Photos by Hillary Ehlen
After buying a new home, you always want to decorate it and make it your own. Years later, you may find yourself yearning for a change, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to move. Cosmetic updates can completely change the way you feel about a space. For example, Traci Pantzke of South Fargo hired local interior decorator Trever Hill to take her lower level from cabin-themed to contemporary cottage dream. We spoke with this décor guru to discover how he achieved this luxurious transformation.
Trever HilA Project with Many Levels
Hill was already familiar with Pantzke’s style because she hired him to redecorate the main level of her home. Through this process, Hill learned that her taste is contemporary, which was surprising because her style used to be much more rustic. After he updated the main level, Pantzke asked Hill to refresh the lower level as well. “She loved the lodge feel but knew it was outdated and wanted something fresh. “She didn’t want it to feel like a basement anymore,” Hill explained.
Trever’s Contemporary Cottage Tip: New flooring can make you feel like you’re in a different space.
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Table – Furniture Mart
Chairs – Furniture Mart
Accessories – Eco Chic Boutique
End Table – McNeal & Friends
Padded Chairs – Craftmaster
Blinds – Budget Blinds
Metal Wall Art – SCHEELS Home & Hardware
A Balancing Act
For the lower level, Hill and Pantzke were going for a cozy cottage look. However, Hill did not want it to feel too different from the main level. “It was a balancing act of finding just the right amount of contemporary mixed with the right amount of country cottage,” Hill said.
Trever’s Contemporary Cottage Tip: Shop at a variety of stores to find furniture and accessories that speak to you.
“She didn’t want it to feel like a basement anymore.” – Trever Hill
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Wall Art – SCHEELS Home & Hardware
A Coat of Paint
First, they had new carpet installed, then had the knotty pine wood paneling painted white to create a faux-shiplap effect. Hill also had the honey oak cabinets painted a dark grey. He then had the hunter green countertop replaced with a new countertop from Northern Stone. Hill also brought the electronics down into the cabinetry behind a glass panel, which is functional because Pantzke can use a remote control through the glass. To create symmetry, he added a glass panel to the other side as well.
Trever’s Contemporary Cottage Tip: Paint outdated wood paneling and cabinets for a cottage/farmhouse refresh.
The only thing that they kept original was the fieldstone fireplace because it would look right at home in any cottage. With the furniture selections, Hill wanted to make sure that they would transition well into any space. “Any of these could be transplanted into a really contemporary home or a country cottage,” he said.
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Pillows – McNeal & Friends
Ottoman – Unclaimed Freight
Lamp – HomeGoods
Trever Hill
treverhilldesign.com
701-715-3077
[email protected]
