Design & Living November 2016

NOVEMBER 2016

2016 PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS

COMPLIMENTARY

Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

FROM THE EDITOR DESIGN&LIVING

A

Counting our Blessings

lthough Thanksgiving is easily everyone's favorite day in November, my new favorite is the day the November issues hit the stands.

I usually get pretty excited about all new issues, but this one... well, this one takes the cake and the turkey.

We've wrapped up our second annual Design & Living People's Choice Awards and, by the time this issue hits the streets, the results will finally be revealed for all to see. We cannot wait to spill the beans and I can't wait to have this burden of 39 great secrets finally out of my head. A special thank you to our new assistant editor, Devin Joubert (pronounced "yo-bear"), who has proven to be a great addition to

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...AND VOTES

our team. She's jumped in head-first, managing a whirlwind of content that has kept her hustling to shoots from Horace to Sabin and just about everywhere in between.

If you're wondering how we did this year's awards, it's a simple concept.

We asked the community to nominate their favorites in 39 categories over a three-week span, then over the next two weeks, the community voted on the finalists. So, we had absolutely no say in who won, you did. See, this is much easier and far less dramatic than that other election.

With that said, we need to say thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate and vote. Once again, thousands went online to vote, and show support for those who make our lives livable and beautiful. These are the people that often work behind the scenes, beneath the floorboards and beyond the drywall to create innovative spaces we love coming home to.

Behind me are eight of the 119 nominees that have filled these pages and deserve our recognition. These people have been chosen for our cover because they were nominated by you, and represent the true passion that makes the home industry here continue to thrive. A sincere congratulations to all of this year's nominees and winners.

Being considered as one of the top three in your respective categories in a population of over 100,000 people... now that's hard to "trump."

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

TRACY NICHOLSON Associate Publisher/ Editor tracy@spotlightmediafargo.com

2016

CONTENTS DESIGN&LIVING

NOVEMBER

FEATURE

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2016 PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS

The people have spoken and the results are in. After three weeks nominations and two weeks of voting, we are ready to reveal the results in 39 home industry categories. Meet the deserving winners and nominees of our second annual Design & Living People's Choice Awards.

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RUKI MODERN

Brent Behm is handcrafting Fargo one project at a time. Learn more about the inspiration, vision and goals behind his design studio.

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CREATING A KID FRIENDLY HOME With one visit to writer, mom and design blogger Katie Sullivan's home, she shows moms how to embrace the chaos, hide the mess and create spaces catered to both kids and adults. Read more about her secrets to creating a family friendly home while keeping your children and design sanity in check.

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DYNAMIC DUO

Noticing that two of our People's Choice Award nominees were a local married couple, Design & Living set out to meet the dynamic duo that is Rebecca Knutson, nominated for Best Kitchen Designer and her husband, Steve Knutson, nominated for Best Local Artist.

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ON THE COVER

UPCOMING ISSUE

Design & Living went on location to shoot eight of our esteemed winners and nominees at the Horace, N.D. home of Rachel and Shawn Weyer, owners of the local painting company Weyer-for-Hire. From back left, Todd Medd of JLG Architects, Mike Bullinger of Western Products, Chris Thomsen of Thomsen Homes, Trever Hill of Trever Hill Design, Scott Breidenbach of Park Co. Realtors. Front from left, Rebecca Knutson of Floor to Ceiling Carpet One, Ursula Hegvik of Smart Spaces and Monica Hart of Monica Hart Interior Design.

Special Holiday Issue

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With the holidays just around the corner, Design & Living takes readers on a tour of some of our favorite local stores. We show you the area's best holiday decor and over 100 unique gifts you'll love to give.

DESIGN & LIVING NOVEMBER 2016 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 U.S. and has stand distribution throughout North Dakota and Minnesota.

PUBLISHER

Spotlight Media LLC

PRESIDENT

Mike Dragosavich

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ASSISTANT EDITOR

Andrew Jason Tracy Nicholson Devin Joubert

DESIGN/LAYOUT

Sarah Geiger, Brittney Richter, Ryan Koehler

CONTRIBUTORS

Maria Bosak, Tom Spaeth, Devin Joubert, Tracy Nicholson, Katie Sullivan

COPY EDITORS

Erica Rapp, Andrew Jason, Devin Joubert

WEB INTERN ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER MARKETING/SALES

SOCIAL MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY

DELIVERY

Sam Stark Nicole Houseal

Heather Hemingway Tracy Nicholson, Paul Bougie, Paul Hoefer, Tank McNamara, Jenny Johnson Tracy Nicholson, Devin Joubert J. Alan Paul Photography, Paul Flessland, Morgan Schleif, HBA of FM, JLG Architects, Jenna Lenertz Photography, Paul Crosby Photography, Renewal by Andersen®, Smart Spaces, Grant Koenig, Robb Siverson Photography, Kristi Hardy , Paul Crosby Photography, Melanie Sioux Photography, Scott Amundson Photography Mitch Rapp, Hal Ecker, Nolan Kaml

Design & Living is published 12 times a year by Spotlight Media LLC. Print quantity exceeds 22,000 per issue.

Printed in the U.S.A.

Spotlightmedia ADVERTISING: 701-478-SPOT (7768)

info@spotlightmediafargo.com spotlightmediafargo.com

Design & Living does not necessarily endorse or agree with content of articles or advertising presented. Design & Living assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.

Send change of address information and other correspondence to: Spotlight Media Inc. 15 Broadway N. Ste. 500 Fargo, ND 58102 or info@spotlightmediafargo.com

MEET THE TEAM Meet Spotlight Media's Other Magazines You can't complain about saving a little extra dough when you're out to eat, right? This month, Fargo Monthly visited 30 bars and restaurants in FargoMoorhead to show you a number of quality dishes that you can get one heck of a deal on. From lunch specials and half-priced appetizers to discounted pizzas, we discovered a wide variety of specials for every day of the week.

Before Gene Taylor left North Dakota State University for Iowa, he proclaimed the transformation of the old Bison Sports Arena into the Sanford Health Athletic Complex was going to be the final step in the Division I transition at NDSU. Over two years later, that step is complete. Go inside the SHAC in the November issue of Bison Illustrated and see what made this project well worth the wait.

Queue the Johnny Cash because Mickey Quinn's been everywhere, man. The president and CEO of Fargo-based specialty retailer Vanity has spent time at five different companies in six different cities during her 30-plus-year retail career, and with her cross-country experience has come a unique understanding of what it takes to be a leader in a constantly changing industry.

MIKE

TRACY

JESSE

RYLEE

BRITTNEY

NICOLE

BOUGIE

ERICA

BRADY

ANDREW

JOE

SARAH

PAUL

HEATHER

NATE

SAM

RYAN

JENNY

LAURA

TANK

DEVIN

PAUL

LUKE

ETHAN

Spotlight Media is a publishing company out of Fargo.

Learn more at spotlightmediafargo.com

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CONTRIBUTORS DESIGN&LIVING

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

TOM

DEVIN

MARIA

KATIE

Spaeth is the acting president of the Homebuilders Association of FargoMoorhead. Spaeth owns Accent Contracting with Mike Arnold. Their company provides design-build remodeling services to the FM area.

Spaeth has over 25 years of experience in the construction industry.

Devin Joubert (pronounced "yo-bear") is the assistant editor for Design & Living.

She enjoys telling people’s stories in a way that will reach off the page to touch her readers. Nature sanctuaries, uniquely-designed houses, elegant decor, gorgeous gardens and creative DIY projects are some of her favorite things.

Every day, she collects brilliant ideas and inspiration for her future dream home.

Contributor Maria Bosak is the owner and creator of Eco Chic Boutique, which has retail locations in Fargo and Bismarck. Bosak is the founder of Junk Market, a twice-a-year, two-day event featuring the best in repurposed furniture, vintage finds and unique handmade products in the Upper Midwest. She is highly sought-after for her expertise in painted furniture, vintage design and entrepreneurship. Bosak loves combing garage sales, auctions, estate sales and flea markets to find that unique piece that brings joy to your home without breaking the bank.

Katie Sullivan is a freelance writer, with a passion for interior design. She writes about the rewards and challenges of decorating and customizing her family’s first home on her lifestyle website, prettydomesticated.com. Her formal training in journalism at the University of Minnesota, combined with her husband Daren’s carpentry skills ,results in dynamic DIY content for their website’s readers. Katie’s work has been published by various media outlets, including the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Scary Mommy. Connect with her on Facebook at Pretty Domesticated and on Instagram at PrettyDomesticated.

SPAETH

JOUBERT

Outside of work, she loves writing fiction, traveling with her husband and finding the magic in everyday life. Follow her adventures on lifewritingwanderlust. com and on instagram @devinljoubert.

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BOSAK

SULLIVAN

HBA EDITORIAL DESIGN&LIVING

Construction offers lucrative future

TO AREA

Tom Spaeth owns Accent Contracting with Mike Arnold. Their company provides design-build remodeling services to the FM area. Spaeth has over 25 years of experience in the construction industry.

STUDENTS

I

By Tom Spaeth, HBA President, Accent Kitchen & Bath

s your son or daughter interested in the construction trades? The Labor Department remains upbeat on the construction trades sector, predicting overall employment growth of 13.6 percent, or almost 520,000 new jobs by the year 2024, according to U.S. News & World Report in January.

It’s important for parents, educators and students to consider construction or technical careers. At the very least, look at the potential for salary, job security and cost of education. A four-year college education, and those related jobs, are not for everyone. We all have different abilities, preferences and personalities, and some of us will do better in a hands-on, active job.

Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters and construction managers will be needed to build new structures and update existing buildings. Locally, the construction industry has been very stable and steady. The Home Builders Association (HBA) and its charity, Home Builders Care of FM Foundation, constantly promote our industry to area youth through several events and programs.

HEALTH, TECH & TRADES CAREER EXPO Home Builders Care is a major supporter of the Health, Tech & Trades Career Expo held December 1 at the Fargodome. It is designed to help ninth graders explore different careers and education opportunities. The focus is two-year or technical degree career opportunities. The Expo supports industries

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that will continue to need qualified, skilled workers in the future. Read more at hbcfm.com or at httcareerexpo.com.

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

HERDINA ACADEMY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION TRADES The Herdina Academy for the Construction Trades is a twoweek session each June for students age 15 years or older to explore the world of construction, working side-by-side with industry professionals. It is sponsored by the HBA of FM, Home Builders Care Foundation, Rural Minnesota CEP and Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Moorhead. Read more at hbcfm.com.

Home Builders Care Foundation and the HBA of FM have been involved in many community projects over the years. Read more at hbcfm.com or facebook.com/HomeBuildersCare.

For more information contact:

SCHOLARSHIPS Last month, Home Builders Care of FM Foundation awarded scholarships to students pursuing careers in the construction industry. Students attending our local colleges and trade schools, who are members of a National Association of Home Builders Student Chapter, are eligible to apply for assistance.

High school students who are interested in attending Minnesota State Community and Technical College or North Dakota State College of Science, and studying in an available construction program, also have the opportunity to earn scholarship dollars. Call (701) 232-5846 or visit hbcfm.com to view application criteria.

info@hbafm.com

hbafm.com

facebook.com/ HBAFargoMoorhead twitter.com/hbafm Blog: homebuildersassociation. areavoices.com

DESIGN&LIVING

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DESIGN&LIVING

The people have spoken and the results are in. After three weeks of nominations and two weeks of final voting, we've tallied up the votes and went to work creating an issue that would give recognition to those who contribute to our local home industry. We are thrilled to reveal all of the deserving winners and nominees in our second annual Design & Living People's Choice Awards.

Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

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DESIGN&LIVING

Seth Morken, Todd R. Medd, Brittany Dawson Photo by Paul Flessland

BEST COMMERCIAL ARCHITECT Photo by Paul Crosby Photography

Winner

JLG Architects

214 Broadway N, Fargo 701-364-0237 jlgarchitects.com

Honorable Mentions Chris Hawley Architects T.L. Stroh Architects

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DESIGN&LIVING

Photo by Paul Crosby Photography

" JLG is extremely honored by this, especially considering that it is voted on by the community. At our firm, community is our passion. We create buildings but we build relationships.

Our ability to impact Fargo-Moorhead, bringing great design to life in our hometown, is what gets us out of bed each morning. To be honored for doing that is just a bonus."

"At JLG, we 'design for life.' What this means to each of us is different, but it really comes back to helping our clients and our region understand the impact and value of great design.

Whether it is a school, a clinic or an office building;,our projects impact our clients in profound ways and are great places to learn, heal and work. Each project is an opportunity to educate a whole new group on the importance of design. We also feel strongly that welldesigned projects don’t have to cost more. In fact, our projects are more economical to build and more efficient to operate. The ability to deliver value like that to clients is exciting."

Photo by JLG Architects

- Todd R. Medd, Principal Architect and Fargo Market Leader

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DESIGN&LIVING

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER Winner

Monica Hart Interior Design 3481 University Dr. S. #203, Fargo 701-235-4929 monicahartid.com

" It is truly an honor to even be considered. I feel our community is filled with many talented people who are designing beautiful spaces. I am grateful each and every day to be passionate about my job and enjoy what I do. To know that others may be inspired by my designs makes me incredibly happy!"

- Monica Hart

Honorable Mentions Design Direction Audrey Newman, JW Kitchens Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

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DESIGN&LIVING

"

I am inspired by my colleagues, whose work I admire and appreciate both in residential and commercial design. I am inspired by new products and finding ways to use them. But I am mostly inspired by my clients and the desire to make their project goals a reality. It is important to me that each one of my projects looks different. I want them to be a reflection of my client­—not me."

- Monica Hart

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DESIGN&LIVING

BEST INTERIOR DECORATOR Winner

Trever Hill Design 506 Roberts St. N, Fargo 701-715-3077 treverhilldesign.com

"

Being considered as one of the best decorators by the people in our community is something I'm very proud of. It's hard for me to put into words, but I am humbled, honored, elated and thankful. The community has been so supportive of my work and for that I'm forever grateful. Being nominated next to a talent such as Julie Alin is an honor that makes me pinch myself. Knowing my path in life and where I came from to this point is a humbling feeling."

- Trever Hill

Honorable Mentions Julie Alin, Scheels Home & Hardware Christen Anderson, Christen Joy Homes

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Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

DESIGN&LIVING

" My inspirations come from all around me. When I was first inspired by design, I was maybe seven or eight. My aunt, who was a designer, came into my grandmother's house and made it beautiful. These days I am inspired by my travels and my client's personal and unique style."

- Trever Hill

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DESIGN&LIVING

BEST KITCHEN DESIGNER

BEST COUNTERTOP INSTALL & SUPPLY

Winner

Winner

Bill Tweten, Western Products

jodegaard@granitesunlimited.com 701-660-1162 granitesunlimited.com

Honorable Mentions

Honorable Mentions

Rebecca Knutson - Floor to Ceiling Carpet One

Stone Countertop Outlet

Audrey Newman - JW Kitchens

Spaulding Stone

BEST PLUMBING & SUPPLY

BEST PAINTING SERVICE

Winner

Precision Plumbing & Heating 1935 4th Ave. NW, West Fargo 701-238-1753 precisionpe.com

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Granites Unlimited

474 45th St. S, Fargo 701-293-5310 westernproducts.com

Winner

Gene's Paint & Decorating 3330 28th Ave. SW, Fargo 701-235-1969

Honorable Mentions

Honorable Mentions

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

Red River Drywall

Home Heating, Plumbing & A.C.

Weyer-for-Hire

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BEST ROOFING SUPPLY & INSTALL Winner

Western Products 474 45th St. S, Fargo 701-293-5310 westernproducts.com

Honorable Mentions Allied Building Products Pierce Lee Roofing

BEST TILE INSTALLER Winner

Floor to Ceiling Carpet One 360 36th St. SW, Fargo 701-237-6601 floortoceilingcarpetone.com

Honorable Mentions Carpet, Tile & Stone Trevor Odden, Stone Ridge Builders

DESIGN&LIVING

Nate Anderson, Jessica Metcalf, Chris Thomsen Photo by Paul Flessland

Photo by Robb Siverson Photography

BEST HOME BUILDER Below $399,000 Winner

Thomsen Homes

3168 41st St. S. Ste. 1, Fargo 701-478-3000 thomsenhomesllc.com

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"

We are extremely grateful to be considered by our community with such an honor. Being able to create our client’s vision for their new home and make that a reality is what keeps us passionate in what we do. Our idea of providing our clients with exceptional service and product excellence has allowed us to build a reputation as a recognized builder in the community and is truly meaningful to our team and the work that we do.�

- Chris Thomsen

Honorable Mentions Heritage Homes Jordahl Custom Homes

DESIGN&LIVING

Photo by Robb Siverson Photography

"

The idea of a new home is such an exciting decision, and being able to share in our client’s excitement and dream to make their home come to life is so rewarding. What inspires us is their energy and that’s what drives us to continue to deliver exceptional service and continue to create quality homes.”

- Chris Thomsen Photo by Robb Siverson Photography

Photo by Robb Siverson Photography

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DESIGN&LIVING

Photo by Jenna Lenertz Photography

BEST LUXURY HOME BUILDER $400k+ Winner

Heritage Homes Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

" We are honored and humbled that this amazing community believes our team is the best in the area. It validates our mission of not only building a beautiful home, but also providing the most enjoyable homebuilding experience with passionate people that wholeheartedly work to positively influence other's lives.�

- Tyrone Leslie

1815 38th St. S, Fargo 701-281-7184 heritagefargo.com

Honorable Mentions Radiant Creative Homes Titan Homes

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Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

" Seeing our homeowners’ anticipation before building and their joy when they see their new home is the most magnificent thing in the world. Nothing can beat experiencing a family’s excitement in establishing their heritage in one of our homes."

- Tyrone Leslie

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Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

DESIGN&LIVING

BEST PAINT SELECTION

BEST LUMBERYARD Winner

Winner

Sherwin Williams 4441 45th St. S, Fargo 701-281-1185 sherwin-williams.com

Simonson's Lumber 2400 Main Ave., Fargo 701-232-3281 simonsonlumber.com

Honorable Mentions Honorable Mentions

Lampert Lumber

Scheels Home & Hardware

Crane Johnson Lumber

Hirshfield's

Stenerson Bros.

BEST GARAGE DOOR INSTALL & SUPPLY

BEST FIREPLACE INSTALL & SUPPLY

Winner

Twin City Garage Door 324 Main Ave. E, West Fargo 701-281-4759 tcgdwf.com

Winner

Hebron Brick

2300 Main Ave., Fargo 701-232-0781 hebronbrick.com

Honorable Mentions Overhead Door EZ Open Garage Door FM Garage Door

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Honorable Mentions Home & Hearth Western Products

BEST CONTRACTOR Winner

Kochmann Brothers

3209 Fiechtner Dr. #3, Fargo 701-235-2525 kochmannbros.com

Honorable Mentions Heritage Homes Titan Homes

BEST HOME APPLIANCE STORE Winner

Rigel's Appliance

609 Main Ave., Moorhead 218-233-6104 rigels.com

Honorable Mentions Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery JW Kitchens

DESIGN&LIVING

BEST RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECT Winner

Chris Hawley Architects 2534 University Dr. S #3, Fargo 701-478-4600 chrishawleyarchitects.com

Honorable Mentions Mevold Studio Stahl Architects

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Photo by Scott Amundson Photography

Photo by Scott Amundson Photography

DESIGN&LIVING

BEST CUSTOM FURNITURE BUILDER/ WOOD DESIGN Winner

Grain Designs

6218 53rd Ave. S, Fargo 701-730-5821 graindesigns.com

" We feel very fortunate to have such great support from the Fargo community as we've been able to build our business here. We're truly honored and grateful to be given the opportunity to share our passion for design/craft with so many people, and to be recognized as one of the best custom furniture builders for our work is even more humbling."

- Blain Mikkonen & Grant Koenig

Honorable Mentions Steve Revland Finnu Designs

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From Left, Phil Bruckbauer, Grant Koenig, Blain Mikkonen, Pat Bresnahan. Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

Photo by Grant Koenig

DESIGN&LIVING

Photo by Grant Koenig

"

Our passion for design and the opportunity to continue refining our craft is what keeps us going. There is never a day where our task list looks the same as it did the previous day so the challenge to continue to learn and grow the business is inspiring and motivating. However, the support from our clients and the community is probably the biggest motivation. We're grateful to work with businesses, designers and private clients that appreciate our work and the friendships and relationships that we've developed with these same clients throughout the building processes is gratifying."

- Blain Mikkonen & Grant Koenig

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Photo by Grant Koenig

Photo by Grant Koenig

DESIGN&LIVING

BEST WINDOW TREATMENT & BLIND SUPPLY Winner

Scheels Home & Hardware 3202 13th Ave. S, Fargo 701-232-8903 scheelshomeandhardware.com

BEST WINDOW INSTALL & SUPPLY Winner

Western Products 474 45th St. S, Fargo 701-293-5310 westernproducts.com

Honorable Mentions

Honorable Mentions

Design Direction

Pella Northland

Red River Drywall

Rusco Window Co.

BEST REPURPOSED STORE

BEST FURNITURE STORE

Winner

Winner

Eco Chic Boutique

Hom Furniture

4955 17th Ave. S, Fargo 701-356-6600 iloveecochic.com

4601 23rd Ave. S, Fargo 701-433-3800 homfurniture.com/location/fargo

Honorable Mentions

Honorable Mentions

Habitat ReStore

Scheels Home & Hardware

Burlap Rustic Chic Boutique

Furniture For Less

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DESIGN&LIVING

BEST CUSTOM CABINETRY Winner

Mill Creek Custom Cabinets

2828 24th Ave. S, Moorhead 218-284-0400 Search Mill Creek Custom Cabinetry on Facebook

Honorable Mentions Braaten Cabinets Jalon and Katie Martinson Photo by Paul Flessland

Heritage - Ashmore Plan Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

Western Products

"

Being in the running for Best Custom Cabinetry is a high honor for everyone at Mill Creek. From the kitchen designers to the installers that put the last piece of trim on a finished kitchen, it makes us all proud to be part of this team. Everyone at Mill Creek works hard to make sure we only build the best custom cabinetry, cabinetry that any of one of us would be happy to put in our own homes.

"Every day we meet with great clients that are looking to us to help make their home beautiful. Taking drawings/designs on paper and working piles of lumber into beautiful cabinetry is very satisfying. Knowing that we built something out of nothing! Seeing the looks on our clients faces or getting that email from them saying how happy they are when they first see their cabinetry in their home makes it all worth it."

- Jalon Martinson

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DESIGN&LIVING

From left, Lou Nagle, Karen Skauge, Christa Skauge, Mark Jensen, Kayla Cahoon, Brian Dunford, Shannon Simon, Rebecca Knutson, Joann Ford, Wes Ingberg, Marcus Roman, Natasha Henry, Sarah Brown, Jessica Sholl, Karen Mayer Photo by Paul Flessland

Photo by Robb Siverson Photography

BEST FLOORING SELECTION Winner

Floor to Ceiling Carpet One 360 36th St. SW, Fargo 701-237-6601 floortoceilingcarpetone.com

Honorable Mentions Carpet World Carpet, Tile & Stone

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DESIGN&LIVING

Photo by Robb Siverson Photography

Photo by Robb Siverson Photography

Photo by Robb Siverson Photography

" We are honored to be recognized within the construction industry in the Fargo Moorhead community! That seems like a pretty standard statement, but when you strive to create beautiful homes and projects on a daily basis and knowing you have some fantastic competition, it feels really good to have your clients speak up and call you out by saying your company is worth looking into and comes highly recommended. We are proud of our work and honored that our clients are proud as well.

"Our clients inspire us. Seeing their need for a design showroom where they can confidently plan their entire space all under one roof drives us to seek out the best selection of products and continually train and educate our staff. We enjoy providing a full service design-toinstall showroom while working with our clients and their contractors.

Inspiration also comes from seeing completed projects that have fulfilled our clients’ visions."

- Steve Hoffman

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DESIGN&LIVING

Photo by Flint Communications

BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN Winner

Valley Landscaping 4401 12th Ave. N, Fargo 701-232-7782 valleylandscaping.com

Photo by Valley Landscaping

"

Honorable Mentions Beyond Outdoors Land Elements

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We’ve been in business in the FM community since 1996. Over the years, we’ve built some great relationships with our customers, vendors and other businesses in town. It feels good to be recognized by the community for the work that we do. It reminds us that our efforts to put our best into every job is noticed and it’s an honor to be recognized. We look forward to many more years and many more great relationships."

- Craig Wendt

Photo by Flint Communications

"

I love seeing a project through from start to finish. From that initial walk through and exchanging ideas with each customer to the final touches on their finished project, it’s great to see their satisfaction and know they’ll enjoy their project for years to come."

- Craig Wendt

DESIGN&LIVING

BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY

BEST REMODELING CONTRACTOR Winner

Winner

Park Company 28 10th St. N, Fargo 701-237-5031 parkcompany.com

Studs 2 Rugs

5289 51st Ave. S, Fargo 701-730-0091 studstorugs.com

Honorable Mentions Honorable Mentions

Accent Kitchen & Bath

Hatch Realty

Dan Savageau Construction Inc.

Berkshire Hathaway

Revive Contracting

BEST EXTERIOR SIDING INSTALL & SUPPLY

BEST POOL/SPA INSTALL & SUPPLY

Winner

Winner

Western Products

Western Products

Honorable Mentions

Honorable Mentions

Lemke Home Improvement

Tubs of Fun

SAV Siding Inc.

Olson Pools & Spas

474 45th St. S, Fargo 701-293-5310 westernproducts.com

474 45th St. S, Fargo 701-293-5310 westernproducts.com

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Kathy Klug, Anne Buckellew, Todd Rasmussen Photo by Paul Flessland

BEST LIGHTING SELECTION

" It is an honor to be considered in the voting for the Best Lighting Showroom in the FargoMoorhead area. It’s nice to know that people appreciate what we do. It is rewarding to work with our customers to help them find quality lighting for their homes."

- Todd Rasmussen

Winner

Valley Lights

1230 38th St. NW, Fargo 701-277-0344 valleylightsnd.com

Honorable Mentions Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery Lighting Center at Border States Electric

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DESIGN&LIVING

BEST LOCAL ARTIST Winner

Jessica Wachter

Wachter.jessica@gmail.com 701-391-6707 jessicawachter.com

Honorable Mentions Steve Knutson Rando

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Photos by Melanie Sioux Photography

DESIGN&LIVING

BEST REALTOR Winner

Scott Breidenbach Park Co. Realtors

28 10th St. N, Fargo 701-793-5035 scottbreidenbach.com

Honorable Mentions Sabrina Anderson Katherine Kiernan

Photo by Kristi Hardy

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" It is a tremendous honor to be named one of the best real estate agents in the area. I would have to give all the credit to the agents and brokers that have mentored me along the way. There are a lot of moving parts to this business and without great leadership and guidance, I would not be able to do the business that I do.

I think you have to surround yourself with successful people that you have a respect for.

"I am inspired to work in this business because I absolutely love sales. I thank God every day for allowing me to work in an industry where hard work, determination and a positive attitude really pays off. This is a very challenging career but it is what drives me. Continuing your real estate education and volunteering your time only makes sense to me. I think of all the people before me that have given of their time to make our career and industry so much better. I someday want to be known as that person."

- Scott Breidenbach

DESIGN&LIVING

Adam Olson, Greg Schonauer, Bill Tweten, Kelly McComb, Ray Blaha, Jesse Thymian Photo by Paul Flessland

" We are so thankful and humbled by our amazing community's support! It's an incredible honor to be recognized as a leader in such a variety of home improvement services, and it's even more meaningful when the people voting are the members of your community.

BEST KITCHEN DESIGN CENTER

"All of our employees take great pride in giving our customers a personal experience throughout the home improvement process. Our entire team works tirelessly every day to ensure the best possible customer service. We have an unwavering commitment to our local residents, and seeing our products' long-lasting impact on our community is very fulfilling.

Our customers' homes are their greatest investment and we go to great lengths to help them protect and build on that investment."

- Kelly McComb

Winner

Western Products 474 45th St. S, Fargo 701-293-5310 westernproducts.com

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Honorable Mentions JW Kitchens Floor to Ceiling Carpet One

Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

"

Throughout our 68 years of business, we've worked to positively impact our community and establish a trust between our company and our customers. We appreciate our community's continued support!"

- Kelly McComb

Photo courtesy of Western Products

DESIGN&LIVING

(left to right) Ursula Hegvik, Founder, CEO and Designer Extraordinaire Amanda Schenfisch, Lead Designer, Creator of Beautiful Spaces Erin Tomlinson, Fabulous Designer, Creator of Beautiful Spaces Photo by Paul Flessland

BEST HOME ORGANIZER

" We, as a whole company, are thrilled to be considered one of the best and are very appreciative of the nomination. When I started Smart Spaces almost 10 years ago, I dreamed of building a company with a reputation as the absolute best in customer service, design and quality. It means the world to me that the fabulous people of our community recognize Smart Spaces in this way. I’m so proud of our team for going above and beyond for our clients. This nomination is a testament to our collective goal of making people happy and their homes more beautiful!"

- Ursula Hegvik

Winner

Smart Spaces

5226 51st Ave. S, Fargo 701-200-8770 smartspacesorg.com

Photo by Smart Spaces

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DESIGN&LIVING

"

Photo by Smart Spaces

Photo by Smart Spaces

I absolutely love designing spaces and creating beauty in organization. It’s definitely my passion! Well, actually, my passion is getting to help people in this way. It’s such an honor and it’s so fun. There’s nothing like that moment when I talk to a client after an install and they ecstatically explain how much better the space is, how much fun they had moving back in, how beautiful it is, how it saved their marriage, etc. We have the best clients of any industry, I’m sure. They are excited to have us in their home and they love what we do for them. To me, closets aren't just about shelves and poles, our business is making people feel joyful, organized and at peace with their surroundings."

- Ursula Hegvik

Honorable Mentions Melissa Schmalenberger JL Shelving

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DESIGN&LIVING

BEST SELECTION OF HOME DECOR Winner

Scheels Home & Hardware

(Audio/Video/Security) Winner

3202 13th Ave. S, Fargo 701-232-8903 scheelshomeandhardware.com

Smart Home Technologies

Honorable Mentions

Honorable Mentions

Eco Chic Boutique

TrinSpin

McNeal & Friends

DNA Home Audio L.L.C

BEST GARDENING/ LANDSCAPING STORE Winner

Baker Garden & Gift 2733 University Dr. S, Fargo 701-237-6255 bakernursery.com

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BEST HOME TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS 3306 Sheyenne St. #212, West Fargo 701-526-0979 smarthomefargo.com

BEST DECK BUILDER Winner

Deckmasters

5507 53rd Ave. S, Fargo 701-232-4001 deckmasters.net

Honorable Mentions

Honorable Mentions

S&S Landscaping

Premium Decks

Beyond Outdoors

American Custom Decks

DESIGN & LIVING | N O V E M B E R 2 016

EVENT DESIGN&LIVING

Junk Market An Ode To

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his month, we took a break from The Farmhouse Project to let our schedule (and budget) rest. While I don’t like living with a half remodeled house, I’m also sticking to our plan of doing it on a budget so we can afford it. So, while we are excited to keep sharing that story, this month we're taking a slight detour to share a bit about an event my husband Tate and I created back in 2012 called Junk Market.

BY Maria Bosak | PHOTOGRAPHY BY Morgan Schleif

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DESIGN&LIVING EVENT

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We may call it Junk Market, but what is sold there and what happens there is not, by any means, junk. What happens there is special, exciting and oh-so-much fun. Junk Market is a curated event that hosts vendors who sell re-purposed furniture, antiques, vintage home décor, handmade home décor, artisan-created crafts such as artwork and jewelry, and many other items to help fill and bring joy to your home.

This past September, we celebrated our 10th Junk Market event. The very first Junk Market was held on May 19, 2012 in the parking lot of Eco Chic Boutique. The event was a huge success (read the full teary-eyed story at ILoveEcoChic.com/blog) Amid many requests from vendors and attendees of that first market, we hosted a fall event that September and the twice-a-year event was cemented on the calendar.

In our blog, we share the full details of the initial reason Junk Market was born. I will give you a snippet here.

The beginning years of Eco Chic were a struggle (to say the least), and what started as a baby, mom and home, eco-friendly store, made a pivot at about 12 months to selling re-purposed furniture and later Chalk Paint®.

All these changes were made to keep our struggling business afloat, but also to answer the call we were getting from our customers who wished to purchase the display furniture we had in the store.

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Once we introduced re-purposed furniture, antiques, vintage dĂŠcor and handmade goods for sale at Eco Chic, we were inundated with requests from local women to sell or purchase items they had created and repurposed. Sales inside the store were bleak and these ladies needed a place to sell their wares as well, so we created an event where they could do just that and hopefully increase our sales as well. This event was the Hail Mary for our business. We needed to find something that would draw attention (and customers) to our store.

Little did we know, Junk Market would turn out to be way more than just a way to financially rebound our business, and support the businesses of these local vendors. Junk Market would become an event to help vendors supplement their family incomes, springboard or create new businesses and give hope and encouragement to women who needed to feel purposeful and creative.

The story that stays closest to my heart is the story of a couple who had a booth at our first fall event. Their booth was full of furniture they had salvaged and repurposed and small gift items they had created. They were utilizing Junk Market as a way to earn money to help finance their medical bills for their struggle with infertility. At the day’s end, they were left with practically only the chairs they were sitting on. They sold almost EVERYTHING they had brought. Today, they are raising two amazing little boys. This is just one of the many stories that have roots and beginnings from Junk Market.

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On the outside, Junk Market is an event for the public and a place you can come with your friends and family to shop for unique home décor, furniture, jewelry and baked goods. On the inside, it is an event created by our family, for family (our vendors and customers).

This year, we moved Junk Market to the SCHEELS Arena.

After four events in the Eco Chic parking lot and four events at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds, we decided to stop fighting with mother nature and found a venue where we could grow without all the rain and wind.

We’ve also begun to realize that Junk Market is a family affair–a place that welcomes the mommas who want to bring the kiddos and also those who wish to leave them home. This year, we introduced Camp Bosak to our line-up. This year, Camp Bosak included face painting, a scavenger hunt and a coloring contest for the kids. We look forward to growing Camp Bosak and incorporating more options for the little Junkers. For those who use the day as a way to connect with girlfriends and have a

little “you” time, we offer 75 to 125 booths of incredible shopping, workshops, espresso bars, Bloody Mary bars and original and local food vendors.

The photographs of past and current events here share the story of Junk Market. It is an event we are proud to call ours and one we are proud to share with FargoMoorhead and surrounding communities. We return next year on May 6 and 7 and September 16 and 17, 2017 to the SCHEELS Arena. We hope to see you there.

XO

Maria Bosak

To learn more about Junk Market, you can find all the details at fargojunkmarket.com or watch the Farmhouse Project unfold on Instagram: @mariabosak | @ecochicboutique

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DESIGN&LIVING RENOVATION

COMING HOME

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n February 11, 2016, Rachel Moszer's life as she knew it took a drastic turn. This day would mean saying goodbye to her late husband, police officer Jason Moszer, who was tragically killed in the line of duty. Seven months later, Rachel Moszer has started to piece her family's home back together. She contacted Heritage Homes to help her finish the lower level that she and her husband had always dreamed of completing.

Moszer showed Design & Living around her family’s newly completed lower level. She lives in the vibrant community of Sabin, Minn., with her two children, Dillan and Jolee. The lower level was finished by Heritage Homes late this June. Paying tribute to her late husband's heroism, Heritage Homes covered the base of the lower level's cost, while trade partners either donated or discounted their services and products.

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“Everything that I did down here was what Jason and I had dreamed about being able to do.

The built-in, a sitting area, a nice bar and a really nice entertaining room, because we entertain a lot. The only thing that is really different are the police touches.

The Thin Blue Line bar, the lighting and the decor.”

Rachel Moszer

Countertop - Mill Creek Custom Cabinetry Backsplash - Hebron Brick Supply Bar lighting - JDP Electric, Inc

A slate gray, stacked stone wall by Hebron Brick Supply sits behind a hammered stainless steel sink. An icemaker, microwave and wine storage also complete this area.

Everything from the lighting to the decor in the Moszer’s lower level tells a beautiful story of bravery and hope.

The Thin Blue Line represents and commemorates the fallen and supports the living. “When the light shines on it, it looks underlit,” Moszer said.

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Bar Countertop- Mill Creek Custom Cabinetry

DESIGN&LIVING RENOVATION

Memories & Honor Moszer took pride in doing the lower level's decor herself, weaving in touches of her husband's bravery and honor wherever she could.

This hockey jersey is from the Fargo Force Memorial Game Night on March 11, which was one month to the day of Jason's death.

The Fargo Police Department signed the Thin Blue Line canvas for Moszer.

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DESIGN&DESIGN LIVING &RENOVATION

Pub tables - Amazon.com

Pub Area Moszer decorated the pub area with black leather studded stools and pub tables with claw feet.

The top picture was donated by Mitch Highman from MJoy Photography. "He had put that onto the silent auction at the hockey game. The guy who bought it gave the picture back to me," said Moszer.

The middle picture is from the Memorial Hockey Game of the team and the Moszer family, which is also by Highman at MJoy Photography.

The bottom photo was taken by Russ Hons at the Ralph Engalstad Arena, at a UND hockey game when they were commemorating a moment of silence.

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RENOVATION DESIGN&LIVING

“The only other things here are the honor things with Jason… that’s the album from his funeral.

And that jar is from his 21-gun salute from his burial.”

Rachel Moszer

Fireplace Lighting - JDP Electric, Inc

Powder Room

Tile - Floor To Ceiling Carpet One

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DESIGN&LIVING RENOVATION

Light - Gordmans Blinds - Red River Drywall Carpet - Floor to Ceiling Carpet One

Bedroom When entering the study area, Moszer showed us her husband's awards and challenge coins. He received the Silver Star.

"The Silver Star was awarded to Jason February 2012 for heroism and bravery above the normal acts of duty for an incident in November 2011 in which he and another officer rescued two children from an apartment fire. This was given at the annual Fargo Police awards ceremony," Moszer said.

He was also awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously on the day of his visitation on Feb. 21, 2016.

"It is the highest award given by the Fargo Police Department and is awarded when the ultimate sacrifice of an officer is death in the line of duty," Moszer said.

“Challenge coins are given as a 'we’re thinking of you' token," said Moszer.

"They exchange them and we got quite a few at his funeral. Some came from the Gunslinger's Motorcycle Club. Jason was the first gunslinger to die in the line of duty," Moszer said. The Gunslinger's Motorcycle Club is a motorcycle club for retired and active duty police officers.

A framed collage sits on top of the gun safe, which is from a memorial that the Gunslingers held for Jason Moszer.

When asked how it feels to have the entire community rally for her and her family, Moszer said, “Very overwhelming.

I, of course, didn’t ask for any of it, and I greatly appreciate it. I think sometimes people forget that, especially now the further out we get, I’d give it all back so I could have my life back and Jason back.

It doesn’t bring him back but it at least gives me a way to remember him and honor him. I appreciate everything that everyone has done."

For more information on the renovation, contact: Heritage Homes 1815 38th St. S, Fargo 701-281-7184 heritagefargo.com

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LOCAL Handcrafted Design RUSSIAN FOR HANDS, RUKI MODERN IS HANDCRAFTING FARGO ONE PROJECT AT A TIME

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n April, Minot, N.D., native Brent Behm and his wife Marina Behm started a new design studio, Ruki Modern. He is the design director at Ruki Modern and Marina is a yoga instructor at her own studio, Marina Wellness & Massage.

Their dream is to create the perfect live-work space to merge their services. They focus on residential architecture and are located in the historic Ford building in Downtown Fargo. Design & Living sat down to speak with them about the vision behind their internationally inspired design studio.

BY Devin Joubert PHOTOS BY J. Alan Paul Photography

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DESIGN DESIGN&LIVING

Q&A What inspired you to create Ruki Modern?

Brent Behm: My wife has a Russian background. The word ruki actually means hands. It's not just modern.

We have a high regard for hand-crafted elements in design. Whenever it is possible, those hand-crafted elements are evident. This comes from my own background. I started as a cabinet maker. I’ve been a woodworker, on and off, my entire adult life. It comes out of this idea that not everything in the house is from a store. We use local craftsmen, we engage these people to participate in, whether that be furniture pieces, building the skins and structures. There is that evidence of handcraft.

We don’t typically do the same detailing that you’d see in other houses. We don’t use foam keystones and things like that. Everything is hopefully very genuine and, as much as possible, handcrafted. We try to find little moments in each project where they can be used and really appreciated. That’s where the name Ruki comes from and the ethics behind the company.

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What kind of projects are you currently working on?

Brent: Primarily, what we do now is residential design.

We do dabble a little bit in some commercial work but that kind of project takes more team members than we have. We kind of dialed back, but if someone engages us, we do partner with other firms in order to achieve that. That’s what we do and why we do it.

I’ve been working in architecture firms and the like for about 17 years. I started that when I was in Phoenix, Ariz., at Arizona State University and then moved to Texas to wrap up graduate school at Rice University in Houston and then decided to come home. I’m originally from Minot, N.D. My daughter lives here (in Fargo) so this is where I am. I was working for some cabinet companies here. I did residential design for other people, but then I just decided there is no reason that I couldn’t be doing this on my own.

What do you want to be known for?

Brent: Innovation. Houses haven’t really substantially changed in the way they’re built in the last 100 years.

I mean, there are elements. The windows have gotten better and the air conditioning systems have gotten better. But really the skeletons—the bones of the houses­—haven’t really changed in a hundred years and we don’t know why that hasn’t been looked at. We want to look at it and see if there are better ways of doing it.

"We don’t want to just rely on what we already know. Part of this is being a research oriented company.

Innovation is really important to us."

Brent Behm, Ruki Modern

DESIGN&LIVING DESIGN What inspires you?

Brent: We draw inspiration not just from Minneapolis and not even the States. We look all over the place for inspiration. We keep an eye on what the Scandinavian countries are doing. You know, certain Asian countries have things we can learn from. We don’t want to just rely on what we already know. Part of this is being a research oriented company. Innovation is really important to us.

If you look at what’s going on in South Fargo, it could very well be happening in Denver or Omaha, probably not Arizona, but it doesn't have a very starkly regional character. When we are looking at places like Scandinavia, I wouldn’t necessarily look to Scandinavian architecture if I were practicing in Arizona. But here it kind of makes sense. We share similar climates, similar issues with the limitations on sunlight, these long winter days and things like that. Culturally, even though we are 150 years out of Scandinavia, we have roots there and common threads.

I look to Asia more for uses of material and traditional uses. Scandinavia is more about this idea that you can do modern and be regionally specific and be extremely innovative, too. That’s kind of why I look there. We do have ties.

What are your favorite projects?

Brent: The treehouse is a project that was kind of in an infill lot. Fargo has a lot of available space where buildings have been abandoned or torn down or they were never built on. The treehouse lot is on one of those lots that was never built on. It’s in one of those light industrial neighborhoods where light industrial is up next to residential—older residential houses that are about 100 years old. Our client, Chris Hemmah, just wanted something for himself, very small but extremely well built. He’s really design savvy and was great to work with because he had strong ideas.

Marina: And one of his inspirations was aviation and he liked seeing the planes coming in. He wanted a userfriendly balcony to enjoy his surroundings.

Brent: He has a great mind for this stuff. He was originally considering that this house might be the first phase on developing his lot. The lot has an alley. He built the alley side first and now he’s got a gigantic front yard instead of a gigantic backyard. He plans on putting a building there someday, but now he’s just enjoying his 800-square-feet loft. I wish every project could be built to that level.

What a lot of people tend to forget about in the cost of their construction and their projects is that there is also landscaping and other elements of earth work that have to go into it. We really strive to provide a complete design service. We aren’t landscape architects or anything like that, but we want people to consider this,

CORMORANT LAKE CABIN RETREAT

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TODD RESIDENCE, MINOT, N.D.

DAKOTA KIDS DENTISTRY

at least, as part of their budget. That you want trees, you want plantings, you want hardscape elements like the additional concrete that has to go in. In addition to providing this, it's kind of a real estate term, you know, this curb appeal. That the house only looks good from one side of the street. We really pursue this idea of 360-degree design, so really every face of the house gets consideration.

Marina: The ultimate goal is that we want to merge our services and offer wellness and design in one space. So it’s like, thoughtful design and thoughtful lifestyle. And then the clientele, whether they are one of the same, or when they walk into our studio space they see it on us because we are hopefully living that philosophy.

I’d teach (yoga) classes and he wants to have design talks or a Design Cafe, which we’re actually working on anyway, with a museum in town. So that’s the big dream.

What is your dream project?

Brent: It’s a reality of the way things are going nationwide right now. So many people telecommute.

Let’s do it right, rather than just having the spare bedroom as the office. Have a place where we can meet people. Not just for us, but for any client that wants it.

Let’s have a place where we can actually do it. We try to live this as much as possible. The live-work thing is just a reality we really want to tackle. And we think It’s necessary here.

Brent: The dream for me is a really good live-work space. I do like working at home and I spend over half my time working from home. I come here a lot to meet with clients and things like that. I’d like to perform that function at my house. My dream would be to have a really amazing studio that served all of our needs: Marina's yoga studio, the furniture shop and the architecture studio. The furniture and the architecture sort of inform each other and I want those located in the same place and I’d love it, if that place was my home.

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For more information about Ruki Modern, contact: Brent Behm rukimodern@gmail.com 701-730-0060 Facebook.com/rukimodern For more information about Marina's studio, Marina Wellness & Massage, contact: Marina Behm 218-686-4864 marinawellnessandmassage.com

HOME DESIGN&LIVING

Book Shelves – DIY Frames – Pottery Barn Rocking Chair – Pottery Barn Kids Table – Vintage Lamp – Vintage Crib – Pottery Barn Kids

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Mobile – Makikomo on Etsy Wood Shelves – DIY Baskets – Hobby Lobby Rug – The Sheepskin Co. Elephant Rocker – Pottery Barn Kids Tree Decal - Tikiti Wall Decals on Etsy

DESIGN&LIVING HOME ??????

KID-FRIENDLY SPACES

Even Adults Can Love Just because you have kids doesn't mean you have to give up on adult style. A tastefully designed home that both kids and parents can enjoy is within reach. Read on for my secrets to creating a family friendly home while keeping your children and design sanity in check.

BY Katie Sullivan PHOTOS BY J. Alan Paul Photography

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Rug – The Vintage Rug Shop Desk – Restoration Hardware Bookcases – DIY from Ikea’s Billy Bookcases Art – To-the- Trade. Available through McNeal & Friends.

MAKE ROOM FOR KIDS Carve out areas in your home dedicated to your kids. In our home, there are no off-limit rooms, but we do have rooms that are more adult. Without going overboard on kid decor, we have found ways to make sure our two-year-old, Eva, has room to play and explore throughout our home. For example, we minimized the amount of furniture we have in our family room so she has room to run around and created a little desk in my office so she can color while I work.

Sofas – Room & Board Rug – Jaipur Rugs. Available through McNeal & Friends.

Large Art – DIY. Similar available at Pretty Domesticated Shop Rocking Chair – Pottery Barn Kids

Blue Ottomans – Target Pillows – Various, including Room & Board, Pottery Barn and Studio McGee Throws – Home Goods Toy Piano – Target

We are fortunate enough to have a playroom dedicated to Eva's fun, but even there we didn't forget the grown-ups. We have a sofa to relax on and even brought in a Keurig. Playtime is more fun for everyone when mommy is well caffeinated.

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Buffet – To-the- Trade - Available through McNeal & Friends Rug – Room & Board Chairs – Restoration Hardware Accent Table – Vintage Fur Throw – Home Goods

TIP USE SAVVY STORAGE. My No. 1 secret weapon is closed door storage, followed closely by baskets. Clutter is inevitable in life, but that doesn't mean it needs to be out in the open. I can convert our family room from playroom disaster to adult meeting space in 10 minutes flat by throwing everything into the cupboards. Open anything with doors and you will find toys. Lacking builtin storage? Do yourself a favor and invest in a buffet, then throw all your kids’ stuff in it.

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EMBRACE COLOR AND TEXTURE. Studies show children establish a connection to their world through sensory play. Choose textured pillows and colorful art to keep children stimulated.

TIP

Bulldog Art – Home Goods Basket – Ikea Sofa – Slumberland Hanging Pictures – DIY Anchor Light – Target Side Table – West Elm

Round Table – Target Tent – Tnee’s Tpees Rug – Lulu & Georgia Pillows – Target First Birthday Poster – Pretty Domesticated Shop

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HOME DESIGN&LIVING Wash Board – Vintage Art – DIY. Frame from Target.

Window Boxes – DIY

GO SENTIMENTAL Everyone knows I have a child, so instead of hiding it, I flaunt it. Most of our home is decorated with pictures of our family, bright art and even Eva's own masterpieces. I'm not the mom who is going to keep every drawing my child creates. However, I'm not ashamed to frame her best work and display it in unexpected places like the laundry room and the kid's bathroom. Thanks to the modern art trend, most visitors don't even realize it's finger paint. I do and it makes me smile.

Art – DIY. Custom Framed at Michaels.

Frames – Michaels, West Elm & Pottery Barn

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Hanging Photos – DIY Sofa – Slumberland Lamp – Vintage Anchor Light – Target Pillows – Target

PREPARE FOR DISASTERS When decorating with kids, nothing in your home should be too precious.

However, that does not mean your home can't be well accessorized and that all antiques or sentimental pieces are off limits. Our home has a mixture of high, low and well-loved hand-me-down pieces, but all of them can either handle the love or can be replaced without tears.

Invest in Durable Furniture Children are hard on furniture, so it may seem stupid to invest in it. It's not. Wellmade furniture, in durable materials can stand the test of time, even if your children use the couch as a trampoline.

Pick classic shapes and upgrade your cushions to spring down so they can handle those tiny, jumping feet. Spring for leather or the fabric that wicks away

TIP For hard surfaces, like tables, opt for rounded corners to prevent black eyes, bruises or an expensive trip to the ER.

liquids. Down the road, once your children use the sofa for strictly sitting, you can reupholster. Cheap furniture will likely end up broken, battered and quickly replaced. Save your Target card for accessories and accent pieces.

Choose Forgiving Rugs Spilled milk is nothing to cry over until it ends up all over your new living room rug. Spare yourself the heartbreak and choose easy-to-clean and forgiving rugs.

Just say no to viscose and silk and opt for hides, Persian and natural fiber are great options. While these rugs might not

scream kid-friendly, believe me, they are.

Persian rugs forgive many a sin with their patterns, and hides clean off as easy as washing your own hair. My wool rug has seen many tipped glasses, and it still looks like the day we put it in place. By the way, it's white.

The No. 1 thing to remember when decorating with children is that a mishap is always lurking around the corner. Carefully select your furniture and accessories, keep cleaner in a high, locked cupboard nearby and, as Elsa would say, let it go.

For home tips and glimpses into my family's daily life, visit my blog at prettydomesticated.com.

For more information, contact: Katie Sullivan hello@prettydomesticated.com Facebook: Pretty Domesticated Instagram: PrettyDomesticated

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HOME DESIGN&LIVING

Alliance

What do you get when you combine a talented interior designer with an equally talented local artist? One dynamic duo by the name of Rebecca and Steve Knutson. Rebecca Knutson was recently nominated for the Design & Living People's Choice award for her interior design talents in kitchen design, while her husband Steve Knutson was nominated in the best local artist category. See inside their eclectic 1941 home in the Horace Mann neighborhood of North Fargo.

BY Tracy Nicholson | PHOTOS BY Paul Flessland REBECCA KNUTSON'S PROJECT PHOTOS BY Robb Siverson Photography

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DESIGN&LIVING HOME

When we found out these two nominees were married, we knew we had to visit their home and see how two creative minds have merged. Married for 11 years, the Knutsons are Minot, N.D. natives and moved to Fargo in 2005. Rebecca Knutson has been an interior designer and cabinet department manager at Floor to Ceiling for the past 11 years, while Steve Knutson is a working artist and has also been an art teacher at Discovery Middle School for the past nine years. Together they live with their three-year-old daughter Ruby, their four-month-old son Henley and their Jack Russell Terrier named Indie.

ALL IN THE FAMILY When we sat down with their family at their home, we asked them what it feels like to have them both be nominated by their community. "We thought it was funny to have us both nominated, so we've been kind of jabbing each other, joking about who's going to win," laughed Rebecca Knutson. "It doesn't really matter, though, it's just cool to be nominated. I was really proud of Steve for getting the nomination and was really surprised for my nomination. It's been really fun to watch him grow. It's been pretty much hardcore for him over the last three to four years. Since Ruby was born, we joked that she was kind of his lucky penny. For whatever reason, everything took off for him career-wise that summer. Me being at Floor to Ceiling for 11 years, I've built up 11 years worth of clients, so Fargo has been really good to us."

"I was happy, it's been my second year in a row being nominated," said Steve Knutson. "Just the thought that I was actually on people's thoughts. You're stuck in your studio and you don't really think about anything other than getting the work that you have to do done. It's a pleasant surprise when people appreciate what you do and want to show that appreciation by nominating you.

It's an honor."

AT HOME With both Rebecca and Steve Knutson growing up in older homes, they knew they wanted an older home for their own growing family. "When we found the house, what I loved is that all of the original trim was still here," said Rebecca Knutson. "Obviously being super young, we had to be able to afford any upkeep, so the house was in really good shape structural-wise. But, it just needed a lot of finishes, which is easier to do. So it's been kind of fun to remodel it. Just the character of the house, the moldings, the details, we lucked out with the layout. The layout is a lot better than what you'd find in most older homes and we get a whole master suite."

Located in North Fargo's quaint Horace Mann neighborhood, the Knutsons cannot imagine living anywhere else. "We're in love with the neighborhood," said Steve Knutson. "In the summer, you hear the games at Jack Williams stadium and RedHawks games and you just feel that there's so much happening around

BEFORE Exterior Having recently remodeled the front of the home, the Knutsons are slowly working on the interior slowly, taking on one room at a time. "We're patiently waiting to do the kitchen, then the next step is to tear down the garage and do a third stall with the second story and then Steve's studio will go out there," said Rebecca Knutson.

here. You know you're in Fargo, but it feels like you're in a smaller version of Fargo. There's that small town feel.

Also growing up in our old neighborhoods that we did, with these huge trees, we knew we had to live down here. We love the big tree in the backyard."

For Rebecca Knutson, the best part is the friendly neighborhood. "It helps that our neighbors are awesome with young families," said Rebecca Knutson.

"Ruby can just run next door and play with them.

There's one thing that we could never get over if we moved. Since we're right next to the river, there's a running path right along the river. We're also right by downtown."

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FUSING STYLES How do an artist and an interior designer co-inhabit and create one unified space? For the Knutsons, life is pretty simple with Rebecca Knutson handling the paint choices, furniture and most of the decor. "I don't really want to get in the middle of it," said Steve Knutson. "But, when it comes to all of the visuals of the artwork, I'm probably more vocal and strong-willed. I love picking out all of the pieces that we have, things that I really like that inspire me. We both really know what we like stylewise because we both studied it in college. When you're in art school, you study art history and architecture, and design is a huge part of it. We both have designers that we like and things that we dream of having. Like

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Ames chairs," laughed Steve Knutson. "I like mid-mod and Bauhaus. I'm obsessed with this company called Big Chill right now. It's vintage looking stoves and refrigerators."

"I love textures, patterns and colors," said Rebecca Knutson. "I'm a little bit more outgoing when it comes to design. As we remodel the house, we don't want to go too crazy on design either, because of re-sale and it's an older home. But I think our style will always be eclectic.

We're very eclectic people in general. Sometimes you have to buy pieces that you just need to get by on and sometimes we buy pieces that we just know we're going to have forever."

Family Room For the Knutsons, one of the biggest perks of this home was the living room with its considerable window light.

"The windows are huge. This room gets a ton of light, especially in the morning," said Rebecca Knutson. "We live in this room. When we bought the house, we didn't quite realize that all of the windows had been painted shut. So, we knew we had to replace the windows right away in the first couple of years." Displayed on the far wall is one of Steve Knutson's bison art pieces.

DESIGN&LIVING HOME

Master Bedroom In the master bedroom, Rebecca Knutson chose a durable grey-toned laminate flooring from Floor to Ceiling that was installed before they moved in. This room was actually the garage in the original layout of the home. To create an art collection of their own, Steve Knutson chose the Sherry Short piece above the bed. "She's a phenomenal local artist and was actually one of my drawing instructors at Moorhead State when I went to college," said Steve Knutson.

Master Bath Just before their son Henley was born, the Knutsons embarked on a master bath remodel. "We wanted to do a before and after shot because they were awful. The house was in pretty good shape, minus the bathrooms," said Rebecca Knutson. "So, there was lots of demo.

I'm a texture person, so that's why I get a little eclectic sometimes. I love the mosaics." To add eclectic charm, she chose beaded glass light fixtures and vintage-style cabinetry in Rain paint. "Our cabinetry is kind of a green or grey, nobody can ever tell. We needed storage because it's so small, and there was a lot of plumbing going on, so we had to do something kind of unique with the medicine cabinet. The flooring is a marble, it's similar to white cararra marble. It's from one of our lines at Floor to Ceiling, Jeffrey Court. They have awesome products, it's probably one of my favorites."

BEFORE

BEFORE

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Ruby's Room The bed in Ruby's room is part of a matching set that has spanned the childhood generations from Steve Knutson's dad, to him and now Ruby. "We went with kind of a black and white theme using the black bed and white comforter," said Rebecca Knutson. "I wanted it to be a little more sophisticated, but since she's only three, we had to keep it a little more simple. If I have a vision for something in a room, I am very patient. So, we would buy one or two pieces then kind of wait."

Henley's Room Another distinctive room in the home is their new son Henley's nursery, which features a fun spin on an antique dresser and wall art that depicts their love of national parks and mod style. "Since he's our second, we had a few of the pieces already," said Rebecca Knutson. "One of our contractors bought a house that we gutted and it was a sweet, little old lady who had all of these old dressers that she had painted all crazy.

They're not in super great shape, but I kind of like that they were left like that. So, I talked to Dan Savageau, the contractor, into bringing them back from the lakes country. For the wall, I had seen the letters one other time and wanted to do that, plus it's just kind of educational. We're constantly talking to Ruby about flying out to see my sister in California, so it's fun to have the maps there. The Knutson's are also self-described "national park nerds", so they display national park posters as art on another wall not shown.

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HOME DESIGN&LIVING If you're interested to see more of Rebecca Knutson's designs, here are just a few from her projects at Floor to Ceiling Carpet One Floor & Home.

For more information on the art of Steve Knutson, contact steveknutsonart@hotmail.com or go to his site at steveknutsonart.com

Steve's Studio The entrance to Steve Knutson's basement studio is flanked by his beloved books and art collection with a couple of his own pieces over the stairs and at the bottom of the stairs. Above the books, he displays a work on Tim Howard, the goalkeeper for the United States National Soccer Team. "That piece was done by an artist out of Detroit, Michigan by the name of Mark Penxa. He's actually a skateboard graphic designer." The one above it is Ron Campbell, the original artist from the Yellow Submarine cartoon of the Beatles. "That's a hand-drawn and hand-painted piece of his," said Steve Knutson. "I'm an obsessive Beatles Fan. When Boerth's was still open, I was one of the artists there and he came and did a day gig there where he sold prints and they framed them. So, I just happened to be there at the right time. My mom's family owned the only record shop in Rugby, N.D., so I was raised on vinyl and really good music. We keep all the vinyl in my studio."

Entering the studio, Steve Knutson mentioned that he now shares the studio with Ruby, who happily seems to already be showing an interest in the art scene. "I don't have a lot to show right now because I spent all summer working on three massive pieces for the new Bobcat building in West Fargo," said Steve Knuston. "I just dropped off three, six-foot paintings for them. Then I currently have a show with 13 pieces at City Hall. It's a show that I did with Bob Crowe, Dan Jones and Leila Rastegar. We each had a month-and-a-half or so. It's a really cool show, with landscape pieces."

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