The Games Begin

By Chris Lee
The Games Begin
Photo by Steve McHugh
The month of May is not always so merry around my house. As soon as those first warm days—when simply opening windows or stepping outdoors is miracle enough—have passed, my husband and I begin our annual tug of war. While he obsesses about landscaping, I focus on indoor updates that I’ve determined need tackling, pronto.

We added hardscaping last fall, reserving several areas for new gardens, and we are way overdue for sundry interior projects, so this year could have been an epic contest. Fortunately (for both of us), many items on the top of my list involve more shopping than active spousal participation.

Thanks to “Flea Market Fabulous," I’ve learned new strategies for finding vintage pieces that will simplify my work. Tina Wilcox and Laurie Luehmann, two veteran treasure hunters, share their tips for buying collectibles and staging them back home—handy advice whether you plan to frequent Paris flea markets, local antique stores, or neighborhood estate sales.

It’s not just the kickoff for outdoor shopping, it’s also the beginning of home improvement season. If there’s a remodel in your future, and you want to make it a green one, check out “Responsible Remodeling." Two Minneapolis homeowners show off home remodels that were pilot projects of Minnesota GreenStar, a program launched last year to guide builders and do-it-yourselfers in using green materials and techniques. And don’t miss “Green House Effect.” This remodel of a 1948 rambler won’t seem revolutionary—until we show you how it earned its designation as the first LEED platinum-level residential gut/rehab in the country.

Next, visit two families that needed room to grow, but wanted to stay in their homes. They solved their space problems in very different ways. The Gunther-Wilsons added a cottage extension to their Uptown Victorian—“Staying in Character" and creating a contemporary living area. The Shea-Heinen family expanded their suburban Minnetonka home with a new kitchen, eating area, and mudroom. They not only gained the space they needed for their four lively youngsters, mom Maggie survived to tell the tale of the seven-month project in “Behind the Scenes."

Just imagining how she managed it makes me realize my tasks this spring will be a snap. No tug of war necessary.

Chris Lee, Editor
clee@mhmag.com

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