Lake Minnetonka, MN March 2024

The Home & Design Issue

Home. So much contained in that little four-letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable.

As Laura Ingalls Wilder once said, “Home is the nicest word there is.” As we thought about home - we wanted to highlight what makes it spe cial to our readers.

In this issue:  Jen in Life Minded reminds us that a home is not a home unless it is “lived in.” We feature Fazendin, a real estate partner preparing for a busy 2024 with a little insight into their culture and how that makes them stand out. Sawhill shares how they continue to create kitchen remodels that elevate spaces but still work with the house and its style. We highlight Timber & Tulip and their unique and unmatched designs. We spotlight our newest remodeling partner, Destiny Homes, and give you some spring cleaning tips to organize your home. We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise this city and we hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people in this community together.

Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.

Please support all the local businesses in our community. They are a big part of what makes Lake Minnetonka a place you call home. It’s warming up after an easier-than-normal winter. See you around the Lake!

DAVE ROBERTSON, PUBLISHER @LAKEMINNETONKALIFESTYLE

March 2024

Dave Robertson | dave.robertson@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Lauren Beaubaire | lauren.beaubaire@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Lynlee Critz | lynlee.critz@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kendra Beneke, Graham Johnson, Hannah Harms, Lauren Beaubaire, Kimberly Blaker, Angi Hockett, and Jen Fortner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Emily John Photography and Maria Claire Photography

city scene

1: COS Public Works & City Admin came out to enjoy Arctic Fever! 2: Enjoying s’mores at Arctic Fever. The event happens every year on the third Friday of January at Shorewood Community and Event Center. 3: Getting that perfect toasted marshmallow. 4: The llamas were an obvious hit at Arctic Fever. 5: Capturing the best family photo for their next holiday card at this year’s Arctic Fever. 6: Event-goers enjoyed a cookie-making station at Arctic Fever. 7: Guests had fun with disc golf challenges along with geocaching, a live DJ, pizza, hot chocolate, and more!

Want to be seen in the magazine?

CITY OF SHOREWOOD

CITY OF SHOREWOOD

CITY OF SHOREWOOD

CITY OF SHOREWOOD

CITY OF SHOREWOOD

LAURA RICHARDSON, CHANHASSEN

DAN VASSAR, SHOREWOOD

THE BURROW IS YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD GAMING DEN WITH 17 HOLES OF MINI GOLF, AXE THROWING & ARCADES. COME CHECK OUT OUR HOMEMADE PIZZAS & GOURMET BURGERS & 32 LOCAL TAPS & CRAFT COCKTAILS.

Brighten Your Nights with Touchstone Accent Lighting

Expand your living space from dusk to dawn with the help of Touchstone Accent Lighting's “Illuminologists.” Their team of experts are ready to take your yard to the next level this spring, offering exclusive visual lighting plans and full-service installation with a track record of success and longevity in the outdoor lighting industry. Contact an “Illuminologist” today for a free consultation to learn more about the best lighting ideas to brighten your outdoors: https://touchstonelights.com/

in Ubud, Bali! Join Laurel Van Matre and Melissa Schoeller, owners of GYPSET Midwest Yoga for their Yoga, Soul and Rock n’ Roll retreat April 6-13, 2024. Travel to a beautiful resort in the city of Ubud, enjoying some of Bali’s most stunning views, 1-2 daily yoga classes, all meals – farm to table, optional excursions, including a Secret White Sands Beach, Two Temple Tour, and so much more!  https://gypsetyogaretreats.com/ ubud-bali-yoga-soul-and-rock-n-rollculture-spa-waterslides/

Photography by GYPSET Yoga Retreats

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Spring

Deals

From LAKESHORE INTERIORS, Inc.

Servicing interiors for 30+ years, LAKESHORE INTERIORS, Inc. has great offers for you! $75 mail-in rebate per unit with the purchase of Powerview Automation Hunter Douglas Blinds (Duette, Vignette, Silhoutte, or Pirouette), ends April 1st, 2024. Plus, 20% off any Custom Rug order made before May 1st, 2024. Count on LAKESHORE INTERIORS for any flooring needs, window treatments, drapery, upholstery, or wallpaper. Plus tile, countertops and design help. For do-it-yourself projects, builders/designers, or have their skilled installers do the work.  https://lake shore-interiors.com/

Photography by Lakeshore Interiors, Inc

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THIS OLD HOME

I watched a lot of Bob Vila when I was a kid. My dad liked Bob’s show, This Old House. Bob seemed to know everything about everything. And we enjoyed Norm, his insanely knowledgeable carpenter sidekick. I had never heard

an accent quite like Norm’s and it was fun to decipher what he was saying in a manner so exotic to my Midwestern ears. I had no idea what Bob and Norm were talking about when they went on poetic speeches about lumber grades or 60-tooth carbide blades. I was waiting for the big reveal at the end. Bob was pre-HGTV. He was pre-Extreme Home Makeover. He was

Life Minded

pre-TikTok. The projects he worked on took historic research and troubleshooting and creativity and time. Viewers tuned in week after week to see the progress and final result. He made everything look perfect, painstakingly restoring houses to their original grandeur.

We bought our circa 1988 house in 1998. It was described in the real estate flyer as a “charming doll house.” It would be a very good house for dolls since dolls don’t need closet space or mud rooms or convenient electrical outlets. For people however, the house has presented some interesting challenges. And then there are the current homeowners. Us. We are part of the problem because each time we fix one thing, three other things fall apart, and we cannot keep up. A camera-ready house has never been our top priority, and it shows.

If Bob visited my house, he would likely break out into a stress rash. He wouldn’t even know where to begin. My old(ish) house was not particularly well made to start with. I’m sure Bob would have some very reasonable questions for which I have no answers. I’ve spent far too much time questioning choices the original homeowners

Minded

made and have to shake my head at some of my own decisions as well.

Why are all the windows different sizes in the bedrooms?

Why would anyone put carpeting in a dining room?

Who roofed the porch but used no flashing?

Why did we let a group of our 26-year-old friends paint our bedroom while they drank beer?

Why are some of the baseboards oak but others are white? We have remodeled plenty of areas and made cosmetic changes multiple times, like paint and flooring. It’s the fixing of small things we aren’t great at and the problems have gained momentum over time. All the current issues could be remedied with a truckload of money and two truckloads of patience. But I find myself weighing if I would prefer a dazzling set of baseboards or a trip to Paris. Paris edges out baseboards every time. Everywhere edges out baseboards. After I see every inch of the world, I could research molding and trim trends, but I doubt I will want to.

Most recently our doorbell got stuck ON. It went from a painful blaring to a dull buzzing. My husband opened up

the box to dismantle it. Like on This Old House, we both marveled at the simple yet effective, mysterious inner workings of the doorbell. Then, unlike Bob Vila, we left it disconnected and decided we could survive without a doorbell.

I’m far more sentimental than I am a house perfectionist. A house can be a showpiece but a home is something different, crafted over time with magic. This old home is where twenty-six years of our family memories have unfolded. Our house is comfortable. You can put your feet up. You can’t hurt anything. We can have dogs and toddlers and teenagers over and nothing is too precious. There isn’t a room that can’t be swiftly converted for a game night, a large craft project, or some indoor lacrosse face-offs. We have lived hard in every inch of this space, causing us to hang art over a few imperfections in the drywall.

Someday long in the future, the flyer can read “Charming Doll House For Sale As-Is.” The new owners could hire someone like Bob to bring it back to 1988 glory. Either way, any prospective buyer will need to knock and knock loudly because we are probably inside, putting a dent in something.

COLUMN BY JEN FORTNER

Jen Fortner is a freelance writer who enjoys asking friends and strangers far too many questions. She spends her spare time sitting in inclement weather watching youth sports, traveling, cooking, and searching for the very best baked goods. She lives in Shorewood with her husband, three children and the most spoiled dog.

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Kitchen Confidential

ARTICLE BY GRAHAM JOHNSON

SAWHILL KITCHENS’ TIMELESS APPROACH TO DESIGN AND EXCELLENCE

““The goal is to make sure it’s always what’s best for the customer.”

Sawhill Kitchens has a long history of custom projects. They started in 1971 as a custom furniture company focusing on tables, chairs and unique cabinets and “quickly evolved into a kitchen company,” says Matt Cook, the president of Sawhill Kitchens. From those roots, Sawhill grew to the full-service design-build firm that it is today.

Sawhill Kitchens has been working in the Twin Cities for more than fifty years. That means they’ve had plenty of experience working in the many eras of homes that characterize those in the cities. “We want to design a space for people that fits the home,” says Matt. That can be anything from lacing hardwood floors together to make sure the new and old match to “taking the best elements of the home and pronouncing those features in a remodel,” Matt explains.

Era homes are a point of pride for the Twin Cities, and being able to work with them and keep that character while updating is key. “Our philosophy when you work in a home is you want to take the original style of the home and design something consistent with that,” says Matt.

Emphasizing the inherent elements of a home is a key aspect of Sawhill Kitchens’ design team. Sawhill Kitchens employs several designers to help customers create the spaces they actually want. According to Matt, the importance of designers “is not just their skillset, but the fact that they are really good at listening to people and listening to what they are saying to understand what they want.” Designers can provide options that customers didn’t know existed to make a customer’s home “actually work for the intended purpose of the space,” says Matt.

One distinction Matt underscores is the difference between full-service design build firms and independent designers. While independent designers sell products and work with other general contractors

for installation, full-service design build firms work across the entirety of the project. That difference has two major factors.

First, when the independent design firms are working on a project, “they are very focused on the design elements of the project, but not as focused on how that design impacts the cost and feasibility of the build,” says Matt.

Second, because the contractors and designers aren’t necessarily working together as co-workers, the overlap between companies can cause problems with both communication and ownership of the project. When a mistake or miscommunication happens, the solution can be more difficult to reach and uncomfortable for all involved.

For a full-service design build firm, there is a cohesive team from design all the way through construction. The team has 100% ownership of the outcome and works rigorously to make it a success. “The goal is to make sure it’s always what’s best for the customer,” emphasizes Matt.

Matt has been working in kitchens and remodeling for decades. He has seen trends come and go and explicitly works to create spaces not beholden to them. That being said, being aware of trends is part of the job. Here are some of the 2024 kitchen trends that Matt sees for the year ahead.

While “the white kitchen will always remain popular,” says Matt, “the bright white kitchens are giving way to warmer colors with more wood and paint added to the mix. More color has come to the kitchens of 2024, and in particular, greens are the new blue.” To unpack that quip, Matt explains that blues have become popular kitchen colors over the past several years. The blue hues of 2024 have tones of green that have become increasingly popular. The eye for detail here is essential.

“ ”

When it comes to appliances, elevated countertop appliances are the name of the game in 2024. Combination air frying toaster ovens and sous vide machines are increasingly popular, as well as speed, induction, and steam ovens. Matt also mentions the importance of storage space, particularly cabinets.

“It’s what’s behind the door that matters,” says Matt. Internal cabinet lights to see inside and elements that

make storage more accessible, like pull-out corners, have also become increasingly popular.

For more than fifty years, Sawhill Kitchens has been working in the Twin Cities on projects big and small to deliver the absolute best for their customers. That trend shows no sign of stopping anytime soon.

Learn more: https://sawhillkitchens.com/

DISCOVER THE ELEGANTLY CRAFTED AND UNMATCHED FURNITURE DESIGNS AT TIMBER & TULIP

Distinctive Designs

ARTICLE BY HANNAH HARMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA CLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

Brianne Rasmussen

Timber & Tulip – the combination of natural, organic wood materials with a softer side. That was owner Brianne Rasmussen’s vision when she created her custom-designed furniture brand back in 2016. Now, after a few years of selling her products online, Brianne opened her first brick-andmortar location in downtown Wayzata this past November.

With just one look at Brianne’s uniquely designed products in the store, you would think she came from an impressive interior design background. “I actually studied finance and accounting in college, then worked as a financial controller for years

before I decided to pursue my dreams of being an entrepreneur,” says Brianne.  Brianne always had a creative side. However, she didn’t unleash it until she began furnishing her newly purchased loft in downtown Minneapolis. It began with repurposing unique, vintage pieces in unexpected ways for her loft – her first piece being a railroad cart coffee table. Then, once she discovered her knack for design, it was a rinse-and-repeat process. Brianne was able to exercise her creative mind and began selling her pieces at local vintage and pop-up shops until she left her corporate job in 2016 – Timber & Tulip opened in June of that same year.

CONTINUED >

Timber & Tulip offers an expansive product line that boasts transitional yet modern pieces for every type of home. Upon entering the space, you’ll find a topto-bottom furnishing collection complete with handcrafted natural wood and metal coffee and dining tables, desks, and nightstands – in addition to rugs, lighting, mirrors, art, accessories, and more. Some of Timber & Tulip’s most unique pieces include the Zara Coffee Table and Accent Table, Hadley Nesting Table, Penelope Sideboard, and Evelyn Dining Table.

Although all of the products on the show floor are available for purchase, the store also offers complete customization where you can choose to add onto any one of their pieces or create your own entirely from scratch. With hundreds of different colors, fabrics, and pattern swatches to choose from, finding the right statement piece for your home just got that much easier.

Whether you’re starting your spring clean out, revamping your space, or have recently moved into a new home, having a custom-designed statement piece can take your living space to a whole new level. And with high-quality materials and a natural, organic style, your piece will become the center of your home for years to come.

BRIANNE’S EXPERT ADVICE ON HOW TO DECORATE YOUR HOME AROUND A STATEMENT FURNITURE PIECE:

Finding a furniture piece that is bound to make a statement is one thing, but making it match the rest of your interior is another. Luckily, Brianne has a few tips on how to create a space that’s balanced and bold.

1. Make sure your statement piece feels genuine to you and your style, whether it’s a coffee table, a couch, or a rug. It will be the focal point of the room and is something you’ll see every day!

2. You can have more than one statement piece in a room if they complement each other. Otherwise, the space might become too overpowering.

3. Once you choose your statement piece, consider the other pieces in your space as supporting actors. They help to make the space feel balanced and complete.

4. Don’t be afraid to add different textures and tones around the room to go with your statement piece.

5. You can (and should!) play around with materials, colors, fabrics, and pattern samples in person to ensure everything flows well together. Timber & Tulip offers plenty of samples, so once you find a signature piece that speaks to you, you can build off of it with different textures, materials, and colors.

Learn more about Timber & Tulip:

https://www.timberandtulip.com/

Spotlight: Destiny Homes

ARTICLE BY LAUREN BEAUBAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA CLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

“If you’re going to go through the process of remodeling your kitchen or primary bathroom, or build from the ground up, it better be the kitchen, the bathroom, or the home of your dreams!” says Richard Harsdorf, owner of Destiny Homes. And crafting custom and beautiful destinations you call home is exactly what Destiny Homes has been doing for decades.

HOW THE TEAM AT DESTINY HOMES GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR EVERY CUSTOMER

From left to right: Sondra, Richard, Gipson, and Charlene

“We spend so much time in our homes. It’s where we raise our families and share moments with friends. That’s why we do everything possible to give our customers exactly what they want. We always go above and beyond, never cut corners, and make sure everything is done right so you won’t find yourself needing to fix something later. You show us a straight wall, and we’ll show you our walls are even straighter,” says Richard. This showcases the company’s dedication to precision and excellence in every project they undertake.

Richard and his team’s passion for what they do is palpable. “The team we’ve put together, both internally and with our subcontractors, is by far the best I’ve ever seen,” says Richard. “We do everything to make it right for the customer, to make them happy and ensure they love their home. Every design we do is different and custom to the customer’s vision. When you come to us for a remodel or home build, we’ll first set up a meeting and bring along one of our truly amazing designers to understand your needs, wants, and style. We ask a ton of questions. For instance, in a kitchen remodel, do they need a pantry that rolls out, do they want a double or single sink, do they want something unique, do they love to cook, or are they looking for a wow factor to make the kitchen the centerpiece of their home. This personalized approach allows us to provide a ballpark figure upfront, ensuring transparency in pricing and giving clients a clear understanding of the investment involved.”

After the initial meeting, Richard and his team will be there every step of the way. Their dedicated designer will accompany you to the showrooms and help you navigate the overwhelming amount of choices and decisions, narrowing down what works for your aesthetic, vision, and needs. Before any work is started, Richard and his team, including all the subcontractors, will have a full bid meeting with you to finalize the project details and price, answer any questions, and discuss any changes.

CONTINUED >

“There’s always changes, and that’s okay!” says Richard. “We want the final project to be exactly what the customer wanted. Our project manager, Gipson, is great at communicating with customers throughout the entire project.”

Destiny Homes uses Buildertrend software and leaves a whiteboard with all their customers so they can always stay informed and track the project progress, including when contractors will show up at their home to do work.

“Communication with our customers is key. Our office manager, Charlene, is always ready to answer calls at a moment’s notice and sometimes beats me to the office,” says Richard. “And we have our own estimator, Sondra, who ensures our customers receive precise numbers with minimal surprises. Our founder, Butch, his commitment to excellence remains a guiding force, ensuring that the principles of precision and customer satisfaction are deeply ingrained in every project. Our incredible team is what really helps distinguish Destiny Homes. That includes all our subcontractors. We’ve carefully selected experts for every aspect, collaborating with reliable companies who are the best in their fields.”

It’s clear Richard and his team at Destiny Homes go to every length for their customers, not only building amazing designs with craftsmanship and artistry but making the process of creating custom destinations as delightful as the destination itself.

Learn more: https://destiny-homes.com

Your Ultimate Spring Cleaning Guide

WE SHARE ROOM-BY-ROOM GUIDANCE TO CONQUER THE TASK

ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY BLAKER

The emergence of spring has long been associated with the deep cleaning of our homes. If you’re ready to join the ranks of spring cleaners we have the ultimate guide to conquer the task. To keep the job from feeling overwhelming, schedule a block of time each day, or even each week, for your annual cleaning. Work on one room at a time and reward yourself for each room until you’ve completed the job.

THE BASICS – FOR EVERY ROOM IN YOUR HOME

• Dust wall and ceiling light fixtures, then remove globes and wash them out.

• Dust ceiling fan blades.

• Remove cobwebs with a vacuum and brush attachment or a clean rag attached to the head of a broom.

• Remove and wash window coverings, and dust the top of curtain rods and window trim.

• Remove wall hangings, knick-knacks, and other décor then rinse in warm soapy water.

• Wash doors and knobs and the dust that collects on top of doors and entryway trim.

• Wash walls with an all-purpose cleaning solution. Touch up marks and chips with paint.

• Wipe off switch plates.

• Empty cabinets and drawers then wash them inside and out. Wash out and arrange drawer organizers, as well.

• Wash windows and sills, and don’t forget the unsightly tracks.

• Clean un-upholstered furniture from top to bottom with an appropriate cleaner.

• Vacuum upholstered furniture from top to bottom and under cushions, paying particular attention to creases and crevices where dust and grunge build up.

• Vacuum lampshades with a soft bristle attachment.

• Unplug electrical cords and run through a damp rag to remove built-up dust.

• Wash baseboards, then vacuum carpet edges with a narrow attachment.

• Vacuum and mop under furniture and other stationary items.

KITCHEN — CONTAMINATION ZONES

• Dust the top of kitchen cabinets.

• Remove grease and grime from small kitchen appliances

• Clean stove, oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher inside and out.

• Wipe built-up grunge in the top of the garbage disposal with a rag, then add ice and lemon slices and run the disposal to clean and freshen the blades.

• Scrub countertops with a mild abrasive or degreaser.

BEDROOM — ODDS ’N ENDS

• Remove items from under the bed, dust off storage containers, and dispose of clutter.

• Vacuum under beds using attachments.

• Eliminate unwanted articles from drawers.

CONTINUED >

Work on one room at a time and reward yourself for each room until you’ve completed the job.

BASEMENT, ATTIC, AND GARAGE— CLUTTER HAVENS

• Dust shelving and stored items.

• Store odds and ends in same-size boxes or containers for easy stacking.

• Remove oil, paint, and other stains from concrete with trisodium phosphate. Be sure to follow directions carefully and protect the skin and eyes.

THE BATHROOM—SCOUR AND DISINFECT

• Remove and wash shower curtain and liner, bath mat, toilet cover, and rugs.

• Scour tub and shower from top to bottom. Use a toothbrush to remove mold, mildew, and soap scum accumulation around the drain, faucet, knobs, and showerhead.

• Clean glass shower doors inside and out, including the track.

• Spray exterior of toilets with a sanitizing solution and wipe down.

• If you have young boys, remove the toilet seat and clean the bolts where odors linger. Use a deodorizing solution on the baseboard and wall behind the toilet.

• Wash toilet brush container and wastebasket.

• Scrub sink and countertop, faucet, and knobs.

• Dust the top edge of mirrors, towel racks, and other accessories.

OUTDOORS—DIRT, DIRT EVERYWHERE

• Hose down siding and windows.

• Wash screens with soapy water, then rinse with a hose and wash window exteriors.

• Scrub doormats with an all-purpose cleaner and a brush, then rinse.

• Spray off patio furniture then wipe clean.

• Clean light fixtures.

TIME-SAVING TIPS

• Gather cleaning tools and supplies before you get started. Have plenty of rags, an old toothbrush, q-tips, toothpicks, cleaning solutions, spray bottle, step stool or small ladder, and vacuum and attachments.

• Work room-by-room for efficiency and to avoid duplicating or missing tasks.

• Work around the room from top to bottom.

• Play music as you clean. It may not save time but will make time pass more quickly!

LEARN MORE: Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-ofprint, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com

IS THIS FOR YOU?

Our program is led by experienced jiu-jitsu practitioners, who want to see you thrive, not just survive.

This is for those of you who want to learn something new, are looking to get in great shape, and practice realistic self-defense with like-minded people.

You don’t need any prior experience, this is for all fitness levels

ARTICLE BY KENDRA BENEKE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY JOHN

FAZENDIN REALTORS’ COMMITMENT TO CLIENTS AND COMMUNITY SINCE 1965

MEASURES OF SUCCESS IN REAL ESTATE

Being successful in the real estate industry can look different depending on who you’re talking to. For Roger Andy Fazendin, owner and president of Fazendin Realtors, success is threefold:

Andy said it was also important to the agents that the event be as equally entertaining as it is knowledgeable. As a result, the event has hosted speakers from all different industries

“THE PURPOSE IS TO GATHER US ALL AND CONTINUE TO DRIVE HOME THAT [SUPPORTIVE] CULTURE.”

preparing his agents for the year to come, educating clients on what to expect, and giving back to the community that has supported Fazendin are all measures of success. And with spring right around the corner, Andy is preparing for what he anticipates will be another fast-paced and exciting real estate market.

To help his agents prepare for the spring market and the rest of the year, Fazendin Realtors hosted a kickoff event on Jan. 17. The event was important to gather and officially start the year by bringing people back to the office and back to work, Andy shares.

“The purpose is to gather us all and continue to drive home that [supportive] culture. But also, I try to make the kickoff inspirational and have people walk away with tools they can use in their everyday business.”

and styles, from improvisational comedians and Seattle fish market employees to inspirational speakers and business leaders.

In addition to the entertainment, this annual event ensures the agents are prepared to support both sellers and buyers. Andy foresees a lot of sales this spring as mortgage rates come down and prices increase. Events like these help equip the agents with the tools to accurately price a home, educate a seller and buyer, and properly market their listings.

“Listing a home and selling it is the bread and butter for real estate agents, so we are very focused on that process, and I think that is what leads to our success. And it starts with the agent being very clear as far as explaining the process to our sellers,” Andy says.

In 2023, Fazendin outperformed the general 2023 market, seeing a 7% increase in transactions compared to the general market’s 20% decrease. And their average number of days on the market was 29 compared to the general market’s average of 40 days.

Fazendin’s success can be attributed to their diligence in preparing clients for what to expect within the real estate market. Andy explains the market has changed dramatically over the last decade, so even experienced buyers or sellers may not know what to expect.

So, if you’re contemplating whether now is the right time to buy or sell a home, the best option is to connect with a real estate agent who will explain the entire process to you.

For sellers, in addition to telling you what to expect in terms of the market, Fazendin Realtors will help connect you with a designer to get a staging consultation. The designers will recommend effective cosmetic updates such as inexpensive light fixtures or a fresh coat of paint — the kind of things you’ll make more money on when you sell than you’ll invest in doing it.

On the flip side, if you’re looking to buy a home, Fazendin Realtors will again, help you understand the process, get a feel for what is available, and join you at open houses.

According to Andy, the homes that are listed at the right price, are marketed correctly, and are in good condition will sell quickly and receive multiple offers, pressuring buyers to make quick and crucial decisions. Being knowledgeable about what is available and important to you will help you make a quick decision when the time comes.

“IT’S WHAT WE DO, IT’S WHAT WE’RE EXPERTS AT.”

In addition to helping buyers and sellers achieve their homeownership goals, Fazendin and its agents are giving back to the community through the Fazendin Realtors Foundation.

Established in 2019, the Foundation will financially support organizations dedicated to providing safe housing in the Twin Cities area, including domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, and LGBTQIA+ safe housing.

Any organization in the Twin Cities area whose mission aligns with the Fazendin Realtors Foundation is welcome to apply for a grant. The grants, funded almost entirely by the generosity of the real estate agents at Fazendin Realtors, are expected to be awarded in July 2024.

“When we had to come up with our mission, we really didn’t want to narrow down the focus, so what we came up with was housing. I mean, it’s what we do, it’s what we’re experts at. And so we figured that would be the best recipients for what we do,” Andy says.

Learn more: https://www.fazhomes.com/

Our mission is to design inspired, custom furniture that delivers on quality, beauty, and uniqueness so our clients can live more elevated lifestyles.

We just opened in downtown Wayzata!

www.timberandtulip.com | 612.916.7465

714 Lake St E, Wayzata, MN V timberandtulip

This is one of my constant “go to” DIY projects. It’s fast, it’s easy and it looks oh so professional. I love displaying photos, but I don’t necessarily love a lot of photo frames. These canvases create a crisp, clean look... All in about 30 minutes! Let’s get started.

DIY Photo To Canvas In A Snap

ARTICLE BY ANGI HOCKETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

STEP 1:

First things first, grab your supplies.

• Photo on photo paper

• 1 ½ inch thick wrapped canvas

• Mod Podge in Matte finish

• Black spray paint in Satin finish

• Clear spray paint in Satin finish

• 4 inch or 6 inch foam paint roller

• Small paint tray

Place your photo on the clean, dry canvas to make sure it fits correctly. Trim if necessary.

STEP 2:

Spray paint the canvas sides and a little of the top with the black spray paint. It is VERY important to let this dry completely.

STEP 3:

Using your foam roller, roll Mod Podge over the entire top of the canvas. Center your photo on top of the wet Mod Podge. Smooth the photo with your hands starting in the middle and pushing out toward the edges

STEP 4:

Roll a thin even layer of Mod Podge over your photo. This is a little scary “painting” over your photo, but I promise it will dry clear. Once it is covered with a thin layer start at one side and roll straight rows from side to side, in the same direction, as to avoid roller lines once it dries. If you see small bubbles in the wet Mod Podge, it is too thick. Thin it out by taking an almost dry roller over the photo to lift some of the Mod Podge. Repeat until the bubbles are gone. Let this dry completely.

STEP 5:

Spray the top and sides of the entire canvas and photo with satin spray paint. Dry…Hang….High Five. Congratulations on your new Photo Canvas!

This same technique can be used on 4x4 tiles of your choice to create custom coasters. You will add a bit of Peel and Stick Cork or felt to the back of the tile so the coaster doesn’t scratch. Cheers!

realty report

A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN LAKE MINNETONKA.

This data is a sampling of sold properties from January 2024. Source: IRES MLS system.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 1ST

Spring Flower Show

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

9:00 AM

Escape the cold and immerse yourself in a celebration of vibrant color, rich textures, enchanting fragrance and lush, green floral vignettes at the Arboretum's Spring Flower Show through March 10! Enjoy special events, including a Tea Party with a selection of traditional teas and tea sandwiches, soup, pastries, and other delightful treats or explore the Mosaics & Mirrors exhibit by artist Shelley Beaumont. Learn more: https://arb.umn.edu/

MARCH 1ST

Black Gown Gala Tickets Available

Camp Fire Minnesota | 6:30 PM

Get ready to be captivated by an evening of elegance and local community spirit at the Black Gown Gala! With local celebrities showcasing unique outfits from Chamber Member businesses, this event is a stunning celebration of our neighborhood’s creative talent and the beauty of shopping locally. Ticket sales are now open for the April event! Visit their website for more information:  https:// www.excelsiorlakeminnetonkacham ber.com/black-gown-gala/

MARCH 16TH

Luck O' the Lake Run

Excelsior Brewing Company | 7:30 AM

Embrace the Irish spirit at this year's Luck O' the Lake! Don't miss this community-favorite St. Patty's Day event as participants race along the scenic shores of Lake Minnetonka in a 5k and 1-mile run. End the race at Excelsior Brewing Company and enjoy a locally brewed beer while watching a magician and Rince na Griene Irish Dancers.  https:// www.excelsiorlakeminnetonkacham ber.com/luck-o-the-lake/

Barb

Chris

MARCH 16TH

Bunny Yoga with Rabbit Rescue of MN

Wayzata CMS Gym | 10:00 AM

Bunny yoga? Sign me up. Rabbit Rescue of MN will bring 15-20 of their adoptable foster bunnies for an hour-long yoga class. Interact with dozens of rescue rabbits as they roam freely throughout the yoga room! Stay a while after the class to speak with the volunteers about volunteer/foster opportunities and meet some of their adoptables. All experience levels welcome and bring your own mat. https:// www.rabbitrescueofmn.com/events-1/ wayzata-bunny-yoga-with-rrmn-4

MARCH 17TH

St. Patrick's Day Parade

Downtown Hopkins | 5:00 PM

Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day. So get decked out in green and show some Irish spirit at the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Hopkins. Every year on March 17, the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade briefly takes place, traveling only four blocks starting at Elks Lodge at 30 8th Avenue S and ending at American Legion at 10 12th Avenue S. Anyone can join!

MARCH 23RD

Grammy-nominated Valerie

June Performs at Hopkins Center for the Arts

Hopkins Center for the Arts | 7:00 PM

Enjoy an incredible concert by Valerie June Hockett, a Grammy-nominated artist from Tennessee. She’s been hailed by the New York Times as one of America’s “most intriguing, fully formed new talents.” She has recorded three critically acclaimed, best-selling solo albums and has been featured on The Tonight Show, CBS, PBS, Austin City Limits, Later with Jools, and many more. Enjoy a cash bar in the Lobby and current art exhibits before the concert.  https://www.hopkinsartscenter. com/222/Concerts

FROM TECH STYLES TO TEXTILES

Exquisite