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Your Spring To-Do List: Bringing Your Home Back to Life

  • Written by Samiera Kookasemkit
    |
    March 03 2015
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  • Posted In : Spring 2015
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  • 0 comments

After the harsh cold days the last month, I think that we all share in the excitement that Spring is inching closer and closer every day! With the chill of winter finally coming to an end, it’s time to get in that last ski run, box up the snowflake decor, and start prepping for Spring! Below are a few things that will help you get into the Spring spirit!

Continue Reading →


Design Trends Here to Stay

  • Written by Samiera Kookasemkit
    |
    February 17 2015
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  • Posted In : Uncategorized
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  • 0 comments

While few design trends make it through an entire year without losing their luster, there are a handful of trends that have rolled over from previous years that aren’t going anywhere. Let’s take a look at some of our favorites that are still on the hot list.

Continue Reading →


Dream House Receives Best of Houzz 2015 Award

  • Written by Samiera Kookasemkit
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    January 20 2015
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  • Posted In : Art & Design , events , Inspiration
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  • 0 comments

Dream’s On Top!

Over 25 Million Monthly Unique Users Rated Top-Rated Home Building, Remodeling and Design Professionals in the United States and Around the World, and the Votes are in…

DreamHouse/DreamKitchens of Southern Wisconsin has been awarded “Best Of Houzz” for Customer Satisfaction by Houzz, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The 25-year old custom design & remodeling firm was chosen as “Best of Houzz” by the more than 25 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than 500,000 active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.

DreamHouse/DreamKitchens is Southern Wisconsin’s Premier Design & Remodeling Firm, dedicated to unique, custom designs and superior customer service, and is honored to receive the “Best of Houzz” award for Customer Satisfaction.

Please join us at either DreamHouse showroom for a glass of champagne and a toast on Tuesday, January 27th, 2015 from 5-6 PM to help us celebrate.

Hope you can join us, and thank you for your continued support!


Greek Blue & How to Use It

  • Written by Samiera Kookasemkit
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    January 15 2015
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  • Posted In : Art & Design , Inspiration
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  • 0 comments

The Inspiration.
The polls are in, and one of the hottest colors to watch for in 2015 is this fabulously vibrant Greek Blue! What’s not to love? It’s the color of the sea, the sky, and some of the most magnificent rooftops in Santorini, Greece. With both vibrant and soothing effects, this color is a must-do for 2015.

greek blue - greece

Here are some easy ways to incorporate this stunning color into your home to create a true Greek experience for your friends and family this year!

Paint it Blue.

Feeling really bold? Try one of these fabulous blue paint colors by Sherwin Williams! If you don’t want to paint an entire room, just paint an accent wall. If you don’t want to paint any walls, consider this… Add a Greek Blue entrance to your home or specialty room by painting your doors in a deep, vibrant blue for a true Greek feel! Or, paint a piece of accent furniture such as an end table.

walls  endtable
doors SW - Indigo
Designer Hint… Try this color: Sherman Williams Indigo (SW 6531)

Colored Appliances.
One of the most rapidly growing trends is colored appliances – big and small – such as the washer and dryer, ovens, mixers, coffee makers, and everything in between. We love this, and it’s a great way to add some quick bright colors into your home!

bluerangemixer

Tile for Style.
Add a punch of Greek to your kitchen or bathroom by using a bold blue backsplash.

tile  bathroom

Blue Seating.
A stylish and chic accent chair, love-seat or couch can be a great way to add that Greek feel to a living, dining, or sitting room.

chair  livingroom

 Rug Love.
A quick and cost-effective way to add the pizzazz of this Greek Blue room to any room is to throw down a new dynamic rug with some great textures/patterns!

modern-rugs  rug
mallorca-blue-rug

Or… Keep it simple.
Smaller accents, such as throws, accent pillows, candles, wall decor, or dinnerware can be purchased in a rich, vibrant Greek blue for a big statement on a smaller budget!

mirror blue pillows
          runner               lamp

It doesn’t matter how you use this magnificent color – boldly or simply – it’s sure to add some style to your home!


Should You Move or Improve?

  • Written by Samiera Kookasemkit
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    January 08 2015
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  • Posted In : Uncategorized
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  • 0 comments
To Move or Improve?
That is the Question!

A New Year ushers in new resolutions, which often includes changes on the home front, but deciding what to do with it can be tough for home owners, financially and emotionally. Whether your family is growing, your needs have changed, or you are just plain sick of the dated feel of the home, you’re facing a tough decision.  Usually, this question arises suddenly, over a cup of coffee and the morning newspaper, or perhaps as you make your way across the obstacle course of clutter that was once your living room. The reality… your house doesn’t fit your needs any longer, and you can no longer deny it. Which brings you to a hard decision… should you move or improve?

There are a few key things to think about when making the decision between moving and remodeling. In the scope of things, it helps to have somewhere to start the decision process.

Here’s the SECRET to making the right decision…
Figure out what really bothers you about your current home.

What’s the real problem with your home? Is it a bad traffic pattern, lack of a certain room, absence of light? Or, is it something bigger? Is it a bad location, small yard, poor school systems? Analyze how you use your house and determine what features are missing that you want. Changes can often be made within an existing footprint, even without adding square footage. Walls can be taken down, doors removed or changed, and windows enlarged. Home owners who have been in their house for years are often only using certain rooms because of a pattern they established early on.

“Most home layouts don’t adequately use 30-40% of their space,” says Keven Schmidt, “it’s a matter of designing the space correctly, which is truly an art in itself. Reconfiguring the layout in a house allows homeowners to utilize every single square foot of space for daily use! Even though the actual square footage remains the same, it feels bigger.”

Maybe it’s not a space problem at all. Maybe you’ve simply outgrown the neighborhood, kids are grown up and you’re newly empty-nesters? Once you can put your finger on what the real issue is, you will be able to analyze if it’s a problem that can be easily fixed. If the problem is lack of space, location of the home, school district, or something out of your control; perhaps a move is your best bet. However, if you come to the conclusion that the problem lies in a poor layout or the need for a specific room but you love the “bones” of your house, perhaps an improve is in your home’s future.

“It’s hard to see the full potential of your home after you’ve lived in it for so long,” says Keven, “it’s amazing what you can do with remodeling. We worked on a project where we gutted and remodeled about 90% of the home. It was phenomenal… you wouldn’t even know it was the same home after we were done. The truth was that it was in a neighborhood that the homeowner loved and it had good “bones.” They simply wanted to incorporate more high-end furnishings and finishes.”  Check out Project 211 for more on this project.

1628718fx

Project 211 – BEFORE

IMG_2878

Project 211 – AFTER

So, once you’re able to pinpoint what the real issue is… you’ll be able to figure out whether the problem can be solved with some remodeling love, or if it’s simply time to pack up and ship out.

Here’s the truth… Even the best remodeler in town  (wink, wink) can’t provide a solution if you haven’t figured out what the heart of the problem is.
Need help figuring out what the heart of your home problem is?
Let’s chat – I’d be honored to help you make your house a “home” again.
After all, great dreams make great projects.

DreamHouseKevenSchmidt-526x338

Happy New Year!

Community Around The Children’s Hospital

  • Written by Samiera Kookasemkit
    |
    December 20 2014
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  • Posted In : charity , events , fundraiser , Inspiration
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  • 0 comments

Are you a CATCH?
DreamHouse/DreamKitchens Owners, Keven and Terri Schmidt, join as the newest members of CATCH (Community Around The Children’s Hospital) after a successful DreamFest event last month!

DID YOU KNOW?
Opened in 2007, American Family Children’s Hospital (AFCH) is continued to operate solely through the hundreds of philanthropists, young and old, who shared their money, goods and time. AFCH was named a Best Children’s Hospital in four medical and surgical specialties by U.S. News & World Report in 2014. This modern, yet comforting facility offers patients and families access to cutting-edge treatments in a very soothing environment optimal for healing together.
Logo_CATCH_cmyk
Community Around the Children’s Hospital (CATCH) is a membership-based group of professionals, community members and advocates making a difference in children’s lives. They dedicate their time, talents and energy to collaborate, engage and support the patients and families at American Family Children’s Hospital.

As the DreamHouse team toured the Children’s Hospital, it became apparent that no detail was left undone in the planning of this amazing facility and the day-to-day functionality of it, from all angles. An on-site patient salon, a playroom dedicated to the siblings, fully-themed floors, classrooms that allowed patients to continue their studies, hot meals for patient families… we were truly blown away. We had to get involved and show our support for this amazing new group (CATCH).

Dreamfest_Catch 2014-47

On November 14th, 2014, DreamHouse/DreamKitchens hosted an event to raise awareness and help attain new members for the CATCH group. It was an enchanted evening filled with delectable food, live music, aerial dancing, patient stories, and magic in the air. Click here to view the full album of photos from the DreamFest event.

CATCH Member & Patient Family, Mel Charbonneau, shares her daughter Ali’s story.Dreamfest_Catch 2014-44

“I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place after Mel took the stage,” states Terri Schmidt, “Ali’s story reached out and touched every single person that was in that room. As a mother, you immediately understand the day-to-day triumphs these families overcome, and we just feel very blessed to be joining and supporting this new group and the opportunity to strengthen the ‘community around the children’s hospital.'”

On behalf of DreamHouse/DreamKitchens, Keven and Terri Schmidt are happy to present this check for $10,000 to American Family Chilren’s Hospital to support the CATCH group and the positive impact they are making in the lives of these patients and families.

IMG_2793 - final

A special thank you to all of our friends, family, clients, and members of the community that were able to come out to be a part of this magical evening. We look forward to a continued partnership with CATCH and American Family Children’s Hospital.

Want to show your support for the patients & families at American Family Children’s Hospital?

Click here to donate and make a difference today!


Five Cheesy Must-Try Appetizers

  • Written by Samiera Kookasemkit
    |
    December 19 2014
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  • Posted In : cooking & recipes
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  • 0 comments

This holiday season, try one of these fabulous recipes… Some of our “cheesy” favorites that are sure to be a hit with your holiday guests. Remember when preparing these holiday dishes that details count! Festive holiday serving platters and garnishments can add that extra touch that are sure to leave your guests with a lasting impression!

1. Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Bruschetta (pictured above)

Ingredients:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 ounces goat cheese, softened
1 clove of garlic
1 tablespoon finely chopped chives
Salt and pepper to taste
12 slices of baguette
Softened butterDirections:
In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the cream cheese, goat cheese, garlic and chives. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.Preheat oven or toaster oven to 400 degrees. Lightly butter one side of the pieces of baguette and arrange butter side down on a baking sheet. Bake the baguette until lightly toasted, about 5-7 minutes. You can also grill the bread, just keep your eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Allow the bread to cool slightly. Slather on a layer of the goat cheese spread and top with smoked salmon and garnish with chives.

beer-cheese-soup-3-new

2. Beer Cheese Soup

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or enough to coat bottom of pan)
2 cups chopped onion (about 2 medium)
2-3 pinches salt and pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (12-ounce) bottle beer (I’d recommend a light beer or pilsner to avoid bitterness.)
3 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth, divided
½ cup all-purpose flour (about 2¼ ounces)
2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk, divided
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1¼ cups (5 ounces) shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions:
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy stock pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, along with a few pinches of salt and pepper, and sauté for about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

Stir in beer and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until onion is tender.

Carefully pour beer mixture and half of chicken broth (1½ cups) into a blender. To avoid a mess, allow steam to escape by removing center piece of blender lid. Make sure blender lid is secure and place a clean towel over opening in blender lid. Blend until smooth.

Return blended mixture to pan. Stir in remaining 1½ cups broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Whisk together flour and 1 cup milk until smooth. Stir in flour mixture, remaining 1 cup milk, and pepper to soup until combined. Cook for about 10 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Remove pan from heat. Gradually stir in cheese until smooth.

** Optional garnishments: serve with bacon crumbles, chives, and/or bread cubes. **

marinated-mozarella-l

3. Marinated Mozzarella

Ingredients:
3 (8-oz.) blocks mozzarella cheese
1 (8.5-oz.) jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and halved
1/2 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Garnish: flat-leaf parsley sprigs or fresh rosemary stems

Instructions:

Cut blocks of cheese into 1-inch cubes.
Arrange cheese cubes and tomato halves in an 8-inch square baking dish.

Whisk together 1/2 cup olive oil, chopped parsley, and next 6 ingredients; pour evenly over cheese cubes. Cover and chill at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours. Transfer mixture to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs, or spear tomato halves and cheese cubes with short rosemary stems, if desired. Drizzle with marinade.

Cheese-Herb-and-Garlic-Bread

4. Chef Town’s Garlic Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread

Ingredients:
2 cups of flour
1/2 tablespoon dried yeast granules
1/2 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon bread improver
1 1/3 cups water
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/3 cup chopped continental parsley
1/3 cup chopped basil
1/4 cup chopped rosemary leaves
1 tablespoon butter
8 oz “Taste of Philadelphia” Shredded Cheese (Your Choice!)

Instructions:
Mix the flour, yeast, salt, sugar and bread improver together in a large bowl. Add half of the water to the dry ingredients and then mix, slowly adding the remaining water whilst mixing. When all mixed together the ingredients should come together in a ball at this point transfer to a floured bench top.

Add the olive oil to the ball of dough and knead it in. If necessary, add extra flour if it becomes too sticky and continue working dough. The kneading is extremely important as it is a necessary technique to ensure the dough will rise and be fluffy. You want to kneed the dough till the texture is smooth and elastic.

Return the dough to the bowl, cover it with glad wrap and then a tea towel and keep warm until the mixture doubles in size – this can take 1 – 1.5 hours depending on the weather).

When risen, knock the dough back in the bowl and then take it out, cut it in half and roll each half out to a large rectangle about 50cm x 25cm, then trim the edges to straighten.

Spread the top of each with 1/2 butter then scatter the crushed garlic, herb mixture and shredded cheese over both rectangles.

Cut each rectangle into strips, to the height of your loaf tins, with a very sharp knife and lay the strips on top of each and cut the layered strips into squares the width of your tins.

Grease or line your loaf tins, and then stack the squares on top of each other, turn the stack on its side and place them into the tins (don’t worry if your dough doesn’t reach the edge of the tins, the dough will rise again with the final proof). Cover the tins in glad wrap and set aside for 30 minutes.

At this stage, if you want to freeze the loafs you can.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Remove the glad wrap from the loaf tins and bake in the over for 55 minutes until the tops are golden. Remove from pan and let it rest for 10 minutes before removing from the tin and serving warm.

cheeseball

5. The Ultimate Classic Cheeseball
Ingredients:
2 {8 oz.} blocks of cream cheese, at room temperature
1 {15.25 oz.} can crushed pineapple, drained
2 tsp. Lawry’s seasoned salt
3 green onions, chopped {or more depending on your taste}
Chopped pecans or walnut for coating
Instructions:
Whip cream cheese until light and fluffy.
Add the pineapple, seasoned salt, and green onions until well mixed.
Form mixture into a ball. {Insider Tip: This is a lot easier if you refrigerate it for an hour or so ahead of time.}
Roll the ball in the nuts.
Serve with crackers.

A “Fully Loaded” Laundry Room

  • Written by Samiera Kookasemkit
    |
    December 02 2014
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  • Posted In : Art & Design , cabinetry , Fall 2014 , Inspiration , laundry room , mudroom , storage
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  • 0 comments

Did you know that Americans spend eight hours a week, collectively doing some 35 billion loads of laundry a year? However, it’s surprising that when planning a new home or thinking about remodeling the existing one, the idea of a laundry room is not something that comes to our mind instantly. In fact, for most of us it is an afterthought that rarely materializes into reality. But having a dedicated laundry space has plenty of advantages and you will soon realize that it makes your life a lot easier as well.
Continue Reading →


The Great Countertop Debate

  • Written by Samiera Kookasemkit
    |
    November 04 2014
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  • Posted In : Art & Design , Business
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  • 0 comments

The Great Countertop Debate: An Insider Look at the Most Popular Tops!

When I grew up, you were lucky to have some faded laminate as a small prep area beside the sink. In today’s world, the possibilities are endless. Consumers can choose from hundreds of different colors, patterns and textures! Sounds great (and it is!), but sometimes too many options can make the decision a bit daunting. It’s easy to become quickly overwhelmed by all the options. So, let’s talk a little bit about what you’re really debating.  Continue Reading →


This Fall – Cozy Up Your Bedroom

  • Written by Samiera Kookasemkit
    |
    October 15 2014
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  • Posted In : Art & Design , Fall 2014
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  • 0 comments

Like it or not, another white winter is just around the corner. But, just because it’s freezing outside doesn’t mean you can’t warm things up inside. Terri Schmidt, Owner/Director of Design at DreamHouse/DreamKitchens, offers her expert advice on ways that you can cozy up your bedroom during another cold Wisconsin Winter.

contemporary-modern-retro-cozy-bedroom-500

Add a Fireplace. Aside from the actual heat the fireplace will provide the space, the addition of a fireplace will create a romantic ambiance in the space. Turn it on before reading in bed and enjoy both the warmth and relaxing ambiance it creates. Continue Reading →


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