Month: August 2019

A 1898 Church at Wisconsin Finds Resurrection

Despite its dilapidated facade, architect Kurt Melander immediately spotted this Wisconsin church’s architectural value. Set in the midst of a large field in the magnificent northern Wisconsin landscape, this 1898 church was once a gorgeous portion of the local Scandinavian and Lutheran community. But after years of fail (it had been decommissioned in the early 1980s), it had fallen into complete disrepair. Melander purchased it for a steal at $25,000.

In the get-go Melander decided to conserve as much of their original craftsmanship as possible, while turning it to a house. Replicating the details he could and paying tribute to the original structure in his new layout, he transformed this old church into a suburban area that honors its history. “It felt great,” he states. “It felt as though I had been doing something important for the community.”

at a Glance
Developed for: Kurt Melander
Location: Northern Wisconsin
Size: Slightly less than 2,000 square feet
Price: $260,000

Melander Architects, Inc..

The church had no indoor plumbing or electricity, but Melander was struck by its scale and volume. “It was a stunning volume,” he states. “The proportions are just beautiful.”

Exterior siding: painted plaster clapboard; roofing: green asphalt shingle

Before Photo

Melander Architects, Inc..

BEFORE: Despite its magnificent original structure, the arrangement was in bad form. The roof needed to be replaced almost instantly, costing Melander about $15,000. Even though the original roofing was made out of cedar shake, the current fire code banned this, so Melander chose classic green asphalt shingles.

Unfortunately, much of the clapboard siding had rotted off too. Melander took off several intact pieces and had new ones custom milled to match the originals for a total of $12,000. Structural fix for the bell tower came for about $8,000.

Melander Architects, Inc..

Melander wanted to keep the clapboard church quintessential feel. “It felt extremely important to not touch that whatsoever,” he states. All the original windows were replaced using closely replicated double-paned duplicates, coming to about $23,000 complete. Just a few new windows — done in early-20th-century proportions — have been inserted into the rear side to the bedroom and bathroom.

Melander Architects, Inc..

The original front doors open to an understated entrance full of light. Although background after hung in specific areas of the inside, it was brittle through the years and could not be uninstalled. Melander opted for simple white instead.

Before Photo

Melander Architects, Inc..

BEFORE: The oculus above the entrance in the bell tower is also an original feature. It faces east and after bombarded the church with light on Sunday mornings.

Melander Architects, Inc..

The tower contains three distinct levels: the entrance, a painting studio inside the oculus and storage on very top. A ladder on the upper level leads outside to a deck with amazing views. Inside, Melander built a ladder and platform to access the small studio.

Melander Architects, Inc..

The 80-square-foot studio has a clear perspective of the surrounding property. The church is comparatively isolated, but a couple of farms could be viewed at the distance. A small ladder on the opposite side of this room contributes to the next level.

Melander Architects, Inc..

The original church was entirely open, so Melander featured a few barriers for solitude. The vertical fireplace gave him a room for the kitchen along with a staircase to a new upstairs attic, but it will not divert from the church’s degree. Instead, the vertical element exaggerates the ceiling height and imitates the bell tower outside.

Before Photo

Melander Architects, Inc..

BEFORE: Melander found a false ceiling was put up at a certain stage, disguising the church’s true height. Tearing down the dilapidated wood and insulation shown an 18-foot-high ceiling.

Melander Architects, Inc..

AFTER: Melander was careful to keep up the old when adding some new features. The trimming and window details have been custom matched to the initial layout. Yellow pine heartwood, 120 years old and reclaimed from old ship beams, lines the primary floor.

The majority of the remodel — almost $130,000 — went towards building the new inside, including sheet rock, insulation, new finishes and paint.

Demolition additionally revealed some surprises from the church’s past. Many churches built during this period had a Bible built into the foundation. During the remodel Melander found that it was excavated out after the church had been decommissioned. He also discovered a number of old coins along with a knitting needle that had fallen beneath the floorboards.

Shutters: painted plaster; bench, armchairs, love seat: classic

Melander Architects, Inc..

Behind the fireplace a steel and apple plywood stairs leads up into the lofted bedroom and bathroom.

Melander Architects, Inc..

Translucent blue vinyl hangs on steel rings outside the narrow windows in the bedroom. Melander cut these openings to permit light from the bedroom west window to flooding the primary living space beneath the loft. Since the vinyl is fastened only on top, it waves gently whenever a breeze comes in from the exterior. “The layout was also a nod to an imaginary organ, together with all the ‘pipes’ ascending upward,” states Melander.

Bedroom flooring: white mosaic Daltile; sconces: Artemide Tolomeo Sconces

Melander Architects, Inc..

White mosaic tile flooring proceeds in the adjacent bathroom. Melander discovered this 20th-century French bath at a salvage store in nearby Minneapolis.

Putting in septicsystem, electrical and plumbing systems for the church turned into a big investment, totaling to about $52,000.

Toilet fittings: Chicago Faucets

Melander Architects, Inc..

Downstairs the kitchen is simple but practical. Melander didn’t want this new necessity to interfere with the main space, but he also needed it to be readily accessed. Tucking it behind the stairs and fireplace helped accomplish both. Sconces behave as task lighting when required but also provide ambient lighting mirrored up toward the ceiling.

Sink: Bobrick commercial stainless sink; cooker: Garland commercial range

Before Photo

Melander Architects, Inc..

BEFORE: From the outside the church looks exactly the same, which is exactly what Melander wanted. “I just wanted to allow the envelope be,” he states.

Melander Architects, Inc..

AFTER: The church is set on a distant 3-acre property; only woods and farmland could be observed from its front.

More: From Olden Church into a Soaring Modern Marvel

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Morning Nook Tips for Sleepyheads into Get-Up-and-Goers

Start your morning on the ideal note by crafting a space which lifts your spirits and also fills you with energy for the day ahead. Whether or not you want to get energized to get moving, or you also crave a milder awakening, the first step is to set up a special corner that supports your purpose. Morning sun is the important ingredient, therefore search all around your home to get the spot with the best light during the wee hours. While it’s normal to gravitate to the kitchen in the morning, if another room has better morning lighting, you might think about establishing a sitting area there too.

Soak in the light of lengthening days using a cozy corner or an whole room. From sunporches and breakfast nooks to window chairs and more, let your creativity be sparked from these spaces that are jazzy.

R Brant Design

If You Crave a Private Nook Where You Can Awaken Slowly

Room for a single. Look for a little corner of your house, one with just enough space for one ideal chair — that way you’re certain to be left to your own devices. If you reside in a hot climate, a spot on a backyard or patio can be a wonderful option, letting you find a little bit of fresh air as you sip on your tea or coffee.

Schwartz and Architecture

A private oasis. If your bedroom is positioned well to get early-morning light, benefit from positioning a window seat or an armchair where you are able to soak in the beams.

Ethos Interiors

Utilize each of the sensations to bring your distance. Recently cut branches, green plants, soft blankets and cushions, and nubby rugs will increase the sensory joys of your distinctive morning space. Do whatever you need to to make a peaceful feeling — if you lack an opinion, bring into a landscape painting; if the street outside is noisy, then add a softly gurgling fountain.

Watch more on how to participate the five senses in decorating

Terrat Elms Interior Design

If You Crave an Energizing Space That Will Lift Your Mood

If your morning spot of selection is the kitchen, it’s particularly important to devote to clearing away dirty dishes and clutter at the night before, which means that you can wake to a new space. Set up your tea or coffee channel and place cut flowers on the dining table, and you will feel ready to tackle the day.

Take it outside. Nothing invigorates love being outdoors, so if getting charged up for your day is the goal, consider preparing a morning zone into your backyard. A few comfy chairs and also a place to place your mug are all you really need, but be sure to also have a cozy throw hand to warm your shoulders on chilly mornings.

Fabric.com

Premier Prints Suzani Slub, Yellow/White – $8.48

Colors to contemplate: if you want to wake up a room, turn to the colours of a bright, sunny day. Colours of sky blue, refreshing white, sun yellow and the green of spring plants are foolproof in any mix.

If you’re not certain where to begin, consider choosing one fantastic cloth, such as the yellow suzani shown here, and also have pillows or seat cushions made with that. The remainder of the room ought to fall into place easily once you have a focus.

Cristin Priest Simplified Bee

If You Crave a Cozy Spot for Sipping Coffee, Reading or Chatting

If mornings mean family time for you, focus on pulling together a spot in a bright window which can accommodate the whole brood. Adirondack chair chairs are a terrific way to go, because they frequently match more than regular seats. Have a cue in the new, colorful space exhibited here and utilize papered walls and a pendant lighting to define your seating area.

Frank Shirley Architects

Spruce up your sunporch. If you have a sunporch (also called a three-season room), look for ways to freshen it up to make it even more appealing to use every day. Painting the floors and ceiling pale hues will help amplify the lighting, and comfy furniture is a must. If your porch furniture has seen better days, consider reviving it with a coat of paint and restuffing the seat cushions.

Siobhan Loates Design Ltd

If you want to include: If renovation plans are on the horizon, consider ways of working the lighting to your advantage. Add a skylight, widen a window or switch a regular doorway to get a French door or sliding glass doors, and you may soon find yourself with a new favourite spot for your morning coffee.

Inform us : What kind of start do you crave in the daytime — slow and peaceful, energizing or social?

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9 Flirty and Frilly Rooms for Feminine Types

A female room is quite a bit more than pink and ruffles. It warmth, softness, curves. It might have a little twinkle and shine. It’s fun and intimate.

Feminine doesn’t need to imply pink, but in the majority of cases pink reads as female. As does white, gauzy, lacy, floral or elaborate.

These two rooms are classically female, but none are over-the-top amusing, and indeed, there are just a few frills. What they share is a certain dreaminess and beauty.

Dreamy Whites

Round, soft, fluffy and pink. This isn’t a dude’s room. But it’s the feeling of warmth and intimacy that actually makes it girly.

This is an area made for conversing and intimacy. It’s welcoming and warm and lavish, such as your favorite, well-read aunt. This chamber would make you a cup of tea if it might.

Feminine rooms could be slick and simple also. The touches of shine, rounded shapes and nods to coziness from the carpet and cushion are exactly what make this relatively spare space a ladylike one.

Supon Phornirunlit / Naked Decor

Playful and Modern and definitely flirtatious. Have a look at those curves! And this distance is a member of a guy, so there you have it.

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

I adore the high glamour of the gold chandelier using all the soft dove-gray walls in this intimate and private little corner.

Unique By Design Ltd..

Traditional, but at a way. The gentle pinky beiges and the elaborate chandelier give it a grande dame vibe. If Maggie Smith have been a space, this could be it.

This chamber never fulfilled a flounce it did not love. This is so completely Miss Havisham and Goth amorous.

Caitlin Wilson Design

It’s pink, certain, but the curving lines of the headboard and table lamps are what bring out the girl in this area.

Alan Design Studio

Pink, patterns and shapely fixtures. This is the Carrie Bradshaw of powder rooms. Hubba hubba.

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20 of Those Coziest Home Offices on

“Cozy” might not look like the first thing you’d use to describe your ideal workplace; it may make you think about quilts and clutter which do not inspire efficiency. However, “cozy” can indicate a room that’s warm, inviting, layered and, yes, actually organized. For example, personal items, a comfortable seat and a rich blend of textures all provide the comfort that “cozy” implies. Here are 20 of the coziest home offices around — and what makes them so.

Chalet

Cushy leather club chairs, a roaring fire and cowboy artwork add Western heat to the complex office space.

Margaret Donaldson Interiors

Grounding the room with a reddish, well-worn Oriental rug is a great way bring in warm textiles. Library lights and an overhead lantern make a soft light spectacle. I believe I’d reward myself to getting my job done while lounging in that overstuffed chair.

Krieger + Associates Architects, Inc..

A cozy library vibe incorporates warm wood floor-to-ceiling shelves stuffed with books and a comfortable leather chair for reading.

Adrienne DeRosa

A table tucked into the corner, grass cloth wallpaper, warm timber tones and heaps of novels make this workspace in a Frank Lloyd Wright home reassuring.

Beach Glass Interior Designs

Rich grey walls, a comfortable chair, a stately wood desk plus a long and comfortable window seat give this workplace its cozy appeal.

Moving Home To Roost

Individual touches — such as the graphic floral wallpaper, the dress form, the power of shelves with neatly exhibited supplies along with the artwork wall — provide this workspace a very personal appearance.

Personal touches make this area, also; the wall above the desk looks like it’s a collection of meaningful favorite things. The low wood ceiling, braided rug, built-in shelves and rustic chair give a camp atmosphere.

Gast Architects

A rich texture palette, autumnal hues, a red leather armchair and a blazing fire will tempt the homeowner within this workplace.

This ideabook is giving me severe office fireplace envy.

Laura U, Inc..

Exotic shapes and colours provide this workspace the feeling which the owner has attracted precious items from far-flung adventures.

The Cross Interior Design

This is stripped-down cozy. The black, white and shades of grey keep the palette clean and allow for eclectic touches, such as the library wallpaper, chalkbaord wall and amazing table lamp.

Diane Bergeron Interiors

Grass green and glistening white keep this office light and fresh, but the vintage camel leather desk chair, overstuffed sofa, thoughtful lighting and architectural information on the ceiling make it inviting.

Oak Hill Architects

The wraparound desk, individual spaces all within precisely the exact same room, low pendant lighting, red throw cushions for when one needs extra lumbar support, and beautiful windows make this a space where a group could work in harmony.

Jute Interior Design

Vintage industrial bits are made comfortable by soft creams and tans and also a large woven rug underfoot. This office holds a great deal of items, but they’re neatly organized, along with the reclaimed wood plank provides a great deal of space for spreading out.

Tim Barber Ltd Architecture

Wood grain, layered rugs and that to-die-for modern take on a coffered ceiling attract trendy charm for this transitional office. The large window gives it a tree home feel.

Nicole Lanteri Design

Allowing work right next to the radiator on a chilly day creates this workplace supercozy, for starters. The casters on the chair allow the employee to go from background to files with ease, along with also the small proportions of this space feel just perfect.

Debra Campbell Design

Warm gold tones, traditional design, wood trim and a bay window make this type of room where anyone would like to devote a great deal of time. It seems like it’d make paying bills less painful.

Studio Schicketanz

Instead of being pushed against a wall, this desk loves sitting in the middle of this space, atop an area rug. The furniture structure is tight, yet the room isn’t too full. The ceiling and walls and built-in shelves keep it from slipping from cozy status to cramped status.

RLH Studio

This office has a classic men’s club vibe — rich tufted leather chairs, timber paneling, an iron chandelier, a coffered ceiling and, best of all, a panel opens to reveal a hidden bar.

RLH Studio

Oh, and this very same men’s clubfashion office does have a desk. (I thought you might ask.)

You can have Hollywood Regency elegance (starburst mirror, animal print desk chair) and clean surfaces yet still have a homey-feeling office. The printed drapes, grass cloth wall covering, private photos and window seat are reassuring touches.

Joe Schmelzer, Inc. dba Treasurbite Studio, Inc..

This office, filled with the homeowner’s favorite collections, is a portion of a full-blown man cave.

Watch the rest of this guy cave, a remodeled basement

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Easy Green: Cut Electricity Use With 15 Unplugged Home Devices

Whether you want to slash your energy bill, go greener or be prepared next time the power goes out, those hand-cranked and other human-powered household items can help you get the job done in style. In the slick and innovative to time-tested classics, every one of those 15 finds offers a refreshing antidote to 24/7 plugged-in lives.

Lehman’s

Hand-Cranked Blender – $98.95

This hand-cranked blender out of Lehman’s will give you a workout while you whip up this breakfast smoothie. The Lehman’s catalogue is a fantastic resource for nonelectric alternatives to ordinary household items — the company was set to function Amish communities but now enjoys widespread attraction.

Pigeontail

Papervore Coffee Table

This coffee table doubles as a paper shredder and as a conversation piece. Insert the paper on top, crank the handle and watch as ribbons of paper fill up the oil base.

Poketo

Handy Manual Shredder – $45

This slick little hand-cranked paper shredder might be all you need for handling small amounts of paper and it looks really adorable that you will not need to hide it.

Anthropologie

Vintage Rotary Telephone – $198

In a power outage, cordless phones will not work, even if the telephone line is still operational. This revamped vintage rotary phone will keep working when newer models fail — and looks adorable to boot up.

Etón

BoostTurbine 2000 Backup Battery Pack – $59.99

Having the ability to use your cell phone in an emergency is key. Now you can always have backup energy with this slick little hand-cranked electricity generator out of Etón in your pocket.

Terrain

Ball Jar Coffee Mill – $98

Coffee connoisseurs insist that the top brews begin with legumes ground in a Burr grinder. This one is run by a very simple hand crank, and it has a charmingly old-fashioned appearance.

Crate&Barrel

Chemex 8-Cup Coffee Maker – $38.95

The simple, elegant design of the Chemex coffeemaker makes it a designer favorite — and the effortless pour-over method makes amazingly delicious coffee.

Lehman’s

Clipper USA 19-Inch Reel Mower – $599

Plan a greener backyard in more ways than one this year by trading in your gas-powered mower for a conventional reel version. Fantastic for smaller yards, this traditional push mower will give you your workout whilst trimming the grass.

Fred Flare

Dynamo Solar Crank Radio – $34

I like that this petite radio offers your choice of electricity method: solar or hand fold. Additionally, it is so good looking that you’re guaranteed to find yourself using it all of the time — not just when the power is out.

Hayneedle

Weston Hand Juicer – $27.99

Some juicing purists think that the warmth from a typical electric juicer takes something away from the freshness of raw juice this hand-cranked version will maintain your juice as fresh as you can.

Terrain

Glass Juicer – $28

Trade in your black orange orange juicer for this utterly basic glass version and save a bit of room in your cupboards.

Williams-Sonoma

All-Clad Food Mill – $149.95

A well-stocked kitchen should not be without a fantastic food mill. Use it to process tomatoes and create applesauce, mashed potatoes and heaps of different dishes.

WebOfficeMart

Table-Mount/Wall-Mount Manual Pencil Sharpener, Black – $25.65

Just like those that used to grace teachers’ desks all around the nation, this traditional black pencil sharpener does the task with a satisfying turn of the deal.

IKEA

Ljusa Flashlight, Hand-Powered – $4.99

You won’t have to remember to keep extra batteries on hand with this adorable little hand-powered flashlight out of Ikea. Stash a few around the home and leave an extra in the car for roadside crises.

Lehman’s

Greatest Hand Wringer – $199.95

Give your clothes dryer (a notorious energy hog) a rest with this classic hand-cranked wringer from Lehman’s. After washing squeezing the surplus water will shorten drying period.

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Pacific Northwest Gardener's February Checklist

February is an exciting moment in our area’s gardens. This is the month when we proceed from planning to doing. Dust off those gardening gloves and enjoy a few leisurely hours doing what anglers do best — puttering.

Does your garden need a little something? This is a good excuse to visit your favorite nursery and see what’s shining this season. While you’re there be sure to pick up seeds for your favorite flowers and vegetables. Of course, you can not possibly come home with no a new rose, can you? My favorites would be the English roses. What about you personally?

And will you honestly resist those cute little pots of pansies, primroses and stunt daffodils?Just a few bucks and you’ll give your winter containers a fresh lease on life.

Consider me your private gardening and shopping coach!

More regional backyard guides

Marta Rojas

February highlights. There ought to be something in your backyard that brings you joy each month of this year — maybe it is unexpected fragrance or even a bright splash of color. Or perhaps it is the birds a plant attracts.

Witch hazel (Hamamelis mollis) has all three of those qualities thanks to its spidery flowers this season. Be certain to include at least one of those great shrubs in your winter garden.

Amazon

Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades – $21.95

Plan a vegetable garden. With numerous gardening books available, how do you pick? I must confess I have a few — every invaluable for reasons that are different. This book by Steve Solomon is regarded as the number-one book for dependable Pacific Northwest info — add it to a library.

Start sowing. Collect your seeds, assess the planting dates and begin sowing. I enjoy spending a few hours in my greenhouse when it is cold and blustery outside. The superb earthy odor reminds me that spring is not too far away.

Paintbox Garden

Salad greens are easy to begin now in an unheated greenhouse, using a coating of row cover for protection on specially frosty nights or under hoops outside. These greens create a fantastic cut-and-come-again crop and taste so much better when they go from backyard to table in only minutes.

Paintbox Garden

A cold frame also extends the harvest and leaves extra room inside the greenhouse. It’s also invaluable for hardening off the following month as you get them ready to be transplanted into the garden.

Le jardinet

Move the mason bees out. Now is your time to wake those mason bees upward! Place them where they will get warm sunshine but are protected from rain.

We made this very simple mason bee condominium utilizing scrap lumber and parts of downspout pipes. The tubes on top are full of mason bee cocoons, while the lower ones are ready to be filled by the next generation of bees.

We needed to modify this design, however. Swallows nested in the apex the first season and caked on breakfast. So we’ve since added some fine mesh so that the bees can come and go in peace.

Urban Hedgerow

Or you may make a habitat for a great number of pollinators by providing a seasonal assortment of tubes and blossoms — decorative as well as functional.

Le jardinet

Start your sweet peas. Certainly sweet peas are among the highlights of a summer garden. Their intoxicating fragrance and amorous color blends create them a must-have for a sunny spot. Nurseries usually carry seedlings, but they are really easy to grow yourself. Renee’s Garden is regarded as one the top seed sources for sweet peas.

Make tubes from paper, pack them gently with potting soil and include 1 seed (soaked overnight in water) per tube. Every seedling will create a much deeper root system than those in shallow nursery pots, and the whole tube may afterwards be planted in the backyard.

That is a fun job to do with children of all ages.

Gardening with Confidence®

Plant roses. Bare-root and potted roses can be found this month. Look for people with multiple powerful canes and an outward-facing structure.

Ask your nursery professional for information on which ones are disease resistant, fragrant, heirloom varieties or long bloomers. There are so many to pick from.

Le jardinet

Care for containers. Give your containers a mini makeover by tucking in some dwarf spring bulbs. You don’t even have to plant the bulbs — only hide the nursery bud in the surrounding foliage. ‘Tete a Tete’ daffodils, shown here, are just one of my favorites, with every bulb throwing up multiple flowers. Echo the colors already in your container for a cohesive appearance.

Treat yourself in your favorite nursery, discover your trowel and enjoy your garden this season.

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Fantastic Lakes Gardener's January Checklist

Many Great Lakes gardeners are holed up inside dreaming of spring right now. Apart from curling up with a hot toddy and a garden catalog or site, anglers can find some pleasure from the winter garden and get a jump on the gardening time to come.

Barbara Pintozzi

Enjoy the beauty of the winter garden. Without snow, there is stark beauty in the winter garden. Dew, or Hoarfrost, transforms plants into lace. Grasses, like this native switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) are especially showy when coated with hoarfrost.

Barbara Pintozzi

Maintain winter interest with evergreens. As snow cover can be unreliable and fantastic Lakes gardens can vie during a January thaw, it is important to have evergreen perennials for winter attraction, such as hellebores (Helleborus x hybridus, Helleborus niger), coral bells (Heuchera hybrids) and hepaticas (the native Hepatica nobilis var. Obtusa, shown). Water these evergreen plants to prevent dessication, if there isn’t any snow.

Barbara Pintozzi

Sow seeds. January is the best time to sow seeds of hardy annuals and perennials that need a period of cold or stratification for germination.

Some could be sown in containers outside, while others, like these breadseed poppies (Papaver somniferum), should be sown directly into the backyard. The seeds can be sprinkled on top of the snow where they are to be grown.

Barbara Pintozzi

Discover your garden’s bones. The snow-covered fantastic Lakes garden is all about lines and shapes. The almost monochromatic setting shows off the arrangement of well-branched trees and shrubs, like this young native redbud (Cercis canadensis).

This simplicity of snow and construction can enable the gardener to observe the bones of the backyard, indicating areas for improvement. The middle of winter is an superb time to dream of this backyard and draw up strategies for modifications to be made next spring and summertime.

Barbara Pintozzi

Snow transforms even nonwoody plants. All these coneflower seed heads (Echinacea purpurea) appear to be wearing hats.

Look around and take photographs from windows of this midwinter backyard to ascertain where points of winter interest could be improved or incorporated.

Barbara Pintozzi

Give birds a beverage. Bird-watching can help get a fantastic Lakes gardener through winter. The ideal way to attract birds to the winter garden is to provide a heated birdbath. Even more than meals, birds need clean, open water for drinking and bathing. Whether electric or solar powered, on the ground or elevated to a deck or stand, a heated birdbath will draw more and diverse birds compared to any lone bird feeder. Site the birdbath at which it can be seen easily from a cozy chair inside.

Barbara Pintozzi

Bring blossoms inside. Great Lakes anglers can endure from blossom withdrawal in the midst of the winter. In addition to forced bulbs, orchids can be a fantastic fix. Bring an insulated bag in case you go to buy one on a bitter-cold afternoon, as plants and blooms could be ruined by the cold between leaving the shop and putting them into the home.

There are lots of publications on orchid care, such as Bloom Again Orchids, to guide your purchase and care of orchids. Start with less overpowering, easy-care orchids, like this moth orchid (Phalaenopsis hybrid).

Barbara Pintozzi

Have a field excursion. If everything else fails, the best remedy for a serious case of cabin fever is to head out to your local conservatory to observe flowers and breathe from moist, fragrant air. Standing under swaying palm fronds (here, Dypsis leptocheilos) on a sunny day can make you forget about the snow and the cold.

More guides to Great Lakes gardening

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Youthfulness Energizes a Philadelphia Townhouse

This once-stuffy federalist townhouse at Philadelphia’s Society Hill neighborhood has undergone a transformation similar to Philadelphia’s very own. It was conservative and traditional, but artwork, youth and imagination have breathed new life in to it. Interior designer Kelly Nelson and her husband moved in 13 decades ago when she was pregnant with her first kid, now 12. “After I had my second child, the first floor, with its galley design broken into small rooms, was not working for our family,” she states. “It was either move to a larger home or renovate and stay in the neighborhood we loved.”

The remodel opened up the first-floor rooms and back courtyard. Nelson maintained a lot of the traditional moldings, wainscoting and built-ins but freshened things up with vivid colours, lively fabrics and abstract artwork. “By comparing modern choices with more traditional fabric and furniture options, we made a home that felt true to both the design of the home and our very own lively design aesthetic,” she states. Check out how this daring mix of new and old turned out.

in a Glance
Who lives here: A family of 4 and cat Shadow
Location: Philadelphia
Size: 2,700 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms

Kelly Nelson Designs

This narrow entryway sets the tone. High-gloss turquoise paint plus a vintage 1960s light top traditional wainscoting. A marble checkerboard floor underlines the jewel box first impression.

Nelson also substituted the original square door for this arched one to echo the shape of the front door and its transom.

Wall paint: Peacock Blue 2049-40, Benjamin Moore

Kelly Nelson Designs

This custom-painted cupboard was inspired by the colours in a Lucette White painting from the couples’ artwork collection. “We created a very traditional French torso more lively by painting it bright colours,” Nelson says.

Cabinet: Grange

Kelly Nelson Designs

Before, the dining area was very traditional, using federalist furniture, a brass light fixture and these china cabinets, which had glass doors. Nelson had the doors painted the backs a daring orange for a more modern look, then added tradition back into the mix with her brown toile transferware pieces.

“I like to use a great deal of color, but at a house this size it’s easy to go overboard,” Nelson says. She painted all the walls white and allow the color come in via furniture, artwork, accessories and accents, such as these shelves.

The parrots are vintage 1950s majolica pottery, as well as the pansy print is from Natural Curiosities.

Kelly Nelson Designs

Nelson ripped out the existing brass light fixture and’d Warren Muller, a favorite Philadelphia artist, create a special chandelier out of her grandmother’s depression-era glass collection. “This fixture set the groundwork for the home’s combination of traditional and modern elements,” she states.

Wall paint: Patriotic White 2135-70, Benjamin Moore

Kelly Nelson Designs

Toile and striped cloths on the parson’s chairs are a nod to classic townhouse design; the colours of this chandelier inspired the pink and green color palette.

Kelly Nelson Designs

This brightly colored abstract painting at the dining area is by Ivan Stojakovic. Postrenovation, it is about the only remaining dividing wall in the downstairs inside.

Kelly Nelson Designs

Average of a townhouse, the kitchen is narrow and long. Nelson opened it up into the living area and added a very long kitchen island. “I can not remember when we sat down in the table; we love to assemble at the staircase,” she states.

Cabinets: Downsview; backsplash tile: handmade glass, Mixed-Up Mosaics; pendant lights: Le Klint

Kelly Nelson Designs

A painting that the couple picked up on a trip to Portofino, Italy, inspired the blue and orange living area palette. The backs of these bookshelves are painted the exact same color of orange as the dining area shelves. The same limestone used on the kitchen counters surrounds the fireplace. An Oriental rug pays homage to classic townhouse style.

Kelly Nelson Designs

New French doors and large windows let in the light. “Opening up the living area to the back courtyard makes the home feel so much larger,” Nelson says.

Coffee table: Eglomise, Beeline Home; Lights: Splatter, Beeline Home; vases: Arteriors

Kelly Nelson Designs

Tip: “When blending throw pillows, I usually go with a sound, a large-scale pattern and a small pattern,” Nelson says. “To make them more contemporary, I stay far from piping them and I like to make them big; if you’re going to the cost of getting them made, think larger than 14 inches!”

Although residing in a building zone (think: washing dishes in the tub) was a challenge, it had been well worth it. The open design and modern touches fit your family’s lifestyle to a T.

Painting: Rebecca Rutstein; flowery cushion fabric: Schumacher; orange cushion fabric: Osborne & Little

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