september/october 2011 omaha home magazine

A Publication of

Architect Steven Ginn’s Innovative Residence

september/october 2011

A Home For All AgesAlways Local, Always Beautiful

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All versions of Omaha Magazine are published bimonthly by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha NE 68046-1208. Telephone: (402) 884-2000; fax (402) 884-2001. Subscription rates: $19.95 for 6 issues (one year), $24.95 for 12 issues (two years). No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of Omaha Magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted, however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicita-tions. Best of Omaha®™ is a registered tradename of Omaha Magazine.

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september/october 2011

voLume 1 • issue 5

publ isher

t odd lemke

managing edi tor

corey ros s

ass is tant ed i tor

l i nda per s igeh l

edi tor ia l ass is tant

ba i ley hemphi l l

cont r ibut ing edi tor /account execut ive

s tacey penrod

ar t d i rec tor

j ohn gawley

graphic des igner

ka t ie anderson

pr inc ipa l photography by

minorwh i te s tud ios , inc .sco t t d r ickey, b i l l s i t zmann

cont r ibut ing wr i ters

t rac i o suna • wendy town ley

v ice pres ident

g reg bruns

account execut ives

gwen lemke • g i l cohenv ick i voe t • pa ige edwards

sa les assoc ia t

a l i c ia smi th ho l l in s

technica l adv isor

t y le r l emke

warehouse d is t r ibut ion manager

mike brewer

fo r adver t is ing subscr ip t ion in format ion:

402 .884 .2000

S everaL years aGo, i purchased my first “fixer-upper” home…We’re talk-

ing an almost 100 percent gut job. Suddenly, I found myself acting as a general

contractor with almost no knowledge of what I was doing. I had to make a lot of

decisions and make them fast — the kitchen layout, where the electrical was going to be, the

wood type and style of cabinets, the hardware, the appliances, the flooring, the countertops….

everything. Maple, walnut, oak or birch? Pewter, bronze or nickel? Granite, laminate, Corian

or quartz? Gas or electric? Convection? It can all make your head spin.

If you’re considering a kitchen remodel or are building a new home, read up! This issue of

Omaha Home Magazine has a big focus on kitchens. Local retailers will answer some of your

questions about many different countertop options. Our Hot Products feature shows you some

trendy new kitchen accessories on the market. Factory Direct Appliance details the benefits

of induction cooking. And a special thank you to McDaniel & Wallquist Construction for

providing us with a dramatic before and after kitchen transformation that will inspire you.

Aside from our kitchen content, we are proud to share with you ASID’s annual designer

awards, which recognize several of the area’s most innovative interior design professionals

for their work. We also preview two upcoming home events: the 2011 Street of Dreams and

the AIA Architectural Home Tour. Profiles of several new businesses serving the residential

market, a spotlight of Omaha’s historic Field Club neighborhood, and much more is inside!

We received some great feedback from our last issue regarding questions people would like

answered, interesting people in the community, new businesses and more. Thank you for your

ongoing input and readership. As always, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to contact

me at [email protected] .

enJoy!

Sincerely,

Stacey PenrodAccount Executive & Contributing Editor, Omaha Home Magazine

oMaha hoMe MaGazine appears as its own maGazine and as a sec-

tion within oMaha MaGazine. to view the FuLL version oF oMaha MaGazine, or to subscribe, Go to www.readonLinenow.com.

A Letterfrom the Editor


Omaha Home: contents

FEATURESAt Home: _______________________ 18Steven Ginn

ASID Awards ___________________ 32

COLUMNSTech: __________________________ 24Induction Cooking

Home Maintenance: _____________ 25Rug Care

DepartmentsRoom Spotlight: _________________ 10Kitchen Remodel

Design Profile: __________________ 12Julie Conway, Illuminata

Neighborhood Profile: ___________ 14Field Club

Architect Profile: ________________ 26Lori M. Krejci, AIA allied ASID, Avant Architects

New on the Block: • Advanced House Plans ____________28• The Humble Home _______________28• Edward’s Stone __________________30• A&A Textiles ___________________30

Remodeling: ____________________ 42Countertop Conundrum

Home Happenings: ______________ 44Take a Tour!

Hot Products: ___________________ 48Kitchen Accessories

Pampered Pets: _________________ 50Emma & Murphy, The Braasch Family

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Omaha Home: room spotlightPhotos by Thomas Grady Photography

after


THEKitchen Remod before

5

T his LoveLand neiGhborhood kitchen, built in 1947, had received updates over the years, but the owners desired a total makeover to modernize and open up the space for entertaining. McDaniel &

Wallquist Construction, LLC, was hired as the remodeling general contractor, while Julie Hockney Designer, Inc. provided interior design services.

Walls were taken down and a fireplace was removed to expand the kitchen area, create a better view of the backyard pool, and improve flow to the rest of the main floor. A living space with seating and media was created in the former dining room.

In the kitchen, the designer created a furniture look for the modern refrig-erator and freezer to tie them to various materials used throughout the proj-ect, including walnut, paint grade wood, granite, stainless steel and a stone backsplash.

The result — a classic-style kitchen with a few modern designs that creates a timeless, finished look. The owners are extremely happy with the space and have hosted several events for family and friends, with rave reviews from all.

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Julie ConwayIlluminata

Q&A:


Omaha Home: design profilePhotos by minorwhitestudios.com & courtesy of Julie Conway

T he award-winninG GLass artist tells us how she learned the unique glass art form, and what inspires her most.

Q: tell us about your background. how did you end up in omaha?

A: I was raised in Denver. I studied art abroad at the University of Avignon, France, and graduated from Colorado State University. Previously, I’ve lived in several European coun-tries (I speak four languages), as well as in Santa Fe and San Francisco. I moved to Omaha in 2008. I was attracted to Omaha by Therman Statom, Jun Kaneko and the Bemis Center, and the opportunity to enjoy spending time with my grandparents and extended family, who are from here.

Q: what has been your career path? what

influences led you to become an artist?

A: My mom’s career as a corporate art consul-tant influenced me most. I was raised in art gal-leries and brought onto art installation job sites as a kid. I have always been fascinated by hand-crafted details, and functional art and design. I was a jeweler before glassmaker. I did not go to glass school, but I studied as an apprentice with several glass artists in the U.S. and abroad. I have had the amazing opportunity to study with glass masters from Italy, Spain, France, New Mexico, California, Florida, Czech Republic, Japan and Seattle, Wash.

I have also been a teacher’s assistant with glass masters at glassmaking schools in Murano, (Venice) Italy and Istanbul, Turkey. I studied glassmaking skills and traditional techniques from many different cultures and teachers. I apply what I’ve learned to create contemporary designs and installations of blown glass. As a professional artist, it is important to me to set an example for others, to build community, and act as a mentor for interns and young artists. Recently, I worked as a volunteer for Therman Statom’s Native American kids’ camp that included glassmak-ing and other art projects

Q: how did your business, illuminata,

come about?

A: I am the artist, designer, solo-preneur, packer, shipper, bookkeeper and visionary behind Illuminata. Yes, I do it all-- but I am hoping to be able to expand my business


to employ others soon. Founded in Santa Fe, N.M. in 2000, I now have a local studio in Benson (2725 N 62nd St. Omaha- www.illuminataglass.com )

My ideal clients include designers and architects who are seeking a unique approach to art-glass lighting solutions and site-specific glass installations for interior spaces. My work also attracts individuals who desire to improve their personal space with functional custom artworks. The art- glass lighting not only can change mood and create ambiance in a room, but also become collectible artworks. I make centerpiece bowls, glassware, holiday ornaments, and jewelry as well.

My main passion and focus is to create unique lightworks of art glass. Creating a new experience of glass and light for my clients is a total joy. Low-energy LEDs have become a key component for my work…It’s exciting that there are more options for efficient light-ing solutions today. How lucky am I that I can use my skills to bring more light and beauty to the world?

Q: what drives your interest in design?

what inspires you?

A: Nature is my biggest inspiration. I watch wildlife and study fauna with awe and fascination. I love how molten glass lends itself to organic shapes and fluid forms. I am attracted to clean, modern lines and simple gestures, such as those in calligraphy.

Q: describe your own home. what do you

love about it?

A: Well, I must say that I love the light-ing! My own home is now small and efficient with minimal Energy Star® appliances and passive solar gain. Of course, I have added my own lighting feature to each room, creat-ing a unique effect and ambiance. I have an eclectic collection of furniture and artwork -- a Noguchi Coffee table, an antique Chinese chest, a Red Grooms sculpture and Zulu bas-kets, and an art collection from contemporary colleagues. The other feature that I love is the outside deck, on which I sit every day possible. I have a huge canopy of tall trees over the deck and watch the sunlight dapple through the leaves as I meditate or ponder new creative projects.

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Omaha Home: neighborhood profileStory by Wendy Townley • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com & courtesy of Jan Shoemaker

T he cLean, Quiet streets, picturesque homes, and eye-catching landscaping that pepper the Field Club neighborhood are a feast for the eyes when summer is in full bloom. But the love and care its residents show in caring for their homes, yards

and even common spaces make it a special place in Omaha year-round. The Field Club Historic District is nestled near the Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens

and Hanscom Park in east Omaha, not far from 36th and Center streets, and just a jog from the retail and restaurants of Midtown Crossing on Dodge Street. Old-fashioned porches and vintage street lamps line Woolworth, a neighborhood thoroughfare, and each main street corner.

In late 2000, following a concerted effort by a number of homeowners to preserve the charm and history of their neighborhood, the U.S. Department of the Interior and the National Parks

Historical HomeynessThe Field Club neighborhood’s heritage and homeyness

are drawing increasing recognition


Service added the Field Club neighborhood to its National Register of Historic Places.

An additional nod to the area’s heritage and homeliness came earlier this year, when This Old House magazine named the Field Club Historic District to its list of Best Old House Neighborhoods for 2011 in the Midwest, an impressive honor for a neighborhood – and one of Omaha’s oldest – whose roots date back more than 125 years.

Driving along the tree-lined streets, there’s a strong feeling of history among the sprawl-ing 100-year-old homes (most were built 1900-1928) and lush green yards. You get a sense of generations that have come before, but also of future generations just getting their start.

That sensation is quite accurate. Just ask Mary Rae Wolf, a CBS Home Real Estate agent who has lived in the Field Club neigh-borhood since 1969.

“This is just a great place,” Wolf says. “Children grow up and scatter as their jobs change, but almost everyone moves back.

In many cases, Wolf says these children often purchase their childhood homes, or find new homes not far from where they grew up. (This very well might explain the low inven-tory of Field Club homes for sale and the short time frame most homes are on the market–on average 40 days or less, according to Wolf.)

“As I drove through early this morning, There were only three house listed on the MLS. The newest was a brick 1926 Dutch Colonial. True to form, the owner has lived there 48 years.”

Cynde McCall is an example of that Field Club trend. She grew up in Field Club and eventually moved away to attend nursing school. After getting married and looking to settle her family, McCall and her husband returned to Field Club in the early ‘90s. “We just couldn’t find anything (in Omaha) that has the character that Field Club has,” McCall explains. “It’s like a small town in a big city.”

McCall and Wolf agree that it’s the people who make the place so special, point-ing to holiday parades, progressive dinners and even impromptu gatherings that occur simply because residents enjoy the company of their neighbors. The biggest event is the neighborhood’s 4th of July parade, started 402-738-1718 www.cmscustomlawn.com

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in 1982. Weeks in the planning, and not complete without a hot dog stand, cookie tables, balloons, and more, “It’s a reunion like no other,” Wolf said.

The neighborhood’s many amenities–including the Hanscom Park baby pool and indoor tennis courts, the Field Club Trail, and Field Club Country Club–often serve as venues for those gatherings and dinners. Landmarks like Westminster Church and the Schmoeller Mansion provide architectural interest while serving host to ice cream socials, music recitals, Christmas caroling and other social events year round.

Many of the younger generations moving back have initiated restoration projects in the 100-plus-year-old homes, which range from $160,000 to $300,000, said Wolf. “[They’re] adding garages, full three-story additions, family rooms, bigger kitchens and even porches. They love the area and do not want to move but need more space. This leap of faith in their neighborhood came with some risk…the risk of taxes going out of sight.

“But with the historical designation, the city has set up guidelines that, if followed, allow homeowners’ taxes to be frozen for a certain amount of years, thus removing some of the dismay.”

The neighborhood’s name hails from the Omaha Field Club. Founded in 1898, the Omaha Field Club was the city’s first coun-try club and golf course. Residents, visitors and admirers from afar will recognize some of the street names from the area’s first set-tlers: James Woolworth, Andrew Jackson Poppleton and Andrew Jackson Hanscom, to name a few.

Jill Nienaber of the Field Club Homeowners League has called the east Omaha neighbor-hood home for the past six years. The diversity of the homes, the maturity of the trees and the unique architecture detail are what she enjoys most.

“This is a safe community,” Nienaber says. “It’s a close network of homeowners that’s perfect for families.”

Adds McCall: “This place is like a magnet to your heart. Once you get in here it’s so hard to leave.”

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Omaha Home: at homeStory by Wendy Townley • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com & courtesy of Farshid Assassi, Assassi Productions


www.readonlinenow.com

Guests of the 2,400-square-foot home of Omaha architect Steven Ginn, his wife, Debra, and their

three young children – Kiera, 5; Caitlin, 2 and Conor, six months - may often notice the backyard play structure before pulling into the winding driveway.

A Home for All AgesArchitect Steven Ginn’s striking and innovative residence is a paradise for kids and adults alike

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Calling the design an outdoor jungle gym just doesn’t do the structure justice. It was initially developed by Ginn and his team for an event at Lauritzen Gardens three years ago, and, ever so carefully, was eventually moved to Ginn’s home near Happy Hollow Country Club in southwest Omaha.

The play structure is designed to reflect growing corn, complete with a bright yellow slide and laser-cut stencils resembling sprawl-ing corn stalks. Its exterior features a climbing wall, a hidden cove below, an upstairs deck below a large, leafy tree, and a wall inspired by the color block work of Piet Mondrian.

While the outdoor play structure is a dream for any active child, the Ginn’s adjacent home is nothing short of a real-world fantasy for adults. Built in 1953, Ginn completely remod-eled the home in 2003. He stumbled upon the For Sale sign in the area’s secluded and woodsy neighborhood, seeing possibility and inspiration all around.

“This is an attempt to intervene in the life of a mid ‘50s raised ranch and bring it up to date with permanent, timeless materials,” Ginn says. “Adding spaces for storage and display while adding amenities such as art and good lighting create an environment that is both contemporary and warm. This extends the practical life of the house well into the future and allows us to live in a smaller more efficient home.

“In many ways, it is meant to be a celebra-tion of the aesthetic while accommodating the pragmatics of everyday life.

Ginn has long been a fan of structural design and architecture, and labored for months ensuring each detail – even down to the pebble floor accents – was perfect. The home’s entryway escorts guests to a T-shaped main level, with an expansive living and dining area to the left, and a cozy yet highly functional kitchen to the right.

One of the raised ranch’s most striking and clever features is a bank of windows above the sink, positioned in the perfect place to give weary dish washers and kitchen helpers an inspiring and sprawling view of the mature trees surrounding the home.

The sink’s faucet comes straight from a professional kitchen. In his early days growing up in Omaha, Ginn spent many hours wash-ing dishes at the Sidewalk Café in Regency


Fashion Court – known today as the Regency Court Shopping Center.

Craftsmanship abounds throughout Ginn’s home, from the ornate, open-work metal railing that leads to the remolded basement, to the smooth, pale yellow-and-white vene-tian plaster wall that covers rough brick, to the gray slate floors and matching concrete countertops, to gently rolling wooden wall panels that Ginn says remind him of a pebble dropped into a pond.

What furnishings that are not handmade or custom ordered hail from IKEA, with the pieces perfectly matching the home’s décor and feel: clean, calm, spacious yet cozy.

Ginn strategically placed a number of hidden closets and sliding doors to keep clut-ter at bay. The design is largely appreciated in the kitchen in what Ginn calls an appliance garage. The family’s toaster oven and other countertop appliances are hidden away in a sliding space, opened and closed manu-ally through a clever pulley system that, on a nearby wall, looks to be more art piece than spinning parts.

“The display cases are both practical in their storage and enhance the space with their skewed serrated glass doors and provide a sculpture niche for a work of art to act as a focal point,” he says. “Vertical plates of alu-minum support the display cases and establish a rhythm while contrasting the rich cherry wood, the contrast complementing each of the materials.

He adds, “Throughout the kitchen, there was an attempt to utilize every square inch possible without making it feel cramped or overly utilitarian. While being very small by today’s standards, the efficiency makes it very functional and

large enough to accommodate a family of five.”

The contrast of bold materials used throughout the home creates a defined look that allows the eye to seamlessly travel from the kitchen’s cherry wood cabinets to the concrete countertops to the black pebbles surrounding the base of the walls.

This re-born ranch gives someone of every age something to appreciate.

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Home: techStory by Derek Ruppert Factory Direct Appliance

Induction Cooking:New technology

with an old history

B y now, you may have heard about the newest idea in cooktop technology—induction cooking.

What you may not know is that induction cooking has been around the appliance world since as far back as the ‘70s. With major U.S. appliance manufactures now embracing this fast, safe, and efficient cooking method, induction cooking is prompting major changes in how we view cooking.

How does it work? Induction cooktops use a magnetic field that excites the molecules in your cookware. Your cookware itself is used as the heat source instead of a tradi-tional burner. The only catch is that you are required to use cookware that can accept this magnetic field. You can test your current cookware by placing a traditional magnet to the bottom. If it sticks, you are already on your way to quicker cooking. Most new cookware will show that it’s induction-ready on the piece itself.

What does that mean for me? Induction cooking helps cook more quickly (some man-ufactures boast a 90-second boil), safely (no elements mean quicker cool down), and effi-ciently (no energy wasted heating unneeded element areas).

Call Factory Direct Appliance at 402-891-6500 for more information, or come out to our Omaha showroom at 9770 S. 142nd St., Suite 8, to see a live demonstration of induc-tion cooking.

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Home: home maintenanceStory by Asha Agarwal Oriental Rug Palace

Rug Care is KNOT hard...

KeepinG your area ruG looking as beautiful as the day you brought it home is not difficult. Following these simple

recommendations for proper care, handmade rugs can last for generations and age beautifully.

Most area rugs are made of wool which has inherent properties that make the fibers more resilient, stain resistant and easy to clean.

Using a proper pad under your rug will help to prevent the rug from slipping, wear-ing, and trapping dirt in the fibers.

Rotate your rug to equalize the effect of the sun and the normal wear. One to two times a year is recommended. Vacuum your area rugs regularly. Do not vacuum the fringes; instead use the attachments to help prevent break and tear. Do not store rugs in a humid, damp, hotor poorly ventilated area. Never leave rugs wet for that will cause mildew to form, dam-aging it. Keep them rolled, not folded.

Depending on the amount of traffic, pro-fessional cleaning is suggested every one to three years to insure the long life of your rug. Look for a trusted professional rug dealer or cleaner that uses natural products for the best results. Ooops….a spill or pet accident on your rug should be taken care of immediately by blotting with a towel, rinsing with cool water (mild soap mayv be used if necessary), and allowing to dry. Be careful not to over-saturate the area. Damage can happen, but most prob-lems have a solution with professional resto-ration. Rugs can be rewoven, fringes can be added, and spots can be lightened or removed.

Protect your investment with a professional appraisal. A receipt for purchase is good to have, but a professional appraisal will include a photo, dimensions, a good description of the quality, and the true replacement value.

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Omaha Home: architect | builder | remodeler profilePhotos by minorwhitestudios.com & courtesy of Lori M. Krejci

A rchitect Lori kreJci, aia, allied ASID, has been forging her own path since early in her career, most notably founding Nebraska’s first woman-owned architectural firm, Avant Architects, two decades ago. She was recently named by

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman to the State Board for Engineers and Architects. Here’s more on her personal story.

Q: what’s your personal/family background?

A: I was born and raised in Omaha. My great grandparents on my father’s side immigrated to Nebraska from the Czech Republic and my grandparents then moved to Omaha. Krejci is my maiden name that I chose to keep when I married my husband, Larry Smith, who also happens to be my partner at Avant Architects. We have been married 21 years and have four children, age 18 down to 8.

Frank Krejci, the developer here in town, is my father. When I was young, I would spend weekends with him around some of the projects he had under construction…That along with my love of art made architecture an easy choice for me.

Lori M. KrejciAIA allied ASID, Avant Architects

Q&A:

Q: what career path did you take to found-

ing avant architects?

A: I started working for an architect when I was 16, after school and during the summer full time. I also worked in construction one summer. I went to UNL for architecture and studied in London one semester. During col-lege I took the opportunity to do internships at different firms in Omaha to experience the different cultures and types of work. A few years after college, I started doing interior design along with architecture, and found I really enjoyed it. I started the firm Avant Architects over 20 years ago. The first year of my practice, it was a one-woman show. The second year, my partner Larry joined.

Q: 2. tell us about your work on a daily

basis. who are customers? what is your role

in projects?

A: At any given moment, I will be work-ing on several projects in different phases. A lot of my day is spent in design, client meet-ings and site visits. Currently 90 percent of our work comes from repeat clients and recommendations.

We generally work on one to two homes each year. A new home is a two-year rela-tionship with the client, from design phase through completion. On a majority of our homes, we will not only design the architec-ture, but also the interior design —special cabinets with secret compartments, rooms with hidden doors, artwork, light fixtures—and even furniture.

It’s always exciting to see where the final design will take us on a home, beginning with our schematic design and then growing to


take on the personality of the client, making it uniquely theirs.

Q: what drives your interest in architec-

tural design? what inspires you?

A: I love exploring new ideas in design, making contemporary design my favorite style. I look to nature for a lot of my design inspiration. I have been to lots of places exploring great architecture, including England, Scotland, Canada, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Mexico, the former Czech Republic, Mexico, Denmark, China and Sweden, and I plan on visiting Japan this fall.

My favorite architect is Mies VanDeRohe and Mid-Century Modern one of my favorite styles.

Q: how would you describe your own

home? what do you love about it?

A: My own home is unique, but simple, not formal and generally a bit messy with four kids, two dogs and a cat. As a family we are always having fun with a project, making or painting something.

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Omaha Home: new on the blockStory by Bailey Hemphill • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com & Colin Conces

New on the BlockWhen shopping for something special for your home,

you need special places to shop.

advanced house pLans16920 wriGht pLaza #162(shops oF LeGacy)

Tom Clark and Jason Diederich first met when they worked together at a residential architectural firm. Although they enjoyed their time at the firm, both wanted to explore new ideas and start a business that would deliver a professional level of architectural design and services, and yet also be affordable for clients. They combined their backgrounds of architecture and computer-aided design and drafting, and launched Advanced House Plans in 2002.

Clark and Diederich founded Advanced House Plans with an emphasis on lifestyle-centered home design. “Most people want the same things in a home, but everyone looks at them differently,” Clark explains. “We sit down with people, see what they want and how they want to live in a house, and then we can work with a builder so we can design around them instead of around the model.”

Advanced House Plans offers stock plans, stock plans that can be modified, and custom home plans at many different price points to people of all back-grounds—young families, empty-nesters, builders, single people, newlyweds, retirees, young professionals, older families, etc. Clark and Diederich collaborate with a group of vendors and builders, most of which they have long-standing

the humbLe home5022 Leavenworth street

Andrea Tonniges’ father owned a salvage yard for more than 40 years, so she grew up around antiques. She loved learning about the difference in craftsmanship and the unique detail put into each piece, and found refur-bishing was a great way to relieve stress. Her friends always loved the pieces she worked on and eventually wanted to buy them from her, which made her think that maybe other people would be interested in buying them as well. Together, with her husband Kyle, Andrea took a chance and started The Humble Home.

Humble Home is a retail shop that sells repurposed items, unusual things, and Mid-century Modern pieces; they also offer refur-bishing services. The Tonnigeses don’t care about item pedigree—in fact, it doesn’t even have to be an antique for them to repurpose

tom clark

andrea tonniges


relationships with, and help their clients make educated decisions based on what they want in a custom or current model before they even design it. “We can say, ‘We know them, we’ve worked with them,’ so that people trust we’re going to give them a great house and lots of options for products and builders,” says Clark.

or refurbish just “…as long as we find it cool,” says Andrea. Most of the items in the shop are one-of-a-kind pieces—like a 1949 General Electric refrigerator, or a funky golden lamp with the light inside of a flower, which Andrea has nicknamed the ‘Liberace Lamp’. She laughs, “Where are you going to find something like this? It’s gaudy!” But Humble Home has something for everyone.

The Tonnigeses picked their location on Leavenworth for multiple reasons: it’s close to their home, it’s on a busy street, and it’s in a family-oriented location. Their clien-tele consists of a wide demographic—young couples furnishing their first house, singles getting their first apartment, people who are established that are looking to find some-thing one-of-a-kind, etc. As for their business strategy, Andrea jokes, “Give me the drill and the hammer…he (motioning to Kyle) does the PR.”

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Omaha Home: new on the block

edward’s stone16920 wriGht pLaza #162(shops oF LeGacy)

Ed Ring and Matt Cooper share a passion for nature and beautiful architec-tural design. After seeing a niche for natural stone in Nebraska, they decided to make some connections and start selling and producing natural stone.

With almost a decade of experience, Edward’s Stone offers natural stone services for residential and commercial construction. For homeowners, having natural stone can make the exterior of a home unique and complement the interior design; and stonework has also become very popular in landscaping and outdoor fire pits. Besides the timeless appeal natural stone has, the material has many benefits such as being easy to match long-term for future projects and its resistance to chipping over time.

Cooper says he enjoys meeting with clients, learning about their preferences, and teaching them the advantages of natural stone over synthetic products. “We work with people that are building anything from their very first home to a business opening up a new office. We work with high-end clients and first-time builders. And the nice thing about our product is that we offer it at an affordable price to any consumer because we’re the producers.”

Edward’s Stone is based in Lincoln, where they produce their own natural

a&a textiLes1111 n. 13th street(mastercraFt buiLdinG)

Amanda Buchanan and Alexandra Fredrichs met in Omaha about two years ago. Fredrichs was freelancing in graphic design and trying to start her own business at the time, and Buchanan had just moved to Omaha from Florida. They found they both loved art and making life more beautiful, so they began talking about starting something together that would combine their skills of interior design and graphic art, which led them to designing textiles and upholstery. In late 2010, they founded a&a textiles, and moved into their downtown studio in early 2011.

Buchanan and Fredrichs picked the downtown location because they wanted to surround themselves with risk-takers, innovators, and other creative people. Buchanan believes being creative types is inspiring because, whenever they come up with something new, it makes her want to do something new, too. “We’re friends with everyone in that building. We hang out, buy lunch for each other…we’re a young crowd, all just trying to start off, so we’re all in the same boat.”

A&A Textiles currently works on a commercial level with businesses that need help remodeling their locations or redesigning furniture. However, they would like to get more involved with individuals, who are always welcome to buy

matt cooper

amanda buchanan & alexandra Fredrichs


stone from their privately owned quarry. The business has now expanded to Omaha with an office and showroom in the Shops of Legacy in a space they share with Advanced House Plans, who works with them on various proj-ects. Cooper says they chose this location because there’s a lot of new construction out in west Omaha, and it’s a convenient loca-tion for people to drop by any time to look at the various products or ask questions about natural stone.

patterned fabric or request custom patterns for reupholstering. Buchanan and Fredrichs are also working on a line of bags, which they are targeting at high-end boutiques and hotels, and can be purchased individually online on their website. “We never intended to do things like this when we first started,” Buchanan says. “We’re just going to keep doing what we do and see where it takes us…it’s kind of fun to see where it goes.”

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Omaha Home: ASID

2011 Nebraska-Iowa ASID Project AwardsI t’s more than a simple beauty competition. The professionals that comprise the Nebraska-

Iowa American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) celebrate extraordinary design work. Nebraska and Iowa ASID designers are honored for the powerful ways they use design to

create an effect, and more than that, the way their designs are implemented as a means to enhance people’s quality of life.

The Nebraska-Iowa ASID chapter recognized the recipients of project awards on Aug. 11 during their awards banquet at the Champions Run Country Club. Thirty projects were judged in five corresponding categories this past July by the Hawaii ASID chapter. Following is a sampling of award-winning projects from local ASID interior designers.

photo by Jeffrey bebee

Story & photos submitted by Nebraska-Iowa ASID

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The clients’ desire to embody their love of nature led the designes to create a space using rich textures and an earth tone color palatte.

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Omaha Home: ASID

photo by tom kessler

photo by tom Grady

habitatomaha.org/restore


Vibrant color and extra ordinary style mingle for these empty nesters to display their treasures.

robin LindLey, aLLied member asid, Linsey

LisowyJ, aLLied member asid, the

interior desiGn Firm

This hotel renovation incorporates the local art and corporate branding to create a relaxing atmosphere for guests.

mariLyn hansen, Fasid, kristen neLson,

asid, nikki skomaL, student member asid,

the desiGners


hospitaLity

the interior design Firm17110 Lakeside hills plz., omaha

the designers12123 emmet st., omaha

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Omaha Home: ASID

photo by tom kessler

photo by mac mcclelland

american society of interior designers


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Creating SolutionsWhere We Live, Work and PLay

ASID is made up of highly accomplished in-terior designers who use their education and experience to ask clients the right questions, analyze the answers, and provide solutions unique to the project. Using indispensable knowledge, members save clients time and money while creating aesthetically pleasing spaces that are healthy, functional and safe. Visit www.asid-neia.org to find a qualified ASID designer for your next residential or commercial project.

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This kitchen remodel was designed for a family. It features a monochromatic color palette of tan, chocolate, gold and accents of cobalt blue.

beth settLes, aLLied member asid, interiors

Joan and associates

A combination of building methods were incorporated with a natural color palate to create this rustic home.

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Omaha Home: ASID


This residence was designed for aging in place. The bath was designed around the original artwork, with an emphasis of keeping clutter out of site.

pam stanek, asid, deb munro, asid, the interior desiGn Firm

The cheerful color palette and classic design elements effectively merge to portray the client’s upbeat and eclectic personalities in this home.

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Omaha Home: ASID


This Leed platinum project incorpo-rates sustainable theories throughout the home.

shawn parmLey, asid, Leed ap id+c,

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The concept for this project was an upsa-cale urban lounge for patrons to enjoy their favorite libations at the custom designed bar.

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Omaha Home: remodeling

CountertopConundrum

O n the internet, on tv, on bookshelves….It’s obvious, remodeling is on the upswing. People are looking to make home improvements that will not only bring new life to their surroundings, but also add value to their home. Updating kitchen

and bath countertops is an affordable way to make a big impact.But with so many options in materials and price points, some consumers might be in a

quandary over what countertop product to choose. Here’s an overview of what’s on the market and some tips on buying the right product for your needs.

Granite continues to be a favorite countertop material for both kitchen and bath. The natural stone is not only incredibly durable, but each piece has its own unique characteristics …no two pieces of granite are alike. Depending on the type of granite used, periodically applying a sealant may be required to help keep its natural beauty shining through.

As more distributors have gotten into the market, the price has steadily decreased over the last few years, says Jeremy Lehrke of Midland Marble and Granite. But he does warn potential buyers to be aware of contractors whose offers seem too good to be true. “One huge thing [to consider] is the thickness. Some companies will try to sell a 2 cm product, as opposed to a 3 cm product,” Lehrke says. “The price will be incredibly cheaper, but the fact is you’re not getting the same thing. It’s thinner…it’s going to have a tendency to crack more…chip more.”

Quartz is a man-made material that is very similar in appearance and durability to gran-ite; and yet it surpasses granite in some ways. “Quartz is actually…the most user-friendly of all countertop products that we sell because it needs no maintenance whatsoever,” says Lori Corritore of Consolidated Kitchens. “It’s all non-porous, it’s stain- and heat-resistant and there’s

no need for a quartz countertop to ever be sealed.” The reason is that quartz countertops are comprised of 93 percent natural quartz and 7 percent resin, which binds the stone together and creates a non-porous environ-ment, Corritore explains.

Because it’s resistant to heat and staining, quartz is a great fit for bathroom vanities, which are commonly subjected to such dam-aging elements as hot curling irons, finger-nail polish and polish remover, which can all wreak havoc on countertops.

concrete contertops, while not as common as granite or quartz, appearing in more bathroom vanities and kitchens.

With natural stones such as granite and quartz, clients are often limited to the size, shape and color of their countertops. However, the comparably priced concrete countertops can be made in virtually any shape, size or color the client desires, all while remaining seamless. And they’re as durable and heat- and stain-resistant as natural stones. As for upkeep, concrete countertops do need to be sealed periodically.

“Concrete countertops are not for every-one,” says Ray McAtee, co-owner of Liquid Rock Studio. “Each piece is custom made and each one will always be different than the one prior to it. So for that reason, [it may not suit the type of] personality that wants everything to be machine perfect,” he says. “But [its uniqueness] is what brings a lot of our business to us.”

crushed GLass countertops are durable, beautiful and eco-friendly for those in a “green” state of mind. This mid-level priced composite of recycled white glass and bio-resin can be tumbled into various sizes and dyed 24 different colors. Colors can be mixed to suit the client’s taste. The result can be a uniform blend of the colors or a veined appearance resembling granite.

“In theory, someone can come to us with their design and their color palate and we can custom-make any design imaginable [no matter what the size or shape],” says Edward Morgan of Classic Marble. The company, which manufactures the material known as Travina, says the product is considered a hard stone. He explains that the mixture of recycled glass and bio-resin creates a sub-stance that is heat-, scratch- and stain-resistant and requires no maintenance to keep these

Story by Traci Osuna • Photo provided by Consolidated Kitchens


countertops in tip-top shape.Laminate is the most affordable option,

and has come a long way in the last few years. “I think people are seeing the benefits in laminate just from a design standpoint,” says Kim Gawecki, V.P. of Sales with Sunderland Brothers. “[It’s available in] designs that we didn’t have in the past.” She says laminate give sthe buyer the greatest number of color choices of any countertop material.

Today’s laminates range from solid colors to designs that closely resemble granite or quartz and are considerably more affordable than other popular choices.

While laminate is not impervious to heat, cuts, and stains, as other materials may be, and is not repairable if damaged, it is non-porous, does not absorb bacteria and is easily cleaned. Gawecki adds that laminate offers a variety of edging options that may not be available in other countertop materials, such as a rolled or beveled edge or wood edging that matches the cabinetry.

corian is another affordable option suitable for both kitchens and bathrooms. The durable surface is made either from acrylic or plastic and comes in a wide vari-ety of colors and patterns. It is non-porous, so it’s not susceptible to bacteria and stains. “Corian is repairable,” says Darren McKean of McKean’s. “It can re-sanded to remove any imperfections or cut marks.” More severe damage may be repaired professionally.

However, as it’s made of plastic and acrylic, Corian is not resistant to heat and can be permanently damaged if proper care is not taken to prevent burns.

Granite overLays are engineered stone comprised of 95 percent natural granite and 5 percent polymers, as well as a material known as “forever seal.” The end-product is a countertop material that is heat-, stain- and scratch-resistant. It never needs to be sealed and is backed by a warranty. The pieces are created to fit perfectly over your existing countertops, creating a smooth transition from the old to the new.

“We’re taking a very good natural material and have made it just a little bit better with man-made technology,” says Brian Neesen, owner of Granite Transformations. Neesen says thousands of customers have chosen this American-made product to bring added beauty and value to their home.

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Omaha Home: home happenings

Whether you’re looking for ideas to build your dream home, in need of some fabulous interior decorat-ing ideas, or just enjoy taking in the beauty of fabulous design, you’re certain to find something to inspire you at two home tour events in the metro this fall.

Take a Tour!27th annual street of dreamsomaha’s premier Luxury home eventsept. 17 – oct. 2

Beautiful Tuscan Ridge, one of Omaha’s newest luxury developments in West Omaha (198th & Pacific), will host the 2011 Street of Dreams. The neighborhood, in the Elkhorn school district, features homes in the $500,000-$650,000 range from a variety of builders.

“The Street of Dreams is one of Omaha’s beloved annual events. Peopvwle love to come year after year because it’s a fabulous showcase for building and design trends, home décor ideas, and creative landscaping,” said John Greguska, chairman of the 2011 Street of Dreams and a partner in Royal Homes. “It’s a great chance to wander, dream, and explore the possibility of building a dream home in Omaha.”

Story by Linda Persigehl • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com and Tom Kessler


This year’s event offers attendees the abil-ity to tour each of the eight unique homes exhibiting the latest green energy technology, the finest construction techniques, distinc-tive home layouts, and the most up-to-date styles in interior design. The street will fea-ture homes by eight Omaha builders: Ideal Designs Custom Homes, Todd Menard Construction, Birchwood Homes, Al Belt Custom Homes, Royal Homes, Nathan Homes, Prestige Homes, and John Caniglia Homes. With the housing market back on the rise and the event featuring the most build-ers it has seen in years, Greguska expects this year’s turnout to be somewhere around 15,000 to 20,000.

The event will be open to the public each Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m., Sept. 17–Oct. 2. Tickets are available at No Frills Supermarkets or online at www.StreetofDreams.org for $9 in advance, or $10 at the door. Guests can also purchase an unlimited entry pass online for $25.

This year, No Frills Fresh will host a Bistro Tent to allow guests to sit, relax, and purchase a beverage or appetizer, lunch, or dinner. A partnership with the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Nebraska is planned, featuring children’s rooms inspired by the real wishes of local Nebraska Make-a-Wish recipients or future recipients. While the ‘wish’ rooms will be featured throughout the event, a special Make-a-Wish Saturday will be held on Oct. 1, with donations and special events benefit-ing the cause.

Other special events include the Realtor Exclusive (Sept. 21.), Ladies Day Out (Sept. 22), Big Red Day, where the Nebraska vs. Wyoming game will be playing throughout the houses and the Bistro Tent (Sept. 24.), and special Friday mini-tours focused on kitchen design and new trends in energy efficiency.

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Home: happenings

aia–omaha architectural home touroct. 16

Tours of some of the Omaha area’s most architecturally unique homes will be offered as part of the 2011 AIA-Omaha Homes Tour on Oct. 16. The American Institute of Architects –Omaha Chapter is one 300 professional chapters nationwide.

Five homes, all designed by local AIA members, will be open to the public for this one-day event held at five homes in Ponca Hills, Plattsmouth, Omaha and two in Beaver Lake. Architects whose work will be on dis-play include Steven Ginn, Tim Holland, Suzan Karrer Rohrig, Jared Gerber and Ron Hackett.

Tour tickets are $10 and can be purchased at any home. The ticket is good to view all five homes on the tour.

“The locations are dramatically different

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from each other, which makes this tour more interesting than in the past,” said tour organizer Tom Zuk of Holland Basham Architects. “The complexities of each site and the design concepts that were derived from each individual architect are the highlight of this tour.

“From the design of a home in midtown, to a home nestled in the trees in Ponca Hills, to a home on a large secluded lot surrounded by bur oak trees in Plattsmouth, and in Beaver Lake the remodel of an existing home and design of a new home creating a contempo-rary retreat with a 60-foot barrel vault roof, the tour shows the dramatic differences in the sites and challenges each architect had to endure.”

For more information and the list of home locations, go to www.aiaomaha.org.

Jared Gerber, architect

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Omaha Home: hot productsPhotos by John Gawley

5 fantastic finishing details for your kitchen

(and you can find them all right here at Omaha retailers)

Baldwin’s Couture Collection allows you to express yourself with exquisite details. Customize the look with a variety of knob, lever, backplate, and finish options. Available at Grabow Hardware Co. www.morethanknobs.com

The earthy look of terra cotta tiles brings a traditional European flavor to the design of your home. The Bath and Tile Company in Omaha now has new designs in terra cotta from Tabarka Studio (tabarkastudio.com). Hand-painted, shaped, and sculpted tiles can be employed in back splashes, countertops, and floors. Forty to $60 per square foot. B+T Tile Co. www.architectureforthebath.com

Kohler cast iron kitchen sinks create instant visual appeal with their fabulous new three-dimen-sional colors, which deliver a unique textured appearance, yet are com-pletely smooth to the touch and incredibly easy to clean. The Smart Divide low-profile divider being offered in several of the Kohler sinks makes it easier to fit large items into the basins. Basin racks, colanders, and cutting boards all customized for you sink make preparing food and cleaning up a breeze. Omaha Kitchens & Baths by Briggs. www.briggsinc.com


Add a couple of three-light pendants to a larger island to get a unique look. This fixture features a white opal etched inner candle, surrounded by an amber swirl glass. The finish is a roman bronze that will go nicely with stainless steel appliances. Echo Lighting Design. www.echolightingdesign.com

This Masterpiece Series stainless steel oven offers steam, true convection and steam and convection cook-ing modes. Also includes 40 EasyCook food programs and pre-programmed modes that automatically set the oven temperature and humidity to ensure perfect cooking results. Oven is shown with optional trim kit (MST301HS) for 30” installation. Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. www.ferguson.com

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Omaha Home: pampered petsStory by Linda Persigehl • Photos by minorwhitestudios.com • Provided by Bark Avenue Grooming & Daycare

definitely the alpha male,” Christina says. “Emma has more of the Chin side in her…she’s a bit ditsy.” Both dogs have wiry coats and long beards, though their coloring is opposite. Murphy is black with white on his chest. Emma is white with a black patch.

Murphy and Emma get free roam of the house, and act like “shadows,” following the couple from room to room whenever indoors. But they most enjoy the home’s outdoor space, Christina says. “The yard’s not fenced, and there’s fields on three sides of us, so there’s plenty of room for the dogs to run. They’re always out there rolling around, especially after they mow, looking for snakes.”

All those rolls in the fields mandate regular brush-outs, baths and trims at Bark Avenue, where they’re “regulars,” Christina jokes.

M ark and christina braasch love the ranch home they’ve built in Pine Creek, a quiet, rural neighborhood that sits a few miles south of Bennington’s city limits. Mark is a dentist with a practice in northwest Omaha; Christina is a

long-time employee of Vidlak’s Brookside Café in Millard.The couple share their home with two Japanese Chin/Brussels Griffon mixes.Murphy, their “first-born,” is 4, and Emma is 3. “Murphy’s a bit skiddish and shy, but he’s

Emma and MurphyDr. Mark & Christina Braasch

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september/october 2011 omaha home magazine

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