Crafting the perfect holiday cocktail k g y · PDF filecinnamon, and spruce. DoTerra has an...

DECEMBER 2017

Crafting the perfect

holiday cocktail

HOLIDAY DECOR IDEAS

THAT PACK A PUNCH

Look inside fo

r a sneak

peek at what’s

coming

in January

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2 AT HOME DECEMBER 2017

Contact Altra for more information. Equal Housing Lender. Federally insured by NCUA.

“My f irst home buying exper ience wit h Altra was so great , t hat when it came t ime t o upgrade t o a larger home, I knew exact ly who t o contact.”

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Contact Altra for more information. Equal Housing Lender. Federally insured by NCUA.

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DECEMBER 2017 AT HOME 3

DECEMBER 2017

Crafting the perfect

holiday cocktail

HOLIDAY DECOR IDEAS

THAT PACK A PUNCH

HOME & L I F E STY L E

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F E AT U R E S

Gina Dewink is a local writer and author. Gina’s debut novel, “Time in

My Pocket,” is a thrilling time travel mystery published in September..

Jenna Martindale is a Byron native, dog lover, keen photographer, and

licensed Realtor with Edina Realty in Rochester.

Sarah Tieck is a Twin Cities-based freelance writer. She and her

husband are pleased with their holiday light design and wintry planters

(which will keep the birds and squirrels happy).

6 Understated holiday decorating tips

8 12 must-have basics for the holiday season

10 Oh, perfect tree!

12 6 commonly asked questions about building a new home

14 Get ‘gin’ the holiday spirit

17 5 luxe ways to add velvet to your room décor

18 No-fail upscale

20 11 home renovations with a big time payoff

postbulletin.com/magazines/at_home

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MEDIA MARKETING DIRECTOR

Kristy [email protected]

EDITOR

Allison [email protected]

AT HOME

MEDIA CONSULTANT

Vicki Harris507-285-7629

[email protected]

C O N T R I B U T O R B I O S

P U B L I S H E R I N F O R M AT I O N

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10Over the last year, we’ve focused on refining what stories we bring you. We’ve worked to make connections in southeastern Minnesota to share

home and lifestyle trends from right here where we live. We thought we

needed a name that aligned more closely with the changes we’ve made.

As of January 2018, At Home will be called Haven. To us, “haven” is a

place of comfort. It is warm, welcoming, and safe. Your home is your

haven no matter where you live, and we hope you continue to invite us in.

-Allison


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Give the Gift of Comfort this Season

We’re All About Comfort

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Mon.- Fri. 10am-7pm; Sat. 10am- 6:00pm; Sun. 12pm-5pm

We’re All About Comfort

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Keep your audience in mind – this is true for any age, but especially for those with small children like Allison Higgins of Rochester, mother to three-year-old Jackson. She says seeing the season through her little boy’s eyes is magic. “We have a lot of decorations that he can play with and touch, like fabric ornaments and his own nativity set (from Fisher Price),” she says. “We had two ornaments break last year from curious hands on the tree, but that’s okay.”

To avoid breakage, precious heirloom ornaments should be visible, yet out of reach. But having Jackson see and touch the family ornaments is important, so Allison makes a point of having supervised interaction with special ornaments, like her favorite Santa that plays a version of “Jingle Bells.” It comes in a box that reminds her of the smell of her grandma’s home. “My grandma’s Santa stays on a high shelf, but we get it down and look at it and play the music together,” she says.

Streamline for littles

Understated holiday decorating tips

by SARAH TIECK

It’s the holiday season … have you decked the halls? Wrapped the gifts? Made all (or any of) the magic and merriment you spotted on Pinterest? We’re hoping the answer is yes and no.

The idea of making holiday décor more understated and ultimately more tasteful seems simple. Oftentimes, that’s a far cry

from reality. Part of the problem is that no two people have the same definition of “tasteful,” “understated,” or “simple.” It seems that one person’s tacky Griswold-esque display is another person’s perfectly charming holiday light spectacular.

We’ve cultivated some tips and strategies to bring out the best parts of your holiday, cultural, and family traditions. It is never a bad idea to freshen things up, to bring a mindfulness to your celebration, and to cut away what isn’t needed so what is essential shines through for all to see. In other words, take time to reflect and enhance your personal celebration. That will always make you feel a little more at home.


Holiday greenery containers on a porch are not a new idea. However, consider creating your own and planning it as a decoration from fall to early spring. Phillip Nicklay, owner of Viola Greenhouse and Nursery and Greenhouse at 3120 100th Ave. NE in Viola, Minn., hosts parties and helps customers create containers filled with spruce tops, holly berries, and curly willow. He sets up a buffet of elements for design and shares tips about adding seedpods, spray-painting natural elements, and more. In addition, he offers tips on what will last, what will turn brown, and how to care for your containers. “If you like it, then it’s perfectly fine,” he explains, noting that many class participants return year after year, sometimes with favorite elements they’ve saved.

Beyond planters, get creative, Nicklay says. For instance, if you want birds around, design your yard with one or two evergreens to provide a natural hiding place. If you don’t have any, consider critters when you create your outdoor décor design (or at the end of the season). “If you have a natural pine Christmas tree, put it out in the snow bank if at all possible,” Nicklay says. “It may not look the fanciest, but the birds will really appreciate it.”

To be even more hospitable and continue the upcycling, you can create some pinecone feeders (or even use sticks) to tuck into the tree branches. “Warm up some grease or lard, put a pine cone in it, roll it around in that dish of bird seed and it’s almost like a suet cake,” Nicklay says.

Visual wows are abundant: trees, lights, candles, color, gifts, and goodies. But what about layering in some goodness for the nose? Essential oils are a Zen trend. They are subtle, but set a festive scene. Try Young Living’s Christmas Spirit. It mixes orange, cinnamon, and spruce. DoTerra has an option called Holiday Joy. DIYers can search for winter or holiday essential oil blend recipes to find diffuser recipes. No oils? Combine a cut-up orange with vanilla extract, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon sticks in water on the stovetop over low heat to create a potpourri effect.

Since 2014, Higgins has cultivated a personal storytelling tradition called December Daily, inspired by nationally-known scrapbooker and designer Ali Edwards. From December 1 to 25, like Edwards, she creates an album to document her family stories and traditions – both the big ones and the little moments. “I love seeing how my son has changed over the years,” Higgins says. “And how the magic and wonder and joy and merry always return each December!” The mindfulness the project brings helps her to be more intentional about her holidays, letting her slow down to appreciate every moment.

“Use everyday objects in the house and the yard to create beautiful focal points in a room that celebrates the season,” suggests Kristie Moore, owner of Soul Purpose at 321 S Broadway in Rochester.

One idea is to create a dining table centerpiece using a chunky, oversized cutting board – handmade if possible. “Start by building a focal point using a variety of different shapes, colors, and textures. Again, they can be everyday objects like fruit, leaves, gourds, even branches cut and placed in a mason jar add drama and height,” Moore says. “Intersperse some votive candles for warmth and ambience. Decorations like this are so satisfying because they are clever, functional, and unexpected.”

Choose to use pieces that have special meaning as part of your holiday display. One idea from Moore: “Attach a wreath to an old wooden sled that was grandpa’s on the front porch for an old-fashioned holiday look,” she said. This style of decoration offers simplicity and significance.

Sarah’s Uniques and Jim’s “MAN”tiques, 912 Whitewater Ave. in St. Charles, is often set up for the holiday season by early November, says co-owner Sarah Kieffer. “I love vintage Christmas and antique Christmas,” she says. Visitors to the shop find everything from antique ornaments and simple Christmas balls to table settings. Kieffer often creates vignettes to give shoppers ideas for how to use the pieces in the homes. “You don’t have to go overboard,” Kieffer says.

Go natural

The nose knows Put it on paper

Everyday magic Display pieces with heart

Try vintage

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No matter what color or style you choose - or which holidays you celebrate - here are some standard must-haves for your holiday décor.

12 must-have basics for the holiday season

by CTW FEATURES

Nothing can set a mood like the flicker of candlelight, and if you have glass or metallic candleholders, all the better for stoking the holiday spirit. It should go without saying that a candelabra or a good pair of candlestick holders bring drama and elegance to a holiday mantle or table. But why not go for a bit of nostalgia with traditional chambersticks? (Those are the holders set into a pan with a tiny loop for a handle.) Electric models can be safely set into windows, a centuries-old sign of celebration or welcome.

It sounds almost too simple, but glass bowls are incredibly useful for dressing up your home. A trifle bowl or hurricane glass can be filled with holiday candy, layered with pinecones and greenery, or loaded with ball ornaments or dried fruit. You’re only limited by your imagination. Use them as centerpieces or as decorative elements anywhere a bare, flat surface beckons.

Sure, they can fulfill their intended duty as a backdrop for hors d’oeuvres. But filled with ornaments, beads, or chandelier crystals, they easily make the transition from scenery to star. Slip a tray under a flower centerpiece or beneath an arrangement of pillar candles. They’ll add an extra bit of sparkle to your tabletop décor.

Ball ornaments allow you to introduce color and shine anywhere in your home. Collect them by hue, size, or both. If you have a glass bowl that can be set into another bowl, place smaller balls in the top vessel and larger ones in the bottom. Also employ them in wreaths, or create your own wreath by stringing the balls onto an old wire hanger and finishing with a bow of ribbon.

1. Candlesticks 2 Glass bowls 3. Glass and metallic trays

4. Ball ornaments

m ns


Beaded garland is a versatile standard, whether wrapped around a tree, intertwined with greenery or festooned across a mantle. Plastic garland tends to look fake, so stick to glass or crystal when possible.

Almost everyone has a holiday collecting tradition, but too many tchotchkes can look messy. Whether you favor Nutcrackers or nativity sets, snow globes or menorahs, try grouping them in one area – on a fireplace mantle, for instance – or pick an odd number (three or five tend to look best) and center them along a table.

Topiaries work well in pairs in foyers or on either side of the front door. Smaller ones can be lined up along a table in sets of three or five to create a modern look.The scent of fresh greenery is the scent of winter holidays. Whether you choose juniper, fir, boxwood, or pine, fresh looks best, though there are some quality artificial greens available (sans the aroma, of course). Fresh swags or wreaths can be sprayed with an anti-desiccant to prevent drying. Otherwise, spray them with water and leave them in a trash bag for a day or two to hydrate. A longer-lasting alternative to greenery is to spray paint tree branches white. Used indoors or outside in window boxes or urns, they are appropriate for use well into the New Year. Fruit is an easy and traditional way

to add warmth and comfort of the holiday season into your overall décor. Apples, pomegranates, and pineapples, for instance, add color and texture to tabletop centerpieces. If you’re using fresh produce, apples, pomegranates, and artichokes tend to hold up best. Kumquats and lemons brown quickly, as does holly foliage. Dried fruit can last for several seasons, depending on how well it was preserved and whether it is used inside or outside. Cardboard boxes wick moisture during storage. Use plastic bins only for cones and pods that will not get mildewed. And always date boxes so you can reuse older items first.

Sleigh bells have a romantic feel that evokes wintry scenes. Once upon a time, they were used to alert pedestrians that a sled was traveling on the road. They have long since lost their practical application, but not their charm. Found at retail stores and antique shops, sleigh bells are often admired (and acquired) for their inlaid patterns. In fact, some can be quite ornate. Affix them to wreaths or garlands. Or tie single bells to ribbon, twine, or raffia and hang them from individual panes of glass. Better yet, collect a whole bunch and place them in a glass bowl centerpiece for a modern twist.

It’s wonderful to have tablecloths and napkins to complement your color palette or style of décor. But don’t overlook fabric remnants, which can be used as table runners or tree skirts.

Quality, double-sided satin ribbon is one of the smartest purchases you can make - especially if you can get it on clearance at the end of the holiday season. Use it to trim garlands with bows, wrap it around trees, create ornament bouquets, tie it on presents. Three-inch and five-inch wide pieces can be used as table runners. Often, ribbon can be salvaged and reused the following year.

5. Beaded garland

7. Collectibles

9. Topiary

11. Greenery

12. Fruit

10. Sleigh bells

6. Linens

8. Wide ribbon

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by MATTHEW M.F. MILLER AND ANNA SACHSE | CTW FEATURES

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PICK OUT AND DECORATE YOUR BEST CHRISTMAS TREE EVER

Few holiday decorations are as symbolic of the season as the elegant Christmas tree. Lush, lovely, and aromatic, it’s the focal point of the most

wonderful time of the year, and not just because it’s the destination for scads of wrapped gifts.

“Real Christmas trees are symbolic of this season of giving and sharing and family gatherings,” says Tom Dull, a Christmas tree grower from Thorntown, Ind., and president of the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA). “Nothing says Christmas better than the fresh scent, feel, and texture of a real Christmas tree.”

According to the National Gardening Association, the most popular variety of tree is the Scotch pine. Its upward-curving branches, perfect for hanging ornaments, and resistance to dropping needles make it a holiday favorite. Also extremely popular is the Balsam fir, which is tall and slender with 1/2-inch-long needles, which make this aromatic tree perfect for tighter space. Other popular choices include the Douglas fir (big and full with longer needles); the Fraser fir (perfectly shaped with dark green needles that appear silver underneath); and the Colorado blue spruce with its iconic bluish-gray hue.

When it comes to decorating your fresh tree, start by considering an overall color scheme, says Michelle Workman, a Chattanooga, Tenn.-based interior designer who has composed spaces for celebrities like John Travolta and Jennifer Lopez.

For traditionalists, colors like red, green, white, gold, and silver never get old. For a more bold effect, Workman suggests trying hues such as fuchsia, chartreuse, and turquoise. It can also

be fun to create a theme, such as an “enchanted forest” with amber lights, pinecone garlands, mini gold balls, owl ornaments, and faux birds nestled in branches, says Nicole Sforza, former senior editor for “Real Simple” magazine. Either way, always start tree-decorating with lights, followed by garland, and then ornaments, Workman says. Keep real trees away from direct sunlight, air vents, heaters, and fireplaces to prevent premature drying and accidental fires.Tree

Before buying a tree, touch the branches. The needles should feel soft and supple, Sforza says. It’s also important that the overall color isn’t faded, the bark of the outer twigs isn’t wrinkled, and the exterior needles stay intact when the tree is gently bounced. Fraser firs are one of the most popular options, Sforza says. “They shed minimally and have a classic, conical shape and strong branches that won’t droop under the weight of heavy ornaments.”

StandAn average-size tree requires a

stand with a base of about 20 inches in diameter, Sforza says, and it should hold at least a gallon of water. Only plain tap water is needed; do not add bleach, aspirin, or fertilizer, which can actually reduce moisture retention and increase needle loss. Before securing the tree in its stand, cut one half-inch off the base. A fresh cut reopens the pores that take up water, Workman says. Check the water level daily to ensure it stays above the tree’s base. “If the tree looks dry, adding hot tap water to the stand can speed up intake,” Sforza says.

Oh, Perfect Tree!


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Lights“When stringing lights, start at the bottom of the tree and work up,” Sforza says. To make taking down the lights easier, she recommends dividing the tree into three vertical sections, and then running the lights through the interior and exterior of the branches to add depth to the design. Consider using LED lights, which burn up to 80 percent less energy and give off less heat.

GarlandAn average-sized tree (6 to 7 feet) will typically use 60 feet of garland, Sforza says. She suggests creating homemade garlands out of beads, faux pearls, knotted twine or rope, colorful buttons, and satin ribbon. Keep the garland approximately half an inch thick for an elegant look that won’t overwhelm the tree, Workman advises.

OrnamentsTo give the tree depth, ornaments should be hung toward the inside of the tree and on the branch ends, Workman says. Place them where they won’t touch the branch below. Keep from overcrowding by exercising restraint and occasionally stepping back to see the tree as a whole. Use ornaments that match the theme or color scheme, or personalize the tree with homemade decorations. Sforza likes to create ornaments using a glue gun and string to hang origami, family photos, baby shoes, or old toys like Matchbox cars and wooden blocks on her family tree.

TopperStars and angels are classic tree toppers. For something more

unique, consider faux antlers or a thick satin ribbon tied in a bow, Sforza says. Think birds, too: Workman uses a colorful faux peacock to top off her tree.

Floor décorEmbellish the base of a tree (and catch wayward needles) by draping the floor with an array of silk scarves in different patterns. Try luxurious velvet, silver organza, or gold lamé fabric, Sforza suggests. Don’t forget that presents are the best Christmas tree accessory. “Wrap them in fun colors that coordinate with the tree and incorporate pretty satin ribbons and dangly bits to make them extra special,” Workman says.

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At the moment, there is a lack of existing

inventory in our area. This lack of supply

increases the demand, which makes finding an existing home within your price range more difficult, and when you do find it, you may overpay for it. Because of this, we’re seeing more and

more families opt to build a new home. And they’re finding out that doing so is actually more cost effective than

purchasing an existing home when you

factor in the costs of maintaining and

updating an existing home versus walking

into a brand new product with builder’s

warranties.

There’s a huge misconception when it comes to a realistic building timeline. I understand that it goes over better to tell a client that a home can be built in just a few months, but that’s a misleading comment. In all reality, building a new home entails much more than just the actual construction phase of the process.

You’ve got a drawing phase where you’re actually designing a custom home that suits your families specific needs, which can take anywhere from two weeks to a year. After the drawing phase comes the bidding phase. It typically takes about two weeks for a builder to send out and receive hard numbers back from the subcontractors that will be making your home dreams a reality.

Once this is complete, the builder must secure a construction loan which takes another two weeks or so. Then and only then can digging and construction begin. Living in Minnesota, you’re well aware that a perfectly executed and planned out construction

schedule can easily be delayed by weeks or months depending on weather. So all in all, a 7-8 month process is the most realistic timeline I can provide to you, and that’s if there aren’t any major delays during the actual construction of the home.

by JENNA MARTINDALE | EDINA REALTY | LICENSED REALTOR IN MN

1. Is building more expensive than buying an existing home?

2. How long does it take?

Building a new home is a daunting idea for many, an idea full of questions and unknowns. Instead of ruling it out, we’re here to help shed light on six common questions people have about building a home.

6commonly asked questions

about building a new home


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If you already have a piece of land you’d like to build on, consider yourself lucky. Rochester and the surrounding communities are growing quickly, and so are land prices. So it’s a common question: how exactly do we find the perfect lot? Well the answer isn’t simple. It depends on who’s representing you. Quite a lot of land is unlisted and not easy to find for someone outside of the real estate industry. Having a good Realtor and/or builder on your side that will help you search for land that’s on and off the market is important. It’s also important to know that some neighborhoods only let one builder, or at best a select few, build in their neighborhood. All of these details can be found and sorted by a good real estate agent or builder.

That depends. Some builders have an in-house draftsman, while others use an outside draftsman. If you’ve chosen a builder who shares a draftsman, you may not get a completely custom floor plan. Many builders use templates as a jumping off point. These are nice places to start from and make custom changes without having to design the entire

home. An in-house draftsman can sit down with you and design your home from start to finish, creating a custom dream home.

Two-story homes are typically more cost effective to build simply because you can add square footage with each floor by stacking without increasing the size of the foundation or footprint of the structure. That being said, you can also save a significant amount of money by taking your plan from a walkout basement to a daylight basement.

3. How do we find a lot?

4. Do we have to choose from a list of floor plans?

6. Is a 2-story or ranch more expensive to build?

Depending on the builder you’ve chosen, you can carry the construction loan yourself or have the builder do so. The difference is if you choose to carry the loan yourself, you’ll save a bit in closing costs. The other option is to let the builder purchase the lot, handle the construction loan, and you purchase the full package on closing day, just like you would for an existing home. Some of this is dependent upon the builder, and if they offer financing. Often, they can recommend a bank they work with to make financing as easy as possible

5. How does the financing work?

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LLooking for one cocktail to please a diverse crowd? Look no further than gin. Contrary to it’s stuffy reputation, gin is the “it” spirit to infuse your 2017 holiday gathering with trendy pizazz. According to HM Revenue & Customs, the U.K.’s tax, payments and customs authority, sales of the juniper-based alcohol rose by 12 percent in 2016 – a pace that is expected to be shattered in 2017. Need more proof? More gin is exported to the U.S. than any other country, which means you’ll be in good spirits, so to speak.

In an interview with “The Guardian,” Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, said, “The quality of the gin combined with the world’s love for brand Britain has seen British gin breaking records both at home and abroad.” In fact, according to sales figures, gin is now more popular than it has been in a century. Much like the beer craze of a few years back, craft gin is leading the charge in its

rising popularity, with new distilleries popping up constantly. Consider making your cocktail extra special by using gin made from a local or regional distillery. If you visit the distillery, ask if they have any stickers, coasters, or other swag to offer your guests at the bar to further personalize the cocktail.

For those new to gin, you’re in for a treat. It has a neutral flavor that is derived from grain or fruit and is infused (or distilled a second time) with botanicals. The only gin requirement is the juniper. It offers extreme versatility and unlike some stronger spirits (such as tequila or bourbon) it tends to be a crowd pleaser. It’s also easy to use and can make simple cocktails that require very little know-how or additional mixing gear.

Need inspiration? Try this yuletide twist on a classic that’s sure to get any

party started.

ORANGE CRANBERRY GIN & TONIC

3 oz. gin1 oz. fresh squeezed orange juice1 Tbsp. cranberry sauce4 oz. tonic water2 1-inch pieces orange peel

In a cocktail shaker, add gin, orange juice, and cranberry sauce. Stir clockwise until combined. Fill a highball glass with ice and pour the mixture from the shaker into the glass. Top with tonic water. Garnish with orange peel.

Get ‘gin’ the holiday spiritby MATTHEW M. F. MILLER | CTW FEATURES

DON’T SPEND ALL NIGHT BARTENDING. FOR YOUR

NEXT CELEBRATION, LET GIN PLEASE EVERY PALETTE.


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window covering solutions to

insulate your windows

Windows are an architectural feature of your home that allows for fresh air and sunshine. Unfortunately, you can lose more than 50 percent of your home’s heat and cooling through your windows. The truth is that your windows are not always properly insulated which can end up costing you money through an increased energy bill. But there is a simple solution to your problem–new window coverings! Having the proper energy-efficient window treatments can make your windows look great and also provide you with multiple benefits while lowering your bill. Here are four window covering insulation solutions.

Roman shades have many similarities to honeycomb shades. Roman shades are made with thicker fabrics, making them an excellent energy-efficient choice. Due to their material, Roman shades trap in the warmth, which can save you extra on your heating bill. With a wide selection of colors, prints and textures, Roman shades can meet the needs of any home décor. Roman shades come in various degrees of light-filtering options for light control and privacy.

A fashionable way to dress your windows as well as provide insulation is drapery. They are normally lined and made with heavier fabrics, which make them great insulators. When open, drapery allows for proper airflow and, when closed, can keep in the warmth. Drapes will give you a well-insulated window while looking trendy. With drapery there are unlimited design possibilities due to a wide variety of fabrics,

colors, patterns, and textures.

Window shutters are designed to fit closest to the window frame, making them great for insulation. They are energy-saving because they work as an insulation shield by preventing cold drafts and blocking heat from entering your home. Shutters are perfect for any room in your home; they come in different materials and plenty of designs. Benefits include security, privacy, light control and, as a permanent fixture, even add value to your home. Lastly, window shutters can be made to fit any size or shape window, ensuring that all your windows are covered.

Cellular shades, also known as Honeycomb shades, are one of the most popular energy-saving window coverings. They are designed with honeycomb-shaped cells which increase their insulation by trapping the air within the pockets, making your home stay at a comfortable temperature throughout the day and night. Cellular shades can be exceptionally versatile due to the large selection of fabrics and colors that can match your particular style from modern to traditional. When closed, cellular shades will help retain indoor heat during the winter months, and during the summer months they block the powerful heat from entering. They can be custom-made to fit any size window and can be cordless, making them child-safe.

4. Roman Shades

3. Drapery

2. Shutters

1. Cellular Shades

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luxe ways to add velvet to your room décor

5m m

by GINA DEWINK

As the cold rolls in and

we spend more time

in our homes, now is

the perfect time for a

décor refresh.

Velvet is a timeless way to add a

luscious, soft look and feel to your

home. Karen Blissenbach, design

principal at Design Studio B in Rochester, outlines five fabulous ways to incorporate velvet in your

home—whether you’re ready to go

bold or prefer to stay subtle.

1. Add a charming statement chair

Though the idea of incorporating velvet may seem daunting, Blissenbach asserts that nine out of 10 of Studio B’s residential design jobs use velvet in some form. One of the simplest ways to do so is by adding a chair upholstered in velvet. From an understated office seat to a full set of dining room chairs drenched in color, velvet can be used on chairs to style any room. Blissenbach cautions against traditional solid or antique velvet as chair upholstery due to potential wear and tear with heavy use. She recommends a striae or textured velvet when covering daily-use furniture.

3. Create an

inviting entryway

As the snow blows, the boots come out and we spend more time in the entryway of our homes. Adding or reupholstering a front bench can be both functional and attractive. Velvet upholstery comes in a variety of types and patterns. When paired with elegant, wooden legs, the bench becomes a graceful accent. When paired with stout, metal legs, the bench takes on a modern, edgy look. Find the right one to add to your entryway.

5. Use bold

bedroom accents

Blankets and bedspreads can transform your space into a cozy winter retreat without breaking the bank. Go bold and add daring reds or dark forest greens to your bedroom. Or if you prefer a quiet oasis, consider soft heather gray or light, dusty blues. A bench at the foot of the bed, or ottoman or dressing chair in a corner can be just the place to incorporate velvet in your bedroom. If you’re really ready to commit to the trend, check out velvet headboards. They range from flirty to masculine, and offer a new spin on an ancient design element.

2. Combine luxury living room

accessories

If you want a fresh look without committing to furniture, throws and pillows are an easy addition. You can completely change the look of your living room by tossing a warm velvet throw and matching pillows on your loveseat or sofa. For the living room, Blissenbach says blues are popular. From teal to navy, blues bring the glamour of touchable velvet to your everyday wind-down area. Dark colors contrast best with light furniture, so if you really want a standout winter look, toss a bold, velvety throw blanket atop your neutrals.

4. Dazzle with drapery

Though Blissenbach has not installed a window treatment of solid velvet, she can recount several uses of velvet drapery as an accent. From champagne tones to royal blue, from velvet with pleats and beaded edge trim to sheer fabrics framed in delicate drapery fabric, there’s no question velvet makes a statement when used in window coverings. Draperies with cut-out patterns or textured velvet are popular styles for a pop of sophistication and warmth you can add to any room.

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Concrete Staining & PolishingConsidering flooring options for finishing or remodeling your basement? Consider stained or polished concrete. It offers high end results with a budget friendly price.Showroom on North Broadway by appointment only.Check us out on the web at www.dappersurfaces.com

Home Equity LoansBank on ONB for your home improvement financing. Putting the equity in your home to good use. You can trust ONB to provide the right products, exceptional service and expertise from start to finish.

Garage DoorsWhether it’s new construction or a remodel, see us at Quality Overhead Door. We will help you choose the right garage door to complement your home and achieve great curb appeal.

No-fail upscale!

Dapper Surfaces1700 N. Bdwy., Suite 122Rochester 507-696-7929

Olmsted National Bank507-280-0621BankonONB.com

Quality Overhead Door507-281-2772www.qualityohd.com

Get the home of your dreams – without leaving the house you already have.These area pros can work with you to design a plan to exceed your expectations.

Locally Owned • Locally Managed • Local Decisions

Gourmet KitchensDreaming of a new kitchen, but think it’s too expensive? Think again. At TLC Surfaces, we work with all budgets to get you the gourmet kitchen you have always dreamed of.NW Showroom 507-322-6440SE Showroom 507-322-6470www.tlcsurfaces.com

RedefinedThis carpet will get the attention it deserves by showcasing Karastan’s sophisticated styling and fashion forward looks in this elegant pattern. Find many styles and a wide selection at Carpet One.5139 Hwy. 52 N., Rochester 507-282-3434www.carpetonefloorand homerochester.com

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Val-U-Blinds507-287-8258val-u-blinds.com

KRISTIN PROELLDECORATOR, OWNER


Community Banking

Olmsted National Bank has been part of Rochester and the surrounding area for more than 20 years, and continues to be locally owned and managed. ONB offers a full array of services and maintains the integrity of a community bank by making decisions locally, and employing a staff dedicated to providing friendly, efficient, and personalized service. When you bank at ONB, your deposit dollars

are put to work locally. Helping bolster our community is a big part of our bank’s identity, and we are proud to support local non-profit organizations.

ONB is owned by 100 shareholders, most of who are local business professionals. Our board of directors is also made up of local business leaders. By keeping our management local, we maintain our commitment to supporting this community in a variety of ways, including offering real estate loan options.

Since 1996, it has been Olmsted National Bank’s privilege to partner with many families and individuals to build or improve their dream homes in Rochester and the surrounding communities.

Rochester’s Community Bank

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The staff at Olmsted National Bank is proud to serve the local community.

Real Estate LendingONB offers a variety of loan options with competitive rates, personal service and fast approval.

Home Construction LoansCustomized to meet the specific financing needs for each customer’s unique home designs.

Home PurchaseONB will structure loan terms for each borrowers specific needs.Home Equity LoansUse the equity in your home to finance just about anything and the interest may be tax deductible. Perfect for home improvements and remodeling projects.Home Equity Installment LoanLong-term financing to fund larger home improvement projects and purchase of household essentials.

Olmsted Equity Line of CreditProvides access to your funds as you need them with flexible repayment terms.

LOCALLY OWNEDONB is owned by 100 individual shareholders, most of which are local business professionals. They understand the importance of community banking in Rochester.

LOCALLY MANAGEDONB’s board of directors is made up of business leaders within the Rochester community.

LOCAL DECISIONSONB’s knowledgeable staff is eager to provide a quick and accurate response to customer requests. The people you meet are the people who make the decisions.

You can trust ONB to provide the right products, exceptional service and expertise from start to finish.

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Renovations that improve curb appeal tend to produce higher rates of return, and replacing an old or ugly front door is no exception. Opt for the steel variety and don’t be afraid to go for a modern or faux wood look as long as it flows with your homes’ design. You can count on a 91 percent RIO with this easy improvement.

This isn’t the most glamorous improvement, but it’s surprisingly important to buyers. Insulation is a huge hassle and a boring, unglamorous improvement; it’s best that you take care of this for future buyers. After all, you can expect a 108 percent return on your investment.

by JENNA MARTINDALE | EDINA REALTY | LICENSED REALTOR IN MN

Entry Door Attic Insulation

For the past two years, homeowners received an average of 64 percent return on investment (ROI) for their home improvements. And existing home prices are still climbing due to an inventory drought.

So that begs the question: is it worth the hassle to renovate for that kind of a return on your investment? If so, which renovations will help your resale value?

11 home renovations with a big time payoff


Adding stone veneer

to an otherwise boring

front exterior is not for

the faint of heart. It’s a

big job and will likely

cost upwards of $8,000.

The silver lining is that

it will dramatically

increase the perceived

value of your home,

and comes with an ROI

of approximately 90

percent.

Probably 90 percent of the homes in your neighborhood have a builder-grade garage door. Maybe yours is white or off-white, maybe it has windows or decorative hardware, but it’s still the same door everyone else has. Replacing it with a faux wood look or something nicer and newer that adds to the curb appeal of your home will get you a 77 percent rate of return. You can count on two things when going this route: you’ll spend at least $1,700 on a worthwhile option, and your neighbors will be jealous.

If you just cringed a little when you read the words “bathroom remodel,” you are not alone. This kind of renovation is daunting, messy, and expensive. On average, you’ll likely spend $18,000 or more to improve an outdated bathroom while getting roughly 65 percent of your investment back.

The choice to remodel an outdated bathroom should be made only after you’ve evaluated whether an update will be cohesive with the rest of your home and if your real estate agent believes the home values in your neighborhood can support such an improvement. Sometimes you just can’t get that kind of return on investment back, depending on your neighborhood. Do your homework on this one before pulling the trigger.

An improvement that’s not so fun and quite costly to do is a necessary evil if your current roof isn’t up to par. More than appearance, the ability for your roof to do its job and keep your home protected is highly important to prospective buyers. Count on a much higher resale value after opting in on this improvement: 69

percent, to be exact.

Adding living space to your home is always a good idea. Adding outdoor space is a harder decision in an area with four distinct seasons, though. Regardless, adding a wood deck will give you around a 72 percent rate of return on your investment. I’d say this is mostly in regards to two-story homes that lack backyard access from the main level. Adding a deck to this type of home will add to the livability of the house and therefore increase the perceived value in the eyes of potential buyers.

We’ve talked a lot about curb appeal and adding living space to your home, but I’ve saved the biggest for last. Adding to or improving outdoor landscaping is no joke. Expect to spend between $20,000 and $50,000 on this project. First off, hire a professional. Second, if your home is in a high-end price range, springing for a designer is important. And lastly, only do this if your current situation is completely unacceptable, as this very costly project yields a scant 54 percent return on your investment, and it will be covered in snow at least four months out of the year.

Possibly one of the most drastic ways you can improve your home is to replace siding. If you’ve got steel or vinyl siding, it’s a full tear-out and replacement renovation, costing at least $15,000. If you’ve got wood or LP Smart siding that’s in great shape, choose an attractive color and have it repainted. The good news is this facelift will earn you roughly a 77 percent return on your

investment.

Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, so you’d think they’d be great places to target for a remodel. Kitchen remodels can get out of hand quickly, however. If you go for it, you’ll want to focus on a remodeling budget around the $20,000 mark. Anything more will create too large a gap between the updated kitchen and the rest of the home that hasn’t been improved, and that’s a slippery slope, my friend.

A minor kitchen remodel could include new appliances, updated counter tops, painting cabinets, replacing hardware, and adding a tile backsplash. Depending on the size of your kitchen and the materials you select, this could easily approach the $20,000 budget, but there’s good

news! You can expect an 80 percent ROI for a minor kitchen remodel like this.

Stone Veneer

Garage Door Replacement

Bathroom Remodel

Roof Replacement

Deck Addition

Backyard Patio

Siding Replacement

Minor Kitchen Remodel

The average basement remodel can vary greatly in cost. If your basement is unfinished, you’re looking at $40,000 or more. If it’s finished and needs a full overhaul, the budget could exceed $70,000. The return on this type of improvement is around 70 percent so it’s

important to take into consideration how much the new and improved square footage will help your resale value. This will be a question for your real estate agent, as this hinges on location and home values in your

neighborhood.

Basement Remodel

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mayocreditunion.org507-535-1460 | 800-535-2129

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Business NewsPamela Bleifus Named a Minnesota Housing Top Producing Loan Officer

Rochester, Minn. – Pamela B le i fus of Home Federal Savings Bank was named a Minnesota Housing Top Producing Loan Officer at the Platinum Level for her loan production during the first half of 2017.

“ W e ’ r e v e r y p r o u d o f Pamela and her efforts,” s a y s R o c h e s t e r M a r k e t President Jeff Vehrenkamp. “She’s a valuable member of our mortgage team, and is an expert when it comes to helping her clients with financing options provided by MN Housing.”

Minnesota Housing is a state agency that works to provide

a f f o r d a b l e h o m e b u y e r loans. First-time and repeat homebuyers can access programs with fixed interest rates, 3% down options and down payment loans up to $12,000.

Home Federal is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender.

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Fan of these magazines?Read them

online now.ROCHESTER’S WEEKLY WHAT-TO-DO GUIDE

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 2-8, 2017

Hot drinks and tasty treats

Bringing the dea

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pg. 12

4 ways to lessen

HOLIDAY STRESS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

HEALTHY LIVING FROM THE GROUND UP

THE ERA OF

flaking out

WHAT DOES

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FROM THE KITCHENTO THE GUEST ROOM

NOVEMBER 2017


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