#stormlake

[railwayhistorical]

The Farm of Delbert and Ethel McCoy, Storm Lake, Iowa

I believe I took these photographs in the summer of 1979. Apparently, I climbed upon the roof of the corn crib for this point of view; I’m looking northward. None of this remains today, alas.

The three main buildings of the farm appear on this USGS map (from the same period). The farm was east of the lake itself, near Lakeside—of which my grandfather was mayor for a time.

Two images by Richard Koenig; taken in the summer of 1979.

[elementsbyksorbe]

Homeowners Jump Into Home Improvement Projects

“There’s nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” – Jane Austen

We all have something in our home that we would change if given the opportunity. Or had the time. The last months have given homeowners the time, and a lot of it. And in that time, as most spent quite a few more hours in our homes, many homeowners decided it was time for a change.

“With social distancing requirements, changes in work style and recommendations to stay home, the pandemic really put the focus on our living spaces,” says Kathy Sorbe, owner and lead designer at The Elements in Storm Lake and Ankeny. “Homeowners quickly recognized the limitations in their homes, and many decided it was time for a change.”

Sorbe says some of these projects were do-it-yourself with homeowners armed with a paintbrush and social media inspiration. But many took this opportunity to think about their home, how they use it and live in it and what they can do to improve it on a bigger scale with The Elements’ Design Team.

“The first question that most homeowners ask when undertaking a major remodel or renovation is whether it’s worth it,” says Mishelle Lalone, a designer at The Elements in Storm Lake. “Some changes can really add value to your home. Others may not add dollars to the appraisal, but these updates and upgrades can add intangible rewards like comfort and convenience. In these cases, the homeowner’s goal is simply to make their home more enjoyable.”

A pool is a perfect example. It’s not an inexpensive upgrade, and some real estate professionals even believe that it can decrease the value of your home or make it more challenging to sell. However, a pool can add hours and hours of family fun, even in the limited time Iowa’s season allows and is an additional space to entertain and relax.

Will a pool bring you a dollar-for-dollar return on your investment? No. Will you ever see wider smiles on your children and grandchildren when you tell them there will be a pool? Probably not.

Sorbe and her team help homeowners balance these two goals.

Homeowners are heading downstairs in a new way. Rather than just extra space, lower levels are great for entertaining, games and sometimes even a quiet getaway. A wet bar and game table equipped with roller chairs are adjacent to an enviable home entertainment system, making this lower level a favorite spot in this home.

According to Zillow, more Americans are interested in renovating their kitchens than any other room, which isn’t surprising to the Design Team at The Elements. Kitchen remodels are the most popular home improvement project in America. Along with bathrooms, they’re one of the priciest, so input and assistance from a design professional can save you time, money and a lot of headaches.

“It’s commonly held belief that remodeling your kitchen will increase the value of your home, matching the investment on the project,” says Lalone. “Spend $20,000 on a remodel and add $20,000+ to your asking price. While not always the case, there is an opportunity to add real value to your home with an updated kitchen.”

Sorbe says that not only do homeowners frequently add the cost of the project to the value of the home, a well-thought-out, timeless and functional kitchen can add more value than the dollars invested in the project.

Kitchens are easily the most-used room in a home, and they can tend to show wear, which can quickly make the space look dated, worn and tired.

“A timeless and simple kitchen that’s functional for the homeowners is the best option,” says Sorbe. “Lots of detail, like an elaborate backsplash, decorative painting or even intricate flooring will get busy and tiresome. We like to add details in artwork and the accessories, which keep the space fresh.”

Three large windows dramatically transform this from a basement bedroom to a lovely guest room. The bed has very few frills and notice how the large artwork makes the space seem even bigger.  

We all love our families, but whether you’re a youngster, teenager or parent, we all need our privacy, and many homeowners look to create this solitary space in the primary bedroom.

“Creating a primary bedroom suite with an attached bathroom – double sink a must! – and walk-in closets is not always as challenging as some homeowners think,” says Lalone. “Moving away from dressers and chests and toward well-designed storage in walk-in closets can free up space and create a more restful, soothing bedroom where you can relax and recharge.”

The Design Team also recommends moving away from elaborate bedding, instead choosing more simple styles in natural fabrics like cotton and linen. And just like most other spaces, the designers add energy, color and whimsy in the artwork and accessories.

Most importantly, outdoor living furniture and accessories must be durable and able to stand up to everything Mother Nature tosses out. Homeowners are expanding their usable space outdoors. Defining the space with a patio, deck or even pergola, homeowners find these outdoor living spaces used and enjoyed frequently.

An extra amount of time indoors over the past few months has many homeowners looking to maximize the amount of living space in their homes, and to do that, many are looking down.

“Lower levels offer a lot of opportunity to expand,” says Lalone, “adding valuable square footage and usable space.”

The Design Team has added extra bedrooms, theatre spaces and home offices, as well as transformed this frequently unused space into man caves, bar areas and even game rooms. The potential in this often-overlooked space is limitless.

“In many new constructions, builders are taking a very different approach with the lower level,” says Sorbe. “They are using larger windows, finer details and, probably the biggest change, raising the ceiling height in the basement to 8, 9 or even 10 feet. The bigger windows and elevated ceilings completely remove the ‘basement vibe’ from these spaces. Gone is that underground feeling that some basements can’t avoid.”

What if you don’t have 9-foot ceilings in the basement? Can you still convert it to a lively, usable space? Sorbe says yes. The Design Team can help select colors and even furniture styles that help create the illusion of a more spacious area without a major construction investment.

The Elements loves working outdoors. Spring will be here before you know it; now is the time to plan your outdoor space. There’s time for your custom outdoor furniture to arrive and be ready for the first nice day!

Homeowners aren’t just thinking about the spaces with four walls and a roof; the outdoors offers an abundance of opportunity to expand. Stamped concrete patios and composite deck materials mean these spaces have little to no maintenance, and the setting is pretty amazing.

“I know it’s still cold, and we see far more white than green now, but spring is closer than you think,” says Sorbe. “Now is the perfect time to plan for warmer weather and your outdoor room.”

Outdoor kitchens … even weatherproof televisions with surround sound … mean that relaxing and entertaining outdoors has evolved to a new level of comfort and convenience. And while many people can’t shake the memory of the “lawn chair” that was far from comfortable, Sorbe says their outdoor living furniture doesn’t sacrifice comfort for durability.

“People laugh when we tell them that some of our outdoor lines are more comfortable than the furniture they have in their living room,” says Sorbe. “We get to chuckle when their eyes get wide as they settle into some of the most comfortable seating in the market today!”

The Elements features outdoor living furniture from O.W. Lee, Lexington and Summer Classics, all carefully chosen lines that offer stylish and comfortable pieces that can hold up to even the roughest weather that an Iowa summer can serve up. Sorbe says outdoor living furnishings have to hold up, and you have to love using them.

“Planning an outdoor space can be daunting because homeowners often don’t know where to start,” says Sorbe. “We don’t just work inside … working with homeowners to envision, plan and furnish their outdoor space is one of our favorite things to do. Whether it’s an in-home or in-store consultation, we can help homeowners create the outdoor space of their dreams!”

Gold accents in the lighting and the hardware look fine and smooth so The Design Team used a textured runner on the floor and raw wood and metal accents for contrast. The white-on-white kitchen is the perfect canvas to update in this clean and timeless space.

If your project is bigger than what your paintbrush can handle, learn how The Elements’ Design Team can help you with your remodel, addition or just to refresh your space with a signature Consultation or House Call. Visit them in Storm Lake or Ankeny or online at elementsbyksorbe.com. Like them on Facebook and Instagram and be sure to explore The Elements’ profile on Houzz.com.

[bradbuddphotography-blog]

There are so many great photos of @naomi.soushek ! I just can’t get over how gorgeous she is! Best part, is that she is the sweetest girl you will ever meet! #teamcanon #sigmalens #canon5dsr #mountainlake #countrygirl #model #modelswanted #selfassignment #countrybeauty #kayak #stormlake #anaconda #anacondamontana (at Anaconda, Montana)

[noblebend]

The feed needs a little warmth so here is a sunrise from my homeland - Autumn 2017... * * * * * * * * * * * * #Afieldbook #FriendStreetStudios #stormlake #stormlakeia #iowaoutdoors #sunrise🌅 #sunrisephotography #iowalife #iowaviews #autumncolors (at Storm Lake, Iowa) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFZxwIwgkIw/?igshid=ojol7xcbigl0

[oscarmac13]

🏞🌅 #StormLake #Iowa (at Storm Lake, Iowa) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2u3NVAl1pt/?igshid=rk59grlg7x13

[kbgalloway]

#noedit #noeditsneeded #sunset #sunsetreflection #stormlake #stormlakeiowa #clouds #stunnersoninsta #fuji #fujicolor #fujiframez #fujifilmx_us #fujifilmglobal #landscapes #lake #reflection #stormclouds #sunrays #bench (at Storm Lake, Iowa) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0QmoK3Hzun/?igshid=1latsfef0jjsh

[mavthepatriot]

Finally put a flat face Apex Trigger in my M&P. I love it

[sunflower-rayne]

Because the lake is the closet place to being by the ocean. - Pc by @aa.lrh - #outside #trees #nature #wavyhair #bored #blondehair #filter #filters#art #aesthetic #aesthetics #aesthetictumblr #tumblr #water #waves #grass #flowers #lake #stormlake #summer #2017 #iowa #randomtags #flash #idk #idc #wtf #waves #water #weed #weedsocks #donewithtags (at Storm Lake, Iowa)

[chooseblueforautism2017-blog]

BVU Partners with Faith, Hope and Charity, Genesis Development and Elijah's Project to Present “Choose Blue for Autism” Event

Buena Vista University is partnering with Faith, Hope and Charity, Genesis Development and Elijah's Project to present the sixth annual “Choose Blue for Autism: Take Steps to Make a Difference” — a weekend of events designed to educate and raise awareness of the complications that arise from an autism diagnosis. The weekend will kick off with a dinner and silent auction on April 21 and culminate with a full day of activities on April 23 that will include a 5K race, a panel of experts and a youth fair.

Choose Blue for Autism was expanded this year to include further opportunities to raise funds and awareness in honor of BVU President Fred Moore, and his wife, Susan’s longstanding commitment to Storm Lake.  The couple’s adult son, Stephen, has autism, and when their family moved to Storm Lake in 1995, Stephen was one of the first students in the local school district with autism. Stephen has transitioned to a center near Orlando, Fla., that specializes in caring for adults with autism, where he is doing well today. Fred and Susan, who are serving as honorary co-chairs of this collection of events, are relocating their family to Florida later this year to secure the funding and care needed for their son.  

“We are thrilled that BVU can be a major sponsor and help Choose Blue expand their fundraising this year as a thank you to Fred and Susan Moore for their 22-year commitment to the community,” said Marie Sennett, 2017 Choose Blue coordinator.

Funds raised from the events will go to Faith, Hope and Charity, promoting independence and individuality of children and young adults, and to Genesis Development, helping adults live independently in their communities as their abilities allow.  

“There are too many gaps in services,” said Sennett. “Our youth and adults should be given all the advantages in school and job training to overcome any limits a diagnosis of autism brings. Genesis Development and Faith, Hope and Charity need our help to continue to fill those service gaps and bring our loved ones independence.”

Sara Morton, development director at Genesis Development, said, “Genesis Development works hard to provide our most vulnerable population with assistance and accommodations but most importantly, a voice. Donations allow us to give a voice to individuals that have never had one before and give them the ability to go out and do things that they have always dreamed of doing. When people generously care, give and support, we can change lives.”

“This is such an important event,” added Carol Williams, development director at Faith, Hope and Charity. “While we work with children with a variety of diagnoses, 46 percent of the children we serve have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. These disorders don’t discriminate, affecting children from all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Events like Choose Blue for Autism increase awareness and assist organizations to enhance programs and services to better serve families and children in our area.”

For a detailed schedule of events, click here, or for additional information, please contact Sennett at 410-916-6200 or chooseblue2017@gmail.com.  

[thecurvycritic]

Storm Lake Reminds of the Importance of Local Press Amid News Deserts

When was the last time you saw a newstand or picked up a local paper? Storm Lake reminds me that supporting local papers is a journalistic lifeline for some communiites #stormlake #afidocs

Not along ago, sitting at a stop sign, a newstand I frequented was shut down.  It’s not an uncommon scene.   In the past 15 years, one in four newspapers have shuttered in the US. With a circulation of almost 3,000 readers this twice-a-week paper, the Storm Lake Times,  is one of the last of its kind.  People don’t support journalism they way they used to.  The whole professionis becoming a…

[railwayhistorical]

Pines Trailer Villa

A couple of images from Lakeside, Iowa, not far from Storm Lake. Despite moving in a southeastward fashion, this is a (railroad) eastbound train moving on Milwaukee Road’s 28th subdivision—headed toward Juniata and Rockwell City beyond. I’ll paste a timetable page here...

Being not yet fifteen years old, I rode my bike from my grandfather’s farm to get this shot—one of my first railroad photographs. The road pictured here in the second photograph is 120th Avenue.

Two images by Richard Koenig; taken August 1975.

[dabwakeskate-blog]

#daboard #wakeskate #monster #redwine #stormlake #pause

[elementsbyksorbe]

"May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions!" – Joey Adams

After the decorations are packed away, many homeowners are eager to make some changes, and the Design Team with The Elements is ready with some tips for any budget or project.

The timing is perfect. A new start to a new decade! Holiday schedules are freed up, and guests have headed home. After the decorations are down and packed away, many homeowners begin to think about a change, and that change can come in many ways for any budget. As 2020 heads out of the gate, Kathy Sorbe, lead designer and owner of The Elements in Storm Lake and at Prairie Trail in Ankeny, has some ideas how homeowners can refresh living spaces that might need an update.“So many people think that restyling a space for a new look comes with a hefty price tag,” says Sorbe. “That’s just not the case. Editing and repurposing accessories … the only cost you might have is a little time. Bigger projects can come with bigger price tags, but that just doesn’t mean you can’t give yourself a new look no matter what you’ve budgeted to spend.”

Edit. Edit. Edit.

Sorbe says that when homeowners sweep up the needles, hunt down the last bits of glitter and store their decorations is a perfect time to step back and take a look at the accessories that finish the space. “Resist the pull to put everything back the way it was,” says Sorbe. “This is a great time to edit. All of us tend to display more than we need to and add, add, add. Look at what you have and plan to keep only what you love.”

Editing accessories and streamlining shelves will immediately update and smooth out a space. 

Sorbe says that accessories can quickly date a space. What was a must-have a few years ago may show its age quickly. She encourages clients to ask themselves, even if they loved something ten years ago, do they still?

“Channel Marie Konda, and if it doesn’t make you happy, it might be time to let it go.”

Paint a New Canvas

A fresh coat of paint is probably the most affordable – and quickest – choice for a dramatic change.

“Paint is the least expensive way to make a big impact,” says Sorbe. “Your walls function a lot like a canvas where a painting unfolds, helping your furniture, art and accessories shine.”

Sorbe notes that many homeowners gravitate to lighter shades, but deep colors are still magical, create a dramatic and sophisticated space and, contrary to a common misconception, won’t make a room feel small.

“We still encourage homeowners to avoid the traditional accent wall,” says Sorbe. “There are many amazing, innovative and affordable wall covering options, from thin brick, textured panels, wallpaper, to reclaimed wood.”

Several products are available at their stores in Storm Lake and Ankeny, but Sorbe says that many can be found at Home Depot or Lowe’s, and most can be painted any color. Instead of painting a wall a different color, Sorbe and her Design Team frequently recommend one of these products for effect.

“We like to say we reinvented the accent wall using texture and pattern.”

Let the Sunshine In

“Window treatments can be an intimidating project, but it doesn’t have to be,” says Sorbe. “Valances, fringe, sheers … they can quickly become complicated and a big design element that can be challenging to work with.”

Sorbe and her team almost always recommend a simpler option. Leaning into natural fabrics, like cotton and linen, they avoid many of the add-ons homeowners think make them look upscale.

“There’s not a window covering made that can compete with the view it frames,” says Sorbe. “Mother Nature takes this one, and we’re not going to even try and compete. We like simple panels, hung from the ceiling to the floor. This can make windows impressive but quickly fade to the view.”

The Design Team encourages homeowners to explore blinds, roller shades and even plantation shutters.

“We really love roller shades that match the window trim,” says Sorbe. “When you want them, they’re ready to go, but when they’re up, they disappear, creating a smooth finish to the space.

The Elements’ Ankeny location sells, measures and installs Hunter Douglas shades and blinds, with a planned introduction of the service to the Storm Lake location later this year.

“Shades are a great option for privacy and light control, and some are even designed to aid in maintaining a preselected temperature in your home,” says Sorbe. “Many are motorized with remote controls that can integrate into smart home systems.”

Painting is the quickest and most affordable way to make a big change in a room. White paint, paired with matching cabinets, allows the gold accents to really shine. 

Bedding in natural fabrics, like linen and cotton, are a simple palette that allow homeowners many options for coordinating pillows and throws.

From small windows to large-scale projects, Hunter Douglas is a premiere name in window coverings.

Invest in the Best

A survey completed by ten major interior design firms indicated a turn back to more custom furniture. Millennials, who frequently were bargain shoppers, are now gravitating to higher quality, large pieces instead of furniture that’s designed and priced for a very short life. Also, homeowners don’t have to adapt or settle; they can choose exactly what they want.

“Custom-made furniture tends to be more stylish, and it’s made just for you,” says Sorbe. “You won’t walk into a neighbor’s house and see the same sofa!”

Literally thousands of fabric choices and the introduction of designer performance fabrics mean shoppers can pick exactly what they want, and that the custom piece will hold up to use for many years to come.

“Instead of short-term costs, we like to remind clients of the long-term value,” says Sorbe. “Custom pieces tend to be more durable, and, if carefully selected, homeowners will enjoy these pieces for years and years.”

Sorbe cautions people not to assume custom pieces are outside of their budget. Shoppers are frequently surprised when they see prices on custom pieces less expensive than factory-produced pieces in big box furniture stores. 

Homeowners looking to capitalize on space are looking for usable living areas outside.

Think Big

Sometimes, homeowners want a big change. Additions, renovations and remodels can be daunting projects; however, they can move more smoothly working with a pro.

“Working with a designer from our Design Team isn’t too expensive for anyone,” says Sorbe. “Often, homeowners want to schedule a one-hour consultation just to get some ideas and suggestions. We love helping at any stage of the project.”

She suggests talking with the Design Team early in the process, which can help homeowners avoid costly mistakes that delay the project. The designers also have access to many different lines with varying price points. Homeowners would have to shop for weeks, maybe longer, to see the merchandise the Elements’ team can show them in an hour. 

Silhouette shades are designed to see out, but when closed, provide privacy and light blocking. Retracted, the shade and hardware disappear for an unencumbered view outside. 

Summer’s on the Way

Even though we’re not seeing any green grass outside doesn’t mean it’s too early to start thinking about an outdoor living space.

“It will be spring before you know it, and there’s nothing we like better than unveiling our outdoor furniture, which will be in the store soon,” says Sorbe. “It can be anywhere from a six- to eight-week lead time for custom pieces, so if your resolution to refresh is happening on your patio or deck, it’s not too soon to start planning.“

Sorbe suggests bringing in the shape and dimensions of your outdoor space so the Design Team can create scaled renderings. Furniture placement – even the location of pots, side tables and outdoor lamps – is decided before the snow melts, and the homeowner knows exactly how the outdoor space will come together.

“If we have the dimensions and details, like doors or window placement, we create scaled drawings of layout options and furniture placement, not just for outdoor spaces but for any room in a client’s home,” says Sorbe. “We’re all visual, so being able to see how the room will be arranged … touching and feeling the fabric … really helps our clients make the best choices.”

Performance fabrics, like Sunbrella, and specially designed cushions mean outdoor living furniture rivals the best indoor pieces in comfort, style and durability.

To “see” how your space can come together, schedule a consultation with the Design Team at The Elements in Storm Lake or at Prairie Trail in Ankeny.

[noblebend]

A little Monday morning calm from a past trip to the home land... * * * * * * * * #Afieldbook #StormLake #sunrise🌅 #sunrise_sunsets #sunriseoftheday #iowa #igmidwest #igersiowa #igiowa #windmills #cleanenergy #CloudsAreNeat #stormlaketimes #FujiFilm #fujifilmxt2 #FujifilmX_US #Fujifilm_Global #fujifeed #FujiXLovers #FujiLove (at Storm Lake, Iowa) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2eZsLEAM9d/?igshid=m3195hgk5bfo

[rosewoodphotography]

My weekly row trip consisted of #stormlake today! Great short row, no boats at all, one paddle boarder and a lot of wildlife! #grateful #kayaking #lake #row #nature