LURE of the COUNTRY October 2017

LURE
OF
THE
COUNTRY
WHAT’S OLD
IS NEW AGAIN
Fresh ideas for salvaging items
Capture That
Rustic Feel
TAKE A TOUR OF A
MODERN FARMHOUSE

FROM THE EDITOR
Best of Both Worlds
I have always been a small-town girl. From growing up in Williamsburg to raising my own
family in Vinton, I appreciate the closeness and slower pace a rural community provides.
I also appreciate the proximity to larger metros like Cedar Rapids and Iowa City – a
dichotomy that makes living and working in the Corridor ideal.
This issue of the CBJ’s Lure series takes a look at life outside the hustle and bustle of
the city – life with few traffic jams (save the occasional slow-moving tractor) and wideopen
spaces to relax and enjoy Iowa’s natural beauty.
Writer Ruth Paarmann and photographer Brian Draeger, who
offered insights into urban living in the last two Lure of the City
magazines, headed to the country this time around.
They returned with a detailed look at several homes nestled in
the outskirts of the Corridor’s biggest cities, including Matt and
Anne Boileau’s modern farmhouse just northeast of Iowa City
(page 12) and Julie and Len Tow’s dream home on 80 acres in
Linn County (page 18). The duo also takes us inside the growing
‘shome’ trend – short for shed/homes – which have become a
popular option for those looking to live in the country, but not
interested in the maintenance that comes with owning a large
farmhouse. Get a glimpse of these trendy structures suitable for
everything from man caves to family homes on page 30.
Whether a spacious farmhouse or a cozy man cave, these outof-the-way
spaces have a style all their own. Salvaging rustic items (page 24) is a popular way
to decorate country homes. We spoke with several salvaging specialists who offered tips for
finding great pieces for your home. We also checked in with a few of the Corridor’s leading
interior designers to learn about modern design trends suited for a rural escape (page 34).
It should be said that you don’t have to live out in the country to enjoy the benefits of a
rural lifestyle. Solon, which is conveniently located between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City,
has experienced a population boom since 2000 due to its small-town charm, affordable
housing and family-friendly amenities. We take a closer look at this community (page 4)
as well as several other small towns on the rise.
Outdoor spaces have also become a hot spot for special events such as weddings (page
8). In fact, couples looking for a unique rural space for their big day need to act quickly
as many of these venues fill up and have long waiting lists. In this issue, we visit several
venues in Eastern Iowa.
We are changing up the Lure series a bit next year to explore even more reasons why the
Corridor is such a great place to live and work. I’d love to hear what makes the area so special
for you – drop me a line at (319) 665-6397 ext. 309 or angela@corridorbusiness.com.
OCTOBER 2017
Chief Executive Officer
& Publisher
John F. Lohman
Vice President
Aspen N. Lohman
Chief Operating Officer
& Associate Publisher
Andrea Rhoades
Magazine & Special Projects Editor
Angela Holmes
Writers
Angela Holmes
Ruth Paarmann
Emery Styron
Photographer
Brian Draeger
Graphic Design Manager
Becky Lyons
Graphic Designer
Julia Druckmiller
Magazine Media Consultant
Judith Cobb
CBJ Editor
Adam Moore
CBJ Media Consultants
Kris Lacina
Kelly Meyer
Event Marketing Coordinator
Ashley Levitt
Angela Holmes
Editor
Event Media Consultant
Rhonda Roskos
Marketing & Distribution Manager
Jean Suckow
LURE
COUNTRY
TAKE A TOUR OF A
MODERN FARMHOUSE
OF
THE
WHAT’S OLD
IS NEW AGAIN
Fresh ideas for salvaging items
Capture That
Rustic Feel
ON THE COVER
Len and Julie Tow built their dream home
in 2011 on the 80 acres of land they own
in northern Linn County. Read about their
modern farmhouse and how they have
embraced farm life, starting on page 18. Inset:
Take a tour of Matt and Anne Boileau’s country
home in Johnson County, starting on page 12.
Contents are registered to Corridor Media
Group. Reproductions or other use, in whole
or in part, of the contents of the publication
without permission is strictly prohibited.
2345 Landon Road, Ste. 100
North Liberty, IA 52317
319.665.NEWS
www.corridorbusiness.com
2 LUREOF THE COUNTRY

CONTENTS
4
Small Towns, Big Living
Residents enjoy affordable housing
in their communities
8
Events al Fresco
A look at some of the Corridor’s
outdoor wedding venues
12
High Design Spaces
Matt and Anne Boileau
18
High Design Spaces
Julie and Len Tow
24
What’s Old Is New Again
Salvaging items saves the planet
30
Man Caves
Growing trend fuels
post-frame building boom
34
Design Trends
Capture that rustic feel
12
LUREOF THE COUNTRY
3

Small Towns, Big Living
Residents enjoy affordable housing in tight-knit communities
BY RUTH PAARMANN PHOTOS BY BRIAN DRAEGER
Of Iowa’s 956 cities, 500 of them have a
population of 500 or fewer. The majority of the
Corridor’s small towns provide bigger, more
affordable homes and excellent escapes from the
faster pace of life in the city. Here is a sampling of
three thriving small communities in the Corridor.
Solon offers a
thriving main street
with one-of-a-kind
businesses.
4 LUREOF THE COUNTRY

W
hy would a couple from Los Angeles
choose to settle down in Solon, Iowa?
Ask Katie and Chris Patel.
After Chris got a job as a software engineer at
Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids in 2011, the couple
headed to Iowa. While Katie looked for a job, they
rented an apartment in Cedar Rapids but saw the
value in finding a place in the Corridor so they could
enjoy Iowa City, too.
“We didn’t know anything about Solon. We were just
looking for the right house – one where we could look
out the windows and see a wooded yard,” Katie said.
“We liked the setting and were starving for space.”
They were able to find a four-bedroom home on a
cul-de-sac that cost less than Chris’ condo in L.A. Soon,
Katie landed a role as a paralegal for Transamerica in
Cedar Rapids.
“We like being close enough to work in Cedar
Rapids and spend weekends in Iowa City. I was also
impressed that people are very involved in the community,”
Katie noted. “We can easily walk to downtown,
but we have an open backyard with a free view.”
Their property backs up to Solon Prairie, and they
have easy access to trails. Nearby, there is a park with
a playground.
Since arriving in Solon, they have welcomed many
changes. In 2012, the couple held their wedding ceremony
in their backyard, in part because it was convenient
for family to meet here from Oregon and Virginia.
Katie’s work location moved to C Street –much closer
to home. She now works as an attorney specializing in
financial crimes and compliance testing.
“The neighbors are beyond wonderful,” Katie said,
noting that they brought cookies over to say hello. One
neighbor introduced her to the Solon Library Board of
Trustees, and she now serves as vice president.
According to City Administrator Cami Rasmussen,
the town has adapted to a population boom of 73 percent
from 2000 to 2010. Not only have new destination
businesses like Big Grove Brewery come into town,
but the community collaborated and improved to meet
community needs.
Solon completed a Main Street Revitalization Project
in 2012, and the city and Solon Community School
District added the Spartan logo to the water tower last
year. The long-running Solon Beef Days continues to
take place each July on the main drag.
Another major project was the Solon Recreation
and Nature Area, a 57-acre park on the west side. It is
home to high school and youth sports fields, and anyone
can walk on the trail and play disc golf, basketball,
sand volleyball or tennis.
“Generous donations from the community of time
and materials allowed the construction of a picnic
shelter and the unique TIMBERDome Lodge,” Rasmussen
said. >
LUREOF THE COUNTRY
5

Ely
In the past 20 years, Ely has grown from a farming
community to a bustling town of 2,074 with available
housing moving quickly.
Young families have flocked to the town, which is
in the desirable College Community School District.
The average age is 34, making it the youngest town
in Linn County. In contrast, the town features a
number of buildings listed on the National Register
of Historical Places, including the Ely School, which
serves as City Hall.
To keep families active, the town built Ely City
Park Youth where soccer, flag football and baseball
programs are offered. The library offers many
programs, too. Popular stops in Ely include Dan
& Debbie’s Creamery, the Downtown Dachshund
boutique and the Cedar Valley Nature Trail.
“People park their cars in town and hit the trail.
The extra traffic has helped businesses and our
city,” Mayor Eldy Miller said. “As residents become
more involved in our community, the business environment
has changed. As Ely has grown, businesses
are taking notice and moving in to service the
community.”
The main street charm and proximity to Cedar
Rapids and Iowa City helped draw City Administrator
Denise Hoy to move to Ely from Conrad. She
cites Fall Fest, the 4th of July pancake breakfast
and parade, Winter Fest and farmers’ markets as
highlights on the town’s calendar. >
How Small
Towns Get
Bigger
Sandy Steil, a land planning
and development specialist,
observes that the most
successful towns are the ones
that are ready and willing to
provide for the families who
move there.
“Small towns that have the
old buildings downtown and
city councils that are open
to change and ideas – those
are the ones welcoming
economic development in
their areas.”
ABOVE: Solon residents have access to event venues such as the Palmer House
Stable and Timber Dome Lodge, and popular eateries such as Big Grove Brewery.
6 LUREOF THE COUNTRY

Tiffin
Tiffin, which logged 1,947 residents in 2010, now boasts a
population of 3,006 and growing. Its location off Interstate
80 – minutes from employers in Coralville, Iowa City and
North Liberty – makes it a focal point for residential growth.
Three of the six Clear Creek-Amana schools are located in the
town, creating a natural draw for young families.
City Administrator Doug Boldt said there are eight active
subdivisions in town, with hundreds of lots planned.
“We’re in the hub of I-80 and I-380 where people want to
be,” he explained. “Plus, we have this safe and friendly hometown
feel to the community, which I think has been managed
well by the city council as Tiffin grows.”
Tiffin continues to develop and improve its recreational
options. Two new parks have been added to three existing
ones, plus a dog park, ponds, shelters, tennis courts and soccer
fields are available for use. In addition, after a two-year
hiatus, the town’s annual summer festival was rebooted by a
committee of citizens and dubbed TIFFUN Creek Fest.
Economic development is picking up as more homes are
completed. Businesses have located both east and west on
Highway 6, including C-stores, a trio of dining options, an
event venue, auto body/repair shops and more.
“Our industrial park is pretty full, and right off I-80 by
Kum & Go, there are 62 shovel-ready commercial possibilities,”
Boldt said. The city has also earmarked another
commercial area north of town. |
LUREOF THE COUNTRY
7

Events
al Fresco
BY RUTH PAARMANN & ANGELA HOLMES
Across the Corridor, business is booming for outdoor
wedding venues. We discovered that each has its
own personality and amenities. Here is a sampling:
Bloomsbury Farm
3260 69th St., Atkins
www.bloomsburyfarm.com
(319) 446-7667
8 LUREOF THE COUNTRY
n Two large, rustic barns
n Zip line, corn maze and other activities
n Full farm available May-August
Bloomsbury Farm near Atkins is known for
corporate events and family-friendly fall
activities, but they also offer weddings May-
August.
Co-owner Karen Petersen says
ceremonies take place by the old oak tree,
the corn maze or the big arch. The zip line
was even part of one wedding celebration.
Two party barns, houses and a schoolhouse
can be rented.
Located minutes from the Highway 100
extension west of Cedar Rapids, Ms. Petersen
expects nearby hospitality options to help
with growth.

1441 Marak Road, Swisher
www.crwine.com/visit-us/event-space
(319) 857-4300
Cedar Ridge Winery
n View of 10 acres of vineyards
n Exclusive food and wine options
n Open to public for music events
Many people know about Cedar Ridge Winery &
Distillery near Swisher due to its tasting room and
entertainment schedule. Centrally located in the
Corridor, this venue attracts couples as well as
corporate event planners.
According to Chris Miller, event coordinator,
Cedar Ridge hosts 50 weddings per year and up to
seven smaller events each week.
“Some people want a more causal environment
for their wedding. Being in the outdoors allows for
that,” he says.
Couples can choose from two outdoor
ceremony spaces for up to 200 guests. A pergola
and patio each overlook the picturesque hillside
vineyards. Receptions can easily follow in a large
hall, which features a bar area, dance floor and
garage doors if weather allows.
“At a venue like this, let the venue do the
decorating for you,” Miller suggests. “Take
advantage of beautiful outdoor scenery.”
He says that the quality of the in-house buffet
and beverage options is a draw. The popular twoentrée
buffet often features house-made baconwrapped
pork tenderloin and bourbon-glazed
chicken. Couples can also choose wood-fired pizza.
The venue has made upgrades over the years.
Recently, parking options expanded to include a
new lot with more than 80 spots. Corporate clients
appreciate the Vineyard Room, a new space that
seats up to 40 people.
Ashton Hill Farm
803 Vernon Valley Drive, Cedar Rapids
www.ashtonhillfarm.com
(319) 892-0174
n New reception barn
n Capacity of up to 300
n Covered veranda with firepits
Ashton Hill Farm is one of the newest wedding venues in
the Corridor. Just east of Cedar Rapids on Highway 13,
this fresh, modern barn offers outdoor spaces as well as
hangouts designed for the bride, groom and family.
The venue realizes the vision of Megan Knatz, who also
owns Take the Cake Desserts.
“I wanted this to be able to be black tie or very rustic.
You’re not competing with the space and can truly make
the event your own,” she says.
Knatz knew from her clients that people were booking
weddings years in advance. Her dream gradually became
reality, even though builders and investors initially turned
her away. The venue booked 18 weddings before the
building even went up, and completed 32 weddings from
last November through August.
In back of the barn, the outdoor wedding space offers
benches for 300. Alongside the hall, a covered veranda
overlooks several firepits – the perfect spot for cocktails or
a quiet chat.
Knatz – who walks couples through their ceremonies
several times prior to the big day – explains that the venue
is full-service so couples can have the ultimate experience.
Staff performs all setup, teardown and cleaning. They
employ bar staff and provide beverages, but a prep
kitchen is provided so any caterer can bring in food.
“One of the keys to success is that we plan the outdoor
and indoor wedding at the same time. This takes away the
fear of it raining,” she said.

ella sala event center
www.bellasalaevents.com
(319) 545-4255
n Flexible capacity of 50-600
n Outdoor wedding waterfall and two patios
n Full-service décor and linens service
During the prime wedding season of May-
October, bella sala is pretty much booked
solid, even hosting three or four celebrations
in a single weekend, said owner and
manager Melissa Fontanini.
Couples are attracted to the serene
outdoor waterfall terrace which seats up to
400 guests on the lawn and patio. After the
ceremony, everyone can congregate in the
nearby bella sala hall for the reception.
Staff remains onsite during the entire
event, entirely taking care of setup and
takedown of all seating and decorating the
space. Bella sala works with a list of prepared
caterers to provide the best options for food
and beverages.
A boutique, XOXO Bridal, is located
on the west end of bella sala, providing
the wedding party with everything from
invitations and accessories to bridal and
bridesmaids gowns and tuxedo rentals and
purchases.
Outdoor weddings have become a trend
over the years, Ms. Fontanini said.
“It’s a destination area,” she said of
bella sala, which is nestled in 22 acres of
woodlands just a few miles from Highway 6
and the intersection of interstates 380 and
80. “It’s not far from Coral Ridge Mall but it’s
out in the woods.”
10 LUREOF THE COUNTRY

4696 Robin Woods Lane NE, Iowa City
www.thecelebrationfarm.com
(319) 631-8116
The Celebration Farm
n Stone arch amphitheater
n Two cedar-lined barns
n Outdoor space with each barn
Just north of Iowa City, The Celebration Farm offers two
barn options and a stone arch amphitheater. Up to 300
guests can enjoy the double round barn. Each barn
features local cedar wood and Stone City stone.
“The ambiance is the difference here. It’s the only
space with this look, and the cedar smells great,” said
Katie Martin, sales director.
The red timber frame barn suits 150 and features a
stained-glass window. The sound of a pond with a fountain
and woods adds an extra touch to the amphitheater and
the outdoor spaces by each barn. Each features a central
dance floor, bridal room and prep kitchen. In the winter, a
huge stone fireplace in the large barn adds coziness.
In the amphitheater, the staff typically sets up chairs for
guests; hay bales and blankets have also been used for
seating. Martin says the key to outdoor events is awareness
of guests’ needs, such as bottled water, fan-shaped
programs and themed décor that matches inside and out.
The farm often hosts one outdoor and one indoor
wedding and reception on the same day. Ms. Martin said
that great staff is the secret to juggling two events at once.
“Our people love what they do in providing an
extraordinary experience in an extraordinary space,” she
said. “Seeing the joy and amazement of guests makes it
exciting.”
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LUREOF THE COUNTRY
11

HIGH DESIGN SPACES
Give&Take
12 LUREOF THE COUNTRY
Iowa City family creates a
modern farmhouse together
BY RUTH PAARMANN PHOTOS BY BRIAN DRAEGER

After moving eight times in 17 years
and with their construction business
thriving, the time was right for
Matt and Anne Boileau to build the
quintessential home for their family.
Matt, president of Boileau Construction,
wanted a place surrounded by large trees.
Anne, a family care physician at Mercy Hospital,
wasn’t wild about moving or being too far
out of town.
“I always wanted to be in the country,” said
Matt, a carpenter and builder by trade.
When working on a home northeast of
Iowa City, he told the owner he’d be interested
in the lot next door. When the lot became
available, Boileau jumped at the chance to
own a secluded wooded lot 10 minutes from
his wife’s work.
Following seven months of construction,
the family moved in the summer of 2016.
Fair Compromises
Boileau sketched out the shell of the home,
then he and his wife worked together on >
PAGE 12
In a rural setting of Iowa City, Matt
and Anne Boileau built a lovely home
where their family can grow.
PAGE 13
Their new home is a welcome retreat
for the Boileau family: Ethan, Dawson,
Faith, Anne, Matt and their dog, Joli.
LUREOF THE COUNTRY
13

14 LUREOF THE COUNTRY
creating a family-friendly layout. The
central kitchen and living room allow for
the kids and adults to occupy opposite
sides of the home.
While the design process went
smoothly, some details took some compromise
among the couple.
“I mentioned that I’d like to do
shiplap, and he didn’t know what I was
talking about,” Anne said. “I recorded
an episode of ‘Fixer Upper’ for him to
watch, and he said, ‘Let’s do the whole
house in shiplap!’”
Instead, they agreed to use shiplap
selectively on the main floor.
“Aesthetically, it has a completely
different look than standard drywall,”
she explained. “The knotty pine and all its character show through the paint.”
“Matt likes industrial and I like rustic with a touch of whimsy. We did a mix of styles
to keep the overall farmhouse feel,” Anne said.
To bring in a whimsical flair, she wanted a touch of wallpaper, which her husband
eventually got on board with in select rooms.
“It brought some of my wife’s fun and colorful personality into the spaces,” he said.
“After it was up, I was glad I took her suggestions.”
He wanted a wood-burning fireplace, which they placed in the living room, while
their master hearth burns gas.
Finally, he wasn’t sold on blue for the front door, but Anne and her friend, Kendra
Holtkamp of Refined Design Interiors, convinced him. She also blended both style
together throughout the process. >

PAGE 14
The kitchen island has
plenty of seating and
storage, including a
space for the dog
bowls. The Finishing
Touch, of Elgin, built
the hood and the
cabinets throughout
the home.
PAGE 15
A large, open layout
makes it easy for the
Boileau family to enjoy
each other’s company
and host gatherings.
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LUREOF THE COUNTRY
15

Special Touches
Boileau crafted many features of the home
himself, from the mudroom coat and boot rack
to the hallway bench. He insisted on durable
white oak flooring, which he had worked with
in older homes, and picked up the siding nailer
himself to apply the shiplap in the living room
and master ceiling.
Family members and friends chipped in, too.
Jason Rekers provided the timber entry from Timberhawk
Construction, and Matt’s brother-in-law,
Danny Beasley, crafted the metal railing. Beasley
also provided the oak used in Matt’s office.
“My brother-in-law is a farmer and is very
handy, so he welded the stair rails for us. Kendra
helped design them to carry the Xs through
from the kitchen island,” Boileau said.
“Jason sourced the timber from a 100-yearold
barn from the lower Skunk River. He did
the timber framing in his shop and then built it
onsite,” he explained, noting that salvaged ceiling
boards from a Herbert Hoover family home
were also used.
Interior design was a collaboration between
Anne Boileau and Holtkamp with the help of
Heather Dewaard and Jenny Bimson from Dwell
Home Furnishings and Interior Design.
Most of the bedroom designs took inspiration
from Dwell’s linens. Such was the case with
the master suite, where Anne’s comforter was
complemented by “funky traditional” furnishings
to provide a mix of textures.
“With the vaulted ceiling, we wanted a large
four poster bed. This is a very unique style with
turned posts,” Dewaard said. “I loved mixing
that bed with the nightstands.”
“Neutrals in the main area of the home keep it
soft and muted. Downstairs is more playful with
colorful pillows and artwork,” she added. >
PAGE 16
Rusticity is a common
theme throughout the
home. Above is a trough
sink on a granite counter.
At left is Matt’s office with
a repurposed wood wall
and funky sconces.
PAGE 17
TOP: The master suite
features vaulted ceilings
with wooden beams and
a shiplap ceiling.
MIDDLE: Faith was able to
put the design features
she loves, such as the
desk, into her room.
BOTTOM: The master bath
features heated tile floors
and fixtures by Studio
H2O in Iowa City.
16 LUREOF THE COUNTRY

Family Favorites
Of course, everyone in the Boileau family has a favorite part of the house.
Dawson enjoys playing games and watching TV downstairs, and he and his dad
both like the firepit in the backyard. Faith loves her room, no doubt because
she handpicked features including the desk. Ethan enjoys the wood-burning
fireplace in the living room, which warms the house in the winter.
Anne is partial to the kitchen with its huge stove and wood hood that The
Finishing Touch built along with the cabinets. The island has seating for the
kids and features an expanse of beautiful, easy-care quartzite counters. A
walk-through pantry offers her a workspace and tons of open shelving.
“I like to cook and love having people over,” she said, explaining that Iowa
City is a good meeting point for her Quad Cities-based sisters, and her parents,
who live in Clear Lake. Matt’s family is from Iowa City, so they entertain often.
“And the kids have their own space, so when they have friends over, they
can be as loud as they want,” Anne added.
Now that the family has been in their new home for over a year, Ethan
sums it up simply.
“Once we got settled out here, it’s pretty nice.” |
LUREOF THE COUNTRY
17

HIGH DESIGN SPACES
The Skyline Ranch
Linn County acreage evolves into a
hobby farm with elegant country home
BY RUTH PAARMANN PHOTOS BY BRIAN DRAEGER
Before 2002, Julie and Len Tow had no intention of living in the country –
their home in Toddville was rural enough for them.
But then they found themselves outgrowing their home and wanted more land,
but weren’t having any luck finding a larger home on five acres that was
within 20 minutes of Len’s job at the Linn County REC.

They began looking for land
with at least 35 acres to meet
the Linn County building
requirements. Julie spied one
while taking their three children
to school in Alburnett. The Tows
purchased the original 40 acres
and moved into the existing
house. They bought 40 more
acres in 2003 and dubbed their
acreage The Skyline Ranch.
“We wanted five acres – we got 80,” said
Julie, a Cedar Rapids native who founded
Comfort Care Home Health Care.
They lived in the existing house for
about nine years and built a new house
in 2011.
“We’re lucky we were able to build
the house Julie always wanted,” Len
said. “She got her wish and I got mine to
get the ranch land.”
Embracing the Farm Life
While they settled into their new place,
many visitors mentioned how ideal the
property would be for horses.
“We didn’t know a thing about horses,
but people said they’d show us what
to do,” Julie said.
Soon, a Kirkwood vet tech student
was boarding her horses. Then, someone
else brought horses to board. Finally,
Julie bought horses for herself and
the kids. Today, nine horses live there
and their owners enjoy weekly rides on
two miles of riding trails that connect
with other local trails. >
PAGE 18
Belted Galloway cattle graze
in front of Julie and Len Tow’s
home, which they call The
Skyline Ranch.
PAGE 19
The Tow family from top to
bottom: Julie, Len, Parker, Karley
and Krissi. Len always wanted
a spiral staircase, and builder
Scott Hiserote appreciated how
much labor it saved.
LUREOF THE COUNTRY
19

One benefit – and responsibility – of having
80 acres is the ability to manage and produce
high-quality hay.
“Your plans change when you have to make
hay,” Len noted, while his wife added that they try
to make it fun by having a party for the crew.
Chickens were the next addition to the menagerie;
they now have several kinds.
“Lenny started bringing them home and said
they were mine for Mother’s Day one year,” Julie
explained.
A few goats and Belted Galloway cattle
followed. About a dozen of the “Oreo cookie”
cattle graze in the front field, and the goats help
control undergrowth in the woods. >
PAGE 20
TOP: The open kitchen and living room gives Julie an opportunity to be part of
the action. The kitchen was designed by Cabinet Studio to suit the family, their
love of entertaining and Julie’s love of cooking.
ABOVE: Vaulted ceilings and the stone fireplaces provide a country feel in the
screened-in porch.
LEFT: A richly stained boot bench is practical as well as beautiful.
PAGE 21
The open layout is complemented by a cozy space by the fireplace and piano.
20 LUREOF THE COUNTRY

The New Farmhouse
The Tows took the time to plan exactly what they
wanted in the new farmhouse. They had Ahmann
Design combine two different house plans into one,
shifting the garage location to maximize the views.
“Most house plans are designed for being in
town, so all the privacy is in the back of the home
and the garage is in front,” Len said. “This is the
opposite.”
While plotting it out with Scott Hiserote Construction,
they realized that the best position for
the home was not going to align with the compass
points. Len wasn’t sure he’d like a “crooked house,”
but they both love the way the kitchen, living room,
porch and deck let them watch birds, storms, lightning
and sunsets over the fields.
Each family member chose a feature for the
home. On the side deck, Len chose the spiral stairs
he’d always wanted. Their oldest daughter, Karley,
received a two-room suite upstairs. Inspired by
Parade homes, Krissi wanted a hidden door to her
room. Their youngest, Parker, got a soundproofed
gaming closet. Julie has a big kitchen with tons of
storage – room she needs for canning pickles and
green beans and entertaining.
“It was fun building it, because we lived in the
other house and we could see it going up. Every
night, when the kids got home, we’d come up together
to see the process,” Julie said. >
LUREOF THE COUNTRY
21

22 LUREOF THE COUNTRY
ABOVE: Master bed
and bath
BELOW: The lower
level entertainment
area provides two
levels — an upper bar
with all the trimmings,
designed by Cabinet
Studio, and an open
lower level with the
large TV.

While the Tows
didn’t have
an agricultural
background, they
have embraced the
farm life. The family
has horses and Julie
has several kinds of
chickens, including
adorable silky
chickens.
Big & Bright
With an open kitchen, dining and living room, it’s easy for Julie to cook meals
and still feel connected with her family and guests. She likes to bird-watch year
round, making the most of the deck for hummingbird feeders, suet and other
foods as the seasons change.
Just off the deck, the Tows have a bright, airy master bedroom with a view of
the woods and horizon.
“My friends ask how I can stand so much light with all the windows, but I feel
like I’m camping out,” Julie said.
When the weather is nice, the family brings company to the barn to hang out
and enjoy the horses, dogs, raised garden beds and the chickens, of course.
During the fall and winter, their walkout entertainment area and bar in the
lower level offers lots of space to watch Hawkeye football games. Board games
and a shuffleboard table provide winter diversions.
Whether they’re hosting friends or checking out the Milky Way, the Tows have
fully embraced the country lifestyle. And while they’re almost empty nesters,
their nest is rarely empty.
“Both of us have busy demanding jobs that are 24/7, so it’s nice to go home
and have a quiet place to relax and socialize,” Len said. |
LUREOF THE COUNTRY
23

WHAT’S
OLDIS
NEW
AGAIN
Salvaging items
saves the planet and
personalizes homes
BY RUTH PAARMANN PHOTOS BY BRIAN DRAEGER
24 LUREOF THE COUNTRY

Charming painted chairs.
Lovely embroidered linens.
Character-filled wooden
mantels. With quality old
pieces, something fresh and
new can be crafted. These
local salvage enthusiasts
have their finger on the
pulse of upcycling.
Shed Sale Specialist
Sarah Smith of Belle Plaine runs Nettianne’s in
Marengo, where she sells vintage finds and holds a
festive annual shed sale each fall.
“I get a kick out of finding things in a junk pile and
making it into something that has new life,” she said.
“I study them to figure out how they could spend life
in a whole new, purposeful way.”
Having grown up in a “crafty home,” Smith stockpiled
her finds for years. Her first sale was part of that
stash displayed on her front porch. She then hatched
a plan to do a barn-style market and invite other
vendors to sell their handiwork. >
PAGE 24
Shabby chic lovers should visit Gooselake
Creations, which is shown at its former
location across the street from their new shop
at 712 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids.
PAGE 25
Most salvage shops have a variety of antiques
as well as repurposed and repainted items.
650 Pacha Parkway, Suite 6
North Liberty
319-665-8300
CORRIDORKITCHENS.COM
LUREOF THE COUNTRY
25

Vintage Shopping Options
Gooselake Creations
712 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
www.facebook.com/gooselakecreations
Nettiannes
For sale dates, visit:
www.facebook.com/nettiannes
The Salvage Barn
2401 Scott Blvd., Iowa City
www.salvagebarn.org
26 LUREOF THE COUNTRY

“I wanted a little bit of old, a little vintage, some antiques
and some handmade things.”
Smith looks for items her grandma had at auctions, flea
markets and garage sales. People also know to call her
when a relative dies or needs to move.
“The best furniture is older furniture because it’s solid
wood,” she said, noting that many people appreciate the
quality and hate to throw it away. She is happy to salvage
what she can and help it find a new home.
Paint & Patina
Jeff Gerlits of Gooselake Creations in Cedar Rapids began
painting furniture in the 1980s, when he realized antiques
were declining as shabby chic style gained popularity.
“White was what people wanted, but that wasn’t me. I
went with black, which appealed to different people,” he said.
Gerlits specializes in distinctive, colorful painted
furniture and just started accepting quality consignments.
Rather than using pricey chalk paint, he swears by the >
PAGE 26
More typical finds at Gooselake Creations
include painted shabby chic and
repurposed items.
PAGE 27
In addition to the Gooselake Creations
offerings, Jeff Gerlits looks forward to
accepting consignments at his new location.
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LUREOF THE COUNTRY
27

PAGE 28
In Sarah Smith’s
capable hands,
an old egg
basket became
a light fixture
and a hardware
counter became
a kitchen island.
Sherwin Williams brand for creating better quality finishes.
He also offers many other vintage items like rugs, dishware,
lampshades, candlesticks, upholstered furniture, mirrors, clocks,
tables and more.
“I find stuff everywhere. I have pickers and customers who
bring me items and I go to auctions.”
In addition, he has partnered with a woman who makes decorative
pillows and an electrical engineer who assembles one-of-akind
upcycled lamps.
“I coached him to develop a more rustic, industrial look to mix
old with new and give people the light fixtures they’re looking for,”
he said.
Preserving History
In Iowa City, the Salvage Barn helps preserve history while
diverting materials from the landfill. The organization began as a
partnership between the Friends of Historic Preservation and the
city of Iowa City.
“The materials we save are higher quality and longer lasting
than new products, as they are from old growth wood. How can
we justify throwing it in the landfill?” said Alicia Trimble, executive
director of the Friends of Historic Preservation, which oversees
the barn.
The Salvage Barn features items from homes that are at last 50
years old. People can donate items, or a building owner can call
and a team of volunteers will remove them, including old radiators,
tubs, woodwork, doors and more.
If you need a piece of trim for your old house, this is a great place
to look. Want a vintage door? They have dozens. Paneling to create a
stylish wood bar? An old sink? You never know what you’ll find.
The Salvage Barn also runs a tool library, perfect for DIYers. For
a $25 membership, members can check out tools for a week. >
28 LUREOF THE COUNTRY

Cleaning and Preserving Items
“Many salvage items just need a good cleaning,” said
Smith, who often uses water and wire brush on farmfresh
items. “If there’s rust, you can easily spray a clear
coat over them.”
“Lead paint is to be respected, but it is not necessary
to fear it,” Trimble said. “It can be abated or encapsulated
safely.”
She explained that peeling paint from before 1980
has the greatest chance of being an issue because the
chips can be ingested. Test kits are available to confirm
the presence of lead paint. The keys to safe removal
are using appropriate masks designed for lead and the
proper tools. If it is not peeling, encapsulating it in two
coats of latex paint should be sufficient, she said. |
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Paint Experts Since 1900!
Sarah Smith’s
recommendation
for incorporating
vintage pieces into
your home:
“Everyone needs to pick stuff
that they love. My house is a
complete mix of decorating
styles: farmhouse, industrial,
classic, vintage, bohemian…
There aren’t any rules to
decorating anymore. This
makes your house comfortable
and feel like home.”
We offer Klinger Paint, Pratt & Lambert,
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319.366.7165
www.klingerpaint.com
LUREOF THE COUNTRY
29

HOME
SWEET
MAN CAVE TREND
FUELS POST-FRAME
BUILDING BOOM
BY EMERY STYRON
PHOTOS BY GREINER BUILDINGS
SHOME
When Shawn and Michelle Redlinger began
talking about building a house on their Washington
County acreage, like many young couples, they
weren’t ready yet for their dream home.
30 LUREOF THE COUNTRY

Builders of Quality
Custom Homes
Michelle, executive director of the Washington
Chamber of Commerce, started telling people they
would build a shed that would be their home – a
“shome,” she called it.
The Redlingers put up a 40-by 72-foot metal
building that includes 1,000 square feet of living
space, a natural interim solution since Shawn is
general manager for Greiner Buildings in Washington.
Meantime, Michelle’s term, “shome,” took on a
life of its own.
Shawn’s boss, Matt Greiner, began using “shomes”
to market the “man caves” that account for 25
percent of his post-frame building business. The
Redlingers, who were married in their post-frame
home, received for a wedding gift a sign reading
“Home, Sweet Shome.”
Going upmarket
The man cave trend of the past 15 years has had a
big impact on the post-frame industry, Greiner said.
The metal-sheathed structures were mainly thought
of as agricultural machine sheds until people started
to also use them for offices in the 1980s. They
weren’t considered “cool buildings” until after 2000,
when builders began adding architectural details
and “really nice stuff on the inside,” he said.
Post-frame structures are known for economy
and 16- 18-foot walls with a clear span, giving them
capabilities a typical residential garage can’t match.
You can park a tall RV inside or build a mezzanine
in one end for two levels of living space. Many of
Greiner’s clients combine a mega garage or shop
with relaxed sleeping, recreation and dining quarters
for either their main home or a getaway. >
PAGE 30
Shawn and Michelle Redlinger’s “shome”
in Washington County provides them with
1,000 square feet of living space as well as
acreage and a pond to enjoy the outdoors.
PAGE 31
The Redlingers’ living space includes a
cozy loft that is used as a television room.
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LUREOF THE COUNTRY
31

Comforts of Home
John Thorp, of Muscatine, was seeking “a home away
from home” in his building completed last month.
“We were looking for a nice place to have a retreat,”
he said. “We love to hunt and be outside and in
the timber. We call it the cabin.”
It’s a cabin, however, with all the comforts of home,
including three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths,
hardwood floors, a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and a
screened porch. There’s room for grown children and
grandchildren.
Thorp’s getaway is at a different location from his
home, but Jeff Miller’s shome is just 100 feet from
his Washington County home. “We do a lot of family
gatherings,” Mr. Miller said. “We built this instead of
finishing our basement.”
A Rustic Look
The 24- by 32-foot gathering space is paneled with
car siding stained to look like old barn wood. A textured
concrete floor and ceiling finished with old tin
completes the rustic look. Rather than bedrooms, the
space has couches that fold down into beds.
In the shop space, there’s room for a basketball
hoop, an elevated display of pedal cars, a work area
and room to park a camper.
“We enjoy it a lot,” said Miller, who finished the
shell provided by Greiner Buildings. Greiner can do a
turnkey job or, as in Miller’s case, install the perimeter
walls, roof, awnings, porches, main entry doors
and soffit.
Turnkey projects for the “real fancy places” are
in the $120-130 per square foot range, Greiner said.
Shome features often include vaulted ceilings, stained
concrete floors that look like marble and extra tall
handcrafted cabinets. Even under the mezzanines,
ceilings can be nine feet high.
Does the builder of man caves have one of his
own? “I wish, but I personally do not,” Greiner admits.
He and his wife built a new house in a residential
neighborhood 13 years ago, before the trend took off.
“We are looking at a property in town that is a
couple of acres,” he said. “I would love to do one next
door to a new house.” >
PAGE 32
John Thorp’s garage in Muscatine houses his big-boy toys
while his “cabin” provides him and his family a home away
from home, including a kitchen area and screened-in
porch overlooking the timber.
PAGE 33
Jeff Miller’s man cave is just 100 feet from his Washington
County home. The 24-by-32-foot rustic gathering space is
paneled with car siding stained to look like old wood, and
the concrete floor is stained to look like marble.
32 LUREOF THE COUNTRY

SHC ad 2017.indd 1
9/26/17 11:37 AM
Dream ‘Shome’
The Redlingers have enjoyed man-cave living with
a view of their acreage and pond, but with a toddler
in the shome, the one-bedroom unit “can get awfully
tight in a hurry,” Shawn said. They look forward to
having another child and building the home of their
dreams next door.
Then, Redlinger can work on his other dream of
outfitting the shome in typical man-cave style with
“big screen TVs everywhere” and a pool table.
“Once we build a house, I’ll have my own little
party shack,” he said.
The woman who came up with the term, “shome,”
may have something to say about that. |
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LUREOF THE COUNTRY
33

A Rustic State of Mind
Get your country on with looks that capture a rustic feel.
BY RUTH PAARMANN
ROUND METAL
FIREWOOD HOLDER
Leaning toward an industrial look, this
firewood holder provides an artful touch to
a functional item. Available in two sizes.
INQUIRE WITH:
Heather Dewaard
Dwell Home Furnishings and Interior Design
www.dwellhomefurnishings.com
DRIFTWOOD
COCKTAIL TABLE
A base of weathered driftwood makes
for a stunning conversation piece.
INQUIRE WITH:
Jean Phipps
Surroundings Interiors
www.designsurroundings.com

CURVED EXPOSED
TRACK DOOR
These custom-built quartersawn oak
doors provide a “barn door” style at the
entrance of a home gym.
Interiors Gifts Lifestyle
INQUIRE WITH:
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Lori Wiles Design
www.loriwilesdesign.com
It’s good to be home.
New homes, remodels
or renovation
319.447.6019
allancustomhomes.com
LUREOF THE COUNTRY
35

RECLAIMED
WOOD
Complete with a vintage patina
and years of distressing, beautiful
reclaimed barn wood completes
a masculine bathroom.
INQUIRE WITH:
Lori Wiles
Lori Wiles Design
www.loriwilesdesign.com
CRACKLE FINISH
NATURE ART
The homeowner’s nature
photography was enlarged onto
antiqued canvases. This style
complements the rustic touches
throughout the home.
INQUIRE WITH:
Kennon Springer
Interior Perfection Furniture
Store & Design
www.interiorperfection.com

LIVE EDGE
MIRROR
A rough, “live” edge of natural
wood juxtaposes rusticity and
sophistication in one piece.
Live edge dining tables are also
available.
INQUIRE WITH:
Jean Phipps
Surroundings Interiors
www.designsurroundings.com
Nov 4 - Feb 11, 2018
An original exhibition featuring
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Albright’s collection that will
dazzle visitors.
Lead Sponsor
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(319) 362-8500 | NCSML.org
1400 Inspiration Place SW | Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
LUREOF THE COUNTRY
37

DANISH
FARMHOUSE
PENDANT
LIGHTS
In the Spanish island home
of Nani Marquina, owner
of the Nanimarquina rug
company, pendant lights
from Ikea add simplicity to
the rustic theme.
INQUIRE WITH:
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Design Ranch
www.designranch.com
KILIM
RUG
Mash up rustic pieces
with European
modernist flair in a
spare, rustic room for
a stunning impact.

Thinking about BUYING or
SELLING a HOME? Call me!
Brad Oppedahl, REALTOR ®
Your home, my expertise!
319-360-2181
BradO@Skogman.com
411 1st Avenue SE Cedar Rapids IA 52401 • Licensed to sell in the state of Iowa
STONE RIVERBED
MOTIF SHOWER
A flowing riverbed of smooth stones
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LUREOF THE COUNTRY
39