Inspired Living Omaha May-June 2018

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M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 8 INSPIREDLIVINGOMAHA.COM

THE color ISSUE F ED ER A L R EVI VA L

HUES & VIEWS

A RT F U L PA L E T T E

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris Christen 402-444-1094 | chris.christen@owh.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Heidi Thorson 402-444-1351 | hthorson@owh.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Marjie Ducey 402-444-1034 | marjie.ducey@owh.com COPY EDITOR Shelley Larsen 402-444-1143 | shelley.larsen@owh.com PHOTO IMAGING SPECIALIST Patricia “Murphy” Benoit

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contents DESIGN DONE RIGHT 10 16

FEDERAL REVIVAL PENTHOUSE HUES & VIEWS

HOMESPIRATION 22

POP ART

34

42

AU COURANT 26

PET-FRIENDLY FABRICS

GARDENING 28

ALL-AMERICA WINNERS

BEFORE & AFTER 30

DREARY TO CHEERY

44

EXPERIENCE LOCAL 32 47

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE LUXURY HOMES

THREADS 34

16

WOW FACTORS

GET TO KNOW 40

MICHAEL BREWER

DESTINATION 42

CYCLING IN ITALY

HIDDEN PANTRY 44

MORELS, SIMPLY COOKED

28

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inspiredlivingomaha.com 7

EDITOR'S NOTE

WE’RE ON A THEME KICK. This issue, it’s color, a perennial favorite.

We also carve out a little space for pets

down 3 miles away at a Holiday Inn where staff provided food and lodging until the

All four of our featured homeowners are

Nebraska Humane Society helped reunite

“pet people” by design.

us.

four-legged companion at home.

Creative director Heidi Thorson has

Mikki's own culinary antics included inhaling a 3-inch hunk of summer sausage robbed from the cutting board. My personal

two mischievous cats, Archie and Dexter.

favorite, though, was when he raided my

They’re so hilarious and photogenic that

laundry basket and swallowed a pair of

they have their own Instagram account.

pantyhose. That was an expensive vet

Assistant editor Marjie Ducey has a pair editor-in-chief

once slipped his collar and finally slowed

and the color and fun they bring to our lives.

Nearly everyone on our staff has a furry

CHRIS CHRISTEN

My Husky was an escape artist, too. He

of poodle mixes, Phoebe and Gigi. Phoebe recently nabbed a batch of decorated

bill. And, no thank you, I didn’t want the pantyhose back.

Mikki got sick one night, baffled the

DID YOU KNOW

cupcakes from the kitchen counter and

vet, and passed away two days later. We

Blue is the most popular color in America. Why? It’s safe, versatile and appealing to both sexes. “It’s decorating magic,” says interior designer Julia Russell. Accessories in a blue space, she says, are easily freshened with the seasons. Think pink checks for spring, yellow floral prints for summer, burnt orange stripes for autumn, and dark red and hunter green plaids for winter.

sabotaged a magazine photo shoot in the

kept his ashes in a small box in the living

process.

room where he liked to hang out. When

TRENDING FOR PETS Built-in water and food dishes and kennels in laundry rooms.

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE Gorgeous gardens and splendid outdoor rooms

HAVE A STORY IDEA? Visit inspiredlivingomaha.com, click “Submit” on the navigation bar and share a few details.

Or call us at 402-444-1094.

I’m a dog lover without a dog. My husband won’t hear of bringing one into our

Mikki’s ashes with him. That was perfect.

home because he knows the poor pup would

They were best buds.

perpetually be in doggie day care with our work and travel.

I had a blue-eyed, black-and-white

8 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

Reader Jill Bydalek tipped me off to a

Siberian Husky in a previous life. His name was Mikki, and he lived to be 13. I adored

neighborhood. Mary Jane Truemper’s

that dog, but his thick double coat was

combinations of red, blue and gold had me

the bane of my neat-freak existence. The

at "hello." She renovated her house herself,

shedding. The vacuuming. The cursing. It

which doubly intrigued me. When I asked

was a vicious cycle.

for “before” photos, she sheepishly replied,

Mikki was supposed to be an outside

“Sorry to disappoint but ... I failed to take

dog. I caved on that idea a week after Mikki

any interior shots of my own house.” We

joined the household. He was too cute to be

shared a laugh over that because she’s a

banned to the outdoors. He deserved the

Realtor. And Realtors are always taking

comforts of home.

photos of interiors. Her story begins on

Dog books warn that Huskies can be of my living room drywall disappeared

@inspiredlivingomaha @inspiredomaha chris.christen@owh.com

Color, whether from nature or from a paint bucket, serves to add life to a home. neighbor's home in the Memorial Park

destructive when bored. Believe it. A corner CONNECT WITH US

my former husband died, his family buried

one day while I was at work and Mikki was home alone.

page 10.

Here’s hoping this issue inspires you to add some color to your home this spring.

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FEDERAL REVIVAL Refined exterior gives way to an explosion of color within TEXT CHRIS CHRISTEN PHOTOGRAPHY JEFFREY BEBEE

RENOVATION ENTHUSIAST Mary Jane Truemper has a motto: “Have sledgehammer, will travel.”

Truemper splits evenings and weekends between her primary Federal-style home in Memorial Park and a farmhouse getaway in Saunders County. Both are works in progress.

“I don’t mind rolling up my sleeves and getting things done,” the South Carolina native says of her ongoing home improvement projects. “I always like to save a buck.”

It’s in her blood. “My parents renovated houses as a hobby. So I got the bug.”

Husband Ed is a retired pediatric intensive care specialist. He had been recruited

by Children’s Hospital & Medical Center when the couple arrived in Omaha in late 2003 from Athens, Georgia.

Mary Jane and her son, then a soon-tobe-seventh-grader, came ahead of Ed for the start of the fall session at Brownell Talbot School. A corporate apartment in the vicinity of 168th Street and West Dodge Road became a short-term home.

ON THE COVER A settee and framed painting that belonged to Mary Jane’s mother, who was Italian, creates a handsome vignette in the living room. The decorative ceramic pieces are mementos of trips to Italy.

10 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

Mary Jane would drive her son to school and then troll the Memorial Park, Happy Hollow and Dundee neighborhoods for newly listed houses. Her hunt stopped on Izard Street, where she fell in love with a 1925 Federal-style brick house. “I knew it would keep me rooted to the South,” she says. “But it needed a lot of work.”

Ed’s first look was when he arrived in Omaha weeks later.

“The house was well-engineered and that made me curious about who built it,” Mary Jane says. The architect was Edward J. Sessinghaus, who built several houses in the neighborhood. The original owners were Dr. Rudolph and Olive Louise Rix. He was a teaching doctor at Creighton University Medical School.

Most of the house has been remodeled, with Mary Jane working with general contractor Craig Tuttle and architect

GALLERY WALL “It’s an organic process,” the homeowner says of the gallery wall installation. Her secret is uniting the collection through the use of the same color frame. In this case gold.

Joe Kreski.

A coat closet painted in battleship gray got Mary Jane thinking about her decorating palette. “There’s no way I’m getting through winter with that color,” she told herself.

Paint swatch books in hand, she began plotting her rooms.

“I had to have some happy color.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 11

DEN The den’s crown molding is faux-painted. The walls were painted and then glazed, lending the look of wallpaper.

!

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12 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Red, blue, gold, white and charcoal

The adjoining breakfast room has

quartzite countertops and pro-grade

emerged in homage to the Federal

a Southern plantation feel with deep

appliances, including an undercounter

style – but in a thoroughly modern in-

gold walls.

microwave drawer and a gas range

terpretation. “I’ve used a similar color

Bedford Blue commands the dining

with a monogrammed hood.

palette since buying my first home

room, where a Suzani embroidered

right after college,” Mary Jane notes.

fabric cleverly dresses the table, and

her attention back to the couple's 1914

The color jolt starts in the entryway

This spring, Mary Jane will turn

twin white arched alcoves hold blue-

farmhouse –“Fort Truemper” as she

with Chili Pepper, a deep red from

and-white transferware vases with

and Ed playfully call it. The weekend

Benjamin Moore, and a large abstract

fresh garden flowers.

place sits between Ashland and Yutan.

landscape painting in a riot of primary hues.

A cozy den – her husband’s favor-

The kitchen, renovated this year with Flair Custom Cabinets as the general contractor, is a work in progress,

ite retreat – is painted a rich, warm

with light gray walls awaiting pops of

gold with an antique glaze topcoat.

color in artwork and accessories still to

Grasscloth wallcovering in the same

be chosen. Mary Jane, with help from

hue provides a visual tie to the living

a handyman and a college friend, did

room and its show-stopping gallery

the majority of the tear-out work in

wall of contemporary artworks in gold-

the space, which hadn’t been updated

washed frames.

since 1959. The cooking area features

The interior was remodeled in 2012; now the exterior is due for some love.

“I like to make things better than I find them,” Mary Jane says.

Her Memorial Park residence, however, is her pride and joy.

“It’s a happy house, and it’s been a happy home.”

i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 13

MASTER BATH (Top left) “Somebody may want to tear it out, but it won’t be me,” the homeowner says of the original glass subway tile and enameled cast-iron sink in an upstairs bathroom. She used new lighting and bold paint to modernize the space.

DINING ROOM (Top right) Arches are a standout feature of Federalstyle architecture.

BEDROOM (At left) A secondlevel bedroom with heirloom furnishings connects to a sunroom/crafts room/home office.

14 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

COLOR CUES FRONT DOOR

Naval, Sherwin Williams ENTRY

Chili Pepper, Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, BM DEN

Concord Ivory with glaze topcoat, BM Chantilly Lace, BM Bedford Blue, BM LIVING ROOM

Grasscloth wallcovering Black Jack, BM BREAKFAST ROOM

Livingston Gold, BM Black Jack, BM DINING ROOM

Bedford Blue, BM Chantilly Lace, BM

DINING ROOM Most of the lighting fixtures are either antiques, like this birdcage chandelier, or reproductions in the Federal style.

i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m   15

DESIGN DONE RIGHT

hues & views TEXT CHRIS CHRISTEN PHOTOGRAPHY JEFFREY BEBEE

S

usan Thomas pours a cup of green tea for her visitor and herself from a blue-and-white porcelain teapot. The gesture isn’t surprising considering her affinity for Asian culture and design, the enthusiasm and heritage of two adopted daughters from China, and calming seas of blue that flow through her condominium home.

16 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

Thomas, husband Steve Hutchinson and teenage daughter Jenna live in a penthouse suite at Midtown Crossing at Turner Park.

Three years ago, with eldest daughter Lilia attending Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, the family found itself ready to downsize and reestablish something they had left behind in New York more than 13 years earlier.

Susan, a Nebraska native, and Steve had both worked on Wall Street when

they relocated from New York City to Omaha in 2003 to be closer to Susan’s mother, then 80. Their daughters were ages 3 and 7.

The family was accustomed to the bigcity lifestyle they loved in an Upper West Side Manhattan apartment with a view of Central Park.

“I never aspired to be a house owner,” Susan confides. Neighborhoods with wide sidewalks and tall buildings were more her style.

“We liked one-level living,” with no yardwork or home maintenance required, Steve adds. “When we relocated to Omaha, there were hardly any family apartments or condos available.” Dundee was attractive with its dense population, mature trees and neighborhood school. “It was a great neighborhood for the kids to grow up in,” Steve says. “But that rationale disappeared” as they contemplated life as

empty-nesters.

So with only one daughter living at home in 2014, they started thinking about saying goodbye to their three-story, single-family home in Dundee and hello to urban living once again.

The couple purchased the Midtown Crossing penthouse in August 2015 and moved in nine months later. “The walls were up, but otherwise the condo was a shell,” Susan explains. She did the

concept designs for the build-out and hired Omaha interior designer Lester Katz to help her refine and execute the plan. “Lester and Susan get the credit for the way it turned out,” Steve says.

The three-bedroom, 2,600-square-foot luxury property has tall north-facing windows with expansive, unobstructed views of the Omaha riverfront and, on a clear day, the Loess Hills in Iowa.

“It’s a different perspective of airiness CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 17

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

that most people’s homes don’t have,” Susan says of the eighth-story perch.

Natural light pours in, even on overcast days.

“I love blue and gray these days,” Susan says of the interior palette. But there’s a caveat. “My husband is a big risk taker in business but not in decor.”

Katz employed a total of 25 tones of blue and gray in paints, tiles and textiles. Blues on walls change in intensity as you move through the home, creating subtle interest and depth.

Traditional furnishings, many antiques, are set against a contemporary artscape.

Some furnishings have been with Susan since grad school. “I was 28 when I began acquiring nice pieces a little at a time.” An antique mirror in the dining room area was one of her first acquisitions.

Four occasional chairs – Louis XVI reproductions purchased in 1985 – have been recovered six times in the past 33 years. Ditto for a custom sofa and a chaise lounge.

For the penthouse, upholstered pieces were stripped of skirting and tassels that looked at home in Dundee and recovered with modern fabrics to complement the clean lines of the penthouse. “Lester did an incredibly good job converting them,” Susan says.

“Our tastes in art are different. But that’s OK,” observes Susan, former founding executive director of the Omaha Creative Institute. Local artists represent at least 50 percent of their collection.

Two prized works hang by the baby grand piano: A Laurie and Charles portrait of Jenna and Lilia, and a painting by Ying Zhu – the first sold by the China-Midwest transplant. The connection is personal. She baby-sat for the girls as a college student when the family first moved to Omaha.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

18 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

KITCHEN A curved soffit sets off the kitchen without dragging down the living room.

i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m   19

MASTER BEDROOM A Bart Vargas superhero sculpture commands a writing desk in the master bedroom.

20  M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

MASTER BEDROOM Asian influences are found throughout the condominium home. The red and gold laquered armoire is Chinese.

MASTER BATH

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

Tabletop accessories are limited to sentimental treasures. Of special note: An antique urn that holds 40 years of roses given to Susan as gifts. “It was something my grandmother did, and now my daughters are doing it too.”

Lighting is both functional and artful. Some fixtures have hung in previous homes; others are custom designs. Three blown glass and gold leaf pendants by Julie Conway hang above a medieval-era dining room table. Another blown-glass cluster by the artist floats above the kitchen island.

Gorgeous sunsets and cool summer breezes are undeniable perks. “We have dinner on the balcony quite a lot,” notes Susan.

Opera in the Park, Jazz on the Green and other community events are opportunities to invite friends over. “We like the activity,” Steve says.

“Jenna likes it here, too.”

She’s a senior at nearby Omaha Central High School.

Everyone in the family is a regular at Prairie Life fitness center on the street level. Steve’s weekly routine includes yoga, tennis, spin class and workouts with a personal trainer.

“Proximity is a huge motivator,” he says. “A one-minute elevator ride and you’re there.”

Grocery shopping is easy. Wohlner’s is a short walk through a heated, connecting garage.

“When we don’t feel like cooking, we just pop down to one of the restaurants in the neighborhood,” Susan says.

The couple say they plan to stay in Omaha as empty-nesters.

They’ve already tackled that inevitable task of downsizing.

“This is an easy place to walk away from. Just lock the door and leave for a time,” Steve says.

“It feels like New York but better,” Susan adds. “This is our Central Park.”

The master bathroom features a double-wide shower with 64,000 glass tiles and a vanity that actually gets used. “I love my vanity. I simply had to have it,” the homeowner says. i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 21

HOMESPIRATION TEXT MARJIE DUCEY PHOTOGRAPHY JEFFREY BEBEE

POP ART Sharron Roncka Haas goes with the flow when it comes to decorating with art

I

t’s easy to identify a true art collector, says Sharron Roncka Haas.

Just look under their bed.

That’s where she stashes her still-unframed treasures. She’s not sure how many are hidden there, but it’s a sizable collection.

“It’s not hitting the mattress,’’ she says, laughing.

Sharron’s home in Omaha's Tomlinson Woods bursts with color, thanks to the many works of original art on every wall. There’s a portrait of a young Mikhail Gorbachev done by pop art icon Peter Max in the living room, a barn painting by Raymond Knaub in the dining room and a clown by Paul Koch, former director of the Siena/Francis House, on the way to the laundry room.

“I just buy what I like,’’ says Haas, a petite blonde with a big personality. “All different price points.’’

The family room is reserved for paintings by her former husband, Gene Roncka. She loves his boat scene best.

22 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

The two married when Sharron was young, and that’s when she got an art education and met many of the artists whose works hang in her home. “It was like going to school,’’ she says of that time.

She’s been married to Bill Haas since 1981. An electrical engineer, he has a hobby of his own. He’s been building an airplane in a curtained-off area of the

garage for the past year and a half.

When asked whether she’ll fly in it one day, Sharron says she’ll answer that question only once it’s finished and passes all the necessary flight tests and safety checks.

They have lived in their three-bedroom home since 1987. Its lofty ceilings provide plenty of space for Sharron's collection,

which includes pieces by Alexander Calder and Yaacov Agam. Even so, guests need to be careful walking through the living room so they don’t hit their heads on an 8-foot brass mobile by Les Bruning, a co-owner of Hot Shops.

Sharron loves mobiles, and has others hanging in the kitchen and office. It’s all about the movement.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 23

24  M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

“I like dimensional art,’’ she says.

“It seems more like nature.’’

Sharron has living works of art, too.

When they aren’t following her every step, you'll probably find Cabernot I’m So Hot Empire, 15-year-old standard poodle, alias Muffy, in the living room.

Not far away will be her buddy, 7-yearold Court, and the new addition, 5-month-old Morgan.

Muffy and Court are retired show dogs that Sharron says have found heaven just being regular pets. They spend the day with her at her business, Textiles Interiors.

That’s where Sharron delights in working among thousands of samples, from hand-painted wallpaper to luxury fabrics costing as much as $4,800 a yard – with a discount. Still, she says she has a price point for everyone.

A former textile manufacturer before she opened her store 22 years ago, her work is now in her blood. She jokes that when she dies, her funeral notice will say that she has been discontinued, just like items in her store.

“I’m doing something I just love – interior design and textiles,’’ she says.

Although her home is filled with priceless things, Sharron’s seven grandkids have fun twirling on the raffia toadstools in the entryway and shooting sponge darts at the mobile in the living room from the catwalk.

If something is knocked askew or the puppy gets a bit rambunctious, Sharron has a catch-all phrase for whatever falls into disarray.

“It’s pop art,’’ she declares.

i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 25

AU COURANT

PET-FRIENDLY FABRICS Textiles pro with 3 dogs shares her secrets TEXT MARJIE DUCEY PHOTOGRAPHY JEFFREY BEBEE

N

ebraskans like the fabrics in their homes to be longlasting as well as sophisticated.

As a textile store owner with seven grandchildren and three dogs, Sharron Roncka Haas understands.

It’s not just your family traipsing through the living room, Haas cautions. It’s friends, pets and extended family who might not treat that expensive piece of furniture with the same care.

FIVE SUGGESTIONS FROM THE PRO

1.

Never use a silk fabric in areas where there’s splashing water. And that includes kids and pets who shake their hair out after frolicking in the snow or rain. Any type of wallpaper or fabric that can be damaged by water should live far away from the Nebraska wind, which is filled with moisture as it whistles through an open door.

2.

Don’t ignore commercial products. They are very durable and easier to maintain around sticky fingers and muddy paws, and many times you can’t tell the difference between that and the residential variety. Many designers never use anything but commercial carpet for people with children or pets.

3.

Those silk or sheer drapes that you’ve been eyeing for months might just have to wait a few years. Especially if you have a kitty that would love climbing them. “There are certain things to buy at certain ages.’’

4.

If you are just starting out and on a budget, consider outdoor furniture. It’s durable and attractive, withstands kids and pets and can be moved to the patio when you’re ready to invest in more traditional furnishings.

5.

Be careful of furniture fabric with texture. Any texture you can feel will attract the hair of a pet. Haas' own furniture is upholstered in linen velvet. "It’s very forgiving with my pets,’’ she says. "A little spray bottle with warm water and a soft cloth takes out any stain.’’

26 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

OTHER SMART FABRIC OPTIONS • CRYPTON: Think Superman. The fabric is strong and doesn't attract hair or lint.

• CANVAS: As in slipcovers. So what if they get dirty? They're easy to remove and wash.

• DENIM: It’s durable and easy to clean.

• POLYESTER: Don't cringe. It has come a long way from the leisure suits of the 1980s. "It's a tremendous product.''

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ELEGANCE

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DINING Bonefish Grill | Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar | Paradise Bakery & Café

RegencyCourtOmaha.com 2077320-01

i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 27

GARDENING

SUREFIRE WINNERS

Plant these beauties and watch your flower beds come to life PHOTOGRAPHY

28  M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

TEXT MARJIE DUCEY COURTESY OF ALL-AMERICA SELECTIONS

2018 AAS WINNERS IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR a surefire winner for your garden or flower beds, search for the All-America Selections seal on plants and seeds before you buy. It's the equivalent of the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.

Only this one is for plants.

“It means that the plant has been

Canna South Pacific Orange F1

Sweet Corn American Dream

Cuphea FloriGlory Diana

Gypsophila Gypsy White Improved

Marigold Super Hero Spry

Ornamental Pepper Onyx Red

Pak Choi Asian Delight F1

Cayenne Pepper Red Ember F1

Habanero Pepper Roulette F1

Cocktail Tomato Red Racer F1

Tomato Valentine F1

Zinnia Queeny Lime Orange

tested in multiple spots around the country and performed well,’’ explains John Porter, urban agriculture program coordinator for Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties. “It has a value or trait that makes it stand out in the market."

The All-America Selections organization has been testing new plants since 1932. Omaha joined the effort last year when Porter started testing plants at the Cooper Farm Urban Agriculture Education Center. Six of his 13 crops were chosen as national winners, which means they thrived in every region in the country.

Porter tested each of the 13 edibles against two other cultivars already on the market. He looked for specific traits, trying to determine if they were as good or better than what consumers could already buy.

PORTER'S FAVORITE Pak Choi Asian Delight F1. “I really loved it,’’ he says. “Most other greens, when the weather gets hot, will bolt, turn bitter and stop growing. This one didn’t bolt at all last year. We planted it in June, and we were still harvesting in October.’’

SEE FOR YOURSELF Check out the AAS winners in person at the Backyard Farmer garden on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's East Campus. www.byf.unl.edu

BE PATIENT Selections can sometimes be hard to find in the first year they are announced.

The Johnny’s Selected Seeds catalog is a good place to start, Porter says. Or see them at all-americaselections.org/ buy-winners/

i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 29

BEFORE & AFTER

DREARY TO CHEERY Happy pops of color, natural light bring family room out of the shadows TEXT CHRIS CHRISTEN PHOTOGRAPHY JEFFREY BEBEE 30  M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

THE REMEDY “The goal was to lighten up the space and make it relaxed and sophisticated but at the same time complement the warm, refined Tuscan influences elsewhere in the home.”

WHAT THEY DID Settles worked with SL Jensen Construction to create a neutral playing field.

Work included removing the fireplace and brick, adding a new wood-burning fireplace, limestone mantel and natural stone surround, and installing windows above built-in cabinets flanking the fireplace. A window wall with a patio view was reworked to give the room more of a sun-kissed glow year-round. Opposite the fireplace wall, built-in bookshelves flanking a doorway were removed to create a clean, flat wall. Opposite the sectional, a wall-mounted flat-screen TV got a paneled wood surround. Overhead, ceiling beams were added to create a tie to the Old World architectural influences in other rooms.

THE PALETTE Earthy brown, honey gold, midnight blue, tangerine, teal and cream.

FURNISHINGS A sectional sofa with wide-track chaise lounge and a large round brindle cowhide ottoman anchor the room. The sofa is transitional in style but offers sink-in comfort and durability for watching home movies, playing video games and reading. Feet on cushions? No problem.

The ottoman doubles as a coffee table.

Underfoot, a super-soft channeled cutpile area rug.

ACCESSORIES

TEAL SAVED A FAMILY ROOM FROM

Decorative wrought-iron, copper and bronze patinas, glazed earthenware and sculptural geodes. Mostly contemporary in design, they still play off the Tuscan style. Lamp shades and end tables are a mix of round and rectangular shapes for interest.

A SEVERE CASE OF THE DREARIES. “IT

TEXTURES

AN INJECTION OF TANGERINE AND

WAS A VERY DARK ROOM,” RECALLS INTERIOR DESIGNER BETH SETTLES OF INTERIORS JOAN & ASSOCIATES.

Natural grasscloth (on walls and ceiling), faux fur, burnout velvet, vegan croc leather, flecked tweed and brindle cowhide, among others. “Everything is very durable,” Settles says. After all, this is a household with five active kids and two dogs who love to hang together.

i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 31

GIFT GUIDE

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32 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

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From exceptional dining with chef-prepared menus to our AgeWell center and innovative wellness programs, our outstanding services and amenities are provided by experienced staff dedicated to serving you.

Explore Immanuel Village, a community that is uniquely your own.

Give us a call at 402.281.9460 to schedule a personal visit.

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i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 33

THREADS TEXT/STYLING/MODELING SARA SABALIAUSKAS/SABBY STYLE PHOTOGRAPHY HEIDI THORSON

Prints, patterns, shapes and a rainbow of color

WOW FACTORS FASHION BLOGGER AND STYLIST

Sara Sabaliauskas loves the energy that comes from wearing a bright palette. Here, she shows how playful pops of color can elevate a classic look, give you a jolt of confidence and send your spirits soaring. Bonus points if you snap and share a photo of yourself against a perfectly coordinated backdrop!

34  M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

PATTERN PLAY Crisp white denim comes to life with polka dots and floral prints.

Kimonos are a spring staple, and this embroidered version is a statement-maker.

It's perfect for a little pattern play, so mix it up!

Articles of Society white denim, $68; Allison Joy dot-ruffle top, $68; Braeve embroidered kimono, $78; Pink beaded earring, $35; ALL FROM EVEREVE, REGENCY COURT i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m   35

FUN & FLIRTY Gingham always looks right.

A high-low hemline keeps this sundress fun and flirty. Too chilly for bare arms?

A classic denim jacket goes anywhere, anytime.

A colorful patterned scarf provides the finishing touch.

Lost and Wander gingham dress, $88; BLANKNYC distressed denim jacket, $98; Echo necktie scarf, $19; Tassel earring, $28; Holiday Trading and Co. “Freedom” clutch, $48; ALL FROM EVEREVE, REGENCY COURT Sunglasses, stylist's own

36 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

SHAPES & TEXTURE Could there be a more perfect pairing of pattern, color and texture? Trend talk: Circle bags are huge for spring.

TINY embroidered flutter-sleeve blouse, $98; Hutch A-line skirt, $128; Street Level vegan handbag, $68; ALL FROM ANTHROPOLOGIE, REGENCY COURT; Sunglasses, shoes, stylist's own

i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m   37

PRINTED DENIM Take your pant game up a notch with printed denim. To create balance and let the pattern do all the talking, opt for a solid top.

A bag and scarf in yellows pulled from the denim tie it all together.

And nothing says “spring” like grass green heels to complete the look.

Watercolor floral-print scarf, $18; Street Level vegan clutch, $58; Pilcro & The Letterpress printed denim, $118; Rosie Neira bell-sleeved sweater, $98; ALL FROM ANTHROPOLOGIE, REGENCY COURT

38 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

SOLID HUES Move over Little White Dress.

We have a new spring MVP on our hands! A clear home run for any occasion.

Maeve fit-and-flare dress, $138; Beaded clutch, $7; Stretch belt, $38; Sequin earrings, $58; Aqua stone necklace, $48; ALL FROM ANTHROPOLOGIE, REGENCY COURT; Sunglasses, stylist's own

i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m   39

GET TO KNOW

STROKE OF GENIUS Apparel line is a walking art exhibition

TEXT KIM CARPENTER PHOTOGRAPHY MICHAEL BREWER, TAYLOR HAYNES & DON SHEPARD PHOTOGRAPHY

FUN, FRESH, COLORFUL. Check out Wearable Art Omaha online, and you’ll find an array of apparel distinctive for its abstract patterns and vibrant colors.

It’s a company that’s turning heads at fashion weeks and runway shows across the country.

And it’s been around only since November. That’s right November 2017.

The company was founded by Michael Brewer, an entrepreneur who’s surprised at how quickly his business is taking off.

He’s hardly an industry insider.

“My background in art? None.

Fashion? None. The apparel industry?

None. Running a business? Very little.

I’m in the fashion industry, but I’m not a fashionista. I didn’t have a clue.”

What he did have was a yearning to do something different with his life.

“I was an attorney for 10 years, but I just wasn’t having fun with it anymore.

I had to do an honest self-assessment of

40 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

what would make me happy. I wanted more balance in my life, so I quit and got out with no plan of what to do next.”

For some reason, printing T-shirts seemed like a good idea. But his father, Ken, who’s an artist, quickly changed his son's mind.

“My dad said, ‘I put all this effort into my art, and it’s so competitive.

You can help me sell my paintings.’ ” Wearable Art Omaha was born, and its clothing is literally wearable art.

Ken’s abstract canvases serve as the basis for every skirt, shirt, dress and pair of leggings.

Michael admits translating art into apparel isn’t always easy.

“People put crazy images onto clothing all the time, but not everything translates well onto a body. I had to learn how to print (paintings) on fabric.”

The result is distinctive apparel that turns women into walking pieces of art. Each outfit is its own mini art exhibition.

Michael Brewer had a yearning to do something different with his life.

Dad had an idea and they ran with it.

Michael is happy to let women decide how to showcase that art.

“I wanted the clothing to be versatile so you could wear it to the grocery store, the park, the gym or a night on the town.”

While Michael is still learning the ins and outs of the apparel business, he’s already looking to expand to long-sleeved dresses and rompers.

“Everybody wants those,” he says, chuckling.

Michael has certainly been elated with how consumers have responded to his brand, but one opinion has meant more to him than all the others: his dad's.

When Michael put on a runway show in January with RAW Omaha, which orchestrates events with local artists, Ken couldn’t help but show his pride.

“My dad’s not very good with words and expressing his emotions to me, but he was there. I’ve never seen him so happy. He was giddy. That’s been very inspirational to me.”

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K I T C H E N PAT I O

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i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 41

DESTINATION

The author, celebrating a leg of the tour.

PEDAL. DINE. LAUGH. Cycling tour gives Omahans a taste of Italian hospitality TEXT + PHOTOGRAPHY NANCY GAARDER

THE MOON DRIFTED IN

Friendships had come easy during

bigger biking community,” says

and out of the clouds while lights

the shared experience of bicycling

Julie Bohlen of Papillion. “We were

strung in the trees twinkled brightly.

for a week in Italy, and it showed as

so bonded, we became friends no

Laughter mixed with the gentle hum

we dined, danced and sang. Twenty-

matter where we were from.”

of conversation.

two of us from a mostly Nebraska

Our stay at Hotel Dory in northern

contingent, along with cyclists and

Italy was full of superlatives – the

atic Sea, hotelier Stefan Giuliodori

their families from Israel, Iceland

scenery, the cycling, the food, the

welcomed guests from around the

and Australia celebrated all that Italy

accommodations, the people.

world to an outdoor dinner at his Ital-

had to offer.

On a hilltop overlooking the Adri-

ian country home.

42 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

“I felt like I was part of a much

“It far surpassed my expectations,” Bohlen says.

ALL-INCLUSIVE ADVENTURE Cycling has a long history in Eu-

THE PACE

rope, and in 2000, a group of hotels

olive groves, deeply furrowed farm

scattered across Italy – but situated

fields and through 16th-century

in the nation's best areas for cycling

villages. Cappuccino stops were a

– spotted an opportunity. A consor-

highlight, bringing a break from the

tium, Italy Bike Hotels, was born.

riding and an opportunity to explore

The group sets standards for such things as cycling routes, expertise of guides, food and mechanical service.

appreciated our guide's kindness and

belong to the consortium, each effec-

patience. At each scenic stop, Silvano

tively functioning as all-inclusive for

Sbrollini would motion for the gaggle

the cycling enthusiast.

of riders following him to pull off

"The concept of a hotel dedicated

the road. We would happily comply

to cyclists seemed hard to imagine,

because every twist in the road had

but they are truly, truly dedicated

presented another postcard image.

to cyclists," says Lin Leahy of the

“It was great to jump on the bike

THE ITINERARY Each morning we rode a circular route above or through the seaside

intense. Even on vacation, they are

was a surprise," says Linda Hayek

there to pedal and climb, climb and

of Omaha, who organized our group.

pedal. Resting? Drinking in the scen-

"Something for everyone – racing

ery? That’s for the amateur.

COST Seven days, Saturday to Saturday, $750 to $1,000 per person, double occupancy. Price varies with room choice. Includes meals. Bicycles are extra. Other tour options available.

GEAR Hotel Dory rents Scott brand bicycles and choices ranged from electric for those needing an assist to hybrids and carbon fiber road bikes including the lightweight, nimble CR1 Pro Scott.

NON-CYCLING TRAVELERS Hotel Dory offers cooking lessons, hiking and other activities. The hotel is located in a beach resort town, so options abound.

That doesn’t mean American cyclists should be scared off. It simply means that the typical American cy-

fit. Because we returned each evening

clist, even one who has done the Bike

to the hotel for dinner (unlimited

Ride Across Nebraska or RAGBRAI,

wine included), it became a gathering

will be humbled.

“It is doubtful you will be as good

There was no haggling over where to

as you think,” says Kris Rongone of

eat or scattering into small groups.

the Omaha metro, who opted for a

“Some of my favorite experiences

HOW TO GET THERE Fly into Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, take shuttle to hotel.

No, not in Italy. Italian cyclists are

"The variety of beautiful routes

were coming back to the hotel to

TOUR OPERATOR Hotel Dory; hoteldory.it

Snapping photos might seem like

about?

point that enriched our time together.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

THE SURPRISE

level, with about 10 to 15 people in

tougher skill level.

Italian cycling is about riding

share dinner with the party and catch

harder and with fewer breaks than

up on what everyone had done during

Americans are accustomed to. But

the day,” says Scott Redd of Omaha.

the end-goal – a good meal and wine – washes away any fatigue.

Sicily THE WORLD-HERALD

the route.”

all, isn’t that what bike touring is all

The setup had an unexpected bene-

100 MILES

scenery, not having to worry about

divided into five groups based on skill

Anyone would enjoy it."

ea

IT AL Y

Ring Koenig. “Just taking in the

a given while cycling in Italy. After

types, food lovers, wine tasters ...

Ad ria tic S

Rome

and get ‘lost’ in the ride,” says Lisa

resort town of Riccione. Riders were

each group.

Riccione

My friends and I opted for the most leisurely of the skill levels and

ommended and did not disappoint.

Bologna Florence

a vista.

About 60 three- and four-star hotels

In our case, Hotel Dory came rec-

Venice

a village market or castle, or take in

Even laundry service is included.

Omaha area.

Milan

Each day, we pedaled the hills past

OTHER OPTIONS italybikehotels.com

“I got every bit of the biking challenge that I went for."

LINDA HAYEK

!

TRENDING VIEW MORE ONLINE FIND BONUS PHOTOS FROM THIS FEATURE AT inspiredlivingomaha.com

i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 43

HIDDEN PANTRY

THE 'MOREL' OF THE STORY: KEEP IT SIMPLE TEXT + RECIPES + PHOTOGRAPHY

CHAD LEBO

LIVING IN MADAGASCAR

haggle over prices in a patois of French

and riding a motorcycle meant several

and Malagasy while simultaneously

intriguing food-riding seasons.

inching forward and around buses,

Mango season left city streets lit-

cars, bikes and ox-carts.

tered with gnawed pits. I will just say

Paying, getting change and hand-

that mango pits are to motorcycles as

ing over the mushrooms while moving

banana peels are to cartoon characters.

stop-and-go was equally as athletic and

Rice harvesting was a season for

interesting. Finally, chanterelles in

bobbing and weaving down the road

hand, the bag had to be hung from the

to avoid the spots on the sun-warmed

handlebars to keep from bruising the

shoulders where folks spread out their

tender morsels.

rice grains to dry (even on the national highways).

And there was the brief and elusive

Was it worth it? Or, more locally speaking, is it worth it to walk for miles and hours through the spring

mushroom season: succulent egg-yolk-

woods, head bent and eyes open, just to

yellow chanterelles came out once a

find a handful of morels? Yes, the best

year. For me, they run neck-and-neck

of mushrooms are always worth it.

with morels for flavor.

Even in the capital of 2 million

Ephemeral and earthy, mushrooms have a taste and texture all their own.

people, they were only available in a

In the kitchen, it is best to always

couple of places.

think of how to complement and high-

One was at a traffic bottleneck north

light the mushrooms instead of over-

of the city where mobile street venders

whelming them with creamy sauces or

snaked through the stopped vehicles

thick fried breading.

hocking everything from pasta strain-

Especially with morels, keep it

ers to pirated DVDs. Chanterelle time

simple. A good mushroom dish should

led to a delicate dance of trying to

still taste of mushrooms.

44 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

SAUTÉED PORTOBELLOS & RED PEPPERS WITH BALSAMIC 4 SERVINGS This rich earthy delight is great for smothering a seared steak (see photo), but also can pair with grilled chicken, duck, venison and wild game birds or grilled fish. Serve alone with toasted bread as a dip. Wonderful as a pasta sauce or macaroni and cheese topping, in omelets and frittatas, added to stuffings and on and on. Cold leftovers are fantastic on sandwiches or mixed into salads.

INSTRUCTIONS 3 tablespoons olive oil 2-3 large portobello mushrooms 1 large red bell pepper 2-3 cloves fresh garlic ½ teaspoon fine salt 2 teaspoons fresh thyme red pepper flakes, to taste 1 tablespoon of strong red wine 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons cold butter

1. Heat olive oil in thick skillet over medium high heat. 2. Add mushrooms cut into thick slices, red bell pepper cut into thin slices, fresh garlic cloves, salt, fresh thyme and red pepper flakes to taste. 3. Sauté 5-7 minutes over medium high heat until mushrooms and peppers are browned but not crispy. Good caramelization but no burning. 4. Add red wine and balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional minute. 5. Remove from heat and stir in butter. 6. If serving warm, top with fresh thyme and a small drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

MUSHROOM & WALNUT PÂTÉ YIELDS ABOUT 3 CUPS This is a versatile vegetarian pâté in which the nuts complement the earthiness of the mushrooms and both are rounded off with cream and butter. It can be enjoyed cold — simply spread on toasted bread with some white wine on the side. It also can be served warm atop roasted/grilled vegetables (see photo) or as a sauce on steaks or chops (see photo). Heat it up and thin with cream or olive oil and it is an excellent pasta sauce.

INSTRUCTIONS 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup chopped mushrooms 2-3 cloves fresh garlic ½ teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon fine salt ¼ teaspoon dried thyme Pinch of allspice, to taste Pinch of cayenne, to taste 1 cup chopped walnuts ½ cup heavy cream

1. Melt butter with olive oil in thick skillet over medium high heat. 2. Add chopped mushrooms (portobello, shitake, morels etc.), fresh garlic, black pepper, salt, thyme, allspice and cayenne or chili flakes to taste.

3. Sauté 3-4 minutes until mushrooms are browned. 4. Lower heat to medium, add walnuts and sauté for another 2 minutes. 5. Remove from heat and add heavy cream. 6. Puree the mixture in a blender or with an immersion blender. 7. Can be stored in airtight container in fridge for seven days. Can be frozen for longer storage.

FRENCH-FRIED EGGS WITH SAUTÉED MORELS 2 SERVINGS In a perfect world, there would be many wonderful things. One would hope one of those things would be morels in every yard blooming like so many dandelions. Until that idyllic time, cherish the morels you get. This recipe treats them simply and doesn't smother or cover any of their exceptional flavor. It also makes extra morel butter to use throughout the rest of the sadly morel-less year. If you can’t find morels, chanterelles are also quite magnificent prepared this way.

INSTRUCTIONS 2 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons olive oil 4-6 morel mushrooms 2 cloves fresh garlic ½ teaspoon fine salt 2 teaspoons fresh thyme 2 fresh sage leaves 2 fresh eggs Zucchini spears Garlic bread

1. Melt butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil in thick skillet over medium heat. 2. Add morel mushrooms (cleaned and cut lengthwise), fresh garlic, salt, thyme and/or sage leaves. 3. Sauté 4-5 minutes over medium heat until mushrooms are soft but no more than lightly browned. 4. Remove mushrooms and most of the butter/oil. Leave 2 tablespoons of the butter/oil in the skillet. Put the rest of the butter/oil in fridge to chill. 5. Add 2 table-

spoons fresh olive oil to the skillet and heat on medium high. 6. After oil is heated, add eggs. Fry over medium high heat while spooning the hot oil over top of the egg whites, but not the yolks. Cook until edges are browned but before yolk is cooked or set. The goal is delicious crispy edges but a very runny rich yolk. 7. Leave 2 morel halves intact and chop up the rest. Plate the egg over grilled or sautéed vegetables such as asparagus, greens or roasted zucchini spears (see photo). Top with a morel half, chopped morels, a drizzle of the butter/oil and a fried sage leaf or fresh thyme. Serve with grilled bread or toast topped with a smear of the morel butter/oil.

8. Keep extra morel butter/oil refrigerated in an airtight container.

Use for everything from seasoning corn on the cob, sautéing vegetables, finishing pan sauces or even making morel-flavored popcorn.

i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 45

NPDODGE

Local Luxury HOME EDITION

TRENDS

OUTDOOR

LIVING

As things heat up in the Midwest, many of us have one thing on our mind: backyard barbecues. There’s just something about gathering with your friends and family under the sun that makes this season perfect. And here in the Omaha area, we get to do all of that poolside, lakeside and fireside on some of the region’s most beautiful properties. Check out a few of the area’s standout homes with gorgeous outdoor entertaining spaces.

MAKE OUTDOOR LIVING IN STYLE:

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The beachy decor will transport you directly to paradise!

TO SEE THE NPDODGE LUXURY PORTFOLIO, PLEASE VISIT:

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i n s p i r e d l i v i n g o m a h a . c o m 47

LUXURY HOMES Bro ugh t to yo u by th ese sponsors

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Truly 'turn key' in this prestigious and sought-after neighborhood. Open and spacious with modern finishes. Brand new bathrooms, flooring, HVACs (dual), carpet, paint, bedrooms, fireplaces, the list goes on and on. Master suite with soaring ceilings, his and her walk-in closets, luxurious bath and private balcony. Yard is a landscaper's dream with 27 tree types, and plenty of greenery. Stunning!

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Denton-Erickson Group 402-578-8665

$1,925,000 · 9230 Capitol Ave.

Impressive 1.5 story Westchester home built in 2001. Cathedral and vaulted ceilings throughout. Open kitchen and large family room. Private outdoor courtyard with salt water pool. Main level master suite with fireplace, two walk-in closets and a master bathroom. Five bedrooms and four bathrooms on second level. Sizable family room, rec area and storage areas.

2610 N Main St. Elkhorn, NE 68022 402.452.3088 mainstreetstudios2610.com 48 M A Y/J U N E 2 0 1 8

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8 Solutions to Combat Cabinet Clutter Reaching for items in a crowded pantry, a deep hard-toreach kitchen cabinet, or a small bathroom vanity can be frustrating and even painful at times. ShelfGenie Glide-Out™ Shelves transform your existing cabinets with unique, personal solutions designed to maximize your space and fit your unique lifestyle.

Here are some unique solutions that address frequent storage issues:

1. More Space and Access Store everything from pots and pans to mixing bowls with easy-toaccess Single-Height Glide-Out™ Shelves. Custom solutions allow you to decide how your cabinets are transformed.

2. Under the Sink Get storage space under your sink organized with a Front Riser and TipOut Tray that work around obstructions like water pipes.

3. Clear Countertop Clutter Keep your countertop appliances organized and safe from tipping over with Double-Height Glide-Out™ Shelves. Once installed, these custom shelves will hold up to 100 pounds.

4. Turn a Door into a Drawer Transform your cabinet into a Glide-Out™ drawer with dividers. Upright storage organizes your cutting boards, cookie sheets, cooling racks, trays, and other flat items.

5. Stile Removal Maximize cabinet space for large kitchen items by removing the center post, or stile, and attaching it to the cabinet door.

6. Pantry Types Whether you have a closet pantry, cabinet pantry or a walk-in pantry, we’ll design it to give you 100% access to all your items.

7. Designed for You We can help make the most of your pantry by designing a custom plan based on what you store away and how you store it.

8. Everything within Reach

50% OFF INSTALLATION * *Applies to purchases of 5 or more Classic or Designer Glide-Out™ shelves.

Our solutions help you make the most of every cabinet in your kitchen, no matter the space, size, or use.

Lifetime warranty valid for Classic or Designer Solutions. Expires 6/30/2018.

A ShelfGenie professional Designer will help assess your needs during a FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION and then design a custom plan. Your Glide-Out™ Shelves will be built to fit your cabinets and then one of our certified Installers will install your custom storage solutions. CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION!

(402) 509-2504

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STARTING AT

$67,035

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