 Not
just a pretty view
"It’s
one of the most sought after types of property in our
market and holds its value better than any other kind
because they just don’t make it anymore. It is also a
big responsibility because ownership means you are
effectively an environmental steward as well as a property
owner," says Mike Ruzicka, president of the Greater
Milwaukee Association of Realtors.
|
 From
front to back
For
homeowner and landscaper alike, meeting aesthetic and
functional needs is ultimately important. "The
key to a good landscape is listening and giving
advice," says Mike Manke, landscape architect for
LandCrafters in Wauwatosa and New Berlin. "You have
to look at the home’s architecture and also the
architecture of the neighborhood."
|
 A
professional perspective
Moving
into a new house is like stepping onto a blank canvas.
With so many possibilities, where do you start? Luckily,
you can find a partner in an interior designer with
experience transforming client wishes into reality.
|
 Real
Talk: Can a zero-net-energy home be achieved in Milwaukee?
"The
first thing to understand about ‘zero-energy homes,’"
says Steve Homa of Muskego-based PEA Builders Inc.,
"is that no home by itself can really ever be zero
energy. Whether it be (in) Wisconsin or Arizona, at some
point in time it will be too hot or too cold to sustain a
comfortable temperature.
|
 A
personalized retreat
The
master bedroom should be a place to escape the haste of
everyday life, but for many homeowners the retreat often
resembles a bad hotel room: a bed, a picture above the
headboard, double nightstands with lamps, maybe a chair.
|
 What
women want
From
her condo’s vantage point, where the Historic Third and
Fifth wards meet, Nancy Lindenberg can view the city’s
active urban landscape, stretched out from the confluence
of the Milwaukee and Menomonee rivers.
|
 Get
the look: Easy Breezy
When
Veronica Sosa Agnoli and her husband, Robert Conley,
bought their Pewaukee home four years ago, its interior
was cast in red and gold hues, loud wallpaper covered the
walls, and honey-oak woodwork framed every window and
door.
|
 Countertop
Counterpart
If
you’re looking for the perfect counter for your kitchen,
check out the profiles of these popular options.
|
 Ultimate
kitchens
Some
kitchen makeovers just don’t work. That’s
what the new owners of a nearly 100-year-old home on
Milwaukee’s East Side discovered with their kitchen.
Despite recent remodeling, the kitchen was neither
functional nor beautiful. It did not match the character
of the rest of the home.
|
 Challenging
the status quo
Tucked
between spec colonials along the Lower Nemahbin Lake
shoreline is a private residence roused to challenge the
status quo. In an area branded for its sprawling
suburbanism, the contemporary pied-à-terre both
acknowledges and defies its surroundings. But that doesn’t
mean this dwelling sticks out like a sore thumb.
|
 Extended
potential
Any
residential landscape is potentially a feast for the eyes,
especially in its blend of color and texture throughout
hardscapes and plantings.
|
 Light-filled
lake home
"We
wanted to create a perfect relaxing getaway space for easy
lakeside living," say Jessica Forston and John
Edbauer of Fringe Interior Design & Home Furnishings,
designers participating in Wisconsin Breast Cancer
Showhouse Inc.’s annual Showhouse for a Cure. In fact,
it seems most of the designers shared that goal for this
year’s home on Oconomowoc Lake.
|
 The
careful edit
For
Paul Apfelbach of Mequon, restoring historic homes is more
than just a day job — it’s a passion. "I have a
passion to resolve nonroutine solutions versus everything
being prepackaged the way new construction is," says
Apfelbach, whose many hats include real estate developer,
residential broker and home-restoration expert.
|
 Factoring
in
Every
great landscape begins with a plan. While
the amount of space is an obvious parameter to any design,
three local designers point to other factors. Peter
Kudlata, principal of Flagstone in Cedarburg, Wendy Wiza,
a staff designer at Hartland-based Century Landscaping,
and Steve Brown, president of Outdoor Accents in
Thiensville, emphasize architecture/spatial relationships,
function, focal points and municipal codes over lot size.
|
 Outdoor
flow
With
a need to elevate an outdoor living environment to match a
newly created interior, Whitefish Bay homeowners conquered
the challenge with
the help of local landscape and architectural experts who
know their way around creating seamless transitions.
|
 Secluded
escape
When
homeowners Dawn and Cameron Knuth bought their property in
Nashotah, the couple instantly knew the nearly 1-acre lot
adjacent to a bounty of woods and wildlife would make the
ultimate backyard paradise.
|
 Historic
homes
In
the late 19th century, the splendor of the Gilded Age was
in full effect as rapid industrialization and economic
growth propelled the country forward. Much of the growth
happened in the northern United States, including in
Milwaukee — a bustling beacon during an era of grace and
beauty.
|
 Everyday
glamour
When
Pamela Coleman and her husband moved into their
20th-century Classic Georgian Fox Point home, the living
room wasn’t exactly inviting. With red walls, inadequate
seating and insufficient lighting, it had all the stuffy
feelings of an antiquated parlor. Far from reflective of
Coleman’s warm personality, the room went virtually
unused for years.
|
 Playful
plates
There
are few design essentials that transcend interior styles
as effortlessly as the subway tile. It is as equally at
home in a contemporary bathroom as it is in a traditional
country kitchen. But to say subway tile is making a
comeback may be disregarding its endurance
throughout a century of American design.
|
 Connectivity
reigns
When
a Menomonee Falls family enlisted David J. Frank Landscape
Contracting Inc. to make over their existing backyard
patio, they had one goal — to create
a place where they could come together as
a family.
|
 Defined
spaces
A
landscape project completed during a new home construction
in Mequon achieved a twofold purpose: providing necessary
drainage for a structure designed without gutters and
downspouts as
well as crafting attractive, multifaceted outdoor
living spaces.
|
 The
modern tree house
When
a Milwaukee architect helped a Portage-based couple move
to Madison to better suit their careers, he also assisted
in their transition from an 1880s Victorian/Italianate to
a new millennium modern.
|
 Harnessing
the power of color
When
it comes to choosing the right hues for your home, heeding
the practice of color psychology probably isn’t the
first thing to come to mind. Yet between all those fan
decks, paint samples and fabric swatches is a world of
emotion waiting to be tapped into — and it could
significantly change the feel of your home.
|
 Boosting
the backyard
According
to a survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape
Architects, the top three most requested outdoor design
elements for 2015 were fire pits, lighting and grills.
Other popular choices were pergolas and decks and spa
features like hot tubs, saunas and swimming pools.
|
 High-end
home trends
Although
open floor plans and clean lines still dominate local home
design, Milwaukee area designers are seeing homeowners
increasingly embrace design trends that may once have been
outside their comfort zone.
|
 A
leg up
The
array of 20th century modern chairs exhibited since Nov.
24 at the Milwaukee Art Museum is more than a revealing
window into past design — it is a study in various
materials and shapes that some local designers say
resonate today.
|
 A
repurposed gem
A
repurposed home intersects with a repurposed life in
Whitefish Bay, where build and design professionals
created a rustic, modern gem.
|
 Black
and white resurgence
The
European design scene has been experiencing a resurgence
of black and white home décor as of late, and it appears
the enduring duo is making its way stateside.
|
 Redesigned
and Reimagined
When
designer Carol Johnson of AB&K in Greenfield tackled a
master bathroom remodel in Mequon, she knew it would
require a higher level of design for a taller-than-average
couple. That included removing soffits to expose a vaulted
ceiling and providing pivoting mirrors at the double
vanity.
|
 Natural
Reign
A
North Shore couple with a colorful business portfolio
discovered how to put their home life in neutral (no pun
intended) with the help of a local interior designer, who
is ironically now part of their corporate family.
|
 Recently
renovated
Expanded
space extends the possibilities. That notion was put into
practice by Terri Schmidt, owner-designer of Delafield’s
Dream House Dream Kitchens, when she helped an Elm Grove
family expand the capabilities of their midcentury modern
home’s kitchen.
|
 Bowling
in style
For
Bill Koehnlein of Waukesha-based Collaborative Design,
completing the bowling alley renovation of this Milwaukee
area home was the final piece of the project puzzle. The
house was built three years ago, but Koehnlein and the
homeowners toyed with how to customize the bowling alley
before deciding on a final design concept.
|
 A
collective effort
For
Cameron and Dawn Knuth, building and moving into a new
home meant more than fulfilling a lifestyle need for their
family, which includes two children and two dogs. It also
meant meeting that need with very specific style.
|
 Accent
with Brass
Brass
is making a comeback. But if memories of Grandma’s house,
"Dynasty" and shoulder pads come to mind, think again.
Contrary to the shiny, polished variations popular in the past,
this brass is set to complement any room — not to overwhelm it. |
 The
hypnotic effect
Come
gather around the fireplace. "Have
you ever sat in front of a fire in the morning on a cold winter
day?" asked Dennis Forston, owner of Forston Construction in
Sussex. |
 Timeless
treasure
It took
a village of artisans to help a Whitefish Bay family make its 1929
home practical for today’s lifestyle without losing yesteryear’s
charm. |
 Innovative
practicality
It’s
been nearly two years since the Meredith Corporation, a publishing
giant whose subsidiaries include Better Homes & Gardens
magazine, initially contacted Lakeside Development Company of
Mequon. |
 How
to style a console table
Console
tables are among the most versatile pieces of furniture in a home.
Because they are shallow, they are great for spaces like a foyer.
A console table in your home’s entryway welcomes guests and adds
personality and function to your front hall. |
 Raising
the bar
The bar
has been set higher than ever. Homeowners seeking a convivial
space to enjoy a beverage and much more are turning to design
pros. Bill Koehnlein, president of Collaborative Design Inc. in
Waukesha, and Tara Wilke, owner of McNabb & Risley Fine
Furniture and Interior Design in Thiensville, served up their home
bar expertise. |
 A
majestic makeover
Hartland
homeowners Jim and Sue Marriott more than refreshed their home’s
1995 contemporary interior. They reset the look and the impressive
space to reflect their current life as well as their modern taste. |
 A sense of
harmony
Renowned interior
designer and fine arts expert Timothy Whealon credits his Midwest
upbringing with influencing his approach to interior design.
"Growing up
in Wisconsin, I developed an appreciation for wide open spaces,"
says the Fox Point native, who now calls New York City home. Downtown
Milwaukee landmarks and nearby Lake Michigan have also had a lasting
impact on Whealon’s style.
|
 Quality
matters
When
discussing trends in home remodeling, industry experts agree —
quality is trumping quantity. "In the past, the most
important thing was, ‘How big can I afford to make it?’"
says Chris Egner, a member of the Milwaukee/National Association
of the Remodeling Industry board of directors and owner of
Design-Build-Remodel in New Berlin. |
 Projects
with a purpose
When
remodeling the basement of a Washington Highlands home, Matthew
Jahns of Refined Renovations, Wauwatosa, understood the homeowners’
desire to have an adult space to call their own. |
 Room
with a view
Two
Whitefish Bay homeowners and a local architectural
designer/engineer spent a decade transforming a near-teardown home
into a contemporary gem that takes advantage of Lake Michigan
views and incorporates a plethora of building materials. |
 Perfect
harmony
Glam
meets mancave in a 6,500-square-foot contemporary home nestled in
the wooded wonder of Delafield’s Kettle Moraine State Forest.
The updated domicile
came together from 2011 to 2014 in a collaboration between Lisa
Minneti, an interior designer with Peabody’s Interiors, and
longtime partners Christine and Rob. |
 Eco-Friendly
Furniture
Long
before the green movement took root in interior design, La Lune
Collection has been quietly crafting its environmentally friendly
furniture in its Riverwest workshop for more than 35 years. |
 Birds
of a feather
Home
accessories and decor influenced by our feather-laden friends. |
 Historic
beauty
After
13 years, the beauty, elegance and historic significance of living
on Oconomowoc Lake is not lost on Dean and Tammy Laing. |
 Be
bold
When it
comes to color, Bill Koehnlein of Collaborative Design in Waukesha
doesn’t like to follow trends. "I
like the unexpected," he says. His
room designs often incorporate blocks of color or ceilings painted
a bold hue in contrast to the rest of the room. |
 Custom
Comfort
Interior
designer Linda Carver of Thiensville-based McNabb & Risley
collaborated with the owners of this River Hills estate to create
an environment radiating with comfort and warmth. "They live
in each one of these rooms with their children, family and
friends," she says of the homeowners’ lifestyle. |
 Lime
Chandelier
Sarah
Boardman-Miller built her design business, Lime Chandelier, on the
premise of one simple question: "Can you do drapes?" |
 De-cluttering
your counters
A
clutter-free kitchen counter might sound like an impossible dream.
After all, the kitchen is a high-traffic area and, let’s face
it, a dumping ground. But there is a way to avoid clutter. Here
are some suggestions of what to keep and what to let go of from
Cheryl Ryan of Kitchens by Design in Elm Grove. |
 Furry
family members get their space
Not so
long ago, dogs lived in dog houses. But as we increasingly treat
our pets like one of the family, we want to make space for them
inside the house. |
 A
fresh start
A trip
to Las Vegas is not generally described as inspirational, but for
Dave Belman of Waukesha-based Belman Homes, it was just that. |
 Luxurious
leather
When it
comes to designing kitchen spaces, installing leather cabinetry
isn’t likely to top the list. Generally more enduring materials,
such as wood, metals and glass, are considered. Leather, on the
other hand, has long been viewed as extravagant or excessive. |
 Thoughtful
touches
When
your "roommates" include a husband and three boys,
having a place to call your own is a welcomed luxury. Such was the
case for a Mequon mother, homeowner and longtime client of
interior designer Lisa Anne Minetti of Peabody’s Interiors,
Brown Deer. "She refers to her kitchen as her own
apartment," says Minetti. |
 Contemporary
Casual
If you
are interested in building a contemporary style home but are
concerned about blending into a traditional neighborhood, Stephen
Betts, an interior designer with SGB Designs Ltd. and Penny
Mustard Furniture in Menomonee Falls, says you need not worry. |
 I
spy DIY
For
Jenni Radosevich, restoring a vintage rotary telephone and turning
it into a trendy succulent planter is just another day at the
office. The Wisconsin-raised designer turned DIY lifestyle blogger
is the embodiment of a thousand Pinterest do’s, and she doesn’t
appear to be slowing down anytime soon. |
 Heads
up
Upholstered
headboards first hit the design market years ago, but like any
trend, they too have evolved. It was only until recently that
manufacturers and designers began seeking inspiration from the
more traditional headboards of the past, incorporating sleigh bed
styles and wooden trim into their designs. |
 Contemporary
Concepts
It was
a slab of Statuary marble that served as Robin Swernoff’s
inspiration behind the bathroom renovation in her Bayside home.
Swernoff and her husband own Lakeside Stoneworks in Brown Deer, so
it seems only fitting that her creativity spawned from a piece of
opulent stone. |
 Timeless
tuscan
Now in
its 18th year, the annual Showhouse for a Cure is traditionally
held in a historic East Side home, but its presenting
organization, WBCS Inc., took a new approach this year, instead
selecting a newer home as its 2015 showhouse location. |
 Sunny
365
When
seeing this 1952 River Hills Colonial for the first time, designer
Anne Wangman knew it was special. "The moldings, doors and
trim were intact, so it was important that the design of the
interiors complement the millwork, not compete with it." |
 Dressing
your windows
While
they serve a practical purpose, window treatments can also make a
huge aesthetic impact. Whether you’re partial to drapes or
blinds, a stylish window covering will easily elevate the design
of any room. |
 Modern
glamour
Despite
the public’s general aversion to wallpaper, Suzan Wemlinger,
owner of Decorating Den Interiors/Suzan J. Designs in Milwaukee,
says that wallpaper is "coming back in a big way." And
what’s more? |
 A
storybook ending
Despite
tearing down the existing home on their Elm Grove lot, homeowners
Madan and Gwen Kandula wanted their new house to blend into the
established feel of the surrounding neighborhood. The couple hired
John Van Rooy of John Van Rooy Architecture, Milwaukee, to take on
the challenge. |
 Pool
paradise
Design
and build pros worked together swimmingly well to redefine outdoor
residential life for a Mequon family. |
 Seasons
of change
Being a
transplant from California, I’m not a fan of long Wisconsin
winters. I do, however, love experiencing the dramatic change of
seasons. When it comes to interior décor, spring and summer call
for a home refresh. |
 Natural
beauty
How do
you double the size of a home, use its original foundation and
salvage a crumbling wood ceiling without taking anything away from
the natural beauty of the setting? That was the challenge faced by
architect Bruce Wydeven and builder Erik Knuth of EarthRite
Construction on a large-scale renovation project of a Lake
Michigan cottage. |
 Vintage
find
When
Kim and Owen Sullivan of Wauwatosa found themselves on the brink
of an empty nest, the parents of four wanted to find a home to
emanate the next phase of their life. They mulled over a move west
to Lake Country, then east to downtown Milwaukee, but ultimately
realized they wanted to stay near and dear to their beloved Tosa
neighborhood. |
 Taking
flight
A
Rockton, Ill., couple turned to a Milwaukee architect to make
their dream of living on the Rock River a reality. The result is a
modern three-bedroom structure — a "bird" the owners
named Kingfisher that takes flight, showcasing natural beauty and
melding the river’s shimmering surface and the sloping,
sometimes rugged, terrain above. |
 2015
home trend forecast
Watching
TV and film could easily lead one to believe that the modern home
is loaded with enough high-tech, glossy amenities to make the
Jetsons envious. Yet for all the world’s technological
advancements, home designers say Milwaukee’s high-end property
owners are striving to preserve a more traditional aesthetic. |
 The
art of Oriental rugs
No
matter what its color, scale, origin or pattern, a good-quality
Oriental rug never goes out of style, and it works with just about
any decor. |
 Wooded
retreat
Originally,
the owners of a home on the Root River in Franklin debated the
idea of building a cabin in northern Wisconsin, but the setting of
their own property made them change their minds. |
 Farm
Fresh
Before
construction ever began, the owners of a new home in Mequon made
two things very clear. The style should be modern farmhouse, and
they wanted it to incorporate some of their favorite furnishings.
Achieving that look started with the design of the exterior. |
 Consider
Copper
Warm
metallics, especially copper, is a hot trend in home decor. With
its reflective sheen and rich tone, the metal instantly injects
warmth into a space. From light pendants and furnishings to
accessories, hints of copper add a touch of glamour to any room. |
 Natural
influence
For
Hubertus-based mother of two Ann Schellinger and her husband,
Brian, building a third home together meant the chance to
incorporate their family’s favorite pastime — exploring and
enjoying nature — into the home’s design. |
 Masterfully
transformed
Architects
Nick Blavat and Richard Scherer of Deep River Partners, Milwaukee,
encountered a unique experience when recently remodeling a Gothic
Victorian on Milwaukee’s East Side — one in which the
homeowner served as the project’s general contractor. |
 Building
a chef's kitchen
The
rising popularity of television cooking shows has upped the ante
in today’s residential kitchen design, with homeowners seeking
kitchen renovations fit for a professional chef. |
 Positive
flow
Placing
a powder room in the middle of the kitchen might have been de
rigueur in home design in the 1940s, but it’s squarely out of
fashion in 2015. |
 Kitchen
Trifecta
When
Dr. Madan and Gwen Kandula began conceptualizing their new home in
Elm Grove’s Indian Hills neighborhood, they knew they wanted
their kitchen to be both kid-friendly and conducive to
entertaining. |
 Walking
the line
With it's classic
symmetry, Cream City brick and black shutters, the Georgian
revival brick home along Lake Michigan in Fox Point looks as if it
has been there for decades. |
 Holiday
Soiree
Hosting
a holiday get-together doesn’t have to be elaborate and
time-consuming — you can be holiday ready for an impromptu
affair or a more formal soiree with these simple preparations. |
 Timeless
Elegance
When
Mark Hackbarth and Eric Nelson purchased their 1891 Victorian 10
years ago, it had good bones but no style, Hackbarth says. |
 Condo
ready?
Downsizing
used to be about the only reason anyone considered moving to a
condo. It was the option of choice for empty-nesters tired
of cutting the grass, raking the leaves and shoveling snow. Today
the market is no longer limited to retirees. |
 The
next chapter
As a
financial adviser who primarily consults clients who are retired
or nearing retirement age, Karen Ellenbecker routinely sees
retirees build their dream homes only to be disappointed when
suburban living falls short of their lifestyle expectations. |
 Gallery
in the sky
Step
off the elevator on the 30th floor of the Kilbourn Tower and you
might think you’ve entered an art gallery. In a way you’d be
right. But this is no ordinary art gallery. This is the home of
Peggy Ann, and what you see around you is the product of a
lifetime of collecting. |
 Secrets
from a stylist: How to decorate your fireplace mantle
Fireplaces
make natural focal points in a home. Yet, it seems to be a
decorating dilemma for many a homeowner. How much stuff is too
much? Is art a must? Should it feel balanced or more playful? |
 Reclaimed
and rebuilt
Reminders
of the 2013 fire that destroyed their 1800s farmhouse are
scattered throughout the rebuilt Burlington home of Richard and
Sharlene Pasko. |
 Relaxed
elegance
You
wouldn’t think the words "refined" and
"laid-back" could be used together in the same sentence.
Yet, they perfectly describe Timothy Corrigan. One of the most
sought-after designers in the world, he has made a career out of
bringing easy elegance to home decor. |
 Cottage
castle
While
some drive hours to an Up North getaway, one Waukesha County
family can leave it all behind simply by walking across the
driveway. |
 Going
glamping
How do
you create a home that’s big enough to entertain 50 people yet
feels warm and cozy for two? That’s the challenge architect John
Vetter faced when he was commissioned to build a Waukesha County
lake home. |
 Mod
pod
In the
whole house remodel of a Fox Point 1960s contemporary, curves are
used sparingly. "A strong emphasis on line and form — two
essentials of good contemporary design — gives this particular
style its energy," says Terri Schmidt, owner and director of
design at DreamHouse/DreamKitchens, who headed up the project. |
 Table
talk
Both
nonconforming traditionalists and modern design diehards can agree
that dining tables are still a necessary component in today’s
homes |
 Worlds
Collide
In
searching for an older character home in a walkable community,
Sharath and Nirmal Raja narrowed in on a 1920s English-inspired
white brick house on a double lot in Whitefish Bay. |
 Secrets
from a stylist
Have
you ever walked into a home and immediately felt enveloped by your
surroundings? You couldn’t put your finger on it, but you were
drawn in by the home’s effortless design. |
 Designer's
Gallery
From
family friendly spaces to spa-like retreats to swanky business
interiors, area designers showcase their work |
 Hawaii
Life
The
first time interior designer Emily Winters set foot in the cottage
she designed was to set it up prior to the client’s arrival. |
 Meet
a designer
With an
artist father, Ariel Steinke grew up surrounded by creativity. She
began sewing in eighth grade — blankets, pillows, etc. — and
after a visit senior year in high school to Waukesha County
Technical College, she was headed toward a career in interior
design. |
 Universal
Themes
Even
though it seems as if people started talking about universal
design only recently, the concept of adaptability was developed in
1997. |
 Hardware
Heroes
When
Pamela Anderson was designing her kitchen, she thought there was a
lack of appealing handles and pulls for cabinets. "I wanted
something stunning, but everything was ho-hum," the artist
says. |
 Mountain
Timbre
Who
Lives Here: David and Molly Madsen, owners of AB&K Remodeling,
and their two boys, Joe, 14, and Ryan, 13. This is the fifth house
the kitchen and bath pros have built. |
 Kitchens
that work
In
terms of kitchen design, it’s time to retire the styles of the
1990s. Homeowners are seeking an openness and functionality in the
hub of the home dictated by busy lifestyles. |
 Go
bold at home
It’s
summer! Introduce some color and some fun into your home interiors
with these big-impact pieces.
|
|
|
 The
Art of Hardscaping
There’s
more to a dazzling garden or a serene patio than a lush lawn and
fragrant flowers. Hardscape elements, from stone retaining walls
to brick fire pits, are making outdoor spaces more enjoyable and
user friendly.
|
 Sea-worthy
tour
Breathtaking
views of Lake Michigan are an impressive feature of the 2014
Wisconsin Breast Cancer Showhouse for a Cure, but the architecture
of the Classical Revival Georgian home on East Lafayette Place has
secured its standing in one of Milwaukee’s most distinguished
neighborhoods for more than 100 years.
|
 The
beauty of boathouses
Most
lakes in the area have at least a few historic "wet"
boathouses that reside on the shore. Boathouses that were
completely or partially built below the ordinary high water mark
are called wet boathouses.
|
 Summer
staycation
With a
towering woodland as his backdrop and environmental restrictions
dictating the footprint of the project, landscape designer Peter
Kudlata created a resort-worthy backyard for an Ozaukee County
couple.
|
 Gadgets
gone wild
Family
time. There’s a Norman Rockwell painting for that. A scene in
which family members gather around the table, eagerly sharing the
adventures of their day, with smiles as wide as their faces.
|
 All
in for green
In
property development, sustainability has become the industry
buzzword. Many developers are claiming to be eco-friendly, but not
all can back up their words with brick and mortar.
|
 The
Elements of design
Patricia
Algiers has been written up in the New York Times, ICON and
Contract magazines, among numerous other publications.
|
 Love
it or leave it
In the
pursuit to own a dream home, families must determine if their
current house can be remodeled or if new construction is a better
route. Both options require careful consideration.
|
 Urban
upgrade
When
Paul and Natalia Hackbarth sought decorating help for their house
on the East Side, they knew just where to find it.
|
 Still
Life: Home
With
their daughter going off to college, Lisa and Jim Gleason decided
the time was right to spruce up their Whitefish Bay home.
|
 Backyard
refuge
Rick
Swiontek loves the North Woods and frequently travels there to
relax and unwind. One day it occurred to him that instead of
relying on these trips to de-stress, he could bring the North
Woods to his five wooded acres in River Hills.
|
 On
the edge
When
architect Stephen Bruns visited the piece of land on which he was
commissioned to design Fieldstone House, one thing was clear: The
driving force behind the project would be the two glacial kettles
on the property.
|
 Team
approach
There
was never any question William Koehnlein would join the family
design business. While
other kids were no doubt idling away their after-school hours, the
young Koehnlein was learning woodcarving.
|
 Milwaukee's
forgotten architects
When
architectural historian Chris Szczesny-Adams and her husband were
buying an 1899 home on Milwaukee’s East Side, she called her
dissertation adviser to see if he knew of its architect, Elmer
Grey. "‘You mean Elmer Grey of Pasadena?’" Szczesny-Adams
recalls him saying. "From then on, I knew I had found
something that was going to be very interesting."
|
 Luxe
Living
Shopping
for a luxury property? You’ll be hard-pressed to find one in the
Milwaukee area. There’s a historically low supply of high-end
homes available.
|
 Investment
property
Years
ago, on a trip to Colorado, a house featured in a newspaper home
section caught the eye of the traveler. He carried that newspaper
home with him to Wisconsin, and when he and his wife began to
concept their family dream home, that house influenced the design.
|
 Home
Work
When it
comes to designing a home office, form and function share equal
roles. Here are three designs that promote productivity and look
good, too.
|
 Color
conscious
No
matter where you fall on the topic of color, choosing the right
color for your bedroom is more than just personal preference.
Color affects restfulness, and romance, too, say local design
experts.
|
 Industrial
chic
Mary
Ann Matter of Elm Grove combines industrial chic with antiques in
her master suite. She worked with Theresa Vaughan of Forte
Interior Design to help execute her vision. The high wingback
upholstered bed by Lee Industries is trendy but gives off an
old-fashioned feel.
|
 Presto
chango
Children’s
retailer Land of Nod’s Lottie Dots Decal set contains 48 3-inch
dot decals in silver, gold or white. Paste them in uniform rows,
rainbow shapes or randomly for just the right amount of whimsy.
|
 Winning
whites
When it
comes to home design, white is always popular among homeowners. It’s
a color that never really goes out of style, yet easily lends
itself to reinvention.
|
 Kitchen
Styling
When Stephanie
Quinn of Modern Edge Design visited the downtown Milwaukee condo of a
potential client, she saw a kitchen that, while functional, needed an
update.
|
 To
Hollywood, with Love
Who
would have guessed that Milwaukee has its finger on the pulse of what’s
hot in Hollywood?
Since May,
Russell Levin and his staff at Argosy, a distinctive home accessories
store in Brookfield, have been selecting birthday and holiday gifts
for the staff and stars of the AMC network.
|
 Design
well-lived
Only one thing
could tear Teresa Manns away from a globe-trotting design career in
New York City working for the renowned Steven Gambrel — true love.
After marrying her former high school classmate whom she met at their
20-year reunion and commuting from Wauwatosa to NYC for two-plus
years, Manns decided to make Milwaukee her home base at Peabody’s
Interiors in Brown Deer.
|
 Setting
the bar
Party
guests may be known to congregate in the kitchen but they will
also migrate toward the bar if you have it set for holiday
entertaining.
|
 Casual
Christmas
Even
before they were married, Dave and Linda McFadden scoured flea
markets, estate sales and antique shops. "I like old
things," Linda McFadden says. "I like them even more
when they are a little bit rustic."
|
 Secrets
from a stylist
I have
expensive taste, far beyond my budget. As a movie set and photo
stylist in California and now in Wisconsin, I’ve learned some
trade secrets on how to satisfy my designer tastes without
sacrificing budget or style.
|
 Style
points
An uninspired
basement in a Wauwatosa home became a high-style yet comfortable
space for work and play. The lower-level redesign includes a home
office and a large open area for dancing and game playing, along
with a movie room.
|
 Inspiring
design
Local
designers are feeling the love on Houzz.com, the online platform
for ideas about architecture, interior design, landscape design
and home improvement.
|
 Well-edited
In a
scene right out of an HGTV design show, Dr. Michael and Mary Ellen
McCormick walked into their renovated condo greeted by their
design team for the big reveal.
|
 Out
of the box
After
15 years of building for other people, Craig and Georgia Rakowski
finally built a home for themselves. "I’ve taken bits and
pieces from all the models I’ve built and put them all
together," says Craig Rakowski, owner of James Craig
Builders. "It took three years to design my house," he
says.
|
 Design
speak
I love
the feeling gray walls bring to a space. To me, gray is and will
continue to be a "hot neutral" by creating a wonderful
palate or backdrop to work from. It’s the perfect showcase for
bold fabrics, a trend I am happy to see continue.
|
 Inside
the design
Beneath
its comfortable and dreamy exterior, this outdoor getaway is tough
as nails, from the heavy duty drapery fabric to the PVC potted
faux wheat grass. "We made sure everything was designed and
manufactured to withstand the elements," says interior
designer Nicholas Konzal of Nicholas Carl Design.
|
 Newport
of the West
An 1884
Victorian home on Fowler Lake in Oconomowoc certainly lives up to
the adage of standing the test of time. It
has been home to generations of families, converted to apartments
and recently restored to a single-family home by Chris and Frank
Both.
|
 Telling
stories through design
A background in the performing arts helps
Polish-born interior designer Aga Artka of Aga Artka Interior
Design, Milwaukee, create spaces that reflect her clients’
unique stories. "Growing up I spent a lot of time on stage
acting, singing and dancing.
|
 Build
Out
If you
grew up watching the animated series "The Jetsons," then
you’re already familiar with its visionary predictions of modern
life: Piloted in 1962, the show’s creators imagined a life
chock-full of leisure, with homes flanked by technology in every
room, from flat-screen televisions to mobile devices, and remote
controls and push buttons for every household task in between. |
 Favorite
homes
Thoughtful
design, beautiful landscapes and meaningful possessions are, by
themselves, not what makes a house a home. As editors of this
magazine’s home section, we have seen hundreds of wonderfully
appointed homes through the years.
|
 Chasing
Dreams
Elizabeth Rees
is not your typical 20-something. The Whitefish Bay native has
traveled across the globe, and, after coming back to the United
States, started her own business.
|
 Vintage
Industrial Chic
Walking
into Mary Ann Matter’s Elm Grove condo is a little like walking
into a homey Iron Horse Hotel. "I absolutely love the
hotel," says Matter. "When we came here we wanted to
capture that vibe." To fulfill her dream, Matter hired
Theresa Vaughan of Forte Design, John McWilliam, owner of Scathain
Collective, and Jennifer Espenscheid of Soma Gallery. |
 Showplace
kitchens
In
approaching the whole house remodel of their Mequon home, Rob and
Amy Prellwitz wanted first to bring in more natural light,
particularly in the kitchen. Architect Rory Palubiski of Fein
Design brightened up the north-facing room with lots of glass and
some skylights. |
 Trunk
to Punk Tour
You don’t
need to be decked out in Steampunk to participate in this year’s
Historic Concordia Neighborhood’s Steamtrunk to Steampunk home
tour June 15, but they’ll waive the admission if you do. |
 Castle
Collective
From
its picturesque and historic setting on one of America’s Great
Streets, "The Castle on Newberry" is ready to welcome
visitors as the 2013 Wisconsin Breast Cancer Showhouse for a Cure
from June 1 through 16. |
 Living
Luxe
Jeff
and Lisa Pereles’ Whitefish Bay master bathroom was a cramped
and "strictly functional" space before a remodel by SJ
Janis Co., says Nathan Wachtl, senior design consultant. |
 No
boundaries
Multifaceted
is how Nicholas Konzal describes his design abilities, which
include working with organic materials (floral design), textiles
(interior design) and manmade materials (furniture design).
"Good designers can work in different mediums," says the
Wauwatosa designer. |
 Treetop
adventures
Dustin
Feider is building a business based on a simple question: Who
doesn’t love tree houses? "It immediately draws people back
to their childhoods," says Feider, owner of O2 Treehouse.
"People love to tell their tree house stories." |
 Double
decker
When
the warm weather finally arrives, Dana and Tom Schreibel don’t
waste a minute of it. From their home on Lake Keesus they have
views of Marshall Bay and two outdoor living spaces from which to
enjoy it. "We entertain quite a bit. We actually hosted a
wedding two years ago," Dana Schreibel says. |
 Extreme
Pool Party: Fox Point Edition
Fox
Point’s tree-lined streets and quiet neighborhoods now disguise
its former status as a social hub during the early 20th century
when a popular golf club attracted socialites to the area. Though
golf ended in the 1930s, reminders of the country club remain,
such as the beach house, swimming pool and tennis courts. |
 Set
in stone
Tom
Halquist didn’t want to be a slave to his garden, so when he
hired Ginkgo Leaf Studios, Cedarburg, to renovate the landscape at
his Menomonee Falls home, he made that point very clear. |
 Prairie
reinvented
"I
knew right away," recalls the owner of the 1950s Bayside
home, about the day she first saw it. The 3,000-square-foot Frank
Lloyd Wright-inspired home is at the end of a winding driveway and
tucked into a wooded landscape. After a walk-through with the
Realtor — during which she saw past the dated décor — she was
even more smitten. |
 Element
of surprise
Walk
inside the suburban Cedarburg home and prepare to be surprised.
Peabody’s Interiors interior designer Emily Winters helped a
young couple create an urban sophisticated space to showcase their
extensive art collection. "I feel so strongly that your home
should reflect you and your personality," Winters says. |
 Waterfront
revival
You
might say fate led Gwen Adair-Strangohr and her husband, Jim
Strangohr, to the doorstep of their Lake Keesus home in 2007.
After the tragic death
of their friend, the couple purchased the home where their friend
had lived. "I think she always wanted me to have this
house," Adair-Strangohr says. |
 Design
trends: Bold colors, patterns prevail
They
make our surroundings beautiful, and they do it with aplomb, ease
and wit. They take an idea and whip it into a space that
flourishes with vibrant personality and charm. That’s why we
tapped a few of the area’s interior designers to share their
choices of the latest home design trends. |
 Moderne
Man
Rick
Barrett is doing something no other Milwaukee developer has ever done.
He’s building a high-rise development in downtown Chicago. |
