Having a good ear.

the Artist

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“A sounding board is a good listener, and either confirms what they hear or offers an opinion when the sound they hear is “off key”. ”

The Carpenter, myself and one of our homeowners, made a trip to Preferred Kitchens https://preferredkitchens.com/, and to a granite supplier in Albertville https://stonecountertopoutlet.com/ recently. We helped her pick vanity/color, and assisted in helping choose granite for two vanities. First we met at the project so I could help pick wall colors for the basement and upstairs bath renovations.

She had a good idea what she wanted but just needed someone to bounce her thoughts off of. I’ve always called myself a “sounding board” as part of my design role in Applewood. But got to thinking… am I using the word correctly? Is it just an old fashioned word no one uses anymore? So I looked it up. The Merriam-Webster dictionary says in part.. “a person or group on whom one tries out an idea or opinion as a means of evaluating it.” I like the Urban Dictionary definition…”A sounding board is a good listener, and either confirms what they hear or offers an opinion when the sound they hear is "off key".”

My role in helping our homeowners is to understand their personal style. To be a good listener. To be a good observer. If I have done my homework… when I am asked about a particular choice… I will have a sense that it will work in their soon to be updated space which will compliment their personal style. Still their style… just updated. Freshened.

So yes I am a “sounding board”. I affirm, give feedback and gently direct as needed assisting homeowners make the best decisions for their home.

On these trips I sometimes bring the Carpenter along to make sure selections will fit within the project perimeters. And also bribing him with a cup of coffee doesn’t hurt!

So head to our services page https://www.applewoodremodelers.com/services-2 to find out how to get your own “sounding board”!

PS this was my first time in Preferred Kitchens in White Bear Lake. I was so impressed with the updated displays and services offered in more of a boutique store setting (not big box).

Inside!

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Somehow our crew has an opportunity to work inside for the balance of this winter of 2020. The Carpenter can’t remember when that happened last. We’ve in the past taken on our largest projects in full-on winter- well they didn’t in all cases start in the winter but landed there at some point. Three being… Modern Farmhouse https://www.applewoodremodelers.com/the-modern-farmhouse, Bald Eagle Craftsman https://www.applewoodremodelers.com/bald-eagle-craftsman and the Bald Eagle Barn https://www.applewoodremodelers.com/baldeagle-barn. These projects were renovated and in the case of the Bald Eagle Barn, (new construction) under some periods of brutal wind and temps. And they all were by or near a lake!

We just finished up our last outside project Portland Garage https://www.facebook.com/pg/ApplewoodINC/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2500485810038583 for the winter. A detached double walk-out garage/workshop/storage. It will be painted in the spring along with another project Franklin Project https://www.facebook.com/pg/ApplewoodINC/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2500485810038583 built summer 2019. Will post FINAL photos of the Portland Garage and the Franklin Project on Facebook this spring.

In the meantime we are working on two basement renovations. And the crew is nice and warm!

Oh hey 2020!

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Been thinking about what to write for this post of of 2020. All the traditional accolades have been said.

  • time to organize

  • de-stress

  • work out

  • eat right

  • buy bedding at the winter white sale

  • lose weight

  • practice mental well being

  • set up a budget

  • spend less time on social media

  • be kind

  • get more sleep

  • start planning for that spring/summer home project

  • begin

We hope you had a good holiday season and are well. Please contact us if you are thinking of a home project.

We’d be happy to meet you. And maybe enjoy a cup of coffee on a very cold day!

*Photo by Danielle MacInnes on Unsplash

Autumn Porch

by the Artist

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I love autumn decorating.

Recently I staged my friends farmhouse porch for fall. She had purchased large pots of white mums, autumn grasses and some real and fake pumpkins. (yes you can mix fake and real) I loaded up my car with more pumpkins, lanterns, plaid throw and whatever else I could find at home and headed east.

I spent one day organizing and cleaning the porch. Complete with dragging off a chicken crate. It is a farm porch on a real working farm. More dirt and ….. then on a suburban porch for sure!

Then I waited for a sunny fall day. And I waited. And waited some more. Finally I just gave up and headed to the farm under gloomy skies and my faithful iphone 6.

It was fun and challenging. Her porch lights weren’t working. And the gloomy weather was just about impossible to capture a well lit photo with my iphone 6. But I shot and chased the gloomies away with a trip into Photoshop. It helped some.

My friend was thrilled. I even captured her newest pup George and her cat Henry. I created a welcoming festive entry. And actually I think a string of Edison style bulbs strung across the porch would be the perfect compliment to complete the space.

Maybe I will head back and get some hung.

This fall large groupings of pumpkins and fall decor cascading down front steps are trending. I decorated past my front door this year for the first time. Makes my porch feel expanded placing items down the stairs. I’m loving it and wondering how I’m going to keep the look for Christmas…

Don’t forget your front entry. Add a little something. It really does make a difference. Even if your guests don’t notice specifically… the feeling is there.

Welcome to our home! We are glad to see you.

Leaves courtesy of nature!

Flavors of fall!

the Artist

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It’s been an eventful summer. New crew. Juggling projects. We are currently finishing up a 4 season porch addition, and roof ice dam repair. We completed a nice exterior update last month-that I assisted with design- new front entry, board and batten, shakes, lap siding, lighting and color scheme. And with excavation and foundation work almost complete.. we are ready to start framing a detached garage that will be styled to compliment the main home. A guys dream! And just in time for the “Old Man” as the Carpenter calls winter.

When I’m not working with Applewood clients I do some organizing and staging on the side.

I love the challenge of discovering potential space and creating a cozy home environment. Yes there are a lot of us out there. Just jump onto Instagram (also check out https://www.lizmarieblog.com/interior-design-blog/ for a fabulous fall fix!) and see what is going on. Which I do.. every day. I am hugely influenced by what I see being done. I “study” what I see and tuck it into my mind for the future.

When I tackle a room, first I like to use what is already in the home and repurpose it to the room being updated. Then I head to some great stores like Hobby Lobby and Home Goods to find economical pieces to enhance and perk up the room. It can be overwhelming to walk into these stores- there are so many options! But somehow I can pick some pieces out and finish a room. Pillows, mirrors, vases, wall decor etc. It’s challenging but fun and so rewarding for the individuals I help.. to share in their excitement seeing their “old” room come to life in a whole new way! One thing I do is make sure as I work I keep within the perimeters of a persons personal style. I enhance and update their unique style. It’s not my room or my home. Another challenge that I enjoy.

Even though winter follows.. I enjoy fall season decor. The “flavors of fall.” Colors, textures, pumpkins and warm throws. It is truly the most scrumptious season for home.

I hope you can enjoy fall this year. Yes the holidays are coming, winter not much further behind.. but it’s the opportunity to stop and take it all in. Enjoy the smell of woodsmoke, a spicy coffee, and the crisp air. And take a look around your home.. move a picture to a new location, buy a couple of fall pillows or a new throw to drape over your sofa or sectional. Clean out one drawer a day. It will make all the difference!

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Love exterior renos!

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by the Artist

I think my most favorite projects are the exterior renovations we do. Because they are exciting to see the “After”, and because any house has the potential to be updated- no matter what the size. You don’t have to move to feel like you’ve moved into a brand new home!

Currently we are working on updating a 1990’s home to one of today’s popular architectural styles. In this case a light blend of Craftsman and Modern Farmhouse.

I love the challenge of updating a home’s exterior. Working with existing roof lines, footprint and windows. I’ve mixed Board and Batten, and shakes with horizontal siding. The homeowners are putting the grids back in their windows. We also are redoing the front porch which is cement. We added a Trex composite floor in a rich mahogany, demoed the concrete steps and rebuilt wood steps with new Trex flooring. The “skirt” of the concrete porch previously was covered up with lattice board. I picked a vertical shiplap that is framed out for a fresh new look that reflects the farmhouse style.

We also beefed out the porch columns, squared off with a frame detail to match the shiplap skirting and new mission style front door. New rail system is being built too. We did change out one window. A small octagonal laundry room window was replaced by a square small awning window that is seen from the front porch.

I suggested two large oiled bronze goose neck barn lights.. centered over the double and single garage doors. As well as recessed lights over the garage doors for added security and ambiance. And last.. nothing like a beautiful mission front entry with side lights to create a welcoming entrance. And the homeowner found some beautiful hardware to showcase their new handsome front door.

Last the color. The siding was white. Three sides will stay white. The homeowner was ready for some color. A gray and dark gray palette with white accents will complete this project. (the white porch and trim will match the three white sides of the home)

This project is almost complete. The homeowner will take care of the exterior board and batten, lap and door painting. Will post final photos on our website when available. We have both enjoyed working with these homeowners. Makes what we do that much more fulfilling!

Project photos below. Final photos after the project is painted spring 2020.

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Back to business.

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by the Artist

We just returned from two weeks away from the business. It was wonderful. But not so wonderful getting ready. Very hard for us to detach from our life for two weeks. Exhausting really with all the details to take care of.

We camped. I packed and prepared the camper and food. The Carpenter took care of the camper mechanicals. Doesn’t sound too bad. But it was. I’m sure the work involved is why many don’t consider camping a vacation. And honestly there are moments when I would agree.

We had our share of heat, bugs and two serious storms that hit right at dinner time. The second storm hit the night before we headed home.. was spectacularly scary. The Carpenter ended up monitoring the food tent (which was tied down with rope to the heavy wood tables). Well a single gust almost sent the Carpenter and the tent into the air. A wood table actually took flight, the Carpenter was lifted off his legs and the whole tent moved sideways.

On the positive side we enjoyed pontoon rides, morning walks with the snack manager, floating in lake, kayaking, some good meals and family the second week. I wish I was there right now.

While we were gone our crew worked hard on a project.. updating a 1990 home’s exterior. New siding, craftsman details, front door etc are being added. It was fun to see the transformation when I drove up today.. with just the siding wrap and new front door!

Oh and if you see a picnic table and food tent go flying by… give a wave to the Carpenter!



The potential of what you have.

by the Artist

Photo by Brooke Lark via Unsplash

Photo by Brooke Lark via Unsplash

We welcomed two new carpenters to our team last week. Luke and Todd. Will take photos soon. We are super busy as we head into summer with a full project load. The Carpenter manages to keep all the “hammers” in the air as the weather heats up. We continue to search for more crew members. Always.

I have started following https://nestingwithgrace.com via instagram these days. I was an avid Joanna Gaine’s groupie and then I found Brooke Christen- a home designer. I was craving some color, some cozy but modern. Brooke inspires me. Her style is bold, cottage, modern and yes cozy. She embraces small spaces, and uses her small Cape on the East Coast to display her style. She isn’t afraid to paper one wall with a bold pattern, mix it up with color, use black (to ground it all) and even has a blush pink front door. Yep. She’s refreshingly eclectic. Yet maintains a fresh modern sensibility.

I love that she embraces the potential of what she has. That feels true to me. I have evolved. I treasure my small home, my small camper, my previously owned SUV :) and a simpler life. In my 20’s I dreamed of my Carpenter building a big home for us. Now I dream differently. Well of course that perspective comes with age. But still.

I recommend visiting Brooke’s blog or instagram account. I hope she inspires you as she has me to embrace the potential in your home. And maybe add that bold wallpaper you’ve been thinking about. Just one wall. :)

Catching up!

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by the Artist

Summer is taking its time to arrive here in Minnesota this year. Old man winter is needing a good “kick in the….” to vacate the area. Everything is behind.. lilacs are just blooming, trees are sporting immature leaves. We get one or two days of seasonal temps and sunny skies… then plunge right back into gray and wet. And more gray and wet. We are all so ready for steady warm temps and sunny skies!

The bright spot of this winter here at Applewood was the arrival of our Carpenter Adam’s first child.. Raegan Marie. She is as cute as can be and looks like her momma.

The crew has kept busy post the Bald Eagle Barn https://www.applewoodremodelers.com/baldeagle-barn project with a downtown White Bear Lake bath remodel, a kitchen renovation with Fluidesign Studio https://www.fluidesignstudio.com/. We worked with them on the Lecuyer Project. Both projects they designed, we built. https://www.applewoodremodelers.com/the-lecuyer-project.

The Carpenter continues to fill his time picking up materials for the crew, meeting with potential customers, and project managing. You can catch him running around the area in his well used Dodge Ram truck.

We’ve got a couple of new employees starting the end of this month which we are very happy about. Just in time for the busy summer!

Mother’s Day weekend we took a trip to my friend’s farm in Baldwin Wisconsin to see all the new baby calves - 13 to be exact! The Carpenter loves all animals and thoroughly enjoyed the visit.

More to come as the “build” season progresses! Thanks for stopping by!

Staging to sell or stay!

the Artist

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I am currently helping a friend stage her home to sell. A few weeks back we took a Friday off to shop for decor to freshen her very neutrally beige home. I decided on a palette of colors to base our decisions on. I picked that palette based on her current decor- the feel of her living room and much to her surprise- two wingback chairs in a pattern she dislikes. I saw cobalt blue, deep magenta and an off-white neutral. Her furnishings had a north woods lodge feel.

Armed with my color plan we took off and hit Home Goods, Hobby Lobby and Marshalls. She was on a tight budget and I knew I could find some nice items to build strong visual interest. We had a lot of fun and were quite successful.

We bought cobalt blue pillows, a beautifully textured off white shag rug for under her coffee table, not matching interesting lamps, picture frames in weathered navy and bronze, a beautiful navy wood sign for over her mantel as well as candles and navy patterned glass bowl. We also found a really amazing side console for her entry way that she ended up going back and buying the next day.

While at Home Goods I ended up helping a customer choose a rug for her living room. She was in the middle of a small remodeling project. It hit me again how much help people need in making decor choices for their homes. Especially in the midst of remodeling. It is very overwhelming. The customer asked if I was a designer and I said yes.. she said well your friend is very lucky to have your help.

It is amazing with what you can do using decor that you already have, and purchasing just a few items to freshen and update your home to sell. Well that along with decluttering!

Now my friend doesn’t want to sell her home. ;)

Hope you all are having a great week!

Just a few photos from our shopping. I didn’t take photos of everything. Will shoot some “After” photos and upload here. It is good to take lots of photos while shopping for comparison and decisions!