Fargo Inspired Home Magazine May/June 2021 by Inspired Home Magazine Fargo

Spring

MAY

JUNE 2021

it’s time for stressless... norwegian quality since 1934

SHOWN: The Stressless Aurora® sofa with Plus™-system provides optimal comfort and adjustable lumbar support for your lower back and head in all positions.

110 n broadway fargo, north dakota 701.365.0900 mon-sat 10am to 6pm

scandesign www.scandesignnd.com

1803 s washington grand forks, north dakota 701.757.2444 tues-sat 11am to 6pm

Functional and efficient | Innovative design | Made from natural materials | Affordable quality

Inspiring the greater good in all of us

Providing

Comfort

for over over

yrs

Carpet | Vinyl | Ceramic Tile | Hardwood | Laminate

CARPET WORLD

HAPPY HARRY’S

45TH ST. S.

Full Installation Service | Free In-Home Estimates

17TH AVE. S.

www.carpetworldfargo.com

We Put the World at Your Feet

4601 17th Ave S. Fargo I 701-235-7525

c CONTENTS

Honeysuckle Photography by Zainah Haider

MAY/JUNE 2021

FEATURE 36 SHOWCASE Collaboration between homeowner, builder and architect results in a Pelican Lake home, a fortress of safe harbor for multiple family members during the pandemic. DEPARTMENTS 16 ART There is something special about original artwork. This artist paints from her heart, inspired by nature, family, architecture and fashion. 24 CONVERSATIONS From Ghana in West Africa to a farm in North Dakota, this architectural photographer captures moments in time that tell their truth and story. 6 | MAy/JUNE 2021

30 GARDEN As a novice gardener, no one understands triumphs and hardships like a fellow gardener. Get a little help from your friends! 46 ELEMENTS Tulips have a beautiful mind of their own. Learn to love their wily ways and celebrate the individualistic style and grace they bring to your home. 52 HUMOR It’s that time of the year — trash or treasure. Anxiety levels mount with “letting go” or “taking in.” The trials and tribulations of spring clean-up.

VOLUME 12, ISSUE 3

ADDITIONS 8

Musings

Contributors

Wine Wisdom

62 INGREDIENTS You don’t have to be Norwegian to party like one. Enjoy this “trip” to Norway to celebrate Syttende Mai — Norwegian Constitution Day.

56 CUISINE The warm weather season brings a culinary celebration of tasty morsels sprouting from the earth with flavors bright and fresh. Enjoy great tips! INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

Love

outdoor living.

Above

Holly Hill Aluminum Dining Set Left

Elements Aluminum Dining Set

GRAND FORKS | MINOT

TheAmishGallery.com 800-950-8222

m MUSINGS

EASTERN BLUEBIRD painted by my aunt and talented artist, Marlene Paulsrud.

Inspired Home Associate Publisher Terri Ferragut Phone: 701.866.4405 Email: terri@inspiredhomemagazine.com terri.ferragut@gmail.com Find us on

(Inspired Home Magazine) Editorial Director

aiting, waiting, patiently waiting… Spring is finally here! A cherry red cardinal has been singing to me from my backyard for many weeks as if to reassure me. I suppose you could call me a bird nerd. I have enjoyed watching and learning about birds for as long as I can remember. I love this time of the year, as nature bursts with all sorts of surprises that represent the rebirth this warmer season has to offer. In this issue, we introduce you to people, places and spaces that all create a positive impact in our community. We’ll celebrate the season with you in many different ways, from the reward and benefits of tending our gardens in our backyards to enjoying the beauty and tranquility of a lake-country home. For even the most novice gardener, we share easy tips to help you on your way to enjoying a garden of your very own. From gardens, we traverse to the role that backyards play in our hectic lives. Now more than ever homeowners are planning backyard projects that create an attractive and relaxing experience for family and friends. Read “Come to the Cabana” to learn about a structure that will add beauty and comfort to your own landscape. From learning simple steps to create an elegant flower arrangement for your home to meeting area artist Kate Baldock who paints from her heart, you’re going to enjoy reading the Inspired Home Spring issue cover to cover. Happy Spring!

Terri Ferragut Creative Director Terri Ferragut Art Director Susan E. Walker Director of Operations Scott Drzewiecki Contributing Photographers Travis Beauchine, Studio Three Beau Photograpy Lauren Ferragut Carlson Zainah Haider Stacy Kennedy Photography Leah Paige Photo Co. Contributing Writers Jill Ockhardt Blaufuss Lauren Ferragut Carlson Bernie Erickson Terri Ferragut Ashley Ferragut Johnson Chelsey Malstrom Granville Wood Copy Editor Keri Guten Cohen Social Media Director Bailey Hovland

Production representative

Terri Ferragut

Associate Publisher Editorial Director terri.ferragut@gmail.com terri@inspiredhomemagazine.com

Franklin Place 29200 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 114 Southfield, MI 48034 (248) 546-7070

this label only applies to the text stock

8 | MAy/JUNE 2021

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

View the beauty of the fire at our showroom

Model Shown: 6000C, graphite Folio front.

1750 45th Street S. | Fargo, ND 701.893.9300 www.homeandhearthfireplaces.com Mon-Fri-10am-8pm | Sat-10am-5pm

Wine Cellar

Glass Railings

Custom Mirror

www.redriverglazing.com

Custom Shower

Custom Design & Glass Fabrication | Railings Shower Doors | Mirrors | Commercial/Residential

Back-painted Backsplash

Back-painted Markerboard

Licensed and Insured Contractor in ND and MN

Stacy Pellett

Sales and Installation Manager, RRG, Inc.

1365 Tacoma Avenue, Unit 6, Bismarck, ND

Showroom 300 43rd Street NW, Fargo, ND

701.751.0694

701.232.4717

c CONTRIBUTORS

o t e m o c l e W Every issue we share a fresh and local approach to your home and life. TRAVIS BEAUCHENE graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from NDSU and a Master of Fine Arts from The George Washington University in DC. Beauchene who has painted for 14 years and taught photography for 8, also does creative marketing for businesses. Upon returning to the F/M area, he and wife Brittany founded STUDIO THREE BEAU. JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS Jill Ockhardt Blaufuss is a photographer for architecture and interior design. Her clients range from designers to builders, both commercial and residential. Her experience in marketing and portrait photography is wide ranging and has been the photographic component for several Addy award winning projects. Jill enjoys time spent with her large, blended family of seven in rural Minnesota, as well as pinochle, public radio, cooking and travel. BERNIE ERICKSON Specializing in helping his clients make small changes with maximum impact, Erickson is a residential real estate agent in Fargo-Moorhead. 12 | MAy/JUNE 2021

TERRI FERRAGUT Every issue, we take great pride in presenting this beautiful local home and lifestyle guide we call Inspired Home. From design to great food our goal is to provide you with relevant information you value. Truth of the matter is, without the heart and dedication of this talented and professional team, this publication would not be possible. Issue after issue, their creativity brings Inspired Home to your doorstep or area business. They inspire me.

LAUREN F. CARLSON Carlson, a Fargo native and geologist, is a research assistant at Cornell University at the New York Agricultural Experiment Station, where she conducts field work and data collection for the study of shrub willow as bio mass. She enjoys cooking, baking, running, renaissance art and writing.

ASHLEY F. JOHNSON Ashley Johnson loves her home city of Fargo. She works as a registered nurse at Sanford Medical Center and shares her happy home with her husband, 2 children and a rescue cat. She loves traveling with her family, cooking, entertaining and good wine. She can’t wait to show her children the world.

DAYNA DEL VAL Del Val is the President & CEO of The Arts Partnership in Fargo, ND. She is a professional actor and passionate arts activist as well as mom to a fabulous violin playing engineer and wife to a plant cell wall biochemist. She enjoys travel, reading and high teas.

GRANVILLE WOOD Wood is an international chef who worked in London, Stockholm, Toronto, Vancouver, Palm Beach and Houston before moving to Fargo with wife Susie, a doctor with Sanford Health. Most recently he operated The Blue Goose Café in the Plains Art Museum.

BAILEY HOVLAND Before earning an English writing degree at Concordia College, Hovland dreamed of being an interior designer. Now, serving Inspired Home Magazine as a writer and social media director, she has the best of both worlds—pairing the power of words with innovative interior design.

CHELSEY MALSTROM Born and raised in Detroit Lakes, MN, Chelsey enjoys all things lakes country. Finding her love for wine working at Epcot Food and Wine Festival in 2012, she was thrilled to move back to Detroit Lakes to help run the family business. Today you can find her at Seven Sisters Spirits, planning events and helping people find the perfect wine. INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

Quality Custom Building Services | Highly Trained Craftsmen Ethical & Professional

3239 15th St S, Unit D, Fargo, ND

701.293.5485 dakotaconstructioninc.com

ND Professional Builder | Graduate Builder | Graduate Remodeler | Green Professional Aging in Place Specialist

escape the metro. simplify your life!

Barnesville NEW

School Building Project

LARGE LOTS $12,000

Lake Walking Path

Kava Family Splash Pad- McGrath Park

Blue Eagle Lake

Family Friendly

Spacious 85’ x 140’ Lots only $14,000 | Spec Homes Available For Immediate Occupancy Safe Community | Low Special Assessments | 2 Year Property Tax Rebate New Lions Park Now Open in the Neighborhood | 30 Minutes From Anywhere!

Contact

Karen Lauer

Executive Director 218.354.2145 Barnesville EDA klauer@bvillemn.net

choosebarnesville.com

Enjoy Life

in our ... luxury patio homes

by Brekke Custom Homes

starting at

309,000

Lots available | Spacious 1,357 sq ft | One Level | Two Bedroom Fully Landscaped with Lawn Sprinkler System | Quiet Street

NEW! Introducing the “Halli”

with added 22’ x 12’ Bonus Room, big closets and windows. Perfect for ofﬁce, bedroom, exercise or craft room. Endless possibilities!

Q&A

Can I select my carpet, appliances and paint colors? Yes, within cost allowances provided. Will FEMA require ﬂood insurance? No. The property is above base ﬂood elevation established by FEMA. Can I add a full basement, another garage stall or two and a 3rd bedroom? Absolutely.

Emily

brekke CUSTOM HOMES

brekke custom homes email: officembch@gmail.com email: ofﬁcembch@gmail.com CALL BREKKE: 701.730.4385 phone:MIKE 701.730.4385 website: www.brekkecustomhomes.com website: www.brekkecustomhomes.com

DIRECTIONS

From 52nd Ave. S (East of I-29), go south on 31 St. S. After about 1 mile, turn left on Maple Leaf Loop south. facebook@BrekkeCustomHomes

a ART

Artist Kate

BY ASHLEY FERRAGUT JOHNSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEAH PAIGE PHOTO CO.

Fargo artist Kate Baldock stands with pride and excitement as she scans the room showcasing her art. Baldock's art sale was held recently at the SHANNALEE Event Boutique, downtown Fargo.

16 | MAy/JUNE 2021

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

ou don’t have to be an art aficionado to appreciate the delicate brush strokes in a painting, to be drawn to a sculpture in a museum, or to stroll past a park and take notice of a creative art installation. You don’t need to be familiar with the works of Monet to be able to understand the soft romance in his iconic Water Lilies series, or to have known Salvador Dali to recognize the talent in his strange and inspiring art. The wonderful thing about art is you don’t have to know it to love it. I’ll never forget the day I was walking through the gallery at the Plains Art Museum during its “Black and White” Gala. There was an oil painting on the back wall I couldn’t stop staring at. It was a very large, singular tall panel that started with a vibrant cyan blue at the top and slowly faded down to the bottom of the canvas into a light earthy caramel color, with a small sliver of ruby red separating the sky from what I assumed was a sandy landscape. I don’t know if that is what the painting was of, but I was obsessed with it. I was outbid and didn’t get to take it home with me, but I still think of it sometimes. That’s the beauty of art — it doesn’t have to make sense for you to love it or for it to speak to you. Luckily for people like me who love art, but don’t know all that much about it, there are artists, like Kate Baldock, who are insanely talented, passionate and want to share their gift with the world. Fargo artist Kate Baldock grew up with a creative mother, to whom she gives a lot of credit. “She was always making my sister and I fun snacks after school and encouraging art projects,” Baldock says. “I loved painting from a very young age and it just continued as I got older.” Baldock had been working in the retail/ sales industry for several years but was always thinking about her brush and her easel. It wasn’t until she was in her late twenties that she decided to dedicate more of her time to the passion that had always lived within her. While her medium of choice is acrylic paint, Baldock also experiments in resin pouring, oil pastels and mixed media. Regardless of which medium she chooses to use, it is clear she pours a bit of herself into every painting she creates for her clientele.

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

Upon “messing up” up this piece, Baldock added the birds after not knowing what to do next. Brilliantly executed, she titled it Bird Brain because of the feelings she had as she maneuvered through its successful completion.

Spring has arrived at Melberg’s! Remember us for all your special events of the season

confirmations | graduations | weddings | baptisms 16 4th Street North Moorhead, MN 218.233.4971 SERVING YOU FOR OVER 60 YEARS

melbergs@melbergs.biz

INSPIRED HOME | 17

The power of art transforms and transcends our lives daily. Here, Baldock playfully displays the power of paint both figuratively and literally.

Baldock asked her husband, Josh, what he saw when she had completed this piece and he said, “Maraschino cherries in a jar!” And, from that moment, she knew Maraschino it had to be.

Baldock titled this Blues because this was a custom piece and is exactly what the client wanted. Here again, the resin came as a last step and it really added an extra element.

Shine Bright — After completing this abstract painting, Baldock knew the resin would have the ability to brighten, making the colors come to life.

18 | MAy/JUNE 2021

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

“It’s amazing how trusting people are that they would let me use my imagination to paint for them. It makes my heart burst with happiness!”

NeutralTone — Baldock periodically takes a break from color to use a neutral palette. Interior design is really trending neutral with minimalistic styles of abstract art, so she wanted to incorporate that into her collection.

Kate Baldock

“I mix my lifestyle with my art career to give the consumer more of an idea of who I am,” she says. “Fashion, interior styling, architecture, nature, food, my friends and family are all huge inspirations for my art. However, sometimes I just enjoy the way colors work together and that is enough for me.” There is something special about having an original piece of art in your home. You know that no one else has something exactly like it. She explains that with “department store art” it is rarely, if ever, an original piece

Gifts from the heart

“My greatest joy is creating art for my clients to enjoy.” Kate M. Baldock

Shop anytime on my website and social media.

Fargo, ND 701.388.9780 SHOP ONLINE katembaldock.com Facebook @katembaldock Instagram: @katembaldock

Custom Art | Note Cards | Calendars | Clothing | Much More! INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

INSPIRED HOME | 19

Green and Black was inspired by Baldock’s clients. Collaborating together with the homeowners and seeing their furnishings in their living room made the end result perfect.

and often lacks the high-quality materials, frames and canvas of original artwork. Most importantly, mass-produced art can lack the love, personal touch and time that transfers from paint palette to canvas when you commission a piece for your home or office. “I think custom artwork can be intimidating for the consumer, but I want them to know it can be affordable and so fun,” Baldock says. “It’s amazing how trusting people are that they would let me use my imagination to paint for them. It makes my heart burst with happiness!” The next time you are looking for something special to add to your home, consider meeting with a local artist or art dealer. Sitting down with someone, sharing your passion and vision together, can bring life and vitality to a home. Find something that inspires you, that speaks to you. It will fill the places on your walls and in your heart.

Want something different? Sheyenne Gardens has the biggest selection of plants in the area! New Hardy Canadian Shrub Roses and Cherries!

Plant questions? Ask our experts!

BUY DIRECT FROM A LOCAL GROWER! 10,000 Square Feet | Over 500 varieties of woody plants Over 700 kinds of perennials, annuals & vegetables

e Sheyendnens Gar

Harwood, ND 701.282.0050

20 | MAy/JUNE 2021

Monday-Friday 9-8 Saturday 9-5 Sunday 12-5

The Progress Piece is exactly what it states — a work in progress. Baldock loves the complimentary fresh spring colors of orange, green and purple together. This colorful lime green with other colors, vertical orientation, was a custom piece Baldock created. She simply had fun with this one and wanted to incorporate several colors.

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

INSPIRED HOME

Join Our Facebook Family

M AY JUNE 2021

Spring

MAY

JUNE 2021

@InspiredHomeMagazine Stay up to date with projects our magazine is involved in, from videos to community events. Add inspired decor, stunning architecture and travel photography to your Facebook feed.

Add to Your Instagram Feed @inspiredhomemagazinefar Scroll through our collection of gorgeous images, ranging from modern homes showcased by their natural lighting, to recipes that are sure to delight dinner guests.

Bailey Hovland, Social Media Director Countertops | Fireplaces | Window sills | Showers

GRANITE & QUARTZ

NorthernStone.com

Great Service, Great Location:

y New expanded showroom y In-stock sink options for kitchen, laundry or bathroom vanities y Increased Northern Stone inventory remnants and full slab selection

1126 Main Ave W. West Fargo, ND | 701-297-2255 INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

INSPIRED HOME | 21

Artistry

in concrete

• Decorative Concrete Patios Pool Decks, Sidewalks and Driveways • Concrete Resurfacing and Decorative Overlays • New and Replacement Standard Concrete • Footings, Foundations and Structural Concret

• Interior Epoxy Flooring

Kaufman Construction

Residential and commercial decorative concrete and carpentry

Kaufman Construction Gold Star Award Winner in Decorative Concrete 2018-2019-2020

Presented by ND Ready-Mix & Concrete Products Association

Mobile: 701-799-1832 Office: 701-347-4507 kaufmanconcrete@gmail.com www.kaufmanconstructionND.com Like us on Facebook: Kaufman Construction Casselton

INC

c CONVERSATIONS

A conversation with professional photographer

Jill Ockhardt Blaufuss

BY TERRI FERRAGUT| PHOTOGRAPHY BY JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS

rom the first camera placed on the market in 1888 by the Eastman Kodak Company to present day, photography has maintained its sacred place of importance in work and play. Images are much more than a simple record. Photography speaks to the best and most generous part of our human nature – the desire to share what we find beautiful and interesting with others. Photographers are artists that make sense of a complex world. Photography is a powerful language that engages people in commerce, defining business objectives and presence in a community. Meet Jill Ockhardt Blaufuss.

Photo by Stacy Kennedy Photography

24 | MAy/JUNE 2021

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

IH: Why do you do what you do … what is your guiding star, your reason for getting up each day? J: There’s a Travis Tritt song called “It’s a Great Day To Be Alive” and it’s kind of my mantra. I’m fortunate to be on this beautiful Earth, with so much freedom, where I have good people in my life, my beautiful children, my health — just incredibly fortunate circumstances. I get up every day because I want to make the most of my time here. IH: How did your love for photography all begin? Who inspired you? What was the impetus for traveling down this path? J: When I was young, I liked documenting snippets of my life with my camera. I first had my grandma’s old camera (the kind you purchased flash cubes for), then I went to disposable cameras in high school and college. In college, my parents gave me their old Canon AE-1 to use in my photography classes. By my college sophomore year, I’d switched majors from graphic design to advertising and then to photojournalism. When the Intro to Photography class in the mass communications department was full, I ended INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

My client designed this lake home with Chris Hawley Architects. Along with the clean lines and ultra-modern feel of the kitchen and dining area, I wanted to capture the warmth and interest provided by the wooden wall feature that vertically spans three floors of stairway.

These cute berry bowls are a part of the collection of kitchen and home decor products that Eco Chic is now selling online. With this product shot, I wanted to capture the bowls’ varying colors, glazed textures and unique cut-out details, with a hint of the context for how they are best used.

INSPIRED HOME | 25

Bria Hammel Interiors designed this elegant and welcoming sunroom space. I wanted to stay a bit wider, yet keep a cozier feel to the image, filling it with the thoughtfully chosen decor and furnishings that make this space feel so warm and comfortable.

look like doing just that. I was placed at a newspaper as a volunteer photographer. After that truly “out of this world” experience, I had the sense that, despite how great it was, if I continued down that path, I couldn’t easily have what I realized I eventually wanted from life — a family. So, I aimed my coursework toward video editing and production, which I also really loved. I did that professionally after graduation. When my son was born, I wanted a job where I had more control over my schedule. My cousin had just started her own photography business and, with my education and experience, I was well equipped and inspired to go for it. I began my own business in 2009 and have been at it ever since. I photographed everything then — weddings, babies, families, seniors, business portraits — and eventually got into commercial photography. I slowly started letting go of the family photography jobs and went fully into commercial photography, which gained me more work in home photography. That’s when I realized what I really wanted to do. I was able to take more time with each photo, play around with light, work with staging and hone some specific skills. I absolutely enjoy what I do.

up taking the Intro to Photography class in the art department instead. The instructor was Don Clark, and he was a stickler for detail and quality. I may have cried once or twice, but, in retrospect, I’m so grateful to have been held to a high standard. I now am a stickler for detail myself in my own work. The next semester I had Wayne Gudmundson for documentary photography. His approach was to give us projects, his knowledge and guidance, and then send us off to do our work. Afterward we received 26 | MAy/JUNE 2021

some praise and a critique. The work of the students who really tried spoke for itself. It was a really calm way of letting us each learn how hard work pays off. His class taught me to strive to capture moments in time that tell the truth, hopefully with enough context to tell a story. I still think about that when I’m taking any picture. Back then, I dreamt of being a National Geographic photographer. A volunteer trip to Ghana in West Africa for two months during my junior year showed me what life might

IH: Where were you raised? What were things/ people that influenced you the most as a young girl? J: I was born and raised in western and central North Dakota, Watford City and Washburn, which were small towns of about 1,500 at the time. I am the youngest of four girls, and my family lived out in the country until I was 15. My mom and dad gave us a good upbringing, allowing us a lot of freedom to be kids. They let us get dirty. They made us pull weeds, do house chores and help with their side job — a woodworking business. They spent time with us, took us fishing and out in nature. We had to take piano. They expected As, but they also taught us that hard work could be fun together. I learned to be productive, to enjoy the little things in life and to be whatever I wanted to be. INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

Studio West Homes designed this beautiful, contemporary kitchen. I wanted this image to encompass all the thoughtful tonal and textural details: the light reflecting whites, the two tones of natural-colored woodwork, the bold brushed metal accents. I also wanted the viewer to see how the cabinet backs are open to the subway-tiled wall.

IH: I know your family is very important to you. Do they inspire you? If so, how? J: When my first child was born, I started realizing that being a mother was truly the meaning of life for me. I really do enjoy the job of “mom” more than any other and being present for my kids as much as possible every day is what’s most important to me. That’s

This fun pool image was part of a Radiant Homes showcase for Inspired Home magazine. I wanted to portray both the function and ambiance of this luxurious space. By positioning myself where someone could imagine sitting with others, I wanted to use the viewer's imagination to add life to this scene.

part of the reason why I like photography so much, it allows me a lot of time with my family. There are some Bonnie Raitt lyrics — “Life gets mighty precious, when there’s less of it to waste.” At 40, I have been thinking it’s possible my life is already half over. I remember time seeming to go by so slowly

when I was younger. But now, holy smokes! Months fly by. Someday I want to look back on these next 40 years and know I spent my time and energy well, and on the things that really matter to me. IH: If you weren't a photographer, what would you be?

Manage your shades with precise control from your pebble remote or your smart devices. Voice activate when integrated with smart-home systems like Amazon, Alexa or Siri. Energy efﬁciency through preset schedules that control solar heat gain or loss. Two battery options or hard wire options for new construction. Carry out commands from in or around your home.

Certiﬁed Installers

SHOWROOM 4631 40th Ave S, Fargo Monday - Sunday by appointment only 701.893.5134 Locally Owned by Karen since 2008.

karen@thelittleblindshop.com | thelittleblindshop.com INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

Karen Anderson, Designer, Owner Rosecreek Design

INSPIRED HOME | 27

My client designed this contemporary home with Chris Hawley Architects to maximize views of the lake. As with most of my exterior work, my goal was to simply let the amazing design speak for itself, with a practical angle showing the variations of colors and materials used on a very contemporary framework. This is one of my favorite images, which I shot for Inspired Home magazine. I could not get enough of the oversized tiles on this kitchen wall. My aim with this image was to show the way it served as a gorgeous canvas for the other contemporary kitchen design elements.

J: Oh, boy. I would love to do so many things. I would still love to be a journalist of some kind (or) a meteorologist, a gerontologist, an ecologist, a private chef, a clothing designer, an entomologist, Sheryl Crow… IH: What is the most satisfying aspect of your profession? J: I like people. So, I really like working

fan of art

with and talking to my customers. I also absolutely love being creative and creating pretty photography. It’s fun — and very fulfilling — to have business relationships where my photography work helps others succeed. What’s most satisfying is to feel good about how a photo project turned out after shooting and editing, and then receiving that affirmation from my clients.

• LIGHTING • HOME DECOR

“It’s fun — and very fulfilling — to have business relationships where my photography work helps others succeed.” - Jill Ockhardt Blaufuss

• GIFTS • LIGHTING SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY

Check out our “Large Fan” showroom gallery! 1200 SOUTH WASHINGTON GRAND FORKS WWW.SHOPTHELIGHTINGGALLERY.COM

28 | MAy/JUNE 2021

Photo by Stacy Kennedy Photography

• UNIQUE FURNITURE

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

Distinctive

Commercial & Residential Design

SERVING THE LAKES AREA FOR OVER 29 YEARS www.bhhmn.com | 218.346.4505

g GARDEN

Share the love

BY TERRI FERRAGUT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THREE BEAU PHOTOGRAPHY & ZAINAH HAIDER

Flowers that attract pollinators are a win-win in any garden. Floral beauty plays a vital role in the continuance of many species. Pictured here, the tall, fuzzy purple spears of the Liatris aspera (rough blazing star) are known as a “monarch magnet.”

30 | MAy/JUNE 2021

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

Achieve Beautiful Gardens with tips from Master Gardener, Tony Randall

Liatris spicata (prairie blazing star) is a native American perennial plant and highly attractive to pollinators. Together, black-eyed Susans and Liatris create a stunning floral duet.

s a novice gardener, no one really understands your triumphs and hardships like a fellow gardener. If you’re a gardener at heart, you’ve found lots of ways to enjoy your garden and you are likely to perceive your garden as more than a chore. It is always nice to know someone who shares your passion and love for gardening. Advice from understanding gardening friends can lead to people who understand how difficult it is to grow that perfect melon. Perhaps they can relate firsthand to the difficulties of growing the simple carrot, which isn’t always easy. Gardening friends can celebrate or empathize with you and offer a sense of understanding. Sharing plants with others is a great way to bring down the cost of gardening but, more importantly, it adds a wonderful back story to your garden. Each plant is not just beautiful — it is a fond reminder of the friend it came from. Gardening builds community. Plant people genuinely want others to succeed and they are generous with their wisdom and information. Bring your plant-related problem or question to any online platform and somebody will go out of the way to help you. Strike up a conversation with your neighbor, you’ll always find someone who’s eager to offer advice to right your “overwatering” ways. A gardener loves sharing, from seedlings to veggies, to cut bouquets of flowers or packs of seeds saved from their crop. I genuinely believe it’s in the nature of people who love to grow INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

things to share their harvest and ideas. I have experienced the same with houseplant lovers. In the spirit of sharing your own gardening experiences, here are a few simple things you can do: Root a few extra clippings and offer some to your friends, co-workers and neighbors. Reach out to help someone who is new to gardening. Learning or sharing a new skill is always fun and enlightening. Start a seed “library” with your gardening friends. Start small — ask them for seed

Landscape Design Installation of Trees, Shrubs and Perennials Rock and Mulch | Sod Maintenance Plant Care & Health Consulting Hardscape

FREE ESTIMATES Call Tony 701.476.0491 West Fargo, ND Not all flowers need a large garden plot to thrive. This pale yellow Gerbera daisy is beautiful and quite content in its terra cotta planter.

See our work at gardenprofm.com tony@gardenprofm.com INSPIRED HOME | 31

I genuinely believe it’s in the nature of people who love to grow things to share their harvest and ideas.

Buy some for you and share with a friend. The “black & blue” anise sage (Salvia guaranitica) blooms solidly for 4-6 weeks in the summer. Its rich cobalt blue flowers take first place on the list of hummingbird favorites. The leaves, when crushed, emit an anise-scented aroma.

So many tomato varieties and so little time! Raising tomatoes is an exciting adventure. Many of us can relate to a nearby garden enthusiasts who love sharing the bounties from their “tomato collection.”

Raising grapes in North Dakota is becoming more commonplace. North Dakota cultivars such as King of the North, Bluebell and Valiant are delicious table grapes and suited for juice, jellies and jams.

donations to plant in the spring and to again harvest seeds in the late summer or fall to give back to the library. Decide on your categories of seeds — flowers, vegetables, herbs, perennials, annuals as well as the ease or difficulty in raising them. Include classifications like heirloom or wildflowers. Use sturdy envelopes, label with plant information and fill with seeds. Lending seeds is a great way to begin beautiful gardens and meet new friends. Prepare a few houseplants or clippings to give away at your yard 32 | MAy/JUNE 2021

Not all of us have award-winning gardens. The fact remains there is great joy in finding a small area in your yard to overturn a bit of dirt, plant a seed and watch it grow into something amazing.

Labeling your plants is great fun and helps you remember varieties you have planted. Also, labels become a topic of conversation for others to enjoy as they stroll by.

sale. If you’ve recently done some pruning and don’t want to waste those great cuttings (or even suckers), offer them to others. Plant them to see how quickly they will root and take hold. There is usually someone who will be happy to have them. Organize a plant swap. It’s a great place to meet new people and share ideas. If you have extra plants but have been looking for that special one that’s hard to find, maybe you can locate it by trading plants with another person. INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

Categorizing your plants and labeling them by name and growing conditions needed for success will be a big help to those who take part.

Place some give-away plants in a common area of your apartment building, courtyard or staircase. Create a “help-yourself ” sign and place plants to give away on your boulevard at home. Plant division, when thinning out your beds provides room for your plants to continue healthy growing and gives you extras to share. Invite other nearby gardeners to come and dig up some plants to transplant in their own gardens.

Starting a seed library. Ask friends to donate seeds from their gardens in late summer and fall. Start on a small scale and you’ll gradually build up seeds for others to enjoy planting in their own gardens.

Finally, be that person who helps others care for their plants — whether online, by email or in person. Create new friendships, get your family involved and share with others the beauty and experience of growing things. Be kind and generous with your knowledge. Everyone benefits!

y ll a r u t a n fresh Hildebrant Farm

“For 37 years, the Hildebrant family farm has proudly served the FM area with fresh, naturally grown fruits, vegetable and ﬂowers.” 4th Street East & Main, West Fargo, ND Trina Hildebrant Kalm, third generation farmer 701.281.1539 | hildebrantfarm.com

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

INSPIRED HOME | 33

o OUTDOORS

Come to the Cabana

BY TERRI FERRAGUT | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY DECKMASTERS

The word cabana conjures up images of a sunny day with white sand and warm breezes wafting fresh sea air. Today, the growing popularity of the cabana is also playing a vital backyard role on "dry land."

This Fargo pool is the backdrop for the beauty of a cabana. Gorgeous and adding comfort to the pool experience, this cabana offers a cool and luxurious haven of relaxation for family and guests.

34 | MAy/JUNE 2021

istorically, cabanas began with an alltime favorite recreation — swimming. The first-known organized swimming events date back to 2500 B.C. in Egypt, but it wasn’t until the first century B.C. that the Romans invented the first swimming pools. At the time, however, pools were used largely for bathing, which was one of the most important rituals in Roman society. The outdoor cabana quickly became an integral and necessary part of the swimming and bathing experience. Once simply a humble dressing room, cabanas — over time — came to achieve worldwide popularity, dotting the beaches of exclusive resort areas, and as a present structure with the growing popularity of backyard pools. For many years, the cabana simply rode the waves of the swimming pool’s popularity, but, in more recent years, it has enjoyed a surge of notoriety. Homeowners everywhere are discovering that the cabana can stand on its own — pool or no pool. Today, the cabana sports a INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

A fire, comfortable and warm on a cool evening, provides a perfect background for entertaining guests in this beautiful cabana. Dramatic and designated evening lighting provides an after hours experience that allows guests to linger and enjoy the evening.

new customized look with innovative and sophisticated features available. With skylights, screened windows, electricity and plumbing, this former little shanty is in vogue as a guesthouse, summerhouse and entertaining backyard hub. Cabanas create a relaxation area outdoors and provide privacy and personal space. With comfortable seating, you can enjoy the shade on a hot sunny day, making entertaining friends and family a win-win for all ages. When considering “stepping up” your backyard area for you and your family, consider creating a backyard experience — cabana-style. Want more information on cabanas? Visit deckmasters.net. INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

With no water in sight, this Fargo home cabana provides a comfortable place of refuge and a spot for extended conversations with guests over the course of a beautiful evening.

INSPIRED HOME | 35

Lakeside Refuge

STORY BY JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRAVIS BEAUCHENE, STUDIO THREE BEAU

36 | MAy/JUNE 2021

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

hen the pandemic hit last March, Cathy Piatt, her husband Bruce, three grown children, one son-in-law, one grandson, a niece and four dogs all decided to face the quarantine together as a family. “We are forever grateful that we had this home where we could all be together during that uncertain time,” Cathy Piatt says. Everyone seemed to find his or her own space and flow. Bruce and Cathy’s daughter, Katie, and her husband worked for Microsoft from their room; their son, Bryan, who works for Kare 11 in Minneapolis, wrote and produced stories from various rooms in the house; their son, Eric, came home from the University of Southern California and studied in his room; and grandma Cathy watched grandson, Noah, and kept everyone happy and fed. “It was a really special time for us,” Piatt says. The new home was finished in the nick of time, less than a year before COVID hit. But the most remarkable aspect of the build was just how quickly, and when, the majority of the construction was done. John Gunkelman, owner of Dakota Construction, has a thorough understanding of how lake projects can present challenges. “We have such little time in our region to enjoy the good weather months,” he says. But working with incredible efficiency, Gunkelman and his crew were able to demo the existing structure and finish with a 100 percent new construction of a cabin and garage during the off season for lakegoers. “Beginning after Labor Day 2018, our crew and subcontractors were able to complete this amazing design, even with a five-week setback, in time for the homeowners to enjoy good lake weather in early June 2019,” Gunkelman says. The design came from a collaboration between the Piatts and architect Tony Stoll of bhh Partners. Stoll, with a vast array of experience, is especially adept at lake home design. With an existing home on a longer, narrower lot, the Piatts knew that to accommodate their growing family, they needed to wipe the slate clean and demolish the existing cabin. Stoll’s challenge was to get as much square footage as possible on a property with limited width. “It required that we create a very long, narrow cottage and stack the floors to maximize the usable space,” Stoll says.

Built on a long, narrow lot, this bhh Partner’s design accommodates three generations of the Piatt family. The home provides ample space for the family to socialize indoors and outside on the patio, and also to retreat to quiet and solitude when needed.

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

INSPIRED HOME | 37

When the pandemic hit last March, Cathy Piatt, her husband Bruce, three grown children, one son-in-law, one grandson, a niece and four dogs all decided to face the quarantine together as a family.

Floor-to-ceiling windows illuminate the great room and provide both this area and the loft with serene views of the lake. A rough-hewn stone fireplace adds a rustic touch of warmth and a focal point for gathering.

38 | MAy/JUNE 2021

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

This kitchen uses clean white cabinetry and light gray backsplash to maximize the lesser amount of natural light it has compared to the great room. The bare bulb-style contemporary pendants are a cohesive element of the home’s lighting.

Two dining areas allow for casual lunches during busy summer days or more formal dining when the family can share a meal together. The unobstructed lake views and open floor plan promote a social atmosphere that define the Piatt’s style.

“We incorporated subtle changes in the sides to help break up the length and create some interest on the exterior.” Gunkelman echoes the challenges of constructing a 30-foot-wide home on a 50-foot-wide lot. “The project site itself presented most of the challenges during the build,” he says. Not only was lot size an issue, but Gunkelman’s team also found the lot had INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

While the great room ceiling is vaulted, a loft was built directly above the kitchen and dining areas, lowering the ceiling. This duality creates both an appreciation of the vast natural landscape outside, and a homey sense of togetherness when gathering for cooking and dining.

an unsuitable soil bearing condition for the new design. “It necessitated a more substantial foundation design,” he says. “It also required over-excavating and installing engineered fill material.” Dakota Construction, after years in business, is skilled in overcoming unforeseen building obstacles. Gunkelman says that experience has created expertise in all areas of construction, from choosing building

products to increasing home performance to working out intricate architectural details on the home’s exterior. The Piatts appreciate everything lake life has to offer regardless of the season. They enjoy water sports, cycling around the lake, walks with the dogs, yard work and visiting with neighbors. Meals, drink and conversation on the deck, cross-country skiing INSPIRED HOME | 39

Wide and well-lit, the staircase connects the main floor with the loft and bedrooms above. A beautiful framed art print adds a subtle splash of color to the neutral color scheme.

40 | MAy/JUNE 2021

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

The light-reflective countertops on this custom dual sink vanity are a sensible contrast to the rich, dark cabinetry in the master bathroom. Contemporary metal pendants offer the option of moodier lighting for relaxing evening soaks in the tub.

and snowshoeing are all treasured. A gym in the upper level of the garage houses a Peloton bike and a yoga area in the loft overlooks the lake, creating a tranquil space. Though active and with a lively growing family, they wanted their home designed with considerate balances between privacy and togetherness, physical activity and relaxation. “We love to share our home with friends and frequently have get-togethers,” Piatt says. “But we also love our quiet time in the family room or up in the loft, reading books and relaxing in front of the fireplace.” Whether indoors or out, Stoll gave the Piatts a place to enjoy each other’s company. The main living area, with a large window wall and vaulted ceiling, was designed to be an inviting, open space with expansive lake views. “It allows them to gather all family members together for meals and just enjoy time together at the lake,” Stoll says. But when family needs quiet, a privacy door separates the living and bedroom areas. A deep free-standing soaking tub nestled into a cozy nook is a perfect way to end a day of sun and watersports at the lake. The thick wooden open shelving displays beautiful décor and is the perfect place to show off fluffy towels.

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

INSPIRED HOME | 41

The master bedroom is simple yet elegant, with bold carpeting and luxurious bedding all in subtle grays. Waking up in this welcoming sunlit room would be the perfect place to start your day.

With a nook for extra sleeping quarters and a spacious area for yoga and other exercise, the loft is another excellent vantage point to enjoy calming lake views.

42 | MAy/JUNE 2021

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

"We are forever grateful that we had this home where we could all be together during that uncertain time.” Cathy Piatt

Stoll also knew how important and wellused the lakeside deck area was on their original cabin. So, his new cottage design included an updated version with a large, comfortable seating area and an amazing lake view. Conveying all they needed from a new home to their architect was a smooth process for the Piatts. “Tony was wonderful,” Cathy Piatt says. “He is not only extremely talented and an expert at what the does, he is a really friendly, easy-going guy. He came up with a great plan using our ideas and added many special touches that really made the place unique and functional.” “It was a great collaborative effort,” Stoll echoes. Using steep peaks and exposed wooden beams, plus the charming yet unassuming entrance, there is a quaint cottage feel to this unique home. Architect Tony Stoll planned for the three unique facades: stone, horizontal siding and vertical board-andbatten-style siding that, along with the varying gables, add allure and interest to the exterior.

Contributors

EXTERIOR CRANE JOHNSON LUMBER: Millwork | TWIN CITY GARAGE DOOR: Overhead Garage Doors | PELLA: Windows & Exterior Doors INTERIOR FLOOR TO CEILING CARPET ONE: Floor Coverings | HANSON’S PLUMBING & HEATING: Plumbing & HVAC | HEBRON BRICK SUPPLY CO: Stonework

Tony Stoll, AIA principal architect, bhh Partners Planners/Architects Perham, MN

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

John Gunkelman Builder Dakota Construction Inc. Fargo, ND

MORRIS PAINT & DECORATING: Drywall & Painting | STATIC ELECTRIC: Electrical RIGELS: Appliances | STRAIGHTLINE DESIGN: Railings | POSS WOODWORKS & DESIGN: Cabinetry | HOME AND HEARTH: Fireplace

INSPIRED HOME | 43

Polished Concrete... at a whole new level. At Fargo Flat, Inc., our mission is to create the most beautiful and unique polished concrete floors. Colors and aggregate options are endless for any design project.

LEARN MORE at fargoflatinc.com or CALL 701.361.8976 New address! 1715 27th Street South, Moorhead, MN

. e v eA

! n o o S g n i n e p O a . t tS

n o r nF

ak L nd

t i o r et

Designingwomen2.com 701.476.0938

Linda Birmingham

s e k La

Kris Carlson

e ELEMENTS

Celebrate spring with tulips S

BY TERRI FERRAGUT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STUDIO THREE BEAU

pring brings the awaited emergence of flora and fauna that rejuvenates our winter-weary souls. A nostalgic favorite of mine are tulips. Their presence in the garden brings instant cheer as they push their seasonal debut through the warming soil. Tulips 101 Tulips grow wild and are native to the arid regions of Central Asia. The original species have a limited color range of mostly reds and yellows, and tend to have smaller flowers than our modern cultivars and hybrids, which are available in both strong bright colors and lovely pastel shades. Tulips can provide us with a palette of colors we can “paint” our gardens with. Learning how to take care for tulips will make adding these flowers to your garden a true pleasure. Choosing tulips for your garden Spring bulbs like tulips already have an embryo flower tucked deeply inside, just waiting to begin growing. When choosing tulip bulbs, make sure they are fat and firm. Avoid any bulbs that are soft, flabby, moldy, or whose papery cover is absent.

46 | MAy/JUNE 2021

Planting time for tulips We celebrate when our tulips surface and bloom in the spring. The trick is to have the patience to plant more tulips at the proper time, which is late August, September or even into early October. This will ensure continued colorful displays year after year. Inspired Home suggests using bigger bulbs, (12+ cm in diameter) which will give you the most vigorous plants. The Darwin hybrids will produce big, bold and beautiful results. Spring bouquets While waiting for your tulip garden to flourish and mature, your local grocery is the perfect place to find beautiful tulips to create a spring floral bouquet. Affordable, fresh and easy to add to your cart, you'll be home in no time, ready to arrange your tulips. Arrange them for a spirited and colorful addition to your home. Their natural wily ways will create an organic splash of color your entire family will appreciate.

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

Look for the freshest tulips you can find, with blooms that are mostly closed. Rinse tulip stems with cold water to remove any trapped dirt in the leaves. Fill the vase with cold water. If you are adding filler greenery, now is the time to build the bouquet base by placing them first.

Before beginning to place the tulips in the vase, make sure to trim the stems 1 inch or more using sharp shears or a knife. Cut stems diagonally to expose a greater surface area to the water for better saturation. Remove any excess leaves, especially below the water line to prevent rot

Begin placing the tulips, one by one, beginning at the base of the vase and gradually moving upward. Keep turning the floral arrangement to see all angles, checking for holes you might need to fill or adjust. Keep your finished arrangement away from bright sunny windows.

Although tulips already have lovely green leaves, adding additional greenery adds another layer of beautiful depth. Here we used seeded eucalyptus, golden Solidago yellow florets and oregonia, which are the variegated greens. Colors and textures combine to create extra interest.

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

INSPIRED HOME | 47

Time: 7 minutes Materials: 1-2 bundles of grocery store tulips or right from your garden!

Cutting the stems at this angle, rather than straight across, allows for greater surface area and a corresponding increased water uptake.

Sturdy vase, deep enough to support the flower’s weight. Fillers we used in this bouquet: Seeded eucalyptus, seeded greens Golden Solidago, yellow florets Oregonia, variegated greens

Knit yourself

some love.

NATURAL FIBERS & BLENDS

We are here to help with everything you need, from beginners to pros. Accessories for knitting, crocheting and felting. Discover Yarnslayer Fibers, our in-house locally hand-dyed merino yarns!

Hosta or other greens from your yard work well as fillers. Choose the freshest tulips you can find. Ideally, when you choose them, they should be mostly closed and the edges of the blossoms should be opaque — not thin or transparent. Method: Rinse tulip stems with cold water to remove any dirt that is trapped in the leaves.

Fighting Hawks

Trim the stems of your tulips 1 inch or more using sharp shears. Note: I tend to leave 6-8 inches above the vase for tulip-only arrangements. Remember, you can always go shorter, but never longer. Remove any excess leaves, especially those that fall below the water line. Fill a vase with cool water.

Grey Lady

1326 25th Street South Fargo, ND

701.491.8722

thebountifulewe.com @thebountifulewe bountifulewe 48 MAy/JUNE2021 MAY/JUNE 2021 3 | |MAY/JUNE

Neptune

Place your tulips in the vase, one with a wide enough opening and deep enough to support the weight of the tulips. Tulips naturally droop and that is part of their charm. They have long stems that are soft and weak, making it hard to support the heavy bud. They also tend to bend toward the light. Embrace this migration as it makes tulips prettier each day and it creates a stunning organic look. If your tulip arrangement looks a bit “stiff ” to you, don't worry; they will start to relax in just a few hours. INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

We love cleaning! (and we’re good at it) We’ll sparkle and shine your home or ofﬁce! Give us

Mentio

a try!

n this a

10% off

d for

your ﬁrs t time clean

Owner, Lan Sivertson

CALL 218.790.4374 or Schedule Online

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

INSPIRED HOME | 49

k Kitchen SmartS

CREATIVE KITCHEN West Acres CREATIVE KITCHEN West Acres

Home Brew

Craft your perfect cup of coffee at home with the help of Creative Kitchen

e all know the saying, “but first, coffee.” For many of us, making a cup of jo is an essential part of our morning routine and serves as a much-needed energy boost to jumpstart the day. So why stick with your old drip coffee machine when you’re missing out on rich and intricate flavors that can be savored by trying a different brewing technique? Let our team of experts at Creative Kitchen help you reach your full potential for caffeinated goodness. Here are a few tips to craft your perfect cup of coffee: If you love light roast, try the pour-over method to bring out the subtle nuances and fruity notes of your favorite beans. Using a pour-over cone to hold the fresh grounds and drizzling hot water over top at a slower, more controlled speed produces a clean and bright taste. Perhaps big, bold flavors are more your style. Steeping medium or dark roast grounds in a French press releases the natural oils from the beans and yields a rich, full-bodied brew. Plus, the process produces less waste without the use of paper filters. With summer just around the corner, the portable AeroPress is a perfect companion for travel and camping trips.

Or try making your own cold brew for a sweet and silky taste that beats watered down iced coffee any day of the week. Experimenting with these techniques will not only take your coffee to the next level but also create a morning ritual of appreciating your hand-crafted brew before starting a busy day. Visit Creative Kitchen’s new coffee section at West Acres to sample different styles of coffee, purchase locally roasted beans, and peruse our vast selection of brewers and accessories. Chat with our experts to find the best brewing method and equipment for you and taste the difference it makes to your morning.

CREATIVE KITCHEN West Acres CREATIVE KITCHEN West Acres JURA The S8 coffee machine redefines the concept of automatic specialty coffee, from first grinding fresh coffee beans to a last self-cleaning stage. A simple touch of one button creates a range of 15 specialty coffees from espresso and Americanos to the finest milk foam technology available.

Fresh is Best

No matter your brewing method, freshly ground coffee is the way to go and the beans we carry stay fresher longer because they’re from great local roasters. Here are some of the whole bean coffee you can find at Creative Kitchen:

Flatlander | Milnor, ND

FELLOW Ridiculously good coffee is made possible by the Stagg EKG electric pour-over kettle. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or a brewing beginner, Stagg EKG with Bluetooth technology will be your countertop partner in the pursuit of the perfect cup of coffee.

A smooth, nutty, classic medium roast made with 100% Arabica beans. Small-batch roasting and a strong Midwest work ethic makes this coffee “good from the grounds up.” Try with Pour-Over brewing method

Old Friend Espresso Blend West Fargo, ND A delicious blend that tastes of chocolate and molasses with notes of almond. Brothers Skyler and Dexter of Fargo focus on drawing out the best flavors their beans have to offer.

MOCCAMASTER From the Netherlands, backed by science and precision, comes Moccamaster, brewing perfection in your cup in six minutes. In this handmade dynamo, a copper-heating element ensures water stays at the perfect temperature throughout the entire brew cycle.

Try with Cold Brew brewing method

Big Water Breakfast Blend Fergus Falls, MN With hints of cocoa and cedar, this coffee is perfect first thing in the morning. Roasting beans for over 15 years, owner Greg Stumbo has become a trusted figure in the local culinary scene. Try with French Press brewing method

West Acres Mall, Fargo, ND www.CreativeKitchenFargo.com 701.282.8694

h HUMOR

Trashed and treasured

ummer holidays are hands-down my favorite. There’s something about spring kicking off with a big parade and green beer and fall wrapping up with scary costume parties and overindulgence in everything, including fun-sized candy. High school and college graduations, weddings and golden wedding anniversary parties, county fairs and family reunions — the second part of the year is all about getting together, spending time outdoors and having fun. Early in the season, there’s one outdoor holiday I think is somewhat overlooked but significantly contributes to the success of all the other annual get-togethers. “Spring Clean-Up Week.” It seems every community in every state in the country has some version of this. It’s that annual free pass on cast-offs that allows citizens to dispose of virtually anything, no questions asked. An old mattress that looks like a filthy scrub-pad? Put it out. A broken screen door that’s no screen and barely a door? No problem. A hide-a-bed with a cast-iron

52 | MAy/JUNE 2021

BY BERNIE ERICKSON

frame covered in industrial burlap with Earthtoned harvest vegetation? Now’s your chance. And, best of all, things that are way too good to throw out, still full of useful life, just not useful in your life, may be exactly what someone else is looking for! If there’s one thing I learned checking out the curbside goods during clean-up week is that I look awesome strolling through the airport in Palm Springs carrying someone’s discarded vintage Samsonite Silhouette II hardside luggage in avocado green. I share life with someone who spent the first 20 years of adult life living and working in New York City. I grew up on the plains of the Midwest, made it to Texas for about a year or so and spent the last couple of decades in North Dakota. Let’s just say we have a different perspective on what constitutes personal space and what also defines tidy. Friends think we’re ready to formally entertain at the drop of a hat because our dining room table is fully set with dinnerware,

crystal, silver and napkins all the time. It has nothing to do with the three times a year we actually use the dining room. It has everything to do with minimizing horizontal flat surfaces to drop mail, car keys, newspapers, grocery receipts, almost-empty pop bottles, restaurant leftovers and questionable recyclables. You get the idea. I think anything more than a knife block and a coffee maker on the kitchen counter is too much clutter. “How about that? We have green granite in the kitchen!” I exclaim when stuff is cleared away and the countertop experiences the light of day. Mr. New York is not amused and doesn’t see it that way at all. That reel-to-reel tape player in the laundry room will come in handy and will be worth a lot of money one day. Likewise, the 40 reel-to-reel tapes stacked next to it. Sigh. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to draw the line. We’ve been expanding our Fiesta every-day dinnerware, adding a new INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

color under the Christmas tree every year. That, combined with the fact you-know-who loves going to resale shops and picking up a piece here and there, 20 years later we have stocked up on so much Fiesta dinnerware we have nearly a complete set for each of our grandkids. We have nine grandchildren. On the other hand, does anyone really need four Bundt cake pans? Do they even make Bundt cake mixes anymore? How did we end up with three extra Bundt cake pans? Did we forget to give one back? Did we grab a wrong one when leaving a potluck? Would we even bring a Bundt cake to a potluck? And, more importantly, wouldn’t it be better to bring the extra cake pans to a new-to-you shop rather than put them on the berm in the spring? I’m told each one is a different size. Sigh. Having too much stuff adds a level of complexity to life I just don’t need. We’ve lived in this house for almost 16 years and I’ve developed a clean-up-week strategy that lets me get a handle on too much stuff while minimizing the anxiety level of you-know-who who treats every treasure that enters our house like a long-lost family member from the Old Country. Whenever I sort through and organize a box of “stuff,” I write the date AND THE YEAR of when I went through it. The year part is important. After a certain number of years have gone by, it’s time to take another look. If five years have gone by and no one has opened the box nor needed anything stored in the box, do we really need everything in the box? And, more importantly, does someone else have use for what’s hidden away? This year I’m taking on the attic in the garage. Sixteen years ago, we combined households into one and duplicates or stuff no one knew what to do with ended up in the attic of the garage. Our attic in the garage isn’t a well-lit, comfortable staircase above where we park the cars. It’s a pull-down, fold-up stairway that’s more like a rickety ladder. My thought is if we haven’t needed it in the past 16 years, we’re pretty unlikely to need it ever and out it goes. Now, if I can just get stuff smuggled out to the curb before someone smuggles it back in the house.

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

Double Trouble Open by appointment Monday -Saturday

GALLERY

809 20th Street North, Moorhead, MN

Remembering by Barbara Benda

Sylvan Lake Path by Barbara Benda

This unique gallery owned by professional artist Barbara Benda and Beverly Benda features original art for your home or business at affordable prices. Mediums available: watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media collage.

Periwinkle Evening by Barbara Benda

Bison Playbook by Barbara Benda

For more information about our gallery or workshops, or to schedule a private shopping appointment, contact Barbara at barbara@barbarabendanagle.com or 218-443-1126.

Catch of the Day by Beverly Benda

www.barbarabendanagle.com

Pink Dahlia by Barbara Benda

The Benda Twins Art Store: barbarabendanagle.company.site INSPIRED HOME | 53

Chan g e it up!

Replace your

old counterto ps with our beau tiful granite or quartz!

easy 1 steps

Jenne Cline Sales

Come to our showroom and pick out your ACTUAL slab that will be used in your home.

Arrange for a laser in home measurement (no need to have your countertops removed).

2414 South University Dr. Fargo, North Dakota

701.893.3430

Schedule the installation and we will dispose of your old tops and install your new beautiful granite countertops in ONE DAY!

Joyce Balstad

Fargo Operations Manager

Without the mess and stress!

Before

National Project of the Month Winner! After Cabinet Painting

ROGER KOENIG Locally Owned & Operated

701.200.3608

kitchentuneup.com Kitchen Tune-Up Fargo-Moorhead

FREE CONSULTATIONS FINANCING AVAILABLE Serving West Fargo, Detroit Lakes and the surrounding areas

FREE HARDWARE with any project. Restrictions apply. Expires 6/15/21. .

1-5 DAY KITCHEN UPDATES

Refacing • Redooring Cabinet Painting Custom Cabinets 1 Day Tune-Up • More

c CUISINE

Nothing says spring like fresh asparagus, especially local and fresh with thick, meaty stalks—what could be better? Warm asparagus salad makes a great meal for lunch or a light dinner with an addition of some fresh jumbo lump crabmeat. (See recipe)

56 | MAy/JUNE 2021

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

A season when the earth comes alive

think we need to add another season to our yearly calendar. As we are north of the 45th Parallel, our seasons really come at different times than other parts of the country. Spring officially occurred in March when the equinox changed. We do get a taste of spring then, a tantalizing tease of things to come. But then it is snatched away again by another cold blast and perhaps a light snowfall in May. What would you call this state of limbo as we wait for summer to fully arrive? Regardless of the finicky weather, this is a special time of year from a culinary viewpoint and one of my favorites. Everywhere you look there is color. We have survived another monochrome winter and the Earth is warm and sprouting all sorts of tasty morsels. Asparagus, sweet peas, wild mushrooms and ramps, to name a few. The flavors are bright and fresh and show themselves off in risottos and pastas or on simple grilled dishes. Simplicity is the key; let the principal players strut their stuff. Maine lobsters and oysters are at their best in May and June and make for a fabulously decadent dinner on the patio. We grill our oysters right on the barbecue with butter and Parmesan-flavored breadcrumbs, just like in the Big Easy. I like to split the Maine hard-shell lobster right down the middle and put it shell side down on the grill and slather it in lemony, garlic butter. While the lobster is cooking, it just draws in all the buttery flavor. Local supermarkets carry live Maine lobsters, and it is crucial that they are alive. Or you can go online to www.thelobsterguy.com for all sizes of lobster, clams and a variety of oysters shipped overnight right to your door. Nothing says spring to me as much as asparagus. I prefer local asparagus that has thick and meaty stalks as opposed to the spindly ones we have been living on from South America. My favorite dish is a warm asparagus salad topped with a poached egg and a lemon vinaigrette — perfect for lunch or a light dinner with the addition of some fresh jumbo lump crabmeat. The beauty of this dish is when the warm runny yolk meets the vinaigrette and they emulsify to create

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

BY GRANVILLE WOOD

What would we call this state of limbo as we wait for summer to fully arrive? a nice creamy dressing. A drizzle of white truffle oil makes for a nice finishing touch. Sweet shell peas folded into a rich and smooth risotto, along with some minced chives, fresh mint, lemon zest and some Parmesan cheese, make for a very bright and satisfying entrée alongside a green salad of tender baby lettuces and peppery watercress. Risotto should be loose and slightly runny and should settle into the bowl. Five or six bites should satisfy you, leaving you wanting just one more bite. A nice soft, cheesy polenta makes a nice

pedestal for a mélange of fresh wild mushrooms, sauteed with some tender ramps, a splash of dry sherry and finished with some cream. Spoon the polenta into bowls, top with the mushrooms and shower each with some snipped chives and some finely grated Parmesan. I like to fold some nuggets of lemony goat cheese into the polenta right when I take it off the stove for more creaminess and an added bright tang. Another favorite at this time of year is rhubarb. Paired with strawberries, they combine well in pies, jams and jellies. Rhubarb has a fantastic brightness and sourness that is usually cooked with sugar to make it more palatable. I like to do something different by pairing the acidity of rhubarb with grilled, fatty salmon. Grilled salmon set on a salad of peppery watercress or nutty arugula and some rhubarb salsa makes a delicious meal.

terrific tile awaits... Specializing In Custom Residential

Waterproof Showers | Heated Floors | Back Splashes | And More! New address! 1715 27th Street South Moorhead, MN

701.361.8976 | Fargo, ND

INSPIRED HOME | 57

Sweet Pea and Lemon Risotto INGREDIENTS:

METHOD:

½ cup red onion, finely diced

Warm stock and keep warm. Gently heat olive oil in a heavy stock pot. Add onions and garlic on low heat; cook until soft and translucent but not brown. Add rice and stir to coat in oil and the rice takes on the nice shine; do not brown. Add wine and turn heat to middle and reduce by half. Add salt. Add 2 cups of stock and stir into rice, gently stirring until stock is almost absorbed. Keep adding stock until rice is tender and creamy but not thick. Add more stock or water, if needed. Stir in butter, stirring constantly. Fold in peas and Parmesan cheese. Stir in parsley and chives. Adjust seasoning with pepper and salt as needed. Serve with some more grated Parmesan on the top.

cloves garlic, finely minced

½ cup dry white wine 2

Tbsp. olive oil

1½ cups arborio rice 6

cups warm chicken stock

tsp. kosher salt

tsp. lemon zest

Tbsp. lemon juice

cups fresh peas, lightly blanched to set color

½ cup grated Parmesan 4

Tbsp. butter

Tbsp. flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Tbsp. fresh chives, minced

Fresh black pepper to taste

Note: Blanched asparagus tips and chopped stalks can replace peas.

“The most difficult dishes to make generally appear to be the simplest.” Fernand Point

Warm Asparagus Salad with Poached Egg (for two) INGREDIENTS: 1

bunch fresh asparagus

large eggs

cups of tender greens (arugula, watercress, baby lettuces)

cup lemon vinaigrette (see directions below)

Tbsp. fresh black pepper

Tbsp. minced chives

METHOD: Trim the asparagus to fit into the center of the plate, cutting off the tough ends. Heat a pot of salted water to a boil. In another small saucepan, heat salted water to a boil and lower the heat to a simmer. Add 2 tablespoons white vinegar. Make lemon vinaigrette by adding 1 small minced shallot to 1 cup good virgin olive oil, ¼ cup lemon juice and 2 58 | MAy/JUNE 2021

tablespoons lemon zest. A pinch of white sugar, salt and white pepper to taste. Whisk until well incorporated (or put in a canning jar with lid and shake well). Check seasoning. Crack one egg into a shallow small bowl. Stir the vinegar water so it is moving in a circle. Slide in egg and repeat with the other egg. Drop asparagus into the other pot of boiling water and cook until almost tender. Remove from water and blot dry on paper towels. Place some of the greens in the center of the plate. Top with half of the asparagus on one plate and the other half on another plate. Arrange nicely in the center of the plate. When the whites of the eggs are firm but the yolks still runny, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the eggs from the water

and gently place on top of the asparagus on each plate without breaking the yolk. Shake or stir vinaigrette to emulsify and spoon a generous amount over asparagus. Sprinkle chives over the plate and add a few flakes of sea salt and a turn of black pepper from a mill. Enjoy the flavors of spring. INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

Warm Rhubarb Salsa

alon booth Srentals

AVAILABLE

Center for Hair & Wellness We are seeking aspiring stylists. Specials for booth rental available! Call Violet at 701.371.3306 downtown moorhead

Tired of cleaning out

INGREDIENTS: 1

cup rhubarb cut into medium dice

¾ English cucumber, seeded and cut into medium dice ½ red pepper, seeded and cut into medium dice 1

egress wells?

red Fresno chili, seeded and cut into fine dice

½ cup fresh basil, cut into julienne ¼ cup pomegranate seeds 1

tsp. agave nectar

tsp. salt

tsp. coarse black pepper

lime, juiced

Tbsp. neutral oil

Acrylic Frame Steel Frame

METHOD: In sauté pan, heat oil and gently sauté rhubarb until just tender. Add agave nectar and toss. Add cucumber and peppers; cook lightly for a minute and then remove from heat and fold in remaining ingredients. Check seasonings, cover and keep warm.

Find us on Pinterest for some of Chef Wood’s alltime favorites! INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

From window well covers to displaying fine art... trust our service and product knowledge for your custom plastic projects. Clear acrylic allows maximum light Unique design keeps water out Fits galvanized, cement & timber egress frames Collectibles custom display cases.

701-280-1993 800-380-1993 2310 3rd Avenue N. Fargo, ND 58102

www.customplasticsfargo.com INSPIRED HOME | 59

minimalist

beauty

Lighting Shown: Everett Chandelier, Model 4398BN

Hours: 8:30 - 6:00 MTWF 8:30 - 8:00 Th 10:00 - 4:00 Sat

1230 38th Street NW Fargo, ND 701.277.0344 valleylightsnd.com

Inspired by Design...

Craftsmanship Innovation Excellence

3211 Fiechtner Drive Showroom, Fargo, ND 701.478.7238

BUILDING QUALITY WITH INTEGRITY FOR OVER 30 YEARS POSSWOODWORKS.COM

i INGREDIENTS

Party like a Norwegian on Constitution Day!

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN FERRAGUT CARLSON

ince moving to Upstate New York more than seven years ago, there has been a major lack (or access to) the Norwegian foods I grew up with like lefse, krumkake and berlinerkranser. Here, it is the land of the “Sons of Italy.” So, it didn’t come as a surprise when Syttende Mai came and went every year without a blink of any local eyes. To celebrate, I learned I had to take matters into my own hands! Syttende Mai or Constitution Day is the biggest day of the year in Norway. Every year, Norwegians put aside their otherwise reserved selves and hit the street for a full day of celebration. In 1814, Norway became an independent nation when unanimously agreed on by the Eidvoll Assembly one day earlier on May 16. The constitution was immediately in effect the next day, 17 Mai. After hundreds of years of domination by their Scandinavian neighbors, Norwegians broke out spontaneously in celebration. Shortly after, Norway quickly joined a union with Sweden. Unlike other country's independence days, Norway’s celebrations are noticeably unmilitaristic — and very child-centric. In fact, Syttende Mai often garners more excitement from children than Christmas. This has most everything to do with that fact that children are allowed to eat as much ice cream and pølse (Norwegian hotdogs wrapped in lefse) A view I will never forget: A 2-mile trek up the mountain to see the majestic Briksdalsbreen glacier in Norway brought this breathtaking scene on my hike midway down again.

62 | MAy/JUNE 2021

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

This is another memorable image taken while on a day excursion by boat from Balestrand to Flåm. Sheer majesty surrounded us as we traveled through the breathtaking Sognefjord, the largest and deepest in all of Norway.

as they want — all day long. Both are very traditional foods for Sytennde Mai. The day of celebration begins with breakfast or frokost, which includes scrambled eggs with salmon — the most famous combination — then washed down with a fizzy drink. Vafler or waffles are another favorite, served with tart lingonberry jam and sour cream. Frokost also includes an array of cured meats and cheeses. It reminds me of a meal my family enjoyed on a trip to Norway we took a few years ago. It was an experience of a lifetime to meet and get acquainted with our relatives for the first time. We feasted on an assortment of cured meats: reindeer, moose, pork and beef, all came from the farm. Eggs with tomatoes, flatbrød and assorted summer melons were placed on the beautifully set farm table. Then came the grand entrance of rømmegrøt served beautifully on delicate floral china. It was served with raisins and cinnamon and washed down with coffee and fresh lemonade. It was a true celebration meal! The Syttende Mai celebrations continue after breakfast with children’s parades followed by the people’s parade. Onlookers stroll around eating simple street food from vendors. Along with the marching bands and flags waving are the beautiful folks costumed in traditional bunads, worn by a vast majority of Norwegians. The style and pattern are indicative of which part of Norway you and your family are from. Bunads are a very serious and expensive traditional costume that can range up to $12,000. Made of beautiful embroidered silks, silver, gold and pewter, bunads are so important that Norway has a governmental department that oversees the authenticity of bunads. If you are having one made you must prove through family documents or photos that the materials and style are valid. Once the parades are over, people head home to continue their celebration with friends and family for smørbrød (an assortment of open-faced sandwiches) and several classic cakes like bløtkake, suksesskake and verdensbeste. And, of course, the traditional herb-flavored drink aquavit, INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

Velkommen til Stabo! The beauty of Scandinavia awaits you.

406 Broadway North, Fargo. ND stabo-imports.com 701.282.0421

e n i W ! e m i T

FREE 5 lb. bag of ice with purchase Expires June 30th, 2021

3 minutes south of We Fest on Hwy. 59 Detroit Lakes, Minnesota 218.847.BEER (2337) I 218.846.WINE (9463) www.7sistersspirits.com INSPIRED HOME | 63

The Syttende Mai celebrations place great emphasis on the involvement of children. In Oslo, parade routes run directly by the royal palace where the royal members of the family also cheer and proudly wave flags.

produced in Norway since the 15th century, is enjoyed during the celebration. Prior to moving to New York, I celebrated the Syttende Mai events at First Lutheran Church in Fargo. I’d load up on all the Norwegian food and treats I could and enjoyed the traditional music, flag waving and heritage stories exchanged over coffee. It maybe was not quite the same as the bustling street parades in Norway, but nonetheless was a way to honor my heritage. When Syttende Mai rolls around every spring in New York, my family celebrates in our own way. I don my traditional silver Norwegian solje earrings and let the festivities begin. We start our day with a big frokost of Vafler with lingonberries and sour cream, a big hit with our 2-year-old-daughter. She takes sheer delight in picking every lingonberry out of the jam and eating each one. She might like them more than the waffles! We can’t celebrate in our house without lox made by my husband and served with eggs. I like to serve breakfast with melon just as my Norwegian relatives did when my family visited them in Norway. This year celebrate Syttende Mai and party like a Norwegian! Hipp hipp hurra!

A young girl playing cornet does her part in the marching band. Two of the most popular songs are “Ja, vi elsker” and “Kongesangen,” the royal anthem. The Syttende Mai (Constitution Day) is a jubilant time. Norwegians of all ages celebrate with marching bands, parades and traditional foods. Here two little boys wave their flags as they march down the streets of Bergen.

Wearing one’s bunad is a public way to share with others which region of Norway your family comes from. There are hundreds of versions, adorned with silver, gold, silks and pewter.

64 | MAy/JUNE 2021

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

Norwegian Vafler (waffles) INGREDIENTS: 2

cups flour

tsp. baking powder

tsp. salt

cup sugar

2 eggs ½

cup vegetable oil

2 cups milk (I sometimes sub in buttermilk) 1

tsp. vanilla

METHOD: Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl In a separate bowl, separate the egg whites and beat until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, mix together the egg yolks, milk, oil and vanilla. Stir slightly. I like to do this step in one large Pyrex measuring cup.

Add to dry ingredients and mix. Gently fold in egg whites. Pour ¼ cup of the batter onto the waffle iron, close and cook in waffle iron on medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes or until light brown. (Follow instructions for your waffle iron. You may need more or less batter.) You can use a spatula to spread it evenly in the iron. Serve with whipped cream, crème fraiche or sour cream. Traditional toppings include lingonberry jam, brown cheese, fresh fruit, sour cream and fresh berries. Serves about 4-6 people and makes approximately 6 waffles. I half the recipe for my husband, daughter and myself. Nyte! (Enjoy!)

Wine Wisdom Chelsey Malstrom, Seven Sisters Spirits, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

Ranga Ranga Sauvignon Blanc This New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc starts out with plenty of lemon and lime zest on the nose, followed by great ripe golden apples. Mild peach and nectarine notes follow through on first sips. This wine is a little more relaxed than a typical New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. In the lakes area, we would classify this as a “patio pounder” — very easy drinking! This pairs well with anything that has a citrus marinade and is a perfect wine to serve for all your spring and summer entertaining. Special Norwegian pairing: Grilled steelhead trout with a horseradish crema. Evolution Big Time Red Blend This blend from Dundee, Oregon, starts out with toasted coconut and leather on the nose accompanied by lovely notes of roasted plum. This wine is very light but still has plenty of structure and tannins with a beautiful finish of stewed cherries and vanilla. This would be a perfect paring for grilled pork chops. Special Norwegian pairing: Scandinavian meatballs with rutabaga mashed potatoes.

Cheers! Chelsey Malstrom INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

INSPIRED HOME | 65

designing scandinavian influenced homes

Fargo, North Dakota 701.541.2029 halvordesign@gmail.com northcraftgroup.com

20 years of construction and design experience

About Me I’m Taylor Dahl, director of design for Halvor and owner/partner of NørthCraft Design/Build. A NDSU graduate with a Masters of Architecture, I have worked on projects from hockey arenas and banks to elementary schools and award winning commercial buildings. I now design my passion—Scandinavian influenced residential homes, elegant and functional.

full service design/build company

Heather Breckheimer Cabinet Designer

Cabinets • Countertops • Closets • Design • Install

Wyatt Sokness Closet Specialist/Sales

4115 32nd Ave SW • Fargo 701-492-0292

Windows • Blinds • Decking • Roofing • Siding LampertLumber.com

Fargo Inspired Home Magazine May/June 2021

Articles inside

Contributors

Wine Wisdom