Design & Living March 2019

MARCH 2019

HOMES WITH

Personality

COMPLIMENTARY

reveal

A BIG

I like to think that our living spaces are a visual representation of our personal style, much like the outfits we put together every day. To prove it, I had my editorial photo taken from the firm comfort of my midcentury sofa this month.

Even though we are renters, my partner and I have definitely made this apartment our own by combining our similar-but-different tastes in furniture and decor. Luckily, we both lean pretty far left toward mid century modern design. We're also extremely fortunate and grateful to have access to a metal and wood shop on the weekends. Yes, that is a free-standing bicycle rack, and no, you won't find any nail holes in these walls!

PHOTO BY Hillary Ehlen

I'm sharing this to demonstrate that just about anyone can make just about any space their own, regardless of squarefootage or budget. One of my biggest pet peeves is when I am flipping through a magazine and all of the houses look the same. That is what inspired me to experiment with an interactive issue this month.

"Match the Person to the House" is a little game that we made up here at Design & Living Magazine. After reading the articles in this cover story, it should be quite easy to match the person to the house, but you can't rely on appearances alone. That is the only hint I will give you though!

Now, it's time for a big reveal. After two years, the March 2019 issue will be my last as Editor of Design & Living Magazine. Thankfully, I can say with confidence that I am leaving you in good hands. Starting with our April 2019 issue (the annual spring shopping guide), Alexandra Martin will be the new Design & Living Magazine Editor, and I couldn't be more proud. Along with the sunshine and warmer weather, our best days are yet to come!

Before I sign off for the very last time, I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for your support over the years. This position has allowed me to get to know the community on a level that I never could have imagined.

PHOTO BY Patrick Thompson, edited by Hillary Ehlen

To anyone I've ever written about, your collaboration has meant the world to me.

To each & every contributor, I would love to simply call you friends from here on out!

Sincerely,

To all of my coworkers, I am so, so thankful for everything you've taught me.

To my mentors, I look forward to facing new challenges together.

To the readers, thank you for giving me purpose, always.

I am not going too far, and I hope to keep in touch!

4

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

Rebecca Opp Editor becca@spotlightmediafargo.com

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 Design & Living Magazine, 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.

KAYLA COTE VAN RENSBURG CONTRIBUTOR

Cote van Rensburg is originally from Willow City, N.D., and has made her home in Fargo with her husband, Piet van Rensburg. In 2017, the two founded the local lifestyle Brand, Dak & Co.

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 home staging and accessorizing high-end living spaces.

Anderson is also a passionate art collector, world traveler and home cook who frequently entertains friends.

RANDY CRAMER CONTRIBUTOR

Cramer is current Home Builders Care of F-M Foundation president.

He is agent/owner at NAI North Central, an international provider of commercial real estate services, and has been involved in land development and real estate in the F-M area for over 30 years.

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 10

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

2019

contents

MARCH

20

Dear Decorator with Christen Joy Homes

24

Perfectly Imperfect: Entomology as an Art

63

Locally Trending

69

T.A. Quirk House

In each issue of Design & Living Magazine, Christen Anderson of Christen Joy Homes will answer a home design question posed by one of our readers. Read on to see which question she addressed this month.

Visual artist Jesse Emerson of Fargo has the ability to take insects that most people fear and transform them into mesmerizing works of art. One gaze into his shadow boxes will have you transfixed.

Welcome contributor Kayla Cote van Rensburg as she returns from South Africa, bringing inspiration from her recent travels to share with the local community.

Join contributor Paul H. Gleye as he comments on exterior photographs of homes from our archives to provide more insight into their architectural style.

On the Cover

FEATURE STORY

31

Homes with Personality This month, join us as we visit three very unique homes in the FM area, then try to match the homeowner to their living space!

12

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

This cover was designed by Sarah Stauner, graphic designer at Spotlight Media, photographed

by J. Alan Paul Photography and staged by Maria Bosak of Eco Chic Home. Thank you to Stacey Schlanser and Ruth Olson for inviting us into this beautiful home.

Next Month's Issue Believe it or not, spring is almost here, and you know what that means. It's time for our annual spring shopping guide!

MARCH 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 Steve Kruse CREATIVE Editorial Director Andrew Jason

andrew@spotlightmediafargo.com

Editor Becca Opp

becca@spotlightmediafargo.com

Art Director Sarah Geiger Designer Sarah Stauner Creative Director Simon Andrys Photographers Hillary Ehlen, J. Alan Paul Photography, Patrick Thompson, HBA Videographer Patrick Thompson Contributors John Gunkleman, Christen Anderson, Kayla Cote van Rensburg, Paul H. Gleye, Becca Opp ADVERTISING Associate Sales Director Neil Keltgen Senior Sales Executive Paul Hoefer

paul@spotlightmedia.com

Sales Executives Ross Uglem

Ross@SpotlightMediaFargo.com

Zach Olson

zach@spotlightmediafargo.com

Executives Sales Assistant Kellen Feeney Client Relations Manager Jenny Johnson Client Relations & Office Assistant Alex Kizima Business Development Assistant Jennifer McColm VP of Human Resources Colleen Dreyer Business Development Manager Nick Schommer Digital Marketing Specialist Tommy Uhlir DISTRIBUTION Delivery 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

Terrific Tile Awaits!

701-361-8976 CALL US TODAY

SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL WATERPROOF SHOWERS HEATED FLOORS BACK SPLASHES AND SO MUCH MORE!

TAKE A LOOK AT

Spotlight Media's Other Magazines

We have partnered with the United Way to celebrate the 35 Under 35 Program. In this issue, meet the 2019 class as well as 9 women who are actively involved with the program as leaders and volunteers. This month, join us and celebrate women all across the Fargo Moorhead region who are an integral part to our successful business community.

The reasons to live in and love Fargo are ever-growing. From our booming downtown to our exciting tech and startup scene to our championship athletics, the list goes on. In addition to all of these things, Fargo also boasts a impressive scene for families. We’ve collected stories, tips and tricks from local families to help prove why so many people choose Fargo as the place to grow their family.

North Dakota State brings in student-athletes from all corners of the globe. Some of the most successful and beloved Bison come from our very own backyard in North Dakota. These athletes embody what it means to be a North Dakota State student-athlete and know what it takes to succeed as a Bison. They possess the values of North Dakota and North Dakota State University. That is pride on the prairie.

LEARN MORE ABOUT US spotlightmediafargo.com

MEET THE TEAM

STEVE

BECCA

SARAH

HILLARY

ANDREW

NOLAN

MIKE

ALEXANDRA

SARAH

JENNY

JESSE

COLLEEN

BRUCE

JOHN

ALEX

CRAIG

JENNY

SIMON

PATRICK

NEIL

NICK

ROSS

KELLEN

JENNIFER

PAUL

TOMMY

ZACH

WENDY

YOU'LL BE

OOKED FISH DINNER REELS IN FUN FOR WHOLE FAMILY

Connor Lubben

Pictured above: Ben Anderson (middle left) and Connor Lubben (far left) of Benjamin Custom Homes on a Habitat for Humanity job site.

Let me introduce you to Conner Lubben. He is a first-year student at Minnesota State Community and Technical College studying construction management. Originally from Fulda, Minnesota, he received a $1,000 Home Builders Care of F-M Foundation scholarship, which he used for books and an updated laptop.

the Home Builders Care Foundation board and recognizes the importance of mentoring those with an eye for the trades. Thanks to the scholarship dollars he received, along with the mentorship and kindness of his boss, Ben, Conner wants to pursue his dream of working in residential construction right here.

For Home Builders Care Foundation, it is more than just awarding dollars to deserving students going into the trades; it is about offering mentorship opportunities and creating relationships with local employers in the Fargo-Moorhead community that make students want to stay.

He says, “I want to stay in the FM area as this community has grown on me tremendously. I couldn’t imagine leaving now, and saying goodbye to all the wonderful people I have met. Someday I hope to own my own company in Fargo.”

From a young age, Conner was interested in residential construction because it allows him to use his imagination and creativity, not just in the finishes, but in the problem areas as well.

Construction classes were never offered at his small high school. He gained experience and a love of the trades from working with his dad and other family.

He was meant to be working with his hands and building things.

Conner’s path brought him to work in the Moorhead area where he decided to pursue construction management at M State. In order to do that, he needed money, so he found a job with Benjamin Custom Homes. Owner Ben Anderson serves on

18

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

Conner is just one example of a student that Home Builders Care Foundation can help when you party with us at our annual Fish Dinner Fundraiser! Coming up March 22, it’s a night of delicious food, lively auctions, kids’ activities and a chance at a $500 grand prize. You will have a fantastic time while supporting careers and students just like Conner who are so important to our community and overall economy.

Tickets are just $20 and available at the Home Builders Care Foundation and Home Builders Association office: 1802 32nd Ave S, Fargo. Read more about the Fish Dinner at www.hbcfm.com.

by Randy Cramer, NAI North Central Home Builders Care Foundation President

Randy Cramer is current Home Builders Care of F-M Foundation president. He is agent/ owner at NAI North Central, an international provider of commercial real estate services, and has been involved in land development and real estate in the F-M area for over 30 years.

Home Builders Care of FM Foundation Impacting our community through building projects, empowering students and shaping the future workforce.

For more information, contact: hbacfm.com info@hbcfm.com facebook.com/ HomeBuildersCare twitter.com/hbcfm

DEAR decorator WITH CHRISTEN JOY HOMES

Working from home QUESTION: I’M WORKING FROM HOME—HOW DO I CREATE A SPACE THAT IS BOTH FUNCTIONAL AND FUN TO BE IN? Answer: Come on in! I just transformed my home office and asked myself the same thing.

Here are four areas I’d recommend you focus on:

BY Christen Anderson | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen Meet Christen Anderson of Christen Joy Homes. Each month, she will answer a home design question posed by one of our readers.

Anderson is a Minnesota native with an eye for decor and design. Christen Joy Homes is known for new-construction-commercial projects, 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 for friends.

1. FURNITURE Start by thinking about how you’ll be working in the space. For me, I needed a large working space, somewhere for my printer and a table for a catch all or to pretty up for when clients are in.

I started with the desk, which for me ended up being a dining room table.

I loved the large size and depth it provided. Whether it’s unrolling plans or a stack of books, I have the space to use. A handsome desk was tricky to find, so don’t pigeonhole yourself by just looking at desks. Smaller tables can be a great option. Just keep in mind that with a table you’ll lose supporting storage areas, so be sure you have a plan for items you typically have by your side.

That brings me to my side table that is actually a night-stand. It has two, softclose drawers and is the perfect spot for my “small-business-sized" printer. It also is the place I store items I use daily that

20

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

don’t need to be on my desk or aren’t as pretty to have out all the time.

Lastly, the console table was a good fit for my catch-all. It’s near the entry of the room and is a spot I can place magazines, stacks of books or start to gather client samples for an upcoming meeting. I also use it as a spot to display welcoming items for clients such as Pellegrino and fun gummy bears that taste like Champagne and Rosé!

Also, if you’ll be sitting for long periods of time, an ergonomic chair is a must.

This, for me, is the most important investment! I found a chair locally that was both pretty and comfy.

2. LIGHTING Determine when you’ll be in the space.

Do you wake up early, are you a night

21

22

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

owl or are you just a girl boss who works round the clock? Take into consideration the natural light you have or don’t have and the type of window treatments you have or are considering. For those of us in the FM area, even 4:30pm in the winter can get dark, so lighting is going to be key.

In my office, I wanted it to feel light and bright at any hour of the day. Though I had found the perfect light fixture for the room, the two light bulbs weren't going to cut it. I brought in my electrician and had him add in recessed cans in each quarter section of the room. I had him keep them on separate switches so I could use less light in the mornings when I like to ease into my day with a more dim-lit setting.

I also selected a lamp that had a built-in dimmer that could also be used in the mornings or evenings.

3. ACCESSORIES Now that you have the foundational pieces of your office space, you’ll need to add in accessories to make it highly functional. Here are a few items that were on my list.

• Shelving: Bye-bye basic closet shelving!

I installed solid, white shelving in my closet to hold additional books, samples, product overflow, office supplies, etc. I prefer the solid shelving to wire, it looks a bit more polished and items don’t get caught or fall through the cracks. I added seagrass woven baskets from The Container store to organize samples, while still being able to easily access them. The texture is a great add to the space and they’re extremely functional.

You’ll see I used a lot of acrylic organizers in throughout the space as well. I love this look. It’s clean, it’s easy to see where

Email your design questions to hello@christenjoyhomes.com for the opportunity to have them answered next month.

your items are and you can layer in your choice of colors to make your space uniquely yours. I went with a blush to echo my coral brand color. I also found petrified wood bookends to add a bit of wow factor in the small space and found a small white organizer to store notepads, bills and thank-you’s I’m wanting to write out.

• Baskets: Outside of the baskets in my closet, I added in two large handwoven, chunky baskets underneath my console table. I can place product that I want to share with clients in here or I can use it as another spot to store incoming product or samples.

• Mood board: I love a physical spot I can collect ideas, inspirations and can start pulling together client designs.

• Accent furniture: I knew I wanted a place for clients or guests to join me in my newly designed space. I found a chair that didn’t overwhelm the room, though complimented it. I also found a stool with this fun design that can be used for client’s coffee, as an additional seat or an extra space for me to utilize when the office is in full motion!

4. PERSONALITY To create a space where you will love to work, add your own personality! My style is beach-chic, polished but fun, unexpected and holds a punch of color.

I knew I wanted to change the walls in this room. They were this gorgeous, deep blue, but in the winter it felt a bit cold and dark. I did a 180 and added in a link motif wallpaper throughout the entire space to help lighten and make the space feel

alive! It also modernized the space and the crisp sky color on white did just the trick to make the room light and bright.

As someone who is passionate about travel and art, I love being surrounded by things that I’ve collected and that make me happy. After a trip to Kate Spade and eyeing their “Live Colorfully” neon, I knew I had to have a neon that represented Christen Joy Homes. To compliment this, I wanted an oversized piece of artwork that had its own energy. Then I layered in pieces from my travels: lucky bulls from Peru, a striped bag from Portugal, colorful votive candle holders from Seattle, mini “popcorn” sculptures from Iceland, etc.

I also like to incorporate greenery into my designs, so I added two plants and placed them in funky baskets. Lastly, I incorporated fresh flowers because there’s nothing I love more than to finish a room with a beautiful bouquet.

Thank you for joining me in the newly designed office of Christen Joy Homes, and I wish you all successes in your home offices, both design and otherwise!

SOURCES: Neon sign - Fireline Neon Office chair - Hannaher's Workplace Interiors Accent chair - Serena & Lily Stool - Made Goods through Christen Joy Homes Lamp - Circa Lighting Print - "East Hampton, A La Plage," Gray Malin Paintings - Pam Killerlain Wallpaper - Annie Selke Rug - Surya through Christen Joy Homes Accessories - McNeal & Friends, Target Pottery Barn, vintage Fresh flowers - Love Always Floral

For more information, contact: Christen Anderson Christen Joy Homes hello@christenjoyhomes.com facebook.com/ChristenJoyHomes instagram.com/christenjoyhomes

23

ARTIST FEATURE

PERFECTLY IMPERFECT: ENTOMOLOGY AS ART Featuring Artist Jesse Emerson

BY Becca Opp | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

V

isual artist Jesse Emerson of Fargo has the ability to take insects that most people fear and transform them into mesmerizing works of art. One gaze into his shadow boxes will have you transfixed. This month, we met the talented young artist behind these unique pieces and dissected his take on entomology as a form of modern art.

24

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

25

Personal History Emerson is originally from Bismarck, but he was drawn toward the FM area to study sculpture at MSUM. Emerson noted that he was influenced by local educator Rebecca Engelman. "I had a phenomenal art instructor growing up. That was really what pushed me to go into the arts, having her as an inspiration," he said.

After making a series of friends in the FM area, Emerson never left town. He is currently working at the Plains Art Museum in Downtown Fargo. "I'm happy to be there. They have given me so many opportunities," he explained. Emerson's work was featured in the 2018 Spring Gala. Looking back now, you might not be able to recognize it though, as this was before he fell in love with entomology as art.

Introduction to Entomology Entomology can be defined as the study of insects.

In the summer of 2018, Emerson made his first piece featuring preserved insects displayed in a shadow box as a gift for a friend on their birthday. Emerson's close friend and fellow artist, Hunter Simonson, was extremely supportive and encouraged Emerson to continue working in this medium.

"It [entomological preservation] was always something that I admired, so I just taught myself how to do it. I figured out where to source insects, how to rehydrate them, and one thing lead to another. It's been a really interesting experience. I definitely have a lot more to learn, but I've been having a lot of fun playing with bugs," he said seriously.

Perfectly Imperfect Today, Emerson much prefers working with insects, although it can be frustrating at times. "I try to make them as perfect as they can be naturally, but no insect is going to be fully symmetrical," he said. So far, he has created two series featuring insects as art. "The first series that I did had a lot of geometric and symmetrical patterns, but the second series was a lot more asymmetrical, a little more abstract," he described.

Entomology as Art For Emerson, the preservation of insects is more than a science. "When you see a scientific specimen, most of the time they are by themselves with a scientific name pasted underneath in a shadowbox. I wanted to put more of a contemporary spin on the preservation of insects. I didn't want it to be solely entomological or scientific. I wanted it to be more of an art form in and of itself," he explained.

Emerson sources specimens from all over; one of his vendors is out of Southeast Asia. "Unfortunately, we don't have the prettiest insects up here," he said.

However, Emerson does work with local specimens when possible. His favorite is the Japanese Flower Beetle, an invasive species found in Minnesota.

27

When asked to identify which exotic specimen was his favorite, the artist said, "I would probably have to say that one of my favorites is the red devil cicada. They have this red velvet thorax that is just really gorgeous."

For his designs, Emerson likes to lay everything out in advance. "I like to plan everything out ahead of time, but generally when I start putting the insects down, I end up wanting to move things around or add more until it really feels like it's done," he revealed.

Reactions Recently, Emerson was the featured artist at Luna, and the owners liked his work so much that they decided to keep the display up for four months. "For the most part, I've had such positive reactions from people. You have to get past the fact that they are bugs to really appreciate them. I think it makes them a little less scary," he shared.

For more information, contact: Jesse Emerson jesse.emerson.art@gmail.com Instragram.com/emerson.insect.design

HOMES WITH

Personality Here at Design & Living Magazine, we believe that your home— whether it is an apartment, condo, townhome or house—should reflect your experiences and personality. After all, each piece of furniture and decor that we surround ourselves with is an extremely personal choice, whether we are aware of it or not!

This month, join us as we visit three very unique homes in the FM area, then test your ability to match the homeowner to their living space on page 54! Finally, find out how you scored by comparing your answers to our homeowners' key on page 56.

31

A SCANDINAVIANINSPIRED,

Social Space

HOME #1

BY Becca Opp | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

Welcome to the first ever interactive version of Design & Living Magazine! To see if you can match the homeowner(s) to this home, turn to page 54 and follow the instructions. To simply reveal the homeowner(s) of this space, skip ahead to page 56.

This home stands apart from the rest due to its ScandinavianInspired design. Throughout

32

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

this modern space, you will find momentous from the homeowner(s) world travels. Not only do these meaningful objects make the main living area unique, they also make this house into a home. This month, we spoke with Trever Hill of Trever Hill Design about how he makes his clients' personalities visible throughout their living paces.

f FOYER Upon entering the foyer, the first feature likely to catch your eye is a room divider off to the right designed by Jackson Strom of Chris Hawley Architects + Construction and made by FINNU Designs. Made of reclaimed fir with a stone base, this privacy screen invites the outdoors in all year long. Other noticeable design features include Canadian maple floors and white walls.

To the left, a magnificent staircase made out of reclaimed wood from a turn-of-thecentury granary balances out the foyer. According to the homeowner(s), they had gotten in touch with an independent contractor who said, "'I've had all of this reclaimed wood laying here for years, waiting for someone to call me and say we need stairs.'"

The homeowner(s) worked with Chris Hawley Architects + Construction as the architect of their home and Dave Anderson Construction as the general contractor. Toward the end of 2018, the homeowner(s) brought on Trever Hill to help add the finishing touches to their main living area.

"Due to busy calendars, we struggled to make the space look like a home. We tried to put things up on shelves, but we hardly had time to go grocery shopping," the homeowner(s) opened up to us. However, Hill was happy to help. "It was such a beautiful home already, so it was just building upon that," the owner of Trever Hill Design shared.

33

k KITCHEN The minimalistic kitchen features cabinets and countertops from Western Products. "We have a combination of white surfaces, rock and reclaimed wood," the homeowner(s) said. They had initially considered concrete countertops, but instead opted for a more durable surface because they didn't want to worry about red wine stains, for example. However, concrete did make its way into the space via their dining room table from McNeal & Friends.

34

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

d DINING ROOM In the dining room, the homeowner(s) found an art piece at McNeal & Friends, which is also how they first met Hill, as his office was located near the back of the store at the time. (Since then, he has actually opened an office in a new location!) This is where he drew inspiration for the main living area color palette. "I was trying to keep it somewhat neutral with just a little pop of color and really the art piece that she loved from McNeal & Friends was an inspiration. It had some of those turquoises and that natural green color, which are what you see throughout," he explained.

l LIVING ROOM Within their space, these homeowner(s) wanted to honor those big, white, open interiors that remind them of home. However, they didn't want it to feel sterile. Hill maintained this delicate balance by using meaningful objects as decor. "I love incorporating things from my clients' travels or from their life. That's really what makes a home," he said. In this space, he utilized a special gong gifted to the homeowner(s) as wall art.

"The gong comes from eastern Indonesia. Back in the late 90s, I was finishing my master's in cultural anthropology, so we spent some time there. I lived on a small island with really great people. That is a part of their traditional monetary system. They used to buy and barter with gongs, especially when somebody got

married or if you were building a house. For big events, these were critical. There are very strict guidelines as to how they can and should be used, so it was a big honor when they gave me one of those from the village as a whole. Once you have one, you're always a part of the community, so you can never forget where you come from," the homeowner(s) elaborated.

Hill also incorporated petrified coral from the homeowner(s) hiking trips as decor. These little pieces live on floating shelves, which the homeowner(s) made out of reclaimed ash from Dakota Timber Co. Throughout the home, you will also see authentic reindeer pelts that the homeowner(s) have brought back from Norway over the years.

37

s A SOCIAL SPACE When planning their space, the homeowner(s) had four things that they absolutely needed to take into consideration—their four daughters. "We did build the house with our kids in mind. We don't have any bedrooms on the main level. Everybody comes together in this living area, so this is a critical space. We made it so that everybody has to interact with each other, whether they want to or not, but then they have the opportunity to go away to their different caves if they want. We can also have 80 people in here. It's a complete mess, but it works perfectly. We built this to be a social space," the homeowner(s) said.

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

Architect - Chris Hawley Architects + Construction Builder - Dave Anderson Construction Interior Decorator - Trever Hill Fireplace - Wilkening Fireplace Co. Flooring - Showcase Floors Cabinets - Western Products Countertops - Western Products Backsplash - Syverson Tile & Stone Reclaimed Wood - Dakota Timber Company Room Divider - Chris Hawley Architects + Construction, FINNU DESIGNS Decor - McNeal & Friends, Eco Chic Home, The White House Co.

A DESIGNER'S

Dream Home HOME #2

BY Becca Opp | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

Welcome to the first ever interactive version of Design & Living Magazine! To see if you can match the homeowner(s) to this home, turn to page 54 and follow the instructions. To simply reveal the homeowner(s) of this space, skip ahead to page 56.

For these homeowner(s), every house that they've built has been a dream home. However, their most 40

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

recent build with Thomsen Homes is reminiscent of the country.

It even has its own gravel road.

Come along with us as we visit this farmhouse-inspired jewel just a few miles out of town.

f FOYER When you walk through the front door, you are greeted by an open floor plan with a lovely living room to the left and kitchen to the right. These homeowner(s) put a lot of thought into their floor plan and how it would work for their family. "More than anything, I love floor plan design and reworking spaces," the homeowner(s) said. This floor plan is a variation of a two-story home by Thomsen Homes. They are planning to unveil a similar main-level floor plan in the 2019 Spring Parade of Homes.

41

l LIVING ROOM The living room is a light and bright space with the focal point being a stunning fireplace accompanied by custom built-ins. The herringbone coffee table was also custombuilt by a local furniture maker. "We asked the maker to put a bar across the coffee table to keep the dogs from going underneath. That was the intent, but it didn't work.

Gunner doesn't like baths, so he hides under the coffee table," the homeowner(s) laughed.

k KITCHEN If the fireplace is the focal point of the living room, the kitchen is the focal point of the main floor. This simple and clean farmhouse-inspired space reminds the homeowners of growing up in Lakes Country. They explained, "Our design style changes with every house that we have built. With this home, we wanted more of a country feel. One reason we chose this location was because we can say we have a stop sign and a gravel road."

Although this house is new construction, its kitchen is full of history. For example, the homeowner(s)' family heirlooms are on display behind glass-front cabinet doors. The cabinets themselves were actually designed to look more like a piece of furniture.

The homeowner(s) also designed the cabinets with function in mind: the upper cabinets extend all the way down to the countertops to hide those small appliances that get used all the time, but that they don't want to see every day.

Much like the cabinets, the floors are also highly functional: they are a pet-friendly, waterproof laminate that is easy to clean. This was an absolute must for the homeowner(s) and their three adorable dogs.

43

Builder - Thomsen Homes Furniture & Staging - Eco Chic Home Flooring - Floor to Ceiling Carpet One Floor & Home Cabinets - Floor to Ceiling Carpet One Floor & Home Countertops - Floor to Ceiling Carpet One Floor & Home Appliances - Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery Paint Color - "Agreeable Gray" by Sherwin Williams

d DINING ROOM Just past the kitchen is a natural-light-filled dining room.

This space also calls back to simpler times, when the whole family would gather 'round the supper table every night. "Although it is not utilized as much as it could be, I loved the concept," the homeowner(s) said. One of their bucket-list items for this house is to add board and batten and/or black shiplap to the space.

For more information, contact: Thomsen Homes 3280 Veterans Blvd. Suite 120, Fargo 701-478-3000 thomsenhomesllc.com facebook.com/thomsenhomesllc Photo by John Borge Studios

45

M E TA L , W O O D

& Memorabilia

HOME #3

BY Becca Opp | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

Welcome to the first ever interactive version of Design & Living Magazine! To see if you can match the homeowner(s) to this home, turn to page 54 and follow the instructions. To simply reveal the homeowner(s) of this space, skip ahead to page 56.

been refined with all of the latest finishes at their fingertips over the years. This month, we met with Rebecca Knutson (CID) of Floor to Ceiling Carpet One Floor & Home to find out about the selections that make their home so distinctly unique.

As former owners of a muchbeloved local business, this couple's contemporary style has

47

d DINING ROOM At one time, this room was an office. However, the current homeowner(s) transformed it into a formal dining room by widening the doorways and adding another statement light fixture. Though they went with a more neutral palette in this home, these homeowner(s) are not afraid of color.

48

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

l LIVING ROOM The living room has also undergone quite the transformation. The homeowner(s) created an asymmetrical feature wall with reclaimed wood accents.

The reclaimed wood was actually sourced from a barn that had been in the family. "I like mixing primitive with modern, to get that eclectic feel," the homeowner(s) said.

49

k KITCHEN This contemporary kitchen has a European influence.

The walnut veneer, slab cabinetry was meticulously installed by Savageau with custom trim to match. In the center island, cherry paneled drawers add a rustic touch to the contemporary space. "As you can see, there are many different finishes in this kitchen, each with their own unique texture," Knutson said.

Regarding the color palette, the homeowner(s) explained, "I didn't want the grey walls to be too cold and foreboding, so with mixing in the brown, it really warms things up."

50

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

m MASTER SUITE The master bedroom features a luxurious en suite bath with custom tile and cabinetry. A must-have for these homeowner(s) was a place to sit at the vanity.

51

m MAN CAVE The man cave is the homeowner(s) retreat. Most of the work in these rooms, the homeowner(s) have completed themselves. The epoxy floor in the bath was truly a labor of love.

For more information, contact: Rebecca Knutson, CID, Design Studio Manager Floor To Ceiling Carpet One Floor & Home 360 36th Street S, Fargo 701-237-6601

52

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

Contractor - Dan Savageau, Dan Savageau Construction Interior Design - Rebecca Knutson, CID Flooring - Floor to Ceiling Carpet One Floor & Home Cabinetry - Floor to Ceiling Carpet One Floor & Home Countertops - Floor to Ceiling Carpet One Floor & Home Tile - Floor to Ceiling Carpet One Floor & Home Tile Installation - Tim Bachmann Plumbing - Gateway Plumbing, Waterfront Kitchen & Bath Electrical - Landmark Electric, Border States Electric

M ATC H T H E P E R S O N

to the Home Here, you can test your ability to match the homeowner to their living space. Then, find out how you scored by comparing your answers to the answer key on the next page. Let us know if you guessed all three correctly by posting a photo with this issue on Instagram and tagging @designandlivingmagazine!

THE RYGG FAMILY

HEIDI TOSO

JANELLE & ROGER BACHMANN

Ole and Trish Rygg currently live in Dilworth with their four daughters, aged 9, 12, 14 and 16. While Ole hails from the southwest coast of Norway, Trish is originally from Wahpeton, N.D. This adventurous family enjoys traveling the world and spending time in nature.

Originally from Lakes Country, Toso and her husband have two daughters aged 12 and 14. The family currently lives in Horace, N.D. with their three lovable pups: an English springer spaniel, a German wire-haired griffon and a Yorkie.

Toso is a Design and Studio Lead with prominent local home builder, Thomsen Homes.

Originally from Streeter, North Dakota, these high school sweethearts have twin sons and are now the proud grandparents of two young granddaughters. While Janelle is a contemporary design enthusiast, Roger is an avid sports fan and collector.

54

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

HOME #3

HOME #2

HOME #1

55

KEY

M ATC H T H E PERSON

to the Home

HOME #3 JANELLE & ROGER BACHMANN Metal, Wood and Memorabilia - page 32

HOME #2 HEIDI TOSO A Designer's Dream House - page 40

HOME #1 THE RYGG FAMILY A Scandinavian-Inspired, Social Space - page 47

ADVERTORIAL

TAKING CARE OF YOUR FAMILY WITH FLOM PROPERTY GROUP

BY Becca Opp | PHOTOS BY J. Alan Paul Photography & Hillary Ehlen

58

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

ADVERTORIAL

W

When it comes to cardiac surgery, people want to place their trust in the hands of a professional. When buying and selling properties, it is also important to seek out expert advice. No one knows this better than Beau Flom, founder of Flom Property Group. This cardiothoracic-surgical Physician Assistant turned real estate consultant has spent the past few years putting together an elite team of talented agents to work out of his new commercial office space in South Fargo.

From right to left: Kaden Monsebroten, Real Estate Agent; Trista Backstrom, Director of Operations; Vickie Gentzkow, Transaction Coordinator; Beau Flom, Licensed Broker/Agent/Owner; Lisa Brown, Real Estate Agent; Dustin Monsebroten, Real Estate Agent; Taryn Pfingsten, Real Estate Agent; Jackie Bruenjes, Real Estate Agent

FpG commercial office space in South Fargo

WHAT IS A REAL ESTATE CONSULTANT? A real estate consultant is a different breed of real estate agent—one who prioritizes the needs of the client before their own. Flom said, "I've never 'sold' anybody on an operation. You present the patient with all pertinent data, risks, benefits, options, and they get to make a decision.

That's the way I've always approached real estate too."

A PHYSICIAN-ASSISTANT-TURNED-REAL-ESTATECONSULTANT Flom grew up in Montana and spent five years as a combat medic in the Navy. After completing his studies, Flom relocated to Fargo in 2000. Twelve years later, he left the medical field to become a real estate agent. Today, Flom is a highly sought-after expert when it comes to real estate in Fargo, Horace, Moorhead and Detroit Lakes. "I was coming from a consultant's role. It’s what I had been used to and the

59

ADVERTORIAL

best way I know how to help people. I've been very fortunate and am truly grateful for the people who place their trust in us and we strive to serve them in the best possible way," he explained. In fact, 50 percent of his business is from referrals as FpG continues to grow.

MEET THE FPG FAMILY Now, Flom is building something much bigger than himself.

He has grown the FpG family to include two administrators, six real estate consultants and one videographer. "We only want the best of the best. I'm always looking to see what is the best in the industry, not just what is the best in Fargo.

That's the level of service we want our clients to expect and it has become our standard," Flom said.

Flom has consistently been ranked in the top one percent of all real estate agents in the United States and a number of FpG real estate consultants have been ranked in the top five percent of all agents in the country.

The FpG family has been in their new home since February 4, 2019. It was also their first day as an independent brokerage.

Their commercial space is conveniently located off of 42nd Street and 19th Ave. S in Fargo. This pet and kid friendly professional environment is the perfect place to hold an FpG ping pong tournament on a Friday afternoon.

60

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

"

I'M ALWAYS LOOKING TO SEE WHAT IS THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY, NOT JUST WHAT IS THE BEST IN FARGO.

"

ADVERTORIAL

THE VERY BEST ADVICE "Our main services are listing and selling residential and commercial real estate," Flom said. Although FpG is known for working with high-end properties, they take special pride in helping first-time homebuyers. "Those are some of the most rewarding client relationships. I always want to make sure we're giving the very best advice for them," Flom said.

FPG FAMILY VALUES The core values at Flom Property Group are Trust, Communication, Teamwork, Hard Work, Growth and Fun. Of course, trust and communication are the foundation of those core values. “We have successful partnerships with our clients because we advocate for trust and communication more than anything,� said Trista Backstrom, Director of Operations at FpG. Their integrity, high expectations, tenacity and open mindedness allow them to build relationships with a positive attitude and celebrate life with fascinating people.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE CONSULTANT: Choose a consultant who has a positive reputation Choose a consultant whose personality works well with your own Choose a consultant who has the best interests for your family at heart

For more information, contact: Flom Property Group 4150 19th Ave. S Suite 302, Fargo 701-566-0049 fargohome.com facebook.com/BeauFlomRealtor

61

locally

trending

FINDING INSPIRATION THROUGH WORLD TRAVELS

BY Kayla Cote van Rensburg | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen & Kayla Cote van Rensburg

Recently, my husband Piet and I spent four weeks abroad in his home country of South Africa. Along with visiting family, we spent much of our time traveling the countryside of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the North West Province. Each province had its own unique beauty and was full of inspiration. In the design world, many textiles, color palettes and decor pieces have been inspired by the natural beauty the country has to offer.

The rich colors, patterns and wildlife of South Africa remind me that warmer weather will be here soon.

ASSORTED ANIMAL FIGURINES O'Day Cache $3.50-30

Animals South Africa is known for its wildlife, which can be seen on safari or in game reserves. I was lucky enough to see many exotic animals on my travels, including the well-known "Big Five:" the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo. It's a breathtaking experience when you're walking along and suddenly, twenty feet in front of you, a giraffe gracefully crosses your path. Pieces that remind of South Africa's incredible wildlife can be found locally at O' Day Cache.

KAYLA'S TIP: Add a bit of whimsey with unique animal figurines. If that isn't your thing, try subtly adding a animal-inspired print to a few throw pillows or rug.

63

WOODEN CANDLE HOLDER O'Day Cache $85

Trees When I see a Baobab tree, I immediately think of South Africa.

The hearty tree is known for its medicinal properties, and the super-fruit it produces is packed with vitamin c. In Limpopo, there's a Baobab tree big enough to be transformed into a bar. The tree is 72 feet tall and 154 feet in circumference. This light fixture found at O' Day Cache reminds me of the natural beauty created by the Baobab tree. The strong base leading up to small glass fixtures, like bushy branches, resembles the structure of the tree.

KAYLA'S TIP: Add texture to your space with bark-inspired pieces.

Natural and raw edged wood end tables make great statement pieces.

Add pizzazz to any party with a raw wood serving board for your charcuterie.

64

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

TAPESTRY O'Day Cache $45

AFRICAN SILKS Dak & Co $30-150

Natural Textiles Silk is a natural textile produced in South Africa. The luxurious material is made into many home products and decor. At African Silks in Graskop, South Africa, they reuse every bit of silk they produce. The raw silk is used to make table runners, scarves, as well as other apparel and decor items. Fine silk pillowcases, pashminas and blouses can also be found adorning the shop. They use recycled silk weaved with other fibers, such as bamboo, in textiles shown here. You can find these rare pieces at our Dak & Co pop up shop.

KAYLA'S TIP: Layer fabrics throughout your home to add warmth. Rugs, drapes and tapestries also help eliminate echo in large rooms with high-vaulted ceilings.

MEET KAYLA Kayla Cote van Rensburg is originally from Willow City, N.D., and has made her home in Fargo with her husband, Piet van Rensburg. In 2017, the two founded the local lifestyle Brand, Dak & Co.

65

Q&A Q. Deciding to go from a one-

woman show to adding employees and accepting more business is a huge leap. What made you decide to take the leap and expand?

A. "I had to start with two people

because our office hours are 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. I also needed to have a person who knew more about the financial part of it than I did. Going from two to three people was the big jump, and I figured that out when I was driving to work at 4:30 a.m. with the flu. There was no one else to open the office.

Now we actually have four full-time employees plus myself, and 1,600 temporary employees." - Nancy Kelly

A. "In a true business model, you

need to have people who provide the support that you need so you can have the flu and your business will still maintain itself. It was two to three years into our small business where we hired our first employee, and from that point forward it became the growth model." - Rachael Boyer

EXPAND YOUR NETWORK:

L

LEARN FROM LEADING LADIES RECAP

On Feb. 13, 2019, the HBA of FM's Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs' Xchange (FLEX) group hosted an event at Wild Terra in Downtown Fargo. This networking opportunity offered attendees the chance to learn from leading ladies in the industry in the form of a Q&A session with a social hour to follow. We've included the highlights of their discussion below.

Panelists included:

Sylvia Lunski, Owner, Design Direction, Inc. Nancy Kelly, Owner, Labor Masters Rachael Boyer, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Home Authority, Inc. / The Coatings Authority, Inc. Trisha Lake, Owner, TLC Cleaning

A. "One of my friends had lost her

job, and I was a single mom taking 18 credits. When I knew I couldn't do it on my own, I talked to my mom, and she said, 'Why don't you hire Michelle.' It's amazing how much it helped her family in her time of need, and I was able to keep our clients and continue going to school." - Trisha Lake

A. "As clients kept coming, it was

either to say no to clients and referrals or figure out how to deal with it. I hired someone to help with bookkeeping and other designers along the way." - Sylvia Lunski

Q. What drives you to lead your

team every day and keep being the best you can be for your clients and employees?

A. "I have the desire to be the only

company that you will ever think about or ever call for what we do. In a day and age when companies are cutting back benefits, I do exactly the opposite. To retain key employees, I've made it so that they don't ever want to leave." - Nancy Kelly

A. "You don't ever get a customer,

you always earn them, and you can

lose them as fast as you earn them.

You have to remember that there are so many others out there, so what you do better has to come from the heart." - Sylvia Lunski

Q. What challenges have you faced as a woman in the construction industry?

A. "For me, I don't know anything

different. One thing I would say is that you have to be real about what you know and what you don't. You have to be willing to say, 'I know what I want, but I don't know how to get it.' When you're honest, people see you as a stronger leader. As long as you build that respect with everyone around you, it doesn't matter if you are male or female." Rachael Boyer

Q. What do you do when you run into a career obstacle or speed bump?

A. "When there are no speed bumps, I look for them. When it becomes easy, that means you need to move up in the world." - Trisha Lake

Q. What is one final piece of advice

you'd like our audience to leave with today?

A. "Get out into the community. Get involved. Donate your time. What you give for nothing, you will get back tenfold." - Nancy Kelly

A. "Find your passion, find your

purpose and find a way to fulfill that. Even when you fail, be really confident about failing." - Rachael Boyer

A. "Create a list of goals every week

and hold yourself to them. Have an accountability partner. It's amazing how much you will get done." - Trisha Lake

A. "Follow your head, your heart

and your gut. If they all line up, it's probably a really good thing to charge forward on. If a part of you is saying, 'Don't do it, don't do it,' you'd better figure out why before you do it because it's easier not to do it than to get out of it." - Sylvia Lunski Special thanks to moderators, Kiah Schmalenberg, Park Co. Realtors & Michaela Bakken of Showplace Cabinetry Design Center - Fargo.

T .A . QUIRK HOUSE

BY Paul H. Gleye | PHOTOS BY Hillary Ehlen

M

ilton Earl Beebe (1840-1923), an architect from Buffalo, New York, relocated to North Dakota about 1898, where he continued his successful practice. His major works include Old Main at Concordia College in Moorhead, as well as South Engineering Building at NDSU. In addition, he designed many single-family residences, including this large home built in 1908 for T. A. Quirk at 1129 5th Avenue South. Thomas Quirk (1859-1946) gained wealth as president of the Fargo Mercantile Company, a prominent wholesale grocery distributor.

Beebe was a proponent of the newly emerging Classical Revival style that looked back to ancient Greek temples for inspiration. For the Quirk house, now the Gokey Law Office, he designed an imposing, two-story porch supported by massive Ionic columns. At the corners, large pilasters—square columns attached to the house—give the entire composition an aura of strength and permanence.

The owner could view the street from a balustraded balcony above the front entrance or from a second balustraded balcony atop the roof along the front.

69

In the manner of a cornerstone, the letters “T.A. Quirk” are embossed in the riser of a concrete step.

As would be expected, the interior is replete with ornate woodwork that especially defines the formal staircase to the second floor. On the west side a bay window expands the interior space and adds natural light—an important amenity in a time when electric lights were merely dim bulbs. The mud room at the entrance is tiled with “penny round” white tiles juxtaposed with tile floral motifs to lend additional beauty to the practical place of removing one’s dirty, or snowy, shoes.

Though built before automobiles were common, a house such as this would of course have had an outbuilding for the

horses and carriages, and indeed a large carriage house remains along the alley behind the main residence.

The architect himself lived somewhat more modestly. Beebe’s former office, much smaller but also designed with a monumental colonnaded front porch, still stands behind his own home and others he kept as rentals at 3rd Ave. North and 8th Street North in Fargo. In 1910, Beebe left Fargo at the age of seventy for retirement in San Diego, leaving behind an architectural legacy of which Fargo and surrounding communities can be proud.

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.

70

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

Beautiful Home gets A New Life in Woodhurst Development

BY Becca Opp | PHOTOS BY J. Alan Paul Photography

When you first walk into this beautiful home, you would never guess that it was built in 1989. You also wouldn't be able to tell that at one point, it was picked up and moved three miles to Woodhurst Development. Yes, this home was slated to be torn down or relocated as a part of the Fargo Moorhead Area Diversion Project. Luckily, Stacey Schlanser thought that it deserved a second chance. After receiving high-end updates, this house is now on the market, waiting for a new family to call it their forever home.

72

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

Rebirth In early 2017, Schlanser began looking at the property seriously. "Master Construction acquired twelve flood homes that were along the river, and this was one of those homes. They either needed to be torn down, or hopefully someone would move them. This house was so beautiful that I didn't want it to be torn down. It just needed a rebirth," she said.

Woodhurst Development Schlanser is one of the owners of Woodhurst Development in South Fargo.

This neighborhood is made up of 16 with new construction homes. Before anyone builds in this development, it must be

approved. This ensures that no two exteriors will look the same. "All of the houses are so different and unique that I knew this house would fit in perfectly.

Had we not had that component, I wouldn't have taken on the project, but I knew I had the perfect spot for it.

We decided to move it, and it started a nine-month process from start to finish."

Schlanser explained.

A 9-Month Process In November 2017, Northwoods Structural Movers prepped the house to be moved. On the way, they had a police escort on hand. Ottertail Power also helped accommodate the move by temporarily removing any stop lights that would have been in the way. "Once

it was moving, start to finish, it took two or three hours," Schlanser said. She then went on to lightheartedly comment that it reminded her of a doll house because you could see into all of the rooms as it was being moved.

been replaced with tile, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring and carpet. "The house is twenty years old, but you'd never know it. When you step in here, it looks like a brand new house," Schlanser explained.

Getting the Home Move-In-Ready

Finding the Right Realtor

After being lowered onto its new foundation, Schlanser partnered with Novelty Construction to bring the house back into the present. "I worked with those people that I trusted, and we gave the house a new life," she shared. The home now boasts new roofing as well as new electrical, heating and plumbing.

They even had all of the walls resurfaced and given a fresh coat of paint. The floors throughout the home have also

The home was move-in-ready by July of 2018. When it came to choosing the right realtor, Schlanser knew an agent who would take special interest in the property. Family friend Ruth Olson actually spent her teenage years living in the home.

"When we moved in, the walls were all pink. My mom was the one who renovated it originally, but I'm glad to

73

74

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

see it updated again. I love it so much, I just want someone else to have great experiences here too," Olson said.

"I love that it is so different than any other house," Schlanser added.

This home truly does have some unique features such as three master bedrooms, each with their own walk-in closet and en suite bathroom. "My closet in high school was bigger than my college dorm. It was a bit of an adjustment to say the least," Olson laughed.

In anticipation of the future homeowners' needs, Schlanser left the basement unfinished. "It's all roughedin, so the hard work is already done.

When you have a home at this price point, a family might want to come in and finish it to their liking," she said.

The Final Stage: Staging To help potential buyers envision what it would be like to live in this 6,116 square-foot home, Schlanser and Olson sought the expertise of Maria Bosak from Eco Chic Home. "We really did not want to miss the opportunity to work with this house," Bosak said.

For this space, she was inspired by all of the natural light in the space. For her color palette, Bosak mostly stuck with neutrals, bringing in lots of faux greens to use as accents. "This house is beautiful without furniture, but it looks even more beautiful with the staging," Schlanser told us.

75

Contractor - Novelty Construction Masonry - Hebron Brick Flooring - Showcase Flooring Lighting - Valley Lights Appliances - Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery Countertops - Great Northern Granites Organization Solutions - Smart Spaces Staging - Eco Chic Home

76

DESIGN & LIVING | M A R C H 2 01 9

For more information or to request a showing, contact: Ruth Olson, Keller Williams Realty 4575 23rd Ave. S Fargo 701-212-0857 ruth-olson.kw.com/

77