Inspired Home Summer 2026

“ADAM”

MOTORIZED ZERO-GRAVITY RECLINER:

Experience the art of weightless comfort.

SUMMER

FEATURE

34 SHOWCASE

In true Nordic fashion, these homeowners desired to downsize, declutter and live a simplified life after owning two homes. Drawn to vast, towering pine forests and clear-water lakes, the unfettered quiet of this Finnish-settled Minnesota lake country captured their hearts. The rest of the story is now beautiful history.

DEPARTMENTS

12

OUTDOORS

Sharing your love of gardening with a child, whether you’re an expert or a novice, is a gift that will endure. A garden is a rewarding, hands-on learning experience that instills a multitude of important life skills that they will carry throughout their lives. Happy Gardening!

18 GARDEN

Gardens are spaces that provide us with food, but they also impact our mental and physical health. In the past years, the medical community has rediscovered the healing power of gardens. Healthcare facilities are adding green spaces and gardens to their environments as an important part of patient care. See the beautiful proof locally!

26 BACKYARD

In our part of the country, warm summer days are longed for, coveted but at times, elusive. The brevity of the warm season prompts us to enjoy nature’s gift, albeit short, to the full extent, each day. With a little planning, discover how you can turn your backyard into the ultimate private retreat that promotes your well-being and enjoyment.

44 COLOR

There’s something deeply grounding about an earthy color palette. These are the shades that make us exhale when we walk through our front door — colors inspired by the natural world, like soil, clay, sand, stone, and sun-drenched greenery.

52

ART

For this artist, the summer season presents beautiful opportunities to express her nostalgic and magical talents. Discover the sheer joy of studying her whimsical work with all its intricacies and hidden messages. It is a creative, color-rich, interactive experience you won’t want to miss!

56

INGREDIENTS

Across the world, the word for a popsicle may sound different, but they all have one thing in common. We love them, no matter our ages. Nothing tastes better on a hot summer day than a fresh-from-the-freezer ice pop. This summer, try making one of these vitamin-packed, easy and delicious cool treats for you and your family!

62

CUISINE

Chef Granville is in his glory. It’s summer and that means one thing – eating the rainbow full of colorful veggies coming right out of the garden or the farmers’ market. It is time to incorporate the freshest fruits and vegetables possible in your meals. Discover his easy and delicious recipes.

Life in our community has been greeted by summer, and everywhere you look, you can see the ambitious results of her handiwork.

In the summer issue of Inspired Home, we celebrate the outdoors in many beautiful ways. The long-awaited warmth of summer beckons everyone outdoors. We are pleased to share creative ways to add comfort and lasting beauty to your backyard living experience. From dining and entertaining to simply relaxing with a book, we have outdoor living inspiration that will soothe your soul.

Designing a home in harmony with nature is a thoughtful and respectful process. In this issue, you will learn about a proud Finnish community and a team of dedicated people whose goal was to create a home that preserved the natural views of the wilderness that surrounds it. This scenic wellness underscores the positive impact of nature’s vistas on our lives. Enjoy reading “Hyvin Eläminen,” the Finnish words for living well.

As usual, food is always an important Inspired Home subject. Chef Granville’s favorite time of year is summer, a perfect time to “eat the rainbow” by taking advantage of our gardens and fresh produce from area farmers’ markets. Enjoy his advice and easy recipes to take advantage of the summer’s bounties.

Our gardens are also a perfect space to offer our children a real hands-on science experience. They are a living laboratory, where children can directly observe plant life cycles, ecosystems, photosynthesis and more. Follow one family through the years, raising their child to appreciate and nurture a garden.

Now is the time. Forget the news of the day. Sit back, kick your shoes off, put your feet up and reach for a cool beverage. Simply enjoy reading the Inspired Home summer issue.

Terri Ferragut

Associate Publisher

Editorial

Director

terri.ferragut@gmail.com terri@inspiredhomemagazine.com

Inspired Home Associate Publisher

Terri Ferragut

Phone: 701.866.4405

Email: terri@inspiredhomemagazine.com terri.ferragut@gmail.com

Find us on (Inspired Home Magazine)

Editorial Director

Terri Ferragut

Creative Director

Terri Ferragut

Art Director Kaitlyn Iezzi

Director of Operations

Scott Drzewiecki

Contributing Photographers

Jill Ockhardt Blaufuss

Lauren Ferragut Carlson

Angela Dirkes, Dirkes Digital Media

Sarah Olson

Kinsey Wallace

Gabriel Ferragut

Contributing Writers

Lauren Ferragut Carlson

Terri Ferragut

Ashley Ferragut Johnson

Granville Wood

Copy Editor

Keri Guten Cohen

Production representative

161 MPB 18530 Mack Avenue Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 (313) 510-4429

TERRI FERRAGUT

Every issue, we take great pride in presenting this beautiful local home and lifestyle guide we call Inspired Home. From design to great food our goal is to provide you with relevant information you value. Truth of the matter is, without the heart and dedication of this talented and professional team, this publication would not be possible. Issue after issue, their creativity brings Inspired Home to your doorstep or area business. They inspire me.

Great Services & &

C o u n t e r t o p s e r v i c e & r e p a i r

S t o c k i n v e n t o r y a n d r e m n a n t s

v i e w a b l e f r o m o u r w e b s i t e

Ready. Set. Grow.

Why try to explain miracles to your kids when you can just have them plant a garden?

— Robert Brault, author

Lauren Carlson and her husband, Craig, introduced their daughter, Tüni, to gardening at an early age. Craig Carlson received his postdoctorate at Cornell University, New York, in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, and Lauren worked in research.

Sharing your love of gardening with a child, whether you’re an expert or a novice, is a gift that will endure. A garden is a rewarding, hands-on learning experience that instills a multitude of important life skills that they will carry throughout their lives.

A garden is a science lab. Working outdoors in the garden with children encourages brain health and offers hands-on lessons in science and math. It is a living laboratory, where children can directly observe plant life cycles, ecosystems, and photosynthesis. They will learn about weather, pollination, insects and environmental stewardship. Gardening promotes natural exploration while encouraging curiosity, persistence, and learning through trial and error. Intellectual skills like remembering, analyzing, and predicting outcomes are practiced in the garden. Learning the differences of plants and their various parts (leaf, stem, root, flower, seed) facilitates cognitive development. The garden is a great place for a child to ask questions, explore, and learn about the outcomes. Activities that include measuring soil depth, counting seeds, and calculating spacing between plants – all expand their knowledge and provide a more engaging experience than traditional reading.

The garden serves as a living laboratory that fosters patience and teaches responsibility. Children learn that hard work pays off by caring for their plants and watching them grow from seedlings into food or flowers. They develop self-esteem and confidence when given responsibility. Gardening encourages healthier eating by involving them in growing and eating their own food. Children are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables they have grown themselves, fostering healthy eating habits and curiosity about food sources.

Gardening engages a child with nature. In a digital age, caring for plants helps children develop a deeper appreciation for the environment. They engage all five senses by interacting with the different textures, scents, colors, and sounds of nature surrounding them. This encourages self-awareness and mindfulness, which strengthens qualities such as tolerance, empathy, kindness, and appreciation. Becoming mindful of their gardens and the physical world in general encourages children to become environmentally conscious.

Let’s raise children who can name plants and animals, not celebrities or brands.

— Dr. Joel Gator Warsh, pediatrician

Offer your child an opportunity to grow their own plants.

Introduce the touch, feel, and fragrance of plants early on.

Getting your child started, start small and make it fun! Begin with a small, manageable space to call their own. Let children choose what to grow, which helps them feel invested in the outcome. Begin with easy-to-grow, fast-growing plants such as radishes, sunflowers, and lettuce, which provide quick results to keep children interested. Use appropriate kid-sized gardening tools for safety and easy handling.

Reap their rewards. Cut flowers your child has grown and arrange in a vase to display proudly in your home. Make a dish using herbs, fruits, or vegetables grown in your child’s garden to serve your family at dinner and watch for the smile and look of accomplishment on your child’s face.

Happy Gardening!

Tell me and I’ll forget. Teach me and I’ll remember. Involve me and I’ll learn.

— Benjamin Franklin, founding father of the United States

— Trina Hildebrant Kalm,

There is always the garden...

When the world wearies and society ceases to satisfy, there is always the garden.

— Minnie Aumonier, 1800s English artist and poet

BY TERRI FERRAGUT

Our gardens are incredible spaces that not only provide us with food but also make a substantial impact on our mental and physical health. The activities involved in gardening—digging, planting, bending and walking—are excellent ways to maintain good health. Yard tasks like digging or weeding not only burn calories but also resemble weight training in strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis. Gardens and gardening activities can also boost mental outlook and emotional mood by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Studies have shown that gardening can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which decreases the risk of heart disease.

The role of plants and gardens in healing is ancient. As early as 3000 B.C., the Chinese were using medicinal herbs. The Greeks built a temple for their god of healing, set among mineral springs, bathing pools, and healing gardens. The Quakers in colonial America felt a deep attachment to nature and believed gardens were a place of creativity. In 1813, the Quakers founded one of the first programs to use plants in a therapeutic setting–the Friends Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, still in operation today. In 1879, a physician at the hospital noticed that psychiatric patients working in the hospital’s fields and flower gardens were calmer and that the gardens had a “curative” effect on them.

High up on the eighth floor, this rooftop garden offers stunning views of Lake Superior and the Duluth cityscape. Lush greenery and natural landscaping provide a place of solace for patients, their families and staff. The 10,000-square-foot glass-railed deck and 15,000 square feet of green space display grasses, perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees. A 5,000-square-foot enclosed pavilion allows viewing during Duluth’s winter season.

(C) 2026 HALKIN MASON PHOTOGRAPHY

Over the past few decades, the medical community has rediscovered the healing power of gardens. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities are adding green spaces and gardens to their environments; horticultural therapy programs are often an important part of a patient’s treatment. The healing garden at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota, is located high above the building’s eighth floor. It features stunning views of Lake Superior, lush greenery, inviting landscaping, and a place of solace for patients, their families, and staff. An enclosed, all-glass 5,000-square-foot pavilion allows people to enjoy the city’s and Lake Superior’s scenery year-round, including Duluth’s cold winters. The 10,000-square-foot deck and 15,000 square feet of green space showcase grasses, shrubs, trees, perennials, and annuals. The tall all-glass perimeter for safety provides clear viewing without interference. The project was made possible by the generosity of the Essentia Health Foundation donors and the community.

Locally, the Garden of Healing, 3020 51st St South, Fargo, founded by Sarah and Arlin Fisher, is a visible expression of Crosses for Cameron, a mission-driven nonprofit organization. Rooted in a powerful personal story of loss, it has grown into a community movement centered on healing, education and organ donation awareness. The Garden of Healing

sits on land generously donated by the

Rooted in a powerful personal story of the loss of their son, it has grown into a community movement, centered on healing, education and organ donation.

By the light of day, the Garden of Healing serves as a beautiful sanctuary for reflection and remembrance for anyone experiencing loss, illness, or gratitude for life.

Sarah and Arlin Fisher are pictured here in the Garden of Healing. The most visible expression of Crosses for Cameron, their mission-driven non-profit, was created by the Fishers to educate about the importance of organ donation.

CONFLUENCE |

CONFLUENCE |

Soothing water features, new walking path areas, a labyrinth, and more seating will be added. An outdoor sound system and much more are planned to enhance visitors’ experience.

Funds are being raised for Phase II of the Garden of Healing – an expansion from its current 2,400 square feet to 30,000 square feet. This will offer visitors a more beautiful space for reflection and healing.

A peaceful, calming labyrinth is planned, designed for walking meditation, to reduce anxiety and quiet the mind. The slow, deliberate pace with no wrong turns is a “prayer in motion” that centers you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please consider supporting us by volunteering, purchasing a memorial brick for your loved one to add to our walking paths, or by donating to the gardenofhealingpark.org

serves as a beautiful sanctuary for reflection and remembrance for anyone experiencing loss, illness or gratitude for life. Currently, Phase II funds are being raised to expand the garden from its current 2400 square feet to 30,000 square feet. The beautiful upgrade will allow anyone who visits the garden the opportunity to have more space to “reflect and heal in their own way.”

A healing garden can take many forms, but it always provides interaction with nature. Visually, plants display inspiring and calming colors. We can hear the gentle sound of water or the lively activity of visiting wildlife. The rich aroma of fresh earth and the scent of fragrant herbs fill the air we breathe. The fresh taste of a crispy pea pod or sweet berry excites our taste buds. We can touch the softness of a flower petal and hear the rustling of leaves in the wind.

Create your own healing garden by planting a

container filled with colorful flowers, a nutritious vegetable, or an herb such as lavender, sage, basil, or thyme. Besides being attractive and fragrant, these and many other herbs have been used medicinally for centuries. Grow plants that you find pleasing. If you’re energized by color, include annuals like zinnias, petunias, sunflowers, or cosmos. If you enjoy cooking, add herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers to your garden. Plants like sage or lavender can be harvested and used for aromatherapy. Include a spot to sit and enjoy the beauty of nature, or a walking path through the garden, surrounded by shrubs or fencing for privacy.

In the best of times, flowers help us celebrate the joyous occasions in our lives. In more difficult times, plants give us hope and inspiration to meet life’s challenges. This season, consider creating your own area of solitude where nature surrounds you in all its healing splendor.

Backyardserenity

In our part of the country, warm summer days are longed for, coveted and at times, elusive. The brevity of our warm season prompts us to enjoy nature’s gift, albeit short, to the full extent, each day. As the weather warms, gazing out into the space behind your home may have you considering summer backyard ideas to foster relaxation. When daily life is frequently defined by words like stressed, busy, frantic, rushed, and crazy, people seek out spaces where they know they can find solitude and renewal.

The longing for serenity is leading us from the office space and busy city streets to our own backyard. It is your family’s personal space to escape – where you can enjoy life and experience rejuvenation. While the concept of enjoying our backyards is universal, what’s important differs from person to person. It can be a total transformation or integrating simple elements into your yard to foster well-being.

With a little planning, you can turn your backyard into the ultimate private retreat that promotes your wellness and enjoyment. No matter how you choose to utilize your outdoor property, here are a few creative elements to incorporate that will set the tone for your summer outdoor living season. Discover these backyard elements guaranteed to add peace and calm to your summer days.

WATER FEATURES

Imagine arriving home from work, dropping your bag on the table, and stepping out your back door to sit in your favorite lounge chair. You close your eyes and feel the stress melt away as you listen to the soothing sounds of running water. A flowing water feature also improves air quality and reduces noise pollution. signaturelandscapes.us

GATHER YOUR BIRD FRIENDS

Birds need to rejuvenate, too. A bird bath is essential for supporting local wildlife by providing a vital source of clean water for drinking, bathing, and cooling off. Relaxing and therapeutic to watch, birds in a bird bath are a "natural dose of calm" that reduces stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue. gooddirections.com

FIRE MEANS LIFE

The calm of a campfire is a natural, multisensory experience that lowers blood pressure and cortisol levels, fostering relaxation and clarity. The crackling sounds, warmth, and mesmerizing flames create a primal environment that encourages mindfulness, reduces stress, and promotes restorative sleep. stoneforest.com

SOOTHE THE SOUL

For centuries, people have been drawn to the mystical allure of wind chimes. Chimes add gentle motion and soft harmonies to your backyard experience. As you listen, 2 3 4 2 3 4

your breathing slows and your heart rate lowers. The ceramic chimes are handcrafted by EarthWind Bells artisan Bruce Fraser. earthwindbells.com

FOUNTAIN OF PLENTY

As water flows over the irregular saw-cut granite texture, it creates a wavy, mesmerizing water pattern. The hypnotic sound of the water as it bubbles up and down creates the relaxing sound of a small stream running. The simplicity and artisanal design create the uniqueness in each one, crafted from natural stone. stoneforest.com

GROW A CANOPY GARDEN

A canopy garden of greenery creates a lush, shaded, and intimate atmosphere, often utilizing structural elements or mature plantings to form an immersive, overhead “roof” of foliage. Train cold-hardy, perennial climbing vines to grow over a pergola, such as clematis, ivy or grape vines.

5 6 5 6

RELAX WITH NATURE

Creating a backyard greenhouse provides a dedicated sanctuary for relaxation, offering a tranquil escape from daily stress while fostering a deep connection with nature. It serves as a peaceful, warm, and fragrant environment that promotes mental well-being through mindful gardening and immersion in lush greenery. yourgreenhouses.com

PERSONAL MEDITATION GARDEN

This is an outdoor space that provides a quiet separation and allows you to pray and meditate where you can see, feel, smell, and hear nature. Your goal is to create a spot that fosters contemplation — slightly secluded, perhaps tucked into shrubbery or surrounded by flowers or tall grasses.

Build Dynamic... Build for Life

Since 1970, Dynamic Homes has helped thousands of customers build the home of their dreams. From single-family homes to cabins, cottages and more, when you build with Dynamic, you can create a distinctive, yet affordable home designed to meet your needs, style, budget, and timeline. Once you see how Dynamic’s unique, system-built modular construction benefits you, the decision will be easy. Choose from one of our popular existing floor plans or customize by using your own design ideas.

1,736 SF, 3-bedroom, 2 bath home

9 ft ceilings throughout, with a vaulted great room

2-panel white oak interior doors

Rustic alder kitchen cabinets and boot bench, Montana maple cabinets in bathrooms

Electric fireplace in great room with hickory wrapped chase

Hyvin Eläminen, living well

A desire to be surrounded by towering pine forests, clear-water lakes and nature’s unfettered quiet defined the building project.

Natural landscaping complements the beauty of the surrounding forest of red pine trees.

Menahga, named after the Ojibwe word “miinikaa,” which translates to “there are many blueberries,” evokes comforting images of natural beauty and scenic treasures. The Menahga area, with its eleven clear-water lakes, is often called the “Gateway to the Pines,” reflecting its historical location. Its thick, natural red and white pine forests mark the start of the northern Minnesota forest region. Settled by Finnish immigrants in the late 19th century, the area is a tightknit community deeply rooted in its Finnish heritage, which is celebrated throughout the year with parades and festivals.

Formerly of Moorhead, Minnesota, Tom and Karen Frost had always appreciated the proximity to Minnesota’s lakes. They enjoyed tent camping at Itasca State Park and Maplewood State Park, both perfect fits for their young family. An upgrade to a pop-up camper and eventually, a larger camper, afforded the Frost family many wonderful memories over the years. Their appreciation for nature’s quiet beauty was genuine and that core value prompted a search for lake property and a home of their own. Drawn to the vast, towering pine forests and clear-water lakes, the unfettered quiet of the Menahga area won their hearts. For the Frosts and Rhet Fiskness, architect and owner of RHET Architecture, their similar end-goals became the impetus for a new design project. A new adventure was about to unfold.

This outdoor shower creates an organic, spa-like, natural experience – a practical way to rinse off beach sand or to cool off on a hot day.

In true Nordic fashion, they desired to downsize, declutter and live a simplified life after owning two homes.

In true Nordic fashion, they desired to downsize, declutter and live a simplified life after owning two homes. Karen describes their new chapter as a “peaceful and intentional life” that would comfortably host their expanding family. (Grandbaby #7 is due to arrive in July.) After researching, the Frosts were drawn to mid-century Nordic-style homes, especially a “shed roof” plan, which enabled them to utilize height on the sloped lakeside, maximizing sunlight and the panoramic view. “It was very important to us not to remove any of the trees, notably the red pines and oaks, as these defined the natural space in the woods overlooking the lake,” Tom shares. They wanted the home to evoke a “tree-house” aesthetic elevated among the trees to command the breathtaking natural views.

After months of drawing design plans, they realized they needed help creating a plan to initiate. After their first interaction with Fiskness, via email, they knew he was the right architect for the project. Fiskness drafted a plan to fulfill the “treehouse” appearance important to the Frosts by elevating the primary living area by half a story, providing a view of the lake, while nestled in the trees.

Tailoring the architecture to a site's unique context is a cornerstone of Fiskness's design philosophy. Designing a home within the Finnish community was a perfect match with his experience studying modern Nordic architecture in Finland. The homeowner's desire for a finely crafted Scandinavian design, not ostentatious, made this project a perfect fit for all involved. “Finding an architect who studied in Finland to build a house in a community that is predominantly of Finnish descent

was like winning the lottery,” says Tom. The enthusiasm and excitement of Fiskness were clear from the very beginning. Tom explains, “The more he inquired and involved us in the process, the more excited we became. He embraced our vision and ran with it with the enthusiasm of a young child dreaming of a tree-top hideaway.”

For the interiors, elements of wood, stone and natural sunlight intermingle, with ample space for gathering, dining and visiting. Prevalent in Finnish home interiors, birch, a light wood, is used throughout. A lofted play space, ‘tree house’ for the grandchildren was handcrafted by Finnish contractor Brian Peterson, owner of Precision Cabinetry and Woodworking. Outdoor window views and two small interior windows overlook the kitchen and living room. When not in use, a custom-built ladder to the loft nestles neatly away, resembling a piece of art.

Another important design element for the homeowners was the comfort and calm of a Finnish sauna. With the expertise of Fiskness, Brian Peterson and an apprentice, the relaxing Finnish ritual in their new home became a reality. Karen shares, “The sauna is where we go to unwind, reflect and reconnect with friends and family.”

The Frosts had a unique relationship with their building team. “It was important to us to hire local contractors. The Frosts knew

Finnish contractor Brian Peterson, from another project. “We knew his work, dependability and impeccable craftsmanship,” Karen adds. The excavator, plumber, electrician and HVAC team are all family-owned businesses from the Menahga area and often work together on building projects. “They are familiar with each other's work, which made for project efficiency, mutual respect and trust in the building process,” adds Karen.

Mark Lucken from Spirit Lake Lumber, “was instrumental,” she says, “in keeping things moving forward and on track in terms of materials, supplies and budget.”

A key concept of Finnish-American culture is the importance of ‘Sisu’– the combination of tenacity, grit and perseverance without complaint. Karen and Tom gratefully add, “With every board cut, every stone put in place and every tile set, they did it with ‘Sisu’ and pride. Our home is more than a structure, it is a reflection of all the people who worked to make the plans a reality.”

Contributors

Architect: RHET Architecture

Contractor, Stone and Tile, Custom Cabinetry: Brian Peterson, Precision Cabinetry

Interior Design: Karen Frost

Excavating: L&B Excavating

Lumber and Materials: Spirit Lake Lumber

Windows: Marvin Windows

HVAC: DMP Heating and Cooling

Fireplace: Ike’s Fireplace

Electrical: Delco Energy

Plumbing: Eric’s Plumbing

Concrete Work: Century Concrete and Masonry

Design harmony… look to the earth

BY TERRI FERRAGUT IMAGES COURTESY BENJAMIN MOORE

There’s something deeply grounding about an earthy color palette. These are the shades that make us exhale when we walk through our front door — colors inspired by the natural world, like soil, clay, sand, stone, and sun-drenched greenery.

In a world of fast-moving trends, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed choosing paint colors. Nature offers the best color palette you can bring into your home. For those who want to dip their toe into the world of color and express more of their personality, an

earthy color palette is often the solution. Decorating with earth tones connects us to something real. They settle us with their softness and possess depth — they look just as beautiful on a gray day as they do on a sunlit morning. They're perfect for creating warmth in light-starved spaces, bringing depth to open-plan rooms, or for softening modern architecture. And they are forgiving palettes — they are easy to layer, blend and live with.

We love earthy colors because they offer a warm

and cozy connection to nature, providing a serene escape from flashy trends. These rich, natural tones create a timeless, sophisticated presence and an added sense of well-being. Our homes, wrapped in the comfort of intentionally personal hues, foster a feeling of comfort in a rapidly changing world. Meet the Benjamin Moore 2026 Color of the Year, Silhouette, a color that weaves style and grace with its rich espresso hues and refined notes of charcoal.

After painting our entire world gray for a decade, this rich, warm neutral is a cocooning shade that saturates and has the ability to define a space with an enveloping atmosphere. Earth tones are versatile and unlike fleeting, trenddriven colors, this color and Silhouette’s complementary 2026 color palette

have longevity and are easily layered with bolder color accents.

This year’s complementary color selections were divided into pales and midtones for balancing and layering. Each color was hand-selected for its specific relationship to the core hue and the overall theme, creating a harmonious and sophisticated collection. The goal was to balance enchanting pales and handsome mid-tones that could be layered effortlessly or stand alone.

PALES

Raindance is an easy-going pale blue-green color with gray undertones and adapts well to many design styles, like rustic farmhouse to traditional. Its gray undertones soften anything.

First Crush is a hint of blush, a feel-good color that you can open your eyes to in the morning, whether it's your bedroom or a powder room, or a bathroom. It can boost a space’s details and showcase textures.

Swiss Coffee is iconic in interior design for its adaptability. The creamy white contrasts beautifully with darker accents and adds highlighting warmth that shines.

Batik is an enchanting pale, a blend of violet and rose with a gray undertone. It’s an ethereal, delicate shade with a nice wink of color, soft and subtle.

MIDTONES

Narragansett Green, a striking blend of black and teal from Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection, is a stately color that conveys a sense of history and architectural relevance.

Southwest Pottery is a nuanced hue reminiscent of and inspired by kiln-fired clay. A grounding color and totally versatile, it pairs harmoniously with soft neutrals.

Sherwood Tan, an earthy tan, is a classic neutral that can bring anything to the forefront. Layered with creamy whites like Swiss

Coffee, you’ll achieve a soft layered look, or use it with darker colors for drama.

To add personality and character to your home, painting is one of the fastest, easiest, and most affordable ways to achieve it. The ground-level shift this year is a return to tones that feel lived-in, mineral, and rooted in the natural world—colors that hold emotional weight without demanding attention. Seeking calm and serenity in a hectic world riddled with digital overloads and trend fatigue might be more attainable than you think…look to the earth.

The earthiness of this rich tan hue can bring anything to the forefront in a room. From the deep chocolate browns of the window treatments and the natural stone countertops to the rustic wood cutting boards displayed, Sherwood Tan unites it all.

Inspired by the beauty of kiln-fired pottery, this enriched color is a grounding element that pairs harmoniously with soft neutrals. Its nuanced hue captures the red and brown tones of authentic pottery crafted by Southwest indigenous artists.

BY TERRI FERRAGUT

Area artist Suzanne Moser warms the hearts of many with sentimental depictions of her thoughtful and emotional scenes. Her nostalgic, magical nod to every season makes us smile wistfully. The sheer joy of studying her whimsical work with its intricacies and hidden messages is a creative, interactive experience between her work and the viewer.

As an artist, Moser’s view of her work is modest. “My artwork isn't created to be controversial, to demonstrate mastery of a skill, or to be decorative. I paint charming, detailed scenes for my own enjoyment. If anyone else enjoys the intricacies, the humor, or the message, then I am successful as an artist.” The honesty of her inspiration to create her art often revolves around a particular season and an image in her mind. And as she works from her studio, that special joy or nostalgic experience becomes an illustrated scene as she envisioned it.

Moser became aware of her desire to paint when she was a stay-athome mom. On a budget, she made the trip to a hobby store in hopes of finding moderately priced acrylic paints and brushes. She still enjoys using acrylics and believes in investing in good-quality brushes. Over the past 33 years of painting, she has learned to skillfully alter the texture of the paint to create different painting styles in her work.

Inspired Home asked this gifted artist for her thoughts on the images she creates. Enjoy the intrinsic talents of area artist, Suzanne Moser and each painting description that inspired her summertime paintings.

SUNSET SAIL

“The idea of ‘Sunset Sail’ came to me when I witnessed a sailboat out on the lake one evening. As the sailboat passed across, the brilliant colors of the setting sun were simply magical.”

THE TREE OF LIFE

“My husband, Kevin, asked me to paint a picture of Pileated Wood Peckers. I took it a step farther and added several of the creatures that grace our backyard.”

KING OF THE SLOUGH

“I really enjoy seeing herons! They are so elegant and majestic. They really are the kings of their environment. It was fun for me to ‘design’ his feathers.”

EMILY'S GARDEN

“This piece was painted for my granddaughter, Emily. It is a good example of my ‘crazy paint’ style –painted to resemble a crazy quilt. I used paint in many layers to resemble buttons, charms, and beads.”

“Detroit Lakes offers a real sandbar that welcomes boaters all summer

It is always a place to spend an afternoon with old friends and new.”

LIGHTS OUT PELICANS

“This is also a ‘crazy paint' project. From the feathers and the grass to the layers in the sunset...patterns add dimension and texture.”

For more information on Suzanne’s art, email: smoserart@gmail.com

your your Keep Keep

cool cool

BY TERRI FERRAGUT

In the United States and Canada, it is a Popsicle. The Irish call this tasty treat a freeze pop, and for the British, when overheated, the “ice lolly” is what cools the masses. For those in Australia and New Zealand, the “icy pole” is a delicious frozen concoction that makes the long, hot days of summer bearable. The lovers of this cool, refreshing treat have an 11-year-old from the 1905 era in the San Francisco Bay Area to thank. Frank Epperson accidentally invented this summertime treat when he forgot he had left a cup of soda with a stir stick in it, on the porch overnight on a cold evening. After a first taste the following morning, the Popsicle™ was born. He named his invention the “Epsicle,” and it quickly became a hit with all the kids in the neighborhood. Eventually, he began selling them in “Neptune Beach,” the famous 20th-century California amusement park and resort. In 1924, he patented his ice pop, and with his children’s urging, he changed the name to Popsicle™. No matter the name, nothing tastes better on a hot summer day than fresh-from-thefreezer homemade ice pops. This summer, try making one of these vitamin-packed, easy and delicious cool treats for you and your family!

KIWI POPSICLES

Yield: 8

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 cup sugar

2 cups kiwi puree (about 8 kiwis)

DIRECTIONS:

In a small saucepan, bring sugar and 1/3 cup water to a boil over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Transfer to a 4-cup liquid measuring cup or medium bowl and refrigerate until cool, about 30 minutes. Stir in puree. Transfer to ice-pop molds and freeze until solid.

FRESH FRUIT SALAD POPSICLES

Yield: 8

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup peaches, cut into 1/2-inch slices

2 kiwis, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

3/4 cup strawberries, finely chopped

1/2 cup blueberries

1/2 cup raspberries

11/2 -2 cups fruit punch or 100 percent white-grape juice

DIRECTIONS:

Combine fruit in a mixing bowl and arrange the mixture into eight 3-ounce popsicle molds. Pour enough juice into each mold to cover the fruit.

Insert popsicle sticks and freeze until solid (about six hours).

BLUEBERRY SWIRL POPSICLES

Yield: 8

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup blueberries

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt

1 cup heavy cream

DIRECTIONS

In a small saucepan, bring blueberries and 1/4 cup sugar to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, crushing berries against the side of the pan with a wooden spoon, until mixture is syrupy, 3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate until cool, about 30 minutes.

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sugar, yogurt, and cream until sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Add the blueberry mixture to the yogurt mixture. Gently fold just twice to combine. Pour into ice-pop molds. Use a skewer or thin-bladed knife to swirl the mixtures together in an up-and-down motion. Insert ice-pop sticks and freeze until solid.

STRAWBERRY POPSICLES

Yield: 12

INGREDIENTS:

2 pints fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

3 Tbsp granulated sugar (more or less depending on the sweetness of your strawberries)

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Zest from half a lemon

DIRECTIONS:

In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries and sugar. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to allow strawberries to expel juice.

In a food processor (or blender), combine the strawberry-sugar mixture, lemon juice and lemon zest. Process until smooth.

Pour strawberry puree into molds with wooden sticks and place in freezer. Freeze until the popsicles are solid. To remove them from the mold, submerge the mold in room-temperature or slightly warm water for a couple of minutes. Remove from the water and remove popsicles.

MANGO BLUEBERRY POPSICLES

Yield: 4 or more

INGREDIENTS

1 large or 2 medium ripe mangoes, pitted, peeled and diced, or 4 to 5 ripe nectarines, pitted and diced 3/4 cup mango nectar

1 cup fresh blueberries

2 Tbsp agave nectar or maple syrup

DIRECTIONS:

Combine the fruit and mango nectar in a blender. Blend until perfectly smooth. Add the blueberries to the blender container and stir them in.

Pour into ice pop molds and freeze for at least 5 hours or overnight.

the freshest best…

STORY AND IMAGES BY CHEF GRANVILLE WOOD

Summer in the Upper Midwest is something to behold. Pristine mornings with the rising sun kissing the morning dew as it warms the earth. It’s a perfect time to walk the dog through the tall grass and woods down by the river, watching the mist rise off the water.

Cool mornings and hot, dry afternoons lend themselves to gardens bursting with zucchini, green beans and squash.

People could say I moved north for the tomatoes, and they wouldn’t be entirely wrong. North Dakota grows beautiful tomatoes that remind me of my Italian neighbors in Toronto. I obsess over tomatoes; vine-ripened, never stored in the refrigerator and treated with the respect they deserve. We’ve waited all winter for a great BLT with warm toast, crisp bacon, vine-ripe tomato, cool iceberg lettuce, and great mayonnaise.

Eaten and enjoyed in the backyard is pure summer. A favorite cool and fresh touch for summer is Caprese Salad – use thick slices of ripe tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella cheese, and basil with a balsamic vinaigrette.

Summer is the time to “eat the rainbow”- colorful veggies coming right out of the garden or the farmers’ markets. It is the time to use the freshest items, not shipped from distant

places. My tomato “fixer” goes by the name “The Silver Fox,” and this sly devil not only has the best tomatoes but hooks me up with a variety of other goodies like eggplants, zucchini, onions, fresh garlic, micro-greens, beans and more. You’ll find him every summer at the West Acres farmers market, first booth on the left – the Bill Erbes Farm stand.

My other favorites are thick, meaty asparagus stalks, properly

Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.

— Sam Keen

trimmed and blanched, dressed with a tart lemon vinaigrette. Topped with a warm poached egg and a dusting of parmesan cheese, it’s a fabulous starter to an evening meal or a light luncheon.

I love eggplants of all sizes; small ones split and grilled, slathered with garlic-basil pesto, or cut in thick slices, grilled, and topped with slices of tomato, grilled chicken breast and basil. My all-time go-to is ratatouille or caponata with cubes of eggplant braised with olive oil, tomato, garlic, red peppers, zucchini, onion and herbs. Make a batch and use it with anything coming off the grill.

Great summer treats we don’t farm here are avocados, shrimp, mangos and pineapple that pair well with what we grow regionally. Off the grill or in a salad, this combo screams summer – grilled pineapple with avocado and shrimp. With the current spiraling prices of meat and your cholesterol, salads are nutritious, satisfying and inspiring to make. Enjoy these fresh summer favorites.

CAPRESE CHICKEN PESTO

Summer dining at its freshest best

Use six-ounce boneless chicken breasts and make a pocket in the thicker side. Slide in a slice of tomato and buffalo mozzarella with a basil leaf or two. Tuck it all in and sauté in olive oil in an ovenproof pan until lightly browned. Turn, brush with pesto and bake in a 350º oven for approximately 15 minutes. Remove, then brush with more pesto and serve with orzo pasta. Sprinkle an entire plate with grated Parmesan cheese and minced fresh basil and plate the chicken. Drizzle with my balsamic vinaigrette.

Balsamic vinaigrette: In a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, add 1 Tbsp minced shallot, 1 tsp minced garlic, ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil, ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette and freshly ground black pepper. Secure lid and shake vigorously.

CRUNCHY GREEK SUMMER SALAD

Another favorite is this mishmash of fresh vegetables for a bright and crunchy Greek salad, dressed with a simple herb vinaigrette – everything fresh and at its peak!

Use thin slices of Persian cucumbers, radishes, and red onions. Add juliennecut carrots, zucchini, red peppers, and pepperoncini. Toss in pitted black olives, crumbled feta cheese and romaine hearts. Sprinkle with dried oregano and toss with my vinaigrette. Serve with warm pita bread.

SUMMER ZUCCHINI

PETITE PANCAKE

HORS D’OEUVRES

As always, summer zucchini is abundant. This is a fun little item to make as an hors d’oeuvres, light lunch, or accompaniment. Make them a bit larger than a silver dollar. Eat hot, off the griddle.

Grate 4 cups of zucchini, then lightly salt and drain. Lightly beat 4 eggs, then combine with 4 Tbsp chopped green onion, 1 Tbsp minced fresh dill, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and black pepper to taste. Using a kitchen towel, gently squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini. Fold all the ingredients together well. On a heated, oiled griddle or frying pan, drop a spoonful of the mixture and let it spread. Turn once until both sides are browned. Remove to a platter and let it cool slightly. Top with a dollop of sour cream, curls of smoked salmon, and a small sprig of dill.

Enjoy your summer and all the great produce. Bon appétit!

— Chef Granville

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