Inspired Home Omaha

Mar/Apr 2012

A N O M A H A W O R L D - H E R A L D P U B L I C AT I O N

FLYING WOOD BALLOONS WITH PETER CALES

PRETTY SMART: NEW USES FOR OLD THINGS

TREND ALERT: TANGERINE TANGO

INSPIRED

ORGANIZE YOUR LIFE NOW!

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This is not an offer to sell, or solicitation of an offer to buy, real property. Purchasers should review the Nebraska Public Offering Statement prior to signing a contract. No federal or state agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. Prices, plans, products, and availability are subject to change without notice. Artists’ renderings are shown for illustrative purposes only. Designated Broker: Sandra S. Lent, Shoreline Marketing, Inc., 360 N. Michigan Ave. Ste. 910, Chicago, IL 60601, (312) 750-1610.

“KEEP YOURSELF CLEAN and BRIGHT. YOU ARE the WINDOW THROUGH WHICH YOU MUST SEE the WORLD.”

JEFFREY BEBEE

George Bernard Shaw

inspiredhomeomaha.com 1

TABLE of CONTENTS

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ON THE COVER Greg and Sheila Taylor’s southwest Omaha home is cute as a button and tidy as a pin. Design Done Right, page 60

2 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

We’re top 20.

But you’re still #1.

We may have been named one of the best banks in America

by Forbes, but we haven’t forgotten how we got there — by dedicating ourselves to our customers and the communities they live in. And at First National Bank, that level of commitment extends to every department and every financial solution we offer.

So when you’re ready for one of the best banking experiences in America, stop into one of our convenient branches or visit us online at firstnational.com.

36 area locations | 402.346.3626 | Member FDIC

CHeCkINg | SAvINgS | MOrTgAge | CreDIT CArDS SMALL BuSINeSS | WeALTH MANAgeMeNT | COrPOrATe BANkINg

inspiredhomeomaha.com 3

SCHOLZ IMAGES INC.

Note

T

his issue gives me hope for smarter organization and quicker decisionmaking in my life.

The ideas and tips we collected for our features have propelled me into action with my own closet, home office space and gift-wrapping station. My husband rolls his eyes but I’m loving the feeling I get from bringing order to chaos. It’s an easy triumph to conquer a small project. I’m now motivated to make a sweep of the entire house.

The downstairs storeroom is my immediate priority. The room is so embarrassing that it’s off-limits to guests. The room’s contents mushroomed when we downsized my mom from her two-story home to an assisted living apartment six years ago.

Now that Mom is gone (she died in January), it’s time to sort through her belongings and make those hard decisions: Keep, trash or donate. My hairstylist (who always has good solutions for life’s little dilemmas) suggested keeping only what was unique and meaningful to my parents and their story. “Those are the true keepsakes; the rest you can let go.”

After the storeroom? The pantry.

My husband’s daughter has a field day whenever she visits. She humors herself with an inspection of our canned goods and nonperishables. We’re making an effort to stay ahead of her. Recently intercepted: A bottle of ketchup (deep brown in color), expiration date June 2007; and a can of cream of potato soup, expiration date November 1995.

Now that’s embarrassing.

Happy sorting!

Volume 9 Issue 2 MAR/APR 2012 Editor in Chief Chris Christen 402-444-1094 Chris.Christen@owh.com Creative Director Ananda Spadt 402-444-1351 Ananda.Spadt@owh.com Imaging & Production Coordinator Patricia “Murphy” Benoit Writers Heather Winkel, Lindsey Baker, Tina King and Pat Waters Photographers Daniel Johnson, Matt Miller and Jeffrey Bebee Copy Editor Amy LaMar Editorial Assistant Madalyn Shea

Events and Custom Publishing Manager Tam Webb 402-444-3125 Tam.Webb@owh.com Local Sales Manager Carrie Kentch 402-444-1448 Carrie.Kentch@owh.com Account Representative Jessica Freedman 402-444-1416 Jessica.Freedman@owh.com

Chris Christen Editor in Chief Inspired Home Omaha

1314 Douglas St., Suite 600 Omaha, NE 68102 402-444-1094

DANIEL JOHNSON

InspiredHomeOmaha.com

4 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

GET THE COLOR Hematite 4006-2C

by Valspar

Custom Design Home Technology E h S Echo Systems provides id custom d design i ffor audio di and d video products ranging from home theaters to a complete lighting control system, as well as automated window shades for the home. Our superior quality, service and design are what set us apart from the competition.

4315 S. 120th Street | 402-334-4900 www.echosystemsomaha.com   inspiredhomeomaha.com  5

Homespiration

Style: Undefined

A peek inside the home of one of our style-obsessed staffers World-Herald event coordinator Jen Tyler is addicted to magazines. “It all starts with a picture of someone else’s room. The more I look at it, it just makes its way into my house,” she says. Her philosophy: Don’t try to sum up your style in two words. Surround yourself with what you really love – nothing more and nothing less.

2. Poster “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster from Etsy in a Hobby Lobby frame.

1 2

3

3. Art “I created this piece with lyrics from one of my favorite songs ‘Sweet Disposition’ by Temper Trap. I purchased wood cut to size (free) and stained it with a black gloss from Lowe’s.

The words are done in white acrylic paint from Dick Blick.”

4. Candlestick holders T.J. Maxx purchase

GET THE COLOR Modern Grey Sherwin Williams “It’s a lot easier to keep the paint color light and the accessories bright. I can’t commit to color.”

4

5. Bar area Ice bucket from Garden Ridge.

Glasses and straws from a margarita-themed gift basket.

“The mirrored hutch from Tuesday Morning was a gift from my mother for Christmas.

I think every room needs some sparkle. Adding glass or mirrors completely changes the room.”

6. Table A big country table from Nebraska Furniture Mart balances out the modern feel of the rest of the space.

7. Chairs “I cut a faux sheepskin rug from Hobby Lobby to look like a sheepskin throw. It doubles as a Christmas tree skirt.” The imitation Panton S chairs are from Nebraska Furniture Mart.

6 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

5

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DANIEL JOHNSON

1. Wine Glass Chandelier “I wanted something that was clear glass and not eraspecific. I went back and forth between retro and modern.”

Bonus: It stores 16 extra glasses for parties. Catalog order from Nebraska Furniture Mart.

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inspiredhomeomaha.com 7

Wishlist

Pochi slim case, $13.99, from Gadgeteer.

 CLICK TO BUY

Nava mantel clock, $124, from Gadgeteer.

Shop this page from our online magazine at InspiredHomeOmaha.com

Tangerine Tango

Primevere by Rene Magritte, Giclee canvas print, $45, from Hayneedle.com.

Pantone’s 2012 “Color of the Year” has the power to recharge your surroundings.

Alessi Ship Shape container, $30, from Gadgeteer.

Crayon pen by Acme, $33, from Gadgeteer.

Felt pillow, $35.70, from Lewis Art Gallery.

Lamp Works 204 Porcelain Urn, $225, from Hayneedle.com.

Jonathan Adler gift cards, $1 each, from Gadgeteer.

Ceramic platter, $80; wrought-iron stand, $29, from Lewis Art Gallery.

8 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

Waechtersbach ceramic cup, $12, saucer, $8, from Gadgeteer.

Calendar of Events Taste of Home Cooking School

March 29, 2012 Embassy Suites La Vista Conference Center Wine sampling, food tasting and cooking demonstrations.

Presentation by Taste of Home cooking experts.

Limited seating, so buy tickets in advance.

Admission: $12 in advance at Hy-Vee stores; $15 at the door; VIP tickets, $35.

Information: www.omaha.com/ tasteofhome

Omaha Home Show

Background

“Gladys’ Brain #2”

by Peter Cales. More about the artist on page 14.

Designer Treasures

March 29-April 1 CenturyLink Center Omaha The Metro Omaha Builders Association presents building, remodeling, design and landscaping ideas all under one roof. Brian Santos from “Trading Spaces” and HGTV returns with his wall wizardry.

Hours: Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m.; Friday, noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: $9, adults; $5, students. Free for children ages 5 and younger.

Information: www.moba.com

April 14-15 Midtown Crossing condominiums An exclusive sale of overstock merchandise from Omaha-area designers and design retailers. Presented

by Joslyn Castle Trust in an upscale garage sale format in one of the condominium buildings. Attend the Patron Party April 13 and have first pick of the treasures!

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday and 2 to 4 p.m.

Sunday Admission: $15 at the door; $10 in advance at Wohlner’s Neighborhood Grocery and Deli and online.

Information: www.joslyncastle.com

Remodeled Home Tour

Community Events

April 14-15 Various sites in the Omaha metro area Nine homes with awardwinning and state-of-the-art spaces are being showcased by the Greater Omaha Remodelers Association NARI. Hours: Noon to 5 p.m.

Admission: $8; tickets available at all homes on the tour.

Information: www.omahanari.org

Omaha Fashion Week March 21-24 KANEKO, 1111 Jones St. www.omaha fashionweek.com Haute City May 19 Midtown Crossing Daylong interactive shopping festival featuring pop-up retail shops from local, regional and national brands. VIP rooftop fashion show; entertainment by Quixotic Fusion. www.hautecity.com Drawn to Fashion Now through May 27 Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Learn about the lost art of fashion illustration, Omaha’s rich retail history and advertising during an era before Photoshop. www.durhammuseum.org

Turning

Dreams Into Reality

REMODEL • CUSTOM HOMES • CONCRETE

Pleasurable Remodeling & Building Experiences

402-510-9585 402 510 9585 | www.thurtconstruction.com th t t ti inspiredhomeomaha.com 9

Before & After

BEFORE

Timeless. Comfortable.

High contrast keeps modern scheme crisp and interesting

M

By Chris Christen ost of us wouldn’t envision a French Biedermeier chair working near a concrete kitchen countertop. But Lester Katz sees such possibilities almost immediately. The Omaha interior designer is as enthusiastic about the old as he is in love with the new, and rather than yield to one or the other, he finds perfect blends.

Less than two years ago, Katz wove Old World, Mid-Century and contemporary styles into the interior of his own home – an iconic 1922 Craftsman in the Morton Meadows neighborhood.

10 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

continued on page 12

DANIEL JOHNSON, LESTER KATZ ; FACING PAGE: DANIEL JOHNSON

The original fireplace had a brick face, a red tile hearth and a painted wood mantle. Katz revised the space with marble. The living room has an 1830s French Biedermeier-style chest, American Art Deco side tables, a Mid-Century Modern Eero Saarinen tulip table and French Art Deco leather club chairs.

Katz, with his partner, Joslyn Art Museum Executive Director Jack Becker, bought the Midtown home in September 2010 and immediately dove into a major remodel.

“There were so many issues with the house, you had to have a vision to even think about purchasing it,” Katz recalls.

Workers were tearing out the kitchen the day after the real estate closing. The house was totally gutted within a week, and reconstruction was under way within a month.

AFTER

This coffeepot is a 20th century Wiener Werkstätte.

Katz wanted a highly functional, uniquely modern kitchen. A mix of warm and cool colors gives the space a contemporary feel. The rest of the house is painted in a neutral warm gray.

inspiredhomeomaha.com 11

A small room adjacent to the living area was stripped of its faux paneling, built-in entertainment center and wraparound bookcases.

Today, it’s a cozy TV room with a vaulted ceiling and bookshelves filled with art and design books.

The dining area had a 1970s commercial drop ceiling, multiple layers of vinyl flooring and homemade cabinets.

continued from page 10

By December 2010, work was far enough along to move in – but not without inconveniences. The master bedroom was mostly finished, but the bathroom was barely working and the kitchen was unusable. It would be another three months before Katz and Becker could declare completion and truly settle in.

Katz’s favorite space is the kitchen/ dining room. “I love to cook and entertain. Serving meals from the open kitchen is so easy, and the dining room has a nice atmosphere for a great dinner with friends.”

On weekend mornings, you can usually find Katz in the living room 12 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

with a cup of coffee and a newspaper.

“The room is especially nice in the winter when we can use the fireplace.”

Katz has a discerning eye for art and rare antique furnishings. Travel, he says, has led him to acquisitions for himself and his firm, LK Design.

On a trip to Eastern Europe two years ago, for example, he found two sources in Prague for decorative objects and antique furniture.

Katz enjoyed the home renovation process so much, he might be game to do it again with the right house.

But right now, Katz and Becker are looking forward to a summer of landscaping and entertaining at home.

GET THE COLOR Palisade 7635

by Sherwin Williams

A landing at the top of the stairs was removed to create a large master bedroom and bath.

The change required careful planning and innovative design for the new bathroom to extend over the front porch, which originally lacked plumbing infrastructure.

The ceiling above the master bath was removed to take advantage of the attic space for height. Large-scale tile and sleek linear glass make the room feel large and luxurious. Radiant heat takes the chill off the floor in the winter.

THREE REMARKABLE TRAVEL FINDS An 1830s American Empire dining table from an antique store in Providence, R.I. The mahogany table was in two separate pieces, but the “bones” were good and the finish was repairable. With leaves, the table

extends to 18 feet.

A hand-crafted glass bowl from Murano, Italy. “It’s red on the outside and gold on the inside. In direct light it glows. People love it.”

Outdoor Kitchen & Patio 12100 West Center Road 402.333.2282 www.outdoorkitchen.com

inspiredhomeomaha.com 13

The Archive

1981 CAPTION

Techmar dome house in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Home of builder David Stanbrough.

CREDIT Omaha World-Herald archive

1971 CAPTION

Ron Kessinger’s plastic dome home in Golden, Colo. This multi-domed structure contains 1,600 square feet. Inflated plastic balloons were sprayed with foam, then deflated when the foam hardened.

CREDIT Omaha World-Herald archive

14 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

LIVE

INSIDE

OUT

AND

Visit our showrooms inside and out! Let our hardscape specialists help you select the right product for your outside living space.

14306 Giles Road • Omaha • 402-896-0900 • Mon-Fri 7-5 • watkinsconcreteblock.com/ubc

inspiredhomeomaha.com 15

Curbwise

Curbwise.Com investigAtes

The HoTTesT parTs of Town Something interesting is happening in Omaha. Curbwise.com keeps a close watch on the buying and selling of homes in Douglas County, and one phenomenon had them baffled: Westin Hills, a little-known neighborhood, was beating some of the most desirable areas in the city in terms of the number of houses sold. What is Westin Hills and why are people snapping up homes there?

Here is what Curbwise.com discovered about the city’s top-selling neighborhoods. hoW the most popular neighborhoods compare

n

AVERAGE AVERAGE HOME HOME $230,000 $230,000 PRICE PRICE

Standing Bear Westin hills

AVERAGE AVERAGEPRICE PRICE PER PERSQUARE SQUARE FOOT FOOT

AVERAGE AVERAGE SQUARE SQUARE FOOTAGE FOOTAGE

$165,000 $165,000

680

$128 $128

$157,000 $157,000

Dundee north

1700 1700

$111 $111 $97 $97

1407 1407

DoDgE ST.

in Du

omaha

1800 1800

480

ST ri al . rD 80

Westin Hills

157 sales in 2011

WESTIN HILLS

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

100%

2010 population: 8,813 2000 population: 3,326

White Black Hispanic Other

average home

2011 PROPERTY VALUES Valuation ratios for homes sold 51% 39% 27%

0

23%

28%

Douglas County 92%–100%

>100%

We compared the 2011 valuations to sales prices for houses that sold in 2010.

The typical house in Westin Hills was valued at 95.7% of its sales price.

Countywide, the typical house that sold was valued at 96.3% of its sales price, which hits the state's target range of 92% to 100%.

W. maplE rD.

Landmark: Standing Bear Elementary Area includes: Stone ridge, Elk creek crossing, Walnut ridge and Torrey pines

graphicS By DavE croy

information provided in partnership with curbwise.com, your one-stop shop for real estate in Douglas county.

Track housing sales (weekly updates). look up your property valuation. See how your property compares with nearby homes. all at curbwise.com

16 16 march/april MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

DouglaS counTy aSSESSor

co m p i l E D By maT T W yn n

neighborhood boundaries ForT ST.

Westin Hills <92%

33%

Price: $165k size: 1700 sq ft Per sq ft: $97

144Th ST.

“Take into consideration the price range, the location and the age of people who live in the neighborhood. I think that might have a lot to do with it,” says Dan Spence, agent with CBSHOME and neighborhood specialist for Westin Hills.

Westin Westin Standing Standing Dundee Dundee Hills Hills Bear BearLake Lake North North

156Th ST.

Why does Westin hills sell so Well?

Homes in Westin Hills developed by Celebrity Homes generally have three bedrooms, making them ideal for families with young children. Several developments have hit the stage where families have matured and housing needs have changed.

Westin Westin Standing Standing Dundee Dundee Hills Hills Bear BearLake Lake North North

168Th ST.

1st

Westin Westin Standing Standing Dundee Dundee Hills Hills Bear BearLake Lake North North

3rd

2nd

Standing Bear Lake

Dundee North

132 SALES IN 2011

125 SALES IN 2011 WHY DOES DUNDEE NORTH (MEMORIAL PARK) SELL SO WELL?

WHY DOES STANDING BEAR LAKE SELL SO WELL?

When CBSHOME agent Marty Cohen started selling houses 20 years ago, Dundee homes were affordable and unique. “It’s no longer a bargain, but the houses have character − that’s the big thing.” Proximity to downtown Omaha is a big selling factor, and there’s far more going on in this area of town than there was five years ago. “The supply is finite. And that’s inherently what’s interesting. You just can’t duplicate these homes.”

Standing Bear Lake is a favorite of Celebrity Homes Sales Manager Shawn McGuire. The development attracts “a lot of people who appreciate that they’re off the beaten trail a little bit. But if you head down the street, you get the shopping center and all the amenities without having to live on a major street.”

AVERAGE HOME

AVERAGE HOME Price: $157k Size: 1407 sq ft Per sq ft: $111

RH IG H

108TH ST.

Standing Bear Lake

FORT ST.

STANDING BEAR LAKE 100%

White

2010 population: 7,548 2000 population: 3,945

DUNDEE NORTH

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

100%

2010 population: 12,986 2000 population: 12,574

Black Hispanic Other

39% 28%

<92%

92%–100%

Black Hispanic Other

46%

33%

39%

34%

28%

20%

Douglas County

Standing Bear Lake

White

2011 PROPERTY VALUES Valuation ratios for homes sold

54%

0

UNDERWOOD AVE. Memorial Park DODGE ST.

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

24%

WESTERN AVE.

680

2011 PROPERTY VALUES Valuation ratios for homes sold

22%

BLONDO ST.

RD.

.

RD

RD.

Area includes: Dundee (north of Dodge), Fairacres, Memorial Park, Happy Hollow, Country Club and Metcalfe Park

72ND ST.

AI

144TH ST.

BL

MILITARY

120TH ST.

CO. RD. 17

SADDLE CREEK

Area includes: Winchester Heights, Deerwood, Deer Creek, Cherry Ridge, Cedar Brook and Avalon North

Price: $230k Size: 1800 sq ft Per sq ft: $128

>100%

We compared the 2011 valuations to sales prices for houses that sold in 2010.

The typical house in Standing Bear Lake was valued at 97.1% of its sales price.

Countywide, the typical house that sold was valued at 96.3% of its sales price, which hits the state's target range of 92% to 100%.

0

Douglas County

Dundee North (Memorial Park) <92%

33%

92%–100%

>100%

We compared the 2011 valuations to sales prices for houses that sold in 2010.

The typical house in Dundee North (Memorial Park) was valued at 93.9% of its sales price. Countywide, the typical house that sold was valued at 96.3% of its sales price, which hits the state's target range of 92% to 100%.

inspiredhomeomaha.com 17

CREATIVE IDEAS for HARDWORKING HOME OFFICES

SMART SPACES

By Lindsey Baker PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL JOHNSON

The home office is a place to be all the things that you are: writer, artist, researcher, designer, podcaster, bill-payer and memory-holder, to name a few. Professional and personal at the same time, these nooks are filled with the business of the day and the business of life. Keeping it all straight can be a challenge.

And solutions, as much as the office itself, are individual. Here are five takes on organizational systems, inspired processes and mementos – with creativity serving as the backbone. continued on page 20

18 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

Artful organization

TERESA McFAYDEN

Mixed-media artist and owner of Paper Bella Studio, an online boutique

inspiredhomeomaha.com 19

continued from page 18

TERESA McFAYDEN HAS taken her inspiration board to a new level.

Every wall and storage spot in her basement office is arranged to spark creativity.

“I enjoy sitting in a space that is inspiring. Things get reworked and changed up often.”

The constants are supplies and their artful organization: fabric, vintage paper,

canvases and glue in metal storage units; small findings and paint in baskets and jars; spools of ribbon in an antique library card catalog file; glitter in old pharmacy bottles; and twine, business cards and postcards in three-tiered baskets.

“I have a lot of supplies, but I don’t like a lot of clutter showing. So I keep things tucked in drawers and behind curtains and such.”

20 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

Above it all is a stenciled reminder: A place to be true. A place to be you.

It serves as a reminder that “I am free to create and be myself here,” McFayden says. “Everyone who works in this space is. The business side of life often dictates that we behave in a specific or methodical way that isn’t as freeing as art is for me. When I’m in my studio, the definition of the moment changes and I am free to create and be me.”

inspiredhomeomaha.com 21

Never lost for words CHERY GRIFFIN, AKA VICTORIA ALEXANDER Best-selling romance novelist; Popular titles: “A Little Bit Wicked,” “His Mistress by Christmas,” “The Virgin’s Secret,” “Desires of a Perfect Lady” and her most recent, “My Wicked Little Lies.”

22 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

IF YOU DON’T KNOW THAT Chery Griffin writes historical romance novels, three walls of bookshelves in a converted sunroom in her home give it away. Her early-1900s home in Omaha’s Dundee neighborhood features row after row and spine after spine of books with titles and topics that inspire and inform the best-selling author.

Antique letter holders filled with papers, vintage desk accessories, inspirational quotes gifted from friends, photos and a silver tiara sit among the books. The covers of 24 published novels (and a few translations) stretch along one wall. Above the wall is a stenciled quotation from Napoleon Bonaparte: “Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever.” Below, a sea of sticky notes brightly plots the structure of her next novel.

“It’s really a personal room,” says the author, a former television news reporter. “I could definitely use more wall space. There’s no organization to the books, but everything I need is here.”

The office’s first-floor location, away from common rooms and the kitchen, affords a writer’s essential quiet space. “I like to seclude myself.

It’s easy to get distracted. The location helps.”

inspiredhomeomaha.com 23

No hunting allowed

LAURIE & WAYNE BREKKE

Freelance writers and hosts of the podcast “5 O’Clock Lifestyle”

WAYNE AND LAURIE BREKKE wear a lot of hats. Their secret to managing their many roles: streamlined work spaces.

“You have to have everything you need close by,” Laurie says. “It’s silly to have to hunt for whatever you need.” Wayne adds, “It’s about striking a balance between comfort and functionality.”

Laurie’s upstairs office and Wayne’s basement studio for art and recording both employ repurposed doors as desktops.

Lightweight and contemporary, the doors have high-gloss varnish finishes and sit atop filing units.

Laurie’s CPU is tucked into an antique cabinet. The nooks and crannies of her antique writing desk are populated with small figures and a rubber stamp made in the likeness of the couple. She devotes one wall to an ever-rotating display of Wayne’s art.

Wayne’s studio has a lived-on couch, autographed photos and a framed crossstitch brain from his daughter. The idea is creativity without clutter.

“There’s something cathartic about cleaning the office – moving things around,” Wayne says. “It makes you feel inspired, energized and new.”

His work space, above, and hers, at right, are designed for comfort and functionality.

Note the doors as desktops.

24 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

Working wall ELIANA SMITH Occupation: Fashion designer (Story page 26)

inspiredhomeomaha.com 25

‘A little lost’ by design REBECCA ROTERT-SHAW

AN ORNATELY FRAMED inspiration board on one wall of Eliana Smith’s office is covered with photos and fabric swatches. Beyond the board, more frames filled with soft white batting hold her sketches and more swatches. Smith and her assistant, Rebecca Whetman, move these around during the design process of testing and finalizing.

It’s a working wall – and it’s lovely.

“We wanted it to be functional but aesthetically pleasing,” Smith says.

A pegboard storage system shines with copper hangers strung with scissors. Rows of copper buckets catch pens and pencils. The bookshelves are filled with brown paper-wrapped binders and neatly stacked issues of Vogue magazine. There are clear plastic boxes filled with color-coordinated fabric scraps, as well as clear plastic drawer after clear plastic drawer of tiny findings.

“You have the best utilization of resources when you can see what you have,” Whetman says. “It helps us stay focused, and it extends to the space we work in. We have details in our clothes. We have details in the way we live.”

26 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

Writer and writing center instructor at Metropolitan Community College

“BECAUSE THE WORK I do is ostensibly creative, organization has to be more about what supports creativity than about actual normal-people order like neatly labeled files, supplies in containers and that sort of thing,” says Rebecca Rotert-Shaw.

She uses a two-faceted system: what works and what doesn’t work.

In the what is working category: Bits of ephemera from when she was young and “full of wonder.” This includes a tiny bear made from pipe cleaners, little wooden birds, a toy dragon and a Snow White statue stolen from her sister 30 years ago.

The writer’s own big, bright paintings “remind me that making a giant mess is OK. It’s my aesthetic.”

Books are reminders of other writers’ courage, while friends’ poems, stories and manuscripts are reminders that writing is not as isolating as it can feel.

Her desk, computer, lamp, chair, space heater and the biggest Post-it notepad available are essentials.

As for what doesn’t work, “I have no filing system for drafts, and the files in the computer are labeled brilliantly – ‘draft’ or ‘novel’ – which tells me nothing. I often can’t find what I need or I’m 10 pages into a chapter before I realize I’ve already written this part of the book.”

But to be a little lost isn’t always a bad thing.

“I recently discovered a batch of notebooks I had every intention of pitching years ago.

They hold some keys I now very much need for my work.”

The moral of the story: “Let’s not get too tidy.”

inspiredhomeomaha.com 27

TAKE CONTROL of YOUR SPACE

An Arranged Life

By Heather Winkel

GRID

A grid display is the best choice for showcasing a series of photos. Think month-by-month portraits over a crib or a photo per decade above your fireplace mantel. Use identical frames and keep the art the same size within each frame for a crisp, modern look. Shown: six 10 x 10s

ALIGNED/RAGGED

If you’re looking to decorate a small space, aligned frames might be your best option. You can create a clean look with multiple frame sizes above chairs and consoles, on small walls or in a bathroom. Shown: one 20 x 24, one 10 x 20, one 10 x 10 and one 8 x 10

Work with standard frame sizes for a custom look without a custom price. Popular sizes include 5 x 7, 8 x 10, 9 x 12, 14 x 18, 16 x 20, 18 x 24, 20 x 24 and 24 x 30.

TIP

28 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

ASYMMETRICAL

Asymmetrical arrangements are great for large, open walls.

You can accommodate a mishmash of frames and add to your collection with ease.

TIP Your wall art and furniture should work as a cohesive unit.

Anchor your photo display one to two feet above furniture to keep it from floating up, up and away.

SYMMETRICAL

Symmetry is your friend when it comes to jazzing up the spaces above entryway tables and sofas. Start by centering your largest frame above your furniture, and then work outward two by two. You’ll create a cohesive unit that draws attention from every angle of the room. Shown: four 5 x 7s and two 10 x 10s

TIP Make paper templates in your frame sizes and use painter’s tape to plot your arrangement on the wall before nailing and hanging.

Your options really are limitless since you don’t have to worry about pictures fitting in samesized frames. Try making art out of keepsakes that would otherwise be stashed out of sight. Baby booties, your marriage certificate, sports ribbons, kids’ artwork – even magazine and calendar clippings can look great.

Shown: one 24 x 30, one 20 x 20, three 10 x 10s, one 8 x 10, one 7 x 7 and three 5 x 7s

inspiredhomeomaha.com 29

MAKE YOUR ROOM WORK for YOU One space can have more than one use.

READING NOOK IN THE TV ROOM It might sound like an oxymoron, but your TV room is an ideal space for a reading nook. The TV isn’t always on, and you can’t see the TV when you’re sitting right beside it anyway. Put that dead space to good use with a small round rug, comfy chair and side table. Voila! You’ve just created a cozy spot for snuggling up with a book.

FAMILY ROOM AND OFFICE IN ONE Put your desk in the family room so you can keep an eye on the kids while you plan meals, pay bills and update the family calendar. Define the area with a large rug. A wall display on one end of the room can hold your TV and double as storage. A long desk flanked by bookcases sits nicely at the opposite end of the room. Big chairs that can be moved around and a round ottoman that doubles as a toy box complete this space.

BOTH A SITTING AND A DINING ROOM When space is an issue, rooms need to take on double identities. Do your eating and lounging side-by-side. Use equal-sized rugs to define each space. Create even greater separation by making the spaces different sizes.

Keep sitting furniture within a square-shaped area and your dining needs within a rectangular space.

30 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

TIP Use varying shades of paint to define and separate spaces within one room.

Work with windows and doors to find natural divisions within rooms.

Example: Center a desk or sofa under a long window.

SETTING the TABLE Make time with family and friends memorable by turning dinner into an event. It takes minimal effort (really) to practice social graces ‘round the table.

EVERY DAY

Make it a goal to set the table for every meal – napkins and all. Start with a dinner plate with the napkin on top, salad and dinner forks, a knife, spoon and water glass.

INFORMAL DINNER

Kick things up a notch when you have friends over for dinner. Start with your everyday place setting and add a bread plate and a glass for wine.

Move the napkin to the left underneath forks for a little more formality.

FORMAL EVENT

Host a formal family dinner and go all out on the table – place cards included. Double the fun by setting two glasses for wine: red and white. A bread plate is a must, along with a separate fork or spoon for dessert. Add a teaspoon, and give the napkin a special fold. Place the napkin on guests’ laps once they’re seated to complete the formal experience.

TIP Align silverware and the bottom of the dinner plate one inch from the edge of the table.

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inspiredhomeomaha.com 31

The witch’s hat turret was fabricated on the ground and then raised into position with a crane. “It made me nervous to watch,” recalls Stephani. To add to the drama, the outside temperature was minus 5 degrees.

32 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

FROM the HILLTOP, a STATELY VICTORIAN GREETS the DAY

Over the Moon

S

By Chris Christen tephani and Brian Moon experienced a bit of heaven on a hilltop and knew they were home.

“Stephani was the guiding light,” Brian says of a building site search that ended on 3 perfect acres overlooking Omaha’s Ponca Hills.

It was a newspaper item that drew the Moons to The Mill at Timber Creek in northern Douglas County. Intrigued by the area’s description, the couple went for an afternoon drive. When they turned their vehicle into the new-home development and spied the first lofty crest, Stephanie knew her Victorian-style home belonged there.

“One evening, we drove out and just sat on the hill,” Stephani recalls.

The moon’s glow sealed the deal. continued on page 34

The Queen Anne architectural style is best known (and widely loved) for its romantic, wraparound porch. The interior’s period influences include high ceilings with stately crown moldings, faux finishes, columns and Victorian-style furnishings.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFFREY BEBEE

inspiredhomeomaha.com 33

continued from page 33

The next day, the couple embarked on what would become the “house of a million decisions.”

Their inspiration came from grand homes remembered from their childhoods.

“Everybody we knew grew up in a house like this,” says Stephani. “It’s a big house (4,600 square feet), but the layout feels intimate.”

The architectural style fulfills both Stephani’s longing for a turn-of-the-century Queen Anne, and Brian’s practical need for modern efficiencies. “He didn’t want

to be a slave to repairs,” says Stephani.

They found their general contractor, Terry Hurt with T. Hurt Construction Inc., and their interior designer, Libby Pantzlaff with Creative Interiors by Libby, on the 2009 Remodel Omaha Tour.

Hurt led the Moons to Mick McGuire of Straightline Design Inc. McGuire, along with associates Jeff Seaman and Willis Deterding, would create the design for the home.

“The details are over the top,” says Pantzlaff.

The home has vintagecontinued on page 37

34 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

No Victorian home would be complete without a butler’s pantry with a swing door and gliding ladder.

inspiredhomeomaha.com 35

Cabinetry by Design warmed up the kitchen space by concealing the refrigerator, dishwasher and freezer drawers behind custom cabinet doors.

Stove-side storage keeps pots and pans and utensils easily accessible for gourmet cooking. Cleanup is a snap, thanks to a deep ceramic farmhouse sink.

36â&#x20AC;&#x192; MARCH/APRIL 2012â&#x20AC;&#x192; inspiredhomeomaha.com

continued from page 34

inspired hardware, five-panel pocket doors and wide-slat hickory floors. Retro tiles, porcelain sinks, smoked mirrors, candlestick sconces and faux marble finishes add to the illusion of living in an older home.

Extra-special features include warm-toned custom cabinetry and a reclaimed tin ceiling from Preservation Station Architectural Salvage in Burlington, Iowa. The Moons drove through 18 inches of snow to see the tin in storage. The tin ceiling found a home in their kitchen, along with rough-cut stone from Watkins Concrete Block Company in Omaha.

“This is more house than the two of us need but we love to entertain,” Stephani says. She and Brian host both low-key gatherings and big parties throughout the year. “It’s no problem hosting a half-dozen or 70,” Stephani says. The open floor plan allows guests to move throughout the main floor without feeling crowded. continued on page 41

For large parties, the U-shaped hammered nickel sink holds beverages and fresh shrimp on ice. The rest of the granite-topped island becomes a convenient appetizer or dessert buffet and gathering spot.

Right: The hearth room just off the kitchen is a favorite retreat.

A built-in bookcase keeps well-loved cookbooks within easy reach.

inspiredhomeomaha.com 37

38 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

The walls and ceiling in the master suite have a pearl glaze that reminds us of the inside of an oyster shell.

Above the bed is a vintageinspired fixture and dreamy metallic scrollwork. Faux painting throughout the house was done by Tara Heil of Painted Spaces by Design.

â&#x20AC;&#x192; inspiredhomeomaha.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 39

40 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

Everything in the master bath – from crystal chandelier, faux marble columns and black and white tile to atomizers and vintage shaving accessories – creates a sense of stepping back in time. Stephani wanted the freestanding tub to be the focal point. Raising the floor did the trick.

continued from page 37

The bar between the kitchen and living room features a clever backsplash with tiles collected in California’s Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

“We stole that idea from a woman we met on a trip,” Stephani admits.

A doublewide closet just off the dining room conceals an elevator shaft. It was installed with the intent of helping the couple age in place if stairs should become a problem.

“We hope we never have to use it,” Stephani says.

The Moons, who had been

20-year residents of Council Bluffs, were recently retired from Hy-Vee when they began working on their Victorian masterpiece.

The table in their sunny breakfast nook reminds them of how far they’ve come.

“We were going to pitch the table, but it’s the first piece of new furniture we bought as newlyweds,” says Stephani.

Pantzlaff suggested reworking the table’s honey finish with cream-based paint, a warm glaze and hand-distressed rubbing. It was another heavenly decision.

Facing page: On stormy nights, the Moons often head to the guest bedroom.

“It’s cool to watch the lightning through the windows,” Stephani says.

inspiredhomeomaha.com 41

The pool was a must.

“Brian built it for me, not knowing how much he was going to love it, too,” Stephani says. The couple’s nieces and nephews frequenly drop in to swim and hang out.

42 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

inspiredhomeomaha.com 43

EASY ORGANIZATION from UNEXPECTED PLACES

New Uses for

From storing the minuscule to wrangling the hard-to-get-to, organization can be a headache.

Instead of stowing extra buttons, rarely used craft supplies and cupcake liners in a junk drawer or cabinet, take a look around your house and put out-of-mind items to good use.

S TO RY A N D P H OTO S BY H E AT H E R W I N K E L 44 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

On Display You use cotton balls and swabs almost daily, so why keep them out-of-sight under the bathroom sink? Put bathroom items on display and in their place using canning jars.

Label It Too many wires in a small space is a recipe for disaster. It’s hard to tell which wire goes to the computer, printer or external drive and there’s not much room to maneuver. Labeling wires with bread tags makes finding the right cord a cinch.

Mix it Up Magazine racks take up a lot of space, and the most recent issues can fall by the wayside. Use a hanger as a magazine rack to keep the current issue front and center.

inspiredhomeomaha.com 45

Easy Access Simple Storage It’s hard to make perfect cupcakes with crumpled wrappers. Store cupcake liners in a flower vase to keep them from getting scrunched, crinkled or torn.

Your cupcakes will thank you.

46 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

Crafting can be messy, especially when buttons, sequins and tiny pieces are involved. A cupcake pan keeps craft supplies in check and off the floor.

Tidy Up Most articles of clothing come with an extra button and matching thread. They’re important to keep, but often end up getting lost or piled up in a drawer.

Organize those extras in business card sleeves. They’re easy to label, and you always know where to go when you lose a button.

Reuse Wouldn’t it be nice if your to-do list was always in plain sight? Create a reusable checklist using a picture frame’s glass and dry erase markers. You won’t waste paper, and you get to erase entire lists instead of just checking off single items.

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inspiredhomeomaha.com 47

Micro-Trend

Wear THIS pleated skirt, $59.90 from The Limited.

That HEATHER WINKEL; MARY GRACE DESIGNS

This

Decorate with THAT set of paper rosettes, $22 from designsbymarygrace.etsy.com

 CLICK TO BUY

Shop this page from our online magazine at InspiredHomeOmaha.com

Everyy Stylee & Price E Pr e o P of Or Original rigina al Art rt Accessories Gifts Unique U niq e A niqu Ac ccessorie cesso ess ries ies es & G Gif ifts ts Lamps Furniture Custom Framing Lam am mpss & Fur urn rnitu tur ure • C Custo stom tom Frami Fr min ing

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info@lkdesign.biz lkdesign.biz

Icon

“Circus Monkey” was among the needlepoint canvases Julie Wynn inherited from her mother, Carolyn Lewis. “It was a little lost lamb,” Wynn recalls of the stitched piece. Her husband, Joe, sent the canvas to a custom finisher.

Threads of Beauty Masterpieces evolve one stitch at a time.

Buy It

CHRIS CHRISTEN

“Pug on a Chair,” $144, at Lewis Art Gallery.

N

By Chris Christen eedlepoint has come a long way since those first slanted stitches used by ancient Egyptians to sew their canvas tents. What became the basic “tent stitch” now has hundreds, if not thousands, of varations.

“The more experienced, the more daring a stitcher typically becomes,” says Julie Wynn of Lewis Art Gallery and Personal Threads Boutique in Omaha. Her mother, gallery founder Carolyn Lewis, was a “demon ‘needlepointer.’” Pillows were her passion, as evidenced by the masterfully stitched collection Julie inherited.

In contemporary needlework, fibers make the pieces interesting. While tidy wool thread was the standard for Grandma, modern stitchers are gaga over more interesting silk, velvet, fur, ribbon and feather-like threads.

“There’s a canvas for every season and every occasion,” Wynn says.

“Needlepoint is easy to learn, too.

I have only seen one person fail at needlepoint. And she was just not destined for handiwork.” inspiredhomeomaha.com 49

At the Heart

Elkhorn

A welcoming and fresh slice of Omaha

By Tina King enewed energy takes center stage this month as the promises of spring emerge – longer days, greener yards and hardy flower bulbs. Surely it’s time for a shopping trip to buy – or even make – something to celebrate all of this rebirth.

You’ll find a cute stretch of welcoming home decor shops and restaurants on the far western edge of what is officially now called Omaha, but will always be known as Elkhorn.

R

Little Scandinavia 2619 Main St. Little Scandinavia offers a chance to browse among colorful goods from Sweden, Germany and Norway and sample some Kringle (a butter-layered Danish pastry). Bright red wooden birds, Norwegian sweaters and Eklund textiles beckon you from the shelves.

It’s a fun, cultural trip around the shop, where you’ll also find Scandinavian cookbooks, specialty foods and coffee mugs with Danish motifs.

DANIEL JOHNSON

The Garden Gallery 2721 N. 206th St.

Michele Minnick at The Garden Gallery holds Potting Parties from midApril through early May. Bring your containers or select favorites from the shop’s inventory; take a few plant selection and arrangement tips from

50 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

Minnick; then head to the greenhouse for first pick among the new annuals and perennials. The shop even will offer to store your creation until the threat of frost has passed. At summer’s end, Minnick invites customers to snap

photos of their containers and “show off your planties.” There are year-round classes on fairy gardens, terrariums and more. The growing season kicks off May 6 with “Beer, Brats and Begonias” and live music by Nebraska Songwriters.

Bella Vita

DANIEL JOHNSON

2620 N. Main St. Time your visit for an early dinner at Bella Vita. The restaurant doesn’t serve lunch but opens at 4:30 p.m. daily. This charming mom and pop has linen tablecloths, exposed brick walls and an outdoor patio. The wine list has more than 50 selections.

inspiredhomeomaha.com 51

Andrea’s Designs 2701 N. Main St. You’ll find seasonal home accessories at Andrea’s Designs.

Gravitate toward the more gilded objects, or admire the whimsy behind the giant red dice that double as ottomans.

If you happen to be in town on a Saturday, check out the folksy and upcycled finds nearby at The Whistle Stop Country Store. Although it is only open one day a week, this small and welcoming shop is a continual draw for fans of cottage and country decorating.

DANIEL JOHNSON

52 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

Boyd & Charlies BBQ 2706 N. Main St. The aroma from Boyd & Charlies BBQ’s smoker lures patrons inside, where plates of beef brisket, chopped pork and mesquite chicken await. Sides like Ms. Terry’s Corn Pie are sink-into-your-seat good, and the draft root beer poured over ice cream will make you feel like a kid again.

Heartland Café & Catering 2615 Main St. Heartland Café & Catering is widely known for its weekend brunches and outdoor dining. You might catch sight of passing trains, or on summer weekends, jazz performances. Comfort food is king. We adored the hot roast beef sandwich and mashed potatoes, but there is also an extensive heart-healthy menu with lighter choices.

DANIEL JOHNSON

Create 2615 N. 204th St. When walking into Create, you will experience a big jolt of spring color. Green cabinets and multi-hued craft projects adorn the walls and shelves. Here, groups of friends can settle in to chat and work on the sorts of handcrafted items that you might find on Etsy or Pinterest.

The store accepts both drop-ins and reservations. It is equipped with plenty of materials and equipment for designing jewelry, scrapbooks and home accessories.

inspiredhomeomaha.com 53

Host Pair tapas with a Spanish Rioja to complete the theme.

Buy it “Sunday Brunch” treats from WineStyles

Add bling Edible gold finishing spray

 CLICK TO BUY

Shop this page from our online magazine at InspiredHomeOmaha.com

54 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

DANIEL JOHNSON

Place mats, gold tray and napkins from Party Patch.

Dishes, glasses, wood trays and personal cast iron skillets from Sur La Table.

Make it Ibérico ham & pears on potato nests

Easy Tapas Party

By Ananda Spadt

• Maintenance-Free • Manufactured in the U.S.A. • Lifetime Warranty

Try tapas at home. These small Spanish dishes are really easy to prepare and affordable.

Serve tapas with a Spanish red wine. Put a Gipsy Kings CD on the stereo or download some flamenco tracks to your iPod. Olé! You’ve got an easy fiesta.

402-216-9911 www.omarail.com

IBÉRICO HAM & PEARS ON POTATO NESTS YOU’LL NEED

Per nest: 1 medium potato Salt to taste 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 fresh pear chopped into one-half-inch cubes 2 tablespoons sweet white wine 2 tablespoons Turbinado sugar 3 small mozzarella slices 3 slices ibérico (can substitute with prosciutto)

Peel the potatoes and cut into straws with a box grater or a similar gadget.

Sauté them slowly or cook them in the microwave until cooked and soft.

Oil ramekins or small casseroles, or line with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Then line pan with the cooked straw potatoes, smoothing the surface and pressing them with a spoon. Salt to taste.

Put the casseroles into a preheated oven at 350 degrees and bake for 40 minutes. Watch them closely and adjust temperature and time, if necessary, so that they brown evenly.

Skewer seasoned mushrooms and gorgonzola-stuffed olives from Whole Foods can be served on the side.

While the casseroles are in the oven, heat a sauté pan with 1 tablespoon butter. Sauté the pear cubes until soft, then add the wine and sugar, stirring frequently until you have a nice syrup covering all the pear cubes.

When the nests are baked, place the mozzarella and ibérico slices in them; bake slightly until cheese softens. Don’t overdo it, so as not to change the texture of the ham. Add the pears at the end after taking the nests out of the oven so they don’t soften.

Chocolate treats from Regency Gift and Gourmet are topped with two coats of edible gold finishing spray from WilliamsSonoma.

inspiredhomeomaha.com 55

Lunch With ...

MASER’S SILVERCLEANING METHOD Mark Maser cleans his silver inventory every 18 months. It takes him about a week to make his way through the flatware drawers in his showroom.

His pointers: Place flatware in hot, hot, hot sudsy water in a sink. Allow to soak several minutes to loosen dirt. Rinse flatware with fresh water and roll a few pieces at a time in paper towels to dry. Try Hagerty silver polish or Wright’s Silver Cream over a liquid polish to minimize waste. Apply cleaner with a damp sponge. Use a circular motion to work cleaner into a paste. When paste turns chalky white, buff with soft cloth. “Never use Tarn-x metal cleaner; it’s too strong for silver.

It’s especially dangerous with silver-plated pieces.”

Ditto for baking soda and hot water. Store sterling flatware in a felt-lined box. Plastic wrapping traps moisture and hastens tarnishing.

If a silver piece no longer works properly (i.e., has a broken hinge), fix it because you’re not going to find a replacement at a tag sale.

Collector of All Manner of ‘Gorgeousness’

I

By Chris Christen ring the bell at the landmark Brandeis Mansion, and within seconds Mark Maser greets me with a firm handshake and a broad smile. I haven’t been inside this 9,500-squarefoot gem since the 2009 Designer Showhouse event. Maser gives me a quick tour. I feel as if I’m in a museum amid Maser’s period pieces. I could look for hours but lunch awaits in the formal dining room.

You said lunch would be “no big deal.” I know that’s a fib when the table is set with china, silver and crystal, and wine clearly is accompanying the meal.

I have dishes “maximus” and lots of table toys.

I suspect it’s more than that.

Gracious living doesn’t seem unusual to me because I’ve been doing it since I was born. We were the banker family in town. My mom was in PEO, Junior League and church circles. We always set the table for meals.”

You love to cook?

I’m like a short-order cook. I use whatever happens to be on-hand. I take inventory and search online for recipes by those keywords.

The china is gorgeous. You have a good eye for pattern play.

I like to mix it up. The china is Royal Worcester. I bought it at an estate sale when I moved into the neighborhood 20 years ago.

You’re known for your sterling.

Yes, I collect all manner of gorgeousness in silver.

What got you started?

JoElla Cohen at the Omaha Auction Center had a set of Wallace Grand Baroque (sterling, 1941) flatware. I left a $1,000 bid but didn’t expect to get it ... But it was Sally Maxwell (from Maxwell House Antiques) in Sioux Falls (S.D.) who really drew me in.

You bought her collection?

Eventually, yes. And now I have every piece of Grand Baroque ever made.

China and stemware don’t have the same power over you?

“I’m a boy. I won’t break silver.”

Maser is director of marketing and development for Joslyn Castle Trust. His silver inventory includes Versailles, the same pattern in Sarah and George Joslyn’s estate. Maser also has an impressive inventory of Georgian by Towle, Wedgewood, Tiffany, Rose Point by Wallace, Richelieu, Royal Danish, Strasbourg by Gorham and Reed & Barton.

56 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

THE MENU

Maser prepared an easyto-warm soup and a salad and dessert that could be pre-plated and staged in the butler’s pantry.  Butternut Squash Soup  Turkey and Orzo Salad with Apricot-Raisin Chutney, Hard-Boiled Egg, Cantaloupe and Cheese Garnish  Bread Pudding  Contadino Pinot Grigio Vivace 2009

CHRIS CHRISTEN, DANIEL JOHNSON

Maser’s advice on replating silver sets: “It depends on what it is, why you have it and what you want to do with it. If it’s a family piece, OK. But re-plating is expensive.

If the silver set is ever resold, you are not likely to recoup your money.”

Mark Maser

Library

Handy Books to Own

The Porch Book

Same Place, More Space

Home Improvement 1-2-3

Studio Spaces

Be Your Own Decorator

$21.99, Wiley By the editors of Better Homes and Gardens

$24.95, Chronicle Books

By Karl Champley; illustrations by Arthur Mount

$34.95, Meredith Books

$22.99, Wiley By the editors of Better Homes and Gardens

$45, Rizzoli

Porches might be all about relaxing, but they also have great power to transform the appearance of a house and expand the living space.

This book educates you on architectural styles, sharpens your ability to plan and reviews those all-important construction fundamentals to help you build with confidence. Terrific beforeand-after photos. Oh, the porch possibilities!

The author, a master carpenter and DIY Network host, offers 50 projects to help you maximize space in your home and office.

Easy instructions and detailed illustrations with an eye on style and economy.

Step-by-step instructions from The Home Depot team put you on the path to good results with almost any home improvement or repair project. Excellent housewarming gift for a firsttime homeowner or apartment dweller. Include a basic toolbox, and you’ll really have a hit on your hands.

Six designers help you get your creative juices flowing and stay focused on making what you love. Oodles of vintage and modern takes on creative zones and storage solutions for your home. Every photo serves as an incentive to de-clutter, add whimsy and include personal touches.

Susanna Salk offers insightful advice for applying basic design principles to interiors. Top architectural photographers contribute stunning images of favorite rooms from more than 50 widely known designers (Kelly Wearstler, Bunny Williams, Albert Hadley, Nate Berkus, Mary McDonald).

Hits stores March 27.

Th k you Thank for voting us Best Kitchen & Bath Plumbing Fixtures

Visit our Kohler Registered Showroom 13827 Industrial Road Omaha NE (402) 330-3400 www.kbbriggs.com inspiredhomeomaha.com 57

Tailored

“Equine III” by Daniel Boylan, 36 x 43, oil on canvas, $3,100. Available through Dundee Gallery.

Back in the Saddle Horse and Rider Fashion Never Goes Out of Style

C

By Pat Waters lothing fads come and go, but the equestrian style has survived for decades. Luxury designers such as Hermés of Paris and Polo Ralph Lauren have successfully perpetuated horse and rider themes in clothing, accessories and furniture for years.

And if ever there was a year to emulate the horsey set in Omaha, it’s this year. A major show jumping competition, The International, will be held April 20 and 21 at CenturyLink Center Omaha.

Lisa Roskens, equestrian and founder and chairman of the

event, says this is a first step to eventually holding a world jumping championship here.

Show jumping competitors will wear the tall dress boots and jodhpurs that are part of the traditional foxhunter’s uniform.

This centuries-old style has been embraced by Anglophiles, who admire and emulate the ambience of English country life.

Equally popular, and in large part due to Ralph Lauren’s Spirit of the West designs, is an equestrian style that evokes the range and the ranch: full-leg chaps; Stetsons; distressed leather cowboy boots; turquoise and silver jewelry and belt

58 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

buckles; and dusters.

What is it about the equestrian theme that is so long-lasting?

Sam Matranga, who with her husband, Luke, owns Regg & Wally’s Tack and Saddlery in Elkhorn, says the style has staying power because of its association with enduring traditions such as fox hunting. “Everyone looks at the beautiful horse and rider and wants to copy them,” she says.

Luke Matranga is joint master of the North Hills Hunt fox hunting club.

Ceramic artist Julie Kinkade, who has a studio at Omaha ClayWorks in the Old Market, has had a love affair with horses

since she was 5 or 6 years old growing up in rural Massachusetts. A professed tomboy who liked “The Lone Ranger” and “The Roy Rogers Show,” Kinkade incorporates horse figures into dinnerware, pottery and sculpture.

But she doesn’t create trueto-breed figures. Her renderings are what she calls “romantic, almost childlike caricatures” that imply the noble beauty of all horses.

MORE

Details on The International equestrian event at www.InternationalOmaha.com

Fashion scarves With equestrian motifs – a hunt scene, leathers and irons – these scarves are more appropriate for a restaurant, shopping trip or concert than a trip to the barn. Lilo Collections at The Paddock; blue and tan scarf, $38.

Leather flask Riders braving winter winds and temperatures often carry flasks filled with sherry, port or brandy. Lilo Espana leather-wrapped version, $83.50, from The Paddock.

Leather handbag “Modesty Too,” $425, from Overland Fine Sheepskin & Leather.

Watch Cowboy Collectibles sterling silver watch with woven horse hair band, $59.95, from The Paddock.

Mug Julie Kinkade stoneware: mug, $22, Available at Omaha ClayWorks.

Distinctive plaid

DANIEL JOHNSON

Distinctive Baker Plaid winter riding boots

by Ariat, sale priced at $179.99 and $99.99 from Regg & Wally’s Tack and Saddlery in Elkhorn.

Equestrians will recognize it and “other people will just think, ‘Nice plaid,’” says shop owner Sam Matranga.

Jewelry Sterling silver horse bit bracelet, $27.95, from The Paddock.

Hunt box The decals on this wooden box replicate George Stubbs’ painting, “Lord Torrington’s Hunt Servants Setting Out From Southill.” Use it to store photographs or paraphernalia, or simply decorate a foyer table. $184.95, from The Paddock.

inspiredhomeomaha.com 59

Design Done Right

Organization Checklist

1. Over-the-door

shoe hangers with clear plastic pockets.

They can be used in every room for items that always lay loose on shelves, tables and floors.

Floating shelving allows for dramatic vertical space

2. Portable file

system. Sheila stays organized with a sturdy fabric-covered tote from Real Simple, available at Target.

She keeps the tote on a bench by the front door. Grab and go!

Use the wall to keep clutter off the desktop

3. Open baskets

and bins. You can drop things in and pull things out with ease. Lids just get in the way and end up scattered.

4. Furniture

with storage compartments.

Oversized ottomans hold blankets, games or toys; coffee tables with shelves and drawers hold remotes, small books, playing cards, CDs and DVDs and small electronics.

5. Bulletin boards.

Pin up what you need to see: Event tickets, invitations, coupons and sports schedules.

Hang the board in a central area that’s handy for your household.

DANIEL JOHNSON

60 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

Far left: Ladder shelves from Nebraska Furniture Mart hold happy things – family photos, kids’ art, favorite books and keepsakes. Color is the unifying element. Bins are low to the ground for the kids’ benefit. The ottoman doubles as a coffee table.

“Family” word art from Pottery Barn.

A heavy-duty wall system from Lowe’s keeps home and garden tools off the garage floor.

A Family With a Motto

“Live simply. Laugh often. Love much. And pick up after yourself.”

S

get the look

Taylor updated her cinnamon-toned dining room table by applying near-black paint to the tabletop. She used Caviar 6990 from Sherwin Williams. She got the sea grass chairs at nowclosed World Market. The framed prints came from Crate & Barrel. Taylor tapped Fluff Your Stuff Interior Redesign for decorating help with some spaces in her home.

By Chris Christen heila Taylor, wife and mother of two, leads an enviable life. She has mastered the art of keeping a tidy house.

Her secret?

“If you get something out during the day, you put it away before you go to bed.”

Sam, 8, and Josh, 6, have been conditioned since birth. Husband, Greg, has been on-board since “I do.”

Taylor’s success isn’t surprising. She’s a former elementary teacher and counselor who now works as a professional organizer with Freshly Organized.

The Taylor home is dotted with nifty shelves, bins, cubbies and other familyfriendly storage systems. Most have white finishes and look tidy next to small-scale furnishings in neutral tones. Taylor relies on accessories and paint for punches of color.

Who wouldn’t feel at home surrounded by refreshing beach-inspired hues like Reflecting Pool, Misty, Ebb Tide and Windy Blue?

Taylor is more about the bargain than the splurge. She frequents Marshalls, Hobby Lobby, T.J. Maxx and Target for value finds that fit her decorating style.

“I only buy what I love.”

COLOR color STORY story

Light and fresh paint colors set the tone in the Taylor home.

Sherwin Williams colors: MAIN Main FLOOR floor

Misty 6232 KITCHEN Kitchen

Ebb Tide 6493 KITCHEN Kitchen CABINETS cabinets

Snowbound 7004 STUDY study

Shagreen 6422 CHILD’S child’s ROOM rooM

Windy Blue 6240 MASTER Master BEDROOM bedrooM

Samovar Silver 6233 LOWER lower LEVEL level

Ivoire 6127 LOWER lower LEVEL, level, ACCENT accent

Reflecting Pool 6486 GARAGE GaraGe

Argos 7065

inspiredhomeomaha.com 61 inspiredhomeomaha.com 61

Field Trip

Destination: Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Museum of Russian Art is located in a former church and funeral chapel just a few miles south of downtown Minneapolis, at I-35W and Diamond Lake Road. Much of the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture is intact. The collection, most of which was gathered shortly after the fall of the Soviet Union, is the best way to see Russian Realist paintings without going to Moscow or St. Petersburg.

Head North for Summer

T

he Twin Cities wholeheartedly embrace the arts. They house more than 100 theater companies – more per capita than any other city in America besides New York. Go for the museums, the public art and, of course, the Juicy Lucy.

With farmer’s market season just on the horizon, plan to visit the Mill City Farmer’s Market, which features a lot more than just vegetables. There are 20 lakes in the city, so keep your eyes peeled for places to swim, or go for a walk or leisurely bike ride at Lake Calhoun or Lake of the Isles.

Take a drive in the Lake Minnetonka area to see gorgeous homes west of Minneapolis.

Omaha is so close (379 miles, or six hours and 14 minutes to drive and one hour and 13 minutes to fly) that it would be almost rude to not say “hi” to our neighbors to the north.

Although Adrian’s Tavern in south Minneapolis is not one of the original makers of the Juicy Lucy, it has a good beer selection and arguably the best burger. The Juicy Lucy has cheese placed in the middle of the raw hamburger. When it’s cooked, the cheese inside is liquid-hot.

MATT MILLER

62 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

A young couple cuddles under a canopy of trees on a warm spring day in the sculpture garden at the Walker Art Center.

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is located near downtown on 11 acres of green space.

There are 40 pieces located at the park, and temporary exhibitions as well.

Admission is free.

Inspired Directory

March/April 2012 INSPIRED HOME OMAHA

Anita Wiechman ASID

The Laurel Tree

K. Methot-Swanson

TEXTILES

Space planning, interior design, project management. NCIDQcertified, NARI-Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler. 30+ years design experience. Outstanding service.

We are a locally owned boutique and gift shop offering a wide variety of unique clothing, gifts, jewelry, shoes and home décor all at affordable prices.

Capturing the people and places of Omaha with her unique eye and award winning talent.

Now showing at the Artists’ Coop Gallery, in the Old Market

Have a seat.

Interior Design, Custom Upholstery, Drapery and Wallpaper

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402-932-0509 405 S. 11th St. katrinamethotswanson.com

402-399-8764 149th & Industrial Road

Norwalk Furniture

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 2: Inspired Home Omaha (ISSN 7447026659) is a publication of the Omaha World-Herald. ©2012, Omaha World-Herald Co. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the specific written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed by those interviewed are their own. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information, no responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for content, opinions or practices, or how the information herein is used. All materials submitted, including but not limited to images, logos and text that appear, are assumed to be the original work of the provider, and the publisher is not responsible for unintentional copyright infringement. Contact: 1314 Douglas St., Suite 600 Omaha, NE 68102 402-444-1094

We’re Not Just About Fences

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Art

Hidden in the details

P

eter Cales of Measure Cut Cut Studio in Omaha specializes in both functional and sculptural works made from wood, as well as plaster and

metal.

The artist takes on a fair amount of commissioned work. It’s important in the creative process, he says, for each piece to tell a story about the person for whom it is intended.

He includes drawers, his signature element, whenever possible, especially in his gallery-quality “Flights of Fancy” series of hot air balloons, blimps and rockets.

Cales currently is creating plaster pieces for an October show at the Kent Bellows Studio & Center for Visual Arts. The show is a commentary on Alzheimer’s disease and the deterioration of the mind.

The theme was inspired by his grandmother’s experience with the disease.

See Cales’ work exclusively at Birdhouse Collectible or online at www.measurecutcut.com

64 MARCH/APRIL 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

“Commander Billingsley” $179, pgcales.etsy.com The hot air balloon is fabricated from cherry, walnut and fishtail oak scraps. The basket is made from handdyed paper.

Commander Billingsley’s main purpose is to transfer cargo, so the artist incorporated a drawer made from recycled hardwood.

DANIEL JOHNSON

Peter Cales preps a table to apply a second coat of paint to the black stripes.

He has considered hiring interns, but says he can’t give up control of any aspect of his work. “It wouldn’t be fair to them.

They wouldn’t learn anything.”

Buy It

The Synchronicity Collection With Synchonicity, you can create your own personal sanctuary of inspired designs combined with masterful craftsmanship to create beautifully orchestrated, finished rooms.

In the Design Gallery at Nebraska Furniture Mart, our designers understand that a house should be glamorous, comfortable and easy to live in. It should also reflect your personality and lifestyle. Working with you in our store or in your home, our design professionals can help you transform your rooms into a fitting expression of your style.

Our design professionals are not only innovative, but have access and extensive knowledge of our eclectic selection of home furnishings â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms to window treatments and more.

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