation to generation — that it’s not what we speak, it’s what we do that moves on to that next generation. And now, we’re starting to see them carry that on with their own kids.” The next generation of Thielens is currently six grandchildren, all boys; the youngest being Adam and Caitlin’s son Hudson, born in January 2019. Each summer they gather at Pete and Jayne’s lake house to carry on the same summer traditions of generations before; fishing, swimming, campfires, game nights. Already the proud grandparents
have started to see that same sparkle in the kids’ eyes when they come to the lake — the sense that this is a place of magic and memories. “We want to give our grandkids the same things we hoped to give to our own children, the same that our parents gave us,” Pete said. “The importance of faith, of being good people, of working hard to achieve the goals and dreams you have.” This is the true Thielen legacy. Adam’s prowess on the field will leave its mark on football history — and yet even he recognizes that true success is deeper than this, that it’s a matter of the heart, a matter of character. A matter of carrying on the values taught by his parents and grandparents; humility, kindness, love. "Every day is an opportunity to get better," Thielen said in his interview with Duluth News Tribune. "I'm just using the previous day to learn from and try to apply that to get better the next day. That doesn't just come with football. That comes with life. You're trying to be the best husband, trying to be the best father… learning from mistakes and getting better the next day.”
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locally THE LAKES
trending
BY Alexandra Martin | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen
Each month, we love bringing to you high-quality home products available at locally owned stores in the Fargo-Moorhead area. However, since we will be spending a lot of our summer in the lakes area, we want to showcase products that you can find just down the street from your lakehouse. Revamp your weekend getaway spot, or even just bring some of the lake's charm back home with you.
HEARTWOOD BIRD HOUSE $49.99
Becker Pet and Garden 1008 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes For all your exterior and gardening goods, Becker Pet and Garden is the place to go. From florals to garden ornamentation such as this birdhouse, Becker has a wide variety of gardening decor to choose from. An added bonus: the front of the store is an old-fashioned candy shop- yum!
SMALL AND MEDIUM TIN BASKETS $39.69, $29.99
Becker Pet and Garden 1008 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes FORESIDE SCHOOL OF FISH $64.99
Becker Pet and Garden 1008 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes
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MUDPIE WOVEN FEDORA $26.99
LARGE BLACK VASE WITH RED AIRPLANT $46.99, $18.99
SMALL BLACK VASE WITH WHITE AIRPLANT $31.99, $8.99
LARGE TEAL GLASS BOTTLE $36
CREATIVE CO-OP TEA TREE BRANCHES $8.50
THE NINES 917 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes
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THE NINES 917 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes
BLACK AND WALNUT TRU180 GLIDER CHAIR $549.99
Red Willow 1160 Washington Ave., Detroit Lakes 822 Washington Ave. Detroit Lakes
BEAUTIFUL JUNQUE HANDPOURED CANDLES $18
Beautiful Junque 918 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes
MINNESOTA MINI SOAPS BOX $15
Beautiful Junque 918 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes These mini Minnesota soap bars are ideal for keeping at the lake home. Don’t let your full soap bar get dried out between trips and opt for these adorable mini soaps instead. With Midwestern-inspired scents like "Cabin Fever" and "Paul Bunyan," these even would make a perfect gift to bring back home to North Dakota.
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Downtown Detroit Lakes-based boutique Beautiful Junque carries a variety of home and lifestyle goodies, including their best-selling hand-poured candles. We firmly believe that your beautiful home should have an equally beautiful scent to match.
SMALL GREY WILLOW LANTERN $51.99
THE NINES 917 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes
BLOOM HOMEMADE WOOD HONEYCOMB $22
CEMENT SUCCULENT $12
LAVENDER CEMENT POT $9
Beautiful Junque 918 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes
The Friluftsliv HOUSE When architects purchase a modest 1970s rambler and transform it into a hideaway inspired by nature, you can expect to see some dramatic interventions. Such is the case with the home of Darryl Booker and Joan Vorderbruggen in Battle Lake, Minn. Guided by the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv, or “free air life,� they wanted to bring the healing effects of nature into their home through fresh breezes, views of landscape and the sound of calming water, while using a minimalist palette of natural materials. BY Paul H. Gleye | PHOTOGRAPHY BY Hillary Ehlen 78
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The original concrete sidewalk leading to the house was replaced with a raised wooden walk of cedar that passes by a cedar-enclosed outdoor space featuring a small water feature that lies just outside the living room. They replaced the large living room picture window from the old rambler with a grid of eight operable windows that look out upon the outdoor garden, sheltering the living room from direct sunlight while making the outdoor enclosure with its flowing water a part of the living room itself. To the rear they added a screened porch that looks out upon a butterfly garden, with a cantilevered overhang to protect the passageway from house to porch. The requisite sauna is tucked in between house and porch. New additions to the
house are clad in natural wood, while gray board and batten replaces the old hardboard lap siding, giving the entire home a crisp look that makes it evident that every small detail was considered. Small features include rain chains instead of downspouts from the roof – an inspiration borrowed from Japanese architecture – so that flowing water from rainstorms also become part of friluftsliv. Inside, the aesthetic of natural woods and clean lines is apparent throughout the alterations made to the original rambler. Birch cabinets line the small kitchen that is outfitted with appliances designed for small European homes. Floors are made of cork, and the living room and kitchen walls are covered with cherrywood boards originally intended for use
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as flooring. “Let the wall be art,” say the owners. Walls and ceilings left unaltered from the 1970s rambler remain in white, in contrast to the richness of the newly-added natural wood. In the living room, modernist but comfortable furniture allows guests to gather around a German freestanding wood-burning fireplace for winter warmth, and the furniture itself exudes a clean Scandinavian aesthetic. In fact, the furniture was sourced from Scan Design in Fargo, Ikea, Design Within Reach and from the owner’s own workshop. The wood for walls, floors and walkways was sourced from local
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merchants. Josh Peterson Construction from Erhardt, Minn., helped with the heavy-duty work. The resulting living environment shows how the careful eye of an architect (in this case, two architects), plus detailed attention to quality materials and craftsmanship, can transform a house endowed with few salient features into a design-rich place of refuge that truly celebrates the Scandinavian lifestyle of friluftsliv. See more before and after images of this project on Joan Vorderbruggen's website: studiobirke.com/treehom-gallery
Paul H. Gleye is a professor of architecture at North Dakota State University. His fields of expertise include historic preservation and urban design, and he leads the architecture school’s term abroad program in Europe each spring semester.
S PA C E S T H AT SPITFIRE BAR & GRILL
Each month, we are excited to feature spaces that work. Design & Living has always been a community resource to all things home and design. As more and more outstanding commercial spaces throughout town have caught our attention, we cannot overlook them any longer! 87
Refreshing, ice-cold beer shot straight from a glycol-cooled line at 31 degrees. Locally-made wood tabletops. An outdoor patio seating over 100 people. A wall full of barbecue national championship accolades. And unforgettable woodfire dishes made from scratch. You can find all these things and more at Spitfire Bar & Grill's new Detroit Lakes location.
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Known for their rotisserie and flame broiled food, Spitfire has been a culinary staple in West Fargo since 2007. When the space at 1100 North Shore Drive in Detroit Lakes opened up, the Spitfire team decided to expand its reach to the water. This new Spitfire was brought to Detroit Lakes by co-owners and brothers Craig and Bryan Wendt
along with business partner Tyler Brandt and West Fargo Spitfire's original owner Tim Olson. In lakes country, Detroit Lakes often is seen as the center of attention, partially thanks to the number of exciting restaurants and businesses there. Craig Wendt said, "All the other restaurants help us by bringing people down here to Detroit Lakes." He added that on a trip to the lake, one might be in the mood for casual dining one day and then a sumptuous steak the next. Lucky for them, Spitfire has both a patio and dining area to satisfy all of their cravings. It's no difficult task to find delicious food at any Detroit Lakes restaurant. However,
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Spitfire stands out in its attention to detail toward its environment and state of the art services. Wendt noted that there were no expenses barred when it came to designing the space, especially in terms of landscaping. Wendt's other business being Valley Landscaping, this passion for landscaping shows. Wendt joked that if you peer through the trees, you can see the lake from Spitfire's patio. While not directly on the water, there is no confusion that this is a lake restaurant. With one of the largest patio seating spaces in the area and an overall atmosphere of a relaxing day on the lake, this space is the epitome of waterside dining.
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The outdoor area alone features two gas fire features, two wood fire features and a water fountain. The custom landscaping includes an impressive stone couch and a privacy wall adorned with annual florals and vintage oars. The lawn has fresh foliage at every turn and ample space to play a game of corn hole while waiting for your table. Throughout the space are thoughtful lake-inspired decor pieces, like vintage skis crossed and hung above the fireplace and dock railing at the entrance.
While the pièce de résistance of Spitfire is its breathtaking patio, the interior portion is impressive in its own right. Most notable is the kegerator which keeps long island teas and wine on tap and flowing. There is a main dining area and two private banquet rooms, perfect for the busy summer season. All surfaces from the bar to the various styles of tabletops were custom made by local carpenter Kevin Phifer. Further keeping a local influence on the space, all the artwork hung throughout is by Fargo artist Mike Marth.
Before Spitfire was Speakeasy, and before Speakeasy was the Elks Lodge. To the Detroit Lakes regular, the building is different than what it was before. Wendt said, "We took a building that was really in tough shape and revitalized it and gave it a really unique facelift." While the four walls of the space remain the same, Wendt noted that the entire inside was redone completely. He said, "There’s some history in the building. In today’s society where everyone tears down and builds new, we repurposed. And that gives it some of its character, too."
Come for the slow-smoked ribs or come for a glass of wine under the shade of the pergola. Either way, Spitfire Bar & Grill is a must see and a must taste when in Detroit Lakes. Spitfire Bar & Grill 1100 North Shore Drive, Detroit Lakes, MN spitfirebarandgrill.com Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - close Saturday & Sunday: 9 a.m. - close Saturday & Sunday Brunch: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
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THE EXPERT
Lakeside Home Buying W I T H T H E R E A L E S TAT E C O M PA N Y O F D E T R O I T L A K E S
PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions many people make. As we all know, purchasing a home is not as simple as finding one you like and moving in. There are home inspections, contingencies, appraisals and a sea of other terms and facets that the average person normally has no reason to know much about. To learn more about the home buying process, especially the lake home buying process, we talked with The Real Estate Company of Detroit Lakes and one of their Realtors, Rochella Larson. What is the first step of the home buying process? Hands down, get pre-approved, says Jude Ostgarden, real estate agent. It’s a great education process for anyone considering the purchase of a new home, so always start there.
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Why should I use a real estate agent? “Because it’s never as easy as you think it’s going to be” – Jamie Skarie Real estate is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Be prepared for the unexpected bumps in the road. Using a professional is always a good idea. When you build a
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Jude Ostgarden, Agent (left) and Dave Neisen, Broker/Owner (right)
house, you hire a professional. So when you buy or sell, you should hire a real estate agent you can trust. Purchasing a home is probably the biggest financial decision you will ever make, and realtors are skilled negotiators who can help you get into your next home without the headache of the long, detailed process. How many homes should one view before buying one? As many as it takes! The home process is so different for everyone. What home inspection aspects should I look into when buying a lake home? No matter what type of home you are thinking about purchasing, it’s always a good idea to have a home inspection. When purchasing a lake home, the process shouldn’t be any different than any other real estate transaction; dot all your I’s and cross all your T’s. Do your due diligence on the lake frontage, make sure the property lines and front footage all line up with the information provided. Ask a lot of questions
no matter what you are buying. It’s better to be in the know. What home trends have you seen in MN lakes country over the past few years? Trendy, staged homes seem to sell faster. Smaller cabins with that old fashion feeling of being at the lake for the weekend are flying off the market right now. A sure trend I am noticing is downsizing. If you look around the lakes country, you will see the market is holding on to the larger properties. Larger lots and larger homes with more square footage. With that, we are seeing a more modern, open concept and minimalizing trend happen with the smaller properties popping up. This isn’t to say this trend is for everyone, but we are seeing a lot of it. What's the most important factor to consider when buying a lake home? This question is unique to everyone. Buyers are all looking for something different, as no two buyers are the same. I would say when looking for lake property, an important feature
to look for is the lake lot size and location. Do you want a private setting, or do you want to be in the hustle and bustle of the city and walking distance to local events? Lakeshore is also important. Do you want a walk-in sand beach or elevation over the water where you can see over the boatlift and into that beautiful sunset beaming across the lake? It’s all about your preference. That’s what we are here to help you with, to ask these really important questions, so you don’t have to worry about it. You recently were voted #1 Real Estate Company to work with in the Lakes Area by Detroit Lakes Tribune. What makes you stand out? We are all very involved in our surrounding communities. Our communities of people are the ones who voted us in – that speaks volumes. To know that the people right here in lakes country trust us to take care of their real estate needs is such an honor. So many things go
Rochella Larson Realtor
into a real estate transaction, from the pre-approval to the water and septic certifications, down to the title work and closing day – You better be able to trust your real estate professional to get you through this process; there are a lot of moving parts. That is what makes us stand out, we go out of our way to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible, so the day you close, you can enjoy your new home.
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on the market You've seen the homes and you love the lifestyle. Are you ready to start living the lake life? Check out these lake area listings and get inspired to make a move to the water.
50887 Fish Lake Rd, Detroit Lakes, MN Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 full, 2 partial | Sq. Feet: 6,486 | $1,925,000 This is the ultimate Pelican Lake entertaining home! This custom-built log home is located on one of the finest lots Pelican has to offer with four bedrooms, five baths, three fireplaces, a unique Minnesota Room and 6486 square feet to relax in. This home is meticulous in its design with top quality features throughout along with plenty of room for everyone. The lawn is perfect for entertaining and breathtakingly gorgeous with it's level frontage for beach activities along with hard bottom swimming. If you expect the best with privacy to boot, this is the one. Contact Mike Ring at Counselor Realty Detroit Lakes for more information counselordl.com
on the market
22688 Senns Beach Rd, Detroit Lakes, MN Beds: 2 | Baths: 2 | Sq Feet: 1,603 | $729,900 Get cozy at Pelican Lake Senns Beach! This meticulous and stunning craftsman home and guest house have 50 feet of lake frontage and a 2 acre back lot. The attention to woodwork and details throughout is an architect's delight! The home and guest house have been completely remodeled with a raised roofline, custom trim inside and out, exposed roof tails and wood buttons. A chefs kitchen with custom cabinets, Wolf cook top, Miele builtin coffee espresso machine, dual ovens, prep sink, pantry and
more. Also, the perfect man cave with a wood burning stove and a gorgeous custom built log bar that's great for entertaining, especially with its own deck with awesome lake views. Contact Stacy Palmer Scott at Counselor Realty Detroit Lakes for more information. StacyScott.com
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on the market
24964 Labrador Beach Trail, Pelican Rapids, MN Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 | Sq Feet: 4,538 | $1,245,000 Enjoy absolutely incredible attention to detail in this executive 4,500 + square foot home sitting on five parcels, equalling 21.7 acres of land and over 4,100 feet on Franklin Lake. This home features four bedrooms, four baths, butler's pantry off the kitchen, bonus area with a sizeable finish garage, heated floors, granite and more! This home is prime for entertaining, with
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multiple patios, a hot tub, impeccable landscaping, a lakeside steam shower and an incredibly private lot. Contact Jodi Zeller at LakePlace.com for more information. LakePlace.com & Facebook.com/JodiZellerRealtor Photos by Nels Norquist, Maple Leaf Photography
on the market
23747 Pebble Beach, Detroit Lakes, MN Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 full, 2 partial | Sq. Feet: 3,506 | $1,100,000 Escape to Lake Sallie Pebble Beach! This historical remodeled home with guest house on 100 feet of level sandy shoreline. High-end kitchen includes Subzero, Wolf and Bosch appliances, dual dishwashers, prep sink, honed granite! Enjoy endless lake views sitting by the fireplace and sunroom. Its bright and sunny with four bedrooms, four baths and 180-degree views! The guest house has own bathroom, kitchenette and workshop, making for the perfect spot for multiple families to stay. Contact Stacy Palmer Scott at Counselor Realty Detroit Lakes for more information. StacyScott.com
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on the market
24983 Labrador Beach Trail, Pelican Rapids, MN Beds: 5 | Baths: 3 | Sq Feet: 3,800 | $1,450,000 This year-round Franklin Lake home was custom built in 2016 with beautiful details. Thoughtful touches like rustic wood accents, statement light fixtures, a gas fireplace, gourmet kitchen and incredible master suite make this lake house a home you'll cherish for years to come. Enjoy entertaining or time with the family with
a family room/game area on the lower level with a wet bar and outdoor walkout. Contact Jodi Zeller at LakePlace.com for more information. LakePlace.com & facebook.com/JodiZellerRealtor Photos by Nels Norquist, Maple Leaf Photography
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on the market
305 Mn-78, Ottertail, MN Beds: 3 | Baths: 3 | Sq Feet: 3,251 | $815,000 This home plans for entertaining and will fulfill the wish list of today's most discerning home buyers. The exterior is warm and inviting with a casual feel. The blend of rock, maintenance free steel clapboard, board-and-batten sidings and multiple gables make for a timeless look. Built for a family with frequent visits from relatives and friends, the main level is anchored by the vaulted family room with built-ins and a warming fireplace. The open kitchen has its gathering island and casual lakeside dining round
out the public space. The sleeping quarters are separate for privacy and relaxation and the master suite has a vaulted ceiling and large windows to take full advantage of lake views and includes a sitting room/family suite with double closets. Contact Jen Hanson at Keller Williams Realty Professionals for more information. jenhanson.com
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on the market
421 N Shore Drive, Detroit Lakes, MN Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 | Sq Feet: 3,205 | $829,900 Check out this fabulous North Shore Little Detroit Lake Property! This unique fully remodeled five bedroom and four bathroom home has numerous amenities to offer, including views of the lake from the kitchen and living space, a sandy swimmable beach, Cambria Quartz countertops and a double stainless steel fridge. The hot water radiant heating system has recently been upgraded to a high-efficiency natural gas boiler with a backup
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forced air and electric furnace. Plus, the two totally finished, insulated, heated out-buildings are a rare find when searching for that perfect city living lakefront property. Contact Rochella Larson at The Real Estate Company of Detroit Lakes for more information. trecdl.com
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on the market
1056 E Lakeside Estates, Perham, MN Beds: 3 | Baths: 3 | Sq Feet: 2,832 | $484,000 Casual elegance and timeless design blend together in this luxury residence that fully embraces the panoramic views of Perham's Lakeside Golf Course. Live in the lakes area, without all the maintenance of a waterside home! This gorgeous home is only a short drive from Little McDonald Lake, Devils Lake, Mud Lake and Little Pine Lake. The kitchen is designed for the chef in all of us with a huge work island, natural gas cooktop, double ovens and stunning views along with access to outdoor grilling. Special detailing includes custom cabinetry, a shiplap-lined barrel ceiling,
wood wrapped pillars and gorgeous flooring underfoot. Guest are drawn in by the manicured lawn through a wall of windows. Enjoy the master suite with its beautiful renovated bath and dual walk-in closets. Contact Jen Hanson at Keller Williams Realty Professionals for more information. jenhanson.com