SEPTEMBER 2023
ALWAYS LOCAL, ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL
Rustic Luxe
PRETTY AS A PICTURE // ENCOMPASSING THEIR DREAMS // FROM PIECEMEAL TO PERFECTION
Charmer
It’s September and the season to transition to fall comforts… Cozying up in big sweaters and comfy throws. Enjoying the aromas of warming stews, chili, and spicy harvest candles. Kicking back to watch a Husker game while enjoying your favorite drink.
For you summertime Moscow Mule lovers, it’s time to switch over to a hot toddy while gathering ’round the fire pit. If you don’t already have a few copper mugs, we have the perfect recommendation. This issue’s Makers, Michael Stepp and Matt Dennis, create high-end, handcrafted copper mugs under the name Handlebend at their facility in small-town O’Neill, Nebraska. They are gifts that impress! (handlebend.com)
We also spotlight a rustic barn kit home built by Marshall Builders in Ponca Hills that will have you aching to get away to your own retreat in the woods, as well as several great home renovations to check out. Finally, be sure to read our money-saving Harvest piece with tips for overwintering your outdoor plants.
For most, autumn in the Midwest is a treat with beautiful fall foliage that gives New England a run for its money. And with temps in the mid 60s to low 70s, it’s pretty hard to beat for sleeping weather, too. Enjoy the season!
On a personal note, my Father turns 85 on Sept. 6. God blessed me when he gave me you, Dad. I’m honored to be your daughter. Happy Birthday!
Contents
OMAHAHOME ENTRYWAY
SPACES A Pretty as a Picture Primary Suite
MAKER ‘ Slowly, and Very Naturally’ Made Handlebend Mugs
FEATURE From Piecemeal to Perfection
AT HOME Encompassing Their Dreams
FEATURE Rustic Luxe Charmer
ARCHITECTURE Doing a Double Take
HARVEST Tips for Overwintering Plants
Sandy Matson Contributing Editor
ASID AWARD A Retirement Home Refresh
An overview of the main living area in a Ponca Hills barn home, constructed by Marshall Builders. A mammoth antler chandelier draws the eyes upward in this rustic retreat. Story page 30. Photo by Bill Sitzmann.
1 SEPTEMBER 2023 OmahaHome
ENTRYWAY
“Autumn is the hardest season. The leaves are all falling, and they’re falling like they’re falling in love with the ground.”
12 30 20
– Andrea Gibson, American poet
1 4 8 12 20 30 38 42 44
On the COVER
CREATE YOUR OWN
In nature, evolution can require a process of thousands of years.
At Curt Hofer & Associates, helping you to create your environment is second nature to us. Bring your designs, your inspiration, your preferences, pictures and even pins. Together we’ll move through a process that lets you ease into a flawless execution of your ideal surroundings. Contact us today to see why Curt Hofer & Associates has earned top awards for our iconic design and inspired living spaces for more than 30 years.
Editorial
MANAGING EDITOR
LINDA PERSIGEHL
SENIOR EDITOR
JULIUS FREDRICK
EDITORIAL INTERN
LIZZY DIAMOND
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
KIM CARPENTER
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
GWEN AHRENS · TAMSEN BUTLER
KATY SPRATTE JOYCE · JESSE KUHNLE
LISA LUKECART · KARA SCHWEISS
Creative
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
MATT WIECZOREK
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
RENEÉ LUDWICK
GRAPHIC DESIGNER II
RACHEL BIRDSALL
GRAPHIC DESIGNER I
NICKIE ROBINSON
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
SARAH LEMKE · MANDY MCGREGOR
Sales
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
SALES & MARKETING
GIL COHEN
BRANDING SPECIALISTS
DAWN DENNIS · GEORGE IDELMAN
CONTRIBUTING BRANDING SPECIALISTS
GREG BRUNS · TIM M CCORMACK
PUBLISHER’S ASSISTANT /
OMAHAHOME CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
SANDY MATSON
SENIOR SALES COORDINATOR
ALICIA HOLLINS
SALES COORDINATOR
SANDI M CCORMACK
BUSINESS MANAGER
KYLE FISHER
AD TRAFFIC MANAGER
DAVID TROUBA
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
DAMIAN INGERSOLL
TODD LEMKE
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
BILL
Operations
Executive PUBLISHER
SITZMANN VOLUME 13 · ISSUE 6
ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTION
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“I always love lighting as a statement. It’s the best way to use your money.”
Michelle Drew
Primary Suite A Pretty as a Picture
A long-planned renovation transforms this historic Dundee bedroom.
’m an old house person,” Michelle Drew shared as she gazed at her Dundee home, a classic two-anda-half-story brick Colonial built in 1922. She, her husband Curt, and their children (Caroline, Jack, and Philip) made the move to the vintage home in 2012, and Drew immediately began making mental plans for renovations.
“I had a vision for the primary suite from the moment we moved in. While every bedroom had an attached bathroom, there was no clear suite,” she said. “The main bedroom felt very blah,” added Drew, a professional residential interior designer with Drew Designs. “It didn’t function well at all, and it had a tiny bathroom with a pedestal sink and teeny shower.”
After years of dreaming, designing, and planning, Drew decided to jump-start the project in 2021. The design pro tapped local firm Craig Tuttle Construction as general contractor for the renovation. The company expertly handled all the demolition and labor for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, structural elements, drywall, tiling, and painting.
Drew explained the big changes: “We took part of the hallway and walled it off and added pocket doors,” as well as combined two bedrooms and a small bathroom to create the new, larger bedroom and ensuite. After nine months of construction, the end result was a picture-perfect primary suite with 420 square feet of beautiful, functional space.
The wallpaper, a punch of fun pattern play in the room, was a happy accident. Drew had sourced paper from high-end American design company Schumacher for a client, and scraps of their ‘Pandora in Peacock’ paper were used as packing material for that order. Drew loved the peacock pattern so much, she chose it for her own home renovation. The pattern informed some of the colors she chose for the room as well, including Sherwin Williams ‘Mountain Stream’ in the bedroom and Sherwin Williams ‘Passive’ in the bathroom.
SPACES
STORY Katy Spratte Joyce | PHOTOGRAPHY Bill Sitzmann | DESIGN Nickie Robinson
“I
5 SEPTEMBER 2023
6 OMAHAHOME
SPACES
Three chandeliers serve as ‘wow’ pieces in the suite. “I always love lighting as a statement,” the designer shared. “It’s the best way to use your money.” The bedroom chandelier, an ornate gold and crystal piece, is original to the house and used to hang in the dining room. Drew repurposed the bathroom chandelier, a shimmering, tiered crystal beauty from Ahern, from the first primary bedroom. The closet light fixture, her favorite for its bright orange pop of color, was sourced from a flea market years ago and just waiting for its moment in the sun.
Diverse sourcing has served Drew well in her interior design career; this renovation was no different. The bedroom lamps are from local shop Beyond the Vine; the duvet cover, bed frame, and nightstands are from Pottery Barn; the bathroom sconces are via Hudson Valley Birch; and the bathroom faucets are from Kohler Artifacts Collection.
Small, thoughtful touches, like antique hardware for the pocket doors, elevate the primary suite and convey the essence of Drew’s design plan “so it looks like it’s always been there,” she explained. “A previous bathroom remodel contained track lighting and terracotta tile. I wanted to bring the space back to a more timeless, classic style that would honor the integrity of the house.”
Two paintings from France, inherited from her paternal grandparents, add another dose of history (and personal touch) to the project. A lovely etched glassware creamer from her maternal grandmother serves as a dispenser for cotton swabs and gives the feeling of a high-end boutique hotel.
The final outcome is a primary suite that’s been transformed into a tranquil dreamland exactly what Drew imagined all those years ago.
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7 SEPTEMBER 2023
STORY Jesse
and Very Naturally’ ‘Slowly, and Very Naturally’ Hometown Business Sells Slowing Down Through Copper
Mugs
t took a long time. Sorting, sifting, finding the right piece. Heat. Hammer. Bend. Heat. Hammer. Bend. Eventually, it was done. Handlebend mug #001. It wasn’t pretty, but Michael Stepp was proud of the handmade copper mug he’d fashioned from scrap copper in his father’s commercial refrigeration workshop. Even if he didn’t know it at the time, Stepp had forged the first of many handmade copper mugs that would change the course of his life, as well as that of longtime friend Matt Dennis.
The creation of Dennis & Stepp Copper Co. was much like the creation of that first copper mug. As Stepp puts it, things happened “very slowly, but very naturally.” While roommates and business majors at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Stepp and Dennis discovered and developed an affinity for the Moscow Mule, a vodka-based cocktail traditionally served in a chilled copper mug, which enhances the drink’s distinct flavors. To better enjoy and entertain company, the pair searched the internet and ordered a set of “copper” mugs for themselves. Once the mugs arrived, the poor quality and overpromise of the advertising was immediately apparent.
But out of the disappointment and buyer’s remorse, an inspiration was sparked, leading Stepp to fashion that first mug and share it with Dennis. Dennis was impressed and wanted a mug of his own. The two headed back to the workshop and got busy. As Stepp and Dennis began to make appearances at social gatherings toting their new beverage vessels, the copper mugs quickly became highly sought-after commodities.
| PHOTOGR A PH Y B i l l Sit z m a n n | D E S IGN
8 OMAHAHOME
Kuhnle
Nickie Robinson
‘Slowly,
“Everybody who had these mugs was very, very proud of them. Looking back, that’s what we really appreciated.”
Michael Stepp
9 SEPTEMBER 2023
(L-R) Michael Stepp and Matt Dennis
Maker
Slowly, the two refined the process and began crafting mugs as wedding gifts for friends. The handcrafted items became a unifying force, signaling a special bond between friends.
“Everybody who had these mugs were very, very proud of them,” Stepp said. “Looking back, that’s what we really appreciated. How proud everyone was of them. And we watched them host and gather with friends and family, and they’d get these mugs out around the kitchen table or the backyard.”
Stepp and Dennis both graduated from UNL in 2008 with degrees in business, and both were prepared to begin careers in their respective family enterprises Stepp in commercial refrigeration, and Dennis in grain merchandising. But slowly and very naturally, as the mugs made their way across Nebraska, interest and product demand grew. Even with all the positive feedback, Stepp and Dennis were reluctant to get started.
“We knew if we wanted to do it, we wanted to do it very, very, well,” Stepp said. “We wanted to provide an impressive experience for people.”
Making a copper mug by hand is a time-consuming process. Stepp and Dennis took their time. The pair experimented, problemsolved, and even invented tools to streamline and refine the process and product. Once they reached a certain level of comfort, their copper mug business branded Handlebend began as a sidegig housed in the back corner of Stepp’s father’s workshop. “We spent $1,500 on a website, which at the time seemed insane,” Stepp said.
Fast forword six years, and “slowly, but very naturally” has given way to “trying to keep up.” As demand for the mugs began to boom, so did the needs of the Handlebend business.
10 OMAHAHOME
“Sixteen to 18 months ago, we had a team of three,” Dennis said. “Here we are a little over a year later with a team of eight full-time people plus Michael and I and probably 25 part-time staff running the front of the building.”
Today, the business operates in the Handlebend Building, a historic 14,000-square-foot commercial space right in the center of O’Neill, Nebraska, which Stepp and Dennis purchased and renovated. (The partners first met as fifth-graders in O’Neill nearly three decades ago, so a return to their hometown seemed a natural fit.) The building houses the mug production operation, as well as the Handlebend Tap which serves beers from Nebraska breweries and, of course, Moscow Mules and a local coffee shop and florist.
The experience of a Handlebend mug is as distinctive and memorable as the first sip of a Moscow Mule. When ordered, mugs arrive in a wooden crate with Handlebend proudly branded on the front. The mug’s weight makes a strong first impression. The Original stands 5 inches tall and holds 25 ounces. With its large loop
handle, it weighs nearly 2 pounds and is equal parts beverage vessel and decoration piece. Each handle is meticulously bent by hand to ensure uniformity and quality. The slightly smaller square-handled mug called The Rambler is 1.5 pounds and holds 23 ounces. Both styles are $225 for a set of two or $425 for a set of four and are available with a regular copper shine or distressed finish. The vast majority of mugs, a variety of other copper beverage receptacles (including custom products), and apparel are sold on their website (handlebend.com), and in the Handlebend Taphouse. They also sell products on Amazon.
As the Handlebend brand continues to grow, diversify, and draw visitors from across the country, the central theme of the business remains the same.
“I think it’s important to recognize the value in unplugging and having a good time for the sake of having a good time,” Stepp said.
11 SEPTEMBER 2023 MAKER
From Piecemeal to Perfection
The two-story home on a winding, tree-lined street in Leawood West had plenty of charm. Built in 1965, the brick-and-wood residence boasted ample floorspace but alas, too many floors, or rather, types of flooring that sprawled throughout the main level. There were also far too many walls, compartmentalizing space and blocking natural light. But the house was located exactly where the Glesne family husband Tyler, wife Alicia, children Harrison, 11, and Cecily, 8, and their two dogs wanted to be: in the neighborhood where Tyler grew up and near family. The Glesnes put up with the mismatched decor and dimly lit rooms for close to a decade before embarking on an ambitious remodel in May 2021. By October, they had their spacious dream home.
To make this happen, the Glesnes contracted Laura Houston, the architect-turned-owner of Tributary Design & Construction. The project involved tearing down walls, creating cohesive spaces, and building in functionality.
“It was the whole lower level,” Tyler said of the renovation project. “The previous owners had been going space [by] space to remodel.”
That piecemeal approach meant a lack of uniformity throughout the home. Flooring differed in every room. A hand-painted mural paying homage to Italy in the dining room didn’t fit with the rest of the decor. The whole thing was an eclectic mess.
Since Tyler and Alicia both work in engineering, relying on someone trained in the precision of architecture made sense for the couple.
“Laura was a blessing, to say the least,” Tyler confessed. “We did a lot of dreaming, I had tons of floorpans and ideas, and she explained why they were all bad and she was right.”
“They had quite a few ideas,” Houston confirmed. “The house was so dark previously. The rooms were fairly large, but very compacted. They had to live with that old layout for so many years.”
Above all, the Glesnes needed practical built-in solutions to everyday problems, as well as sufficient space to entertain their extended family on a regular basis. That meant being able to accommodate up to 20 people at a time.
Houston loved the challenge. “It’s always fun when you have to figure out how to combine a room so you don’t lose function, but also make it large enough to mingle. No matter how hard you try, you can’t entice people out of the kitchen when you’re cooking.”
Removing the dining room wall instantly made the kitchen brighter and more spacious. “A big goal was flexibility. We needed to increase the amount of cooking and prep space and make the kitchen a gathering place,” Tyler explained. “For me, it was also about functionality. We had to be able to clean up and wipe down easily. That was key. Before, you could barely open the fridge [door] all the way, and the stove was a ’60s-era electric range.”
Story
Carpenter | Photography
The Glesnes’ remodel combines cohesive, open spaces with top-notch functionality for hosting family.
Kim
Bill Sitzmann | Design Nickie Robinson
12 OMAHAHOME
FEATURE
“It’s always fun when you have to figure out how to combine a room so you don’t lose function, but also make it large enough to mingle. No matter how hard you try, you can’t entice people out of the kitchen when you’re cooking.”
Laura Houston
Those goals were met by installing sleek quartz countertops, a sprawling 9-foot by 4-foot island, and a Frigidaire induction stovetop, which remains cool enough to wipe up spills even when the burner is cranked up to full heat. Ovens are built into the wall, freeing up space under the cooktop for deep drawers, which store easy-access pots and pans. “No more bending and crouching!” enthused Tyler, who stands well over 6 feet tall.
The cabinets, which now reach all the way to the ceiling, are a cheery robin’s egg blue (Alicia’s color pick), accented with muted gold hardware. They house solutions for the usual kitchen conundrums, like an appliance lift for the bulky stand mixer and segregated compartments for compost, recycling, and landfill waste. There’s also plenty of room to stow canning supplies, used to preserve the bounty from the Glesnes’ vegetable garden and apple and plum trees, as well as a pantry immediately off the kitchen to house the finished canned goods.
“Everything was assigned a space in the kitchen,” Tyler said. “We inventoried everything before we even started.”
And that pesky fridge? Tyler suggested a recessed wall so it sits flush with the adjoining counter and cabinets. It’s aesthetically pleasing and now possible to open as wide as the Glesnes need.
Off the kitchen is a three-season room, which accesses the backyard’s 30-foot by 20-foot stone patio via a garage door. “That was my gift to me,” Tyler confided. “The garage door was a game changer. I’m out there grilling in winter. Opening the door in summer is perfect for extending the patio. You can hang out away from the wind. It’s perfect.”
The former front room, which had served as a formal living room, now works as a dining and gathering space. Yes, it can fit 20 people comfortably.
“The idea was to make it into a flexible space without a fixed purpose,” Houston explained. “That room can now be whatever it wants to be.
14 OMAHAHOME
“A big goal was flexibility. We needed to increase the amount of cooking and prep space and make the kitchen a gathering place. For me, it was also about functionality.”
15 SEPTEMBER 2023
—Tyler Glesne
17 SEPTEMBER 2023
The family room became more functional by opening up an entry wall to allow for easier flow.
18 OMAHAHOME
It had to provide enough space for dining but also for large groups to gather.”
The main decor elements include a leather sofa and a bovine triptych, which dominates the wall facing the table. “Alicia picked it out. She’s from North Dakota,” Tyler said, explaining his wife’s affinity for livestockthemed decor.
What kind of animal is it exactly? “I mean, Alicia is insistent on bison, so I have to troll her with buffalo,” Tyler cracked. (Note: according to Google, it’s a Norwegian muskox, which still may not definitively lay to rest the marital debate.)
The stairs leading to the second floor were a last-minute decision. “We had a really good carpenter, so we added stuff and took advantage of the time while he was here,” Tyler said. “I found hickory online, and he fit it in perfectly.”
The family room became more functional by opening up an entry wall to allow for easier flow. Tyler and Alicia lightened the dark brick fireplace by using a “German schmear,” a technique that involves applying spreadable mortar over the brick to achieve a white tint. The previously oppressive brown ceiling beams, which Tyler “fought tooth and nail to keep,” were similarly lightened up with white paint for an airier look. Alicia knitted the gray poufs, while Tyler and his mother removed the horsehair stuffing from the bench, a family heirloom, to make way for new cushions.
As for the multitude of flooring styles, Tyler took them on as a DIY project with an assist from his father-in-law, Jerry. The duo laid 1,100 square feet of Brazilian pecan throughout the lower level, making for a cohesive look at long last. “It’s uniformity, as opposed to seven different kinds of flooring,” Tyler exclaimed. “That drove me nuts!”
For information about Tributary Design and Construction, visit tributarydc.com.
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19 SEPTEMBER 2023 FEATURE
Their Dreams Encompassing
20
OMAHAHOME
BillSitzmann| Design NickieRobinson
The Stottles’ top-to-bottom home remodel reinvents the Champions Run beauty with modern flair.
S t o r y K a r a S c h w e i s s | P h o tog rap hy
21 SEPTEMBER 2023
A t Home
ery few people would describe a comprehensive home renovation as “fun,” especially if it’s closely followed a previous residential upgrade and coincided with a business remodel. But Angel Stottle relished the opportunity.
“I like to say that this house is my ‘COVID baby,’ because we wouldn’t have bought it had it not been for COVID,” she said. “My husband and I were both turning 40 in 2020. We had family trips planned, and we had trips with couples planned… all the trips got canceled.”
The family was pandemic-housebound when a home on one of the biggest lots in their beloved Champions Run neighborhood came up for sale. Stottle knew the house from parties hosted in the basement by a high school classmate when the house was fairly new; a quarter-century later, very little had changed. The 10,000-squarefoot-plus home was dated, but Dr. Matt and Angel Stottle saw potential for everything they had wanted but couldn’t include in the home they had recently renovated.
“We weren’t planning to move,” Angel said. “We always start with a plan, and then if it can be a little bit bigger or a little bit this or that, we’re going to go for it. We do that not just with our personal life, but with our business (Omaha Pain Physicians), also… We are dreamers, we have big ideas all the time. It’s kind of our positive and our negative. We saw this and were like, ‘This can encompass all of our dreams.’”
The couple considered reallocating their 2020 travel budget toward the new house, but the purchase was contingent upon the couple’s “must-have” list, from high ceilings in the basement to room for a second large island customized for entertaining. They also envisioned “phase two” future features like an outdoor pool and a basement bar. The home checked all the boxes and the remodel commenced in 2020, continuing after the family moved in during the spring of 2022.
22 OMAHAHOME
23 SEPTEMBER 2023
“Because when you finish renovating a house, you should definitely get puppies.” Matt Stottle
“It’s not a house that’s ever going to be overly decorated. I want to live in a space that makes me happy and gives me energy.”
24 OMAHAHOME
—Angel Stottle
“It was so fun doing this,” Angel said. “I felt like I was an apprentice. It’s funny because I have a bachelor’s degree in fine art, but I’m not an interior designer; I’m a graphic designer… I know what I like, and I know what I don’t like. Doing this project with Stacie for two years, I felt like I was into this world of interior design.”
Designer Stacie Muhle of Artistico called the remodel “the perfect union of domestic utility and alluring elegance.”
“Reimagining the floor plan design allowed me to give the homeowners all the desires that fit their family lifestyle while remaining a sophisticated environment,” she said. “The client wanted a neutral palette with harmonious contrast and dynamic visual elements that would serve as a backdrop for the social gatherings they have, showcasing a balance of personal expression and functional glamour.”
No space in the massive home went untouched, and some changes were structurally significant, such as removing an enormous column fireplace that dominated the main level, creating a wall of French doors to showcase the backyard, or opening up the exterior entry. The redesigned floor plan placed a primary suite on the main level and the children’s rooms and bathrooms and toys and play space on the lower level, keeping the main level from becoming “Toyland” as it had in the previous house, Angel said. Function was as important as form for this busy family with elementary-school-age children (son Von and daughter Mila), she added. And the home, while gorgeous, is also holding up to two young dogs running around.
“Because when you finish renovating a house, you should definitely get puppies,” Matt said, wryly.
Contractor Jeff Hubby of Hubby Home Improvement whom Matt praised as “a yes guy” said the home was “completely gutted to the studs…the house was very advantageous to doing anything the client desired.”
“My husband jokes that this house is Noah’s Ark, because there’s two of everything. We have two dishwashers, two ovens, two refrigerators. We have two washers and dryers; friends call it a laundromat.”
Angel Stottle
27 SEPTEMBER 2023
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“We brought in a structural engineer to remove a 30-foot wall to open the space, allowing us to have a design that represents fundamental simplicity and modern functionality. By eliminating all the unwanted spaces, it allowed us to add a walk-in pantry, mud room, speakeasy, golf simulator, two bedrooms, powder bath, arcade, sauna, and large workout room,” Hubby said. “Technology was very important to the family, so the entire home was fully automated to be ready for anything, including smartcar charging.”
Cleverly planned storage space keeps items “close to where they live,” Angel said, from a Christmas closet near where the tree is placed each year, to pullouts for trash cans with a dowel for a roll of trash bags. Even kitchen drawers and mudroom shelves were designed specifically around the family’s carefully measured and counted belongings.
Angel said efficiency was also considered in every detail. “My husband jokes that this house is Noah’s Ark, because there’s two of everything. We have two dishwashers, two ovens, two refrigerators. We have two washers and dryers; friends call it a laundromat.”
There’s still some final touches in the works and a few spaces that are yet to be completely furnished. But Angel said there’s no rush, and that the house was deliberately planned with open areas.
“It’s not a house that’s ever going to be overly decorated,” she said. “I want to live in a space that makes me happy and gives me energy.”
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Rustic Luxe Charmer
A Ponca Hills barn provides the perfect family retreat.
30 OMAHAHOME
Story Lisa Lukecart
Photography Bill Sitzmann
Design Nickie Robinson
Feature
Order a house through the mail” reads an advertisement from an early 20th century newspaper. Sears, Roebuck and Co. was the first mass marketer of complete homebuilding kits through its catalog, Book of Modern Homes and Building Plans, in 1908. Over the next 32 years, 75,000 kit houses popped up across the US as people jumped on the mail-order bandwagon in search of the American dream.
Precut lumber, paint, and shake siding were typically shipped by railroad. Some customers hired contractors or enlisted neighbors’ help raising the homes. And the low cost of the homes just couldn’t be beat; in the 1920s, a ready-made four-bedroom would set a family back about $4,000. Another big appeal was the variety of charming models to choose from, including barns. One 1936 ad mentioned, “There is a certain ‘hominess’ about a wooden house a readiness to receive the stamp of its owner’s personality.”
31 SEPTEMBER 2023
Exterior additions, like a Truten corrugated metal roof that’s begun to rust , add vintage allure.
“
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That homey, natural vibe is found in spades in a rustic wooden barn fittingly set on the rolling 40-acre vista of Ponca Hills in North Omaha. But cattle, sheep, and horses won’t be found inside these walls. Heated, wood-look tile floors replace dry hay and dirt underfoot. Big-screen televisions hang on walls instead of farm implements while oversized windows allow sunshine to stream inside, rather than dusty, dark shadows in corners. Think Little House on the Prairie but with a contemporary, luxurious twist.
Home manufacturer Timberlyne provided the unique residential structure. The company streamlines the home-building process, just like in the days of Sears, making it easy to embrace a quaint country lifestyle. Rather than the railroads, semitrucks drop off the product at the building site. Buyers select models, floor plans, and accessories to match their styles, providing a unique design “stamp.” In this case, the homeowners aimed to create a highend rustic retreat with ample room to host guests, gather with family, and relax while enjoying panoramic views.
“It doesn’t feel like a finished house, but [has] a barn-feel throughout,” explained Parker Edick, project manager with Frasier-Martis Architects, which consulted on the design.
Exterior additions, like a Truten corrugated metal roof that’s begun to rust, add vintage allure. The 1,392-square-foot wrap-around porch invokes a bygone era homeowners rocking in chairs while sipping cold lemonade, or watching sunsets from the porch swing. Heaters supply warmth on winter days, while in summer, big black fans cool down guests who may have worked up a sweat on the dummy calf-roping setup in the yard or playing frisbee golf on the nine-hole course nearby. A two-sided wood-burning fireplace outdoors allows roasting marshmallows to sizzle on cool nights. Gray- and buff-colored river rock stone on the home’s exterior complements the 35-foot-tall gaslog fireplace indoors that serves as a focal point of the living space.
33 SEPTEMBER 2023
34 OMAHAHOME
Indoors, earthy pine walls replace standard drywall, providing the aromatic illusion of walking in a forest rather than the 2,800-square-foot main floor.
35 SEPTEMBER 2023
Indoors, earthy pine walls replace standard drywall, providing the aromatic sensation of walking in a forest rather than the 2,800-square-foot main floor. The entrance appears medieval with a timber round table; a salvaged rusted farm cog acts as its support. A bright red-and-gold rug laid beneath lends vibrancy to the mainly cocoa-colored habitat. A glowing chandelier dangles above, suspended by tan leather harness straps. The couple’s son-in-law designed much of the organic decor to add bucolic appeal and balance the modern amenities. Several heirloom pieces, such as a 19th century French hand-carved cabinet with a marble top, harbor memories and family traditions.
Besides the showpiece fireplace in the main space, the room’s mammoth antler chandelier catches the eye, reminding one of a 15th century feudal lord’s castle. A rope pulley system lowers the faux antler tines to change lightbulbs. Eras clash with an old-school Addams Family-themed pinball machine ready for a tug in the corner, while a tan felt pool table rests under lights suspended from an industrial-style beam hanging from a chain; others might stretch out to release a puck on the shuffleboard. An authentic cowhide bench and padded, top-boiled wool “chicken” footrest bring back the country vibe. Eclectic furniture includes a comfy forest green sectional, a tobacco leather sofa, and duck-patterned upholstered chairs. Handmade wall sconces, branded with the family initials, lighten dark spaces.
Hickory cabinetry and copper countertops continue the warm, natural decor theme in the kitchen. A handcrafted Zellige tile backsplash the same as in the bathroom adds muted green tones. An antique-white sink lends more farm ambiance.
A thick pine stairway, with 4-inch treads, leads the way to the 400-square-foot loft, while riser lights ensure steady footing. Bunk beds cut into the wall offer cozy nooks to tuck in grandchildren at night.
Marshall Builders LLC started the barn in the summer 2021 and completed it February 2022. Although the build took considerably longer than the 90 days that Sears once claimed was required to build a home, the finished result was well worth the wait. The home is a showcase with its high-concept rustic design and its peaceful, natural surroundings. Even more importantly, its the retreat of one family’s dreams.
“It’s just full of character. The barn fits the perfect setting of Ponca Hills,” said Trent Marshall, owner of Marshall Builders LLC.
36 OMAHAHOME
FEATURE
That homey, natural vibe is found in spades in a rustic wooden barn fittingly set on the rolling 40-acre vista of Ponca Hills in North Omaha.
Double Take Doing a Double Take
The Troias transform a dull, dated ranch into a rustic, two-story stunner.
In 2019, the Troias celebrated a decade in the home with a momentous decision. “We’ve spent 10 years here, let’s make it what we want it to be!” Sarah Troia
38
OMAHAHOME
Butler | PHOTOGRAPHY Sarah Lemke | DESIGN Nickie Robinson
Sarah Troia is the first to admit it: when she first laid eyes on her Swanson Park home, she didn’t see the possibilities. Luckily, her husband, Brian, understood the house’s potential. And as owner of Halo Construction, he also had the resources to transform the home into that vision.
The two-story residence, which Sarah affectionately refers to as her “Pottery Barn house,” was a single-story ranch when the
Troias bought it in 2009 in preparation for their twins being born. At that time, it was a five-bedroom, four-bathroom house with a small, two-car garage. Today, the residence has six bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a three-car garage and boasts quite the makeover.
Sarah said her first thought after buying the 1950s house was, “The outside needs work.” But within three days of moving in, Brian was tearing down walls indoors to open the floor plan for their growing family. The rehab outdoors would have to wait.
Exterior renovations began in earnest in 2016. The initial intent, according to Sarah, was simply to replace the home’s original windows deemed worn out and inefficient. “But then that became, ‘Let’s change the siding’ and then, ‘Let’s change the roof’,” she said, laughing.
ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE
In 2019, the Troias celebrated a decade in the home with a momentous decision. “We’ve spent 10 years here, let’s make it what we want it to be!” Sarah remembered saying. More remodeling projects followed. “We’d lived there so long that we knew what we wanted. My advice is to live in a home for a while before you start renovating.”
Halo’s project manager, Javier Macias, agreed. “Sarah was decisive. I can count on my hand the number of times she changed her mind. She was easy to work with.”
Initially, the Troias planned on staying in the home throughout the renovation process. But they soon realized that with a big renovation, it’s simply easier to vacate the home. They rented a house locally in February 2020 then the pandemic exploded. Seizing the opportunity for some remote family time, they rented a home on the beach in Florida and went south to await the conclusion of their renovations (and the pandemic). “It worked out well,” she said.
STORY Tamsen
39 SEPTEMBER 2023
“We did the renovation in stages,” Macias said. “They were in Florida for three or four months, so we talked using FaceTime.” The renovations were completed in September 2020.
Although it’s a two-story today, “It really is a ranch,” Sarah said. “After the kids grow up and leave, I won’t have to go upstairs or downstairs if I don’t want to. Everything I need is on the main level.” The upstairs addition includes bedrooms, a laundry room, and a large family room.
Outside, landscaping renovations were done by S&N Landscape Design. The home’s wood siding also received new paint, which Sarah selected after perusing Pinterest. Her bold choice was Benjamin Moore ‘Hale Navy,’ with crisp, white trim, which has earned her many compliments. She’s noticed that a few houses nearby have recently received a similar navy-blue treatment.
The Troias enhanced the exterior’s rustic feel by adding stained board and batten shutters, a stained-wood front door and railing, and gray-toned stacked stone on the house facade and chimney. New paneled garage doors finish the look.
The paint, landscaping, and renovations transformed the midcentury ranch into a two-story beauty that has a cozy, lodge feel reminiscent of mountain living. It’s undergone such dramatic changes, in fact, that the home draws second looks from many in the neighborhood. All home renovations are complete, Sarah said, apart from the backyard, which is in the process of having a pool installed.
Sarah said money and time spent on the renovations were “100% worth it. It’s now exactly how we wanted it.’”
Sarah and Brian are both from Omaha, and despite Sarah’s many travels and having lived in Denver, Kansas City, Houston, and elsewhere, she’s now certain they will remain here for good. “This is our forever home. I can’t say that fast enough,” she said.
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ARCHITECTURE 40 OMAHAHOME
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SPONSORED
Offering your Plants Winter Protection
42 OMAHAHOME
“It’s kind of fun to go down to the basement in the dead of winter and see live plants. Sometimes I'll even have a few flowers blooming.”
-Joan Persigehl
TIPS FOR OVERWINTERING
With chilly fall temperatures approaching, Omaha gardeners are getting ready to say goodbye to their outdoor flora. Most plants will not survive outside after the first freeze. But there is a way to save them for another year of growth and enjoyment.
Overwintering bringing plants indoors to spend the coldest months is a great way to extend the life of potted perennial blooms and outdoor plants for more than one growing season, while saving yourself a bit of work potting and planting again next spring. It’s also a great way to save money. Garden centers have not been spared by inflation, and plant prices have risen up to 30% in the last few years.
Joan Persigehl maintains a rather impressive yard of blooms at her Elkhorn home, including a variety of potted plants and flowers sprinkling her deck, patio, and entryway. And her plant maintenance doesn’t stop when the weather gets cold. For the past decade, the veteran gardener has been overwintering potted plants in her home’s unfinished basement.
Persigehl first got the idea to overwinter plants 10 years ago after realizing that she could potentially save a few dollars by preserving them for another year. “I thought, I’ll try, and if it doesn’t work, I haven’t lost anything.”
According to the Iowa State Extension Office, the best plants for overwintering are tropical and semitropical perennials. Gerber daisies, geraniums, petunias, and a large Boston fern are among the varieties that Persigehl has successfully overwintered. Other semitropical perennials that are popular in Omaha gardens include hibiscus, hydrangeas, dahlias, and begonias. “It’s kind of fun to see which ones work,” Persigehl said.
When bringing in plants for overwintering, it’s important to do so before the first hard freeze. Some homeowners may want to start moving plants inside after the first frost. The National Weather Service notes October 6 as the average first frost date for Omaha. Signs of an incoming frost are clear skies, cool temperature, and calm to light winds. The average first hard freeze is October 26. Plants can safely be returned outdoors after the last hard freeze in the spring, which is approximately April 21.
Before bringing plants indoors, they should be properly cleaned to remove any unwanted pests. Homeowners should start by removing the top inch of soil, which may have become unhealthy, and any dead foliage. To further prevent pests from hitchhiking inside, pots should be wiped down thoroughly, and leaves sprayed with a hose or wiped individually with a damp cloth.
While overwintering, its best to keep plants in a cool, dry place. Garages and basements are ideal spots for safe housing, as long as they will remain above 45 degrees. Some plant varieties will continue normal growth indoors and will thrive with minimal sunlight from any windows in the space. Other varieties may go into a dormancy period. These plants can be covered with a flannel
sheet or blanket to protect against excess sunlight and temperature fluctuations. It’s best to keep all plants away from cold drafts or heat flow from vents. All overwintering plants should be watered sparingly to prevent rotting.
Aside from the obvious perk of saving money, overwintering plants has another bright side, Persigehl said. “It’s kind of fun to go down to the basement in the dead of winter and see live plants. Sometimes I’ll even have a few flowers blooming,” she said. She shared that she’s even had friends visit in the winter just to be surrounded by green plants.
Persigehl would encourage other plant lovers to try their hand (or green thumb) at overwintering. “Why not try it?” she implored. “It makes you feel good.”
For more information about overwintering, visit growveg.com/ guides/8-rules-for-overwintering-plants-ina-garage-or-basement/
43 SEPTEMBER 2023 STORY
Lizzy Diamond - DESIGN Nickie Robinson
HARVEST
A Retirement Home
Refresh
An Immanuel community gets an energetic, amenities-rich makeover
ASID Award Feature
akeside is one of Immanuel’s signature senior living communities, located north of West Center Road off 175th Street. The Interior Design Firm was tasked with completing a major interior renovation of the common areas of the community, with a focus on creating warm, inviting spaces while meeting safety standards for all residents.
Throughout our renovation, we incorporated updated design elements, including intentional lighting selections, ceiling details, and a stimulating color palette. Eliminating interior columns greatly enhanced the updated, simplified spaces. Located on a beautiful lake and walking path, the views of the outdoors were highly important and were enhanced throughout the community.
All aspects of Lakeside’s transformation were designed with the residents’ use and needs in mind. As you enter the community, the existing library and fireplace lounge were opened to welcome residents along with their guests, and new, contemporary art added pops of interest. Around the corner, a lounge area was updated with a bar to give new life to the area. Refreshed card and billiard rooms add to the social atmosphere. Geometric-patterned decor accents lend a fun, energetic vibe to the spaces.
story gwen ahrens
45 SEPTEMBER 2023
PHOTos courtesy of immanuel design nickie robinson
46 OMAHAHOME We Can Handle Any Size Remodeling Project—Inside or Out! Getting the job done right—and on time. CUSTOM REMODELS • PAINTING • DESIGNING • DECORATING Call Kim Stewart today for a FREE estimate. 402-905-8144 jillofalltrades2@hotmail.com Licensed/Registered Contractor/Insured Credit Cards Accepted Remodeling Homes since 1978 Fall SPECIAL Remodel Both Your Kitchen and Bath, & Receive a 10% Discount on Bath Remodel! 402.290.6296 KAREN JENNINGS 2023 Winner Realtor/Real EstateAgent Best of Omaha Winner 11 YEARS in a Row! STANDING TALL FOR YOU! Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate: Top 25 Nationally GCI Volume Mid Size Team 2021 Chairman’s Circle 2021 Diamond Award Winner Medium Teams 2021 Top 10 Nationally Number of Units Sold Mid Size Team - 2020
47 SEPTEMBER 2023
One of the three dining experiences offered is the full-service Cast Iron Grille in which the existing low ceiling and open floor plan were challenged. The updated restaurant features a visually open room with a lake view, while providing private dining spaces created with custom banquettes, room dividers, and ceiling treatments. In contrast, The Reserve on Frances Street restaurant offers an upscale, fine dining experience which is fully private. Lastly, Bistro1887 was installed in a repurposed fitness room to provide residents with a new, more casual dining space that once again takes advantage of the outdoor views.
Thrive, a new fitness center and day spa, was incorporated into the community. This addition includes a full-service gym, aerobics studio, salon, and spa. The Grand Hall was also added, offering a sizable space for social events and presentations.
Lakeside’s new open and enhanced floor plan, high-end amenities, and contemporary, warm decor provide the community a modern, light, and spacious place to call home!
Designers Gwen Ahrens, ASID, NCIDQ with The Interior Design Firm, and Brittany Majestic-Barrett, NCIDQ, IIDA, were recognized with a Silver Award and Best Use of Space Award for their work on this project at the 2022 Nebraska/Iowa Chapter ASID Awards held in September 2022.
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MAKE GATHERINGS UNFORGETTABLE
MAKE GATHERINGS UNFORGETTABLE
W hether you’re prepping a feast for the whole family or meeting up over a meal, food plays a huge part in bringing people together. NFM is here to help make all your togethers better this season. From cabinets to counters, appliances and more, we make it easy to get a look you love at prices you’ll be thankful for.
W hether you’re prepping a feast for the whole family or meeting up over a meal, food plays a huge part in bringing people together. NFM is here to help make all your togethers better this season. From cabinets to counters, appliances and more, we make it easy to get a look you love at prices you’ll be thankful for.
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Professional Installation • Free In‑Home Measurements • Personalized Service • Premium Brands 700 South 72nd Street | Omaha, NE | 800 359 1200 | nfm.com/kitchen and bath ©2023 Nebraska Furniture Mart, Inc.
OMAHA
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A Stunning Selection of
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With Pella Omaha, you get so much more than gorgeous windows and doors. Since 1925, we have been a leader in innovation, going beyond requirements to create products you can be proud to own. In our state-of-the-art showroom that is located at 14478 Crest Road in Omaha, you are able to see and touch our products to envision how your home could be transformed. Claim your limited time offer at PellaOmaha.com, or by calling 402-493-1350
With Pella Omaha, you get so much more than gorgeous windows and doors. Since 1925, we have been a leader in innovation, going beyond requirements to create products you can be proud to own. In our state-of-the-art showroom that is located at 14478 Crest Road in Omaha, you are able to see and touch our products to envision how your home could be transformed. Claim your limited time offer at PellaOmaha.com, or by calling 402-493-1350