By Kerri Westenberg, TNS Published 5:16 p.m. ET Feb. 13, 2020

MINNEAPOLIS When Somia Mourad first walked into the Kenwood home that she would buy, she saw dark-stained oak woodwork mixed with white woodwork on much of the main level. In the kitchen, three different wood finishes fragmented the space.

The house had clearly gone through a ton of renovations, Mourad said. Though the work had been done with care and had been maintained well, she wanted a more cohesive look. So even before she, her husband, Keith Bush, and their two daughters moved into the 1891 three-story, painters were summoned. The fireplace mantel, centerpiece of a gracious living room, went from a dark oak stain to white enameled paint so that it would match the shelves on either side, which were already white. Beams in the ceiling got the same treatment. Wood panels in the dining room, which is open to the living room, also got coats of white paint.

Many buyers are seeking a move-in-ready home that reflects the modern aesthetic of clean white woodwork. (Dreamstime/TNS) (Photo: Dreamstime, TNS)

Like many of todays home buyers, Mourad and Bush prefer the sleek, clean look of white enameled woodwork. But their experience also speaks to the conundrum of sellers considering whether to paint their woodwork in order to sell a house more quickly. Many buyers are seeking a move-in-ready home that reflects the modern aesthetic of clean white woodwork. But some homes, especially Craftsmans and Victorians, can dazzle with stained wood.

Mourad said she fell for her house the moment they walked in and saw the wood door that led to an entryway with delicately detailed woodwork.

The entryway was so warm just stunning with intricate carvings on the wood banister at the staircase; I didnt want anyone to touch it, Mourad recalled. She kept that nod to the history of the home, even as the painters set to work on other parts of the house.

Sometimes a home shows best when it remains true to character. The oak beams and other wood accents of Craftsman-style bungalows, for example, help make those homes distinct.

You wouldnt change the color of a classic car, even if its a little funky, and sometimes you shouldnt paint the woodwork of a house, said Ruth Whitney Bowe, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Burnets Minneapolis Lakes office.

Many buyers seek a light, modern aesthetic, but some homes, such as Craftsmans, can dazzle with dark woodwork. (Brian Peterson/Minneapolis Star Tribune/TNS)(Photo: Brian Peterson, TNS)

In mid-century modern homes, wood paneling and other details can warm up the clean lines. In Victorians, intricate woodwork can speak to the homes original era and can also be expensive to paint.

In addition to the style of the home, competition is another factor.

If a home is in an area surrounded by other homes with wood cabinets in the kitchens, there may be no need to turn the woodwork white, Bowe said. But most often, white woodwork helps a house sell.

Millennials love white

Jayne Morrison of Morrison Interiors is a designer and stager who helps people ready their homes for the marketplace.

Millennial buyers want white woodwork, she said. If we are staging for a young family in a neighborhood of young families, it is advisable to have woodwork painted white.

Thats especially so for owners of homes built in the 1980s with the golden oak woodwork that was popular during that era.

If you are in a 1980s house and you have a lot of that golden oak woodwork, [painting it white] will help sell your house faster, she said.

Morrison is seeing a generational shift as she works with homeowners on design.

Baby boomers love woodwork, she said. Millennial clients say they want an estimate for painting everything white. It is quite pricey, but often they go ahead and do it. They want that total white woodwork look.

Whether it is sellers or new homeowners hoping to create a space they adore, the decision to paint is often based on that bad word that starts with b: budget, Morrison said. When clients decide to do the painting themselves to save money, she suggests they start in one room and see how it goes before tackling the entire house.

Painted woodwork is a fresh look, she notes, and its been going strong since 2010. In recent years, she has seen the white warming up a bit, shifting to warm gray.

When Mourad got around to remodeling her kitchen and ridding the space of three different wood finishes, in fact, a designer suggested that she paint the center island gray to contrast with the white paint elsewhere in the kitchen and the home. Mourad declined, preferring to keep the look cohesive. Plus, she said, I knew I would never tire of white.

And she hasnt. Now when I walk into the house, I feel peaceful, uplifted, happy. There is a lightness and a calm, she said. It is amazing how much woodwork impacts the feel of a home.

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Tackling a controversial question: Should you paint the woodwork white? - The Detroit News

By Nicola Caul Shelley, Synergy Design & Construction

Ah, the Kitchen. The heart of the home and the place that no matter how great your main living area is, friends and family gather there on every social occasion.

Its top of most homeowners wishlists when it comes to the space theyd like to remodel in their home. Its a big investment, so whether you are planning a complete remodel or are just thinking of making a few updates, here are 5 kitchen remodeling trends worth keeping in mind.

1. Transitional Design Reigns Supreme

When it comes to design aesthetic, most of us dont want a kitchen that is too futuristic and risks looking dated in a few short years. Transitional design is still a great go-to for many homeowners in this area who want their space to have classic elements but with modern flair. The beauty of transitional design is that it still feels warm and welcoming as well as being functional and family friendly. Want to learn more about transitional design? Weve got you covered!

2. Cabinetry

It doesnt have to be fully custom, but investing in a quality product when it comes to your kitchen cabinets can make or break your remodel. Many home remodeling companies in the area have relationships with cabinetry manufacturers. Each usually provides a number of cabinetry lines, so do your homework and make sure you understand what youre getting. Semi-custom cabinetry is a great choice for a custom look without the price tag.

When it comes to cabinetry color, white is still a classic choice, but two toned kitchens are still on-trend as well as colorful pops of color like navy. We are also seeing the resurgence of wood and the introduction of more natural elements in design.

3. Pull-out Pantries

Gone are the days of the built-in pantry being a must-have. Theres nothing wrong with a beautiful pantry, but they take up a lot of square footage not to mention things tend to get lost in them. Recently, a homeowner admitted to finding 25 year old cloves hidden at the back of her pantry! Pull-out cabinetry pantries are a great solution and keep your kitchen design modern and clean.

4. All about Lighting

With so many options out there now, lighting choice can be overwhelming. Pendants are still in and help to define a space (especially if you have an open plan kitchen and dining area), but the new pendant designs are more sculptural in look than their predecessors. The trend for lights that look jewelry-like started a while ago and that doesnt look like its going to slow down any time soon.

5. Matching Backsplash and Countertops

There was a time when youd never see the same materials used in both the countertop and backsplash, but no more! Using the same finish simplifies the design and gives a more contemporary vibe. Slab backsplashes are also increasingly popular, providing a dramatic but fuss-free look.

This months featured remodel is a Kitchen in Ashburn. This local family was ready to lighten things up in their kitchen! The result is a stunning transitional kitchen filled with design details galore and a large island with plenty of room for the family to gather.

Are you ready to kick start 2020 and finally do something about that home remodel youve been dreaming of? Weve got you covered! Download our FREE guide to hassle-free remodeling to get started!

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Reno of the Month: Kitchen Design Trends You Need to Know About - Reston Now

It doesnt take a pile of cash to bring fresh appeal to your home.

Your house is outdated, but where do you begin making changes? It might still have its original cabinets from 1978 or its been years since you changed the cosmetic details. Whatever end of the decor spectrum youre on, a few modern tweaks can take your space from past to present.

How revamping your space can sell it

For sellers, making a few small tweaks can help set your house apart from the competition, says Jason Saft, a real estate agent at Compass in New York. Some sellers choose to hire professional stagers to increase the look and appeal of their home. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors, or NAR, staging can have an impact on selling a house:

Like staging, investing in the right updates can increase your return on investment. Experts agree that in a competitive market, the right changes can make all the difference, so keep reading.

Homeowners can enjoy a new home without moving

The onward and upward attitude toward housing has shifted amid rising home prices and squeezed inventory. And as more people age in place and make their starter homes their forever homes, the remodeling industry has exploded.

Now a $400 billion business, the residential remodeling market has seen a surge in activity, growing over 50 percent since 2010. In 2017, 29 percent of homeowners completed at least one remodeling project, according to the latest Improving Americas Housing report published by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

Some reasons for the uptick in home improvement projects are lagging construction and aging homes; some 40 percent of American homes are at least 50 years old, according to the report.

Americans are now more likely to stay in the same home than they were 35 years ago, according to NAR.

Many folks are skipping starter homes and going straight to affordable single-family homes in the suburbs, says Jessica Lautz, vice president of demographics and behavioral insights at NAR. This has led to record levels of equity, as home values continue to climb.

Top home trends of 2020

From smart-home systems to outdoor living rooms, experts weigh in on the years most popular design features that will help give your house a fresh look that both sellers and homeowners can benefit from.

Smart-home systems

For the uninitiated, integrated smart-home systems are basically a variety of devices that are linked to a single hub, which coordinates everything. They range from six-figure customized systems to out-of-the-box gizmos you can install yourself for a couple hundred dollars.

Smart-home technology can be grouped into two basic categories: convenience and security. Convenience tech includes things like automated thermostats and Bluetooth audio (yes, you can have your very own theme song play when you enter your home). The security category includes cameras and alarm systems.

Buyers want cameras and app-based home automation systems, says Smitha R. Ramchandani, a broker associate at Sothebys International Realty in Summit, New Jersey. They want to remotely control their lighting systems and blinds. If theyre away, they want to be able to turn off the thermostat.

Outdoor living rooms

Think of your outdoor space as another room, Saft says. Younger buyers often want to see social trends reflected in their living space and as rooftop bars and other outdoor gathering areas gain popularity this is appealing in a home, too.

Outdoor living rooms are much more popular. Buyers are not looking at just a backyard; its another room, Saft says.

Creating a backyard living room might be as easy as rearranging patio furniture and adding some lights and Bluetooth speakers. Homeowners starting from scratch should begin with an even foundation, which might mean putting in a concrete slab or wooden deck. Use pillows and blankets to add texture and warmth. Lighting plays an important part in creating an inviting ambiance. An easy way to add lights is to use simple string lighting, lanterns and LED candles.

Farmhouse modern look

From home makeover shows to big-box retailers, the trend best known as farmhouse modern is a favorite across the country, Saft says.

This is a look thats easy to replicate in almost any style of home. The modern farmhouse look takes natural elements (reclaimed wood, rattan, wicker) and gives them a sleek, architectural look. Nowadays, these trends are accessible to anyone thanks to stores like Target partnering with high-end brands such as Hearth & Hand with Magnolia, owned by former HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, Saft says.

People are really getting into an eco-conscious lifestyle, Ramchandani says. Things that appeal to todays homeowners are natural finishes and fabrics, like cotton, that have a more organic appeal. They want a rustic, homey feel.

Bold accents

Playful and expressive might be two words to describe home trends in 2020. Buyers are responding to wow-factor elements in homes, whether its a unique, colorful kitchen back splash or a single statement wall in the living room.

Colorful kitchen cabinets are replacing the all-white look, too, Saft says. So homeowners who want to update their kitchen without dumping a ton of money into it can simply repaint their cabinets. Cobalt blue and greens are popular color choices. Pair colorful cabinets with mixed metals, like pewter and brass, and your kitchen has suddenly entered 2020.

Im noticing and people are really gravitating toward bold designs people want boldness in color. Like a tertiary color scheme, the white-on-white kitchens and the white-on-white walls are fading away, Ramchandani says.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is an inexpensive, easy-to-install product for creating a dramatic wall, without the time and labor that traditional wallpaper requires. From wild prints to simple patterns, theres a wide variety of paper to choose from.

Next steps for homeowners

For sellers, talk to your real estate agent about which updates are worth making for your particular property and buying demographic. Saft points out that what a Manhattan buyer might expect is different than what someone in the suburbs is looking for. Your real estate agent should know your market well and be able to give you strategic advice.

For homeowners who dont want to move but want to use the equity in their homes for renovations, they might consider looking at home equity loans (HELs) or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). In both cases, the lender uses your home as collateral, so if you cant make the monthly payments, you could end up losing your home.

The advantage of home equity loans for some buyers is that theyre tax deductible if you use them for home renovations. They also have fairly low interest rates, which are usually less than what personal loans and credit cards offer.

Another option for homeowners who want to lock in a lower interest rate while tapping their equity is a cash-out refinance. This will replace your current mortgage with a new home loan for a larger amount than your existing loan balance, and youll be able to withdraw the difference between the two mortgages in cash if you have enough equity.

Refinancing typically makes the most sense when you can lower your interest rate rate and/or monthly payment and stay in your home long enough to recoup the costs of refinancing (known as the break-even point).

Also, if you do a cash-out refinance, using the equity on things that wont have a return later might end up costing you. Home renovation projects might be worth it if its going to increase your quality of life while also adding value to your property. A kitchen remodel or new roof, for example, might be good investments; whereas a Jacuzzi or high-end fixtures generally wont offer enough ROI to make the expenditure worthwhile.

Before you use your home equity to finance a home remodel, be sure to talk with your financial adviser to make sure its in line with your goals and budget.

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This story was originally published onBankrate.Create an account on Bankrate todayto get your free credit report along with expert advice to improve your score. Plus, set your financial goals to personalize your dashboard with resources to help you reach them.

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Whether you're selling or staying, here are the best trends to give your old house a fresh look - 13newsnow.com WVEC

The Central Nebraska Home and Builders Show will return to Grand Island in 2020 for the 45th year.

From Friday, Jan. 17, through Sunday, Jan. 19, experts will host booths and how-to seminars on the latest in home-improvement products and services. With the show set up in the Pinnacle Bank Expo Building at Fonner Park, visitors are welcome to browse and ask questions about homebuilding, remodeling, landscaping and more.

Weve enjoyed bringing these specialists in home remodeling and building to Grand Island for the last 45 years, said Bill Jackson, producer of the show and president of the West Des Moines, Iowa-headquartered Jackson Expo Group. January is a great time to come out, walk around and start making plans for spring and summer updates on your home.

Jackson, who has been associated with the Home and Builders Show for 37 years, said one of the factors that has kept the show going this long is the exhibitors.

These are good, solid companies in the Grand Island area, he said. They bring in new ideas and new concepts to help people improve their homes, whether it is putting in a new kitchen or new insulation and things like that. The credit goes to the exhibitors as they are the ones who really make this show.

Featured products and services include remodeling materials, kitchen items, appliances, flooring, garage doors, siding, windows, heating and cooling systems, water-conditioning systems and more.

Jackson said there are always good crowds at the Home and Builders Show in Grand Island.

The public like coming to the show, he said. Having the show in January gives people time to think about improvements they want to do to their house by getting some ideas from the exhibitors and talking to contractors, whether its landscaping or that new kitchen.

Informative seminars are free with admission and feature topics ranging from in-floor heating and sunroom additions to landscaping and outdoor design. Certified professionals lead the seminars, offering tips, tricks, demonstrations and advice.

Jackson said people come to the show with an idea, such as a new patio door, and the show provides them an opportunity to look at the various brands that are available.

It gives them a chance to touch them, feel them and see how they work, he said. They have an opportunity to talk to the people who are going to install them and who they are going to buy them from.

Jackson said its all about the personal contact potential customers have with exhibitors.

People are there to answer their questions about how something works or they may be looking at how to fix cracks in the foundations, he said. We have companies there who will take care of that for you.

Jackson said another reason people attend is to learn about all the new products that will be available on the market.

Constantly, there are new products coming out, such as new roofing products like metal roofing that is making bigger steps in the market, especially in hail-prone areas, he said. There are new ideas in countertops, new furniture ideas available many new products that will make your home nicer and increase its property value.

Show hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. The show is sponsored by the Central Nebraska Home Builders Association.

Admission is $5 for the show and daily seminars. Children under 12 get in free. For more information, visit http://www.jacksonexpogroup.com.

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Central Nebraska Home and Builders Show celebrates 45th year in Grand Island - Grand Island Independent

News

DENVER, CO The Living in Place Institute, the educational organization behind the Certified Living in Place Professional (CLIPP) program, has named its first LIPI Ambassadors. The group is comprised of 34 industry professionals in the areas of kitchen and bath design, occupational therapy and real estate. All have completed the necessary training to be a Certified Living In Place Professional, and many were among the first to receive the internationally recognized certification, according to the Living in Place Institute. Each ambassador was selected based on a commitment to educate others about the need to design, build and remodel homes to meet the needs of all individuals regardless of age or ability.

According to the Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies, of the more than 127 million homes in the United States, less than 0.9% feature the basic design elements and products for Living In Place, including zero-step entrances to the home, single-floor living, wide hallways and doors, lever handles on faucets and doors, and electrical outlets/switches and other controls that are accessible from a wheelchair.

We are honored to be working with this group, said Louie Delaware and Erik Listou, co-founders, Living In Place Institute. Each has a unique area of expertise, but at their core they all stand for the same principles we share at LIPI to improve accessibility, comfort and safety in all homes. Together, we can transform the homes and lives of hundreds of millions of people.

The Living In Place Ambassadors are:

LIPI Ambassadors are advocates for the Living In Place philosophy, raising awareness and understanding about LIPI principles and protocols, and the value of working with Certified Living in Place Professionals, notes LIPI. Each person will serve a two-year term and participate in numerous educational and speaking opportunities throughout the country on behalf of LIPI.

Continued here:
Living in Place Institute Taps Ambassadors - Kitchen and Bath Design News

When Mitch Yellen launches a food service business, he does it in a big way. And if the operation doesnt perform to his expectations, he switches gears.

In October, the CEO of Altitude Hospitality Group announced sweeping changes to Till Kitchen, 9633 Prominent Point, which included plans to move Till to a new location in the Broadmoor area.

His search for a spot in that part of town didnt pan out, however.

I was looking for a small, intimate dining room for Till Kitchen, he said. Phil (Griffin, Tills executive chef) is a Michelin-starred chef and deserves a place where he can shine. One day it struck me that the Garden of the Gods Market and Caf are open for breakfast and lunch and its dark for dinner service. I consulted with my architect about remodeling that space to accommodate a more formal area for dinner service there and decided that was the direction to go.

Till Kitchen closed its Briargate doors on Dec. 31 and is targeted to reopen mid-March in the expanded and remodeled Garden of the Gods Gourmet Market and Caf, 410 S. 26th St.

Garden of the Gods Market and Caf will remain open for breakfast and lunch from chef Larissa Vendola during and after the expansion construction. Griffin will resume his role of executing Tills elevated cuisine for dinner service Tuesday through Saturday nights when the buildout is completed.

Meanwhile, the massive 18,000-square-foot building that housed Till Kitchen is planned to reopen as North Side Social on Jan. 27. The new family-friendly open-air dining experience will offer an approachable price-point menu for families. It will feature pickleball courts, bowling, shuffleboard, fire pits, bocce ball, a small outdoor amphitheater, cabanas for rent and a high-tech beer wall with approximately 65 taps including beer, wine, cider and kombucha.

The Roost Coffee House, adjacent to Tills former Briargate location, will remain the same during construction. Private dining events will resume in February.

In another change, Altitude Hospitality Group is moving Sprig Eats, 7 Spectrum Loop. Now closed, it will become one of three places set to open in April at 112 N. Tejon St., in the former Zeezos. In addition, there are plans for a bar named Mischief in the balcony area of the building and a two-lane bowling alley in the basement with a whiskey bar. Pizza, salad and dessert will be on the menu in the basement area.

Altitude Hospitality Groups other entities include Garden of the Gods Catering, The Pinery at the Hill, Altitude Floral and Till Express.

Contact the writer: 636-0271

contact the writer: 636-0271.

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Till Kitchen scraps plans to move to Broadmoor area, will join Garden of the Gods Market and Caf - Colorado Springs Gazette

Cutting the ribbon are (from left), City treasurer Tom Scibilia, Council members So Lim and Michael DeMarco, Mayor David Meyer, Dave Omary, Page Johnson, Kelly Seungyon, and Sharon Ricciardi with the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Bonnie Hobbs.

With nearly two decades of experience in commercial and residential kitchen, closet and bathroom design/remodeling, Biltmore Design Galleria has already amassed a stellar reputation in Chantilly. And now, local residents may also avail themselves of this businesss expertise, since it recently opened a second location in Old Town Fairfax.

And owners Dave Omary and wife Kelly Seungyon didnt choose just any building in which to set up shop. They selected the historic Sauls House, which holds special meaning for Fairfax City Commissioner of the Revenue Page Johnson.

My great aunt, Mary Sauls, lived in this house and ran a boarding house here, he said, during the new businesss grand opening at 10381 Main St. And Im glad to see that theyve kept the integrity of the building.

Also pleased to welcome Biltmore Design Galleria to the City was Fairfax Mayor David Meyer. For this business to come and have a presence in this City speaks volumes about our commitment to businesses that are filling a niche, he said. People can come to places like this and get exactly what they want.

He said customers reap the benefits of the owners expertise, while having their interior design customized. And besides that, added Meyer, Its important that we have a design-build business in this cool, 127-year-old building.

Noting that Biltmore Design Galleria has been in business for 18 years, Danette Nguyen, with the Citys Economic Development Office, said, The owners believe everyone should have their dream kitchen, bathroom and closets. And now that they have their Fairfax City location, theyre able to make these dreams a reality.

Were excited to be here, said Omary. We chose this area because we like the Citys downtown. I like to support the City and have our business in a small town where everyone knows each other. He said hell make sure things are running smoothly at both their locations, but his wife is the designer.

We help people with the color and design of their cabinets, floors, paints, etc., he explained. We dont charge for design or measuring, just for the work and materials.

Delighted by the turnout at the grand opening, Omary said, I see the mayor, Council members and City representatives here, plus old friends and customers, which means a lot. This is amazing to see everyone here to support us.

Biltmore Design Galleria is open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, by appointment only. Phone 571-340-3566.

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Historic Fairfax Building Houses a New Business - Fairfax Station Connection

Compared to the cost of some other home improvements, a garage door replacement can increase its ... [+] resale value when it comes time to sell your home.

If you want to get the biggest return on your investment in home renovation projects, it would be wise to take your to-do list outdoors. The 2020 Cost vs. Value report by Remodeling magazine found that nine out of the top 10 high-return projects are exterior replacement projects. Only the minor kitchen renovation rivals the rate of return of most exterior projects.

Whether you are just thinking about remodeling or ready to dive in, prioritize these exterior projects that will add curb appeal and value when its time to sell or refinance.

1. Manufactured stone veneer

Average cost: $9,357

Average resale value: $8,943

Cost recouped: 96%

2. Garage door replacement

Average cost: $3,695

Average resale value: $3,491

Cost recouped: 94%

3. Siding replacement (fiber cement)

Average cost: $17,008

Average resale value: $13,195

Cost recouped: 78%

4. Siding replacement (vinyl)

Average cost: $14,359

Average resale value: $10,731

Cost recouped: 75%

5. Window replacement (vinyl)

Average cost: $17,461

Average resale value: $12,761

Cost recouped: 72%

6. Deck addition (wood)

Average cost: $14,360

Average resale value: $10,355

Cost recouped: 72%

7. Window replacement (wood)

Average cost: $21,495

Average resale value: $14,804

Cost recouped: 69%

8. Entry door replacement (steel)

Average cost: $1,881

Average resale value: $1,294

Cost recouped: 69%

9. Deck addition (composite)

Average cost: $19,856

Average resale value: $13,257

Cost recouped: 67%

10. Roofing replacement (asphalt shingles)

Average cost: $24,700

Average resale value: $16,287

Cost recouped: 66%

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10 Home Improvement Projects That Return The Most At Resale - Forbes

JEFFERSON Julia Chadys choice to move her Indeco interior design business to Jeffersons historic downtown has made a lasting impact on the community, preserving a landmark building and helping to revitalize the downtown.

But Chady has contributed in so many other ways.

The Jefferson Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday that it had selected Chady as its Businessperson of the Year. The honor will officially be presented at the chambers annual dinner Jan. 30 at 13 East.

The award is presented to a business leader in the local community who has demonstrated leadership and service in the local business community, the chamber and the community overall.

Chady is the owner of Indeco Interior Design Company, a full-service interior design company capable of taking a project from concept through completion and which offers all of the products needed for minor and major remodeling jobs.

She has served on the Jefferson chamber board, has been chamber vice president and president, has served on numerous chamber committees, has helped to coordinate the chambers home show and downtown decorating efforts, and has served on the hiring committee.

She assisted with the Harry Potter Fest held in the community two years ago, has served as a chamber ambassador, and has assisted with the John McGivern show when the public television guru featured the Jefferson community.

In conjunction with city government, she has worked on the citys branding initiative, has served on city focus groups, and has been part of the Downtown Revitalization group.

In the surrounding area, she has been part of the Fort Atkinson Historic Preservation Commission, has assisted with historic watertower towers and is also a member of the Fort Atkinson Chamber of Commerce.

She organized and ran a bone marrow registry drive several years past in conjunction with Eastons Cause.

In the past, she has volunteered with the local American Field Service and southern Wisconsin board years ago.

She studied abroad in high school and has since hosted AFS students.

In terms of her professional affiliations, Chady belongs to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the American Society of Interior Design.

If they havent had contact with her personally, most people know of Chady through her downtown business, InDeco, which made a high-profile move in the past couple of years to the former Waldmann Shoe Store location on Jeffersons Main Street.

Chady assumed ownership of the building in 2017 and completed renovations in 2018.

The Jefferson businesswoman got her start working for Jan Niebler Interiors, taking over that business in 2014 and renaming it Indeco. At the time, the business was located in a former bank lobby on the south side of Jefferson, but it soon became apparent it had outgrown that space and Chady went on the lookout for new opportunities.

In 2017, she approached longtime business owner Judy Waldmann, who had run a shoe store in the same location downtown for some five decades. Though Waldmann hadnt planned to retire, she was of retirement age and she saw the opportunity to pass her store on to a dedicated community member who would preserve the building and keep it as a downtown landmark for many years to come.

As a Jefferson native, Chady had a generational appreciation for the value of the citys traditional downtown.

As she embarked on the renovation of the old Waldmanns building, she did a lot of research on its history, committing herself to honoring the buildings heritage and baring some of its historic features.

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Housed alongside an old Jewish temple that turned into an avant-garde art gallery and shared space for whoever wants to make their imprint on its walls, lives Rebel Bread. The not-so-normal bakery, with a small counter space and kitchen in the back wide open for display, is only open Friday through Sunday for retail. A simple rack shows off all the artisan bread and pastry you could hope for as a weekend morning breakfast. Cookies and cakes are not the specialty here; instead, it is the labor-intensive five-bread doughs that require unwavering love for the best execution. The creation of this bakery seemed inevitable to owner Zach Martinucci, who recalls watching in awe as his uncle took mounds of dough and formed perfect spheres in his cousins bakery. He grew up entranced by the world of food, growing this love by studying food anthropology at UCLA. His studies demonstrated our relationships with food and how it binds us in ways outside physical nourishment. From then on, he stayed in California to attend the esteemed School of Artisanal Bread in San Francisco. There, he learned the art of making bread dough for every occasion. After years of slaving away in large-scale product, he switched to open his own spot in order to continue the conversation about the relationship between us and food while also putting a spin on the beloved classics.

Only recently did Rebel Bread expand to creating laminated doughs, which have buttery, flaky layers that melt during each bite. We can thank the French for this amazing creation as they are the creators of the beloved croissant. The bakerys expansion came after scoring a cheap laminating machine and a remodeling of the tightly-packed kitchen. However, the brioche, ciabatta, baguette and San Francisco sourdough have been staples since the institute first began. Much like other esteemed bread companies, Rebel Bread loves the power of the oven and allows it to do magic on the bread by giving it a deep caramel color. The greatest mistake that a bread baker can make is fearing a loaf having too much color and throwing aside bread that has a crisp exterior, making for a perfect contrast to the pillowy interior. That juxtaposition makes eating each bite that much more divine. The flavor of these four staple loaves comes immediately with the pungent taste, reigning supreme to sea salt and vinegar chips. It is truly a unique profile that cannot be copied by an average country loaf. A shmear of butter and a hint of flaked sea salt tops it perfectly, but they offer their house-made tomato butter for an homage to Italia. The sourdough comes by the loaf, but the taste can make it feasibly a single serving size.

From these four bases, their display holds sweet and savory options that satisfy any craving, even though they are a bit unconventional. Though their bagels are seemingly ordinary, the shape is the only thing connecting them to their origins. These circular breads are made of baguette dough, which is often seen as the skinny long loaf that is in the bags of everyone shopping at a French market. Its beloved for its versatility with accepting other flavor profiles because its the essential white bread of France. Baguette does have a bit more going on that most other breads with tender, air-pocket interior crunchy exterior. Often, it is the base for bruschetta in Italy, but at Rebel Bread, it is topped with flaked sea salt, rosemary, sesame or parmesan. Dont forget to ask for a swipe of cream cheese so you can enjoy it immediately. If you are going to save it for later, you might as well forgo the small one and buy the family-sized bagel, which is almost as big as a small pizza.

Another interpretation of the bagel at Rebel Bread is the bagel bomb. They named it well as it explodes with a bunch of different flavors as you continue to devour it. It comes in a small monkey bread configuration, with many separate pieces baked together and torn apart until there is nothing left. Made with brioche doughoften seen in thick and rich French toasteach piece is rolled in their house blend of iconic everything bagel seasoning, fragrant dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, funky parmesan cheese and surprisingly, sunflower seeds. Together, this makes each bite erupt with bright flavor. No bagel is left dry; instead they put a healthy dollop of Dijon cream cheese to ensure this bagel is unforgettable.

Other uses for their rich and spongy brioche is their one-of-a-kind development of the Denver Danish. Normally, these pastries use the same dough as croissants, but Martinucci takes brioche and bakes it again after dressing up each slice a bit. The classic pair of blueberry and almond tastes similar to a blueberry muffin, while the other sweet options are meant to represent cheesecakes with either lemon curd or raspberry jam for the much-needed splatter of color. Martinucci really highlights the sweetness in the dough by injecting the brioche buns with chocolate hazelnut spread that fills the bread like a cream puff. His final masterpiece is the cinnamon swirls that get a devilish helping of orange-amaretto glaze that drips everywhere. The cinnamon flavor brings the joy of the holiday season whenever Rebel Bread is open. This swirl takes the white bread with butter and cinnamon sugar that every kid craves for breakfast to new heights. The sweetness isnt overpowering, and the flavor of the brioche remains intact.

The ciabatta is where individual bakers shine, because in addition to the plan loaf, they do an olive with rosemary and a flavor of the week. All alone, the ciabatta is fantastic. With a denser chew of sourdough and a hint of salt, it can be the perfect sandwich bread or simply dipped in olive oil. Their addition of flavor gets a stylistic twist because the loaves are shaped in anything but a normal rectangle. Instead, they have done butterflies, wreathes, and trees. Sometimes it doesnt have a clear definition at all, yet the taste remains. The olives notes of fruitiness are accentuated by the rosemary, but it still is a savory bread. The other loaf is often sweet. One baker, Liz, is known for doing a pairing of chocolate. In the past, she marbled swirls of dark chocolate cocoa butter with walnuts and dried cherries. With a vague resemblance of a trail mix, it far surpassed any version of nuts, fruit and chocolate combination. Its always interesting to walk into the shop and see what shape and flavor are up for grabs this week.

Even though Friday through Sunday is their only retail time, Rebel Bread distributes their unique provisions to local coffee shops throughout Denver. While it is tucked away between LoDo and RiNo, Rebel Bread can definitely bake well enough for you to search out this little gem. While youre there, make sure to talk to Martinucci about his background; even though hes young, hes got a world of knowledge about food. If you really have a passion for baking, they also offer classes to expand your personal understanding of bread and baking. This bakery wont hide anythingjust come in and learn all you can for yourself, because youll be glad you did.

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Breaking all the bread rule at Rebel Bread - DU Clarion