Waconia, MN March 2023 by City Lifestyle

The Home Issue

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Home and Heart

March 2023 PUBLISHER

Amy Janzen | amy.janzen@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Emily McKeever | emily.mckeever@citylifestyle.com

Home. So much contained in that little four-letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable. Author Wendy Wunder said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” As our team thought about home, we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. Whether you’re remodeling your current home or are in the market for something new to buy, these stories and articles, we hope, help you do just that. We feel like the lucky ones as we learned more about the businesses and individuals that comprise our city. This issue provides a small lens into how much they love being a part of bringing ‘home’ to this community. As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you - in your city, neighborhood and most all of - your home. Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that is appreciated in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home. Happy March!

SOCIAL MEDIA COOR DINATOR

Natalie Finazzo Fox | natalie@nataliefinazzofox.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Amanda Wagner, Alison Lee, Emily McKeever, Lutie Ronglien CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Maria Claire Photography, Mill City Team

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

AMY JANZEN, PUBLISHER @WACONIACIT YLIFEST YLE

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Waconia City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Waconia area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Waconia City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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MARCH 2023

inside the issue The Home Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 West Metro Workmanship

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Experiences

Local Limelight LO CA L S ERV I CE S

Must See HO ME + DES I GN

Expert Help HO ME S ERV I C ES

Financial Buzz FI NA NC E + LEGA L SE RV IC E S

Our Town R EA L ESTAT E

Decor Trends HO ME + DES I GN

Constructing the heart of a hometown

20 At Home with a View Designing a home for how you live

26 The Ultimate Garage

No more muddy boots in the house and parties in the garage? Read on!

30 Waconia Housing Market Still Hot Area Realtor predicts another busy spring for buyers and sellers

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Mill City Team and Heather Reichenberger Built in 1872, this home’s original owners were the telephone operator and her daughter. Throughout the years updates have been made but the charm has stayed the same.

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MARCH 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

WACONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

WACONIA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

WACONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

MATT SACKETT

WACONIA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

WACONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

MATT SACKETT

1: The Waconia Basketball Association Youth Night drew a big crowd of players and supporters. 2: It was an action-packed night with high-energy games and a few surprises. 3: The TakeDown Cancer 2023 wrestling meet supported this year’s sponsoring family, Team Koosmann. 4: Kelly Wagener, the former head coach was inducted into the Waconia Wrestling Hall of Fame. 5: The night included JV and youth matches along with a varsity win over New Prague! 6: Waconia Lakettes Varsity Kick kicked it up a notch at the conference championship in December. 7: Getting ready to bring the heat, the Waconia Lakettes Varsity Jazz team were all smiles.

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C I T Y SC E N E

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MARCH 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Ridgeview named one of America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics Ridgeview is in the top 4 percent of 4,729 U.S. hospitals offering obstetrics after being named one of America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics by the Women’s Choice Award®. Focusing its research on hospitals that offer the highest quality patient experience, the Women’s Choice Award® educates women on where to receive the best care. Congratulations to Ridgeview for this honor as they continue to offer excellent care by compassionate, hard-working physicians, nurses, staff, and volunteers. Photography: Ridgeview Medical

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Agency of the Month award goes to Dawson and Associates Dawson and Associates of American Family Insurance won District 66 Agency of the Month in December, making it their 18th win in the last 24 months. This recognition of excellence is awarded to the leading agency for growth in all lines including home, auto, life, commercial, and farm/ranch along with customer satisfaction and retention. Congratulations to the dream team: Jill, Marc, Rebecca, Shahara, Matthew, and Loren! Photography: Jill Dawson

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Steven Jensen Named New Director of Community Education With more than 11 years of experience in community education, Waconia names Steven Jensen as the new Director of Community Education. Jensen most recently was the Director of Community Education for Jordan Public Schools but has also worked for Burnsville Eagan Savage Public Schools as well. He is replacing Tiffany Nelson who resigned after 21 years working for the district. As we welcome Steven, we wish Tiffany well and thank her for her time here. Photography: Waconia Public Schools

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MARCH 2023

local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

There are few things we love more than the comfort of our own home. Upgrade and personalize your living space inside and out by shopping and engaging with our home and design merchants who provide cozy, creative and beautiful establishments to enhance our digs.

Our Picks for Home Design in Mind WHITE BIR CH HOUSE: Hoping to refresh your décor with seasonal colors

and maybe some unique wow pieces? White Birch House is ready to dive into all things spring! 7940 Victoria Drive, Suite 104 Victoria, MN YETZER HOME STOR E: If your motto this spring is out with the old, in with the new, Yetzers is your store for gorgeous furnishings, flooring options, and more. 33 West First St Waconia, MN VICTOR IA R OSE FLOR AL & GIFTS: When you need a surprise delivered or simply want to boost your mood with a colorful arrangement, swing into family-owned and operated Victoria Rose Floral. 1495 Stieger Lake Lane Victoria, MN THE STASH WACONIA: Good luck choosing just one locally mixed and poured Blended Candle Co. candle at The Stash of Waconia. 34 W Main St Waconia, MN CARPENTER’S DAUGHTER: The quaint downtown Watertown shop, Carpenter’s Daughter is filled with many unique treasures and crafty DIY class offerings. Try a macrame class on March 8th! 113 Lewis Ave S Watertown, MN

Scan for more photos and the full list. Carpenter’s Daughter

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR

Emily McKeever | Editorial Coordinator Celebrate the change of seasons with a new spring-scented candle, DIY class, or a beautiful bouquet to brighten your dining room table. Our editor, Emily, is back with a list of must-haves and to-dos as you step out into the community with your home in mind.

LOCA L E X P E R IE N C E S

Photography Service | Photo Booth Serving West Metro Area (612) 723-4542 www.jamiejoosphotography.com MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAC O N I A

West Metro Workmanship

Lloyd and his apprentice build together

Constructing the heart of a hometown

ARTICLE BY ALISON LEE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA CLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | LOCAL S E RVI CE S

“Ask Lloyd what sets Huepenbecker Construction apart, and hands down he’s going to offer up his guarantee for top-quality work by professional contractors.”

Our world has shifted to the mindset that bigger is better. But some of us don’t want the robust and the rich. If you’re anything like Lloyd Huepenbecker, you’re completely content with simple small-town living. And if you warmly welcome local talent, you just stumbled upon a craftsman skilled at making your house a home. I recently sat down with Lloyd Huepenbecker, owner and operator of Huepenbecker Construction Inc., a local business that he started back in 1979. Waconia is what Lloyd has known his entire life. He grew up on a farm, graduated from school, and never left. At age 19, he knew it was where he wanted to raise a family and start a business. After spending time with a welding company, he realized he didn’t want to be stuck inside a [radiator] shop every day of his life. His heart belonged to the outdoors, performing manual labor that serviced others.

WHY CONSTRUCTION? The construction industry was familiar to Lloyd and building was in his blood. His father was a carpenter foreman with a commercial construction company and at the age of 16, he worked for a roofing company. Working with his hands, being outside, and helping others in his community, were all things Lloyd grew up knowing and it’s exactly what he wanted to continue to do.

THE BREAD AND BUTTER OF HIS BUSINESS After decades of mastering both residential and commercial work, his business has pared down with a focus primarily on storm work and exterior repair for residential properties. Over the last ten years, the area has seen some significant storms and unfavorable natural disasters, so his efforts and his business model have aimed to accommodate those needs. After many years of servicing his clients year-round, Lloyd decided to scale back and now takes a few months off each year. Like countless other Minnesotans, he goes into hibernation for the winter, and his business blossoms back up in the spring.

FROM THE GROUND UP If you’re a small business owner, you know the best compliment is a referral. Spreading your well-loved experience through word of mouth is what helps small business owners continue to grow. You won’t see Lloyd’s face plastered on a billboard, or on the side of a truck, but you will hear his name and praises about his craftsmanship. Huepenbecker Construction doesn’t utilize doorto-door sales as a means to drum up customers, rather his business is based largely on repeat customers with almost 90% of it coming from referrals and word of mouth. They typically service the older population and believe it’s because of name recognition. CONTINUED >

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Residents know the name and the quality associated with their service. A true testament to the power of a positive experience.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY Ask Lloyd what sets Huepenbecker Construction apart, and hands down he’s going to offer up his guarantee for top-quality work by professional contractors. He only hires individuals who reflect the kind of work he’d want for himself, and the kind of work he once did by himself. As a small business owner, he knows you have greater control over the quality and the hands-on ability to make sure no critical element is omitted. Since the start, Lloyd has made sure that the people who are linked to his company meet his high expectations for a job well done. His reputation has been built on the promise to deliver first-class service that is thorough and complete.

THE NEXT GENERATION For the young person who is looking to become an entrepreneur or establish a business, and develop a brand, Lloyd has one firm piece of advice, “Perform quality work and take care of people. Referrals are your best tool for growing a business. Once you’ve completed a job, if the person isn’t willing to give your name to every friend, relative, and neighbor, then you’ve failed.” The population of Waconia has increased exponentially since 1979. However, one thing remains unchanged, Lloyd Huepenbecker’s commitment to quality workmanship and a promise that even a storm can’t break.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | LOCAL S E RVI CE S

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Dawson &LLC Associates LLC DawsonAMFAM.COM & Associates Dawson, Agent Jill Dawson, Jill Agent | AUTO | LIFE | BUSINESS | FARM & RANCH AMFAM.COM &HOMEAssociates LLC Dawson Dawson & Associates LLC (952) 835-7500 (952) 835-7500 Jill Dawson, Agent Jill Dawson, Agent mydawsonassociates.com Dawson & Associates LLC DawsonDawson &American Associates & Associates LLC LLC mydawsonassociates.com (952) 835-7500 Family Mutual Insurance Company, (952) 835-7500 & its Operating 20Companies, WMadison, Main St Ste 300, Waconia 20JillWS.I.6000 Main StParkway, Ste 300, Waconia Jill Dawson, Agent Dawson, Dawson, Agent AmericanJill WI 53783 Agent mydawsonassociates.com mydawsonassociates.com ©2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 – 16383112 835-7500 (952) 835-7500 (952) 835-7500 20StWSte Main Ste 300,(952) Waconia 20 W Main 300,St Waconia

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Mutual Insurance Company, American Family MutualAmerican InsuranceFamily Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies, S.I. & its Operating Companies, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 – Rev. 2/20 – 16383112 ©2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 –006441 16383112

American Family Mutual Insurance Company, American FamilyAmerican Mutual Insurance Family Mutual Company, Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies, S.I. & its Operating S.I. & Companies, its Operating Companies, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 537836000 American6000 Parkway, American Madison, Parkway, WI 53783 Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 – 16383112 ©2015 006441 ©2015 – Rev.006441 2/20 – 16383112 – Rev. 2/20 – 16383112

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At Home with a View Designing a home for how you live

ARTICLE BY AMANDA WAGNER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MILL CITY TEAM

Jill and her husband, Dom, had always wanted a home on the lake. As a self-proclaimed HGTV addict, Jill has always wanted to remodel a home. So when they found their current home in their dream location on the lake, they knew it was the one. “The home was dated but had great space. When I walked in, I could see what the home could be,” said Jill. “And the lake lot was exactly what we were looking for -- deep and spacious in a no-wake zone.” A well-designed home is one that creates a feeling of peace, contentment, and appreciation, and understanding how you use your home and what you need and want, is the first step in getting there. From a focus on the rooms that matter most to the pain points you want to avoid, Jill had a clear vision for her new home and worked closely with Dana Dziuk of Lee Lyn Construction to bring that vision to life.

THE DESIGN VIBE She wanted to feel like she was on vacation in the comfort of her own home. “A home is to be lived in,” said Jill. “We want to use our space and things, especially now that our children are grown we don’t have to worry as much about everyday wear and tear.” Dana described the aesthetic as coastal and calming, with a hint of rustic farmhouse. The whole home palette mixes blues, greys, and whites, with the warmth of white oak and depth of black accents.

WHERE LAYOUT MATTERS Her husband’s love of cooking as a way to relax meant they needed a kitchen and entertaining space that could accommodate friends and family easily. Jill knew the pieces she wanted but wasn’t sure of the layout. CONTINUED >

M UST SE E | HOM E + D ES I GN

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M UST SE E | HOM E + D ES I GN

In working with Lee Lyn’s preferred custom cabinetry company, Gray Woodworks Inc., she was able to create a layout that addressed all of her wants and needs. Instead of a formal dining room, this dreamy kitchen includes a huge island so everyone can naturally gather where the cooking happens. This kitchen is about function and flow, with a light and airy aesthetic that showcases the lake view. Bathrooms were also a priority. For the master suite, Jill wanted to completely reconfigure the space for how they live. This meant relocating the master bath to take advantage of the lake views. To do that they reworked the closet and bedroom space and added laundry, stacking the washer and dryer. Other bathrooms were updated to fit the home and Jill’s aesthetic without major changes to the layout.

PRIORITIZING HOBBIES In addition to cooking, Dom loves wine so a basement wine cellar was designed based on an inspirational image Jill found on Pinterest. “We worked with the cabinetry designer and electricians to bring the vision to life, along with a beautiful door Jill and Dom had found,” said Dana. “We integrated this feature into what would have otherwise been unused space below the stairs.” The mudroom was another space designed around their hobbies. Jill, an avid horse rider, and Dom, a hunter, and angler, needed the mudroom to be more functional and accessible for these activities. By moving a bathroom, they gained square footage to create the space for a walk-in closet and laundry room nearby, making the task of cleaning up after those hobbies much easier. At the end of the day, a well-designed home is one that fits how you live. It makes the tasks of everyday life easier while creating the feeling of peace and calm a homeowner seeks from their space. Jill’s design vision was about creating a home that served how they want to live on their dream lake lot. CONTINUED >

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M UST SE E | HOM E + D ES I GN

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The U lt i mate Gara ge

Finally, the days are getting longer, and Jack Frost got the hint and packed his bags. Spring is traditionally a time of freshening up and reimagining, along with doing some major spring cleaning. Randy Stodola, owner of Permanent Coating Solutions, has been sharing his expertise and personal touch for 24 years as his clients refresh and reimagine everything from their vehicles to their living and working spaces. Usually an afterthought, the garage is a great way to expand your finished square footage, and Randy and his team are pros at Extreme Makeover: Garage Edition. Whether your goal is to create a functioning workshop, sweat to the oldies with your dumbbells or just park your car there again, “the number one thing you should add to your garage to create more usable space is high-quality cabinets,” Randy shares. “Think overhead racking, workbenches, and full-length cabinets.” While you’re

EXP E RT H E LP | HOM E SE RVI CE S

busy decluttering, he suggests adding a drain for our Minnesota slush and sludge before installing new floors. Randy’s team has hundreds of flooring colors to choose from to ensure a cohesive look while maintaining quality, durability, and slip resistance. Another huge factor to think about is lighting,” Randy mentions. “Most people are going with bright daylight LED lighting made for garages,” and the Full Flake [flooring] System he uses reflects the light beautifully to go even further in giving the area new life. Creating a strategy for how you plan to use the space throughout the year is key. If you want to use your garage year-round, Randy suggests installing insulation and audio-visual details. So, let’s summarize: water toys tucked away, power tools arranged by size and color, no more muddy boots in the house, and you can host a party. I bet you never thought you’d utter the words, “my garage is better than your garage,” but you will now.

ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PERMANENT COATING SOLUTIONS

No more muddy boots in the house and parties in the garage? Read on!

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CLOSING WITH SUCCESS An essential list to close with ease by Carver County Abstract & Title Co. You’ve toured homes, asked the questions, and finally decided to make, quite possibly the most expensive purchase of your life, a new home. You’ve trained, practiced, and even broken a sweat and finally, the finish line is within reach. Nick Moonen, Owner/Examiner at Carver County Abstract & Title Co. shares all you need to know, gather and do for a seamless and uneventful closing that will help you finish the race strong.

• Interview and hire a professional agent and loan officer you can trust. Make sure you feel they care about what’s best for you. • Discuss with your lender what you can afford and how much of a payment you feel comfortable committing to. • Get estimates to determine the Title Company you will be closing with. Look beyond the pricing and see who provides professional and responsive answers to your questions and concerns. • Ask questions to make sure you understand the documents (Purchase Agreement, Loan documents, etc.). You may not understand every fine detail, but you should understand the overall process and what you are committing to. • Gather all the documents you need for your lender ahead of time. Typically they may need copies of tax returns, bank statements, W-2s, or other pay stubs, so make sure you are organized with those documents for when you need them. Nick Moonen, Owner/ Examiner of Carver County Abstract & Title Co.

“Purchase an Owner’s Title Policy. This one-time charge, which is typically much less than 1% of your purchase price, can protect your homeownership for years to come.” ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER

F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FIN ANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

• Review the Title Commitment from your title company. This will help you understand the encumbrances that come with the property such as Easements, neighborhood Declarations, Associations, etc. These encumbrances stay with the property and can affect your ownership down the road. • Don’t make major purchases (furniture, appliances, flooring, etc.) prior to your closing. This could cause problems with your qualifications for your Mortgage. Contact your lender for more information. • Purchase an Owner’s Title Policy. This one-time charge, which is typically much less than 1% of your purchase price, can protect your homeownership for years to come. The policy can protect you from clouds on title such as prior liens, mortgages, or other interests that were not cleared appropriately in the chain of title. This policy could also help defend your title in the case that someone tries to stake a claim on your property. • Ask questions of the seller or their agent ahead of closing for specifics on the property including maintenance and utilities. This valuable information can help save time and money in the long run.

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ARTICLE BY LUTIE RONGLIEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER REICHENBERGER

Reichenberger's strong community ties to Waconia make her a valuable resource for buying or selling

Waconia Housing Market Still Hot AREA REALTOR PREDICTS ANOTHER BUSY SPRING FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS

O UR TOWN | R EAL ESTATE

As we enter spring, we look forward to all things new. For those of us who spent most of our winter hibernating indoors, spring can bring the itch for new surroundings. If you weren’t one of the hundreds of residents in the Waconia area who purchased or sold your home during the housing market frenzy of the past few years, you might be considering looking for a new home. Heather Reichenberger, a realtor with RE/MAX Results, says it’s still a strong market, and she predicts a busy spring.

Waconia is a desirable city for buyers to call home. “With its many amenities, like the lake, parks, good schools, walking paths, and community events, Waconia is a hot place to live,” she says. “It’ll be another good real estate year in Waconia. Spring will get everyone moving.” She expects the market to normalize a lot more into what she considers a “traditional home market” in the next few years. For the past couple of years, buyers felt forced to make quick decisions, forego inspections, and pay higher prices rather than negotiate a middle ground for both buyers and sellers. Mortgage rates have more than doubled since they hit their lowest rate ever in January 2021. Buyers who aren’t familiar with the double-digit mortgage rates of the

1970s and 80s might be nervous to take on a new house payment, but she points out there are some advantages to a cooler market. “Rates are a bit higher than they were at their lowest, but they’re still historically low,” Reichenberger explains. “People are no longer paying $20,000-$100,000 more to get a house in a multiple-offer situation. Buyers now are getting a house for a lower price with a slightly higher interest rate, so their payments are similar to what they’d be in a multiple-offer scenario. This makes the payment for buyers now, during the lowest interest rates, almost identical with the purchase prices being much lower.” Although no one can predict what will happen to mortgage rates, they are likely to continue to fluctuate with the changing economy. She reminds buyers they can CONTINUED >

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always refinance later when rates go down, which typically happens after inflation decreases. There was very low inventory but listings are starting to pop up now as we move into spring. She advises sellers to prepare their houses and perform regular maintenance to get a leg up over other sellers and eliminate issues that can come up during an inspection. Buyers are looking for finished or somewhat updated homes with good mechanicals and the big things, like roofs and windows, in good condition with homes in the $300,000-$500,000 range being the most sought-after. Reichenberger suggests sellers use a neutral palette of grays, creams, and whites to entice a buyer. “Buyers can always paint or change up cosmetics which is cheaper than replacing a roof or furnace after the sale.” For those new to the housing market, she recommends taking a few steps to get started. “New buyers should meet with their agent, have the agent go over the steps of buying a home, get pre-approved for their mortgage, and ideally narrow down their search to what they want and need. This will help keep them from looking at a ton of homes and getting overwhelmed.” In addition, she suggests buyers and sellers ask their realtors for recommendations on vendors and lenders that have established good relationships with past transactions. Reichenberger has been in the real estate industry for nearly a decade and specializes in the western side of the Twin Cities, including Waconia and Carver County.

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O UR TOWN | R EAL ESTATE

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3 Hot Trends

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY J.A. STENGER PHOTOGRAPHY

in Kitchen Design

A peek at what’s ahead: bold cabinet colors, statement hardware and swaths of stone. When designing your dream kitchen, it’s important to balance timeless features with elements that reflect your personality and design aesthetic. You may not plan to remodel your kitchen each year (does anyone do that?), but that doesn’t mean there aren’t creative ways to keep your space feeling modern and fresh. We spoke with interior designer Brooke Cover about the trends in kitchen design she’s seeing this year, touching on everything from cabinet colors and lighting to tile and countertop combos she’s loving.

TAKING THE COUNTER MATERIAL UP THE BACKSPLASH Although the iconic subway tile backsplash is timeless in its own right, Brooke says she is seeing a big shift toward marble slab backsplashes — which add drama and depth to the kitchen. Not only is it easier to clean than tile, but a marble backsplash and countertop also sets the tone for the entire space and makes a big statement.

WARMING UP THE WHITE We doubt the classic white kitchen will ever completely go out of style, but trends show people are going away from the white kitchen and gray cabinets. They’re opting for white mixed with warmer wood tones, dark greens and blues. Some homeowners are mixing vintage in with the new and modern through butcher block islands or other unique cabinetry choices. Black is making a bold comeback in some kitchens, while others usher in warmth through painted islands or other darker contrast tiles in the bar area. You don’t have to leave behind the timelessness when you warm up your space if you opt for equally timeless black and wood-stained accents. If you want a quick refresh, consider adding pops of wood through cutting boards or other decor accents on countertops or open shelves.

CONTRAST, CONTRAST, CONTRAST! From painted and stained islands to dark lower cabinetry with bright white uppers and mixed lighting fixtures, contrast is the name of the game this year. You’ll see this juxtaposition between clean white and darker colors or even this year’s favorite - greens and blues - all over newly designed kitchens. You’re not breaking any rules by coordinating sculptural pendants over the kitchen island with more vintage-inspired gooseneck sconces over the standalone bar or a chandelier over the eat-in kitchen.

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Brooke’s Pro Tip: I suggest viewing countertop slabs in person vs. a small sample piece because each slab has unique movement and colors. They are all so beautiful and works of art. Taking a trip to the warehouse will really help a client to understand the different types available and see the difference in the look of the material. S C A N Q R C O D E F O R B R O O K E ’ S FAV O R I T E COUNTERTOPS THIS YEAR.

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